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
happen_v to_o they_o in_o time_n to_o come_v all_o which_o full_o prove_v that_o he_o have_v be_v always_o a_o prophet_n or_o have_v often_o prophesy_v and_o what_o be_v further_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o he_o likewise_o have_v that_o which_o make_v the_o prophet_n certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o prophecy_n namely_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a mind_n for_o he_o do_v not_o as_o balaack_n think_v curse_n and_o bless_v who_o he_o will_v but_o only_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v bless_v or_o curse_v as_o god_n please_v therefore_o he_o answer_v balaack_n if_o balaack_n will_v give_v i_o his_o house_n full_a of_o gold_n i_o can_v go_v beyond_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v either_o good_a or_o bad_a of_o my_o own_o mind_n but_o what_o the_o lord_n say_v that_o will_v i_o speak_v as_o for_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o he_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o happen_v to_o moses_n when_o by_o god_n command_n he_o go_v into_o egypt_n exod._n chap._n 4._o v._n 24._o where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n meet_v he_o and_o seek_v to_o kill_v he_o his_o take_z money_n to_o prophecy_n be_v no_o more_o than_o be_v do_v by_o samuel_n 1_o sy_n book_n of_o sam._n chap._n 9_o v._n 7_o 8._o st._n peter_n in_o his_o 2_o d_o epistle_n chap._n 2._o v._n 15_o 16._o and_o jude_n in_o the_o 11_o the_o verse_n of_o his_o epistle_n tell_v we_o in_o what_o balaam_n sin_v but_o what_o say_v the_o 20_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o 7_o the_o chap._n of_o ecclesiastes_n no_o man_n so_o just_a upon_o earth_n who_o always_o do_v good_a and_o never_o sin_v certain_o the_o prayer_n of_o balaam_n be_v very_o prevalent_a see_v it_o be_v so_o often_o record_v in_o scripture_n that_o for_o a_o testimony_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o the_o israelite_n he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v balaam_n and_o turn_v his_o curse_n into_o a_o blessing_n as_o we_o may_v see_v deut._n chap._n 23._o v._n 5._o josh._n chap._n 24._o v._n 10._o and_o neh._n chap._n 13._o v._n 2._o so_o that_o without_o question_n he_o be_v a_o person_n very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o be_v never_o move_v with_o the_o prayer_n or_o curse_n of_o wicked_a men._n see_v therefore_o that_o balaam_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o joshua_n chap._n 4._o v._n 22._o call_v he_o a_o soothsayer_n yet_o that_o name_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n and_o those_o that_o the_o gentile_n call_v augur_n or_o diviner_n be_v true_a prophet_n and_o those_o who_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v for_o false_a diviner_n be_v they_o that_o deceive_v the_o nation_n as_o the_o false_a prophet_n do_v the_o jew_n which_o clear_o appear_v out_o of_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n but_o common_a to_o all_o nation_n but_o the_o pharisee_n zealous_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a and_o say_v that_o the_o jew_n only_o have_v that_o divine_a gift_n and_o that_o other_o nation_n do_v foretell_v future_a event_n what_o will_v not_o superstition_n invent_v by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o diabolical_a power_n and_o art_n the_o place_n of_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o the_o pharisee_n quote_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o opinion_n be_v exod._n chap._n 33._o v._n 16._o where_o moses_n say_v to_o god_n wherein_o shall_v it_o be_v know_v here_o that_o i_o and_o thy_o people_n have_v find_v grace_n in_o thy_o sight_n be_v it_o not_o in_o that_o thou_o go_v with_o we_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v separate_v i_o and_o thy_o people_n from_o all_o the_o people_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n hence_o the_o pharisee_n infer_v that_o moses_n petition_v god_n to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o will_v prophetical_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o favour_n to_o any_o other_o nation_n certain_o it_o be_v very_o ridiculous_a to_o think_v moses_n envy_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o other_o nation_n and_o people_n or_o that_o he_o dare_v desire_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n be_v that_o after_o moses_n know_v the_o obstinate_a disposition_n and_o rebellious_a mind_n of_o his_o nation_n he_o clear_o see_v that_o without_o very_o great_a miracle_n and_o the_o particular_a external_a assistance_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v never_o perfect_v what_o he_o have_v begin_v but_o that_o they_o must_v all_o necessary_o perish_v without_o such_o assistance_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v god_n will_v preserve_v they_o he_o pray_v for_o that_o extraordinary_a external_a aid_n from_o god_n for_o he_o say_v exod._n chap._n 34._o v._n 9_o if_o now_o i_o have_v find_v grace_n in_o thy_o sight_n o_o lord_n let_v my_o lord_n i_o pray_v thou_o go_v among_o we_o for_o it_o be_v a_o stiffnecked_a people_n the_o reason_n therefore_o why_o moses_n desire_v that_o particular_a external_a help_n from_o god_n be_v because_o the_o people_n be_v stubborn_a and_o disobedient_a and_o that_o moses_n desire_v no_o more_o than_o this_o external_a assistance_n appear_v evident_o by_o god_n answer_n v_o 10._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n behold_v i_o make_v my_o covenant_n before_o all_o thy_o people_n i_o will_v do_v miracle_n such_o as_o have_v not_o be_v do_v in_o all_o the_o earth_n nor_o in_o any_o nation_n so_o that_o moses_n here_o treat_v of_o the_o election_n of_o the_o jew_n only_o in_o that_o sense_n i_o have_v explain_v it_o and_o request_v no_o other_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o i_o find_v another_o text_n in_o paul_n epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 3._o v._n 12._o which_o much_o more_o satisfy_v i_o though_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o a_o disserent_fw-la opinion_n from_o i_o for_o he_o say_v what_o advantage_n have_v the_o jew_n or_o what_o profit_n be_v there_o in_o circumcision_n much_o every_o way_n chief_o because_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god._n but_o if_o we_o careful_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n which_o paul_n chief_o design_v to_o maintain_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o so_o far_o from_o contradict_v i_o that_o it_o perfect_o agree_v with_o it_o for_o he_o say_v v_o 29_o the_o of_o the_o same_o chap._n be_v he_o the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n only_o be_v he_o not_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n and_o chap._n 2._o v._n 25_o 26._o he_o say_v if_o the_o circumcise_a break_v the_o law_n circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n and_o if_o the_o uncircumcised_a keep_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v not_o his_o uncircumcision_n be_v count_v for_o circumcision_n he_o further_o say_v v_o 9_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n that_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v all_o under_o sin_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n where_o there_o be_v no_o commandment_n or_o law._n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o law_n be_v absolute_o reveal_v to_o all_o mankind_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v by_o the_o 28_o the_o v_o of_o the_o 28_o the_o chap._n of_o job_n under_o which_o all_o man_n live_v namely_o that_o universal_a law_n which_o oblige_v all_o man_n to_o live_v a_o virtuous_a and_o good_a life_n and_o not_o that_o particular_a law_n which_o be_v ordain_v for_o the_o constitution_n and_o advantage_n of_o any_o single_a government_n and_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o disposition_n of_o only_a one_o particular_a people_n last_o paul_n conclude_v because_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o be_v equal_o good_a to_o all_o mankind_n and_o because_o all_o be_v equal_o under_o the_o law_n and_o sin_n therefore_o god_n send_v christ_n to_o all_o nation_n that_o he_o may_v free_v all_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o law_n that_o for_o the_o future_a they_o may_v do_v well_o not_o by_o the_o compulsion_n of_o law_n but_o by_o their_o own_o free_a will_n so_o that_o paul_n make_v good_a my_o doctrine_n to_o a_o tittle_n by_o his_o say_n that_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o jew_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o the_o law_n which_o be_v give_v to_o other_o nation_n by_o revelation_n and_o internal_a communication_n to_o their_o mind_n be_v deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o write_v or_o we_o must_v say_v that_o see_v paul_n endeavour_v to_o confute_v that_o which_o only_o the_o jew_n can_v object_n he_o answer_v according_a to_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o then_o receive_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o better_a to_o insinuate_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v partly_o hear_v and_o see_v because_o with_o the_o grecian_n he_o become_v a_o greek_a and_o to_o the_o jew_n a_o jew_n nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o some_o man_n who_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o election_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o temporal_a
benefit_n which_o he_o promise_v they_o shall_v receive_v from_o heaven_n the_o law_n which_o he_o establish_v be_v not_o very_o severe_a as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o consider_v how_o many_o circumstance_n be_v require_v to_o the_o condemn_v of_o any_o offender_n that_o the_o people_n who_o can_v not_o govern_v themselves_o may_v absolute_o depend_v upon_o the_o verbal_a command_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n he_o do_v not_o permit_v they_o be_v accustom_v to_o bondage_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n but_o whatever_o they_o do_v be_v to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o law_n no_o man_n can_v at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n plough_v sow_n or_o reap_v no_o man_n can_v eat_v what_o he_o please_v nor_o can_v he_o clothe_v himself_o shave_v his_o head_n and_o beard_n or_o make_v merry_a but_o according_a to_o certain_a rule_n set_v down_o in_o the_o law_n nor_o be_v this_o all_o for_o they_o be_v to_o have_v upon_o the_o post_n of_o their_o door_n upon_o their_o hand_n and_o their_o forehead_n certain_a sign_n which_o be_v to_o put_v they_o in_o continual_a mind_n of_o their_o obedience_n the_o end_n and_o design_n then_o of_o ceremony_n be_v that_o the_o people_n may_v do_v nothing_o by_o their_o own_o will_n and_o determination_n but_o only_o by_o the_o command_n of_o another_o and_o by_o continual_a action_n and_o meditation_n confess_v they_o be_v not_o master_n of_o themselves_o but_o whole_o subject_v to_o the_o will_n of_o another_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o ceremony_n conduce_v nothing_o to_o true_a felicity_n and_o that_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o moses_n concern_v only_o the_o government_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o consequent_o have_v respect_n to_o nothing_o more_o than_o bodily_a convenience_n as_o for_o christian_a ceremony_n namely_o baptism_n the_o lord_n supper_n holiday_n public_a form_n of_o prayer_n or_o any_o other_o common_a to_o christianity_n if_o they_o be_v ever_o institute_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n which_o do_v not_o clear_o appear_v they_o be_v only_o appoint_v as_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o not_o as_o thing_n that_o contain_v any_o sanctity_n in_o themselves_o or_o contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o be_v ordain_v not_o in_o reference_n to_o government_n but_o only_o in_o respect_n to_o mutual_a society_n he_o that_o live_v alone_o or_o he_o that_o live_v under_o a_o government_n where_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v forbid_v be_v not_o oblige_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ceremony_n and_o yet_o may_v live_v happy_o a_o example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o japan_n where_o the_o hollander_n by_o the_o command_n of_o their_o east-india_n company_n abstain_v from_o all_o outward_a worship_n and_o that_o their_o so_o do_v be_v justifiable_a i_o think_v be_v not_o difficult_a to_o prove_v from_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a which_o i_o purpose_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n namely_o why_o believe_v the_o history_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v necessary_a and_o to_o find_v out_o this_o by_o natural_a reason_n i_o thus_o proceed_v whoever_o will_v persuade_v or_o dissuade_v man_n to_o or_o from_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o in_o or_o by_o itself_o know_v must_v deduce_v that_o thing_n from_o principle_n general_o grant_v and_o allow_v and_o must_v convince_v those_o man_n either_o by_o reason_n or_o experience_n that_o be_v by_o thing_n which_o man_n by_o their_o sense_n know_v to_o have_v happen_v in_o nature_n or_o else_o by_o maxim_n which_o the_o understanding_n can_v neither_o doubt_v or_o deny_v but_o unless_o experience_n be_v such_o as_o be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v though_o it_o may_v convince_v a_o man_n yet_o it_o can_v equal_o affect_v the_o understanding_n and_o disperse_v the_o cloud_n thereof_o as_o will_v that_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o intellectual_a principle_n that_o be_v orderly_o deduce_v from_o notion_n certain_a and_o intelligible_a especial_o if_o the_o question_n be_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a and_o fall_v not_o under_o sense_n but_o because_o to_o prove_v thing_n only_o by_o intellectual_a proposition_n require_v a_o long_a chain_n of_o notion_n much_o circumspection_n sharpness_n of_o wit_n and_o great_a temper_n all_o which_o be_v seldom_o find_v together_o therefore_o man_n have_v rather_o be_v teach_v by_o experience_n then_o put_v themselves_o to_o the_o trouble_n of_o link_a together_o all_o their_o perception_n deduce_v from_o a_o few_o maxim_n so_o that_o he_o that_o will_v teach_v a_o whole_a nation_n i_o need_v not_o say_v all_o mankind_n any_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o will_v be_v clear_o understand_v in_o all_o thing_n by_o all_o man_n he_o must_v confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o experience_n and_o must_v accommodate_v his_o reason_n and_o the_o definition_n of_o what_o he_o teach_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o make_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o must_v not_o think_v of_o give_v such_o definition_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a for_o tie_v his_o reason_n together_o because_o he_o will_v then_o write_v only_o to_o the_o learned_a and_o will_v be_v understand_v but_o by_o a_o very_a few_o see_v then_o the_o scripture_n be_v reveal_v first_o for_o the_o use_n and_o instruction_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n and_o afterward_o of_o all_o mankind_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v shall_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o common_a people_n and_o confirm_v only_o by_o experience_n to_o make_v my_o meaning_n yet_o more_o clear_a i_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n teach_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v only_o speculative_a be_v chief_o these_o first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o a_o be_v which_o make_v all_o thing_n and_o by_o infinite_a wisdom_n govern_v and_o sustain_v all_o thing_n who_o take_v great_a care_n of_o mankind_n and_o particular_o of_o those_o that_o live_v honest_o and_o religious_o but_o for_o those_o that_o live_v wicked_o he_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o good_a and_o afflict_v they_o with_o grievous_a punishment_n but_o all_o those_o thing_n the_o scripture_n confirm_v only_o by_o experience_n namely_o by_o the_o history_n which_o it_o recite_v nor_o do_v it_o plain_o define_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o fit_v all_o its_o reason_n and_o expression_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o though_o experience_n can_v give_v a_o man_n no_o true_a and_o plain_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n nor_o teach_v a_o man_n what_o god_n be_v in_o what_o manner_n he_o order_n and_o uphold_v all_o thing_n or_o how_o he_o take_v care_n of_o mankind_n yet_o it_o give_v man_n so_o much_o light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o imprint_v in_o their_o mind_n piety_n and_o obedience_n so_o that_o now_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a to_o what_o person_n and_o for_o what_o reason_n the_o belief_n of_o scripture_n history_n be_v necessary_a that_o be_v to_o the_o common_a people_n by_o who_o thing_n can_v be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v and_o whoever_o deny_v these_o history_n because_o he_o neither_o believe_v the_o be_v or_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v impious_a but_o he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o these_o history_n and_o yet_o by_o natural_a reason_n conclude_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o make_v and_o preserve_v all_o thing_n if_o he_o live_v a_o virtuous_a life_n that_o man_n be_v blessed_v yea_o more_o bless_a then_o the_o vulgar_a because_o beside_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o opinion_n he_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a understanding_n last_o he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o scripture_n history_n and_o know_v nothing_o of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n if_o he_o be_v not_o impious_a and_o obstinate_a yet_o he_o may_v well_o be_v account_v a_o beast_n rather_o than_o a_o man_n and_o to_o have_v no_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o he_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o when_o we_o say_v the_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n history_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o the_o common_a people_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v all_o the_o history_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n but_o only_o the_o chief_n and_o those_o that_o give_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o before_o mention_v doctrine_n and_o have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o if_o all_o the_o history_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o prove_v its_o doctrine_n and_o no_o conclusion_n can_v be_v make_v but_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o the_o history_n together_o contain_v in_o it_o than_o the_o demonstration_n and_o proof_n of_o its_o doctrine_n
convince_v the_o heathen_a that_o then_o worship_v the_o sun_n moon_n the_o earth_n water_n air_n etc._n etc._n tell_v they_o their_o god_n be_v weak_a inconstant_a mutable_a and_o subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n who_o miracle_n they_o proclaim_v and_o by_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o that_o god_n who_o they_o worship_v create_v chief_o for_o their_o good_a and_o benefit_n with_o which_o opinion_n man_n be_v so_o please_v that_o ever_o since_o they_o have_v not_o cease_v to_o fain_a miracle_n that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v better_o belove_v by_o god_n than_o other_o and_o that_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n make_v and_o preserve_v all_o thing_n be_v chief_o for_o their_o sake_n how_o arrogant_a be_v the_o foolish_a vulgar_a who_o conceive_v nothing_o right_o of_o god_n or_o nature_n but_o confound_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n with_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o think_v nature_n so_o narrow_a that_o they_o believe_v man_n to_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n thereof_o have_v thus_o discover_v the_o opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o common_a people_n concern_v god_n and_o nature_n i_o will_v proceed_v in_o order_n and_o show_v first_o that_o nothing_o can_v happen_v contrary_a to_o nature_n who_o order_n and_o course_n be_v eternal_a constant_a and_o immutable_a explain_v also_o what_o be_v a_o miracle_n second_o that_o we_o can_v know_v the_o essence_n existence_n nor_o consequent_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n by_o miracle_n but_o they_o more_o manifest_o appear_v in_o the_o constant_a and_o unchangeable_a order_n of_o nature_n three_o i_o will_v prove_v by_o some_o scripture_n example_n that_o the_o scripture_n itself_o by_o the_o decree_n purpose_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o regular_a course_n of_o nature_n which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o its_o eternal_a law_n last_o i_o will_v show_v how_o scripture_n miracle_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o what_o we_o be_v principal_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o relation_n we_o have_v of_o miracle_n all_o which_o particular_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o present_a chapter_n and_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a to_o the_o design_n of_o this_o whole_a treatise_n the_o first_o particular_a be_v prove_v by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v in_o the_o 4_o the_o chapter_n concern_v the_o divine_a law_n namely_o that_o whatsoever_o god_n will_v and_o decree_v imply_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v not_o distinguish_v from_o his_o will_n and_o we_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n when_o we_o say_v god_n will_v and_o god_n know_v any_o thing_n because_o by_o the_o same_o necessity_n derive_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o know_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v by_o the_o same_o necessity_n must_v god_n will_v that_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v but_o since_o nothing_o be_v necessary_o true_a but_o what_o be_v so_o by_o the_o will_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n it_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o very_a ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o necessity_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n whatever_o therefore_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o nature_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o its_o universal_a law_n that_o must_v necessary_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o decree_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o if_o any_o one_o conclude_v that_o god_n do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n he_o likewise_o must_v grant_v that_o god_n act_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o absurdity_n as_o therefore_o nothing_o happen_v in_o nature_n contrary_a to_o its_o universal_a law_n so_o neither_o do_v any_o thing_n happen_v which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o and_o follow_v from_o they_o for_o whatever_o be_v do_v be_v do_v by_o the_o will_n and_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n that_o be_v according_a to_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o imply_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o law_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v eternal_a verity_n and_o necessity_n be_v not_o know_v to_o we_o yet_o nature_n always_o observe_v they_o and_o consequent_o keep_v her_o constant_a and_o unchangeable_a course_n no_o rational_a man_n can_v believe_v the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v limit_v and_o its_o law_n confine_v to_o some_o particular_a operation_n and_o effect_n and_o not_o fit_v universal_o to_o all_o for_o since_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o very_a virtue_n and_o power_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n infinite_a and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n so_o general_a that_o they_o extend_v themselves_o to_o all_o thing_n which_o fall_v under_o the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n otherwise_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o god_n create_v nature_n so_o weak_a and_o impotent_a and_o its_o law_n and_o rule_n so_o defective_a that_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v nature_n he_o must_v upon_o every_o new_a occasion_n assist_v and_o succour_v it_o that_o thing_n may_v fall_v out_o according_a to_o his_o will_n which_o be_v very_o irrational_a for_o any_o man_n to_o suppose_v if_o than_o nothing_o happen_v in_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o its_o rule_n and_o law_n that_o its_o law_n be_v extend_v to_o all_o thing_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o that_o nature_n keep_v a_o fix_a immutable_a and_o regular_a course_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o whatever_o man_n call_v a_o miracle_n be_v only_o so_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o some_o work_n or_o thing_n do_v of_o which_o we_o can_v discover_v the_o natural_a cause_n by_o a_o example_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o ordinary_o happen_v like_o it_o at_o least_o the_o person_n can_v who_o relate_v or_o record_v the_o miracle_n i_o may_v call_v that_o a_o miracle_n who_o cause_n can_v be_v make_v out_o from_o any_o natural_a principle_n know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o because_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o know_v not_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a thing_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o ancient_n count_v that_o a_o miracle_n which_o they_o can_v not_o explain_v as_o the_o common_a people_n use_v to_o do_v natural_a thing_n namely_o by_o recur_v to_o their_o memory_n for_o bring_v to_o mind_n some_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n which_o they_o do_v not_o admire_v for_o the_o common_a people_n think_v they_o very_o well_o understand_v a_o thing_n when_o they_o do_v not_o admire_v it_o by_o this_o rule_n and_o no_o other_o man_n in_o old_a and_o late_a time_n have_v judge_v of_o miracle_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o many_o thing_n be_v relate_v in_o scripture_n for_o miracle_n who_o cause_n may_v have_v be_v make_v manifest_a from_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o natural_a thing_n as_o we_o have_v hint_v in_o our_o 2_o d_o chapter_n where_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o in_o the_o time_n of_o joshua_n and_o its_o go_v backward_o in_o the_o time_n of_o hezekiah_n on_o the_o dyal_n of_o ahaz_n but_o of_o these_o thing_n more_o at_o large_a when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o miracle_n i_o will_v now_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v the_o second_o particular_a namely_o that_o we_o can_v by_o miracle_n understand_v the_o essence_n existence_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o that_o they_o be_v more_o clear_o apprehend_v by_o we_o in_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n which_o i_o thus_o prove_v if_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o know_v to_o we_o it_o must_v then_o be_v make_v out_o and_o conclude_v from_o notion_n who_o verity_n be_v so_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o power_n by_o which_o those_o notion_n may_v be_v change_v at_o least_o they_o ought_v to_o appear_v so_o to_o we_o at_o that_o time_n when_o from_o they_o we_o conclude_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n if_o we_o will_v have_v that_o existence_n to_o be_v indubitable_a for_o if_o we_o can_v think_v those_o notion_n mutable_a by_o any_o power_n whatever_o it_o be_v then_o may_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o notion_n and_o consequent_o of_o our_o conclusion_n namely_o god_n existence_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n and_o see_v we_o can_v know_v what_o be_v congruous_a or_o contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o that_o which_o we_o prove_v to_o be_v congruous_a or_o contrary_a to_o those_o prime_a notion_n if_o we_o can_v conceive_v any_o thing_n in_o nature_n to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o
always_o particular_o express_v yet_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v that_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v without_o they_o which_o appear_v by_o the_o 14_o the_o chap._n of_o exod._n v._n 27._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o only_o upon_o the_o stretch_n out_o of_o moses_n hand_n the_o sea_n return_v again_o to_o its_o full_a strength_n without_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o wind_n yet_o in_o the_o 15_o chap._n of_o exod._n call_v moses_n song_n v._n 10._o it_o be_v say_v thou_o do_v blow_v with_o thy_o wind_n that_o be_v a_o strong_a wind_n and_o the_o sea_n cover_v they_o so_o that_o this_o circumstance_n be_v omit_v in_o the_o story_n to_o make_v the_o miracle_n appear_v the_o great_a but_o some_o will_v urge_v that_o we_o find_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o can_v in_o appearance_n be_v explain_v by_o natural_a cause_n as_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o earth_n barrenness_n and_o man_n prayer_n the_o cause_n of_o its_o fertility_n that_o faith_n may_v give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n record_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o to_o this_o i_o have_v already_o give_v answer_n in_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o their_o next_o immediate_a cause_n but_o only_o relate_v thing_n in_o that_o order_n and_o express_v they_o in_o such_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o stir_v man_n up_o especial_o the_o multitude_n to_o devotion_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n speak_v many_o time_n very_o improper_o of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n it_o treat_v of_o not_o so_o much_o to_o convince_v our_o reason_n as_o to_o affect_v and_o possess_v our_o mind_n and_o our_o imagination_n if_o the_o scripture_n shall_v relate_v the_o destruction_n of_o any_o empire_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o historian_n and_o politician_n use_v to_o do_v it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o affect_v the_o common_a people_n but_o when_o the_o overthrow_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v poetical_o describe_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n own_o hand_n how_o strange_o be_v man_n move_v with_o it_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o earth_n be_v barren_a or_o that_o blind_a man_n be_v restore_v to_o sight_n by_o faith_n it_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o do_v those_o other_o say_n that_o god_n be_v angry_a or_o grieve_v with_o our_o sin_n that_o he_o repent_v of_o the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v or_o intend_v and_o that_o god_n by_o see_v a_o sign_n call_v to_o mind_v his_o promise_n all_o which_o expression_n be_v speak_v poetical_o or_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o writer_n so_o that_o we_o absolute_o conclude_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n relate_v to_o have_v happen_v do_v happen_v as_o all_o thing_n do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v any_o thing_n record_v which_o by_o plain_a and_o evident_a demonstration_n may_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o impossible_a to_o follow_v from_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v it_o be_v insert_v by_o sacrilegious_a man_n for_o whatever_o be_v against_o nature_n be_v against_o reason_n and_o whatever_o be_v against_o reason_n aught_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o absurd_a nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o only_o to_o say_v somewhat_o of_o interpret_n miracle_n or_o rather_o to_o recollect_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v and_o illustrate_v it_o by_o some_o example_n which_o be_v the_o four_o particular_a i_o promise_v to_o treat_v of_o that_o no_o body_n by_o mistake_v a_o miracle_n may_v think_v there_o be_v something_o in_o scripture_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o man_n relate_v any_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o naked_o and_o true_o but_o that_o to_o their_o relation_n they_o add_v somewhat_o of_o their_o own_o conceit_n yea_o when_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v any_o thing_n unless_o they_o beware_v of_o their_o own_o preconceive_a opinion_n they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o prepossess_v that_o they_o will_v never_o right_o understand_v what_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v especial_o if_o what_o have_v happen_v be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o spectator_n or_o relator_n and_o it_o be_v for_o his_o advantage_n that_o the_o thing_n shall_v happen_v in_o that_o very_a manner_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n in_o their_o history_n and_o chronicle_n rather_o vent_v their_o own_o opinion_n then_o make_v faithful_a relation_n and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v by_o two_o man_n of_o different_a opinion_n shall_v be_v so_o diverse_o represent_v that_o it_o shall_v seem_v two_o different_a case_n so_o that_o oft_o time_n it_o be_v not_o very_o difficult_a by_o the_o very_a history_n to_o discover_v what_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o historian_n to_o evidence_n this_o i_o may_v cite_v many_o philosopher_n who_o have_v write_a history_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o chronologeis_n but_o i_o will_v make_v use_n of_o only_a one_o mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o time_n of_o joshua_n when_o the_o jew_n believe_v that_o the_o sun_n be_v carry_v about_o the_o earth_n by_o a_o dyurnal_a motion_n and_o that_o the_o earth_n do_v not_o move_v at_o all_o they_o fit_v the_o miracle_n which_o happen_v when_o they_o fight_v against_o the_o five_o king_n according_a to_o this_o their_o preconceived_a opinion_n and_o do_v not_o say_v simple_o that_o the_o day_n be_v long_o than_o ordinary_a but_o that_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n stand_v still_o or_o cease_v from_o motion_n which_o at_o that_o time_n serve_v as_o a_o very_a good_a argument_n to_o convince_v the_o heathen_a who_o worship_v the_o sun_n that_o their_o god_n the_o sun_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o another_o deity_n who_o can_v at_o his_o pleasure_n make_v he_o change_v his_o course_n and_o therefore_o partly_o out_o of_o religion_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o opinion_n wherewith_o they_o be_v prepossess_v they_o apprehend_v and_o relate_v the_o thing_n much_o otherwise_o then_o indeed_o it_o be_v therefore_o to_o explain_v miracle_n and_o to_o understand_v by_o their_o relation_n how_o thing_n do_v true_o and_o real_o happen_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o first_o report_v the_o miracle_n or_o leave_v they_o in_o write_v and_o to_o distinguish_v their_o opinion_n from_o that_o which_o be_v represent_v to_o they_o by_o their_o sense_n else_o we_o may_v confound_v their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n with_o the_o miracle_n itself_o it_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a to_o know_v their_o opinion_n that_o we_o may_v not_o confound_v the_o thing_n which_o real_o happen_v with_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v only_o imaginary_a and_o but_o prophetical_a revelation_n for_o many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v relate_v and_o believe_v as_o thing_n real_a which_o be_v but_o representation_n and_o mere_a imagination_n as_o that_o god_n the_o first_o and_o high_a of_o all_o being_n descend_v from_o heaven_n exod._n chap._n 19_o v._n 18._o deut._n chap._n 5._o v._n 23._o upon_o mount_n sinai_n and_o that_o the_o mountain_n smoke_v because_o god_n come_v down_o upon_o it_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o fire_n we_o be_v likewise_o tell_v of_o eliahs_n go_v to_o heaven_n in_o a_o fiery_a chariot_n with_o horse_n of_o fire_n all_o which_o be_v but_o representation_n suit_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o they_o who_o deliver_v to_o we_o those_o thing_n for_o reality_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v but_o mere_a representation_n whoever_o be_v but_o little_o wise_a than_o the_o multitude_n know_v that_o god_n have_v neither_o right_a or_o left_a hand_n that_o he_o neither_o rest_v nor_o move_v that_o he_o be_v comprehensive_o in_o no_o place_n but_o be_v infinite_a and_o in_o he_o be_v contain_v all_o perfection_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v know_v to_o man_n who_o judge_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o perception_n of_o a_o pure_a understanding_n and_o not_o as_o their_o fancy_n be_v affect_v by_o their_o outward_a sense_n as_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o vulgar_a who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v corporeal_a and_o imagine_v he_o exercise_v kingly_a dominion_n fancy_v his_o throne_n to_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o the_o star_n at_o no_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o earth_n to_o which_o and_o the_o like_a opinion_n many_o case_n in_o scripture_n be_v accommodate_v but_o yet_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v real_a by_o wise_a men._n true_o to_o understand_v how_o miracle_n happen_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v the_o phrase_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o hebrew_n language_n for_o he_o that_o be_v
obscure_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v quick_o understand_v according_a to_o that_o usual_a say_v a_o word_n to_o the_o wise._n euclyd_v who_o write_v of_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a be_v easy_o understand_v by_o every_o body_n in_o any_o language_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_a of_o his_o sense_n and_o meaning_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o perfect_a but_o only_o a_o superficial_a knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n wherein_o he_o write_v nor_o of_o know_v his_o life_n study_n manner_n in_o what_o language_n when_o or_o to_o who_o he_o write_v neither_o know_v the_o fate_n of_o his_o book_n its_o various_a reading_n or_o how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v general_o receive_v what_o i_o say_v of_o euclyd_n may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o man_n who_o have_v write_v of_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v so_o that_o we_o conclude_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o concern_v moral_a doctrine_n may_v be_v easy_o attain_v by_o such_o a_o history_n as_o may_v be_v compose_v of_o it_o for_o all_o lesson_n of_o true_a piety_n be_v give_v we_o in_o word_n of_o common_a and_o frequent_a use_n and_o be_v therefore_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o because_o our_o happiness_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o life_n consist_v in_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n which_o we_o find_v only_o in_o thing_n which_o we_o clear_o understand_v it_o evident_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v certain_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o be_v so_o solicitous_a about_o other_o matter_n which_o when_o they_o seem_v so_o difficult_a to_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n have_v more_o curiosity_n in_o they_o then_o profit_v i_o have_v now_o show_v what_o be_v the_o true_a method_n of_o explain_v scripture_n and_o sully_v declare_v my_o opinion_n concern_v it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o every_o one_o see_v this_o method_n require_v nothing_o more_o than_o natural_a reason_n who_o nature_n and_o virtue_n chief_o consist_v in_o deduce_v by_o right_a consequence_n thing_n obscure_a from_o know_v and_o indisputable_a concession_n and_o though_o we_o grant_v that_o this_o natural_a light_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o find_v out_o all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n in_o this_o natural_a light_n but_o because_o the_o right_a way_n which_o it_o show_v we_o be_v never_o observe_v and_o tread_v by_o man_n so_o that_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n it_o be_v become_v painful_a and_o almost_o impossible_a to_o pass_v as_o in_o my_o opinion_n manifest_o appear_v by_o the_o difficulty_n i_o have_v mention_v it_o now_o remain_v that_o i_o examine_v those_o man_n opinion_n who_o be_v not_o of_o i_o the_o first_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v they_o who_o positive_o affirm_v that_o natural_a light_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o interpret_v scripture_n and_o that_o only_a supernatural_a light_n can_v do_v it_o but_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o supernatural_a light_n i_o leave_v they_o to_o explain_v i_o suppose_v they_o do_v but_o in_o obscure_a term_n confess_v that_o they_o be_v very_o doubtful_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o diligent_o consider_v their_o exposition_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o contain_v nothing_o supernatural_a yea_o they_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v mere_a conjecture_n if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o their_o explanation_n who_o pretend_v to_o nothing_o more_o than_o what_o be_v natural_a they_o will_v be_v find_v like_o they_o to_o be_v human_a long_o study_v and_o elaborate_v in_o maintain_v that_o natural_a light_n be_v not_o able_a to_o explain_v scripture_n they_o be_v mistake_v what_o we_o have_v say_v make_v it_o clear_a that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o expound_v scripture_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o defect_n of_o strength_n in_o natural_a light_n but_o only_o from_o man_n sloth_n i_o will_v not_o say_v malice_n who_o have_v neglect_v to_o compose_v such_o a_o history_n of_o scripture_n as_o may_v have_v be_v frame_v of_o it_o and_o also_o because_o all_o man_n if_o i_o be_v not_o deceive_v confess_v that_o supernatural_a light_n be_v a_o divine_a gift_n bestow_v only_o upon_o believer_n but_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n preach_v not_o only_o to_o believer_n but_o to_o wicked_a unbeliever_n who_o be_v notwithstanding_o their_o impiety_n and_o unbelief_n capable_a of_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n otherwise_o they_o have_v preach_v but_o to_o child_n and_o infant_n and_o not_o to_o man_n endue_v with_o reason_n and_o moses_n have_v in_o vain_a prescribe_a law_n if_o his_o law_n be_v intelligible_a only_o to_o believer_n who_o need_v no_o law._n wherefore_o they_o that_o seek_v after_o supernatural_a light_n to_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n seem_v void_a even_o of_o natural_a light_n and_o such_o i_o think_v be_v far_o from_o have_v that_o heavenly_a gift_n of_o light_n supernatural_a maimonides_n be_v not_o of_o these_o man_n opinion_n for_o he_o think_v most_o place_n of_o scripture_n will_v bear_v several_a yea_o contrary_a sense_n and_o think_v likewise_o that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o any_o place_n unless_o we_o know_v the_o place_n as_o we_o interpret_v it_o to_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n or_o not_o contrary_a to_o it_o for_o if_o in_o its_o literal_a sense_n it_o appear_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n though_o the_o sense_n appear_v clear_a yet_o he_o think_v the_o place_n ought_v to_o be_v otherwise_o interpret_v and_o this_o he_o plain_o declare_v in_o the_o 25_o the_o chapter_n of_o his_o book_n call_v more_o nebuchin_n where_o he_o say_v know_v that_o i_o do_v not_o refuse_v to_o say_v the_o world_n be_v eternal_a because_o there_o be_v text_n in_o scripture_n which_o say_v the_o world_n be_v create_v for_o the_o text_n which_o declare_v the_o world_n be_v create_v be_v not_o more_o than_o those_o that_o tell_v we_o god_n be_v corporeal_a neither_o be_v the_o way_n of_o expound_v those_o text_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n shut_v up_o or_o bar_v against_o we_o but_o we_o can_v as_o well_o explain_v they_o as_o i_o do_v the_o other_o when_o i_o prove_v god_n to_o be_v incorporeal_a perhaps_o i_o can_v better_o and_o with_o more_o ease_n expound_v the_o text_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n and_o maintain_v the_o world_n to_o be_v eternal_a than_o i_o do_v those_o of_o god_n corporiety_n when_o i_o prove_v god_n to_o be_v incorporeal_a but_o for_o two_o reason_n i_o will_v not_o do_v it_o or_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a first_o because_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o a_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o god_n be_v not_o corporeal_a for_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n who_o literal_a sense_n be_v repugnant_a to_o a_o demonstration_n require_v explication_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v literal_o but_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o prove_v by_o any_o demonstration_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o wrest_v it_o by_o exposition_n to_o maintain_v a_o opinion_n that_o be_v but_o probable_a when_o we_o may_v with_o any_o reason_n maintain_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n the_o second_o reason_n be_v because_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v incorporeal_a be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o law_n but_o to_o believe_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n as_o aristotle_n do_v destroy_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o law._n these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o maimonides_n from_o which_o that_o manifest_o follow_v which_o i_o say_v before_o for_o if_o he_o be_v convince_v by_o reason_n that_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a he_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n and_o make_v such_o exposition_n of_o it_o as_o may_v support_v that_o opivion_n and_o he_o will_v be_v present_o certain_a that_o the_o scripture_n though_o it_o every_o where_o plain_o say_v the_o contrary_a do_v declare_v the_o world_n to_o be_v eternal_a and_o consequent_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n though_o never_o so_o plain_a so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o that_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o evident_a to_o he_o for_o so_o long_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o apparent_a we_o be_v so_o long_o ignorant_a whether_o the_o thing_n be_v agreeable_a or_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o consequent_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o literal_a sense_n be_v true_a or_o false_a which_o opinion_n if_o it_o be_v true_a i_o will_v absolute_o grant_v that_o some_o other_o light_n beside_o what_o be_v natural_a be_v necessary_a