for_o say_v they_o if_o these_o marginal_a note_n be_v use_v purposely_o to_o show_v various_a reading_n and_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v decide_v why_o then_o have_v custom_n prevail_v still_o to_o retain_v the_o marginal_a sense_n as_o always_o the_o best_a and_o that_o it_o be_v fit_v the_o most_o genuine_a and_o approve_a sense_n shall_v be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o margin_n their_o second_o argument_n which_o carry_v some_o countenance_n be_v this_o error_n and_o mistake_n in_o book_n say_v they_o be_v not_o purposely_o put_v in_o but_o happen_v by_o chance_n now_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o all_o the_o first_o five_o book_n the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nagnad_n which_o signify_v in_o latin_a puella_fw-la and_o in_o english_a a_o girl_n or_o young_a maid_n shall_v contrary_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o grammar_n be_v write_v in_o all_o place_n but_o one_o as_o a_o defective_a word_n without_o the_o letter_n he_o 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chapter_n of_o that_o book_n the_o write_a text_n in_o the_o latin_a translation_n be_v ut_fw-la cum_fw-la consultat_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la consultatur_fw-la verbum_fw-la dei._n but_o in_o the_o margin_n be_v add_v the_o pronoun_n quis_fw-la for_o the_o nomnative_a case_n to_o the_o verb_n which_o be_v not_o learned_o do_v for_o the_o common_a custom_n of_o that_o language_n be_v to_o use_v verb_n impersonal_o for_o the_o three_o person_n singular_a of_o verb_n active_a as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o grammarian_n in_o like_a manner_n we_o meet_v with_o many_o marginal_a note_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o write_a read_v of_o the_o text._n now_o for_o the_o pharisee_n second_o argument_n it_o be_v easy_o answer_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v namely_o that_o the_o scribe_n beside_o dubious_a readins_n note_v obsolete_a word_n for_o without_o doubt_n as_o in_o other_o language_n so_o in_o the_o hebrew_n late_a time_n antiquate_v and_o make_v useless_a many_o word_n 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some_o be_v more_o and_o other_o less_o in_o nehemiah_n than_o they_o be_v in_o ezra_n and_o amount_v in_o all_o to_o thirty_o one_o thousand_o eighty_o nine_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o error_n as_o well_o in_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n as_o of_o nehemiah_n be_v in_o the_o particular_a number_n commentator_n rack_v their_o wit_n and_o invention_n to_o reconcile_v these_o apparent_a contradiction_n and_o while_o they_o adore_v the_o very_a word_n and_o letter_n of_o scripture_n do_v nothing_o as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v but_o expose_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o contempt_n as_o if_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o speak_v or_o put_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v by_o they_o into_o any_o order_n yea_o they_o do_v nothing_o but_o make_v that_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v plain_a obscure_a for_o if_o every_o man_n shall_v take_v a_o liberty_n of_o explain_v scripture_n as_o they_o do_v we_o can_v not_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o true_a 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of_o the_o family_n more_o in_o the_o very_a pedigree_n in_o the_o history_n and_o i_o fear_v likewise_o in_o the_o very_a prophecy_n themselves_o for_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremy_n in_o the_o 22_o the_o chap._n against_o jehoiachim_n which_o say_v he_o shall_v be_v bury_v with_o the_o burial_n of_o a_o ass_n draw_v and_o cast_v forth_o beyond_o the_o gate_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v not_o at_o all_o agree_v with_o the_o history_n of_o he_o in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o 2_o d._n book_n of_o king_n no_o nor_o with_o what_o be_v relate_v of_o he_o in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o jeremy_n especial_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v any_o reason_n why_o jeremy_n shall_v tell_v king_n zedechiah_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v in_o peace_n jerem._n chap._n 34._o v._n 5._o who_o be_v take_v captive_a and_o after_o he_o have_v see_v his_o child_n slay_v before_o his_o face_n have_v his_o own_o eye_n put_v out_o if_o prophecy_n may_v be_v interpret_v according_a to_o 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pedigree_n otherwise_o than_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n and_o describe_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o city_n of_o the_o levite_n otherwise_o than_o joshua_n do_v because_o he_o meet_v with_o different_a original_n and_o a_o little_a after_o say_v the_o genealogy_n of_o gibeon_n and_o other_o be_v twice_o and_o diverse_o repeat_v because_o esdras_n find_v different_a register_n of_o each_o genealogy_n and_o in_o copy_v they_o out_o follow_v those_o whereof_o the_o great_a number_n do_v agree_v but_o when_o the_o number_n of_o differ_v genealogy_n be_v equal_a he_o write_v after_o the_o original_a of_o both_o so_o that_o it_o appear_v by_o rabbi_n solomon_n own_o confession_n these_o book_n be_v copy_v from_o uncertain_a and_o imperfect_a original_n the_o commentator_n themselves_o many_o time_n do_v nothing_o more_o than_o show_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o error_n and_o i_o believe_v that_o no_o person_n of_o any_o sound_a judgement_n can_v think_v that_o the_o sacred_a historian_n do_v write_v purposely_o to_o contradict_v themselves_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v i_o go_v about_o to_o overthrow_v the_o scripture_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o suspect_v that_o it_o be_v every_o where_o faulty_a but_o i_o have_v prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o i_o hereby_o vindicate_v the_o scripture_n and_o provide_v against_o the_o adulterate_n and_o corrupt_v thereof_o in_o those_o place_n which_o be_v clear_a and_o true_a it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o some_o place_n be_v faulty_a therefore_o all_o must_v be_v so_o because_o every_o book_n be_v in_o some_o place_n false_a it_o be_v no_o good_a ground_n to_o conclude_v it_o be_v no_o where_o true_a especial_o when_o the_o style_n of_o it_o be_v perspicuous_a and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n perfect_o know_v so_o much_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v easy_o conclude_v that_o before_o the_o time_n of_o judas_n macchâ—bâ—us_n no_o book_n be_v esteem_v canonical_a but_o those_o which_o we_o now_o have_v from_o the_o pharisee_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n who_o likewise_o institute_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n these_o book_n be_v select_v from_o many_o other_o and_o only_o by_o their_o decree_n receive_v into_o the_o canon_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v demonstrate_v the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v bind_v to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o every_o particular_a book_n the_o prove_v any_o one_o to_o be_v divine_a be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o all_o unless_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o council_n of_o the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o err_v which_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v good_a the_o reason_n which_o incline_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o none_o but_o the_o pharisee_n choose_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o make_v they_o sacred_a by_o canon_n be_v because_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n declare_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a which_o the_o zadduce_n utter_o deny_v moreover_o in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o sabbath_n chap._n 2._o fol._n 30._o parag_n the_o 2_o d_o rabbi_n jehuda_n say_v the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n endeavour_v to_o suppress_v the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n because_o many_o expression_n in_o it_o be_v contrary_a which_o observe_v to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v not_o suppress_v be_v because_o it_o begin_v and_o end_v according_a to_o the_o law_n a_o little_a after_o he_o say_v they_o will_v also_o have_v conceal_v the_o book_n of_o proverb_n and_o last_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o treatise_n fol._n 13_o the_o these_o be_v his_o word_n true_o i_o name_v the_o man_n for_o kindness_n sake_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o
a_o treatise_n partly_o theological_a and_o partly_o political_a contain_v some_o few_o discourse_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o liberty_n of_o philosophize_v that_o be_v make_v use_v of_o natural_a reason_n may_v be_v allow_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o piety_n or_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o any_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o the_o loss_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o religion_n itself_o must_v necessary_o follow_v where_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o reason_v be_v take_v away_o john_n epist._n 1_o sy_n chap._n 4_o the_o v_o 13_o the_o hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n translate_v out_o of_o latin._n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1689._o the_o translator_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o gentleman_n that_o turn_v the_o follow_a treatise_n write_v original_o in_o latin_a into_o english_a do_v it_o at_o spare_a hour_n only_o to_o divert_v and_o please_v himself_o and_o therefore_o care_v not_o who_o 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doctrine_n and_o maxim_n be_v which_o have_v of_o late_a year_n be_v broach_v by_o time-serving_a churchman_n and_o mercenary_a lawyer_n for_o which_o they_o just_o deserve_v the_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o mankind_n nothing_o more_o needs_o be_v say_v to_o any_o reader_n than_o to_o desire_v he_o will_v deliberate_o read_v the_o book_n twice_o over_o before_o he_o condemn_v or_o commend_v it_o when_o that_o be_v do_v whether_o he_o like_v or_o dislike_v the_o treatise_n itself_o or_o the_o translation_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o who_o never_o value_v himself_o upon_o other_o people_n opinion_n nor_o do_v ever_o think_v any_o part_n of_o his_o reputation_n depend_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o fool_n or_o knave_n the_o preface_n be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o govern_v all_o their_o affair_n by_o sure_a and_o infallible_a council_n or_o can_v mankind_n always_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o prosperity_n there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o superstition_n but_o because_o man_n many_o time_n fall_v into_o straits_n out_o of_o which_o no_o council_n can_v deliver_v they_o and_o by_o immoderate_o covet_v the_o uncertain_a good_n of_o fortune_n miserable_o fluctuate_v between_o hope_n and_o fear_n those_o two_o passion_n easy_o drive_v the_o doubtful_a mind_n of_o man_n hither_o and_o thither_o render_v it_o prone_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n whereas_o otherwise_o it_o be_v over_o confident_a proud_a and_o vainglorious_a and_o of_o this_o though_o few_o know_v themselves_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o body_n ignorant_a do_v we_o not_o daily_o see_v many_o weak_a man_n during_o prosperity_n so_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n that_o they_o think_v council_n a_o affront_n but_o in_o adversity_n when_o they_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v themselves_o beg_v every_o body_n advice_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o be_v it_o never_o so_o vain_a foolish_a and_o absurd_a which_o they_o will_v not_o follow_v upon_o very_o light_a ground_n they_o will_v also_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o present_o again_o fear_v the_o worst_a whatever_o happen_v during_o their_o fear_n which_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o any_o past_a good_a or_o evil_n that_o they_o think_v prognosticate_v good_a or_o bad_a fortune_n and_o though_o they_o be_v a_o hundred_o time_n deceive_v count_v it_o a_o lucky_a or_o unlucky_a omen_n whatever_o be_v strange_a and_o unwonted_a beget_v their_o wonder_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o prodigy_n say_v it_o portend_v almighty_a god_n anger_n for_o the_o pacification_n whereof_o man_n give_v up_o to_o superstition_n but_o enemy_n to_o true_a religion_n think_v it_o horrible_a impiety_n not_o to_o make_v prayer_n and_o oblation_n and_o to_o that_o end_n fancy_v a_o thousand_o thing_n as_o if_o nature_n itself_o be_v as_o perfect_o distract_v as_o they_o make_v strange_a interpretation_n of_o her_o mean_v this_o then_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n we_o find_v those_o person_n most_o addict_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o superstition_n who_o greedy_o desire_v those_o thing_n with_o be_v uncertain_a and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o can_v help_v themselves_o with_o vow_n and_o womanish_a tear_n implore_v divine_a assistance_n call_v reason_n because_o it_o can_v show_v they_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o the_o vanity_n they_o desire_v blind_a and_o human_a wisdom_n folly_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a believe_v dream_n dotage_n of_o the_o imagination_n and_o childish_a folly_n to_o be_v divine_a oracle_n say_v that_o god_n despise_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o have_v not_o write_v his_o will_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o on_o the_o entrail_n of_o beast_n and_o that_o idiot_n lunatic_n and_o bird_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o instinct_n can_v foretell_v his_o decree_n so_o mad_a have_v fear_n make_v men._n and_o as_o superstition_n have_v its_o original_a from_o fear_n so_o be_v it_o keep_v up_o and_o continue_v by_o it_o of_o which_o truth_n if_o any_o man_n desire_v beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v any_o particular_a example_n let_v he_o read_v the_o 5_o the_o book_n and_o 4_o the_o decade_n of_o quintus_n curtius_n where_o he_o will_v find_v alexander_n the_o great_a apply_v himself_o to_o diviner_n and_o prophet_n when_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o doubt_v his_o fortune_n at_o the_o straits_n of_o susa_n but_o after_o the_o conquest_n of_o darius_n never_o more_o consult_v they_o till_o terrify_v with_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o bactrian_n and_o with_o the_o scythian_n provoke_v he_o to_o battle_n when_o he_o lie_v wound_v he_o return_v again_o to_o the_o folly_n of_o human_a superstition_n and_o command_v aristander_n to_o who_o he_o give_v much_o credit_n to_o inquire_v by_o sacrifice_n what_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o event_n of_o his_o affair_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n many_o example_n may_v be_v produce_v all_o which_o will_v clear_o show_v that_o man_n be_v most_o trouble_v with_o superstitious_a fancy_n during_o their_o fear_n and_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v so_o vain_o and_o religious_o revere_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o false_a representation_n and_o dotage_n of_o a_o melancholy_a and_o timorous_a mind_n and_o last_o that_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o prediction_n be_v much_o in_o request_n with_o the_o common_a people_n and_o most_o fear_v by_o king_n and_o prince_n when_o a_o kingdom_n be_v in_o any_o great_a distress_n or_o calamity_n but_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o vulgar_o know_v i_o pass_v they_o by_o fear_v then_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o superstition_n it_o clear_o follow_v that_o all_o man_n be_v natural_o incline_v and_o subject_a to_o it_o whatever_o other_o say_v who_o think_v it_o proceed_v from_o a_o certain_a imperfect_a confuse_a knowledge_n man_n have_v of_o a_o deity_n it_o follow_v likewise_o that_o superstition_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v very_o various_a and_o inconstant_a because_o all_o ridiculous_a folly_n of_o the_o mind_n fit_v of_o frenzy_n yea_o superstition_n itself_o can_v be_v maintain_v but_o by_o hope_n hatred_n anger_n and_o deceit_n it_o proceed_v not_o from_o reason_n but_o passion_n and_o that_o too_o very_o violent_a as_o therefore_o man_n easy_o fall_v into_o all_o sort_n of_o superstition_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o make_v they_o continue_v in_o any_o one_o kind_a because_o the_o common_a people_n be_v all_o time_n alike_o miserable_a be_v never_o long_o quiet_a but_o still_o most_o please_v with_o that_o which_o be_v new_a and_o never_o yet_o deceive_v they_o which_o inconstancy_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o many_o tumult_n and_o cruel_a war_n and_o as_o quintus_fw-la curtius_n in_o his_o 4_o the_o book_n and_o 10_o the_o decad_n have_v very_o well_o observe_v nothing_o so_o absolute_o govern_v the_o
wrought_v upon_o his_o fancy_n for_o be_v thrice_o call_v samuel_n still_o think_v it_o be_v by_o ely_n the_o voice_n which_o abimelech_n hear_v be_v imaginary_a for_o it_o say_v gen._n chap._n 20._o v._n 6_o god_n say_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o dream_n and_o therefore_o abimelech_n not_o wake_v but_o in_o his_o sleep_n the_o time_n when_o the_o fancy_n be_v natural_o most_o apt_a to_o imagine_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a impression_n of_o god_n will_v upon_o his_o imagination_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o jew_n that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o decalogue_n be_v not_o vocal_o pronounce_v by_o god_n but_o that_o the_o israelite_n only_o hear_v a_o noise_n which_o do_v not_o articulate_o form_v word_n but_o that_o the_o people_n during_o the_o noise_n mental_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o the_o decalogue_n which_o be_v once_o also_o my_o own_o opinion_n because_o i_o find_v the_o word_n of_o the_o decalogue_n in_o exodus_fw-la to_o differ_v from_o those_o of_o the_o decalogue_n in_o deutronomy_n whence_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o follow_v see_v god_n speak_v but_o once_o that_o the_o decalogue_n be_v not_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o contain_v the_o sense_n or_o signification_n of_o his_o will._n but_o unless_o we_o will_v wrest_v the_o scripture_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o israelite_n do_v hear_v a_o real_a and_o true_a voice_n for_o the_o 4_o the_o vers_n of_o the_o 5_o the_o chap._n of_o deut._n say_v the_o lord_n talk_v with_o you_o face_n to_o face_n in_o the_o mount_n that_o be_v as_o two_o man_n use_v personal_o and_o corporal_o to_o communicate_v their_o conception_n one_o to_o another_o therefore_o it_o seem_v much_o more_o consonant_a to_o scripture_n that_o god_n do_v real_o create_v a_o voice_n by_o which_o he_o reveal_v the_o decalogue_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o word_n of_o the_o two_o decalogue_n vary_v may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o 8_o the_o follow_a chapter_n of_o this_o book_n yet_o that_o neither_o full_o solve_v the_o doubt_n for_o it_o seem_v very_o irrational_a to_o conclude_v that_o any_o thing_n create_v by_o and_o depend_v on_o god_n as_o all_o other_o create_v being_n do_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o express_v or_o expound_v the_o essence_n or_o existence_n of_o god_n personal_o viz._n by_o say_v in_o the_o first_o person_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n though_o where_o a_o man_n say_v with_o his_o mouth_n i_o understand_v yet_o no_o body_n think_v it_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o that_o man_n but_o his_o mind_n that_o understand_v but_o because_o the_o mouth_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o man_n that_o say_v it_o and_o the_o person_n also_o to_o who_o it_o be_v say_v know_v what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o intellect_n he_o easy_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o speak_a person_n by_o a_o comparative_a consideration_n of_o himself_o but_o they_o who_o know_v nothing_o of_o god_n but_o his_o mere_a name_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o speak_v that_o they_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o his_o existence_n how_o can_v they_o be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o request_n by_o any_o creature_n say_v i_o be_o thy_o god_n when_o that_o creature_n which_o say_v so_o do_v no_o more_o resemble_v god_n nor_o belong_v to_o his_o nature_n than_o any_o other_o creature_n do_v what_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v frame_v the_o lip_n of_o moses_n yea_o of_o any_o beast_n to_o have_v articulat_o pronounce_v and_o speak_v those_o word_n i_o be_o thy_o god_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o israelite_n shall_v thereby_o have_v understand_v the_o be_v and_o existence_n of_o god_n moreover_o the_o scripture_n seem_v plain_o to_o declare_v that_o god_n himself_o speak_v and_o for_o that_o end_n descend_v from_o heaven_n down_o upon_o mount_n sinai_n and_o that_o not_o only_o the_o jew_n hear_v he_o speak_v but_o also_o the_o noble_n and_o elder_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o 24_o the_o c._n of_o ex._n neither_o do_v the_o law_n reveal_v to_o moses_n to_o or_o from_o which_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v add_v or_o take_v away_o and_o be_v the_o establish_v law_n of_o the_o country_n ever_o command_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v god_n to_o be_v incorporeal_a and_o to_o have_v no_o shape_n or_o figure_n but_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o shall_v worship_v he_o only_o and_o that_o the_o jew_n may_v not_o depart_v from_o his_o worship_n he_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o fancy_v or_o make_v any_o likeness_n or_o image_n of_o he_o for_o since_o they_o have_v never_o see_v any_o likeness_n of_o god_n they_o can_v make_v no_o image_n which_o will_v resemble_v god_n but_o necessary_o some_o other_o creature_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o so_o bestow_v the_o worship_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n upon_o that_o creature_n the_o scripture_n express_o declare_v god_n to_o have_v figure_n and_o that_o moses_n when_o he_o hear_v god_n speak_v happen_v to_o see_v it_o though_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o his_o back_n part_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o hide_a mystery_n of_o which_o we_o will_v hereafter_o speak_v more_o at_o large_a i_o will_v now_o go_v on_o to_o quote_v those_o place_n which_o declare_v the_o mean_n whereby_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o decree_n to_o men._n that_o revelation_n may_v happen_v only_o by_o sign_n or_o figure_n be_v plain_a by_o the_o 21_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o 1_o st_z book_n of_o chron._n where_o god_n declare_v his_o anger_n to_o david_n by_o a_o angel_n hold_v a_o draw_a sword_n in_o his_o hand_n in_o like_a manner_n to_o balaam_n and_o though_o maimonides_n and_o some_o other_o will_v have_v it_o think_v that_o in_o this_o story_n and_o all_o other_o which_o relate_v the_o appear_v of_o angel_n as_o to_o manoah_n and_o to_o abraham_n when_o he_o will_v have_v sacrifice_v his_o son_n the_o apparition_n be_v always_o in_o sleep_n not_o that_o any_o man_n broad_a wake_n be_v able_a to_o see_v a_o angel_n yet_o they_o talk_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o they_o mind_v nothing_o else_o but_o strain_v scripture_n to_o countenance_n aristotle_n and_o their_o own_o idle_a figment_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o ridiculous_a god_n reveal_v to_o joseph_n his_o future_a dominion_n by_o image_n that_o be_v not_o real_a and_o external_a but_o internal_a and_o depend_v only_o upon_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o prophet_n by_o sign_n and_o word_n god_n reveal_v to_o josua_n that_o he_o will_v fight_v for_o the_o israelite_n by_o show_v to_o he_o a_o angel_n with_o a_o sword_n in_o his_o hand_n as_o captain_z of_o the_o host_n and_o by_o word_n also_o which_o josua_n hear_v from_o the_o angel_n it_o be_v represent_v to_o isaiah_n by_o figure_n chap._n 6._o that_o god_n providence_n will_v desert_v the_o people_n by_o imagine_v the_o most_o holy_a god_n on_o a_o very_a high_a throne_n and_o the_o israelite_n pollute_v and_o plunge_v in_o the_o filth_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o god_n by_o which_o sign_n he_o understand_v the_o present_a miserable_a state_n of_o the_o people_n but_o their_o future_a calamity_n be_v reveal_v to_o he_o by_o word_n speak_v as_o it_o be_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o of_o this_o kind_n i_o can_v bring_v many_o example_n out_o of_o sacred_a writ_n be_v they_o not_o so_o general_o know_v to_o all_o but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v more_o clear_o prove_v by_o the_o text_n itself_o in_o the_o 12_o the_o chap._n numb_a v_o 6_o 7._o if_o there_o be_v a_o prophet_n among_o you_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v myself_o know_v to_o he_o in_o a_o vision_n that_o be_v by_o sign_n and_o hieroglyphic_n but_o as_o for_o the_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v vision_n without_o sign_n and_o will_v make_v myself_o know_v to_o he_o in_o a_o dream_n that_o be_v not_o in_o a_o true_a real_a voice_n and_o word_n but_o to_o my_o servant_n moses_n not_o so_o with_o he_o will_v i_o speak_v mouth_n to_o mouth_n even_o apparent_o and_o not_o in_o dark_a speech_n and_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v he_o behold_v that_o be_v behold_v i_o as_o a_o friend_n and_o companion_n speak_v to_o i_o without_o fear_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 33._o chap._n of_o exod._n v._n 11._o therefore_o without_o doubt_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o hear_v a_o true_a and_o real_a voice_n which_o yet_o more_o evident_o appear_v out_o of_o the_o 34._o chap._n of_o deu._n v._n 10._o and_o there_o arise_v not_o a_o prophet_n since_o in_o israel_n like_v unto_o moses_n who_o the_o lord_n know_v face_n to_o face_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v by_o voice_n only_o for_o moses_n himself_o as_o the_o 33._o chap._n of_o exod._n plain_o declare_v do_v never_o
see_v god_n face_n beside_o these_o way_n and_o mean_n i_o have_v mention_v i_o find_v no_o other_o in_o sacred_a sripture_n whereby_o god_n have_v communicate_v himself_o to_o man_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v no_o other_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v or_o admit_v and_o though_o we_o may_v clear_o understand_v that_o god_n may_v immediate_o communicate_v himself_o to_o man_n for_o he_o without_o use_v any_o corporeal_a mean_n do_v communicate_v his_o essence_n to_o our_o mind_n yet_o that_o any_o man_n by_o the_o mind_n alone_o shall_v comprehend_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n nor_o can_v be_v deduce_v from_o they_o must_v necessary_o argue_v that_o that_o man_n mind_n be_v far_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a than_o any_o human_a understanding_n wherefore_o i_o believe_v never_o any_o man_n arrive_v to_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o perfection_n above_o other_o beside_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v immediate_o reveal_v so_o that_o god_n do_v manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v before_o to_o moses_n by_o a_o aereal_a voice_n and_o therefore_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n like_o that_o which_o moses_n hear_v may_v be_v call_v the_o voice_n of_o god._n and_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o we_o may_v say_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n viz._n wisdom_n more_o than_o human_a assume_v human_a nature_n in_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o way_n to_o salvation_n but_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a for_o i_o here_o to_o declare_v that_o some_o thing_n which_o some_o church_n determine_v and_o maintain_v concern_v christ_n i_o do_v neither_o assert_v nor_o deny_v for_o i_o ingenuous_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v affirm_v i_o have_v collect_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o i_o have_v no_o where_o read_v that_o god_n appear_v or_o speak_v to_o christ_n but_o that_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o the_o apostle_n by_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o way_n to_o salvation_n and_o last_o that_o the_o old_a law_n be_v not_o deliver_v immediate_o by_o god_n but_o by_o a_o angel._n wherefore_o if_o moses_n speak_v to_o god_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n use_v to_o do_v with_o his_o friend_n that_o be_v by_o the_o mediation_n of_o two_o body_n christ_n commune_v with_o god_n mental_o or_o mind_n to_o mind_n i_o do_v therefore_o maintain_v that_o beside_o christ_n no_o man_n ever_o reeive_v any_o revelation_n from_o god_n but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o imagination_n or_o by_o the_o help_n of_o word_n or_o sign_n and_o therefore_o to_o prophesy_v there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o need_v of_o a_o perfect_a understanding_n as_o of_o a_o lively_a imagination_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n we_o be_v now_o to_o inquire_v what_o the_o scripture_n mean_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n infuse_v into_o the_o prophet_n or_o the_o prophet_n speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o phrase_n and_o expression_n it_o be_v first_o necessary_a to_o search_v what_o the_o hebrew_n word_n ruagh_n signify_v which_o the_o vulgar_a interpret_v spirit_n the_o word_n ruagh_n in_o its_o proper_a and_o genuine_a sense_n signify_v wind_n but_o be_v very_o frequent_o use_v to_o signify_v many_o other_o thing_n which_o nevertheless_o be_v derive_v from_o wind_n for_o sometime_o it_o signify_v breath_n psal._n 135._o v_o 17_o the_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o breath_n in_o their_o mouth_n second_o it_o signify_v life_n or_o respiration_n 1_o sy_n book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 30._o v._n 12._o his_o spirit_n come_v again_o to_o he_o that_o be_v he_o breathe_v three_o it_o be_v take_v for_o courage_n and_o strength_n josu._n chap._n 11_o the_o v_o 11_o the_o there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n leave_v to_o breath_n ezek._n chap._n 2._o v._n 2._o and_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v strength_n enter_v into_o i_o and_o set_v i_o upon_o my_o foot_n four_o it_o be_v take_v for_o virtue_n and_o fitness_n job._n chap._n 32._o v._n 8._o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o man_n that_o be_v as_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n wisdom_n and_o understanding_n but_o be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o age_a for_o i_o now_o find_v it_o depend_v upon_o the_o particular_a qualification_n and_o capacity_n of_o a_o man._n so_o in_o the_o 27._o chap._n of_o numb_a v_o 8._o take_v thou_o josua_n the_o son_n of_o nun_n a_o man_n in_o who_o be_v the_o spirit_n five_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o man_n opinion_n numb_a chap._n 14_o v._n 24._o because_o he_o have_v another_o spirit_n with_o he_o proverb_n chap._n 1_o sy_n v_o 23._o i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v my_o mind_n unto_o you_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o will_n purpose_n or_o resolution_n the_o appetite_n the_o desire_n and_o the_o anger_n or_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n ezek._n chap._n 1._o v._n 12._o they_o go_v every_o one_o straight_o forward_o whether_o the_o spirit_n or_o their_o will_n be_v to_o go_v they_o went._n isaiah_n chap._n 30._o v._n 1._o that_o take_v council_n but_o not_o of_o i_o that_o cover_v with_o a_o cover_v but_o not_o of_o my_o spirit_n isai._n chap._n 29._o v._n 10._o the_o lord_n have_v pour_v out_o upon_o you_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o deep_a sleep_n judge_n chap._n 8._o v._n 3._o then_o their_o spirit_n that_o be_v anger_n be_v abate_v towards_o he_o prov._n chap._n 16._o v._n 32._o he_o that_o rule_v his_o spirit_n that_o be_v his_o appetite_n be_v better_a than_o he_o that_o take_v a_o city_n prov._n chap._n 25._o v._n 28._o he_o that_o have_v no_o rule_n over_o his_o own_o spirit_n be_v like_o a_o city_n break_v down_o isai._n chap._n 33._o v._n 11._o your_o spirit_n in_o the_o english_a translation_n breath_n as_o fire_n shall_v devour_v you_o moreover_o this_o word_n ruagh_n as_o it_o signify_v the_o mind_n so_o do_v it_o serve_v to_o express_v the_o passion_n and_o sometime_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o mind_n a_o high_a spirit_n signify_v pride_n a_o lowly_a spirit_n humilit_o a_o evil_a spirit_n hatred_n and_o melancholy_a a_o good_a spirit_n kindness_n and_o benignity_n the_o spirit_n of_o jealousy_n the_o spirit_n of_o fornication_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n council_n fortitude_n which_o because_o in_o hebrew_n substantive_n be_v often_o use_v than_o adjective_n signify_v a_o wise_a prudent_a valiant_a mind_n six_o it_o signify_v the_o life_n or_o soul_n eccles._n chap._n 3._o v._n two_o spiritus_fw-la idem_fw-la est_fw-la omnibus_fw-la the_o same_o breath_n be_v to_o all_o and_o the_o spirit_n return_v to_o god_n that_o give_v it_o last_o it_o signisy_n the_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n from_o whence_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o likewise_o the_o side_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o stand_v towards_o those_o quarter_n as_o appear_v ezek._n chap_n 37._o v._n 9_o and_o chap._n 42._o v._n 16,17,18,19_o etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v attribute_v to_o god_n and_o say_v to_o be_v god_n first_o because_o it_o pertain_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n as_o when_o we_o say_v the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o eye_n of_o god._n second_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o act_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n so_o in_o scripture_n the_o heaven_n be_v call_v the_o heaven_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v his_o chariot_n and_o place_n of_o abide_v assyria_n be_v call_v the_o scourge_n of_o god_n and_o nebuchadnezzer_n the_o servant_n of_o god._n three_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v dedicate_v to_o god_n as_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n the_o nazarite_n of_o god_n the_o bread_n of_o god._n four_o that_o which_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o not_o reveal_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n therefore_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o god._n five_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v superlative_o express_v as_o the_o mountain_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o high_a hill_n the_o sleep_n of_o god_n that_o be_v deep_a sleep_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o 11_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 4_o the_o chap._n of_o amos_n where_o god_n say_v i_o have_v overthrow_v some_o of_o you_o as_o god_n overthrow_v sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n that_o be_v like_o that_o memorable_a overthrow_n for_o see_v god_n himself_o speak_v it_o can_v otherwise_o be_v proper_o express_v the_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o solomon_n be_v call_v divine_a and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v so_o much_o above_o that_o which_o be_v
the_o 12_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 7_o the_o chapter_n of_o zachary_n they_o make_v their_o heart_n as_o a_o adamant_n stone_n lest_o they_o shall_v hear_v the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n have_v send_v in_o his_o spirit_n by_o the_o former_a prophet_n where_o spirit_n must_v signify_v mercy_n in_o this_o sense_n speak_v also_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n chap._n 2._o v._n 5._o loe_o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v my_o grace_n and_o mercy_n remain_v among_o you_o fear_v you_o not_o isa._n chap._n 48._o v._n 16._o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o spirit_n have_v send_v i_o there_o spirit_n may_v be_v understand_v to_o signify_v the_o will_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o his_o mind_n reveal_v in_o the_o law_n for_o the_o prophet_n say_v from_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v when_o he_o first_o come_v to_o declare_v god_n wrath_n and_o judgement_n against_o they_o he_o speak_v not_o in_o secret_a from_o the_o time_n that_o it_o be_v publish_v there_o be_v i_o but_o now_o i_o be_o a_o messenger_n of_o joy_n send_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o proclaim_v your_o restauration_n it_o may_v also_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v take_v for_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o law_n that_o be_v he_o by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n levit._n chap._n 19_o v._n 17._o come_v to_o admonish_v they_o therefore_o under_o the_o same_o condition_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o warn_v as_o moses_n do_v and_o at_o last_o like_o moses_n end_n with_o predict_v their_o restauration_n but_o in_o my_o opinion_n the_o first_o exposition_n seem_v the_o best_a to_o return_v to_o what_o be_v first_o intend_v by_o all_o these_o quotation_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o follow_v plain_a phrase_n of_o scripture_n the_o prophet_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god._n god_n pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o men._n man_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n signify_v nothing_o more_o then_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v some_o particular_a extraordinary_a virtue_n above_o other_o man_n and_o be_v person_n very_o eminent_a for_o their_o constant_a piety_n moreover_o that_o they_o understand_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n signify_v both_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o mind_n yea_o the_o law_n because_o it_o make_v know_v god_n mind_n be_v call_v the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o prophet_n forasmuch_o as_o by_o it_o the_o decree_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v may_v likewise_o be_v call_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o the_o prophet_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o though_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v write_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n be_v engrave_v on_o our_o heart_n and_o consequent_o to_o use_v the_o scripture_n phrase_n we_o also_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o natural_a knowledge_n be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n it_o be_v very_o little_o esteem_v and_o the_o jew_n who_o value_v themselves_o above_o all_o other_o nation_n extreme_o despise_v it_o because_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n last_o the_o prophet_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n because_o man_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o cause_n of_o prophetical_a knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o only_o admire_v it_o but_o as_o they_o do_v all_o other_o strange_a and_o unusual_a thing_n ascribe_v it_o to_o god_n as_o the_o immediate_a author_n of_o it_o we_o may_v then_o without_o any_o scruple_n affirm_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v no_o other_o way_n understand_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n then_o by_o the_o help_n of_o imagination_n that_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o word_n or_o sign_n and_o these_o either_o real_a or_o imaginary_a for_o see_v we_o find_v in_o scripture_n no_o other_o mean_n beside_o these_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o suppose_v or_o fancy_v any_o other_o but_o by_o what_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v do_v i_o confess_v i_o be_o utter_o ignorant_a i_o may_v with_o other_o say_v it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o it_o will_v be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o no_o more_o than_o if_o i_o shall_v by_o some_o unintelligible_a term_n express_v the_o form_n of_o any_o thing_n all_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o therefore_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o power_n of_o god_n because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o natural_a cause_n and_o we_o very_o foolish_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n when_o we_o know_v not_o the_o natural_a cause_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v when_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n power_n but_o we_o have_v now_o no_o need_n of_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o prophetical_a knowledge_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v we_o only_o endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o from_o thence_o as_o from_o the_o precept_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v know_v our_o duty_n but_o with_o the_o cause_n of_o scripture-doctrine_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v see_v then_o the_o prophet_n by_o the_o help_n of_o imagination_n understand_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n reveal_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o perceive_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o extent_n of_o natural_a understanding_n for_o from_o word_n and_o sign_n many_o more_o idea_n may_v be_v form_v then_o can_v be_v only_o out_o of_o those_o principle_n and_o notion_n upon_o which_o all_o our_o natural_a knowledge_n be_v found_v hence_o it_o be_v evident_a why_o the_o prophet_n perceive_v and_o declare_v all_o thing_n parabolical_o and_o in_o dark_a speech_n and_o express_v all_o spiritual_a thing_n after_o a_o corporal_a manner_n because_o that_o do_v better_a suit_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o imagination_n neither_o can_v we_o now_o wonder_v why_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o prophet_n speak_v so_o improper_o and_o obscure_o of_o the_o spirit_n or_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o numb_a chap._n 11._o v._n 17._o i_o will_v come_v down_o and_o talk_v with_o thou_o there_o and_o i_o will_v take_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o put_v it_o on_o they_o likewise_o in_o the_o 1_o sy_n book_n of_o king_n chap._n 22._o v._n 11._o and_o zedekiah_n the_o son_n of_o chenaanah_n make_v he_o horn_n of_o iron_n and_o he_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n with_o these_o shall_v thou_o push_v the_o syrian_n till_o thou_o have_v consume_v they_o michah_n see_v god_n sit_v daniel_n see_v he_o like_o a_o old_a man_n clothe_v in_o white_a garment_n ezekiel_n like_o fire_n and_o they_o who_o be_v with_o christ_n descend_v like_o a_o dove_n the_o apostle_n like_o cleave_a tongue_n and_o paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n like_o a_o great_a light_n all_o which_o vision_n agree_v with_o those_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n which_o the_o vulgar_a have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o spirit_n last_o because_o the_o imagination_n be_v wander_v and_o unconstant_a prophecy_n do_v not_o long_o continue_v with_o the_o prophet_n nor_o be_v it_o frequent_v but_o very_o rare_a and_o as_o there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o that_o have_v it_o so_o likewise_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o we_o be_v now_o to_o inquire_v how_o the_o prophet_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o perceive_v only_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o imagination_n and_o not_o by_o the_o certain_a principle_n of_o mental_a knowledge_n but_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v this_o particular_a aught_o to_o be_v fetch_v from_o scripture_n though_o as_o we_o have_v already_o confess_v we_o have_v no_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o can_v explain_v it_o by_o its_o first_o cause_n however_o what_o the_o scripture_n declare_v concern_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o will_v show_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n wherein_o i_o resolve_v to_o treat_v of_o prophet_n chap._n ii_o of_o prophet_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o precede_a chapter_n that_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o endue_v with_o perfection_n of_o mind_n above_o other_o man_n but_o only_o with_o strength_n and_o vivacity_n of_o imagination_n which_o scripture-history_n abundant_o testify_v solomon_n excel_v all_o other_o in_o wisdom_n but_o not_o in_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n heman_n darda_fw-it kalcoll_n though_o man_n very_o wise_a yet_o be_v no_o prophet_n when_o plain_a countryman_n who_o have_v no_o learning_n yea_o woman_n as_o hagar_n abraham_n maid_n have_v that_o gift_n which_o be_v agreeable_a both_o to_o
chap._n 1_o sy_n v_o 10_o 11._o god_n there_o reprove_v the_o jew_n say_v who_o be_v there_o even_o among_o you_o that_o will_v have_v shut_v the_o door_n for_o nought_o meaning_n of_o the_o temple_n neither_o do_v you_o kindle_v fire_n on_o my_o altar_n for_o nought_o i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o you_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n neither_o will_v i_o accept_v a_o offer_n at_o your_o hand_n for_o from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o my_o name_n and_o a_o pure_a offering_n for_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o heathen_a say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n which_o word_n sufficient_o testify_v unless_o we_o wrest_v their_o sense_n that_o at_o that_o time_n the_o jew_n be_v not_o more_o belove_v of_o god_n than_o other_o nation_n that_o god_n be_v make_v know_v more_o to_o other_o nation_n by_o miracle_n than_o he_o be_v at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o jew_n who_o then_o without_o miracle_n recover_v again_o in_o part_n their_o government_n and_o that_o other_o nation_n have_v religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n wherewith_o god_n be_v well_o please_v but_o these_o thing_n i_o pass_v by_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n to_o have_v show_v that_o the_o election_n of_o the_o jew_n concern_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o temporal_a well_o fare_v of_o their_o body_n their_o liberty_n government_n or_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v erect_v consequent_o their_o law_n as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o establishment_n of_o that_o particular_a kind_n of_o government_n and_o last_o the_o manner_n how_o those_o law_n be_v reveal_v but_o as_o to_o all_o other_o thing_n wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n life_n consist_v they_o be_v but_o equal_a to_o other_o nation_n see_v then_o the_o scripture_n deut._n chap._n 4._o v._n 7._o say_v that_o no_o nation_n have_v god_n so_o nigh_o unto_o they_o as_o the_o jew_n that_o must_v be_v understand_v only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o government_n and_o of_o that_o time_n only_o in_o which_o so_o many_o miracle_n happen_v but_o in_o respect_n of_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v true_a happiness_n god_n as_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v be_v equal_o gracious_a to_o all_o man_n which_o be_v evident_a in_o scripture_n for_o the_o psalmist_n say_v psal._n 145._o v_o 18._o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n also_o in_o the_o same_o psal._n v._n 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n psal._n 33._o v_o 15._o he_o fashion_v man_n heart_n alike_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o expression_n be_v that_o god_n give_v to_o all_o mankind_n the_o same_o intellect_n for_o among_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v the_o heart_n be_v believe_v to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o understanding_n it_o appear_v job_n chap._n 28._o v._n 28._o that_o the_o law_n prescribe_v by_o god_n to_o all_o mankind_n be_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n depart_v from_o evil_n and_o to_o do_v well_o and_o therefore_o job_n though_o a_o gentile_a be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o excel_v in_o religion_n and_o piety_n last_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o 4_o the_o chap._n of_o jonah_n v_o 21._o that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o to_o the_o jew_n but_o to_o all_o man_n gracious_a merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a kindness_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o moses_n exod._n chap._n 34._o v._n 6._o so_o that_o jonah_n say_v he_o flee_v to_o tarshish_n because_o he_o know_v god_n be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a will_v pardon_v the_o ninevite_n who_o be_v gentiles_n we_o then_o conclude_v see_v god_n be_v equal_o good_a to_o all_o mankind_n and_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v only_o choose_v by_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o society_n and_o government_n that_o every_o particular_a jew_n consider_v as_o a_o person_n out_o of_o that_o common-weath_a and_o government_n have_v no_o gift_n of_o god_n above_o other_o man_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o a_o jew_n and_o a_o gentile_a if_o god_n be_v equal_o good_a and_o gracious_a to_o all_o man_n and_o that_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o particular_a law_n of_o their_o country_n as_o to_o teach_v they_o the_o way_n to_o good_a and_o virtuous_a live_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o all_o nation_n have_v their_o prophet_n and_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o profane_a as_o well_o as_o by_o sacred_a history_n though_o in_o the_o sacred_a history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o do_v not_o plain_o appear_v that_o other_o nation_n have_v so_o many_o prophet_n as_o the_o jew_n or_o that_o any_o gentile_a prophet_n be_v express_o send_v by_o god_n to_o other_o nation_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v infer_v from_o thence_o because_o the_o jew_n only_o take_v care_n to_o write_v the_o history_n of_o their_o own_o affair_n and_o not_o of_o other_o nation_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o find_v that_o gentile_n and_o man_n uncircumcised_a as_o noah_n enoch_n abimeleck_n and_o balaam_n do_v prophesy_v and_o that_o also_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n be_v not_o only_o send_v by_o god_n to_o their_o own_o people_n but_o likewise_o to_o other_o nation_n ezekiel_n prophesy_v to_o all_o the_o nation_n know_v in_o his_o time_n and_o obadiah_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v to_o none_o but_o the_o edomite_n jonah_n be_v a_o prophet_n chief_o to_o the_o ninevite_n isaiah_n do_v not_o only_o lament_v and_o foretell_v the_o calamity_n and_o prophesy_v the_o restauration_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o also_o of_o other_o nation_n for_o he_o say_v chap._n 16._o v._n 9_o therefore_o will_v i_o bewail_v with_o the_o weep_n of_o jazer_n in_o chap._n 19_o he_o first_o foretell_v the_o calamity_n and_o afterward_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o egyptian_n in_o the_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 25._o verse_n he_o tell_v they_o god_n will_v send_v they_o a_o saviour_n and_o will_v deliver_v they_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v know_v to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v worship_v god_n by_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n and_o last_o he_o call_v egypt_n the_o bless_a people_n of_o god_n all_o which_o be_v very_o worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n last_o jeremy_n be_v not_o only_o a_o prophet_n to_o the_o jew_n but_o be_v in_o express_a term_n call_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o nation_n jerem._n chap._n 1_o sy_n v_o 5._o before_o thou_o come_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n i_o sanctify_v thou_o and_o ordain_v thou_o a_o prophet_n to_o the_o nation_n he_o prophetical_o be_v wail_v and_o foretell_v the_o restauration_n of_o other_o nation_n he_o say_v chap._n 48._o v._n 31._o therefore_o will_v i_o howl_v for_o moab_n i_o will_v cry_v out_o for_o all_o moab_n and_o v_o 36._o therefore_o my_o heart_n shall_v sound_v for_o moab_n like_o pipe_n and_o afterward_o foretell_v the_o restauration_n of_o the_o egyptian_n the_o amonite_n and_o elamites_n without_o question_v other_o nation_n have_v their_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n though_o the_o scripture_n mention_n only_a balaam_n to_o who_o be_v reveal_v what_o shall_v befall_v other_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v that_o balaam_n never_o prophesy_v till_o he_o be_v send_v for_o by_o balaack_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o story_n that_o he_o be_v famous_a for_o prophesy_v and_o other_o divine_a endowment_n for_o balaack_n say_v to_o he_o numb_a chap._n 22._o v._n 6._o i_o know_v he_o who_o thou_o bless_v be_v bless_v and_o he_o who_o thou_o curse_v be_v curse_v so_o that_o he_o have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o virtue_n which_o god_n gen._n chap._n 12._o v._n 3._o bestow_v upon_o abraham_n balaam_n also_o answer_v balaack_n messenger_n as_o one_o accustom_v to_o prophesy_v for_o he_o bid_v they_o stay_v all_o night_n till_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o he_o when_o he_o prophesy_v that_o be_v make_v know_v what_o be_v true_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n he_o use_v to_o say_v these_o word_n he_o have_v say_v who_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o know_v the._n knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o high_a who_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o the_o almighty_a sall_n into_o a_o trance_n but_o have_v his_o eye_n open_a last_o after_o he_o have_v by_o god_n command_v bless_v the_o israelite_n he_o begin_v as_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o prophesy_v of_o other_o nation_n foretell_v what_o shall_v
and_o clear_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n what_o kind_n of_o history_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n it_o ought_v to_o contain_v come_v now_o to_o be_v declare_v first_o it_o ought_v to_o contain_v the_o nature_n and_o propriety_n of_o that_o language_n in_o which_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v original_o write_v and_o which_o the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n be_v wont_a to_o speak_v that_o so_o all_o the_o sense_n which_o every_o speech_n according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o speak_v will_v bear_v and_o admit_v may_v be_v find_v out_o and_o because_o the_o penman_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v jew_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v above_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o understand_v not_o only_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v write_v in_o hebrew_n but_o also_o of_o the_o new_a for_o though_o some_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v publish_v in_o other_o language_n yet_o they_o be_v full_a of_o hebrewism_n second_o the_o sentence_n of_o every_o book_n aught_o to_o be_v collect_v and_o reduce_v to_o head_n that_o so_o all_o that_o concern_v one_o and_o the_o same_o subject_a may_v be_v easy_o find_v and_o all_o those_o which_o seem_v doubtful_a and_o obscure_a or_o repugnant_a to_o one_o another_o aught_o to_o be_v note_v i_o call_v those_o speech_n clear_a or_o obscure_a who_o sense_n be_v easy_o or_o difficult_o make_v out_o by_o the_o context_n and_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o speech_n easy_o or_o difficult_o perceive_v by_o reason_n for_o only_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o not_o the_o verity_n be_v our_o business_n we_o be_v therefore_o to_o take_v special_a heed_n that_o in_o search_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o do_v not_o suffer_v our_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n to_o be_v prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n and_o likewise_o that_o we_o do_v not_o confound_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o matter_n for_o the_o true_a sense_n be_v to_o be_v find_v out_o only_o by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o language_n or_o by_o such_o a_o way_n of_o reason_v as_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o scripture_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v perfect_o understand_v take_v this_o example_n for_o illustration_n these_o say_n of_o moses_n god_n be_v fire_n and_o god_n be_v jealous_a how_o plain_a and_o clear_a be_v they_o so_o long_o as_o we_o regard_v only_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o reason_n and_o truth_n how_o dark_a and_o obscure_a yea_o though_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v contrary_a to_o natural_a reason_n yet_o unless_o it_o contradict_v any_o fundamental_a principle_n derive_v from_o scripture_n their_o literal_a sense_n be_v still_o to_o be_v retain_v so_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o these_o say_n in_o their_o literal_a construction_n shall_v be_v find_v repugnant_a to_o principle_n deduce_v from_o scripture_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o not_o litteraly_a understand_v to_o know_v then_o whether_o moses_n do_v or_o do_v not_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v fire_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o conclude_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o because_o the_o opinion_n be_v either_o contrary_a or_o consonant_a to_o reason_n but_o it_o must_v be_v gather_v from_o some_o other_o of_o moses_n own_o say_n for_o example_n because_o moses_n in_o very_a many_o place_n have_v plain_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v not_o like_o any_o visible_a thing_n either_o in_o heaven_n earth_n or_o the_o water_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o either_o this_o say_n god_n be_v fire_n or_o else_o all_o his_o other_o say_n be_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o interpret_v but_o because_o we_o ought_v as_o seldom_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o depart_v from_o the_o literal_a sense_n we_o must_v therefore_o inquire_v whether_o this_o saying_n god_n be_v fire_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o sense_n beside_o the_o literal_a that_o be_v whether_o the_o word_n fire_v signify_v any_o other_o thing_n beside_o natural_a fire_n and_o if_o in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n it_o can_v never_o be_v find_v to_o signify_v any_o thing_n else_o than_o this_o say_n of_o moses_n be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v interpret_v though_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n all_o those_o other_o say_n of_o moses_n though_o consentaneous_a to_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v conformable_a and_o accommodate_v to_o this_o but_o if_o the_o common_a use_n of_o the_o language_n will_v not_o suffer_v this_o to_o be_v do_v than_o those_o several_a say_n be_v irreconcilable_a and_o we_o be_v to_o suspend_v our_o judgement_n of_o they_o but_o now_o because_o the_o word_n fire_n be_v also_o take_v for_o anger_n and_o jealousy_n job._n chap._n 31._o v._n 12._o these_o saying_n of_o moses_n be_v easy_o reconcileable_a and_o we_o may_v lawful_o conclude_v that_o these_o two_o sentence_n god_n be_v fire_n and_o god_n be_v jealous_a signify_v both_o the_o same_o thing_n moreover_o because_o moses_n plain_o say_v god_n be_v jealous_a and_o do_v no_o where_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v free_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o moses_n do_v think_v or_o at_o least_o teach_v other_o man_n to_o think_v god_n be_v jealous_a though_o we_o believe_v the_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o reason_n for_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o wrest_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n or_o preconceive_a opinion_n because_o all_o our_o knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v derive_v only_o from_o themselves_o three_o this_o history_n of_o scripture_n aught_o to_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n remain_v with_o we_o as_o may_v inform_v we_o of_o the_o life_n manner_n and_o study_n of_o the_o author_n of_o every_o book_n who_o the_o person_n be_v upon_o what_o occasion_n he_o write_v in_o what_o time_n to_o who_o and_o in_o what_o language_n and_o last_o it_o ought_v to_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o fortune_n of_o every_o book_n how_o it_o be_v first_o receive_v into_o who_o hand_n it_o fall_v how_o many_o various_a reading_n it_o have_v how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v receive_v for_o sacred_a and_o canonical_a and_o last_o how_o all_o the_o several_a book_n come_v together_o into_o one_o volume_n i_o say_v all_o these_o thing_n this_o history_n of_o scripture_n ought_v to_o contain_v to_o know_v what_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o law_n and_o precept_n and_o what_o only_o for_o moral_a doctrine_n it_o be_v very_o expedient_a to_o know_v the_o life_n manner_n and_o study_v of_o the_o author_n beside_o we_o can_v with_o more_o ease_n know_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o man_n word_n when_o we_o know_v his_o genius_n disposition_n and_o ingenuity_n moreover_o that_o we_o may_v not_o confound_v doctrine_n who_o morality_n and_o obligation_n be_v perpetual_a with_o those_o that_o be_v but_o temporary_a and_o of_o use_n only_o to_o some_o particular_a people_n it_o behove_v we_o to_o know_v upon_o what_o occasion_n at_o what_o time_n to_o what_o nation_n in_o what_o age_n all_o these_o instruction_n be_v write_v last_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v know_v beside_o the_o authority_n of_o every_o book_n whether_o the_o book_n have_v be_v adulterate_v or_o at_o least_o whether_o any_o error_n have_v creep_v into_o they_o and_o whether_o they_o have_v be_v correct_v by_o learned_a and_o faithful_a man_n all_o which_o thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v that_o we_o may_v not_o with_o blind_a zeal_n receive_v every_o thing_n obtrude_v upon_o we_o but_o believe_v that_o only_o which_o be_v certain_a plain_a and_o past_o all_o doubt_n after_o we_o have_v such_o a_o history_n of_o scripture_n and_o have_v firm_o resolve_v to_o conclude_v nothing_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o do_v not_o natural_o follow_v or_o may_v be_v clear_o draw_v from_o this_o history_n than_o it_o will_v be_v time_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o search_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o to_o do_v the_o like_a method_n and_o order_n be_v require_v that_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o interpret_n nature_n by_o its_o own_o history_n for_o as_o in_o search_v out_o natural_a thing_n we_o first_o endeavour_v to_o inquire_v concern_v that_o which_o be_v universal_a and_o common_a to_o all_o nature_n as_o motion_n and_o
which_o the_o pharisee_n affirm_v they_o have_v or_o such_o as_o have_v a_o high_a priest_n who_o can_v err_v in_o expound_v scripture_n and_o that_o the_o roman_a catholic_o boast_v of_o their_o pope_n but_o see_v we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o such_o a_o tradition_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o a_o priest_n or_o pope_n we_o can_v build_v upon_o either_o because_o the_o primitive_a christian_n deny_v the_o one_o and_o the_o most_o ancient_a sect_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o other_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o series_n and_o succession_n of_o year_n which_o the_o pharisee_n receive_v from_o their_o rabbi_n by_o which_o they_o carry_v their_o tradition_n as_o high_a as_o moses_n himself_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o false_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o another_o place_n such_o a_o tradition_n therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v much_o suspect_v and_o though_o in_o our_o method_n we_o be_v force_v to_o suppose_v some_o kind_n of_o jewish_a tradition_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a namely_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o jew_n yet_o we_o need_v not_o much_o doubt_n this_o though_o we_o very_o well_o may_v the_o other_o for_o it_o can_v be_v of_o no_o advantage_n or_o use_v to_o any_o man_n to_o change_v the_o signification_n of_o any_o word_n though_o it_o often_o may_v be_v to_o alter_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o speech_n it_o be_v also_o very_o difficult_a to_o be_v do_v for_o he_o that_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o change_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o word_n must_v necessary_o construe_v all_o those_o author_n who_o have_v write_v in_o that_o tongue_n and_o use_v that_o word_n in_o its_o common_a acceptation_n according_a to_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o every_o author_n or_o else_o must_v falsify_v they_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o caution_n the_o ignorant_a multitude_n as_o well_o as_o learned_a man_n be_v the_o keeper_n of_o a_o language_n but_o the_o learned_a only_o preserve_v the_o sense_n of_o speech_n and_o book_n and_o consequent_o though_o learned_a man_n may_v change_v or_o corrupt_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o scarce_a book_n yet_o they_o can_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n beside_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o alter_v the_o signification_n of_o a_o word_n to_o which_o he_o be_v accustom_v he_o can_v without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n do_v it_o either_o in_o speak_v or_o write_v for_o these_o and_o other_o reason_n i_o be_o persuade_v it_o never_o yet_o come_v into_o any_o man_n head_n to_o corrupt_v a_o language_n though_o many_o have_v pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o writer_n either_o by_o change_v or_o misinterpret_v his_o say_n if_o our_o method_n which_o lay_v this_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v only_o from_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o true_a then_o where_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v we_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n we_o may_v well_o despair_v of_o it_o what_o difficulty_n there_o be_v of_o arrive_v by_o this_o method_n to_o the_o true_a mean_v and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sacred_a volume_n or_o what_o be_v further_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o it_o i_o will_v now_o declare_v the_o chief_a difficulty_n in_o this_o method_n be_v that_o be_v require_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n but_o how_o be_v that_o to_o be_v have_v the_o ancient_a and_o most_o skilful_a master_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n have_v leave_v little_a to_o posterity_n of_o the_o element_n and_o learning_n of_o it_o we_o have_v from_o they_o neither_o dictionary_n grammar_n or_o rhetoric_n the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v lose_v all_o its_o ornament_n and_o beauty_n which_o be_v no_o wonder_n have_v suffer_v so_o many_o calamity_n and_o persecution_n and_o retain_v nothing_o but_o a_o few_o fragment_n of_o their_o language_n and_o of_o a_o few_o book_n for_o all_o the_o name_n of_o fruit_n bird_n fish_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n be_v lose_v so_o that_o the_o signification_n of_o many_o name_n and_o word_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v unknown_a or_o very_a disputable_a see_v then_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o likewise_o a_o dictionary_n of_o the_o hebrew_n phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o be_v have_v because_o all_o the_o form_n of_o speech_n peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v forget_v and_o lose_v we_o can_v as_o we_o will_v find_v out_o all_o the_o sense_n of_o every_o sentence_n in_o scripture_n which_o according_a to_o the_o customary_a use_n of_o the_o language_n it_o comprehend_v and_o there_o be_v many_o say_n in_o scripture_n though_o express_v in_o know_a word_n who_o sense_n nevertheless_o be_v obscure_a and_o inscrutable_a and_o as_o we_o have_v no_o perfect_a history_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n so_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o language_n be_v such_o and_o so_o many_o ambiguity_n spring_v from_o it_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o frame_v such_o a_o method_n as_o shall_v direct_v a_o man_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n for_o beside_o the_o cause_n of_o doubt_n common_a to_o all_o other_o language_n there_o be_v some_o other_o in_o this_o from_o whence_o proceed_v many_o uncertainty_n which_o cause_v here_o to_o specify_v i_o think_v worth_a a_o man_n pain_n first_o obscurity_n and_o ambiguity_n in_o scripture_n be_v cause_v sometime_o by_o use_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o same_o organ_n one_o for_o another_o the_o jew_n divide_v all_o the_o letter_n of_o their_o alphabet_n into_o five_o class_n or_o form_n because_o there_o be_v five_o particular_a part_n or_o instrument_n of_o the_o mouth_n use_v in_o pronunciation_n the_o lip_n the_o tongue_n the_o tooth_n the_o palate_n and_o the_o throat_n for_o example_n alpha_n ghet_n hgain_n he_o be_v call_v guttural_a letter_n and_o be_v without_o any_o difference_n know_v to_o we_o take_v one_o for_o another_o el_n which_o signify_v to_o be_v often_o take_v for_o hgal_n which_o signify_v upon_o and_o so_o interchangeble_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o speech_n be_v render_v doubtful_a or_o be_v like_o word_n which_o have_v no_o signification_n the_o second_o cause_n of_o ambiguity_n be_v the_o divers_a and_o manifold_a signification_n of_o conjunction_n and_o adverb_n for_o example_n vaughan_n promiscuous_o serve_v to_o join_v and_o disjoin_v signify_v and_n but_o because_o indeed_o otherwise_o then_o ki_n have_v seven_o or_o eight_o signification_n because_o although_o if_o when_o even_o as_o that_o burning_z and_o so_o almost_o all_o particle_n the_o three_o cause_n of_o many_o ambiguity_n be_v because_o verb_n in_o the_o indicative_a mood_n want_v the_o present_a the_o preterimperfect_a the_o preterpluperfect_a and_o the_o future_a tense_n and_o other_o much_o use_v in_o other_o language_n in_o the_o imperative_a and_o infinitive_n mood_n they_o want_v all_o the_o tense_n except_o the_o present_a and_o in_o the_o subjunctive_a have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o though_o all_o these_o defect_n of_o mood_n and_o tense_n may_v with_o great_a elegancy_n be_v supply_v by_o rule_n and_o principle_n deduce_v from_o the_o language_n yet_o they_o have_v be_v whole_o neglect_v by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n who_o promiscuous_o use_v the_o present_a and_o preterperfect_a tense_n for_o the_o future_a and_o sometime_o the_o indicative_a mood_n for_o the_o imperative_a and_o subjunctive_a which_o cause_v great_a ambiguity_n in_o their_o write_n beside_o these_o three_o great_a cause_n of_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n there_o remain_v two_o other_o very_a observable_a and_o both_o of_o very_o great_a moment_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o jew_n make_v no_o use_n those_o letter_n we_o call_v vowel_n the_o second_o that_o they_o never_o use_v in_o their_o write_n to_o distinguish_v their_o word_n or_o express_v their_o quantity_n by_o any_o mark_n or_o sign_n and_o though_o both_o vowel_n and_o mark_n use_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o point_n and_o accent_n yet_o we_o can_v trust_v to_o they_o see_v they_o be_v invent_v and_o bring_v into_o use_n by_o modern_a man_n who_o authority_n be_v of_o no_o great_a value_n the_o ancient_n write_v without_o point_n that_o be_v without_o vowel_n or_o accent_n as_o appear_v by_o many_o testimony_n but_o some_o of_o late_a time_n bring_v in_o both_o to_o interpret_v the_o bible_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a so_o that_o the_o point_n and_o accent_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v only_a exposition_n of_o man_n of_o the_o present_a age_n who_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reverence_n and_o believe_v above_o other_o expositor_n they_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o know_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o
obscure_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v quick_o understand_v according_a to_o that_o usual_a say_v a_o word_n to_o the_o wise._n euclyd_v who_o write_v of_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a be_v easy_o understand_v by_o every_o body_n in_o any_o language_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_a of_o his_o sense_n and_o meaning_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o perfect_a but_o only_o a_o superficial_a knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n wherein_o he_o write_v nor_o of_o know_v his_o life_n study_n manner_n in_o what_o language_n when_o or_o to_o who_o he_o write_v neither_o know_v the_o fate_n of_o his_o book_n its_o various_a reading_n or_o how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v general_o receive_v what_o i_o say_v of_o euclyd_n may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o man_n who_o have_v write_v of_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v so_o that_o we_o conclude_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o concern_v moral_a doctrine_n may_v be_v easy_o attain_v by_o such_o a_o history_n as_o may_v be_v compose_v of_o it_o for_o all_o lesson_n of_o true_a piety_n be_v give_v we_o in_o word_n of_o common_a and_o frequent_a use_n and_o be_v therefore_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o because_o our_o happiness_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o life_n consist_v in_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n which_o we_o find_v only_o in_o thing_n which_o we_o clear_o understand_v it_o evident_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v certain_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o be_v so_o solicitous_a about_o other_o matter_n which_o when_o they_o seem_v so_o difficult_a to_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n have_v more_o curiosity_n in_o they_o then_o profit_v i_o have_v now_o show_v what_o be_v the_o true_a method_n of_o explain_v scripture_n and_o sully_v declare_v my_o opinion_n concern_v it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o every_o one_o see_v this_o method_n require_v nothing_o more_o than_o natural_a reason_n who_o nature_n and_o virtue_n chief_o consist_v in_o deduce_v by_o right_a consequence_n thing_n obscure_a from_o know_v and_o indisputable_a concession_n and_o though_o we_o grant_v that_o this_o natural_a light_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o find_v out_o all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n in_o this_o natural_a light_n but_o because_o the_o right_a way_n which_o it_o show_v we_o be_v never_o observe_v and_o tread_v by_o man_n so_o that_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n it_o be_v become_v painful_a and_o almost_o impossible_a to_o pass_v as_o in_o my_o opinion_n manifest_o appear_v by_o the_o difficulty_n i_o have_v mention_v it_o now_o remain_v that_o i_o examine_v those_o man_n opinion_n who_o be_v not_o of_o i_o the_o first_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v they_o who_o positive_o affirm_v that_o natural_a light_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o interpret_v scripture_n and_o that_o only_a supernatural_a light_n can_v do_v it_o but_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o supernatural_a light_n i_o leave_v they_o to_o explain_v i_o suppose_v they_o do_v but_o in_o obscure_a term_n confess_v that_o they_o be_v very_o doubtful_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o diligent_o consider_v their_o exposition_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o contain_v nothing_o supernatural_a yea_o they_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v mere_a conjecture_n if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o their_o explanation_n who_o pretend_v to_o nothing_o more_o than_o what_o be_v natural_a they_o will_v be_v find_v like_o they_o to_o be_v human_a long_o study_v and_o elaborate_v in_o maintain_v that_o natural_a light_n be_v not_o able_a to_o explain_v scripture_n they_o be_v mistake_v what_o we_o have_v say_v make_v it_o clear_a that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o expound_v scripture_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o defect_n of_o strength_n in_o natural_a light_n but_o only_o from_o man_n sloth_n i_o will_v not_o say_v malice_n who_o have_v neglect_v to_o compose_v such_o a_o history_n of_o scripture_n as_o may_v have_v be_v frame_v of_o it_o and_o also_o because_o all_o man_n if_o i_o be_v not_o deceive_v confess_v that_o supernatural_a light_n be_v a_o divine_a gift_n bestow_v only_o upon_o believer_n but_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n preach_v not_o only_o to_o believer_n but_o to_o wicked_a unbeliever_n who_o be_v notwithstanding_o their_o impiety_n and_o unbelief_n capable_a of_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n otherwise_o they_o have_v preach_v but_o to_o child_n and_o infant_n and_o not_o to_o man_n endue_v with_o reason_n and_o moses_n have_v in_o vain_a prescribe_a law_n if_o his_o law_n be_v intelligible_a only_o to_o believer_n who_o need_v no_o law._n wherefore_o they_o that_o seek_v after_o supernatural_a light_n to_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n seem_v void_a even_o of_o natural_a light_n and_o such_o i_o think_v be_v far_o from_o have_v that_o heavenly_a gift_n of_o light_n supernatural_a maimonides_n be_v not_o of_o these_o man_n opinion_n for_o he_o think_v most_o place_n of_o scripture_n will_v bear_v several_a yea_o contrary_a sense_n and_o think_v likewise_o that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o any_o place_n unless_o we_o know_v the_o place_n as_o we_o interpret_v it_o to_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n or_o not_o contrary_a to_o it_o for_o if_o in_o its_o literal_a sense_n it_o appear_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n though_o the_o sense_n appear_v clear_a yet_o he_o think_v the_o place_n ought_v to_o be_v otherwise_o interpret_v and_o this_o he_o plain_o declare_v in_o the_o 25_o the_o chapter_n of_o his_o book_n call_v more_o nebuchin_n where_o he_o say_v know_v that_o i_o do_v not_o refuse_v to_o say_v the_o world_n be_v eternal_a because_o there_o be_v text_n in_o scripture_n which_o say_v the_o world_n be_v create_v for_o the_o text_n which_o declare_v the_o world_n be_v create_v be_v not_o more_o than_o those_o that_o tell_v we_o god_n be_v corporeal_a neither_o be_v the_o way_n of_o expound_v those_o text_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n shut_v up_o or_o bar_v against_o we_o but_o we_o can_v as_o well_o explain_v they_o as_o i_o do_v the_o other_o when_o i_o prove_v god_n to_o be_v incorporeal_a perhaps_o i_o can_v better_o and_o with_o more_o ease_n expound_v the_o text_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n and_o maintain_v the_o world_n to_o be_v eternal_a than_o i_o do_v those_o of_o god_n corporiety_n when_o i_o prove_v god_n to_o be_v incorporeal_a but_o for_o two_o reason_n i_o will_v not_o do_v it_o or_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a first_o because_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o a_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o god_n be_v not_o corporeal_a for_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n who_o literal_a sense_n be_v repugnant_a to_o a_o demonstration_n require_v 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exposition_n of_o it_o as_o may_v support_v that_o opivion_n and_o he_o will_v be_v present_o certain_a that_o the_o scripture_n though_o it_o every_o where_o plain_o say_v the_o contrary_a do_v declare_v the_o world_n to_o be_v eternal_a and_o consequent_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n though_o never_o so_o plain_a so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o that_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o evident_a to_o he_o for_o so_o long_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o apparent_a we_o be_v so_o long_o ignorant_a whether_o the_o thing_n be_v agreeable_a or_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o consequent_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o literal_a sense_n be_v true_a or_o false_a which_o opinion_n if_o it_o be_v true_a i_o will_v absolute_o grant_v that_o some_o other_o light_n beside_o what_o be_v natural_a be_v necessary_a
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 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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
we_o have_v name_v be_v write_v long_o after_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n happen_v which_o they_o relate_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o connexion_n and_o subject_n of_o these_o book_n we_o shall_v quick_o find_v that_o they_o be_v all_o write_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o historian_n who_o design_v to_o write_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o their_o first_o original_a to_o the_o first_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o book_n be_v by_o connexion_n so_o link_v together_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o the_o single_a narration_n of_o one_o historian_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v do_v with_o the_o life_n of_o moses_n he_o begin_v the_o next_o book_n with_o these_o word_n now_o after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o joshuah_n and_o end_v the_o story_n of_o joshuah_n with_o his_o death_n he_o do_v with_o the_o very_a same_o transition_n and_o conjunction_n begin_v the_o book_n of_o judge_n in_o these_o word_n now_o after_o the_o death_n of_o joshuah_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n ask_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o this_o book_n of_o judge_n as_o a_o appendix_n he_o join_v the_o book_n of_o ruth_n in_o these_o word_n now_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n when_o the_o judge_n rule_v that_o there_o be_v a_o famine_n in_o the_o land_n to_o which_o book_n of_o ruth_n he_o do_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n join_v the_o first_o book_n of_o samuel_n that_o end_v with_o his_o wont_a transition_n he_o go_v on_o to_o the_o second_o book_n and_o to_o this_o the_o history_n of_o david_n not_o be_v full_o endded_a he_o join_v the_o first_o book_n of_o king_n then_o go_v on_o with_o david_n history_n add_v with_o his_o usual_a connexion_n the_o second_o book_n the_o context_n and_o order_n of_o the_o history_n likewise_o declare_v the_o historian_n to_o be_v but_o one_o person_n who_o propound_v to_o himself_o one_o certain_a end_n for_o he_o begin_v with_o the_o original_a of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n then_o in_o order_n show_v upon_o what_o occasion_n and_o at_o what_o time_n moses_n prescribe_v law_n and_o prophesy_v many_o thing_n to_o they_o afterward_o he_o relate_v how_o they_o invade_v the_o land_n of_o promise_n according_a to_o moses_n prediction_n deut._n chap._n 7._o and_o when_o they_o have_v possess_v it_o how_o they_o will_v forsake_v god_n law_n deut._n chap._n 31._o v._n 16._o and_o what_o evil_n shall_v thereupon_o follow_v verse_n 17._o next_o he_o declare_v how_o they_o will_v choose_v king_n deut._n chap._n 17._o v._n 14._o who_o affair_n shall_v succeed_v well_o or_o ill_o according_a to_o the_o care_n they_o take_v in_o observe_v the_o law_n deut._n chap._n 28._o v._n 36_o 68_o and_o last_o conclude_v with_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o government_n as_o moses_n foretell_v of_o thing_n which_o serve_v little_a to_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o law_n he_o say_v nothing_o or_o else_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o other_o author_n so_o that_o all_o these_o book_n conspire_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n namely_o the_o publish_v the_o prophecy_n and_o edict_n of_o moses_n and_o make_v they_o good_a by_o what_o after_o happen_v the_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n of_o the_o subject_a of_o all_o the_o book_n the_o connexion_n of_o they_o and_o their_o be_v write_v many_o age_n after_o the_o thing_n do_v be_v argument_n enough_o to_o persuade_v any_o man_n that_o they_o be_v all_o write_v by_o one_o historian_n but_o who_o he_o be_v i_o can_v evident_o prove_v i_o have_v some_o reason_n and_o those_o of_o some_o weight_n to_o think_v it_o be_v esdras_n see_v the_o historian_n who_o we_o now_o know_v to_o be_v one_o person_n carry_v on_o the_o history_n as_o far_o as_o iehoiachim_n deliverance_n out_o of_o prison_n and_o moreover_o add_v that_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o king_n table_n all_o his_o life_n which_o must_v be_v either_o the_o table_n of_o king_n jehoiachim_n or_o of_o the_o son_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n for_o the_o sense_n be_v very_o dubious_a it_o follow_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v any_o one_o before_o esdras_n the_o scripture_n say_v of_o esdras_n without_o mention_v any_o other_o person_n ezra_n chap._n 7._o v._n 10._o that_o he_o have_v prepare_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v it_o and_o verse_n 6_o the_o that_o he_o be_v a_o ready_a scribe_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o i_o can_v conjecture_v any_o body_n but_o esdras_n shall_v write_v those_o book_n in_o the_o testimony_n give_v of_o he_o we_o find_v that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o seek_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o likewise_o explain_v it_o nehem._n chap._n 8._o v._n 8._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n distinct_o and_o give_v the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o read_n now_o because_o in_o the_o book_n of_o deutronomy_n not_o only_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n at_o least_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v contain_v but_o also_o many_o thing_n be_v insert_v for_o the_o better_a explication_n thereof_o i_o conjecture_v the_o book_n of_o deutronomy_n to_o be_v that_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v set_v forth_o and_o expound_v by_o esdras_n which_o they_o then_o read_v and_o that_o many_o thing_n be_v put_v in_o by_o way_n of_o parenthesis_n more_o clear_o to_o explain_v it_o we_o give_v you_o several_a instance_n when_o i_o unfold_v aben-ezras_a meaning_n there_o be_v more_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n as_o appear_v deut._n chap._n 2._o v._n 12._o the_o horites_n also_o dwell_v in_o seir_n before_o time_n but_o the_o child_n of_o esau_n succeed_v they_o when_o they_o have_v destroy_v they_o from_o before_o they_o and_o dwell_v in_o their_o stead_n as_o israel_n do_v unto_o the_o land_n of_o his_o possession_n which_o the_o lord_n give_v unto_o they_o this_o explain_v the_o 3_o d._n and_o 4_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n namely_o that_o mount_n seir_n which_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o esau_n be_v not_o find_v by_o they_o uninhabited_a but_o that_o they_o invade_v the_o horites_n who_o first_o dwell_v there_o and_o have_v subdue_v destroy_v they_o as_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v the_o canaanite_n after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n likewise_o in_o the_o 10_o the_o chapter_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o 6_o 7_o 8_o and_o 9_o verse_n be_v interpose_v by_o way_n of_o parenthesis_n with_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n for_o the_o 8_o the_o verse_n which_o begin_v in_o these_o word_n at_o that_o time_n the_o lord_n separate_v the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n must_v necessary_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o 5_o the_o verse_n which_o speak_v of_o moses_n come_v down_o from_o the_o mount_n and_o put_v the_o table_n into_o the_o ark_n and_o not_o to_o the_o death_n of_o aron_n mention_v in_o the_o 6_o the_o verse_n of_o which_o esdras_n speak_v here_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o moses_n in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o golden_a calf_n which_o the_o people_n worship_v say_v in_o the_o 9_o the_o chap._n v_o 20._o that_o he_o pray_v for_o aron_n the_o historian_n go_v on_o and_o declare_v that_o god_n at_o that_o time_n of_o which_o moses_n speak_v choose_v for_o himself_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n that_o he_o may_v show_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o election_n and_o also_o why_o the_o levite_n have_v no_o part_n or_o inheritance_n with_o their_o brethren_n this_o do_v in_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n he_o follow_v the_o thread_n of_o the_o history_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o preface_n of_o the_o book_n and_o all_o the_o place_n which_o speak_v of_o moses_n in_o the_o three_o person_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o can_v now_o be_v know_v which_o he_o add_v or_o express_v in_o other_o word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v by_o those_o that_o live_v in_o his_o time_n without_o doubt_n have_v we_o the_o very_a book_n of_o the_o law_n which_o moses_n write_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o commandment_n very_o much_o differ_v not_o only_o in_o word_n but_o in_o order_n matter_n and_o sense_n compare_v the_o decalogue_n of_o this_o book_n with_o that_o in_o exodus_fw-la where_o it_o be_v express_o set_v down_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o to_o vary_v from_o that_o for_o the_o four_o commandment_n in_o deutronomy_n be_v not_o only_o command_v in_o another_o form_n but_o be_v enlarge_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o likewise_o differ_v much_o from_o that_o in_o exodus_fw-la so_o that_o this_o as_o in_o other_o place_n be_v do_v by_o esdras_n because_o he_o explain_v the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o
be_v deep_a mystery_n hide_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o because_o from_o thence_o have_v spring_v up_o intolerable_a superstition_n and_o many_o other_o mischievous_a inconvenience_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o seven_o chapter_n i_o can_v not_o possible_o pass_v they_o by_o religion_n need_v not_o be_v attire_v with_o any_o superstitious_a ornament_n but_o rather_o lose_v part_n of_o its_o beauty_n and_o lustre_n when_o it_o be_v adorn_v with_o such_o foppery_n but_o some_o will_v say_v that_o though_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v write_v in_o man_n heart_n yet_o nevertheless_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o unlawful_a to_o say_v of_o scripture_n as_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v maim_v or_o corrupt_v i_o on_o the_o other_o side_n fear_v such_o man_n pretend_v too_o much_o sanctity_n and_o convert_v religion_n into_o superstition_n yea_o that_o they_o worship_v picture_n and_o image_n that_o be_v paper_n and_o ink_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o i_o know_v that_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o misbecome_v the_o scripture_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o no_o position_n which_o i_o have_v not_o make_v good_a by_o clear_a reason_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v positive_o aver_v that_o i_o have_v not_o publish_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v impious_a or_o that_o savour_v of_o the_o least_o impiety_n i_o confess_v some_o profane_a person_n to_o who_o religion_n be_v a_o burden_n may_v take_v a_o liberty_n of_o sin_v and_o without_o any_o reason_n indulge_v their_o sensual_a pleasure_n may_v infer_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v every_o where_o faulty_a and_o falsify_v and_o consequent_o of_o no_o authority_n to_o such_o man_n nothing_o will_v be_v a_o answer_n for_o according_a to_o the_o common_a say_n that_o which_o be_v never_o so_o well_o and_o true_o speak_v may_v be_v abuse_v by_o a_o ill_a and_o sinister_a interpretation_n they_o that_o be_v lover_n of_o their_o pleasure_n will_v take_v any_o occasion_n to_o do_v it_o and_o they_o who_o in_o time_n past_o have_v those_o original_n the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v not_o one_o jot_n the_o more_o obedient_a or_o the_o better_a for_o they_o but_o all_o as_o well_v jew_n as_o gentiles_n be_v alike_o still_o the_o same_o and_o virtue_n in_o all_o age_n be_v a_o thing_n very_o rare_a but_o to_o clear_v all_o scruple_n i_o will_v now_o show_v upon_o what_o ground_n and_o reason_n scripture_n or_o any_o other_o mute_a thing_n may_v be_v call_v sacred_a or_o holy_a next_o what_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o book_n and_o last_o that_o as_o it_o contain_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o obedience_n and_o salvation_n it_o can_v be_v corrupt_v by_o these_o particular_n every_o one_o may_v easy_o judge_v that_o i_o speak_v nothing_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o give_v any_o occasion_n for_o man_n to_o be_v wicked_a or_o ungodly_a that_o be_v call_v holy_a and_o divine_a which_o be_v dedicate_v to_o piety_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o thing_n continue_v holy_a so_o long_o as_o man_n make_v a_o religious_a use_n thereof_o when_o man_n cease_v to_o be_v religious_a that_o thing_n cease_v to_o be_v sacred_a and_o when_o the_o thing_n be_v use_v to_o impious_a purpose_n than_o that_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o sacred_a become_v unholy_a and_o profane_a for_o example_n the_o very_a place_n call_v by_o jacob_n the_o patriarch_n beth-el_a the_o house_n of_o god_n because_o he_o there_o worship_v god_n reveal_v to_o he_o be_v afterward_o call_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o house_n of_o iniquity_n amos_n chap._n 5._o v._n 5._o hoshea_n chap._n 10._o v._n 5._o because_o the_o israelite_n by_o the_o command_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la do_v there_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n another_o example_n will_v plain_o prove_v the_o thing_n word_n have_v a_o certain_a signification_n only_o by_o use_n and_o custom_n and_o if_o they_o be_v according_a to_o that_o use_n so_o dispose_v that_o they_o move_v man_n who_o read_v they_o to_o devotion_n than_o those_o word_n be_v esteem_v sacred_a and_o likewise_o the_o book_n wherein_o they_o be_v write_v but_o if_o afterward_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o use_n of_o those_o word_n be_v lose_v and_o thereby_o the_o word_n become_v insignificant_a and_o the_o book_n wherein_o such_o word_n be_v be_v quite_o neglect_a and_o lay_v aside_o either_o through_o malice_n or_o because_o man_n have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o than_o the_o word_n and_o the_o book_n as_o they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n so_o have_v they_o no_o sanctity_n in_o they_o last_o if_o those_o word_n come_v to_o be_v otherwise_o construe_v and_o custom_n so_o far_o prevail_v as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o clean_a contrary_a sense_n and_o signification_n than_o the_o word_n and_o the_o book_n which_o be_v before_o esteem_v sacred_a may_v become_v filthy_a and_o profane_a whence_o it_o follow_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v absolute_o either_o sacred_a or_o profane_a but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n mind_n or_o understanding_n which_o clear_o appear_v by_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v quote_v only_o one_o or_o two_o jeremy_n chap._n 7._o v._n 24._o say_v the_o jew_n do_v false_o call_v solomon_n temple_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n for_o as_o he_o further_o say_v in_o that_o chapter_n the_o name_n of_o god_n can_v remain_v in_o that_o temple_n no_o long_o than_o it_o be_v frequent_v by_o man_n who_o worship_v he_o and_o maintain_v justice_n but_o when_o murderer_n robber_n and_o idolater_n resort_v to_o it_o it_o be_v then_o but_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o declare_v what_o become_v of_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n certain_o it_o be_v either_o lose_v or_o burn_v with_o the_o temple_n though_o nothing_o be_v esteem_v more_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a among_o the_o jew_n the_o scripture_n than_o be_v sacred_a and_o its_o say_n divine_a so_o long_o as_o man_n be_v thereby_o move_v to_o devotion_n but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v quite_o neglect_v as_o it_o be_v heretofore_o by_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o paper_n and_o ink_n it_o be_v then_o profane_v and_o leave_v liable_a to_o corruption_n and_o when_o it_o be_v corrupt_v and_o perish_v it_o can_v be_v true_o say_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v corrupt_v and_o lose_v as_o in_o the_o prophet_n ieremy_n time_n it_o can_v not_o be_v true_o say_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v burn_v which_o jeremy_n himself_o declare_v of_o the_o law_n for_o chap._n 8._o v._n 8._o he_o reprove_v the_o wicked_a in_o these_o word_n how_o do_v you_o say_v we_o be_v wise_a and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o we_o lo_o certain_o in_o vain_a make_v he_o it_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o scribe_n be_v in_o vain_a that_o be_v though_o you_o have_v the_o scripture_n yet_o you_o false_o say_v you_o have_v the_o law_n of_o god_n since_o you_o have_v make_v it_o of_o no_o effect_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o moses_n break_v the_o first_o table_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o in_o anger_n he_o cast_v the_o law_n of_o god_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o break_v it_o no_o person_n ought_v to_o think_v so_o he_o break_v only_o the_o stone_n which_o though_o before_o account_v sacred_a because_o upon_o they_o be_v engrave_v the_o covenant_n by_o which_o the_o jew_n bound_v themselves_o to_o obey_v god_n yet_o afterward_o have_v not_o the_o least_o sanctity_n in_o they_o because_o the_o people_n by_o worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n make_v that_o covenant_n void_a for_o the_o same_o cause_n the_o second_o table_n with_o the_o ark_n wherein_o they_o be_v keep_v may_v likewise_o perish_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o if_o none_o of_o those_o original_n be_v to_o be_v find_v or_o that_o the_o like_a shall_v befall_v the_o book_n we_o have_v when_o the_o very_a original_a of_o god_n law_n the_o most_o sacred_a of_o all_o thing_n be_v utter_o lose_v let_v man_n then_o forbear_v to_o charge_v i_o with_o impiety_n see_v i_o have_v speak_v nothing_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o have_v any_o way_n profane_v it_o if_o their_o anger_n be_v just_a let_v it_o be_v vent_v against_o the_o people_n of_o old_a who_o wickedness_n profane_v and_o destroy_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n the_o temple_n the_o law_n and_o all_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v sacred_a if_o according_a to_o the_o 2_o d_o epist._n to_o the_o corinth_n chap._n 3._o v._n 3._o the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v not_o with_o ink_n but_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o live_a god_n not_o in_o table_n
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
fill_v religion_n with_o so_o many_o philosophical_a speculation_n that_o they_o have_v turn_v the_o church_n into_o a_o academy_n religion_n into_o a_o science_n or_o rather_o into_o wrangle_a and_o dispute_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n who_o boast_v of_o supernatural_a illumination_n shall_v pretend_v to_o more_o than_o we_o find_v in_o philosopher_n who_o own_o they_o have_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v natural_a i_o will_v real_o admire_v those_o illuminate_v man_n can_v they_o teach_v we_o any_o new_a speculation_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o common_a and_o vulgar_a among_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n who_o they_o call_v blind_a for_o if_o you_o inquire_v what_o be_v those_o profound_a mystery_n these_o inspire_a man_n perceive_v in_o scripture_n they_o can_v tell_v we_o of_o nothing_o beyond_o the_o idle_a fancy_n and_o conceit_n of_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n which_o look_v more_o like_o the_o dream_n of_o idiot_n than_o discovery_n make_v out_o of_o scripture_n by_o learned_a men._n i_o do_v not_o positive_o maintain_v that_o nothing_o belong_v to_o scripture_n doctrine_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n for_o in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n i_o have_v mention_v some_o fundamental_o of_o scripture_n that_o be_v so_o but_o my_o meaning_n be_v they_o be_v very_o few_o and_o very_o plain_a what_o they_o be_v and_o upon_o what_o reason_n determine_v to_o be_v so_o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v which_o will_v be_v easy_o do_v after_o that_o we_o know_v the_o scripture_n chief_a design_n be_v not_o to_o teach_v art_n and_o science_n and_o that_o it_o require_v from_o man_n nothing_o but_o obedience_n condemn_v their_o obstinacy_n not_o their_o ignorance_n moreover_o because_o obedience_n towards_o god_n consist_v only_o in_o love_v our_o neighbour_n for_o whoever_o love_v his_o neighbour_n purposely_o to_o obey_v god_n he_o as_o paul_n say_v rom._n chap._n 13._o v._n 8._o have_v fulfil_v the_o law_n it_o follow_v that_o no_o other_o knowledge_n be_v commend_v in_o scripture_n but_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o man_n that_o they_o may_v according_a to_o this_o precept_n of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n obey_v god_n which_o knowledge_n if_o man_n have_v not_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v stubborn_a or_o at_o least_o without_o the_o discipline_n of_o obedience_n but_o all_o other_o speculation_n which_o do_v not_o direct_o tend_v to_o this_o end_n whether_o they_o concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o of_o natural_a thing_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o scripture_n and_o be_v to_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o reveal_v religion_n now_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v obvious_a to_o every_o man_n yet_o because_o upon_o this_o point_n depend_v the_o end_n of_o all_o debate_n in_o religion_n i_o will_v demonstrate_v and_o explain_v the_o thing_n as_o full_o and_o clear_o as_o be_v possible_a which_o to_o perform_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n ought_v to_o prove_v that_o a_o intellectual_a and_o accurate_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o gift_n so_o common_a to_o all_o believer_n as_o be_v obedience_n second_o that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n require_v of_o all_o man_n in_o general_a and_o which_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o have_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o divine_a justice_n and_o love_n both_o which_o particular_n be_v evident_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o exod._n chap._n 6._o v._n 3._o god_n for_o a_o evidence_n of_o his_o particular_a favour_n to_o moses_n say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n i_o appear_v unto_o abraham_n unto_o isaac_n and_o unto_o jacob_n by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n almighty_n but_o by_o my_o name_n jehovah_n be_v i_o not_o know_v to_o they_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o text_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o elsadai_n signify_v in_o hebrew_a god_n alsufficient_a because_o he_o give_v to_o every_o man_n that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o and_o though_o sadai_n of_o itself_o be_v often_o take_v for_o god_n yet_o the_o word_n el_fw-es be_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v we_o be_v therefore_o to_o note_n that_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o other_o word_n to_o be_v find_v but_o jehovah_n that_o signify_v god_n absolute_a be_v without_o any_o relation_n to_o thing_n create_v and_o therefore_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v god_n proper_a name_n and_o all_o other_o to_o be_v appellative_n and_o indeed_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n name_n whether_o they_o be_v substantive_n or_o adjective_n be_v but_o attribute_n give_v to_o god_n as_o he_o be_v consider_v under_o a_o relation_n to_o his_o creature_n or_o be_v make_v manifest_a by_o they_o the_o word_n el_fw-es or_o by_o add_v to_o it_o the_o paragogical_a letter_n he_o eloha_n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o powerful_a which_o be_v a_o title_n of_o dignity_n or_o excellency_n as_o when_o we_o style_v paul_n a_o apostle_n other_o virtue_n of_o his_o power_n be_v express_v by_o say_v the_o great_a god_n god_n to_o be_v fear_v the_o just_a merciful_a god_n etc._n etc._n or_o to_o express_v they_o all_o at_o once_o the_o plural_a number_n of_o this_o word_n el_n be_v often_o use_v in_o a_o singular_a signification_n see_v then_o god_n say_v to_o moses_n he_o be_v not_o know_v to_o the_o patriarch_n by_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n it_o follow_v they_o know_v no_o name_n or_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o express_v his_o absolute_a essence_n and_o nature_n but_o only_o his_o work_n and_o his_o promise_n that_o be_v his_o power_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_v by_o thing_n visible_a and_o this_o god_n say_v to_o moses_n not_o to_o accuse_v the_o patriarch_n of_o unbelief_n but_o to_o magnify_v and_o commend_v their_o faith_n and_o readiness_n to_o believe_v by_o which_o though_o they_o have_v not_o so_o great_a a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n have_v yet_o they_o firm_o rely_v on_o his_o promise_n not_o like_o moses_n who_o though_o he_o have_v sublime_a notion_n of_o god_n doubt_v his_o divine_a promise_n and_o tell_v god_n that_o instead_o of_o the_o deliverance_n he_o have_v promise_v he_o have_v bring_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n into_o a_o worse_a condition_n if_o then_o god_n tell_v moses_n that_o the_o patriarch_n know_v not_o that_o singular_a and_o proper_a name_n of_o god_n to_o commend_v their_o faith_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o put_v moses_n in_o mind_n of_o the_o particular_a favour_n and_o grace_n god_n have_v show_v he_o it_o clear_o prove_v my_o first_o position_n which_o be_v that_o man_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o express_a command_n to_o know_v god_n attribute_n it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a gift_n grant_v only_o to_o some_o believer_n which_o i_o need_v not_o prove_v by_o scripture_n since_o it_o be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o dispute_n that_o every_o man_n have_v not_o a_o equal_a share_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o that_o a_o man_n be_v no_o more_o able_a by_o a_o command_n to_o become_v wise_a than_o it_o be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o be_v or_o live_v man_n woman_n and_o child_n may_v all_o as_o they_o be_v command_v obey_v but_o never_o can_v a_o command_n make_v any_o man_n wise_a if_o any_o man_n say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o understanding_n god_n attribute_n but_o only_o of_o simple_o believe_v they_o without_o any_o demonstration_n he_o talk_v idle_o for_o invisible_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o object_n only_o of_o the_o mind_n can_v only_o be_v see_v by_o demonstration_n that_o be_v firm_o convince_a argument_n and_o therefore_o what_o a_o man_n only_o and_o bare_o hear_v of_o thing_n invisible_a never_o affect_v the_o understanding_n nor_o declare_v a_o man_n meaning_n any_o more_o than_o do_v the_o word_n of_o a_o parrot_n or_o some_o artificial_a engine_n that_o speak_v without_o understanding_n or_o sense_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v further_o i_o ought_v to_o give_v a_o account_n why_o it_o be_v often_o say_v in_o genesis_n that_o the_o patriarch_n preach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n which_o seem_v express_o to_o contradict_v what_o i_o have_v say_v this_o be_v easy_o answer_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n where_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n do_v not_o call_v thing_n and_o place_n by_o those_o very_a name_n which_o they_o have_v at_o the_o time_n of_o which_o the_o writer_n speak_v but_o by_o the_o name_n which_o they_o be_v know_v by_o in_o the_o writer_n own_o time_n therefore_o when_o it_o be_v say_v in_o genesis_n that_o god_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o patriarch_n by_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n it_o be_v not_o because_o god_n be_v know_v to_o they_o by_o that_o name_n but_o because_o to_o that_o name_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n pay_v the_o high_a reverence_n and_o
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