Selected quad for the lemma: book_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
book_n	account_n	act_n	affirm_v	12	3	6.5660	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A37989	A discourse concerning the authority, stile, and perfection of the books of the Old and New-Testament with a continued illustration of several difficult texts of scripture throughout the whole work / by John Edwards.	Edwards, John, 1637-1716.	1693 (1693)	Wing E202; ESTC R29386	927,516	1,518

and_o twenty_o after_o the_o number_n of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n and_o 4._o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v these_o express_a word_n read_v these_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n but_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o study_n and_o meditate_v only_o on_o these_o scripture_n which_o we_o confident_o read_v in_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n and_o first_o bishop_n be_v true_a guide_n and_o be_v more_o wise_a and_o religious_a than_o thou_o be_v and_o these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o deliver_v these_o scripture_n to_o we_o thou_o then_o be_v a_o son_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o go_v beyond_o her_o bound_n and_o order_n but_o acknowledge_v and_o study_v only_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n of_o the_o old_a ●●●stament_n and_o other_o father_n of_o the_o chur●●_n as_o melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n athanasius_n amphilo●●us_n epiphanius_n eusebius_n gregory_n nazianzen_n g●●gory_n the_o great_a basil_n chrysostom_n testify_v that_o 〈◊〉_d book_n and_o no_o other_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o receive_v now_o be_v the_o canonical_a boo●●_n of_o old_a and_o receive_v so_o by_o the_o first_o christi●●_n those_o eminent_a light_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n r●t_n jerom_n hilary_n disow_v as_o uncanonical_a 〈◊〉_d book_n of_o apocrypha_fw-la the_o two_o latter_a especial_o 〈◊〉_d very_o positive_a eustock_n jerom_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o 〈◊〉_d canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d and_o twenty_o just_o the_o number_n of_o the_o hebrew_n al●phabet_n and_o no_o more_o and_o he_o enumerate_v the_o particular_a book_n which_o constitute_v the_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d say_v indeed_o that_o some_o make_v they_o four_o and_o tw●●ty_a but_o it_o be_v the_o same_o account_n for_o they_o reck●●_n ruth_n and_o lamentation_n separately_z but_o as_o for_o 〈◊〉_d other_o he_o say_v they_o be_v not_o part_v of_o inspire_a scripture_n and_o the_o church_n do_v not_o receive_v the●_n among_o the_o canonical_a write_n so_o psalm_n hilary_n giu_v we_o the_o just_a catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o peremptory_o affirm_v that_o there_o 〈◊〉_d but_o two_o and_o twenty_o canonical_a book_n of_o it_o in_o all_o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o thirty_o nine_o according_a to_o the_o reckon_n in_o our_o bibles_n to_o father_n w●_n may_v add_v synod_n and_o council_n as_o that_o antie●●_n one_o of_o laodicea_n convened_a a._n d._n 364._o which_o draw_v up_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o make_v mention_v only_o of_o these_o which_o we_o now_o receive_v but_o leave_v out_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o this_o canon_n be_v receive_v afterward_o and_o confirm_v by_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n one_o of_o the_o first_o four_o general_n council_n and_o the_o six_o general_n council_n hold_v at_o constantinople_n a._n d._n 680._o express_o ratify_v the_o decree_n of_o that_o old_a laodicean_n council_n and_o particular_o this_o that_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o two_o and_o twenty_o there_o be_v another_o reason_n also_o beside_o the_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n why_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v eject_v out_o of_o the_o canon_n viz._n because_o some_o thing_n in_o they_o be_v false_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n as_o in_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la 46._o 20._o 2_o esdras_n 6._o 40._o and_o some_o thing_n be_v vicious_a as_o in_o 2_o maccab._n 14._o 42._o after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o answer_v what_o the_o romanist_n say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o quote_v the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n which_o they_o tell_v we_o receive_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n into_o the_o canon_n and_o among_o the_o father_n st._n augustin_n they_o say_v own_v they_o beside_o that_o two_o pope_n viz._n innocent_a the_o first_o and_o gelasius_n take_v those_o book_n which_o we_o style_v apocryphal_a into_o the_o canon_n as_o for_o the_o council_n which_o they_o allege_v it_o be_v but_o a_o provincial_a one_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v set_v against_o those_o more_o authentic_a and_o general_a council_n which_o i_o produce_v nor_o must_v that_o one_o single_a father_n who_o they_o name_n stand_v out_o against_o that_o great_a number_n of_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n who_o i_o mention_v the_o pope_n bear_v a_o great_a name_n among_o our_o adversary_n but_o they_o be_v but_o two_o and_o must_v not_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o council_n and_o that_o multitude_n of_o father_n who_o be_v on_o our_o side_n or_o if_o they_o lie_v such_o great_a stress_n on_o a_o pope_n i_o can_v name_v they_o one_o and_o he_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a they_o ever_o have_v viz._n pope_n gregory_n the_o great_a who_o 17._o declare_v that_o the_o book_n of_o maccabee_n a_o main_a piece_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a writing_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n w●_n may_v set_v this_o one_o pope_n for_o he_o be_v great_a enough_o against_o the_o other_o two_n beside_o their_o own_o 〈◊〉_d be_v against_o they_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v 〈◊〉_d receive_v as_o part_v of_o holy_a inspire_a scripture_n by_o i●●dorus_n damascen_n nicephorus_n rabanus_n maurus_n h●go_n lyranus_fw-la cajetan_n and_o other_o who_o be_v of_o gre●●_n repute_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o regard_v 〈◊〉_d what_o the_o pack_v council_n of_o trent_n have_v decree_v viz._n 4._o that_o beside_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n 〈◊〉_d the_o hebrew_n canon_n those_o also_o of_o tobias_n judit●_n the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la maccabe●●●_n baruch_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o canonical_a and_o th●_n they_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o canon_n o●_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o general_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a council_n father_n and_o writer_n who_o have_v reject_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n and_o receive_v but_o twenty_o two_o into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n belong_v to_o the_o old_a testament_n you_o see_v what_o ground_n we_o have_v no_o other_o than_o the_o universal_a church_n we_o reject_v some_o book_n as_o apocryphal_a because_o they_o be_v general_o reject_v by_o the_o ancient_a primitive_a church_n and_o we_o receive_v the_o rest_n as_o canonical_a because_o they_o be_v believe_v and_o own_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n see_v this_o admirable_o make_v good_a in_o bishop_n cousins_n history_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n yet_o a●ter_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v we_o count_v the_o apocrypha_n write_n worthy_a to_o be_v read_v and_o peruse_v the_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n amiss_o in_o they_o yet_o we_o give_v great_a deference_n and_o respect_n to_o they_o as_o contain_v many_o historical_a truth_n and_o furnish_v we_o wit●_n matter_n of_o jewish_a antiquity_n as_o likewise_o because_o there_o be_v many_o doctrinal_a and_o moral_a truth_n in_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n and_o ec●lesiasticus_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o say_v we_o bear_v great_a respect_n to_o they_o and_o rank_v they_o next_o to_o the_o holy_a canon_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o all_o profane_a author_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o frequent_o allege_v they_o in_o their_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n which_o be_v one_o reason_n i_o question_v not_o why_o these_o apocryphal_a book_n come_v to_o be_v make_v canonical_a by_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n namely_o because_o they_o be_v so_o often_o quote_v by_o the_o father_n and_o in_o some_o church_n read_v public_o but_o this_o be_v no_o proof_n of_o their_o be_v canonical_a but_o only_o let_v we_o know_v that_o these_o book_n be_v in_o their_o kind_a useful_a and_o profitable_a as_o indeed_o they_o be_v therefore_o st._n proverb_n jerom_n say_v the_o church_n receive_v not_o these_o book_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n though_o she_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v read_v and_o concern_v these_o write_n our_o church_n say_v well_o quote_v st._n jerom_n for_o it_o 6._o she_o do_v read_v they_o for_o example_n of_o life_n and_o instruction_n of_o manner_n but_o yet_o do_v not_o apply_v they_o to_o establish_v any_o doctrine_n which_o give_v we_o a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o book_n namely_o that_o they_o contain_v excellent_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o inform_v we_o of_o our_o duty_n as_o to_o several_a weighty_a thing_n but_o they_o be_v not_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v they_o be_v not_o the_o infallible_a standard_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v and_o make_v use_n of_o to_o that_o purpose_n this_o and_o the_o other_o reason_n before_o mention_v may_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o think_v that_o these_o write_n aught_o not_o to_o be_v

of_o it_o anah_n invention_n of_o mule_n writer_n borrow_v from_o one_o another_o the_o bible_n only_o be_v the_o book_n that_o be_v behold_v to_o no_o other_o here_o be_v the_o ancient_a learning_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o of_o all_o kind_n it_o be_v common_a with_o author_n to_o contradict_v themselves_o and_o one_o another_o they_o be_v uncertain_a lubricous_a and_o fabulous_a but_o the_o divine_a writer_n alone_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a how_o strange_a and_o improbable_a soever_o some_o of_o the_o content_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v they_o just_o command_v our_o firm_a assent_n to_o they_o p._n 263_o chap._n vii_o a_o particular_a distribution_n of_o the_o several_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n genesis_n the_o first_o of_o they_o together_o with_o the_o four_o follow_v one_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n his_o ample_a character_n or_o panegyric_n be_v attempt_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o full_a account_n of_o his_o birth_n education_n flight_n from_o court_n retire_a life_n his_o return_n to_o egypt_n his_o conduct_v of_o the_o israelite_n thence_o his_o immediate_a converse_n with_o god_n in_o the_o mount_n his_o deliver_v the_o law_n his_o divine_a eloquence_n his_o humility_n and_o meekness_n his_o suffering_n his_o miracle_n and_o his_o particular_a fitness_n to_o write_v these_o book_n a_o summary_n of_o the_o several_a head_n contain_v in_o genesis_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o brief_a but_o distinct_a view_n of_o the_o six_o day_n work_n wherein_o be_v explain_v the_o mosaic_a draught_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o thing_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o bold_a hypothesis_n of_o a_o late_a writer_n design_v to_o confront_v the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v expose_v and_o refute_v the_o content_n of_o the_o book_n of_o exodus_fw-la to_o which_o be_v adjoin_v a_o short_a comment_n on_o the_o ten_o plague_n of_o egypt_n a_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o remarkable_a particular_n treat_v of_o in_o leviticus_n number_n deuteronomy_n that_o moses_n be_v the_o penman_n and_o author_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n notwithstanding_o what_o some_o have_v late_o object_v against_o it_o p._n 305_o 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 p._n 350_o chap._n ix_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n why_o so_o call_v the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o these_o divine_a and_o inspire_a aphorism_n some_o instance_n of_o the_o different_a application_n of_o the_o similitude_n use_v by_o this_o author_n the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n why_o so_o entitle_v the_o admirable_a subject_n of_o it_o succinct_o display_v the_o particular_a nature_n of_o the_o canticle_n or_o mystical_a song_n of_o solomon_n brief_o set_v forth_o it_o be_v evince_v from_o very_o cogent_a argument_n that_o solomon_n die_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v save_v the_o book_n of_o the_o four_o great_a prophet_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n with_o his_o lamentation_n ezekiel_n daniel_n be_v describe_v so_o be_v those_o of_o the_o twelve_o lesser_a prophet_n hosea_n etc._n etc._n p._n 379_o chap._n x._o a_o account_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n the_o peculiar_a time_n order_n stile_n design_n of_o their_o gospel_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n show_v to_o be_v a_o incomparable_a history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n particular_o delineate_v he_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o apostle_n style_n and_o manner_n of_o write_v the_o excellent_a matter_n and_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n st._n peter_n st._n john_n st._n judas_n a_o historical_a series_n or_o order_n be_v not_o observe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n p._n 415_o chap._n xi_o none_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v lose_v not_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n nor_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o the_o book_n of_o jasher_n nor_o the_o act_n of_o vzziah_n a_o account_n of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o seer_n the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n the_o book_n of_o gad_n the_o seer_n the_o book_n of_o iddo_n the_o book_n of_o shemaiah_n jehu_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v to_o be_v think_v concern_v the_o book_n of_o solomon_n mention_v 1_o king_n 4._o 32_o 33._o objection_n draw_v from_o jam._n 4._o 5._o from_o luke_n 11._o 49._o from_o act_n 20._o 35._o from_o judas_n v._n 14._o from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 9_o from_o col._n 4._o 16._o full_o satisfy_v other_o objection_n from_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 6_o 12_o 25._o 2_o cor._n 8._o 8._o &_o 11._o 17._o particular_o answer_v p._n 451_o chap._n xii_o a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o eastern_a translation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n especial_o of_o the_o targum_n the_o several_a greek_a translation_n more_o especial_o that_o of_o the_o lxx_o jewish_a elder_n the_o impartial_a history_n of_o they_o and_o their_o version_n some_o immoderate_o extol_v it_o other_o as_o excessive_o inveigh_v against_o it_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o the_o greek_a translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n assign_v viz._n one_o hebrew_n vowel_n be_v put_v for_o another_o one_o consonant_a for_o another_o sometime_o both_o vowel_n and_o consonant_n be_v mistake_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o signification_n of_o some_o hebrew_n word_n be_v another_o cause_n sometime_o the_o sense_n rather_o than_o the_o word_n itself_o be_v attend_v to_o some_o fault_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o transcriber_n some_o because_o the_o lxx_o be_v paraphrast_n rather_o than_o translator_n they_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o insert_v word_n and_o passage_n of_o their_o own_o the_o greek_a version_n have_v be_v design_o corrupt_v in_o several_a place_n why_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o sermon_n and_o write_n make_v use_v of_o this_o version_n though_o it_o be_v faulty_a sometime_o the_o sacred_a writer_n keep_v close_o to_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o seventy_n translation_n of_o the_o word_n at_o other_o time_n in_o their_o quotation_n they_o confine_v themselves_o to_o neither_o but_o use_v a_o latitude_n the_o greek_a version_n be_v to_o be_v read_v with_o candour_n and_o caution_n and_o must_v always_o give_v way_n to_o the_o hebrew_n original_a the_o chief_a latin_a translation_n of_o the_o bible_n especial_o the_o vulgar_a examine_v modern_a latin_a translation_n and_o last_o our_o own_o english_a one_o consider_v p._n 477_o chap._n xiii_o our_o english_a translation_n show_v to_o be_v faulty_a and_o defective_a in_o some_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o more_o large_o and_o full_o this_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o several_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o abundant_a instance_n be_v produce_v of_o this_o defect_n and_o particular_a emendation_n be_v all_o along_o offer_v in_o order_n to_o the_o render_v our_o translation_n more_o exact_a and_o complete_a the_o date_n of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o chapter_n and_o verse_n p._n 532_o chap._n fourteen_o the_o reader_n be_v invite_v to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o he_o value_v the_o repute_n of_o a_o scholar_n and_o a_o learned_a man._n that_o he_o may_v successful_o study_v this_o holy_a book_n he_o must_v be_v furnish_v with_o tongue_n art_n history_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o be_v very_o inquisitive_a and_o diligent_a in_o search_v into_o the_o mind_n and_o design_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n in_o examine_v the_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n in_o compare_v place_n together_o in_o observe_v and_o discover_v the_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o elegancy_n and_o sometime_o the_o verbal_a allusion_n and_o cadence_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o which_o several_a instance_n be_v give_v he_o must_v also_o be_v moral_o qualify_v to_o read_v this_o book_n i._n e._n he_o ought_v to_o banish_v all_o prejudice_n he_o must_v be_v modest_a and_o humble_a he_o must_v endeavour_v to_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o love_n of_o all_o vice_n he_o must_v with_o great_a earnestness_n implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n p._n 532_o of_o the_o excellency_n &_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._n the_o different_a esteem_n and_o sentiment_n of_o person_n concern_v the_o author_n they_o make_v choice_n of_o to_o read_v no_o write_n can_v equal_v the_o bible_n it_o have_v be_v high_o value_v in_o all_o age_n by_o

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contrary_a and_o record_v his_o own_o fault_n and_o misdemeanour_n whence_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o falsify_v in_o the_o least_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o his_o write_n and_o as_o for_o that_o aphorism_n of_o machiavelli_n he_o that_o write_v a_o history_n must_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n it_o be_v here_o disprove_v and_o consute_v moses_n be_v the_o most_o absolute_a historian_n and_o yet_o the_o most_o religious_a and_o his_o be_v the_o latter_a capacitate_v he_o to_o be_v the_o former_a for_o no_o man_n can_v so_o impartial_o deliver_v the_o truth_n as_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o from_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o especial_o as_o in_o the_o present_a case_n have_v a_o practical_a sense_n of_o those_o divine_a thing_n which_o he_o deliver_v this_o be_v that_o person_n who_o be_v the_o author_n

close_a of_o it_o when_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o judgement_n thus_o i_o have_v attempt_v to_o evince_v the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n by_o enumerate_v all_o the_o book_n of_o both_o testament_n and_o give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o they_o these_o excellent_a and_o incomparable_a book_n be_v the_o true_a pandect_n indeed_o the_o book_n that_o comprehend_v all_o that_o treat_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a they_o be_v the_o most_o valuable_a collection_n of_o write_n under_o heaven_n they_o be_v of_o all_o the_o book_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n because_o they_o be_v our_o infallible_a rule_n and_o sure_a guide_n to_o wisdom_n holiness_n and_o blessedness_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o most_o desirable_a thing_n here_o and_o of_o the_o most_o eligible_a hereafter_o if_o this_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v before_o do_v not_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v complete_v and_o perfect_a i_o despair_v of_o ever_o 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angry_a with_o any_o man_n that_o deny_v that_o there_o any_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n miss_v now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a there_o be_v ground_n to_o complain_v of_o a_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o these_o book_n that_o therefore_o which_o i_o be_o to_o undertake_v here_o be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o book_n mention_v in_o scripture_n as_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o what_o be_v now_o to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o and_o be_v real_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v not_o defective_a that_o the_o body_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v not_o maim_a and_o imperfect_a first_o as_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n mention_v in_o exod._n 24._o 7._o which_o some_o fancy_n be_v lose_v it_o be_v not_o any_o distinct_a book_n from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n if_o we_o impartial_o weigh_v the_o place_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o collection_n or_o volume_n of_o those_o several_a injunction_n and_o institution_n which_o we_o read_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n viz._n 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o which_o god_n deliver_v to_o moses_n on_o the_o mount_n it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n de●t_n 31._o 9_o that_o which_o have_v cause_v a_o different_a persuasion_n in_o some_o be_v this_o that_o these_o law_n be_v call_v a_o book_n but_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o evident_a afterward_o that_o this_o appellation_n be_v of_o a_o great_a latitude_n and_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o sort_n of_o write_v by_o the_o hebrew_n second_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n numb_a 21._o 14._o which_o be_v think_v to_o be_v now_o want_v the_o answer_v give_v by_o some_o be_v that_o this_o be_v a_o apocrypbal_a author_n and_o so_o can_v be_v say_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o book_n do_v not_o argue_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o though_o this_o way_n of_o solution_n be_v tolerable_a when_o make_v use_v of_o as_o to_o some_o other_o book_n hereafter_o mention_v yet_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o use_v it_o here_o because_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o test._n learned_a english_a rabbi_n that_o moses_n refer_v here_o to_o himself_o and_o a_o book_n of_o his_o own_o compose_n for_o we_o read_v that_o upon_o the_o discomfiture_n of_o amalek_n god_n command_v moses_n to_o write_v it_o for_o a_o memorial_n in_o a_o book_n exod._n 17._o 14._o and_o as_o it_o follow_v to_o rehearse_v it_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o joshua_n so_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v some_o book_n of_o direction_n write_v by_o moses_n for_o ioshua_n manage_v of_o the_o war_n after_o he_o thus_o this_o learned_a writer_n make_v this_o book_n only_o to_o be_v of_o private_a use_n and_o dictate_v by_o a_o ordinary_a not_o a_o divine_a spirit_n wherefore_o it_o can_v be_v one_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a then_o though_o it_o be_v lose_v yet_o no_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v lose_v hereby_o but_o from_o what_o i_o shall_v propound_v i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v find_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n in_o this_o place_n mention_v be_v one_o of_o the_o receive_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i._n e._n it_o be_v the_o book_n of_o judge_n which_o deserve_o have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o it_o recount_v those_o warlike_a erterprise_n which_o those_o heroic_a spirit_n stir_v up_o by_o god_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n be_v famous_a for_o or_o milchamoth_n jehovah_n the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o great_a wonderful_a and_o renown_a war_n for_o perhaps_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v use_v here_o as_o in_o several_a other_o place_n to_o augment_v the_o sense_n and_o to_o express_v the_o 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desire_v it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o though_o we_o translate_v the_o text_n thus_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n etc._n etc._n yet_o in_o the_o original_a the_o verb_n be_v in_o the_o future_a tense_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d diceture_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v and_o so_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n he_o here_o foretell_v that_o afterward_o it_o shall_v be_v commemorate_a how_o god_n fight_v for_o his_o people_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v at_o solemn_a time_n a_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o jewish_a war_n than_o this_o passage_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o mind_n and_o make_v mention_n of_o and_o then_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o these_o two_o verse_n not_o as_o cite_v

import_n signify_v a_o dispose_n of_o something_o be_v most_o commo●●ly_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o disposal_n as_o be_v either_o by_o coven●●_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 beg●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

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 solecis●●_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 ●●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

be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o jew_n we●●_n very_o careful_a and_o studious_a very_o exact_a and_o curio●●_n in_o scripture_n by_o which_o mean_v it_o happen_v that_o the●_n be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o make_v any_o alteration_n in_o 〈◊〉_d without_o be_v discover_v that_o be_v the_o only_a re●son_n of_o my_o allege_v here_o the_o masoretic_n note_n 〈◊〉_d i_o undertake_v not_o to_o defend_v the_o superstitious_a r●●marks_n and_o criticism_n of_o the_o masorite_n i_o applaud_v not_o their_o laborious_a nicety_n their_o childish_a transmutation_n and_o shufl_v of_o letter_n and_o syllable_n their_o trifle_a annotation_n on_o the_o figure_n and_o make_v of_o some_o hebrew_n letter_n but_o i_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o make_v these_o critical_a man_n to_o be_v very_o serviceable_a towards_o the_o preserve_a the_o bible_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o its_o purity_n the_o observation_n of_o these_o masoretic_n doctor_n who_o be_v person_n of_o great_a skill_n in_o the_o language_n and_o well_o acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o ancient_a copy_n and_o manuscript_n and_o who_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o exact_o number_v all_o the_o verse_n word_n letter_n and_o even_o the_o minute_a part_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n have_v be_v a_o great_a security_n and_o preservative_n to_o it_o they_o have_v keep_v it_o undeprave_v and_o uncorrupt_a and_o have_v make_v the_o read_n of_o it_o certain_a and_o unalterable_a this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o that_o excellent_a and_o noble_a personage_n the_o learned_a picus_n mirandula_n so_o high_o extol_v the_o hebrew_n cabala_n without_o doubt_n he_o see_v this_o usefulness_n and_o excellency_n in_o it_o nay_o before_o these_o doctor_n of_o tiberias_n draw_v up_o their_o masoretic_n note_n there_o be_v it_o be_v probable_a extant_a something_o of_o this_o nature_n they_o have_v before_o this_o time_n some_o account_n not_o only_o of_o all_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o of_o all_o the_o apices_fw-la of_o they_o for_o to_o this_o our_o saviour_n allude_v in_o mat._n 5._o 18._o not_o one_o jot_n or_o one_o 〈◊〉_d tittle_n which_o latter_a be_v mean_v of_o those_o little_a horn_n prick_n and_o dot_n belong_v to_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n not_o only_o the_o small_a letter_n as_o jod_n but_o the_o cut_n of_o those_o letter_n be_v diligent_o observe_v by_o the_o masoretic_n jew_n and_o this_o their_o nice_a and_o almost_o fond_a criticism_n be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n entire_a and_o unchanged_a thus_o the_o masore_v as_o they_o express_v it_o be_v a_o hedge_n or_o fence_n to_o the_o law_n the●_n critical_a note_n and_o remark_n of_o the_o old_a jew_n hau●_n preserve_v the_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n from_o be_v corrupt_v and_o abuse_v so_o that_o we_o may_v from_o hen●_n gather_v that_o we_o have_v in_o our_o hand_n the_o same_o he●brew_n text_n which_o be_v at_o first_o give_v by_o god_n to_o 〈◊〉_d people_n but_o some_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n 〈◊〉_d b●rnt_v at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o the_o temple_n be_v 〈◊〉_d that_o ezra_n after_o the_o captivity_n dictate_v and_o write_v 〈◊〉_d over_o again_o according_a to_o what_o we_o find_v record●●_n in_o 2_o esdras_n 14._o 21_o 23_o 24._o so_o there_o be_v some_o recovery_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o original_a book_n bein●_n lose_v it_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o ●aults_n and_o mistake_v in_o this_o which_o we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d present_a i_o answer_v either_o this_o passage_n in_o the_o a●pocryphal_a writer_n speak_v of_o some_o other_o book_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n or_o it_o be_v to_o b●_n reckon_v as_o fabulous_a and_o supposititious_a and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d credit●_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o for_o in_o nehem._n 8._o 2_o 3._o there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v bring_v before_o the_o congregation_n and_o its_o be_v read_v before_o 〈◊〉_d man_n and_o the_o woman_n but_o not_o a_o syllable_n of_o the_o ma●t●r_n mention_v in_o esdras_n be_v hero_n to_o be_v find_v yes_o it_o be_v imply_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v still_o the_o same_o for_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o what_o the_o chaldean_n destroy_v and_o burn_v and_o carry_v away_o at_o the_o take_n of_o jerus●●em_n but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n which_o most_o certain_o will_v have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o they_o be_v of_o so_o inestimable_a a_o va●●●_n morcover_v if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v the_o law_n be_v burn_v in_o the_o temple_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o copy_n of_o it_o among_o the_o jew_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v preserve_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n therefore_o to_o suspect_v that_o the_o hebrew_n original_a of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v corrupt_v but_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o well_o as_o some_o learned_a modern_n have_v assert_v that_o the_o hebrew_n be_v corrupt_v i_o answer_v first_o as_o to_o the_o father_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o justin_n martyr_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n he_o confident_o assirm_v that_o the_o jew_n erase_v many_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o he_o assign_v particular_a instance_n in_o the_o psalm_n isaiah_n and_o jeremiah_n and_o this_o they_o do_v say_v he_o because_o they_o hate_v christ_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o think_v some_o of_o those_o place_n favour_v the_o christian_a cause_n too_o much_o here_o by_o the_o by_o you_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o great_a mistake_n and_o oversight_n in_o bishop_n ward_n be_v 3_o essay_n where_o he_o peremptory_o assert_n that_o never_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n have_v in_o their_o great_a heat_n of_o zeal_n against_o the_o jew_n accuse_v they_o of_o such_o corruption_n i._n e._n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o first_o time_n that_o justin_n martyr_n have_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o historical_a truth_n this_o among_o other_o be_v questionless_a a_o gross_a mistake_n of_o that_o good_a man_n and_o his_o strong_a averseness_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o his_o belief_n of_o their_o willingness_n and_o readiness_n to_o deprave_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o own_o end_n betray_v he_o to_o it_o as_o for_o other_o father_n as_o tertullian_n irenaecus_fw-la origen_n eusebius_n who_o it_o be_v true_a sometime_o complain_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o jew_n they_o speak_v of_o their_o adulterate_v the_o text_n rather_o as_o to_o the_o sense_n than_o as_o to_o the_o word_n they_o mean_v that_o the_o translation_n which_o the_o jew_n use_v be_v false_a for_o they_o general_o adhere_v to_o aquila_n and_o theodotion_n version_n and_o prefer_v it_o before_o that_o of_o the_o seventy_o whence_o their_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v unsound_a and_o erroneous_a and_o thereby_o they_o sometime_o set_v up_o judaisme_n against_o christianity_n but_o this_o be_v do_v without_o corrupt_a th●_n hebrew_n copy_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v express_o assert_v and_o maintain_v by_o jerom_n and_o 11._o augustine_n two_o ancient_a father_n of_o a_o great_a fame_n for_o learning_n and_o piety_n as_o those_o before_o name_v these_o worthy_a person_n refute_v that_o suspicion_n and_o rumour_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v then_o rise_v namely_o that_o th●_n jew_n have_v adulterate_v the_o hebrew_n text._n these_o father_n not_o only_o declare_v that_o they_o do_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o they_o praise_v they_o for_o their_o faithfulness_n in_o preserve_v the_o bible_n pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a then_o as_o to_o some_o of_o the_o modern_n who_o have_v assert_v the_o hebrew_a copy_n to_o be_v faulty_a and_o deprave_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v what_o it_o be_v that_o prompt_v they_o to_o it_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v corrupt_v and_o so_o be_v that_o of_o the_o septuagint_n say_v the_o romanist_n but_o the_o old_a vulgar_a latin_a be_v uncorrupt_a and_o infallible_a so_o determine_v the_o tridentine_a council_n huntlaeus_n several_a of_o that_o communion_n have_v write_v against_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n and_o labour_v to_o prove_v they_o corrupt_v but_o diatribe_n morinus_n have_v show_v himself_o more_o zealous_a than_o all_o of_o they_o in_o this_o point_n and_o he_o frank_o confess_v this_o be_v his_o main_a design_n in_o it_o viz._n to_o baffle_v the_o protestant_n who_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o manner_n if_o the_o original_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v lose_v and_o the_o transcript_n be_v defective_a and_o erroneous_a how_o can_v the_o bible_n be_v a_o certain_a rule_n what_o will_v become_v then_o of_o the_o

〈◊〉_d that_o demoniacal_a serpen●_n you_o will_v find_v 6._o origen_n assert_v that_o this_o be_v take_v from_o moses_n relation_n concern_v the_o serpent_n i●_n paradise_n and_o not_o this_o from_o that_o as_o celsus_n mo●●_n egregious_o fail_v in_o antiquity_n and_o chronology_n maintain_v 10._o eusebius_n also_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n affirm_v that_o this_o ophioneus_n refer_v to_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n and_o add_v to_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o pherecydes_n be_v conversant_a with_o the_o phoenician_n who_o worship_v their_o god_n under_o the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n the_o devil_n affect_v to_o be_v adore_v in_o that_o shape_n which_o he_o first_o assume_v and_o not_o only_o in_o phoenjoya_n but_o in_o other_o country_n dragon_n or_o serpent_n or_o snake_n for_o these_o be_v promiscuous_o use_v for_o one_o another_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o secret_a mystery_n of_o the_o gentile_n these_o have_v so_o great_a a_o veneration_n for_o serpent_n or_o dragon_n that_o some_o of_o their_o temple_n have_v their_o denomination_n thence_o and_o be_v style_v draconian_a say_v 14._o strabo_n the_o babylonian_n worship_v a_o dragon_n as_o the_o apocryphal_a write_n relate_v the_o egyptian_n worship_v opbioneus_fw-la as_o u●●_n eusebius_n testify_v and_o in_o their_o hieroglyphic_n they_o ●hewed_v that_o they_o be_v wonderful_a admirer_n of_o serpent_n for_o the_o head_n of_o their_o god_n be_v encircle_v with_o serpent_n and_o basilisk_n say_v horus_n the_o crown_n and_o dia_n 〈◊〉_d of_o their_o king_n be_v set_v with_o asp_n and_o suake_n serpent_n be_v the_o emblem_n of_o dominion_n and_o principality_n yea_o of_o immortality_n and_o divinity_n faith_n the_o same_o author_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o to_o our_o purpose_n eusebius_n observe_v that_o the_o egyptian_n as_o well_o as_o the_o phoenician_n use_v to_o call_v serpent_n 7._o good_a daemon_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a relic_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v assume_v the_o form_n of_o some_o goodly_a serpent_n and_o appear_v like_o a_o good_a daemon_n or_o angel_n of_o light_n when_o he_o accost_v our_o mother_n eve_n and_o lay_v siege_n to_o her_o integrity_n and_o to_o pass_v from_o egypt_n to_o greece_n there_o be_v here_o also_o some_o remembrance_n of_o this_o notable_a thing_n for_o the_o image_n of_o serpent_n be_v set_v over_o the_o gate_n of_o temple_n and_o consecrated_a place_n and_o general_o they_o meite_n paint_a serpent_n or_o dragon_n in_o all_o holy_a place_n as_o the_o ge●●●●_n of_o those_o place_n for_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o place_n appear_v in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o serpent_n among_o these_o grecian_n the_o devil_n be_v common_o worship_v in_o this_o primitive_a figure_n ●ore_o especial_o at_o delphos_n whence_o as_o a_o learned_a critic_n have_v remark_v apollo_n be_v call_v pythius_n and_o pytho_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o serpent_n i_o may_v add_v wh●●_n gent._n clement_n of_o alexandria_n report_n that_o the_o heathe●_n at_o their_o feast_n of_o bacchus_n be_v crown_v with_o se●●pents_n and_o use_v to_o carry_v a_o serpent_n in_o procession_n and_o cry_n with_o a_o loud_a voice_n eva_n eva_n for_o heu●●_n or_o hivia_n say_v he_o in_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v a_o strepent_n this_o latter_a be_v partly_o a_o mistake_n of_o he_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v in_o the_o chaldee_n that_o it_o signify_v so_o and_o be_v 〈◊〉_d word_n use_v by_o the_o chaldee_n translator_n in_o gen._n 〈◊〉_d and_o other_o place_n for_o a_o serpent_n and_o so_o we_o be_v then●_n inform_v what_o a_o reverence_n be_v pay_v to_o serpe●●_n by_o the_o ancient_n or_o what_o if_o i_o shall_v offer_v t●●●_n conjecture_n that_o eva_n or_o evia_n or_o hevia_n be_v plain_a remembrance_n of_o our_o mother_n eve_n or_o h●●●●_n or_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n termination_n he●●●_n or_o havah_n which_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a bec●●●●_n the_o proclaim_n of_o this_o name_n be_v join_v with_o t●●_n carry_v of_o a_o serpent_n which_o we_o know_v that_o unh●●●py_a woman_n be_v too_o well_o acquaint_v with_o a●●_n perhaps_o the_o word_n evante_n which_o be_v use_v by_o 6._o v●●gil_n to_o signify_v those_o mad_a frolic_v have_v its_o or●●ginal_a hence_o thus_o there_o be_v a_o double_a memorial_n i●_n that_o pagan_a festival_n solemnity_n to_o wit_n of_o a_o r●●markable_a person_n and_o as_o remarkable_a a_o thing_n r●●corded_v in_o sacred_a story_n now_o i_o ask_v whence_o ca●_n this_o memorial_n of_o serpent_n to_o be_v observe_v so_o ge●●●rally_o among_o the_o pagan_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o t●●_n old_a heathen_n be_v such_o adorer_n of_o these_o cr●●●tures_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o devil_n 〈◊〉_d worship_v by_o they_o under_o this_o form_n whe●●_n do_v this_o custom_n prevail_v among_o the_o phoenician_n ●●●bylonians_n egyptian_n and_o grecian_n nay_o 17._o s._n ●●●gustin_a acquaint_v we_o that_o some_o heretic_n christi●●_n make_v it_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o worship_v a_o serpent_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v leave_v the_o ancient_n and_o come_v down_o to_o latter_a age_n i_o may_v here_o allege_v what_o mensa●_n luther●aith_n ●aith_z he_o hear_v a_o merchant_n affirm_v namely_o that_o in_o the_o indies_n he_o have_v ●een_n people_n worship_n a_o great_a snake_n with_o the_o high_a reverence_n and_o honour_n imaginable_a of_o all_o this_o there_o can_v be_v a_o better_a account_n give_v than_o that_o which_o i_o have_v already_o offer_v it_o be_v questionless_a a_o remembrance_n of_o what_o happen_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o satan_n who_o have_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o god_n a_o glorious_a angel_n and_o therefore_o pass_v for_o such_o a_o one_o still_o among_o the_o ignorant_a heathen_n appear_v in_o a_o serpentine_a figure_n to_o adam_n and_o eve_n in_o paradise_n and_o this_o remind_v i_o of_o another_o circumstance_n of_o man_n fall_n viz._n the_o place_n which_o be_v paradise_n or_o the_o garden_n of_o eden_n which_o as_o i_o say_v before_o seem_v to_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o famous_a guerdon_n of_o the_o hesperides_n this_o i_o know_v have_v be_v a_o common_o receive_v notion_n this_o poetical_a passage_n have_v be_v usual_o apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o ●et_v we_o not_o think_v it_o the_o less_o true_a because_o of_o the_o commonness_n of_o it●_n if_o any_o man_n serious_o weigh_v what_o be_v report_v of_o this_o garden_n he_o will_v think_v it_o not_o improbable_a that_o the_o fall_v of_o man_n be_v couch_v in_o this_o poetic_a fable_n for_o this_o garden_n yield_v golden_a fruit_n i._n e._n very_a choice_n and_o excellent_a fruit_n and_o such_o as_o be_v as_o tempt_v as_o gold_n be_v afterward_o which_o plain_o point_v to_o the_o forbid_v fruit_n in_o paradise_n which_o be_v so_o desirable_a and_o delightful_a so_o tempt_v and_o charm_v and_o this_o fruit_n these_o golden_a apple_n be_v keep_v and_o watch_v by_o a_o dragon_n or_o serpent_n which_o plain_o refer_v to_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n who_o be_v always_o watch_v about_o the_o tre●_n not_o to_o keep_v the_o man_n and_o woman_n from_o eat_v ●_o it_o but_o to_o solicit_v and_o tempt_v they_o by_o all_o mean_v 〈◊〉_d do_v it_o what_o they_o add_v of_o hercules_n stay_v 〈◊〉_d dragon_n be_v a_o addition_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n 〈◊〉_d must_v always_o be_v expect_v in_o their_o represent_v 〈◊〉_d these_o story_n as_o i_o have_v intimate_v before_o 〈◊〉_d the_o issue_n be_v that_o the_o golden_a fruit_n be_v steal_v a●●●_n that_o be_v in_o plain_a term_n our_o parent_n do_v eat_v of_o 〈◊〉_d forbid_v fruit._n this_o be_v a_o downright_a stea●●_n or_o robbery_n for_o it_o be_v take_v away_o that_o whi●●_n be_v not_o their_o own_o and_o which_o they_o be_v strict●●_n command_v not_o to_o take_v away_o thus_o paradise_n 〈◊〉_d remove_v by_o the_o poet_n out_o of_o asia_n into_o africa_n 〈◊〉_d whatever_o place_v it_o be_v where_o the_o hesperide_n 〈◊〉_d their_o garden_n this_o fiction_n of_o they_o be_v ma●●_n out_o of_o genesis_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o garden_n 〈◊〉_d eden_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o of_o the_o forbid_v fr●●●_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o man_n be_v tempt●●_n and_o deceive_v whence_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d poet_n philosopher_n and_o sage_n among_o the_o heath●●●_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o mo●●●_n the_o inspired_a writer_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o transgression_n of_o man_n and_o the_o orig●●_n of_o it_o the_o depravation_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o ●●●serable_a consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o as_o the_o c●●sing_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o barrenness_n which_o e●s●●●_n upon_o it_o with_o the_o infirmity_n and_o disease_n that_o m●●_n body_n be_v

live_v with_o seleucus_n as_o eusebius_n in_o the_o same_o place_n affirm_v see_v there_o be_v a_o greek_a translation_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n before_o alexander_n the_o great_a be_v time_n as_o 1._o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n testify_v and_o according_o demetrius_z phalereus_n library-keeper_n to_o king_n ptolomeo_n surname_v philadelphus_n in_o a_o epistle_n to_o he_o which_o 3._o eusebius_n cit_v say_v that_o before_o the_o septuagint_n version_n many_o thing_n be_v translate_v out_o of_o the_o bible_n but_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o agree_v to_o by_o all_o that_o upon_o alexander_n the_o great_a his_o conquest_n the_o jew_n and_o greek_n have_v converse_v with_o one_o another_o and_o be_v no_o long_o stranger_n be_v now_o unite_v under_o the_o same_o empire_n and_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o this_o soon_o after_o alexander_n the_o great_a all_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v entire_o translate_v into_o greek_a by_o seventy_o two_o jew_n who_o the_o foresay_a king_n of_o egypt_n appoint_v for_o that_o purpose_n hence_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n can_v not_o but_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o gentile_n 4._o this_o communication_n be_v make_v by_o the_o travel_n of_o philosopher_n and_o inquisitive_a man_n among_o the_o pagan_n of_o pythagoras_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o pythag._n laertius_n that_o when_o he_o be_v young_a and_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o learn_v he_o leave_v his_o country_n and_o be_v initiate_v into_o all_o the_o mystery_n not_o only_o of_o the_o greek_n but_o barbarian_n and_o particular_o he_o testify_v that_o he_o travel_v into_o egypt_n and_o chaldea_n of_o the_o same_o philosopher_n it_o be_v assert_v by_o origen_n clem●ns_v the_o alexandrian_a porphyry_n and_o other_o that_o he_o go_v into_o chaldea_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n where_o he_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o converse_v with_o the_o jew_n ludovicus_n vives_n think_v that_o 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converse_v with_o this_o author_n write_n that_o there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n in_o they_o above_o the_o strain_n of_o common_a philosophy_n as_o concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o formation_n of_o the_o first_o man_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n the_o innocent_a and_o happy_a state_n of_o mankind_n the_o loss_n of_o that_o primitive_a state_n and_o the_o vile_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n with_o many_o other_o particular_n which_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o sacred_a write_n i_o may_v mention_v likewise_o how_o lofty_o he_o speak_v of_o god_n and_o his_o nature_n how_o admirable_o he_o discourse_v of_o the_o soul_n how_o clear_o he_o assert_v a_o future_a life_n and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n how_o feel_o he_o treat_v of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n how_o divine_o he_o write_v concern_v religion_n which_o he_o represent_v as_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a and_o purge_v from_o the_o heathen_a superstition_n this_o sublime_a and_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n the_o ancient_n think_v he_o gain_v by_o travel_v into_o syria_n judea_n and_o egypt_n and_o hold_v converse_n with_o those_o that_o understand_v the_o inspire_v write_n and_o it_o be_v their_o opinion_n that_o though_o he_o converse_v with_o some_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o imbibe_v their_o sentiment_n yet_o he_o careful_o avoid_v mention_v their_o name_n because_o they_o be_v odious_a to_o other_o nation_n and_o consequent_o those_o structure_n of_o true_a theology_n which_o be_v in_o his_o work_n will_v have_v fare_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o but_o though_o he_o will_v not_o speak_v this_o out_o plain_o yet_o he_o seem_v to_o utter_v it_o in_o a_o disguise_a manner_n perhaps_o he_o hint_v that_o he_o receive_v those_o notion_n from_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o mention_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o syrian_n and_o phaenician_o who_o be_v the_o neighbour_a people_n to_o judea_n general_o pass_v for_o jew_n that_o other_o great_a philosopher_n as_o solon_n democritus_n heraclitus_n etc._n etc._n travel_v into_o egypt_n and_o babylon_n be_v testify_v by_o diogenes_n laertius_n in_o their_o life_n the_o same_o be_v attest_v by_o ult_n diodorus_n concern_v orpheus_n musaeus_n homer_n lycurgus_n and_o other_o wise_a grecian_n viz._n that_o they_o go_v and_o visit_v those_o foreign_a part_n and_o thence_o come_v furnish_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v learn_v in_o those_o country_n the_o like_a be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o 1._o christian_a father_n who_o also_o add_v that_o those_o chief_a philosopher_n of_o greece_n when_o they_o sojourn_v among_o the_o egyptian_n learn_v many_o thing_n of_o their_o priest_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v among_o they_o and_o there_o they_o peruse_v the_o mosaic_a write_n which_o be_v of_o great_a account_n among_o some_o of_o they_o hence_o the_o religion_n rite_n and_o practice_n record_v in_o those_o book_n be_v divulge_v and_o spread_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n indeed_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o this_o will_v happen_v for_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o people_n so_o renown_v for_o religion_n and_o their_o fame_n and_o glory_n be_v every_o where_o celebrate_v it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o that_o foreign_a people_n especial_o the_o most_o philosophical_a and_o inquisitive_a among_o they_o shall_v be_v desirous_a to_o confer_v with_o the_o bible_n or_o jewish_a author_n and_o to_o know_v their_o law_n way_n and_o custom_n and_o that_o whole_a nation_n shall_v be_v forward_o to_o imitate_v and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o this_o be_v more_o than_o prophetical_o intimate_v in_o deut._n 4._o 6._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o the_o nation_n shall_v hear_v all_o those_o excellent_a statute_n give_v to_o the_o jew_n they_o shall_v say_v sure_o this_o great_a nation_n be_v a_o wise_a and_o understand_a people_n if_o the_o pagan_n shall_v so_o admire_v and_o value_v the_o jewish_a custom_n and_o ceremony_n they_o will_v as_o the_o consequent_a of_o that_o imitate_v and_o practice_v they_o thus_o you_o have_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o consonancy_n of_o pagan_a write_n and_o custom_n to_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n you_o see_v how_o they_o be_v derive_v from_o these_o fountain_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o be_o to_o inquire_v how_o the_o scriptural_a story_n and_o truth_n come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v mix_v with_o obscurity_n and_o falsity_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o pagan_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o one_o thing_n be_v put_v for_o another_o and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o hard_o oftentimes_o to_o understand_v what_o they_o deliver_v i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o this_o in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o the_o confusion_n of_o language_n do_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o these_o mistake_v corruption_n and_o falsity_n when_o the_o world_n be_v of_o one_o tongue_n the_o notice_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v impart_v by_o speech_n be_v very_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a when_o they_o all_o join_v in_o one_o language_n they_o can_v easy_o apprehend_v one_o another_o and_o there_o can_v arise_v no_o mistake_n by_o ambiguity_n in_o the_o variety_n of_o word_n but_o upon_o confound_v the_o first_o i_o anguage_n and_o divide_v it_o into_o many_o there_o follow_v a_o great_a disorder_n among_o mankind_n for_o than_o it_o become_v difficult_a to_o understand_v one_o another_o the_o word_n be_v confuse_v the_o conception_n and_o thing_n which_o be_v convey_v to_o man_n by_o those_o word_n be_v also_o confuse_v obscure_a and_o uncertain_a the_o variety_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o word_n beget_v mistake_n and_o confusion_n among_o so_o many_o million_o of_o word_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a

observe_v how_o gross_o the_o latin_a writer_n be_v mistake_v it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n with_o they_o to_o confound_v jew_n and_o christian_n and_o to_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o they_o as_o i_o have_v show_v on_o another_o occasion_n 5._o tacitus_n description_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n together_o with_o the_o original_a of_o they_o show_v that_o that_o excellent_a historian_n be_v extreme_o ignorant_a of_o the_o affair_n of_o that_o people_n they_o be_v at_o first_o call_v idaei_n faith_n he_o from_o the_o mount_n ida_n and_o afterward_o by_o a_o addition_n of_o a_o letter_n they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o judaei_n their_o sabbath_n be_v consecrate_a to_o saturn_n he_o say_v and_o many_o such_o false_a and_o fabulous_a passage_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o account_n which_o he_o give_v of_o they_o so_o justin_n shameful_o err_v in_o several_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o jewish_a history_n he_o make_v abraham_n the_o three_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n israel_n the_o four_o joseph_n the_o five_o and_o moses_n who_o he_o reckon_v to_o be_v ioseph_n son_n the_o six_o in_o his_o whole_a thirty_o six_o book_n where_o he_o describe_v the_o original_a and_o increase_v of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n he_o have_v almost_o as_o many_o mistake_n as_o word_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o pagan_a historian_n exceed_o mistake_v when_o they_o treat_v of_o that_o people_n because_o they_o do_v not_o right_o inform_v themselves_o and_o endeavour_v to_o have_v a_o perfect_a account_n of_o the_o jewish_a matter_n thus_o josephus_n himself_o excuse_v in_o part_n the_o heathen_a writer_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o thing_n do_v in_o judea_n impute_v their_o error_n to_o want_v of_o knowledge_n and_o information_n yea_o he_o wonder_v not_o that_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v not_o know_v to_o some_o of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o write_v not_o a_o word_n of_o it_o for_o the_o most_o diligent_a historian_n 1._o say_v he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o france_n and_o spain_n and_o he_o instance_n in_o ephorus_n who_o he_o observe_v have_v so_o little_a knowledge_n of_o spain_n that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o one_o single_a city_n and_o no_o more_o we_o may_v observe_v likewise_o that_o little_a or_o nothing_o be_v mention_v of_o this_o our_o isle_n of_o britain_n either_o by_o greek_a or_o roman_a historian_n before_o casar_n commentary_n and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o take_v notice_n that_o neither_o herodotus_n nor_o thucydides_n nor_o any_o that_o be_v of_o that_o age_n make_v mention_n of_o rome_n although_o it_o have_v be_v in_o great_a power_n a_o long_a time_n and_o have_v wage_v so_o many_o war_n he_o add_v that_o all_o thing_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v new_a and_o of_o yesterday_o give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n why_o the_o greek_a historian_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o jewish_a affair_n they_o be_v themselves_o but_o upstart_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o though_o they_o know_v but_o little_a of_o they_o yet_o they_o feign_v many_o thing_n and_o represent_v they_o as_o they_o please_v especial_o their_o poet_n who_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o the_o jewish_a institution_n and_o of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o most_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v from_o those_o of_o that_o nation_n or_o from_o their_o book_n yet_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o invent_v and_o add_v and_o to_o mingle_v their_o own_o conceit_n and_o fancy_n with_o that_o little_a which_o they_o have_v hear_v or_o know_v of_o they_o 10._o some_o if_o not_o most_o of_o the_o heathen_n out_o of_o averseness_n and_o hatred_n to_o the_o jew_n pervert_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o that_o people_n this_o be_v a_o nation_n that_o be_v separate_v from_o all_o other_o and_o be_v different_a from_o not_o to_o say_v contrary_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n in_o many_o thing_n wherefore_o they_o grow_v odious_a and_o detestable_a and_o the_o pagan_n wilful_o misrepresent_v and_o traduce_v they_o and_o delight_v to_o load_v they_o with_o all_o sort_n of_o calumny_n all_o writer_n bandy_v against_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n they_o be_v all_o in_o league_n against_o these_o however_o they_o disagree_v among_o themselves_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o whenever_o they_o present_v their_o reader_n with_o any_o thing_n concern_v they_o they_o general_o show_v that_o illwill_a which_o they_o bear_v to_o they_o thus_o manethon_n the_o egyptian_a historian_n though_o he_o have_v many_o thing_n that_o agree_v with_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o the_o jew_n yet_o he_o misrepresents_a several_a particular_n and_o add_v other_o in_o disgrace_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o israelite_n and_o indeed_o from_o egypt_n be_v the_o rise_n of_o those_o malicious_a calumny_n against_o they_o for_o the_o people_n of_o that_o nation_n be_v sensible_a of_o and_o retain_v in_o their_o mind_n the_o many_o plague_n that_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o for_o their_o sake_n and_o the_o last_o mortal_a farewell_n in_o the_o red-sea_n and_o they_o express_v their_o implacable_a prejudice_n against_o they_o by_o reproach_v they_o and_o they_o teach_v other_o to_o do_v so_o too_o thus_o 36._o justin_n or_o rather_o trogus_n pompeius_n who_o he_o epitomize_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v expel_v egypt_n because_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o the_o egyptian_n that_o the_o plague_n which_o then_o rage_v among_o they_o can_v by_o no_o other_o way_n be_v allay_v than_o by_o that_o nation_n be_v be_v turn_v out_o diodorus_n the_o sicilian_a and_o 5._o tacitus_n write_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v thrust_v out_o of_o egypt_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n because_o they_o be_v scabby_a and_o leprous_a apion_n with_o a_o detestable_a impudence_n rail_v against_o this_o people_n and_o out_o of_o mere_a malice_n invent_v and_o forge_v lie_v to_o disgrace_v they_o he_o not_o only_o repeat_v the_o foresay_a calumny_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v expel_v out_o of_o that_o country_n because_o their_o body_n be_v overrun_v with_o leprosy_n but_o he_o add_v several_a other_o and_o miserable_o pervert_v the_o history_n of_o moses_n 1._o pliny_n avouch_v that_o moses_n be_v a_o magician_n and_o 16._o strabo_n reckon_v he_o among_o astrologer_n and_o diviner_n so_o joseph_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v skilled_a in_o 2._o magic_a arts._n though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v proceed_v from_o ignorance_n only_o that_o some_o of_o the_o pagan_a historian_n reckon_v these_o in_o the_o number_n of_o magician_n for_o they_o have_v hear_v of_o what_o wonderful_a thing_n these_o great_a man_n have_v do_v in_o egypt_n the_o one_o when_o he_o grapple_v with_o the_o egyptian_a sorcerer_n the_o other_o in_o interpret_n of_o dream_n and_o they_o conclude_v they_o be_v effect_v by_o magic_n according_o they_o represent_v they_o as_o person_n of_o that_o character_n but_o even_o the_o mistake_n of_o these_o gentile_a writer_n concern_v they_o and_o other_o show_v that_o they_o have_v hear_v of_o such_o man_n and_o the_o thing_n they_o do_v and_o they_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o history_n in_o general_n then_o as_o for_o the_o pagan_a poet_n the_o same_o prejudice_n and_o hatred_n reign_v in_o they_o and_o discover_v themselves_o in_o lie_n and_o fiction_n about_o the_o jew_n and_o what_o be_v relate_v concern_v they_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o they_o refer_v to_o any_o passage_n in_o the_o sacred_a story_n they_o malicious_o desile_v it_o with_o their_o own_o invention_n they_o distort_v and_o false_o deliver_v the_o circumtance_n and_o they_o blend_v it_o so_o with_o their_o own_o ridiculous_a fancy_n that_o they_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o fable_n again_o if_o we_o may_v give_v credit_n to_o 2._o demetrius_n 〈◊〉_d phalereus_n library-keeper_n to_o king_n ptolo_n 〈◊〉_d and_o who_o be_v the_o man_n that_o first_o excite_v he_o to_o promote_v that_o notable_a work_n of_o tran_n 〈◊〉_d the_o old_a testament_n into_o greek_n there_o be_v this_o notion_n among_o the_o pagan_a writer_n that_o this_o holy_a book_n be_v not_o to_o be_v profane_o handle_v nor_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o make_v common_a by_o every_o one_o that_o undertake_v to_o write_v yea_o that_o 〈◊〉_d insert_v of_o they_o into_o their_o write_n be_v i_o gross_a profane_v of_o they_o and_o have_v meet_v with_o ●_o suitable_a punishment_n thus_o one_o theopompus_n who_o have_v insert_v some_o passage_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o his_o write_n be_v strike_v with_o madness_n and_o another_o name_v theodectes_n who_o make_v use_v of_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n in_o a_o tragedy_n of_o he_o be_v almost_o deprive_v of_o his_o sight_n for_o it_o but_o the_o former_a when_o he_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o his_o fault_n be_v restore_v to_o a_o right_a mind_n again_o and_o the_o latter_a upon_o acknowledge_v the_o like_a offence_n recover_v his_o eyesight_n this_o be_v relate_v say_v josephus_n

testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n but_o it_o be_v also_o object_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o sibylline_a book_n be_v unknown_a and_o we_o can_v neither_o tell_v how_o many_o the_o sibylls_n or_o their_o write_n be_v and_o as_o for_o their_o quality_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n these_o be_v uncertain_o deliver_v nor_o do_v we_o well_o know_v their_o name_n as_o appear_v from_o this_o that_o cumaea_n in_o virgil_n be_v put_v for_o cumana_n and_o other_o mistake_v there_o be_v it_o be_v true_a the_o opinion_n be_v various_a concern_v these_o thing_n their_o name_n and_o verse_n be_v often_o confound_v and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o one_o another_o this_o be_v grant_v and_o even_o by_o o●●c_fw-fr those_o who_o have_v with_o great_a eagerness_n maintain_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o sibylls_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v much_o controvert_v what_o and_o how_o many_o these_o prophetic_a person_n be_v and_o in_o what_o time_n they_o live_v and_o in_o what_o country_n they_o we●e_v breed_v some_o say_v there_o be_v only_o one_o they_o think_v it_o be_v with_o th●_n sibylls_n as_n with_o th●_n jupiters_n and_o hercules_n and_o other_o god_n who_o be_v many_o and_o yet_o but_o one._n divinatione_fw-la boisardus_n be_v persuade_v that_o the_o same_o sibyl_n travel_v into_o divers_a country_n and_o take_v her_o name_n from_o the_o different_a place_n she_o le●t_v her_o verse_n in_o and_o so_o a_o lat●_n author_n petit._n tell_v we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sibyl_n there_o be_v two_o of_o these_o prophetess_n say_v martianus_n capella_n three_o say_v 5._o pliny_n four_o say_v aelian_a seven_o say_v exercitat_fw-la salmasi●s_n lactamius_fw-la out_o of_o varro_n that_o great_a roman_a antiquary_n conclude_v they_o to_o be_v ten_o and_o name_n they_o thus_o the_o delphic_a who_o be_v the_o elder_a the_o erythraean_a the_o samian_n the_o cumane_a the_o cumaean_a the_o hellespontiack_n or_o trojan_a the_o lesbick_a or_o jabyck_n the_o phrygian_a the_o tiburtine_n the_o persian_a or_o chaldaean_a sibyl_n other_o add_v two_o more_o viz._n epiro●i●k_n and_o egyptian_a and_o make_v they_o a_o complete_a dozen_o thus_o the_o reckon_a be_v not_o alike_o but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o what_o we_o have_v assert_v it_o be_v not_o material_a how_o many_o the_o sibylls_n or_o their_o write_n be_v it_o be_v frivolous_a to_o insist_v upon_o this_o they_o may_v all_o of_o they_o be_v put_v into_o one_o if_o author_n please_v or_o they_o may_v divide_v they_o into_o more_o as_o the_o way_n at_o some_o coffee_n house_n now_o be_v to_o deal_v out_o pamphlet_n wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o reject_v they_o on_o this_o account_n see_v we_o have_v prove_v that_o their_o book_n be_v they_o more_o or_o few_o be_v own_v as_o to_o the_o main_a by_o the_o father_n and_o primitive_a christian_n to_o be_v true_a and_o see_v they_o be_v frequent_o make_v use_n of_o by_o they_o as_o sufficient_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o as_o for_o those_o modern_n who_o have_v reject_v these_o witness_n we_o may_v with_o reference_n to_o they_o take_v up_o that_o lamentation_n of_o a_o late_a 11._o learned_a writer_n who_o himself_o be_v partly_o guilty_a of_o the_o fault_n he_o complain_v of_o very_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v no_o enemy_n more_o set_v against_o it_o than_o christian_n themselves_o for_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v searce_o any_o prophecy_n or_o testimony_n to_o be_v find_v concern_v christ_n among_o the_o ancient_n which_o many_o even_a of_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n have_v not_o endeavour_v to_o weaken_v yea_o utter_o to_o destroy_v and_o annul_v this_o be_v a_o very_a deplorable_a thing_n but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v it_o most_o true_a in_o several_a instance_n you_o will_v meet_v with_o some_o of_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o testimony_n concern_v christ_n which_o josephus_n give_v but_o this_o which_o be_v now_o before_o we_o be_v as_o signal_n a_o one_o as_o any_o that_o can_v be_v name_v for_o the_o sibylls_n verse_n be_v very_o express_a attestation_n concern_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o great_a undertake_n yet_o how_o strange_o do_v christian_n man_n endeavour_v to_o enfeeble_v yea_o to_o baffle_v and_o subvert_v these_o testimonial_n concern_v our_o lord_n they_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v the_o forgery_n of_o jew_n and_o the_o imposture_n of_o heretical_a christian_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o objection_n they_o invent_v against_o they_o yea_o a_o late_a gallaeus_n writer_n pronounce_v these_o sibylls_n to_o be_v mad_a and_o frentick_a people_n and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o heed_n to_o be_v give_v to_o what_o they_o say_v when_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o afford_v we_o such_o a_o remarkable_a confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o pagan_n be_v it_o not_o unpardonable_a ingratitude_n thus_o to_o vilisie_n and_o reject_v it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o vile_a and_o perverse_a spirit_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n and_o those_o very_a shameful_a one_o too_o to_o disprove_v that_o plain_a evidence_n which_o these_o sibylls_n bring_v and_o to_o shut_v their_o ear_n to_o that_o repeat_v testimony_n which_o they_o give_v to_o christianity_n and_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o it_o in_o short_a the_o pagan_n have_v their_o temple_n and_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n and_o prayer_n and_o they_o have_v also_o their_o scripture_n i._n e._n the_o sibylls_n book_n in_o these_o be_v discover_v the_o council_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sibylls_n according_a to_o the_o import_n of_o their_o name_n be_v interpreter_n of_o god_n will_n to_o the_o heathen_n in_o these_o be_v express_o foretold_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o many_o other_o remarkable_a thing_n relate_v to_o he_o by_o these_o oracle_n the_o gentile_n be_v pre-admonished_n of_o christ_n come_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o god_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o gospel_n by_o these_o forerunner_n and_o messenger_n as_o he_o do_v the_o jew_n by_o their_o extraordinary_a prophet_n and_o they_o be_v useful_a to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o gentile_n we_o may_v be_v fortify_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n by_o what_o they_o deliver_v they_o give_v a_o plain_a and_o clear_a suffrage_n for_o christianity_n and_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o the_o ancient_a christian_n think_v their_o write_n to_o be_v authentic_a record_n though_o now_o some_o be_v please_v to_o slight_a and_o vilify_v they_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o good_a evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o new-testament_n which_o contain_v it_o and_o there_o be_v still_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v esteem_v they_o as_o such_o especial_o since_o the_o objection_n to_o prove_v the_o falsity_n of_o these_o book_n be_v very_o mean_a and_o weak_a therefore_o to_o conclude_v till_o they_o can_v produce_v better_a reason_n against_o these_o testimonial_n i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o and_o reasonable_o make_v use_n of_o they_o chap._n xi_o it_o be_v prove_v from_o particular_a unquestionable_a testimony_n of_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v a_o person_n of_o such_o a_o name_n and_o that_o all_o the_o great_a and_o eminent_a circumstance_n of_o his_o birth_n life_n and_o death_n be_v real_o true_a as_o to_o his_o birth_n they_o attest_v the_o particular_a time_n of_o it_o the_o general_a tax_n or_o enrol_a the_o wonderful_a star_n the_o murder_v of_o the_o infant_n of_o bethlehem_n then_o as_o to_o his_o life_n and_o action_n abgarus_n letter_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o saviour_n answer_n to_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o authentic_a evidence_n what_o the_o emperor_n augustus_n do_v in_o relation_n to_o christ_n be_v consider_v the_o defection_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v light_a and_o the_o earthquake_n at_o our_o saviour_n passion_n be_v not_o whole_o pass_v over_o in_o silence_n by_o heathen_a writer_n have_v thus_o premise_v those_o particular_n which_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a kind_n between_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o this_o i_o will_v now_o whole_o insist_v on_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v more_o appropriate_v to_o the_o subject_a i_o be_o treat_v of_o this_o then_o i_o will_v prove_v from_o witness_n who_o be_v profess_v enemy_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n pagan_n and_o jew_n that_o there_o be_v a_o pe●son_n of_o such_o a_o name_n and_o that_o all_o the_o great_a and_o ●minent_a circumstance_n of_o this_o person_n birth_n life_n and_o death_n be_v real_o true_a first_o the_o pagan_a historian_n present_v we_o with_o his_o name_n tacitus_n tell_v how_o the_o christian_n suffer_v for_o the_o fire_n of_o

that_o they_o may_v obtain_v by_o it_o the_o love_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o in_o other_o place_n the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v own_v and_o confess_v to_o be_v true_a thus_o even_o this_o great_a impostor_n and_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o bless_a jesus_n thus_o the_o alcoran_n acknowledge_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o true_a chap._n xiii_o the_o testimony_n beforementioned_a brief_o sum_v up_o a_o objection_n viz._n that_o some_o remarkable_a passage_n relate_v to_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v by_o either_o jewish_a or_o gentile_a historian_n full_o answer_v by_o consider_v that_o i._o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n be_v spend_v in_o privacy_n 2._o no_o historian_n either_o jew_n or_o heathen_n take_v notice_n of_o all_o occurrence_n 3._o they_o wilful_o conceal_v or_o misrepresent_v some_o thing_n out_o of_o design_n this_o show_v in_o several_a particular_n 4._o pagan_a historian_n out_o of_o mere_a contempt_n omit_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o gospel_n record_v 5._o yea_o sometime_o out_o of_o mere_a hatred_n and_o spite_n 6._o some_o piece_n of_o pagan_a history_n be_v lose_v 7._o some_o of_o these_o that_o be_v extant_a be_v defective_a these_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o profess_a adversary_n to_o christianity_n whereby_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o follower_n be_v abundant_o confirm_v even_o those_o who_o be_v averse_a to_o the_o gospel_n attest_v and_o sometime_o approve_v of_o the_o chief_a thing_n relate_v in_o those_o holy_a write_n among_o the_o jew_n we_o have_v philo_n a_o excellent_a platonist_n of_o alexandria_n who_o flourish_v soon_o after_o christ_n and_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v josephus_n a_o jewish_a historian_n some_o say_v a_o priest_n who_o write_v about_o forty_o year_n after_o and_o have_v great_a opportunity_n of_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o 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redundant_fw-la no_o book_n equal_v this_o in_o authority_n because_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o dictate_v by_o a_o unerring_a spirit_n it_o excel_v all_o other_o write_n in_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o matter_n which_o be_v the_o high_a noble_a and_o worthy_a and_o of_o the_o great_a concern_v to_o mankind_n last_o to_o name_n no_o more_o at_o present_a that_o i_o may_v not_o anticipate_v what_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n the_o scripture_n transcend_v all_o other_o write_n in_o their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n this_o 8._o word_n of_o god_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n irradiate_a man_n mind_n with_o supernatural_a truth_n affect_v their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n subdue_a the_o refracotriness_n of_o their_o will_n transform_v their_o life_n and_o change_v they_o into_o other_o person_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o all_o man_n of_o well-disposed_a soul_n find_v a_o plain_a differene_a between_o their_o read_v this_o and_o other_o 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and_o again_o yea_o never_o so_o often_o you_o will_v not_o ●ind_v it_o grow_v worse_o but_o much_o better_a i._n e._n it_o will_v yield_v you_o great_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o the_o often_o you_o converse_v with_o it_o the_o more_o you_o will_v discern_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o yea_o the_o more_o please_a will_n the_o very_a word_n and_o syllable_n of_o these_o divine_a write_n be_v to_o you_o for_o what_o the_o great_a critic_n observe_v of_o homer_n poem_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o peculiar_a easiness_n and_o slide_v in_o his_o verse_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o poet_n be_v eminent_o true_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o compare_v with_o other_o author_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a sweetness_n a_o matchless_a softness_n and_o pleasantness_n in_o the_o style_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n be_v winning_n and_o ravish_v and_o all_o pure_a and_o sanctify_a mind_n have_v a_o clear_a perception_n of_o this_o yea_o the_o clear_a because_o they_o so_o frequent_o converse_v with_o these_o inspire_a writer_n we_o may_v then_o on_o this_o account_n as_o well_o as_o on_o other_o challenge_v the_o world_n to_o show_v we_o where_o there_o be_v any_o book_n like_o this_o where_o there_o be_v any_o author_n comparable_a to_o it_o in_o all_o humane_a writer_n there_o be_v something_o want_v something_o imperfect_a but_o in_o this_o sacred_a volume_n there_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o every_o thing_n here_o be_v complete_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n therefore_o all_o other_o write_n must_v vail_v to_o this_o best_a of_o book_n they_o must_v all_o submit_v and_o acknowledge_v their_o meanness_n and_o inferiority_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a man_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v do_v always_o extol_v the_o scripture_n hermogenem_fw-la i_o adore_v the_o plenitude_n

of_o the_o scripture_n say_v tertullian_n and_o to_o he_o have_v echo_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n especial_o st._n cyprian_n jerom_n augustine_n chrysostom_n who_o have_v high_o magnify_v the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o have_v be_v very_o rhetorical_a in_o their_o panegyric_n upon_o they_o these_o and_o some_o other_o brave_a man_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n signalise_v themselves_o by_o their_o reverence_n and_o esteem_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o elpidius_n some_o of_o they_o consecrate_v their_o wit_n and_o poetry_n to_o this_o noble_a cause_n nor_o have_v these_o latter_a age_n be_v destitute_a of_o person_n of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a part_n and_o learning_n that_o have_v adore_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v use_v their_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n in_o set_v forth_o its_o praise_n 〈◊〉_d ●icinus_fw-la that_o great_a philosophic_a soul_n and_o the_o noble_a pi●us_n mirandula_n 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delight_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o love_v they_o above_o all_o write_n whatsoever_o we_o show_v our_o proficiency_n by_o reverent_o esteem_v the_o bible_n and_o prefer_v it_o before_o all_o other_o author_n we_o discover_v that_o we_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o true_a and_o useful_a knowledge_n when_o we_o value_v this_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v contain_v when_o we_o admire_v this_o volume_n where_o all_o excellency_n meet_v together_o to_o evince_v this_o i_o will_v undertake_v these_o follow_a thing_n i._o to_o show_v the_o matchless_a usefulness_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o respect_n of_o spiritual_a divine_a and_o supernatural_a matter_n ii_o to_o demonstrate_v its_o transcendent_a excellency_n in_o regard_n of_o thing_n temporal_a and_o secular_a such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o humane_a learning_n and_o for_o the_o use_v of_o life_n iii_o to_o give_v a_o proof_n of_o this_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n by_o a_o particular_a display_v 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to_o its_o native_a perfection_n and_o lustre_n last_o i_o will_v invite_v and_o solicit_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o direct_v he_o in_o so_o laudable_a and_o worthy_a a_o employment_n first_o i_o will_v demonstrative_o prove_v the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o these_o write_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v divine_a and_o have_v a_o immediate_a relation_n to_o religion_n thus_o they_o be_v the_o only_a canon_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o exact_a standard_n of_o our_o life_n and_o they_o mark_v we_o out_o the_o way_n to_o solid_a comfort_n peace_n and_o happiness_n these_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n i_o will_v insist_v upon_o 1._o this_o holy_a book_n be_v the_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n this_o comprise_v in_o it_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o belief_n the_o ma●●●r_n of_o our_o assent_n here_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o believe●_n a_o god_n a_o immortal_a independent_a all-sufficient_a 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have_v be_v not_o to_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o be_v above_o they_o thus_o these_o bold_a man_n out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n vilify_v the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o bible_n thus_o absurd_o and_o irreligious_o these_o delude_a person_n out_o of_o a_o enthusiastic_a heat_n prefer_v their_o own_o private_a spirit_n before_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o man_n hold_v themselves_o to_o be_v perfect_a but_o the_o scripture_n must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v so_o it_o be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a and_o aught_o to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o inward_a impression_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o according_a to_o they_o be_v that_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o they_o think_v they_o do_v well_o to_o give_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n but_o we_o see_v that_o they_o be_v thereby_o lead_v into_o gross_a error_n and_o 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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 ba●●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 ri●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 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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 th●●_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 thi●_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 w●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 abys●_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 acknowledge_v by_o 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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

1_o king_n 12._o 11._o i_o e._n with_o whip_n to_o which_o be_v fasten_v prick_n and_o sharp_a thorn_n to_o rend_v and_o tear_v the_o body_n and_o sometime_o there_o be_v plummet_n of_o lead_n at_o the_o end_n of_o they_o to_o bruise_v and_o batter_v the_o flesh._n scourge_v be_v also_o a_o roman_a punishment_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o act_n 22._o 24._o beside_o that_o the_o best_a pagan_a history_n attest_v this_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o this_o penalty_n as_o it_o be_v inflict_v by_o they_o and_o by_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o former_a use_v both_o rod_n and_o whip_n but_o the_o latter_a chastise_a offender_n with_o whip_n only_o which_o be_v much_o more_o painful_a and_o grievous_a st._n paul_n who_o as_o he_o confess_v himself_o use_v to_o beat_v in_o every_o synagogue_n those_o that_o believe_v on_o jesus_n act_v 22._o 19_o feel_v the_o severity_n of_o both_o of_o the_o jew_n say_v he_o receive_v i_o forty_o stripe_n save_o one_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 24._o thrice_o be_v i_o beat_v with_o rod_n ver_fw-la 25._o which_o refer_v to_o this_o punishment_n which_o be_v inflict_v on_o he_o by_o the_o gentile_n act_n 16._o 23._o these_o be_v the_o lesser_a punishment_n among_o the_o jew_n we_o be_v moreover_o inform_v from_o the_o sacred_a writ_n what_o the_o capital_a one_o be_v these_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o execute_v they_o and_o as_o to_o the_o usage_n and_o custom_n that_o attend_v they_o be_v particular_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o talmud_n and_o be_v treat_v of_o by_o maimonides_n and_o by_o our_o learned_a dr._n godwin_n but_o i_o be_o to_o consider_v they_o as_o they_o be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n for_o that_o be_v my_o business_n at_o present_a and_o though_o the_o talmudist_n distinguish_v between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lesser_a death_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o that_o be_v more_o grievous_a yet_o because_o i_o find_v that_o the_o jewish_a writer_n do_v not_o full_o agree_v what_o particular_a capital_a punishment_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o these_o two_o head_n i_o will_v lay_v this_o distinction_n aside_o and_o proceed_v in_o this_o order_n first_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d kill_v with_o the_o sword_n or_o behead_n be_v in_o use_n among_o they_o and_o though_o i_o do_v not_o find_v it_o among_o their_o judicial_a law_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o example_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o death_n record_v ishbosheth_n be_v the_o first_o that_o be_v slay_v so_o 2_o sam._n 4._o 7._o though_o it_o be_v true_a this_o execution_n be_v without_o law_n yet_o it_o show_v what_o way_n of_o death_n be_v use_v 24._o among_o they_o in_o those_o day_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v say_v they_o smite_v he_o and_o slay_v he_o and_o then_o behead_v he_o the_o sever_n the_o head_n from_o the_o body_n be_v a_o consequent_a of_o some_o forego_n violence_n whereby_o his_o life_n be_v take_v away_o indeed_o that_o it_o be_v usual_a to_o cut_v off_o the_o head_n after_o the_o person_n be_v slay_v and_o to_o bring_v it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o trophy_n may_v be_v prove_v from_o many_o instance_n as_o that_o of_o sisera_n judg._n 5._o 26._o goliath_n 1_o sam._n 17._o 57_o saul_n 1_o sam._n 31._o 9_o sheba_n 2_o sam._n 20._o 22._o and_o perhaps_o in_o those_o day_n and_o afterward_o the_o behead_v of_o person_n alive_a be_v not_o the_o practice_n among_o the_o jew_n but_o they_o rather_o take_v off_o their_o head_n either_o by_o cut_v they_o off_o with_o a_o sword_n or_o chap_a they_o off_o on_o a_o block_n with_o a_o axe_n after_o they_o have_v dispatch_v they_o by_o some_o other_o mean_v for_o as_o i_o apprehend_v the_o decollation_n be_v only_o for_o pomp_n and_o to_o expose_v the_o malefactor_n nor_o in_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v of_o the_o behead_v john_n the_o baptist_n mark_v 6._o 24._o which_o be_v another_o instance_n of_o this_o punishment_n in_o the_o holy_a book_n do_v i_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n to_o disprove_v that_o his_o life_n be_v first_o take_v away_o by_o the_o executioner_n who_o herod_n send_v and_o then_o his_o head_n be_v cut_v off_o to_o be_v bring_v in_o a_o charger_n to_o be_v show_v in_o a_o way_n of_o triumph_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o when_o it_o be_v say_v st._n james_n be_v kill_v with_o the_o sword_n act_v 12._o 2._o it_o be_v mean_v of_o that_o kill_v which_o precede_v behead_n which_o as_o some_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n tell_v we_o be_v inflict_v on_o that_o apostle_n i_o will_v only_o add_v that_o the_o hebrew_n master_n inform_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o deadly_a penalty_n of_o men-slayer_n murderer_n such_o as_o apostatise_v to_o idolatry_n or_o that_o entice_v other_o to_o it_o another_o mortal_a punishment_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d stoning_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v perform_v first_o by_o one_o of_o the_o witness_n against_o the_o malefactor_n and_o then_o all_o the_o people_n follow_v he_o this_o lapidation_n be_v use_v '_o towards_o blasphemer_n idolater_n incestuous_a person_n witch_n wizard_n prophaner_n of_o the_o sabbath_n those_o that_o inveigle_v other_o to_o idolatry_n child_n that_o curse_v their_o parent_n or_o rebel_v against_o they_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o example_n of_o this_o punishment_n be_v achan_n josh._n 7._o 25._o adoram_fw-la king_n 12._o 18._o naboth_n i_o king_n 21._o 10._o zechariah_n 2_o chron._n 24._o 1._o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o read_v that_o they_o attempt_v to_o stone_n our_o saviour_n john_n 10._o 31._o and_o that_o they_o effectual_o do_v so_o to_o st._n stephen_n act_v 7._o 58._o and_o that_o they_o exercise_v this_o severity_n on_o st._n paul_n but_o by_o the_o singular_a providence_n of_o god_n he_o escape_v with_o his_o life_n act_v 14._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o most_o general_a punishment_n that_o be_v denounce_v in_o the_o law_n against_o notorious_a criminal_n yea_o by_o those_o indesinite_a term_n of_o put_v to_o death_n be_v sometime_o mean_v this_o sort_n of_o exemplary_a animadversion_n as_o in_o leu._n 20._o 10._o compare_v with_o john_n 8._o 5._o and_o other_o place_n another_o severe_a punishment_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d burn_v which_o be_v by_o the_o mosaic_a law_n execute_v on_o some_o sort_n of_o incestuous_a person_n viz._n 14._o those_o that_o vitiate_v their_o own_o daughter_n and_o 19_o on_o the_o priest_n daughter_n that_o commit_v whoredom_n and_o on_o offender_n of_o a_o far_o different_a nature_n as_o appear_v from_o achan_n example_n some_o think_v they_o be_v burn_v alive_a as_o some_o criminal_n among_o we_o be_v other_o say_v that_o before_o they_o be_v burn_v they_o be_v strangle_v and_o then_o melt_v lead_n be_v pour_v down_o their_o throat_n and_o afterward_o their_o whole_a body_n be_v consume_v in_o the_o fire_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o burn_v be_v a_o secondary_a penalty_n that_o be_v it_o follow_v upon_o some_o other_o go_v before_o as_o we_o may_v infer_v from_o what_o we_o read_v concern_v this_o punitive_a way_n of_o deal_n with_o achan_n and_o his_o family_n all_o israel_n stone_v he_o with_o stone_n and_o burn_v they_o with_o fire_n after_o they_o have_v stone_v they_o with_o stone_n josh._n 7._o 25._o i_o may_v observe_v further_o that_o this_o penal_a course_n be_v take_v with_o harlot_n and_o prostitute_n before_o the_o judicial_a law_n thus_o the_o doom_n which_o judah_n pronounce_v against_o tamar_n for_o her_o whoredom_n be_v let_v she_o be_v burn_v gen._n 38._o 24._o and_o i_o propound_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o she_o shall_v be_v utter_o burn_v with_o fire_n rev._n 18._o 8._o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o this_o ancient_a and_o legal_a punishment_n of_o whoredom_n see_v we_o find_v that_o babylon_n who_o be_v mean_v in_o those_o word_n be_v signal_o style_v a_o whore_n and_o her_o fornication_n be_v twice_o mention_v in_o the_o three_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n again_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hang_v be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n numb_a 25._o 4._o deut._n 21._o 22._o but_o it_o be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o that_o which_o be_v among_o we_o for_o first_o they_o be_v hang_v up_o by_o the_o hand_n not_o by_o the_o head_n or_o neck_n second_o this_o suspension_n be_v not_o while_o they_o be_v alive_a but_o after_o they_o be_v dead_a three_o it_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o use_v alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o one_o or_o other_o of_o those_o punishment_n before_o or_o after_o to_o be_v mention_v some_o hold_n that_o it_o be_v use_v only_o after_o stoning_n and_o be_v the_o recompense_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o idolatry_n other_o say_v it_o be_v general_o the_o consequent_a of_o strangle_v this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o it_o be_v a_o secondary_a

p●rlege_n rubras_fw-la majorum_fw-la leges_fw-la at_o other_o time_n they_o make_v use_v of_o chalk_n and_o of_o coal_n both_o which_o be_v mention_v by_o 5._o persius_n illa_fw-la priùs_fw-la cretà_fw-la mox_fw-la b●●c_fw-la carbone_fw-la notasti_fw-la but_o these_o be_v use_v only_o on_o special_a occasion_n and_o be_v not_o the_o ordinary_a manner_n of_o write_v therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v whole_o silent_a a●_n to_o this_o but_o it_o mention_n the_o write_v instrument_n that_o be_v of_o common_a use_n as_o first_o those_o which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o hard_a material_n those_o wherewith_o they_o make_v incision_n into_o stone_n wood_n etc._n etc._n according_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o use_v a_o iron_n pen_n or_o style_n and_o therewith_o cut_v what_o character_n they_o think_v fit_a in_o they_o of_o this_o we_o have_v mention_n in_o job_n 19_o 24._o where_o that_o holy_a man_n wish_n that_o his_o complaint_n be_v write_v down_o and_o record_v that_o future_a age_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o they_o which_o moses_n or_o some_o other_o inspire_a person_n who_o digest_v and_o compile_v this_o book_n thus_o expresset●_n o_o that_o my_o word_n be_v engrave_v with_o a_o iron_n pen_n and_o lead_v with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o seventy_o make_v of_o iron_n and_o with_o lead_n plumbi_fw-la laminâ_fw-la as_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a a_o thin_a sheet_n or_o plate_n of_o lead_n on_o which_o they_o engrave_v letter_n with_o this_o iron_n pen._n and_o in_o the_o next_o clause_n of_o this_o verse_n he_o wish_v yet_o further_o that_o his_o word_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o rock_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o lxx_o render_v it_o ut_fw-la sculpantur_fw-la in_o silice_fw-la the_o vulgar_a latin_a follow_v the_o septuagint_n as_o it_o general_o do_v every_o where_o which_o refer_v to_o the_o ancient_a manner_n of_o write_v in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v by_o engrave_v of_o letter_n not_o only_o on_o leaden_a table_n but_o on_o stone_n and_o flint_n with_o iron_n pen_n or_o bodkin_n these_o be_v the_o first_o instrument_n use_v in_o write_v in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o jeremiah_n say_v 1._o the_o sin_n of_o judah_n be_v write_v with_o a_o pen_n of_o iron_n and_o grave_v upon_o the_o table_n of_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o this_o practice_n though_o here_o another_o word_n be_v use_v viz._n cheret_n from_o charath_n sculpsit_fw-la whence_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v a_o grave_v tool_n and_o so_o be_v render_v exod._n 32._o 4._o with_o this_o they_o make_v the_o letter_n on_o wood_n and_o stone_n and_o such_o like_a hard_a substance_n and_o in_o wax-table_n next_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o ancient_a instrument_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o other_o way_n of_o writing_n viz._n upon_o the_o soft_a material_n as_o the_o papyrus_fw-la and_o parchment_n this_o be_v call_v shebet_n which_o word_n in_o other_o place_n be_v render_v a_o sceptre_n we_o read_v that_o the_o tribe_n of_o zebulon_n afford_v some_o that_o handle_v the_o pen_n of_o the_o writer_n judg._n 5._o i4_n such_o as_o be_v dexterous_a at_o this_o instrument_n such_o as_o know_v how_o to_o wield_v this_o shebet_fw-la this_o writing-scepter_n with_o art_n and_o skill_n in_o other_o place_n it_o have_v the_o same_o name_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o engrave_v pen_n thus_o it_o be_v style_v cheret_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o septuagint_n isa._n 8._o 1._o the_o pen_n of_o a_o man_n i._n e._n such_o a_o pen_n as_o man_n usual_o write_v with_o in_o those_o day_n when_o they_o write_v upon_o any_o soft_a and_o yield_a matter_n and_o that_o be_v a_o reed_n which_o be_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o jer._n 8._o 8._o where_o gnet_n the_o pen_n of_o the_o scribe_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n and_o in_o psal._n 45._o 1._o where_o it_o be_v again_o call_v gnet_n the_o pen_n of_o a_o ready_a writer_n the_o same_o interpreter_n render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a calamus_fw-la which_o be_v the_o word_n use_v by_o martial_a and_o other_o for_o the_o egyptian_a reed_n which_o be_v the_o write_v pen_n in_o their_o time_n 14._o that_o chartis_fw-la habiles_fw-la calamos_fw-la memphitica_fw-la tellus_fw-la and_o aquila_n a_o learned_a jew_n who_o know_v the_o genuine_a mean_v of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n in_o this_o place_n render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n juncus_fw-la arundo_fw-la aquatica_fw-la wherewith_o they_o ancient_o write_v it_o appear_v then_o that_o egypt_n afford_v both_o paper_n and_o pen_n the_o former_a be_v of_o that_o rushy_a plant_n before_o describe_v the_o latter_a be_v of_o a_o reed_n grow_v in_o the_o same_o place_n viz._n about_o the_o river_n nile_n and_o the_o fenny_a part_n of_o egypt_n which_o be_v dry_v and_o harden_v and_o convenient_o shape_v be_v the_o usual_a instrument_n of_o write_v before_o the_o invention_n of_o quill_n it_o be_v so_o make_v that_o it_o will_v contain_v and_o convey_v in_o it_o a_o black_a sort_n of_o liquor_n which_o answer_v to_o our_o ink_n which_o we_o use_v at_o this_o day_n into_o which_o they_o use_v to_o dip_v it_o to_o this_o ancient_a writing_n with_o ink_n or_o such_o like_a dark_a substance_n some_o have_v think_v ezek._n 9_o 2._o have_v reference_n where_o we_o read_v of_o the_o writer_n inkhorn_n but_o though_o the_o hebrew_n word_n be_v render_v atramentarium_fw-la by_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a yet_o in_o its_o original_a signification_n it_o have_v no_o reference_n to_o that_o particular_a thing_n but_o may_v be_v translate_v a_o pen-case_n or_o a_o writing-table_n as_o well_o as_o a_o inkhorn_n from_o the_o bare_a sound_n of_o the_o english_a word_n we_o can_v infer_v the_o thing_n itself_o we_o may_v as_o well_o affirm_v the_o art_n of_o printing_n be_v find_v out_o and_o practise_v in_o iob_n day_n because_o he_o wish_v that_o his_o word_n be_v print_v in_o a_o book_n job_n 19_o 23._o but_o there_o be_v a_o place_n to_o our_o purpose_n and_o that_o be_v jer._n 36._o 18._o i_o write_v they_o i._n e._n the_o word_n which_o jeremy_n speak_v with_o ink_n in_o a_o book_n the_o ancient_a way_n of_o writing_n appear_v from_o what_o baruch_n here_o say_v that_o he_o write_v ieremiah_n prophecy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d atramento_fw-la which_o be_v the_o black_a and_o inky_a matter_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o be_v lay_v on_o by_o his_o pen_n in_o writing_n this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v 2_o cor._n 3._o 3_o 2_o ep._n john_n v._n 12._o and_o again_o 3_o epist._n v_o 13._o where_o it_o be_v join_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o show_v what_o be_v at_o that_o time_n the_o way_n of_o writing_n viz._n with_o reed-pen_n dip_v in_o ink_n which_o as_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o pliny_n and_o persius_n be_v various_o prepare_v the_o greek_n and_o roman_n make_v it_o of_o soot_n say_v the_o 5._o former_a of_o these_o writer_n and_o from_o he_o and_o 3._o persius_n we_o learn_v that_o the_o african_n use_v the_o dark_a excrementitious_a humour_n which_o the_o sepia_n afford_v they_o and_o other_o black_a juice_n serve_v for_o ink_n in_o other_o country_n thus_o the_o most_o ancient_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o authentic_a memoir_n concern_v letter_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o write_v be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a penman_n thus_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o grammar_n and_o the_o root_n of_o all_o learning_n be_v lay_v here_o next_o unto_o grammar_n i_o may_v mention_v history_n the_o first_o father_n of_o which_o be_v moses_n who_o write_n begin_v the_o bible_n all_o that_o i_o will_v say_v of_o he_o under_o this_o present_a character_n be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v sole_o indebt_v to_o he_o for_o our_o knowledge_n of_o the_o transaction_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o write_v before_o all_o other_o historian_n so_o he_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o none_o beside_o do_v wherefore_o his_o book_n be_v the_o key_n of_o all_o history_n to_o he_o be_v add_v other_o who_o be_v not_o only_o of_o admire_a antiquity_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v prize_v as_o much_o for_o the_o admirable_a and_o various_a matter_n they_o communicate_v here_o be_v excellent_a historical_a passage_n of_o all_o sort_n religious_a and_o civil_a sacred_a and_o profane_a foreign_a and_o domestic_a relate_v to_o politic_n and_o economic_n to_o public_a and_o private_a affair_n yea_o the_o historiae_fw-la title_n of_o procopius_n history_n belong_v only_a and_o proper_o to_o these_o sacred_a chronicle_n for_o here_o the_o secret_n and_o depth_n of_o all_o ancient_a occurrence_n be_v

part_n of_o it_o extant_a before_o there_o be_v any_o writer_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o borrow_v from_o other_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o this_o book_n this_o be_v the_o particular_a commendation_n of_o these_o write_n that_o they_o be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o and_o can_v not_o be_v take_v from_o any_o else_o these_o holy_a scripture_n borrow_v from_o none_o unless_o you_o will_v say_v they_o do_v so_o from_o themselves_o as_o the_o 18_o psalm_n be_v take_v out_o of_o 2_o sam._n 22._o or_o this_o out_o of_o that_o the_o evangelist_n borrow_v from_o one_o another_o the_o virgin_n mary_n magnificat_fw-la refer_v in_o several_a place_n of_o it_o to_o hannab_n song_n 1_o sam._n 2_o and_o st._n paul_n take_v some_o thing_n out_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o epbesians_n and_o put_v they_o into_o that_o which_o he_o write_v to_o the_o colossian_n and_o so_o sy_n jude_n may_v be_v say_v to_o borrow_v from_o st._n peter_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o plagiarism_n which_o other_o writer_n be_v guilty_a of_o and_o which_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o their_o want_n and_o defect_n whereas_o the_o holy_a spirit_n supply_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o bible_n both_o with_o matter_n and_o word_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n especial_o and_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v nothing_o at_o second_o hand_n all_o be_v fresh_a and_o new_a th●_n thing_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v never_o deliver_v by_o any_o writer_n before_o but_o most_o of_o the_o profane_a historian_n begin_v when_o the_o holy_a history_n be_v just_a end_n and_o herodotus_n himself_o the_o father_n of_o history_n write_v not_o till_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n time_n the_o gree●_n historian_n go_v no_o further_a back_n than_o the_o persjan_a e●pi●e_n and_o most_o of_o the_o roman_a history_n take_v not_o its_o rise_n so_o high_a indeed_o the_o egyptian_n boast_v that_o they_o have_v be_v rule_v by_o king_n above_o ten_o thousand_o year_n as_o herodotus_n relate_v and_o thence_o perhaps_o it_o be_v that_o one_o of_o their_o pharaoh_n which_o be_v the_o common_a name_n of_o all_o their_o king_n brag_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o ancient_a king_n isa._n 19_o 11._o the_o chinoise_n pretend_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o passage_n almost_o three_o thousand_o year_n before_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o martinius_n in_o his_o atlas_n that_o they_o preserve_v a_o continue_a history_n compile_v from_o their_o annual_a exploit_n of_o four_o thousand_o and_o five_o hundred_o year_n yea_o they_o have_v if_o we_o may_v credit_v the_o young_a mundi_fw-la vossius_fw-la writer_n ancient_a than_o moses_n but_o these_o high_a flight_n be_v explode_v by_o all_o considerate_a man_n and_o upon_o a_o view_n of_o whatever_o pretence_n be_v make_v by_o other_o they_o conclude_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o ancient_a writer_n and_o that_o the_o early_a discovery_n of_o transaction_n and_o occurrence_n in_o the_o world_n 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another_o place_n to_o evince_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v large_o prove_v in_o a_o word_n all_o other_o ancient_a write_n refer_v to_o these_o or_o suppose_v they_o this_o inspire_a volume_n alone_o be_v the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o either_o they_o or_o we_o can_v derive_v any_o truth_n and_o certainty_n and_o as_o there_o be_v the_o ancient_a learning_n so_o there_o be_v all_o learning_n i_o speak_v now_o of_o that_o which_o be_v humane_a and_o be_v reckon_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o rational_a person_n and_o all_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o in_o this_o book_n of_o book_n here_o be_v not_o only_a prose_n but_o verse_n here_o be_v not_o only_a poem_n but_o history_n annal_n chronicle_n here_o be_v thing_n profound_a and_o mystical_a and_o here_o be_v other_o that_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n be_v intelligible_a and_o clear_a here_o be_v prophecy_n vision_n revelation_n for_o even_o in_o the_o narratives_n which_o be_v give_v of_o these_o there_o be_v some_o 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antiochus_n in_o the_o book_n of_o maccabee_n die_v three_o several_a death_n 1_o sy_n in_o his_o bed_n at_o babylon_n 1_o mac._n 6._o 8_o 16._o two_o he_o be_v stone_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o nanea_n 2_o mac._n 1._o 15_o 16._o three_o he_o die_v on_o the_o mountain_n by_o a_o fall_n out_o of_o his_o chariot_n 2_o mac._n 9_o 28._o there_o be_v different_a report_n concern_v iulian_n death_n but_o the_o respective_a historian_n be_v confident_a in_o they_o all_o he_o be_v kill_v by_o one_o of_o his_o own_o soldier_n say_v socrates_n by_o a_o daemon_n say_v callistus_n who_o write_v in_o verse_n of_o the_o war_n at_o that_o time_n with_o the_o persian_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o he_o die_v by_o a_o stroke_n which_o a_o christian_a soldier_n give_v he_o according_a to_o sozomen_n but_o none_o know_v whence_o that_o stroke_n come_v according_a to_o theodoret._n eusebius_n and_o zosimus_n speak_v diverse_o concern_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a procopius_n 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be_v poison_v by_o other_o that_o he_o die_v of_o a_o pleurisy_n by_o other_o that_o a_o palsy_n and_o cramp_n take_v away_o his_o life_n and_o there_o be_v other_o that_o confident_o report_v his_o death_n be_v by_o st._n anthony_n fire_n yea_o our_o writer_n be_v often_o gross_o mistake_v about_o matter_n of_o very_a late_a occurrence_n as_o baker_n heylin_n fu●●er_n profess_v historian_n tell_v we_o that_o richard_n sutton_n a_o single_a man_n found_v the_o hospital_n at_o the_o charterhouse_n whereas_o his_o christian_a name_n be_v thomas_n and_o 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o marry_a man._n so_o mr._n hooker_n die_v in_o holy_a celibacy_n say_v gauden_n and_o fuller_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v know_v to_o be_v too_o true_a but_o i_o shall_v be_v infinite_a if_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o set_v before_o you_o the_o palpable_a mistake_v and_o misreport_v in_o

history_n both_o domestie●_n and_o foreign_a all_o that_o be_v conversant_a in_o this_o way_n of_o study_n complain_v and_o that_o just_o of_o the_o erroneous_a misrepresentation_n of_o passage_n of_o all_o sort_n among_o historian_n and_o of_o our_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o but_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v or_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v in_o the_o sacred_a history_n because_o god_n himself_o speak_v there_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v the_o sur●●_n ground_n for_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o can_v desire_v there_o be_v no_o authority_n so_o firm_a as_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a there_o be_v no_o testimony_n so_o strong_a and_o valid_a as_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o such_o be_v that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o it_o most_o just_o challenge_v yea_o command_v our_o faith_n and_o assent_n this_o be_v the_o singular_a pre-eminence_n and_o advantage_n which_o this_o book_n have_v above_o 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strange_a be_v in_o herodotus_n and_o pliny_n show_v that_o though_o some_o fabulous_a narration_n and_o many_o gross_a mistake_v and_o error_n be_v intermingle_v the_o strangeness_n of_o some_o passage_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o diversity_n of_o time_n the_o posture_n of_o the_o world_n have_v much_o change_v since_o those_o thing_n happen_v let_v we_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o reason_v in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o when_o we_o find_v several_a strange_a unusual_a and_o surprise_v matter_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n impute_v this_o to_o the_o antientness_n of_o they_o and_o the_o great_a discrepancy_n between_o those_o day_n and_o these_o we_o now_o live_v in_o if_o we_o do_v so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o impediment_n to_o our_o steady_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o nay_o if_o we_o weigh_v thing_n well_o we_o shall_v see_v it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o expect_v that_o the_o guise_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o 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be_v write_v by_o moses_n his_o ample_a character_n or_o panegyric_n be_v attompt_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o full_a account_n of_o his_o birth_n education_n flight_n from_o court_n retire_a life_n his_o return_n to_o egypt_n his_o conduct_v of_o the_o israelite_n thence_o his_o immediate_a converse_n with_o god_n in_o the_o mount_n his_o deliver_v the_o law_n his_o divine_a eloquence_n his_o humility_n and_o meekness_n his_o suffering_n his_o miracle_n and_o his_o particular_a fitness_n to_o write_v these_o book_n a_o summary_n of_o the_o several_a head_n contain_v in_o genesis_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o brief_a but_o distinct_a view_n of_o the_o six_o day_n work_n wherein_o be_v explain_v the_o mosaic_a draught_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o thing_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o bold_a hypothesis_n of_o a_o late_a writer_n design_v to_o confront_v the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v expose_v and_o refute_v the_o content_n of_o the_o book_n of_o exodus_fw-la to_o which_o be_v adjoin_v a_o short_a comment_n on_o the_o ten_o plague_n of_o egypt_n a_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o remarkable_a particular_n treat_v of_o in_o leviticus_n number_n deuteronomy_n that_o moses_n be_v the_o penman_n and_o author_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n notwithstanding_o what_o some_o have_v late_o object_v against_o it_o to_o demonstrate_v yet_o further_o the_o excellency_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n i_o will_v enter_v upon_o the_o three_o way_n of_o proof_n which_o i_o propose_v that_o be_v i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o several_a book_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o i_o will_v show_v all_o along_o the_o particular_a usefulness_n and_o excellency_n of_o they_o i_o begin_v first_o with_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v divide_v by_o the_o jew_n into_o three_o general_a part_n first_o torah_n the_o law_n which_o contain_v the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n then_o nebiim_v the_o prophet_n which_o 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nothing_o to_o be_v right_a prophecy_n but_o what_o be_v convey_v in_o dream_n or_o vision_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o rabbinical_a conceit_n and_o hereby_o they_o strike_v david_n and_o some_o other_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o they_o yet_o the_o partition_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o it_o may_v be_v right_o understand_v be_v not_o altogether_o to_o be_v reject_v nay_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o luke_n 24._o 44._o where_o he_o tell_v his_o apostle_n that_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v write_v concern_v he_o in_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n viz._n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n under_o these_o last_o comprise_v all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o hagiographa_n or_o you_o may_v divide_v the_o book_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o their_o order_n in_o the_o

proceed_v now_o to_o the_o other_o book_n of_o moses_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v brief_a leviticus_n have_v its_o name_n because_o it_o treat_v chief_o of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o levite_n and_o the_o whole_a levitical_a order_n it_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o jewish_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o particular_a employment_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n of_o their_o several_a kind_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n viz._n burnt-offering_n meat-offering_n peace-offering_n sin-offering_n trespass-offering_n of_o the_o consecration_n of_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n to_o the_o priesthood_n of_o law_n about_o clean_n and_o unclean_a thing_n and_o of_o difference_n of_o meat_n here_o they_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v blood_n here_o they_o be_v teach_v how_o to_o discern_v the_o leprosy_n and_o how_o to_o cleanse_v it_o here_o be_v law_n concern_v vow_n and_o thing_n and_o person_n devote_v there_o be_v also_o other_o ordinance_n and_o 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be_v to_o be_v promulge_v to_o they_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v live_v at_o that_o time_n have_v not_o hear_v the_o decalogue_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o law_n open_o proclaim_v or_o be_v young_a they_o have_v neglect_v or_o forget_v they_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o moses_n in_o this_o book_n rehearse_v they_o to_o this_o new_a people_n and_o withal_o add_v a_o explication_n of_o they_o in_o many_o place_n yea_o and_o adjoin_v some_o new_a law_n viz._n the_o take_n down_o of_o malefactor_n from_o the_o tree_n in_o the_o evening_n make_v of_o battlement_n on_o the_o roof_n of_o their_o house_n the_o expiation_n of_o a_o unknown_a murder_n the_o punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o a_o rebellious_a son_n the_o distinction_n of_o the_o sex_n by_o apparel_n marry_v the_o brother_n wife_n after_o his_o decease_n also_o order_n and_o injunction_n concern_v divorce_n concern_v manstealer_n concern_v unjust_a weight_n and_o measure_n concern_v the_o marry_v of_o a_o captive_a woman_n concern_v the_o servant_n that_o desert_n his_o master_n service_n and_o several_a other_o law_n not_o only_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a but_o military_a there_o be_v likewise_o insert_v some_o new_a action_n and_o passage_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o last_o year_n of_o their_o travel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n moreover_o moses_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n show_v himself_o a_o true_a father_n pastor_n and_o guide_n to_o that_o people_n a_o hearty_a lover_n of_o they_o and_o their_o welfare_n in_o such_o manifest_a instance_n as_o these_o his_o often_o inculcate_v upon_o they_o the_o many_o obligation_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o from_o god_n the_o innumerable_a favour_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o his_o frequent_a and_o pathetic_a exhortation_n to_o obedience_n and_o live_v answerable_o to_o the_o singular_a mercy_n which_o be_v confer_v upon_o they_o his_o constant_a remind_v they_o of_o their_o former_a miscarriage_n their_o murmur_n and_o rebellion_n against_o heaven_n and_o all_o their_o unworthy_a deportment_n towards_o their_o matchless_a benefactor_n his_o compassionate_a forewarn_n they_o of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n of_o the_o various_a plague_n and_o punishment_n which_o will_v certain_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o their_o persist_v in_o their_o sin_n last_o his_o affectionate_a encourage_v they_o to_o obedience_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o endear_n promise_v which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o they_o and_o which_o he_o will_v assure_o make_v good_a if_o they_o do_v not_o frustrate_v his_o design_n of_o mercy_n towards_o they_o by_o their_o own_o wilful_a obstinacy_n these_o be_v the_o excellent_a subject_n of_o this_o divine_a book_n and_o which_o render_v it_o so_o unvaluable_a a_o treasury_n hitherto_o of_o the_o pentateuch_n or_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o they_o i_o think_v need_v not_o be_v question_v though_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 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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 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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

record_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n for_o either_o as_o we_o say_v before_o concern_v moses_n they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o through_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n that_o foresee_v these_o thing_n or_o else_o they_o be_v add_v by_o some_o other_o inspire_a writer_n so_o perhaps_o be_v those_o word_n unto_o this_o day_n ch_n 4._o v._n 9_o &_o ch_n 5._o v._n 9_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a at_o all_o to_o believe_v so_o for_o joshua_n relate_v some_o passage_n that_o happen_v a_o good_a while_n before_o he_o write_v this_o book_n which_o be_v a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n may_v speak_v after_o this_o manner_n very_o well_o and_o some_o few_o other_o word_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v insert_v after_o ioshua_n death_n but_o that_o the_o main_n be_v write_v by_o himself_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o question_v the_o history_n of_o the_o judge_n follow_v which_o relate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a people_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n in_o the_o 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that_o be_v speak_v of_o there_o other_o say_v it_o be_v not_o compose_v till_o ezr●'s_n time_n by_o ezra_n the_o book_n of_o ruth_n be_v a_o appendix_n to_o that_o of_o the_o judge_n in_o who_o time_n the_o thing_n be_v do_v that_o be_v here_o relate_v particular_o a_o little_a before_o eli_n time_n they_o happen_v than_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o famine_n in_o canaan_n elimelech_n and_o his_o wife_n naomi_n and_o their_o son_n go_v into_o the_o land_n of_o moab_n and_o there_o these_o latter_a be_v marry_v one_o to_o ruth_n and_o the_o other_o to_o orphah_n after_o ten_o year_n be_v expire_v elimelech_n and_o his_o son_n die_v whereupon_o naomi_n and_o her_o daughter-in-law_n ruth_n for_o the_o other_o daughter_n stay_v behind_o return_v to_o their_o own_o country_n and_o come_v to_o bethlehem_n be_v kind_o receive_v by_o boaz_n their_o kinsman_n the_o particular_n of_o this_o kind_a reception_n and_o entertainment_n be_v set_v down_o here_o and_o the_o close_a be_v that_o he_o marry_v ruth_n who_o bear_v to_o he_o obed_n who_o be_v the_o grandfather_n of_o david_n it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v but_o a_o private_a history_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v such_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o many_o thing_n worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n viz._n the_o difference_n of_o child_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o regard_v to_o their_o parent_n orphah_n with_o great_a ease_n and_o willingness_n leave_v naomi_n but_o ruth_n cleave_v unto_o she_o the_o prudent_a instruction_n and_o wise_a demeanour_n of_o that_o excellent_a matron_n towards_o her_o daughter_n the_o young_a widow_n though_o i_o must_v needs_o add_v with_o reference_n to_o ruth_n behaviour_n that_o her_o boldness_n and_o almost_o endanger_v of_o her_o chastity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v example_n to_o other_o for_o modesty_n and_o shamefacedness_n be_v the_o proper_a quality_n of_o that_o sex_n wedlock_n be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o by_o they_o with_o such_o peril_n and_o therefore_o this_o dare_a fact_n of_o this_o venturous_a widow_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a instance_n and_o not_o to_o be_v imitate_v by_o other_o female_n here_o be_v remarkable_a the_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o afflict_a the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a the_o reward_n of_o constancy_n and_o obedience_n the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o trust_n in_o he_o beside_o here_o be_v observable_a the_o ancient_n right_o of_o kinsman_n and_o of_o redemption_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o buy_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o decease_a with_o other_o thing_n of_o great_a antiquity_n nay_o this_o be_v more_o than_o private_a history_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o pious_a woman_n ruth_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o obed_n the_o father_n of_o jesse_n the_o father_n of_o david_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o you_o find_v she_o insert_v into_o his_o genealogy_n by_o st._n matthew_n again_o ruth_n a_o moabitish_a woman_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o lot_n be_v a_o type_n or_o rather_o indeed_o a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o private_a concern_v but_o of_o the_o large_a extent_n imaginable_a the_o two_o book_n of_o samuel_n be_v public_a history_n the_o former_a whereof_o contain_v thing_n do_v under_o the_o two_o last_o judge_n eli_n and_o samuel_n and_o under_o the_o first_o king_n who_o be_v saul_n as_o also_o the_o act_n of_o david_n while_o he_o live_v under_o saul_n here_o be_v a_o narrative_a of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o judge_n into_o king_n of_o the_o republic_n or_o aristocracy_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o a_o monarchy_n and_o of_o the_o great_a and_o many_o evil_n which_o they_o suffer_v as_o consequent_a upon_o it_o all_o worthy_a of_o our_o serious_a perusal_n and_o consideration_n here_o be_v a_o account_n of_o their_o new_a king_n be_v be_v depose_v by_o god_n viz._n for_o his_o rash_a and_o profane_a sacrifice_v and_o his_o wilful_a disobey_v the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o total_a destruction_n of_o the_o amalekite_n and_o whatever_o belong_v to_o they_o the_o latter_a book_n ●s_v whole_o spend_v in_o the_o history_n of_o king_n david_n reign_n that_o be_v his_o act_n after_o saul_n death_n these_o ●re_n either_o his_o military_a act_n his_o troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a and_o sometime_o successful_a erterprise_n in_o war_n or_o his_o political_a act_n show_v in_o the_o wise_a administration_n of_o civil_a government_n or_o his_o ecclesiastical_a and_o religious_a undertake_n which_o respect_v 〈◊〉_d church_n of_o god_n in_o those_o day_n with_o these_o be_v mix_v the_o great_a fail_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o that_o king_n which_o be_v as_o particular_o record_v as_o his_o other_o act_n and_o as_o

a_o consequent_a of_o they_o the_o many_o disappointment_n and_o cross_n he_o meet_v with_o the_o various_a judgement_n and_o plague_n which_o be_v inflict_v on_o he_o and_o his_o people_n by_o god_n the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n be_v the_o history_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n under_o the_o reign_v of_o their_o several_a king_n the_o first_o contain_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o life_n of_o david_n and_o his_o death_n the_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n of_o that_o nation_n under_o solomon_n who_o succeed_v he_o his_o erect_n and_o consecrate_v of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n his_o scandalous_a defection_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o sudden_a decay_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n after_o his_o death_n when_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o kingdom_n under_o rehoboam_n who_o reign_v over_o the_o two_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n and_o under_o jeroboam_fw-la who_o be_v king_n over_o the_o other_o ten_o tribe_n that_o revolt_v from_o the_o house_n of_o david_n the_o rest_n of_o it_o be_v spend_v in_o relate_v the_o act_n of_o four_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o eight_o of_o israel_n the_o second_o book_n which_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o king_n be_v a_o relation_n of_o the_o memorable_a act_n of_o sixteen_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o twelve_o of_o israel_n and_o the_o end_n of_o both_o kingdom_n by_o the_o carry_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n captive_a into_o assyria_n by_o salmanasser_n and_o the_o other_o two_o into_o babylon_n by_o nabuchadnezzar_n the_o just_a reward_n of_o that_o people_n idolatry_n and_o impenitency_n after_o so_o many_o favour_n show_v to_o they_o this_o and_o the_o former_a book_n together_o comprehend_v the_o history_n of_o about_o four_o hundred_o year_n the_o chronicle_n or_o journals_n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v the_o fill_v up_o of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o history_n which_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o though_o we_o know_v not_o 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splendid_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o less_o calamitous_a than_o those_o of_o the_o common_a people_n good_a king_n be_v rare_a and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bad._n the_o best_a king_n have_v their_o fault_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o a_o very_a scandalous_a nature_n there_o be_v little_a piety_n in_o prince_n court_n and_o as_o little_a integrity_n and_o honesty_n the_o people_n be_v easy_o induce_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o governor_n and_o religion_n and_o manner_n too_o often_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o superior_n good_a king_n be_v the_o great_a blessing_n and_o wicked_a one_o be_v the_o great_a curse_n to_o a_o nation_n prince_n mistake_v their_o measure_n when_o they_o either_o disobey_v god_n or_o oppress_v their_o people_n tyrannical_a prince_n procure_v their_o own_o ruin_n the_o sin_n and_o vice_n of_o ruler_n prove_v fatal_a to_o their_o subject_n public_a enormity_n be_v punish_v with_o public_a and_o national_a calamity_n king_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o minister_n they_o choose_v and_o make_v use_n of_o those_o counsel_n that_o be_v found_v in_o religion_n be_v most_o successful_a evil_a counselor_n contrive_v their_o own_o destruction_n war_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o fight_v against_o god_n the_o success_n of_o arm_n depend_v upon_o the_o divine_a blessing_n the_o church_n be_v never_o more_o shock_a then_o under_o bad_a prince_n religion_n and_o reformation_n be_v never_o effectual_o promote_v unless_o the_o great_a one_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o they_o division_n and_o rent_n about_o religion_n have_v immediate_a influence_n on_o secular_a affair_n and_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v the_o state_n be_v so_o too_o the_o revolution_n in_o both_o be_v by_o the_o particular_a disposal_n of_o the_o wise_a over-ruler_n of_o the_o world_n true_a religion_n and_o godliness_n be_v attend_v with_o earthly_a reward_n and_o blessing_n and_o the_o contrary_n bring_v down_o the_o great_a plague_n even_o in_o this_o world_n the_o worst_a time_n afford_v some_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o holy_a religious_a and_o zealous_a men._n whatever_o change_n and_o revolution_n happen_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o church_n of_o god_n remain_v secure_a though_o there_o be_v great_a and_o frequent_a defection_n yet_o there_o never_o be_v a_o total_a extinction_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n the_o church_n be_v impregnable_a this_o rock_n be_v immovable_a and_o many_o other_o proposition_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v of_o great_a service_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o these_o excellent_a history_n ezra_n be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n of_o chronicle_n and_o comprise_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o time_n that_o cyrus_n make_v the_o edict_n for_o their_o return_n until_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n longimanus_fw-la which_o be_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n for_o the_o jew_n return_v from_o babylon_n be_v at_o two_o several_a time_n viz._n first_o in_o the_o day_n of_o cyrus_n the_o first_o per●●an_n monarch_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o zerubbabel_n their_o captain_n and_o jeshua_n their_o high_a priest_n here_o be_v record_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o return_v cyrus_n proclamation_n for_o the_o rebuild_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o lay_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o the_o retard_v of_o the_o work_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o two_o of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n at_o last_o the_o finish_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o darius_n reign_n the_o second_o return_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o artaxerxes_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o ezra_n a_o priest_n who_o have_v be_v a_o courtier_n in_o the_o persian_a court_n and_o be_v send_v into_o judea_n by_o artaxerxes_n in_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n which_o be_v above_o eighty_o year_n after_o the_o first_o return_n in_o cyrus_n time_n to_o expedite_v the_o building_n of_o jerusalem_n this_o pious_a reformer_n observe_v the_o people_n 〈◊〉_d with_o stranger_n and_o infidel_n and_o their_o join_a themselves_o to_o they_o in_o marriage_n proclaim_v a_o solemn_a fast_o and_o pray_v and_o mourn_v and_o lament_v their_o gross_a miscarriage_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n and_o zeal_n exhort_v they_o to_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o way_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o avert_v god_n wrath_n and_o conciliate_v his_o favour_n and_o pardon_n this_o be_v that_o ezra_n who_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n and_o who_o be_v also_o a_o restorer_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o collect_v and_o methodise_v they_o into_o certain_a order_n and_o review_v the_o copy_n and_o amend_v all_o errata_n that_o be_v contract_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n nehemiah_n who_o

write_v the_o book_n which_o bear_v his_o name_n be_v a_o jew_n cupbearer_n to_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n and_o return_v into_o judea_n thirteen_o year_n after_o ezra_n there_o be_v another_o nehemiah_n who_o come_v with_o those_o that_o return_v at_o first_o from_o babylon_n ezra_n 2._o 2._o but_o he_o who_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o come_v afterward_o by_o artaxerxes_n leave_n in_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o go_v back_o to_o persia_n again_o twelve_o year_n after_o neh._n 5._o 14._o this_o writer_n begin_v where_o ezra_n leave_v of_o and_o continue_v the_o history_n of_o the_o building_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o deportment_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o time_n from_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o darius_n about_o fifty_o year_n in_o all_o as_o ezra_n chief_o relate_v the_o restore_a of_o religion_n and_o erect_v the_o temple_n so_o this_o author_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o building_n of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v restore_v in_o several_a particular_n he_o show_v what_o be_v the_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o people_n and_o how_o they_o be_v redress_v even_o by_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o tell_v we_o what_o method_n he_o take_v of_o regulate_v both_o their_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a affair_n in_o short_a of_o reform_v both_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v even_o then_o so_o early_o corrupt_v from_o the_o whole_a both_o here_o and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n we_o be_v teach_v many_o useful_a lesson_n but_o this_o above_o all_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v power_n to_o extinguish_v this_o little_a flock_n israel_n be_v not_o always_o a_o captive_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n babylon_n send_v back_o her_o prisoner_n and_o bondman_n her_o very_a enemy_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a direction_n of_o heaven_n promote_v her_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n for_o we_o be_v inform_v from_o this_o part_n of_o sacred_a history_n that_o god_n stir_v up_o even_o the_o persian_a monarch_n to_o restore_v his_o people_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o when_o they_o be_v there_o to_o help_v and_o assist_v they_o and_o to_o baffle_v all_o their_o opposer_n the_o book_n of_o esther_n be_v a_o particular_a history_n of_o what_o happen_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o captivity_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o ahasuerus_n one_o of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n whether_o he_o be_v artaxerxes_n longimanus_fw-la as_o raleigh_n some_o think_v or_o artaxerxes_n mnemon_n as_o most_o author_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a say_v or_o artaxerxes_n ochus_n as_o serarius_n hold_v or_o xerxes_n the_o four_o persian_a monarch_n according_a to_o scaliger_n or_o darius_n the_o son_n of_o hystaspes_n or_o cambyses_n for_o so_o various_a a●e_n the_o opinion_n of_o author_n i_o will_v not_o here_o dispute_v only_o we_o know_v that_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o the_o profane_a intend_v the_o same_o person_n sometime_o though_o they_o give_v different_a name_n the_o story_n be_v this_o haman_n a_o great_a favourite_n and_o minion_n of_o the_o king_n and_o advance_v to_o great_a honour_n by_o he_o be_v high_o incense_v against_o mordecai_n one_o of_o the_o captive_a jew_n because_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v he_o reverence_n and_o to_o bow_n to_o he_o whereupon_o he_o resolve_v for_o his_o sake_n to_o compass_v the_o destruction_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o territory_n and_o to_o that_o end_n gain_v a_o decree_n from_o the_o king_n to_o put_v they_o all_o to_o the_o sword_n but_o this_o wicked_a design_n be_v happy_o frustrate_v by_o mean_n of_o esther_n a_o jewish_a captive_a virgin_n who_o for_o her_o transcendent_a beauty_n have_v a_o little_a time_n before_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o throne_n and_o now_o prevail_v with_o her_o royal_a husband_n to_o spare_v the_o life_n of_o her_o dear_a countryman_n in_o this_o manner_n haman_n curse_a conspiracy_n be_v defeat_v he_o himself_o advance_v to_o a_o gibbet_n and_o that_o of_o his_o own_o prepare_v the_o jew_n deliver_v from_o their_o fear_n and_o danger_n mordecai_n who_o discover_v this_o bloody_a design_n to_o queen_n esther_n and_o who_o have_v before_o that_o discover_v another_o conspiracy_n viz._n against_o the_o king_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o chronicle_n and_o about_o this_o time_n read_v to_o he_o and_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n serviceable_a by_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o bring_v about_o this_o happy_a frustration_n of_o haman_n plot_n this_o mordecai_n i_o say_v be_v prefer_v unto_o the_o great_a honour_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o by_o the_o by_o let_v i_o suggest_v that_o perhaps_o from_o his_o ride_v the_o king_n horse_n and_o thereby_o be_v prefer_v to_o kingly_a dignity_n the_o story_n of_o darius_n be_v make_v king_n of_o persia_n by_o the_o neigh_v of_o his_o horse_n have_v its_o rise_n for_o as_o i_o have_v often_o have_v occasion_n in_o another_o place_n to_o prove_v the_o gentile_a historian_n mistake_v one_o person_n for_o another_o the_o heart_n and_o mouth_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o king_n province_n be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o a_o annual_a festival_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o all_o succeed_a generation_n in_o remembrance_n of_o this_o singular_a and_o unexpected_a deliverance_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o this_o short_a history_n in_o which_o there_o be_v many_o admirable_a and_o surprise_v circumstance_n which_o though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v particular_o relate_v here_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o god_n singular_a providence_n and_o goodness_n to_o his_o church_n in_o discover_v and_o defeat_v the_o contrivance_n of_o her_o malicious_a and_o cruel_a enemy_n in_o deliver_v she_o in_o her_o great_a extremity_n and_o in_o bring_v vengeance_n and_o ruin_n on_o the_o head_n of_o those_o who_o plot_n her_o downfall_n as_o to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n there_o be_v no_o agreement_n among_o writer_n though_o one_o will_v be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v mordecai'_v by_o reading_z ch_z 9_o v._n 20._o and_o ch_n 12._o of_o apocryphal_a esther_n v_o 4._o the_o next_o penman_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v job_n who_o book_n may_v have_v be_v place_v next_o to_o the_o pentateuch_n if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o be_v general_o believe_v that_o he_o live_v about_o moses_n time_n though_o selden_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o he_o live_v a_o considerable_a time_n before_o the_o israelite_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o that_o he_o be_v before_o moses_n it_o be_v write_v by_o himself_o say_v origen_n and_o suidas_n but_o the_o rabbin_n general_o pronounce_v moses_n the_o author_n other_o make_v solomon_n the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n discover_v as_o they_o think_v his_o manner_n of_o speak_v in_o it_o the_o most_o probable_a account_n be_v that_o the_o material_n of_o this_o book_n be_v draw_v up_o first_o by_o jo●_a himself_o or_o one_o or_o all_o of_o his_o pious_a friend_n that_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o here_o and_o that_o they_o come_v to_o moses_n hand_n as_o some_o of_o the_o jewish_a master_n tell_v we_o or_o afterward_o to_o solomon_n be_v make_v up_o into_o hebrew_n verse_n as_o we_o now_o find_v it_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n be_v of_o this_o composure_n and_o indeed_o be_v the_o first_o poetical_a book_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o bible_n whence_o we_o may_v infer_v something_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o as_o mensal_n m._n luther_n well_o observe_v job_n and_o his_o friend_n speak_v not_o all_o the_o very_a word_n which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o this_o book_n for_o man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o speak_v in_o verse_n in_o their_o discourse_n one_o with_o another_o and_o especial_o in_o such_o a_o lofty_a style_n of_o poetry_n as_o we_o read_v here_o sometime_o but_o this_o be_v true_a that_o both_o their_o thought_n and_o word_n be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o what_o be_v here_o write_v and_o thing_n actual_o and_o real_o happen_v as_o they_o be_v here_o represent_v only_o the_o whole_a argument_n be_v clothe_v in_o verse_n the_o individual_a and_o express_a word_n which_o they_o all_o the_o time_n use_v be_v not_o always_o write_v down_o neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v but_o we_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n attend_v to_o the_o talmudick_n doctor_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o book_n be_v not_o a_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o write_v in_o a_o parabolical_a way_n to_o exhibit_v to_o the_o world_n a_o eminent_a example_n of_o patience_n nor_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o parisaan_n patr._n professor_n to_o be_v tolerate_v who_o say_v the_o history_n be_v true_a but_o the_o

act_n and_o work_v of_o holiness_n wherefore_o he_o offer_v several_a plain_a mark_n and_o token_n whereby_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v real_a christian_n true_o religious_a and_o the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o he_o propound_v be_v this_o that_o if_o they_o love_v god_n and_o their_o brethren_n and_o demonstrate_v this_o love_n by_o the_o proper_a and_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o it_o than_o they_o may_v conclude_v they_o be_v christian_n indeed_o otherwise_o they_o be_v mere_a stranger_n to_o christianty_n and_o to_o all_o religion_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o they_o this_o the_o belove_a disciple_n and_o divine_a amourist_n incul●ates_v with_o that_o spirit_n warmth_n and_o earnestness_n which_o so_o weighty_a a_o subject_n deserve_v his_o second_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o elect_a lady_n and_o her_o child_n that_o be_v say_v st._n agerach_n jerom_n to_o some_o eminent_a select_a church_n in_o asia_n and_o to_o all_o the_o christian_n belong_v to_o it_o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o athenian_n and_o curia_n with_o the_o roman_n be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o assembly_n perhaps_o ephesus_n be_v mean_v say_v a_o loc_n learned_a man_n which_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o asia_n and_o so_o may_v more_o signal_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o it_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n that_o a_o person_n not_o a_o church_n 〈◊〉_d mean_v here_o and_o that_o st._n john_n the_o evangelist_n not_o another_o presbyter_n of_o that_o name_n as_o st._n eccles._n jerom_n think_v write_v to_o a_o virtuous_a lady_n who_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d servant_n of_o christ_n a_o very_a godly_a and_o religion_n woman_n or_o it_o may_v be_v her_o proper_a name_n be_v loc_n elect_a as_o a_o learned_a critic_n have_v conjecture_v which_o may_v seem_v the_o more_o probable_a because_o the_o word_n have_v no_o article_n prefix_v to_o it_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o our_o saviour_n himself_o as_o the_o evangelical_n write_n inform_v we_o to_o make_v his_o application_n to_o those_o of_o this_o sex_n to_o cherish_v and_o commend_v their_o virtue_n it_o be_v particular_o record_v that_o 4._o of_o the_o chief_a woman_n afterward_o call_v 12._o honourable_a woman_n not_o a_o few_o be_v st._n paul_n proselyte_n and_o to_o descend_v low_a we_o read_v that_o st._n jerom_n take_v great_a pain_n in_o instruct_v the_o roman_a lady_n and_o in_o commend_v and_o encourage_v their_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yea_o many_o of_o his_o write_n be_v direct_v and_o dedicate_v to_o noble_a woman_n widow_n and_o virgin_n as_o paula_n eustochium_fw-la salvina_n celantia_n and_o several_a other_o that_o be_v roman_a lady_n and_o of_o noble_a extraction_n such_o be_v our_o elect_n here_o who_o be_v the_o only_a person_n of_o that_o sex_n to_o who_o a_o inspire_a epistle_n be_v write_v she_o be_v commend_v for_o her_o virtuous_a bring_v up_o her_o child_n she_o be_v exhort_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o perservere_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o delusion_n of_o false_a teacher_n but_o chief_o the_o apostle_n beseech_v this_o noble_a matron_n to_o practice_v the_o great_a and_o indispensable_a commandment_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n his_o three_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o gaius_n a_o convert_v jew_n or_o gentile_a as_o other_o think_v because_o he_o have_v a_o roman_a name_n a_o man_n of_o a_o fair_a estate_n and_o who_o have_v be_v very_o bountiful_a and_o hospitable_a to_o the_o saint_n the_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v to_o own_o and_o commend_v his_o hospitality_n especial_o his_o seasonable_a beneficence_n and_o charity_n to_o stranger_n to_o those_o that_o be_v exile_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o charity_n and_o liberality_n to_o the_o distress_a brethren_n demetrius_n be_v propound_v as_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o for_o which_o and_o all_o other_o virtue_n he_o have_v the_o good_a report_n of_o all_o man_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o truth_n itself_o that_o be_v as_o he_o be_v speak_v well_o of_o by_o every_o one_o so_o he_o real_o deserve_v it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o complain_v of_o the_o uncharitable_a insolent_a and_o ambitious_a diotrephes_n a_o prate_a opposer_n not_o only_o of_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o of_o all_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o jesus_n the_o general_a epistle_n of_o jude_n or_o judas_n as_o we_o render_v it_o in_o john_n 14._o 22._o it_o be_v the_o same_o name_n with_o that_o of_o the_o traitor_n for_o it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n to_o have_v the_o same_o name_n as_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n eliab_n jehu_n hananiah_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o new_a testament_n simon_n john_n ananias_n be_v instance_n of_o this_o this_o epistle_n i_o say_v of_o this_o good_a apostle_n with_o a_o bad_a man_n name_n be_v write_v to_o all_o christian_a church_n or_o at_o least_o to_o all_o the_o jewish_a christian_n disperse_v the_o same_o to_o who_o st._n james_n and_o st._n peter_n write_v wherein_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n against_o those_o dream_v heretic_n and_o seducer_n that_o be_v at_o that_o time_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n who_o erroneous_a tenant_n and_o ungodly_a practice_n he_o here_o particular_o decipher_v and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n vengeance_n on_o other_o great_a offender_n infer_v the_o certainty_n of_o these_o man_n ruin_n in_o short_a this_o epistle_n have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a apostolic_a spirit_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o argument_n with_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o epitome_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o need_v not_o be_v very_o particular_a in_o rehearse_v the_o content_n the_o last_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n the_o divine_a which_o epithet_n be_v signal_o give_v to_o he_o here_o because_o of_o the_o divinity_n and_o sublimity_n of_o his_o rapture_n because_o he_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o great_a communication_n of_o divine_a mystery_n it_o may_v be_v refer_v either_o to_o the_o historical_a book_n or_o to_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o former_a because_o it_o be_v a_o prophetic_a history_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o latter_a because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o epistle_n after_o the_o three_o first_o verse_n by_o way_n of_o preface_n viz._n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n at_o first_o plant_v by_o and_o now_o under_o the_o government_n of_o st._n john_n and_o as_o it_o begin_v so_o it_o end_v after_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o conclude_a epistle_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n ●brist_n be_v with_o you_o all_o amm._n concern_v the_o precise_a time_n when_o st._n john_n receive_v and_o when_o he_o write_v this_o revelation_n there_o be_v some_o dispute_n but_o the_o most_o probable_a if_o not_o the_o most_o general_o receive_v opinion_n be_v that_o he_o be_v ●●nished_v into_o patmos_n a_o isle_n in_o the_o archipelago_n situate_v about_o forty_o mile_n from_o the_o continent_n of_o asia_n by_o domitian_n under_o who_o be_v the_o second_o persecution_n this_o revelation_n be_v deliver_v to_o he_o about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o emperor_n reign_n but_o at_o several_a time_n and_o that_o he_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v about_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o vision_n themselves_o i_o will_v not_o here_o particular_o in●ist_v upon_o any_o of_o they_o only_o in_o general_n it_o be_v common_o say_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seal_n set_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o heathen_a persecution_n from_o nero_n to_o the_o end_n of_o dioclesian_n persecution_n the_o vision_n of_o the_o trumpet_n which_o follow_v that_o show_v the_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o heresy_n schism_n and_o persecution_n afterward_o in_o the_o time_n succeed_v the_o pagan_a roman_a emperor_n viz._n under_o papacy_n and_o then_o the_o vial_n tell_v what_o vengeance_n befall_v the_o papal_a antichrist_n and_o all_o the_o church_n enemy_n so_o that_o the_o seal_n trumpet_n and_o vial_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o three_o grand_a period_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v great_a probability_n of_o this_o but_o i_o must_v add_v and_o i_o will_v offer_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n as_o a_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o order_n to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o book_n that_o the_o order_n of_o time_n and_o history_n be_v

out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n but_o propose_v to_o be_v insert_v there_o afterward_o the_o plain_a answer_n then_o be_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o book_n of_o judge_n together_o with_o that_o of_o joshua_n where_o be_v relate_v the_o particular_n of_o the_o holy_a war_n i._n e._n the_o war_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o the_o infidel_n and_o that_o in_o one_o of_o these_o it_o shall_v be_v particular_o remember_v and_o record_v what_o god_n do_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o in_o the_o brook_n of_o arnon_n etc._n etc._n and_o according_o we_o find_v it_o insert_v in_o the_o forecited_a place_n in_o judge_n thus_o you_o see_v it_o can_v be_v prove_v hence_o that_o the_o church_n have_v lose_v any_o part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n another_o book_n say_v by_o some_o to_o be_v lose_v be_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n mention_v in_o josh._n 10._o 13._o &_o 2_o sam._n 1._o 18._o but_o some_o of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a hebrew_a doctor_n say_v they_o have_v find_v it_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o act_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n jacob_n and_o other_o patriarch_n who_o be_v by_o way_n of_o excellence_n call_v jasherim_n recti_fw-la justi._n but_o sure_o that_o man_n be_v easy_o satisfy_v who_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o this_o dr._n lightfoot_n hold_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o i_o assert_v the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o god_n to_o be_v but_o there_o be_v little_a foundation_n for_o it_o for_o though_o the_o particular_a narrative_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v stand_v still_o be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o jasher_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o text_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o intimation_n that_o all_o ioshua_n war_n or_o the_o war_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v register_v there_o this_o book_n be_v according_a to_o the_o excellent_a 18._o grotius_n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o triumphal_a poem_n in_o which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v for_o the_o verse_n sake_n contract_v into_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o though_o this_o be_v very_o ingenious_a yet_o it_o want_v solidity_n and_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o the_o word_n will_v be_v twice_o mention_v i._n e._n both_o in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n and_o in_o the_o 2d_o book_n of_o samuel_n in_o its_o abbreviate_v form_n the_o learned_a ●_o jewish_a historian_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o bid_v fair_a for_o truth_n who_o ●aith_v by_o this_o book_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v certain_a record_n keep_v in_o some_o safe_a place_n on_o purpose_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o temple_n give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o happen_v among_o the_o jew_n from_o year_n to_o year_n and_o particular_o the_o prodigy_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v stand_v still_o and_o the_o direction_n and_o law_n about_o the_o use_n of_o the_o bow_n i._n e._n set_v up_o of_o archery_n and_o maintain_v military_a exercise_n and_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o the_o title_n give_v to_o these_o jewish_a annal_n be_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n i._n e._n rect_v this_o may_v be_v render_v as_o a_o probable_a reason_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v by_o all_o person_n reckon_v as_o a_o very_a faithful_a and_o authentic_a account_n of_o all_o those_o event_n and_o occurrence_n which_o it_o record_v it_o be_v compose_v with_o great_a uprightness_n and_o truth_n thence_o it_o be_v common_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o iasher_n book_n or_o chronicle_n and_o if_o you_o remember_v that_o jasher_n be_v translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o th●_n seventy_o in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o book_n of_o jo●_a it_o will_v ●urther_o confirm_v what_o i_o say_v and_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o iasher_n book_n be_v as_o much_o as_o a_o true_a book_n a_o book_n that_o be_v not_o counterfeit_v it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o any_o inspire_a person_n but_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o common_a civil_a annal_n and_o consequent_o we_o can_v infer_v hence_o that_o any_o book_n proper_o belong_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i._n e._n that_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v at_o this_o day_n miss_v again_o some_o reckon_v the_o act_n of_o uzziah_n write_v by_o isaiah_n the_o prophet_n 2_o chron._n 26._o 22._o in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o such_o book_n of_o scripture_n as_o be_v lose_v but_o they_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o do_v so_o for_o by_o tho●●_n word_n be_v plain_o mean_v that_o part_n of_o the_o life_n and_o history_n of_o that_o king_n which_o we_o now_o have_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n for_o the_o first_o six_o chapter_n be_v ●_o relation_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o his_o day_n they_o give_v a_o account_n of_o several_a passage_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o state_n in_o that_o king_n reign_n and_o isaiah_n be_v true_o say_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n in_o the_o chronicle_n to_o have_v write_v his_o act_n first_o and_o last_o because_o you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n begin_v at_o the_o day_n of_o uzziah_n v_o 1._o and_o the_o six_o chapter_n relate_v what_o happen_v in_o the_o year_n that_o king_n uzziah_n die_v v_o 1._o so_o that_o something_o of_o what_o be_v first_o and_o last_o in_o his_o time_n be_v here_o record_v this_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o very_a substantial_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o scruple_n about_o that_o place_n also_o some_o will_v infer_v from_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 29._o that_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o extant_a at_o this_o day_n b●cause_fw-mi there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o seer_n and_o the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o book_n of_o gad_n the_o seer_n in_o which_o it_o be_v say_v all_o david_n '_o s_z act_n be_v write_v but_o no_o such_o inference_n can_v rational_o be_v make_v only_o this_o we_o gather_v which_o be_v the_o solution_n of_o the_o difficulty_n that_o nathan_n and_o gad_n as_o well_o as_o samuel_n compile_v the_o history_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o this_o last_o and_o because_o it_o be_v make_v by_o they_o all_o three_o therefore_o it_o be_v represent_v here_o as_o three_o different_a book_n but_o the_o true_a account_n be_v that_o those_o two_o book_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o samuel_n be_v write_v partly_o by_o he_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o first_o book_n relate_v thing_n that_o happen_v in_o his_o time_n and_o partly_o by_o nathan_n and_o partly_o by_o gad_n two_o eminent_a prophet_n in_o those_o day_n and_o who_o survive_v samuel_n then_o as_o to_o 2_o chron._n 9_o 29._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o solomon_n act_n be_v write_v not_o only_o in_o the_o book_n hebr._n dibrim_n the_o word_n as_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o day_n of_o nathan_n of_o which_o before_o but_o in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o ahijah_n the_o shilonite_n and_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o iddo_n the_o seer_n which_o last_o be_v call_v midrash_n the_o story_n or_o commentary_n of_o the_o prophet_n iddo_n chap._n 13._o v._n 22._o and_o as_o to_o 2_o chron._n 12._o 15._o where_o we_o read_v also_o of_o this_o book_n of_o iddo_n the_o seer_n and_o of_o shemaiah_n the_o prophet_n in_o which_o it_o be_v say_v rehoboam_n act_n be_v write_v the_o answer_n which_o i_o give_v relate_v to_o these_o book_n in_o brief_a be_v this_o that_o few_o of_o they_o if_o any_o be_v different_a from_o those_o of_o the_o king_n but_o be_v only_o a_o part_n of_o they_o though_o they_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o as_o distinct_a book_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o that_o individual_a part_n of_o the_o story_n viz._n concern_v solomon_n and_o rehoboam_n be_v quote_v which_o these_o particular_a person_n here_o name_v write_v you_o must_v know_v then_o that_o this_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o work_n of_o several_a person_n it_o be_v a_o collection_n make_v by_o sundry_a prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n as_o samuel_n nathan_n gad_n ahijah_n iddo_n shemaiah_n and_o the_o book_n which_o they_o write_v be_v call_v the_o book_n of_o samuel_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o be_v general_o know_v by_o these_o name_n but_o when_o those_o part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v particucular_o insert_v and_o write_v by_o samuel_n himself_o or_o nathan_n etc._n etc._n be_v quote_v or_o refer_v to_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n they_o be_v mention_v as_o distinct_a book_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v distinct_a part_n of_o such_o a_o history_n and_o write_v by_o such_o particular_a person_n who_o altogether_o make_v up_o that_o

kadosh_n in_o psal._n 109._o 13._o achar_n be_v translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereas_o it_o shall_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o they_o read_v it_o achad_v una_fw-la and_o 〈◊〉_d it_o not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o a_o daleth_fw-he be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o a_o resh_n in_o zeph._n 3._o 9_o i_o e._n that_o their_o copy_n have_v it_o bedurah_n instead_o of_o berurah_n electum_fw-la ●urum_fw-la and_o according_o they_o render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o they_o take_v it_o to_o be_v two_o distinct_a word_n with_o a_o prefix_v thus_o be_v dur_n ah_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imagine_v how_o they_o can_v translate_v it_o ●o_o sometime_o the_o likeness_n of_o beth_n and_o caph_n cause_v a_o mistake_n so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o shall_v eat_v eccles._n 5._o 16._o be_v render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n because_o they_o read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o luctu_fw-la in_o psal._n 29._o 2._o there_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n of_o their_o version_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o that_o they_o take_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o instead_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o decore_v they_o read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o con●lavi_fw-la in_o isa._n 51._o 18._o there_o be_v a_o mistake_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o likewise_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v render_v menahel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d consoldtor_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o read_v menachem_n instead_o of_o menahel_n and_o sometime_o where_o there_o be_v no_o similitude_n in_o the_o letter_n they_o take_v one_o word_n for_o another_o so_o they_o read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d instead_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o ●pon_n that_o mistake_v translate_v the_o word_n by_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o know_a word_n that_o signify_v a_o forehead_n but_o in_o ezek._n 3._o 8._o it_o be_v render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o which_o i_o can_v give_v no_o other_o account_n but_o this_o that_o the_o word_n in_o their_o copy_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vi●●oria_fw-la a_o nun_n for_o a_o mem._n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o whereas_o the_o hebrew_n word_n in_o zeph._n 2._o 15_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d desolatio_fw-la their_o book_n have_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d corvus_fw-la and_o thence_o they_o render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o i_o observe_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o original_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o fountain_n open_v zech._n 13._o 1._o and_o the_o seventy_n version_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o place_n open_v i_o soon_o find_v the_o mistake_n in_o this_o latter_a viz._n their_o read_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d locus_fw-la whence_o they_o render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d son_n last_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o verb_n barak_n be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o root_n in_o the_o latter_a clause_n of_o v_o 19_o of_o 1_o sam._n 2._o and_o thence_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o word_n use_v by_o the_o lxx_o but_o the_o right_a word_n be_v bara●_n which_o be_v mistake_v one_o consonant_a for_o another_o a_o caph_n for_o a_o aleph_fw-la but_o i_o submit_v my_o thought_n concern_v these_o text_n to_o the_o judicious_a who_o will_v either_o join_v with_o i_o or_o candid_o accept_v of_o my_o conjecture_n i_o mention_v not_o here_o any_o of_o those_o instance_n which_o the_o foresay_a learned_a father_n have_v give_v show_v how_o the_o seventy_o take_v one_o letter_n in_o a_o word_n for_o another_o and_o so_o have_v make_v quite_o another_o word_n of_o it_o and_o according_o have_v translate_v it_o hottinger_n also_o have_v bring_v sundry_a exampl●●_n to_o show_v that_o they_o err_v as_o to_o consonant_n that_o they_o palpable_o mistake_v they_o from_o the_o likeness_n of_o one_o to_o another_o and_o so_o render_v the_o text_n false_o when●●_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o h●brew_n and_o the_o greek_a bible_n 3._o they_o sometime_o mistake_v both_o vowel_n and_o consonant_n as_o in_o judg._n 5._o 10._o the_o word_n be_v think_v by_o they_o to_o be_v tsacharajim_a and_o on_o that_o supposal_n be_v translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o the_o right_a word_n be_v tsecharoth_n candidae_fw-la in_o isa._n 26._o 14._o rephaim_n mortui_fw-la be_v render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o the_o word_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v rophim_n medici_fw-la in_o both_o which_o instance_n not_o only_a letter_n but_o point_n be_v mistake_v that_o place_n gen._n 49._o 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o ancient_a greek_a version_n as_o justin_n martyr_n and_o origen_n testify_v be_v render_v so_o from_o their_o take_n shelo_n ille_fw-la cujus_fw-la or_o cui_fw-la for_o shiloh_n and_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n instead_o of_o the_o hebrew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d congr●gatio_n they_o take_v the_o word_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o root_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d expectavit_fw-la and_o thence_o they_o render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d expectatio_fw-la again_o in_o ●_o 22._o of_o this_o chapter_n instead_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d incedebat_fw-la they_o read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d minorennis_fw-la and_o according_o the_o greek_a word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o take_v a_o daleth_fw-he for_o a_o resh_n and_o moreover_o be_v mistake_v as_o to_o the_o point_n so_o in_o 1_o sam._n 6._o 18._o they_o read_v eben_n for_o abel_n and_o so_o interpret_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o mistake_n of_o a_o nun_n for_o a_o lamed_n together_o with_o a_o oversight_n as_o to_o the_o ●ricks_n and_o in_o ch_z 19_o 16._o kebir_n pulvinar_fw-la will_v ●ot_n have_v be_v render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unless_o the_o word_n have_v seem_v to_o they_o to_o be_v cabed_a jecur_fw-la so_o that_o it_o appear_v they_o fail_v not_o only_o in_o a_o consonant_a but_o two_o vowel_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o think_v the_o word_n ●as_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vivet_fw-la job_n 8._o 17._o and_o according_o they_o ●nder_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whenas_o the_o right_a word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ●idebit_fw-la can_v there_o be_v any_o reason_n assign_v why_o be●●jeth_n be_v translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o visione_n numb_a ●6_n 30._o but_o this_o that_o they_o read_v it_o baro_v vaughan_n and_o jod_n be_v alike_o and_o so_o be_v mistake_v one_o for_o the_o other_o and_o ●_o instead_o of_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o word_n any_o observant_a eye_n may_v perceive_v by_o the_o seventy_n version_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d isa._n 29._o 3._o that_o they_o take_v the_o hebrew_n word_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ●hereas_fw-la the_o true_a word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d caddur_n pila_fw-la 〈…〉_z in_o hos._n 12._o 12._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d boves_fw-la be_v according_a to_o the_o greek_a translator_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whence_o one_o may_v ●●ess_v that_o sharim_n be_v think_v by_o they_o to_o be_v the_o original_a word_n lamnatseach_n be_v the_o title_n of_o the_o four_o psalm_n and_o several_a other_o but_o they_o think_v it_o to_o be_v lanetsach_n and_o hence_o render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o netsach_n be_v a_o very_a large_a word_n and_o both_o with_o and_o without_o lamed_n before_o it_o be_v sometime_o adverbial_o take_v and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o in_o finom_n thus_o they_o err_v both_o as_o to_o a_o letter_n and_o the_o vowel_n and_o so_o they_o do_v in_o psal._n 22._o 24._o where_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d mimmennu_fw-fr but_o they_o read_v it_o mimm●ani_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o translate_n it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v worth_a observe_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o shal●_n be_v fear_v or_o as_o our_o translator_n render_v it_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v psal._n 130._o 4._o be_v strange_o render_v by_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o thy_o name'●_n sake_n which_o be_v a_o fault_n of_o the_o transcriber_n the●_n write_v those_o word_n instead_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o thy_o la●'s_n sake_n this_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a which_o continual_o follow_v the_o lxx_o in_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o psalm_n and_o

before_o it_o it_o be_v not_o sit_v that_o the_o same_o word_n shall_v have_v two_o diverse_a readins_n in_o the_o same_o verse_n in_o v_o 6_o 8_o 9_o let_v live_v creature_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o margin_n and_o be_v set_v in_o the_o text_n itself_o in_o the_o place_n of_o beast_n which_o be_v not_o a_o sit_v word_n for_o those_o that_o be_v represent_v by_o that_o vision_n especial_o when_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n here_o be_v the_o word_n which_o be_v right_o translate_v the_o beast_n in_o this_o book_n in_o ch_z 11._o v._n 17._o those_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o right_o render_v which_o art_n and_o waste_v and_o be_v to_o come_v but_o thus_o who_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v in_o ch_z 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o v_o 13._o be_v translate_v wonder_v in_o the_o 14_o miracle_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v correct_v for_o the_o reason_n so_o often_o give_v viz._n because_o the_o same_o greek_a word_n shall_v be_v render_v by_o the_o same_o english_a one_o if_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a cause_n for_o the_o contrary_n in_o ch_z 14._o v._n 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v render_v with_o they_o their_o work_v follow_v with_o they_o in_o ch_z 16._o v._n 12._o the_o way_n of_o the_o king_n who_o be_v from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o true_a and_o literal_a version_n of_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o in_o our_o present_a english_a translation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v absorp_v these_o be_v the_o several_a place_n which_o i_o conceive_v aught_o to_o be_v alter_v and_o translate_v more_o exact_o i_o say_v not_o this_o to_o impair_v or_o derogate_v from_o the_o credit_n and_o honour_n of_o our_o english_a translation_n much_o less_o to_o condemn_v the_o present_a edition_n or_o to_o expose_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o but_o my_o design_n be_v to_o represent_v they_o in_o their_o native_a excellency_n and_o purity_n and_o to_o contribute_v by_o this_o critical_a essay_n towards_o so_o worthy_a a_o end_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o can_v more_o commend_v the_o holy_a writ_n than_o a_o exact_a translation_n i._n e._n such_o a_o one_o as_o faithful_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o express_a text_n of_o scripture_n wherefore_o i_o humble_o offer_v the_o forementioned_a place_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a and_o leave_v the_o whole_a or_o part_n to_o be_v approve_v or_o reject_v as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a perhaps_o when_o our_o church-affair_n be_v settle_v this_o will_v not_o seem_v unworthy_a of_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o convocation_n who_o i_o question_v not_o will_v see_v that_o the_o revise_v and_o correct_v of_o our_o english_a translation_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o all_o or_o in_o most_o of_o those_o place_n and_o in_o several_a other_o which_o i_o have_v not_o here_o propound_v be_v very_o requisite_a it_o be_v my_o judgement_n that_o as_o out_o of_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a and_o the_o modern_a latin_a version_n one_o entire_a one_o may_v be_v make_v in_o that_o language_n that_o shall_v be_v general_o use_v in_o quotation_n among_o the_o orthodox_n learned_a so_o a_o new_a english_a translation_n may_v be_v compose_v out_o of_o this_o last_o edition_n as_o to_o the_o main_a but_o with_o such_o new_a alteration_n and_o amendment_n as_o shall_v render_v the_o style_n and_o sense_n in_o many_o place_n more_o accurate_a and_o shall_v make_v it_o acceptable_a to_o the_o most_o curious_a english_a reader_n and_o here_o i_o advise_v that_o the_o marginal_a note_n of_o the_o present_a english_a bible_n be_v often_o consult_v because_o the_o best_a and_o most_o genuine_a translation_n of_o word_n be_v frequent_o put_v there_o but_o in_o the_o forego_n animadversion_n i_o have_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o those_o different_a signification_n of_o word_n which_o be_v place_v there_o i_o have_v only_o offer_v those_o that_o have_v not_o hitherto_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o may_v add_v something_o concern_v the_o division_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o chapter_n and_o verse_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o moses_n the_o prophet_n evangelist_n and_o apostle_n write_v their_o book_n without_o any_o such_o partition_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o all_o other_o writer_n of_o old_a but_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v divide_v afterward_o into_o parashes_n before_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o this_o distribution_n of_o they_o be_v often_o mention_v in_o the_o talmud_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o more_o methodical_a read_n of_o they_o in_o the_o synagogue_n some_o of_o the_o 3._o greek_a father_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o distribution_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v make_v before_o their_o time_n for_o they_o mention_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o daniel_n jerom_n speak_v of_o a_o pericope_n of_o jeremiah_n yea_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o this_o sort_n of_o section_n or_o parashes_n be_v mention_v in_o act_n 8._o 32._o and_o be_v call_v there_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o book_n of_o the_o evanglist_n and_o apostle_n be_v afterward_o divide_v into_o certain_a section_n by_o some_o of_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n for_o the_o more_o convenient_a read_n of_o they_o herein_o imitate_v the_o jew_n who_o have_v do_v the_o same_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n these_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o lazaro_n eastern_a father_n and_o lectiones_fw-la by_o the_o latin_a one_o they_o be_v the_o same_o that_o we_o call_v chapter_n verse_n be_v also_o ancient_a but_o not_o the_o same_o that_o be_v at_o present_a nor_o be_v all_o the_o book_n so_o divide_v st._n jerom_n tell_v we_o he_o distribute_v the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n and_o that_o of_o ezekiel_n into_o verse_n and_o some_o of_o th●_n book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v thus_o divide_v particular_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n be_v part_v into_o these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o origen_n as_o galat._n jerom_n inform_v we_o but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o these_o partition_n whether_o into_o chapter_n or_o verse_n w●re_v very_o much_o different_a from_o what_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a as_o heinsius_n and_o some_o other_o critic_n out_o of_o suidas_n relate_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v divide_v into_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v gather_v from_o the_o account_n which_o they_o give_v of_o these_o two_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v the_o division_n of_o a_o book_n into_o chapter_n and_o the_o latter_a into_o verse_n or_o some_o such_o small_a portion_n though_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v a_o quite_o different_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o great_a division_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lesser_a as_o to_o the_o division_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n consist_v of_o 39_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o 27_o of_o the_o new_a into_o distinct_a chapter_n as_o they_o be_v now_o among_o we_o viz._n 779_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o 260_o in_o the_o new_a it_o be_v make_v by_o lanfrank_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n about_o the_o year_n 1060_o other_o say_v by_o stephen_n langton_n who_o be_v archbishop_n of_o the_o same_o see_v in_o k._n john_n time_n about_o the_o year_n 1200._o it_o be_v say_v by_o other_o that_o cardinal_n hugo_n twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n afterward_o be_v the_o first_o that_o contrive_v the_o distinction_n of_o chapter_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o fit_v the_o hebrew_n text_n to_o the_o concordance_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o he_o be_v author_n of_o the_o divide_v of_o chapter_n into_o verse_n be_v more_o late_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o industrious_a and_o learned_a robert_n stephens_n about_o eightscore_o year_n since_o but_o whoever_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o this_o division_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o chapter_n and_o verse_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o right_o make_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o 10_o chap._n of_o isaiah_n shall_v not_o be_v cut_v of_o from_o the_o 9th_o chapter_n for_o it_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o 5_o v_o of_o the_o 10_o chap._n which_o be_v so_o now_o the_o 9th_o shall_v end_v and_o many_o other_o chapter_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v ill_o divide_v but_o especial_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n one_o may_v see_v that_o the_o distinction_n of_o chapter_n and_o verse_n now_o in_o

be_v to_o understand_v their_o stomach_n and_o whole_a body_n and_o by_o nourish_v they_o be_v mean_v feed_v and_o pamper_v of_o they_o the_o apostle_n rebuke_n the_o gluttony_n and_o intemperance_n of_o the_o voluptuous_a man_n of_o that_o age_n who_o make_v every_o day_n a_o day_n of_o slaughter_n a_o day_n of_o feast_v and_o revel_v i_o can_v parallel_v this_o with_o a_o passage_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o leb_n have_v the_o same_o ambiguous_a signification_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d comfort_v you_o your_o heart_n gen._n 18._o 5._o which_o be_v speak_v of_o abraham_n entertain_v the_o angel_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o morsel_n of_o bread_n there_o mention_v for_o so_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v his_o generous_a provision_n which_o he_o make_v for_o his_o guest_n stay_v say_v he_o support_n sustain_v for_o so_o the_o word_n sagnad_n signify_v your_o stomach_n and_o thereby_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v your_o heart_n with_o this_o entertainment_n so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v in_o a_o equivocal_a sense_n by_o homer_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o speak_v of_o mercury_n ●_o be_v entertain_v by_o calypso_n he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o sup_v and_o stay_v his_o heart_n or_o his_o stomach_n with_o meat_n thence_o bread_n be_v call_v mishgnan_n fulcrum_fw-la sustentaculum_fw-la i●a_fw-la 3._o 1._o a_o stay_v a_o staff_n and_o among_o the_o old_a hebrew_n segnudah_n i_o e._n fulcimentum_fw-la be_v a_o dinner_n and_o so_o food_n among_o we_o be_v know_v by_o the_o vulgar_a name_n of_o sustenance_n i_o hope_v that_o from_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v allege_v the_o critical_a notion_n which_o i_o offer_v be_v make_v very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a and_o in_o several_a other_o instance_n i_o can_v make_v it_o good_a that_o there_o be_v those_o peculiar_a grace_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n which_o the_o most_o exquisite_a translation_n can_v full_o reach_v i_o will_v particular_o instance_n in_o one_o sort_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v paranomasia_n i_o e._n elegant_a allusion_n and_o cadence_n of_o word_n thus_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a allusion_n to_o iapheth_n name_n in_o gen._n 9_o 27._o japht_n lejeph_v there_o be_v no_o less_o than_o three_o of_o these_o in_o one_o verse_n gen._n 11._o 3._o nilbenah_n lebenim_fw-la nisrephah_o lisrephah_o hachemar_n lachomer_n in_o gen._n 49._o there_o be_v several_a of_o these_o verbal_a allusion_n as_o jehudah_n joduka_o v_o 8._o dan_fw-mi jadin_fw-mi v._n 16._o gad_n gedud_n jegudennu_fw-fr v._n 19_o which_o be_v plain_a reference_n to_o the_o name_n of_o judah_n dan_n and_o gad._n there_o be_v a_o paranomasia_fw-la in_o the_o word_n chamor_n judg._n 15._o 16._o which_o signify_v both_o a_o ass_n and_o a_o heap_n but_o this_o be_v quite_o lose_v in_o our_o translation_n heap_n upon_o heap_n with_o the_o jawbone_n of_o a_o ass._n the_o mount_n of_o olive_n be_v in_o way_n of_o contempt_n call_v the_o mount_n of_o corruption_n mashchith_n 2_o king_n 23._o 13._o allude_v to_o mishchah_n anoint_v for_o which_o the_o oil_n of_o olive_n be_v serviceable_a in_o psal._n 39_o 11._o the_o psalmist_n allude_v to_o the_o name_n of_o adam_n and_o abel_n when_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o adam_n be_v abel_n or_o every_o man_n be_v vanity_n and_o selah_n be_v here_o add_v to_o denote_v the_o emphatic_a elegancy_n of_o this_o passage_n and_o again_o psal._n 144._o 4._o adam_n be_v like_o abel_n we_o render_v the_o hebrew_n right_o enough_o man_n be_v like_a vanity_n but_o then_o the_o nominal_a allusion_n be_v not_o express_v there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o paranomasia_n in_o isaiah_n as_o in_o ch_z 1._o v._n 23._o sare_z sorerim_n the_o prince_n be_v rebellious_a ch._n 5._o v._n 7._o he_o look_v for_o mishphat_n judgement_n but_o behold_v mishpah_n oppression_n for_o tzedekah_n righteousness_n but_o behold_v tzegnakah_n a_o cry_n four_o of_o these_o pleasant_a cadence_n you_o meet_v with_o together_o in_o ch_z 24._o v._n 3_o 4._o hibbok_n tibbok_v hibboz_fw-mi tibboz_fw-mi dibber_n dabar_fw-la oblab_v noblah_o ch._n 32._o v._n 7._o chelai_n chelav_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o churl_n some_o observe_v the_o likeness_n of_o sound_n in_o the_o hebrew_n word_n for_o bridegroom_n and_o deck_v himself_o and_o for_o bride_n and_o jewel_n ch_n 61._o v._n 10._o we_o may_v observe_v in_o jer._n 6._o 1._o a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o word_n tekoah_n in_o the_o word_n precede_v it_o a_o remarkable_a cadence_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o mic._n 1._o 14._o the_o house_n of_o aczib_n the_o name_n of_o a_o place_n shall_v be_v aczab_v a_o lie_n and_o the_o learned_a dr._n pocock_n observe_v that_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n have_v allusion_n to_o the_o name_n of_o those_o other_o city_n mareshah_n and_o adullam_n in_o what_o he_o there_o say_v of_o they_o the_o like_v you_o find_v in_o zeph._n 2._o 4._o where_o the_o destruction_n of_o gaza_n and_o ekron_n be_v foretell_v but_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o the_o translation_n the_o last_o place_n i_o will_v mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v zech._n 9_o 3._o tyre_n build_v herself_o a_o strong-hold_a tzor_n build_v herself_o matzor_n this_o way_n of_o speak_v be_v use_v also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o spirit_n john_n 3._o 8._o the_o same_o word_n signify_v wind_n and_o spirit_n christ_n take_v occasion_n thence_o to_o speak_v after_o this_o allusive_a manner_n which_o no_o translation_n can_v express_v so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mat._n 16._o 18._o can_v be_v discern_v in_o the_o english_a translation_n st._n paul_n have_v several_a verbal_a likeness_n in_o his_o epistle_n as_o 1_o cor._n 0._o 21._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o cor._n 5._o 8._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d philein_fw-fr v_o 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o thess._n 3._o 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o henry_n stephens_n have_v express_v by_o the_o like_a paranomasia_n in_o latin_a ●i●il_fw-la agentes_fw-la sed_fw-la curiosè_fw-la satagentes_fw-la and_o several_a other_o of_o this_o kind_n there_o be_v in_o this_o apostle_n write_n which_o be_v more_o common_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o therefore_o i_o omit_v they_o grotius_n and_o some_o other_o think_v there_o be_v allusion_n to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o asiatic_a church_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v of_o they_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o they_o rev._n 2d_o and_o 3d_o chapter_n but_o perhaps_o that_o be_v too_o fanciful_a this_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o that_o this_o mode_n of_o speech_n be_v not_o unusual_a among_o the_o oriental_a writer_n and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o it_o occur_v sometime_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n even_o among_o some_o of_o the_o best_a roman_a author_n this_o be_v no_o unfrequent_a thing_n thus_o verres_n the_o avaritious_a and_o extort_v praetor_n of_o sicily_n be_v by_o tully_n call_v verrens_fw-la sweep-all_a and_o many_o such_o verbal_a jest_n this_o grave_a pleader_n have_v in_o his_o oration_n and_o other_o part_n of_o his_o write_n which_o show_v it_o be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o pulchritude_n in_o their_o style_n so_o martial_a play_v upon_o the_o idle_a mariner_n non_fw-la nautas_fw-la puto_fw-la sed_fw-la vos_fw-la argonautas_n horace_n begin_v his_o epistle_n to_o one_o albius_n a_o patron_n of_o he_o thus_o albi_fw-la nostrorum_fw-la sermonum_fw-la candid_a judex_fw-la allude_v in_o that_o epithet_n to_o his_o name_n and_o he_o have_v several_a other_o of_o these_o charientism_n which_o we_o can_v but_o sometime_o observe_v likewise_o in_o other_o ancient_a writer_n of_o good_a account_n but_o that_o which_o i_o remark_n at_o present_a be_v that_o even_o the_o sacred_a and_o inspire_a style_n disdain_v not_o this_o manner_n of_o speak_v which_o none_o be_v capable_a of_o take_v notice_n of_o but_o those_o that_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o original_a language_n in_o which_o the_o sacred_a text_n be_v write_v and_o in_o several_a other_o particular_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v the_o gracefulness_n of_o the_o holy_a style_n and_o that_o singular_a turn_v and_o peculiar_a air_n in_o the_o original_a which_o can_v be_v express_v in_o the_o translation_n there_o be_v many_o word_n phrase_n and_o sentence_n which_o must_v lose_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o their_o native_a weight_n and_o spirit_n by_o be_v do_v into_o another_o language_n therefore_o on_o this_o as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o other_o account_n beforenamed_n we_o must_v be_v very_o considerate_a and_o attentive_a when_o we_o read_v this_o divine_a book_n three_o there_o must_v