common_a the_o psalm_n speak_v of_o the_o cedar_n of_o god_n to_o express_v their_o extraordinary_a height_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 10._o v._n 7._o it_o be_v say_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n fall_v on_o the_o people_n which_o signify_v a_o very_a great_a fear_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n all_o thing_n which_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o who_o natural_a cause_n where_o not_o know_v to_o they_o be_v always_o refer_v and_o attribute_v to_o god._n tempest_n be_v call_v god_n chide_v and_o threaten_n thunder_n and_o lightning_n his_o dart_n and_o arrow_n they_o think_v god_n keep_v the_o wind_n shut_v up_o in_o the_o cavern_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o they_o call_v his_o treasury_n in_o which_o opinion_n they_o differ_v from_o the_o heathen_a only_o by_o believe_v god_n and_o not_o aeolus_n to_o be_v their_o ruler_n upon_o this_o ground_n miracle_n be_v also_o call_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o be_v stupendous_a wonderful_a work_n though_o indeed_o all_o thing_n in_o nature_n be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o only_o by_o divine_a power_n act_n and_o subsist_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n the_o psalmist_n call_v the_o miracle_n do_v in_o egypt_n the_o power_n of_o god_n because_o in_o the_o jew_n great_a danger_n they_o open_v a_o way_n to_o their_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n when_o they_o least_o expect_v it_o and_o be_v therefore_o so_o much_o admire_v by_o they_o see_v then_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v strange_a and_o unusual_a be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o tree_n of_o extraordinary_a height_n and_o magnitude_n the_o tree_n of_o god_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o in_o genesis_n man_n very_o valiant_a and_o of_o great_a stature_n though_o impious_a robber_n and_o fornicator_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o ancient_a heathen_a as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n use_v to_o attribute_n to_o god_n every_o thing_n in_o which_o any_o one_o excel_v other_o man_n pharaoh_n when_o he_o hear_v the_o interpretation_n of_o his_o dream_n say_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o god_n be_v in_o joseph_n and_o nabuchadnezzar_n say_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n be_v in_o daniel_n nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a among_o the_o latin_n then_o to_o say_v thing_n very_o curious_o wrought_v be_v do_v by_o a_o divine_a hand_n which_o expression_n if_o a_o man_n will_v turn_v into_o hebrew_n he_o must_v say_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god._n by_o these_o place_n i_o have_v quote_v many_o other_o in_o scripture_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v be_v easy_o understand_v and_o explain_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o jehovah_n in_o some_o place_n signify_v nothing_o but_o a_o vehement_a dry_a and_o destroy_a wind_n as_o isa._n chap._n 40._o v._n 7._o the_o grass_n wither_v the_o flower_n fade_v because_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n blow_v upon_o it_o also_o gen._n chap._n one_a v_o 2._o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v a_o strong_a wind_n move_v upon_o the_o water_n it_o also_o signify_v a_o great_a mind_n or_o courage_n the_o courage_n of_o gideon_n and_o samson_n be_v style_v in_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v a_o bold_a dare_a mind_n ready_a to_o undertake_v and_o attempt_v any_o thing_n so_o also_o any_o particular_a virtue_n or_o skill_n more_o than_o ordinary_a be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n exod._n chap._n 31._o v._n 3._o and_o i_o have_v fill_v he_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o wisdom_n and_o workmanship_n speak_v of_o bezaleel_n so_o isa._n chap._n 11._o v._n 2._o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v rest_v upon_o he_o that_o be_v as_o the_o prophet_n more_o full_o explain_v himself_o the_o virtue_n of_o wisdom_n council_n and_o may_v in_o like_a manner_n saul_n melancholy_n be_v call_v a_o evil_a spirit_n of_o god_n or_o from_o god_n that_o be_v deep_a melancholy_n for_o saul_n servant_n who_o call_v his_o melancholy_n the_o melancholy_n of_o god_n be_v they_o that_o send_v for_o music_n to_o recreate_v he_o which_o show_v that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v his_o melancholy_n to_o be_v any_o more_o than_o natural_a sometime_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v signify_v the_o life_n of_o man_n job_n chap._n 27._o v._n 3._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v in_o my_o nostril_n allude_v to_o what_o be_v say_v gen._n chap._n 2._o v._n 7._o god_n breathe_v into_o man_n nostril_n the_o breath_n of_o life_n so_o ezek._n chap._n 37._o v._n 14._o say_v prophesy_v to_o the_o dead_a and_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n in_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v live_v that_o be_v i_o will_v restore_v life_n to_o you_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n speak_v job_n ch._n 34._o v._n 14._o if_o he_o gather_v unto_o himself_o his_o spirit_n and_o his_o breath_n so_o likewise_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o 3_o verse_n of_o the_o 6_o the_o chap._n of_o gen._n my_o spirit_n also_o shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o manfor_n that_o he_o also_o be_v flesh_n that_o be_v man_n hereafter_o shall_v do_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o flesh_n and_o not_o of_o his_o mind_n which_o i_o give_v he_o to_o discern_v good_a from_o evil_a psal._n 51._o v_o 10_o 11._o david_n say_v create_v in_o i_o a_o clean_a heart_n o_o god_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o i_o cast_v i_o not_o away_o out_o of_o thy_o presence_n and_o take_v not_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n from_o i_o because_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o sin_n come_v only_o from_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n or_o mind_n do_v incline_v man_n only_o to_o good_a therefore_o the_o psalmist_n implore_v god_n assistance_n against_o his_o carnal_a affection_n and_o pray_v that_o his_o mind_n or_o soul_n which_o god_n give_v he_o may_v be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v by_o god_n now_o because_o the_o scripture_n describe_v god_n like_o a_o man_n and_o because_o the_o common_a people_n capacity_n be_v weak_a do_v attribute_n to_o god_n a_o mind_n affection_n of_o mind_n and_o likewise_o a_o body_n and_o breath_n therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v many_o time_n in_o scripture_n take_v for_o the_o will_n the_o mind_n the_o power_n and_o the_o breath_n of_o god_n mouth_n isa._n chap._n 40._o v._n 13._o the_o prophet_n say_v who_o have_v direct_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v who_o have_v dispose_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o will_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v not_o determine_v likewise_o chap._n 63._o v._n 10._o they_o rebel_v and_o vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n because_o it_o do_v as_o it_o be_v explain_v and_o unfold_v god_n mind_n for_o isa._n in_o the_o 11_o the_o v._o of_o the_o 63._o ch._n say_v where_o be_v he_o that_o put_v his_o holy_a spirit_n within_o he_o that_o be_v the_o law_n as_o be_v clear_o collect_v from_o the_o context_n nehemiah_n ch._n 9_o v._n 20._o say_v thou_o give_v also_o thy_o good_a spirit_n to_o instruct_v they_o speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n deut._n ch._n 4._o v._n 6._o moses_n speak_v of_o the_o law_n say_v this_o be_v your_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n so_o david_n psal._n 43._o v_o 11._o say_v thy_o good_a spirit_n lead_v i_o into_o the_o land_n of_o uprightness_n that_o be_v thy_o mind_n reveal_v to_o we_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o right_a way_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n also_o signify_v the_o breath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o improper_o attribute_v to_o god_n as_o be_v body_n or_o mind_n psal._n 33._o v_o 6._o and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o they_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n it_o signify_v the_o power_n and_o might_n of_o god_n job_n chap._n 33._o v._n 4._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v make_v i_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n or_o rather_o his_o decree_n for_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v poetical_o say_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o heaven_n make_v and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o they_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n also_o psal._n 139._o v_o 7._o it_o be_v say_v whether_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n where_o spirit_n signify_v god_n power_n and_o presence_n last_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v use_v in_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o affection_n of_o god_n mind_n namely_o his_o benignity_n mercy_n etc._n etc._n michah_n chap._n 2._o v._n 7._o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n straighten_v be_v these_o his_o do_n so_o zachary_n chap._n 4._o v._n 6._o not_o by_o might_n not_o by_o power_n but_o by_o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v only_o by_o my_o mercy_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o think_v aught_o to_o be_v understand_v
the_o scripture_n say_v that_o god_n do_v command_v adam_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o that_o tree_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o do_v eat_v of_o it_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v say_v that_o god_n only_o reveal_v to_o adam_n the_o evil_a that_o will_v follow_v upon_o it_o but_o do_v not_o reveal_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o evil_n follow_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o adam_n understand_v that_o revelation_n not_o as_o a_o eternal_a verity_n and_o necessary_a truth_n but_o as_o a_o law_n or_o ordinance_n upon_o which_o gain_n or_o loss_n be_v to_o follow_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n do_v but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o absolute_a will_n and_o command_n of_o a_o prince_n the_o revelation_n therefore_o in_o respect_n of_o adam_n only_o and_o only_o for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n in_o he_o be_v a_o law_n and_o god_n a_o lawgiver_n and_o prince_n for_o the_o like_a defect_n of_o knowledge_n be_v the_o decalogue_n a_o law_n to_o the_o jew_n because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o be_v of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o eternal_a verity_n therefore_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o in_o the_o decalogue_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v be_v receive_v by_o they_o as_o a_o law_n but_o have_v god_n speak_v to_o they_o immediate_o and_o not_o by_o corporeal_a mean_n they_o have_v take_v it_o for_o a_o eternal_a verity_n and_o not_o for_o a_o law_n and_o what_o we_o say_v of_o adam_n and_o the_o israelite_n may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o prophet_n who_o write_v law_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n that_o they_o do_v not_o right_o understand_v god_n decree_n to_o be_v eternal_a verity_n for_o example_n moses_n by_o revelation_n or_o by_o principle_n reveal_v to_o he_o understand_v the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n may_v be_v best_o unite_v in_o a_o particular_a place_n of_o the_o world_n form_n a_o commonwealth_n and_o erect_v a_o government_n and_o also_o the_o best_a way_n to_o compel_v that_o people_n to_o obedience_n but_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o know_v nor_o be_v it_o reveal_v to_o he_o that_o those_o mean_n or_o that_o way_n be_v best_a neither_o that_o from_o the_o common_a obedience_n of_o the_o people_n in_o such_o a_o climate_n of_o the_o world_n that_o end_n will_v necessary_o follow_v to_o which_o those_o mean_n be_v direct_v and_o therefore_o all_o those_o thing_n be_v not_o understand_v by_o he_o as_o eternal_a verity_n but_o as_o precept_n and_o institution_n which_o he_o prescribe_v as_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o he_o imagine_v god_n be_v a_o governor_n a_o lawgiver_n a_o king_n merciful_a and_o just_a when_o all_o these_o be_v only_o the_o atribute_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o not_o any_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o though_o we_o say_v this_o of_o the_o prophet_n who_o write_v law_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o say_v the_o same_o of_o christ_n for_o though_o he_o seem_v to_o write_v law_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o understand_v thing_n true_o and_o perfect_o for_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o prophet_n as_o he_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o god_n for_o god_n by_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n do_v reveal_v some_o thing_n to_o mankind_n as_o he_o do_v before_o by_o angel_n that_o be_v a_o create_a voice_n and_o by_o vision_n wherefore_o it_o will_v be_v altogether_o irrational_a to_o think_v that_o god_n accommodate_v his_o revelation_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o god_n fit_v heretofore_o his_o revelation_n to_o the_o opnion_n of_o the_o vision_n and_o of_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v create_v voice_n that_o he_o may_v communicate_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a especial_o since_o christ_n be_v not_o send_v to_o the_o jew_n only_o but_o to_o all_o mankind_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a his_o mind_n shall_v be_v fit_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o to_o the_o opinion_n and_o document_n general_a to_o all_o mankind_n that_o be_v those_o notion_n which_o be_v common_a and_o true_a and_o from_o communicate_v himself_o immediate_o to_o christ_n or_o to_o his_o understanding_n and_o not_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o prophet_n by_o word_n and_o sign_n nothing_o else_o can_v be_v conclude_v but_o that_o christ_n do_v true_o perceive_v and_o understand_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v for_o then_o a_o thing_n be_v clear_o understand_v when_o it_o be_v clear_o and_o mental_o perceive_v without_o the_o help_n of_o word_n and_o sign_n christ_n therefore_o understand_v thing_n true_o and_o plain_o and_o if_o ever_o he_o prescribe_v they_o as_o law_n he_o do_v it_o because_o the_o people_n be_v ignorant_a and_o obstinate_a and_o act_v god_n part_n apply_v himself_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o dispofition_n of_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o though_o he_o speak_v somewhat_o plain_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n yet_o sometime_o he_o speak_v obscure_o and_o by_o parable_n especial_o when_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v not_o give_v to_o know_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n chap._n 13._o v._n 11._o but_o without_o doubt_n all_o thing_n which_o he_o teach_v those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n he_o teach_v they_o as_o eternal_a verity_n and_o do_v not_o prescribe_v they_o as_o law_n and_o in_o this_o consideration_n he_o free_v they_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o nevertheless_o do_v the_o more_o confirm_v it_o and_o deep_o engrave_v it_o on_o their_o heart_n which_o paul_n seem_v to_o declare_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o chap._n of_o his_o epist._n to_o the_o roman_n v_o 6_o the_o but_o now_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o law_n that_o be_v dead_a wherein_o we_o be_v hold_v that_o we_o shall_v serve_v in_o newness_n of_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o oldness_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o in_o chap._n 3._o v._n 8._o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o law._n but_o neither_o do_v paul_n speak_v very_o clear_o for_o he_o say_v rom._n chap._n 3._o v._n 5._o i_o speak_v as_o a_o man_n which_o he_o express_o say_v when_o he_o call_v god_n just_a and_o righteous_a and_o without_o doubt_n because_o of_o the_o frailty_n of_o the_o flesh_n he_o suppose_v mercy_n grace_n and_o anger_n to_o be_v in_o god_n apply_v his_o discourse_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o common_a people_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 3._o v._n 1_o 2._o brethren_n i_o can_v not_o speak_v unto_o you_o as_o spiritual_a but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a men._n rom._n chap._n 8._o v._n 18._o he_o declare_v that_o the_o mercy_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o man_n work_n but_o on_o his_o own_o will._n moreover_o no_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n but_o only_o by_o faith_n rom._n chap._n 3._o v._n 28._o and_o by_o faith_n nothing_o be_v mean_v but_o a_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o mind_n last_o paul_n declare_v that_o no_o body_n be_v bless_v who_o have_v not_o in_o he_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n rom._n chap._n 8._o v._n 9_o now_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o by_o which_o mind_n and_o spirit_n he_o may_v understand_v the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o be_v eternal_a verity_n we_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o god_n be_v describe_v as_o a_o prince_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o style_v just_a and_o merciful_a only_o in_o regard_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o their_o want_n of_o knowledge_n but_o that_o god_n from_o the_o necessity_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n do_v act_n and_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o his_o will_n and_o decree_n be_v eternal_a verity_n and_o imply_v eternal_a necessity_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o purpose_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o explain_v and_o prove_v pass_v now_o to_o the_o second_o particular_a let_v we_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o see_v what_o it_o say_v of_o this_o natural_a light_n and_o divine_a law._n the_o first_o thing_n we_o meet_v with_o be_v the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o man_n where_o we_o be_v tell_v god_n command_v adam_n he_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o seem_v to_o signify_v that_o god_n command_v adam_n to_o do_v and_o seek_v
clear_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o command_n but_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o natural_a reason_n and_o contain_v nothing_o but_o brotherly_a admonition_n full_a of_o gentleness_n and_o kindness_n no_o evidence_n of_o prophetical_a authority_n such_o as_o be_v that_o excuse_n in_o the_o 15._o chap._n to_o the_o rom._n verse_n 15._o brethren_n i_o have_v write_v the_o more_o bold_o unto_o you_o and_o this_o opinion_n may_v with_o the_o great_a confidence_n be_v maintain_v because_o we_o no_o where_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v command_v to_o write_v but_o only_o to_o preach_v where_o ever_o they_o go_v and_o to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n by_o sign_n for_o their_o presence_n and_o sign_n be_v absolute_o require_v to_o convert_v the_o nation_n to_o christianity_n and_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o as_o paul_n himself_o in_o his_o epist._n to_o the_o rom._n chap._n 1._o five_o 11._o express_o declare_v i_o long_o to_o see_v you_o that_o i_o may_v impart_v unto_o you_o some_o spiritual_a gift_n to_o the_o end_n you_o may_v be_v establish_v but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o if_o we_o allow_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v as_o prophet_n then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o may_v be_v conclude_v they_o do_v not_o preach_v as_o prophet_n for_o when_o they_o go_v hither_o and_o thither_o to_o preach_v they_o do_v it_o not_o by_o express_a command_n as_o do_v the_o prophet_n in_o time_n past_a we_o read_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n jonah_n go_v to_o nineveh_n to_o preach_v that_o he_o be_v express_o send_v thither_o and_o that_o which_o he_o be_v there_o to_o preach_v be_v reveal_v to_o he_o we_o be_v tell_v at_o large_a that_o moses_n be_v send_v into_o egypt_n by_o god_n what_o he_o be_v command_v to_o say_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o king_n pharaoh_n what_o sign_n and_o wonder_n also_o he_o be_v to_o do_v in_o their_o presence_n to_o make_v they_o believe_v isaiah_n jeremy_n and_o ezekiel_n be_v express_o command_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o israelite_n last_o the_o prophet_n never_o preach_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o the_o scripture_n testify_v they_o receive_v from_o god_n but_o of_o the_o apostle_n we_o very_o seldom_o read_v any_o such_o thing_n when_o they_o go_v hither_o and_o thither_o to_o preach_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o find_v the_o apostle_n according_a to_o their_o own_o will_n and_o inclination_n choose_v what_o place_n they_o will_v preach_v in_o as_o appear_v by_o that_o contention_n even_o to_o separation_n between_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act._n chap._n 15._o v._n 39_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n many_o time_n in_o vain_a attempt_v to_o go_v to_o some_o particular_a place_n whereof_o we_o have_v instance_n in_o paul_n himself_o who_o say_v in_o his_o first_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n v_o 13._o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o ignorant_a that_o oftentimes_o i_o purpose_v to_o come_v to_o you_o but_o be_v let_v hitherto_o and_o chap._n 15._o v._n 22._o for_o which_o cause_n i_o have_v be_v often_o hinder_v from_o come_v to_o you_o and_o last_o in_o the_o 16_o the_o chap._n 1_o sy_n epist._n to_o the_o corinth_n v_o 12._o he_o say_v as_o touch_v our_o brother_n apollo_n i_o great_o desire_v he_o to_o come_v unto_o you_o with_o the_o brethren_n but_o his_o will_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o come_v at_o this_o time_n but_o he_o will_v come_v when_o he_o shall_v have_v convenient_a time_n so_o that_o from_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o from_o the_o apostle_n contention_n and_o because_o when_o they_o go_v hither_o and_o thither_o to_o preach_v the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o testify_v as_o it_o do_v of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n that_o they_o go_v by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o preach_v as_o prophet_n but_o as_o man_n who_o be_v only_a teacher_n but_o this_o objection_n may_v be_v easy_o answer_v if_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o call_n of_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a and_o of_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o call_v to_o preach_v and_o prophesy_v to_o all_o nation_n in_o general_a but_o only_o to_o some_o particular_a people_n for_o which_o a_o express_a and_o particular_a command_n be_v necessary_a but_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v to_o preach_v to_o all_o nation_n without_o exception_n and_o to_o convert_v they_o to_o christ_n so_o that_o wherever_o they_o go_v they_o execute_v his_o commission_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o necessity_n before_o they_o go_v that_o which_o they_o be_v to_o preach_v shall_v be_v reveal_v to_o they_o they_o be_v those_o disciple_n to_o who_o christ_n say_v matth._n chap._n 10._o v._n 19_o 20._o when_o they_o deliver_v you_o up_o take_v no_o thought_n how_o or_o what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o you_o in_o that_o same_o hour_n what_o you_o shall_v speak_v we_o therefore_o conclude_v the_o apostle_n have_v those_o thing_n by_o particular_a revelation_n which_o they_o personal_o preach_v and_o confirm_v by_o sign_n but_o what_o they_o simple_o speak_v or_o write_v without_o sign_n to_o confirm_v it_o that_o proceed_v only_o from_o their_o natural_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n as_o you_o see_v in_o the_o forecited_a 14_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o 1_o st_z epist._n to_o the_o corinth_n v_o 6._o that_o all_o their_o epistle_n begin_v with_o the_o declaration_n and_o approbation_n of_o their_o apostleship_n make_v nothing_o against_o i_o for_o on_o the_o apostle_n as_o i_o shall_v present_o show_v be_v not_o only_o bestow_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n but_o they_o have_v also_o authority_n give_v they_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v upon_o this_o ground_n the_o apostle_n begin_v and_o write_v their_o epistle_n with_o the_o declaration_n of_o their_o apostleship_n and_o perhaps_o to_o gain_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o reader_n and_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o attention_n do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n testify_v that_o they_o be_v those_o man_n who_o by_o their_o preach_v be_v know_v to_o all_o believer_n and_o who_o by_o such_o clear_a proof_n have_v make_v it_o evident_a they_o teach_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o right_a way_n to_o salvation_n what_o i_o find_v in_o these_o epistle_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a and_o holy_a spirit_n wherewith_o they_o be_v inspire_v relate_v only_o to_o their_o preach_v except_o it_o be_v in_o those_o place_n where_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v mean_v only_o a_o sound_n right_a judgement_n and_o a_o pure_a unessayed_v mind_n devote_v to_o god_n of_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o our_o first_o chapter_n for_o example_n paul_n in_o 1_o corinth_n chap._n 7._o v._n 40._o say_v but_o she_o be_v happy_a if_o she_o so_o abide_v after_o my_o judgement_n and_o i_o think_v also_o i_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n where_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v understand_v his_o own_o opinion_n as_o the_o context_n prove_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o his_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n the_o widow_n be_v happy_a who_o will_v not_o marry_v a_o second_o husband_n for_o he_o himself_o have_v resolve_v to_o live_v single_a and_o therefore_o think_v himself_o happy_a of_o this_o kind_n we_o find_v other_o expression_n which_o i_o think_v needless_a to_o mention_v if_o then_o it_o pass_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o dictate_v only_o of_o natural_a reason_n how_o can_v the_o apostle_n only_o by_o natural_a reason_n teach_v those_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o it_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n concern_v the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o question_n for_o though_o many_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n often_o surpass_v our_o capacity_n and_o understanding_n yet_o we_o may_v safe_o dispute_v of_o they_o provide_v we_o admit_v of_o no_o principle_n but_o what_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o apostle_n may_v conclude_v collect_v and_o as_o they_o please_v teach_v many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v hear_v and_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o though_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o bare_o publish_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o natural_a reason_n yet_o the_o principal_a and_o chief_a part_n thereof_o which_o consist_v as_o do_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o moral_a precept_n and_o instruction_n every_o man_n by_o natural_a light_n may_v attain_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o
thereby_o more_o incline_v to_o obey_v god_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o justice_n and_o charity_n but_o we_o blame_v the_o sectary_n for_o not_o allow_v other_o man_n the_o same_o liberty_n they_o themselves_o take_v they_o count_v all_o man_n be_v they_o never_o so_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o opinion_n the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o persecute_v they_o as_o such_o but_o call_v those_o who_o be_v of_o their_o mind_n god_n elect_n be_v they_o never_o so_o very_a knave_n which_o be_v the_o most_o pernicious_a wicked_a humour_n can_v possible_o be_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n to_o make_v it_o clear_v then_o how_o far_o in_o point_n of_o faith_n every_o man_n may_v extend_v his_o liberty_n of_o think_v what_o he_o please_v and_o upon_o who_o we_o be_v to_o look_v as_o believer_n though_o they_o differ_v in_o opinion_n i_o resolve_v to_o show_v in_o this_o chapter_n what_o faith_n be_v to_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o to_o distinguish_v faith_n from_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o the_o whole_a treatise_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n in_o order_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n again_o what_o be_v the_o scripture_n principal_a intention_n for_o that_o will_v show_v we_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o determine_v what_o be_v faith._n we_o have_v tell_v you_o in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n that_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n obedience_n which_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v for_o who_o do_v not_o plain_o see_v the_o discipline_n of_o obedience_n to_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o only_a end_n of_o both_o be_v to_o make_v man_n obey_v god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n i_o need_v not_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o moses_n do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v the_o israelite_n with_o reason_n but_o to_o bind_v and_o oblige_v they_o by_o a_o covenant_n by_o oath_n and_o benefit_n he_o threaten_v those_o that_o break_v the_o law_n with_o punishment_n and_o encourage_v the_o observer_n of_o it_o with_o reward_n which_o be_v mean_n not_o to_o increase_v knowledge_n but_o only_o to_o procure_v obedience_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contain_v nothing_o but_o plain_a simple_a faith_n namely_o to_o believe_v god_n and_o to_o reverence_n and_o worship_v he_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o obey_v he_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o demonstrate_v a_o thing_n so_o evident_a or_o of_o heap_v up_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o commend_v obedience_n whereof_o there_o be_v many_o in_o both_o testament_n what_o a_o man_n be_v to_o do_v to_o obey_v god_n the_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n declare_v namely_o that_o the_o whole_a law_n consist_v in_o love_v our_o neighbour_n so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o he_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o law_n be_v obedient_a who_o according_a to_o god_n command_n love_v his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o on_o the_o contrary_a who_o hate_v his_o neighbour_n or_o care_v not_o for_o he_o be_v rebellious_a and_o disobedient_a last_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v and_o publish_v not_o only_o for_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a but_o for_o all_o people_n in_o general_n of_o all_o time_n hence_o then_o must_v it_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v not_o command_v by_o scripture_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v and_o obey_v this_o commandment_n so_o that_o this_o precept_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o catholic_n faith_n and_o by_o it_o only_o all_o those_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v aught_o to_o be_v define_v and_o determine_v which_o be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a and_o that_o from_o this_o foundation_n only_o all_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v rational_o deduce_v and_o derive_v let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o the_o many_o dispute_n and_o dissension_n spring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n can_v have_v any_o other_o cause_n than_o those_o i_o mention_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o seven_o chapter_n which_o force_v i_o here_o to_o show_v from_o this_o foundation_n i_o have_v lay_v the_o manner_n and_o reason_n of_o state_v and_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n for_o unless_o i_o do_v this_o and_o make_v it_o good_a by_o sure_a and_o certain_a rule_n i_o have_v indeed_o hitherto_o do_v very_o little_a see_v otherwise_o every_o man_n may_v introduce_v what_o he_o please_v under_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n to_o obedience_n especial_o when_o any_o thing_n come_v into_o question_n concern_v the_o divine_a attribute_n to_o proceed_v orderly_o in_o make_v the_o thing_n clear_a and_o plain_a i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o definition_n of_o faith_n which_o according_a to_o the_o foundation_n i_o have_v lay_v aught_o to_o be_v thus_o define_v i'faith_o be_v to_o have_v such_o thought_n or_o opinion_n of_o god_n as_o make_v a_o man_n obey_v he_o where_o such_o thought_n be_v not_o there_o be_v no_o obedience_n and_o where_o they_o be_v obedience_n necessary_o follow_v such_o opinion_n which_o definition_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_o follow_v from_o what_o we_o have_v already_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o need_v no_o explication_n what_o follow_v from_o this_o definition_n i_o will_v brief_o show_v first_o that_o faith_n of_o itself_o without_o obedience_n be_v not_o able_a to_o save_v a_o man_n as_o james_n say_v chap._n 2._o 17._o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o that_o whole_a chapter_n second_o that_o he_o who_o be_v true_o obedient_a must_v necessary_o have_v save_v faith_n for_o where_o ever_o there_o be_v obedience_n there_o as_o i_o have_v say_v must_v be_v faith_n which_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v express_o in_o the_o 18_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o say_v 2_o d_o chap._n show_v i_o thy_o faith_n without_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n and_o john_n in_o his_o 1_o sy_n epist._n chap._n 4._o v._n 78._o every_o one_o that_o love_v his_o neighbour_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o know_v god_n he_o that_o love_v not_o know_v not_o god_n for_o god_n be_v love_n from_o whence_o it_o likewise_o follow_v that_o we_o can_v judge_v no_o man_n to_o be_v a_o believer_n or_o a_o unbeliever_n but_o by_o his_o work_n that_o be_v if_o his_o work_n be_v good_a though_o in_o his_o opinion_n he_o dissent_v from_o other_o believer_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n and_o if_o his_o work_n be_v evil_a though_o in_o word_n he_o agree_v with_o other_o that_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o infidel_n for_o where_o there_o be_v obedience_n there_o must_v necessary_o be_v faith_n and_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a which_o john_n in_o chap._n 4._o 13._o express_o declare_v hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n which_o spirit_n be_v love_n for_o he_o say_v just_a before_o god_n be_v love_n and_o conclude_v from_o his_o own_o principle_n that_o he_o certain_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o have_v love_n and_o because_o no_o man_n ever_o see_v god_n he_o conclude_v that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o sense_n or_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o only_o by_o love_n and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v know_v any_o other_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o love_n by_o partake_v of_o it_o which_o reason_n if_o they_o do_v not_o absolute_o convince_v yet_o they_o sufficient_o explain_v st._n john_n meaning_n what_o he_o say_v in_o the_o 3_o d_o and_o 4_o the_o verse_n of_o his_o 2_o d_o chap._n in_o express_v word_n full_o prove_v what_o we_o maintain_v and_o hereby_o say_v he_o do_v we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o hence_o it_o again_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v antichrist_n who_o persecute_v honest_a and_o just_a man_n that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o opinion_n and_o do_v not_o maintain_v their_o doctrine_n they_o that_o love_v justice_n and_o charity_n be_v thereby_o only_o know_v to_o be_v believer_n and_o whoever_o persecute_v such_o believer_n be_v antichrist_n last_o it_o follow_v that_o faith_n do_v not_o require_v opinion_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o true_a but_o such_o only_a as_o be_v pious_a and_o incline_v a_o man_n heart_n to_o obedience_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o have_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o â—ruth_n in_o they_o which_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v and_o yet_o be_v
ignorant_a that_o they_o be_v false_a otherwise_o he_o will_v necessary_o be_v disobedient_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o he_o who_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o justice_n and_o study_n to_o obey_v god_n reverence_v that_o as_o divine_a which_o he_o know_v be_v no_o way_n agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n man_n may_v err_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v condemn_v stubbornness_n not_o ignorance_n which_o follow_v from_o the_o very_a definition_n i_o have_v give_v of_o faith_n every_o part_n thereof_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o general_a foundation_n before_o mention_v and_o from_o the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o faith_n do_v not_o require_v from_o man_n opinion_n absolute_o true_a in_o themselves_o but_o such_o only_a as_o be_v necessary_a to_o obedience_n and_o to_o confirm_v a_o man_n in_o love_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n by_o which_o love_n to_o use_v st._n john_n expression_n every_o man_n be_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o see_v then_o every_o man_n faith_n in_o respect_n of_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n and_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o see_v man_n disposition_n be_v so_o various_a that_o none_o agree_v in_o all_o thing_n but_o be_v so_o diverse_o sway_v by_o opinion_n that_o what_o move_v this_o man_n to_o devotion_n beget_v in_o another_o laughter_n and_o contempt_n it_o fâ—llows_v that_o to_o universal_a faith_n only_o those_o doctrine_n be_v necessary_a concern_v which_o among_o honest_a man_n there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o one_o man_n may_v account_v they_o religious_a and_o another_o irreligious_a be_v to_o be_v judge_v only_o by_o work_n to_o catholic_n faith_n then_o those_o doctrine_n only_o belong_v which_o beget_v in_o a_o man_n obedience_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o which_o if_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v obey_v he_o in_o other_o thing_n every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o knowledge_n he_o that_o of_o himself_o may_v to_o establish_v himself_o in_o the_o love_n of_o justice_n think_v what_o to_o he_o seem_v best_o which_o will_v take_v away_o all_o occasion_n of_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n now_o i_o will_v not_o fear_v to_o name_v those_o doctrine_n of_o universal_a faith_n or_o those_o fundamental_o of_o scripture_n that_o by_o what_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o these_o two_o last_o chapter_n tend_v all_o to_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a be_v that_o love_v justice_n and_o charity_n to_o who_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v be_v obedient_a and_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o justice_n and_o love_n towards_o their_o neighbour_n and_o from_o hence_o these_o several_a position_n clear_o and_o easy_o follow_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v who_o be_v most_o just_a and_o merciful_a by_o who_o example_n every_o man_n ought_v to_o regulate_v his_o life_n he_o that_o know_v not_o or_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v can_v obey_v he_o or_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v his_o judge_n second_o that_o this_o god_n be_v one_o which_o opinion_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n adore_v admire_v and_o love_n god_n for_o devotion_n admiration_n and_o love_n be_v cause_v by_o that_o excellency_n which_o be_v in_o one_o above_o all_o other_o three_o that_o he_o be_v every_o where_o present_a or_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v know_v to_o he_o for_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v hide_v from_o he_o or_o if_o man_n do_v not_o think_v that_o he_o see_v all_o thing_n we_o may_v doubt_v of_o his_o equity_n and_o justice_n whereby_o he_o govern_v all_o thing_n four_o that_o he_o have_v supreme_a power_n and_o dominion_n over_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v nothing_o by_o compulsion_n but_o of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n all_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o he_o no_o body_n five_o that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o consist_v only_o in_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n six_o that_o only_o they_o who_o obey_v god_n by_o such_o a_o course_n of_o life_n will_v be_v save_v and_o other_o who_o live_v slave_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n will_v be_v condemn_v if_o man_n do_v not_o firm_o believe_v this_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o a_o man_n shall_v rather_o obey_v god_n than_o his_o own_o desire_n and_o pleasure_n seven_o and_o last_o god_n pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o repent_v there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v without_o sin_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n all_o will_v despair_v of_o salvation_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v god_n merciful_a but_o he_o who_o steadfast_o believe_v that_o god_n through_o grace_n and_o mercy_n whereby_o he_o order_v all_o thing_n pardon_v man_n offence_n and_o be_v thereby_o more_o flame_v with_o love_n towards_o god_n he_o know_v christ_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o christ_n be_v in_o he_o every_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v that_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n may_v obey_v god_n according_a to_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o law_n which_o we_o have_v already_o explain_v if_o you_o take_v away_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a position_n or_o doctrine_n there_o can_v be_v no_o obedience_n but_o what_o god_n or_o what_o this_o exemplar_n of_o live_v well_o be_v whether_o he_o be_v fire_n a_o spirit_n light_n cogitation_n etc._n etc._n it_o concern_v not_o our_o faith_n neither_o in_o what_o notion_n or_o respect_n he_o be_v a_o example_n for_o we_o to_o live_v by_o whether_o it_o be_v because_o he_o have_v a_o just_a and_o merciful_a mind_n or_o because_o all_o thing_n subsist_v and_o act_v by_o he_o and_o consequent_o we_o by_o and_o through_o he_o understand_v what_o be_v just_a and_o good_a it_o matter_n not_o what_o every_o man_n think_v or_o conclude_v of_o these_o thing_n neither_o be_v faith_n concern_v whether_o a_o man_n believe_v that_o god_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o power_n omnipresent_v or_o whether_o he_o govern_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o freedom_n or_o necessity_n of_o his_o nature_n whether_o he_o prescribe_v law_n as_o a_o prince_n or_o teach_v eternal_a verity_n whether_o man_n obey_v god_n as_o free_a agent_n because_o they_o have_v freedom_n of_o will_n or_o because_o they_o be_v necessitate_v by_o god_n decree_n whether_o the_o reward_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_n be_v natural_a or_o supernatural_a faith_n be_v not_o concern_v how_o a_o man_n understand_v these_o thing_n so_o long_o as_o he_o make_v no_o conclusion_n whereby_o he_o may_v take_v a_o liberty_n of_o sin_v or_o lessen_v his_o obedience_n to_o god_n of_o these_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n a_o man_n may_v make_v such_o a_o interpretation_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o make_v he_o believe_v and_o obey_v god_n cheerful_o without_o any_o reluctancy_n for_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v faith_n be_v heretofore_o reveal_v and_o write_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o people_n of_o that_o time_n so_o that_o now_o also_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o apply_v his_o faith_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v make_v he_o without_o the_o least_o doubt_v or_o reluctancy_n believe_v for_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v faith_n rather_o require_v piety_n than_o verity_n and_o as_o faith_n can_v be_v pious_a and_o save_a without_o obedience_n so_o nothing_o but_o obedience_n make_v a_o man_n a_o faithful_a believer_n his_o faith_n be_v not_o best_o who_o can_v give_v the_o best_a reason_n for_o it_o but_o he_o that_o have_v do_v the_o most_o and_o great_a work_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n a_o doctrine_n which_o must_v in_o all_o man_n judgement_n be_v very_o wholesome_a and_o necessary_a in_o all_o commonwealth_n for_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n of_o much_o wickedness_n and_o many_o trouble_n before_o i_o go_v further_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v the_o objection_n may_v be_v easy_o answer_v which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o i_o treat_v of_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o israelite_n from_o mount_n sinai_n for_o though_o that_o voice_n which_o the_o israelite_n hear_v can_v not_o give_v that_o people_n any_o philosophical_a or_o mathematical_a certainty_n of_o god_n existence_n yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o admire_v god_n under_o that_o knowledge_n they_o before_o have_v of_o he_o and_o incite_v they_o to_o obedience_n towards_o he_o which_o be_v all_o that_o god_n purpose_v and_o design_v in_o that_o spectacle_n it_o be_v not_o god_n intention_n
purchase_v another_o new_a tyrant_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o their_o discord_n and_o intestine_a war_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o violate_v god_n law_n be_v still_o the_o same_o which_o can_v never_o end_v but_o with_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n we_o have_v now_o see_v how_o religion_n begin_v in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n and_o how_o the_o government_n may_v have_v be_v perpetual_a if_o the_o just_a wrath_n of_o god_n will_v have_v permit_v it_o to_o continue_v but_o because_o it_o will_v not_o therefore_o it_o perish_v i_o have_v here_o speak_v only_o of_o their_o first_o government_n the_o second_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o their_o first_o see_v they_o be_v still_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o persian_n after_o they_o obtain_v their_o liberty_n of_o cyrus_n the_o high_a priest_n become_v their_o prince_n by_o usurp_v the_o supreme_a authority_n the_o priest_n have_v as_o great_a a_o mind_n to_o the_o crown_n as_o to_o the_o mitre_n of_o this_o second_o government_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o whether_o their_o first_o government_n as_o it_o be_v conceive_v durable_a or_o religious_a be_v a_o pattern_n that_o may_v be_v follow_v will_v appear_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n for_o the_o close_a of_o all_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v particular_o observe_v that_o by_o what_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o divine_a right_n or_o religion_n have_v its_o beginning_n and_o rise_v from_o a_o covenant_n or_o contract_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o right_o but_o that_o of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o precept_n of_o religion_n to_o show_v any_o kindness_n towards_o any_o other_o nation_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o the_o covenant_n but_o only_o to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o commonwealth_n chap._n xviii_o certain_a political_a maxim_n collect_v from_o the_o government_n and_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n commonwealth_n though_o the_o government_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o have_v be_v describe_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n may_v have_v be_v perpetual_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o example_n that_o can_v now_o be_v follow_v nor_o be_v it_o advisable_v to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n for_o if_o any_o man_n will_v transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o god_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v by_o a_o express_a contract_n or_o covenant_n so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o transfer_v their_o power_n but_o also_o the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o who_o the_o power_n be_v transfer_v aught_o to_o be_v know_v but_o god_n have_v reveal_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n shall_v no_o more_o be_v write_v with_o ink_n nor_o in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o shall_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o form_n of_o government_n under_o which_o the_o jew_n live_v may_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o convenient_a for_o they_o who_o live_v alone_o without_o any_o foreign_a trade_n or_o commerce_n who_o keep_v themselves_o within_o their_o own_o territory_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a fit_a for_o people_n that_o live_v by_o trade_v with_o other_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v to_o very_a few_o people_n that_o the_o jewish_a government_n can_v be_v of_o any_o use_n or_o advantage_n but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o pattern_n that_o can_v be_v follow_v in_o all_o thing_n yet_o there_o be_v in_o it_o many_o thing_n very_o worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n and_o which_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n because_o my_o intention_n be_v not_o to_o treat_v express_o of_o government_n i_o will_v pass_v many_o thing_n by_o and_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o that_o make_v for_o my_o purpose_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v majesty_n elective_a that_o be_v to_o choose_v the_o person_n or_o person_n who_o shall_v have_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o government_n for_o after_o the_o jew_n transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o god_n they_o deliver_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o govern_v to_o moses_n who_o thereby_o have_v in_o god_n name_n the_o sole_a authority_n of_o make_v and_o abrogate_a law_n of_o choose_v sacred_a minister_n and_o likewise_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o teach_v judge_a and_o punish_v and_o though_o the_o priest_n be_v interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o judge_v the_o people_n nor_o to_o excommunicate_v any_o person_n for_o none_o can_v do_v that_o but_o the_o judge_n and_o prince_n who_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o people_n as_o appear_v joshua_n chap._n 6._o v._n 26._o where_o joshua_n adjure_v the_o people_n not_o to_o rebuild_v jericho_n judge_n chap._n 21._o v._n 18._o where_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n appoint_v what_o woman_n the_o benjamite_n shall_v marry_v to_o propagate_v their_o tribe_n and_o 1_o sam._n chap._n 14._o v._n 24._o where_o saul_n command_v the_o people_n not_o to_o eat_v any_o food_n till_o evening_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o history_n and_o success_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o shall_v find_v other_o thing_n very_o well_o worth_a our_o observation_n first_o that_o there_o be_v no_o different_a sect_n of_o religion_n among_o they_o till_o after_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o second_o government_n usurp_v the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o the_o power_n of_o make_v law_n to_o make_v their_o authority_n last_v they_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o power_n which_o the_o prince_n have_v and_o at_o last_o will_v be_v call_v king_n the_o reason_n be_v apparent_a for_o in_o the_o first_o government_n nothing_o be_v make_v law_n by_o the_o high_a priest_n because_o he_o have_v no_o power_n of_o decree_a any_o thing_n his_o business_n be_v only_o to_o return_v those_o answer_n to_o the_o prince_n and_o council_n which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n so_o that_o at_o that_o time_n their_o high_a priest_n can_v not_o desire_v to_o make_v new_a decree_n but_o only_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v their_o know_a duty_n for_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o preserve_v their_o liberty_n against_o the_o prince_n but_o by_o keep_v the_o law_n free_a from_o violation_n and_o corruption_n but_o after_o the_o priest_n get_v power_n of_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o of_o priest_n become_v prince_n than_o every_o one_o as_o well_o in_o religion_n as_o other_o affair_n will_v have_v all_o thing_n determine_v by_o the_o pontifical_a authority_n daily_o make_v decree_n which_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v as_o sacred_a as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o religion_n degenerate_v into_o horrible_a superstition_n the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v corrupt_v and_o the_o priest_n after_o the_o restauration_n attempt_v to_o get_v the_o supreme_a power_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o gain_v the_o people_n so_o soothe_v and_o flatter_v they_o that_o they_o approve_v of_o all_o they_o do_v be_v it_o never_o so_o wicked_a and_o make_v interpretation_n of_o scripture_n suitable_a to_o their_o humour_n and_o practice_n which_o malachy_n in_o express_a word_n testify_v reprove_v the_o priest_n of_o his_o own_o time_n in_o this_o manner_n mal._n chap._n 2._o v._n 7_o 8._o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n but_o you_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n you_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n you_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n of_o levi_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o so_o go_v on_o in_o reproach_v they_o with_o interpret_n the_o law_n as_o they_o please_v with_o their_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o take_v no_o heed_n to_o walk_v in_o god_n way_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o though_o the_o priest_n be_v never_o so_o cautious_a and_o wary_a yet_o they_o be_v narrow_o observe_v by_o the_o wise_a sort_n who_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o priest_n boldness_n declare_v that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o any_o law_n but_o those_o that_o be_v write_v and_o that_o all_o decree_v make_v by_o the_o priest_n which_o the_o deceive_a pharisee_n choose_v as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n call_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n be_v not_o at_o all_o obligatory_a nor_o to_o be_v obey_v without_o all_o doubt_n the_o high_a priest_n flatter_v the_o people_n the_o corruption_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o multiplication_n of_o law_n become_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o those_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n which_o can_v never_o be_v end_v for_o when_o man_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o superstition_n begin_v to_o quarrel_n and_o