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be_v mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n publish_v those_o letter_n which_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o answer_v the_o two_o first_o of_o they_o in_o his_o sentimens_n de_fw-la theologiens_fw-la de_fw-fr hollande_n sur_fw-fr l'_fw-fr histoire_n critic_n etc._n etc._n the_o rest_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o sentiment_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o these_o letter_n whether_o mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n himself_o or_o as_o he_o pretend_v a_o friend_n of_o his_o who_o he_o call_v mr._n n._n signify_v little_a to_o the_o controversy_n itself_o and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o worth_a while_n to_o inquire_v and_o as_o to_o the_o author_n design_n in_o write_v these_o tract_n whether_o they_o be_v write_v by_o way_n of_o enquiry_n only_o or_o out_o of_o a_o design_n to_o undermine_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v but_o shall_v leave_v that_o to_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n charity_n that_o believe_v all_o thing_n prompt_v i_o to_o believe_v the_o author_n solemn_a protestation_n which_o he_o make_v 229._o make_v eng._n ed._n p._n 38._o french_a p._n 229._o that_o he_o disow_v the_o ill_a consequence_n which_o some_o have_v draw_v from_o his_o principle_n and_o his_o argument_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o last_o letter_n encourage_v i_o to_o persist_v in_o that_o christian_a persuasion_n however_o when_o i_o find_v the_o author_n earnest_o desirous_a 51._o desirous_a fr._n p._n 245._o eng._n p._n 51._o that_o some_o body_n will_v fair_o answer_v he_o and_o endeavour_v to_o give_v further_a light_n to_o this_o matter_n and_o withal_o be_v sensible_a that_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o several_a assertion_n which_o tend_v to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n and_o that_o ill_a man_n have_v make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v their_o constant_a method_n to_o run_v away_o with_o any_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o 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and_o from_o thence_o proceed_v to_o explain_v what_o be_v more_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a and_o if_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v once_o prove_v that_o of_o the_o old_a must_v follow_v as_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n because_o the_o former_a give_v testimony_n to_o the_o latter_a and_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n which_o prove_v the_o one_o may_v be_v easy_o apply_v to_o the_o other_o mr._n n._n allow_v the_o history_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n to_o be_v exact_a and_o true_a relation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o suppose_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o inspiration_n to_o write_v a_o true_a history_n etc._n history_n fr._n p._n 231_o etc._n etc._n engl._n p._n 28._o etc._n etc._n he_o grant_v likewise_o that_o the_o apostolical_a epistle_n contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o yet_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n for_o write_v their_o epistle_n 113._o epistle_n fr._n p._n 282_o 283._o eng._n p._n 112_o 113._o but_o all_o this_o while_n he_o take_v no_o notice_n that_o these_o write_n be_v design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o all_o age_n which_o one_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v make_v out_o will_v prove_v their_o divine_a original_a and_o sufficient_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o write_n pure_o humane_a where_o providence_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v have_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a hand_n in_o the_o composure_n since_o it_o neither_o can_v be_v pretend_v that_o the_o author_n be_v the_o immediate_a instrument_n of_o god_n in_o publish_v his_o will_n nor_o that_o their_o work_n be_v design_v for_o so_o general_a a_o use_n as_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n give_v a_o definition_n of_o a_o inspire_a write_n and_o then_o prove_v that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_o such_o a_o inspire_a write_v i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o book_n that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o incitation_n direction_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n and_o design_v by_o he_o for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n the_o proof_n of_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o new-testament-writing_n i_o shall_v comprise_v in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n i._o god_n design_v to_o provide_v a_o mean_n for_o the_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o this_n can_v not_o be_v do_v so_o well_o in_o any_o ordinary_a way_n or_o humane_a mean_n as_o by_o commit_v this_o doctrine_n to_o write_v iii_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v make_v use_n of_o this_o way_n than_o any_o other_o because_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o mean_n before_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n iv_o he_o have_v 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proposition_n for_o every_o christian_a believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o afford_v to_o the_o world_n he_o believe_v that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 16.18_o mat._n 28.20_o 16.18_o and_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o i._n e._n it_o shall_v never_o be_v so_o far_o weaken_v as_o that_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n shall_v cease_v or_o the_o church_n be_v perfect_o deprive_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o save_a truth_n nothing_o further_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o illustrate_v this_o proposition_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o proposition_n god_n can_v not_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n or_o by_o any_o humane_a mean_n so_o well_o as_o by_o convey_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o to_o after_o age_n by_o write_v i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o 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natural_a agent_n without_o evident_a necessity_n but_o always_o use_v second_o cause_n and_o humane_a mean_n as_o far_o as_o they_o will_v go_v and_o therefore_o that_o method_n which_o offer_v least_o violence_n to_o nature_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v make_v choice_n of_o by_o god_n some_o man_n indeed_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n can_v show_v itself_o without_o a_o constant_a series_n of_o miracle_n but_o they_o that_o consider_v thing_n more_o exact_o rather_o judge_v that_o a_o continue_a succession_n of_o miracle_n will_v real_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o god_n ordinary_a providence_n for_o often_o to_o interrupt_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n that_o first_o contrive_v it_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o two_o way_n of_o god_n communicate_v his_o will_n to_o several_a successive_a age_n without_o the_o help_n of_o write_v either_o oral_a tradition_n or_o make_v a_o particular_a revelation_n to_o every_o single_a person_n or_o at_o least_o to_o all_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v other_o in_o their_o duty_n now_o both_o these_o way_n be_v liable_a to_o such_o difficulty_n and_o do_v suppose_v so_o many_o immediate_a interposition_n of_o god_n power_n to_o prevent_v those_o error_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n attend_v they_o consider_v the_o present_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o method_n which_o god_n use_v in_o govern_v the_o world_n i_o shall_v not_o pursue_v this_o matter_n any_o further_a nor_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n to_o which_o both_o these_o method_n be_v obnoxious_a and_o to_o correct_v which_o a_o constant_a interposition_n of_o miracle_n will_v be_v necessary_a the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o former_a have_v be_v abundant_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o faith_n the_o dr._n tillotson_n
holy_a spirit_n endow_v the_o apostle_n i_o find_v our_o author_n be_v very_o industrious_a to_o lessen_v the_o apostolical_a gift_n as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v and_o to_o represent_v they_o very_o little_a above_o their_o natural_a faculty_n he_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o their_o mind_n consist_v chief_o in_o refresh_v their_o memory_n 70._o memory_n fr._n p._n 254_o 257._o en._n p._n 66._o 70._o and_o bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n what_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o he_o do_v indeed_o say_v 67._o say_v fr._n 255._o en._n p._n 67._o that_o sometime_o the_o holy_a spirit_n make_v they_o understand_v by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n that_o which_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o whilst_o he_o be_v with_o they_o but_o which_o they_o then_o understand_v not_o and_o that_o they_o have_v many_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o divers_a heavenly_a vision_n 62._o vision_n fr._n p._n 252._o eng._n 62._o and_o in_o another_o place_n 70._o place_n fr._n 257._o eng._n p._n 70._o that_o perhaps_o the_o spirit_n open_v their_o mind_n after_o a_o manner_n we_o comprehend_v not_o but_o while_o he_o set_v out_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o best_a light_n and_o with_o the_o great_a force_n he_o can_v he_o pass_v over_o the_o evidence_n for_o it_o very_o slight_o and_o look_n upon_o their_o immemediate_v inspiration_n to_o have_v be_v so_o extraordinary_a and_o to_o have_v happen_v so_o seldom_o that_o he_o do_v not_o stick_v roundly_o to_o declare_v sup_n declare_v ubi_fw-la sup_n that_o their_o infallibility_n consist_v in_o relate_v faithful_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v he_o likewise_o endeavour_v to_o show_v etc._n show_v fr._n p._n 240._o etc._n etc._n eng._n p._n 42_o etc._n etc._n that_o they_o have_v not_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n when_o they_o be_v summon_v before_o the_o secular_a power_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o he_o make_v this_o another_o argument_n against_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o person_n in_o those_o time_n who_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o as_o inspire_v 74._o inspire_v fr._n p._n 248_o 249._o 259._o eng._n p._n 57_o 74._o that_o they_o confer_v with_o one_o another_o and_o submit_v to_o one_o another_o judgement_n and_o do_v not_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n concern_v any_o matter_n in_o questino_fw-la till_o after_o long_a deliberation_n and_o consultation_n with_o each_o other_o with_o many_o other_o cavil_n of_o less_o weight_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o and_o for_o the_o clear_v of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v show_v i._n how_o far_o we_o may_v allow_v what_o he_o say_v to_o be_v true_a and_o in_o what_o case_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o speak_v or_o act_v by_o inspiration_n ii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o except_v those_o case_n the_o apostle_n write_v and_o speak_v by_o the_o particular_a assistance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n iii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o or_o chief_o in_o improve_n their_o natural_a faculty_n or_o strengthen_v and_o refresh_v their_o memory_n iv_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n when_o they_o be_v summon_v before_o magistrate_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o vindicate_v their_o behaviour_n under_o those_o circumstance_n from_o the_o unbecoming_a reflection_n which_o mr._n n._n have_v make_v upon_o it_o v._o i_o shall_v vindicate_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o inspire_v person_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o objection_n which_o he_o advance_v against_o it_o i._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o inquiry_n what_o be_v the_o case_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o act_n or_o speak_v by_o inspiration_n i_o conceive_v we_o may_v allow_v they_o to_o be_v these_o follow_v 1._o where_o they_o treat_v of_o the_o common_a occurrence_n of_o life_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o divine_a truth_n as_o when_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o his_o design_n to_o take_v rome_n 15.24_o rome_n rom._n 15.24_o in_o his_o way_n to_o spain_n and_o to_o call_v at_o 1.16_o at_o 2_o cor._n 1.16_o corinth_n as_o he_o go_v into_o macedonia_n but_o yet_o it_o appear_v he_o be_v uncertain_a as_o to_o that_o resolution_n 16.7_o resolution_n v._o 1_o cor._n 16.7_o and_o do_v not_o actual_o 17._o actual_o v._o 2_o cor._n 17._o make_v it_o good_a many_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v allege_v 19_o allege_v v._o 1_o cor._n 1.16_o r._n joh._n 6.19_o act._n 19_o hitherto_o we_o may_v refer_v slip_v of_o memory_n in_o matter_n of_o no_o consequence_n some_o example_n of_o which_o there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o in_o the_o n._n testament_n 7.16_o testament_n v._o mat._n 27.9_o act._n 7.16_o 2._o such_o thing_n as_o be_v matter_n only_o of_o humane_a prudence_n be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n in_o themselves_o and_o consequent_o not_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o matter_n of_o prudence_n i._n e._n where_o god_n have_v give_v man_n not_o fix_v rule_n but_o leave_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o determine_v for_o themselves_o according_a as_o their_o circumstance_n shall_v direct_v as_o they_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n so_o neither_o be_v they_o of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o marry_a person_n where_o one_o party_n be_v a_o vnbeliever_n which_o st._n paul_n consider_v 7.12_o consider_v 1_o cor._n 7.12_o and_o resolve_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o humane_a prudence_n and_o therefore_o tell_v we_o before_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v not_o the_o lord_n take_v his_o measure_n from_o the_o general_a law_n of_o christian_a charity_n for_o as_o to_o this_o case_n i_o look_v upon_o mr._n thorndike'_v 117._o thorndike'_v law_n of_o the_o church_n p._n 117._o opinion_n as_o the_o most_o probable_a which_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n look_v upon_o marriage_n make_v by_o person_n before_o they_o be_v christian_n to_o lay_v no_o strict_a obligation_n upon_o the_o party_n than_o the_o law_n which_o they_o be_v under_o when_o the_o marriage_n be_v contract_v design_v to_o lay_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o if_o two_o person_n who_o be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n marry_v and_o afterward_o one_o of_o they_o turn_v christian_a this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o alter_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o marriage_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o convert_v party_n from_o what_o they_o be_v before_o nor_o in_o a_o marriage_n contract_v by_o subject_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n under_o the_o state_n of_o heathenism_n be_v the_o convert_v party_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o embrace_a christianity_n afterward_o oblige_v anew_o by_o the_o strict_a tie_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n concern_v marriage_n but_o only_o by_o those_o which_o the_o roman_a law_n require_v upon_o which_o term_n the_o marriage_n be_v make_v at_o first_o and_o so_o may_v upon_o just_a occasion_n take_v advantage_n of_o the_o privilege_n which_o the_o roman_a law_n permit_v of_o be_v divorce_v for_o other_o cause_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v allow_v by_o our_o saviour_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o a_o marriage_n contract_v under_o a_o state_n of_o heathenism_n i_o conceive_v to_o be_v this_o because_o heathen_a marriage_n be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n indissoluble_a as_o christian_a marriage_n be_v but_o the_o party_n have_v reserve_v to_o themselves_o a_o liberty_n to_o part_v from_o each_o other_o in_o such_o case_n as_o the_o law_n of_o each_o country_n allow_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o marriage-contract_n still_o continue_v the_o same_o after_o the_o conversion_n of_o either_o party_n which_o it_o do_v before_o i.e._n dissoluble_a unless_o the_o believe_a party_n can_v persuade_v the_o unbelieving_a to_o oblige_v himself_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o strict_a law_n of_o matrimony_n which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o christ_n without_o which_o mutual_a consent_n the_o marriage_n continue_v the_o same_o it_o be_v before_o while_o both_o party_n be_v unbeliever_n and_o consequent_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o reach_v this_o case_n be_v applicable_a only_o to_o those_o marriage_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o at_o lest_o which_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o a_o after-act_n and_o mutual_a consent_n of_o the_o party_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o christian_a law_n in_o this_o particular_a this_o opinion_n seem_v to_o be_v countenance_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 15._o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n 7.15_o chapter_n 1_o cor._n 7.15_o if_o the_o vnbeliever_n depart_v a_o brother_n or_o sister_n be_v not_o under_o bondage_n in_o such_o case_n the_o most_o natural_a sense_n of_o which_o word_n be_v
by_o passion_n yet_o still_o there_o will_v appear_v evident_a token_n of_o a_o divine_a assistance_n accompany_v he_o if_o we_o take_v a_o entire_a view_n of_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o his_o suffering_n at_o jerusalem_n with_o what_o a_o undaunted_a resolution_n he_o go_v thither_o when_o he_o know_v beforehand_o that_o bond_n and_o affliction_n do_v abide_v he_o and_o do_v not_o value_v his_o life_n so_o he_o may_v finish_v his_o course_n with_o joy_n 24._o joy_n acc._n 20.23_o 24._o how_o he_o persist_v in_o the_o same_o resolution_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o importunity_n and_o tear_n of_o his_o friend_n be_v ready_a not_o only_o to_o be_v bind_v at_o jerusalem_n but_o also_o to_o die_v for_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 21.14_o jesus_n act._n 21.14_o with_o what_o courage_n he_o set_v forth_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o conversion_n before_o the_o enrage_v multitude_n 22._o multitude_n act._n 22._o with_o what_o authority_n he_o preach_v concern_v the_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n to_o felix_n and_o lay_v his_o sin_n so_o home_o to_o he_o that_o he_o make_v he_o tremble_v 24.25_o act._n 24.25_o how_o powerful_o he_o plead_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o religion_n before_o agrippa_n 26._o agrippa_n act._n 26._o so_o as_o to_o make_v impression_n upon_o the_o king_n himself_o and_o almost_o persuade_v he_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n he_o that_o shall_v lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o will_v see_v reason_n to_o admire_v the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o st._n paul_n behaviour_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o will_v not_o think_v that_o that_o one_o slip_n if_o it_o be_v one_o be_v able_a to_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o and_o as_o for_o that_o prudential_n act_n of_o st._n paul_n which_o our_o author_n say_v 46._o say_v fr._n p._n 242._o eng._n p._n 46._o have_v nothing_o of_o inspiration_n in_o it_o viz._n his_o divide_v the_o council_n 23.6_o council_n act._n 23.6_o and_o thereby_o make_v one_o half_o of_o they_o his_o friend_n it_o be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o our_o savior_n advice_n to_o the_o apostle_n 10.16_o apostle_n matth._n 10.16_o to_o use_v all_o prudence_n that_o be_v consistent_a with_o innocency_n as_o this_o certain_o be_v but_o beside_o it_o imply_v a_o excellent_a argument_n ad_fw-la homines_fw-la viz._n to_o jew_n in_o behalf_n of_o christianity_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o they_o to_o reject_v that_o religion_n or_o persecute_v the_o abetter_n of_o it_o who_o great_a design_n it_o be_v to_o establish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n the_o belief_n of_o which_o point_n the_o chief_a of_o their_o own_o sect_n for_o reputation_n look_v upon_o as_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a article_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v st._n paul_n know_v what_o force_n there_o be_v in_o it_o insist_v again_o and_o again_o upon_o the_o very_a same_o apology_n for_o himself_o 28.20_o himself_o act._n 24.15_o c._n 26.6_o 7._o c._n 28.20_o nay_o god_n himself_o approve_v of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o vision_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v to_o encourage_v he_o the_o very_o next_o night_n after_o his_o appearance_n before_o the_o council_n by_o which_o our_o lord_n himself_o give_v testimony_n to_o he_o that_o he_o have_v witness_v a_o good_a confession_n 23.11_o confession_n act._n 23.11_o but_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o i_o that_o our_o 48.49_o our_o fr._n p._n 243._o eng._n p._n 48.49_o author_n shall_v think_v st._n stephen_n behaviour_n and_o harangue_n 7_o harangue_n act._n 7_o a_o proper_a instance_n to_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a confessor_n have_v no_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o appear_v before_o secular_a magistrate_n for_o if_o courage_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o back_o it_o with_o unanswerable_a argument_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n certain_o not_o person_n ever_o give_v great_a evidence_n of_o it_o than_o st._n stephen_n to_o declare_v public_o that_o the_o temple_n and_o its_o worship_n shall_v short_o be_v destroy_v 6.14_o destroy_v act._n 6.14_o be_v such_o a_o invidious_a truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a at_o first_o to_o speak_v it_o open_o but_o show_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o the_o establish_a worship_n by_o constant_o attend_v upon_o it_o 26._o it_o act._n 3_o 1.-18.21.-20_a 16_o 21_o 26._o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a oeconomy_n be_v a_o truth_n that_o the_o new_a convert_v from_o judaisme_n be_v not_o yet_o able_a to_o bear_v but_o even_o this_o truth_n st._n stephen_n have_v the_o boldness_n to_o profess_v and_o maintain_v it_o too_o by_o a_o continue_a series_n of_o argument_n from_o abraham_n who_o the_o jew_n boast_v to_o be_v their_o father_n down_o to_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n wherein_o he_o show_v that_o the_o patriarch_n and_o founder_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v accept_v by_o god_n before_o the_o temple_n or_o its_o service_n have_v a_o beginning_n nay_o that_o moses_n himself_o the_o institutor_n of_o this_o worship_n prophesy_v of_o christ_n 7.37_o christ_n act_n 7.37_o and_o design_v the_o tabernacle_n only_o for_o a_o pattern_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n 44._o thing_n ibid_fw-la ver_fw-la 44._o beside_o this_o st._n stephen_n all_o along_o make_v reflection_n upon_o the_o stubborn_a and_o refractory_a temper_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o their_o reject_v and_o murder_v of_o christ_n when_o he_o come_v be_v but_o agreeable_a to_o their_o usage_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o foretell_v he_o 52._o he_o ib._n ver_fw-la 52._o i_o think_v he_o that_o say_v these_o thing_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o 4.29_o for_o act_n 4.29_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n and_o though_o our_o author_n be_v please_v to_o say_v supr_fw-la say_v ubi_fw-la supr_fw-la that_o st._n stephen_n mention_n divers_a circumstance_n of_o history_n which_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n yet_o for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v declare_v i_o see_v none_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v it_o a_o full_a and_o complete_a narrative_n or_o else_o serve_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o ill_a manner_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o several_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v st._n luke_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n for_o abstract_v from_o his_o divine_a character_n he_o be_v too_o judicious_a a_o man_n to_o trouble_v himself_o or_o his_o reader_n with_o a_o rehearsal_n of_o impertinent_a circumstance_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v several_a particular_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o explain_v the_o write_n of_o moses_n 26._o moses_n act_n 7.20_o 26._o which_o we_o can_v never_o have_v know_v if_o this_o discourse_n have_v not_o be_v preserve_v this_o gentleman_n may_v call_v these_o impertinency_n if_o he_o please_v but_o i_o believe_v few_o will_v follow_v he_o in_o this_o bold_a and_o unscholar-like_a censure_n and_o it_o be_v well_o st_n luke_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n for_o we_o shall_v have_v have_v a_o great_a loss_n if_o he_o have_v not_o preserve_v they_o and_o as_o for_o those_o particular_n which_o he_o say_v supr_fw-la say_v ubi_fw-la supr_fw-la can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n 7.16_o testament_n act_n 7.16_o if_o s._n luke_n make_v these_o mistake_v they_o have_v be_v account_v for_o above_o 46._o above_o supr_fw-la p._n 45_o 46._o if_o st._n stephen_n himself_o do_v i_o suppose_v the_o same_o defence_n that_o be_v make_v for_o a_o writer_n will_v hold_v more_o strong_o for_o a_o speaker_n and_o though_o we_o suppose_v st._n stephen_n to_o have_v be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o he_o speak_v 10.-7.55_a speak_v act_n 6_o 10.-7.55_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n the_o spirit_n shall_v dictate_v a_o history_n to_o he_o which_o he_o be_v before_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o and_o why_o may_v we_o not_o say_v that_o although_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v so_o remarkable_o present_a with_o he_o at_o this_o time_n that_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v shed_v forth_o upon_o his_o soul_n shine_v through_o his_o body_n and_o make_v his_o face_n look_v like_o the_o face_n of_o a_o angel_n 6.15_o angel_n act_n 6.15_o yet_o the_o holy_a ghost_n think_v fit_a not_o to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o his_o memory_n in_o one_o or_o two_o particular_n to_o show_v that_o inspire_a person_n even_o in_o their_o bright_a minute_n be_v still_o but_o man_n and_o that_o the_o excellency_n may_v appear_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o themselves_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v what_o little_a ground_n there_o be_v for_o this_o author_n be_v unworthy_a reflection_n upon_o the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n before_o
history_n commit_v to_o they_o but_o that_o learned_a man_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v attend_v to_o the_o whole_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o josephus_n in_o that_o place_n for_o that_o historian_n do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o public_a history_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o chief_a priest_n as_o well_o as_o the_o prophet_n but_o that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o public_a record_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o entire_a view_n of_o that_o section_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o josephus_n speak_v not_o only_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o history_n of_o former_a time_n be_v write_v but_o likewise_o how_o they_o be_v preserve_v after_o they_o be_v write_v the_o care_n of_o write_v they_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o prophet_n as_o the_o other_o passage_n assure_v we_o not_o exclude_v those_o priest_n who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n the_o preserve_v they_o he_o here_o tell_v we_o be_v particular_o the_o business_n of_o the_o priest_n who_o likewise_o exact_o preserve_v the_o genealogy_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o renew_v they_o when_o the_o copy_n be_v impair_v and_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v all_o lose_v by_o war_n and_o other_o accident_n and_o therefore_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o public_a record_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o same_o author_n usual_o call_v the_o holy_a write_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d g._n 〈◊〉_d antiq._n p._n 73._o g._n p._n 140._o a._n p._n 176._o g._n the_o book_n lay_v up_o in_o the_o temple_n under_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o priest_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o neighbour_a country_n for_o so_o philo_n byblius_n 1_o byblius_n ap._n euseb_n praep._n evang._n l._n 1_o say_v of_o sanchuniathon_n that_o he_o collect_v the_o phenician_a antiquity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o the_o record_n lay_v up_o in_o their_o temple_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o subject_n from_o those_o many_o instance_n i_o have_v give_v which_o show_n it_o be_v a_o custom_n among_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o prophet_n to_o be_v their_o historian_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o man_n who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o inspiration_n and_o though_o we_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v but_o abridgement_n of_o the_o large_a commentary_n of_o the_o prophet_n yet_o they_o be_v real_o of_o as_o much_o authority_n as_o those_o very_a annal_n will_v be_v which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o if_o they_o be_v extant_a for_o if_o a_o epitome_n be_v faithful_o make_v and_o i_o suppose_v mr._n n._n do_v not_o question_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o sacred_a historian_n whatever_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o have_v the_o same_o authority_n and_o credibility_n with_o the_o original_a write_n so_o that_o if_o we_o lie_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o the_o character_n of_o the_o compiler_n of_o these_o historical_a book_n the_o matter_n and_o design_n of_o they_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o jewish_a canon_n and_o above_o all_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n these_o be_v sufficient_a inducement_n to_o believe_v these_o book_n to_o be_v write_v by_o god_n direction_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v enough_o to_o give_v divine_a authority_n to_o a_o historical_a book_n though_o neither_o the_o matter_n nor_o word_n of_o it_o be_v indict_v by_o inspiration_n as_o for_o the_o history_n of_o esther_n mr._n n._n have_v take_v much_o pain_n 249._o pain_n fr._n p._n 164_o etc._n etc._n eng._n p._n 249._o and_o show_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o skill_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o dramatic_a poesy_n and_o all_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o book_n look_v like_o a_o fiction_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o tragicomedy_n he_o indeed_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o affirm_v nothing_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o make_v himself_o a_o party_n in_o the_o dispute_n but_o a_o man_n will_v hardly_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o make_v another_o opinion_n look_v probable_a if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o so_o himself_o but_o whatever_o his_o own_o sentiment_n be_v to_o show_v himself_o impartial_a and_o that_o he_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o conceal_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o critical_o remark_n 252._o remark_n eng._n p._n 169._o fr._n p._n 252._o that_o one_o condition_n necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o dramatic_a write_n be_v want_v viz._n unity_n of_o time_n and_o place_n which_o must_v needs_o seem_v a_o considerable_a objection_n to_o so_o nice_a a_o judge_n but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v another_o objection_n which_o i_o confess_v have_v more_o weight_n with_o i_o and_o seem_v quite_o to_o turn_v the_o scale_n and_o make_v his_o remark_n appear_v mere_a fancy_n and_o fiction_n viz._n that_o the_o feast_n of_o purim_n be_v real_o observe_v by_o the_o jew_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o deliverance_n record_v in_o this_o book_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o make_v i_o believe_v that_o a_o whole_a nation_n shall_v keep_v a_o anniversary_n feast_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o do_v 15.36_o do_v 2_o macâ—_n 15.36_o without_o some_o real_a ground_n for_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a occasion_n of_o it_o as_o he_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v 253._o insinuate_v eng._n p_o 170._o fr._n p._n 253._o i_o desire_v either_o he_o will_v prove_v the_o feast_n to_o be_v as_o very_o a_o fiction_n as_o he_o suppose_v the_o history_n be_v or_o else_o inform_v we_o how_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n come_v to_o be_v so_o far_o impose_v upon_o as_o to_o observe_v it_o for_o till_o he_o do_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n i_o shall_v still_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o one_o be_v a_o real_a feast_n and_o the_o other_o a_o true_a history_n but_o though_o this_o play_n do_v not_o succeed_v he_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o give_v over_o but_o try_v his_o skill_n upon_o another_o subject_a and_o turn_v the_o book_n of_o job_n into_o a_o tragicomedy_n 99_o tragicomedy_n fr._n p._n â—â—4_n eng._n p._n 99_o and_o i_o confess_v this_o book_n be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o poetry_n and_o with_o all_o the_o beauty_n of_o it_o too_o as_o a_o ordinary_a reader_n may_v easy_o discover_v under_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o a_o translation_n and_o therefore_o methinks_v our_o author_n who_o understand_v the_o rule_n and_o decorum_n of_o poetry_n so_o well_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v with_o those_o pathetic_a strain_n that_o be_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n and_o some_o other_o place_n of_o that_o book_n for_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o they_o will_v not_o become_v a_o grave_a philosophical_a discourse_n yet_o i_o believe_v he_o may_v have_v find_v several_a speech_n in_o the_o old_a tragedy_n write_v with_o as_o much_o vehemence_n and_o warmth_n and_o yet_o the_o severe_a philosopher_n commend_v those_o write_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o contain_v very_o useful_a instruction_n of_o life_n and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v not_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o thing_n suffer_v the_o holy_a writer_n to_o comply_v so_o far_o with_o their_o own_o genius_n and_o the_o humour_n which_o then_o prevail_v among_o the_o grave_a sage_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o deliver_v great_a and_o weighty_a truth_n in_o poetical_a number_n and_o expression_n both_o to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o more_o curious_a and_o nice_a reader_n and_o to_o convince_v the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o despise_v the_o plainness_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v as_o elevate_v thought_n and_o as_o noble_a expression_n in_o the_o holy_a write_n as_o any_o greece_n or_o rome_n can_v boast_v of_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o use_v a_o plain_a popular_a style_n it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o necessity_n but_o choice_n and_o because_o they_o rather_o aim_v at_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o ignorant_a than_o to_o gain_v applause_n from_o the_o learned_a cant._n learned_a v._o orig._n c._n cell_n p._n 275_o 371_o 372._o ed._n cant._n but_o still_o man_n perhaps_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o these_o expression_n may_v do_v well_o in_o a_o profane_a poem_n but_o be_v not_o so_o proper_a for_o a_o sacred_a one_o and_o do_v not_o become_v the_o mouth_n of_o a_o person_n eminent_a for_o piety_n and_o patience_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o will_v desire_v the_o objector_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o consider_v that_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o 3_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n which_o so_o much_o offend_v mr._n n._n 100_o n._n fr._n p._n 275._o eng._n p._n 100_o when_o it_o be_v take_v in_o