idolise_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o account_v it_o great_a piety_n in_o a_o man_n not_o to_o trust_v to_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o reason_n but_o great_a wickedness_n to_o doubt_v their_o fidelity_n who_o communicate_v to_o we_o the_o sacred_a volume_n certain_o such_o man_n folly_n exceed_v their_o piety_n what_o trouble_v they_o what_o be_v it_o they_o fear_v can_v religion_n and_o faith_n be_v defend_v unless_o man_n be_v profess_o ignorant_a and_o bid_v reason_n farewell_n they_o that_o think_v so_o do_v rather_o fear_v than_o believe_v scripture_n god_n forbid_v that_o religion_n shall_v be_v a_o servant_n to_o reason_n or_o reason_n to_o religion_n both_o may_v with_o great_a peace_n and_o concord_n preserve_v their_o own_o proper_a dominion_n which_o i_o will_v present_o prove_v after_o i_o have_v a_o little_a examine_v the_o tenet_n and_o opinion_n of_o our_o rabbin_z alpakhar_n he_o as_o i_o have_v say_v will_v have_v we_o receive_v every_o thing_n for_o truth_n which_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v and_o reject_v every_o thing_n as_o false_a which_o the_o scripture_n deny_v and_o maintain_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_o in_o express_a word_n affirm_v or_o deny_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o what_o in_o another_o place_n it_o have_v positive_o affirm_v or_o deny_v both_o which_o be_v very_o bold_a and_o rash_a position_n i_o will_v not_o press_v he_o with_o what_o perhaps_o he_o never_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v several_a book_n that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o several_a author_n in_o several_a age_n for_o the_o use_n of_o divers_a people_n and_o see_v upon_o his_o own_o authority_n only_o he_o maintain_v what_o neither_o reason_n or_o scripture_n ever_o say_v he_o ought_v to_o show_v that_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v but_o by_o consequence_n contradict_v other_o may_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o language_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o place_n convenient_o bear_v a_o metaphorical_a interpretation_n and_o he_o ought_v likewise_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v derive_v down_o to_o we_o without_o any_o corruption_n or_o adulteration_n to_o come_v close_o to_o the_o business_n i_o ask_v he_o concern_v his_o first_o position_n whether_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a which_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v and_o reject_v every_o thing_n as_o false_a which_o it_o deny_v though_o both_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o reason_n if_o he_o answer_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v in_o scripture_n contrary_a to_o reason_n i_o press_v he_o with_o this_o instance_n in_o the_o decalogue_n exod._n 34._o 14._o deut._n 4._o 24._o and_o in_o other_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o gâ—d_n be_v jealous_a but_o that_o such_o a_o passion_n as_o jealousy_n shall_v be_v in_o god_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n now_o if_o there_o be_v other_o place_n in_o scripture_n which_o suppose_v god_n not_o to_o be_v jealous_a they_o must_v be_v metaphorical_o interpret_v that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o suppose_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o scripture_n express_o say_v that_o god_n come_v down_o upon_o mount_n sinai_n exod._n 19.20_o and_o ascribe_v to_o he_o other_o local_a motion_n no_o where_o express_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v not_o move_v so_o that_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o solomon_n say_v of_o god_n in_o 1_o king_n 8._o 27._o that_o he_o can_v be_v comprehend_v or_o contain_v in_o any_o place_n though_o it_o do_v not_o express_o but_o only_o consequential_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v not_o move_v aught_o to_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n metaphorical_o understand_v the_o heaven_n also_o must_v be_v take_v for_o god_n throne_n and_o habitation_n because_o the_o scripture_n declare_v positive_o they_o be_v many_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n consonant_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o people_n which_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n but_o not_o scripture_n say_v be_v false_a all_o which_o according_a to_o the_o rabbi_n opinion_n who_o in_o such_o case_n will_v allow_v no_o consult_v with_o reason_n must_v pass_v for_o truth_n he_o affirm_v that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a in_o say_v that_o no_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n express_o and_o direct_o contradict_v another_o but_o only_o by_o consequence_n for_o moses_n deut._n 4._o 24._o express_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n and_o direct_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v like_o any_o visible_a thing_n deut._n 4._o 12._o now_o if_o the_o rabbi_n will_v have_v this_o latter_a text_n not_o direct_o but_o only_o by_o consequence_n to_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v fire_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v so_o interpret_v that_o it_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o deny_v it_o let_v he_o have_v his_o will_n and_o let_v we_o grant_v that_o god_n be_v fire_n or_o rather_o not_o to_o be_v as_o mad_a as_o he_o we_o will_v let_v this_o pass_v and_o make_v use_n of_o another_o example_n samuel_n direct_o deny_v that_o god_n ever_o repent_v of_o his_o decree_n 1_o sam._n 15._o 29._o but_o jeremy_n on_o the_o contrary_n affirm_v chap._n 18._o v._n 8_o 10._o that_o god_n do_v sometime_o repent_v both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o of_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o purpose_v and_o decree_v do_v not_o these_o two_o text_n direct_o oppose_v one_o another_o which_o of_o these_o two_o must_v be_v metaphorical_o interpret_v both_o the_o opinion_n be_v general_a and_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o what_o one_o direct_o affirm_v the_o other_o positive_o deny_v so_o that_o the_o rabbi_n by_o his_o own_o rule_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o false_a but_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o though_o one_o place_n do_v not_o direct_o but_o only_o by_o consequence_n contradict_v another_o if_o the_o consequence_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o metaphorical_a explication_n of_o which_o many_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bible_n we_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o we_o have_v show_v that_o several_a prophet_n have_v different_a opinion_n and_o particular_o of_o those_o contradiction_n which_o i_o in_o the_o 9_o the_o and_o 10_o the_o chapter_n have_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v in_o several_a of_o the_o scripture_n history_n they_o need_v not_o be_v repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o confute_v the_o absurdity_n and_o falsity_n which_o must_v necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o rabbi_n rule_n and_o to_o show_v how_o unadvised_o and_o gross_o the_o author_n be_v mistake_v the_o different_a opinion_n of_o both_o rabbi_n be_v confute_v i_o do_v again_o positive_o declare_v that_o divinity_n or_o theology_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n to_o reason_n nor_o reason_n to_o theology_n but_o both_o aught_o to_o maintain_v their_o own_o dominion_n reason_n ought_v to_o rule_v in_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o theology_n in_o matter_n which_o concern_v our_o piety_n and_o obedience_n the_o power_n of_o reason_n do_v not_o so_o far_o extend_v itself_o as_o to_o determine_v that_o man_n only_o by_o obedience_n without_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n may_v be_v bless_v and_o happy_a but_o theology_n dictate_v nothing_o else_o and_o command_v nothing_o but_o obedience_n not_o intend_v or_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o reason_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n theology_n determin_n doctrine_n of_o faith_n no_o further_o than_o be_v necessary_a to_o obedience_n but_o how_o those_o doctrine_n be_v precise_o in_o respect_n of_o verity_n to_o be_v understand_v it_o leave_v reason_n to_o resolve_v which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o without_o which_o we_o see_v nothing_o but_o dream_n and_o fancy_n but_o here_o by_o theology_n i_o mean_v only_a revelation_n so_o far_o as_o it_o declare_v the_o scope_n and_o end_n to_o which_o the_o scripture_n aim_v namely_o the_o reason_n and_o manner_n of_o live_v obedient_o or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v proper_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o book_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o 12_o the_o chapter_n theology_n take_v in_o this_o sense_n if_o we_o consider_v its_o precept_n and_o instruction_n perfect_o agree_v with_o reason_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v its_o end_n and_o design_n in_o nothing_o contradict_v it_o and_o therefore_o universal_o concern_v all_o mankind_n as_o for_o the_o whole_a scripture_n in_o general_n the_o sense_n thereof_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o chapter_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o scripture_n history_n and_o not_o by_o the_o history_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o
and_o clear_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n what_o kind_n of_o history_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n it_o ought_v to_o contain_v come_v now_o to_o be_v declare_v first_o it_o ought_v to_o contain_v the_o nature_n and_o propriety_n of_o that_o language_n in_o which_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v original_o write_v and_o which_o the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n be_v wont_a to_o speak_v that_o so_o all_o the_o sense_n which_o every_o speech_n according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o speak_v will_v bear_v and_o admit_v may_v be_v find_v out_o and_o because_o the_o penman_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v jew_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v above_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o understand_v not_o only_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v write_v in_o hebrew_n but_o also_o of_o the_o new_a for_o though_o some_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v publish_v in_o other_o language_n yet_o they_o be_v full_a of_o hebrewism_n second_o the_o sentence_n of_o every_o book_n aught_o to_o be_v collect_v and_o reduce_v to_o head_n that_o so_o all_o that_o concern_v one_o and_o the_o same_o subject_a may_v be_v easy_o find_v and_o all_o those_o which_o seem_v doubtful_a and_o obscure_a or_o repugnant_a to_o one_o another_o aught_o to_o be_v note_v i_o call_v those_o speech_n clear_a or_o obscure_a who_o sense_n be_v easy_o or_o difficult_o make_v out_o by_o the_o context_n and_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o speech_n easy_o or_o difficult_o perceive_v by_o reason_n for_o only_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o not_o the_o verity_n be_v our_o business_n we_o be_v therefore_o to_o take_v special_a heed_n that_o in_o search_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o do_v not_o suffer_v our_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n to_o be_v prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n and_o likewise_o that_o we_o do_v not_o confound_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o matter_n for_o the_o true_a sense_n be_v to_o be_v find_v out_o only_o by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o language_n or_o by_o such_o a_o way_n of_o reason_v as_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o scripture_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v perfect_o understand_v take_v this_o example_n for_o illustration_n these_o say_n of_o moses_n god_n be_v fire_n and_o god_n be_v jealous_a how_o plain_a and_o clear_a be_v they_o so_o long_o as_o we_o regard_v only_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o reason_n and_o truth_n how_o dark_a and_o obscure_a yea_o though_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v contrary_a to_o natural_a reason_n yet_o unless_o it_o contradict_v any_o fundamental_a principle_n derive_v from_o scripture_n their_o literal_a sense_n be_v still_o to_o be_v retain_v so_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o these_o say_n in_o their_o literal_a construction_n shall_v be_v find_v repugnant_a to_o principle_n deduce_v from_o scripture_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o not_o litteraly_a understand_v to_o know_v then_o whether_o moses_n do_v or_o do_v not_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v fire_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o conclude_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o because_o the_o opinion_n be_v either_o contrary_a or_o consonant_a to_o reason_n but_o it_o must_v be_v gather_v from_o some_o other_o of_o moses_n own_o say_n for_o example_n because_o moses_n in_o very_a many_o place_n have_v plain_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v not_o like_o any_o visible_a thing_n either_o in_o heaven_n earth_n or_o the_o water_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o either_o this_o say_n god_n be_v fire_n or_o else_o all_o his_o other_o say_n be_v to_o be_v metaphorical_o interpret_v but_o because_o we_o ought_v as_o seldom_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o depart_v from_o the_o literal_a sense_n we_o must_v therefore_o inquire_v whether_o this_o saying_n god_n be_v fire_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o sense_n beside_o the_o literal_a that_o be_v whether_o the_o word_n fire_v signify_v any_o other_o thing_n beside_o natural_a fire_n and_o if_o in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n it_o can_v never_o be_v find_v to_o signify_v any_o thing_n else_o than_o this_o say_n of_o moses_n be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v interpret_v though_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n all_o those_o other_o say_n of_o moses_n though_o consentaneous_a to_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v conformable_a and_o accommodate_v to_o this_o but_o if_o the_o common_a use_n of_o the_o language_n will_v not_o suffer_v this_o to_o be_v do_v than_o those_o several_a say_n be_v irreconcilable_a and_o we_o be_v to_o suspend_v our_o judgement_n of_o they_o but_o now_o because_o the_o word_n fire_n be_v also_o take_v for_o anger_n and_o jealousy_n job._n chap._n 31._o v._n 12._o these_o saying_n of_o moses_n be_v easy_o reconcileable_a and_o we_o may_v lawful_o conclude_v that_o these_o two_o sentence_n god_n be_v fire_n and_o god_n be_v jealous_a signify_v both_o the_o same_o thing_n moreover_o because_o moses_n plain_o say_v god_n be_v jealous_a and_o do_v no_o where_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v free_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o moses_n do_v think_v or_o at_o least_o teach_v other_o man_n to_o think_v god_n be_v jealous_a though_o we_o believe_v the_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o reason_n for_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o wrest_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n or_o preconceive_a opinion_n because_o all_o our_o knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v derive_v only_o from_o themselves_o three_o this_o history_n of_o scripture_n aught_o to_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n remain_v with_o we_o as_o may_v inform_v we_o of_o the_o life_n manner_n and_o study_n of_o the_o author_n of_o every_o book_n who_o the_o person_n be_v upon_o what_o occasion_n he_o write_v in_o what_o time_n to_o who_o and_o in_o what_o language_n and_o last_o it_o ought_v to_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o fortune_n of_o every_o book_n how_o it_o be_v first_o receive_v into_o who_o hand_n it_o fall_v how_o many_o various_a reading_n it_o have_v how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v receive_v for_o sacred_a and_o canonical_a and_o last_o how_o all_o the_o several_a book_n come_v together_o into_o one_o volume_n i_o say_v all_o these_o thing_n this_o history_n of_o scripture_n ought_v to_o contain_v to_o know_v what_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o law_n and_o precept_n and_o what_o only_o for_o moral_a doctrine_n it_o be_v very_o expedient_a to_o know_v the_o life_n manner_n and_o study_v of_o the_o author_n beside_o we_o can_v with_o more_o ease_n know_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o man_n word_n when_o we_o know_v his_o genius_n disposition_n and_o ingenuity_n moreover_o that_o we_o may_v not_o confound_v doctrine_n who_o morality_n and_o obligation_n be_v perpetual_a with_o those_o that_o be_v but_o temporary_a and_o of_o use_n only_o to_o some_o particular_a people_n it_o behove_v we_o to_o know_v upon_o what_o occasion_n at_o what_o time_n to_o what_o nation_n in_o what_o age_n all_o these_o instruction_n be_v write_v last_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v know_v beside_o the_o authority_n of_o every_o book_n whether_o the_o book_n have_v be_v adulterate_v or_o at_o least_o whether_o any_o error_n have_v creep_v into_o they_o and_o whether_o they_o have_v be_v correct_v by_o learned_a and_o faithful_a man_n all_o which_o thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v that_o we_o may_v not_o with_o blind_a zeal_n receive_v every_o thing_n obtrude_v upon_o we_o but_o believe_v that_o only_o which_o be_v certain_a plain_a and_o past_o all_o doubt_n after_o we_o have_v such_o a_o history_n of_o scripture_n and_o have_v firm_o resolve_v to_o conclude_v nothing_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o do_v not_o natural_o follow_v or_o may_v be_v clear_o draw_v from_o this_o history_n than_o it_o will_v be_v time_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o search_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o to_o do_v the_o like_a method_n and_o order_n be_v require_v that_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o interpret_n nature_n by_o its_o own_o history_n for_o as_o in_o search_v out_o natural_a thing_n we_o first_o endeavour_v to_o inquire_v concern_v that_o which_o be_v universal_a and_o common_a to_o all_o nature_n as_o motion_n and_o
multitude_n as_o superstition_n whence_o it_o happen_v that_o the_o common_a people_n under_o colour_n of_o religion_n be_v sometime_o easy_o induce_v to_o adore_v their_o king_n and_o at_o other_o time_n to_o curse_v and_o abhor_v they_o as_o the_o common_a plague_n of_o mankind_n therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o mischief_n great_a pain_n be_v take_v to_o adorn_v and_o attire_v religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a that_o it_o may_v appear_v very_o grave_a and_o solemn_a and_o all_o person_n pay_v unto_o it_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o respect_n and_o veneration_n this_o have_v so_o lucky_o succeed_v among_o the._n turk_n who_o count_v it_o a_o crime_n so_o much_o as_o to_o dispute_v and_o have_v their_o understanding_n possess_v with_o so_o many_o prejudices_fw-la that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n in_o their_o mind_n leave_v for_o reason_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o doubt_v but_o if_o it_o be_v as_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o great_a arcanum_n and_o concern_v of_o monarchical_a government_n to_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o to_o cover_v fear_n by_o which_o they_o be_v keep_v in_o subjection_n under_o the_o specious_a name_n of_o religion_n that_o so_o they_o may_v fight_v for_o slavery_n as_o for_o their_o own_o safety_n and_o think_v it_o no_o shame_n but_o their_o great_a honour_n to_o spend_v their_o blood_n and_o life_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o one_o single_a person_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o mischeivous_o devise_v or_o attempt_v than_o to_o possess_v man_n judgement_n which_o be_v free_a with_o prejudices_fw-la or_o in_o any_o manner_n to_o restrain_v or_o compel_v they_o it_o be_v utter_o repugnant_a to_o common_a liberty_n as_o for_o sedition_n stir_v up_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n they_o arise_v from_o enact_v law_n concern_v thing_n mere_o speculative_a and_o because_o opinion_n be_v many_o time_n condemn_v for_o crime_n and_o the_o maintainer_n and_o follower_n of_o those_o opinion_n seldom_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o public_a safety_n but_o to_o the_o hatred_n and_o cruelty_n of_o their_o adversary_n but_o if_o the_o law_n of_o government_n will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o word_n and_o only_o punish_v man_n action_n there_o can_v never_o be_v any_o lawful_a pretence_n for_o such_o sedition_n nor_o can_v controversy_n be_v turn_v into_o quarrel_n see_v therefore_o that_o man_n be_v seldom_o so_o happy_a to_o live_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n where_o every_o one_o be_v allow_v the_o liberty_n of_o judge_v and_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o his_o own_o understanding_n or_o where_o nothing_o be_v esteem_v dear_a and_o sweet_a than_o liberty_n i_o think_v my_o undertake_n will_v be_v neither_o unpleasing_a or_o unprofitable_a if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o such_o a_o liberty_n may_v be_v grant_v without_o any_o danger_n to_o religion_n or_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n but_o that_o all_o three_o must_v stand_v and_o fall_v together_o and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n which_o in_o this_o treatise_n i_o intend_v to_o demonstrate_v to_o which_o purpose_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o mark_v out_o the_o chief_a prejudices_fw-la concern_v religion_n i_o mean_v the_o footstep_n of_o ancient_a servitude_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o relate_v to_o the_o right_n of_o sovereign_n power_n which_o many_o with_o shameless_a boldness_n study_v to_o usurp_v and_o then_o to_o secure_v themselves_o amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o multitude_n still_o subject_a to_o superstition_n with_o specious_a show_n of_o religion_n that_o all_o may_v again_o run_v into_o bondage_n in_o what_o order_n i_o make_v these_o thing_n manifest_a i_o will_v present_o in_o few_o word_n declare_v but_o first_o i_o will_v mention_v the_o cause_n which_o move_v i_o to_o write_v i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o man_n who_o boast_v themselves_o professor_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o consist_v in_o love_n peace_n moderation_n and_o deal_v upright_o with_o all_o man_n shall_v so_o unjust_o contend_v and_o cruel_o hate_v one_o another_o by_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v better_a know_v then_o by_o the_o forename_a virtue_n there_o be_v now_o scarce_o any_o man_n whatever_o he_o be_v christian_n jew_n turk_n or_o heathen_a that_o can_v be_v know_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o his_o habit_n and_o attire_n by_o frequent_v such_o a_o church_n by_o maintain_v such_o a_o opinion_n or_o by_o be_v the_o swear_a disciple_n of_o such_o a_o master_n but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n man_n life_n and_o conversation_n be_v all_o alike_o search_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_a i_o find_v it_o proceed_v from_o the_o common_a people_n be_v persuade_v that_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o set_v a_o very_a high_a value_n upon_o the_o service_n dignity_n office_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o honour_v churchman_n with_o all_o possible_a reverence_n for_o so_o soon_o as_o this_o abuse_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n every_o knave_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v a_o priest_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o propagate_a religion_n degenerate_v into_o sordid_a avarice_n and_o ambition_n so_o that_o the_o temple_n itself_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o theatre_n where_o ecclesiastical_a doctor_n do_v not_o preach_v but_o like_o orator_n harangued_a the_o people_n not_o to_o instruct_v but_o to_o be_v admire_v by_o they_o public_o reproach_v their_o adversary_n and_o vent_v such_o new_a fangle_a doctrine_n as_o they_o think_v will_v best_o please_v the_o multitude_n from_o hence_o necessary_o arise_v those_o great_a contention_n envy_n and_o inveterate_a hatred_n which_o no_o length_n of_o time_n can_v assuage_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a religion_n nothing_o remain_v but_o the_o external_a worship_n wherein_o the_o people_n seem_v rather_o to_o flatter_v than_o adore_v god_n faith_n be_v become_v nothing_o but_o credulity_n and_o prejudice_n such_o as_o turn_v rational_a man_n into_o brute_n by_o deny_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n and_o such_o as_o seem_v purposely_o invent_v total_o to_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o human_a understanding_n piety_n and_o religion_n o_o immortal_a god_n now_o consist_v in_o absurd_a mystery_n and_o they_o that_o contemn_v and_o reject_v human_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n as_o natural_o deprave_v they_o forsooth_o which_o be_v strange_o irrational_a must_v pass_v for_o man_n divine_o illuminate_v true_o if_o such_o man_n have_v but_o one_o spark_n of_o divine_a light_n they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o supercilious_o mad_a but_o will_v learn_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o more_o prudence_n and_o instead_o of_o hate_v as_o they_o now_o do_v will_v love_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o opinion_n and_o forbear_v to_o prosecute_v they_o with_o so_o much_o enmity_n will_v rather_o since_o they_o pretend_v to_o fear_v their_o salvation_n more_o than_o their_o own_o fortune_n have_v pity_n and_o compassion_n upon_o they_o moreover_o if_o such_o man_n have_v any_o divine_a light_n it_o will_v appear_v in_o their_o doctrine_n i_o confess_v they_o pretend_v they_o can_v never_o enough_o admire_v the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o i_o can_v perceive_v they_o teach_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o speculation_n of_o aristotle_n and_o plato_n to_o which_o that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v follower_n of_o the_o gentile_n they_o have_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v the_o scripture_n and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o these_o man_n to_o run_v mad_a with_o the_o greek_n will_v have_v the_o very_a prophet_n also_o to_o dote_v like_o themselves_o which_o clear_o show_v they_o never_o see_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o dream_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o they_o admire_v the_o mystery_n of_o scripture_n so_o much_o the_o more_o they_o seem_v to_o flatter_v and_o soothe_v scripture_n rather_o than_o believe_v it_o of_o which_o likewise_o another_o evidence_n be_v that_o many_o man_n as_o to_o the_o better_a understanding_n and_o find_v out_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n lay_v it_o down_o for_o a_o principal_a and_o fundamental_a position_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o in_o every_o part_n infallible_o true_a which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v make_v out_o or_o prove_v by_o any_o other_o way_n but_o a_o strict_a examination_n and_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o and_o do_v likewise_o establish_v it_o for_o a_o rule_n that_o in_o interpret_n scripture_n which_o need_v no_o human_a gloss_n the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v our_o best_a guide_n when_o i_o serious_o consider_v that_o natural_a reason_n be_v not_o only_o contemn_v but_o also_o by_o many_o condemn_a for_o the_o fountain_n of_o impiety_n and_o human_a invention_n pass_v
fit_v and_o proportion_v to_o man_n understanding_n and_o capacity_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v i_o to_o be_v the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v in_o it_o have_v proceed_v from_o man_n sloth_n and_o negligence_n not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o method_n chap._n viii_o show_v that_o the_o pentateuk_n book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n samuel_n and_o the_o king_n be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o then_o inquire_v whether_o the_o writer_n of_o all_o these_o book_n be_v diverse_a person_n or_o but_o one_o and_o who_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o have_v show_v they_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o true_a history_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o history_n though_o very_o necessary_a the_o ancient_n neglect_v to_o compose_v or_o at_o least_o if_o they_o write_v or_o leave_v any_o by_o tradition_n it_o perish_v by_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n and_o consequent_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o fundamental_o and_o principle_n of_o scripture-knowledge_n be_v lose_v which_o loss_n however_o have_v be_v more_o tolerable_a if_o man_n of_o succeed_a age_n have_v keep_v themselves_o within_o their_o true_a bound_n and_o have_v faithful_o deliver_v to_o their_o successor_n those_o few_o principle_n which_o they_o receive_v or_o find_v out_o and_o have_v not_o out_o of_o their_o own_o brain_n forge_v new_a whereby_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o imperfect_a but_o remain_v full_a of_o error_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o scripture_n knowledge_n be_v not_o only_o so_o few_o that_o a_o perfect_a history_n can_v be_v build_v on_o they_o but_o they_o be_v also_o very_o faulty_a and_o defective_a to_o rectify_v this_o and_o remove_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la in_o divinity_n be_v my_o purpose_n but_o i_o fear_v i_o go_v about_o it_o too_o late_a for_o thing_n be_v now_o almost_o come_v to_o that_o height_n man_n in_o this_o point_n will_v endure_v no_o correction_n but_o obstinate_o defend_v whatever_o they_o have_v embrace_v under_o the_o form_n of_o religion_n reason_n prevail_v with_o very_a few_o so_o universal_o have_v these_o prejudices_fw-la spread_v themselves_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n i_o will_v nevertheless_o endeavour_v and_o try_v what_o i_o can_v do_v because_o the_o business_n be_v not_o absolute_o desperate_a that_o i_o may_v in_o order_n show_v what_o these_o prejudices_fw-la be_v i_o will_v begin_v with_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o penman_n of_o those_o book_n that_o be_v account_v sacred_a and_o first_o concern_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n common_o call_v the_o pentateuk_n man_n have_v general_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n himself_o and_o the_o pharisee_n so_o stiff_o defend_v this_o opinion_n that_o they_o count_v he_o a_o heretic_n that_o think_v otherwise_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n aben_n ezra_n a_o person_n of_o a_o ingenuous_a disposition_n and_o no_o mean_a learning_n be_v the_o first_o i_o read_v of_o who_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o mistake_n dare_v not_o plain_o declare_v his_o thought_n but_o only_o hint_v his_o opinion_n in_o obscure_a word_n which_o i_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o explain_v and_o give_v you_o their_o naked_a meaning_n aben_n ezra_n word_n in_o his_o comment_n upon_o deutronomy_n be_v these_o beyond_o jordan_n now_o thou_o may_v understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o twelve_o and_o moses_n also_o write_v the_o law_n and_o the_o cananite_n be_v then_o in_o the_o land_n in_o the_o mount_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v it_o be_v see_v behold_v his_o bedstead_n be_v a_o bedstead_n of_o iron_n then_o shall_v thou_o know_v the_o truth_n by_o these_o few_o word_n he_o show_v and_o plain_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o moses_n but_o some_o other_o person_n that_o live_v long_o after_o he_o who_o write_v the_o pentateuk_n and_o that_o moses_n write_v some_o other_o book_n to_o make_v this_o appear_v his_o first_o observation_n be_v that_o the_o preface_n of_o deutronomy_n which_o begin_v thus_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o moses_n which_o he_o speak_v unto_o all_o israel_n beyond_o jordan_n can_v not_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n who_o never_o pass_v jordan_n his_o second_o observation_n be_v that_o the_o book_n which_o moses_n write_v be_v fair_o copy_v out_o in_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o altar_n as_o appear_v deut._n chap._n 27._o v._n 5_o 8._o josh._n chap._n 8._o v._n 31_o 32._o which_o altar_n the_o rabbin_n declare_v be_v make_v only_o of_o twelve_o stone_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o book_n which_o moses_n write_v be_v a_o volume_n much_o less_o than_o the_o pentateuk_n and_o this_o i_o think_v aben_n ezra_n mean_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o twelve_o unless_o perhaps_o he_o understand_v those_o twelve_o curse_n which_o be_v in_o the_o forementioned_a 27_o the_o chapter_n of_o deutronomy_n which_o he_o may_v believe_v be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o beside_o the_o write_n of_o the_o law_n command_v the_o levite_n to_o repeat_v those_o curse_n that_o they_o may_v by_o oath_n bind_v the_o people_n to_o observe_v the_o write_a law_n or_o else_o perhaps_o he_o mean_v the_o last_o chapter_n of_o deutronomy_n that_o speak_v of_o moses_n death_n which_o chapter_n consist_v only_o of_o twelve_o verse_n but_o these_o and_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v only_o by_o guess_n need_v not_o a_o more_o curious_a examination_n the_o three_o observation_n be_v that_o it_o be_v say_v deut._n chap._n 31._o v._n 9_o moses_n write_v this_o law_n and_o deliver_v it_o etc._n etc._n which_o can_v not_o be_v the_o word_n of_o moses_n but_o of_o some_o other_o person_n declare_v what_o moses_n do_v and_o what_o he_o write_v his_o four_o observation_n be_v that_o place_n gen._n chap._n 12._o v._n 6._o where_o it_o be_v say_v speak_v of_o abraham_n pass_v through_o canaan_n that_o the_o cananite_n be_v then_o in_o the_o land_n which_o word_n must_v be_v write_v after_o moses_n death_n when_o the_o canaanite_n be_v drive_v out_o and_o do_v not_o possess_v the_o land_n and_o this_o must_v likewise_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o aben_n ezra_n comment_v upon_o this_o place_n in_o these_o word_n and_o the_o cananite_n be_v then_o in_o the_o land_n it_o seem_v that_o canaan_n nephew_n to_o noah_n take_v that_o land_n from_o some_o other_o who_o possess_v it_o if_o not_o then_o there_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o thing_n whosoever_o understand_v it_o let_v he_o be_v silent_a that_o be_v if_o canaan_n invade_v those_o country_n than_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n the_o cananite_n be_v then_o in_o the_o land_n must_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n past_o when_o the_o land_n be_v inhabit_v by_o another_o nation_n but_o if_o canaan_n be_v the_o first_o who_o live_v in_o that_o country_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 10_o the_o chap._n of_o gen._n he_o be_v then_o the_o word_n must_v imply_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o person_n who_o write_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n the_o canaanite_n be_v not_o in_o the_o land_n so_o that_o moses_n can_v not_o be_v the_o writer_n of_o it_o because_o in_o his_o time_n the_o canaanite_n be_v still_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o country_n and_o this_o be_v that_o mystery_n he_o will_v not_o have_v make_v public_a his_o five_o observation_n be_v that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o 22_o the_o chap._n gen._n v._n 14_o where_o speak_a of_o mount_n moriah_n the_o text_n say_v it_o be_v say_v to_o this_o day_n in_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v it_o be_v see_v now_o it_o be_v not_o call_v the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n till_o after_o it_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o building_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o this_o choice_n of_o the_o mountain_n be_v not_o make_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n who_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o place_n choose_v by_o god_n but_o only_o foretell_v that_o god_n will_v in_o time_n to_o come_v choose_v a_o place_n which_o shall_v bear_v god_n name_n his_o six_o observation_n be_v what_o be_v say_v deut._n chap._n 3._o speak_v of_o og_n king_n of_o basan_n these_o word_n be_v interpose_v v_o 11_o the_o for_o only_a og_n king_n of_o basan_n remain_v of_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o giant_n behold_v his_o bedstead_n be_v a_o bedstead_n of_o iron_n be_v it_o not_o in_o rabbah_n of_o the_o child_n of_o ammon_n nine_o cubit_n be_v the_o length_n thereof_o which_o parenthesis_n clear_o show_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o these_o book_n live_v long_o after_o moses_n for_o this_o manner_n of_o speak_v argue_v that_o the_o person_n relate_v what_o pass_v long_o ago_o and_o to_o obtain_v credit_n show_v some_o ancient_a relic_n without_o question_v this_o bedstead_n be_v first_o
ignorant_a that_o they_o be_v false_a otherwise_o he_o will_v necessary_o be_v disobedient_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o he_o who_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o justice_n and_o study_n to_o obey_v god_n reverence_v that_o as_o divine_a which_o he_o know_v be_v no_o way_n agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n man_n may_v err_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v condemn_v stubbornness_n not_o ignorance_n which_o follow_v from_o the_o very_a definition_n i_o have_v give_v of_o faith_n every_o part_n thereof_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o general_a foundation_n before_o mention_v and_o from_o the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o faith_n do_v not_o require_v from_o man_n opinion_n absolute_o true_a in_o themselves_o but_o such_o only_a as_o be_v necessary_a to_o obedience_n and_o to_o confirm_v a_o man_n in_o love_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n by_o which_o love_n to_o use_v st._n john_n expression_n every_o man_n be_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o see_v then_o every_o man_n faith_n in_o respect_n of_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n and_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o see_v man_n disposition_n be_v so_o various_a that_o none_o agree_v in_o all_o thing_n but_o be_v so_o diverse_o sway_v by_o opinion_n that_o what_o move_v this_o man_n to_o devotion_n beget_v in_o another_o laughter_n and_o contempt_n it_o fâ—llows_v that_o to_o universal_a faith_n only_o those_o doctrine_n be_v necessary_a concern_v which_o among_o honest_a man_n there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o one_o man_n may_v account_v they_o religious_a and_o another_o irreligious_a be_v to_o be_v judge_v only_o by_o work_n to_o catholic_n faith_n then_o those_o doctrine_n only_o belong_v which_o beget_v in_o a_o man_n obedience_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o which_o if_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v obey_v he_o in_o other_o thing_n every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o knowledge_n he_o that_o of_o himself_o may_v to_o establish_v himself_o in_o the_o love_n of_o justice_n think_v what_o to_o he_o seem_v best_o which_o will_v take_v away_o all_o occasion_n of_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n now_o i_o will_v not_o fear_v to_o name_v those_o doctrine_n of_o universal_a faith_n or_o those_o fundamental_o of_o scripture_n that_o by_o what_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o these_o two_o last_o chapter_n tend_v all_o to_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a be_v that_o love_v justice_n and_o charity_n to_o who_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v be_v obedient_a and_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o justice_n and_o love_n towards_o their_o neighbour_n and_o from_o hence_o these_o several_a position_n clear_o and_o easy_o follow_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v who_o be_v most_o just_a and_o merciful_a by_o who_o example_n every_o man_n ought_v to_o regulate_v his_o life_n he_o that_o know_v not_o or_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v can_v obey_v he_o or_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v his_o judge_n second_o that_o this_o god_n be_v one_o which_o opinion_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n adore_v admire_v and_o love_n god_n for_o devotion_n admiration_n and_o love_n be_v cause_v by_o that_o excellency_n which_o be_v in_o one_o above_o all_o other_o three_o that_o he_o be_v every_o where_o present_a or_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v know_v to_o he_o for_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v hide_v from_o he_o or_o if_o man_n do_v not_o think_v that_o he_o see_v all_o thing_n we_o may_v doubt_v of_o his_o equity_n and_o justice_n whereby_o he_o govern_v all_o thing_n four_o that_o he_o have_v supreme_a power_n and_o dominion_n over_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v nothing_o by_o compulsion_n but_o of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n all_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o he_o no_o body_n five_o that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o consist_v only_o in_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n six_o that_o only_o they_o who_o obey_v god_n by_o such_o a_o course_n of_o life_n will_v be_v save_v and_o other_o who_o live_v slave_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n will_v be_v condemn_v if_o man_n do_v not_o firm_o believe_v this_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o a_o man_n shall_v rather_o obey_v god_n than_o his_o own_o desire_n and_o pleasure_n seven_o and_o last_o god_n pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o repent_v there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v without_o sin_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n all_o will_v despair_v of_o salvation_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v god_n merciful_a but_o he_o who_o steadfast_o believe_v that_o god_n through_o grace_n and_o mercy_n whereby_o he_o order_v all_o thing_n pardon_v man_n offence_n and_o be_v thereby_o more_o flame_v with_o love_n towards_o god_n he_o know_v christ_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o christ_n be_v in_o he_o every_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v that_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n may_v obey_v god_n according_a to_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o law_n which_o we_o have_v already_o explain_v if_o you_o take_v away_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a position_n or_o doctrine_n there_o can_v be_v no_o obedience_n but_o what_o god_n or_o what_o this_o exemplar_n of_o live_v well_o be_v whether_o he_o be_v fire_n a_o spirit_n light_n cogitation_n etc._n etc._n it_o concern_v not_o our_o faith_n neither_o in_o what_o notion_n or_o respect_n he_o be_v a_o example_n for_o we_o to_o live_v by_o whether_o it_o be_v because_o he_o have_v a_o just_a and_o merciful_a mind_n or_o because_o all_o thing_n subsist_v and_o act_v by_o he_o and_o consequent_o we_o by_o and_o through_o he_o understand_v what_o be_v just_a and_o good_a it_o matter_n not_o what_o every_o man_n think_v or_o conclude_v of_o these_o thing_n neither_o be_v faith_n concern_v whether_o a_o man_n believe_v that_o god_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o power_n omnipresent_v or_o whether_o he_o govern_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o freedom_n or_o necessity_n of_o his_o nature_n whether_o he_o prescribe_v law_n as_o a_o prince_n or_o teach_v eternal_a verity_n whether_o man_n obey_v god_n as_o free_a agent_n because_o they_o have_v freedom_n of_o will_n or_o because_o they_o be_v necessitate_v by_o god_n decree_n whether_o the_o reward_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_n be_v natural_a or_o supernatural_a faith_n be_v not_o concern_v how_o a_o man_n understand_v these_o thing_n so_o long_o as_o he_o make_v no_o conclusion_n whereby_o he_o may_v take_v a_o liberty_n of_o sin_v or_o lessen_v his_o obedience_n to_o god_n of_o these_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n a_o man_n may_v make_v such_o a_o interpretation_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o make_v he_o believe_v and_o obey_v god_n cheerful_o without_o any_o reluctancy_n for_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v faith_n be_v heretofore_o reveal_v and_o write_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o people_n of_o that_o time_n so_o that_o now_o also_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o apply_v his_o faith_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v make_v he_o without_o the_o least_o doubt_v or_o reluctancy_n believe_v for_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v faith_n rather_o require_v piety_n than_o verity_n and_o as_o faith_n can_v be_v pious_a and_o save_a without_o obedience_n so_o nothing_o but_o obedience_n make_v a_o man_n a_o faithful_a believer_n his_o faith_n be_v not_o best_o who_o can_v give_v the_o best_a reason_n for_o it_o but_o he_o that_o have_v do_v the_o most_o and_o great_a work_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n a_o doctrine_n which_o must_v in_o all_o man_n judgement_n be_v very_o wholesome_a and_o necessary_a in_o all_o commonwealth_n for_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n of_o much_o wickedness_n and_o many_o trouble_n before_o i_o go_v further_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v the_o objection_n may_v be_v easy_o answer_v which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o i_o treat_v of_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o israelite_n from_o mount_n sinai_n for_o though_o that_o voice_n which_o the_o israelite_n hear_v can_v not_o give_v that_o people_n any_o philosophical_a or_o mathematical_a certainty_n of_o god_n existence_n yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o admire_v god_n under_o that_o knowledge_n they_o before_o have_v of_o he_o and_o incite_v they_o to_o obedience_n towards_o he_o which_o be_v all_o that_o god_n purpose_v and_o design_v in_o that_o spectacle_n it_o be_v not_o god_n intention_n
have_v temple_n dedicate_v to_o he_o and_o be_v worship_v by_o flamen_n and_o priest_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o other_o god_n be_v tacitus_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o annal_n tell_v we_o that_o alexander_n will_v be_v salute_v by_o the_o name_n of_o jupiter_n son_n which_o be_v not_o pride_n but_o design_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o answer_n he_o return_v to_o the_o invective_n speech_n make_v by_o hermolaus_n in_o the_o eight_o book_n and_o eight_o section_n of_o quintus_n curtius_n alexander_n speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n one_o thing_n be_v very_o ridiculous_a which_o hermolaus_n require_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o own_o jupiter_n to_o be_v my_o father_n be_v so_o declare_v by_o his_o oracle_n as_o if_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o god_n be_v in_o my_o power_n he_o offer_v i_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n which_o be_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o design_n i_o be_o now_o about_o i_o wish_v the_o indian_n will_v also_o believe_v i_o to_o be_v a_o god_n success_n in_o war_n depend_v much_o upon_o fame_n and_o that_o which_o be_v false_o believe_v sometime_o work_v the_o same_o effect_n which_o thing_n do_v that_o be_v true_a in_o which_o few_o word_n he_o very_o artificial_o endeavour_v to_o continue_v people_n in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o neat_o insinuate_v the_o design_n of_o his_o dissemble_n which_o cleo_n likewise_o do_v in_o his_o oration_n whereby_o he_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v the_o macedonian_n to_o sooth_n and_o flatter_v the_o king_n for_o after_o he_o have_v with_o admiration_n speak_v in_o praise_n of_o alexander_n and_o reckon_v up_o all_o his_o merit_n give_v a_o colour_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o fraud_n he_o show_v the_o advantage_n gain_v by_o it_o in_o word_n to_o this_o effect_n the_o persian_n be_v not_o only_o prudent_a but_o pious_a in_o worship_v their_o king_n as_o god_n because_o it_o be_v the_o safety_n of_o majesty_n and_o then_o conclude_v that_o he_o himself_o will_v be_v the_o first_o who_o at_o the_o king_n entrance_n will_v fall_v down_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o worship_v he_o and_o that_o he_o think_v the_o wise_a among_o they_o will_v follow_v his_o example_n see_v curtius_n in_o his_o eight_o book_n book_n 8._o but_o the_o macedonian_n be_v wise_a nor_o can_v any_o but_o mere_a barbarian_n be_v so_o gross_o cheat_v and_o of_o subject_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v make_v slave_n altogether_o unprofitable_a to_o themselves_o other_o have_v with_o more_o ease_n persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o majesty_n of_o king_n be_v sacred_a that_o they_o be_v god_n vicegerent_n on_o earth_n ordain_v by_o god_n and_o not_o establish_v by_o the_o vote_n and_o consent_n of_o man_n but_o preserve_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o particular_a aid_n and_o protection_n of_o divine_a providence_n this_o and_o much_o more_o have_v monarch_n devise_v to_o secure_v their_o government_n with_o which_o i_o will_v not_o meddle_v but_o proceed_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o government_n divine_a revelation_n teach_v moses_n we_o have_v already_o declare_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n that_o after_o the_o israelite_n go_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n or_o power_n of_o any_o other_o nation_n but_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o institute_n what_o law_n and_o possess_v what_o land_n they_o please_v for_o when_o they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o intolerable_a bondage_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o covenant_n to_o any_o mortal_a they_o again_o recover_v their_o natural_a right_n to_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o their_o power_n and_o every_o man_n may_v free_o resolve_v whether_o he_o will_v keep_v his_o natural_a right_n or_o part_n with_o and_o transfer_v it_o to_o another_o be_v then_o in_o this_o natural_a state_n by_o the_o counsel_n of_o moses_n in_o who_o all_o have_v a_o very_a great_a trust_n and_o confidence_n they_o resolve_v to_o transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o no_o mortal_a man_n but_o upon_o god_n only_o and_o without_o further_a delay_n promise_v all_o with_o one_o voice_n to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o never_o to_o own_o any_o other_o power_n but_o such_o as_o god_n by_o prophetical_a revelation_n shall_v institute_v and_o appoint_v this_o promise_n and_o translation_n of_o their_o right_n and_o power_n upon_o god_n be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o we_o have_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v do_v in_o a_o common_a society_n when_o man_n resolve_v to_o depart_v with_o their_o natural_a right_n for_o as_o it_o appear_v exod._n chap._n 24._o ver_fw-la 7._o they_o free_o without_o any_o compulsion_n not_o terrify_v with_o any_o threat_n do_v by_o express_a covenant_n and_o oath_n part_n with_o their_o natural_a right_n and_o transfer_v it_o upon_o god_n and_o that_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v firm_a and_o bind_a without_o any_o suspicion_n of_o fraud_n god_n covenant_v nothing_o with_o they_o till_o after_o they_o have_v make_v trial_n of_o his_o wonderful_a power_n by_o which_o they_o have_v already_o be_v and_o be_v afterward_o to_o be_v preserve_v see_v exod._n chap._n 19_o v._n 4_o 5._o for_o upon_o this_o very_a ground_n of_o believe_v that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n only_o can_v save_v they_o they_o transfer_v all_o their_o power_n of_o preserve_v themselves_o and_o consequent_o all_o their_o right_n upon_o god._n the_o government_n then_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v only_o in_o god_n and_o therefore_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n god_n be_v rightful_a king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o consequent_o the_o enemy_n of_o that_o government_n be_v god_n enemy_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n who_o go_v about_o to_o usurp_v that_o government_n be_v guilty_a of_o treason_n against_o his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o law_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n be_v the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o god_n so_o that_o in_o this_o commonwealth_n civil_a right_n and_o religion_n which_o we_o have_v show_v consist_v only_o in_o obedience_n towards_o god_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n my_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v law_n and_o command_n piety_n be_v justice_n and_o impiety_n wrong_v and_o injustice_n he_o that_o forsake_v the_o public_a religion_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o subject_a and_o upon_o that_o very_a account_n be_v think_v a_o enemy_n he_o that_o die_v for_o religion_n be_v think_v to_o die_v for_o his_o country_n and_o between_o religion_n and_o civil_a right_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n upon_o this_o account_n this_o government_n may_v very_o well_o be_v call_v theocracy_n see_v the_o subject_n thereof_o be_v bind_v by_o no_o law_n but_o what_o be_v reveal_v by_o god._n but_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o more_o in_o opinion_n then_o reality_n for_o the_o jew_n do_v indeed_o still_o retain_v the_o absolute_a power_n of_o government_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o what_o shall_v be_v present_o declare_v namely_o by_o the_o form_n and_o rule_n whereby_o their_o government_n be_v administer_v which_o be_v now_o my_o purpose_n to_o explain_v see_v the_o jew_n do_v not_o transfer_v their_o power_n upon_o any_o other_o man_n but_o all_o equal_o part_v from_o it_o as_o be_v do_v in_o democratical-government_n and_o all_o cry_v with_o one_o voice_n whatsoever_o god_n himself_o without_o any_o other_o intermediate_v person_n shall_v speak_v to_o we_o that_o will_v we_o do_v it_o clear_o appear_v by_o this_o agreement_n they_o all_o continue_v equal_a and_o the_o power_n and_o right_n of_o consult_v god_n of_o receive_v and_o interpret_n law_n be_v equal_a in_o they_o all_o and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o government_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a congregation_n upon_o this_o ground_n all_o equal_o at_o first_o hearken_v what_o god_n will_v say_v and_o what_o he_o will_v command_v but_o in_o this_o first_o meeting_n they_o be_v so_o terrify_v and_o hear_v god_n speak_v with_o so_o must_v astonishment_n that_o every_o man_n think_v that_o day_n will_v be_v his_o last_o full_o of_o very_o great_a fear_n they_o come_v again_o to_o moses_n and_o say_v we_o have_v hear_v god_n voice_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fire_n now_o therefore_o why_o shall_v we_o die_v this_o great_a fire_n will_v consume_v we_o we_o shall_v die_v if_o we_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n any_o more_o therefore_o go_v thou_o near_o and_o hear_v all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v say_v and_o speak_v thou_o unto_o we_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v speak_v unto_o thou_o we_o will_v hear_v and_o do_v it_o by_o say_v this_o they_o clear_o abolish_v the_o first_o covenant_n and_o transfer_v upon_o moses_n their_o own_o right_n of_o consult_v god_n and_o interpret_n his_o law_n and_o decree_n for_o here_o they_o do_v not_o as_o before_o