be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n there_o must_v be_v immediate_a inspiration_n as_o to_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v any_o one_o to_o have_v be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o consequent_o to_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o do_v 2._o not_o this_o make_v the_o fair_a plea_n for_o man_n unbelief_n for_o i_o demand_v be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o who_o want_v that_o immediate_a illumination_n to_o believe_v or_o no_o if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n unbelief_n can_v be_v no_o sin_n to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n it_o must_v be_v make_v know_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o how_o can_v that_o be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n when_o they_o want_v the_o only_a and_o necessary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n in_o order_n to_o it_o will_v god_n condemn_v they_o for_o that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v unless_o god_n give_v it_o they_o and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v leave_v inexcusable_a who_o want_v so_o much_o as_o rational_a inducement_n to_o faith_n for_o of_o these_o i_o now_o speak_v and_o not_o of_o efficacious_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o there_o be_v rational_a argument_n for_o faith_n propound_v but_o last_o 3._o i_o suppose_v the_o case_n will_v be_v clear_v when_o we_o take_v notice_n what_o course_n god_n have_v always_o take_v to_o give_v all_o rational_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o person_n who_o he_o have_v employ_v in_o either_o of_o the_o forementioned_a case_n first_o for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v employ_v upon_o some_o special_a message_n and_o service_n for_o god_n he_o have_v send_v they_o forth_o sufficient_o provide_v with_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n whereby_o they_o act_v as_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o the_o present_a case_n of_o moses_n exodus_fw-la 4._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o where_o moses_n put_v the_o case_n to_o god_n which_o we_o be_v now_o debate_v of_o suppose_v say_v he_o that_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o israelite_n and_o tell_v they_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o i_o and_o send_v i_o to_o deliver_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v say_v god_n have_v not_o appear_v unto_o i_o how_o shall_v i_o satisfy_v they_o god_n do_v not_o reject_v this_o objection_n of_o moses_n as_o favour_v of_o unbelief_n but_o present_o show_v he_o how_o he_o shall_v satisfy_v they_o by_o cause_v a_o miracle_n before_o his_o face_n turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n and_o god_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o vers_n 5._o that_o they_o may_v believe_v that_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n the_o god_n of_o jacob_n have_v appear_v unto_o thou_o it_o seem_v god_n himself_o think_v this_o will_v be_v the_o most_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o if_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n before_o their_o face_n nay_o lest_o they_o shall_v think_v one_o single_a miracle_n be_v not_o sufficient_a god_n in_o the_o immediate_a follow_a verse_n adjoin_v two_o more_o which_o he_o shall_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o further_o verse_n 21._o god_n give_v he_o a_o charge_n to_o do_v all_o those_o wonder_n before_o pharaoh_n which_o he_o have_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o according_o we_o find_v pharaoh_n present_o demand_v a_o miracle_n of_o moses_n exodus_fw-la 7._o 9_o which_o according_o moses_n do_v in_o his_o presence_n though_o he_o may_v suppose_v pharoahs_n demand_n not_o to_o proceed_v from_o desire_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o from_o some_o hope_n that_o for_o want_n of_o it_o he_o may_v have_v render_v his_o credit_n suspect_v among_o the_o israelite_n indeed_o after_o god_n have_v deliver_v his_o people_n and_o have_v settle_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n deliver_v 6._o by_o moses_n which_o he_o have_v confirm_v by_o unquestionable_a miracle_n among_o they_o we_o find_v a_o caution_n lay_v in_o by_o moses_n himself_o against_o those_o which_o shall_v pretend_v sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o so_o likewise_o under_o the_o gospel_n after_o 3._o that_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o unparalleled_a miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o find_v frequent_a caution_n against_o be_v deceive_v by_o those_o who_o come_v with_o pretence_n of_o do_v great_a miracle_n but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o infringe_v the_o credibility_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n that_o it_o yield_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o now_o assert_v for_o the_o doctrine_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v already_o establish_v by_o miracle_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o such_o pretender_n now_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o when_o a_o religion_n be_v once_o establish_v by_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n we_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o every_o whiffle_a conjurer_n that_o will_v pretend_v to_o do_v great_a feat_n to_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o the_o truth_n establish_v in_o which_o case_n the_o sure_a way_n to_o discover_v the_o imposture_n be_v to_o compare_v his_o pretend_a miracle_n with_o those_o true_a and_o real_a one_o which_o be_v do_v by_o moses_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v because_o every_o person_n be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o miracle_n for_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o power_n and_o subtlety_n may_v easy_o deceive_v all_o such_o as_o will_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o nose_n by_o he_o in_o expectation_n of_o some_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v the_o oertainty_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n or_o moses_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n establish_v by_o those_o miracle_n and_o to_o make_v they_o my_o rule_n of_o judge_v all_o person_n who_o shall_v pretend_v to_o work_v miracle_n because_o 1._o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o far_o god_n may_v give_v man_n over_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o lie_a wonder_n 1._o who_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o i._n e._n those_o that_o think_v not_o the_o christian_a religion_n sufficient_o confirm_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v at_o the_o first_o promulgation_n of_o it_o god_n in_o justice_n may_v permit_v the_o devil_n to_o go_v further_o than_o otherwise_o he_o can_v and_o leave_v such_o person_n to_o their_o own_o credulity_n to_o believe_v every_o imposture_n and_o illusion_n of_o their_o sense_n for_o true_a miracle_n 2._o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o undoubted_a miracle_n have_v assure_v we_o of_o the_o come_n of_o lie_v 2._o wonder_n whereby_o many_o shall_v be_v deceive_v now_o this_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o certain_o true_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n for_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o same_o miracle_n that_o the_o other_o be_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o very_a come_n of_o such_o miracle_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o fall_v out_o so_o exact_o according_a to_o what_o be_v foretell_v so_o many_o hundred_o year_n since_o now_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a then_o be_o i_o certain_a the_o intent_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v to_o deceive_v and_o that_o those_o be_v deceive_v who_o hearken_v to_o they_o and_o what_o reason_n then_o have_v i_o to_o believe_v they_o 3._o to_o what_o end_n do_v these_o miracle_n serve_v be_v they_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n 3._o but_o what_o need_v they_o any_o confirmation_n now_o when_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o the_o doctrine_n by_o they_o preach_v come_v from_o god_n and_o so_o have_v be_v receive_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o miracle_n ever_o since_o be_v these_o truth_n sufficient_o prove_v to_o be_v from_o god_n before_o or_o no_o if_o not_o than_o all_o former_a age_n have_v believe_v without_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o faith_n if_o they_o be_v than_o what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v to_o confirm_v we_o in_o they_o now_o certain_o god_n who_o never_o do_v anything_o but_o for_o very_o great_a purpose_n will_v never_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n mere_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n vain_a curiosity_n but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v it_o be_v something_o not_o full_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v thus_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n but_o 7._o where_o have_v the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o anything_o not_o full_o reveal_v
into_o the_o expression_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o place_n most_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o jew_n be_v deut._n 29._o 29._o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v belong_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o ever_o so_o levit._n 23._o 14._o the_o precept_n of_o offer_v the_o first_o fruit_n be_v there_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o statute_n for_o ever_o and_o that_o of_o the_o passover_n exodus_fw-la 12._o 17._o where_o the_o same_o expression_n be_v use_v from_o hence_o they_o infer_v that_o no_o alteration_n can_v happen_v as_o to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n since_o god_n himself_o have_v declare_v that_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o to_o this_o common_a argument_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v in_o general_n reply_v that_o the_o word_n in_o which_o the_o main_a force_n of_o the_o argument_n lie_v do_v not_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o absolute_a perpetuity_n but_o it_o signify_v according_a to_o the_o subject_n it_o be_v join_v with_o so_o when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o god_n it_o signify_v oternity_n not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o mere_a importance_n of_o the_o word_n as_o from_o the_o necessary_a existence_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n thence_o maimonides_n himself_o can_v say_v proinde_fw-la sciendume_v quod_fw-la olam_fw-la non_fw-la necessario_fw-la significet_fw-la aeternitatem_fw-la 28._o nisi_fw-la ei_fw-la conjungatur_fw-la ed_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d well_fw-mi 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d idque_fw-la vel_fw-la post_fw-la illud_fw-la ut_fw-la olam_fw-la vae_v vel_fw-la ante_fw-la ad_fw-la olam_fw-la although_o this_o rule_n of_o he_o have_v no_o certainty_n at_o all_o in_o it_o as_o appear_v from_o his_o collection_n of_o it_o which_o be_v because_o it_o be_v say_v psal._n 10._o 16._o the_o lord_n he_o be_v king_n olam_n vae_v for_o everâ—_n and_o ever_o but_o as_o i_o say_v already_o that_o be_v not_o from_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v most_o plain_a in_o scripture_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v so_o far_o from_o imply_v a_o necessary_a perpetuity_n that_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v have_v no_o long_a duration_n as_o exodus_fw-la 21._o 6._o and_o he_o shall_v serve_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o expound_v it_o to_o the_o next_o jubilee_n though_o it_o be_v near_o or_o far_o off_o so_o 1_o samuel_n 1._o 22._o where_o samuel_n be_v say_v to_o abide_v before_o the_o lord_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o ever_o where_o we_o find_v maimonides_n his_o ad_fw-la olam_fw-la in_o a_o sense_n very_o far_o short_a of_o eternity_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o the_o former_o cite_v r_o joseph_n albo_n do_v in_o term_n confess_v it_o and_o produce_v a_o multitude_n of_o other_o place_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n â—or_a which_o though_o he_o be_v sufficient_o censure_v by_o his_o brethren_n yet_o we_o may_v see_v there_o may_v be_v some_o ingenuity_n leave_v in_o a_o jewish_a rabbi_n even_o in_o the_o grand_a dispute_n concern_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n all_o the_o difficulty_n now_o be_v to_o assign_v some_o rational_a account_n why_o such_o precept_n which_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v shall_v be_v always_o 8._o obligatory_a yet_o shall_v be_v enforce_v upon_o they_o in_o such_o expression_n which_o may_v seem_v at_o least_o to_o imply_v a_o perpetuity_n of_o which_o these_o may_v be_v give_v first_o that_o these_o precept_n to_o which_o these_o expression_n be_v annex_v shall_v not_o be_v look_v on_o as_o mere_a ambulatory_a law_n that_o do_v only_o concern_v they_o in_o their_o travel_n through_o the_o wilderness_n and_o not_o continue_v obligatory_a when_o they_o be_v settle_v in_o canaan_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o though_o all_o the_o law_n be_v give_v in_o one_o body_n in_o the_o wilderness_n yet_o the_o obligation_n to_o all_o of_o they_o do_v not_o commence_v at_o the_o same_o time_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o continue_v for_o the_o same_o duration_n these_o three_o sort_n of_o precept_n may_v be_v observe_v among_o they_o first_o such_o as_o concern_v they_o only_o in_o their_o present_a condition_n as_o that_o about_o the_o tabernacle_n which_o be_v then_o a_o movable_a temple_n among_o they_o suitable_a to_o their_o condition_n but_o when_o they_o be_v settle_v god_n be_v to_o have_v a_o settle_a house_n too_o so_o that_o precept_n of_o go_v without_o the_o camp_n deut._n 23._o 12._o have_v a_o immediate_a respect_n to_o their_o peregrination_n second_o such_o precept_n as_o be_v give_v they_o but_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o perform_v they_o till_o their_o setlement_n in_o canaan_n as_o drive_v out_o the_o canaanite_n numb_a 33._o 52._o building_n the_o temple_n in_o the_o place_n which_o god_n shall_v choose_v erect_v judicatory_n in_o their_o several_a city_n choose_v a_o king_n etc._n etc._n three_o there_o be_v such_o precept_n as_o concern_v they_o where_o ever_o they_o be_v whether_o in_o the_o wilderness_n or_o in_o canaan_n now_o these_o be_v the_o precept_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v perpetual_a this_o be_v the_o account_n give_v of_o it_o by_o h._n grotius_n but_o because_o 7._o this_o may_v be_v liable_a to_o some_o exception_n i_o therefore_o add_v second_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o expression_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v because_o they_o be_v to_o continue_v obligatory_a till_o such_o a_o remarkable_a period_n of_o time_n come_v which_o shall_v alter_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n among_o they_o and_o such_o a_o period_n of_o time_n the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v by_o themselves_o suppose_v to_o be_v when_o in_o their_o famous_a computation_n they_o make_v three_o epocha_n before_o the_o law_n unâ—er_v the_o law_n and_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a yet_o by_o they_o that_o they_o do_v still_o expect_v a_o wonderful_a alteration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n when_o the_o messiah_n come_v do_v it_o not_o therefore_o stand_v to_o reason_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v add_v to_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v till_o so_o great_a a_o alteration_n as_o shall_v be_v on_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n especial_o if_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n have_v be_v defer_v so_o long_o as_o they_o false_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v but_o however_o grant_v that_o a_o new_a series_n of_o time_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o commence_v from_o the_o messiah_n there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n why_o that_o expression_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v i._n e._n till_o mâ—ssias_n come_v which_o we_o free_o acknowledge_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d often_o take_v for_o such_o a_o duration_n of_o thing_n which_o have_v some_o remarkable_a period_n to_o conclude_v it_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jubilee_n in_o the_o servant_n mention_v and_o the_o special_a employment_n which_o god_n call_v samuel_n to_o in_o his_o case_n as_o to_o the_o event_n or_o the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n in_o hannah_n designation_n when_o she_o say_v he_o shall_v attend_v upon_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o three_o these_o precept_n be_v say_v to_o endure_v for_o ever_o which_o will_v still_o have_v continue_v obligatory_a unless_o god_n himself_o have_v alter_v the_o obligation_n of_o they_o by_o a_o new_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n for_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o all_o positive_a precept_n come_v immediate_o from_o god_n do_v carry_v with_o they_o a_o unalterable_a obligation_n unless_o the_o legislator_n himself_o do_v in_o as_o evident_a a_o way_n repeal_v they_o as_o he_o do_v once_o establish_v they_o that_o be_v in_o such_o law_n which_o depend_v mere_o upon_o god_n positive_a and_o arbitrary_a will_n for_o in_o this_o case_n god_n allow_v none_o to_o alter_v any_o thing_n concern_v his_o law_n but_o indispensable_a obedience_n be_v our_o duty_n till_o god_n himself_o repeal_v his_o former_a law_n and_o this_o we_o assert_v to_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o it_o appear_v plain_o that_o it_o imply_v nothing_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o repeal_v a_o establish_a positive_a law_n though_o some_o expression_n to_o prejudice_v mind_n seem_v to_o imply_v a_o perpetuity_n in_o it_o we_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n which_o may_v make_v a_o positive_a law_n unalterable_a which_o be_v when_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v 9_o immutable_a for_o then_o say_v they_o it_o will_v argue_v mutability_n in_o god_n to_o repeal_v it_o if_o
seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o ever_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v see_v in_o one_o and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v still_o dissatisfy_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o he_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v from_o divine_a power_n and_o other_o can_v be_v now_o the_o main_a distinction_n be_v place_v here_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n abstract_o consider_v and_o not_o as_o they_o bear_v any_o evidence_n to_o our_o understanding_n in_o stead_n of_o resolve_v doubt_n it_o increase_v more_o for_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o magician_n rod_n turn_v into_o scrpent_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n his_o what_o satisfaction_n can_v this_o yield_v to_o any_o spectator_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o in_o the_o one_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v by_o some_o evidence_n from_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o one_o be_v a_o mere_a imposture_n and_o the_o other_o a_o real_a alteration_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o i_o take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v that_o no_o general_a discourse_n concern_v the_o formal_a difference_n of_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n consider_v in_o themselves_o can_v afford_v any_o rational_a satisfaction_n to_o a_o inquisitive_a mind_n that_o which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o give_v it_o must_v be_v something_o which_o may_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o judicious_a and_o considerative_a person_n and_o that_o god_n never_o give_v to_o any_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n but_o he_o give_v some_o such_o ground_n of_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o will_v appear_v upon_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o from_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v to_o any_o this_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n we_o have_v large_o make_v it_o manifest_v that_o the_o end_n of_o true_a miracle_n be_v to_o be_v a_o confirmation_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o divine_a commission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o have_v it_o and_o that_o the_o testimony_n be_v divine_a which_o be_v confirm_v by_o it_o now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o know_v when_o miracle_n be_v true_a or_o false_a this_o power_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n at_o all_o for_o man_n be_v as_o much_o to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o therefore_o if_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o person_n bring_v it_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o it_o they_o must_v have_v some_o assurance_n that_o these_o miracle_n can_v not_o come_v from_o any_o but_o a_o divine_a power_n 2._o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o if_o we_o own_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v permit_v the_o devil_n who_o only_a design_n be_v to_o ruin_v mankind_n to_o abuse_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o to_o have_v his_o lie_a wonder_n pass_v uncontrolled_a which_o they_o must_v do_v if_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v out_o as_o a_o certain_a difference_n between_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v only_o of_o diabolical_a and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o divine_a power_n if_o then_o it_o may_v be_v discover_v that_o there_o be_v a_o malignant_a spirit_n which_o act_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v produce_v strange_a thing_n either_o we_o must_v impute_v all_o strange_a thing_n to_o he_o which_o must_v be_v to_o attribute_v to_o he_o a_o infinite_a power_n or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a which_o cross_v this_o malignant_a spirit_n in_o his_o design_n and_o if_o so_o we_o can_v imagine_v he_o shall_v suffer_v he_o to_o usurp_v so_o much_o tyranny_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v those_o thing_n pass_v in_o the_o more_o sober_a and_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o divine_a miracle_n which_o be_v only_a counterfeit_n and_o imposture_n if_o then_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o discover_v the_o design_n of_o satan_n there_o must_v be_v some_o mean_n of_o this_o discovery_n and_o that_o mean_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v no_o other_o in_o this_o case_n but_o some_o rational_a and_o satisfactory_a evidence_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v when_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o satan_n to_o deceive_v man_n and_o when_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a say_v some_o that_o miracle_n shall_v be_v 2._o any_o ground_n on_o which_o to_o believe_v a_o testimony_n divine_a when_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o 24._o so_o much_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n will_v be_v with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n how_o then_o can_v 9_o we_o fix_v on_o miracle_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a testimony_n when_o we_o see_v they_o be_v common_a to_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n and_o may_v seal_v indifferent_o either_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v 1._o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o do_v no_o small_a disservice_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n when_o upon_o such_o weak_a and_o frivolous_a pretence_n they_o give_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o infidelity_n as_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o validity_n of_o that_o which_o yield_v so_o ample_a a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o once_o the_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o whole_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o thing_n not_o only_o deride_v by_o man_n of_o atheistical_a spirit_n but_o in_o themselves_o such_o as_o can_v be_v discern_v or_o judge_v of_o by_o any_o but_o themselves_o upon_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o proceed_v to_o convince_v a_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v true_a if_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o as_o light_v and_o fire_n manifest_v themselves_o so_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v it_o it_o will_v be_v soon_o reply_v that_o self-evidence_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n can_v imply_v nothing_o but_o either_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n concern_v the_o thing_n propound_v or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n it_o self_n that_o none_o who_o free_o use_v their_o reason_n can_v deny_v it_o the_o first_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o any_o other_o person_n any_o further_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n who_o declare_v it_o to_o have_v such_o self-evidence_n to_o he_o do_v extend_v its_o self_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o other_o and_o to_o one_o self_n it_o seem_v a_o strange_a way_n of_o argue_v i_o believe_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o be_v true_a and_o they_o be_v true_a because_o i_o believe_v they_o for_o self-evidence_n imply_v so_o much_o if_o by_o it_o be_v mean_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a but_o if_o by_o self-evidence_n be_v further_a mean_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o matter_n propound_v that_o all_o who_o do_v consider_v it_o must_v believe_v it_o i_o then_o further_o inquire_v whether_o this_o evidence_n do_v lie_v in_o the_o nâ—ked_a proposal_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o if_o so_o than_o every_o one_o who_o assent_v to_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n must_v likewise_o assent_v to_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o whether_o do_v the_o evidence_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o naked_a proposal_n but_o in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v then_o 1._o the_o self-evidence_n be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o write_a word_n which_o be_v the_o object_n and_o remove_v to_o a_o quite_o different_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n 2._o whether_o then_o any_o person_n who_o want_v this_o efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v or_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v god_n word_n if_o they_o be_v bind_v the_o duty_n must_v be_v propound_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o if_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n lie_v on_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o such_o as_o want_v this_o can_v have_v none_o at_o all_o but_o if_o â—astly_a by_o this_o self-evidence_n be_v mean_v
to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n beside_o that_o tranquillity_n and_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n that_o serene_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n which_o follow_v a_o good_a conscience_n wherever_o it_o dwell_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v man_n welcome_v that_o guest_n which_o bring_v such_o good_a entertainment_n with_o it_o whereas_o the_o amazement_n horror_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n which_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o haunt_v such_o who_o prostitute_v their_o conscience_n to_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o rectify_a reason_n may_v be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v any_o rational_a person_n that_o impiety_n be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o irreligion_n madness_n it_o can_v be_v then_o but_o matter_n of_o great_a pity_n to_o consider_v that_o any_o person_n who_o birth_n and_o education_n have_v raise_v they_o above_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o their_o own_o enemy_n as_o to_o observe_v the_o fashion_n more_o than_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o study_v compliment_n more_o than_o themselves_o and_o read_v romance_n more_o than_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n but_o sir_n i_o need_v not_o mention_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o let_v you_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o your_o choice_n in_o prefer_v true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n above_o the_o ceremony_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n go_v on_o sir_n to_o value_v and_o measure_v true_a religion_n not_o by_o the_o uncertain_a measure_n of_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o sacred_a oracle_n be_v it_o not_o for_o these_o what_o certain_a foundation_n can_v there_o be_v for_o our_o faith_n to_o stand_v on_o and_o who_o dare_v venture_v his_o soul_n as_o to_o its_o future_a condition_n upon_o any_o authority_n less_o than_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o god_n himself_o what_o certain_a direction_n for_o practice_n shall_v we_o have_v what_o rule_n to_o judge_v of_o opinion_n by_o have_v not_o god_n out_o of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n provide_v and_o preserve_v this_o authentic_a instrument_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n what_o a_o strange_a religion_n will_v christianity_n seem_v shall_v we_o frame_v the_o model_n of_o it_o from_o any_o other_o thing_n then_o the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o all_o controversy_n the_o disesteem_a of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o be_v the_o decay_n of_o religion_n and_o through_o many_o wind_n and_o turn_n lead_v man_n at_o last_o into_o the_o very_a depth_n of_o atheism_n whereas_o the_o frequent_a and_o serious_a converse_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v incomparable_o useful_a not_o only_o for_o keep_v up_o in_o we_o a_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v easy_o mistake_v when_o man_n look_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o it_o in_o any_o other_o glass_n than_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o likewise_o for_o maintain_v a_o powerful_a sense_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o due_a valuation_n of_o it_o whatever_o its_o esteem_n or_o entertainment_n be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o the_o true_a genuine_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o purity_n and_o peaceableness_n of_o it_o shall_v grow_v never_o so_o much_o out_o of_o credit_n with_o the_o world_n yet_o none_o who_o hearty_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o matter_n reveal_v therein_o be_v infallible_o true_a will_v ever_o have_v the_o less_o estimation_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n have_v much_o suffer_v in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o through_o the_o vain_a pretence_n of_o many_o to_o it_o who_o have_v only_o act_v a_o part_n in_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o private_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o and_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a logic_n of_o atheist_n crimine_fw-la ab_fw-la uno_fw-la disce_fw-la omnes_fw-la if_o there_o be_v any_o hypocrite_n all_o who_o make_v show_v of_o religion_n be_v such_o on_o which_o account_n the_o hypocrisy_n of_o one_o age_n make_v way_n for_o the_o atheism_n of_o the_o next_o but_o how_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a that_o imputation_n be_v there_o need_v not_o much_o to_o discover_v unless_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n there_o be_v no_o true_a man_n in_o the_o world_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o ape_n which_o imitate_v they_o or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o jewel_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o counterfeit_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n our_o age_n be_v not_o barren_a of_o instance_n of_o real_a goodness_n and_o unaffected_a piety_n there_o be_v some_o such_o generous_a spirit_n as_o dare_v love_n religion_n without_o the_o dowry_n of_o interest_n and_o manifest_v their_o affection_n to_o it_o in_o the_o plain_a dress_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o paint_n and_o set-offs_a which_o be_v add_v to_o it_o by_o the_o several_a contend_a party_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v there_o more_o such_o noble_a spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o age_n atheism_n will_v want_v one_o of_o the_o great_a plea_n which_o it_o now_o make_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o nothing_o enlarge_v more_o the_o gulf_n of_o atheism_n than_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o wide_a passage_n which_o lie_v between_o the_o faith_n and_o life_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o seem_v more_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o i_o then_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o christianity_n shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o countenance_n or_o slight_v by_o any_o who_o own_o profess_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o can_v the_o profession_n of_o that_o be_v honourable_a who_o practice_n be_v not_o if_o the_o principle_n be_v true_a why_o be_v they_o not_o practise_v if_o they_o be_v not_o true_a why_o be_v they_o profess_v you_o see_v sir_n to_o what_o a_o unexpected_a length_n my_o desire_n to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n of_o religion_n have_v draw_v out_o this_o present_a address_n but_o i_o may_v soon_o hope_v for_o your_o pardon_n in_o it_o then_o if_o i_o have_v spend_v so_o much_o paper_n after_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o dedication_n in_o represent_v you_o to_o yourself_o or_o the_o world_n sir_n i_o know_v you_o have_v too_o much_o of_o that_o i_o have_v be_v commend_v to_o delight_v in_o your_o own_o deserve_a praise_n much_o less_o in_o flattery_n which_o so_o benign_a a_o subject_n may_v easy_o make_v one_o pen_n run_v over_o in_o and_o therein_o i_o may_v not_o much_o have_v digress_v from_o my_o design_n since_o i_o know_v few_o more_o exemplary_a for_o that_o rare_a mixture_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o high_a civility_n together_o in_o who_o that_o inestimable_a jewel_n of_o religion_n be_v place_v in_o a_o most_o sweet_a affable_a and_o oblige_a temper_n but_o although_o none_o will_v be_v more_o ready_a on_o any_o occasion_n with_o all_o gratitude_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o great_a obligation_n you_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o yet_o i_o be_o so_o far_o sensible_a of_o the_o common_a vanity_n of_o epistle_n dedicatory_a that_o i_o can_v so_o hearty_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n as_o in_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o almighty_a for_o your_o good_a and_o welfare_n and_o in_o subscribe_v myself_o sir_n your_o most_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a servant_n june_n 5._o 1662._o ed._n stillingfleet_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v neither_o to_o satisfy_v the_o importunity_n of_o friend_n nor_o to_o prevent_v false_a copy_n which_o and_o such_o like_a excuse_n i_o know_v be_v expect_v in_o usual_a preface_n that_o i_o have_v adventure_v abroad_o this_o follow_a treatise_n but_o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o just_a resentment_n of_o the_o affront_n and_o indignity_n which_o have_v be_v cast_v on_o religion_n by_o such_o who_o account_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o judgement_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o scripture_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o wit_n to_o dispute_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o possibility_n of_o be_v happy_a in_o another_o world_n when_o yet_o the_o more_o acute_a and_o subtle_a their_o argument_n be_v the_o great_a their_o strength_n be_v against_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v they_o not_o of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o they_o imagine_v they_o to_o be_v and_o how_o contradictious_a be_v it_o for_o such_o person_n to_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v cry_v up_o for_o wit_n and_o reason_n who_o design_n be_v to_o degrade_v the_o rational_a soul_n so_o far_o below_o herself_o as_o to_o make_v she_o become_v like_o the_o beast_n
language_n though_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o some_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o questionable_a chief_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n can_v be_v assign_v of_o undertake_v a_o new_a translation_n at_o alexandria_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o extant_a before_o especial_o if_o all_o those_o circumstance_n of_o that_o translation_n be_v true_a which_o be_v common_o receive_v and_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o with_o almost_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o person_n who_o have_v great_a advantage_n of_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o such_o thing_n than_o we_o can_v have_v at_o this_o great_a distance_n of_o time_n and_o therefore_o certain_o every_o petty_a conjecture_n of_o some_o modern_a though_o learned_a man_n ought_v not_o to_o bear_v sway_n against_o so_o unanimous_a a_o tradition_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o former_a age_n and_o it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o one_o hermippus_n in_o diogenes_n laertius_n who_o age_n and_o authority_n be_v somewhat_o demetrii_n doubtful_a concern_v only_o one_o particular_a refer_v to_o demetrius_n phalcrous_a shall_v be_v think_v of_o force_n enough_o among_o person_n of_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o learning_n to_o infringe_v the_o credibility_n of_o the_o whole_a story_n deliver_v with_o so_o much_o consent_n not_o only_o by_o christian_a but_o jewish_a writer_n the_o testimony_n of_o one_o of_o which_o every_o whit_n as_o considerable_a as_o 13._o hermippus_n viz._n aristobulus_n judaeus_fw-la a_o peripatetical_a philosopher_n in_o a_o epistle_n to_o ptolemy_n philometor_n do_v plain_o assert_v that_o which_o be_v so_o much_o question_v concern_v demetrius_n phalereus_n but_o whatever_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n 8._o be_v which_o i_o here_o inquire_v not_o after_o nor_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o aristeus_n from_o who_o the_o story_n be_v receive_v nor_o whether_o this_o translation_n be_v make_v by_o jew_n send_v out_o of_o judea_n or_o by_o jew_n reside_v at_o alexandria_n it_o suffice_v for_o our_o purpose_n that_o this_o translation_n be_v make_v before_o either_o the_o chaldaean_a dynasty_n of_o bâ—rosus_n or_o the_o egyptian_a of_o manetho_n be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o which_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o show_v in_o what_o time_n this_o translation_n be_v effect_v and_o herein_o that_o channel_n of_o tradition_n which_o convey_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o one_o certain_a course_n run_v not_o with_o so_o even_o a_o stream_n concern_v the_o exact_a time_n of_o it_o all_o indeed_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v about_o the_o time_n of_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n but_o in_o what_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n be_v very_o dubious_a joseph_n scaliger_n who_o have_v trouble_v 5_o the_o water_n so_o much_o concern_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o this_o translation_n yet_o full_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n only_o he_o contend_v with_o africanus_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o 132._o olympiad_n which_o be_v in_o the_o 33._o year_n of_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n but_o eusebius_n and_o jerom_n place_n it_o in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o his_o reign_n which_o i_o think_v be_v far_o more_o probable_a and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n when_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n reign_v with_o his_o father_n ptolomaeus_n lagi_n for_o so_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a he_o do_v for_o two_o year_n before_o his_o father_n death_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o scaliger_n concern_v demetrius_n phalereus_n be_v quite_o take_v off_o for_o hermippus_n speak_v nothing_o of_o demetrius_n his_o be_v out_o of_o favour_n with_o philadelphus_n during_o his_o father_n â—hr_n life_n but_o that_o upon_o his_o father_n death_n he_o be_v banish_v by_o he_o and_o die_v in_o his_o banishment_n so_o that_o demetrius_n may_v have_v the_o oversight_n of_o the_o library_n at_o alexandria_n and_o be_v the_o main_a instrument_n of_o promote_a this_o translation_n and_o yet_o those_o thing_n be_v after_o true_a which_o hermippus_n speak_v viz._n when_o ptolomaeus_n lagi_n or_o soter_n be_v now_o dead_a for_o it_o stand_v not_o to_o reason_n that_o during_o his_o father_n life_n philadelphus_n shall_v discover_v his_o displeasure_n against_o demetrius_n it_o be_v conceive_v upon_o the_o advice_n give_v to_o his_o father_n for_o prefer_v the_o son_n of_o arsinoe_n to_o the_o crown_n before_o the_o son_n of_o berenice_n most_o likely_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o this_o translation_n may_v be_v begin_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o demetrius_n phalereus_n in_o the_o time_n of_o philadelphus_n his_o reign_v with_o his_o father_n but_o it_o may_v be_v not_o finish_v till_o after_o the_o death_n of_o soter_n when_o philadelphus_n reign_v alone_o and_o by_o this_o now_o we_o can_v perfect_o reconcile_v that_o difference_n which_o be_v among_o the_o father_n concern_v the_o time_n when_o this_o translation_n be_v make_v for_o irenaeus_n attribute_n it_o to_o the_o time_n of_o ptolomaeus_n lagi_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n question_n whether_o in_o the_o time_n of_o lagi_n or_o philadelphus_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o chorus_n carry_v it_o for_o philadelphus_n but_o the_o word_n of_o anatolius_n in_o eusebius_n cast_v it_o full_o for_o both_o for_o there_o speak_v of_o aristobulus_n he_o say_v he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o seventy_o who_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n 26._o to_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n and_o his_o father_n and_o dedicate_v his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o law_n to_o both_o those_o king_n haec_fw-la sane_fw-la omnem_fw-la scrupulum_fw-la eximunt_fw-la say_v vossius_fw-la upon_o produce_v this_o testimony_n this_o put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o to_o the_o same_o 9_o purpose_n speak_v the_o learned_a jesuite_n petavius_n in_o his_o note_n on_o epiphanius_n have_v thus_o far_o clear_v the_o time_n when_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o greck_n be_v make_v we_o shall_v find_v our_o conjecture_n much_o strengthen_v by_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o age_n of_o the_o forementioned_a historian_n manetho_n and_o berosus_n manetho_n we_o have_v already_o make_v appear_v to_o have_v live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n and_o that_o say_v vossius_fw-la after_o the_o death_n of_o soter_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o remain_v of_o he_o in_o eusebius_n his_o chronica_fw-la that_o he_o not_o only_o flourish_v in_o the_o time_n of_o philadelphus_n but_o write_v his_o history_n at_o the_o special_a command_n of_o philadelphus_n as_o manifest_o appear_v by_o the_o remain_a epistle_n of_o manetho_n to_o he_o still_o extant_a in_o eusebius_n this_o command_n of_o philadelphus_n may_v very_o 6_o probable_o be_v occasion_v upon_o the_o view_n of_o that_o account_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v then_o translate_v into_o greek_a do_v give_v of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n upon_o which_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o so_o inquisitive_a a_o person_n as_o philadelphus_n be_v will_v be_v very_o earnest_a to_o have_v his_o curiosity_n satisfy_v as_o to_o what_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n who_o have_v boast_v so_o much_o of_o antiquity_n can_v produce_v to_o confront_v with_o the_o scripture_n whereupon_o the_o task_n be_v undertake_v by_o this_o manetho_n highpriest_n of_o heliopolis_n whereby_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n have_v to_o that_o time_n keep_v secret_a in_o their_o cloister_n be_v now_o divulge_v and_o expose_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a world_n but_o what_o satisfaction_n they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v inquisitive_a mind_n as_o to_o the_o main_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o matter_n inquire_v after_o may_v partly_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o manetho_n already_o and_o by_o what_o shall_v be_v speak_v of_o his_o dynastye_n afterward_o but_o all_o this_o will_v not_o persuade_v kircher_n for_o whatever_o scaliger_n nay_o what_o manetho_n himself_o say_v to_o the_o coutrary_a he_o with_o the_o confidence_n and_o learning_n of_o a_o jesuite_n affirm_v that_o this_o manetho_n be_v elder_a than_o alexander_n the_o great_a for_o these_o be_v his_o word_n frequens_fw-la apud_fw-la priscos_fw-la historicos_fw-la dynaestiarum_fw-la aegyptiacarum_fw-la fit_a mentio_fw-la quarum_fw-la tamen_fw-la alium_fw-la 9_o authorem_fw-la non_fw-la habemus_fw-la nisi_fw-la manethonem_fw-la sebennytam_fw-la sacerdotem_fw-la aegyptium_fw-la quem_fw-la ante_fw-la tempor_fw-la a_o alexandri_fw-la quicquid_fw-la dicat_fw-la scaliger_n in_o aegypto_n floruisse_fw-la comperio_fw-la certain_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a evidence_n may_v be_v expect_v after_o so_o confident_a a_o affirmation_n but_o whatever_o that_o person_n be_v in_o other_o undertake_n he_o be_v as_o unhappy_a a_o person_n in_o philology_n as_o any_o that_o have_v pretend_v so_o much_o acquaintance_n with_o it_o one_o will_v think_v he_o that_o have_v be_v twenty_o year_n as_o
he_o tell_v we_o himself_o court_v the_o egyptian_a mystery_n for_o compass_v his_o oedipus_n shall_v have_v find_v some_o better_a argument_n to_o prove_v a_o assertion_n of_o this_o nature_n then_o mere_o the_o testimony_n of_o josephus_n the_o hebrew_n book_n juchasin_n and_o some_o arabic_a writer_n not_o one_o of_o all_o which_o do_v mention_v the_o thing_n they_o be_v bring_v for_o viz._n that_o manetho_n be_v elder_a than_o alexander_n all_o the_o business_n be_v they_o quote_v he_o as_o a_o ancient_a writer_n but_o what_o then_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n juchasim_n be_v abraham_n zacuth_n a_o jew_n of_o salamancha_n who_o write_v in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1502._o and_o this_o book_n be_v first_o print_v at_o constantinople_n 1556._o may_v not_o this_o man_n then_o well_o mention_n manetho_n as_o a_o ancient_a writer_n if_o he_o flourish_v above_o 1600_o year_n before_o he_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n and_o what_o if_o some_o arabic_a writer_n mention_v he_o be_v they_o of_o so_o great_a antiquity_n and_o credit_n themselves_o that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n manetho_n live_v in_o alexander_n time_n to_o be_v praise_v by_o they_o it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o kircber_n and_o other_o learned_a man_n who_o think_v the_o world_n be_v grow_v to_o so_o great_a stupidity_n as_o to_o believe_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o jewel_n which_o be_v far_o fetch_v will_v first_o assert_v and_o vindicate_v the_o antiquity_n and_o fidelity_n of_o their_o arabic_a author_n such_o as_o gelaldinus_n abenephi_fw-la and_o many_o other_o before_o they_o expect_v we_o shall_v part_v with_o our_o more_o authentic_a record_n of_o history_n for_o those_o fabulous_a relation_n which_o they_o be_v so_o full_o fraught_v withal_o be_v it_o here_o any_o part_n of_o my_o present_a business_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n so_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o ignorance_n falsity_n and_o fabulousness_n of_o those_o arabian_n who_o that_o author_n rely_v so_o much_o upon_o that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v free_v from_o a_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n who_o make_v use_v of_o their_o testimony_n in_o matter_n of_o ancient_a time_n without_o a_o caveat_n i_o know_v none_o fit_a to_o believe_v these_o arabic_a writer_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n but_o those_o who_o have_v faith_n enough_o to_o concoct_v the_o rabbin_n in_o matter_n of_o history_n of_o who_o origen_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v as_o grotius_n true_o 24_o say_v pessimi_fw-la historiae_fw-la magistri_fw-la nam_fw-la ex_fw-la quo_fw-la patria_fw-la expulsi_fw-la sunt_fw-la omnis_fw-la apud_fw-la illos_fw-la historia_fw-la crassis_fw-la erroribus_fw-la &_o fabulis_fw-la est_fw-la inquinata_fw-la quibus_fw-la &_o proinde_fw-la nihil_fw-la credendum_fw-la est_fw-la nisi_fw-la aliunde_fw-la testes_fw-la accederunt_fw-la and_o as_o is._n caubason_n pass_v this_o sharp_a but_o due_a censure_n upon_o they_o rabbinis_fw-la ubi_fw-la de_fw-la lingna_fw-la 8._o hebraica_n agitur_fw-la &_o vocis_fw-la alicujus_fw-la proprietate_fw-la vel_fw-la aliquo_fw-la talmudico_fw-la instituto_fw-la meritò_fw-la à _fw-la christianis_fw-la tribui_fw-la non_fw-la parum_fw-la nbi_fw-la verò_fw-la à _fw-la verbis_fw-la venitur_fw-la ad_fw-la res_fw-la aut_fw-la ad_fw-la historiam_fw-la vel_fw-la rerum_fw-la antiquarum_fw-la veteris_fw-la populi_fw-la explicationem_fw-la nisi_fw-la falli_fw-la &_o decipi_fw-la volumus_fw-la nihil_fw-la admodum_fw-la esse_fw-la illis_fw-la fidei_fw-la habendum_fw-la sexcentis_fw-la argumentis_fw-la hoc_fw-la facilè_fw-la probarem_fw-la si_fw-la id_fw-la nunc_fw-la agerem_fw-la and_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o ancient_a rite_n as_o well_o as_o history_n joseph_n scaliger_n have_v give_v this_o verdict_n of_o they_o manifesta_fw-la est_fw-la judaeorum_n inscitia_fw-la qui_fw-la cum_fw-la usu_fw-la veterum_fw-la rituum_fw-la etiam_fw-la corum_fw-la 6._o cognitionem_fw-la amiserunt_fw-la &_o multa_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la eorum_fw-la sacra_fw-la &_o historiam_fw-la pertinent_a longè_fw-la meliùs_fw-la nos_fw-la teneamus_fw-la quam_fw-la ipsi_fw-la the_o same_o which_o these_o very_a learned_a person_n say_v of_o rabbinical_a may_v with_o as_o much_o truth_n be_v say_v of_o these_o arabic_a writer_n in_o matter_n of_o ancient_a history_n which_o i_o have_v here_o insert_v to_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v think_v the_o testimony_n of_o either_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n so_o inconsiderable_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o future_a discourse_n which_o be_v historical_a and_o that_o of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n little_a relief_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o either_o of_o they_o in_o order_n thereto_o but_o to_o return_v to_o kircher_n it_o be_v free_o grant_v that_o josephus_n a_o author_n of_o credit_n and_o age_n sufficient_a to_o give_v his_o opinion_n in_o this_o case_n do_v very_o frequent_o cite_v manetho_n in_o his_o egyptian_a history_n particular_o in_o his_o learned_a book_n against_o appion_n but_o where_o he_o do_v give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o manetho_n be_v elder_n than_o alexander_n i_o be_o yet_o to_o seek_v but_o kircher_n will_v not_o yet_o leave_v the_o matter_n so_o but_o undertake_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o mistake_n which_o be_v that_o there_o be_v two_o manetho_n beside_o and_o both_o egyptian_n mention_v by_o suidas_n one_o a_o mendesian_n who_o write_v of_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o egyptian_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o kind_n of_o perfume_n use_v by_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n the_o other_o a_o diospolitan_a who_o write_v some_o physiological_a and_o astronomical_a treatise_n who_o work_n he_o hear_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o duke_n of_o florenee_n his_o library_n and_o this_o be_v he_o say_v he_o who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o augustus_n who_o many_o by_o the_o aequivocation_n of_o the_o name_n have_v confound_v with_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o egyptian_a dynastye_n be_v it_o possible_a so_o learned_a a_o jesuite_n shall_v discover_v so_o little_a judgement_n in_o so_o few_o word_n for_o first_o who_o ever_o assert_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o dynastye_n to_o have_v live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o augustus_n yet_o second_o if_o that_o manetho_n who_o suidas_n there_o speak_v of_o live_v in_o augustus_n his_o time_n according_a to_o kircher_n than_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o compiler_n of_o the_o dynastye_n do_v for_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o that_o look_v into_o suidas_n that_o he_o there_o speak_v of_o the_o same_o manetho_n for_o these_o be_v his_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o he_o here_o speak_v of_o manetho_n sebennyta_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o dynastye_n though_o he_o may_v write_v other_o thing_n beside_o of_o which_o suidas_n there_o speak_v but_o kircher_n very_o wise_o in_o translate_n suidas_n his_o word_n leave_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o decide_v the_o controversy_n and_o make_v it_o clear_a that_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o same_o manetho_n of_o who_o we_o have_v be_v discourse_v thus_o it_o still_o appear_v that_o this_o manetho_n be_v no_o elder_a than_o the_o time_n of_o ptolemy_n philadelphus_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v now_o for_o berosus_n although_o the_o chaldean_n have_v occasion_n 10._o enough_o give_v they_o before_o this_o time_n to_o produce_v their_o antiquity_n by_o the_o jew_n converse_v with_o they_o in_o babylon_n yet_o we_o find_v this_o author_n the_o first_o who_o dare_v adventure_v they_o abroad_o such_o as_o they_o be_v in_o greek_z now_o that_o this_o berosus_n publish_v his_o history_n after_o the_o time_n mention_v i_o thus_o prove_v tatianus_n assyrius_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o write_v the_o chaldaic_a history_n in_o three_o book_n and_o dedicate_v they_o to_o antiochus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v read_v in_o the_o fragment_n of_o tatianus_n preserve_v in_o eusebius_n but_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o the_o paris_n steph._n edition_n of_o tatianus_n as_o well_o as_o the_o basil_n it_o be_v thus_o read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o three_o from_o alexander_n in_o the_o other_o to_o the_o three_o from_o seleucus_n now_o if_o we_o reckon_v the_o three_o so_o as_o to_o take_v the_o person_n from_o who_o we_o reckon_v in_o for_o the_o first_o according_a to_o the_o read_n in_o eusebius_n it_o fall_v to_o be_v antiochus_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o other_o read_v it_o fall_v to_o be_v antiochus_n soter_n for_o seleucus_n succeed_v alexander_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o syria_n antiochus_n soter_n seleucus_n antiochus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d antiochus_n soter_n but_o according_a to_o either_o of_o these_o reading_n 392._o our_o purpose_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v for_o antiochus_n soter_n begin_v to_o reign_v in_o syria_n in_o the_o six_o year_n of_o ptol._n philadelphus_n in_o egypt_n antiochus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d succeed_v he_o in_o the_o 22._o year_n of_o philadelphus_n
if_o we_o number_v these_o 340200_o day_n or_o 11340_o monthly_a year_n which_o make_v up_o of_o julian_n year_n 931._o and_o 152_o day_n the_o number_n fall_v a._n m._n 3282._o about_o which_o time_n in_o probability_n sennacherib_n invade_v egypt_n thus_o we_o see_v by_o make_v use_n of_o those_o lunà r_a year_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o reconcile_v some_o of_o the_o egyptian_a extravagant_a account_n to_o some_o probability_n and_o consistency_n with_o truth_n but_o however_o we_o owe_v very_o little_a thanks_o to_o the_o egyptian_n for_o it_o who_o deliver_v these_o thing_n in_o gross_a without_o tell_v we_o which_o year_n they_o mean_v and_o thereby_o evidence_n their_o intent_n to_o deceive_v all_o who_o have_v so_o little_a wit_n as_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o the_o next_o kind_n and_o form_n of_o the_o egyptian_a year_n be_v that_o which_o consist_v of_o four_o equal_a month_n amount_v to_o 3._o 120_o day_n the_o use_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o year_n among_o they_o be_v attest_v by_o plutarch_n in_o the_o forecited_n place_n and_o by_o diodorus_n 1._o who_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o year_n among_o the_o egyptian_n solinus_n seem_v to_o mention_v this_o as_o the_o only_a year_n 10._o in_o request_n among_o the_o egyptian_n and_o so_o s._n austin_n perhibentur_fw-la aegyptii_fw-la quondam_a tam_fw-la breves_fw-la annos_fw-la habuisse_fw-la ut_fw-la quaternis_fw-la mensibus_fw-la finirentur_fw-la this_o render_v then_o the_o egyptian_n account_n yet_o more_o uncertain_a and_o only_o leave_v we_o to_o guess_v with_o the_o great_a probability_n of_o reason_n what_o form_n of_o year_n be_v mean_v by_o they_o in_o their_o computation_n so_o when_o diodorus_n speak_v so_o much_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o old_a egyptian_a king_n and_o law_n and_o produce_v this_o from_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n as_o the_o best_a evidence_n of_o the_o excellent_a temper_n of_o biblioth_n their_o government_n that_o they_o have_v king_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 4700_o year_n till_o the_o time_n of_o cambyses_n his_o inroad_n into_o egypt_n which_o be_v in_o the_o three_o year_n of_o the_o 63_o olympiad_n now_o beside_o the_o apparent_a contradiction_n of_o these_o account_n to_o the_o other_o already_o explain_v if_o we_o take_v they_o in_o gross_a as_o the_o egyptian_n give_v they_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o true_a then_o by_o take_v these_o account_n in_o that_o form_n of_o year_n now_o mention_v by_o we_o for_o these_o 4700_o year_n take_v they_o for_o 120_o day_n apiece_o make_v up_o of_o julian_n year_n 1544._o which_o be_v deduct_v from_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 3475._o which_o be_v the_o time_n when_o cambyses_n invade_v egypt_n the_o remainder_n be_v a._n m._n 1931._o about_o which_o time_n we_o may_v fix_v the_o death_n of_o orus_n from_o who_o their_o proper_a king_n commence_v and_o of_o these_o year_n vossius_fw-la tell_v we_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v what_o they_o report_v of_o the_o long_a life_n of_o 28._o their_o ancient_a king_n when_o they_o attribute_v to_o each_o of_o they_o the_o space_n of_o 300_o year_n as_o when_o they_o attribute_v a_o 1000_o and_o more_o to_o their_o elder_a king_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o of_o simple_a lunar_a year_n of_o 30_o day_n by_o which_o these_o gigantic_a measure_n of_o the_o term_n of_o their_o life_n may_v without_o the_o help_n of_o procrustes_n be_v cut_v short_a according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o man_n ordinary_a age_n in_o those_o elder_a time_n so_o when_o diodorus_n reckon_v from_o the_o death_n of_o proteus_n to_o his_o own_o time_n a._n m._n 3940._o 3400_o year_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o these_o year_n of_o four_o equal_a month_n for_o so_o those_o 3400_o year_n make_v up_o of_o julian_n year_n 1117._o which_o be_v deduce_v from_o 3940._o the_o remainder_n be_v 2823._o about_o which_o year_n of_o the_o world_n proteus_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o live_v which_o be_v about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n in_o israel_n neither_o be_v this_o only_a the_o egyptian_n way_n but_o in_o probability_n 4._o the_o ancient_a chaldean_n observe_v the_o same_o which_o may_v be_v a_o ground_n likewise_o of_o those_o unmeasurable_a account_n among_o they_o in_o their_o first_o dynastye_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o fragment_n of_o abydenus_n and_o apollodorus_n out_o of_o berosus_n where_o the_o time_n of_o their_o first_o king_n be_v reckon_v not_o by_o year_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o according_a to_o they_o every_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d contain_v 3600._o year_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 600._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 60._o now_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o alorus_n and_o the_o ten_o king_n from_o he_o to_o xisuthrus_n shall_v reign_v 120._o sari_n as_o their_o computation_n be_v which_o reckon_v for_o every_o saros_n 3600._o year_n make_v up_o 432000._o year_n a_o very_a fair_a sum_n for_o the_o chaldean_a dynastye_n before_o the_o time_n of_o xisuthrus_n by_o who_o in_o probability_n noah_n be_v by_o they_o understand_v there_o have_v be_v only_o two_o way_n think_v on_o of_o deal_n with_o these_o computation_n either_o reject_v they_o as_o whole_o fabulous_a and_o found_v on_o no_o evidence_n or_o record_n of_o history_n as_o we_o have_v see_v already_o only_o they_o may_v retain_v be_v so_o near_o the_o place_n of_o the_o settlement_n of_o noah_n and_o his_o posterity_n after_o the_o flood_n the_o memory_n not_o only_o of_o the_o flood_n of_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o have_v several_a remainder_n preserve_v in_o their_o tradition_n but_o likewise_o of_o the_o age_n of_o man_n precede_v the_o flood_n wherein_o they_o be_v right_a reckon_n from_o alorus_n the_o first_o to_o xisuthrus_n i._n e._n from_o adam_n to_o noah_n ten_o generation_n but_o as_o to_o the_o name_n of_o those_o ten_o person_n and_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a through_o the_o unfaithfulness_n of_o tradition_n they_o take_v their_o liberty_n not_o only_o of_o coin_v name_n but_o of_o set_v what_o age_n to_o they_o they_o please_v themselves_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n scaliger_n observe_v that_o some_o of_o their_o first_o king_n be_v reckon_v 406._o before_o the_o flood_n which_o say_v he_o be_v deny_v by_o georgius_n syncellus_n without_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n thus_o far_o then_o we_o may_v admit_v of_o the_o chaldean_n dynastye_n as_o to_o some_o part_n of_o the_o tradition_n but_o reject_v their_o name_n and_o computation_n as_o fabulous_a the_o other_o way_n of_o explain_v these_o dynastye_n be_v by_o the_o several_a way_n of_o computation_n among_o they_o for_o the_o learned_a monk_n panodorus_n and_o anianus_n understand_v those_o vast_a sum_n not_o of_o year_n but_o day_n and_o so_o make_v a_o saros_n to_o contain_v 120._o month_n of_o 30._o day_n a_o piece_n which_o say_v scaliger_n make_v ten_o chaldee_n year_n and_o a_o nirus_n 20._o equal_a month_n and_o a_o soso_n two_o according_a to_o which_o computation_n the_o 100_o sari_n make_v but_o 1200._o year_n but_o this_o computation_n of_o they_o be_v reject_v by_o georgius_n syncellus_n because_o he_o suppose_v eusebius_n so_o well_o verse_v in_o these_o thing_n that_o he_o will_v never_o have_v set_v they_o down_o for_o year_n if_o the_o chaldaean_n have_v not_o understand_v they_o so_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o trouble_v himself_o in_o reduce_v fable_n to_o true_a history_n as_o he_o express_v it_o who_o word_n be_v at_o large_a produce_v by_o scaliger_n in_o the_o forecited_n place_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v more_o necessary_a to_o reject_v those_o chaldaean_a computation_n if_o we_o take_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o year_n in_o the_o sense_n which_o salmasius_n give_v of_o they_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr annis_fw-la climactericis_fw-la from_o who_o pyrerius_fw-la the_o author_n of_o the_o praeadamite_n have_v borrow_v most_o of_o his_o argument_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n according_a to_o he_o then_o every_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d contain_v no_o less_o than_o 6000._o year_n as_o the_o toman_n among_o the_o persian_n contain_v 10000_o but_o because_o that_o learned_a man_n have_v only_o give_v we_o his_o reperi_fw-la scriptum_n without_o any_o certain_a foundation_n for_o so_o large_a a_o account_n of_o those_o sum_n we_o shall_v take_v they_o in_o as_o favourable_a a_o sense_n as_o we_o can_v in_o order_n to_o which_o a_o very_a learned_a man_n of_o our_o own_o have_v find_v a_o three_o interpretation_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o chaldee_n account_n from_o a_o correction_n of_o suidas_n by_o the_o m._n s._n in_o the_o vatican_n library_n according_a to_o which_o he_o thus_o â—dit_fw-la read_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o
christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n in_o they_o and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v record_v by_o they_o to_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n here_o we_o have_v more_o clear_a reason_n as_o to_o the_o primary_n motive_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o withal_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o while_o we_o assert_v such_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o such_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n from_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o then_o so_o full_o attest_v by_o such_o uncontrollable_a miracle_n we_o can_v in_o the_o least_o understand_v to_o what_o end_n a_o power_n of_o miracle_n shall_v now_o serve_v in_o the_o church_n especial_o among_o those_o who_o all_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n indeed_o before_o the_o great_a harvest_n of_o convert_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v bring_v in_o both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o the_o church_n sully_v settle_v in_o receive_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n universal_o we_o find_v god_n do_v continue_v this_o power_n among_o they_o but_o after_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v general_o embrace_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n among_o christian_n we_o find_v they_o so_o far_o from_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o power_n that_o they_o reject_v the_o pretender_n to_o it_o such_o as_o the_o donatist_n be_v and_o plead_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n as_o we_o do_v now_o against_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o we_o see_v then_o no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n for_o miracle_n to_o be_v continue_v where_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v settle_v as_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n in_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o there_o be_v only_o these_o two_o case_n then_o wherein_o miracle_n may_v just_o and_o with_o reason_n be_v expect_v first_o when_o any_o person_n 4._o come_v as_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a commission_n from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n either_o to_o deliver_v some_o peculiar_a message_n or_o to_o do_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a service_n second_o when_o something_o that_o have_v be_v before_o establish_v by_o divine_a law_n be_v to_o be_v repeal_v and_o some_o other_o way_n of_o worship_n establish_v in_o stead_n of_o it_o first_o when_o any_o come_v upon_o a_o extraordinary_a message_n to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o name_n of_o and_o by_o commission_n from_o god_n than_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n to_o require_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a evidence_n of_o such_o authority_n because_o of_o the_o main_a importance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o give_v credit_n to_o such_o a_o person_n and_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o reject_v that_o divine_a authority_n which_o appear_v in_o he_o and_o in_o this_o case_n we_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v require_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n to_o believe_v where_o he_o do_v not_o give_v sufficient_a argument_n for_o faith_n nor_o that_o he_o will_v punish_v person_n for_o such_o a_o fault_n which_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o indeed_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o necessitate_v faith_n as_o to_o the_o act_n of_o it_o but_o he_o do_v so_o clear_o propound_v the_o object_n of_o it_o with_o all_o argument_n induce_v to_o it_o as_o may_v sufficient_o justify_v a_o believer_n choice_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n and_o prudence_n and_o may_v leave_v all_o unbeliever_n without_o excuse_n i_o can_v see_v what_o account_n a_o man_n can_v give_v to_o himself_o of_o his_o faith_n much_o less_o what_o apology_n he_o can_v make_v to_o other_o for_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v sufficient_o convince_v in_o point_n of_o the_o high_a reason_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o believe_v and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o conviction_n there_o must_v be_v some_o clear_a evidence_n give_v that_o what_o be_v speak_v have_v the_o impress_n of_o divine_a authority_n upon_o it_o now_o what_o conviction_n there_o can_v be_v to_o any_o sober_a mind_n concern_v divine_a authority_n in_o any_o person_n without_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n go_v along_o with_o he_o when_o he_o be_v to_o deliver_v some_o new_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v believe_v i_o confess_v i_o can_v understand_v for_o although_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o where_o ever_o god_n do_v reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o any_o person_n immediate_o he_o give_v demonstrable_a evidence_n to_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o come_v from_o himself_o yet_o this_o inward_a sense_n can_v be_v no_o ground_n to_o another_o person_n to_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n divine_a because_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o act_n of_o another_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o another_o person_n to_o distinguish_v the_o act_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n from_o strong_a impression_n of_o fancy_n by_o the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v those_o who_o say_v they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o their_o divine_a commission_n object_n i_o answer_v first_o this_o will_v expose_v we_o to_o all_o delusion_n imaginable_a answ._n for_o if_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o say_v so_o 1._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v all_o which_o say_v so_o and_o none_o be_v more_o confident_a pretender_n to_o this_o then_o the_o great_a deceiver_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o our_o age_n will_v sufficient_o witness_v second_o man_n must_v necessary_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v contradiction_n for_o nothing_o more_o ordinary_a then_o for_o such_o confident_a pretender_n 2._o to_o a_o divine_a spirit_n to_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o same_o person_n in_o a_o little_a time_n contradict_v himself_o and_o must_v we_o still_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v all_o they_o say_v if_o so_o no_o philosopher_n will_v be_v so_o much_o in_o request_n as_o those_o aristotle_n dispute_v against_o in_o his_o metaphysic_n who_o think_v a_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n three_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n at_o last_o will_v be_v but_o a_o mere_a humane_a testimony_n as_o far_o as_o 3_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o believe_v be_v capable_a of_o judge_v of_o it_o for_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o person_n i_o be_o to_o believe_v have_v divine_a authority_n for_o what_o he_o say_v what_o ground_n can_v i_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v so_o must_v i_o take_v his_o bare_a affirmation_n for_o it_o if_o so_o than_o a_o mere_a humane_a testimony_n must_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o that_o which_o it_o be_v last_o resolve_v into_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o i_o be_o to_o believe_v the_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v when_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v the_o question_n will_v again_o return_v how_o i_o shall_v know_v he_o speak_v this_o from_o divine_a authority_n and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o progress_n in_o infinitum_fw-la or_o sound_v divine_a faith_n on_o a_o mere_a humane_a testimony_n if_o i_o be_o to_o believe_v divine_a revelation_n mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o person_n affirmation_n who_o pretend_v unto_o it_o for_o in_o this_o case_n it_o hold_v good_a non_fw-la apparentis_fw-la &_o non_fw-la existentis_fw-la eadem_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la if_o he_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n induce_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v be_v excuse_v if_o i_o believe_v he_o not_o if_o my_o wilfulness_n and_o laziness_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o my_o unbelief_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n 5._o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v wonderful_o true_a but_o all_o the_o question_n be_v de_fw-fr modo_fw-la how_o god_n will_v satisfy_v they_o whether_o mere_o by_o inspiration_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n in_o they_o assure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v in_o such_o person_n or_o by_o give_v they_o rational_a evidence_n convince_a they_o of_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v it_o if_o we_o assert_v the_o former_a way_n we_o run_v into_o these_o inconvenience_n first_o we_o make_v as_o immediate_a a_o revelation_n in_o all_o those_o who_o believe_v as_o in_o 1._o those_o who_o be_v to_o reveal_v divine_a truth_n to_o we_o for_o there_o be_v a_o new_a revelation_n of_o a_o object_n immediate_o to_o the_o mind_n viz._n that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v inspire_v of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v not_o after_o the_o common_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n in_o believer_n which_o be_v by_o enlighten_v the_o faculty_n without_o the_o proposition_n of_o any_o new_a object_n as_o it_o
from_o the_o true_a god_n or_o from_o idol_n and_o false_a go_n so_o that_o the_o mere_a pretence_n to_o divine_a revelation_n be_v that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v punish_v with_o so_o great_a severity_n the_o jew_n tell_v we_o of_o three_o sort_n of_o prophet_n who_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n by_o man_n and_o three_o other_o sort_n who_o 2._o be_v reserve_v to_o divine_a punishment_n of_o the_o first_o rank_n be_v these_o 1._o he_o that_o prophesy_v that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o hear_v 3._o and_o for_o this_o they_o instance_n in_o zedekiah_n the_o son_n of_o chenaanah_n who_o make_v he_o horn_n of_o iron_n and_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v the_o lie_a prophet_n 2._o he_o that_o speak_v that_o which_o be_v reveal_v not_o to_o he_o but_o to_o another_o and_o for_o this_o they_o 11._o instance_n in_o hananiah_n the_o son_n of_o azure_a but_o how_o true_o i_o shall_v not_o determine_v this_o be_v the_o plagiary_n prophet_n 3._o he_o that_o prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o idol_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n do_v this_o be_v the_o idol_n prophet_n these_o three_o when_o once_o full_o convict_v be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n the_o other_o rank_n of_o those_o which_o be_v leave_v to_o god_n hand_n consist_v of_o these_o 1._o he_o that_o stisle_n and_o smother_v his_o own_o prophecy_n as_o ionas_n do_v by_o which_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o when_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v overshadow_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prophet_n yet_o it_o offer_v no_o violence_n to_o their_o faculty_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o free_a determination_n of_o their_o own_o will_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n but_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n for_o at_o sometime_o their_o prophecy_n be_v as_o fire_v in_o their_o bone_n that_o they_o 9_o be_v never_o at_o any_o rest_n till_o they_o have_v discharge_v their_o office_n but_o withal_o by_o the_o example_n of_o jonas_n we_o see_v that_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n like_o the_o fire_n on_o the_o altar_n can_v only_o be_v kindle_v from_o heaven_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v destroy_v when_o it_o be_v not_o maintain_v with_o something_o to_o feed_v upon_o or_o when_o it_o meet_v not_o with_o suitable_a entertainment_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o it_o fall_v upon_o it_o may_v retreat_v back_o again_o to_o heaven_n or_o at_o least_o lie_v hide_v in_o the_o ember_n till_o a_o new_a blast_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d retrieve_v it_o into_o its_o former_a heat_n and_o activity_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o jonas_n 2._o the_o other_o be_v he_o that_o despise_v the_o word_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n of_o such_o god_n say_v deut._n 18._o 19_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o my_o word_n which_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v require_v it_o of_o he_o which_o maimonides_n explain_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d death_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n which_o he_o thus_o distinguish_v from_o the_o cer_v that_o he_o make_v the_o death_n per_fw-la 18._o manus_fw-la coeli_fw-la to_o be_v less_o than_o the_o cer_v because_o this_o latter_a continue_v in_o the_o soul_n after_o death_n but_o the_o other_o be_v expiate_v by_o death_n but_o general_o they_o interpret_v it_o of_o a_o sudden_a death_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o person_n 3._o the_o last_o be_v he_o who_o hearken_v not_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o own_o prophecy_n of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o prophet_n who_o god_n send_v to_o bethel_n who_o tertullian_n call_v sameas_n the_o jew_n hedua_n who_o god_n destroy_v in_o a_o unusual_a manner_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o command_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o not_o to_o eat_v bread_n nor_o drink_n water_n at_o bethel_n nor_o turn_v again_o by_o the_o way_n he_o come_v neither_o be_v it_o any_o excuse_n to_o this_o prophet_n that_o the_o old_a prophet_n at_o bethel_n tell_v he_o that_o a_o angel_n speak_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o shall_v turn_v back_o for_o 1._o those_o who_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o he_o give_v they_o full_a assurance_n of_o it_o in_o that_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o come_v unto_o they_o but_o this_o prophet_n can_v have_v no_o such_o certainty_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o another_o especial_o when_o it_o come_v immediate_o to_o contradict_v that_o which_o be_v so_o special_o enjoin_v he_o 2._o where_o god_n command_v a_o prophet_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o his_o message_n there_o he_o can_v have_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v whether_o god_n shall_v countermand_v it_o or_o no_o by_o another_o prophet_n because_o that_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o thwart_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o message_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o action_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o god_n intend_v his_o not_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o bethel_n to_o testify_v how_o much_o he_o loathe_v and_o abominate_v that_o place_n since_o its_o be_v pollute_v with_o idolatry_n 3._o he_o may_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o question_v the_o integrity_n of_o the_o old_a prophet_n both_o because_o of_o his_o live_n in_o bethel_n and_o not_o open_o according_a to_o his_o office_n reprove_v their_o idolatry_n and_o that_o god_n shall_v send_v he_o out_o of_o judea_n upon_o that_o very_a errand_n which_o will_v not_o have_v seem_v so_o probable_a if_o there_o have_v be_v true_a prophet_n resident_a upon_o the_o place_n 4._o the_o thing_n he_o desire_v he_o to_o do_v be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o that_o weight_n and_o importance_n on_o which_o god_n use_v to_o send_v his_o word_n to_o any_o prophet_n much_o less_o by_o one_o prophet_n to_o contradict_v what_o he_o have_v say_v by_o another_o and_o therefore_o tertullian_n say_v of_o he_o poenam_fw-la deserti_fw-la jejunii_fw-la luit_fw-la god_n punish_v he_o for_o break_v his_o 16._o fast_n at_o bethel_n and_o therefore_o that_o message_n of_o this_o prophet_n seem_v to_o gratify_v more_o man_n carnal_a appetite_n then_o usual_o the_o action_n of_o prophet_n do_v which_o be_v most_o time_n matter_n of_o hardship_n and_o uneasiness_n to_o the_o flesh_n 5._o however_o all_o these_o be_v yet_o he_o yield_v too_o soon_o especial_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n on_o his_o side_n as_o he_o have_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o god_n have_v command_v he_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o see_v some_o clear_a evidence_n of_o a_o countermand_n before_o he_o alter_v his_o mind_n if_o he_o have_v see_v any_o thing_n upon_o trial_n which_o may_v have_v stagger_v his_o faith_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v make_v his_o immediate_a recourse_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o settlement_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o removal_n of_o this_o great_a temptation_n but_o so_o easy_o to_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o a_o lie_a prophet_n which_o contradict_v his_o own_o message_n argue_v either_o great_a unbelief_n as_o to_o his_o own_o commission_n or_o too_o great_a easiness_n and_o inadvertency_n in_o be_v draw_v aside_o by_o the_o old_a prophet_n and_o therefore_o god_n make_v that_o old_a prophet_n himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o entertainment_n as_o with_o a_o hand_n write_v against_o the_o wall_n to_o tell_v he_o he_o be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n and_o find_v too_o light_a and_o therefore_o his_o life_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o he_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v either_o to_o counterfeit_v a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n or_o to_o hearken_v to_o those_o who_o do_v it_o be_v the_o general_o receive_v opinion_n among_o the_o jewish_a 3_o doctor_n that_o the_o cognizance_n and_o trial_n of_o false_a prophet_n do_v peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n and_o that_o this_o be_v one_o end_n of_o its_o institution_n so_o maimonides_n after_o he_o have_v 11._o large_o discourse_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o seducer_n and_o speak_v of_o that_o of_o a_o false_a prophet_n he_o lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o stand_a rule_n among_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o false_a prophet_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v but_o in_o the_o court_n of_o seventy_o one_o which_o be_v the_o number_n of_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n and_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n look_v very_o like_o this_o in_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n against_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n for_o the_o people_n the_o priest_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o â—_o and_o immediate_o
and_o will_n to_o mankind_n than_o he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o mere_a natural_a light_n and_o reason_n whatever_o speak_v a_o direct_a repugnancy_n to_o any_o of_o the_o fundamental_a dictate_v of_o nature_n can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n 6._o for_o those_o be_v sound_v not_o upon_o any_o positive_a or_o arbitrary_a will_n but_o upon_o those_o inward_a impression_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n its_o self_n it_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v commission_n any_o to_o enervate_v his_o own_o fundamental_a law_n and_o so_o by_o one_o will_n to_o contradict_v another_o placitum_fw-la regis_fw-la must_v never_o stand_v against_o the_o placita_fw-la coronae_fw-la those_o thing_n which_o depend_v upon_o fundamental_a and_o establish_a law_n hold_v good_a against_o any_o positive_a sentence_n or_o declaration_n of_o a_o prince_n will_v because_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v bind_v up_o himself_o by_o the_o establish_a law_n and_o therefore_o any_o thing_n else_o which_o come_v from_o he_o contrary_a to_o they_o be_v suppose_v not_o to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o prince_n but_o of_o the_o person_n persuade_v he_o to_o it_o but_o this_o now_o can_v be_v suppose_v in_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v any_o way_n draw_v to_o cassate_fw-it they_fw-mi obligation_n of_o what_o be_v imprint_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o his_o own_o law_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o null_v the_o general_a obligation_n and_o alter_v the_o particular_a nature_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o depend_v upon_o that_o general_a law_n the_o first_o in_o any_o case_n be_v impossible_a that_o any_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v make_v it_o not_o to_o be_v man_n duty_n to_o obey_v his_o maker_n or_o not_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o commit_v murder_n to_o lie_v or_o to_o steal_v from_o another_o but_o there_o may_v come_v a_o particular_a revelation_n from_o god_n to_o alter_v the_o respect_n and_o nature_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v immediate_o depend_v upon_o his_o own_o dominion_n as_o the_o life_n of_o person_n and_o the_o property_n of_o thing_n be_v and_o thus_o god_n do_v reveal_v to_o abraham_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v and_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n which_o have_v be_v no_o murder_n when_o do_v upon_o god_n immediate_a command_n and_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o will_v have_v be_v acceptable_a as_o a_o testimony_n of_o entire_a obedience_n which_o god_n do_v accept_v without_o the_o act_n and_o so_o the_o israelite_n take_v the_o egyptian_n jewel_n and_o dispossess_v the_o canaanite_n do_v depend_v upon_o god_n immediate_a disposal_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o they_o which_o otherwise_o have_v be_v a_o sin_n in_o they_o and_o no_o doubt_n be_v so_o to_o any_o that_o be_v unsatisfied_a whether_o god_n have_v immediate_o command_v it_o or_o no._n or_o from_o hence_o to_o infer_v any_o general_a rule_n be_v no_o doubt_n a_o breach_n of_o divine_a command_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o will_n where_o god_n have_v establish_v a_o positive_a law_n prescribe_v a_o form_n and_o manner_n wherein_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v it_o be_v sufficient_a 7._o evidence_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n to_o go_v about_o to_o null_a the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n unless_o there_o be_v as_o great_a evidence_n give_v that_o god_n do_v intend_v the_o establish_v a_o new_a law_n by_o that_o person_n as_o he_o do_v at_o first_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o old_a by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n this_o latter_a clause_n be_v insert_v to_o show_v that_o the_o succeed_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o place_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v not_o bear_v any_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o hypothesis_n lay_v down_o there_o be_v great_a evidence_n of_o god_n intend_v the_o abolish_n the_o ceremonial_a law_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n then_o there_o be_v of_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o by_o moses_n but_o of_o those_o afterward_o i_o now_o only_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o upon_o the_o mere_a pretence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v destroy_v any_o precept_n of_o a_o establish_a positive_a law_n and_o this_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v be_v the_o great_a rule_n the_o jew_n go_v by_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v speak_v by_o any_o prophet_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o tend_v to_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n establish_v thereby_o he_o be_v account_v a_o false_a prophet_n the_o modern_a jew_n to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o unbelief_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n extend_v this_o further_a than_o the_o law_n do_v for_o they_o enlarge_v it_o to_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n whereas_o god_n in_o the_o law_n seem_v to_o limit_v it_o to_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o chief_o insist_o on_o the_o three_o first_o precept_n of_o the_o decalogue_n and_o therefore_o condemn_v such_o a_o one_o as_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o have_v not_o command_v they_o deut._n 18._o 20._o and_o such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v in_o idolatry_n deut._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o where_o though_o the_o false_a prophet_n shall_v offer_v to_o do_v sign_n and_o wonder_n before_o they_o yet_o if_o his_o intention_n be_v to_o draw_v they_o to_o worship_v false_a god_n they_o be_v not_o to_o hearken_v unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o maimonides_n where_o he_o large_o dispute_v about_o the_o truth_n of_o prophecy_n lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o certain_a rule_n si_fw-mi propheta_fw-la surrexerit_fw-la 7._o at_o que_fw-la magna_fw-la miracula_fw-la aut_fw-la prodigiafecerit_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la laboraverit_fw-la falsitatis_fw-la convincere_fw-la prophâ—tiam_fw-la mosis_fw-la m._n n._n istum_fw-la non_fw-la audimus_fw-la quia_fw-la certo_fw-la novimus_fw-la prodigium_fw-la praestigiis_fw-la aut_fw-la incant_v ationibus_fw-la productum_fw-la esse_fw-la as_o vorstius_n render_v he_o if_o a_o prophet_n do_v never_o so_o great_a miracle_n and_o seek_v to_o convince_v moses_n of_o falsehood_n we_o be_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o he_o for_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o illusion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o any_o one_o pretend_v 9_o to_o prophesy_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o name_n of_o idol_n they_o must_v not_o so_o much_o as_o dispute_v with_o he_o nor_o answer_v he_o nor_o desire_v any_o sign_n or_o miracle_n from_o he_o and_o if_o of_o himself_o he_o show_v any_o we_o be_v not_o to_o regard_v or_o mind_v they_o for_o say_v he_o whoever_o do_v but_o doubt_n in_o his_o mind_n concern_v they_o he_o break_v that_o command_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n so_o 3_o that_o the_o doctrine_n once_o establish_v aught_o to_o be_v our_o most_o certain_a rule_n according_a to_o which_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o all_o pretender_n to_o miracle_n if_o their_o design_n be_v to_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o god_n word_n we_o be_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o what_o they_o either_o say_v or_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o prophet_n who_o seek_v not_o to_o introduce_v idolatry_n must_v not_o be_v measure_v by_o a_o strict_a conformity_n to_o the_o word_n 8._o of_o moses_n his_o law_n but_o to_o the_o main_a reason_n and_o intention_n of_o it_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o jew_n shall_v always_o rest_v in_o the_o pedagogy_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o send_v they_o prophet_n to_o train_v they_o up_o by_o degree_n and_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o a_o state_n of_o great_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o judge_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a prophet_n or_o no_o exact_o by_o that_o which_o they_o come_v gradual_o to_o wean_v they_o from_o which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o try_v one_o whether_o he_o be_v grow_v a_o man_n or_o no_o by_o the_o swaddle_a clout_n he_o wear_v when_o he_o be_v a_o child_n god_n temper_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n much_o according_a to_o the_o condition_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o person_n it_o be_v prescribe_v to_o and_o therefore_o the_o sanction_n of_o it_o do_v immediate_o respect_v their_o temporary_a concern_v but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v the_o end_n of_o that_o dispensation_n be_v to_o be_v mere_o a_o covenant_n for_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n but_o as_o the_o cherubim_n in_o the_o temple_n do_v always_o look_v towards_o the_o mercy-seat_n so_o do_v this_o whole_a oeconomy_n look_v towards_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o it_o be_v with_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v with_o ignorant_a people_n who_o look_v up_o to_o the_o heaven_n can_v fancy_v the_o star_n to_o be_v any_o big_a than_o they_o seem_v to_o
impossibile_fw-it yet_o take_v that_o impossibility_n as_o relate_v to_o second_o cause_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v some_o divine_a prediction_n we_o see_v what_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v for_o they_o for_o the_o more_o unlikely_a the_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v effect_v by_o second_o cause_n the_o great_a evidence_n be_v it_o that_o the_o prophet_n in_o foretell_v it_o do_v not_o respect_v the_o mere_a order_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o unalterable_a counsel_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o therefore_o will_v certain_o have_v their_o timely_a accomplishment_n when_o therefore_o any_o prophet_n do_v foretell_v thing_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o those_o thing_n do_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n as_o the_o contrary_n be_v of_o a_o true_a one_o for_o none_o can_v know_v so_o long_o beforehand_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v above_o all_o humane_a power_n but_o such_o to_o who_o god_n himself_o who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v they_o do_v reveal_v and_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o hence_o we_o see_v in_o scripture_n those_o prediction_n which_o have_v seem_v to_o carry_v the_o great_a improbability_n with_o they_o have_v have_v the_o most_o punctual_a accomplishment_n as_o the_o israelite_n return_v out_o of_o egypt_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 430_o year_n their_o deliverance_n by_o 17._o cyrus_n after_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n which_o seem_v so_o improbable_a a_o thing_n that_o when_o god_n speak_v of_o it_o he_o usher_v it_o in_o 28._o with_o this_o preface_n that_o he_o frustrate_v the_o token_n of_o the_o liar_n and_o make_v the_o diviner_n mad_a but_o confirm_v the_o word_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o perform_v the_o counsel_n of_o his_o messenger_n that_o say_v to_o jerusalem_n thou_o shall_v be_v inhabit_v etc._n etc._n the_o more_o unlikely_a than_o the_o thing_n be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o great_a evidence_n there_o be_v in_o so_o clear_a a_o prophecy_n of_o it_o so_o long_o before_o above_o 100_o year_n and_o so_o exact_a a_o fulfil_n of_o it_o afterward_o precise_o at_o the_o expire_a of_o the_o l_o x_o x_o year_n from_o the_o first_o captivity_n prediction_n concern_v future_a event_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n from_o god_n himself_o do_v express_v the_o immutable_a determination_n 3._o of_o god_n will_n for_o which_o we_o have_v the_o great_a assurance_n we_o can_v desire_v from_o that_o remarkable_a expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n heb._n 6._o 17_o 18._o wherein_o god_n will_v more_o abundant_o to_o show_v unto_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n confirm_v it_o by_o a_o oath_n that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v we_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o the_o apostle_n obviate_v and_o remove_v all_o doubt_n and_o misprision_n lest_o god_n after_o the_o declare_v of_o his_o will_n shall_v alter_v the_o event_n foretell_v in_o it_o and_o that_o he_o do_v both_o by_o show_v that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n and_o withal_o to_o prevent_v all_o doubt_n lest_o some_o tacit_a condition_n may_v hinder_v performance_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n have_v annex_v his_o oath_n to_o it_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v the_o most_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n counsel_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v do_v in_o scripture_n often_o note_v the_o frustrate_v of_o man_n hope_n and_o expectation_n so_o it_o be_v use_v habak_v 3._o 17._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o render_v it_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o olive_n shall_v fail_v so_o osea_n 9_o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o new_a wine_n shall_v fail_v in_o she_o thus_o the_o meaning_n here_o be_v that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v frustrate_v the_o expectation_n of_o man_n or_o alter_v the_o event_n of_o thing_n after_o he_o have_v declare_v they_o for_o god_n oath_n be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o prediction_n to_o which_o this_o be_v annex_v and_o do_v full_o exclude_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v repent_v in_o god_n that_o be_v do_v otherwise_o then_o the_o word_n do_v seem_v to_o express_v because_o of_o some_o tacit_a condition_n understand_v in_o they_o so_o we_o find_v psal._n 89._o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36._o if_o they_o break_v my_o statute_n and_o keep_v not_o my_o commandment_n then_o will_v i_o visit_v their_o transgression_n with_o the_o rod_n and_o their_o iniquity_n with_o stripe_n nevertheless_o my_o love_a kindness_n will_v i_o not_o utter_o take_v from_o he_o nor_o suffer_v my_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v my_o covenant_n will_v i_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o my_o lip_n once_o have_v i_o swear_v by_o my_o holiness_n that_o i_o will_v not_o lie_v unto_o david_n his_o seed_n shall_v endure_v for_o ever_o and_o his_o throne_n as_o the_o sun_n before_o i_o wherein_o we_o see_v what_o way_n god_n take_v to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n by_o the_o oath_n which_o he_o adjoin_v to_o his_o promise_n whereby_o god_n do_v most_o full_o express_v the_o unalterable_a determination_n of_o his_o own_o will_n in_o that_o he_o swear_v by_o his_o own_o holiness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o lie_v unto_o david_n i._n e._n that_o he_o will_v faithful_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o tertullian_n well_o say_v beati_fw-la sumus_fw-la quorum_fw-la causa_fw-la deus_fw-la jurat_fw-la sed_fw-la miseri_fw-la &_o detestabiles_fw-la si_fw-la ne_fw-la juranti_fw-la quidem_fw-la credimus_fw-la it_o be_v happy_a for_o we_o unbelieving_a creature_n that_o god_n stoop_v so_o low_a as_o to_o confirm_v his_o covenant_n with_o a_o oath_n but_o it_o will_v be_v sad_a and_o miserable_a for_o such_o as_o dare_v not_o venture_v their_o faith_n upon_o it_o when_o god_n have_v annex_v his_o oath_n unto_o it_o it_o be_v think_v by_o expositor_n that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a emphasis_n in_o those_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d once_o have_v i_o swear_v thereby_o note_v the_o irrevocable_a nature_n of_o god_n oath_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o repetition_n of_o it_o as_o among_o man_n because_o when_o once_o god_n swear_v by_o himself_o it_o be_v the_o high_a demonstration_n that_o no_o condition_n whatever_o shall_v alter_v his_o declare_a purpose_n and_o therefore_o the_o council_n of_o toledo_n well_o explain_v the_o different_a nature_n of_o god_n oath_n and_o his_o repentance_n in_o scripture_n 3._o jurare_fw-la namque_fw-la dei_fw-la est_fw-la à _fw-la se_fw-la ordinata_fw-la nullatenus_fw-la convellere_fw-la poenitere_fw-la vero_fw-la eadem_fw-la ordinata_fw-la cum_fw-la voluerit_fw-la immutare_fw-la god_n be_v say_v to_o swear_v when_o he_o bind_v himself_o absolute_o to_o performance_n and_o to_o repent_v when_o thing_n fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o the_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_v concern_v they_o for_o so_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v only_o mutatio_fw-la sententiae_fw-la and_o not_o consilii_fw-la that_o the_o alteration_n may_v be_v only_o in_o the_o thing_n and_o not_o in_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o god_n but_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o scripture_n that_o many_o prediction_n do_v imply_v some_o tacit_a condition_n and_o many_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_v do_v not_o express_v his_o internal_a purpose_n it_o seem_v necessary_a in_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n do_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o irrevocable_a purpose_n of_o his_o will_n there_o shall_v be_v some_o peculiar_a mark_n and_o character_n set_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o people_n faith_n and_o this_o we_o find_v to_o be_v the_o annex_v a_o oath_n to_o his_o promise_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o that_o grand_a instrument_n of_o peace_n between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o god_n be_v please_v so_o far_o to_o strengthen_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n in_o it_o that_o he_o ratify_v the_o article_n of_o peace_n therein_o contain_v but_o especial_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n on_o his_o own_o part_n with_o a_o oath_n thereby_o to_o assure_v they_o it_o be_v never_o his_o purpose_n to_o repeal_v it_o nor_o to_o fail_v of_o performance_n in_o it_o for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o a_o oath_n lay_v any_o great_a obligation_n upon_o god_n for_o performance_n than_o the_o mere_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o immutable_a justice_n and_o consequent_o necessary_o employ_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o perform_v promise_n when_o once_o make_v but_o god_n
not_o execute_v upon_o he_o so_o ahab'_v humiliation_n hezekiah_n his_o earnest_a prayer_n the_o ninivites_n 19_o repentance_n all_o interpose_a between_o sentence_n and_o execution_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o reason_n why_o these_o denunciation_n do_v not_o take_v effect_n but_o where_o the_o person_n continue_v the_o same_o after_o threaten_n that_o they_o be_v before_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o sentence_n shall_v be_v suspend_v unless_o we_o shall_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a effect_n of_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n the_o jew_n give_v why_o the_o not_o fulfil_v of_o denunciation_n of_o judgement_n be_v never_o account_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o man_n a_o false_a prophet_n to_o which_o purpose_n these_o word_n of_o maimonides_n be_v observable_a in_o his_o jesude_v thorah_n where_o he_o treat_v particular_o on_o the_o subject_n of_o prophecy_n if_o a_o prophet_n foretell_v sad_a thing_n as_o the_o death_n of_o any_o 6._o one_o or_o famine_n or_o war_n or_o the_o like_a if_o these_o thing_n come_v not_o to_o pass_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v account_v a_o false_a prophet_n neither_o let_v they_o say_v hehold_v he_o have_v foretell_v and_o it_o come_v not_o to_o pass_v for_o eurbless_v god_n be_v slow_a to_o anger_n and_o rich_a in_o mercy_n and_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o they_o repent_v and_o god_n may_v spare_v they_o as_o he_o do_v the_o ninivites_n or_o defer_v the_o punishment_n as_o he_o do_v hezekiah_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o prophetical_a commination_n do_v not_o express_v god_n internal_a purpose_n and_o therefore_o the_o event_n may_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o yet_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n 2._o prediction_n concern_v temporal_a blessing_n do_v not_o always_o 14._o absolute_o speak_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o event_n but_o what_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v if_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v continue_v faithful_a to_o he_o for_o which_o we_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n from_o that_o place_n of_o jeremiah_n 18._o 9_o 10._o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o build_v and_o to_o plant_v it_o if_o it_o do_v evil_a in_o my_o sight_n that_o it_o obey_v not_o my_o voice_n then_o will_v i_o repent_v of_o the_o good_a wherewith_o i_o say_v i_o will_v benefit_v they_o so_o isaiah_n 1._o 19_o 20._o if_o you_o be_v willing_a and_o obedient_a you_o shall_v eat_v the_o good_a of_o the_o land_n but_o if_o you_o refuse_v and_o rebel_n you_o shall_v be_v devour_v with_o the_o sword_n for_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o whereby_o we_o see_v it_o evident_a that_o all_o promise_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v absolute_o but_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o obedience_n but_o this_o the_o jew_n can_n by_o no_o mean_n digest_v who_o rule_n be_v that_o all_o prophecy_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v must_v necessary_o come_v to_o pass_v or_o he_o be_v no_o true_a prophet_n who_o speak_v they_o for_o say_v maimon_n whatever_o good_a thing_n god_n have_v promise_v although_o 8._o it_o be_v promise_v under_o a_o condition_n he_o never_o revoke_v it_o and_o we_o never_o find_v that_o god_n repent_v he_o of_o any_o good_a thing_n promise_v but_o in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o first_o temple_n when_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o righteous_a they_o shall_v not_o die_v with_o the_o wicked_a but_o it_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o word_n but_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a to_o any_o one_o that_o consider_v the_o jewish_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n that_o in_o they_o they_o have_v always_o a_o eye_n to_o themselves_o and_o will_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o understand_v those_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o thwart_v their_o own_o interest_n as_o be_v most_o apparent_a in_o the_o present_a case_n for_o the_o grand_a reason_n why_o the_o jew_n insist_v so_o much_o on_o the_o punctual_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o promise_n of_o good_a to_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v to_o uphold_v their_o own_o interest_n in_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n which_o be_v prophesy_v of_o concern_v they_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n although_o one_o will_v think_v the_o want_n of_o correspondency_n in_o the_o event_n in_o reference_n to_o themselves_o may_v make_v they_o a_o little_a more_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o have_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o in_o nothing_o more_o than_o the_o full_a accompllshmenâ—_n of_o all_o those_o threaten_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o they_o for_o their_o disobedience_n even_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o moses_n himself_o deut._n 28._o from_o the_o 15._o to_o the_o end_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a and_o evident_a then_o that_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n confer_v upon_o they_o do_v depend_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o continue_v faithful_a to_o god_n covenant_n the_o only_a place_n of_o scripture_n produce_v by_o they_o with_o any_o plausibility_n be_v that_o jerem._n 28._o 9_o the_o prophet_n which_o prophesi_v of_o peace_n when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v then_o shall_v the_o prophet_n be_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v true_o send_v he_o for_o reconcile_a of_o which_o place_n with_o those_o already_o mention_v we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o here_o be_v a_o particular_a contest_v between_o two_o prophet_n hananiah_n and_o jeremiah_n jeremiah_n he_o foretell_v evil_a to_o come_v though_o unwilling_o five_o 6._o hananiah_n he_o prophesy_v peace_n now_o jeremiah_n according_a to_o god_n peculiar_a direction_n and_o inspiration_n appeal_v to_o the_o event_n to_o determine_v who_o prophecy_n be_v the_o true_a now_o say_v jeremiah_n if_o the_o prophecy_n of_o hananiah_n concern_v peace_n be_v fulfil_v than_o he_o be_v the_o true_a prophet_n and_o i_o the_o false_a and_o in_o this_o case_n when_o two_o prophet_n prophecy_n contrary_a thing_n it_o stand_v to_o reason_n that_o god_n will_v not_o reveal_v any_o thing_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o own_o prophet_n which_o shall_v not_o infallible_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o thereby_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o prophet_n may_v be_v full_o manifest_v beside_o jeremiah_n refer_v not_o mere_o to_o the_o event_n foretell_v but_o give_v a_o sudden_a specimon_n of_o his_o own_o truth_n in_o another_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o death_n of_o hananiah_n which_o be_v punctual_o accomplish_v the_o same_o year_n ver_fw-la 17._o and_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a to_o our_o purpose_n both_o these_o prophet_n consider_v the_o same_o people_n under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o with_o the_o same_o condition_n and_o so_o jeremiah_n because_o of_o their_o incorrigibleness_n foretell_v desolation_n certain_o to_o come_v notwithstanding_o this_o hananiah_n foretell_v peace_n and_o safety_n which_o be_v contrary_a direct_o to_o god_n method_n of_o proceed_v and_o so_o the_o falsity_n of_o his_o prophecy_n will_v infallible_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o event_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o this_o instance_n it_o appear_v evident_a that_o prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n do_v suppose_v condition_n and_o so_o have_v not_o always_o the_o event_n fulfil_v when_o the_o people_n do_v not_o perform_v their_o condition_n of_o obedience_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o the_o rule_n whereby_o the_o truth_n of_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o which_o it_o appear_v what_o little_a need_v the_o constant_a prophet_n have_v to_o appeal_v to_o miracle_n to_o manifest_v the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o they_o so_o we_o have_v finish_v our_o first_o proposition_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o try_v divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o prophet_n god_n send_v among_o his_o people_n we_o now_o come_v to_o the_o second_o general_a proposition_n concern_v prop._n the_o prophet_n those_o prophet_n who_o god_n do_v employ_v upon_o some_o extraordinary_a message_n for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o he_o have_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n confer_v upon_o they_o in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n so_o that_o we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o ordinary_a employment_n of_o prophet_n which_o be_v either_o instruction_n or_o prediction_n of_o future_a event_n among_o god_n own_o people_n from_o their_o peculiar_a message_n when_o they_o be_v send_v to_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o way_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v then_o settle_v by_o god_n own_o appointment_n now_o the_o prophet_n general_o do_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o own_v by_o those_o they_o be_v send_v to_o and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v very_o needless_a employ_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n among_o they_o to_o
ceremonial_a law_n and_o if_o he_o make_v any_o scruple_n of_o decide_v on_o which_o side_n the_o over-weight_n lie_v we_o may_v have_v cause_n to_o suspect_v he_o forsake_v of_o that_o little_a reason_n which_o give_v he_o the_o name_n of_o man_n let_v but_o the_o five_o of_o matthew_n be_v lay_v against_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o leviticus_n and_o then_o see_v whether_o contain_v the_o more_o excellent_a precept_n and_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o disparage_v any_o thing_n which_o have_v once_o god_n for_o the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o to_o let_v we_o see_v how_o far_o god_n be_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o natural_a agent_n to_o act_v to_o the_o height_n of_o his_o strength_n in_o that_o discovery_n of_o his_o will._n god_n be_v wise_a as_o well_o as_o righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n as_o he_o can_v command_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v just_a so_o he_o will_v command_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a nay_o excellent_a in_o its_o kind_n but_o though_o all_o the_o starrâ—_n be_v in_o the_o same_o firmament_n yet_o one_o star_n differ_v from_o another_o in_o glory_n though_o they_o may_v be_v all_o pearl_n yet_o some_o may_v be_v more_o orient_a than_o other_o be_v every_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n may_v have_v its_o crown_n but_o some_o may_v have_v their_o aureolae_fw-la a_o great_a excellency_n a_o full_a and_o large_a capacity_n than_o the_o other_o have_v every_o parcel_n of_o divine_a revelation_n may_v have_v some_o perfection_n in_o its_o kind_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v some_o monstra_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la in_o scaliger_n expression_n that_o may_v far_o outvie_v the_o glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o rest_n can_v we_o think_v the_o mist_n and_o umbrage_n of_o the_o law_n can_v ever_o cast_v so_o glorious_a a_o light_n as_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n himself_o in_o his_o meridian_n elevation_n as_o well_o may_v we_o think_v a_o dark_a shady_a passage_n more_o magnificent_a and_o glorious_a than_o the_o most_o princely_a palace_n a_o picture_n draw_v in_o charcoal_n more_o exquisite_a and_o curious_a than_o the_o line_n of_o apelles_n some_o imperfect_a rudiment_n more_o exact_a and_o accurate_a than_o the_o most_o elabarate_a work_n as_o go_v about_o to_o compare_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n with_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o point_n of_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n let_v the_o jew_n than_o boast_v never_o so_o much_o of_o their_o gradus_fw-la mosaicus_n and_o how_o much_o it_o exceed_v the_o degree_n of_o revelation_n in_o other_o prophet_n we_o know_v if_o his_o light_n be_v compare_v with_o what_o the_o gospel_n communicate_v moses_n himself_o see_v but_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n dark_o and_o not_o in_o speculo_fw-la lucido_fw-la as_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o speak_v we_o honour_v moses_n much_o but_o we_o have_v learn_v to_o honour_v he_o at_o who_o transfiguration_n he_o be_v present_a more_o neither_o can_v that_o be_v think_v any_o disparagement_n to_o he_o who_o account_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n but_o it_o may_v be_v though_o the_o law_n in_o its_o self_n be_v not_o so_o absolute_o perfect_a yet_o god_n may_v have_v declare_v he_o will_v never_o alter_v it_o and_o 6._o then_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o repeal_v it_o very_o true_a god_n will_v never_o alter_v what_o he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v not_o but_o where_o be_v it_o that_o he_o have_v thus_o bind_v up_o himself_o be_v it_o in_o that_o note_a place_n to_o this_o purpose_n thou_o shall_v not_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o so_o indeed_o maimonides_n argue_v but_o 14._o therein_o more_o like_o a_o jew_n then_o himself_o and_o yet_o one_o of_o his_o own_o nation_n therein_o far_o more_o ingenuous_a than_o he_o gives_z a_o most_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o it_o which_o be_v r._n jos._n albo_n who_o word_n be_v thus_o produce_v by_o vorstius_n and_o other_o the_o scripture_n only_o admonish_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o add_v to_o nor_o diminish_v from_o god_n command_v according_a to_o our_o own_o will_n but_o what_o hinder_v say_v he_o but_o god_n himself_o may_v according_a to_o his_o own_o wisdom_n add_v or_o diminish_v what_o he_o please_v but_o be_v they_o in_o good_a earnest_n when_o they_o say_v god_n bind_v up_o himself_o by_o this_o speech_n whence_o come_v then_o all_o the_o prophetical_a revelation_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v these_o add_v nothing_o to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v as_o much_o the_o will_n of_o god_n when_o reveal_v by_o they_o as_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v by_o moses_n himself_o or_o will_v they_o say_v that_o all_o those_o thing_n be_v contain_v for_o the_o substance_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o to_o what_o concern_v practice_n very_o true_a but_o not_o in_o the_o ceremonial_a but_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v not_o stick_v to_o grant_v that_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o that_o but_o if_o add_v to_o the_o precept_n be_v the_o do_v of_o god_n command_n in_o another_o way_n than_o he_o have_v prescribe_v and_o diminish_v from_o they_o be_v mere_o not_o to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v command_v as_o some_o conceive_v than_o these_o word_n be_v still_o more_o remote_a from_o the_o sense_n affix_v on_o they_o by_o the_o incredulous_a jew_n for_o why_o may_v not_o god_n himself_o add_v to_o his_o own_o law_n or_o alter_v the_o form_n of_o they_o although_o we_o be_v always_o bind_v direct_o to_o follow_v god_n declare_v will_n may_v not_o god_n enlarge_v his_o own_o will_n and_o bring_v his_o scholar_n from_o the_o rudiment_n of_o their_o nonage_n to_o the_o high_a knowledge_n of_o those_o who_o be_v full_o grow_v or_o must_v the_o world_n of_o necessity_n do_v that_o which_o the_o old_a roman_a so_o much_o abhor_v senescere_fw-la in_o elementis_fw-la wax_v gray_a in_o learn_v this_o a_o b_o c_o or_o be_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n like_o the_o china_n character_n that_o the_o world_n râ—ight_v spend_v its_o age_n in_o con_v of_o they_o but_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o meaning_n in_o that_o strict_a prohibition_n than_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o of_o their_o own_o head_n offer_v to_o find_v out_o new_a way_n of_o worship_n as_o jeroboam_fw-la do_v but_o that_o god_n revelation_n of_o his_o own_o will_n in_o all_o its_o different_a degree_n be_v to_o be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o the_o way_n and_o part_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o the_o jew_n whether_o their_o own_o severe_a and_o strict_a prohibition_n of_o thing_n not_o at_o all_o forbid_a in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o on_o a_o religious_a account_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o boundary_a to_o the_o law_n come_v not_o near_o the_o add_v to_o god_n law_n than_o god_n own_o further_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n do_v all_o the_o dispute_n than_o must_v be_v not_o whether_o god_n may_v add_v to_o his_o own_o law_n but_o whether_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o prohibit_v addition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v only_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n or_o it_o be_v the_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o to_o which_o controversy_n he_o be_v no_o true_a christian_a who_o dare_v not_o ready_o join_v issue_n with_o they_o and_o undertake_v to_o prove_v by_o all_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o they_o believe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o have_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o of_o that_o afterward_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n have_v not_o by_o this_o place_n 7._o tie_v up_o himself_o from_o any_o surth_a manifestation_n of_o his_o mind_n beyond_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o it_o may_v be_v they_o may_v put_v great_a confidence_n in_o those_o expression_n which_o seem_v necessary_o to_o imply_v a_o perpetual_a and_o unalterable_a obligation_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o say_v the_o late_a learned_a rabbi_n manasse_n ben_n israel_n if_o by_o such_o expression_n as_o those_o be_v use_v in_o scripture_n 7._o which_o seem_v to_o import_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n somewhat_o â—lse_o shall_v be_v mean_v then_o they_o seem_v to_o express_v what_o do_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o use_v they_o but_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o man_n whereas_o they_o may_v have_v speak_v clear_o and_o tell_v we_o there_o shall_v a_o time_n come_v when_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n shall_v oblige_v no_o long_o this_o be_v a_o charge_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n must_v not_o be_v dismiss_v without_o a_o particular_a enquiry_n
who_o contend_v for_o the_o corruption_n creep_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o pretence_n for_o they_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v deliver_v down_o from_o the_o father_n tantaque_fw-la est_fw-la auctoritas_fw-la vetustatis_fw-la ut_fw-la inquirere_fw-la in_o eam_fw-la scelus_fw-la esse_fw-la dicatur_fw-la who_o be_v we_o who_o will_v see_v further_o than_o antiquity_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o antiquity_n be_v accompany_v with_o dimness_n of_o sight_n and_o so_o it_o be_v undoubted_o as_o to_o the_o pagan_a world_n and_o as_o to_o the_o christian_a too_o when_o such_o a_o mixture_n of_o heathenism_n come_v into_o it_o and_o the_o very_a same_o argument_n by_o which_o the_o pleader_n for_o christianity_n do_v justify_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n notwithstanding_o this_o pretend_a antiquity_n will_v with_o equal_a force_n hold_v for_o a_o reformation_n of_o such_o inveterate_a abuse_n which_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n have_v creep_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n nullus_fw-la pudor_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la symmach_n meliora_fw-la transire_fw-la say_v ambrose_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o symmachus_n what_o shame_n be_v it_o to_o grow_v better_o quid_fw-la facies_fw-la say_v lactantius_n majores_fw-la ne_fw-la potius_fw-la a_o rationem_fw-la sequeris_fw-la sirationem_fw-la mavis_fw-la 6._o discedere_fw-la te_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la ab_fw-la institutis_fw-la &_o auctoritate_fw-la majorum_fw-la quoniam_fw-la id_fw-la solum_fw-la rectum_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la ratio_fw-la praescribit_fw-la sin_n autem_fw-la â—ietas_fw-la majores_fw-la sequi_fw-la suadet_fw-la sateris_fw-la igitur_fw-la &_o stultos_fw-la illos_fw-la esse_fw-la qui_fw-la excogitatis_fw-la contra_fw-la rationem_fw-la religionibus_fw-la servierint_fw-la &_o te_fw-la ineptum_fw-la qui_fw-la id_fw-la colas_fw-la quod_fw-la falsum_fw-la esse_fw-la conviceris_fw-la where_o reason_n and_o mere_a authority_n of_o forefather_n stand_v in_o competition_n he_o be_v more_o a_o child_n then_o a_o man_n that_o know_v not_o on_o which_o side_n to_o give_v his_o suffrage_n but_o with_o the_o great_a strength_n and_o clear_a reason_n arnobius_n speak_v in_o this_o case_n 2._o itaque_fw-la cum_fw-la nobis_fw-la intenditis_fw-la aversionem_fw-la à _fw-la religione_fw-la priorum_fw-la causam_fw-la convenit_fw-la ut_fw-la inspiciat_fw-la be_v non_fw-la sactum_fw-la nec_fw-la quid_fw-la reliquerimus_fw-la opponere_fw-la sed_fw-la secuti_fw-la quid_fw-la simus_fw-la potissimum_fw-la contueri_fw-la when_o you_o charge_v we_o say_v he_o that_o we_o be_v revolt_v from_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o forefather_n you_o ought_v not_o present_o to_o condemn_v the_o fact_n but_o to_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o neither_o ought_v you_o so_o much_o to_o look_v at_o what_o we_o have_v leave_v as_o what_o it_o be_v we_o have_v embrace_v nam_fw-la simutare_fw-la sententiam_fw-la culpa_fw-la est_fw-la ulla_fw-la vel_fw-la crimen_fw-la &_o i_fw-it veteribus_fw-la institutis_fw-la in_o alius_fw-la res_fw-la novas_fw-la voluntatesque_fw-la migrare_fw-la criminatio_fw-la ista_fw-la &_o vos_fw-la spectat_fw-la qui_fw-la totic_n vitam_fw-la consuetudinem_fw-la que_fw-la mutasti_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o mores_fw-la alios_fw-la atque_fw-la alios_fw-la ritus_fw-la priorum_fw-la condemnatione_fw-la transistis_fw-la if_o mere_a depart_v from_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o ancestor_n be_v the_o great_a salt_n all_o those_o who_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n be_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o it_o when_o they_o revolt_v from_o heathenism_n if_o it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o the_o case_n be_v different_a because_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o which_o there_o be_v not_o as_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n if_o so_o than_o all_o the_o dispute_n be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o the_o revolt_n to_o the_o cause_n induce_v to_o it_o and_o if_o the_o protestant_a be_v not_o able_a as_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o rome_n to_o manifest_v that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a let_v he_o then_o be_v triumph_v over_o by_o the_o romanist_n and_o not_o before_o i_o affert_fw-la then_o and_o that_o with_o much_o assurance_n of_o mind_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v justifiable_a upon_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o reason_n which_o the_o embrace_a christianity_n be_v when_o man_n of_o heathen_n become_v christian_n and_o that_o the_o argument_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o romanist_n against_o our_o separation_n from_o they_o be_v such_o as_o will_v have_v justify_v a_o pagan_a philosopher_n in_o not_o embrace_v christianity_n for_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o party_n of_o man_n to_o divide_v from_o other_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o pretend_v antiquity_n and_o universality_n it_o have_v be_v unlawful_a for_o a_o philosopher_n to_o have_v desert_v paganism_n as_o well_o as_o for_o a_o protestâ—nt_n to_o depart_v from_o rome_n for_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o romanist_n the_o judgement_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o separation_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n lie_v in_o that_o party_n from_o which_o we_o depart_v if_o we_o do_v now_o but_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o old_a roman_a senate_n or_o emperor_n in_o the_o case_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o divide_v from_o heathen_a worship_n we_o shall_v quick_o see_v how_o easy_a a_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v to_o make_v christianity_n its_o self_n a_o schism_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a here_o sie_a but_o as_o strong_a as_o those_o pretence_n be_v then_o or_o have_v be_v since_o the_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o conquer_v they_o and_o thereby_o to_o manifest_v that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n when_o such_o potent_a prejudices_fw-la be_v not_o able_a to_o withstand_v it_o of_o which_o antiquity_n be_v the_o first_o 2._o the_o large_a and_o universal_a spread_v of_o pagan_a religion_n when_o christianity_n come_v into_o the_o world_n there_o be_v never_o so_o great_a catholicism_n as_o in_o heathen_a worship_n when_o the_o apostle_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o gentile_a world_n ind_n adeo_fw-la per_fw-la universa_fw-la imperia_fw-la provincias_fw-la oppida_fw-la videmus_fw-la singulos_fw-la sacrorum_fw-la ritus_fw-la 6._o gentile_n babere_fw-la &_o dcos_fw-la colere_fw-la municipes_fw-la say_v caecilius_n in_o minutius_n fellix_fw-la the_o great_a charge_n against_o the_o christian_n be_v novellism_n that_o they_o bring_v in_o a_o strange_a and_o unheard_a of_o religion_n the_o common_a question_n be_v where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n as_o it_o have_v be_v since_o where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o luther_n and_o the_o same_o answer_n which_o serve_v then_o will_v stand_v unmovable_a now_o there_o where_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o weapon_n whereby_o the_o primitive_a christian_n defend_v themselves_o against_o the_o assault_n of_o paganism_n and_o the_o evidence_n they_o bring_v that_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o they_o and_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v original_o from_o god_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o overthrow_v paganism_n notwithstanding_o its_o pretend_a universality_n 3._o settlement_n by_o law_n of_o heathen_a worship_n this_o be_v so_o much_o pretend_v and_o plead_v for_o that_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v by_o the_o history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o pretence_n on_o which_o the_o christian_n suffer_v be_v sedition_n and_o oppose_v the_o establish_a law_n the_o christian_n be_v reckon_v inter_fw-la illicitas_fw-la factiones_fw-la as_o appear_v by_o tertullian_n among_o unlawful_a corporation_n the_o 38._o politician_n and_o statesman_n be_v all_o for_o preserve_v the_o law_n they_o trouble_v not_o themselves_o much_o about_o any_o religion_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v settle_v by_o law_n they_o seek_v to_o uphold_v because_o the_o act_n contrary_a to_o it_o may_v bring_v some_o disturbance_n to_o the_o civil_a state_n there_o be_v several_a law_n which_o the_o christian_n be_v then_o bring_v under_o and_o condemn_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o 1._o the_o law_n against_o hetaeriae_fw-la or_o conventicle_n as_o they_o be_v please_v frequent_o to_o style_v the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n together_o thence_o the_o place_n where_o the_o christian_n assemble_v for_o worship_n be_v common_o call_v conventicula_fw-la 4._o it_o a_o appellabant_fw-la loca_fw-la say_v heraldus_n ubi_fw-la congregabantur_fw-la christiani_n oraturi_fw-la &_o verbi_fw-la divini_fw-la interpretationem_fw-la accepturi_fw-la ac_fw-la sacras_fw-la synaxes_n habituri_fw-la but_o elmenhorstius_n more_o short_o conventicula_fw-la loca_fw-la sunt_fw-la ubi_fw-la christiani_n congregati_fw-la orare_fw-la consucverunt_fw-la the_o place_n where_o the_o christian_n do_v meet_v and_o pray_v together_o be_v call_v conventicle_n in_o basiâ—ica_n siciunini_fw-la ubi_fw-la ritus_fw-la christiani_n est_fw-la conventiculum_fw-la say_v 4._o ammianus_n marccllinus_fw-la cur_n immaniter_fw-la conventicula_fw-la dirui_fw-la say_v arnobius_n qui_fw-la universum_fw-la populum_fw-la cum_fw-la ipso_fw-la pariter_fw-la conventiculo_fw-la concremavit_fw-la as_o lactantius_n likewise_o speak_v now_o 11._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n be_v
such_o a_o impress_n of_o god_n authority_n on_o the_o scripture_n that_o any_o who_o consider_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v can_v but_o discern_v i_o still_o further_o inquire_v whether_o this_o impress_n lie_v in_o the_o positive_a assertion_n in_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o that_o can_v be_v unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o writing_n shall_v pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n when_o it_o be_v not_o or_o else_o in_o the_o write_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o let_v it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o any_o one_o mere_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o write_n themselves_o without_o any_o further_a argument_n can_v pronounce_v the_o proverb_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n and_o ecclesiaste_v to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o not_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la or_o else_o the_o self-evidence_n must_v be_v in_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n but_o this_o still_o fall_v very_o short_a of_o resolve_v whole_o the_o question_n whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o utmost_a that_o this_o can_v reach_v to_o be_v that_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v of_o so_o high_a and_o excellent_a a_o nature_n that_o we_o can_v conceive_v that_o any_o other_o shall_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o god_n himself_o all_o which_o be_v grant_v i_o be_o as_o far_o to_o seek_v as_o ever_o what_o ground_n i_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o those_o particular_a write_n which_o we_o call_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o god_n do_v immediate_o employ_v such_o and_o such_o person_n to_o write_v such_o and_o such_o book_n for_o i_o may_v believe_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v the_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v contain_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a testimony_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o many_o excellent_a devotional_a book_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o further_o if_o the_o only_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n divine_a be_v the_o self-evidencing_a light_n and_o power_n of_o it_o than_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v the_o same_o ground_n of_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n when_o the_o doctrine_n be_v declare_v without_o write_v by_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o so_o that_o by_o this_o method_n of_o proceed_v the_o ground_n of_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v send_v as_o the_o mâ—ssias_n send_v from_o god_n must_v be_v whole_o and_o sole_o resolve_v into_o this_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o self-evidence_n in_o this_o proposition_n utter_v by_o christ_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n that_o all_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v bind_v to_o have_v believe_v he_o send_v from_o god_n for_o light_n manifest_v its_o self_n although_o our_o saviour_n have_v never_o do_v any_o one_o miracle_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o we_o can_v but_o charge_v our_o saviour_n on_o this_o account_n with_o be_v at_o a_o very_a unnecessary_a expense_n upon_o the_o world_n in_o do_v so_o many_o miracle_n when_o the_o bare_a naked_a affirmation_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v convince_v the_o whole_a world_n but_o be_v it_o conceivable_a then_o upon_o what_o account_n our_o saviour_n shall_v lay_v so_o much_o force_n on_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o himself_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v his_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a that_o he_o say_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v a_o great_a witness_n than_o that_o of_o john_n who_o yet_o doubtless_o have_v 36._o self-evidencing_a light_n go_v along_o with_o his_o doctrine_n too_o for_o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o finish_v the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a or_o have_v great_a self-evidence_n in_o it_o then_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o word_n do_v lay_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a testimony_n upon_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v which_o on_o that_o account_n he_o so_o often_o appeal_v to_o on_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o they_o bear_v witness_n of_o he_o and_o if_o 24._o they_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o on_o his_o own_o testimony_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v he_o for_o his_o work_n sake_n do_v all_o this_o now_o amount_v only_o to_o a_o remove_n of_o prejudices_fw-la from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o objection_n we_o be_v consider_v of_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o power_n of_o miracle_n shall_v do_v if_o these_o miracle_n may_v be_v so_o far_o do_v or_o counterfeit_v by_o false_a christ_n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o which_o the_o objection_n pretend_v and_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n 3_o wherein_o celsus_n the_o epicurean_a triumph_v so_o much_o that_o christ_n shall_v foretell_v that_o other_o shall_v come_v and_o do_v miracle_n cels._n which_o they_o must_v not_o hearken_v to_o and_o thence_o will_v infer_v as_o from_o christ_n own_o confession_n that_o miracle_n have_v in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nothing_o divine_a but_o what_o may_v be_v do_v by_o wicked_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v it_o not_o a_o wretched_a thing_n say_v he_o that_o from_o the_o same_o work_v one_o shall_v be_v account_v a_o god_n and_o other_o deceiver_n whereby_o those_o who_o will_v invalidate_v the_o argument_n from_o miracle_n may_v take_v notice_n how_o fine_o they_o fall_v in_o with_o one_o of_o the_o most_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o argument_n which_o he_o do_v and_o therefore_o origen_n reply_v to_o he_o will_v reach_v they_o too_o for_o say_v he_o our_o saviour_n in_o those_o word_n of_o he_o do_v not_o bid_v man_n beware_v in_o general_a of_o such_o as_o do_v miracle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o bid_v they_o beware_v of_o that_o when_o man_n give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v the_o true_a christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v christ_n disciple_n from_o he_o by_o some_o mere_a appearance_n in_o stead_n of_o miracle_n therefore_o christ_n be_v evident_o make_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o the_o powerful_a and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v what_o pretence_n of_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o hearken_v to_o any_o who_o give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v christ_n mere_o from_o some_o strange_a wonder_n which_o they_o wrought_v and_o from_o hence_o as_o he_o further_o observe_v may_v be_v just_o infer_v contrary_a to_o what_o celsus_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v certain_o a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a power_n in_o miracle_n when_o these_o false_a christ_n give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v christ_n mere_o from_o the_o supposal_n that_o they_o have_v this_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n and_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o the_o false_a christ_n which_o have_v appear_v they_o have_v make_v this_o their_o great_a pretence_n that_o they_o do_v many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n may_v just_o permit_v they_o to_o do_v to_o punish_v the_o great_a infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n notwithstanding_o those_o frequent_a and_o apparent_a miracle_n which_o he_o do_v which_o do_v infinite_o transcend_v those_o of_o any_o such_o pretender_n such_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v jonathas_n who_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o draw_v many_o of_o the_o people_n into_o the_o wilderness_n of_o cyrene_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d promise_v to_o show_v they_o many_o prodigy_n and_o strange_a appearance_n not_o long_o after_o in_o the_o time_n of_o adrian_n appear_v that_o famous_a blazing-star_n barchochebas_n who_o not_o only_o portend_v but_o bring_v so_o much_o mischief_n upon_o the_o jew_n his_o pretence_n be_v that_o he_o vomit_v flame_n and_o so_o he_o do_v such_o as_o consume_v himself_o and_o his_o follower_n after_o he_o many_o other_o impostor_n arise_v in_o egypt_n cyprus_n and_o crete_n who_o all_o go_v upon_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o do_v miracle_n in_o latter_a time_n the_o famous_a impostor_n be_v david_n el-david_n who_o story_n be_v thus_o brief_o report_v by_o david_n ganz_n david_n el-david_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o rebel_v against_o 895._o the_o king_n of_o persia_n and_o do_v many_o sign_n and_o prodigy_n before_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n at_o last_o his_o head_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o the_o jew_n fine_v a_o hundred_o talent_n of_o gold_n in_o the_o epistle_n
wise_a and_o free_a who_o dispense_v this_o goodness_n of_o he_o in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o be_v best_a please_v to_o himself_o though_o ever_o agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n as_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a in_o himself_o so_o whatever_o he_o do_v be_v suitable_a to_o this_o nature_n of_o he_o but_o the_o particular_a determination_n of_o the_o act_n of_o god_n beneficence_n belong_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v a_o most_o free_a and_o independent_a agent_n so_o that_o goodness_n as_o it_o import_v the_o necessary_a rectitude_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n imply_v a_o perfection_n inseparable_a from_o the_o true_a idea_n of_o god_n but_o as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o expression_n of_o divine_a bounty_n to_o somewhat_o without_o as_o the_o object_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o employ_v in_o our_o conception_n of_o god_n as_o to_o his_o nature_n but_o belong_v to_o the_o free_a determination_n of_o his_o will._n we_o can_v then_o neither_o ought_v we_o to_o determine_v any_o thing_n concern_v the_o particular_a way_n of_o god_n bounty_n towards_o the_o whole_a universe_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o any_o further_a than_o god_n himself_o have_v declare_v it_o to_o we_o now_o we_o see_v the_o world_n exist_v we_o have_v cause_n to_o adore_v that_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o not_o only_o give_v a_o be_v to_o the_o universe_n but_o continual_o uphold_v it_o and_o plentiful_o provide_v for_o all_o the_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v make_v in_o it_o which_o the_o heathen_a be_v so_o sensible_a of_o that_o the_o stoic_a in_o tully_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o abundant_a provision_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o for_o z._n man_n necessity_n but_o for_o delight_n and_o ornament_n cry_v out_o ut_fw-la interdum_fw-la pronaea_n nostra_fw-la epicurea_fw-la esse_fw-la videatur_fw-la god_n providence_n do_v abundant_o exceed_v man_n necessity_n we_o see_v then_o from_o this_o discourse_n how_o unsafe_a and_o unsatisfactory_a that_o i_o may_v not_o say_v bold_a and_o presumptuous_a those_o argument_n be_v which_o be_v draw_v from_o a_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o goodness_n without_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o his_o will_n as_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v certain_o then_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o any_o great_a force_n with_o any_o candid_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n and_o reason_n which_o have_v be_v late_o plead_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o that_o pythagorean_n hypothesis_n of_o the_o praeexistence_n of_o soul_n viz._n that_o if_o it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n soul_n to_o be_v at_o all_o the_o soon_o they_o be_v the_o better_a but_o we_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n will_v do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a and_o therefore_o if_o they_o can_v enjoy_v themselves_o before_o they_o come_v into_o these_o terrestrial_a body_n it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o enjoy_v themselves_o than_o not_o they_o must_v be_v before_o they_o come_v into_o these_o body_n wherefore_o the_o praeexistence_n of_o soul_n be_v a_o necessary_a result_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o can_v no_o more_o fail_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a than_o he_o can_v to_o understand_v it_o i_o now_o serious_o inquire_v of_o such_o who_o love_n reason_n above_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n whether_o if_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n be_v put_v into_o the_o argument_n instead_o of_o the_o praeexistence_n of_o soul_n this_o argument_n will_v not_o hold_v as_o strong_o for_o that_o as_o it_o do_v for_o praeexistence_n and_o if_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o believe_v praeexistence_n on_o this_o ground_n i_o be_v not_o likewise_o bind_v to_o believe_v at_o least_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n eternal_a if_o not_o the_o universe_n but_o how_o reconcileable_a the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o the_o pythagorick_a cabbala_n of_o the_o creation_n i_o be_o yet_o to_o understand_v but_o if_o this_o argument_n do_v not_o at_o all_o infer_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v show_v it_o do_v not_o much_o less_o do_v it_o praeexistence_n of_o soul_n we_o have_v thus_o far_o consider_v the_o first_o hypothesis_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o moses_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n 8._o which_o be_v that_o which_o assert_n the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o which_o attribute_n the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v to_o god_n as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n but_o attribute_n eternity_n to_o the_o matter_n out_o of_o which_o the_o world_n be_v frame_v i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o some_o who_o will_v be_v take_v for_o the_o master_n of_o reason_n be_v so_o far_o from_o conceive_v this_o hypothesis_n to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o text_n of_o moses_n that_o they_o 4._o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o preaexistent_a matter_n out_o of_o which_o god_n form_v the_o world_n but_o i_o will_v willing_o understand_v how_o moses_n will_v have_v express_v that_o matter_n its_o self_n be_v create_v suppose_v it_o have_v be_v his_o intention_n to_o have_v speak_v it_o for_o although_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v not_o of_o its_o self_n imply_v necessary_o the_o production_n of_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o i._n e._n out_o of_o no_o preaexistent_a matter_n yet_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o no_o word_n use_v by_o the_o jew_n be_v more_o proper_a to_o that_o then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v and_o p._n fagius_n cite_v it_o from_o r._n nachmani_n that_o the_o hebrew_n language_n have_v no_o other_o word_n to_o signify_v such_o a_o production_n out_o of_o nothing_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v therefore_o a_o very_a weak_a manner_n of_o argue_v that_o because_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o use_v for_o no_o more_o than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d therefore_o the_o world_n be_v create_v out_o of_o preaexistent_a matter_n all_o that_o can_v rational_o be_v infer_v be_v that_o from_o the_o mere_a force_n and_o importance_n of_o that_o word_n the_o contrary_n can_v be_v collect_v but_o if_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n compare_v and_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n do_v make_v it_o clear_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o preaexistent_a matter_n which_o be_v uncreated_a than_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o creation_n must_v be_v take_v in_o its_o proper_a sense_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o not_o only_a jew_n and_o christian_n but_o even_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o understand_v moses_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o galen_n where_o he_o compare_v the_o opinion_n 11._o of_o moses_n with_o that_o of_o epicurus_n and_o ingenuous_o confess_v that_o of_o moses_n which_o attribute_v the_o production_n of_o thing_n to_o god_n to_o be_v far_o more_o rational_a and_o probable_a then_o that_o of_o epicurus_n which_o assign_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n to_o a_o mere_a casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n but_o withal_o add_v that_o he_o must_v dissent_v from_o both_o and_o side_n with_o moses_n as_o to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o such_o thing_n as_o depend_v on_o generation_n but_o assert_n the_o praeexistence_n of_o matter_n and_o withal_o that_o god_n power_n can_v not_o extendit_n self_n beyond_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o it_o wrought_v upon_o atque_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la say_v he_o in_o quo_fw-la ratio_fw-la nostra_fw-la ac_fw-la platonis_fw-la tum_fw-la aliorum_fw-la qui_fw-la apud_fw-la graecos_n de_fw-la rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la recte_fw-la conscripserunt_fw-la à _fw-la mose_n dissidet_fw-la how_o true_a these_o word_n be_v will_v appear_v afterward_o chaleidius_fw-la in_o his_o commentary_n on_o plato_n timaeus_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o he_o be_v still_o translate_v sylva_fw-la and_o inquire_v into_o the_o different_a opinion_n of_o all_o philosopher_n about_o it_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o according_a to_o moses_n this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v its_o production_n from_o god_n hebraei_n sylvam_fw-la generatam_fw-la esse_fw-la confitentur_fw-la quorum_fw-la 372._o sapientissimus_fw-la moses_n non_fw-la humana_fw-la facundia_fw-la sed_fw-la divina_fw-la ut_fw-la ferunt_fw-la inspiratione_n vegetatus_fw-la in_fw-la eo_fw-la libro_fw-la qui_fw-la de_fw-la genitura_fw-la mundi_fw-la censetur_fw-la ab_fw-la exordio_fw-la sic_fw-la est_fw-la profatus_fw-la juxta_fw-la interpretationem_fw-la lxx_o prudentium_fw-la initio_fw-la deus_fw-la fecit_fw-la coelum_fw-la &_o terram_fw-la terra_fw-la autem_fw-la erat_fw-la invisibilis_fw-la &_o incompta_fw-la ut_fw-la vero_fw-la ait_fw-la aquila_n caput_fw-la rerum_fw-la condidit_fw-la deus_fw-la coelum_fw-la &_o terram_fw-la terra_fw-la porro_fw-la inanis_fw-la erat_fw-la &_o nihil_fw-la vel_fw-la nt_v symachus_n ab_fw-la exordio_fw-la condidit_fw
be_v the_o common_a complaint_n of_o those_o philosopher_n who_o mind_v the_o 1._o government_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n especial_o of_o the_o platonâ—sts_n and_o stoic_n seneca_n in_o all_o his_o moral_a discourse_n especial_o in_o his_o epistle_n may_v speak_v sufficient_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o stoic_n how_o much_o they_o lament_v the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o platonist_n all_o complain_n of_o the_o slavery_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o body_n and_o that_o it_o be_v here_o by_o way_n oâ—_n punishment_n for_o something_o which_o be_v do_v before_o which_o make_v i_o somewhat_o incurable_a to_o think_v that_o plato_n know_v more_o of_o the_o lapse_n of_o 〈◊〉_d than_o he_o will_v open_o discover_v and_o for_o that_o end_n disguise_v it_o after_o his_o usual_a manner_n in_o that_o hypothesis_n of_o preexistence_n which_o take_v it_o cabbalistical_o for_o i_o rather_o think_v the_o opinion_n of_o prae_fw-la existence_n be_v so_o to_o be_v take_v then_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n may_v import_v only_o this_o that_o man_n soul_n may_v be_v just_o suppose_v to_o be_v create_v happy_a but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o apostasy_n of_o man_n soul_n from_o god_n all_o soul_n now_o come_v into_o their_o body_n as_o into_o a_o kind_n of_o prison_n they_o be_v enslave_v to_o the_o brutish_a part_n within_o they_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o soul_n be_v now_o deprive_v of_o her_o chief_a perfection_n in_o this_o her_o low_a and_o degenerate_a condition_n and_o it_o seem_v far_o more_o rational_a to_o i_o to_o interpret_v those_o person_n opinion_n to_o a_o cabbalistical_a or_o a_o allegorical_a sense_n who_o be_v know_v to_o have_v design_o write_v in_o a_o way_n obscure_a and_o ambiguous_a then_o to_o force_v those_o man_n expression_n to_o cabbala_n who_o profess_v to_o write_v a_o plain_a history_n and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a simplicity_n and_o perspicuity_n but_o it_o can_v but_o seem_v very_o strange_a that_o a_o hypothesis_n capable_a of_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o plain_a literal_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v by_o a_o person_n who_o use_v great_a artifice_n and_o cunning_a to_o disguise_v his_o opinion_n and_o sueh_a a_o person_n withal_o who_o by_o such_o person_n themselves_o who_o make_v use_v of_o this_o opinion_n to_o that_o end_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v very_o conversant_a with_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o its_o literal_a sense_n as_o it_o real_o import_v preexistence_n of_o each_o particular_a soul_n in_o the_o gross_a manner_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o philosophic_a cabbala_n of_o the_o write_n of_o such_o a_o person_n who_o use_v not_o the_o least_o artifice_n to_o disguise_v his_o sense_n nor_o give_v we_o anywhere_o the_o least_o intimation_n that_o he_o leave_v behind_o he_o such_o plait_a picture_n in_o his_o history_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n that_o if_o you_o look_v straight_o forward_o you_o may_v see_v a_o literal_a cabbala_n on_o the_o one_o side_n a_o philosophical_a and_o on_o the_o other_o a_o moral_a but_o now_o if_o we_o remove_v the_o cabbala_n from_o moses_n to_o plato_n we_o may_v find_v no_o incongruity_n or_o repugnancy_n at_o all_o either_o as_o to_o plato_n his_o way_n of_o writing_n or_o the_o consonancy_n of_o the_o opinion_n so_o interpret_v to_o the_o plain_a genuine_a sense_n of_o moses_n if_o by_o plato_n his_o opinion_n of_o the_o preexistence_n and_o descent_n of_o soul_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o former_a the_o happy_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o conjunctâ—â—â—_n with_o god_n and_o by_o the_o latter_a the_o low_a and_o degenerate_a condiâ—â—on_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o after_o apostasy_n from_o he_o which_o â—he_v late_a platonist_n be_v so_o large_a and_o eloquent_a in_o express_v porphyry_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o something_n he_o counsel_v man_n to_o do_v have_v these_o word_n but_o if_o we_o can_v do_v they_o let_v we_o at_o least_o do_v that_o which_o be_v so_o much_o lament_v of_o old_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 27._o let_v we_o at_o least_o join_v with_o our_o forefather_n in_o lament_v this_o that_o we_o be_v compound_v of_o such_o disagree_v and_o contrary_a principle_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o preserve_v divine_a pure_a and_o unspotted_a innocency_n and_o hierocles_n full_o express_v his_o sense_n of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n 261._o in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v bad_a and_o under_o the_o command_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o grow_v impotent_a through_o their_o propensity_n to_o earth_n which_o great_a evil_n they_o have_v bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o their_o wilful_a apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o withdraw_a themselves_o from_o that_o society_n with_o he_o which_o they_o once_o enjoy_v in_o pure_a light_n which_o departure_n of_o man_n soul_n from_o god_n which_o be_v so_o hurtful_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v evident_a by_o their_o strong_a inclination_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n the_o same_o author_n mention_n with_o much_o approbation_n that_o speech_n of_o heraclitus_n speak_v of_o those_o soul_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o i_o can_v better_o render_v then_o undeclinable_o good_a he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o live_v their_o death_n and_o die_v their_o life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o man_n be_v now_o fall_v down_o from_o that_o bless_a region_n and_o as_o empedocles_n the_o pythagorean_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o word_n can_v be_v better_a render_v then_o in_o the_o word_n the_o scripture_n use_v concern_v cain_n and_o he_o go_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v 〈◊〉_d fugitive_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o under_o continual_a perplexity_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v leave_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v hierocles_n his_o own_o expression_n the_o pleasant_a meadow_n of_o truth_n a_o fit_a description_n 254._o of_o paradise_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d through_o the_o violence_n of_o her_o moult_a or_o deplumation_n she_o come_v into_o this_o earthly_a body_n deprive_v of_o that_o bless_a life_n which_o she_o before_o enjoy_v which_o he_o tell_v we_o be_v very_a consonant_n to_o plato_n senâ—e_a oâ—_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o descent_n of_o soul_n that_o when_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o impotency_n of_o fix_v whole_o â—on_v god_n they_o suffer_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o great_a loss_n and_o a_o deprivation_n of_o former_a perfâ—ctions_n which_o i_o suppose_v be_v meâ—nt_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o â—â—uls_n impotency_n of_o fly_v up_o above_o this_o earthly_a world_n than_o they_o lapse_v into_o these_o terrestrial_a and_o mortal_a body_n so_o hierocles_n conclude_v with_o this_o excellent_a and_o divine_a speech_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o therefore_o by_o apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o the_o moult_a of_o those_o feather_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v raise_v up_o above_o this_o world_n we_o have_v fall_v into_o this_o place_n of_o mortal_n which_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o evil_n so_o by_o the_o cast_n off_o carnal_a affection_n and_o by_o the_o growth_n of_o virtue_n like_o new_a feather_n to_o the_o soul_n we_o shall_v ascend_v to_o the_o place_n of_o pure_a and_o perfect_a good_a and_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n so_o much_o more_o become_a christian_n do_v these_o excellent_a philosopher_n speak_v of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o than_o some_o who_o will_v be_v account_v the_o follower_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o of_o christ_n who_o make_v it_o so_o much_o of_o their_o business_n to_o extenuate_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n which_o we_o find_v those_o who_o be_v mere_a philosopher_n far_o more_o rational_a and_o ingenuous_a in_o than_o those_o who_o pretend_v so_o high_o to_o reason_n but_o i_o think_v with_o as_o little_a of_o it_o as_o any_o suppose_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n but_o it_o be_v not_o here_o our_o business_n to_o consider_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o christianity_n but_o only_o of_o such_o who_o pretend_v only_o to_o reason_n have_v yet_o consent_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o it_o lie_v in_o a_o apostasy_n from_o 〈◊〉_d and_o have_v lose_v those_o perfection_n which_o they_o have_v before_o that_o man_n will_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o apostasy_n this_o we_o have_v already_o manifest_v at_o large_a from_o
after_o the_o flood_n of_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o lxx_o of_o the_o time_n between_o the_o flood_n and_o abraham_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o of_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o nation_n who_o call_v themselves_o aborigines_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o first_o plantation_n of_o greece_n the_o common_a opinion_n propound_v and_o reject_v the_o helen_n not_o the_o first_o inhabitant_n of_o greece_n but_o the_o pelasgi_n the_o large_a spread_v of_o they_o over_o the_o part_n of_o greece_n of_o their_o language_n different_a from_o the_o greek_n whence_o these_o pelasgi_n come_v that_o phaleg_n be_v the_o pelasgus_n of_o greece_n and_o the_o leader_n of_o that_o colony_n prove_v from_o epiphanius_n the_o language_n of_o the_o pelasgi_n in_o greece_n oriental_n thence_o a_o account_n give_v of_o the_o many_o hebrew_n word_n in_o the_o greek_a language_n and_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o eastern_a language_n in_o the_o island_n of_o greece_n both_o which_o not_o from_o the_o phaenician_o as_o bochartus_n think_v but_o from_o the_o old_a pelasgi_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o affinity_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o lacedaemonian_n of_o the_o people_n of_o amercia_n the_o next_o thing_n we_o proceed_v to_o give_v a_o rational_a account_n 1._o of_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fiâ—â—t_a age_n of_o the_o world_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n from_o adam_n which_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n for_o we_o to_o understand_v not_o only_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o curiosity_n as_o to_o the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o nation_n but_o also_o in_o order_n to_o our_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o universal_a effect_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v sufficient_o clear_v without_o this_o for_o as_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o the_o effect_n of_o man_n fall_n shall_v extend_v to_o all_o mankind_n unless_o all_o mankind_n be_v propagate_v from_o adam_n so_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o the_o account_n of_o thing_n give_v in_o scripture_n shall_v be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v person_n existent_a in_o the_o world_n long_o before_o adam_n be_v since_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o plain_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o nation_n of_o man_n for_o to_o dwell_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n some_o greek_a copy_n read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d leave_v 26._o out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a follow_v the_o arabic_a version_n to_o explain_v both_o reads_z it_o ex_fw-la homine_fw-la or_o as_o de_fw-fr dieu_fw-fr render_v it_o ex_fw-la adamo_n uno_fw-la there_o be_v but_o the_o difference_n of_o one_o letter_n in_o the_o eastern_a language_n between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o one_o denote_v blood_n and_o the_o other_o man_n but_o if_o we_o take_v it_o as_o our_o more_o ordinary_a copy_n read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yet_o thereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o all_o mankind_n be_v make_v of_o the_o same_o uniform_a matter_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o praeadamite_n weak_o imagine_v for_o by_o that_o reason_n not_o only_a mankind_n but_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o same_o blood_n since_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v at_o first_o form_v out_o of_o the_o same_o matter_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v there_o in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o occur_v in_o the_o best_a greek_a author_n for_o the_o stock_n out_o of_o which_o man_n come_v so_o homer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v_o thence_o those_o who_o be_v near_a relation_n be_v call_v in_o sophocles_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thence_o the_o name_n of_o consanguinity_n for_o nearness_n of_o relation_n and_o virgil_n use_v sanguis_fw-la in_o the_o same_o sense_n trojano_n à _fw-la sanguine_fw-la duci_fw-la so_o that_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n be_v that_o however_o man_n now_o be_v so_o disperse_v in_o their_o habitation_n and_o differ_v so_o much_o in_o language_n and_o custom_n from_o each_o other_o yet_o they_o all_o be_v original_o of_o the_o same_o stock_n and_o do_v derive_v their_o succession_n from_o that_o first_o man_n who_o god_n create_v neither_o can_v it_o be_v conceive_v on_o what_o account_n adam_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o first_o man_n and_o that_o he_o be_v make_v a_o live_a soul_n and_o of_o the_o 47._o earth_n earthy_a unless_o it_o be_v to_o denote_v that_o he_o be_v absolute_o the_o first_o of_o his_o kind_n and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v and_o when_o our_o saviour_n will_v reduce_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o beginning_n he_o instance_v in_o those_o word_n which_o be_v pronounce_v after_o eve_n be_v form_v but_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n god_n make_v they_o male_a and_o 7._o female_a for_o this_o cause_n shall_v a_o man_n leave_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o cleave_v unto_o his_o wife_n now_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a and_o easy_a then_o from_o hence_o to_o argue_v thus_o those_o of_o who_o those_o word_n be_v speak_v be_v the_o first_o male_a and_o female_a which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a these_o word_n be_v speak_v of_o adam_n and_o eve_n and_o adam_n say_v this_o be_v now_o bone_n of_o my_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o my_o flesh_n 24._o therefore_o shall_v a_o man_n leave_v his_o father_n and_o his_o mother_n and_o shall_v cleave_v unto_o his_o wife_n if_o the_o scripture_n then_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a it_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o all_o mankind_n be_v descend_v from_o adam_n and_o no_o less_o conspicuous_a be_v it_o from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n as_o deliver_v by_o moses_n for_o how_o necessary_a have_v it_o be_v for_o moses_n when_o he_o be_v 2._o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n to_o have_v discover_v by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v first_o plant_v if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o plantation_n before_o adam_n but_o to_o say_v that_o all_o the_o design_n of_o moses_n be_v only_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la and_o history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o that_o adam_n be_v only_o the_o first_o of_o that_o stock_n be_v manifest_o ridiculous_a it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o not_o only_o from_o adam_n and_o noah_n but_o from_o sem_fw-mi abraham_n and_o isaac_n come_v other_o nation_n beside_o that_o of_o jew_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v say_v that_o moses_n only_o speak_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n in_o the_o history_n of_o adam_n it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v say_v that_o moses_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o make_n of_o canaan_n and_o that_o part_n of_o the_o heaven_n which_o be_v over_o it_o when_o he_o describe_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o six_o day_n work_n for_o why_o may_v not_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o second_o ver_fw-la of_o genesis_n be_v as_o well_o understand_v of_o the_o land_n of_o judea_n and_o the_o light_n and_o production_n of_o animal_n and_o vegetable_n refer_v only_o to_o that_o as_o to_o understand_v it_o so_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o flood_n and_o in_o many_o other_o passage_n relate_v to_o those_o elder_a time_n but_o the_o author_n of_o that_o hypothesis_n answer_v that_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n may_v relate_v to_o the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o first_o people_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o second_o moses_n begin_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o first_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n very_o probable_a but_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o put_v asunder_o those_o which_o god_n have_v join_v together_o nothing_o be_v for_o do_v not_o moses_n plain_o at_o first_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o formation_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o first_o six_o day_n and_o of_o his_o rest_n on_o the_o seven_o but_o how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v rest_v then_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n if_o after_o this_o follow_v the_o formation_n of_o adam_n and_o eve_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n beside_o if_o the_o form_n of_o man_n mention_v gen._n 2._o 7._o be_v distinct_a from_o that_o mention_v gen._n 1._o 27._o then_o by_o all_o parity_n of_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o generation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n mention_v gen._n 2._o 4._o must_v be_v distinct_a from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n mention_v gen._n 1._o 1._o and_o so_o if_o there_o be_v another_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n belong_v to_o
further_a satisfaction_n concern_v this_o difference_n of_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o lxx_o from_o that_o of_o the_o present_a hebrew_n copy_n he_o may_v consult_v the_o learned_a dissertation_n of_o the_o late_a learned_a bishop_n of_o 7._o chester_n upon_o the_o lxx_o and_o the_o late_a discourse_n of_o isaac_n vossius_fw-la on_o this_o subject_n set_v a_o side_n then_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o present_a hebrew_n copy_n and_o the_o lxx_o in_o point_n of_o integrity_n and_o incorruption_n which_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o i_o can_v but_o subscribe_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o judicious_a historian_n sir_n w._n raleigh_n that_o if_o we_o look_v over_o all_o and_o do_v not_o hasty_o satisfy_v our_o understanding_n with_o the_o first_o thing_n offer_v and_o thereby_o be_v satiate_v do_v slothful_o and_o drowsy_o sit_v down_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o more_o agreeable_a rather_o to_o follow_v the_o reckon_n of_o the_o lxx_o who_o according_a to_o some_o edition_n make_v it_o above_o 1072._o year_n between_o the_o flood_n and_o abraham_n birth_n then_o to_o take_v away_o any_o part_n of_o those_o 352._o year_n give_v for_o if_o we_o advise_o consider_v the_o state_n and_o ceuntenance_n of_o the_o world_n such_o as_o it_o be_v in_o abraham_n time_n yea_o before_o abraham_n be_v bear_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v very_o ill_o do_v of_o we_o by_o follow_v opinion_n without_o the_o guide_n of_o reason_n to_o pare_v the_o time_n over_o deep_o between_o abraham_n and_o the_o flood_n because_o in_o cut_v they_o too_o near_o the_o quick_a the_o reputation_n of_o the_o whole_a story_n may_v perchance_o bleed_v thereby_o be_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n supreme_a so_o as_o no_o objection_n can_v approach_v it_o and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o follow_v withal_o this_o precept_n of_o st._n austin_n that_o wheresoever_o any_o one_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v conceive_v disagree_v to_o the_o whole_a the_o same_o be_v by_o ignorance_n of_o misinterpretation_n understand_v for_o in_o abraham_n time_n all_o the_o then_o know_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v people_v all_o region_n and_o country_n have_v their_o king_n egypt_n have_v many_o magnificent_a city_n and_o so_o have_v palestine_n and_o all_o border_a country_n yea_o all_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v side_n as_o far_o as_o india_n and_o those_o not_o build_v with_o stick_n but_o of_o hew_a stone_n and_o defend_v with_o wall_n and_o rampier_n which_o magnificence_n need_v a_o parent_n of_o more_o antiquity_n than_o those_o other_o man_n have_v suppose_v and_o therefore_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o best_a agree_v with_o reason_n and_o nature_n to_o what_o end_n shall_v we_o labour_v to_o beget_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n or_o draw_v all_o thing_n into_o wonder_n and_o marvail_n give_v also_o strength_n thereby_o to_o common_a caviller_n and_o to_o those_o man_n apish_a brain_n who_o only_o bend_v their_o wit_n to_o find_v impossibility_n and_o monster_n in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o world_n and_o mankind_n thus_o far_o that_o excellent_a historian_n who_o word_n deserve_v consideration_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o objection_n the_o second_o be_v from_o the_o great_a pretence_n of_o several_a nation_n that_o they_o be_v self-originated_n or_o come_v not_o from_o any_o other_o 2._o place_n this_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o the_o egyptian_n grecian_n ancient_a inhabitant_n of_o italy_n and_o other_o but_o how_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o these_o pretence_n will_v appear_v on_o these_o account_n 1._o the_o impossibility_n in_o nature_n that_o mankind_n shall_v be_v produce_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o they_o imagine_v which_o we_o have_v manifest_v already_o in_o our_o discourse_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n 2._o that_o the_o nation_n which_o pretend_v this_o be_v never_o able_a to_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o it_o to_o any_o other_o nation_n which_o demand_v it_o which_o be_v manifest_a by_o their_o want_n of_o any_o certain_a record_n of_o their_o ancient_a time_n which_o be_v full_o prove_v in_o our_o discourse_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o heathen_a history_n 3._o the_o only_a probable_a reason_n which_o induce_v these_o nation_n to_o make_v themselves_o aborigines_n be_v because_o they_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o first_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o country_n they_o live_v in_o which_o although_o i_o may_v allow_v to_o the_o egyptian_n and_o some_o other_o ancient_a nation_n yet_o i_o can_v do_v it_o to_o the_o helen_n or_o greek_n who_o most_o vain_o and_o arrogant_o pretend_v to_o it_o which_o because_o it_o may_v give_v more_o light_n into_o the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o greece_n and_o some_o other_o nation_n then_o have_v be_v yet_o discover_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o because_o it_o may_v further_o tend_v to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o nation_n i_o shall_v more_o particular_o inquire_v into_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o greece_n that_o it_o be_v first_o inhabit_v by_o some_o of_o noah_n posterity_n be_v out_o of_o question_n with_o all_o those_o who_o prefer_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o undoubted_a record_n of_o scripture_n before_o the_o fabulous_a imposture_n of_o man_n brain_n but_o by_o who_o immediate_a posterity_n the_o country_n of_o greece_n be_v first_o inhabit_v be_v not_o yet_o so_o clear_a as_o it_o have_v be_v general_o presume_v to_o be_v by_o most_o who_o have_v rather_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o other_o then_o spend_v time_n in_o such_o inquiry_n themselves_o which_o yet_o certain_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v unworthy_a man_n labour_n and_o industry_n that_o nothing_o tend_v more_o clear_o to_o advance_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n than_o the_o reconcile_a the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o elder_a nation_n to_o what_o we_o find_v deliver_v of_o the_o plantation_n of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a therefore_o of_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o greece_n i_o shall_v first_o propound_v the_o opinion_n general_o embrace_v among_o learned_a man_n and_o then_o show_v how_o far_o it_o be_v defective_a and_o what_o other_o more_o true_a account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o moses_n gen._n 10._o 5._o that_o the_o posterity_n of_o japhet_n take_v possession_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o the_o gentile_n i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n idiom_n not_o only_o such_o as_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v but_o all_o those_o country_n which_o lay_v much_o upon_o the_o sea_n be_v at_o any_o distance_n from_o palestine_n especial_o such_o as_o lay_v between_o the_o ocean_n and_o mediterranean_a sea_n and_o so_o both_o greece_n and_o italy_n come_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o the_o gentile_n among_o the_o son_n of_o japhet_n none_o be_v conceive_v so_o probable_a to_o have_v first_o people_v greece_n as_o he_o who_o name_n be_v preserve_v among_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o greece_n with_o very_o little_a alteration_n and_o so_o as_o the_o mede_n from_o madai_n the_o assyrian_n from_o assur_n the_o thracian_n from_o thiras_n by_o the_o like_a analogy_n the_o jonians_n from_o javan_n from_o which_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o although_o among_o the_o greek_n themselves_o the_o jonians_n be_v but_o as_o one_o division_n of_o that_o people_n which_o inhabit_v greece_n yet_o other_o nation_n comprehend_v all_o under_o the_o name_n of_o jonians_n for_o which_o we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n from_o hesychius_n and_o the_o scholiast_n on_o aristophanes_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v hesychius_n and_o more_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o scholiast_n acharnâ—ns_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o insertion_n of_o the_o aeolic_a digamma_n which_o be_v always_o do_v when_o two_o vowel_n meet_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n javones_n and_o stephanus_n byhantius_fw-la tell_v we_o that_o from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d come_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o homer_n u._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o dionysius_n periegetes_n reckon_v up_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o one_o of_o the_o river_n of_o arcadia_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 416._o and_o which_o much_o confirm_v this_o opinion_n the_o hebrew_n word_n for_o javan_n before_o the_o point_v add_v by_o the_o masorite_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d bear_v a_o perfect_a analogy_n with_o the_o greck_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o scripture_n be_v take_v for_o greece_n and_o so_o dan._n 8._o 21._o alexander_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o lxx_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o joel_n 3._o 6._o you_o have_v sell_v my_o son_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
refesh_v the_o soul_n of_o such_o who_o be_v deject_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o yet_o their_o love_n be_v sincere_a towards_o he_o with_o what_o profound_a humility_n what_o holy_a boldness_n what_o become_v distance_n and_o yet_o what_o restless_a importunity_n do_v we_o therein_o find_v the_o soul_n of_o god_n people_n address_v themselves_o to_o he_o in_o prayer_n with_o what_o cheerfulness_n do_v they_o serve_v he_o with_o what_o confidence_n do_v they_o trust_v he_o with_o what_o resolution_n do_v they_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o all_o straits_n and_o difficulty_n with_o what_o patience_n do_v they_o submit_v to_o his_o will_n in_o their_o great_a extremity_n how_o fearful_a be_v they_o of_o sin_v against_o god_n how_o careful_a to_o please_v he_o how_o regardless_o of_o suffer_v when_o they_o must_v choose_v either_o that_o or_o sin_v how_o little_a apprehensive_a of_o man_n displeasure_n while_o they_o enjoy_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n now_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o full_o and_o pathetical_o express_v in_o scripture_n do_v abundant_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o exuberancy_n and_o pleonasm_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o goodness_n towards_o his_o people_n which_o make_v they_o delight_v so_o much_o in_o he_o and_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o his_o displeasure_n but_o above_o all_o other_o discovery_n of_o god_n goodness_n his_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o with_o the_o great_a life_n and_o eloquence_n by_o eloquence_n i_o mean_v not_o a_o artificial_a composure_n of_o word_n but_o the_o gravity_n weight_n and_o perswasiveness_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o what_o can_v tend_v more_o to_o melt_v our_o freeze_a heart_n into_o a_o current_n of_o thankful_a obedience_n to_o god_n than_o the_o vigorous_a reflection_n of_o the_o beam_n of_o god_n love_n through_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o we_o be_v there_o ever_o so_o great_a a_o expression_n of_o love_n hear_v of_o nay_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v imagine_v that_o that_o god_n who_o perfect_o hate_v sin_n shall_v himself_o offer_v the_o pardon_n of_o it_o and_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o secure_v it_o to_o the_o sinner_n who_o do_v so_o hearty_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n as_o to_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v christ_n well_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 15._o that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n how_o dry_a and_o sapless_a be_v all_o the_o voluminous_a discourse_n of_o philosopher_n compare_v with_o this_o sentence_n how_o jejune_n and_o unsatisfactory_a be_v all_o the_o discovery_n they_o have_v of_o god_n and_o his_o goodness_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o we_o have_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n well_o might_n paul_n then_o say_v that_o he_o determine_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v christ_n crucify_v be_v the_o 2._o library_n which_o triumphant_a soul_n will_v be_v study_v in_o to_o all_o eternity_n this_o be_v the_o only_a library_n which_o be_v the_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o cure_v the_o soul_n of_o all_o its_o malady_n and_o distemper_n other_o knowledge_n make_v man_n mind_n giddy_a and_o flatulent_a this_o settle_v and_o compose_v they_o other_o knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o swell_v man_n into_o high_a conceit_n and_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o this_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o true_a view_n of_o themselves_o and_o thereby_o to_o humility_n and_o sobriety_n other_o knowledge_n leave_v man_n heart_n as_o it_o find_v they_o this_o alter_v they_o and_o make_v they_o better_o so_o transcendent_a a_o excellency_n be_v there_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n crucify_v above_o the_o sublimest_n speculation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o inestimable_a benefit_n we_o enjoy_v by_o the_o 5._o scripture_n that_o therein_o we_o can_v read_v and_o converse_v with_o all_o these_o expression_n of_o god_n love_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o in_o his_o own_o language_n shall_v we_o admire_v and_o praise_v what_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o heathen_a philosopher_n which_o be_v generous_a and_o handsome_a and_o shall_v we_o not_o adore_v the_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o run_v over_o with_o continue_a expression_n of_o that_o and_o a_o high_a nature_n what_o folly_n be_v it_o to_o magnify_v those_o lean_a cow_n the_o notion_n of_o philosopher_n and_o to_o contemn_v the_o fat_a the_o plenty_n and_o fullness_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v not_o far_o more_o valuable_a and_o excellent_a discovery_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n if_o there_o be_v not_o far_o more_o excellent_a direction_n and_o rule_n of_o practice_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n then_o in_o the_o sublimest_n of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n then_o let_v we_o leave_v our_o full_a ear_n and_o feed_v upon_o the_o thin_a but_o certain_o no_o sober_a &_o rational_a spirit_n that_o put_v any_o value_n upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o on_o the_o same_o account_n that_o he_o do_v prize_v the_o discourse_n of_o any_o philosopher_n concern_v god_n he_o can_v but_o set_v a_o value_n of_o a_o far_o high_a on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o discover_v in_o scripture_n so_o be_v his_o justice_n and_o holiness_n we_o have_v therein_o record_v the_o most_o remarkable_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o contumacious_a sinner_n the_o severe_a denunciation_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v against_o all_o that_o live_v in_o sin_n the_o exact_a precept_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o can_v be_v desire_v more_o to_o discover_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n than_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n concern_v he_o if_o therefore_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o nature_n perfection_n design_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o be_v as_o god_n be_v be_v a_o thing_n desirable_a to_o humane_a nature_n we_o have_v the_o great_a cause_n to_o admire_v the_o excellency_n and_o adore_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o give_v we_o so_o large_a rational_a and_o complete_a account_n of_o the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o which_o tend_v yet_o more_o to_o commend_v the_o scripture_n to_o we_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v most_o full_o discover_v concern_v god_n do_v not_o at_o all_o contradict_v those_o prime_n &_o common_a notion_n which_o be_v in_o our_o nature_n concern_v he_o but_o do_v exceed_o advance_v and_o improve_v they_o and_o tend_v the_o most_o to_o regulate_v our_o conception_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v not_o miscarry_v therein_o as_o otherwise_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o do_v for_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n so_o far_o to_o love_v themselves_o as_o to_o set_v the_o great_a value_n upon_o those_o excellency_n which_o they_o think_v themselves_o most_o master_v oâ—_n thence_o man_n come_v to_o be_v exceed_o mistake_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n some_o attribute_v one_o thing_n as_o a_o perfection_n another_o a_o different_a thing_n according_a to_o their_o humour_n and_o inclination_n thus_o imperious_a self-willed_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o cry_v up_o god_n absolute_a power_n and_o dominion_n as_o his_o great_a perfection_n easy_a and_o soft-spirited_n man_n his_o patience_n and_o goodness_n severe_a and_o rigid_a man_n his_o justice_n and_o severity_n every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o humour_n and_o temper_n make_v his_o god_n of_o his_o own_o complexion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o in_o thing_n remote_a enough_o from_o be_v perfection_n at_o all_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o prize_v and_o value_n they_o suppose_v of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v in_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o eicureans_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o they_o exclude_v providence_n as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v and_o withal_o consider_v how_o very_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o one_o who_o real_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v of_o a_o pure_a just_a and_o holy_a nature_n and_o that_o he_o have_v grievous_o offend_v he_o by_o his_o sin_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o god_n will_v pardon_v he_o upon_o true_a repentance_n it_o be_v thence_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v make_v know_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n to_o prevent_v our_o misconception_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o to_o assure_v a_o suspicious_a because_o guilty_a creature_n how_o ready_a he_o be_v to_o pardon_v iniquity_n transgession_n and_o sin_n to_o such_o as_o unfeigned_o repent_v of_o their_o folly_n and_o return_v unto_o himself_o though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v dictate_v much_o to_o we_o of_o the_o benignity_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o that_o
condition_n of_o our_o soul_n 3._o the_o scripture_n discover_v to_o we_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n and_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n that_o clear_o reveal_v the_o way_n which_o man_n may_v have_v seek_v for_o to_o all_o eternity_n without_o particular_a revelation_n whereby_o sin_n may_v be_v pardon_v and_o whatever_o we_o do_v may_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n it_o show_v we_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v through_o christ_n who_o he_o have_v make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o alone_o be_v the_o true_a and_o live_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n through_o christ_n we_o understand_v the_o term_n on_o which_o god_n will_v show_v favour_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o world_n and_o by_o he_o we_o have_v ground_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d access_n with_o freedom_n and_o boldness_n unto_o god_n on_o his_o account_n we_o may_v hope_v not_o only_o for_o grace_n so_o subdue_v our_o sin_n resist_v temptation_n conquer_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n but_o have_v fight_v this_o good_a fight_n and_o finish_v our_o course_n by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v we_o may_v just_o look_v for_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n and_o that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o those_o who_o wait_v in_o faith_n holiness_n and_o humility_n for_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n from_o heaven_n now_o what_o thing_n can_v there_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n for_o man_n to_o know_v or_o god_n to_o reveal_v than_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o self_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o only_a way_n to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n and_o enjoy_v everlasting_a bliss_n the_o scripture_n discover_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o importance_n 2._o but_o of_o the_o great_a depth_n and_o mysteriousness_n there_o be_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n thing_n we_o may_v admire_v but_o be_v never_o able_a to_o comprehend_v such_o be_v the_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v all_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n for_o we_o to_o understand_v and_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o may_v be_v unsearchable_a to_o our_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o they_o what_o certain_a ground_n our_o faith_n stand_v on_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v already_o show_v and_o therefore_o i_o forbear_v insist_v on_o 3._o they_o the_o scripture_n comprehend_v matter_n of_o the_o most_o universal_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n though_o many_o thing_n do_v much_o exceed_v our_o apprehension_n yet_o other_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o nature_n as_o origen_n bid_v celsus_n see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 135._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o which_o prevail_v most_o upon_o all_o candid_a and_o ingenuous_a auditor_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o as_o socrates_n say_v of_o heraclitus_n his_o book_n what_o he_o understand_v be_v excellent_a and_o therefore_o he_o suppose_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v be_v so_o too_o so_o ought_v we_o to_o say_v of_o the_o scripture_n if_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v within_o our_o capacity_n be_v so_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o reason_n those_o can_v contradict_v our_o reason_n which_o yet_o be_v above_o they_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o which_o they_o can_v never_o have_v have_v without_o divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a happiness_n wherein_o it_o lay_v and_o how_o to_o be_v obtain_v which_o the_o philosopher_n be_v so_o puzzle_v with_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o full_a satisfaction_n concern_v it_o true_a contentment_n under_o the_o trouble_n of_o life_n which_o the_o scripture_n only_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o and_o all_o the_o prescription_n of_o heathen_a moralist_n fall_v as_o much_o short_a of_o as_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o empirick_n do_v of_o a_o wise_a and_o skilful_a physician_n avoid_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n which_o can_v alone_o be_v through_o a_o ground_a expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n which_o death_n lead_v man_n to_o which_o can_v be_v have_v but_o through_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o matter_n themselves_o contain_v in_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n as_o the_o matter_n themselves_o be_v of_o a_o excellent_a nature_n so_o be_v the_o manner_n wherein_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n 2._o and_o that_o 1._o in_o a_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a manner_n not_o but_o there_o may_v be_v still_o some_o passage_n which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o be_v either_o prophetical_a or_o consist_v of_o ambiguous_a phrase_n or_o contain_v matter_n above_o our_o comprehension_n but_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o term_n of_o man_n salvation_n be_v deliver_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o perspicuiry_n who_o can_v understand_v what_o these_o thing_n mean_v what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n that_o without_o holiness_n none_o shall_v see_v the_o lord_n that_o unless_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o we_o can_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o man_n shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n can_v keep_v they_o from_o understand_v they_o god_n intend_v these_o thing_n as_o direction_n to_o man_n and_o be_v not_o he_o able_a to_o speak_v intelligible_o when_o he_o please_v he_o that_o make_v the_o tongue_n shall_v he_o not_o speak_v so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v his_o design_n to_o make_v know_v to_o man_n the_o term_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n will_v god_n judge_v man_n at_o the_o great_a day_n for_o not_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v strange_a that_o ever_o man_n shall_v judge_v the_o scripture_n obscure_a in_o matter_n necessary_a when_o the_o scripture_n account_v it_o so_o great_a a_o judgement_n for_o man_n not_o to_o understand_v they_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v 4._o hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o sure_a lot_n door_n be_v visible_a enough_o if_o it_o be_v a_o judgement_n for_o the_o man_n of_o sodom_n not_o to_o see_v it_o and_o the_o scripture_n than_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a enough_o if_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o judgement_n not_o to_o understand_v they_o 2._o in_o a_o powerful_a and_o authoritative_a manner_n as_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n do_v not_o so_o much_o beg_v acceptance_n as_o command_v it_o in_o that_o the_o expression_n wherein_o our_o duty_n be_v concern_v be_v such_o as_o awe_v man_n conscience_n and_o pierce_v to_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o their_o secret_a thought_n all_o thing_n be_v open_a 13._o and_o naked_a before_o this_o word_n of_o god_n every_o secret_a of_o the_o mind_n and_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n lie_v open_a to_o its_o stroke_n and_o force_n it_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o word_n be_v a_o telescope_n to_o discover_v the_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n of_o high_a concernment_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v such_o a_o microscope_n as_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o small_a atom_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o discern_v the_o most_o secret_a intent_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o as_o far_o as_o this_o light_n reach_v it_o come_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o it_o come_v arm_v with_o the_o majesty_n
of_o that_o god_n who_o reveal_v it_o who_o authority_n extend_v over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o its_o most_o secret_a and_o hide_a recess_n 3._o in_o a_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a manner_n in_o all_o other_o write_n how_o good_a soever_o we_o have_v a_o great_a mixture_n of_o dross_n and_o gold_n together_o here_o be_v nothing_o but_o pure_a gold_n diamond_n without_o flaw_n sun_n without_o spot_n the_o most_o current_a coin_n of_o the_o world_n have_v their_o alloyes_n of_o base_a metal_n there_o be_v no_o such_o mixture_n in_o divine_a truth_n as_o they_o all_o come_v from_o the_o same_o author_n so_o they_o all_o have_v the_o same_o purity_n there_o be_v a_o urim_n and_o thumim_n upon_o the_o whole_a scripture_n light_n and_o perfection_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o philosopher_n we_o may_v meet_v it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o scatter_a fragment_n of_o pure_a metal_n amid_o abundance_n of_o dross_n and_o impure_a oar_n here_o we_o have_v whole_a wedge_n of_o gold_n the_o same_o vein_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n run_v through_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o scripture_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n here_o have_v be_v no_o huckster_n to_o corrupt_v and_o mix_v their_o own_o invention_n with_o divine_a 13._o truth_n 4_o in_o a_o uniform_a and_o agreeable_a manner_n this_o i_o grant_v be_v not_o 9_o sufficient_a of_o its_o self_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_a because_o all_o man_n do_v not_o contradict_v themselves_o in_o their_o write_n but_o yet_o here_o be_v some_o peculiar_a circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o part_n of_o scripture_n to_o each_o other_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o mere_a humane_a write_n 1._o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v by_o person_n who_o live_v in_o different_a age_n and_o time_n from_o each_o other_o usual_o one_o age_n correct_v another_o fault_n and_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o pity_v the_o ignorance_n of_o our_o predecessor_n when_o it_o may_v be_v our_o posterity_n may_v think_v we_o as_o ignorant_a as_o we_o do_v they_o but_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n we_o read_v not_o one_o age_n condemn_v another_o we_o find_v light_a still_o increase_v in_o the_o series_n of_o time_n in_o scripture_n but_o no_o reflection_n in_o any_o time_n upon_o the_o ignorance_n or_o weakness_n of_o the_o precedent_n the_o dim_a light_n be_v sufficient_a for_o its_o age_n and_o be_v a_o step_n to_o further_a discovery_n quintilian_n give_v it_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n of_o grammar_n rule_v quia_fw-la non_fw-la analogia_fw-la demissa_fw-la coelo_fw-la formam_fw-la loquendi_fw-la dedit_fw-la that_o which_o he_o 6._o want_v as_o to_o grammar_n we_o have_v as_o to_o divine_a truth_n they_o be_v deliver_v from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o be_v always_o uniform_a and_o agreeable_a to_o each_o other_o 2._o by_o person_n of_o different_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n god_n make_v choice_n of_o man_n of_o all_o rank_n to_o be_v enditer_n of_o his_o oracle_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o state_n policy_n or_o particular_a interest_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o his_o word_n which_o person_n of_o such_o different_a interest_n can_v not_o have_v agree_v in_o as_o they_o do_v we_o have_v moses_n david_n solomon_n person_n of_o royal_a rank_n and_o quality_n and_o can_v it_o be_v any_o mean_a thing_n which_o these_o think_v it_o their_o glory_n to_o be_v penner_n of_o we_o have_v isaiah_n daniel_n and_o other_o person_n of_o the_o high_a education_n and_o accomplishment_n and_o can_v it_o be_v any_o trivial_a thing_n which_o these_o employ_v themselves_o in_o we_o have_v amos_n other_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o all_o these_o join_v in_o consort_n together_o when_o god_n tune_v their_o spirit_n all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o strain_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o give_v light_a and_o harmony_n to_o each_o other_o 3._o by_o person_n in_o different_a place_n and_o condition_n some_o in_o prosperity_n in_o their_o own_o country_n some_o under_o banishment_n and_o adversity_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n of_o which_o no_o alteration_n we_o see_v be_v make_v either_o for_o the_o flattery_n of_o those_o in_o power_n or_o for_o avoid_v misery_n and_o calamity_n and_o under_o all_o the_o different_a dispensation_n before_o under_o and_o after_o the_o law_n though_o the_o management_n of_o thing_n be_v different_a yet_o the_o doctrine_n and_o design_n be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o in_o all_o all_o the_o different_a dispensation_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o common_a principle_n of_o religion_n the_o same_o ground_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o obligation_n to_o duty_n be_v common_a to_o all_o though_o the_o peculiar_a instance_n wherein_o god_n be_v serve_v may_v be_v different_a according_a to_o the_o age_n of_o growth_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o this_o great_a uniformity_n consider_v in_o these_o circumstance_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o these_o thing_n come_v original_o from_o the_o same_o spirit_n though_o convey_v through_o different_a instrument_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n 5._o in_o a_o persuasive_a and_o convince_a manner_n and_o that_o these_o way_n 1._o bring_v divine_a truth_n down_o to_o our_o capacity_n clothing_n spiritual_a matter_n in_o familiar_a expression_n and_o similitude_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v the_o easy_a admission_n into_o our_o mind_n 2._o propound_v thing_n as_o our_o interest_n which_o be_v our_o duty_n thence_o god_n so_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n recommend_v our_o duty_n to_o we_o under_o all_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o have_v the_o great_a force_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o annex_v gracious_a promise_n to_o our_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o those_o of_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o concern_v thing_n of_o grace_n favour_n protection_n deliverance_n audience_n of_o prayer_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o be_v these_o will_v not_o prevail_v with_o man_n what_o motive_n will_v 3._o court_v we_o to_o obedience_n when_o he_o may_v not_o only_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v but_o punish_v present_o for_o disobedience_n hence_o be_v all_o those_o most_o pathetical_a and_o affectionate_a strain_n we_o read_v in_o scripture_n o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n within_o they_o that_o they_o will_v fear_v i_o and_o keep_v all_o my_o commandment_n always_o that_o it_o may_v go_v well_o with_o they_o and_o with_o their_o child_n after_o 29._o they_o wo_n unto_o thou_o o_o jerusalem_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n s._n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o hâ—use_n of_o israel_n how_o shall_v i_o give_v thou_o up_o ephraim_n how_o shall_v i_o deliver_v thou_o israel_n how_o shall_v i_o make_v thou_o as_o admah_n how_o shall_v i_o set_v thou_o as_o zâ—boim_n i_o heart_n be_v turn_v within_o i_o my_o repenting_n be_v kindle_v together_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o 37_o child_n together_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o what_o majesty_n and_o yet_o what_o sweetness_n and_o condescension_n be_v there_o in_o these_o expression_n what_o obstinacy_n and_o rebellion_n be_v it_o in_o man_n for_o they_o to_o stand_v out_o against_o god_n when_o he_o thus_o come_v down_o from_o his_o throne_n of_o majesty_n and_o woo_v rebellious_a sinner_n to_o return_v unto_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v pardon_v such_o a_o matchless_a and_o unparallelled_a strain_n of_o rhetoric_n be_v there_o in_o the_o scripture_n far_o above_o the_o art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o the_o most_o admire_a orator_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o thus_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o god_n mind_n to_o the_o world_n the_o scripture_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n or_o as_o a_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o life_n 2._o of_o man_n and_o therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o 1._o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v which_o be_v most_o become_a god_n to_o require_v most_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o perform_v 1._o most_o become_v god_n to_o require_v as_o they_o be_v most_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o imitation_n of_o which_o in_o our_o action_n be_v the_o