be_v most_o likely_a to_o incline_v he_o most_o religious_o and_o hearty_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o of_o this_o mind_n be_v josephus_n for_o he_o conclude_v his_o second_o book_n of_o antiquity_n with_o these_o word_n neither_o ought_v any_o man_n to_o marvel_n at_o this_o so_o wonderful_a discourse_n that_o through_o the_o red_a sea_n a_o passage_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o save_v so_o many_o person_n in_o time_n past_a and_o they_o rude_a and_o simple_a whether_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o that_o it_o chance_v of_o itself_o since_o not_o long_a time_n ago_o god_n so_o think_v it_o good_a the_o sea_n of_o pamphilia_n divide_v itself_o to_o give_v way_n to_o alexander_n king_n of_o macedon_n soldier_n have_v no_o other_o passage_n to_o destroy_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o persian_n and_o this_o all_o acknowledge_v who_o have_v write_v the_o act_n of_o alexander_n and_o therefore_o of_o these_o thing_n let_v every_o one_o think_v as_o he_o please_v chap._n vii_o of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n most_o man_n acknowledge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v mankind_n the_o way_n to_o true_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n but_o this_o opinion_n have_v so_o little_a influence_n upon_o man_n life_n that_o the_o common_a people_n take_v no_o care_n to_o regulate_v they_o according_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o every_o man_n believe_v himself_o divine_o inspire_v will_v under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n compel_v all_o other_o to_o be_v of_o his_o opinion_n we_o often_o see_v those_o who_o we_o call_v divine_n very_o solicitous_a to_o father_n their_o own_o fancy_n upon_o scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o make_v no_o scruple_n with_o great_a boldness_n to_o interpret_v it_o and_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o difficulty_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o fear_v mistake_v the_o holy_a spirit_n meaning_n and_o the_o right_a way_n to_o salvation_n as_o to_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o error_n and_o by_o lose_v their_o authority_n to_o fall_v into_o contempt_n but_o if_o man_n do_v hearty_o believe_v that_o which_o they_o profess_v concern_v the_o scripture_n they_o will_v lead_v other_o kind_n of_o life_n there_o will_v not_o be_v half_a so_o much_o contention_n and_o hatred_n in_o the_o world_n as_o now_o there_o be_v nor_o will_v man_n with_o so_o much_o blind_a zeal_n and_o boldness_n venture_v upon_o expound_v scripture_n and_o introduce_v so_o many_o novelty_n into_o religion_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a will_v be_v very_o cautious_a of_o maintain_v any_o thing_n for_o scripture_n doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o manifest_o contain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o man_n who_o have_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o adulterate_a scripture_n in_o so_o many_o place_n will_v never_o have_v commit_v such_o impious_a sacrilege_n but_o ambition_n and_o wickedness_n have_v so_o far_o prevail_v that_o religion_n do_v now_o consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o in_o defend_v man_n own_o fantastical_a opinion_n charity_n be_v now_o no_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o discord_n and_o implacable_a hatred_n pass_v under_o the_o mask_n of_o godly_a zeal_n to_o these_o evil_n superstition_n have_v join_v itself_o teach_v man_n to_o despise_v reason_n and_o nature_n and_o to_o admire_v and_o reverence_v that_o only_o which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o both_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n to_o be_v think_v the_o great_a admirer_n of_o scripture_n shall_v study_v so_o to_o expound_v it_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v contradictory_n both_o to_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o therefore_o dream_v of_o profound_a mystery_n hide_v in_o it_o which_o mystery_n that_o be_v their_o own_o absurdity_n they_o labour_v and_o weary_v themselves_o to_o find_v out_o and_o neglect_v thing_n which_o be_v of_o most_o use_n ascribe_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n all_o the_o dotage_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o with_o much_o heat_n and_o passion_n endeavour_v to_o defend_v their_o own_o idle_a conceit_n whatever_o be_v the_o result_n of_o man_n understanding_n that_o man_n endeavour_v to_o maintain_v by_o clear_a and_o pure_a reason_n but_o all_o opinion_n derive_v from_o their_o passion_n and_o affection_n must_v be_v defend_v by_o they_o to_o avoid_v these_o trouble_n and_o to_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o theological_a prejudices_fw-la that_o we_o may_v not_o rash_o receive_v the_o foolish_a invention_n of_o man_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n i_o will_v now_o treat_v of_o a_o right_a method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n of_o which_o method_n whoever_o be_v ignorant_a he_o can_v never_o certain_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n either_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o say_v in_o few_o word_n that_o the_o method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n do_v not_o differ_v from_o the_o method_n of_o interpret_n nature_n for_o as_o the_o method_n of_o explain_v nature_n chief_o consist_v in_o frame_v a_o history_n thereof_o from_o whence_o as_o from_o undeniable_a concession_n shall_v follow_v the_o definition_n of_o natural_a thing_n so_o likewise_o to_o expound_v scripture_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o compose_v a_o true_a history_n thereof_o that_o thence_o as_o from_o sure_a principle_n we_o may_v by_o rational_a consequence_n collect_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o who_o be_v author_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o every_o one_o who_o admit_v of_o no_o other_o principle_n or_o concession_n in_o expound_v scripture_n or_o in_o reason_v of_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v but_o such_o as_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o or_o the_o history_n of_o it_o may_v proceed_v without_o danger_n of_o err_v and_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v and_o reason_n as_o secure_o of_o thing_n which_o exceed_v human_a capacity_n as_o of_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v by_o natural_a light_n now_o that_o it_o may_v evident_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a way_n and_o agree_v with_o the_o method_n of_o explain_v nature_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n very_o often_o treat_v of_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v deduce_v from_o principle_n know_v to_o we_o by_o natural_a light_n because_o revelation_n make_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o scripture_n history_n which_o principaly_n contain_v miracle_n that_o be_v as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n narration_n of_o thing_n not_o common_a or_o usual_a in_o nature_n suit_v and_o fit_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o historian_n that_o write_v they_o revelation_n also_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o exceed_v human_a capacity_n wherefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o almost_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n aught_o to_o be_v derive_v only_o from_o scripture_n as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a thing_n ought_v to_o be_v from_o nature_n as_o for_o moral_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n though_o they_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v from_o common_a and_o general_a notion_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v by_o those_o notion_n that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v those_o doctrine_n nothing_o but_o the_o scripture_n itself_o make_v out_o that_o and_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o scripture_n divinity_n we_o must_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o moral_a doctrine_n which_o it_o teach_v because_o in_o that_o truth_n only_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n appear_v for_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n consist_v in_o their_o be_v just_a and_o virtuous_a which_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v they_o ought_v likewise_o appear_v to_o we_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o miracle_n can_v prove_v the_o divine_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v wrought_v by_o false_a prophet_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n appear_v then_o in_o its_o teach_v we_o what_o be_v true_a and_o real_a virtue_n and_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v only_o by_o scripture_n itself_o if_o not_o we_o can_v not_o without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o prejudice_n believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o think_v they_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o scripture_n indeed_o do_v not_o give_v we_o any_o definition_n of_o the_o thing_n whereof_o it_o treat_v so_o neither_o do_v nature_n and_o therefore_o as_o from_o several_a action_n of_o nature_n we_o make_v definition_n of_o natural_a thing_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n from_o several_a narration_n of_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v conclusion_n to_o be_v draw_v the_o general_a rule_n than_o of_o interpret_n scripture_n be_v that_o we_o conclude_v nothing_o to_o be_v doctrine_n which_o do_v not_o manifest_o
rest_n and_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o both_o which_o nature_n always_o observe_v and_o by_o which_o it_o continual_o act_n and_o from_o these_o we_o afterward_o by_o degree_n proceed_v to_o other_o thing_n less_o general_a so_o likewise_o from_o this_o history_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v first_o to_o inquire_v after_o that_o which_o be_v most_o general_a and_o be_v the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o scripture_n and_o be_v commend_v by_o all_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o most_o profitable_a and_o perpetual_a doctrine_n to_o mankind_n for_o example_n that_o there_o be_v only_o one_o omnipotent_a god_n who_o only_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v who_o provide_v for_o all_o and_o love_v those_o best_a who_o serve_v he_o and_o love_v their_o neighbour_n as_o themselves_o be_v a_o doctrine_n every_o where_o so_o express_v and_o plain_a in_o scripture_n that_o no_o body_n ever_o doubt_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o but_o what_o god_n be_v why_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o behold_v and_o provide_v for_o all_o thing_n the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o express_o and_o positive_o declare_v nor_o teach_v it_o as_o a_o eternal_a doctrine_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o prophet_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v do_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o concern_v these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o in_o matter_n of_o like_a nature_n we_o be_v not_o positive_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n though_o it_o may_v be_v very_o well_o make_v out_o by_o natural_a knowledge_n this_o general_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v right_o know_v we_o be_v then_o to_o pass_v on_o to_o thing_n less_o universal_a which_o concern_v the_o common_a use_n of_o life_n and_o which_o be_v derive_v like_o rivulet_n from_o this_o general_a doctrine_n such_o be_v all_o the_o particular_a external_a action_n of_o real_a virtue_n which_o can_v be_v practise_v but_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o whatsoever_o in_o scripture_n relate_v to_o they_o seem_v doubtful_a or_o obscure_a must_v be_v explain_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o universal_a doctrine_n and_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v contradictory_n one_o to_o another_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v upon_o what_o occasion_n at_o what_o time_n and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v write_v for_o example_n when_o christ_n say_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o mourn_v for_o they_o shall_v be_v comfort_v we_o know_v not_o who_o be_v the_o mourner_n mean_v in_o this_o text_n but_o because_o christ_n afterward_o bid_v we_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o any_o thing_n but_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o which_o he_o commend_v to_o we_o as_o our_o chief_a good_a math._n chap._n 6._o v._n 33._o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o mourner_n mean_v by_o christ_n must_v be_v those_o who_o lament_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o its_o righteousness_n so_o much_o neglect_v by_o man_n for_o which_o no_o other_o can_v mourn_v but_o those_o who_o affection_n be_v heavenly_a and_o contemn_v all_o thing_n here_o below_o so_o also_o when_o christ_n say_v math._n chap._n 5._o v._n 39_o whatsoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o the_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o also_o if_o he_o have_v speak_v this_o as_o a_o lawgiver_n by_o this_o command_n he_o have_v abrogate_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o he_o declare_v in_o the_o 17_o the_o verse_n he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v but_o fulfil_v we_o be_v therefore_o to_o inquire_v who_o say_v this_o to_o who_o and_o when_o he_o say_v it_o first_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o say_v it_o not_o as_o a_o lawgiver_n who_o ordain_v law_n but_o as_o a_o teacher_n who_o give_v moral_a instruction_n not_o so_o much_o to_o reprove_v their_o deed_n as_o to_o correct_v their_o thought_n next_o he_o speak_v it_o to_o man_n oppress_v who_o live_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n extreme_o corrupt_v where_o justice_n be_v neglect_v and_o who_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n this_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v likewise_o preach_v by_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n before_o the_o first_o destruction_n of_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n lament_n chap._n 3._o v._n 30._o he_o give_v his_o cheek_n to_o he_o that_o smite_v he_o wherefore_o see_v the_o prophet_n do_v not_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n but_o in_o the_o time_n of_o oppression_n nor_o be_v any_o where_o command_v by_o they_o as_o a_o law_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a moses_n who_o do_v not_o write_v in_o time_n of_o oppression_n but_o take_v care_n to_o establish_v a_o good_a commonwealth_n though_o he_o condemn_v revenge_n and_o the_o hate_v of_o our_o neighbour_n yet_o he_o command_v that_o a_o eye_n shall_v be_v give_v for_o a_o eye_n hence_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o scripture_n that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o jeremy_n for_o suffer_v injury_n and_o submit_v to_o wicked_a man_n aught_o to_o be_v practise_v only_o in_o time_n of_o oppression_n and_o in_o place_n where_o justice_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o to_o be_v have_v but_o not_o in_o a_o good_a commonwealth_n because_o in_o good_a government_n where_o justice_n be_v maintain_v every_o man_n be_v oblige_v if_o he_o will_v be_v just_o to_o require_v satisfaction_n for_o injury_n before_o a_o judge_n levit._n chap._n 5._o v._n 1._o not_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o hatred_n and_o revenge_n which_o be_v forbid_v levit._fw-la chap._n 19_o v._n 17_o 18._o but_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o justice_n and_o law_n of_o a_o man_n country_n and_o that_o wicked_a man_n may_v not_o get_v advantage_n and_o thrive_v by_o their_o wickedness_n all_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o natural_a reason_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o can_v bring_v many_o more_o example_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o explain_v my_o meaning_n and_o show_v the_o usefulness_n of_o that_o method_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o my_o present_a discourse_n but_o hitherto_o i_o have_v only_o show_v the_o way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o scripture_n sentence_n which_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o life_n and_o be_v therefore_o more_o easy_o understand_v because_o among_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o bible_n there_o never_o be_v any_o controversy_n about_o they_o but_o other_o passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o concern_v matter_n mere_o speculative_a be_v not_o so_o plain_a and_o obvious_a because_o the_o way_n to_o they_o be_v very_o narrow_a for_o though_o in_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a the_o prophet_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v differ_v among_o themselves_o and_o the_o narration_n of_o thing_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o every_o age_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o one_o prophet_n by_o the_o clear_a place_n of_o another_o unless_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o they_o be_v both_o of_o one_o opinion_n how_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o such_o case_n be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v in_o few_o word_n declare_v we_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n begin_v with_o what_o be_v most_o general_a and_o from_o those_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o clear_a inquire_v what_o be_v prophesy_v or_o revelation_n and_o in_o what_o it_o chief_o consist_v next_o we_o ought_v to_o inquire_v what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o after_o that_o of_o thing_n usual_a and_o common_a this_o be_v do_v we_o ought_v to_o consider_v the_o opinion_n of_o every_o prophet_n and_o from_o they_o guess_v at_o the_o meaning_n of_o every_o prophecy_n history_n and_o miracle_n but_o what_o caution_n we_o be_v to_o use_v that_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o do_v not_o confound_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o historian_n with_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o revelation_n that_o this_o my_o method_n teach_v we_o to_o find_v out_o only_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o prophet_n hear_v or_o see_v and_o not_o what_o they_o signify_v and_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o figure_n a_o hierogliphic_n of_o these_o thing_n we_o can_v only_o make_v conjecture_n but_o can_v certain_o derive_v they_o from_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o scripture_n now_o though_o i_o have_v show_v the_o manner_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n of_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n thereof_o yet_o indeed_o i_o confess_v those_o man_n may_v have_v a_o more_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o if_o any_o such_o man_n there_o be_v who_o have_v receive_v a_o traditional_a explication_n thereof_o make_v by_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o
for_o we_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n for_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o it_o can_v be_v deduce_v from_o principle_n know_v by_o natural_a reason_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o can_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o consequent_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v appear_v to_o we_o without_o some_o other_o light_n moreover_o if_o this_o opinion_n be_v true_a the_o common_a people_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o mind_v demonstration_n will_v entertain_v no_o scripture_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o authority_n or_o testimony_n of_o philosopher_n and_o consequent_o aught_o to_o suppose_v philosopher_n can_v err_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o true_o will_v be_v a_o new_a ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o priesthood_n which_o the_o vulgar_a will_v rather_o scorn_v then_o reverence_n and_o though_o our_o method_n require_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o the_o vulgar_a have_v no_o time_n to_o study_v nothing_o can_v upon_o that_o score_n be_v object_v for_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o who_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n preach_v understand_v the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o by_o it_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n though_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o preach_v which_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o maimonides_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v know_v to_o make_v themselves_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o prophet_n meaning_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o method_n that_o the_o common_a people_n must_v necessary_o rely_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o interpreter_n for_o i_o have_v give_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o people_n that_o know_v the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o maimonides_n can_v never_o show_v i_o a_o common_a people_n that_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o knowledge_n whereby_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o as_o for_o the_o common_a people_n of_o these_o day_n we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n though_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v not_o know_v may_v be_v easy_o understand_v in_o any_o language_n because_o they_o be_v so_o common_a and_o ordinary_a and_o for_o this_o knowledge_n the_o vulgar_a do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o interpreter_n in_o other_o thing_n they_o follow_v the_o fortune_n of_o the_o learned_a but_o to_o return_v to_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o maimonides_n opinion_n first_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v in_o all_o thing_n agree_v one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o they_o be_v most_o excellent_a philosopher_n because_o as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o their_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n but_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o my_o second_o chapter_n to_o be_v false_a next_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v make_v out_o by_o scripture_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o do_v not_o demonstrate_v any_o thing_n nor_o do_v it_o prove_v the_o thing_n of_o which_o it_o treat_v by_o definition_n and_o primary_n cause_n wherefore_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o maimonides_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n can_v neither_o appear_v or_o be_v deduce_v from_o scripture_n but_o i_o have_v likewise_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v false_a in_o the_o present_a chapter_n for_o i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o example_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v find_v out_o only_o by_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v derive_v thence_o even_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o thing_n unknown_a to_o we_o by_o natural_a light_n last_o maimonides_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o according_a to_o our_o preconceive_a opinion_n to_o expound_v and_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o deny_v or_o change_v the_o literal_a sense_n thereof_o be_v it_o never_o so_o express_v and_o plain_a which_o liberty_n be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o what_o i_o have_v demonstrate_v in_o this_o and_o other_o chapter_n and_o savour_v of_o too_o much_o boldness_n but_o shall_v i_o grant_v he_o this_o liberty_n what_o advantage_n will_v he_o get_v by_o it_o none_o at_o all_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v make_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o scripture_n we_o can_v by_o this_o way_n make_v out_o nor_o by_o this_o rule_n expound_v or_o interpret_v they_o when_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o follow_v our_o method_n we_o may_v explain_v many_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v safe_o dispute_v of_o they_o but_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n perceptible_a their_o sense_n be_v easy_o draw_v from_o the_o context_n and_o as_o maimonides_n method_n be_v unprofitable_a so_o it_o take_v from_o the_o common_a people_n all_o certainty_n which_o they_o and_o all_o that_o follow_v any_o other_o method_n can_v by_o diligent_a read_n have_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o we_o reject_v it_o as_o dangerous_a useless_a and_o absurd_a as_o for_o the_o forementioned_a tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n we_o know_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o and_o as_o for_o the_o pope_n authority_n i_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n deny_v it_o but_o because_o it_o want_v clear_a proof_n for_o have_v they_o as_o much_o scripture_n to_o show_v for_o it_o as_o heretofore_o the_o jewish_a high_a priest_n have_v for_o they_o i_o shall_v be_v as_o little_a concern_v that_o some_o of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v heretic_n and_o wicked_a man_n as_o that_o the_o high-priest_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v sometime_o as_o bad_a and_o yet_o by_o the_o command_n of_o scripture_n have_v still_o the_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o law_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 17_o chap._n of_o deut._n v._n 11_o 12._o chap._n 33._o v._n 10._o and_o mal._n chap._n 2._o v._n 7_o 8._o but_o because_o the_o pope_n can_v show_v we_o no_o such_o testimony_n their_o authority_n be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v deceive_v himself_o and_o think_v that_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jewish_a high-priest_n the_o catholic_a religion_n also_o want_v a_o high_a priest_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o public_a law_n of_o the_o country_n and_o need_v a_o public_a authority_n to_o maintain_v they_o for_o if_o every_o man_n have_v a_o liberty_n of_o interpret_n the_o public_a law_n as_o he_o please_v no_o commonwealth_n can_v stand_v but_o present_o dissolve_v and_o public_a law_n become_v private_a but_o in_o religion_n the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a for_o see_v religion_n do_v not_o so_o much_o consist_v in_o external_a action_n as_o in_o truth_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n it_o be_v of_o no_o public_a power_n or_o authority_n for_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n be_v not_o infuse_v by_o the_o command_n of_o law_n or_o by_o public_a authority_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v compel_v by_o force_n or_o by_o law_n to_o be_v make_v holy_a nothing_o but_o good_a brotherly_a council_n education_n and_o a_o man_n own_o free_a judgement_n can_v do_v that_o see_v then_o every_o man_n have_v right_a to_o think_v of_o religion_n as_o he_o please_v and_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v any_o man_n can_v part_v with_o this_o right_n it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o judge_v of_o religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o expound_v and_o interpret_v it_o to_o himself_o for_o as_o the_o chief_n power_n of_o interpret_n law_n and_o judge_v of_o public_a matter_n reside_v in_o the_o magistrate_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o because_o they_o be_v public_a so_o likewise_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o explain_v and_o judge_v of_o religion_n be_v in_o every_o particular_a person_n because_o it_o be_v every_o private_a man_n right_a the_o authority_n then_o of_o the_o jewish_a highpriest_n to_o interpret_v law_n be_v far_o from_o prove_v the_o pope_n authority_n to_o interpret_v religion_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a that_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v right_a to_o do_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a our_o method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n i._o the_o best_a for_o see_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o interpret_n it_o aught_o to_o be_v that_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n and_o not_o any_o supernatural_a light_n or_o external_a authority_n this_o method_n ought_v not_o be_v so_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a that_o none_o but_o acute_a philosopher_n can_v make_v use_n of_o or_o compose_v it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v
man_n nevertheless_o bless_v and_o happy_a have_v show_v that_o the_o scripture_n in_o respect_n of_o religion_n only_o and_o the_o universal_a divine_a law_n be_v proper_o call_v scripture_n it_o now_o remain_v to_o prove_v that_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o as_o it_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v it_o be_v neither_o maim_v faulty_a or_o corrupt_v and_o here_o i_o call_v that_o thing_n faulty_a maim_a and_o corrupt_v which_o be_v so_o false_o write_v and_o compose_v that_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n can_v either_o by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o language_n or_o by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v find_v out_o for_o i_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o contain_v the_o divine_a law_n always_o observe_v the_o same_o letter_n point_n accent_n and_o word_n i_o leave_v that_o to_o the_o masorite_n who_o so_o superstitious_o adore_v the_o letter_n but_o only_o that_o the_o signification_n and_o sense_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o only_o any_o speech_n be_v to_o be_v call_v divine_a be_v derive_v to_o we_o uncorrupted_a though_o the_o word_n whereby_o that_o sense_n be_v signify_v have_v be_v often_o change_v that_o can_v as_o we_o have_v say_v detract_v from_o the_o sacredness_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v one_o jot_n less_o divine_a have_v it_o be_v write_v in_o other_o word_n or_o in_o any_o other_o language_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o divine_a law_n in_o this_o respect_n uncorrupted_a no_o body_n can_v question_v for_o by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o without_o any_o doubt_n or_o difficulty_n we_o perceive_v that_o the_o sum_n thereof_o be_v to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o this_o can_v be_v adulterate_v nor_o write_v by_o a_o too_o hasty_a err_a pen_n for_o if_o the_o scripture_n ever_o teach_v any_o other_o thing_n it_o must_v necessary_o teach_v all_o other_o thing_n otherwise_o see_v this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n take_v away_o this_o foundation_n and_o the_o whole_a fabric_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o scripture_n but_o quite_o another_o book_n it_o remain_v then_o without_o controversy_n this_o be_v always_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o that_o no_o error_n can_v creep_v into_o it_o to_o corrupt_v its_o sense_n which_o will_v have_v be_v quick_o perceive_v by_o every_o body_n and_o who_o ever_o have_v go_v about_o to_o corrupt_v it_o his_o malice_n will_v have_v present_o appear_v if_o then_o this_o foundation_n be_v immovable_a and_o incorruptible_a the_o same_o must_v be_v conclude_v of_o other_o thing_n which_o indisputable_o follow_v from_o it_o and_o which_o be_v also_o fundamental_o as_o that_o god_n be_v that_o he_o provide_v for_o all_o that_o he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o that_o he_o have_v decree_v it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o good_a and_o ill_o with_o wicked-man_n and_o that_o our_o salvation_n depend_v only_o upon_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n these_o thing_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o plain_o teach_v and_o aught_o always_o to_o teach_v else_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v vain_a and_o without_o any_o foundation_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o corrupt_v any_o other_o moral_a doctrine_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o and_o evident_o follow_v from_o this_o foundation_n namely_o to_o do_v justice_n to_o succour_v those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n and_o distress_n not_o to_o kill_v not_o to_o covet_v and_o none_o of_o these_o moral_a precept_n can_v be_v misinterpret_v or_o corrupt_v by_o malice_n or_o obliterated_a by_o length_n of_o time_n if_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v blot_v out_o they_o will_v be_v again_o dictate_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o first_o general_a foundation_n and_o more_o especial_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v every_o where_o so_o much_o commend_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o wickedness_n which_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o some_o person_n or_o other_o have_v not_o commit_v yet_o never_o be_v there_o any_o man_n who_o to_o excuse_v or_o justify_v his_o crime_n endeavour_v to_o blot_v out_o the_o law_n or_o to_o preach_v impiety_n for_o good_a and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v every_o man_n nature_n whether_o king_n or_o subject_a when_o he_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a to_o palliate_v the_o fact_n with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v make_v it_o appear_v as_o little_a as_o be_v possible_a dishonest_a or_o unjust_a we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o the_o universal_a divine_a law_n which_o the_o scripture_n teach_v be_v deliver_v and_o derive_v to_o we_o pure_a and_o incorruptible_a there_o be_v other_o thing_n also_o which_o have_v be_v faithful_o deliver_v to_o we_o namely_o the_o general_a collection_n of_o scripture_n history_n because_o they_o be_v universal_o know_v the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o sing_v the_o antiquity_n and_o ancient_a fact_n of_o their_o nation_n in_o psalm_n or_o song_n the_o principal_a thing_n do_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o passion_n be_v quick_o publish_v through_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o believe_v unless_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n shall_v agree_v in_o that_o which_o be_v incredible_a that_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o scripture_n history_n shall_v be_v deliver_v to_o posterity_n otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v first_o receive_v whatever_o then_o be_v adulterate_v or_o faulty_a must_v happen_v only_o in_o this_o or_o that_o circumstance_n of_o a_o prophecy_n or_o history_n the_o more_o to_o move_v people_n to_o devotion_n or_o in_o some_o miracle_n to_o puzzle_v and_o nonplus_n philosopher_n or_o last_o in_o matter_n speculative_a after_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o religion_n by_o schismatic_n abuse_v divine_a authority_n to_o support_v their_o own_o invention_n but_o whether_o these_o thing_n be_v or_o be_v not_o adulterate_v and_o corrupt_v do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v salvation_n which_o i_o will_v express_o show_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n though_o i_o think_v enough_o have_v be_v already_o say_v to_o prove_v it_o in_o this_o and_o the_o second_o chapter_n chap._n xiii_o show_n that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o plain_a intend_v nothing_o but_o man_n obedience_n neither_o do_v it_o teach_v or_o declare_v any_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o what_o a_o man_n may_v in_o a_o right_a course_n of_o life_n in_o some_o degree_n imitate_v we_o have_v already_o declare_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n that_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o so_o much_o excel_v in_o perfection_n of_o mind_n and_o understanding_n as_o in_o a_o singular_a faculty_n and_o power_n of_o imagination_n that_o god_n reveal_v to_o they_o no_o deep_a point_n of_o philosophy_n but_o only_a thing_n very_o plain_a and_o easy_a condesend_v and_o apply_v himself_o to_o their_o capacity_n and_o preconceived_a opinion_n we_o have_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n show_v that_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v and_o teach_v thing_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v render_v they_o most_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o every_o man_n and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v deduce_v and_o link_v thing_n together_o by_o maxim_n and_o definition_n but_o only_o plain_o relate_v and_o declare_v thing_n and_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v confirm_v what_o it_o say_v by_o experience_n that_o be_v by_o miracle_n and_o history_n make_v use_n of_o such_o a_o style_n and_o such_o expression_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o move_v and_o prevail_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o common_a people_n of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v in_o prove_v the_o three_o particular_a of_o the_o six_o chapter_n last_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n lie_v only_o in_o the_o language_n wherein_o it_o be_v original_o write_v and_o not_o in_o the_o sublimity_n and_o abstruceness_n of_o the_o subject_a whereof_o it_o treat_v and_o moreover_o that_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o preach_v only_o to_o the_o learned_a but_o in_o general_a to_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o church_n where_o there_o be_v a_o common_a and_o universal_a assembly_n of_o all_o people_n by_o all_o which_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o scripture_n doctrine_n contain_v no_o high_a speculation_n nor_o philosophical_a argument_n but_o only_a thing_n plain_a and_o intelligible_a by_o the_o mean_a and_o dull_a capacity_n i_o strange_o admire_v the_o accuteness_n of_o those_o man_n who_o discover_v in_o the_o scripture_n mystery_n so_o profound_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n to_o unfold_v they_o and_o who_o have_v
at_o that_o time_n to_o teach_v they_o the_o true_a and_o real_a attribute_n of_o his_o essence_n because_o he_o then_o reveal_v none_o to_o they_o but_o to_o break_v and_o subdue_v their_o rebellious_a and_o stubborn_a humour_n and_o draw_v they_o to_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o set_v upon_o they_o with_o argument_n and_o reason_n but_o with_o tempest_n noise_n thunder_z and_o lightning_n as_o be_v record_v exod._n 20._o 20._o i_o be_o now_o to_o prove_v that_o between_o faith_n or_o theology_n and_o philosophy_n there_o be_v no_o commerce_n or_o affinity_n which_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v who_o know_v how_o much_o the_o foundation_n and_o end_n of_o these_o two_o faculty_n differ_v for_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o philosophy_n be_v verity_n and_o the_o intention_n and_o end_n of_o faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o obedience_n and_o piety_n the_o fundadamental_n of_o philosophy_n be_v common_a notion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v only_o from_o nature_n itself_o but_o the_o principle_n and_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o scripture-history_n scripture-language_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o from_o revelation_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o chapter_n faith_n therefore_o allow_v every_o man_n such_o a_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o reason_v or_o philosophize_v that_o he_o may_v think_v what_o he_o will_v of_o any_o thing_n provide_v he_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v wicked_a and_o condemn_v only_o those_o for_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n who_o broach_n doctrine_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o disobedience_n hatred_n contention_n and_o wrath_n esteem_v only_o such_o to_o be_v believer_n who_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o persuade_v and_o practice_v justice_n and_o charity_n last_o because_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n be_v what_o i_o chief_o intend_v in_o the_o whole_a treatise_n i_o earnest_o request_v the_o reader_n before_o i_o proceed_v further_o that_o he_o will_v again_o and_o again_o careful_o read_v and_o serious_o consider_v the_o content_n of_o these_o two_o chapter_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v charity_n enough_o to_o believe_v that_o i_o have_v write_v nothing_o with_o design_n to_o introduce_v new_a doctrine_n but_o only_o to_o rectify_v what_o be_v amiss_o which_o i_o hope_v ever_o long_o to_o see_v do_v chap._n xv._n theology_n or_o divinity_n be_v no_o handmaid_n to_o reason_n nor_o reason_n to_o divinity_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n among_o those_o that_o know_v not_o how_o to_o distinguish_v and_o divide_v philosophy_n from_o theology_n there_o be_v very_o great_a dispute_n whether_o the_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o reason_n or_o reason_n to_o scripture_n that_o be_v whether_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o reason_n or_o whether_o reason_n ought_v to_o submit_v to_o scripture_n the_o sceptic_n who_o deny_v the_o certainty_n of_o reason_n maintain_v one_o of_o these_o opinion_n and_o the_o dogmatist_n who_o judge_v all_o thing_n by_o reason_n the_o other_o but_o both_o as_o appear_v by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v extreme_o mistake_v for_o whoever_o follow_v either_o of_o the_o two_o opinion_n must_v necessary_o deprave_v either_o reason_n or_o scripture_n we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v teach_v we_o no_o philosophy_n but_o only_a piety_n and_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n and_o opinion_n of_o vulgar_a people_n whoever_o then_o go_v about_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o philosophy_n must_v father_n upon_o the_o prophet_n many_o thing_n whereof_o they_o do_v never_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v and_o interpret_v that_o to_o be_v their_o meaning_n which_o never_o be_v he_o on_o the_o other_o side_n who_o make_v reason_n or_o philosophy_n a_o handmaid_n to_o divinity_n will_v be_v necessitate_v to_o let_v the_o mistake_a opinion_n of_o old_a time_n pass_v for_o divine_a truth_n possess_v and_o blind_a his_o understanding_n with_o error_n and_o prejudice_n and_o both_o run_v mad_a together_o without_o reason_n the_o first_o among_o the_o pharisee_n who_o open_o declare_v that_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o reason_n be_v maimonides_n who_o opinion_n we_o have_v hint_v and_o refute_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o chapter_n but_o though_o this_o author_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n among_o the_o pharisee_n yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o sect_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o this_o point_n but_o general_o maintain_v the_o opinion_n of_o rabbi_n jehuda_n alpakhar_n who_o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v the_o error_n of_o maimonides_n fall_v into_o the_o clean_a contrary_a opinion_n hold_v that_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o handmaid_n to_o scripture_n and_o whole_o subject_v to_o it_o and_o will_v have_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n metaphorical_o interpret_v because_o the_o literal_a sense_n be_v contrary_a and_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v so_o to_o the_o scripture_n itself_o that_o be_v to_o the_o positive_a doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o lay_v it_o down_o for_o a_o general_a rule_n that_o whatever_o the_o scripture_n do_v in_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n affirm_v and_o teach_v that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o truth_n if_o no_o other_o position_n be_v find_v in_o the_o bible_n which_o do_v only_o consequential_o but_o not_o direct_o contradict_v it_o for_o there_o be_v some_o scripture_n expression_n which_o seem_v to_o imply_v contradiction_n to_o what_o have_v be_v positive_o and_o express_o declare_v and_o therefore_o those_o place_n only_o be_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o take_v for_o example_n deut._n 6.4_o it_o be_v plain_o and_o positive_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n or_o that_o god_n be_v but_o one_o but_o there_o be_v many_o place_n where_o god_n speak_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n which_o manner_n of_o speak_v suppose_v and_o imply_v more_o god_n than_o one_o though_o that_o do_v not_o clear_o and_o direct_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o word_n all_o those_o place_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o interpret_v not_o because_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v more_o god_n than_o one_o but_o because_o the_o scripture_n itself_o direct_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v but_o only_o one_o so_o likewise_o because_o the_o scripture_n deut._n 4._o 15._o do_v in_o the_o rabbi_n opinion_n direct_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v incorporeal_a therefore_o upon_o the_o authority_n only_o of_o this_o text_n and_o not_o upon_o any_o account_n of_o reason_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v god_n have_v no_o body_n and_o consequent_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o take_v which_o ascribe_v to_o god_n hand_n foot_n or_o which_o seem_v to_o suppose_v god_n corporeal_a this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o this_o author_n who_o i_o commend_v for_o explain_v scripture_n by_o scripture_n but_o i_o wonder_v that_o a_o rational_a man_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o destroy_v reason_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v expound_v by_o scripture_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v doubt_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n or_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o when_o we_o have_v find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o judgement_n to_o gain_v our_o assent_n and_o consent_n to_o it_o for_o if_o we_o must_v submit_v to_o scripture_n though_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o at_o all_o convince_v by_o it_o must_v we_o submit_v with_o reason_n or_o like_o blind_a man_n without_o any_o reason_n at_o all_o if_o we_o submit_v without_o reason_n we_o do_v it_o foolish_o without_o judgement_n if_o we_o submit_v with_o reason_n then_o it_o be_v by_o the_o command_n and_o dictate_v of_o reason_n that_o we_o believe_v and_o embrace_v the_o scripture_n which_o we_o will_v not_o do_v be_v it_o contrary_a to_o reason_n who_o can_v in_o his_o mind_n believe_v or_o consent_v to_o any_o thing_n which_o his_o reason_n flat_o oppose_v deny_v a_o thing_n with_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o gainsay_n and_o dissent_n of_o a_o man_n reason_n i_o extreme_o wonder_v some_o man_n shall_v subject_v that_o excellent_a gift_n and_o divine_a light_n reason_n to_o dead_a letter_n which_o humane_a malice_n may_v corrupt_v and_o misinterpret_v and_o yet_o account_v it_o no_o offence_n to_o speak_v unworthy_o against_o reason_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whereon_o god_n have_v engrave_v his_o word_n say_v our_o reason_n be_v blind_v and_o lose_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n declare_v it_o be_v abominable_a wickedness_n to_o think_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o the_o letter_n which_o they_o
idolise_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o account_v it_o great_a piety_n in_o a_o man_n not_o to_o trust_v to_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o reason_n but_o great_a wickedness_n to_o doubt_v their_o fidelity_n who_o communicate_v to_o we_o the_o sacred_a volume_n certain_o such_o man_n folly_n exceed_v their_o piety_n what_o trouble_v they_o what_o be_v it_o they_o fear_v can_v religion_n and_o faith_n be_v defend_v unless_o man_n be_v profess_o ignorant_a and_o bid_v reason_n farewell_n they_o that_o think_v so_o do_v rather_o fear_v than_o believe_v scripture_n god_n forbid_v that_o religion_n shall_v be_v a_o servant_n to_o reason_n or_o reason_n to_o religion_n both_o may_v with_o great_a peace_n and_o concord_n preserve_v their_o own_o proper_a dominion_n which_o i_o will_v present_o prove_v after_o i_o have_v a_o little_a examine_v the_o tenet_n and_o opinion_n of_o our_o rabbin_z alpakhar_n he_o as_o i_o have_v say_v will_v have_v we_o receive_v every_o thing_n for_o truth_n which_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v and_o reject_v every_o thing_n as_o false_a which_o the_o scripture_n deny_v and_o maintain_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o in_o express_a word_n affirm_v or_o deny_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o what_o in_o another_o place_n it_o have_v positive_o affirm_v or_o deny_v both_o which_o be_v very_o bold_a and_o rash_a position_n i_o will_v not_o press_v he_o with_o what_o perhaps_o he_o never_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v several_a book_n that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o several_a author_n in_o several_a age_n for_o the_o use_n of_o divers_a people_n and_o see_v upon_o his_o own_o authority_n only_o he_o maintain_v what_o neither_o reason_n or_o scripture_n ever_o say_v he_o ought_v to_o show_v that_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v but_o by_o consequence_n contradict_v other_o may_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o language_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o place_n convenient_o bear_v a_o metaphorical_a interpretation_n and_o he_o ought_v likewise_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v derive_v down_o to_o we_o without_o any_o corruption_n or_o adulteration_n to_o come_v close_o to_o the_o business_n i_o ask_v he_o concern_v his_o first_o position_n whether_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a which_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v and_o reject_v every_o thing_n as_o false_a which_o it_o deny_v though_o both_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o reason_n if_o he_o answer_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v in_o scripture_n contrary_a to_o reason_n i_o press_v he_o with_o this_o instance_n in_o the_o decalogue_n exod._n 34._o 14._o deut._n 4._o 24._o and_o in_o other_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o gâ—d_n be_v jealous_a but_o that_o such_o a_o passion_n as_o jealousy_n shall_v be_v in_o god_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n now_o if_o there_o be_v other_o place_n in_o scripture_n which_o suppose_v god_n not_o to_o be_v jealous_a they_o must_v be_v metaphorical_o interpret_v that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o suppose_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o scripture_n express_o say_v that_o god_n come_v down_o upon_o mount_n sinai_n exod._n 19.20_o and_o ascribe_v to_o he_o other_o local_a motion_n no_o where_o express_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v not_o move_v so_o that_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o solomon_n say_v of_o god_n in_o 1_o king_n 8._o 27._o that_o he_o can_v be_v comprehend_v or_o contain_v in_o any_o place_n though_o it_o do_v not_o express_o but_o only_o consequential_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v not_o move_v aught_o to_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n metaphorical_o understand_v the_o heaven_n also_o must_v be_v take_v for_o god_n throne_n and_o habitation_n because_o the_o scripture_n declare_v positive_o they_o be_v many_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n consonant_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o people_n which_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n but_o not_o scripture_n say_v be_v false_a all_o which_o according_a to_o the_o rabbi_n opinion_n who_o in_o such_o case_n will_v allow_v no_o consult_v with_o reason_n must_v pass_v for_o truth_n he_o affirm_v that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a in_o say_v that_o no_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n express_o and_o direct_o contradict_v another_o but_o only_o by_o consequence_n for_o moses_n deut._n 4._o 24._o express_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n and_o direct_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v like_o any_o visible_a thing_n deut._n 4._o 12._o now_o if_o the_o rabbi_n will_v have_v this_o latter_a text_n not_o direct_o but_o only_o by_o consequence_n to_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v fire_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v so_o interpret_v that_o it_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o deny_v it_o let_v he_o have_v his_o will_n and_o let_v we_o grant_v that_o god_n be_v fire_n or_o rather_o not_o to_o be_v as_o mad_a as_o he_o we_o will_v let_v this_o pass_v and_o make_v use_n of_o another_o example_n samuel_n direct_o deny_v that_o god_n ever_o repent_v of_o his_o decree_n 1_o sam._n 15._o 29._o but_o jeremy_n on_o the_o contrary_n affirm_v chap._n 18._o v._n 8_o 10._o that_o god_n do_v sometime_o repent_v both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o of_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o purpose_v and_o decree_v do_v not_o these_o two_o text_n direct_o oppose_v one_o another_o which_o of_o these_o two_o must_v be_v metaphorical_o interpret_v both_o the_o opinion_n be_v general_a and_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o what_o one_o direct_o affirm_v the_o other_o positive_o deny_v so_o that_o the_o rabbi_n by_o his_o own_o rule_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o false_a but_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o though_o one_o place_n do_v not_o direct_o but_o only_o by_o consequence_n contradict_v another_o if_o the_o consequence_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o metaphorical_a explication_n of_o which_o many_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bible_n we_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o we_o have_v show_v that_o several_a prophet_n have_v different_a opinion_n and_o particular_o of_o those_o contradiction_n which_o i_o in_o the_o 9_o the_o and_o 10_o the_o chapter_n have_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v in_o several_a of_o the_o scripture_n history_n they_o need_v not_o be_v repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o confute_v the_o absurdity_n and_o falsity_n which_o must_v necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o rabbi_n rule_n and_o to_o show_v how_o unadvised_o and_o gross_o the_o author_n be_v mistake_v the_o different_a opinion_n of_o both_o rabbi_n be_v confute_v i_o do_v again_o positive_o declare_v that_o divinity_n or_o theology_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n to_o reason_n nor_o reason_n to_o theology_n but_o both_o aught_o to_o maintain_v their_o own_o dominion_n reason_n ought_v to_o rule_v in_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o theology_n in_o matter_n which_o concern_v our_o piety_n and_o obedience_n the_o power_n of_o reason_n do_v not_o so_o far_o extend_v itself_o as_o to_o determine_v that_o man_n only_o by_o obedience_n without_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n may_v be_v bless_v and_o happy_a but_o theology_n dictate_v nothing_o else_o and_o command_v nothing_o but_o obedience_n not_o intend_v or_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o reason_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n theology_n determin_n doctrine_n of_o faith_n no_o further_o than_o be_v necessary_a to_o obedience_n but_o how_o those_o doctrine_n be_v precise_o in_o respect_n of_o verity_n to_o be_v understand_v it_o leave_v reason_n to_o resolve_v which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o without_o which_o we_o see_v nothing_o but_o dream_n and_o fancy_n but_o here_o by_o theology_n i_o mean_v only_a revelation_n so_o far_o as_o it_o declare_v the_o scope_n and_o end_n to_o which_o the_o scripture_n aim_v namely_o the_o reason_n and_o manner_n of_o live_v obedient_o or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v proper_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o book_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o 12_o the_o chapter_n theology_n take_v in_o this_o sense_n if_o we_o consider_v its_o precept_n and_o instruction_n perfect_o agree_v with_o reason_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v its_o end_n and_o design_n in_o nothing_o contradict_v it_o and_o therefore_o universal_o concern_v all_o mankind_n as_o for_o the_o whole_a scripture_n in_o general_n the_o sense_n thereof_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o chapter_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o scripture_n history_n and_o not_o by_o the_o history_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o
the_o language_n word_n or_o style_v wherein_o they_o be_v express_v and_o that_o all_o book_n which_o declare_v and_o teach_v what_o be_v excellent_o good_a in_o what_o tongue_n or_o by_o what_o nation_n soever_o write_v be_v equal_o sacred_a let_v this_o at_o least_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o chapter_n which_o be_v write_v in_o chaldee_n be_v no_o less_o sacred_a than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n to_o this_o book_n of_o daniel_n the_o first_o book_n of_o ezra_n be_v so_o annex_v that_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v both_o write_v by_o one_o person_n who_o relate_v what_o successive_o pass_v among_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o first_o captivity_n and_o to_o this_o book_n of_o esdras_n without_o doubt_n be_v join_v the_o book_n of_o hester_n for_o the_o conjunction_n wherewith_o the_o book_n begin_v can_v relate_v to_o no_o other_o book_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v think_v the_o same_o book_n which_o mordecai_n write_v for_o he_o that_o write_v the_o book_n of_o hester_n say_v in_o the_o 9_o the_o chap._n v._n 20._o that_o mordecai_n write_v letter_n and_o declare_v what_o be_v their_o content_n moreover_o the_o 31_o the_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n tell_v we_o that_o queen_n hester_n confirm_v by_o a_o decree_n all_o thing_n concern_v the_o feast_n of_o purim_n or_o lot_n and_o in_o the_o 32_o the_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n manner_n of_o speak_v in_o a_o book_n which_o every_o one_o at_o that_o time_n know_v which_o book_n with_o other_o aben_n ezra_n say_v be_v lose_v what_o else_o concern_v mordecai_n the_o historian_n in_o the_o 10_o the_o chap._n v._n 2._o say_v be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o media_n and_o persia_n and_o therefore_o without_o question_n this_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o person_n who_o write_v the_o affair_n of_o daniel_n and_o ezra_n and_o so_o also_o be_v the_o book_n of_o nehemiah_n call_v the_o second_o book_n of_o ezra_n so_o that_o we_o conclude_v these_o four_o book_n namely_o daniel_n ezra_n hester_n and_o nehemiah_n to_o be_v write_v by_o one_o historian_n but_o who_o he_o be_v i_o can_v so_o much_o as_o guess_v but_o that_o we_o may_v know_v whoever_o he_o be_v from_o whence_o he_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o relate_v and_o from_o whence_o he_o copy_v they_o out_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o governor_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n as_o do_v their_o king_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o keep_v scribe_n or_o historiographer_n who_o write_v annal_n and_o record_v what_o past_a which_o annal_n or_o chronology_n be_v every_o where_o cite_v in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n but_o those_o of_o the_o prince_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v quote_v first_o in_o nehemiah_n chap._n 12._o v._n 23._o and_o also_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o macchabee_n chap._n 16._o v._n 24._o and_o no_o question_n this_o book_n of_o annal_n be_v that_o book_n mention_v in_o the_o 32_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 9_o the_o chap._n of_o hester_n in_o which_o the_o decree_n of_o queen_n hester_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v mordecai_n be_v write_v which_o book_n we_o agree_v with_o aben_n ezra_n be_v lose_v and_o out_o of_o this_o book_n of_o annal_n all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o four_o book_n we_o have_v last_o mention_v be_v in_o all_o probability_n take_v and_o copy_v for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o book_n quote_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o these_o four_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v any_o other_o of_o public_a authority_n that_o these_o four_o book_n be_v not_o write_v either_o by_o ezra_n or_o nehemiah_n appear_v by_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 9_o the_o and_o 10_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 12_o the_o chap._n of_o nehem._n where_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o highpriest_n jesuah_n be_v derive_v down_o to_o jaduah_n the_o six_o highpriest_n who_o go_v to_o meet_v alexander_n the_o great_a when_o he_o have_v almost_o conquer_v the_o kingdom_n of_o persia_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 2_o d._n book_n and_o 8_o the_o chap._n of_o iosephus_n antiquity_n or_o as_o philo_n judaeus_fw-la say_v in_o libro_fw-la temporum_fw-la the_o six_o and_o last_o highpriest_n under_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n which_o be_v likewise_o plain_o declare_v in_o the_o 22_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a 12_o the_o chap._n of_o nehem._n where_o the_o historian_n say_v the_o levite_n in_o the_o day_n of_o eliashib_n joiada_n johanan_n and_o jaduah_n be_v record_v priest_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o darius_n the_o persian_a that_o be_v in_o the_o annal_n of_o that_o government_n and_o sure_a no_o man_n will_v believe_v that_o hezra_n or_o nehemiah_n be_v so_o long_o live_v to_o survive_v fourteen_o persian_a king_n for_o cyrus_n the_o first_o king_n of_o persia_n be_v he_o that_o give_v the_o jew_n liberty_n to_o rebuild_v their_o temple_n and_o from_o he_o to_o darius_n the_o fourteen_o and_o last_o king_n of_o the_o persian_n be_v reckon_v 230_o year_n therefore_o without_o all_o doubt_n these_o four_o book_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v write_v long_o after_o judas_n maccabeus_n restore_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o also_o because_o at_o that_o time_n be_v spurious_a counterfeit_n book_n of_o daniel_n hesdras_n and_o hester_n publish_v by_o some_o malicious_a person_n who_o be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o zadduce_n for_o the_o pharisee_n will_v never_o own_v they_o and_o though_o in_o the_o book_n which_o we_o call_v the_o 4_o the_o of_o esdras_n there_o be_v some_o fabulous_a story_n which_o we_o also_o find_v in_o the_o talmud_n yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v father_v on_o the_o pharisee_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o sense_n but_o believe_v those_o tale_n be_v add_v by_o some_o trifle_a fellow_n perhaps_o to_o render_v the_o pharisaical_a tradition_n ridiculous_a or_o to_o make_v the_o people_n of_o that_o time_n believe_v that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n be_v fulfil_v thereby_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o and_o great_a calamity_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o despair_n but_o though_o these_o book_n be_v of_o no_o great_a antiquity_n yet_o many_o fault_n i_o suppose_v through_o haste_n in_o those_o who_o copy_v they_o out_o have_v creep_v into_o they_o for_o in_o these_o as_o in_o the_o rest_n be_v many_o marginal_a note_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o also_o some_o place_n for_o which_o no_o excuse_n can_v be_v make_v but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o marginal_a readins_n of_o these_o book_n be_v as_o the_o pharisee_n will_v have_v it_o as_o ancient_a as_o the_o writer_n themselves_o than_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o scribe_n if_o they_o be_v more_o than_o one_o put_v these_o note_n into_o the_o margin_n because_o they_o do_v not_o find_v the_o annal_n from_o whence_o they_o copy_v out_o the_o book_n perfect_o write_v and_o though_o some_o fault_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a yet_o the_o scribe_n will_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a to_o alter_v or_o mend_v the_o write_n of_o their_o ancestor_n of_o this_o particular_a i_o have_v say_v enough_o and_o i_o now_o pass_v on_o to_o show_v those_o error_n whereof_o no_o notice_n be_v take_v in_o the_o margin_n i_o can_v tell_v how_o many_o i_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o 2_o d_o chap_n of_o ezra_n for_o in_o the_o 64_o the_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n together_o of_o those_o that_o go_v up_o out_o of_o captivity_n to_o jerusalem_n be_v forty_o two_o thousand_o three_o hundred_o and_o threescore_o and_o yet_o if_o the_o particular_a number_n throughout_o the_o whole_a chapter_n be_v exact_o sum_v up_o and_o add_v together_o they_o make_v the_o total_a to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o twenty_o nine_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o error_n in_o the_o total_a or_o particular_a number_n now_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a the_o total_a number_n be_v not_o mistake_v but_o set_v down_o right_a because_o every_o one_o may_v keep_v that_o in_o memory_n though_o he_o can_v not_o remember_v the_o particular_a number_n have_v there_o be_v any_o error_n or_o mistake_n in_o the_o total_a every_o body_n will_v have_v know_v it_o and_o it_o may_v have_v be_v easy_o mend_v which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o 7_o the_o chap._n of_o nehemiah_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o they_o that_o come_v up_o from_o the_o captivity_n be_v the_o very_a same_o mention_v in_o the_o 2_o d_o chap_n of_o ezra_n but_o the_o particular_a number_n very_o much_o differ_v for_o