Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n believe_v divine_a revelation_n 2,369 5 9.5965 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A49895 Five letters concerning the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures translated out of French.; Défense des Sentimens de quelques théologiens de Hollande sur l'Histoire critique du Vieux Testament contre la réponse du prieur de Bolleville. English. Selections Le Clerc, Jean, 1657-1736.; Locke, John, 1632-1704.; Le Clerc, Jean, 1657-1736. Sentimens de quelques théologiens de Hollande sur l'Histoire critique du Vieux Testament, composée par le P. Richard Simon. English. Selections. 1690 (1690) Wing L815; ESTC R22740 97,734 266

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have_v themselves_o see_v they_o or_o take_v they_o out_o of_o good_a record_n we_o may_v be_v confident_a that_o for_o the_o main_a of_o the_o history_n they_o tell_v we_o nothing_o that_o be_v not_o exact_o true_a these_o qualification_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o they_o a_o historian_n that_o be_v honest_a and_o well_o inform_v of_o that_o which_o he_o relate_v be_v worthy_a of_o credit_n and_o if_o you_o add_v thereto_o that_o he_o have_v also_o suffer_v death_n in_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o history_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v who_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o maintain_v that_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v that_o which_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o of_o jesus_n christ_n than_o not_o only_o that_o history_n will_v be_v worthy_a of_o credit_n but_o they_o who_o shall_v refuse_v to_o believe_v it_o can_v pass_v for_o no_o other_o than_o fool_n or_o obstinate_a person_n in_o this_o manner_n we_o may_v be_v full_o assure_v of_o 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piety_n they_o say_v that_o the_o controversy_n about_o they_o be_v not_o considerable_a now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o believe_v expression_n to_o be_v divine_a that_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o human_a when_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v truth_n what_o danger_n can_v there_o be_v in_o believe_v that_o any_o truth_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a be_v express_v in_o term_n not_o divine_o inspire_v the_o same_o reason_n that_o make_v we_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o the_o one_o persuade_v we_o also_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o save_v by_o the_o word_n but_o by_o the_o thing_n the_o other_o thing_n observable_a be_v that_o we_o receive_v among_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n write_n who_o author_n be_v not_o well_o know_v which_o we_o can_v not_o do_v if_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a in_o receive_v a_o book_n as_o 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may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o example_n david_n say_v of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o enemy_n divers_a thing_n without_o think_v of_o prophesy_v which_o contain_v nevertheless_o prediction_n of_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o happen_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o enemy_n he_o say_v psal._n xli_o 10._o he_o that_o eat_v of_o my_o bread_n have_v lift_v up_o his_o heel_n against_o i_o he_o mean_v sure_o some_o of_o those_o who_o be_v rise_v against_o he_o in_o asolom_n conspiracy_n as_o achitophel_n or_o some_o other_o and_o he_o speak_v plain_o of_o a_o thing_n happen_v to_o himself_o it_o be_v this_o very_a thing_n that_o inspire_v he_o if_o one_o may_v so_o say_v these_o word_n which_o betoken_v what_o shall_v befall_v jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o treachery_n of_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n as_o appear_v by_o john_n xiii_o 18._o the_o author_n of_o the_o lxix_o the_o and_o cix_o the_o psalm_n whether_o it_o be_v david_n or_o some_o other_o do_v not_o probable_o think_v of_o foretell_v what_o shall_v one_o day_n befall_v a_o disciple_n of_o the_o messiah_n when_o he_o curse_v his_o enemy_n and_o yet_o st._n peter_n in_o the_o act_n 20._o apply_v some_o word_n of_o these_o psalm_n to_o judas_n there_o need_v no_o great_a sharpsightedness_n to_o see_v that_o the_o author_n pretend_v not_o to_o speak_v of_o judas_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o good_a and_o merciful_a spirit_n of_o god_n when_o he_o say_v set_v thou_o a_o wicked_a man_n over_o he_o and_o let_v satan_n stand_v at_o his_o right-hand_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v judge_v let_v he_o be_v condemn_v and_o let_v his_o prayer_n become_v sin_n let_v his_o day_n be_v few_o and_o let_v another_o take_v his_o office_n let_v his_o child_n be_v fatherless_a and_o his_o wife_n a_o widow_n let_v his_o child_n continual_o be_v vagabond_n and_o beg_v let_v they_o seek_v their_o bread_n also_o out_o of_o their_o desolate_a place_n let_v the_o extortioner_n catch_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o let_v the_o stranger_n spoil_v his_o labour_n let_v there_o be_v none_o to_o extend_v mercy_n unto_o he_o neither_o let_v there_o be_v any_o to_o favour_v his_o fatherless_a child_n let_v his_o posterity_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o in_o the_o generation_n follow_v let_v their_o name_n be_v blot_v out_o let_v the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o father_n be_v remember_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o let_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o mother_n be_v blot_v out_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v plain_a that_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n full_a of_o excessive_a choler_n and_o of_o a_o extreme_a desire_n to_o be_v revenge_v now_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n permit_v not_o any_o more_o than_o the_o gospel_n to_o with_o ill_a or_o do_v it_o to_o child_n in_o revenge_n of_o the_o injury_n receive_v from_o their_o parent_n yet_o some_o famous_a divine_n have_v put_v in_o the_o title_n of_o this_o psalm_n that_o david_n as_o a_o type_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v drive_v on_o by_o a_o singular_a zeal_n pray_v that_o vengeance_n may_v be_v execute_v on_o his_o enemy_n and_o where_o do_v they_o find_v that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v curse_v his_o enemy_n at_o that_o rate_n have_v they_o forget_v the_o word_n that_o proceed_v from_o his_o die_a mouth_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o wicked_a race_n that_o ever_o be_v those_o that_o crucify_v he_o be_v they_o not_o the_o great_a enemy_n he_o have_v and_o the_o most_o obstinate_a adversary_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o far_o from_o make_v the_o imprecation_n against_o they_o that_o they_o deserve_v do_v not_o he_o pray_v to_o his_o father_n to_o forgive_v they_o have_v he_o not_o order_v we_o to_o imitate_v he_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o persecute_v we_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o david_n as_o a_o type_n of_o jesus_n christ_n make_v such_o horrible_a imprecation_n against_o his_o enemy_n i_o confess_v i_o understand_v not_o christian_a religion_n if_o it_o permit_v the_o pronounce_v such_o curse_n and_o the_o wish_v to_o be_v revenge_v after_o so_o cruel_a a_o manner_n as_o do_v the_o author_n of_o this_o psalm_n and_o those_o of_o divers_a other_o in_o which_o we_o find_v such_o like_a imprecation_n as_o that_o of_o psal._n cxxxvii_o o_o daughter_n of_o babylon_n who_o be_v to_o be_v destroy_v happy_a shall_v he_o be_v that_o reward_v thou_o as_o thou_o have_v serve_v we_o happy_a shall_v he_o be_v that_o take_v and_o dash_v thy_o little_a one_o against_o the_o stone_n god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v desire_v to_o dash_v out_o the_o brain_n of_o infidel_n child_n yet_o nevertheless_o we_o see_v that_o all_o these_o psalm_n be_v indifferent_o sing_v in_o protestant_a church_n without_o take_v notice_n that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o equal_o inspire_v and_o i_o remember_v that_o ask_v a_o divine_a how_o we_o can_v sing_v psalm_n full_a of_o such_o imprecation_n he_o answer_v i_o slight_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v they_o against_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o for_o his_o part_n he_o make_v that_o application_n to_o they_o when_o he_o sing_v these_o psalm_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o the_o jewish_a opinion_n of_o the_o inspiration_n of_o word_n and_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o each_o verse_n of_o the_o scripture_n produce_v we_o may_v conceive_v another_o sort_n of_o prophecy_n which_o consist_v not_o in_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v but_o in_o explain_v the_o scripture_n and_o in_o compose_v ready_o hymn_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n there_o be_v some_o example_n of_o these_o hymn_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o that_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n and_o some_o other_o it_o seem_v as_o if_o there_o go_v only_a piety_n and_o zeal_n to_o the_o compose_v they_o at_o least_o it_o be_v very_o conceivable_a that_o a_o pious_a zealous_a man_n may_v easy_o now_o a_o day_n praise_n god_n in_o that_o manner_n without_o any_o preparation_n a_o good_a part_n of_o the_o psalm_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v thus_o compose_v as_o also_o divers_a other_o song_n which_o be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o psalm_n where_o the_o verse_n or_o the_o pause_n begin_v with_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o hebrew_n alphabet_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v compose_v at_o more_o leisure_n for_o this_o regularity_n show_v that_o there_o be_v meditation_n and_o pain_n use_v as_o be_v in_o acrostic_n see_v psal._n cxix_o and_o the_o lamentation_n of_o jeremy_n so_o we_o see_v too_o that_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o work_n the_o holy_a writer_n do_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n nor_o begin_v their_o discourse_n with_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n yet_o we_o may_v say_v that_o the_o author_n of_o these_o pious_a song_n be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n when_o they_o compose_v they_o that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o piety_n that_o carry_v they_o to_o take_v pain_n in_o those_o composition_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n we_o may_v say_v that_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o god_n though_o not_o so_o immediate_o as_o prediction_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v often_o take_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v to_o say_v for_o a_o disposition_n of_o spirit_n conformable_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n as_o many_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v i_o will_v now_o remark_n brief_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o sacred_a history_n have_v be_v write_v and_o then_o in_o treat_v of_o doctrine_n i_o will_v speak_v of_o that_o sort_n of_o prophecy_n that_o consist_v in_o explain_v the_o holy_a scripture_n scripture_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o who_o take_v pain_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v pious_a person_n who_o have_v not_o write_v those_o history_n but_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o piety_n it_o be_v not_o to_o satisfy_v our_o curiosity_n that_o they_o undertake_v those_o work_n but_o to_o show_v we_o the_o care_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v always_o take_v of_o good_a people_n and_o the_o punishment_n it_o inflict_v upon_o the_o wicked_a to_o give_v we_o example_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o last_o to_o inform_v we_o of_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v found_v and_o of_o the_o precept_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o jew_n and_o christian_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o prophet_n apostle_n angel_n themselves_o and_o even_o of_o his_o own_o son_n we_o ought_v also_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v give_v we_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n without_o add_v or_o substract_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o design_n to_o deceive_v we_o and_o as_o they_o be_v very_o well_o inform_v of_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o relate_v
continue_v uncircumcised_a because_o st._n peter_n forbear_v to_o live_v familiar_o with_o they_o on_o that_o account_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o observe_v the_o circumcision_n so_o that_o it_o be_v by_o his_o conduct_n only_o that_o st._n peter_n force_v they_o to_o live_v as_o jew_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v true_a that_o by_o efficacious_o engage_v one_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n after_o what_o manner_n soever_o it_o be_v we_o be_v say_v to_o force_v one_o to_o do_v it_o see_v gen._n nineteeen_o 3._o luke_n xxiv_o 19_o i_o believe_v real_o that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a explanation_n but_o it_o prove_v clear_o that_o the_o metaphysical_a infallibility_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o of_o apostolic_a tradition_n for_o in_o truth_n to_o dissemble_v a_o true_a doctrine_n when_o they_o ought_v to_o preach_v it_o and_o to_o engage_v people_n in_o a_o error_n by_o their_o conduct_n be_v visible_o a_o human_a weakness_n and_o which_o become_v not_o those_o who_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o simple_a instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n speak_v by_o their_o mouth_n st._n peter_n conduct_n give_v the_o gentile_n to_o understand_v as_o well_o as_o if_o he_o have_v tell_v it_o they_o that_o they_o must_v observe_v the_o circumcision_n and_o to_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v it_o by_o forbear_v to_o eat_v with_o they_o be_v almost_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o tell_v it_o they_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n nay_o more_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o st._n peter_n believe_v that_o this_o dissimulation_n be_v lawful_a as_o well_o as_o st._n barnabas_n and_o the_o other_o jew_n who_o have_v follow_v his_o example_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o so_o pious_a man_n who_o be_v the_o first_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v have_v do_v it_o and_o so_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o some_o weakness_n even_o in_o doctrine_n although_o they_o recant_v it_o soon_o nor_o be_v it_o of_o great_a importance_n there_o be_v also_o a_o great_a difference_n observable_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o christ_n speak_v he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n without_o measure_n and_o that_o in_o which_o the_o apostle_n express_v themselves_o whereas_o according_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o same_o if_o the_o same_o spirit_n have_v render_v they_o infallible_a they_o have_v right_a to_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n with_o the_o same_o power_n and_o to_o speak_v as_o authoritative_o as_o jesus_n christ._n but_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a in_o their_o write_n christ_n speak_v as_o one_o have_v authority_n you_o have_v hear_v it_o be_v say_v of_o old_a etc._n etc._n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n on_o the_o contrary_a declare_v that_o they_o say_v nothing_o of_o themselves_o and_o refer_v all_o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o to_o jesus_n christ_n act_v xxvi_o 22._o 1_o cor._n xi_o 23._o and_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o considerable_a be_v that_o they_o distinguish_v manifest_o that_o which_o they_o say_v themselves_o from_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v say_v and_o unto_o the_o marry_a i_o command_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n but_o to_o the_o rest_n speak_v i_o not_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n so_o st._n paul_n speak_v 1_o cor._n seven_o 10_o 12._o which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v he_o be_v aware_a that_o his_o auditor_n have_v believe_v his_o word_n as_o infallible_a as_o the_o word_n of_o christ._n methinks_v these_o be_v convince_a proof_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o a_o perpetual_a inspiration_n which_o may_v give_v their_o word_n a_o indisputable_a authority_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o they_o have_v many_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o divers_a heavenly_a vision_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o act_n by_o the_o revelation_n and_o by_o divers_a other_o place_n of_o scripture_n nay_o i_o be_o so_o full_o persuade_v they_o have_v that_o i_o think_v he_o no_o good_a christian_a who_o doubt_v of_o it_o but_o the_o question_n here_o be_v concern_v a_o uniform_a constant_a and_o ordinary_a inspiration_n as_o it_o be_v common_o explain_v in_o the_o divinity-school_n it_o may_v be_v you_o will_v say_v there_o be_v divers_a argument_n for_o this_o sort_n of_o inspiration_n as_o strong_a as_o those_o i_o have_v bring_v to_o show_v the_o contrary_n the_o apostle_n begin_v their_o letter_n act_v xv_o after_o this_o manner_n it_o have_v seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o by_o which_o it_o appear_v say_v some_o that_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n which_o dictate_v to_o they_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o say_v i_o desire_v first_o that_o those_o who_o say_v so_o reconcile_v this_o supposition_n with_o the_o dispute_n that_o be_v among_o the_o apostle_n before_o they_o come_v to_o this_o conclusion_n in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v possess_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o they_o have_v be_v only_o simple_a instrument_n by_o which_o he_o express_v his_o will_n they_o shall_v not_o have_v place_v themselves_o in_o equal_a rank_n with_o the_o he_o but_o shall_v have_v say_v simple_o it_o have_v appear_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o speak_v by_o we_o what_o prophet_n ever_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o god_n and_o to_o i_o in_o the_o three_o place_n suppose_v there_o be_v here_o as_o the_o critic_n say_v a_o figure_n by_o which_o be_v express_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n by_o two_o word_n and_o that_o this_o manner_n of_o speak_v amount_n to_o no_o more_o but_o this_o it_o have_v seem_v good_a to_o we_o who_o be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o perpetual_a inspiration_n about_o which_o i_o be_o now_o argue_v can_v be_v hence_o conclude_v the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v animate_v by_o the_o spirit_n 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be_v pure_a inspiration_n and_o which_o ought_v to_o make_v the_o speaker_n attend_v unto_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o simple_a interpreter_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n vii_o 8._o give_v to_o one_o the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n it_o seem_v as_o if_o he_o mean_v thereby_o the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o instruct_v other_o in_o piety_n of_o which_o he_o say_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o xivth_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o epistle_n this_o seem_v contrary_a to_o what_o i_o have_v be_v saying_n concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v how_o according_a to_o my_o notion_n this_o difficulty_n can_v be_v clear_o solve_v i_o may_v say_v that_o this_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v perhaps_o no_o other_o than_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o god_n infuse_v sometime_o into_o those_o on_o who_o he_o bestow_v it_o by_o which_o they_o 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there_o shall_v be_v any_o irregularity_n in_o the_o one_o without_o a_o disorder_n in_o the_o other_o but_o that_o you_o may_v not_o believe_v i_o be_o the_o first_o author_n of_o this_o opinion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o desire_n to_o appear_v singular_a or_o a_o affectation_n of_o novelty_n that_o have_v engage_v i_o in_o this_o notion_n i_o must_v also_o let_v you_o see_v that_o some_o great_a man_n have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n before_o i_o st._n jerom_n make_v this_o observation_n upon_o the_o five_o chapter_n of_o the_o prophet_n micah_n in_o speak_v of_o this_o passage_n and_o thou_o bethlehem_n ephratah_n though_o thou_o be_v little_a among_o the_o thousand_o of_o judah_n etc._n etc._n which_o st._n matthew_n cite_v otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v either_o in_o the_o hebrew_n or_o septuagint_n fallitur_fw-la there_o be_v say_v he_o that_o affirm_v there_o be_v the_o like_a error_n in_o almost_o all_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o either_o the_o order_n be_v change_v or_o the_o word_n and_o that_o sometime_o the_o sense_n itself_o differ_v the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n not_o transcribe_v the_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o book_n but_o trust_v to_o their_o memory_n which_o sometime_o fail_v they_o it_o be_v true_a st._n jerom_n say_v not_o that_o he_o approve_v this_o opinion_n but_o he_o make_v it_o appear_v elsewhere_o that_o he_o be_v not_o very_o far_o from_o it_o in_o his_o letter_n to_o pammachius_n de_fw-la optimo_fw-la genere_fw-la interpretandi_fw-la of_o the_o best_a way_n of_o interpret_n he_o gather_v together_o many_o example_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o which_o he_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n tie_v themselves_o more_o to_o the_o sense_n than_o to_o the_o word_n and_o maintain_v with_o good_a reason_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o play_v the_o critic_n on_o they_o for_o it_o nor_o even_o for_o the_o place_n where_o they_o have_v mistake_v name_n after_o have_v compare_v the_o quotation_n matth._n xxvii_o 9_o with_o the_o original_a he_o add_v posuit_fw-la one_o may_v accuse_v the_o apostle_n of_o falsity_n in_o that_o he_o agree_v neither_o with_o the_o hebrew_n nor_o with_o the_o septuagint_n and_o which_o be_v more_o that_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o name_n put_v jeremy_n for_o zachary_n he_o seem_v indeed_o elsewhere_o to_o disapprove_v that_o opinion_n but_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o he_o to_o accommodate_v himself_o to_o the_o common_a opinion_n and_o yet_o not_o omit_v to_o give_v his_o own_o without_o be_v concern_v whether_o he_o contradict_v himself_o or_o no._n when_o he_o speak_v as_o other_o do_v you_o must_v not_o conclude_v present_o that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o they_o because_o it_o may_v be_v he_o speak_v so_o by_o way_n of_o condescension_n whereas_o when_o he_o say_v the_o contrary_a it_o seem_v rather_o that_o he_o speak_v his_o own_o thought_n you_o need_v but_o read_v what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o dissimulation_n which_o he_o attribute_n to_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n and_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o st._n austin_n to_o see_v that_o he_o believe_v that_o st._n paul_n by_o a_o prudence_n pure_o human_a which_o he_o call_v a_o dispensation_n make_v show_v of_o believe_v that_o st._n peter_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n insomuch_o that_o when_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o st._n peter_n be_v to_o be_v reprove_v because_o he_o walk_v not_o upright_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v not_o that_o he_o believe_v so_o but_o only_o to_o hinder_v the_o convert_a gentile_n from_o imitate_v that_o apostle_n i_o say_v not_o that_o st._n jerom_n be_v herein_o in_o the_o right_a but_o at_o least_o it_o hereby_o appear_v that_o
we_o allow_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o what_o use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o it_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n to_o answer_v hereto_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o who_o god_n have_v express_o command_v we_o to_o hear_v be_v absolute_o infallible_a we_o must_v believe_v without_o question_v it_o whatever_o he_o say_v because_o he_o say_v it_o and_o because_o god_n have_v testify_v that_o he_o speak_v nothing_o but_o truth_n in_o the_o second_o place_n since_o we_o have_v nothing_o write_v by_o christ_n himself_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v what_o his_o apostle_n have_v say_v concern_v his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n because_o god_n have_v give_v testimony_n to_o they_o by_o the_o miracle_n he_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v and_o because_o they_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o deposition_n with_o their_o blood_n they_o tell_v we_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n it_o may_v be_v that_o in_o some_o circumstance_n of_o small_a importance_n they_o do_v not_o relate_v thing_n exact_o as_o they_o happen_v and_o that_o therein_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v together_o but_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o historical_a fact_n whereon_o the_o faith_n we_o have_v in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v ground_v his_o birth_n of_o a_o virgin_n his_o miracle_n his_o death_n his_o resurrection_n and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o difference_n among_o they_o in_o some_o circumstance_n which_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o history_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o they_o shall_v agree_v exact_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o least_o tittle_n and_o the_o trouble_v the_o learned_a have_v give_v themselves_o to_o reconcile_v these_o sort_n of_o contradiction_n be_v of_o no_o use_n it_o be_v better_o to_o own_o ingenuous_o that_o there_o be_v some_o than_o to_o strain_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o write_n to_o make_v they_o agree_v one_o with_o another_o which_o instead_o of_o convert_v libertin_n do_v but_o excite_v their_o raillery_n and_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o impiety_n as_o to_o what_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o contradiction_n among_o the_o evangelist_n although_o it_o be_v express_v in_o different_a term_n and_o they_o relate_v it_o on_o divers_a occasion_n we_o must_v observe_v therefore_o that_o they_o relate_v only_o the_o sense_n and_o keep_v not_o exact_o the_o same_o order_n that_o christ_n keep_v in_o preach_v it_o so_o neither_o ought_v we_o to_o insist_v rigorous_o upon_o their_o expression_n as_o if_o they_o make_v use_v of_o some_o word_n rather_o than_o other_o to_o insinuate_v certain_a nicety_n which_o be_v ordinary_o attribute_v to_o they_o without_o any_o probable_a ground_n nor_o ought_v we_o to_o lay_v such_o stress_n upon_o the_o order_n they_o make_v use_v of_o in_o their_o write_n as_o to_o colour_v thereby_o certain_a inference_n which_o be_v not_o otherwise_o obvious_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n if_o a_o man_n observe_v never_o so_o little_a he_o will_v find_v that_o they_o use_v every_o where_o popular_a expression_n that_o they_o have_v not_o aim_v at_o any_o elegancy_n in_o their_o style_n and_o that_o they_o have_v be_v very_o far_o from_o speak_v with_o such_o exactness_n as_o philosopher_n or_o geometrician_n use_v in_o their_o write_n we_o ought_v not_o then_o to_o insist_v too_o much_o as_o common_o man_n do_v upon_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o express_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n we_o shall_v only_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v the_o genius_n of_o the_o language_n they_o use_v and_o to_o stick_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o thing_n essential_a which_o be_v express_v in_o so_o many_o place_n and_o after_o so_o many_o way_n that_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o frame_v to_o ourselves_o a_o idea_n thereof_o clear_a enough_o to_o instruct_v we_o perfect_o in_o our_o duty_n in_o the_o three_o place_n as_o for_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o do_v not_o only_o afford_v we_o the_o same_o consideration_n with_o those_o we_o have_v last_o mention_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o style_n but_o there_o be_v also_o two_o thing_n further_a to_o be_v observe_v and_o distinguish_v in_o they_o we_o find_v there_o the_o same_o doctrine_n we_o have_v in_o the_o evangelist_n and_o those_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o often_o they_o learn_v from_o christ._n but_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o their_o own_o head_n or_o which_o they_o draw_v by_o divers_a consequence_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v on_o the_o same_o account_n as_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v to_o say_v because_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o preach_v they_o to_o the_o jew_n the_o second_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v because_o they_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o conformable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n or_o what_o be_v found_v upon_o right_a reason_n the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v we_o believe_v they_o upon_o their_o own_o word_n they_o distinguish_v in_o that_o their_o authority_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n see_v 1_o cor._n vii_o 10_o 12_o 25._o but_o as_o they_o apply_v themselves_o cereful_o to_o mind_n doctrine_n tend_v to_o edification_n which_o be_v few_o in_o number_n and_o never_o engage_v in_o too_o nice_a inquiry_n they_o have_v tell_v we_o nothing_o that_o be_v not_o conformable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o which_o they_o be_v fill_v and_o which_o right_a reason_n will_v not_o easy_o admit_v it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o have_v no_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n for_o write_v their_o epistle_n they_o insert_v in_o they_o divers_a thing_n that_o concern_v their_o design_n or_o their_o particular_a affair_n where_o we_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o seek_v for_o or_o expect_v any_o thing_n mysterious_a such_o be_v the_o salutation_n find_v at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o epistle_n the_o order_n st._n paul_n give_v timothy_n to_o take_v mark_v along_o with_o he_o in_o his_o return_n to_o bring_v the_o cloak_n he_o have_v leave_v at_o troas_n with_o carpus_n the_o book_n and_o above_o all_o the_o parchment_n the_o counsel_n he_o give_v he_o to_o drink_v a_o little_a wine_n for_o his_o stomach_n sake_n and_o because_o of_o his_o weakness_n and_o other_o such_o like_a thing_n see_v st._n ierom_n preface_n to_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o epistle_n to_o philemon_n in_o the_o four_o place_n there_o be_v divers_a prophecy_n scatter_v in_o these_o epistle_n and_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v whole_o prophetic_a now_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o these_o revelation_n because_o it_o be_v god_n that_o impart_v they_o immediate_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v out_o only_o as_o their_o own_o conjecture_n of_o which_o you_o have_v some_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o grotius_n which_o i_o cite_v concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n thus_o then_o according_a to_o my_o hypothesis_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n continue_v in_o full_a force_n for_o you_o see_v i_o maintain_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o general_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n all_o that_o be_v inspire_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o also_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v say_v of_o themselves_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o to_o right_a reason_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o nothing_o far_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n and_o it_o seem_v also_o evident_a to_o i_o that_o those_o new_a opinion_n bring_v into_o the_o christian_a religion_n since_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o i_o have_v here_o refute_v be_v altogether_o imaginary_a and_o ungrounded_a instead_o of_o bring_v any_o advantage_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v real_o very_o prejudicial_a to_o it_o a_o inspiration_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o which_o they_o never_o pretend_v and_o whereof_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mark_v leave_v in_o their_o write_n hereupon_o it_o happen_v that_o very_o many_o person_n who_o have_v strength_n enough_o of_o understanding_n to_o deny_v assent_n to_o a_o thing_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o good_a proof_n bring_v
though_o preach_v with_o never_o so_o much_o gravity_n it_o happen_v i_o say_v that_o these_o person_n reject_v all_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o they_o do_v not_o distinguish_v true_a christianity_n from_o those_o dream_n of_o fanciful_a divine_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o guess_v after_o this_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o prophecy_n that_o be_v in_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v because_o christ_n have_v authorise_a they_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o history_n ought_v also_o to_o be_v believe_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n notwithstanding_o any_o uncertainty_n there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o inconsiderable_a circumstance_n as_o it_o appear_v there_o be_v still_o some_o uncertainty_n by_o divers_a contradiction_n which_o the_o divine_n with_o all_o their_o subtlety_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v after_o puzzle_v about_o it_o above_o three_o thousand_o year_n the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v in_o it_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v receive_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o those_o of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o you_o will_v let_v we_o say_v that_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v from_o christ._n no_o conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o those_o book_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v only_a piece_n of_o wit_n and_o fancy_n or_o wherein_o nothing_o but_o human_n be_v to_o be_v find_v such_o as_o the_o song_n of_o solomon_n ecclesiastes_n etc._n etc._n last_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o strain_v too_o far_o the_o sense_n of_o particular_a expression_n as_o do_v the_o jew_n because_o if_o we_o except_o a_o very_a few_o place_n the_o expression_n be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o which_o the_o sacred_a writer_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o explain_v their_o other_o thought_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v word_v both_o the_o jewish_a history_n and_o the_o revelation_n they_o have_v from_o heaven_n after_o their_o own_o ordinary_a manner_n of_o express_v themselves_o these_o sir_n be_v the_o thought_n of_o mr._n n._n concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n i_o be_o tell_v he_o draw_v from_o these_o principle_n three_o consequence_n the_o first_o be_v that_o by_o admit_v this_o hypothesis_n we_o may_v terminate_v many_o great_a dispute_n among_o christian_n which_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o false_a subtlety_n of_o divine_n interpret_n too_o mysterious_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o if_o every_o syllable_n have_v be_v dictate_v by_o god_n the_o second_o be_v that_o whereas_o by_o stick_v too_o close_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o essence_n of_o religion_n come_v to_o be_v neglect_v as_o if_o god_n require_v no_o more_o of_o we_o at_o present_a but_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v divine_o inspire_v instead_o i_o say_v of_o this_o practice_n it_o will_v be_v find_v necessary_a to_o apply_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o the_o obey_v christ_n precept_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n god_n indispensable_o require_v from_o we_o the_o three_o consequence_n be_v that_o hereby_o at_o one_o blow_n will_v be_v solve_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o difficulty_n which_o libertine_n be_v wont_a to_o allege_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o solve_v by_o the_o ordinary_a principle_n their_o mouth_n will_v be_v stop_v say_v mr._n n._n and_o it_o will_v no_o long_o avail_v they_o to_o object_n against_o christian_n the_o contradiction_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o lowness_n of_o the_o style_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n the_o little_a order_n observe_v to_o be_v in_o many_o of_o their_o discourse_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o they_o have_v be_v use_v to_o say_v against_o our_o divine_n who_o have_v in_o vain_a puzzle_v themselves_o to_o answer_v they_o by_o impose_v nothing_o upon_o these_o man_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o the_o truth_n 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myself_o be_o able_a to_o do_v i_o be_o etc._n etc._n the_o three_o letter_n you_o have_v see_v sir_n to_o how_o little_a purpose_n it_o be_v that_o mr._n simon_n endeavour_v to_o defend_v his_o particular_a opinion_n as_o well_o as_o those_o which_o be_v common_a to_o he_o with_o all_o other_o roman-catholic_a doctor_n you_o shall_v see_v now_o that_o he_o be_v no_o happy_a in_o go_v about_o to_o play_v the_o critic_n on_o two_o letter_n in_o which_o he_o be_v not_o concern_v it_o appear_v evident_o that_o nothing_o but_o the_o itch_n he_o have_v of_o carp_n at_o other_o man_n write_n have_v make_v he_o undertake_v to_o examine_v those_o letter_n for_o he_o embrace_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o author_n there_o maintain_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o those_o who_o have_v judge_v the_o opinion_n of_o mr._n n._n too_o bold_a will_v be_v as_o much_o scandalize_v at_o those_o of_o the_o pious_a prior_n of_o bolleville_n that_o incomparable_a critic_n 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ben._n israel_n after_o many_o other_o rabbin_n be_v in_o every_o respect_n more_o honourable_a and_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o prophecy_n of_o all_o the_o other_o prophet_n for_o to_o they_o whensoever_o they_o receive_v the_o prophecy_n the_o sense_n only_o or_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v foretell_v be_v reveal_v but_o they_o declare_v to_o the_o people_n this_o thing_n or_o matter_n in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o form_n of_o speak_v and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o i_o as_o if_o they_o will_v say_v these_o thing_n which_o we_o say_v to_o you_o although_o we_o express_v they_o in_o our_o word_n contain_v the_o sense_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n etc._n etc._n many_o christian_a divine_n have_v say_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n in_o general_a as_o mr._n huet_n in_o his_o demonstration_n who_o plain_o affirm_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o the_o word_n and_o the_o language_n to_o the_o prophet_n he_o say_v also_o elsewhere_o that_o prophetic_a ecstasy_n do_v ordinary_o produce_v a_o dissipatum_fw-la hard_a rough_a and_o break_a style_n many_o other_o have_v hold_v the_o same_o thing_n without_o be_v think_v guilty_a of_o heterodoxy_n objection_n 2._o it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o david_n say_v many_o thing_n of_o himself_o 23._o and_o of_o his_o enemy_n not_o think_v to_o prophesy_v which_o contain_v notwithstanding_o prediction_n of_o what_o be_v to_o happen_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o enemy_n as_o what_o he_o say_v psal._n xli_o 10._o lxix_o 26._o cix_o 8._o place_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n apply_v to_o judas_n nevertheless_o st._n peter_n after_o cite_v some_o word_n of_o psal._n xvi_o where_o david_n speak_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o
apostle_n where_o they_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n have_v teach_v they_o by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n that_o which_o they_o publish_v and_o where_o the_o matter_n itself_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o his_o do_v it_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o like_a of_o all_o other_o sacred_a writer_n because_o there_o be_v convince_a reason_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v truth_n when_o they_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_o inspire_v when_o they_o say_v it_o not_o and_o when_o their_o discourse_n have_v in_o they_o no_o mark_n of_o such_o like_a inspiration_n if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o this_o difference_n between_o prophecy_n and_o discourse_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o prophetic_a in_o they_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o apply_v to_o this_o subject_a a_o loose_a maxim_n and_o which_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o viz._n that_o be_v happen_v most_o frequent_o that_o those_o who_o distinguish_v and_o divide_v matter_n with_o design_n to_o make_v use_n of_o part_n and_o reject_v the_o other_o do_v give_v great_a advantage_n to_o their_o adversary_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o scarce_o ever_o happen_v that_o in_o handle_v a_o compound_a subject_n there_o can_v be_v make_v such_o general_a rule_n as_o may_v be_v equal_o apply_v to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o part_n of_o different_a nature_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v different_o handle_v objection_n 11._o it_o have_v be_v say_v 49._o that_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v be_v understand_v the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n and_o of_o constancy_n which_o the_o gospel_n inspire_v or_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o the_o general_a reason_n there_o make_v use_n of_o which_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o equivocal_a word_n can_v prove_v nothing_o but_o general_n they_o must_v be_v apply_v and_o particular_a enquiry_n make_v whether_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v any_o other_o signification_n in_o scripture_n or_o no._n mr._n simon_n resp._n pag._n 131._o answer_n when_o a_o passage_n be_v to_o be_v answer_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o equivocal_a word_n upon_o which_o a_o objection_n be_v found_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o such_o a_o word_n may_v be_v understand_v in_o another_o sense_n than_o that_o in_o which_o it_o have_v be_v take_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o examine_v all_o the_o other_o signification_n that_o it_o may_v have_v it_o suffice_v to_o show_v that_o the_o signification_n then_o give_v it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o the_o language_n and_o suitable_a to_o the_o subject_a there_o treat_v of_o it_o be_v mr._n simon_n be_v partly_o therefore_o to_o show_v that_o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o st._n stephen_n on_o occasion_n of_o who_o the_o observation_n be_v make_v that_o they_o can_v not_o resist_v the_o wisdom_n and_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v i_o say_v it_o be_v his_o part_n to_o show_v that_o by_o the_o word_n spirit_n any_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v understand_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n conformable_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o jesus_n christ._n he_o ought_v to_o have_v show_v that_o this_o word_n in_o this_o place_n ought_v necessary_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o another_o sense_n but_o mr._n simon_n seldom_o give_v himself_o the_o trouble_n to_o read_v the_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v cite_v as_o appear_v in_o the_o same_o page_n where_o he_o say_v that_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o high_a priest_n with_o a_o just_a indignation_n god_n shall_v smite_v thou_o thou_o white_v wall_n and_o where_o he_o compare_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o call_v herod_n fox_n and_o to_o the_o reproach_n that_o the_o prophet_n make_v to_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n but_o he_o shall_v have_v show_v we_o in_o what_o place_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o prophet_n confess_v they_o be_v to_o blame_v in_o do_v so_o as_o st._n paul_n confess_v he_o be_v god_n have_v power_n to_o censure_v prince_n but_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o subject_n to_o do_v it_o when_o they_o think_v sit_v so_o st._n paul_n have_v no_o right_a to_o abuse_v the_o high_a priest_n on_o his_o own_o head_n though_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v express_a order_n from_o god_n to_o make_v such_o like_a reproach_n to_o prince_n can_v be_v blame_v for_o it_o but_o mr._n simon_n who_o probable_o never_o think_v of_o all_o this_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o this_o difference_n and_o argue_v always_o on_o without_o understand_v what_o he_o find_v fault_n with_o objection_n 12._o the_o promise_n which_o jesus_n christ_n make_v his_o apostle_n etc._n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v teach_v they_o what_o they_o shall_v say_v when_o they_o come_v before_o the_o judge_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v explain_v as_o a_o general_a promise_n for_o all_o that_o they_o shall_v say_v whereas_o it_o only_o relate_v to_o what_o they_o shall_v say_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n luc._n chap._n 12._o ver_fw-la 11._o answer_n the_o promise_n be_v express_v in_o general_a term_n and_o must_v relate_v to_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o say_v as_o well_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o own_o person_n as_o for_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n that_o these_o first_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v then_o say_v nothing_o unworthy_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o which_o they_o be_v the_o herald_n but_o if_o this_o promise_n must_v not_o be_v take_v in_o so_o large_a a_o sense_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o discourse_n which_o the_o apostle_n shall_v make_v before_o judge_n neither_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v so_o take_v in_o relation_n to_o their_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o since_o the_o word_n can_v not_o be_v take_v in_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o their_o signification_n it_o can_v not_o from_o thence_o be_v necessary_o infer_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v then_o a_o prophetic_a inspiration_n objection_n 13._o the_o promise_n john_n 16._o 58._o that_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n shall_v come_v it_o shall_v lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v so_o as_o if_o it_o be_v entire_o accomplish_v the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n but_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v according_a to_o the_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v in_o of_o know_v some_o further_a truth_n but_o it_o seem_v as_o if_o mr._n n._n suppose_a that_o this_o promise_n be_v ordinary_o understand_v as_o if_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v accomplish_v all_o at_o once_o answer_n the_o reason_n 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st._n john_n speak_v to_o all_o the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v objection_n 14._o whereas_o it_o have_v be_v affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o agree_v act_n 15._o 57_o till_o after_o they_o have_v dispute_v a_o great_a while_n it_o be_v not_o say_v in_o that_o chapter_n that_o the_o apostle_n dispute_v but_o only_o that_o when_o there_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v peter_n rise_v up_o etc._n etc._n answer_n two_o thing_n be_v consider_v in_o this_o history_n the_o first_o be_v the_o opinion_n that_o man_n have_v of_o the_o apostle_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o person_n infallible_a whensoever_o they_o begin_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o gospel_n since_o they_o be_v not_o believe_v just_a at_o their_o first_o speak_v the_o second_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o apostle_n on_o
to_o puzzle_v a_o able_a man_n than_o he_o i_o be_o etc._n etc._n the_o five_o letter_n i_o be_o persuade_v sir_n that_o the_o two_o last_o letter_n i_o write_v you_o will_v have_v full_o satisfy_v those_o among_o your_o friend_n who_o wish_v that_o the_o write_n about_o inspiration_n have_v be_v suppress_v or_o who_o desire_v some_o explanation_n of_o the_o author_n opinion_n or_o even_o who_o believe_v they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n that_o say_v it_o be_v hard_a to_o confute_v it_o we_o must_v now_o try_v to_o give_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o those_o who_o have_v say_v that_o this_o opinion_n lead_v to_o deism_n and_o that_o our_o friend_n be_v infect_v with_o the_o detestable_a opinion_n of_o the_o deist_n now_o i_o have_v open_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a he_o have_v impose_v upon_o i_o the_o task_n of_o justify_v he_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o i_o think_v i_o can_v evident_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o who_o have_v bring_v this_o accusation_n against_o our_o friend_n have_v 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these_o calumniator_n after_o have_v make_v he_o lose_v his_o good_a name_n will_v if_o they_o can_v deprive_v he_o also_o of_o his_o life_n let_v any_o reasonable_a man_n judge_v if_o without_o certain_a and_o convince_a proof_n a_o man_n may_v pronounce_v so_o terrible_a a_o sentence_n against_o his_o neighbour_n and_o not_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a injustice_n imaginable_a it_o seem_v to_o i_o sir_n that_o this_o be_v so_o plain_a i_o need_v dwell_v no_o long_o upon_o it_o the_o person_n of_o our_o friend_n then_o be_v justify_v against_o these_o rash_a suspicion_n we_o will_v now_o show_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v undeniable_o prove_v without_o take_v any_o side_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o inspiration_n and_o consequent_o without_o suppose_v the_o common_a opinion_n this_o i_o intend_v to_o do_v after_o
i_o have_v first_o observe_v that_o several_a great_a man_n and_o who_o have_v pass_v for_o good_a christian_n have_v hold_v this_o opinion_n without_o lose_v the_o reputation_n they_o have_v of_o piety_n there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n of_o worth_n and_o honour_n among_o the_o protestant_n who_o will_v dare_v to_o say_v that_o erasmus_n and_o grotius_n be_v libertine_n and_o yet_o both_o of_o they_o defend_v open_o this_o same_o opinion_n but_o because_o there_o be_v some_o divine_n who_o esteem_v none_o but_o those_o that_o have_v be_v of_o the_o society_n they_o live_v in_o i_o will_v repeat_v some_o reremarkable_a word_n of_o a_o divine_a famous_a among_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o england_n and_o even_o among_o those_o on_o this_o side_n the_o water_n it_o be_v mr._n richard_n baxter_n who_o speak_v thus_o in_o a_o english_a book_n translate_v not_o long_o since_o into_o dutch_a and_o entitle_v the_o saint_n everlasting_a rest._n 22._o 210._o though_o all_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n yet_o he_o who_o believe_v but_o some_o one_o book_n that_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n may_v be_v save_v much_o more_o they_o that_o have_v doubt_v but_o of_o some_o particular_a book_n 23._o they_o that_o take_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v but_o the_o write_n of_o godly_a honest_a man_n and_o so_o to_o be_v only_o a_o mean_n of_o make_v know_v christ_n have_v a_o gradual_a precedency_n to_o the_o write_n of_o other_o godly_a man_n and_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n upon_o those_o strong_a ground_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o his_o doctrine_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n rather_o than_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o write_n it_o be_v pure_o infallible_a and_o divine_a may_v yet_o have_v a_o divine_a and_o save_a faith_n 24._o much_o more_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o whole_a write_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n where_o it_o handle_v the_o substance_n but_o doubt_v whether_o god_n infallible_o guide_v they_o in_o 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who_o in_o his_o judgement_n may_v have_v a_o save_a faith_n together_o with_o some_o opinion_n different_a from_o those_o common_o receive_v it_o may_v likewise_o be_v observe_v that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o have_v write_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v prove_v it_o without_o suppose_v the_o particular_a inspiration_n of_o the_o historian_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v ordinary_o take_v to_o be_v as_o grotius_n who_o book_n have_v be_v alike_o esteem_v by_o all_o party_n which_o show_v that_o our_o belief_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o this_o supposition_n and_o that_o consequent_o one_o may_v be_v a_o good_a christian_n without_o admit_v it_o but_o it_o be_v better_a to_o represent_v this_o by_o a_o example_n which_o will_v give_v you_o a_o more_o lively_a impression_n of_o what_o i_o aim_v at_o i_o will_v therefore_o now_o endeavour_n in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o be_v possible_a to_o give_v you_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o 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no_o end_n of_o go_v about_o to_o examine_v all_o these_o controversy_n let_v we_o therefore_o suspend_v our_o judgement_n thereupon_o and_o see_v first_o wherein_o all_o christian_n be_v agree_v they_o all_o agree_v for_o example_n that_o most_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o write_n of_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o who_o write_v they_o more_o than_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n ago_o that_o the_o history_n therein_o be_v true_a and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n therein_o contain_v this_o obedience_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o general_a head_n a_o render_v to_o god_n the_o service_n due_a to_o he_o a_o trust_n in_o his_o promise_n and_o a_o keep_v his_o commandment_n in_o what_o concern_v both_o ourselves_o and_o our_o neighbour_n but_o this_o suppose_v a_o belief_n of_o
make_v i_o believe_v that_o i_o can_v not_o get_v out_o the_o truth_n better_o than_o by_o put_v to_o the_o rack_n two_o woman_n servant_n who_o they_o call_v diaconess_n but_o i_o discover_v nothing_o but_o a_o strange_a and_o excessive_a superstition_n they_o that_o understand_v the_o latin_a tongue_n will_v not_o wonder_v that_o tacitus_n and_o pliny_n make_v use_n of_o the_o word_n superstition_n the_o roman_n give_v that_o name_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o religious_a worship_n that_o be_v not_o establish_v by_o public_a authority_n two_o such_o witness_n as_o these_o can_v be_v except_v against_o seeing_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o have_v no_o favour_n for_o christian_n and_o be_v perhaps_o the_o most_o able_a man_n of_o their_o time_n but_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o they_o treat_v of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v either_o see_v or_o which_o be_v know_v by_o all_o man_n as_o be_v the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n under_o pontius_n pilate_n the_o write_n that_o we_o have_v of_o christian_n live_v between_o the_o time_n of_o pilate_n and_o those_o of_o tacitus_n or_o trajan_n attest_v the_o same_o truth_n they_o date_n the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o same_o christ_n that_o pilate_n put_v to_o death_n and_o they_o preach_v to_o we_o precise_o the_o same_o moral_n we_o must_v then_o necessary_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v in_o judaea_n during_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n a_o person_n that_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o have_v many_o disciple_n let_v we_o now_o examine_v some_o of_o his_o first_o disciple_n and_o see_v what_o sort_n of_o people_n they_o be_v let_v we_o read_v the_o epistle_n which_o clement_n bishop_n of_o rome_n write_v to_o the_o christian_n of_o corinth_n forty_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o vespasian_n there_o appear_v in_o this_o epistle_n a_o spirit_n of_o peace_n of_o charity_n of_o humility_n and_o many_o lively_a and_o pathetical_a exhortation_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o gospel-moral_n he_o reprove_v severe_o those_o that_o have_v not_o observe_v they_o but_o commend_v those_o that_o have_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o epistle_n he_o say_v among_o other_o thing_n that_o the_o christian_n of_o corinth_n have_v labour_v day_n and_o night_n for_o their_o brethren_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n may_v be_v save_v in_o apply_v themselves_o to_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o they_o have_v be_v sincere_a without_o malice_n and_o without_o remember_v the_o ill_a that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v former_o have_v do_v to_o one_o another_o that_o all_o division_n and_o schism_n be_v abhor_v by_o they_o that_o they_o be_v afflict_v for_o their_o neighbour_n fail_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o his_o necessity_n as_o their_o own_o that_o they_o never_o repent_v they_o of_o well-doing_n but_o 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in_o all_o that_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o a_o man_n self_n let_v we_o choose_v which_o we_o will_v of_o they_o we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o in_o their_o work_n but_o what_o tend_v to_o piety_n if_o some_o of_o their_o write_n have_v be_v question_v let_v we_o take_v those_o concern_v which_o there_o never_o be_v any_o question_n or_o without_o look_v further_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n luke_n and_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n which_o be_v cite_v by_o clement_n and_o we_o shall_v perceive_v every_o where_o the_o same_o moral_n which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o implant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o disciple_n i_o suppose_v all_o along_o that_o the_o reader_n have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v give_v some_o attention_n to_o what_o i_o say_v at_o the_o beginning_n and_o then_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o unless_o he_o have_v lose_v all_o sense_n he_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o 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human_a society_n and_o their_o own_o advantage_n to_o listen_v to_o it_o but_o it_o may_v here_o be_v object_v that_o perhaps_o the_o apostle_n preach_v not_o this_o doctrine_n but_o in_o design_n to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n and_o afterward_o upon_o pretext_n of_o piety_n to_o get_v from_o they_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o but_o to_o answer_v that_o objection_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o observe_v and_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v i_o that_o this_o suspicion_n have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v for_o that_o condemn_v the_o love_n of_o honour_n of_o riches_n and_o of_o pleasure_n there_o can_v so_o much_o as_o one_o single_a passage_n of_o their_o work_n be_v allege_v that_o favour_n ambition_n covetousness_n or_o concupiscence_n this_o be_v so_o this_o suspicion_n can_v be_v ground_v but_o upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v hope_v to_o 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