valiant_a leader_n zorobabel_n who_o stock_n and_o virtue_n be_v ennoble_v by_o the_o genealogy_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n he_o have_v with_o he_o the_o high_a priest_n jeschua_n and_o other_o chief_a priest_n and_o levite_n the_o companion_n of_o zorobabel_n their_o leader_n out_o of_o babylon_n and_o he_o have_v also_o all_o that_o be_v pillar_n of_o piety_n among_o all_o the_o people_n these_o be_v the_o man_n design_v for_o the_o settlement_n of_o religion_n not_o only_o for_o the_o present_a time_n but_o for_o the_o eternal_a benefit_n of_o posterity_n from_o who_o they_o know_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v now_o depart_v cap._n 10._o xxxii_o in_o this_o synod_n they_o think_v it_o not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v deliver_v the_o sacred_a authentic_a book_n unto_o the_o church_n but_o the_o manner_n also_o how_o to_o read_v they_o clear_o and_o expound_v they_o be_v most_o prudent_o prescribe_v it_o appear_v by_o the_o learned_a hebrew_n exposition_n of_o that_o place_n in_o nehemiah_n chap._n 8._o vers_fw-la 8._o so_o they_o read_v in_o the_o book_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o give_v the_o sense_n and_o cause_v they_o tâ—_n understand_v the_o read_n that_o in_o the_o public_a synagogue_n they_o read_v first_o the_o text_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n in_o hebrew_n distinct_o and_o understand_o according_a to_o the_o pause_n and_o then_o explain_v it_o in_o the_o chaldee_n which_o be_v now_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n of_o the_o people_n bring_v from_o babylon_n this_o reformation_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n by_o ezra_n be_v not_o unknown_a to_o tertullian_n a_o most_o grave_a writer_n of_o the_o first_o antiquity_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr hab._n mul._n he_o say_v after_o the_o overthrow_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o babylonian_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o judaic_a literature_n be_v restore_v by_o ezra_n chrysostome_n also_o ascribe_v unto_o ezra_n the_o same_o work_n where_o he_o write_v attend_v and_o learn_v god_n mercy_n to_o we_o of_o old_a he_o inspire_v moses_n and_o he_o write_v the_o table_n of_o stone_n he_o determine_v he_o forty_o day_n in_o the_o mount_n and_o again_o so_o many_o day_n that_o he_o may_v give_v he_o the_o law_n in_o after_o time_n he_o send_v prophet_n who_o suffer_v innumerable_a wrong_n war_n rush_v in_o it_o consume_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n the_o book_n be_v burn_v in_o the_o fire_n but_o again_o he_o inspire_v another_o man_n that_o he_o may_v repair_v those_o admirable_a scripture_n i_o mean_v ezra_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o compose_v the_o law_n anew_o out_o of_o their_o relic_n etc._n etc._n hom._n 8._o in_o epist_n ad_fw-la hebr._n cap._n 11._o xxxiii_o now_o and_o henceforth_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o masora_n lay_v the_o work_n be_v begin_v in_o the_o partition_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n in_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o text_n into_o great_a section_n and_o into_o verse_n and_o in_o the_o dinumeration_n of_o they_o as_o also_o of_o the_o letter_n lest_o one_o prick_v or_o tittle_n may_v afterward_o be_v change_v or_o lose_v for_o first_o have_v constitute_v the_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n and_o reduce_v they_o into_o one_o body_n of_o scripture_n they_o divide_v it_o into_o three_o principal_a part_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o law_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o prophet_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o holy_a write_n or_o hagiographa_n this_o division_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o declare_v in_o that_o say_n of_o he_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n concern_v i_o luc._n 24._o 44._o where_o the_o psalm_n be_v put_v for_o all_o the_o book_n in_o that_o part_n entitle_v hagiographa_n out_o of_o which_o also_o some_o thing_n be_v cite_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o fulfil_v elsewhere_o he_o name_v only_o two_o part_n the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v until_o john_n luc._n 16._o 16._o and_o in_o another_o place_n a_o whole_a part_n of_o scripture_n be_v set_v for_o one_o book_n of_o that_o part_n as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n mark_n 1._o 2._o jo._n 6._o 45._o that_o be_v in_o that_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o prophet_n in_o that_o volume_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o that_o which_o be_v cite_v be_v not_o write_v in_o all_o the_o prophet_n but_o in_o one_o of_o they_o the_o first_o in_o mal._n 3._o 1._o the_o other_o in_o isa_n 54._o 13._o thus_o be_v this_o division_n usual_a in_o the_o most_o ancient_a writing_n of_o the_o hebrew_n in_o the_o masora_n when_o any_o word_n be_v find_v only_o thrice_o and_o that_o in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o scripture_n than_o they_o say_v we_o meet_v with_o it_o three_o time_n once_o in_o the_o law_n once_o in_o the_o prophet_n once_o in_o the_o hagiographia_fw-la in_o the_o talmudist_n one_o bind_v up_o the_o law_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o hagiographa_n into_o one_o book_n again_o they_o bring_v unto_o we_o the_o law_n the_o prophet_n the_o hagiographa_n bind_v into_o one_o barabathra_n fol._n 13._o 2._o elias_n levita_n in_o the_o three_o preface_n to_o his_o masore_v where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n and_o their_o labour_n in_o restore_v of_o the_o scripture_n write_v thus_o for_o all_o the_o twenty_o four_o book_n be_v not_o bind_v up_o together_o but_o they_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n conjoin_v they_o and_o make_v three_o part_n of_o they_o the_o law_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o hagiographa_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cap._n 11._o xxxiv_o these_o three_o part_n be_v afterward_o divide_v into_o other_o the_o law_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o history_n be_v subdivide_v into_o five_o book_n which_o be_v entitle_v by_o we_o genesis_n exodus_fw-la leviticus_n number_n deuternomy_n the_o prophet_n be_v subdivide_v into_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o former_a prophet_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o latter_a prophet_n the_o former_a be_v four_o in_o number_n which_o be_v name_v under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n samuel_n and_o king_n or_o so_o call_v because_o in_o these_o book_n it_o be_v treat_v of_o the_o first_o prophet_n in_o these_o samuel_n be_v reckon_v at_o first_o for_o one_o book_n and_o the_o king_n likewise_o for_o one_o which_o afterward_o be_v distinguish_v into_o two_o hence_o samuel_n be_v call_v a_o prophet_n as_o in_o that_o he_o give_v they_o judge_n until_o samuel_n the_o prophet_n act._n 13._o 20._o the_o latter_a prophet_n be_v also_o four_o isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n daniel_n and_o the_o twelve_o lesser_n these_o last_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o book_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v in_o danger_n by_o their_o smallness_n to_o be_v lose_v hence_o be_v that_o to_o be_v take_v act._n 7._o 42._o as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v of_o the_o lesser_a prophet_n to_o wit_n amos_n 5._o 25._o and_o hence_o also_o we_o read_v in_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n those_o eight_o prophet_n be_v bind_v in_o one_o barabathra_n fol._n 13._o 2._o to_o wit_n the_o four_o former_a and_o so_o many_o latter_a before_o mention_v as_o the_o commentator_n there_o explain_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n be_v the_o hagiographa_n and_o they_o be_v style_v in_o the_o hebrew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d write_n by_o a_o synecdoche_n in_o asmuch_o as_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v by_o immediate_a instinct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n or_o by_o prophecy_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o daniel_n and_o esra_n be_v account_v as_o it_o be_v historical_a compose_v the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a instinct_n whither_o also_o pertain_v the_o paralipomena_fw-la or_o chronicle_n who_o author_n esra_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v david_n and_o solomon_n have_v write_v most_o part_n thing_n belong_v unto_o piety_n and_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n in_o adversity_n and_o prosperity_n albeit_o they_o have_v prophetical_a matter_n david_n eminent_o often_o time_n intermix_v the_o five_o small_a book_n which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v likewise_o judge_v as_o didactical_a and_o historical_a the_o hagiographa_n therefore_o at_o first_o be_v account_v nine_o book_n psalm_n proverb_n job_n canticle_n ecclesiaste_n esther_n daniel_n esra_n chronicle_n where_o esra_n comprehend_v also_o nehemiah_n and_o the_o two_o book_n of_o chronicle_n be_v take_v for_o one_o the_o book_n of_o ruth_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n for_o the_o
masora_n a_o collection_n out_o of_o the_o learned_a master_n joannes_n buxtorfius_n be_v commentarius_fw-la masorethicus_n by_o clement_n barksdale_n neque_fw-la omnia_fw-la neque_fw-la nihil_fw-la jota_n unum_fw-la non_fw-la peribit_fw-la london_n print_v for_o mathias_n thurston_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n next_o the_o st._n johns-head_n tavern_n within_o ludgate_n 1665._o petrus_n cunaeus_n of_o the_o hebrew_n commonwealth_n lib._n 1._o cap._n ult_n what_o time_n the_o christian_n understand_v scarce_o three_o word_n of_o hebrew_n how_o easy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o the_o jew_n to_o corrupt_v those_o place_n which_o seem_v to_o refute_v their_o folly_n but_o piety_n will_v not_o permit_v they_o religion_n forbid_v they_o to_o move_v or_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o sacred_a text_n and_o true_o when_o i_o look_v upon_o the_o unwearied_a diligence_n of_o the_o masorite_n i_o be_o almost_o amaze_v for_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n be_v accurate_o revise_v and_o compare_v they_o sign_v with_o impress_v note_n they_o observe_v not_o only_a how_o many_o verse_n and_o word_n but_o also_o how_o many_o letter_n every_o book_n contain_v wherefore_o that_o afterward_o when_o barbarism_n overspread_v the_o world_n not_o one_o point_n of_o that_o divine_a writing_n perish_v we_o owe_v next_o under_o god_n to_o they_o the_o index_n masora_n whence_o so_o call_v 2._o what_o be_v tradition_n 3._o definition_n of_o masora_n 4._o the_o diligence_n of_o the_o heb._n god_n providence_n 5._o who_o the_o author_n of_o masora_n two_o opinion_n 6._o aben_n ezra_n and_o elias_n levita_n i._o i._o 7._o the_o school_n of_o tiberias_n the_o jerusalem_n talmud_n rabbi_n jehuda_n 8._o the_o babylon-school_n their_o talmud_n 9_o hillel_n hannasi_fw-la his_o new_a compute_v jos_n scaliger_n 10._o tiberias_n decay_v 11._o st._n jerom_n his_o hebrew_a doctor_n 12_o the_o masorite_n of_o tiberias_n not_o author_n 13._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o babylon-talmud_n 14._o the_o oral_a kabala_n 15._o masora_n more_o ancient_a than_o the_o talmud_n 16._o 17._o the_o point_n before_o the_o masoretic_a note_n 18._o dage_n and_o mappik_a 19_o the_o accent_n note_v 20._o masorite_n office_n 21._o masorite_n the_o ancient_n 22._o vowel_n from_o one_o prick_n 23._o punctation_n before_o talmud_n 24._o chaldee_n name_n of_o point_n 25._o need_v of_o point_n 26._o vowel_n point_v not_o from_o the_o tiberian_o why_o 27._o the_o septuagint_n 28._o the_o great_a synagogue_n two_o two_o 29._o ezra_n nehemiah_n etc._n etc._n high_a priest_n and_o alex._n m._n 30._o scribe_n ezra_n praise_v 31._o ezra_n haggai_n malachi_n zorobabel_n etc._n etc._n 32._o nehem._n 8._o 8._o expound_v tertul._n and_o chrysost_n 33._o begin_v of_o masora_n division_n of_o the_o bible_n lu._n 24._o 44._o 34._o subdivision_n into_o 22._o 35._o distinction_n of_o verse_n fiction_n of_o the_o kabalist_n septuagint_n 36._o critical_a learning_n the_o first_o masorite_n 37._o read_v of_o the_o word_n vowel_n and_o accent_n letter_n number_v 38._o testimony_n for_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n 39_o elias_n levita_fw-la succession_n of_o masorite_n ezra_n the_o first_o author_n 40._o the_o matter_n of_o the_o masora_n the_o number_n of_o the_o verse_n in_o genesis_n etc._n etc._n 41._o note_n upon_o the_o verse_n venice_n edition_n of_o the_o bible_n 42._o note_n upon_o the_o word_n 43._o the_o writing_n and_o read_v 44._o word_n write_v full_o or_o defective_o 45._o the_o place_n of_o word_n 46._o structure_n of_o verb_n 47._o ambiguous_a signification_n note_v 48._o vowel_n and_o accent_n observe_v 49._o the_o letter_n note_v in_o their_o figure_n and_o number_n 50._o great_a letter_n observe_v 51._o little_a letter_n observe_v 52._o the_o letter_n nun_n invert_v 53._o prick_v word_n 54._o the_o letter_n number_v the_o middle_a letter_n of_o the_o law_n 55._o raf._n saadia_n gaon_n 56._o the_o form_n of_o the_o masora_n the_o edition_n of_o daniel_n bomberg_n and_o r._n jac._n ben_n chajim_n 57_o the_o great_a and_o little_a masora_n textual_a and_o final_a 58._o the_o end_n of_o the_o masora_n the_o hedge_n of_o the_o law_n testimony_n of_o jew_n 59_o testimony_n of_o christian_n 60._o conclusion_n masora_n i._o ה_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d masora_n masore_v be_v verbal_a noun_n derive_v from_o the_o root_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o deliver_v and_o be_v here_o take_v for_o a_o doctrine_n or_o knowledge_n which_o one_o deliver_v and_o communicate_v to_o another_o as_o it_o be_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n the_o correlative_a verb_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o receive_v i._o to_o perceive_v know_v and_o understand_v for_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n be_v receive_v with_o the_o ear_n and_o so_o transmit_v to_o the_o mind_n so_o the_o hebrew_n have_v a_o say_n moses_n receive_v the_o law_n from_o sinai_n and_o deliver_v it_o to_o joshua_n joshua_n to_o the_o elder_n the_o elder_n to_o the_o prophet_n the_o prophet_n deliver_v it_o to_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n cap._n 1._o ii_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tradition_n or_o delivery_n be_v usual_o take_v for_o a_o doctrine_n or_o institution_n about_o certain_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n so_o the_o jew_n have_v many_o tradition_n invent_v and_o prescribe_v by_o the_o scribe_n and_o doctor_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n that_o be_v to_o keep_v they_o by_o the_o observe_n of_o these_o in_o the_o better_a observation_n of_o god_n command_n whence_o in_o syriac_a tradition_n be_v call_v perfection_n because_o they_o imagine_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n comprehend_v in_o write_v somewhat_o imperfect_o be_v perfect_v and_o complete_v by_o such_o institution_n but_o christ_n have_v disapprove_v they_o say_v you_o have_v make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o your_o tradition_n mat._n 15._o 6._o cap._n 1._o iii_o masora_n as_o we_o take_v it_o here_o by_o a_o synecdoche_n signify_v the_o critical_a doctrine_n about_o the_o holy_a hebrew_n text_n and_o may_v be_v thus_o define_v a_o critical_a doctrine_n concern_v the_o hebrew_n text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n ingenious_o invent_v by_o the_o ancient_a wise_a man_n of_o the_o hebrew_n whereby_o the_o verse_n word_n and_o letter_n thereof_o be_v number_v and_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o they_o mark_v and_o show_v in_o their_o several_a place_n with_o the_o particular_a verse_n recite_v that_o so_o the_o constant_a and_o genuine_a read_n of_o the_o text_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o for_o ever_o secure_v from_o all_o change_n and_o corruption_n hence_o be_v that_o say_n of_o the_o rabbin_n the_o masora_n be_v the_o hedge_n or_o fence_n of_o the_o law_n cap._n 2._o iv_o in_o this_o study_n admirable_a be_v the_o diligence_n of_o the_o ancient_a hebrew_n their_o zeal_n in_o conserve_n the_o text_n of_o god_n word_n most_o ardent_a inimitable_a and_o without_o example_n in_o any_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v their_o labour_n no_o less_o to_o be_v admire_v be_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n shine_v forth_o towards_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v to_o be_v call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o the_o scripture_n for_o here_o through_o east_n and_o west_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o one_o read_v the_o book_n do_v all_o consent_n with_o perfect_a harmony_n a_o happiness_n grant_v to_o no_o other_o nation_n no_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n that_o most_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n justin_n martyr_n just_o ascrib_n it_o to_o the_o singular_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o the_o jew_n so_o studious_o in_o their_o synagogue_n keep_v safe_a and_o sound_a the_o holy_a write_n for_o our_o use_n and_o benefit_n serm._n ad_fw-la gentes_fw-la and_o st._n austin_n style_v the_o jew_n our_o servitor_n to_o carry_v our_o book_n for_o we_o in_o psal_n 41._o cap._n 2._o v._o the_o author_n of_o masora_n be_v name_v by_o the_o hebrew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o our_o school_n the_o masoreth_n from_o their_o handle_n the_o masora_n or_o critical_a doctrine_n who_o they_o be_v indeed_o where_o or_o when_o they_o live_v be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v determine_v two_o opinion_n there_o be_v especial_o among_o the_o rabbin_n the_o one_o that_o the_o author_n be_v the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o city_n tiberias_n the_o other_o that_o the_o masora_n be_v write_v by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n or_o the_o great_a council_n call_v by_o the_o prophet_n ezra_n cap._n 3._o vi_o they_o of_o the_o first_o opinion_n do_v not_o only_o attribute_v the_o masora_n to_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o tiberias_n but_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o the_o point_n vowel_n and_o accent_n among_o these_o the_o first_o be_v r._n aben_n ezra_n he_o flourish_v in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1150_o who_o in_o his_o
in_o the_o letter_n be_v incorrupt_a and_o unchanged_a and_o that_o may_v be_v judge_n for_o the_o vowel_n be_v the_o soul_n give_v life_n to_o the_o distinct_a word_n and_o the_o word_n write_v with_o bare_a consonant_n can_v be_v read_v nor_o understand_v without_o vowel_n and_o especial_o in_o dark_a and_o difficult_a place_n one_o will_v add_v these_o vowel_n another_o those_o as_o every_o own_o shall_v attempt_v to_o draw_v forth_o the_o meaning_n here_o be_v need_n of_o another_o judge_n the_o word_n write_v with_o naked_a letter_n can_v speak_v for_o itself_o the_o greek_a version_n of_o the_o lxx_o differ_v from_o the_o hebrew_n text_n not_o only_o in_o the_o read_n of_o vowel_n but_o letter_n also_o so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v judge_n where_o will_v you_o seek_v another_o shall_v the_o servant_n give_v sentence_n upon_o the_o lord_n the_o wait_a maid_n upon_o her_o royal_a lady_n or_o shall_v the_o live_n and_o most_o clear_a fountain_n be_v try_v by_o the_o taste_n and_o colour_n of_o the_o trouble_a and_o muddy_a stream_n cap._n 9_o xxviii_o the_o other_o opinion_n of_o the_o hebrew_n touch_v the_o author_n of_o the_o masora_n be_v that_o the_o masora_n be_v write_v by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n who_o they_o style_v in_o their_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v the_o great_a council_n gather_v by_o ezra_n the_o priest_n the_o precedent_n thereof_o after_o the_o babylonian_a captivity_n by_o who_o help_n and_o assistance_n he_o restore_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o all_o the_o jew_n purge_v and_o reform_v it_o from_o many_o corruption_n error_n and_o vice_n contract_v in_o babylon_n for_o this_o office_n when_o he_o depart_v from_o babylon_n to_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o king_n artaxerxes_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o king_n letter_n esr_n 7._o not_o long_o after_o he_o the_o king_n send_v away_o nehemias_n also_o as_o a_o most_o faithful_a colleague_n and_o zealous_a assistant_n who_o be_v arm_v with_o the_o royal_a commission_n and_o public_a authority_n promote_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o church_n with_o great_a fervour_n of_o affection_n as_o the_o book_n of_o nehemiah_n show_v cap._n 10._o xxix_o esra_n and_o nehemiah_n associate_v to_o themselves_o other_o of_o the_o prime_a man_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o wise_a so_o that_o the_o whole_a council_n complete_v the_o number_n of_o 120._o man_n which_o council_n be_v of_o most_o worthy_a memory_n frequent_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o hebrew_n hence_o in_o the_o chronicle_n juchasin_n fol._n 13._o it_o be_v read_v of_o this_o counsel_n when_o constitution_n be_v name_v absolute_o they_o be_v from_o esra_n and_o the_o house_n of_o judgement_n of_o esra_n be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o great_a synagogue_n or_o the_o great_a council_n which_o restore_v the_o crown_n unto_o the_o ancient_a estate_n the_o hebrew_n have_v three_o crown_n of_o the_o law_n the_o priesthood_n and_o the_o kingdom_n the_o crown_n of_o the_o law_n i._n the_o study_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o according_a to_o that_o prov._n 8._o 15._o by_o i_o i._o wisdom_n king_n reign_v this_o crown_n esra_n which_o his_o colleague_n reduce_v to_o the_o primitive_a condition_n i._n e._n he_o reform_v the_o ecclesiastical_a commonwealth_n from_o the_o filth_n and_o pollution_n of_o babylon_n and_o reduce_v it_o to_o the_o old_a integrity_n and_o purge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o the_o deceitful_a book_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o from_o all_o corruption_n therefore_o in_o the_o jerusalem_n talmud_n in_o the_o book_n megilla_n c._n 4._o in_o fine_a when_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n arise_v they_o restore_v magnificence_n i._o the_o crown_n of_o the_o law_n than_o who_o magnificence_n none_o be_v great_a don_n isaac_n abarbinel_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d commemorates_n the_o principal_a man_n of_o this_o council_n most_o of_o who_o come_v from_o babylon_n and_o jerusalem_n with_o zorobabel_n the_o catalogue_n say_v he_o of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a council_n be_v hagaeus_n the_o prophet_n zacharias_n the_o prophet_n malachias_n the_o prophet_n zorobabel_n the_o son_n of_o schealtiel_n mordecai_n bilsohan_n ezra_n the_o priest_n and_o scribe_n jehosua_n the_o son_n of_o johotzedek_n the_o priest_n seraja_n realja_n mispar_fw-la bigaeus_n rachum_n bana_n nehemiah_n the_o son_n of_o chacilja_n these_o be_v the_o twelve_o prime_a man_n etc._n etc._n the_o last_o man_n say_v rabbi_n moses_n be_v mâ—jomen_n in_o who_o the_o council_n end_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d simeon_n the_o just_a he_o who_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v the_o great_a alexander_n in_o bis_fw-la priestly_a habit_n and_o incline_v he_o to_o show_v clemency_n towards_o the_o city_n which_o story_n be_v famous_a among_o the_o hebrew_n it_o happen_v according_a to_o their_o account_n in_o the_o four_o year_n after_o the_o build_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n whence_o we_o gather_v that_o the_o man_n of_o this_o synod_n supervive_v beyond_o forty_o year_n all_o this_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o hebrew_n esteem_v this_o synod_n of_o very_a great_a authority_n cap._n 10._o xxx_o the_o head_n and_o precedent_n of_o this_o synod_n ezra_n be_v above_o all_o the_o rest_n furnish_v with_o singular_a gift_n of_o god_n for_o these_o affair_n chief_o be_v he_o expert_a in_o the_o divine_a law_n in_o the_o interpretation_n and_o description_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n most_o exercise_v for_o which_o he_o be_v commend_v esr_n 7._o 6._o he_o be_v a_o ready_a scribe_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o scribe_n he_o be_v call_v not_o so_o much_o à _fw-la scribendo_fw-la from_o write_v as_o from_o declare_v and_o explain_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o interpreter_n of_o book_n a_o doctor_n a_o scribe_n and_o by_o no_o book_n be_v get_v great_a praise_n then_o by_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n whence_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o lawyer_n who_o teach_v and_o interpret_v the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o be_v sometime_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d scribe_n who_o instruct_v the_o people_n sometime_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d skilful_a of_o the_o law_n yet_o proper_o be_v he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o scribe_n who_o do_v write_v letter_n instrument_n book_n contract_n and_o such_o like_a as_o in_o psa_n 45._o 2._o my_o tongue_n be_v the_o pen_n of_o a_o ready_a scribe_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o esra_n be_v excellent_a both-waye_n be_v at_o once_o a_o learned_a expounder_n of_o the_o law_n and_o a_o ready_a writer_n of_o it_o for_o ezra_n have_v prepare_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o do_v it_o and_o to_o teach_v in_o israel_n statute_n and_o judgement_n ez._n 7._o 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hence_o also_o they_o compare_v he_o to_o moses_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o dignity_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o both_o talmud_n and_o he_o be_v just_o name_v ezra_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v help_v st._n jerom_n render_v it_o adjutor_n a_o helper_n xxxi_o ezra_n therefore_o be_v solicitous_a to_o help_v a_o decay_a church_n and_o to_o reform_v it_o distribute_v office_n ecclesiastical_a institute_v sacrifice_n consecrate_a vessel_n appoint_v for_o divine_a use_n celebrate_v solemn_a feast_n proclaim_v fast_n and_o repentance_n cleanse_v the_o people_n from_o the_o wedlock_n of_o stranger_n and_o endeavour_v to_o order_n and_o compose_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o prescript_n of_o divine_a law_n but_o that_o the_o law_n itself_o and_o the_o whole_a sacred_a scripture_n may_v be_v extant_a among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o genuine_a and_o pure_a integrity_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o write_n of_o many_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o true_a and_o whatsoever_o spot_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o incommodity_n of_o their_o long_a captivity_n have_v blemish_v the_o holy_a letter_n may_v be_v strip_v off_o there_o be_v great_a need_n of_o mature_a advice_n of_o the_o provident_a care_n of_o learned_a man_n exercise_v perfect_o in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o of_o the_o vigorous_a aid_n of_o many_o assistant_n to_o this_o purpose_n he_o have_v with_o he_o divine_a colleague_n endue_v with_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n haggaeus_n malachias_n nehemias_n who_o fervent_a and_o most_o ardent_a affection_n be_v testify_v open_o by_o their_o holy_a sermon_n he_o have_v with_o he_o that_o most_o
continuation_n of_o the_o history_n and_o the_o lamentation_n to_o jeremy_n for_o the_o same_o author_n sake_n according_a to_o this_o distinction_n the_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o all_o be_v compute_v two_o and_o twenty_o agreeable_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n cap._n 11._o xxxv_o after_o that_o they_o have_v define_v and_o distribute_v the_o canonical_a book_n the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n further_o consider_v of_o the_o conformity_n of_o the_o text_n and_o the_o verity_n and_o variety_n of_o the_o read_n here_o first_o of_o all_o the_o text_n be_v distinguish_v into_o verse_n note_n of_o distinction_n be_v add_v which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o there_o be_v the_o end_n of_o every_o verse_n for_o the_o hebrew_n conceive_v that_o all_o the_o scripture-text_n before_o be_v but_o as_o it_o be_v one_o verse_n without_o any_o note_n of_o distinction_n even_o as_o it_o be_v this_o day_n all_o their_o book_n except_o very_o seldom_o and_o almost_o only_o in_o the_o great_a section_n and_o part_n do_v not_o use_v distinctive_a point_n but_o signify_v a_o new_a part_n section_n or_o matter_n of_o discourse_n by_o large_a write_n of_o the_o first_o word_n and_o that_o till_o the_o time_n of_o this_o council_n or_o great_a synagogue_n the_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v without_o note_n of_o distinction_n of_o the_o verse_n the_o jew_n prove_v out_o of_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o the_o law_n write_v after_o the_o ancient_a manner_n into_o a_o great_a form_n roll_v up_o keep_v in_o their_o synagogue_n in_o a_o sacred_a chest_n for_o public_a solemn_a readins_n on_o sabbath_n day_n and_o other_o festival_n which_o be_v still_o to_o be_v see_v without_o those_o note_n of_o verse_n and_o without_o the_o point_n of_o vowel_n and_o accent_n according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o first_o exemplar_n write_v by_o moses_n and_o give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n as_o themselves_o affirm_v but_o that_o the_o whole_a law_n be_v write_v without_o any_o distinction_n of_o word_n without_o any_o space_n interpose_v that_o the_o whole_a text_n be_v as_o it_o be_v one_o verse_n or_o one_o word_n be_v a_o vain_a fiction_n of_o the_o kabbalist_n now_o if_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v distinguish_v into_o verse_n by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n why_o have_v not_o the_o lxx_o greek_n interpreter_n prudent_a elder_n bear_v jew_n the_o chief_a learned_a man_n most_o observant_a of_o their_o law_n retain_v that_o distinction_n in_o their_o traslation_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o difference_n of_o verse_n as_o also_o of_o innumerous_a other_o place_n in_o that_o version_n be_v not_o from_o those_o first_o interpreter_n but_o from_o the_o transcriber_n who_o sometime_o conjoin_v sometime_o divide_v the_o sentence_n as_o their_o pen_n run_v and_o their_o mind_n be_v either_o more_o or_o less_o intent_n which_o in_o great_a and_o long_o work_v usual_o happen_v beside_o who_o can_v certain_o affirm_v or_o believe_v that_o the_o present_a greek_a version_n be_v altogether_o the_o same_o which_o those_o first_o interpreter_n with_o so_o great_a labour_n ftamed_a what_o make_v some_o of_o the_o most_o pious_a and_o most_o learned_a father_n in_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n so_o often_o to_o complain_v of_o that_o translation_n what_o move_v they_o to_o set_v forth_o so_o many_o new_a one_o in_o the_o greek_a why_o do_v some_o so_o religious_o embrace_v and_o so_o much_o commend_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n cap._n 11._o xxxvi_o after_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o verse_n by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n they_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o single_a word_n and_o therein_o they_o have_v a_o double_a care_n one_o respect_v the_o write_n of_o they_o by_o naked_a consonant_n the_o other_o the_o read_n of_o they_o and_o pronunciation_n by_o the_o letter_n and_o vowel_n joint_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o letter_n they_o consult_v with_o the_o authentic_a copy_n of_o the_o first_o author_n as_o many_o as_o be_v then_o extant_a in_o their_o hand_n or_o else_o follow_v the_o fidelity_n of_o other_o copy_n most_o approve_v and_o most_o in_o number_n whether_o the_o word_n be_v write_v according_a to_o the_o native_a propriety_n of_o their_o origination_n what_o word_n with_o what_o quiescent_a letter_n be_v write_v full_o and_o what_o defective_o what_o letter_n and_o word_n be_v write_v abundant_o and_o not_o read_v or_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o be_v read_v and_o not_o write_v in_o the_o text_n or_o what_o be_v write_v in_o this_o manner_n and_o read_v in_o another_o as_o the_o church_n have_v observe_v it_o continual_o from_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n of_o all_o which_o particular_n the_o learned_a and_o skilful_a then_o be_v able_a to_o give_v account_n and_o there_o be_v mystical_a reason_n know_v to_o they_o but_o among_o the_o posterity_n through_o the_o most_o grievous_a calamity_n of_o aftertime_n forget_v now_o if_o this_o part_n of_o critical_a learning_n belong_v to_o the_o masora_n and_o thence_o by_o all_o they_o be_v style_v masoreth_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o than_o none_o can_v deny_v but_o the_o first_o masoreth_n be_v the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n cap._n 11._o xxxvii_o a_o second_o care_n of_o these_o masoreth_n be_v about_o the_o read_n and_o pronounce_v of_o the_o word_n together_o with_o the_o vowel_n and_o accent_n of_o they_o also_o particular_o be_v write_v masoretic_a note_n but_o whether_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n here_o first_o invent_v the_o point_n of_o vowel_n and_o accent_n or_o perfect_v they_o be_v invent_v by_o other_o or_o be_v neglect_v or_o disuse_v restore_v they_o and_o take_v care_n that_o a_o masora_n shall_v be_v also_o write_v of_o they_o this_o can_v easy_o be_v say_v nor_o prove_v last_o these_o man_n not_o content_a with_o all_o this_o number_v the_o letter_n word_n and_o verse_n in_o every_o book_n that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o letter_n what_o word_n what_o verse_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o every_o one_o what_o word_n do_v but_o once_o occur_v and_o therefore_o do_v easy_o admiâ—_n some_o error_n or_o corruption_n what_o word_n more_o often_o and_o how_o many_o time_n they_o be_v read_v under_o this_o or_o that_o form_n and_o infinite_a other_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n touch_v the_o explication_n of_o the_o holy_a text_n do_v they_o deliver_v that_o so_o they_o may_v fence_v it_o about_o as_o it_o be_v and_o preserve_v it_o from_o corruption_n and_o from_o this_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o be_v employ_v in_o number_v of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v also_o call_v sopherim_n i._n e._n numerator_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o number_n and_o to_o celebrate_v their_o antiquity_n and_o their_o excellency_n the_o talmudist_n call_v they_o the_o ancient_n and_o the_o first_o use_v this_o of_o those_o admirable_a man_n the_o elegy_n heart_n of_o the_o ancient_n be_v like_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o porch_n to_o the_o temple_n but_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o latter_a like_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n lib._n 119._o eribbim_n cap._n 5._o cap._n 11._o xxxviii_o as_o afore_o num._n 6._o two_o authority_n of_o aben_n ezra_n and_o elias_n levita_n be_v allege_v touch_v the_o author_n of_o the_o masora_n so_o likewise_o here_o shall_v we_o bring_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o famous_a hebrew_n to_o confirm_v this_o which_o be_v the_o more_o current_a opinion_n r._n gedalia_n in_o his_o catena_n kabalae_n fol._n 21._o write_v behold_v the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n have_v set_v forth_o many_o new_a constitution_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a captivity_n as_o the_o distinction_n of_o verse_n the_o diversity_n of_o read_v and_o write_v the_o full_a word_n and_o the_o defective_a the_o section_n close_a and_o open_a the_o letter_n great_a and_o less_o the_o accent_n and_o vowel_n point_n my_o mind_n give_v i_o that_o all_o be_v give_v to_o moses_n from_o mount_n sinai_n but_o posterity_n be_v forgetful_a of_o they_o or_o that_o they_o be_v give_v indeed_o to_o moses_n not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o writing_n but_o these_o prince_n the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n write_v they_o all_o down_o and_o communicate_v they_o to_o all_o israel_n don_n isaac_n abarbinel_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o nachale_n abhoth_v write_v ezra_n likewise_o teach_v israel_n the_o point_n accent_n and_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n whereby_o he_o direct_v they_o and_o free_v they_o from_o all_o confusion_n and_o error_n ephodi_fw-la cap._n 7._o of_o his_o grammar_n write_v in_o this_o manner_n that_o most_o holy_a man_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o scribe_n ezra_n the_o priest_n and_o scribe_n shake_v his_o lap_n and_o strain_v all_o his_o