nothing_o in_o scripture_n that_o look_v like_o inconsistent_a and_o contradictory_n upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n we_o shall_v discern_v a_o mutual_a correspondence_n in_o the_o style_n matter_n and_o design_n of_o these_o write_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o happy_a concurrence_n of_o circumstance_n and_o a_o admirable_a consistency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discourse_n in_o so_o much_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o upon_o this_o single_a consideration_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o these_o write_n be_v indict_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n this_o harmony_n then_o of_o the_o scripture_n i_o may_v just_o reckon_v among_o the_o inward_a note_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v adjoin_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o which_o be_v of_o the_o very_a intrinsic_a nature_n of_o it_o what_o justinian_n profess_v and_o promise_v concern_v his_o digest_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o clash_v and_o contradictory_n in_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o a_o piece_n be_v true_a only_a of_o the_o sacred_a law_n of_o the_o evangelical_n pandect_v which_o contain_v in_o they_o nothing_o dissonant_n and_o repugnant_a the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v consonant_a to_o themselves_o and_o to_o one_o another_o which_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n opposite_a to_o the_o true_a mean_v which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v reveal_v and_o assert_v in_o another_o the_o content_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n whether_o you_o look_v into_o the_o doctrinal_a or_o historical_a part_n of_o it_o have_v nothing_o contradictory_n in_o they_o all_o the_o author_n of_o it_o agree_v in_o their_o testimony_n and_o assert_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o consent_n among_o themselves_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o lie_n and_o forgery_n that_o they_o hang_v not_o together_o as_o 3._o lactantius_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n have_v observe_v especial_o if_o you_o search_v very_o inquisitive_o and_o narrow_o into_o they_o you_o will_v perceive_v that_o they_o be_v 80._o thin_a and_o slight_a and_o may_v easy_o be_v see_v through_o but_o the_o content_n of_o these_o write_n have_v be_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o and_o with_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n examine_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v every_o way_n consistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o writer_n be_v know_v to_o be_v concurrent_a and_o agree_v all_o wise_a and_o curious_a observer_n must_v needs_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o book_n under_o heaven_n that_o parallel_v the_o scripture_n as_o to_o this_o which_o show_v that_o they_o be_v more_o than_o humane_a write_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o dictate_v and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o assure_v we_o that_o 19_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n they_o be_v from_o god_n they_o be_v not_o of_o private_a interpretation_n they_o be_v not_o from_o man_n invention_n they_o be_v not_o of_o his_o own_o brain_n and_o fancy_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v as_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a oracle_n thus_o 3._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v witness_n to_o itself_o and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o other_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o what_o be_v in_o it_o and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n which_o make_v a_o ancient_a writer_n say_v 7._o we_o have_v complete_a demonstration_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o according_o we_o be_v demonstrative_o assure_v by_o faith_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n therein_o deliver_v which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o humane_a write_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o carry_v no_o such_o native_a mark_n with_o they_o but_o the_o very_a inward_a note_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n create_v in_o we_o a_o certain_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n they_o may_v be_v know_v from_o all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o by_o the_o excellent_a transcendent_a and_o divine_a matter_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o by_o the_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o deliver_v and_o publish_v it_o these_o i_o call_v internal_a proof_n because_o they_o be_v take_v from_o the_o book_n themselves_o because_o they_o be_v something_o that_o we_o find_v there_o these_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v write_v not_o by_o man_n but_o by_o god_n there_o be_v yet_o another_o internal_a testimony_n i_o call_v it_o so_o because_o it_o be_v within_o we_o though_o not_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o now_o i_o add_v that_o this_o spirit_n speak_v in_o we_o and_o work_n in_o our_o heart_n a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o of_o christ_n in_o those_o write_n this_o witness_v power_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v assert_v in_o act_n 5._o 32._o &_o 15._o 7_o 8._o and_o in_o 1_o john_n 5._o 6._o from_o these_o place_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v a_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n join_v with_o our_o conscience_n and_o persuasion_n and_o this_o spirit_n powerful_o convince_v all_o believer_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o testimony_n follow_v immediate_o on_o our_o set_n before_o we_o the_o inward_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v they_o for_o god_n make_v use_v of_o those_o evidence_n and_o argument_n to_o beget_v a_o belief_n in_o we_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n enlighten_v and_o convince_v man_n mind_n by_o those_o mean_n but_o more_o especial_o he_o urge_v these_o evidence_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o religious_a and_o faithful_a and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v no_o enthusiasm_n because_o it_o be_v discover_v to_o we_o by_o proper_a mean_n and_o instrument_n whereas_o that_o be_v without_o any_o and_o be_v general_o accompany_v with_o the_o despise_n of_o they_o but_o the_o evidence_n and_o note_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o reason_n and_o motive_n of_o our_o belief_n only_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v and_o prepare_v and_o sanctify_v our_o mind_n and_o illuminate_v our_o conscience_n and_o cause_v those_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o make_v impression_n upon_o we_o and_o effectual_o to_o prevail_v with_o we_o and_o to_o silence_v all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n witness_v in_o we_o but_o when_o i_o say_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o must_v adjoin_v this_o that_o this_o proof_n serve_v only_o for_o those_o that_o have_v this_o spirit_n it_o may_v establish_v they_o but_o it_o can_v convince_v other_o no_o other_o man_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n by_o the_o spirit_n be_v convince_a i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o beside_o this_o proof_n be_v not_o in_o all_o that_o real_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o book_n some_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o without_o this_o but_o where_o this_o be_v it_o be_v most_o powerful_a and_o convictive_a and_o surpass_v all_o other_o degreâ—_n of_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v no_o such_o câ—tain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o holy_a wâ—_n thing_n as_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d the_o heart_n of_o man_n produce_v there_o in_o a_o ration_n â—_o way_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a 〈◊〉_d our_o faculty_n chap._n ii_o external_n proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scriptureâ—_n viz._n the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o they_o and_o universal_a tradition_n which_o latter_a be_v defend_v against_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o that_o talk_v of_o a_o new_a character_n wherein_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v thâ—_n jewish_a masore_v attest_n the_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v not_o corrupt_v the_o point_n or_o vowel_n be_v coexistent_a with_o the_o letter_n f._n simon_n be_v notion_n of_o abbreviate_a the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n reject_v the_o new_a tement_n vouch_v by_o the_o unanimous_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o
demosthenes_n more_o especial_o who_o no_o less_o than_o three_o time_n in_o 1._o one_o oration_n use_v the_o word_n in_o this_o manner_n and_o in_o 1._o another_o place_n once_o or_o twice_o but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o establish_v my_o notion_n already_o by_o what_o i_o have_v produce_v you_o see_v plain_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v not_o absolute_o a_o reference_n to_o a_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o large_a import_n and_o signify_v in_o general_a on_o the_o account_n or_o for_o the_o sake_n and_o more_o especial_o that_o it_o denote_v a_o impulsive_a cause_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o be_v use_v to_o express_v those_o thing_n or_o person_n that_o put_v man_n upon_o action_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o i_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o disprove_v it_o i_o have_v defend_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o classical_a author_n that_o i_o may_v thereby_o obviate_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o inquisitive_a person_n and_o give_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o curious_a and_o make_v my_o exposition_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d more_o clear_a and_o demonstrative_a when_o it_o be_v see_v that_o it_o be_v found_v on_o the_o acception_n of_o that_o preposition_n not_o only_o in_o the_o new-testament_n but_o in_o profane_a author_n and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o i_o may_v render_v my_o whole_a undertake_n on_o that_o text_n the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o the_o learned_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o this_o rank_n of_o person_n i_o devote_v all_o my_o endeavour_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o that_o which_o i_o now_o offer_v to_o the_o world_n be_v more_o especial_o design_v for_o the_o use_v of_o young_a student_n in_o sacred_a learning_n such_o as_o be_v beginner_n and_o candidate_n in_o theology_n though_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v that_o these_o critical_a researche_n will_v â—ot_n be_v useless_a to_o those_o of_o a_o high_a character_n a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o difficult_a chapter_n and_o verse_n in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v explain_v in_o this_o book_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o same_o order_n that_o they_o be_v there_o mention_v ii_o chap._n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o image_n who_o head_n be_v of_o gold_n etc._n etc._n page_n 9_o vii_o chap._n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o four_o beast_n p._n 10_o viii_o chap._n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o ram_n and_o he-goat_n p._n 13_o xi_o gen._n 4._o let_v we_o make_v we_o a_o name_n lest_o we_o scatter_v abroad_o etc._n etc._n p._n 127_o xxxvi_o gen._n 24._o this_o be_v that_o anah_n that_o find_v the_o mule_n in_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n p._n 147_o xv._n judg._n 15_o 16_o 17_o etc._n etc._n concern_v the_o jawbone_n of_o the_o ass_n wherewith_o samson_n slay_v a_o thousand_o men._n p._n 149_o xxxviii_o isai._n 8._o the_o sun_n return_v ten_o degree_n by_o which_o degree_n it_o be_v go_v down_o p._n 200_o xxxiii_o deut._n 17._o where_o joseph_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o ox_n or_o bullock_n and_o why_o p._n 214_o ii_o luke_n 1_o 2._o there_o go_v out_o a_o decree_n from_o caesar_n augustus_n that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v tax_v p._n 352_o ii_o matth._n 2._o we_o have_v see_v his_o star_n in_o the_o east_n vers._n 7._o herod_n inquire_v of_o they_o diligent_o what_o time_n the_o star_n appear_v vers._n 9_o the_o star_n which_o they_o see_v in_o the_o east_n go_v before_o they_o etc._n etc._n vers._n 16._o herod_n slay_v all_o the_o child_n that_o be_v in_o bethlehem_n from_o two_o year_n old_a and_o under_o according_a to_o the_o time_n which_o he_o have_v diligent_o inquire_v of_o the_o wise_a men._n p._n 360_o xxiv_o matth._n the_o former_a part_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o parallel_a chapter_n of_o st._n luke_n viz._n the_o xxi_o p._n 394_o the_o author_n vindication_n of_o his_o interpretation_n of_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 29._o praef._n errata_fw-la page_n 18._o l._n 28._o for_o ahaz_n read_v hezekiah_n p._n 37._o l._n 15._o for_o end_n r._n err_v p._n 99_o l._n 8._o deal_n not_o p._n 151._o l._n 15._o deal_n not_o p._n 212._o l._n 30._o r._n with_o ham._n and_o l._n 26_o 27._o correct_v the_o hebrew_n word_n and_o do_v the_o same_o in_o other_o place_n p._n 227._o l._n 21._o r._n unutterable_a p._n 238._o l._n 11._o r._n on_o p._n 241._o l._n 9_o r._n deus_fw-la be_v p._n 248._o l._n 18._o r._n ex_fw-la aetheris_fw-la l._n ult_n for_o that_o r._n at_o other_o time_n p._n 250._o l._n 17._o r._n martinius_n p._n 255._o l._n 26._o r._n tornare_fw-la p._n 334._o marg._n quotation_n misplace_v p._n 349._o marg._n 3_o last_o line_n put_v apolog._n 2._o add_v senator_n after_o the_o quotation_n sed_fw-la cum_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o put_v b_o before_o adu._n gent._n p._n 363._o l._n 33._o r._n other_o pagan_n p._n 364._o l._n 26._o r._n silver_n lock_n p._n 376._o l._n 11._o deal_n cit_v the_o same_o testimony_n and._n p._n 411._o l._n 7_o &_o 10._o r._n cedrenus_n what_o other_o fault_n have_v escape_v the_o reader_n be_v desire_v to_o correct_v advertisement_n a_fw-la enquiry_n into_o several_a remarkable_a text_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o with_o a_o probable_a resolution_n of_o they_o by_o john_n edward_n b._n d._n in_o two_o volume_n in_o octavo_n sell_v by_o i._o robinson_n i._o everingham_n and_o i._o wyatt_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o ludgate-street_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._n the_o internal_a testimony_n or_o argument_n to_o evince_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n 1._o the_o matter_n of_o they_o that_o be_v the_o sublime_a verity_n the_o holy_a rule_n the_o accomplish_v prophecy_n contain_v in_o they_o under_o which_o last_n topick_n several_a particular_a prediction_n chief_o in_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v explain_v and_o show_v to_o be_v fulfil_v further_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o foretell_v of_o future_a contingence_n of_o that_o nature_n especial_o so_o long_o before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v can_v be_v from_o god_n only_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o these_o write_n which_o be_v peculiar_a as_o to_o their_o simplicity_n majesty_n and_o their_o be_v immediate_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o their_o harmony_n 4._o the_o particular_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o have_v choose_v a_o very_a noble_a and_o important_a subject_n to_o exercise_v my_o pen_n and_o to_o entertain_v both_o my_o own_o and_o the_o reader_n be_v thought_n and_o contemplation_n with_o for_o no_o book_n under_o heaven_n can_v possible_o be_v the_o rival_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n none_o in_o the_o world_n can_v pretend_v to_o the_o transcendent_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o these_o sacred_a write_n here_o not_o only_o all_o natural_a or_o morâ—â—_n religion_n but_o that_o also_o which_o be_v supernatural_a be_v fulâ—ly_o and_o ample_o contain_v here_o be_v the_o decalogue_n write_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o transcribe_v out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v frequent_o intersperse_v in_o these_o write_n other_o choice_n rulâ—â—_n and_o precept_n of_o morality_n but_o supernatural_a religion_n be_v the_o chief_a this_o be_v the_o main_a subject_n of_o thâ—â—_n sacred_a volume_n and_o this_o you_o will_v find_v partly_o deâ—livered_v by_o the_o inspire_a prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o partly_o by_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o in_o perâ—son_n and_o by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o these_o holy_a scripture_n i_o be_o tâ—_n treat_v which_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o truth_n the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o the_o ground_n work_v of_o all_o divinity_n for_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deliver'â—_n in_o sacred_a writ_n we_o must_v necessary_o be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o and_o know_v in_o the_o â—irst_n place_n that_o it_o iâ—_n true_a and_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v so_o if_o aâ—â—_n estate_n be_v give_v a_o person_n by_o will_n he_o must_v firâ—â—_n prove_v that_o instrument_n to_o be_v true_a and_o authenticâ—â—_n before_o he_o can_v challenge_v any_o right_n to_o what_o be_v demise_v he_o in_o it_o so_o it_o be_v here_o god_n bequeath_v we_o aâ—_n inheritance_n i._n e._n life_n and_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o testament_n wherein_o this_o be_v plain_o express_v and_o whereby_o it_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o especial_o thâ—_n write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n deseruâ—_v that_o name_n and_o thence_o be_v style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o greek_a word_n which_o in_o its_o original_a
import_n signify_v a_o dispose_n of_o something_o be_v most_o commoâ—â—ly_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o disposal_n as_o be_v either_o by_o covenâ—â—_n or_o testament_n hence_o it_o be_v sometime_o render_v 〈◊〉_d covenant_n and_o sometime_o a_o testament_n especial_o among_o the_o lawyer_n the_o latter_a sense_n prevail_v and_o according_o you_o will_v find_v that_o a_o last_o will_v and_o testament_n be_v express_v by_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o imperial_a institution_n and_o other_o law-book_n translate_v into_o greek_a we_o may_v here_o join_v both_o sense_n together_o for_o what_o god_n have_v agree_v to_o by_o covenant_n with_o man_n that_o christ_n bequeath_v and_o give_v by_o testament_n now_o we_o must_v prove_v both_o these_o i._n e._n we_o must_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o covenant_n and_o testament_n be_v true_a before_o we_o can_v receive_v any_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n from_o they_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o evidence_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v this_o covenant_n and_o this_o testament_n otherwise_o we_o can_v build_v nothing_o upon_o they_o here_o then_o i._o i_o will_v evince_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o great_a basis_n of_o all_o theology_n ii_o after_o i_o have_v large_o insist_v on_o this_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o style_n and_o phrase_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n iii_o i_o will_v advance_v yet_o far_o and_o demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o they_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o present_a undertake_n be_v the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o handle_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v but_o brief_o and_o concise_o make_v use_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v common_o insist_v upon_o by_o learned_a writer_n till_o i_o come_v to_o fix_v upon_o a_o topick_n which_o be_v not_o common_o yea_o which_o be_v very_o rare_o and_o by_o the_o by_o use_v in_o this_o cause_n and_o this_o i_o will_v pursue_v very_o large_o and_o full_o i_o hope_v with_o some_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o reader_n there_o be_v many_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o embrace_v by_o we_o as_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n some_o of_o these_o argument_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n be_v in_o common_a with_o those_o that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n on_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o insist_v at_o another_o time_n but_o my_o design_n at_o present_a be_v to_o propound_v those_o which_o be_v more_o peculiarly_a and_o proper_o fit_v to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o these_o be_v either_o internal_a or_o external_n the_o internal_a one_o i_o call_v those_o which_o be_v either_o in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o or_o in_o vs._n the_o character_n of_o divinity_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v in_o themselves_o be_v either_o their_o matter_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o write_v they_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o here_o i_o will_v mention_v only_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o the_o sublime_a doctrine_n and_o verity_n which_o be_v in_o holy_a writ_n in_o read_v this_o book_n we_o meet_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o come_v from_o any_o but_o god_n himself_o in_o other_o write_n which_o be_v most_o applaud_v the_o choice_a thing_n which_o entertain_v our_o mind_n be_v the_o excellent_a moral_a notion_n and_o precept_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o we_o which_o be_v all_o the_o result_n of_o improve_v reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n but_o here_o be_v beside_o these_o notice_n of_o a_o peculiar_a nature_n and_o such_o as_o be_v above_o our_o natural_a capacity_n and_o invention_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o these_o write_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o eternal_a decree_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o blood_n the_o whole_a method_n of_o man_n salvation_n the_o stupendous_a providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n the_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o the_o raise_n of_o all_o man_n out_o of_o their_o ash_n these_o and_o several_a other_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o come_v from_o any_o but_o god_n they_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o character_n of_o divinity_n as_o be_v no_o common_a and_o obvious_a matter_n but_o such_o as_o be_v tower_a and_o lofty_a hide_a and_o abstruse_a and_o not_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n a_o god_n be_v plain_o discover_v in_o they_o for_o the_o most_o improve_v creature_n can_v never_o have_v reach_v to_o this_o pitch_n any_o serious_a and_o think_v man_n can_v but_o discern_v the_o peculiar_a turn_v and_o singular_a contrivance_n of_o these_o mysterious_a doctrine_n which_o argue_v they_o to_o be_v divine_a we_o may_v therefore_o believe_v the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o of_o the_o wonderful_a height_n and_o sublimity_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o 2._o the_o exact_a purity_n and_o holiness_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o be_v enjoin_v in_o these_o write_n be_v another_o testimony_n of_o their_o be_v divine_o inspire_v for_o though_o some_o other_o book_n dictate_v religion_n and_o piety_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o true_a and_o just_a measure_n of_o they_o be_v take_v original_o from_o this_o one_o exact_a standard_n which_o be_v prior_n to_o they_o all_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o beside_o the_o love_n and_o charity_n the_o humility_n meekness_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n which_o the_o scripture_n describe_v to_o we_o far_o exceed_v the_o most_o advantageous_a representation_n the_o most_o exalt_a idea_n which_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n give_v of_o they_o these_o therefore_o be_v emphatical_o and_o eminent_o call_v by_o st._n paul_n the_o holy_a scripture_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o because_o they_o breathe_v the_o most_o consummate_a goodness_n and_o piety_n and_o that_o antecedent_o to_o all_o write_n whatsoever_o because_o every_o thing_n in_o they_o advance_v holiness_n and_o that_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o they_o be_v to_o promote_v protrept_n sanctity_n of_o life_n to_o make_v we_o every_o way_n better_o and_o even_o to_o render_v we_o *_o like_o god_n himself_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v intend_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o display_v the_o heavenly_a purity_n and_o thereby_o to_o commend_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o with_o sincere_a and_o humble_a mind_n we_o peruse_v this_o book_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v this_o bless_a result_n of_o it_o it_o will_v marvellous_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n especial_o of_o god_n unspotted_a holiness_n it_o will_v tincture_n our_o mind_n with_o religion_n it_o will_v pervade_v all_o our_o faculty_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o godliness_n and_o it_o will_v thorough_o cleanse_v and_o sanctify_v both_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n but_o because_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v more_o of_o this_o when_o i_o treat_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o will_v now_o dismiss_v it_o 3._o to_o the_o matter_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v refer_v the_o prophecios_fw-la and_o prediction_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o these_o i_o reckon_v another_o internal_a argument_n because_o they_o be_v draw_v from_o what_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o very_a scripture_n itself_o what_o a_o vast_a number_n be_v there_o of_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o find_v fulfil_v and_o according_o be_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o scripture_n here_o i_o will_v a_o little_a enlarge_v and_o first_o i_o will_v begâ—n_v with_o that_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o noah_n 27._o god_n shall_v enlarge_v japhet_n and_o he_o shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o shem_n and_o canaan_n shall_v be_v his_o servant_n where_o be_v foretell_v thing_n that_o happen_v above_o two_o thousand_o year_n afterward_o for_o the_o posterity_n of_o japheth_n viz._n the_o european_n especial_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n among_o other_o conquest_n gain_v the_o possession_n of_o judea_n and_o other_o eastern_a country_n which_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o shem._n again_o it_o be_v fulfil_v thus_o by_o christ_n come_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o by_o his_o
proposition_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v gain_v the_o assent_n of_o any_o intelligent_a and_o sober_a person_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o prophecy_n and_o what_o they_o aim_v at_o we_o must_v needs_o own_v they_o to_o be_v from_o he_o to_o who_o all_o future_a thing_n be_v present_a and_o who_o be_v the_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o the_o foreseer_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o holy_a scripture_n have_v deliver_v be_v actual_o come_v to_o pass_v we_o may_v with_o reason_n conclude_v that_o their_o write_n be_v not_o forgery_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o penman_n of_o they_o be_v inspire_a person_n that_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n which_o be_v a_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o their_o authority_n these_o thing_n be_v thus_o foretell_v so_o long_o before_o and_o be_v exact_o verify_v since_o it_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o the_o book_n which_o contain_v these_o prediction_n and_o be_v found_v on_o they_o be_v true_a and_o certain_a these_o prediction_n come_v from_o god_n be_v a_o aâ—_n red_a proof_n that_o these_o write_n be_v indict_v he_o they_o be_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o they_o thiâ—_n that_o which_o a_o ancient_a father_n long_o since_o deliverâ—_n 6._o the_o foretell_v of_o future_a thing_n say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d characteristic_a note_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n 〈◊〉_d the_o scripture_n for_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v aboâ—â—_n humane_a nature_n and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o 〈◊〉_d only_o â—e_v effect_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o divine_a â—â—â—rit_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o impregnaâ—_n maxim_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o fâ—_n fill_v of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o divine_a proof_n of_o 〈◊〉_d truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v a_o sufficient_a grouâ—_n to_o we_o of_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o goâ—_n thus_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 〈◊〉_d have_v undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o authority_n aâ—_n truth_n of_o they_o again_o the_o manner_n of_o these_o write_n be_v another_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o they_o theâ—_n be_v not_o write_v as_o other_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o these_o sacred_a book_n do_v not_o speak_v after_o the_o raâ—â—â—_n of_o other_o writer_n how_o admirable_a be_v the_o simplâ—_n city_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o these_o man_n all_o along_o theâ—_n do_v not_o hide_v their_o own_o or_o other_o fail_n yea_o eveâ—_n when_o they_o be_v very_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a thuâ—_n moses_n record_v not_o only_a noah_n drunkenness_n and_o lot_n incest_n but_o his_o own_o rash_a anger_n and_o unbelief_n and_o david_n register_n in_o the_o 51st_o psalm_n his_o own_o murder_n and_o adultery_n jeremiah_n relate_v his_o own_o unbecoming_a fear_n discontent_n and_o murmur_n chap._n 20._o 7_o 8_o 14._o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n conceal_v not_o the_o infirmity_n and_o defect_n 〈◊〉_d the_o gross_a miscarriage_n of_o themselves_o and_o of_o â—heir_a brethren_n as_o their_o cowardly_a leave_v of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d his_o passion_n john_n fall_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o a_o anâ—el_n to_o worship_v he_o thomas_z his_o infidelity_n johnâ—nd_n â—nd_z james_n the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n their_o unseasonable_a ambition_n peter_n deny_v of_o christ_n even_o with_o perjury_n this_o free_a and_o plain_a deal_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n show_v that_o â—hey_n be_v not_o the_o write_n of_o men._n a_o man_n may_v â—ee_n that_o there_o be_v no_o worldly_a and_o sinister_a design_n â—â—rried_v on_o in_o they_o but_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v whole_o intend_v by_o their_o impartial_a discovery_n of_o â—he_n truth_n which_o be_v long_o since_o take_v notice_n of_o â—y_a 1._o arnobius_n in_o answer_n to_o that_o cavil_v of_o the_o pagan_n hat_n the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v by_o poor_a 〈◊〉_d people_n and_o in_o a_o simple_a manner_n therefore_o â—aith_o he_o it_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v credit_v because_o they_o write_v so_o indifferent_o and_o impartial_o and_o out_o of_o simplicity_n this_o impartiality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o they_o be_v a_o irrefragable_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o write_n and_o here_o also_o you_o will_v find_v a_o excellent_a and_o admirable_a composition_n of_o simplicity_n and_o majesty_n together_o though_o the_o strain_n be_v high_a and_o lofty_a yet_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v humble_a and_o condescend_v to_o which_o purpose_n a_o learned_a father_n say_v well_o 5._o the_o language_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v low_a but_o the_o sense_n be_v sublime_a and_o heavenly_a whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o phrase_n of_o heathen_a writer_n be_v splendid_a but_o the_o thing_n couch_v in_o they_o be_v poor_a and_o mean_n the_o scripture-writer_n make_v it_o not_o their_o work_n to_o set_v off_o and_o commend_v thâ—_n write_n by_o be_v elaborate_v and_o exact_v hâ—_n be_v no_o set_a discourse_n no_o point_a argument_n 〈◊〉_d affect_a strain_n of_o logic_n tryph._n the_o writer_n 〈◊〉_d the_o bible_n say_v another_o ancient_a father_n do_v 〈◊〉_d make_v their_o write_n in_o a_o way_n of_o demonstration_n these_o unquestionable_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v above_o all_o demonstration_n nor_o shall_v yâ—â—_n find_v here_o that_o the_o writer_n strain_v for_o elegancy_n and_o florid_n expression_n as_o other_o author_n be_v wonâ—_n here_o be_v no_o quaint_a and_o curious_a method_n no_o formâ—_n transition_n no_o court_v of_o the_o reader_n no_o unnecessary_a pageantry_n of_o rhetoric_n to_o gain_v admiration_n and_o attention_n especial_o the_o style_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n be_v not_o tumid_a and_o affect_v but_o plain_a and_o simple_a and_o scorn_v the_o ornament_n and_o embellishment_n of_o fancy_n for_o as_o a_o 1._o oâ—_n christian_n say_v right_o truth_n need_v no_o fucus_n anâ—_n artifice_n and_o therefore_o the_o sense_n not_o word_n be_v mind_v in_o scripture_n all_o good_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v please_v with_o this_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n of_o the_o holy_a style_n of_o which_o there_o be_v a_o memorable_a instance_n in_o a_o 11._o ecclesiastical_a historian_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o spiridion_n a_o notable_a confessor_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n reprove_v one_o tryphilius_fw-la a_o eloquent_a man_n and_o convert_v by_o he_o to_o christianity_n some_o time_n before_o because_o speak_v one_o time_n in_o the_o famous_a council_n of_o nice_a he_o do_v instead_o of_o those_o wordâ—_n of_o christ_n 9_o tolle_n grabatum_fw-la tuum_fw-la say_v tolle_o lectum_fw-la tuum_fw-la humilem_fw-la he_o reprove_v he_o i_o say_v and_o that_o very_o sharp_o for_o disdain_v to_o use_v the_o word_n which_o the_o scripture_n itself_o use_v it_o be_v true_a the_o word_n of_o scripture_n seem_v sometime_o to_o be_v common_a and_o rude_a and_o altogether_o ungraceful_a sometime_o i_o say_v for_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o that_o scripture_n be_v not_o destitute_a of_o its_o grace_n of_o speech_n but_o that_o seem_a commonness_n and_o rudeness_n be_v great_a token_n of_o the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n gregory_n the_o great_a excuse_v the_o plainness_n and_o rudeness_n of_o his_o style_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o job_n profess_v that_o leandrum_fw-la he_o think_v it_o unworthy_a of_o and_o unbecoming_a the_o heavenly_a oracle_n to_o restrain_v they_o to_o the_o nice_a rule_n of_o grammar_n sure_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o bible_n may_v say_v so_o with_o more_o reason_n it_o become_v they_o not_o to_o stand_v upon_o those_o nicety_n and_o formality_n of_o speech_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o other_o author_n for_o it_o be_v fit_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o difference_n between_o humane_a write_n and_o divine_a i_o agree_v with_o a_o late_a ingenious_a author_n who_o declare_v that_o scripture_n it_o fit_v not_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o book_n this_o be_v to_o observe_v the_o humane_a law_n of_o method_n and_o niceness_n of_o art_n inspire_a write_n must_v not_o be_v like_o those_o of_o men._n the_o singular_a grace_n of_o these_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o artificial_a and_o study_a but_o simple_a plain_a and_o careless_a and_o that_o their_o whole_a frame_n and_o contexture_n be_v not_o such_o as_o we_o a_o artificial_a method_n be_v below_o the_o majesty_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o dictate_v they_o this_o will_v debase_v the_o scripture_n and_o equal_v they_o with_o the_o write_n of_o men._n wherefore_o the_o often_o i_o look_v into_o that_o sacred_a volume_n and_o the_o more_o i_o observe_v it_o the_o more_o i_o be_o convince_v that_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o writer_n be_v whole_o direct_v by_o a_o divine_a hand_n for_o take_v any_o of_o the_o book_n either_o doctrinal_a
or_o their_o conform_v to_o the_o dialect_n of_o their_o country_n for_o these_o be_v consistent_a with_o that_o isaiah_n be_v a_o courtier_n and_o a_o person_n of_o quality_n have_v a_o neat_a and_o elegant_a style_n and_o yet_o so_o as_o he_o know_v how_o to_o vary_v it_o according_a to_o the_o matter_n he_o treat_v of_o but_o general_o he_o be_v lofty_a and_o eloquent_a his_o style_n be_v raise_v by_o his_o education_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o noble_a extraction_n for_o he_o be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal._n jeremiah_n and_o amos_n be_v use_v to_o the_o country_n be_v mean_a and_o homely_a in_o their_o language_n the_o latter_a especial_o discover_v his_o condition_n and_o way_n of_o life_n in_o his_o low_a and_o rural_a strain_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n st._n luke_n who_o have_v improve_v himself_o by_o art_n and_o study_n be_v very_o observant_a of_o the_o greek_a elegancy_n and_o avoid_v all_o improper_a and_o exotic_a term_n in_o his_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o acts._n indeed_o the_o style_n of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n be_v very_o different_a and_o that_o difference_n be_v a_o excellency_n in_o this_o book_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o i_o say_v be_v this_o the_o writer_n leave_v not_o off_o their_o peculiar_a style_n though_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o this_o furnish_v they_o with_o new_a expression_n so_o it_o let_v they_o make_v use_n of_o their_o own_o usual_a one_o but_o immediate_o direct_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o apply_v of_o they_o so_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o they_o use_v their_o natural_a style_n they_o be_v divine_o help_v to_o make_v it_o serviceable_a to_o that_o purpose_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v hence_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o style_n and_o word_n and_o composure_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n be_v such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v reckon_v divine_a for_o this_o be_v one_o difference_n between_o this_o book_n and_o other_o that_o every_o thing_n of_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o therefore_o those_o person_n who_o dream_v of_o solecisâ—â—_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o great_a soleciser_n themselves_o but_o especial_o those_o who_o assert_v there_o be_v mistake_v and_o literal_a falsity_n in_o the_o holy_a book_n be_v utter_o to_o be_v condemn_v such_o be_v 4._o episcopius_n who_o dare_v affirm_v that_o the_o spirit_n leave_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o their_o own_o humane_a frailty_n in_o deliver_v such_o thing_n as_o belong_v to_o circumstance_n of_o a_o fact_n their_o knowledge_n and_o memory_n be_v deficient_a and_o fallible_a the_o spirit_n do_v not_o tell_v st._n john_n how_o many_o furlong_n christ_n disciple_n go_v chap._n 6._o 19_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v assert_v he_o say_v as_o to_o some_o name_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o before_o this_o you_o be_v tell_v by_o erasmus_n â—â—o_o other_o that_o the_o penman_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d in_o some_o light_a thing_n not_o that_o they_o will_v falsity_n but_o that_o they_o may_v forget_v some_o passage_n melchior_n canus_n be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v some_o considerable_a slip_v in_o scripture_n from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n memory_n yea_o among_o the_o ancient_a father_n there_o be_v 50._o one_o who_o more_o gross_o hold_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n sometime_o abuse_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o they_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o present_a purpose_n although_o they_o be_v nothing_o to_o it_o thus_o st._n paul_n he_o say_v quote_v the_o old_a testament_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n galatian_n and_o ephesian_n only_o to_o serve_v his_o turn_n and_o to_o confute_v the_o jew_n his_o adversary_n read_v say_v he_o these_o epistle_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n be_v whole_o on_o the_o polemic_a part_n and_o rufin_n you_o will_v see_v how_o prudent_o and_o dissemble_o he_o act_v in_o those_o text_n which_o he_o cit_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o at_o other_o time_n this_o bold_a man_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o say_v that_o some_o of_o the_o matter_n and_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v set_v down_o wrong_n this_o be_v no_o less_o than_o profane_a and_o blasphemous_a doctrine_n wherefore_o that_o father_n be_v to_o be_v read_v with_o great_a caution_n in_o such_o place_n as_o these_o we_o on_o the_o contrary_n assert_v that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o the_o author_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o content_n of_o holy_a writ_n but_o also_o of_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n yea_o even_o when_o those_o writer_n express_v their_o sense_n in_o their_o own_o term_n i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o way_n and_o dialect_n which_o they_o be_v master_n of_o and_o which_o be_v most_o familiar_a to_o they_o even_o than_o they_o be_v immediate_o assist_v 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o this_o book_n may_v have_v no_o error_n and_o fail_n in_o it_o of_o any_o kind_n but_o that_o it_o may_v transcend_v all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o if_o you_o do_v not_o hold_v this_o you_o make_v no_o considerable_a difference_n between_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o other_o write_n therefore_o i_o be_o thorough_o convince_v that_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v maintain_v viz._n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n indict_v the_o very_a style_n of_o scripture_n that_o even_o this_o be_v by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o writing_n i_o may_v well_o annex_v its_o harmony_n and_o thence_o also_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a though_o there_o be_v several_a seem_a repugnancy_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o in_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n and_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v they_o up_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o every_o sober_a and_o considerate_a person_n yet_o it_o can_v but_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o this_o book_n do_v entire_o agree_v and_o be_v consistent_a with_o one_o another_o this_o in_o other_o book_n which_o be_v compose_v and_o write_v by_o one_o author_n be_v not_o so_o admirable_a though_o in_o those_o piece_n we_o oftentimes_o meet_v with_o very_o palpable_a disagreement_n and_o contradiction_n but_o here_o we_o be_v able_a to_o remember_v that_o notwithstanding_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o different_a person_n and_o those_o many_o in_o number_n and_o disagree_v in_o quality_n and_o extreme_o distant_a as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n yet_o their_o write_n contradict_v not_o one_o another_o but_o there_o be_v a_o excellent_a harmony_n in_o all_o their_o part_n there_o be_v a_o perfect_a concord_n and_o consent_n among_o they_o all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o author_n in_o the_o world_n though_o of_o the_o same_o sect_n and_o party_n excellent_o to_o this_o purpose_n a_o very_a wise_a and_o judicious_a ourselves_o man_n thus_o speak_v when_o several_a man_n in_o several_a age_n not_o bring_v up_o under_o the_o same_o education_n write_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o find_v unity_n in_o their_o tenant_n or_o position_n because_o their_o spirit_n judgement_n and_o fancy_n be_v different_a but_o where_o so_o many_o several_a author_n speak_v and_o write_v at_o several_a time_n agree_v not_o only_o in_o matter_n dogmatical_a of_o sublime_a and_o difficult_a nature_n but_o also_o in_o prediction_n of_o future_a and_o contingent_a event_n whereof_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o humane_a understanding_n to_o make_v a_o discovery_n without_o a_o superior_a discovery_n make_v to_o it_o i_o must_v needs_o conclude_v one_o and_o the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n declare_v the_o same_o truth_n to_o these_o several_a men._n and_o as_o to_o the_o seem_a contrariety_n of_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n this_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o trouble_n we_o for_o this_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o writer_n do_v not_o combine_v together_o to_o cheat_v and_o delude_v we_o if_o they_o have_v design_v any_o such_o thing_n we_o shall_v not_o have_v meet_v with_o any_o difficult_a and_o seem_o repugnant_a place_n in_o these_o write_n but_o see_v we_o do_v so_o this_o among_o other_o thing_n may_v confirm_v we_o in_o this_o belief_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o contrive_v by_o man_n who_o have_v a_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v have_v such_o a_o design_n they_o will_v have_v so_o order_v it_o that_o not_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o contradiction_n and_o difference_n shall_v have_v be_v find_v but_o true_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o proceed_v thus_o in_o this_o discourse_n for_o to_o a_o unprejudiced_a and_o industrious_a enquirer_n there_o be_v
reason_n why_o the_o apocryphal_a write_n be_v not_o receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o bible_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n make_v by_o the_o romanist_n second_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o external_n testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v add_v to_o those_o argument_n which_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v true_a in_o themselves_o will_n exceed_o corroborate_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o those_o book_n and_o here_o i_o may_v mention_v the_o testimony_n give_v to_o they_o by_o god_n in_o the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o they_o through_o all_o age_n since_o they_o be_v first_o write_v in_o all_o the_o change_n of_o affair_n and_o the_o overthrow_n of_o so_o many_o city_n and_o kingdom_n that_o incomparable_a treasure_n have_v not_o be_v lose_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v keep_v untouched_a and_o inviolable_a at_o the_o sack_n and_o burn_v of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o of_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o ever_o since_o that_o time_n the_o scripture_n have_v be_v unaltered_a in_o word_n and_o sense_n notwithstanding_o the_o frequent_a endeavour_n of_o satan_n busy_a agent_n to_o corrupt_v they_o yea_o utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o next_o to_o god_n providence_n in_o preserve_v these_o book_n through_o all_o time_n and_o age_n we_o may_v add_v the_o marvellous_a success_n which_o have_v attend_v the_o holy_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o these_o write_n they_o have_v prevail_v against_o the_o power_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n and_o to_o this_o very_a day_n they_o be_v maintain_v and_o uphold_v maugre_o the_o attempt_n of_o both_o of_o they_o to_o root_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o i_o wave_v this_o intend_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o divine_a but_o humane_a testimony_n in_o this_o place_n by_o external_n testimony_n than_o i_o mean_v here_o no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o universal_a tradition_n and_o this_o tradition_n be_v both_o of_o jew_n and_o christian_n and_o what_o will_v a_o man_n desire_v more_o in_o a_o humane_a way_n for_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n from_o the_o joint_a attestation_n of_o these_o witness_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o book_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v the_o true_a copy_n of_o the_o first_o original_n that_o the_o same_o book_n and_o author_n be_v faithful_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o which_o be_v first_o of_o all_o deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o these_o write_n as_o we_o now_o have_v they_o that_o be_v falsify_v or_o corrupt_v first_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o name_n of_o which_o be_v as_o follow_v genesis_n exodus_fw-la leviticus_n number_n deuteronomy_n joshuâ—_n judge_n ruth_n the_o one_a and_o 2d_o book_n of_o samuel_n thâ—_n one_a and_o 2d_o book_n of_o king_n though_o one_a and_o 2d_o book_n 〈◊〉_d chronicle_n ezra_n nehemiah_n esther_n job_n the_o psalm_n proverb_n ecclesiaste_n the_o song_n of_o solomon_n the_o foâ—â—_n great_a prophet_n and_o the_o twelve_o lesser_n these_o and_o none_o but_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o canâ—_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o ancient_a church_n oâ—_n the_o jew_n who_o testimony_n be_v very_a authentics_n here_o yea_o indeed_o we_o can_v have_v a_o better_a they_o acquaint_v we_o that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a writing_n that_o be_v universal_o agree_v by_o they_o to_o be_v extraordinary_o inspire_v and_o they_o further_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o different_a person_n and_o at_o diverse_a time_n be_v first_o compile_v and_o collect_v into_o one_o body_n or_o volume_n by_o ezra_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o doctor_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o time_n be_v not_o constitute_v till_o ezra_n day_n by_o the_o great_a synagogue_n as_o they_o call_v it_o upon_o his_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n he_o undertake_v this_o good_a work_n he_o gather_v together_o all_o those_o disperse_a book_n before_o name_v and_o after_o he_o have_v review_v they_o he_o public_o own_v and_o solemn_o vouch_v the_o authority_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o that_o the_o church_n for_o the_o future_a may_v not_o doubt_v of_o their_o be_v authentic_a and_o true_a but_o some_o add_v here_o by_o way_n of_o objection_n that_o this_o holy_a man_n cause_v these_o book_n to_o be_v write_v over_o in_o a_o new_a character_n because_o the_o jew_n have_v lose_v their_o knowledge_n of_o the_o former_a one_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o consequent_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o eusebius_n and_o jerom_n be_v allege_v for_o this_o especial_o the_o latter_a who_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o the_o samaritan_n character_n be_v the_o old_a hebrew_n character_n in_o which_o the_o bible_n be_v first_o write_v and_o that_o it_o be_v first_o change_v by_o ezrd_n after_o the_o return_n from_o babylon_n he_o write_v â—he_v sacred_a volume_n over_o in_o assyrian_a or_o chaldee_n letter_n and_o neglect_v the_o old_a hebrew_n one_o which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o samaritan_n be_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v they_o say_v because_o the_o jew_n be_v best_o acquaint_v with_o this_o character_n at_o that_o time_n and_o some_o walton_n modern_a writer_n be_v gain_v over_o to_o this_o opinion_n who_o talk_v much_o of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o character_n and_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o first_o and_o old_a letter_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v samaritan_n but_o that_o those_o which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v assyrian_n and_o of_o quite_o another_o sort_n but_o upon_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n i_o find_v little_a or_o no_o foundation_n for_o this_o opinion_n it_o rather_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o invention_n and_o dream_n of_o those_o who_o design_n to_o disparage_v the_o hebrew_n bible_n they_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o original_a be_v impair_v because_o we_o have_v it_o not_o now_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n for_o the_o old_a bible_n be_v in_o samaritan_n letter_n these_o be_v the_o first_o and_o ancient_a hebrew_a character_n this_o be_v like_o the_o story_n of_o the_o hebrew_n point_n be_v invent_v five_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n of_o which_o afterward_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n namely_o to_o discredit_v the_o hebrew_n text_n which_o we_o now_o have_v and_o whole_o to_o take_v away_o its_o authority_n for_o if_o the_o letter_n be_v change_v it_o be_v probable_a some_o word_n and_o consequent_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o place_n be_v alter_v but_o that_o this_o be_v groundless_a and_o that_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o character_n now_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o you_o will_v find_v very_o large_o and_o convince_o prove_v by_o the_o famous_a hebr._n buxtorf_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o talmud_n especial_o the_o gemara_n 〈◊〉_d the_o cabala_n from_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o most_o notâ—_n rabbin_n of_o old_a and_o of_o the_o learned_a modern_a jeâ—â—_n as_o aben_n ezra_n r._n solomon_n r._n ben_n maimon_n &_o â—_o who_o without_o doubt_n be_v very_o competent_a judge_n 〈◊〉_d this_o case_n to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v several_a of_o 〈◊〉_d christian_a persuasion_n as_o picus_n mirandula_n f._n juniâ—_n skikkard_n postellus_n with_o those_o three_o eminent_a person_n of_o our_o own_o country_n nic._n fuller_n broughtâ—â—_n lightfoot_n if_o you_o consult_v these_o they_o will_v satisfy_v you_o that_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n which_o we_o have_v now_o in_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o primitive_a one_o the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v of_o old_a but_o to_o give_v you_o my_o thought_n impartial_o in_o this_o point_n i_o do_v belieuâ—_v from_o what_o i_o find_v assert_v by_o writer_n on_o both_o side_n that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o character_n use_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o cubit_n and_o shekel_n the_o sacred_a and_o common_a and_o i_o gather_v that_o the_o samaritan_n letter_n be_v of_o the_o latter_a sort_n that_o which_o be_v common_o use_v and_o even_o sometime_o in_o transcribe_v the_o bible_n but_o the_o sacred_a character_n in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v this_o which_o we_o now_o have_v and_o in_o which_o the_o bible_n be_v at_o this_o day_n this_o be_v the_o true_a original_a hebrew_n letter_n and_o be_v use_v from_o the_o begin_n by_o they_o this_o i_o think_v may_v reconcile_v the_o dispute_n among_o writer_n for_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v perceive_v the_o quarrel_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o there_o be_v
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the_o first_o authentic_a write_n a_o bold_a and_o dare_a assertion_n and_o found_v on_o no_o other_o bottom_n than_o f._n simon_n be_v brain_n who_o will_v expect_v this_o from_o one_o that_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a sense_n and_o reason_n one_o that_o be_v a_o great_a master_n of_o critical_a learning_n and_o have_v present_v the_o world_n with_o very_a choice_n remark_n on_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n for_o true_o i_o be_o not_o of_o work_n his_o opinion_n who_o say_v he_o see_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o author_n write_n buâ—_n what_o be_v common_a it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v that_o a_o person_n otherwise_o so_o judicious_a and_o observe_v have_v give_v himself_o up_o here_o to_o his_o own_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n he_o invent_v a_o new_a office_n of_o public_a register_n that_o be_v divine_o inspire_v he_o make_v notary_n and_o prophet_n the_o same_o he_o give_v no_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o that_o add_v and_o diminish_v which_o the_o scribe_n he_o talk_v of_o make_v he_o hatâ—_n not_o one_o tolerable_a argument_n to_o evince_v any_o of_o thâ—_n book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v fragment_n of_o great_a one_o indeed_o i_o shall_v mighty_o have_v wonder_v that_o so_o ingenious_a so_o sagacious_a so_o learned_a a_o man_n haâ—_n broach_v such_o groundless_a notion_n if_o i_o do_v noâ—_n consider_v that_o this_o subtle_a romanist_n design_n hereâ—â—_n as_o most_o of_o that_o church_n general_o do_v to_o depreciaâ—â—â—_n the_o bible_n and_o to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o book_n of_o fragment_n and_o shred_n that_o so_o when_o our_o esteem_n 〈◊〉_d the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n be_v weaken_v yea_o take_a away_o we_o may_v whole_o rest_v upon_o tradition_n anâ—_n find_v our_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d that_o alone_o this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o drive_v at_o in_o 〈◊〉_d critical_a history_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o all_o sober_a and_o considerate_a person_n will_v beware_v of_o he_o when_o they_o discover_v this_o design_n theâ—_n will_v easy_o see_v through_o his_o plausible_a story_n foâ—â—_n surmise_n bold_a conjecture_n and_o seem_a argâ—mentations_n and_o they_o will_v have_v the_o great_a reverence_n for_o the_o bible_n because_o he_o and_o other_o hauâ—_n attack_v it_o with_o so_o much_o contempt_n and_o rudeness_n and_o purposely_o bring_v its_o authority_n into_o question_n that_o they_o may_v set_v up_o something_o else_o above_o 〈◊〉_d notwithstanding_o then_o the_o cavil_n and_o objection_n of_o design_v man_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v anâ—_n avouch_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o to_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v that_o the_o book_n be_v entire_o transmit_v to_o we_o without_o any_o corruption_n and_o be_v the_o same_o that_o ever_o they_o be_v without_z and_o diminution_n or_o addition_n we_o have_v they_o as_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o first_o author_n we_o have_v they_o entire_a and_o perfect_a and_o not_o as_o some_o fond_o suggest_v contract_v abbreviate_v curtail_v unto_o the_o jew_n the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v his_o oracle_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o they_o show_v themselves_o conscientious_a and_o diligent_a conservator_n of_o they_o the_o jewish_a nation_n say_v st._n augustin_n have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v 23._o the_o chest-keeper_n for_o the_o christian_n they_o have_v faithful_o preserve_v that_o sacred_a depositum_fw-la for_o they_o they_o have_v safe_o keep_v that_o ark_n wherein_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v lock_v up_o god_n will_v have_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v librarii_fw-la christianorum_fw-la say_v 60._o drusius_n keeper_n of_o those_o sacred_a volume_n for_o we_o christian_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o keep_v they_o with_o great_a care_n the_o like_a whereof_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v to_o have_v be_v take_v in_o preserve_v any_o other_o sort_n of_o write_n under_o heaven_n and_o see_v they_o have_v so_o careful_o hand_v the_o old_a testament_n down_o to_o we_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o receive_v it_o with_o a_o proportionable_a thankfulness_n and_o to_o reckon_v this_o their_o deliver_v of_o those_o write_n down_o to_o we_o as_o no_o mean_a argument_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o certainty_n second_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v confirm_v by_o external_n testimony_n or_o tradition_n no_o less_o than_o that_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v the_o authentic_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n that_o this_o book_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a some_o of_o the_o father_n and_o first_o writer_n give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o those_o which_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n athanasius_n particular_o enumerate_v those_o book_n set_v down_o all_o those_o which_o we_o now_o embrace_v as_o canonical_a and_o no_o other_o and_o many_o of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o first_o age_n after_o christ_n as_o irenaeus_n justin_n martyr_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n origen_n tertullian_n etc._n etc._n quote_v the_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o they_o be_v now_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o in_o the_o father_n sometime_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o exact_o what_o we_o find_v it_o and_o read_v it_o at_o this_o day_n this_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o they_o sometime_o quote_v the_o mean_v not_o the_o very_a word_n at_o other_o time_n their_o memory_n fail_v they_o as_o to_o the_o word_n and_o thence_o they_o change_v they_o into_o other_o and_o instead_o of_o those_o in_o the_o text_n use_v some_o that_o be_v like_o they_o so_o when_o they_o be_v in_o haste_n and_o not_o at_o leisure_n to_o consult_v the_o text_n they_o make_v use_v of_o such_o word_n and_o expression_n as_o they_o think_v come_v near_a to_o it_o sac._n heinsius_n show_v this_o in_o a_o vast_a many_o place_n sometime_o they_o contract_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o give_v only_o the_o brief_a sense_n of_o it_o at_o other_o time_n they_o enlarge_v it_o and_o present_v we_o with_o a_o comment_n upon_o it_o yea_o sometime_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n and_o as_o their_o matter_n lead_v they_o to_o it_o they_o invert_v the_o word_n and_o misplace_v the_o part_n of_o the_o text._n but_o no_o man_n ought_v hence_o to_o infer_v that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n then_o and_o now_o be_v not_o the_o same_o and_o as_o for_o the_o number_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n and_o their_o book_n it_o hatâ—_n be_v always_o the_o same_o i._n e._n the_o same_o catalogue_n and_o canon_n have_v be_v general_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v true_a some_o particular_a book_n have_v be_v question_v but_o by_o a_o few_o only_a and_o for_o a_o time_n but_o the_o church_n be_v at_o last_o full_o 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industry_n to_o preserve_v scripture_n from_o corruption_n we_o may_v gather_v from_o this_o diversity_n of_o readins_n that_o man_n have_v be_v very_o inquisitive_a and_o careful_a in_o their_o compare_v of_o copy_n but_o we_o can_v thence_o argue_v that_o the_o text_n be_v adulterate_v yea_o rather_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o from_o this_o compare_v and_o vie_v of_o copy_n we_o come_v to_o know_v and_o be_v ascertain_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o authentic_a one_o and_o we_o may_v far_o add_v with_o the_o same_o excellent_a author_n that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a since_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o indeed_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o that_o that_o the_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n shall_v have_v be_v corrupt_v for_o the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n be_v then_o such_o have_v be_v since_o much_o more_o such_o and_o so_o far_o disperse_v that_o neither_o one_o man_n nor_o one_o body_n of_o man_n can_v ever_o get_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n to_o corrupt_v they_o and_o if_o some_o few_o or_o mâ—â—â—ny_a copy_n have_v be_v corrupt_v but_o not_o all_o thâ—â—_n sincere_a number_n will_v have_v detect_v the_o corrupt_a again_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n writer_n of_o the_o church_n do_v all_o ciâ—â—_n these_o scripture_n as_o we_o now_o have_v they_o in_o everything_o material_a yea_o that_o most_o heretic_n have_v plead_v these_o same_o scripture_n and_o deny_v they_o not_o to_o be_v genuine_a to_o establish_v we_o yet_o further_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o these_o write_n have_v be_v open_o read_v to_o the_o people_n in_o all_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n in_o the_o several_a age_n since_o christianity_n begin_v and_o they_o be_v thus_o constant_o use_v can_v not_o possible_o be_v alter_v and_o corrupt_v beside_o that_o all_o private_a christian_n be_v exhort_v to_o read_v and_o use_v they_o in_o their_o family_n whereby_o they_o become_v so_o know_v and_o familiar_a that_o whenever_o any_o alteration_n be_v make_v they_o can_v present_o observe_v it_o last_o notwithstanding_o the_o author_n of_o a_o theologico-politic_a late_a tractate_n have_v bring_v divers_a objection_n against_o the_o usual_a tradition_n that_o such_o and_o such_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o though_o mr._n hobbs_n before_o he_o have_v do_v the_o same_o yet_o neither_o of_o they_o have_v effect_v it_o with_o any_o success_n this_o be_v all_o they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v only_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o civil_a to_o the_o holy_a write_n as_o they_o be_v to_o the_o profane_a one_o for_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o clear_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n under_o who_o name_n they_o go_v as_o that_o any_o other_o write_n be_v put_v out_o by_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v nor_o can_v these_o man_n vouchsafe_v to_o show_v that_o civility_n to_o these_o sacred_a book_n which_o even_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v do_v for_o when_o both_o â—hese_n oppose_v these_o book_n you_o will_v not_o find_v that_o they_o ever_o question_v the_o author_n but_o the_o doctrine_n only_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o look_v upon_o these_o man_n and_o such_o as_o take_v part_n with_o they_o as_o act_v with_o high_a prejudice_n than_o either_o jew_n or_o heathen_n do_v and_o according_o we_o be_v to_o slight_v what_o they_o say_v unless_o it_o be_v thus_o far_o that_o from_o their_o impotent_a and_o malicious_a cavil_n we_o may_v be_v further_o confirm_v in_o this_o persuasion_n that_o these_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v indeed_o write_v by_o those_o author_n under_o who_o name_n they_o be_v now_o receive_v that_o these_o scripture_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o copy_n we_o have_v of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o 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motion_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d ghost_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v as_o holy_a scriptuâ—â—_n and_o such_o be_v the_o apocryphal_a write_n they_o werâ—â—_n write_v after_o the_o cessation_n of_o prophecy_n and_o diviâ—â—_n inspiration_n and_o so_o they_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o can_v be_v esteem_v canonical_a scripture_o second_o the_o jew_n receive_v not_o the_o apocrypha_fw-la 〈◊〉_d to_o their_o canon_n because_o it_o be_v write_v in_o greek_n not_o in_o hebrew_n as_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v for_o god_n will_v not_o they_o say_v give_v they_o scripture_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o oracle_n of_o goâ—_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o authentic_a language_n which_o be_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n the_o apocryphal_a write_n be_v not_o such_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o and_o not_o take_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o sacred_a writ_n and_o as_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v by_o the_o jewiâ—_n church_n so_o not_o by_o the_o christian_a one_o 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of_o st._n augustine_n i_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o move_v i_o not_o that_o he_o find_v the_o gospel_n i._n e._n the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o papist_n be_v wont_a to_o infer_v from_o these_o word_n and_o frequent_o quote_v they_o to_o this_o purpose_n no_o the_o father_n meaning_n be_v this_o that_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n he_o believe_v the_o book_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v very_o that_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o scope_n of_o it_o for_o he_o speak_v there_o of_o the_o copy_n or_o write_n not_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o good_a father_n rely_v on_o this_o that_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o know_v and_o honest_a person_n as_o the_o church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o do_v assert_v the_o evangelical_n write_n to_o be_v the_o write_n of_o such_o as_o be_v real_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a and_o not_o corrupt_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o same_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o of_o those_o that_o immediate_o succeed_v they_o several_a of_o which_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n this_o be_v the_o external_n testimony_n give_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v the_o general_a persuasion_n and_o attestation_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o these_o be_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n immediate_o direct_v by_o the_o spirit_n who_o therefore_o can_v not_o err_v it_o be_v usual_a heretofore_o among_o the_o pagan_a lawgiver_n 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the_o giant_n in_o those_o time_n the_o universal_a flood_n the_o build_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n i_o have_v propound_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a argument_n which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o will_v now_o choose_v out_o another_o for_o the_o sake_n chief_o of_o the_o learned_a and_o curious_a which_o i_o purpose_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o yea_o to_o make_v the_o subject_a of_o my_o whole_a ensue_a discourse_n i_o consider_v then_o that_o we_o have_v in_o this_o matter_n not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n but_o of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n and_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o vouch_v by_o all_o man_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o enemy_n be_v most_o considerable_a the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o beside_o these_o witness_n 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to_o king_n ptolomee_n by_o the_o foresay_a demetrius_n a_o very_a serious_a man_n and_o it_o be_v assign_v as_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o content_n of_o these_o sacred_a write_n which_o be_v so_o divine_a and_o admirable_a be_v but_o rare_o mention_v by_o the_o historian_n and_o poet_n these_o example_n have_v strike_v a_o terror_n into_o some_o of_o they_o have_v hear_v how_o some_o prophaner_n of_o these_o holy_a thing_n be_v animadvert_v upon_o by_o a_o divine_a hand_n they_o be_v afraid_a to_o record_v any_o passage_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n therefore_o some_o of_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o disguise_v the_o sacred_a story_n and_o to_o stuff_v they_o with_o fabulous_a narration_n that_o they_o may_v scarce_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v borrow_v from_o that_o holy_a book_n last_o the_o devil_n have_v a_o design_n in_o all_o this_o tertâ—lian's_n 47._o word_n be_v remarkable_a when_o he_o have_v say_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n i._n e._n the_o 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likewise_o they_o cunning_o mix_v something_o of_o sacred_a truth_n with_o fable_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v make_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a to_o be_v suspect_v satban_n be_v desirous_a to_o pervert_v and_o even_a erase_n the_o whole_a sacred_a scripture_n and_o ancient_a truth_n but_o because_o he_o see_v he_o can_v effect_v this_o he_o therefore_o contrive_v how_o he_o may_v disguise_v the_o scripture-story_n he_o set_v the_o poet_n to_o work_v to_o make_v they_o into_o fable_n and_o think_v by_o that_o mean_n to_o take_v off_o our_o esteem_n of_o those_o inspire_a write_n and_o to_o diminish_v that_o credit_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v to_o those_o sacred_a truth_n he_o push_v on_o those_o grecian_a wit_n to_o obscure_v and_o deface_v the_o old_a name_n in_o scripture_n that_o the_o original_a of_o they_o may_v not_o be_v know_v he_o out_o of_o direct_a malice_n move_v those_o fanciful_a man_n to_o invent_v fable_n to_o defame_v the_o primitive_a story_n to_o 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to_o falsehood_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o great_a impiety_n imaginable_a for_o when_o truth_n be_v mix_v with_o falshood_n he_o hope_v that_o this_o latter_a will_v be_v entertain_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o former_a and_o when_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a practice_n be_v found_v in_o those_o that_o be_v innocent_a and_o religious_a he_o expect_v that_o these_o shall_v justify_v those_o perhaps_o when_o he_o add_v the_o sacred_a ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o profane_a worship_n of_o the_o gentile_n he_o think_v thereby_o to_o take_v away_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o to_o render_v they_o alike_o so_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o true_a and_o false_a way_n of_o worship_n three_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o introduce_v several_a sacred_a rite_n and_o custom_n into_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v to_o conciliate_v to_o himself_o a_o great_a authority_n and_o esteem_n a_o great_a glory_n and_o repute_n among_o they_o he_o commend_v those_o thing_n to_o the_o pagan_n which_o be_v religious_o use_v and_o even_o by_o god_n own_o people_n and_o prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o this_o he_o do_v to_o inveigle_v the_o pagan_a world_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o admire_v and_o worship_n he_o wherefore_o a_o answer_n may_v easy_o be_v return_v to_o that_o objection_n of_o a_o late_a learned_a writer_n 1._o what_o advantage_n can_v the_o devil_n have_v by_o his_o imitate_v the_o divine_a worship_n he_o ever_o act_v for_o some_o end_n that_o may_v be_v prositable_a to_o himself_o but_o how_o can_v this_o prove_v so_o see_v it_o will_v be_v more_o advantageous_a to_o he_o to_o institute_v a_o worship_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v diametnical_o contrary_a to_o those_o in_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o by_o those_o as_o by_o so_o many_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a character_n his_o herd_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o flock_n of_o the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n the_o answer_n i_o say_v to_o this_o be_v very_o easy_a and_o obvious_a for_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o advantageous_a to_o that_o evil_a spirit_n than_o his_o emulate_v of_o divine_a worship_n and_o appoint_v ceremony_n suitable_a to_o it_o for_o by_o this_o mean_n his_o kingdom_n be_v most_o sensible_o advance_v and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a artifice_n and_o craft_n imaginable_a because_o this_o vile_a fiend_n be_v adore_v even_o whilst_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n seem_v to_o be_v earry_v on_o it_o be_v the_o subtlety_n of_o this_o great_a mimic_n to_o approach_v as_o near_o to_o god_n and_o true_a religion_n as_o he_o can_v to_o make_v use_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o by_o god_n own_o express_a command_n be_v use_v in_o his_o worship_n this_o be_v a_o cunning_a way_n of_o gain_v proselyte_n and_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o his_o worshipper_n thus_o he_o act_v for_o some_o end_n and_o that_o a_o very_a profitable_a one_o too_o certain_o much_o more_o profitable_a to_o he_o than_o if_o he_o have_v institute_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a ceremony_n of_o worship_n for_o these_o will_v too_o palpable_o have_v distinguish_v his_o herd_n from_o the_o true_a flock_n whereas_o those_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o kind_n of_o rivalty_n with_o it_o beside_o this_o fond_a emulation_n in_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o gratify_n of_o his_o first_o proud_a inclination_n and_o aspire_v to_o be_v like_o god_n he_o be_v still_o ambitious_a of_o divine_a honour_n otherwise_o certain_o he_o will_v not_o have_v desire_v to_o be_v worship_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o god_n be_v with_o the_o same_o sign_n and_o badge_n of_o adoration_n hence_o most_o of_o those_o sacred_a rite_n enjoin_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o make_v use_v of_o in_o his_o worship_n by_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v transfer_v by_o satan_n to_o his_o idolatrous_a and_o impious_a worship_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o haughty_a spirit_n which_o thirst_v after_o divine_a honour_n even_o such_o as_o be_v give_v to_o the_o only_a true_a god_n thus_o i_o have_v ample_o show_v you_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o rite_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o great_a truth_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v corrupt_v disguise_a misapply_v and_o abuse_v by_o the_o pagan_n i_o have_v give_v you_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n which_o may_v convince_v you_o of_o this_o and_o render_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o chap._n ix_o the_o author_n assertion_n confirm_v by_o the_o ample_a suffrage_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n consectary_n draw_v from_o the_o whole_a viz._n that_o we_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n admit_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o hold_v that_o the_o jew_n borrow_a all_n or_o most_o of_o
reason_n no_o man_n can_v rational_o think_v that_o such_o notable_a concomitant_n of_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n as_o the_o general_n tax_v and_o the_o appear_v of_o the_o star_n can_v be_v record_v by_o this_o historian_n and_o as_o for_o tacitus_n who_o be_v the_o other_o celebrate_a historian_n there_o be_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o expect_v any_o of_o these_o notorious_a matter_n in_o his_o write_n because_o he_o go_v not_o back_o so_o far_o as_o augustus_n his_o annal_n begin_v with_o tiberius_n and_o continue_v to_o the_o death_n of_o nero_n and_o his_o book_n of_o history_n begin_v where_o his_o annal_n leave_v off_o and_o go_v on_o to_o the_o end_n of_o titus_n vespasian_n expedition_n against_o the_o jew_n and_o there_o have_v their_o period_n l._n florus_n be_v but_o a_o abbreviator_n of_o livy_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v look_v for_o nothing_o there_o so_o velleius_n paterculus_n though_o he_o go_v something_o far_a be_v a_o epitomiser_n a_o scantling_n of_o a_o historian_n as_o for_o justin_n who_o flourish_v in_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n pius_n time_n he_o be_v but_o a_o epitomiser_n of_o trogus_n pompeius_n and_o go_v no_o far_a than_o he_o go_v therefore_o we_o can_v expect_v any_o thing_n of_o he_o concern_v the_o christian_a affair_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o boundary_n of_o these_o chief_a historian_n and_o what_o you_o may_v look_v for_o or_o rather_o not_o look_v for_o from_o they_o and_o also_o you_o have_v the_o reason_n give_v you_o why_o but_o few_o thing_n which_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v find_v record_v in_o pagan_a writer_n but_o all_o that_o can_v be_v rational_o look_v for_o be_v record_v as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o by_o the_o best_a historian_n among_o the_o pagan_n these_o be_v the_o several_a consideration_n which_o i_o undertake_v to_o offer_v and_o i_o question_v not_o but_o that_o they_o will_v full_o satisfy_v the_o scruple_n and_o objection_n before_o start_v and_o abundant_o clear_v up_o this_o truth_n to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n from_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a writer_n concern_v the_o gospel-history_n this_o proposition_n be_v evident_a that_o the_o new-testament_n be_v confirm_v by_o profane_a writer_n that_o the_o evangelical_n record_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o authority_n even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v without_o these_o have_v transmit_v to_o we_o many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v register_v by_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n the_o memoir_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o profane_a story_n in_o the_o write_n of_o those_o that_o oppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n thus_o i_o have_v finish_v what_o i_o attempt_v that_o be_v i_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o suffrage_n and_o attestation_n of_o stranger_n i_o have_v let_v you_o see_v that_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o adversary_n agree_v with_o that_o of_o our_o best_a friend_n we_o appeal_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o gentile-world_n even_o these_o bear_n witness_n to_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o their_o witness_n can_v be_v reject_v by_o any_o reasonable_a person_n because_o 45._o a_o testimony_n be_v least_o to_o be_v suspect_v when_o it_o come_v from_o a_o enemy_n yea_o because_o such_o a_o testimony_n be_v repute_v 12._o firm_a and_o solid_a because_o it_o be_v christâ—_n worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v bâ—cause_fw-mi anim._n it_o be_v most_o valid_a for_o the_o commendation_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o then_o render_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v vouch_v by_o profess_v d_o adversary_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v be_v urge_v in_o this_o discourse_n viz._n that_o jew_n and_o pagan_n testify_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o the_o inspire_a writer_n deliver_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o memorable_a passage_n set_v down_o in_o these_o sacred_a write_n be_v leave_v on_o record_n in_o those_o other_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v and_o supposititious_a but_o that_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v real_a and_o certain_a that_o they_o give_v a_o just_a and_o faithful_a account_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o treat_v of_o in_o brief_a that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o thus_o much_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o first_o general_n head_n concern_v the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o they_o finis_fw-la addenda_fw-la refer_v this_o to_o page_n 261._o line_n 15._o the_o english_a jay_n from_o the_o hebrew_n ajaâ—_n pica_fw-la cornix_fw-la to_o abash_v be_v take_v from_o the_o hebrew_n â—ush_n puduit_fw-la and_o from_o the_o greek_a we_o borrow_v many_o word_n with_o the_o omission_n of_o a_o letter_n or_o two_o in_o the_o beginning_n as_o licourice_n for_o glicourice_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d emony_n vulgar_o so_o call_v for_o anemony_n from_o the_o flower_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whence_o the_o latin_a anemone_n sciatica_n for_o ischiatica_n ab_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o hip_n or_o hucklebone_n scarotick_n among_o physician_n for_o escharotick_n scarborow_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d crusta_fw-la cauterio_fw-la in_o carne_fw-la facta_fw-la sol_fw-la from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rice_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d oryza_fw-la star_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d box_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d maurâ—s_o a_o moor_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d obscurus_fw-la tannie_o from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o gaze_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d admiror_n stupeo_fw-la gay_a from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elegans_fw-la and_o perhaps_o trull_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d laena_fw-la and_o i_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o several_a word_n from_o the_o latin_a with_o the_o first_o letter_n or_o more_o cut_v off_o in_o the_o beginning_n as_o uncle_n from_o avunculus_fw-la qu._n avuncle_n till_v as_o they_o be_v call_v in_o some_o country_n from_o lentil_o lenticula_n story_n from_o history_n historia_n bishop_n qu._n pischop_n from_o episcopus_fw-la spain_n from_o hispania_n asparagus_n for_o asparagus_n a_o plaster_n from_o emplastrum_fw-la stum_n from_o mustum_fw-la dropsy_n from_o hydrops_fw-la gipsy_n for_o egypsy_n of_o latin_a original_a pouch_n for_o capouch_n a_o cowl_n or_o hood_n whence_o the_o capuchin_n friar_n have_v their_o name_n from_o caputium_fw-la a_o hood_n wear_v on_o the_o head_n pick_a i._n e._n sharp_a at_o the_o end_n qu._n spike_v from_o spica_fw-la a_o ear_n of_o corn_n or_o if_o it_o come_v from_o a_o pike_n then_o that_o seem_v to_o come_v from_o spiculum_fw-la a_o pike_n or_o spear_n and_o that_o be_v from_o spica_fw-la it_o be_v likely_a side_n man_n corrupt_o for_o assisting-man_n it_o be_v their_o office_n to_o assist_v the_o churchwarden_n unless_o you_o will_v rather_o understand_v by_o they_o testes_fw-la synodales_n synods-man_n who_o be_v ancient_o join_v with_o the_o churchwarden_n there_o be_v other_o english_a word_n derive_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n from_o the_o english_a saxon_a and_o french_a thus_o poppy_n with_o the_o p_o leave_v out_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o middle_n seem_v to_o give_v the_o denomination_n to_o opium_n which_o be_v now_o a_o word_n that_o may_v pass_v for_o english_a and_o signify_v the_o juice_n of_o poppy_n as_o if_o popium_fw-la be_v the_o word_n sterling_n for_o easterling_n bour_o or_o bower_n from_o arbour_n hospital_n or_o spital_n for_o hospital_n valis_n for_o avail_v vantage_n for_o advantage_n say_v for_o essay_n grease_n stair_n for_o degree_n cantle_n in_o heraldry_n quasi_fw-la scantling_n apprentice_n vulgar_o for_o apprentice_n stover_n for_o cattle_n from_o the_o french_a estover_n squire_n for_o esquire_n à _fw-la gall._n esâ—uyer_n equerry_n or_o equerry_n for_o equerry_n a_o place_n a_o stable_a where_o race-horse_n be_v set_v to_o ply_v for_o employ_v instead_o of_o sacristan_n we_o corrupt_o say_v sexton_n for_o god_n be_v with_o you_o we_o say_v good_a by_o for_o koningstable_n or_o kingstable_n we_o say_v constable_z the_o officer_z that_o be_v appoint_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o king_n or_o to_o conserve_v the_o king_n peace_n we_o vulgar_o a_o say_v spice_n for_o a_o specimen_fw-la hogo_n for_o haut-goust_a carfax_n for_o quatre_fw-fr voix_fw-fr the_o place_n be_v four_o way_n meet_v in_o oxford_n some_o have_v think_v that_o elph_n and_o goblin_n with_o which_o they_o fright_v child_n heretofore_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o fame_a and_o so_o â—alked_v of_o feud_n between_o the_o guelph_n and_o guibiline_n saragosa_n in_o spain_n be_v most_o corrupt_o pronounce_v for_o caesar_n augusta_n the_o emperor_n of_o the_o abyssine_n be_v call_v prestor-iohn_n
contain_v and_o here_o be_v those_o choice_a material_n which_o no_o other_o history_n furnish_v we_o with_o but_o i_o shall_v be_v endless_a if_o i_o shall_v enlarge_v here_o by_o particularise_v therefore_o i_o will_v not_o launch_v out_o but_o only_o commend_v to_o the_o reader_n the_o learned_a endeavour_n of_o strigelius_n in_o his_o commentary_n on_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n king_n chronicle_n where_o he_o will_v be_v ample_o convince_v of_o the_o unparalleled_a diversity_n multiplicity_n and_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o historical_a example_n in_o scripture_n the_o ancient_a poetry_n be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o as_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o historian_n so_o he_o be_v the_o first_o poet_n that_o be_v extant_a a_o proof_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o that_o eucharistick_a song_n which_o he_o compose_v upon_o his_o pass_v the_o red_a sea_n and_o be_v record_v in_o exod._n 15._o a_o admirable_a hymn_n it_o be_v and_o in_o hexameter_n verse_n if_o 14._o josephus_n may_v be_v judge_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o if_o a_o christian_a father_n may_v be_v credit_v who_o have_v more_o hebrew_n than_o most_o of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n yea_o more_o than_o all_o of_o they_o except_o origen_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v true_a or_o no_o this_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o piece_n of_o poetry_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v the_o priority_n of_o this_o of_o moses_n for_o orpheus_n who_o be_v reckon_v by_o the_o pagan_n as_o the_o first_o poet_n be_v according_a to_o the_o most_o favourable_a computation_n of_o some_o of_o their_o historian_n three_o hundred_o year_n after_o moses_n and_o homer_n be_v towards_o six_o hundred_o beside_o this_o divine_a hymn_n there_o be_v other_o ancient_a one_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n record_v in_o the_o same_o authentic_a write_n viz._n deborah_n song_n judg._n 5._o which_o have_v many_o noble_a flight_n of_o poetry_n and_o that_o of_o hannah_n the_o 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age_n observe_v the_o moral_a precept_n of_o the_o philosopher_n be_v call_v of_o old_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o carmina_fw-la the_o grecian_a oracle_n be_v deliver_v in_o verse_n concern_v the_o agathyrsi_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o aristotle_n that_o their_o law_n be_v all_o in_o metre_n concern_v the_o old_a german_n tacitus_n relate_v that_o their_o very_a record_n and_o annal_n be_v in_o verse_n and_o all_o this_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v in_o emulation_n of_o the_o first_o sacred_a writer_n the_o penman_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o who_o write_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n dictate_v in_o measure_n and_o some_o entire_a book_n be_v altogether_o metrical_a for_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o delight_n as_o well_o as_o profit_v with_o poetry_n let_v we_o join_v music_n it_o be_v of_o so_o near_a affinity_n with_o it_o and_o the_o first_o inventor_n of_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o from_o the_o scripture_n which_o inform_v 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its_o original_a purity_n but_o here_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n of_o the_o bible_n may_v easy_o be_v corrupt_v and_o alter_v because_o they_o have_v no_o point_n or_o vowel_n at_o first_o this_o can_v not_o but_o make_v the_o read_n very_o uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a and_o almost_o arbitrary_a especial_o in_o some_o place_n whence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o great_a alteration_n and_o consequent_o great_a corruption_n may_v creep_v into_o the_o text._n in_o answer_n to_o this_o you_o must_v know_v that_o those_o only_o who_o be_v against_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n as_o morinus_n vossius_fw-la simon_n etc._n etc._n hold_v that_o the_o point_n be_v of_o late_a invention_n and_o this_o they_o have_v pick_v up_o out_o of_o elias_n levita_n who_o live_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o and_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o vowel_n be_v invent_v by_o the_o jewish_a and_o masoretic_n doctor_n of_o tiberias_n a_o famous_a school_n for_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n so_o that_o it_o be_v about_o â—ive_a hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n when_o the_o hebrew_n point_n be_v find_v out_o and_o the_o rabbin_n and_o masorite_n of_o tiberias_n be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o elias_n the_o levite_n and_o he_o be_v the_o only_a jew_n of_o this_o opinion_n nor_o be_v he_o follow_v by_o any_o christian_n but_o those_o who_o have_v a_o design_n to_o vilify_v the_o hebrew_n bible_n and_o to_o prefer_v and_o magnify_v the_o lxx_o or_o some_o other_o translation_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o writer_n before_o mention_v who_o large_o inveigh_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o hebrew_n edition_n and_o to_o promote_v a_o disesteem_a of_o it_o test_n one_o of_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o masorite_n of_o tiberias_n who_o as_o he_o say_v be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n point_n and_o tittle_n borrow_v they_o from_o the_o turk_n the_o bible_n according_a to_o he_o 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ofteâ—_n allege_v be_v shake_v hereby_o for_o no_o man_n of_o sensâ—_n can_v believe_v that_o the_o right_a read_n of_o the_o text_n can_v continue_v some_o thousand_o of_o year_n witâ—oâ—â—_n the_o point_n this_o be_v a_o incredible_a fiction_n and_o then_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o the_o genuine_a sense_n oâ—_n scripture_n which_o depend_v on_o the_o word_n as_o theâ—â—_n upon_o the_o vowel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o consonant_n can_v have_v be_v preserve_v unless_o the_o bible_n have_v beeâ—_n point_v whence_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o jewish_a taâ—mud_n that_o 1._o letter_n without_o point_n be_v like_o a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n hence_o be_v that_o say_v midrash_n hâ—â—_n that_o read_v without_o point_n be_v like_o a_o man_n that_o ride_v without_o a_o bridle_n we_o therefore_o firm_o maintain_v and_o that_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o antiquity_n that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n have_v point_n add_v to_o they_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o these_o point_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o here_o appeal_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v bear_v witness_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o receive_v answer_v exact_o to_o the_o point_a text_n which_o they_o hauâ—_n receive_v and_o always_o do_v nay_o we_o may_v end_v the_o controversy_n without_o a_o appeal_n for_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o ear_n will_v satisfy_v we_o if_o we_o compare_v our_o english_a or_o latin_a or_o other_o bibles_n with_o the_o hebrew_n one_o which_o be_v use_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v daily_o put_v forth_o by_o the_o present_a rabbi_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o agree_v and_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o they_o own_o the_o same_o
it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n be_v not_o take_v from_o gentilism_n but_o institute_v by_o god_n himself_o among_o the_o reformist_n you_o will_v see_v this_o more_o plain_o attest_v 89._o all_o that_o consent_n say_v one_o which_o be_v between_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a rite_n arise_v from_o the_o devil_n study_n to_o deprave_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o transfer_v they_o to_o his_o own_o and_o another_o thus_o 8._o it_o be_v a_o wicked_a and_o detestable_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o rite_n command_v in_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v as_o it_o be_v play-game_n and_o sport_n only_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o pagan_n therefore_o that_o those_o rite_n may_v have_v that_o honour_n and_o dignity_n which_o be_v due_a to_o they_o we_o must_v hold_v this_o as_o a_o infallible_a truth_n that_o all_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o jewish_a worship_n be_v according_a to_o the_o spiritual_a pattern_n which_o be_v show_v to_o moses_n in_o the_o mount_n to_o which_o i_o add_v cocceius_n notable_a word_n 30._o i_o admit_v not_o that_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o gentile_a ceremony_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v make_v to_o draw_v off_o the_o israelite_n from_o many_o of_o the_o pagan_a rite_n by_o those_o several_a law_n which_o be_v in_o it_o contrary_a to_o those_o rite_n so_o it_o become_v a_o hedge_n or_o partition_n wall_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o they_o may_v not_o come_v near_o one_o another_o as_o to_o their_o ceremony_n for_o from_o a_o likeness_n in_o these_o there_o will_v have_v follow_v a_o mutual_a converse_n and_o communion_n and_o consequent_o a_o depravation_n as_o to_o particular_a rite_n among_o the_o gentile_n as_o that_o of_o sacrifice_n and_o use_v of_o salt_n in_o they_o spanhemius_fw-la refer_v the_o original_a of_o they_o to_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o god_n people_n add_v that_o 91._o this_o jewish_a custom_n be_v by_o a_o fond_a imitation_n in_o the_o devil_n who_o sometime_o be_v god_n ape_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o impious_a and_o idolatrous_a service_n of_o the_o pagan_n so_o as_o to_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o learned_a dean_n say_v be_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o heathen_n the_o contrary_n be_v express_o vouch_v by_o 4._o another_o worthy_a writer_n in_o such_o plain_a term_n as_o these_o have_v think_v of_o the_o whole_a matter_n viz._n the_o ark_n or_o chest_n which_o he_o have_v say_v before_o be_v use_v in_o the_o religious_a mystery_n of_o the_o pagan_n my_o opinion_n concern_v they_o be_v this_o that_o the_o devil_n as_o he_o be_v ever_o a_o ape_n and_o a_o ludicrous_a imitator_n of_o god_n work_n and_o institution_n so_o here_o particular_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o set_v up_o these_o his_o ark_n against_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v by_o god_n and_o hear_v what_o a_o late_a learned_a author_n often_o commend_v by_o the_o worthy_a dean_n himself_o say_v evang._n chest_n or_o ark_n use_v at_o the_o greek_a and_o egyptian_a feast_n especial_o in_o the_o eleusinian_n solemnity_n with_o the_o toy_n shut_v up_o in_o they_o of_o which_o clement_n of_o alexandria_n speak_v these_o be_v image_n or_o imitation_n of_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n among_o the_o jew_n all_o these_o allegation_n and_o testimony_n together_o with_o those_o before_o be_v absolute_o repugnant_a to_o the_o learned_a doctor_n be_v assertion_n which_o he_o so_o often_o repeat_v that_o many_o of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n about_o religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v take_v from_o the_o rite_n and_o usage_n among_o the_o pagan_a idolater_n but_o this_o author_n be_v so_o considerable_a and_o worthy_a a_o writer_n that_o it_o may_v be_v think_v his_o single_a authority_n be_v able_a to_o counterpoise_v if_o not_o outweigh_v the_o joint_a suffrage_n of_o the_o person_n before_o name_v wherefore_o i_o will_v make_v bold_a to_o combat_n his_o notion_n with_o a_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n which_o carry_v irresistible_a authority_n with_o it_o the_o express_a word_n of_o it_o be_v these_o in_o deut._n 12._o 30_o 31_o 32._o take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o that_o thou_o be_v not_o snare_v by_o follow_v they_o i._n e._n the_o heathen_n and_o that_o thou_o inquire_v not_o after_o their_o god_n say_v how_o do_v these_o nation_n serve_v their_o god_n even_o so_o will_v i_o do_v likewise_o thou_o shall_v not_o do_v so_o unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n for_o every_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o hate_v have_v they_o do_v unto_o their_o go_n what_o thing_n soever_o i_o command_v you_o observe_v to_o do_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o observe_v here_o the_o jew_n be_v forbid_v to_o follow_v the_o custom_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o to_o enquiâ—â—â—â—ter_v their_o idolatrous_a service_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o they_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n 〈◊〉_d the_o true_a god_n as_o the_o nation_n serve_v their_o false_a god_n and_o idol_n the_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v râ—ndâ—ed_v because_o every_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o hate_v be_v do_v by_o they_o to_o their_o go_n the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o they_o use_v in_o worship_v their_o god_n be_v abominable_a to_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n wherefore_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v appoint_v his_o people_n such_o religious_a rite_n and_o service_n as_o be_v abominable_a and_o hateful_a to_o he_o unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o which_o be_v abominable_a in_o the_o heathen_n be_v not_o so_o in_o god_n own_o people_n but_o this_o increase_v the_o absurdity_n rather_o than_o take_v it_o away_o no_o man_n of_o sober_a thought_n can_v talk_v after_o this_o rate_n for_o if_o god_n dislike_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o idolatrous_a worshipper_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o do_v much_o more_o so_o in_o the_o true_a one_o wherefore_o he_o institute_v such_o a_o service_n as_o be_v most_o opposite_a to_o the_o heathen_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o have_v not_o the_o least_o affinity_n with_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v add_v what_o thing_n soever_o i_o command_v you_o observe_v to_o do_v it_o as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v you_o must_v not_o follow_v the_o direction_n or_o example_n of_o those_o pagaus_fw-la in_o your_o worship_v of_o i_o you_o must_v do_v nothing_o in_o my_o service_n but_o what_o i_o express_o command_v you_o neither_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o how_o then_o can_v any_o man_n with_o reason_n assert_v that_o the_o jew_n borrow_v their_o rite_n in_o religious_a worship_n from_o the_o gentile_n a_o person_n of_o so_o bright_a a_o intellect_n as_o our_o learned_a author_n be_v can_v but_o see_v the_o force_n of_o this_o text_n and_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o ruin_v his_o hypothesis_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o take_v up_o it_o may_v be_v only_o to_o give_v proof_n of_o his_o own_o skill_n to_o the_o learned_a world_n and_o to_o try_v that_o of_o his_o opponent_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o corollary_n from_o the_o precede_a discourse_n 2._o from_o the_o premise_n we_o may_v learn_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o religion_n viz._n 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o ancient_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v plain_o see_v the_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o the_o old_a time_n that_o be_v the_o memory_n of_o it_o be_v among_o the_o most_o celebrate_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o age_n yea_o in_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o old_a poet_n in_o the_o rusty_a and_o antique_a fragment_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o see_v the_o reasonableness_n which_o be_v another_o excellency_n of_o our_o religion_n many_o of_o the_o scripture-truths_n be_v receive_v by_o the_o philosopher_n and_o sage_n among_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v no_o other_o conduct_n than_o that_o of_o their_o rational_a faculty_n these_o master_n of_o reason_n entertain_v some_o of_o the_o grand_a principle_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o acknowledge_v they_o as_o rational_a 3._o see_v the_o certainty_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n it_o be_v attest_v not_o only_o by_o friend_n but_o enemy_n it_o have_v even_o the_o approbation_n of_o heathen_a writer_n who_o have_v record_v and_o thereby_o confirm_v some_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n report_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n our_o first_o parent_n happiness_n and_o afterward_o their_o fall_n noaâ—'s_n flood_n the_o long_a life_n of_o the_o first_o person_n the_o building_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n the_o confusion_n of_o language_n the_o
renown_a act_n of_o several_a of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o first_o worthy_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o great_a establish_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o those_o pagan_n derive_v so_o many_o thing_n from_o scripture_n the_o gentile_a writer_n vouch_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n wherefore_o we_o must_v needs_o embrace_v it_o when_o it_o be_v attest_v by_o such_o disinterest_v person_n 3._o we_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o wonderful_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n behold_v the_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o those_o who_o never_o own_v its_o authority_n yea_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n ratify_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o they_o the_o heathen_a poet_n whilst_o they_o corrupt_v divine_a truth_n assert_v it_o their_o very_a lie_n and_o fiction_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o sacred_a verity_n their_o fable_n confirm_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v do_v here_o the_o great_a and_o overrule_v wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v see_v here_o his_o almighty_a power_n in_o baâ—â—ing_v satan_n contrivance_n and_o design_n may_v be_v discern_v he_o as_o be_v say_v before_o intend_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o silence_v of_o the_o truth_n the_o exalt_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o advance_v of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o the_o alwise_a and_o powerful_a moderator_n of_o the_o world_n disappoint_v his_o design_n and_o make_v this_o thing_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o serviceable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o religion_n he_o make_v it_o become_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o antiquity_n reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n 4._o henceforth_o we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o write_n of_o profane_a author_n we_o have_v this_o considerable_a advantage_n by_o read_v the_o work_v of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n and_o by_o peruse_v their_o story_n and_o fable_n that_o we_o shall_v find_v some_o great_a thing_n couch_v in_o they_o than_o the_o bare_a narrative_n for_o these_o writer_n borrow_a many_o thing_n from_o the_o holy_a book_n their_o break_a story_n be_v oftentime_o a_o imperfect_a account_n of_o scripture_n relation_n sundry_a thing_n in_o their_o write_n be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o divine_a volume_n but_o be_v strange_o wrest_v pervertrd_n and_o obscure_v by_o have_v new_a name_n and_o â—eigned_a circumstance_n affix_v to_o they_o almost_o all_o the_o gentile_a fable_n and_o theology_n flow_v from_o a_o deprave_a sense_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n the_o poet_n disguise_n true_a story_n with_o many_o fiction_n and_o some_o relic_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v bury_v under_o their_o ingenuous_a fancy_n and_o fabulous_a narration_n ovid_n transcribe_v the_o greek_a theology_n from_o orpheus_n homer_n hesiod_n and_o other_o ancient_a poet_n and_o these_o have_v it_o from_o the_o bible_n the_o very_a poetic_a fiction_n refer_v unto_o real_a story_n and_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o divine_a source_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o we_o be_v read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o manner_n whilst_o we_o be_v turn_v over_o pagan_a writer_n in_o these_o we_o meet_v with_o truth_n transplant_v from_o the_o sacred_a book_n we_o find_v many_o passage_n steal_v from_o the_o hebrew_a fountain_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v then_o that_o scholar_n and_o student_n yea_o the_o very_a candidate_n of_o sacred_a theology_n may_v with_o great_a profit_n pry_v into_o these_o write_n of_o the_o pagan_n for_o here_o be_v the_o footstep_n of_o divine_a verity_n profane_a and_o sacred_a learning_n be_v to_o be_v join_v the_o gentile_a monument_n illustrate_v the_o inspire_a one_o we_o may_v notwithstanding_o the_o disguise_n which_o poet_n have_v put_v upon_o the_o story_n see_v the_o foundation_n of_o they_o and_o perceive_v that_o those_o vain_a figmentsâ—_n be_v ground_v on_o some_o solid_a truth_n and_o that_o a_o sacred_a treasure_n lie_v hide_v under_o those_o confuse_a fable_n for_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o palestine_n afford_v greece_n matter_n of_o fancy_n and_o invention_n the_o pagan_a poet_n be_v befriend_v by_o the_o jew_n athens_n be_v indebt_v to_o jerusalem_n parnassus_n be_v behold_v to_o sinai_n and_o helicon_n to_o jordan_n you_o see_v then_o the_o advantage_n we_o may_v reap_v by_o be_v acquaint_v with_o profane_a writer_n whilst_o we_o look_v further_o than_o the_o outward_a shape_n which_o they_o have_v give_v to_o many_o thing_n and_o search_v into_o that_o truth_n which_o lie_v hide_v under_o it_o even_o the_o sacred_a and_o undoubted_a history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n thus_o we_o may_v make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o far_o high_a and_o better_a end_n than_o they_o be_v intend_v this_o be_v the_o best_a improvement_n that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o to_o see_v the_o true_a source_n of_o what_o be_v write_v by_o they_o to_o understand_v whence_o they_o borrow_v their_o matter_n and_o to_o confirm_v ourselves_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n by_o peruse_v these_o which_o be_v profane_a 5th_o and_o last_o then_o see_v the_o authority_n truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n i_o have_v be_v aim_v at_o i_o have_v prove_v this_o before_o by_o several_a argument_n and_o those_o perhaps_o on_o some_o account_v more_o force_v and_o convictive_a than_o this_o but_o i_o think_v good_a to_o add_v this_o to_o they_o as_o no_o contemptible_a way_n of_o prove_v the_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v evidence_v from_o heathen_a writer_n not_o only_o historian_n but_o philosopher_n and_o poet_n a_o man_n may_v by_o compare_v these_o with_o the_o sacred_a volume_n find_v out_o the_o original_a of_o the_o pagan_a tradition_n and_o fiction_n and_o observe_v the_o lineament_n of_o true_a and_o unquestionable_a history_n among_o they_o hence_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n and_o thing_n in_o be_v as_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o the_o passage_n and_o transaction_n there_o mention_v be_v real_a and_o true_a this_o admirable_o serve_v to_o evince_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o write_n this_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o record_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n i._n e._n as_o infallible_a chap._n x._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n confirm_v by_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a writer_n who_o speak_v of_o a_o king_n or_o lord_n that_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o particular_o out_o of_o judaea_n a_o enumeration_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o learned_a concern_v the_o sibylls_n with_o the_o particular_a sentiment_n of_o the_o author_n viz._n that_o the_o content_n of_o their_o verse_n be_v harrow_v from_o the_o old-testament_n and_o that_o those_o woman_n be_v not_o prophetess_n but_o only_o relate_v what_o they_o find_v in_o the_o inspire_a write_n or_o hear_v of_o thence_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o sibylline_a write_n to_o be_v spurious_a next_o i_o be_o to_o show_v how_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v vouch_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o external_n testimony_n i._n e._n how_o profess_a pagansâ—nd_n â—nd_z jew_n enemy_n to_o christianity_n have_v relate_v â—nd_o assert_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o be_v set_v down_o â—n_o those_o evangelical_n write_n first_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a nature_n between_o what_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o before_o and_o what_o â—_o be_o now_o to_o engage_v in_o which_o therefore_o may_v apt_o serve_v as_o a_o transition_n from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o i_o â—ean_v the_o belief_n and_o report_n record_v in_o pagan_a writer_n that_o a_o king_n or_o lord_n shall_v come_v from_o the_o â—ast_n and_o do_v great_a and_o mighty_a thing_n this_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o 〈◊〉_d belong_v to_o the_o former_a discourse_n but_o because_o it_o be_v mention_v by_o historian_n that_o be_v after_o christ_n time_n and_o the_o application_n be_v with_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v make_v to_o he_o i_o right_o bring_v it_o in_o here_o it_o be_v i_o say_v a_o constant_a report_n that_o prevail_v about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n and_o afterward_o that_o some_o eminent_a person_n or_o person_n shall_v rise_v out_o of_o those_o eastern_a nation_n and_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o world_n we_o find_v 5._o tacitus_n assert_v this_o and_o that_o great_a politician_n and_o statesman_n will_v needs_o have_v it_o fulfil_v in_o vespasian_n and_o titus_n because_o they_o be_v call_v out_o of_o judea_n unto_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n suetonius_n
authority_n of_o they_o equal_a with_o that_o of_o the_o bible_n for_o as_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v dictate_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n so_o these_o law_n they_o hold_v be_v from_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o those_o scripture_n they_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o inspire_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o book_n of_o mishnaioth_n or_o the_o talmud_n which_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o amassment_n only_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o diverse_a decision_n of_o the_o school_n of_o hillel_n and_o shammai_n of_o the_o different_a determination_n of_o r._n akiba_n and_o r._n eliezer_n of_o r._n simeon_n and_o r._n joshua_n etc._n etc._n bandy_n against_o one_o another_o or_o rather_o if_o we_o speak_v plain_a they_o be_v a_o rhapsody_n of_o idle_a dream_n groundless_a fable_n curse_a error_n superstitious_a rite_n and_o practice_n yea_o if_o we_o shall_v instance_n in_o the_o babylonick_a talmud_n of_o horrid_a blasphemy_n against_o christ_n of_o obloquy_n against_o the_o mosaic_a law_n itself_o and_o of_o contradiction_n even_o to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n these_o be_v part_n of_o the_o book_n so_o high_o prize_v by_o the_o jewish_a master_n these_o go_v along_o with_o their_o oral_a law_n which_o be_v first_o give_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o consequent_o be_v of_o the_o same_o original_a with_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n but_o they_o go_v yet_o high_o for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o equalise_v these_o tradition_n with_o scripture_n but_o they_o prefer_v they_o before_o it_o they_o do_v not_o only_o say_v in_o a_o proverbial_a manner_n that_o traditae_fw-la they_o can_v stand_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o write_a law_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o unwritten_a one_o i_o e._n the_o oral_a law_n which_o they_o talk_v of_o and_o that_o locupletissima_fw-la the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n as_o they_o be_v find_v in_o the_o text_n be_v poor_a and_o want_v but_o as_o they_o be_v expound_v by_o the_o doctor_n have_v great_a riches_n and_o abundance_n in_o they_o and_o again_o that_o pilo_fw-la very_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n depend_v upon_o these_o little_a tradition_n which_o they_o contend_v for_o but_o they_o be_v so_o bold_a and_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o proceed_v further_o and_o give_v a_o far_o great_a deference_n to_o these_o tradition_n and_o doctrine_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n as_o they_o call_v they_o than_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o verbis_fw-la their_o doctor_n have_v do_v more_o good_a viz._n as_o to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v of_o religion_n by_o their_o own_o say_n than_o by_o the_o word_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n itself_o and_o according_o their_o advice_n be_v legis_fw-la my_o son_n attend_v more_o to_o what_o the_o scribe_n say_v than_o to_o what_o be_v say_v by_o the_o law_n though_o i_o know_v this_o may_v admit_v of_o another_o sense_n viz._n that_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v more_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n than_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o it_o but_o that_o in_o the_o talmud_n be_v plain_a and_o can_v have_v no_o other_o mean_v 11._o to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o be_v studious_a in_o search_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v good_a and_o not_o good_a i._n e._n it_o be_v not_o of_o any_o considerable_a advantage_n but_o to_o turn_v over_o the_o mishnah_n night_n and_o day_n be_v a_o virtue_n which_o will_v have_v a_o great_a reward_n hereafter_o and_o to_o learn_v the_o gemara_n be_v a_o incomparable_a virtue_n yea_o the_o jew_n blasphemous_o say_v that_o god_n himself_o study_v in_o the_o talmud_n every_o day_n here_o you_o see_v they_o prefer_v their_o deliver_v law_n before_o the_o write_a one_o they_o make_v the_o infallible_a scripture_n truckle_n to_o the_o fabulous_a tradition_n of_o the_o mishnah_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v a_o note_a say_v of_o the_o hebrew_n rabbi_n that_o the_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v like_a water_n the_o mishnah_n like_o wine_n and_o the_o six_o book_n of_o the_o talmud_n be_v like_o the_o sweet_a honeyed_a wine_n thus_o to_o magnify_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n they_o vilify_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v not_o content_a with_o the_o rite_n and_o injunction_n write_v in_o the_o law_n which_o in_o way_n of_o contempt_n they_o call_v 〈…〉_z the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n but_o they_o admire_v those_o most_o which_o be_v take_v from_o their_o wise_a man_n which_o they_o call_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o rabbin_n and_o which_o be_v summary_o contain_v in_o the_o talmud_n these_o they_o hold_v to_o be_v of_o great_a value_n than_o the_o other_o the_o person_n that_o be_v skilled_a in_o these_o be_v slile_v by_o they_o tannaim_n profound_a master_n and_o doctor_n but_o they_o that_o study_v the_o scripture_n only_o be_v but_o karaim_n poor_a reader_n and_o man_n of_o the_o letter_n all_o this_o show_v how_o these_o man_n depretiate_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o exalt_v above_o it_o their_o oral_a law_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a fiction_n and_o forgery_n as_o to_o the_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v give_v to_o moses_n by_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o own_v by_o the_o karaint_n among_o they_o who_o stick_v close_o to_o the_o text_n nor_o by_o some_o of_o their_o perushim_n their_o sober_a sort_n of_o expositor_n who_o think_v those_o tradition_n be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n second_o papist_n as_o well_n as_o jeâ—s_n disparage_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o deny_v its_o perfection_n nor_o by_o the_o way_n be_v this_o the_o only_a thing_n wherein_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o jew_n a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v no_o other_o than_o jewish_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n these_o modern_a talmudist_n will_v not_o own_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n they_o have_v their_o cabala_n the_o doctrine_n receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n they_o be_v for_o their_o oral_a law_n deliver_v from_o one_o to_o another_o they_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o scripture_n so_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o speak_v with_o their_o tradition_n they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o the_o jew_n that_o jud._n there_o must_v be_v a_o fence_n make_v about_o the_o law_n that_o it_o must_v be_v hedge_v in_o with_o tradition_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n say_v they_o but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v partly_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o partly_o in_o unwritten_a tradition_n a_o very_a absurd_a and_o wild_a doctrine_n because_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o by_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n whatever_o be_v or_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v reveal_v in_o these_o write_n and_o no_o new_a doctrine_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v deliver_v since_o to_o the_o church_n or_o any_o particular_a person_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o tenent_n they_o hold_v it_o fast_o and_o make_v it_o a_o great_a article_n of_o their_o belief_n for_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n as_o they_o repute_v it_o that_o unwritten_a tradition_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v 4._o with_o the_o same_o pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n those_o be_v the_o word_n wherewith_o the_o infallible_a write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v entertain_v and_o consequent_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n equal_a with_o the_o scripture_n but_o they_o rest_v not_o here_o they_o not_o only_o equal_a humane_a and_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n but_o follow_v the_o step_v of_o the_o old_a talmudist_n they_o proceed_v yet_o further_o prefer_v tradition_n before_o scripture_n thus_o a_o renown_a divine_a in_o their_o church_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o 8._o tradition_n be_v exceed_o necessary_a for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v more_o requisite_a than_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o this_o he_o endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a with_o he_o concur_v several_a other_o of_o their_o writer_n who_o we_o find_v extol_v tradition_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n speak_v very_o mean_o and_o slight_o of_o the_o holy_a writ_n hence_o they_o blasphemous_o call_v it_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n and_o a_o leaden_a rule_n and_o many_o such_o vilify_a term_n be_v use_v by_o pighius_fw-la and_o melchior_n canus_n and_o etc._n other_o great_a doctor_n of_o that_o church_n we_o deny_v not_o the_o usefulness_n nay_o even_o the_o necessity_n nay_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o tradition_n viz._n that_o tradition_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v entrust_v in_o the_o
to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o give_v we_o a_o plain_a and_o particular_a account_n of_o this_o beginning_n and_o original_a of_o the_o mundane_a fabric_n yea_o the_o very_a philosophic_a man_n among_o the_o gentile_n in_o a_o most_o wild_a and_o ramble_a manner_n talk_v of_o the_o rise_v of_o all_o thing_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n baâ—â—le_v themselves_o thus_o the_o epicurean_o tell_v we_o a_o senseless_a story_n of_o the_o eternal_a frisk_v of_o atom_n which_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v eternal_a have_v no_o beginning_n or_o riâ—e_n at_o all_o pythagoras_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o plato_n and_o some_o of_o the_o peripatetic_n hold_v that_o man_n be_v always_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a succession_n of_o they_o and_o consequent_o no_o original_a of_o they_o other_o who_o believe_v they_o have_v a_o beginning_n have_v strange_a and_o monstrous_a fancy_n concern_v it_o as_o that_o man_n be_v form_v out_o of_o fish_n which_o be_v anaximander_n conceit_n other_o imagine_v they_o shoot_v out_o of_o tree_n some_o out_o of_o egg_n other_o out_o of_o womb_n affix_v to_o the_o earth_n as_o epicurus_n and_o lucretius_n other_o as_o the_o fabulous_a poet_n conceit_v they_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o stone_n and_o 1._o cicero_n relate_v concern_v some_o of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o they_o think_v the_o original_a of_o mankind_n be_v from_o seed_n fall_v from_o the_o star_n and_o impregnate_v the_o earth_n this_o stumble_n at_o the_o threshold_n these_o extravagant_a and_o groundless_a notion_n concern_v the_o very_a first_o original_a of_o thing_n be_v too_o ominous_a a_o presage_v that_o these_o philosopher_n will_v gross_o mistake_v about_o other_o matter_n and_o give_v we_o but_o a_o sorry_a account_n of_o the_o other_o work_v of_o nature_n but_o moses_n confute_v all_o these_o fond_a surmise_n about_o the_o nativity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o mankind_n he_o quash_v all_o those_o wild_a conjecture_n by_o assure_v we_o that_o man_n have_v his_o origine_fw-la from_o the_o earth_n by_o god_n peculiar_a frame_v he_o out_o of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o world_n itself_o have_v its_o be_v by_o creation_n i._n e._n by_o be_v make_v out_o of_o nothing_o by_o the_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n wherefore_o it_o be_v right_o say_v by_o a_o understanding_n person_n 7._o i_o be_o persuade_v say_v he_o that_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n moses_n teach_v more_o than_o all_o the_o pagan_a philosopher_n and_o interpreter_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o this_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o historical_a or_o physical_a account_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v no_o allegory_n be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v by_o any_o man_n of_o a_o sober_a mind_n and_o consistent_a reason_v for_o thus_o i_o argue_v it_o be_v high_o fit_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o â—irst_n rise_v of_o the_o universe_n the_o production_n of_o all_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v leâ—t_o doubtful_a but_o be_v convey_v unto_o we_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v best_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o so_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a a_o matter_n for_o this_o be_v of_o such_o concern_v that_o our_o belief_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n be_v comprise_v in_o it_o now_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o quality_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o deliver_v that_o it_o may_v be_v liable_a to_o imposture_n or_o suspect_v of_o falsehood_n or_o uncertainty_n as_o for_o private_a and_o personal_a revelation_n which_o some_o may_v here_o suppose_v these_o can_v only_o satisfy_v the_o individual_a person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v communicate_v and_o as_o for_o oral_a tradition_n it_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a but_o that_o it_o may_v leave_v some_o scruple_n in_o man_n mind_n hence_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v digest_v into_o such_o record_n which_o may_v assure_v we_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v sit_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v plain_a and_o simple_a and_o proper_o to_o be_v take_v and_o understand_v so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v reckon_v as_o a_o indubitable_a account_n of_o the_o world_n production_n therefore_o such_o be_v this_o relation_n which_o moses_n have_v jest_v we_o which_o be_v a_o perfect_a diary_n of_o thâ—â—_n first_o work_n of_o the_o almighty_a but_o i_o will_v attempt_v yet_o further_o to_o prove_v that_o thiâ—_n history_n deserve_v that_o name_n i._n e._n that_o it_o relate_v what_o be_v real_o do_v if_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o some_o sacred_a and_o inspire_a author_n i_o conceive_v that_o will_v be_v a_o fair_a conviction_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o author_n to_o be_v inspire_v and_o to_o deliver_v thing_n that_o be_v real_o true_a that_o st._n peter_n then_o in_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o his_o second_o epistle_n where_o he_o brief_o describe_v the_o make_n and_o frame_n of_o this_o world_n as_o it_o be_v form_v at_o the_o first_o creation_n refer_v to_o this_o mosaic_a history_n and_o also_o full_o confirm_v it_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o perusal_n of_o that_o his_o description_n where_o you_o will_v find_v those_o very_a term_n which_o moses_n in_o the_o first_o of_o genesis_n make_v use_v of_o this_o they_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a of_o say_v the_o apostle_n that_o the_o heaven_n be_v of_o old_a i._n e._n from_o the_o beginning_n which_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n which_o agree_v exact_o with_o the_o first_o word_n of_o genesis_n and_o these_o heaven_n be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o reference_n to_o god_n say_v which_o moses_n express_o mention_n chap._n 1._o 6_o 14._o next_o to_o the_o heaven_n he_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o moses_n do_v tell_v we_o that_o it_o stand_v or_o consist_v out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o in_o the_o water_n which_o be_v the_o same_o account_n of_o it_o which_o we_o have_v in_o genesis_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v partly_o above_o water_n and_o partly_o under_o i._n e._n it_o be_v above_o the_o sea_n fountain_n river_n etc._n etc._n but_o under_o the_o wâ—tyr_n mass_n of_o cloud_n so_o that_o any_o man_n of_o unprejudiced_a thought_n can_v but_o see_v that_o those_o word_n the_o earth_n stand_v out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o in_o the_o water_n plain_o relate_v to_o the_o moysaicall_a history_n where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o globe_n of_o earth_n include_v in_o it_o a_o heap_n of_o water_n call_v the_o deep_a or_o the_o abysâ—_n which_o be_v afterward_o gather_v into_o one_o receptacle_n or_o channel_n this_o be_v call_v the_o water_n under_o the_o firmament_n i._n e._n under_o the_o expansion_n of_o the_o air_n as_o the_o water_n above_o the_o earth_n viz._n the_o cloud_n be_v call_v the_o water_n above_o the_o expansion_n gen._n 1._o 7._o thus_o you_o see_v all_o this_o be_v allege_v and_o 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establish_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o bid_v desiance_n to_o reason_n and_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wonder_v that_o any_o person_n who_o pretend_v to_o own_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o bible_n shall_v public_o disow_v moses_n relation_n of_o the_o first_o original_a of_o the_o world_n and_o look_v upon_o this_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v on_o the_o three_o as_o not_o true_a i._n e._n not_o give_v a_o account_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n upon_o he_o to_o form_v such_o thought_n as_o these_o concern_v this_o entrance_n of_o moses_n book_n because_o he_o have_v in_o his_o theory_n of_o the_o earth_n run_v counter_a to_o that_o relation_n of_o it_o which_o moses_n give_v this_o be_v the_o
i_o find_v it_o be_v yea_o flat_o deny_v by_o aben_n ezra_n and_o pererius_n and_o late_o by_o hobbs_n and_o spinosa_n a_o very_a little_a portion_n of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o say_v monsieur_n simon_n who_o have_v a_o new_a notion_n of_o certain_a public_a scribe_n or_o register_n that_o pen_v this_o and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o sort_n of_o abbreviate_a notary_n he_o borrow_v from_o the_o egyptian_n as_o he_o confess_v himself_o because_o there_o be_v such_o officer_n in_o the_o egyptian_a court_n who_o have_v a_o privilege_n to_o add_v to_o or_o take_v away_o from_o to_o amplify_v or_o abridge_v the_o public_a record_n he_o thence_o groundless_o infer_v there_o be_v such_o among_o the_o jew_n who_o make_v what_o alteration_n they_o please_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n which_o paradox_n of_o his_o i_o have_v consider_v and_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o in_o a_o former_a treatise_n this_o i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v who_o be_v the_o particular_a penman_n of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o but_o on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o indict_v they_o they_o be_v the_o book_n of_o god_n that_o be_v their_o peculiar_a character_n and_o dignity_n and_o that_o alone_o make_v they_o authentic_a after_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o our_o certain_a know_v who_o pen_v they_o yet_o this_o must_v be_v say_v that_o it_o can_v with_o reason_n be_v deny_v that_o the_o author_n of_o some_o of_o these_o sacred_a book_n be_v well_o know_v and_o particular_o there_o be_v very_a convince_a proof_n that_o moses_n write_v the_o book_n which_o i_o have_v be_v give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o may_v be_v evince_v from_o our_o saviour_n word_n luke_n 16._o 31._o &_o 24._o 27._o where_o by_o moses_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a he_o mean_v the_o book_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o consequent_o thereby_o let_v we_o know_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o writer_n of_o they_o and_o more_o express_o the_o book_n of_o exodus_fw-la be_v call_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n by_o our_o same_o infallible_a master_n mark_v 12._o 26._o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o these_o book_n be_v read_v moses_n be_v read_v 2_o cor._n 3._o 19_o and_o both_o our_o saviour_n and_o this_o apostle_n distinguish_v between_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n luke_n 16._o 29._o act_n 26._o 22._o plain_o signify_v that_o as_o those_o book_n which_o pass_v under_o the_o prophet_n name_n be_v they_o so_o these_o that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v moses_n be_v write_v by_o he_o i_o think_v this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o need_v not_o to_o be_v further_o insist_v on_o as_o to_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o man_n before_o name_v against_o this_o i_o forbear_v to_o produce_v they_o and_o to_o return_v particular_a answer_n to_o they_o because_o this_o be_v so_o late_o do_v by_o pentateuchi_fw-la mounseur_fw-fr clerk_n and_o because_o another_o religion_n learned_a frenchman_n have_v laudable_o perform_v this_o task_n especial_o he_o have_v with_o great_a vigour_n and_o as_o great_a success_n attack_v spinosa_n a_o jew_n as_o they_o tell_v we_o by_o birth_n but_o neither_o jew_n nor_o christian_a by_o profession_n but_o a_o derider_n of_o both_o we_o may_v also_o find_v his_o argument_n which_o be_v general_o borrow_a from_o aben_n ezra_n refute_v with_o great_a clearness_n by_o the_o bible_n learned_a professor_n of_o divinity_n at_o paris_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n betake_v himself_o to_o the_o positive_a part_n and_o render_v it_o unquestionable_a that_o moses_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o five_o book_n that_o go_v under_o his_o name_n wherefore_o the_o particular_a fancy_n of_o those_o few_o objector_n and_o those_o no_o friend_n to_o the_o sacred_a text_n be_v not_o to_o be_v heed_v by_o we_o as_o to_o that_o common_a scruple_n which_o be_v so_o much_o insist_v upon_o that_o in_o the_o last_o book_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n there_o be_v mention_n of_o moses_n death_n and_o some_o thing_n that_o happen_v after_o it_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o moses_n write_v not_o those_o book_n or_o at_o least_o not_o the_o last_o of_o they_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n that_o moses_n be_v a_o prophet_n may_v foresee_v and_o have_v reveal_v to_o he_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o his_o own_o death_n and_o so_o he_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n wherefore_o none_o can_v from_o thence_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o penman_n of_o all_o this_o book_n however_o we_o will_v not_o contend_v here_o for_o perhaps_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o book_n be_v affix_v by_o joshua_n or_o afterward_o by_o ezra_n who_o be_v a_o inspire_a person_n likewise_o and_o who_o revise_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o insert_v some_o thing_n into_o they_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indict_v the_o rest_n notwithstanding_o then_o the_o foresay_a objection_n which_o refer_v only_o to_o a_o few_o passage_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n of_o deuteronomy_n wâ—_n have_v reason_n to_o assert_v that_o the_o whole_a five_o book_n except_v that_o little_a addition_n in_o the_o close_a be_v write_v by_o moses_n these_o be_v his_o authentic_a record_n consist_v chief_o of_o history_n which_o comprise_v in_o it_o the_o occurrence_n of_o about_o 2400_o year_n and_o law_n which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o his_o own_o people_n and_o will_v be_v of_o use_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n here_o be_v the_o cabinet_n of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n under_o heaven_n here_o be_v the_o first_o and_o old_a monument_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n viii_o a_o short_a survey_n of_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n which_o be_v a_o supplement_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o judge_n samuel_n the_o king_n chronicle_n ezra_n which_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o chronicle_n nehemiah_n esther_n the_o author_n stile_n composure_n matter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n discuss_v a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o penman_n subject_n kind_n title_n poetic_a meter_n and_o rhythm_n of_o the_o psalm_n next_o unto_o this_o be_v that_o excellent_a history_n write_v by_o joshua_n the_o captain_n general_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o moses_n famous_a successor_n who_o very_a name_n without_o doubt_n be_v as_o terrible_a to_o the_o canaanite_n as_o those_o of_o hunniades_n and_o scanderbag_n be_v afterward_o to_o the_o turk_n here_o he_o admirable_o describe_v the_o holy_a war_n the_o martial_a achievement_n and_o stratagem_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n against_o those_o nation_n who_o land_n they_o be_v to_o possess_v and_o at_o length_n their_o victory_n over_o they_o here_o be_v very_o particular_o set_v down_o their_o conquest_n over_o those_o king_n and_o country_n this_o book_n be_v the_o fulfil_v of_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o they_o concern_v the_o enter_v into_o canaan_n and_o enjoy_v that_o land_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n the_o everlasting_a rest_n which_o remain_v to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n heb._n 4._o 9_o here_o be_v the_o actual_a possession_n of_o that_o promise_a inheritance_n and_o the_o division_n of_o it_o among_o the_o several_a tribe_n by_o lot_n the_o short_a be_v in_o the_o whole_a book_n which_o i_o must_v not_o now_o give_v you_o by_o retail_n there_o be_v abundant_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n repeat_v instance_n of_o the_o infinite_a kindness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o servant_n remarkable_a example_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n on_o his_o enemy_n yea_o and_o visible_a proof_n of_o his_o severe_a deal_n with_o his_o own_o people_n when_o they_o refuse_v to_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o when_o they_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o here_o be_v in_o the_o large_a account_n which_o be_v give_v of_o joshua_n and_o his_o action_n a_o exact_a character_n of_o a_o worthy_a prince_n a_o ruler_n a_o general_n who_o ought_v to_o signalise_v himself_o by_o his_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o zeal_n for_o religion_n by_o his_o constant_a sobriety_n justice_n and_o charity_n by_o his_o undaunted_a courage_n valour_n and_o prowess_n by_o his_o deep_a wisdom_n policy_n and_o conduct_n and_o his_o great_a and_o wonderful_a success_n which_o 6._o be_v so_o much_o require_v in_o a_o general_n crown_v all_o the_o whole_a contain_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o moses_n death_n till_o the_o death_n of_o their_o great_a commander_n joshua_n in_o all_o about_o eighteen_o year_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o the_o age_n death_n and_o burial_n of_o this_o latter_a be_v
jonathan_n the_o rabbi_n before_o mention_v on_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o targum_fw-la of_o joseph_n the_o blind_a on_o the_o psalm_n job_n proverb_n esther_n canticle_n and_o there_o be_v other_o version_n of_o some_o other_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v make_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o disperse_a jew_n in_o chaldea_n and_o be_v likewise_o call_v targumim_n all_o which_o be_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o learnede_a of_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n to_o be_v faithful_a translation_n of_o the_o original_a and_o none_o but_o prepossess_v mind_n can_v find_v any_o disagreement_n between_o they_o as_o to_o the_o main_a it_o be_v true_a these_o be_v paraphrast_n rather_o than_o translator_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o these_o targumist_n shall_v render_v the_o hebrew_n word_n for_o word_n it_o can_v rational_o be_v think_v that_o in_o this_o free_a way_n of_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o original_a they_o shall_v be_v exact_a they_o intend_v a_o comment_n only_o in_o some_o place_n and_o not_o a_o exact_a version_n to_o pass_v then_o from_o the_o translation_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o oriental_a tongue_n to_o some_o other_o i_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o greek_a version_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o more_o especial_o of_o that_o of_o the_o septuagint_n the_o greek_a translation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v either_o those_o that_o be_v make_v since_o our_o saviour_n time_n or_o that_o celebrate_a one_o make_v before_o it_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v make_v since_o christ_n time_n the_o author_n of_o the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v aquila_n who_o live_v under_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n and_o be_v convert_v from_o gentilism_n to_o christianity_n and_o then_o forsake_v christianity_n and_o turn_v jew_n and_o translate_v the_o old_a testament_n out_o of_o hebrew_n into_o greek_a he_o be_v a_o very_a morose_n interpreter_n even_o to_o superstition_n adhere_v to_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n and_o altogether_o averse_a from_o the_o seventy_n translation_n the_o next_o greek_n version_n be_v that_o of_o theodotion_n in_o the_o emperor_n commodus_n time_n who_o be_v a_o ebionite_n or_o judaize_v christian._n a_o three_o be_v put_v out_o in_o the_o emperor_n severus_n reign_n by_o symmachus_n who_o be_v first_o a_o jew_n of_o the_o samaritan_n sect_n and_o afterward_o a_o christian_a but_o a_o ebionite_n or_o judaize_v heretic_n wherefore_o he_o be_v call_v semi-christianus_a by_o st._n jerom._n these_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o three_o first_o interpretation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o be_v compose_v after_o our_o saviour_n day_n and_o you_o hear_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n they_o be_v one_o of_o these_o translation_n be_v whole_o literal_a the_o other_o take_v a_o liberty_n and_o follow_v the_o sense_n and_o the_o three_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a nature_n but_o none_o of_o they_o be_v ever_o public_o receive_v and_o read_v by_o the_o 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