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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
book_n canonical_a church_n receive_v 6,086 5 6.1495 4 true
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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

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nothing_o in_o scripture_n that_o look_v like_o inconsistent_a and_o contradictory_n upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n we_o shall_v discern_v a_o mutual_a correspondence_n in_o the_o style_n matter_n and_o design_n of_o these_o write_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o happy_a concurrence_n of_o circumstance_n and_o a_o admirable_a consistency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discourse_n in_o so_o much_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o upon_o this_o single_a consideration_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o these_o write_n be_v indict_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n this_o harmony_n then_o of_o the_o scripture_n i_o may_v just_o reckon_v among_o the_o inward_a note_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v adjoin_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o which_o be_v of_o the_o very_a intrinsic_a nature_n of_o it_o what_o justinian_n profess_v and_o promise_v concern_v his_o digest_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o clash_v and_o 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add_v that_o this_o spirit_n speak_v in_o we_o and_o work_n in_o our_o heart_n a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o of_o christ_n in_o those_o write_n this_o witness_v power_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v assert_v in_o act_n 5._o 32._o &_o 15._o 7_o 8._o and_o in_o 1_o john_n 5._o 6._o from_o these_o place_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v a_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n join_v with_o our_o conscience_n and_o persuasion_n and_o this_o spirit_n powerful_o convince_v all_o believer_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o testimony_n follow_v immediate_o on_o our_o set_n before_o we_o the_o inward_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v they_o for_o god_n make_v use_v of_o those_o evidence_n and_o argument_n to_o beget_v a_o belief_n in_o we_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n 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be_v attest_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n witness_v in_o we_o but_o when_o i_o say_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o must_v adjoin_v this_o that_o this_o proof_n serve_v only_o for_o those_o that_o have_v this_o spirit_n it_o may_v establish_v they_o but_o it_o can_v convince_v other_o no_o other_o man_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n by_o the_o spirit_n be_v convince_a i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o beside_o this_o proof_n be_v not_o in_o all_o that_o real_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o book_n some_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o without_o this_o but_o where_o this_o be_v it_o be_v most_o powerful_a and_o convictive_a and_o surpass_v all_o other_o degre●_n of_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v no_o such_o c●tain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o holy_a w●_n thing_n as_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d the_o heart_n of_o man_n produce_v there_o in_o a_o ration_n ●_o way_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a 〈◊〉_d our_o faculty_n chap._n ii_o external_n proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture●_n viz._n the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o they_o and_o universal_a tradition_n which_o latter_a be_v defend_v against_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o that_o talk_v of_o a_o new_a character_n wherein_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v th●_n jewish_a masore_v attest_n the_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v not_o corrupt_v the_o point_n or_o vowel_n be_v coexistent_a with_o the_o letter_n f._n simon_n be_v notion_n of_o abbreviate_a the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n reject_v the_o new_a tement_n vouch_v by_o the_o unanimous_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o
its_o original_a purity_n but_o here_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n of_o the_o bible_n may_v easy_o be_v corrupt_v and_o alter_v because_o they_o have_v no_o point_n or_o vowel_n at_o first_o this_o can_v not_o but_o make_v the_o read_n very_o uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a and_o almost_o arbitrary_a especial_o in_o some_o place_n whence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o great_a alteration_n and_o consequent_o great_a corruption_n may_v creep_v into_o the_o text._n in_o answer_n to_o this_o you_o must_v know_v that_o those_o only_o who_o be_v against_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n as_o morinus_n vossius_fw-la simon_n etc._n etc._n hold_v that_o the_o point_n be_v of_o late_a invention_n and_o this_o they_o have_v pick_v up_o out_o of_o elias_n levita_n who_o live_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o and_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o vowel_n be_v invent_v by_o the_o jewish_a and_o masoretic_n doctor_n of_o tiberias_n a_o famous_a school_n for_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n so_o that_o it_o be_v about_o ●ive_a hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n when_o the_o hebrew_n point_n be_v find_v out_o and_o the_o rabbin_n and_o masorite_n of_o tiberias_n be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o elias_n the_o levite_n and_o he_o be_v the_o only_a jew_n of_o this_o opinion_n nor_o be_v he_o follow_v by_o any_o christian_n but_o those_o who_o have_v a_o design_n to_o vilify_v the_o hebrew_n bible_n and_o to_o prefer_v and_o magnify_v the_o lxx_o or_o some_o other_o translation_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o writer_n before_o mention_v who_o large_o inveigh_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o hebrew_n edition_n and_o to_o promote_v a_o disesteem_a of_o it_o test_n one_o of_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o masorite_n of_o tiberias_n who_o as_o he_o say_v be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n point_n and_o tittle_n borrow_v they_o from_o the_o turk_n the_o bible_n according_a to_o he_o 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talmudick_n doctor_n and_o masorites_n whereas_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v in_o several_a punct_a jewish_a writer_n of_o the_o point_n and_o vowel_n long_o before_o the_o doctor_n of_o tiberias_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 500_o and_o from_o what_o we_o have_v observe_v already_o concern_v the_o masoretic_n note_n on_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n be_v before_o that_o time_n for_o if_o the_o masorite_n criticize_v on_o the_o vowel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o letter_n and_o accent_n a●_n be_v say_v before_o then_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a in_o the_o least_o that_o they_o invent_v they_o we_o find_v that_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o irregularity_n of_o these_o point_n in_o several_a place_n whereas_o if_o they_o have_v make_v they_o themselves_o they_o will_v have_v be_v all_o regular_a it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o think_v that_o they_o that_o make_v the_o one_o viz._n the_o critical_a note_n make_v the_o other_o namely_o the_o vowel_n and_o point_n hear_v likewise_o what_o the_o learned_a pocock_n say_v 10._o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o the_o vowel_n be_v ancient_a than_o the_o masoretic_n note_n in_o regard_n that_o they_o seem_v thereby_o to_o be_v govern_v in_o judge_v of_o the_o consonant_n and_o in_o some_o other_o place_n in_o his_o commentary_n he_o deliver_v his_o judgement_n that_o the_o vowel_n be_v not_o invent_v by_o the_o masorite_n but_o be_v long_o before_o they_o yea_o be_v of_o the_o same_o antiquity_n with_o the_o letter_n or_o consonant_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o all_o the_o jew_n but_o he_o before_o name_v hold_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o hebrew_n point_n yea_o some_o of_o they_o carry_v they_o back_o as_o far_o as_o adam_n and_o vouch_v they_o be_v find_v out_o by_o he_o other_o learned_a man_n among_o they_o assert_v that_o these_o vowel_n be_v give_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o deliver_v the_o law_n on_o mount_n sinai_n than_o it_o be_v that_o god_n write_v the_o decalogue_n with_o point_n and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n and_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o write_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v that_o ezra_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o vowel_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o they_o and_o that_o he_o and_o the_o great_a synagogue_n of_o which_o he_o be_v precedent_n first_o invent_v they_o after_o the_o captivity_n thus_o whether_o they_o commence_v from_o adam_n or_o from_o moses_n or_o ezra_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v very_o ancient_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n coeval_fw-fr with_o the_o letter_n and_o word_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v part_n of_o the_o text_n and_o of_o divine_a authority_n this_o be_v so_o old_a and_o so_o recent_a a_o opinion_n it_o have_v gain_v the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o learn_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n you_o may_v particular_o find_v it_o maintain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o munster_n pagninus_n buxtorf_n usher_n cappellus_n broughton_n lightfoot_n walton_n all_o of_o they_o singular_o well_o skilled_a in_o jewish_a antiquity_n and_o therefore_o fit_a judge_n in_o this_o cause_n they_o have_v prove_v by_o undeniable_a argument_n that_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n have_v vowel_n or_o prick_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o it_o be_v never_o without_o they_o the_o opinion_n then_o which_o the_o objector_n have_v espouse_v be_v just_o to_o be_v explode_v it_o be_v against_o the_o unanimous_a testimony_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n th●_n the_o point_n be_v but_o man_n invention_n it_o be_v unsa●●_n and_o dangerous_a to_o assert_v that_o these_o vowel_n wer●_n add_v since_o the_o first_o writing_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o thos●_n write_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o write_n o●_n the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o those_o be_v so_o ofte●_n allege_v be_v shake_v hereby_o for_o no_o man_n of_o sens●_n can_v believe_v that_o the_o right_a read_n of_o the_o text_n can_v continue_v some_o thousand_o of_o year_n wit●o●●_n the_o point_n this_o be_v a_o incredible_a fiction_n and_o then_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o the_o genuine_a sense_n o●_n scripture_n which_o depend_v on_o the_o word_n as_o the●●_n upon_o the_o vowel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o consonant_n can_v have_v be_v preserve_v unless_o the_o bible_n have_v bee●_n point_v whence_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o jewish_a ta●mud_n that_o 1._o letter_n without_o point_n be_v like_o a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n hence_o be_v that_o say_v midrash_n h●●_n that_o read_v without_o point_n be_v like_o a_o man_n that_o ride_v without_o a_o bridle_n we_o therefore_o firm_o maintain_v and_o that_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o antiquity_n that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n have_v point_n add_v to_o they_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o these_o point_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o here_o appeal_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v bear_v witness_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o receive_v answer_v exact_o to_o the_o point_a text_n which_o they_o hau●_n receive_v and_o always_o do_v nay_o we_o may_v end_v the_o controversy_n without_o a_o appeal_n for_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o ear_n will_v satisfy_v we_o if_o we_o compare_v our_o english_a or_o latin_a or_o other_o bibles_n with_o the_o hebrew_n one_o which_o be_v use_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v daily_o put_v forth_o by_o the_o present_a rabbi_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o agree_v and_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o they_o own_o the_o same_o
kingdom_n though_o from_o very_o small_a beginning_n compare_v they_o to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n and_o by_o a_o lessen_v hyperbole_n call_v this_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n though_o in_o exact_a speak_v it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o if_o this_o way_n of_o interpret_n christ_n word_n which_o i_o now_o offer_v be_v not_o approve_v of_o than_o you_o may_v expound_v they_o thus_o that_o this_o seed_n be_v o●e_v of_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n or_o you_o may_v understand_v they_o speak_v respective_o that_o be_v it_o be_v the_o least_o of_o all_o such_o seed_n as_o extend_v to_o large_a production_n no_o seed_n so_o little_o send_v forth_o branch_n so_o wide_o or_o bring_v forth_o its_o fruit_n after_o that_o plentiful_a manner_n thus_o you_o may_v understand_v the_o word_n but_o in_o my_o judgement_n the_o resolve_v they_o into_o a_o hyperbole_n be_v the_o best_a way_n though_o it_o be_v not_o make_v use_v ●f_n by_o expositor_n and_o how_o indeed_o can_v it_o when_o they_o take_v the_o seed_n of_o mustard_n to_o be_v absolute_o the_o least_o of_o all_o grain_n whatsoever_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o luke_n 19_o 44._o they_o shall_v not_o leave_v in_o thou_o one_o stone_n upon_o another_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o last_o and_o final_a devastation_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v a_o hyperbolical_a expression_n and_o consequent_o not_o true_a in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n for_o can_v we_o think_v say_v some_o that_o the_o roman_a army_n have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o pick_v out_o all_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o foundation_n and_o throw_v they_o away_o those_o who_o talk_v thus_o do_v not_o remember_v what_o be_v do_v at_o several_a time_n towards_o the_o complete_a and_o total_a destruction_n of_o that_o place_n this_o passage_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n seem_v to_o refer_v particular_o and_o signal_o to_o the_o dig_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o the_o very_o plough_v up_o the_o ground_n by_o titus_n command_n which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o do_v not_o deny_v and_o also_o to_o that_o prodigious_a earthquake_n in_o iulian_n time_n whereby_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o foundation_n be_v whole_o break_v up_o and_o scatter_v abroad_o here_o be_v a_o exact_a fulfil_n of_o christ_n prediction_n without_o any_o hyperbole_n as_o for_o that_o close_a of_o st._n john_n gospel_n even_o the_o wo●ld_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v chap._n 21_o 25._o 3._o eus●bius_n and_o st._n a●gustin_n of_o old_a and_o tremellius_n other_o more_o late_o understand_v it_o thus_o the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v that_o be_v conceive_v comprehend_v and_o digest_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v concern_v our_o saviour_n deed_n their_o understanding_n be_v weak_a and_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v oppress_v with_o so_o many_o book_n on_o that_o subject_a so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n here_o use_v be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o matth._n 19_o 11._o all_o man_n can_v receive_v or_o contain_v this_o say_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v by_o philo_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o how_o unsearchable_a it_o be_v sai_z that_o 1._o neither_o heaven_n nor_o earth_n be_v able_a to_o contain_v i._n e._n to_o comprehend_v it_o but_o a_o sacr._n modern_a critic_n think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o signify_v to_o entertain_v and_o approve_v of_o and_o according_o his_o gloss_n on_o the_o word_n be_v this_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v scorn_v reject_v and_o slight_v all_o the_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v of_o christ_n it_o have_v despise_v these_o that_o be_v already_o write_v the_o world_n have_v other_o employment_n it_o will_v not_o read_v and_o peruse_v such_o write_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o verb_n in_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d receive_v entertain_v approve_v of_o we_o and_o 8._o dionys._n halicarn_n use_v the_o word_n thus_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o city_n admit_v not_o of_o i._n e._n scorn_n good_a men._n but_o though_o this_o and_o the_o other_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n sometime_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a and_o unusual_a beside_o that_o it_o be_v improper_a and_o metaphorical_a and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o choose_v and_o embrace_v that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v common_a and_o usual_a as_o also_o genuine_a and_o proper_a and_o then_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o world_n as_o capacious_a and_o wide_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o able_a to_o hold_v o●_n contain_v all_o the_o book_n that_o may_v have_v be_v write_v concern_v christ_n and_o his_o work_n but_o this_o can_v be_v the_o s●ns●_n here_o you_o will_v say_v because_o than_o our_o saviour_n word_n will_v not_o be_v true_a for_o the_o world_n be_v able_a be_v wide_a enough_o to_o contain_v to_o hold_v those_o book_n and_o many_o more_o beside_o i_o answer_v i_o grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o strict_a way_n of_o speak_v but_o the_o evangelist_n st._n john_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o conclude_v his_o book_n with_o some_o great_a word_n concern_v his_o dear_a master_n and_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o express_v himself_o thus_o in_o a_o high_a and_o hyperbolical_a manner_n the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v of_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o i_o and_o other●_n have_v record_v the_o say_n and_o do_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n yet_o this_o be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o what_o may_v be_v say_v on_o this_o vast_a subject_n the●e_n be_v unspeakable_o much_o more_o re●naining_v than_o have_v be_v tell_v you_o what_o he_o say_v and_o do_v be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o admirable_a that_o innumerable_a volume_n may_v be_v fill_v with_o enlarge_n on_o that_o copious_a matter_n i_o may_v say_v to_o you_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o wide_a and_o ample_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o able_a to_o contain_v those_o immense_a treatise_n those_o infinite_a discourse_n which_o may_v be_v write_v in_o relate_v all_o the_o passage_n that_o concern_v our_o bless_a lord_n and_o in_o commendation_n of_o they_o obseru●_v it_o the_o evangelist_n say_v the_o world_n itself_o i._n e._n this_o material_a local_a world_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n as_o those_o of_o the_o former_a opinion_n fancy_v beside_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o speak_v not_o absolute_o here_o but_o in_o a_o qualify_a manner_n i_o suppose_v i_o think_v i_o conceive_v the_o world_n itself_o can_v contain_v etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o word_n can_v be_v mean_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n for_o what_o sense_n can_v you_o make_v of_o this_o i_o suppose_v i_o think_v that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v comprehend_v the_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v or_o i_o suppose_v all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v entertain_v and_o approve_v of_o they_o whether_o he_o suppose_v it_o or_o not_o it_o will_v be_v so_o and_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v suppose_v but_o real_o believe_v and_o direct_o assert_v if_o it_o be_v true_a but_o if_o you_o admit_v of_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v propound_v than_o his_o suppose_n may_v be_v very_o pertinent_a and_o consistent_a here_o for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o supposition_n not_o a_o exact_a and_o strict_a truth_n which_o he_o here_o utter_v it_o be_v a_o lofty_a strain_n or_o hyperbole_n which_o he_o shut_v up_o his_o gospel_n with_o i_o think_v in_o a_o manner_n ●aith_o he_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n itself_o can_v contain_v the_o book_n that_o may_v be_v compose_v and_o write_v on_o this_o glorious_a theme_n which_o be_v so_o various_a so_o voluminous_a thus_o you_o see_v the_o word_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o this_o way_n for_o the_o other_o be_v not_o reconcilable_a to_o good_a sense_n and_o indeed_o this_o manner_n of_o style_n be_v but_o parallel_n with_o other_o passage_n in_o scripture_n as_o gen._n 13._o 6._o the_o land_n be_v not_o able_a ●o_o bear_v they_o viz._n lot_n and_o abraham_n and_o their_o flock_n which_o express_v how_o exceed_v numerous_a they_o be_v so_o some_o understand_v luke_n 2._o 1._o there_o go_v out_o a_o decree_n that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v tax_v which_o set_v forth_o the_o largeness_n and_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o emperor_n dominion_n not_o that_o all_o the_o world_n strict_o speak_v be_v to_o be_v tax_v for_o it_o be_v not_o all_o in_o his_o power_n it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o
infallible_a this_o be_v that_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o st._n peter_n prefer_v before_o eye-witness_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 16_o etc._n etc._n yea_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o afterward_o commit_v to_o write_v st._n paul_n pronounce_v he_o accurse_v gal._n 1._o 8._o these_o infallible_a record_n these_o undoubted_a oracle_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n be_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o belief_n to_o all_o christian_n even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n on_o this_o they_o may_v rely_v with_o confidence_n as_o on_o a_o unerring_a guide_n for_o it_o be_v not_o like_o other_o book_n which_o be_v make_v by_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o void_a of_o error_n and_o mistake_v but_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v thus_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o complete_a and_o absolute_a rule_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o of_o all_o supernatural_a truth_n 2._o they_o be_v the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n they_o contain_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v believe_v here_o be_v the_o decalogue_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o the_o necessary_a precept_n of_o life_n comprise_v in_o it_o be_v often_o repeat_v enlarge_v upon_o and_o explain_v through_o the_o whole_a sacred_a book_n to_o these_o be_v add_v the_o evangelical_n duty_n of_o self-denial_n mortification_n poverty_n of_o spirit_n purity_n of_o heart_n brotherly_a love_n heavenly-mindedness_a circumspect_a walk_v redeem_v the_o time_n abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a give_v no_o offence_n to_o any_o and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n the_o write_n of_o the_o gospel_n forbid_v we_o to_o be_v carnal_a sensual_a and_o earthly_a and_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o converse_v with_o spiritual_a and_o celestial_a object_n to_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o and_o to_o work_v our_o mind_n to_o such_o a_o temper_n that_o we_o may_v desire_v to_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o body_n and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a than_o grovel_v here_o below_o and_o christianity_n promote_v this_o heavenly-mindedness_a by_o give_v we_o a_o power_n over_o ourselves_o by_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o government_n of_o our_o bodily_a appetite_n and_o passion_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n thereby_o become_v pure_a and_o defecate_a purge_v from_o all_o mundane_a dross_n and_o filth_n fit_v for_o heavenly_a joy_n and_o therefore_o most_o earnest_o breathe_v and_o belong_v after_o they_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o christianity_n be_v repugnant_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o satan_n kingdom_n and_o design_o promote_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n it_o bid_v we_o not_o seek_v ourselves_o and_o aim_v chief_o at_o worldly_a respect_n but_o it_o enjoin_v we_o to_o humble_a and_o debase_v ourselves_o and_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o all_o to_o advance_v his_o honour_n in_o the_o world_n and_o next_o to_o that_o to_o look_v after_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o immortal_a soul_n these_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o worthy_a design_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o law_n of_o it_o their_o business_n be_v to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o those_o low_a and_o mean_a project_n which_o man_n of_o the_o world_n carry_v on_o and_o to_o set_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o a_o right_a posture_n and_o to_o fix_v it_o on_o right_a ends._n the_o christian_a precept_n reach_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n they_o restrain_v the_o secret_a thought_n and_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n they_o curb_v the_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o wish_n they_o temper_v the_o affection_n and_o passion_n especial_o they_o forbid_v revenge_n malice_n hatred_n and_o they_o direct_v we_o to_o love_n god_n and_o to_o bear_v love_n to_o all_o man_n for_o his_o sake_n the_o christian_a law_n give_v rule_n for_o our_o word_n and_o speech_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v idle_a and_o vain_a much_o less_o profane_a and_o impious_a but_o they_o command_v our_o discourse_n to_o be_v always_o with_o grace_n season_v with_o salt_n to_o favour_v of_o goodness_n and_o piety_n and_o to_o be_v for_o the_o edify_v of_o those_o we_o converse_v with_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v also_o govern_v the_o outward_a action_n of_o our_o life_n and_o bid_v we_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n they_o enjoin_v chastity_n and_o continence_n temperance_n and_o sobriety_n they_o forbid_v lust_n and_o luxury_n pride_n and_o sensuality_n they_o teach_v courtesy_n affability_n meekness_n candour_n gentleness_n towards_o our_o brethren_n they_o bid_v we_o be_v kind_a and_o charitable_a to_o all_o and_o even_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n christianity_n be_v a_o religion_n that_o be_v exact_o just_a and_o give_v the_o strict_a rule_n of_o deal_v honest_o and_o upright_o with_o our_o neighbour_n even_o morality_n which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n and_o groundwork_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v most_o illustrious_a here_o christianity_n have_v the_o impress_n of_o reason_n civility_n and_o all_o acceptable_a quality_n it_o forbid_v nothing_o that_o be_v fit_v and_o decorous_a it_o countenance_n all_o that_o be_v manly_n and_o generous_a it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n in_o these_o sacred_a write_n the_o duty_n of_o christian_n be_v set_v down_o not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v single_a but_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o other_o and_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o community_n there_o be_v peculiar_a lesson_n for_o person_n in_o every_o condition_n for_o husband_n and_o wife_n for_o master_n and_o servant_n for_o parent_n and_o child_n for_o superior_n equal_n and_o inferior_n they_o be_v all_o provide_v here_o with_o instruction_n and_o direction_n proper_a to_o that_o state_n they_o be_v in_o they_o be_v very_o remarkable_a word_n which_o a_o ●_o reverend_n divine_a of_o our_o church_n utter_v will_v man_n apply_v their_o mind_n say_v he_o to_o study_v scripture_n and_o observe_v their_o own_o and_o other_o course_n of_o life_n experience_n will_v teach_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o estate_n on_o earth_n nor_o humane_a business_n in_o christendom_n this_o day_n on_o foot_n but_o have_v a_o rule_v cafe_z in_o scripture_n for_o their_o issue_n and_o success_n this_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n and_o be_v no_o mean_a demonstration_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o here_o be_v also_o the_o most_o notable_a instance_n of_o all_o those_o virtue_n and_o grace_n which_o adorn_v the_o life_n of_o man._n here_o be_v the_o example_n of_o abel_n sincere_a and_o acceptable_a devotion_n of_o enoch_n walk_v with_o god_n of_o noah_n untainted_a faithfulness_n amid_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o corrupt_a world_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o self-denial_n when_o he_o offer_v his_o only_a son_n on_o the_o altar_n of_o ioseph_n resolve_a chastity_n when_o he_o once_o and_o again_o resist_v the_o lustful_a solicitation_n of_o his_o mistress_n here_o be_v the_o example_n of_o moses_n public_a spirit_n who_o desire_v his_o name_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n rather_o than_o that_o nation_n shall_v perish_v here_o you_o read_v of_o aaron_n submissive_a silence_n of_o reuben_n fraternal_a commiseration_n of_o rohab_n seasonable_a wisdom_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o her_o faith_n in_o conceal_v the_o spy_n that_o be_v search_v for_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v phineas_n active_a zeal_n eli_n entire_a submission_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n iob_n invincible_a patience_n iosiah_n early_a piety_n his_o and_o iehosaphat_n care_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n ionathan_n entire_a friendship_n manasses_n and_o peter_n repentance_n john_n baptist_n austerity_n the_o centurion_n faith_n stephen_n charity_n to_o his_o enemy_n at_o his_o death_n brief_o here_o be_v commemorate_a the_o religious_a and_o holy_a demeanour_n of_o all_o rank_n and_o degree_n of_o person_n whether_o in_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n whether_o in_o youth_n manhood_n or_o old_a age_n or_o in_o whatsoever_o condition_n of_o life_n they_o be_v place_v where_o can_v we_o find_v such_o glorious_a achievement_n as_o the_o sacred_a history_n recount_v unto_o we_o where_o be_v there_o such_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o virtue_n where_o do_v you_o meet_v with_o such_o noble_a act_n as_o some_o of_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v celebrate_v for_o the_o great_a hero_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o pagan_n be_v general_o but_o idea_n of_o virtue_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o harmless_a romance_n to_o preach_v goodness_n to_o men._n virgil_n aeneas_n xenophon_n
authority_n of_o they_o equal_a with_o that_o of_o the_o bible_n for_o as_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v dictate_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n so_o these_o law_n they_o hold_v be_v from_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o those_o scripture_n they_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o inspire_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o book_n of_o mishnaioth_n or_o the_o talmud_n which_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o amassment_n only_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o diverse_a decision_n of_o the_o school_n of_o hillel_n and_o shammai_n of_o the_o different_a determination_n of_o r._n akiba_n and_o r._n eliezer_n of_o r._n simeon_n and_o r._n joshua_n etc._n etc._n bandy_n against_o one_o another_o or_o rather_o if_o we_o speak_v plain_a they_o be_v a_o rhapsody_n of_o idle_a dream_n groundless_a fable_n curse_a error_n superstitious_a rite_n and_o practice_n yea_o if_o we_o shall_v instance_n in_o the_o babylonick_a talmud_n of_o horrid_a blasphemy_n against_o christ_n of_o obloquy_n against_o the_o mosaic_a law_n itself_o and_o of_o contradiction_n even_o to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n these_o be_v part_n of_o the_o book_n so_o high_o prize_v by_o the_o jewish_a master_n these_o go_v along_o with_o their_o oral_a law_n which_o be_v first_o give_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o consequent_o be_v of_o the_o same_o original_a with_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n but_o they_o go_v yet_o high_o for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o equalise_v these_o tradition_n with_o scripture_n but_o they_o prefer_v they_o before_o it_o they_o do_v not_o only_o say_v in_o a_o proverbial_a manner_n that_o traditae_fw-la they_o can_v stand_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o write_a law_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o unwritten_a one_o i_o e._n the_o oral_a law_n which_o they_o talk_v of_o and_o that_o locupletissima_fw-la the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n as_o they_o be_v find_v in_o the_o text_n be_v poor_a and_o want_v but_o as_o they_o be_v expound_v by_o the_o doctor_n have_v great_a riches_n and_o abundance_n in_o they_o and_o again_o that_o pilo_fw-la very_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n depend_v upon_o these_o little_a tradition_n which_o they_o contend_v for_o but_o they_o be_v so_o bold_a and_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o proceed_v further_o and_o give_v a_o far_o great_a deference_n to_o these_o tradition_n and_o doctrine_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n as_o they_o call_v they_o than_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o verbis_fw-la their_o doctor_n have_v do_v more_o good_a viz._n as_o to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v of_o religion_n by_o their_o own_o say_n than_o by_o the_o word_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n itself_o and_o according_o their_o advice_n be_v legis_fw-la my_o son_n attend_v more_o to_o what_o the_o scribe_n say_v than_o to_o what_o be_v say_v by_o the_o law_n though_o i_o know_v this_o may_v admit_v of_o another_o sense_n viz._n that_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v more_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n than_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o it_o but_o that_o in_o the_o talmud_n be_v plain_a and_o can_v have_v no_o other_o mean_v 11._o to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o be_v studious_a in_o search_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v good_a and_o not_o good_a i._n e._n it_o be_v not_o of_o any_o considerable_a advantage_n but_o to_o turn_v over_o the_o mishnah_n night_n and_o day_n be_v a_o virtue_n which_o will_v have_v a_o great_a reward_n hereafter_o and_o to_o learn_v the_o gemara_n be_v a_o incomparable_a virtue_n yea_o the_o jew_n blasphemous_o say_v that_o god_n himself_o study_v in_o the_o talmud_n every_o day_n here_o you_o see_v they_o prefer_v their_o deliver_v law_n before_o the_o write_a one_o they_o make_v the_o infallible_a scripture_n truckle_n to_o the_o fabulous_a tradition_n of_o the_o mishnah_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v a_o note_a say_v of_o the_o hebrew_n rabbi_n that_o the_o text_n of_o 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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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book_n of_o it_o in_o vain_a do_v you_o look_v for_o these_o in_o the_o write_n of_o other_o man_n for_o though_o some_o of_o they_o relate_v very_o ancient_a occurrence_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o old_a as_o these_o and_o as_o for_o those_o writer_n who_o pretend_v to_o some_o great_a antiquity_n and_o have_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o think_v that_o they_o can_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n they_o have_v be_v explode_v by_o all_o person_n of_o sobriety_n and_o serious_a thought_n in_o pagan_a writer_n we_o have_v some_o wild_a guess_n at_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n and_o the_o first_o inventor_n of_o art_n but_o he_o that_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v certain_a and_o infallible_a information_n concern_v these_o must_v consult_v the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o these_o alone_a we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o ancient_a usage_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o be_v the_o first_o rise_n and_o original_a of_o they_o 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of_o the_o pure_a hebrew_n text_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o anab_n find_v the_o mule_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n he_o cause_v the_o first_o engender_v of_o horse_n and_o she-ass_n together_o whence_o 〈◊〉_d that_o unnatural_a breed_n of_o creature_n call_v mule_n and_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v the_o rabbin_n he_o be_v of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d and_o incestuous_a stock_n himself_o here_o by_o the_o way_n the_o learned_a may_v inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o probability_n that_o homer_n eneti_n from_o who_o come_v the_o race_n of_o wild_a mule_n b._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o corrupt_o name_v from_o this_o anah_n or_o 〈◊〉_d for_o so_o the_o seventy_o interpreter_n express_v his_o name_n but_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o i_o observe_v at_o present_a 〈◊〉_d the_o sacred_a history_n take_v notice_n even_o of_o small_a occurrence_n and_o thereby_o let_v we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v very_o full_a and_o particular_a in_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o first_o invention_n 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the_o write_n of_o most_o of_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o ancient_a time_n pythagoras_n and_o plato_n be_v much_o addict_v to_o this_o abstruse_a way_n and_o all_o their_o follower_n be_v delight_v in_o mystical_a representation_n of_o thing_n 6._o by_o this_o word_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v all_o wise_a and_o excellent_a say_n graviter_fw-la dicta_fw-la as_o the_o latin_n call_v they_o sentence_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n but_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o hebrew_n ancient_o call_v any_o say_v that_o have_v grace_n and_o wit_n in_o it_o mashal_n but_o especial_o any_o eminent_a speech_n or_o smart_n say_v for_o the_o use_v of_o life_n and_o direction_n of_o manner_n go_v under_o that_o name_n a_o moral_a or_o religious_a say_v that_o be_v of_o singular_a
as_o the_o original_a if_o we_o will_v be_v exact_a in_o render_v it_o express_v it_o and_o if_o we_o interpret_v this_o proverb_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o exact_o comport_v with_o the_o next_o verse_n they_o lay_v wait_v for_o their_o own_o blood_n they_o lurk_v privy_o for_o their_o own_o life_n those_o that_o thus_o design_n mischief_n against_o innocent_a person_n bring_v ruin_n upon_o themselves_o and_o be_v frequent_o take_v in_o that_o net_n which_o they_o spread_v for_o other_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o genuine_a exposition_n of_o the_o word_n but_o every_o one_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o liberty_n to_o choose_v any_o other_o interpretation_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o context_n and_o oppose_v no_o other_o text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o of_o all_o these_o sense_n be_v at_o first_o design_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o can_v certain_o tell_v it_o may_v be_v in_o such_o place_n as_o these_o of_o which_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a number_n in_o 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immortal_a spirit_n of_o man_n that_o the_o great_a wit_n and_o learning_n the_o most_o exquisite_a pleasure_n and_o sensual_a enjoyment_n the_o vast_a confluence_n of_o wealth_n and_o riches_n and_o the_o high_a seat_n of_o honour_n even_o the_o royal_a throne_n itself_o be_v insufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n happy_a and_o consequent_o that_o our_o happiness_n must_v be_v ●ought_v for_o some_o where_o else_o here_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o world_n be_v changeable_n and_o ambient_a to_o vanity_n though_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o in_o it_o yet_o the_o steady_a and_o uner_a providence_n of_o god_n rule_v all_o affair_n and_o event_n here_o below_o and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o god_n will_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n with_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil_a here_o be_v particular_a direction_n give_v we_o how_o we_o be_v to_o discharge_v our_o duty_n first_o with_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o viz._n that_o we_o ought_v very_o strict_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o to_o live_v i●_n a_o thankful_a use_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o be_v content_a with_o our_o portion_n and_o allotment_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o banish_v all_o covetous_a desire_n and_o project_n as_o we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v i._n e._n be_v very_o retire_v and_o solemn_a very_o ●●●lous_a and_o compose_v and_o banish_v all_o superfluous_a mirth_n and_o gaiety_n so_o we_o must_v eat_v our_o bread_n with_o joy_n i._n e._n live_v in_o a_o comfortable_a fruition_n of_o these_o earthly_a blessing_n and_o delight_n in_o these_o enjoyment_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v lawful_a and_o innocent_a our_o duty_n to_o other_o be_v here_o also_o brief_o prescribe_v we_o viz._n that_o we_o ought_v to_o pay_v a_o profound_a respect_n to_o good_a king_n and_o to_o keep_v their_o commandment_n yea_o that_o our_o very_a thought_n towards_o they_o ought_v to_o he_o reverent_a then_o as_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o equal_a level_n with_o we_o or_o inferior_a to_o we_o that_o we_o show_v ourselves_o just_a and_o righteous_a to_o they_o in_o all_o our_o converse_n and_o deal_n and_o that_o when_o we_o see_v any_o of_o they_o reduce_v to_o poverty_n and_o strait_o that_o we_o extend_v our_o charity_n to_o they_o that_o we_o cast_v our_o bread_n upon_o these_o water_n that_o we_o relieve_v their_o want_n and_o necessity_n last_o we_o be_v instruct_v in_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o approach_v he_o with_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n to_o keep_v our_o foot_n when_o we_o go_v to_o his_o house_n to_o pay_v our_o vow_n to_o he_o to_o remember_v he_o our_o creator_n and_o preserver_n to_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n his_o whole_a duty_n and_o his_o whole_a concern_v the_o canticle_n or_o solomon_n song_n be_v another_o piece_n of_o hebrew_n poetry_n which_o he_o write_v when_o he_o be_v young_a and_o in_o a_o amorous_a vein_n and_o yet_o breathe_v most_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a amour_n if_o you_o take_v it_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n only_o it_o be_v king_n solomon_n epithalamium_n or_o wedding-song_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o 45th_o psalm_n which_o be_v a_o song_n on_o his_o nuptial_n with_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n be_v daughter_n but_o in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n it_o set_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v there_o call_v the_o king_n daughter_n such_o be_v this_o dramatic_a poem_n wherein_o be_v bring_v in_o the_o bridegroom_n and_o bride_n and_o the_o friend_n of_o both_o alternate_o speak_v but_o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o gross_a in_o our_o apprehension_n as_o to_o conceive_v this_o to_o be_v bare_o a_o marriage-song_n as_o castellio_n groundless_o fanci_v and_o therefore_o deem_v it_o to_o be_v scripture_n not_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n with_o the_o rest_n beside_o the_o literal_a import_n of_o the_o word_n in_o this_o lovesong_n there_o be_v a_o mystical_a sense_n couch_v in_o they_o carnal_a love_n be_v here_o make_v to_o administer_v to_o religion_n the_o flesh_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o mystery_n in_o this_o love-poem_n the_o jew_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o read_v it_o till_o they_o be_v of_o maturity_n of_o year_n if_o we_o take_v this_o mystical_a wedding_n song_n in_o the_o high_a mean_v of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o allegorical_a description_n of_o the_o spiritual_a marriage_n and_o communion_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n it_o i●_n a_o representation_n of_o the_o mystical_a nuptial_n of_o th●_n lord_n christ_n jesus_n and_o believer_n their_o mutu●●_n affection_n and_o love_n be_v decipher_v by_o the_o so●_n passion_n and_o amour_n of_o solomon_n and_o his_o royal_a spouse_n this_o though_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o it_o make_v it_o a_o most_o divine_a poem_n and_o high_o worthy_a of_o our_o most_o serious_a perusal_n and_o study_n for_o here_o we_o see_v the_o gospel_n anticipate_v and_o the_o most_o glorious_a subject_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n betimes_o insert_v into_o the_o old_a object_n but_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a disparagement_n to_o this_o and_o the_o other_o beforementioned_a book_n of_o solomon_n that_o ●e_n be_v a_o reprobate_n and_o final_o reject_v by_o god_n be_v we_o not_o discourage_v from_o receive_v these_o write_n as_o canonical_a scripture_n when_o we_o know_v that_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v a_o damn_a person_n for_o what_o can_v he_o be_v else_o who_o towards_o his_o latter_a end_n revolt_v from_o the_o true_a religion_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 tell_v you_o what_o will_n 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 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 judeu._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 but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o demonstated_a truth_n yet_o it_o be_v question_v and_o doubt_v of_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 greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n fight_v by_o the_o valiant_a jew_n to_o any_o one_o that_o consult_v the_o text_n together_o with_o the_o 26_o v_o of_o that_o chapter_n it_o will_v plain_o appear_v that_o this_o passage_n particular_o refer_v to_o the_o 11_o chapter_n of_o judge_n v_o 15_o 16_o 17._o but_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o moses_n who_o be_v dead_a long_o before_o can_v write_v this_o i_o answer_v though_o he_o undoubted_o write_v the_o book_n of_o number_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n yet_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o this_o and_o the_o other_o book_n may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v insert_v afterward_o by_o some_o other_o inspire_a person_n as_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o advertise_v before_o ezra_n it_o be_v likely_a revise_v this_o book_n add_v this_o of_o what_o god_n do_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o at_o the_o brook_n of_o arnon_n and_o to_o give_v yet_o more_o ample_a satisfaction_n to_o this_o scruple_n i_o 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
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 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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 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historical_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n those_o book_n then_o for_o so_o the_o hebrew_n call_v any_o write_n which_o those_o author_n abovenamed_a write_v be_v not_o lose_v as_o some_o imagine_n ●●t_n be_v still_o extant_a in_o the_o bible_n for_o they_o be_v par●_n of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n and_o the_o king_n this_o answer_n be_v ground_v on_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 29._o the_o act_n of_o david_n the_o king_n first_o and_o last_o behold_v they_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n or_o history_n of_o samuel_n and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n which_o show_v that_o the_o foresay_a book_n be_v a_o collection_n make_v by_o several_a prophet_n viz._n samuel_n nathan_n gad_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o think_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o the_o foresay_a objection_n be_v whole_o remove_v by_o it_o then_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o book_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lose_v as_o the_o say_n of_o the_o seer_n 2_o chron._n 33._o 19_o and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n of_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 11._o 41._o and_o the_o book_n of_o jehu_n the_o son_n of_o hanani_n 2_o chron._n 20._o 34._o or_o any_o other_o which_o the_o objector_n mention_v it_o be_v grant_v by_o some_o very_a sober_a writer_n not_o only_o foreigner_n but_o of_o our_o own_o country_n that_o these_o book_n be_v real_o lose_v but_o they_o deny_v that_o this_o be_v any_o argument_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o scripture_n because_o these_o book_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a neither_o be_v we_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v divine_o indict_v and_o this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n as_o well_o as_o the_o modern_n yea_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o father_n who_o speak_v of_o these_o book_n say_v positive_o that_o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o inspiration_n from_o heaven_n to_o this_o purpose_n st._n augustine_n have_v this_o useful_a distinction_n 38._o the_o penman_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n say_v he_o write_v some_o thing_n 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then_o pen_v beside_o that_o many_o thing_n that_o be_v refer_v unto_o there_o be_v not_o find_v in_o these_o book_n wherefore_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o these_o be_v additional_a write_n not_o belong_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n nor_o write_v by_o person_n that_o be_v inspire_v and_o consequent_o though_o they_o be_v lose_v yet_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o impair_v and_o indeed_o we_o find_v that_o those_o of_o the_o protestant_a persuasion_n as_o whitaker_n willet_n etc._n etc._n and_o among_o foreigner_n calvin_n beza_n etc._n etc._n who_o acknowledge_v the_o loss_n of_o these_o book_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n strong_o assert_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o very_o consistent_o may_v do_v because_o they_o hold_v these_o book_n to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o bible_n again_o if_o what_o we_o have_v say_v be_v not_o full_o satisfactory_a this_o may_v be_v further_o add_v that_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o some_o book_n of_o holy_a writ_n proceed_v from_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o word_n sepher_n which_o be_v translate_v a_o book_n but_o among_o the_o hebrew_n be_v oftentimes_o no_o more_o than_o a_o rehearsal_n or_o commemoration_n of_o something_o a_o brief_a narrative_n or_o memoir_n a_o set_n down_o any_o thing_n in_o write_v as_o you_o will_v find_v in_o these_o follow_a place_n num._n 5._o 23._o josh._n ●8_o 9_o 1_o sam._n 10._o 25._o esth._n 9_o 20._o isa._n 30._o 8._o jer._n 32._o 12_o 14._o and_o sometime_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o mere_a genealogy_n as_o gen._n 5._o 1._o the_o book_n of_o the_o generation_n of_o adam_n so_o st._n matthew_n begin_v his_o gospel_n the_o book_n of_o the_o generation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n mat._n 1._o 1._o i_o e._n his_o genealogy_n or_o pedigree_n a_o brief_a enumeration_n of_o the_o person_n he_o descend_v from_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a denotation_n of_o the_o word_n sepher_n from_o saphar_n numerare_fw-la recensere_fw-la whence_o siphra_n or_o ciphra_n a_o word_n that_o be_v use_v in_o most_o language_n some_z not_o attend_v to_o this_o have_v fancy_v that_o a_o great_a many_o book_n of_o the_o sacred_a writ_n be_v embezzle_v because_o they_o do_v not_o find_v such_o formal_a book_n as_o those_o of_o jehu_n or_o of_o the_o act_n of_o solomon_n etc._n etc._n now_o belong_v to_o the_o bible_n this_o arise_v from_o a_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n which_o signify_v general_o any_o short_a kind_n of_o write_v or_o memorandum_n this_o with_o the_o answer_n before_o give_v will_v solve_v all_o doubt_n concern_v the_o place_n afore_o allege_a as_o to_o the_o common_a objection_n concern_v the_o loss_n of_o solomon_n book_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v mention_v in_o 1_o king_n 4._o 32_o 33._o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o when_o some_o call_v they_o book_n it_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v prove_v it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o solomon_n write_v but_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o tree_n and_o speak_v of_o beast_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n he_o learned_o discourse_v of_o these_o several_a subject_n upon_o occasion_n and_o speak_v such_o a_o number_n of_o proverb_n here_o can_v be_v no_o loss_n of_o book_n then_o but_o 2._o suppose_v he_o commit_v these_o disquisition_n and_o discourse_n to_o write_v and_o they_o be_v now_o lose_v it_o may_v be_v consume_v when_o nabuchadnezzar_n burn_v jerusalem_n or_o by_o some_o other_o mean_v imbezzle_v afterward_o yet_o still_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n because_o they_o be_v no_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n his_o universal_a history_n of_o vegetable_n from_o the_o cedar_n even_o to_o the_o hyssop_n that_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o wall_n and_o his_o book_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o animal_n in_o the_o sea_n on_o the_o land_n and_o in_o the_o air_n appertain_v to_o philosophy_n and_o may_v indeed_o have_v serve_v to_o have_v set_v up_o a_o royal_a society_n and_o have_v be_v 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ghost_n see_v to_o be_v most_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o church_n that_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v content_v we_o so_o as_o to_o his_o song_n which_o be_v a_o thousand_o and_o five_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n there_o be_v but_o one_o of_o they_o that_o have_v arrive_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o be_v think_v worthy_a to_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o sacred_a write_n unless_o we_o reckon_v the_o forty_o five_o psalm_n to_o be_v a_o song_n of_o he_o this_o then_o add_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o these_o write_n of_o solomon_n which_o we_o have_v that_o they_o be_v choice_a piece_n select_v even_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v the_o prime_a author_n of_o they_o this_o sure_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o book_n or_o write_n of_o this_o wise_a prince_n which_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o which_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v transmit_v to_o we_o and_o be_v part_n of_o the_o bible_n thus_o there_o be_v nothing_o lose_v that_o 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spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o we_o lust_v to_o envy_n which_o word_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n therefore_o say_v they_o some_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v lose_v and_o sir_n n._n knatchbull_n seem_v to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v passage_n take_v out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o ●re_n miss_v at_o this_o day_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o hammond_n some_o say_v that_o gen._n 6._o 3._o be_v the_o place_n of_o scripture_n here_o refer_v to_o but_o after_o they_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal●of_n pain_n to_o make_v this_o out_o their_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a for_o sure_o no_o man_n of_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a thought_n will_v be_v persuade_v that_o those_o word●_n my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man_n be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o these_o the_o spirit_n that_o dwelle●●_n in_o we_o lust_v to_o envy_n this_o exposition_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o mistake_a notion_n of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d contendet_fw-la which_o our_o translator_n true_o rend●●_n shall_v strive_v some_o fancy_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deriu●●_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o sheath_n and_o then_o forsooth_o the_o soul_n or_o spirit_n be_v a_o sword_n lowis_n chappel_n and_o some_o other_o as_o groundless_o make_v these_o word_n a_o interrogation_n do_v the_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o we_o lust_n to_o envy_n and_o think_v they_o refer_v to_o numb_a 11._o 29._o envy_v thou_o for_o my_o sake_n the_o question_n say_v they_o be_v a_o negation_n and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v do_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n teach_v you_o to_o contend_v to_o be_v envious_a and_o quarrelsome_a no._n but_o this_o likewise_o be_v force_v and_o strain_v and_o a_o impartial_a eye_n can_v possible_o see_v any_o affinity_n between_o the_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v one_o interrogation_n to_o introduce_v another_o which_o confound_v the_o style_n the_o plain_a and_o unforced_a answer_n be_v this_o that_o st._n james_n do_v not_o here_o quote_v any_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n as_o if_o there_o be_v such_o express_a word_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o be_v here_o set_v down_o by_o he_o he_o only_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v general_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n viz._n that_o man_n nature_n be_v deprave_v and_o corrupt_v that_o it_o be_v incline_v to_o envy_n as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o lust_n and_o unlawful_a affection_n or_o if_o any_o ●ne_a particular_a place_n be_v refer_v to_o more_o than_o another_o it_o be_v probable_a it_o be_v that_o of_o gen._n 6._o 5._o or_o ch_z 8._o v._n 21._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o imagination_n or_o the_o purpose_n and_o desire_v of_o man_n heart_n be_v evil_a from_o their_o youth_n yea_o they_o be_v only_o evil_a and_o that_o continual_o the_o word_n than_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n but_o of_o that_o corrupt_a spirit_n which_o be_v in_o man_n not_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n ●●t_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n distinguish_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 12._o this_o spirit_n lust_v to_o envy_n and_o prompt_v man_n to_o all_o other_o vice_n and_o 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o next_o word_n he_o give_v more_o grace_n they_o refer_v not_o to_o the_o spirit_n here_o speak_v of_o but_o to_o god_n who_o though_o he_o be_v not_o name_v in_o this_o verse_n be_v twice_o in_o the_o immediate_o forego_v one_o he_o give_v 〈◊〉_d grace_n he_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n restrain_v man_n lust_n and_o envious_a desire_n and_o te●cheth_v they_o humility_n submission_n and_o all_o other_o divine_a virtue_n or_o according_a to_o a_o k●atchbull_n late_a worthy_a critic_n it_o i._n e._n the_o scripture_n give_v more_o grace_n for_o that_o it_o say_v etc._n etc._n in_o this_o holy_a book_n there_o be_v example_n of_o some_o person_n in_o who_o this_o spirit_n of_o envy_n be_v restrain_v when_o the_o apostle_n then_o here_o say_v do_v you_o think_v that_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o vain_a etc._n etc._n we_o must_v not_o wonder_v that_o those_o very_a word_n be_v not_o find_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o apostle_n only_o speak_v here_o of_o what_o may_v be_v deduce_v from_o these_o sacred_a write_n or_o what_o be_v say_v in_o they_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n though_o in_o other_o word_n there_o be_v many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o lust_n of_o that_o corrupt_a spirit_n which_o be_v in_o we_o whereby_o we_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o envy_n and_o strife_n from_o several_a text_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o man_n nature_n be_v prone_a to_o these_o and_o the_o like_a passion_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v lu●●_n 11._o 49._o therefore_o say_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n i_o will_v send_v they_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o particular_a text_n that_o have_v these_o word_n but_o there_o be_v several_a prophecy_n to_o this_o purpose_n so_o ephes._n 5._o 14._o he_o say_v awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o christ_n shall_v give_v the_o light_n be_v not_o mean●●_n of_o any_o such_o particular_a and_o individual_a word_n 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o spirit_n be_v speak_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o that_o effect_n though_o i_o know_v dr._n hammond_n and_o other_o refer_v i●_n 〈◊〉_d isa._n 60._o 1._o and_o some_o interpreter_n to_o isa._n 51._o 9_o 〈◊〉_d you_o will_v not_o find_v these_o or_o such_o word_n in_o either_o of_o those_o place_n that_o passage_n in_o
act_n 20._o 35._o it_o 〈◊〉_d more_o bless_v to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v be_v recite_v as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n yet_o we_o find_v they_o not_o record_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o our_o bless_a master_n frequent_o utter_v word_n that_o be_v of_o the_o like_a import_n as_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v or_o rather_o i_o conceive_v we_o may_v true_o say_v that_o he_o speak_v this_o very_a sentence_n for_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o what_o be_v here_o quote_v be_v not_o only_o call_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o this_o be_v add_v how_o he_o say_v to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o he_o say_v these_o very_a word_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o many_o the_o like_a excellent_a say_n and_o aphorism_n he_o prenounce_v which_o as_o well_o as_o innumerable_a action_n that_o he_o do_v be_v keep_v in_o remembrance_n by_o the_o apostle_n but_o be_v not_o write_v down_o of_o which_o st._n john_n speak_v ch_n 20._o v._n 30._o &_o 21._o 25._o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v hence_o that_o any_o book_n belong_v to_o the_o sacred_a canon_n be_v lose_v as_o for_o the_o objection_n ground_v on_o st._n jude_n v_o 14._o viz._n that_o e●och's_n book_n which_o be_v quote_v by_o this_o apostle_n and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v canonical_a it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v quote_v by_o he_o be_v lose_v some_o as_o origen_n jerom_n augustine_n grant_v it_o to_o be_v so_o but_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v canonical_a it_o be_v their_o judgement_n that_o st._n jude_n may_v if_o he_o think_v ●it_a allege_v a_o apocryphal_a writer_n but_o according_a to_o my_o apprehension_n the_o brief_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n there_o of_o any_o book_n or_o write_v of_o ●●och_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v infer_v thence_o that_o ●ny_n book_n or_o write_v of_o his_o be_v lose_v it_o be_v only_o say_v he_o prophesy_v say_v etc._n etc._n which_o he_o may_v do_v and_o questionless_a do_v without_o pen_v down_o any_o of_o hi●_n prophetical_a say_n but_o they_o be_v transmit_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n jude_n insert_v this_o into_o his_o epistle_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o be_v concern_v that_o a_o book_n of_o enooh_o be_v mention_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o have_v several_a spurious_a author_n among_o they_o and_o as_o a_o pin_n learned_a doctor_n of_o the_o sorbon_n observe_v all_o the_o father_n ex●●pt_a ter●ullian_n reckon_v this_o that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o enoch_n as_o such_o but_o be_v not_o some_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n want_v see_v there_o be_v a_o three_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o order_n the_o first_o i_o ●rote_v unto_o you_o in_o a_o epistle_n not_o to_o keep_v company_n with_o ●ornicators_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 9_o therefore_o it_o appear_v hence_o that_o there_o be_v another_o before_o this_o which_o pass_v common_o for_o the_o first_o but_o this_o be_v not_o extant_a for_o we_o have_v now_o but_o two_o that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o that_o ●lessed_a apostle_n answ._n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o more_o for_o when_o he_o say_v he_o write_v to_o they_o in_o a_o epistle_n he_o mean_v this_o very_o first_o epistle_n he_o be_v now_o write_v he_o refer_v to_o what_o he_o have_v say_v b●fore_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o that_o chapter_n and_o the_o meaning_n be_v when_o i_o even_o now_o write_v unto_o you_o in_o this_o epistle_n ver_fw-la 2._o not_o to_o keep_v company_n with_o fornicator_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v the_o fornicator_n of_o this_o world_n thus_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o theophylact_fw-mi interpret_v the_o place_n but_o if_o i_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o vary_v from_o those_o excellent_a father_n i_o will_v propound_v one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n of_o understand_v the_o apostle_n word_n first_o it_o may_v be_v he_o have_v reference_n here_o to_o what_o he_o say_v afterward_o in_o this_o epistle_n ch_n 6_o v._n 13._o and_o again_o v_o 18._o &_o ch_n 7._o v._n 2._o where_o he_o write_v to_o they_o to_o avoid_v fornication_n wherefore_o upon_o read_v over_o this_o epistle_n after_o he_o have_v finish_v it_o he_o think_v good_a to_o insert_v this_o and_o to_o take_v notice_n here_o of_o what_o he_o say_v afterward_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v say_v he_o write_v to_o y●●_n in_o this_o epistle_n viz._n in_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n against_o fornication_n and_o join_v yourselves_o to_o person_n that_o be_v note_v for_o that_o vice_n or_o else_o i_o conceive_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v put_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o preterite_n for_o the_o present_a tense_n of_o which_o there_o be_v very_o near_o a_o hundred_o instance_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o all_o man_n verse_v in_o criticism_n know_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v in_o this_o very_a epistle_n ch_n 9_o v._n 15._o neither_o have_v i_o write_v these_o thing_n i._n e._n at_o this_o time_n in_o this_o epistle_n that_o i_o be_o now_o write_v this_o any_o man_n that_o consult_v the_o context_n will_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o place_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v equivalent_a with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o you_o will_v find_v the_o word_n must_v be_v take_v in_o the_o one_a epistle_n of_o st._n john_n 2d_o chapter_n you_o will_v see_v and_o be_v thorough_o convince_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v_o 12_o 13._o be_v express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v_o 14_o 21._o and_o thus_o in_o the_o text_n that_o be_v before_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v no_o other_o than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n i_o write_v unto_o you_o in_o this_o epistle_n not_o to_o etc._n etc._n which_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v render_v so_o be_v evident_a from_o ver_fw-la 11._o which_o be_v but_o a_o repetition_n or_o reassumption_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o the_o adverb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d show_v that_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o present_a instant_a time_n though_o the_o greek_a verb_n be_v in_o the_o praeterit_fw-la this_o than_o i_o offer_v as_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o text_n and_o context_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o o_o corinthian_n in_o this_o my_o letter_n not_o to_o be_v mingle_v so_o the_o word_n proper_o denote_v with_o fornicator_n or_o with_o the_o covetous_a or_o extortioner_n or_o idolater_n for_o than_o you_o must_v needs_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o mean_v that_o you_o shall_v avoid_v the_o company_n of_o a_o brother_n i._n e._n a_o profess_a christian_n if_o he_o be_v give_v to_o fornication_n covetousness_n extortion_n or_o idolatry_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o at_o this_o time_n write_v and_o signify_v to_o you_o so_o that_o you_o see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v instead_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o simple_a and_o plain_a tenor_n of_o the_o word_n may_v convince_v any_o man_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a translation_n both_o of_o the_o former_a and_o latter_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v i_o write_v which_o make_v the_o apostle_n sense_n clear_a and_o perspicuous_a i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n of_o judgement_n and_o sagacity_n whether_o this_o account_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o exact_o adjust_v to_o grammar_n and_o criticism_n to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o design_n of_o the_o context_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n viz._n utter_o to_o overthrow_v the_o surmise_n of_o a_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n before_o this_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v here_o write_v if_o the_o learned_a drusius_n or_o the_o excellent_a grotius_n have_v weigh_v these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v suggest_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o will_v have_v change_v their_o mind_n they_o will_v not_o have_v cry_v out_o that_o this_o epistle_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v lose_v but_o it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n write_v 〈◊〉_d epistle_n to_o the_o laodiceans_n as_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o c●l_n 4._o 16._o which_o be_v want_v at_o this_o day_n that_o be_v although_o i●_n be_v extant_a and_o allow_v of_o by_o som●_n author_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o put_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherefore_o the_o canon_n be_v
use_n be_v draw_v up_o in_o haste_n whereby_o some_o matter_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v unite_v be_v sever_v and_o vice_n versâ_fw-la the_o one_a verse_n of_o the_o four_o chapter_n to_o the_o colossian_n shall_v have_v be_v join_v to_o the_o three_o chapter_n and_o the_o division_n of_o the_o verse_n in_o many_o other_o place_n ought_v to_o be_v correct_v and_o alter_v as_o sir_n n._n knatchbull_n have_v in_o several_a instance_n show_v we_o may_v take_v junius_n and_o tremellius_n for_o a_o example_n who_o have_v alter_v the_o chapter_n sometime_o in_o the_o latin_a and_o it_o may_v be_v as_o convenient_a to_o imitate_v they_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n in_o english_a nor_o will_v this_o change_a or_o any_o other_o alteration_n which_o i_o have_v before_o suggest_v be_v any_o argument_n at_o all_o of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o scripture_n this_o remain_v entire_a in_o itself_o and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o change_v and_o the_o ●esign_n of_o my_o present_a 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who_o have_v speak_v so_o ill_o of_o the_o bible_n this_o i_o can_v certain_o affirm_v 9_o say_v he_o that_o i_o have_v not_o find_v any_o fault_n or_o variety_n of_o reading_n about_o the_o moral_a document_n which_o may_v render_v they_o obscure_v and_o dubious_a wherefore_o our_o assertion_n still_o remain_v impregnable_a and_o unshaken_a that_o the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a and_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o can_v speak_v it_o a_o most_o consummate_v work_n 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 it_o remain_v that_o i_o conclude_v with_o a_o serious_a address_n and_o invitation_n to_o the_o reader_n to_o admire_v and_o value_v this_o book_n which_o be_v so_o transcendent_o excellent_a and_o complete_a to_o prize_v it_o above_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o constant_o to_o read_v peruse_v and_o study_v these_o holy_a write_n the_o law_n of_o that_o vile_a impostor_n mahomet_n be_v style_v the_o alcoran_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d legit_fw-la as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v the_o book_n be_v to_o be_v read_v and_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v that_o that_o sacred_a volume_n which_o contain_v the_o law_n of_o our_o heavenly_a master_n and_o infallible_a teacher_n deserve_v that_o respect_n from_o we_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o holy_a scripture_n mikra_fw-mi i._n e._n lectionem_fw-la because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v read_v by_o all_o because_o this_o divine_a book_n be_v to_o be_v universal_o peruse_v revolve_v and_o search_v into_o we_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o other_o author_n such_o as_o may_v conduce_v to_o useful_a knowledge_n whether_o secular_a or_o religious_a especial_o such_o as_o may_v be_v someways_o helpful_a towards_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o writer_n that_o be_v trifle_v vain_a and_o useless_a other_o be_v dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a meddle_v with_o neither_o of_o these_o or_o if_o you_o have_v lay_v they_o out_o of_o your_o hand_n forthwith_o and_o take_v up_o the_o bible_n the_o only_a book_n that_o be_v worthy_a of_o your_o most_o serious_a perusal_n behold_v here_o the_o book_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o write_n any_o where_o like_o these_o none_o can_v afford_v any_o thing_n comparable_a to_o they_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v make_v use_n of_o divers_a sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o pen_n of_o this_o volume_n moses_n breed_v up_o in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o egyptian_n daniel_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o persian_a court_n david_n and_o solomon_n king_n jeremy_n and_o ezekiel_n priest_n amos_n a_o herdsman_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n matthew_n a_o convert_v publican_n paul_n bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n fitherman_n and_o tradesman_n that_o 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which_o account_n it_o be_v of_o such_o universal_a use_n t●at_v no_o sort_n of_o person_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o without_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o damage_n he_o be_v no_o antiquary_n that_o be_v not_o skilled_a in_o these_o write_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n he_o be_v no_o historian_n that_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o important_a transaction_n of_o this_o book_n he_o be_v no_o statesman_n or_o politician_n who_o have_v not_o insight_n into_o the_o excellent_a maxim_n and_o law_n which_o be_v find_v here_o he_o be_v no_o right_a natural_a philosopher_n who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o origin_n and_o make_v of_o this_o mundane_a system_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o mosaic_a physiology_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n he_o be_v no_o accomplish_v grammarian_n critic_n or_o rhetorician_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o philological_a learning_n which_o these_o write_n afford_v and_o chief_o he_o be_v no_o good_a man_n or_o christian_n who_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o those_o admirable_a rule_n which_o be_v here_o lay_v down_o wherefore_o it_o be_v the_o concern_v of_o all_o person_n to_o converse_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o apply_v themselves_o with_o great_a diligence_n to_o the_o read_n of_o they_o and_o that_o daily_a and_o frequent_o let_v this_o holy_a book_n be_v seldom_o out_o of_o your_o hand_n though_o you_o have_v often_o peruse_v it_o yet_o continue_v to_o do_v so_o still_o talm._n for_o you_o will_v thereby_o receive_v infinite_a advantage_n there_o be_v ever_o something_o gain_v by_o a_o fresh_a and_o repeat_v read_v of_o it_o some_o new_a matter_n be_v discover_v or_o the_o old_a be_v illustrate_v and_o confirm_v we_o either_o know_v more_o or_o know_v better_o than_o we_o do_v before_o that_o our_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v of_o this_o nature_n and_o that_o we_o may_v study_v and_o
reason_n why_o the_o apocryphal_a write_n be_v not_o receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o bible_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n make_v by_o the_o romanist_n second_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o external_n testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v add_v to_o those_o argument_n which_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v true_a in_o themselves_o will_n exceed_o corroborate_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o those_o book_n and_o here_o i_o may_v mention_v the_o testimony_n give_v to_o they_o by_o god_n in_o the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o they_o through_o all_o age_n since_o they_o be_v first_o write_v in_o all_o the_o change_n of_o affair_n and_o the_o overthrow_n of_o so_o many_o city_n and_o kingdom_n that_o incomparable_a treasure_n have_v not_o be_v lose_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v keep_v untouched_a and_o inviolable_a at_o the_o sack_n and_o burn_v of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o of_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o ever_o since_o that_o time_n the_o scripture_n have_v be_v unaltered_a in_o word_n and_o sense_n notwithstanding_o the_o frequent_a endeavour_n of_o satan_n busy_a agent_n to_o corrupt_v they_o yea_o utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o next_o to_o god_n providence_n in_o preserve_v these_o book_n through_o all_o time_n and_o age_n we_o may_v add_v the_o marvellous_a success_n which_o have_v attend_v the_o holy_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o these_o write_n they_o have_v prevail_v against_o the_o power_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n and_o to_o this_o very_a day_n they_o be_v maintain_v and_o uphold_v maugre_o the_o attempt_n of_o both_o of_o they_o to_o root_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o i_o wave_v this_o intend_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o divine_a but_o humane_a testimony_n in_o this_o place_n by_o external_n testimony_n than_o i_o mean_v here_o no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o universal_a tradition_n and_o this_o tradition_n be_v both_o of_o jew_n and_o christian_n and_o what_o will_v a_o man_n desire_v more_o in_o a_o humane_a way_n for_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n from_o the_o joint_a attestation_n of_o these_o witness_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o book_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v the_o true_a copy_n of_o the_o first_o original_n that_o the_o same_o book_n and_o author_n be_v faithful_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o which_o be_v first_o of_o all_o deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o these_o write_n as_o we_o now_o have_v they_o that_o be_v falsify_v or_o corrupt_v first_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o name_n of_o which_o be_v as_o follow_v genesis_n exodus_fw-la leviticus_n number_n deuteronomy_n joshu●_n judge_n ruth_n the_o one_a and_o 2d_o book_n of_o samuel_n th●_n one_a and_o 2d_o book_n of_o king_n though_o one_a and_o 2d_o book_n 〈◊〉_d chronicle_n ezra_n nehemiah_n esther_n job_n the_o psalm_n proverb_n ecclesiaste_n the_o song_n of_o solomon_n the_o fo●●_n great_a prophet_n and_o the_o twelve_o lesser_n these_o and_o none_o but_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o can●_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o ancient_a church_n o●_n the_o jew_n who_o testimony_n be_v very_a authentics_n here_o yea_o indeed_o we_o can_v have_v a_o better_a they_o acquaint_v we_o that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a writing_n that_o be_v universal_o agree_v by_o they_o to_o be_v extraordinary_o inspire_v and_o they_o further_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o different_a person_n and_o at_o diverse_a time_n be_v first_o compile_v and_o collect_v into_o one_o body_n or_o volume_n by_o ezra_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o doctor_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o time_n be_v not_o constitute_v till_o ezra_n day_n by_o the_o great_a synagogue_n as_o they_o call_v it_o upon_o his_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n he_o undertake_v this_o good_a work_n he_o gather_v together_o all_o those_o disperse_a book_n before_o name_v and_o after_o he_o have_v review_v they_o he_o public_o own_v and_o solemn_o vouch_v the_o authority_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o that_o the_o church_n for_o the_o future_a may_v not_o doubt_v of_o their_o be_v authentic_a and_o true_a but_o some_o add_v here_o by_o way_n of_o objection_n that_o this_o holy_a man_n cause_v these_o book_n to_o be_v write_v over_o in_o a_o new_a character_n because_o the_o jew_n have_v lose_v their_o knowledge_n of_o the_o former_a one_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o consequent_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o eusebius_n and_o jerom_n be_v allege_v for_o this_o especial_o the_o latter_a who_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o the_o samaritan_n character_n be_v the_o old_a hebrew_n character_n in_o which_o the_o bible_n be_v first_o write_v and_o that_o it_o be_v first_o change_v by_o ezrd_n after_o the_o return_n from_o babylon_n he_o write_v ●he_v sacred_a volume_n over_o in_o assyrian_a or_o chaldee_n letter_n and_o neglect_v the_o old_a hebrew_n one_o which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o samaritan_n be_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v they_o say_v because_o the_o jew_n be_v best_o acquaint_v with_o this_o character_n at_o that_o time_n and_o some_o walton_n modern_a writer_n be_v gain_v over_o to_o this_o opinion_n who_o talk_v much_o of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o character_n and_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o first_o and_o old_a letter_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v samaritan_n but_o that_o those_o which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v assyrian_n and_o of_o quite_o another_o sort_n but_o upon_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n i_o find_v little_a or_o no_o foundation_n for_o this_o opinion_n it_o rather_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o invention_n and_o dream_n of_o those_o who_o design_n to_o disparage_v the_o hebrew_n bible_n they_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o original_a be_v impair_v because_o we_o have_v it_o not_o now_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n for_o the_o old_a bible_n be_v in_o samaritan_n letter_n these_o be_v the_o first_o and_o ancient_a hebrew_a character_n this_o be_v like_o the_o story_n of_o the_o hebrew_n point_n be_v invent_v five_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n of_o which_o afterward_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n namely_o to_o discredit_v the_o hebrew_n text_n which_o we_o now_o have_v and_o whole_o to_o take_v away_o its_o authority_n for_o if_o the_o letter_n be_v change_v it_o be_v probable_a some_o word_n and_o consequent_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o place_n be_v alter_v but_o that_o this_o be_v groundless_a and_o that_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o character_n now_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o you_o will_v find_v very_o large_o and_o convince_o prove_v by_o the_o famous_a hebr._n buxtorf_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o talmud_n especial_o the_o gemara_n 〈◊〉_d the_o cabala_n from_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o most_o not●_n rabbin_n of_o old_a and_o of_o the_o learned_a modern_a je●●_n as_o aben_n ezra_n r._n solomon_n r._n ben_n maimon_n &_o ●_o who_o without_o doubt_n be_v very_o competent_a judge_n 〈◊〉_d this_o case_n to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v several_a of_o 〈◊〉_d christian_a persuasion_n as_o picus_n mirandula_n f._n juni●_n skikkard_n postellus_n with_o those_o three_o eminent_a person_n of_o our_o own_o country_n nic._n fuller_n brought●●_n lightfoot_n if_o you_o consult_v these_o they_o will_v satisfy_v you_o that_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n which_o we_o have_v now_o in_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o primitive_a one_o the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v of_o old_a but_o to_o give_v you_o my_o thought_n impartial_o in_o this_o point_n i_o do_v belieu●_v from_o what_o i_o find_v assert_v by_o writer_n on_o both_o side_n that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o character_n use_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o cubit_n and_o shekel_n the_o sacred_a and_o common_a and_o i_o gather_v that_o the_o samaritan_n letter_n be_v of_o the_o latter_a sort_n that_o which_o be_v common_o use_v and_o even_o sometime_o in_o transcribe_v the_o bible_n but_o the_o sacred_a character_n in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v this_o which_o we_o now_o have_v and_o in_o which_o the_o bible_n be_v at_o this_o day_n this_o be_v the_o true_a original_a hebrew_n letter_n and_o be_v use_v from_o the_o begin_n by_o they_o this_o i_o think_v may_v reconcile_v the_o dispute_n among_o writer_n for_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v perceive_v the_o quarrel_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o there_o be_v