and_o twenty_o after_o the_o number_n of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n and_o 4._o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v these_o express_a word_n read_v these_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n but_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o study_n and_o meditate_v only_o on_o these_o scripture_n which_o we_o confident_o read_v in_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n and_o first_o bishop_n be_v true_a guide_n and_o be_v more_o wise_a and_o religious_a than_o thou_o be_v and_o these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o deliver_v these_o scripture_n to_o we_o thou_o then_o be_v a_o son_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o go_v beyond_o her_o bound_n and_o order_n but_o acknowledge_v and_o study_v only_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n of_o the_o old_a â—â—â—stament_n and_o other_o father_n of_o the_o churâ—â—_n as_o melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n athanasius_n amphiloâ—â—us_n epiphanius_n eusebius_n gregory_n nazianzen_n gâ—â—gory_n the_o great_a basil_n chrysostom_n testify_v that_o 〈◊〉_d book_n and_o no_o other_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o receive_v now_o be_v the_o canonical_a booâ—â—_n of_o old_a and_o receive_v so_o by_o the_o first_o christiâ—â—_n those_o eminent_a light_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n râ—t_n jerom_n hilary_n disow_v as_o uncanonical_a 〈◊〉_d book_n of_o apocrypha_fw-la the_o two_o latter_a especial_o 〈◊〉_d very_o positive_a eustock_n jerom_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o 〈◊〉_d canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d and_o twenty_o just_o the_o number_n of_o the_o hebrew_n alâ—phabet_n and_o no_o more_o and_o he_o enumerate_v the_o particular_a book_n which_o constitute_v the_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d say_v indeed_o that_o some_o make_v they_o four_o and_o twâ—â—ty_a but_o it_o be_v the_o same_o account_n for_o they_o reckâ—â—_n ruth_n and_o lamentation_n separately_z but_o as_o for_o 〈◊〉_d other_o he_o say_v they_o be_v not_o part_v of_o inspire_a scripture_n and_o the_o church_n do_v not_o receive_v theâ—_n among_o the_o canonical_a write_n so_o psalm_n hilary_n giu_v we_o the_o just_a catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o peremptory_o affirm_v that_o there_o 〈◊〉_d but_o two_o and_o twenty_o canonical_a book_n of_o it_o in_o all_o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o thirty_o nine_o according_a to_o the_o reckon_n in_o our_o bibles_n to_o father_n wâ—_n may_v add_v synod_n and_o council_n as_o that_o antieâ—â—_n one_o of_o laodicea_n convened_a a._n d._n 364._o which_o draw_v up_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o make_v mention_v only_o of_o these_o which_o we_o now_o receive_v but_o leave_v out_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o this_o canon_n be_v receive_v afterward_o and_o confirm_v by_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n one_o of_o the_o first_o four_o general_n council_n and_o the_o six_o general_n council_n hold_v at_o constantinople_n a._n d._n 680._o express_o ratify_v the_o decree_n of_o that_o old_a laodicean_n council_n and_o particular_o this_o that_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o two_o and_o twenty_o there_o be_v another_o reason_n also_o beside_o the_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n why_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v eject_v out_o of_o the_o canon_n viz._n because_o some_o thing_n in_o they_o be_v false_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n as_o in_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la 46._o 20._o 2_o esdras_n 6._o 40._o and_o some_o thing_n be_v vicious_a as_o in_o 2_o maccab._n 14._o 42._o after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o answer_v what_o the_o romanist_n say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o quote_v the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n which_o they_o tell_v we_o receive_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n into_o the_o canon_n and_o among_o the_o father_n st._n augustin_n they_o say_v own_v they_o beside_o that_o two_o pope_n viz._n innocent_a the_o first_o and_o gelasius_n take_v those_o book_n which_o we_o style_v apocryphal_a into_o the_o canon_n as_o for_o the_o council_n which_o they_o allege_v it_o be_v but_o a_o provincial_a one_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v set_v against_o those_o more_o authentic_a and_o general_a council_n which_o i_o produce_v nor_o must_v that_o one_o single_a father_n who_o they_o name_n stand_v out_o against_o that_o great_a number_n of_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n who_o i_o mention_v the_o pope_n bear_v a_o great_a name_n among_o our_o adversary_n but_o they_o be_v but_o two_o and_o must_v not_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o council_n and_o that_o multitude_n of_o father_n who_o be_v on_o our_o side_n or_o if_o they_o lie_v such_o great_a stress_n on_o a_o pope_n i_o can_v name_v they_o one_o and_o he_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a they_o ever_o have_v viz._n pope_n gregory_n the_o great_a who_o 17._o declare_v that_o the_o book_n of_o maccabee_n a_o main_a piece_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a writing_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n wâ—_n may_v set_v this_o one_o pope_n for_o he_o be_v great_a enough_o against_o the_o other_o two_n beside_o their_o own_o 〈◊〉_d be_v against_o they_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v 〈◊〉_d receive_v as_o part_v of_o holy_a inspire_a scripture_n by_o iâ—â—dorus_n damascen_n nicephorus_n rabanus_n maurus_n hâ—go_n lyranus_fw-la cajetan_n and_o other_o who_o be_v of_o greâ—â—_n repute_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o regard_v 〈◊〉_d what_o the_o pack_v council_n of_o trent_n have_v decree_v viz._n 4._o that_o beside_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n 〈◊〉_d the_o hebrew_n canon_n those_o also_o of_o tobias_n juditâ—_n the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la maccabeâ—â—â—_n baruch_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o canonical_a and_o thâ—_n they_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o canon_n oâ—_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o general_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a council_n father_n and_o writer_n who_o have_v reject_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n and_o receive_v but_o 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moral_a truth_n in_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n and_o ecâ—lesiasticus_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o say_v we_o bear_v great_a respect_n to_o they_o and_o rank_v they_o next_o to_o the_o holy_a canon_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o all_o profane_a author_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o frequent_o allege_v they_o in_o their_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n which_o be_v one_o reason_n i_o question_v not_o why_o these_o apocryphal_a book_n come_v to_o be_v make_v canonical_a by_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n namely_o because_o they_o be_v so_o often_o quote_v by_o the_o father_n and_o in_o some_o church_n read_v public_o but_o this_o be_v no_o proof_n of_o their_o be_v canonical_a but_o only_o let_v we_o know_v that_o these_o book_n be_v in_o their_o kind_a useful_a and_o profitable_a as_o indeed_o they_o be_v therefore_o st._n proverb_n jerom_n say_v the_o church_n receive_v not_o these_o book_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n though_o she_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v read_v and_o concern_v these_o write_n our_o church_n say_v well_o quote_v st._n jerom_n for_o it_o 6._o she_o do_v read_v they_o for_o example_n of_o life_n and_o instruction_n of_o manner_n but_o yet_o do_v not_o apply_v they_o to_o establish_v any_o doctrine_n which_o give_v we_o a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o book_n namely_o that_o they_o contain_v excellent_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o inform_v we_o of_o our_o duty_n as_o to_o several_a weighty_a thing_n but_o they_o be_v not_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v they_o be_v not_o the_o infallible_a standard_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v and_o make_v use_n of_o to_o that_o purpose_n this_o and_o the_o other_o reason_n before_o mention_v may_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o think_v that_o these_o write_n aught_o not_o to_o be_v
omit_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n beside_o that_o this_o evangelist_n in_o the_o entrance_n into_o his_o gospel_n be_v more_o sublime_a and_o soar_v than_o the_o rest_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v represent_v by_o a_o eagle_n assert_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o bold_a heretic_n of_o that_o time_n who_o open_o confront_v that_o doctrine_n and_o in_o other_o place_n of_o his_o write_n he_o have_v a_o peculiar_a strain_n and_o excellency_n which_o mensal_n luther_n express_v thus_o after_o his_o plain_a way_n every_o word_n in_o john_n weigh_v two_o tun_n concern_v the_o evangelist_n i_o may_v note_v this_o that_o though_o they_o do_v not_o all_o of_o they_o set_v down_o the_o very_a individual_a word_n that_o christ_n or_o other_o speak_v for_o we_o see_v that_o sometime_o one_o represent_v they_o in_o term_n different_a from_o the_o rest_n yet_o those_o that_o do_v not_o so_o deliver_v always_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o be_v say_v and_o even_o that_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v sufficient_a and_o concern_v st._n john_n particular_o i_o remark_n this_o that_o see_v he_o be_v the_o last_o of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n i._n e._n he_o write_v his_o gospel_n last_o it_o be_v rational_a upon_o that_o account_n to_o interpret_v the_o other_o evangelist_n by_o he_o namely_o where_o any_o doubt_n or_o controversy_n arise_v for_o he_o have_v peruse_v the_o other_o evangelist_n and_o observe_v what_o exception_n unbelieving_a man_n have_v make_v against_o any_o passage_n in_o their_o write_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o express_v himself_o with_o great_a plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n where_o those_o matter_n be_v concern_v this_o the_o intelligent_a and_o observant_a reader_n will_v find_v to_o be_v true_a if_o he_o consult_v the_o respective_a place_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o give_v a_o particular_a and_o distinct_a survey_n of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o evangelist_n write_n this_o only_o can_v be_v say_v here_o in_o pursuance_n of_o our_o grand_a undertake_n that_o these_o book_n be_v the_o choice_a history_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v because_o they_o contain_v the_o birth_n the_o life_n the_o action_n the_o doctrine_n the_o miracle_n the_o suffering_n the_o death_n the_o resurrection_n the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o most_o compassionate_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n all_o of_o which_o be_v the_o most_o stupendous_a and_o amaze_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o necessary_a matter_n to_o be_v know_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n if_o this_o brief_a and_o summary_n account_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o study_n and_o meditation_n and_o to_o beget_v in_o we_o the_o utmost_a esteem_n of_o they_o nothing_o more_o large_o say_v will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o to_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n belong_v the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o account_n give_v of_o what_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v concern_v in_o viz._n their_o choose_n mathias_n into_o iudas_n room_n their_o meet_v together_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentâ—cost_n at_o which_o time_n they_o be_v all_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o christ_n promise_n visible_o descend_v upon_o they_o their_o determination_n in_o the_o council_n hold_v at_o jerusalem_n with_o their_o letter_n which_o they_o send_v to_o the_o church_n abroad_o and_o several_a other_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v joint_o interest_v this_o book_n contain_v also_o the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o its_o happy_a progress_n and_o success_n especial_o among_o the_o gentile_n of_o the_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n it_o encounter_v with_o of_o the_o undaunted_a courage_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o course_n of_o their_o ministry_n of_o their_o disputation_n conference_n apology_n prayer_n sermon_n worship_n discipline_n church-government_n miracle_n here_o we_o be_v inform_v what_o be_v the_o usage_n of_o the_o first_o apostolical_a age_n in_o a_o word_n here_o we_o may_v find_v the_o primitive_a church_n and_o religion_n all_o which_o be_v plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o singular_a usefulness_n worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o this_o book_n but_o it_o be_v chief_o confine_v to_o the_o act_n and_o achievement_n of_o those_o most_o eminent_a apostles_n st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n and_o especial_o and_o most_o large_o here_o be_v relate_v the_o conversion_n travel_n preach_v and_o suffering_n of_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o for_o st._n â—uke_n be_v st._n paul_n companion_n all_o along_o and_o well_o acquaint_v with_o whatever_o he_o do_v and_o whatsoever_o happen_v to_o he_o give_v we_o the_o full_a narrative_n of_o this_o apostle_n the_o whole_a book_n be_v a_o history_n of_o about_o forty_o year_n namely_o from_o christ_n ascension_n to_o the_o second_o year_n of_o st._n paul_n imprisonment_n at_o rome_n the_o new_a testament_n consist_v likewise_o of_o several_a epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v pious_a discourse_n occasional_o write_v more_o full_o to_o explain_v and_o apply_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o confute_v some_o grow_a error_n to_o compose_v difference_n and_o schism_n to_o reform_v abuse_n and_o corruption_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o christian_n to_o holiness_n and_o to_o encourage_v they_o against_o persecution_n for_o the_o apostle_n have_v convert_v several_a nation_n to_o the_o faith_n when_o they_o can_v not_o visit_v they_o in_o person_n write_v to_o they_o and_o so_o supply_v their_o presence_n by_o these_o epistle_n to_o begin_v with_o st._n paul_n epistle_n they_o be_v write_v either_o to_o whole_a church_n viz._n of_o believe_a gentile_n i._n e._n the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v such_o though_o some_o of_o jewish_a race_n may_v be_v mix_v among_o they_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n corinthian_n galatian_n ephesian_n philippian_n colossian_n thessalonian_n or_o of_o believe_v jew_n whole_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n or_o they_o be_v write_v to_o particular_a person_n as_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n titus_n philemon_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a profound_a discourse_n on_o such_o subject_n as_o these_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o rejection_n notwithstanding_o those_o prerogative_n the_o wonderful_a dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o gentile_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o law_n justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o election_n and_o free_a grace_n the_o conflict_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n christian_a liberty_n scandal_n the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o chief_a thing_n which_o he_o design_n in_o this_o epistle_n be_v to_o show_v that_o neither_o the_o gentile_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o jew_n by_o that_o of_o moses_n can_v attain_v to_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n and_o consequent_o salvation_n but_o that_o these_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v only_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o who_o merit_n alone_o we_o be_v account_v righteous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o then_o to_o show_v that_o this_o faith_n be_v not_o separate_v from_o good_a work_n he_o add_v exhortation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n obedience_n of_o life_n and_o a_o religious_a conversation_n so_o that_o this_o epistle_n be_v both_o doctrinal_a and_o practical_a it_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o notion_n and_o in_o our_o manner_n it_o decide_v some_o of_o the_o great_a controversy_n and_o withal_o it_o inform_v we_o about_o the_o most_o indispensable_a office_n of_o christianity_n the_o next_o epistle_n be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o chief_a city_n of_o peloponneâ—us_n which_o be_v now_o call_v the_o morea_n and_o cenchrea_n which_o you_o read_v of_o rom._n 16._o 1._o act_n 19_o 18._o be_v the_o station_n of_o ship_n for_o this_o maritime_a city_n but_o be_v a_o distinct_a town_n from_o it_o to_o the_o convert_v inhabitant_n of_o this_o great_a metropolis_n fame_v for_o its_o wealth_n and_o therefore_o surname_v the_o rich_a as_o thucydides_n say_v â—ea_n 1._o to_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o achaia_n the_o apostle_n here_o write_v his_o first_o epistle_n to_o they_o be_v against_o the_o unsound_a persuasion_n and_o vicious_a practice_n which_o he_o observe_v among_o they_o at_o that_o time_n his_o design_n be_v to_o reform_v they_o as_o to_o their_o schism_n and_o dissension_n their_o idolatrous_a communion_n their_o unseemly_a habit_n their_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o their_o assembly_n their_o profane_v the_o lord_n supper_n their_o toleration_n of_o incest_n and_o the_o like_a scandalous_a behaviour_n beside_o there_o be_v other_o considerable_a matter_n which_o he_o treat_v of_o as_o marriage_n divorce_n virginity_n eat_v of_o meat_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n christian_a liberty_n go_v to_o law_n before_o heathen_n
number_v among_o the_o book_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v argue_v from_o the_o tradition_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v do_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v it_o be_v valid_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o copy_n the_o canonicalness_n of_o the_o book_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o decidable_a by_o scripture_n itself_o but_o in_o the_o way_n that_o all_o other_o controversy_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v as_o you_o will_v prove_v any_o other_o book_n to_o be_v authentic_a so_o you_o must_v prove_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v viz._n by_o sufficient_a and_o able_a testimony_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o sacred_a history_n that_o there_o be_v to_o believe_v any_o other_o historical_a write_n that_o be_v extant_a nay_o the_o testimony_n on_o behalf_n of_o the_o holy_a scriptureâ—_n be_v more_o pregnant_a than_o any_o that_o be_v bring_v for_o other_o write_n beside_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v for_o 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of_o mere_a fiction_n whence_o 10._o eusebius_n complain_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o mere_a fable_n in_o the_o greek_a history_n if_o they_o may_v be_v call_v history_n before_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o olympiad_n that_o famous_a greek_a epoch_n or_o computation_n which_o begin_v from_o the_o instauration_n of_o the_o olympic_a game_n by_o iphitus_n but_o when_o this_o be_v be_v not_o very_o clear_a for_o some_o say_v it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o azariab_n king_n of_o judah_n above_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o solomon_n other_o say_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o vzziah_n king_n of_o judah_n a._n m._n 3173._o other_o fix_v it_o a._n m._n 3189_o eight_o year_n before_o the_o birth_n of_o romulus_n and_o remus_n four_o hundred_o and_o seven_o year_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o troy_n other_o place_n the_o olympiad_n low_a about_o a._n m._n 3228_o other_o a._n m._n 3256_o about_o seven_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n before_o christ._n varro_n 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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 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and_o 2d_o book_n of_o king_n though_o one_a and_o 2d_o book_n 〈◊〉_d chronicle_n ezra_n nehemiah_n esther_n job_n the_o psalm_n proverb_n ecclesiaste_n the_o song_n of_o solomon_n the_o foâ—â—_n great_a prophet_n and_o the_o twelve_o lesser_n these_o and_o none_o but_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o canâ—_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o ancient_a church_n oâ—_n the_o jew_n who_o testimony_n be_v very_a authentics_n here_o yea_o indeed_o we_o can_v have_v a_o better_a they_o acquaint_v we_o that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a writing_n that_o be_v universal_o agree_v by_o they_o to_o be_v extraordinary_o inspire_v and_o they_o further_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o different_a person_n and_o at_o diverse_a time_n be_v first_o compile_v and_o collect_v into_o one_o body_n or_o volume_n by_o ezra_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o doctor_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a 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say_v that_o the_o samaritan_n character_n be_v the_o old_a hebrew_n character_n in_o which_o the_o bible_n be_v first_o write_v and_o that_o it_o be_v first_o change_v by_o ezrd_n after_o the_o return_n from_o babylon_n he_o write_v â—he_v sacred_a volume_n over_o in_o assyrian_a or_o chaldee_n letter_n and_o neglect_v the_o old_a hebrew_n one_o which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o samaritan_n be_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v they_o say_v because_o the_o jew_n be_v best_o acquaint_v with_o this_o character_n at_o that_o time_n and_o some_o walton_n modern_a writer_n be_v gain_v over_o to_o this_o opinion_n who_o talk_v much_o of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o character_n and_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o first_o and_o old_a letter_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v samaritan_n but_o that_o those_o which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v assyrian_n and_o of_o quite_o another_o sort_n but_o upon_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n i_o find_v little_a or_o no_o foundation_n for_o this_o opinion_n it_o rather_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o invention_n and_o dream_n of_o those_o who_o design_n to_o disparage_v the_o hebrew_n bible_n they_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o original_a be_v impair_v because_o we_o have_v it_o not_o now_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n for_o the_o old_a bible_n be_v in_o samaritan_n letter_n these_o be_v the_o first_o and_o ancient_a hebrew_a character_n this_o be_v like_o the_o story_n of_o the_o hebrew_n point_n be_v invent_v five_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n of_o which_o afterward_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n namely_o to_o discredit_v the_o hebrew_n text_n which_o we_o now_o have_v and_o whole_o to_o take_v away_o its_o authority_n for_o if_o the_o letter_n be_v change_v it_o be_v probable_a some_o word_n and_o consequent_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o place_n be_v alter_v but_o that_o this_o be_v groundless_a and_o that_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o character_n now_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o you_o will_v find_v very_o large_o and_o convince_o prove_v by_o the_o famous_a hebr._n buxtorf_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o talmud_n especial_o the_o gemara_n 〈◊〉_d the_o cabala_n from_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o most_o notâ—_n rabbin_n of_o old_a and_o of_o the_o learned_a modern_a jeâ—â—_n as_o aben_n ezra_n r._n solomon_n r._n ben_n maimon_n &_o â—_o who_o without_o doubt_n be_v very_o competent_a judge_n 〈◊〉_d this_o case_n to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v several_a of_o 〈◊〉_d christian_a persuasion_n as_o picus_n mirandula_n f._n juniâ—_n skikkard_n postellus_n with_o those_o three_o eminent_a person_n of_o our_o own_o country_n nic._n fuller_n broughtâ—â—_n lightfoot_n if_o you_o consult_v these_o they_o will_v satisfy_v you_o that_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n which_o we_o have_v now_o in_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o primitive_a one_o the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v of_o old_a but_o to_o give_v you_o my_o thought_n impartial_o in_o this_o point_n i_o do_v belieuâ—_v from_o what_o i_o find_v assert_v by_o writer_n on_o both_o side_n that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o character_n use_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o cubit_n and_o shekel_n the_o sacred_a and_o common_a and_o i_o gather_v that_o the_o samaritan_n letter_n be_v of_o the_o latter_a sort_n that_o which_o be_v common_o use_v and_o even_o sometime_o in_o transcribe_v the_o bible_n but_o the_o sacred_a character_n in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v this_o which_o we_o now_o have_v and_o in_o which_o the_o bible_n be_v at_o this_o day_n this_o be_v the_o true_a original_a hebrew_n letter_n and_o be_v use_v from_o the_o begin_n by_o they_o this_o i_o think_v may_v reconcile_v the_o dispute_n among_o writer_n for_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v perceive_v the_o quarrel_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o there_o be_v
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he_o when_o they_o discover_v this_o design_n theâ—_n will_v easy_o see_v through_o his_o plausible_a story_n foâ—â—_n surmise_n bold_a conjecture_n and_o seem_a argâ—mentations_n and_o they_o will_v have_v the_o great_a reverence_n for_o the_o bible_n because_o he_o and_o other_o hauâ—_n attack_v it_o with_o so_o much_o contempt_n and_o rudeness_n and_o purposely_o bring_v its_o authority_n into_o question_n that_o they_o may_v set_v up_o something_o else_o above_o 〈◊〉_d notwithstanding_o then_o the_o cavil_n and_o objection_n of_o design_v man_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v anâ—_n avouch_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o to_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v that_o the_o book_n be_v entire_o transmit_v to_o we_o without_o any_o corruption_n and_o be_v the_o same_o that_o ever_o they_o be_v without_z and_o diminution_n or_o addition_n we_o have_v they_o as_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o first_o author_n we_o have_v they_o entire_a and_o perfect_a and_o not_o as_o some_o fond_o suggest_v contract_v abbreviate_v curtail_v unto_o the_o jew_n the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v his_o oracle_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o they_o show_v themselves_o conscientious_a and_o diligent_a conservator_n of_o they_o the_o jewish_a nation_n say_v st._n augustin_n have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v 23._o the_o chest-keeper_n for_o the_o christian_n they_o have_v faithful_o preserve_v that_o sacred_a depositum_fw-la for_o they_o they_o have_v safe_o keep_v that_o ark_n wherein_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v lock_v up_o god_n will_v have_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v librarii_fw-la christianorum_fw-la say_v 60._o drusius_n keeper_n of_o those_o sacred_a volume_n for_o we_o christian_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o keep_v they_o with_o great_a care_n the_o like_a whereof_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v to_o have_v be_v take_v in_o preserve_v any_o other_o sort_n of_o write_n under_o heaven_n and_o see_v they_o have_v so_o careful_o hand_v the_o old_a testament_n down_o to_o we_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o receive_v it_o with_o a_o proportionable_a thankfulness_n and_o to_o reckon_v this_o their_o deliver_v of_o those_o write_n down_o to_o we_o as_o no_o mean_a argument_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o certainty_n second_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v confirm_v by_o external_n testimony_n or_o tradition_n no_o less_o than_o that_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v the_o authentic_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n that_o this_o book_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a some_o of_o the_o father_n and_o first_o writer_n give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o those_o which_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n athanasius_n particular_o enumerate_v those_o book_n set_v down_o all_o those_o 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heinsius_n show_v this_o in_o a_o vast_a many_o place_n sometime_o they_o contract_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o give_v only_o the_o brief_a sense_n of_o it_o at_o other_o time_n they_o enlarge_v it_o and_o present_v we_o with_o a_o comment_n upon_o it_o yea_o sometime_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n and_o as_o their_o matter_n lead_v they_o to_o it_o they_o invert_v the_o word_n and_o misplace_v the_o part_n of_o the_o text._n but_o no_o man_n ought_v hence_o to_o infer_v that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n then_o and_o now_o be_v not_o the_o same_o and_o as_o for_o the_o number_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n and_o their_o book_n it_o hatâ—_n be_v always_o the_o same_o i._n e._n the_o same_o catalogue_n and_o canon_n have_v be_v general_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v true_a some_o particular_a book_n have_v be_v question_v but_o by_o a_o few_o only_a and_o for_o a_o time_n but_o the_o church_n be_v at_o last_o full_o satisfy_v about_o they_o the_o generality_n oâ—_n christian_n agree_v to_o own_o all_o those_o book_n which_o be_v now_o own_v by_o we_o all_o the_o eastern_a church_n hold_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n to_o be_v canonical_a though_o the_o latin_n it_o be_v grant_v be_v not_o so_o unanimous_a this_o epistle_n and_o that_o of_o st._n james_n the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o st._n john_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n jude_n and_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v question_v in_o the_o first_o century_n say_v 23._o eusebius_n but_o he_o acquaint_v we_o withal_o that_o they_o be_v afterward_o by_o general_a consent_n receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o doubt_n be_v resolve_v upon_o mature_a deliberation_n so_o that_o the_o question_n of_o those_o book_n be_v now_o a_o conâ—â—rmation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o
they_o they_o be_v once_o doubt_v of_o that_o for_o the_o future_a they_o may_v be_v unquestionable_a and_o to_o come_v down_o to_o latter_a time_n what_o if_o two_o or_o three_o man_n of_o late_a as_o hemmingius_n baldwin_n eckard_n think_v revelation_n some_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n apocryphal_a and_o what_o if_o luther_n himself_o seem_v to_o say_v as_o much_o what_o do_v this_o signify_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o universal_a and_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o other_o and_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o at_o all_o but_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v first_o write_v in_o greek_a as_o we_o now_o receive_v it_o be_v attest_v by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o ancient_n who_o make_v enquiry_n into_o these_o thing_n only_o two_o book_n be_v except_v by_o some_o for_o though_o many_o of_o the_o lightfoot_n learned_a modern_n maintain_v that_o st._n matthew_n gospel_n be_v write_v original_o in_o greek_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o some_o of_o the_o augustine_n father_n hold_v it_o be_v write_v first_o in_o hebrew_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v st._n ecclesiast_n jerom_n the_o original_a hebrew_n be_v extant_a in_o his_o time_n and_o he_o translate_v the_o gospel_n into_o latin_a from_o that_o copy_n who_o turn_v it_o into_o greek_a be_v not_o certain_a but_o it_o be_v either_o by_o st._n matthew_n himself_o or_o by_o some_o apostolical_a person_n inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o the_o greek_a we_o now_o have_v be_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o the_o other_o the_o father_n likewise_o general_o say_v that_o st._n paâ—â—_n write_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o their_o own_o tongue_n and_o that_o st._n luke_n or_o st._n clement_n turn_v it_o into_o greek_a the_o contrary_n be_v hold_v by_o some_o modern_n particular_o cajetan_n among_o the_o romanist_n and_o by_o many_o of_o the_o reformed-way_n but_o except_v i_o say_v these_o two_o book_n it_o be_v universal_o agree_v that_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n be_v write_v in_o greek_a and_o one_o reason_n may_v be_v because_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o jew_n live_v among_o the_o greek_n and_o use_v their_o tongue_n and_o therefore_o this_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v sit_o write_v in_o greek_a as_o the_o other_o be_v long_o before_o translate_v into_o that_o tongue_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o these_o disperse_a jew_n therefore_o call_v the_o disperse_v among_o the_o gentile_n or_o according_a to_o the_o original_a the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o greek_n john_n 7._o 35._o who_o understand_v and_o speak_v the_o greek_a language_n the_o new_a testament_n be_v put_v forth_o in_o that_o tongue_n moreover_o this_o be_v the_o most_o general_o receive_v language_n at_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o the_o fit_a for_o the_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n for_o though_o i_o do_v not_o think_v the_o jâ—ws_n at_o jerusalem_n speak_v no_o other_o than_o the_o greek_a tongue_n among_o themselves_o as_o isaac_n vossius_fw-la confident_o hold_v and_o be_v therein_o right_o blame_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o late_a french_a critic_n yet_o i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o the_o greek_a tongue_n be_v universal_o understand_v and_o be_v with_o the_o latin_a juvenal_n the_o language_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o therefore_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o communicate_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o world_n poet._n tully_n acquaint_v we_o that_o in_o all_o the_o roman_a empire_n greek_n be_v vulgar_o understand_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v in_o that_o tongue_n and_o that_o st._n paul_n write_v not_o only_o to_o the_o galatian_n etc._n etc._n but_o to_o the_o roman_n in_o greek_a for_o they_o all_o understand_v it_o it_o be_v the_o modish_a and_o courtly_a way_n of_o speech_n at_o rome_n as_o the_o french_a be_v now_o with_o we_o their_o very_a woman_n affect_v to_o learn_v and_o speak_v greek_a for_o which_o they_o be_v jeer_v by_o the_o satirist_n who_o call_v rome_n the_o greek_a city_n in_o short_a all_o the_o eastern_a people_n speak_v greek_n more_o or_o less_o from_o the_o time_n that_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o his_o captain_n spread_v their_o dominion_n in_o the_o east_n the_o syrian_n egyptian_n persian_n and_o people_n of_o the_o lesser_a asia_n be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o language_n the_o jew_n of_o any_o considerable_a quality_n understand_v greek_n as_o well_o as_o their_o own_o tongue_n whence_o josephus_n a_o jewish_a priest_n or_o of_o the_o priestly_a stock_n write_v his_o book_n in_o greek_a the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n than_o may_v well_o write_v in_o the_o same_o tongue_n it_o be_v so_o common_a and_o every_o where_o understand_v especial_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n on_o another_o account_n that_o st._n paul_n write_v in_o greek_a for_o it_o be_v his_o native_a tongue_n he_o be_v of_o tarsus_n which_o be_v a_o city_n of_o greece_n we_o may_v then_o very_o just_o look_v upon_o the_o greek_a language_n as_o the_o original_a text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v that_o these_o greek_a copy_n which_o we_o now_o have_v and_o use_v be_v true_a and_o authentic_a though_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o differ_v and_o none_o be_v observe_v to_o oppose_v this_o but_o those_o who_o do_v it_o upon_o some_o interest_n and_o design_n i._n e._n to_o maintain_v some_o peculiar_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v take_v up_o the_o variety_n of_o readins_n shall_v not_o prejudice_v we_o much_o less_o ought_v we_o to_o alter_v the_o readins_n of_o the_o copy_n and_o to_o substitute_v new_a one_o at_o our_o pleasure_n which_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o theodore_n beza_n though_o on_o other_o account_v a_o excellent_a person_n and_o one_o that_o have_v high_o deserve_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v unsufferable_o bold_a in_o coin_v new_a readins_n of_o the_o text._n when_o he_o can_v find_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o place_n he_o present_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o copy_n and_o produce_v a_o new_a read_n which_o have_v bring_v a_o great_a scandal_n upon_o his_o annotation_n on_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o otherwise_o be_v fraught_v with_o admirable_a learning_n and_o discover_v his_o profound_a skill_n in_o divine_a criticism_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a manuscript_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o cheat_n for_o questionless_a they_o will_v have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n therefore_o it_o be_v downright_a imposture_n and_o beza_n be_v gross_o delude_v by_o it_o let_v we_o from_o his_o miscarriage_n learn_v to_o be_v cautious_a and_o not_o to_o venture_v so_o bold_o upon_o alter_v the_o greek_a copy_n this_o be_v a_o very_a rash_a and_o unaccountable_a undertake_n especial_o in_o a_o single_a person_n and_o much_o more_o when_o it_o be_v very_o usual_a and_o frequent_a to_o speak_v next_o both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n together_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o be_v establish_v by_o consider_v this_o that_o though_o bellarmine_n and_o other_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n who_o be_v follow_v by_o lewis_n cappel_n and_o some_o other_o that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o protestant_n cry_v out_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v alter_v and_o corrupt_v by_o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o transcriber_n and_o that_o the_o text_n be_v uncertain_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o different_a readins_n and_o variety_n of_o translation_n which_o be_v do_v out_o of_o design_n viz._n to_o debase_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n and_o to_o make_v man_n fly_v to_o tradition_n and_o rest_v whole_o in_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o i_o wish_v i_o may_v not_o add_v thereby_o to_o undermine_v some_o of_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o various_a readins_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o so_o many_o as_o be_v pretend_v and_o all_o the_o various_a copy_n in_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o nation_n at_o this_o day_n do_v agree_v in_o all_o material_a point_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v translate_v from_o those_o copy_n into_o many_o language_n concur_v in_o the_o same_o substantial_a thing_n again_o as_o to_o those_o various_a readins_n which_o be_v produce_v we_o may_v just_o allege_v the_o word_n of_o a_o scripture_n excellent_a man_n they_o be_v not_o argument_n say_v he_o of_o the_o scripture_n corruption_n but_o of_o god_n providence_n and_o of_o human_a
industry_n to_o preserve_v scripture_n from_o corruption_n we_o may_v gather_v from_o this_o diversity_n of_o readins_n that_o man_n have_v be_v very_o inquisitive_a and_o careful_a in_o their_o compare_v of_o copy_n but_o we_o can_v thence_o argue_v that_o the_o text_n be_v adulterate_v yea_o rather_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o from_o this_o compare_v and_o vie_v of_o copy_n we_o come_v to_o know_v and_o be_v ascertain_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o authentic_a one_o and_o we_o may_v far_o add_v with_o the_o same_o excellent_a author_n that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a since_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o indeed_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o that_o that_o the_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n shall_v have_v be_v corrupt_v for_o the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n be_v then_o such_o have_v be_v since_o much_o more_o such_o and_o so_o far_o disperse_v that_o neither_o one_o man_n nor_o one_o body_n of_o man_n can_v ever_o get_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n to_o corrupt_v they_o and_o if_o some_o few_o or_o mâ—â—â—ny_a copy_n have_v be_v corrupt_v but_o not_o all_o thâ—â—_n sincere_a number_n will_v have_v detect_v the_o corrupt_a again_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n writer_n of_o the_o church_n do_v all_o ciâ—â—_n these_o scripture_n as_o we_o now_o have_v they_o in_o everything_o material_a yea_o that_o most_o heretic_n have_v plead_v these_o same_o scripture_n and_o deny_v they_o not_o to_o be_v genuine_a to_o establish_v we_o yet_o further_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o these_o write_n have_v be_v open_o read_v to_o the_o people_n in_o all_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n in_o the_o several_a age_n since_o christianity_n begin_v and_o they_o be_v thus_o constant_o use_v can_v not_o possible_o be_v alter_v and_o corrupt_v beside_o that_o all_o private_a christian_n be_v exhort_v to_o read_v and_o use_v they_o in_o their_o family_n whereby_o they_o become_v so_o know_v and_o familiar_a that_o whenever_o any_o alteration_n be_v make_v they_o can_v present_o observe_v it_o last_o notwithstanding_o the_o author_n of_o a_o theologico-politic_a late_a tractate_n have_v bring_v divers_a objection_n against_o the_o usual_a tradition_n that_o such_o and_o such_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o though_o mr._n hobbs_n before_o he_o have_v do_v the_o same_o yet_o neither_o of_o they_o have_v effect_v it_o with_o any_o success_n this_o be_v all_o they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v only_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o civil_a to_o the_o holy_a write_n as_o they_o be_v to_o the_o profane_a one_o for_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o clear_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n under_o who_o name_n they_o go_v as_o that_o any_o other_o write_n be_v put_v out_o by_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v nor_o can_v these_o man_n vouchsafe_v to_o show_v that_o civility_n to_o these_o sacred_a book_n which_o even_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v do_v for_o when_o both_o â—hese_n oppose_v these_o book_n you_o will_v not_o find_v that_o they_o ever_o question_v the_o author_n but_o the_o doctrine_n only_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o look_v upon_o these_o man_n and_o such_o as_o take_v part_n with_o they_o as_o act_v with_o high_a prejudice_n than_o either_o jew_n or_o heathen_n do_v and_o according_o we_o be_v to_o slight_v what_o they_o say_v unless_o it_o be_v thus_o far_o that_o from_o their_o impotent_a and_o malicious_a cavil_n we_o may_v be_v further_o confirm_v in_o this_o persuasion_n that_o these_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v indeed_o write_v by_o those_o author_n under_o who_o name_n they_o be_v now_o receive_v that_o these_o scripture_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o copy_n we_o have_v of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o corrupt_v that_o god_n have_v preserve_v the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n from_o all_o considerable_a change_n and_o depravation_n his_o providence_n not_o suffer_v any_o such_o thing_n that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v now_o receive_v be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o and_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o be_v impregnable_a it_o may_v be_v expect_v i_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n which_o i_o have_v not_o reckon_v among_o the_o inspire_a write_n for_o do_v this_o i_o have_v good_a reason_n for_o i_o find_v they_o exclude_v from_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n by_o those_o that_o be_v the_o best_a judge_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o great_a keeper_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o never_o take_v these_o into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o jew_n believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n cease_v among_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o malachi_n have_v do_v prophesy_v they_o own_v no_o divine_a inspiration_n after_o his_o time_n and_o according_o receive_v not_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n i._n e._n book_n divine_o inspire_v 〈◊〉_d be_v write_v after_o malachi_n time_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d last_o prophet_n be_v not_o canonical_a be_v not_o of_o 〈◊〉_d authority_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o emphatical_a call_v scripture_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n inform_v we_o 〈◊〉_d scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o mark_n and_o criterion_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d be_v back_v by_o st._n peter_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o holy_a man_n 〈◊〉_d god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 〈◊〉_d those_o write_n which_o be_v not_o by_o inspiration_n 〈◊〉_d god_n nor_o from_o the_o immediate_a motion_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d ghost_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v as_o holy_a scriptuâ—â—_n and_o such_o be_v the_o apocryphal_a write_n they_o werâ—â—_n write_v after_o the_o cessation_n of_o prophecy_n and_o diviâ—â—_n inspiration_n and_o so_o they_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o can_v be_v esteem_v canonical_a scripture_o second_o the_o jew_n receive_v not_o the_o apocrypha_fw-la 〈◊〉_d to_o their_o canon_n because_o it_o be_v write_v in_o greek_n not_o in_o hebrew_n as_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v for_o god_n will_v not_o they_o say_v give_v they_o scripture_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o oracle_n of_o goâ—_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o authentic_a language_n which_o be_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n the_o apocryphal_a write_n be_v not_o such_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o and_o not_o take_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o sacred_a writ_n and_o as_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v by_o the_o jewiâ—_n church_n so_o not_o by_o the_o christian_a one_o 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be_v only_o poetic_a flourish_v and_o therefore_o must_v not_o be_v think_v to_o refer_v to_o any_o real_a thing_n the_o fix_v this_o on_o my_o mind_n keep_v i_o from_o run_v into_o those_o extravagancy_n which_o some_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o whilst_o they_o imagine_v that_o the_o poet_n in_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o particular_n with_o which_o their_o fable_n be_v stuff_v allude_v to_o so_o many_o express_a passage_n in_o true_a history_n i_o attend_v to_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o their_o write_n which_o i_o see_v come_v so_o near_o to_o scripture_n the_o rest_n i_o pass_v by_o as_o mere_a poetic_a flash_n and_o foolery_n and_o not_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o short_a i_o have_v always_o tread_v where_o there_o be_v some_o tolerable_a ground_n and_o foot_n and_o i_o have_v omit_v several_a particular_n which_o other_o insist_v upon_o mere_o because_o they_o have_v so_o sandy_a a_o bottom_n so_o little_a reason_n have_v any_o to_o blame_v i_o for_o indulge_v of_o 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the_o heathen_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o old_a testament_n this_o i_o will_v do_v first_o by_o show_v you_o how_o they_o come_v by_o these_o tradition_n and_o truth_n second_o whence_o and_o how_o they_o disguise_v and_o corrupt_v they_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o gentile_n can_v light_v on_o these_o thing_n by_o natural_a reason_n for_o those_o discovery_n concern_v the_o creation_n and_o the_o paradisiacal_a state_n of_o man_n and_o the_o particular_a mannâ—r_n of_o his_o fall_n and_o several_a other_o thing_n which_o i_o mention_v be_v beyond_o nature_n ken_n they_o be_v not_o such_o thing_n as_o fall_v within_o the_o cognizance_n of_o man_n as_o they_o be_v rational_a creature_n therefore_o they_o must_v be_v particular_o reveal_v to_o mankind_n and_o the_o authentic_a body_n of_o divine_a reveal_v truth_n be_v the_o bible_n we_o can_v but_o infer_v that_o those_o thing_n be_v borrow_v from_o that_o sacred_a volume_n and_o as_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o the_o old_a patriarch_n and_o other_o eminent_a man_n in_o former_a day_n on_o which_o i_o have_v assert_v that_o many_o of_o the_o pagan_a story_n and_o fable_n depend_v these_o be_v record_v in_o those_o sacred_a book_n first_o of_o all_o and_o therefore_o these_o book_n be_v the_o fountain_n from_o which_o the_o heathen_n take_v these_o relation_n this_o argument_n i_o take_v to_o be_v unanswerable_a namely_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o first_o and_o ancient_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v extant_a and_o therefore_o when_o the_o pagan_a writer_n mention_v thing_n in_o this_o book_n they_o take_v they_o thence_o or_o from_o those_o person_n who_o have_v they_o out_o of_o these_o write_n here_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o insist_v a_o little_a on_o the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o holy_a volume_n that_o moses_n write_n be_v long_a before_o all_o other_o be_v prove_v by_o several_a of_o the_o africanus_n father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n you_o may_v reckon_v the_o date_n of_o his_o book_n to_o be_v about_o a._n m._n 2460_o which_o be_v above_o 400_o year_n before_o the_o trojan_a war_n before_o which_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v of_o any_o writer_n whatsoever_o yea_o it_o be_v above_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o it_o that_o the_o ancient_a historian_n unless_o you_o will_v reckon_v those_o fabulous_a one_o dare_v phrygius_n and_o dictys_n cretensis_n appear_v without_o controversy_n moses_n be_v the_o old_a historian_n either_o natural_a or_o ecclesiastical_a the_o antiquity_n of_o his_o work_n be_v beyond_o all_o other_o book_n they_o all_o begin_v long_o after_o he_o and_o as_o for_o some_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o be_v before_o the_o write_n of_o any_o heathen_n to_o begin_v first_o with_o the_o ancient_a egyptian_a writer_n some_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o moses_n time_n flourish_v those_o excellent_a philosopher_n zoroastres_n and_o mercurius_n trismegistus_n but_o whâ—n_o yoâ—_n come_v to_o examine_v this_o you_o find_v no_o less_o than_o four_o zoroastres_n and_o to_o which_o of_o these_o the_o write_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v and_o what_o date_n they_o bear_v iâ—_n uncertain_a so_o that_o we_o can_v conclude_v nothing_o there_o there_o be_v also_o great_a dispute_n about_o herâ—os_n or_o trismegistus_n namely_o who_o he_o be_v and_o when_o he_o live_v and_o at_o what_o time_n the_o write_n that_o go_v under_o his_o name_n be_v write_v and_o whether_o they_o be_v genuine_a kircher_n hold_v they_o to_o be_v such_o but_o casaâ—bon_n attempâ—â—_n the_o contrary_a his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v quote_v by_o 〈◊〉_d martyr_n lactantius_n and_o augustin_n and_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d ancient_n but_o his_o antiquity_n can_v be_v prove_v 〈◊〉_d be_v equal_a with_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a writer_n manetho_n or_o manethos_n who_o write_v the_o egyptian_a history_n live_v but_o in_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n time_n then_o for_o the_o phaenician_a antiquity_n which_o sanâ—athon_n write_v in_o the_o phaenician_a tongue_n and_o which_o philo_n biblius_n who_o live_v in_o adrian_n time_n â—â—rned_v into_o greek_a of_o which_o version_n eusebius_n have_v preserve_v we_o a_o famous_a fragment_n though_o scaliâ—â—_n have_v labour_v to_o prove_v they_o supposititious_a 〈◊〉_d some_o other_o reckon_v they_o not_o as_o such_o and_o particular_o the_o learned_a bochart_n have_v commentâ—â—_n upon_o they_o as_o true_a and_o genuine_a write_n 〈◊〉_d as_o for_o the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o phaenician_a historian_n and_o theologer_n though_o it_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v great_a yet_o without_o question_n he_o be_v â—oses's_n junior_a by_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o so_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o babylonian_a or_o chaldean_a 〈◊〉_d for_o berosus_n who_o be_v say_v to_o compile_v â—â—â—m_n live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o manetho_n do_v and_o though_o perhaps_o friar_n annius_n have_v impose_v 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n by_o the_o name_n of_o this_o author_n as_o vâ—lateranus_n some_o think_v and_o according_o bring_v several_a argument_n to_o prove_v this_o new_a berosus_n a_o cheat_n 〈◊〉_d it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o old_a one_o of_o â—hom_n both_o josephus_n and_o eusebius_n have_v preserve_v the_o fragment_n be_v such_o some_o greek_a writer_n plead_v great_a antiquity_n next_o orpheus_n and_o muâ—â—â—s_n the_o ancient_a of_o they_o all_o be_v â—aid_v to_o have_v chronic._n live_v in_o gideon_n day_n which_o be_v about_o 200_o year_n after_o moses_n and_o 200_o year_n after_o this_o live_v dares_n phrygius_n and_o dictys_n cretensis_n who_o write_v the_o trojan_a war._n and_o 100_o year_n after_o this_o homer_n write_v his_o poem_n who_o flourish_v not_o till_o at_o least_o 150_o year_n after_o david_n the_o divine_a poet._n this_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o greek_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v gain_v any_o knowledge_n of_o letter_n and_o art_n fall_v to_o invent_v of_o incredible_a story_n and_o write_v
christ_n into_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v expound_v by_o that_o infallible_a interpreter_n ephes._n 4._o 8._o wherefore_o he_o say_v when_o he_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n which_o refer_v to_o the_o abovesaid_a psalm_n but_o be_v apply_v to_o christ_n ascension_n by_o the_o apostle_n here_o the_o 45th_o psalm_n be_v original_o a_o song_n of_o love_n a_o epithalamium_n on_o the_o nuptial_n of_o king_n solomon_n and_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n daughter_n but_o in_o a_o remote_a and_o mystical_a sense_n it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o the_o admirable_a benefit_n which_o accrue_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o many_o other_o psalm_n may_v be_v produce_v wherein_o the_o double_a sense_n beforementioned_a be_v clear_o to_o be_v discern_v to_o proceed_v though_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o canticle_n be_v in_o its_o literal_a capacity_n no_o other_o than_o solomon_n wedding-song_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o in_o the_o more_o sublime_a acception_n of_o it_o as_o a_o dialogue_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n set_v forth_o all_o those_o divine_a amour_n which_o be_v mutual_o experience_v by_o they_o and_o that_o this_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n call_v the_o song_n of_o solomon_n be_v of_o a_o high_a strain_n than_o the_o bare_a letter_n import_v and_o that_o it_o contain_v great_a mystery_n and_o abstrusity_n in_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o that_o extraordinary_a reverence_n which_o the_o jew_n pay_v to_o this_o book_n for_o cantic_a origen_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o beginning_n of_o genesis_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o be_v read_v by_o they_o till_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o some_o maturity_n of_o year_n i_o come_v next_o to_o the_o evangelical_n prophet_n isaiah_n who_o have_v many_o thing_n concern_v christ_n and_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n or_o church_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o some_o of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o and_o literal_a sense_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v interpret_v otherwise_o yea_o the_o learned_a grotius_n and_o hammond_n be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o that_o famous_a prophecy_n in_o isa._n 7._o 14._o behold_v a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n and_o shall_v call_v â—is_n name_v immanuel_n have_v a_o double_a sense_n the_o word_n literal_o and_o primary_o respect_v a_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a birth_n in_o those_o very_a day_n secondary_o and_o mystical_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v miraculous_o of_o a_o virgin_n whether_o this_o opinion_n be_v true_a or_o no_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o mystical_a mean_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o literal_a or_o rather_o as_o i_o say_v before_o it_o may_v be_v more_o expressive_a to_o say_v a_o secondary_a mean_v be_v add_v to_o the_o primary_n one_o in_o sundry_a passage_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o not_o only_o in_o this_o prophet_n but_o in_o jeremiaâ—_n and_o ezekiel_n concern_v the_o former_a of_o these_o the_o jewish_a historian_n have_v these_o word_n 6._o jeremiah_n say_v he_o in_o his_o book_n foretell_v the_o captivity_n which_o the_o israelite_n be_v to_o undergo_v in_o babylon_n which_o be_v just_a then_o approach_v and_o also_o the_o slaughter_n and_o destruction_n which_o we_o of_o this_o age_n have_v see_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a sense_n according_a to_o this_o learned_a writer_n in_o some_o of_o this_o prophet_n prediction_n yea_o there_o be_v a_o double_a literal_a or_o historical_a sense_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o i_o assert_v before_o whence_o you_o see_v i_o have_v reason_n to_o make_v the_o distinction_n of_o a_o first_o and_o a_o second_o mean_v of_o scripture_n rather_o than_o of_o a_o literal_a and_o a_o mystical_a though_o i_o bring_v the_o mystical_a mean_v when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o under_o the_o second_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o prophet_n when_o we_o find_v he_o relate_v strange_a thing_n act_v in_o vision_n and_o dream_n which_o be_v thing_n only_o imaginary_a and_o represent_v to_o the_o fancy_n we_o must_v not_o think_v they_o true_a in_o a_o strict_a literal_a sense_n for_o they_o be_v only_o or_o most_o common_o do_v in_o appearance_n and_o many_o time_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o real_a performance_n as_o they_o be_v relate_v and_o describe_v but_o we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o enigmatical_a representation_n and_o to_o fix_v only_o a_o mystical_a sense_n upon_o they_o that_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o as_o significative_a of_o some_o great_a and_o high_a thing_n than_o they_o represent_v in_o themselves_o which_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n why_o among_o the_o jew_n those_o that_o have_v not_o arrive_v to_o some_o considerable_a age_n ezek._n be_v not_o allow_v to_o read_v the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o ezekiel_n in_o which_o part_n chief_o those_o more_o mystical_a vision_n be_v insert_v i_o may_v pass_v to_o the_o other_o prophet_n and_o mention_v some_o place_n in_o which_o we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v a_o secondary_a mean_v as_o in_o that_o of_o daniel_n chap._n 9_o 27._o for_o the_o overspread_n of_o abomination_n or_o with_o the_o wing_n or_o 8._o army_n of_o abomination_n he_o shall_v make_v it_o desolate_a which_o be_v mean_v without_o doubt_n of_o antiochus_n desolate_v army_n which_o be_v so_o abominable_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o who_o as_o we_o read_v 54._o set_v up_o the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n upon_o the_o altar_n but_o yet_o our_o saviour_n himself_o the_o best_a expositor_n of_o the_o place_n le_fw-fr we_o we_o know_v that_o this_o be_v mean_v also_o in_o a_o prophetical_a and_o secondary_a way_n of_o the_o roman_a army_n that_o sit_v down_o before_o jerusalem_n and_o after_o a_o long_a siege_n make_v their_o way_n into_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o so_o may_v be_v say_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n 15._o when_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n say_v he_o speak_v of_o by_o daniel_n the_o prophet_n stand_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n then_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v manifest_a therefore_o that_o daniel_n speak_v of_o both_o these_o destroy_a army_n his_o word_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o twofold_a sense_n a_o primary_n and_o secondary_a one_o in_o the_o former_a they_o speak_v of_o what_o happen_v to_o the_o jew_n when_o antiochus_n army_n invade_v they_o in_o the_o latter_a they_o speak_v of_o what_o befall_v they_o when_o titus_n vespasian_n come_v against_o they_o and_o destroy_v their_o city_n and_o nation_n this_o be_v the_o double_a sense_n and_o therefore_o you_o may_v observe_v what_o our_o saviour_n insert_v whoso_o read_v let_v he_o understand_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v when_o you_o read_v that_o passage_n in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n you_o be_v to_o understand_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o it_o you_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o hide_a sense_n in_o those_o word_n they_o speak_v not_o only_o of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o antiochus_n but_o in_o vespasian_n reign_n which_o be_v about_o 250_o year_n after_o the_o abominable_a desolate_v army_n of_o both_o be_v here_o mean_v you_o see_v then_o here_o be_v a_o double_a literal_a sense_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o i_o choose_v rather_o the_o division_n of_o the_o scripture-sense_n into_o primary_n and_o secondary_a and_o of_o this_o latter_a into_o historical_a and_o mystical_a than_o that_o receive_v one_o of_o literal_a and_o mystical_a because_o both_o the_o sense_n sometime_o may_v be_v literal_a this_o aught_o to_o be_v careful_o observe_v by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v desirous_a to_o attain_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o attend_v to_o this_o that_o have_v often_o hinder_v man_n due_a apprehension_n of_o several_a text_n we_o see_v here_o in_o the_o instance_n before_o we_o that_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o text_n in_o daniel_n may_v be_v apply_v both_o to_o the_o syrian_a and_o the_o roman_a army_n i_o may_v produce_v those_o word_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o hosea_n out_o of_o egypt_n have_v i_o call_v my_o son_n ch_z 11._o 1._o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o of_o the_o patriarch_n of_o old_a god_n child_n or_o son_n be_v bring_v by_o god_n out_o of_o egypt_n but_o of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n call_v out_o thence_o after_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n matth._n 2._o 15._o this_o place_n of_o hosea_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o both_o hither_o may_v be_v refer_v some_o other_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o new_a where_o it_o be_v say_v this_o be_v do_v that_o it_o may_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v
church_n hand_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n shall_v by_o she_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o her_o child_n to_o the_o world_n end_n which_o way_n of_o transmission_n be_v the_o great_a prop_n of_o our_o religion_n beside_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o 15._o thessalonian_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o by_o word_n or_o his_o epistle_n for_o he_o have_v use_v two_o way_n of_o deliver_v the_o truth_n to_o they_o namely_o preach_v and_o write_v and_o other_o apostle_n commit_v the_o chief_a and_o necessary_a head_n of_o their_o doctrine_n to_o write_v so_o that_o the_o tradition_n mean_v here_o be_v the_o reveal_v truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o christ_n deliver_v to_o they_o according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n cor._n i_o deliver_v to_o you_o that_o which_o also_o i_o receive_v whence_o they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o tradition_n i._n e._n they_o be_v evangelical_n doctrine_n deliver_v to_o we_o from_o those_o that_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o christ._n and_o whether_o they_o be_v impart_v by_o word_n or_o by_o epistle_n by_o preach_v or_o write_v they_o be_v the_o same_o the_o same_z as_o to_o substance_n the_o otherwise_o there_o may_v be_v some_o difference_n but_o that_o which_o we_o condemn_v and_o that_o most_o just_o the_o papist_n for_o be_v this_o that_o they_o magnify_v and_o rely_v upon_o tradition_n which_o have_v no_o affinity_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n yea_o which_o contradict_v it_o in_o many_o thing_n and_o yet_o they_o equalise_v these_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o sometime_o prefer_v they_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n before_o that_o of_o the_o sacred_a write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n thus_o one_o say_v caranza_n the_o church_n sometime_o do_v thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n sometime_o beside_o they_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v the_o church_n though_o she_o act_v counter_a to_o the_o formal_a decision_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o 1._o other_o famous_a doctor_n give_v it_o for_o good_a divinity_n that_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n of_o a_o council_n be_v bind_v though_o they_o be_v not_o confirm_v by_o any_o probable_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n nay_o though_o they_o be_v beyond_o and_o above_o the_o determination_n of_o scripture_n thus_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v most_o impious_o disparage_v and_o vilisy_v by_o the_o pontifician_n whereas_o there_o be_v nothing_o defective_a or_o redundant_fw-la nothing_o want_v or_o superfluous_a in_o these_o write_n they_o assert_v in_o the_o open_a face_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v short_a and_o imperfect_a and_o therefore_o have_v need_n of_o be_v supply_v by_o tradition_n which_o in_o some_o thing_n be_v of_o great_a value_n and_o authority_n than_o they_o again_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n oppugn_v or_o rather_o deny_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v evince_v from_o their_o constant_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v translate_v they_o but_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n of_o do_v it_o the_o protestant_n have_v turn_v they_o into_o so_o many_o tongue_n by_o this_o mean_n they_o be_v compel_v as_o it_o werâ—_n to_o let_v some_o of_o their_o people_n see_v what_o the_o bible_n be_v in_o their_o own_o language_n but_o 2._o it_o be_v so_o corrupt_o translate_v that_o it_o be_v make_v to_o patronize_v several_a of_o their_o superstitious_a folly_n and_o error_n and_o yet_o 3._o they_o dare_v not_o commit_v these_o translation_n to_o common_a view_n although_o in_o all_o country_n where_o people_n be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n in_o elder_a time_n the_o scripture_n be_v turn_v into_o their_o language_n and_o every_o one_o be_v permit_v yea_o exhort_v to_o read_v it_o as_o be_v prove_v by_o many_o writer_n 47._o the_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n particular_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n deny_v the_o common_a people_n the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a the_o bible_n as_o some_o bad_a book_n be_v tolerate_v to_o be_v read_v with_o great_a caution_n and_o restriction_n in_o some_o country_n only_o and_o by_o some_o person_n it_o be_v like_o the_o sibyl_n prophecy_n of_o old_a among_o the_o roman_n not_o to_o be_v look_v into_o without_o the_o permission_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o senate_n none_o can_v read_v it_o without_o a_o licence_n from_o their_o superior_n so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n be_v the_o bible_n from_o this_o practice_n the_o people_n general_o imbibe_n a_o strong_a prejudice_n against_o the_o scripture_n and_o believe_v they_o can_v be_v good_a for_o they_o because_o the_o pope_n and_o their_o pastor_n tell_v they_o they_o be_v not_o wherefore_o as_o he_o one_o who_o be_v once_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o â—ome_o have_v well_o observe_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o any_o man_n embrace_v popery_n he_o present_o throw_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n as_o altogether_o useless_a to_o say_v no_o worse_o which_o unreasonable_a and_o wicked_a behaviour_n of_o they_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n or_o motive_n as_o he_o profess_v of_o his_o return_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n again_o for_o what_o considerate_a man_n can_v think_v that_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o teach_v its_o member_n to_o slight_a and_o reject_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o divine_a truth_n and_o without_o which_o we_o can_v neither_o believe_v nor_o practice_v aright_o we_o can_v neither_o have_v comfort_n here_o nor_o arrive_v to_o happiness_n hereafter_o this_o indeed_o be_v not_o only_o to_o null_n â—â—e_v perfection_n of_o scripture_n but_o to_o abolish_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n itself_o a_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v opposer_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n be_v enthusiast_n and_o such_o who_o act_n out_o of_o a_o true_o fanatic_a principle_n such_o be_v the_o familist_n heretofore_o who_o pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n be_v so_o high_a that_o they_o exclude_v and_o renounce_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n which_o according_a to_o their_o style_n paradox_n be_v a_o dark_a lantern_n a_o liveless_a carcase_n a_o book_n shut_v up_o and_o seal_v with_o seven_o seal_n the_o scabbard_n not_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sword_n it_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o antichrist_n wherewith_o he_o kill_v christ._n this_o be_v the_o impious_a jargon_n of_o these_o high-flown_a man_n who_o make_v no_o other_o use_n of_o the_o bible_n than_o to_o allegorise_v it_o and_o to_o turn_v it_o all_o into_o mystery_n these_o have_v be_v follow_v by_o other_o of_o a_o like_a fanatic_a spirit_n who_o have_v make_v it_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o despise_v and_o reproach_v the_o sacred_a writ_n a_o thâ—ologico-pollâ—icus_a late_a enthusiast_n or_o rather_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v such_o but_o design_n the_o overthrow_n of_o all_o religion_n tell_v the_o world_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v found_v in_o imagination_n that_o god_n revelation_n in_o scripture_n be_v ever_o according_a to_o the_o fancy_n of_o the_o prophet_n or_o other_o person_n he_o speak_v to_o and_o that_o all_o the_o phrase_n and_o speech_n all_o the_o discovery_n and_o manifestation_n yea_o all_o the_o historical_a passage_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v adapt_v to_o these_o the_o quaker_n come_v next_o and_o refuse_v to_o own_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfect_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o direct_v our_o life_n it_o be_v a_o great_a error_n and_o falsity_n say_v râ—â—â—lation_n one_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a person_n of_o that_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o fill_v up_o canon_n and_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o no_o more_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v write_v or_o give_v forth_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o who_o agree_v 60._o another_o of_o as_o great_a repute_n among_o that_o tribe_n i_o see_v no_o necessity_n say_v he_o of_o believe_v that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v fill_v up_o and_o again_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o principal_a ground_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o knowledge_n nor_o yet_o the_o adequate_a primary_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n but_o they_o be_v only_o a_o secondary_a rule_n subordinate_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o according_o he_o add_v that_o the_o inward_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n which_o man_n
his_o numerous_a host_n the_o marvellous_a secure_n and_o protect_v of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o arabian_a desert_n the_o strange_a miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o sustain_n and_o preserve_v of_o they_o the_o promulge_v of_o the_o law_n to_o they_o on_o mount_n sinai_n which_o consist_v of_o moral_a precept_n civil_a or_o judicial_a constitution_n and_o ceremonial_a rite_n for_o the_o celebrate_n and_o perform_v of_o which_o latter_a a_o tabernacle_n be_v erect_v as_o rich_a and_o stately_a as_o their_o present_a condition_n will_v permit_v by_o the_o particular_a appointment_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n brief_o this_o book_n represent_v the_o church_n of_o god_n afflict_a and_o preserve_v it_o show_v that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o great_a strait_o and_o calamity_n and_o that_o even_o than_o he_o guard_v it_o by_o his_o providence_n and_o in_o good_a time_n deliver_v it_o but_o as_o before_o when_o i_o mention_v the_o general_n content_v of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n i_o particular_o insist_v on_o the_o creation_n so_o now_o have_v give_v a_o brief_a scheme_n of_o this_o second_o book_n i_o will_v stay_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o a_o particular_a subject_n of_o it_o which_o be_v very_o considerable_a and_o remarkable_a viz._n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o compend_v one_o call_v it_o the_o tenfold_o plague_v wherewith_o god_n testify_v his_o wrath_n and_o anger_n against_o the_o egyptian_n ten_o time_n the_o israelite_n be_v detain_v by_o pharaoh_n and_o so_o many_o time_n god_n inflict_v remarkable_a judgement_n on_o he_o and_o his_o people_n the_o first_o be_v a_o severe_a infliction_n on_o their_o water_n that_o element_n which_o be_v so_o useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o man._n the_o divine_a displeasure_n begin_v to_o exert_v itself_o here_o by_o turn_v all_o their_o river_n pond_n pool_n and_o stream_n into_o blood_n the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v these_o as_o you_o find_v they_o enumerate_v exod_a 7._o 21._o first_o they_o have_v no_o water_n to_o drink_v and_o quench_v their_o thirst_n with_o second_o their_o fish_n their_o great_a and_o almost_o only_a food_n die_v and_o three_o the_o rivers_z stanke_z by_o reason_n of_o the_o putrify_a water_n and_o dead_a fish_n so_o direful_a be_v this_o plague_n on_o their_o water_n which_o they_o honour_v above_o all_o other_o element_n as_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o world_n and_o especial_o their_o river_n nile_n be_v glory_v in_o and_o worship_v as_o a_o god_n this_o the_o learned_a and_o religious_a mosis_fw-la philo_n give_v as_o the_o reason_n of_o inflict_v this_o punishment_n god_n send_v a_o curse_n on_o that_o which_o they_o most_o prize_v and_o value_v that_o which_o they_o excessive_o admire_v prove_v a_o plague_n to_o they_o god_n punish_v they_o in_o that_o which_o be_v most_o regard_v by_o they_o and_o be_v indeed_o most_o serviceable_a to_o they_o again_o this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o murder_a infant_n who_o have_v be_v drown_v by_o one_o of_o the_o pharaoh_n command_n be_v here_o represent_v by_o these_o bloody_a water_n here_o the_o merciless_a tyrant_n may_v see_v the_o just_a retaliation_n of_o that_o crime_n the_o river_n be_v change_v into_o this_o colour_n accuse_v the_o egyptian_n of_o the_o inhuman_a slaughter_n of_o the_o innocent_a babe_n and_o let_v they_o know_v that_o their_o plague_n deserve_o begin_v with_o these_o first_o of_o all_o yea_o here_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o horrible_a omen_n these_o red_a river_n be_v a_o unhappy_a but_o just_a presage_v of_o the_o fate_n which_o they_o shall_v afterward_o undergo_v in_o the_o sea_n of_o that_o denomination_n if_o any_o object_n here_o how_o can_v the_o magician_n turn_v the_o water_n into_o blood_n v._n 22._o after_o moses_n and_o aaâ—on_n have_v do_v so_o before_o they_o i_o answer_v the_o universal_a term_n use_v in_o this_o relation_n be_v to_o be_v restrain_v and_o understand_v with_o some_o exception_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a in_o scripture_n i._n e._n when_o it_o be_v say_v all_o the_o river_n and_o other_o water_n be_v stain_v with_o blood_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o very_o few_o place_n be_v free_a from_o this_o infection_n the_o magician_n than_o may_v repeat_v this_o plague_n in_o goshen_n and_o some_o certain_a part_n of_o egypt_n where_o it_o have_v not_o take_v effect_n before_o when_o this_o first_o plague_n be_v remove_v god_n send_v a_o second_o viz._n frog_n which_o in_o part_n torment_v the_o egyptian_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o the_o former_a do_v for_o they_o be_v of_o a_o extraordinary_a nature_n and_o so_o we_o must_v suppose_v all_o the_o other_o creature_n hereafter_o name_v to_o be_v and_o infect_v the_o water_n which_o be_v late_o heal_v and_o recover_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o drink_n of_o they_o or_o make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o any_o other_o purpose_n but_o whereas_o the_o former_a plague_n be_v only_o on_o this_o element_n this_o present_a one_o be_v every_o where_o no_o place_n be_v exempt_v from_o this_o croak_a vermin_n they_o overspread_v their_o field_n they_o creep_v into_o their_o house_n they_o lodge_v themselves_o in_o their_o bed_n all_o place_n be_v fill_v with_o they_o all_o meat_n and_o drink_v breed_v they_o certain_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a affright_v as_o well_o as_o a_o noisome_a punishment_n whilst_o these_o animal_n be_v move_v and_o live_v and_o they_o be_v no_o less_o so_o â—fterwards_o when_o they_o lie_v dead_a and_o putrify_v all_o â—ver_n the_o land_n when_o this_o plague_n be_v take_v away_o a_o three_o succeed_v in_o its_o room_n a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o louse_n which_o miserable_o infest_a both_o man_n and_o beast_n what_o these_o kinnim_n be_v we_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v we_o have_v no_o such_o creature_n perhaps_o in_o these_o country_n but_o this_o we_o know_v that_o these_o loathsome_a infect_v be_v such_o a_o peculiar_a sort_n of_o creature_n that_o the_o egyptian_a sorcerer_n have_v not_o power_n to_o produce_v the_o like_a and_o therefore_o they_o signal_o call_v they_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n 8._o 19_o this_o also_o we_o know_v that_o this_o crawl_v vermin_n be_v excessive_o troublesome_a painful_a and_o torment_a and_o last_o from_o this_o kind_n of_o punishment_n we_o know_v this_o be_v to_o be_v infer_v that_o god_n whensoever_o he_o please_v can_v give_v commission_n even_o to_o the_o least_o the_o vile_a and_o most_o despicable_a animal_n to_o execute_v his_o wrath_n on_o offender_n as_o appear_v also_o by_o the_o four_o plague_n viz._n swarm_n of_o fly_n with_o which_o he_o further_o vex_v the_o egyptian_n beelzebub_n be_v let_v loose_a among_o they_o and_o his_o buzz_v crew_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v at_o ease_n the_o hebrew_n word_n gnarob_n be_v render_v by_o greek_a interpreter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o dog-f_o but_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o true_a genuine_a word_n in_o the_o first_o traslation_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whence_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a render_v it_o omne_fw-la genus_fw-la muscarum_fw-la a_o swarm_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o fly_n so_o according_a to_o aquila_n version_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 5._o josephus_n stretch_v the_o word_n further_o and_o interpret_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wild_a beast_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o shape_v such_o as_o no_o man_n ever_o see_v before_o as_o he_o add_v yea_o r._n solomon_n and_o some_o other_o jewish_a expositor_n think_v that_o all_o kind_n of_o wild_a beast_n especial_o serpent_n and_o scorpion_n and_o such_o venomous_a creature_n be_v mean_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n understand_v the_o word_n thus_o as_o appear_v from_o what_o he_o say_v ch._n 11._o v._n 15_o 16._o for_o the_o foolish_a device_n of_o their_o wickedness_n wherewith_o be_v deceive_v they_o worship_v serpent_n and_o vile_a beast_n god_n send_v a_o multitude_n of_o beast_n upon_o they_o for_o vengeance_n that_o they_o may_v know_v that_o wherewithal_o a_o man_n sin_v by_o the_o same_o also_o shall_v he_o be_v punish_v but_o the_o exact_a enquirer_n into_o the_o original_a word_n conclude_v that_o it_o signify_v a_o gather_a mixture_n of_o several_a sort_n of_o infect_v or_o little_a fly_a animal_n such_o as_o beetle_n hornet_n bee_n wasp_n gnat_n and_o more_o especial_o â—lies_v perhaps_o grotius_n be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o gnaroâ—_n be_v not_o of_o hebrew_n extraction_n but_o be_v a_o egyptian_a word_n as_o be_v that_o whereby_o the_o frog_n be_v name_v and_o signify_v peculiarly_a with_o they_o a_o heap_n or_o swarm_n of_o fly_n the_o vast_a number_n of_o these_o be_v sufficient_o troublesome_a but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o these_o multitude_n of_o infect_v
i_o find_v it_o be_v yea_o flat_o deny_v by_o aben_n ezra_n and_o pererius_n and_o late_o by_o hobbs_n and_o spinosa_n a_o very_a little_a portion_n of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o say_v monsieur_n simon_n who_o have_v a_o new_a notion_n of_o certain_a public_a scribe_n or_o register_n that_o pen_v this_o and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o sort_n of_o abbreviate_a notary_n he_o borrow_v from_o the_o egyptian_n as_o he_o confess_v himself_o because_o there_o be_v such_o officer_n in_o the_o egyptian_a court_n who_o have_v a_o privilege_n to_o add_v to_o or_o take_v away_o from_o to_o amplify_v or_o abridge_v the_o public_a record_n he_o thence_o groundless_o infer_v there_o be_v such_o among_o the_o jew_n who_o make_v what_o alteration_n they_o please_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n which_o paradox_n of_o his_o i_o have_v consider_v and_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o in_o a_o former_a treatise_n this_o i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v who_o be_v the_o particular_a penman_n of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o but_o on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o indict_v they_o they_o be_v the_o book_n of_o god_n that_o be_v their_o peculiar_a character_n and_o dignity_n and_o that_o alone_o make_v they_o authentic_a after_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o our_o certain_a know_v who_o pen_v they_o yet_o this_o must_v be_v say_v that_o it_o can_v with_o reason_n be_v deny_v that_o the_o author_n of_o some_o of_o these_o sacred_a book_n be_v well_o know_v and_o particular_o there_o be_v very_a convince_a proof_n that_o moses_n write_v the_o book_n which_o i_o have_v be_v give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o may_v be_v evince_v from_o our_o saviour_n word_n luke_n 16._o 31._o &_o 24._o 27._o where_o by_o moses_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a he_o mean_v the_o book_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o consequent_o thereby_o let_v we_o know_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o writer_n of_o they_o and_o more_o express_o the_o book_n of_o exodus_fw-la be_v call_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n by_o our_o same_o infallible_a master_n mark_v 12._o 26._o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o these_o book_n be_v read_v moses_n be_v read_v 2_o cor._n 3._o 19_o and_o both_o our_o saviour_n and_o this_o apostle_n distinguish_v between_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n luke_n 16._o 29._o act_n 26._o 22._o plain_o signify_v that_o as_o those_o book_n which_o pass_v under_o the_o prophet_n name_n be_v they_o so_o these_o that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v moses_n be_v write_v by_o he_o i_o think_v this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o need_v not_o to_o be_v further_o insist_v on_o as_o to_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o man_n before_o name_v against_o this_o i_o forbear_v to_o produce_v they_o and_o to_o return_v particular_a answer_n to_o they_o because_o this_o be_v so_o late_o do_v by_o pentateuchi_fw-la mounseur_fw-fr clerk_n and_o because_o another_o religion_n learned_a frenchman_n have_v laudable_o perform_v this_o task_n especial_o he_o have_v with_o great_a vigour_n and_o as_o great_a success_n attack_v spinosa_n a_o jew_n as_o they_o tell_v we_o by_o birth_n but_o neither_o jew_n nor_o christian_a by_o profession_n but_o a_o derider_n of_o both_o we_o may_v also_o find_v his_o argument_n which_o be_v general_o borrow_a from_o aben_n ezra_n refute_v with_o great_a clearness_n by_o the_o bible_n learned_a professor_n of_o divinity_n at_o paris_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n betake_v himself_o to_o the_o positive_a part_n and_o render_v it_o unquestionable_a that_o moses_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o five_o book_n that_o go_v under_o his_o name_n wherefore_o the_o particular_a fancy_n of_o those_o few_o objector_n and_o those_o no_o friend_n to_o the_o sacred_a text_n be_v not_o to_o be_v heed_v by_o we_o as_o to_o that_o common_a scruple_n which_o be_v so_o much_o insist_v upon_o that_o in_o the_o last_o book_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n there_o be_v mention_n of_o moses_n death_n and_o some_o thing_n that_o happen_v after_o it_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o moses_n write_v not_o those_o book_n or_o at_o least_o not_o the_o last_o of_o they_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n that_o moses_n be_v a_o prophet_n may_v foresee_v and_o have_v reveal_v to_o he_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o his_o own_o death_n and_o so_o he_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n wherefore_o none_o can_v from_o thence_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o penman_n of_o all_o this_o book_n however_o we_o will_v not_o contend_v here_o for_o perhaps_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o book_n be_v affix_v by_o joshua_n or_o afterward_o by_o ezra_n who_o be_v a_o inspire_a person_n likewise_o and_o who_o revise_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o insert_v some_o thing_n into_o they_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indict_v the_o rest_n notwithstanding_o then_o the_o foresay_a objection_n which_o refer_v only_o to_o a_o few_o passage_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n of_o deuteronomy_n wâ—_n have_v reason_n to_o assert_v that_o the_o whole_a five_o book_n except_v that_o little_a addition_n in_o the_o close_a be_v write_v by_o moses_n these_o be_v his_o authentic_a record_n consist_v chief_o of_o history_n which_o comprise_v in_o it_o the_o occurrence_n of_o about_o 2400_o year_n and_o law_n which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o his_o own_o people_n and_o will_v be_v of_o use_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n here_o be_v the_o cabinet_n of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n under_o heaven_n here_o be_v the_o first_o and_o old_a monument_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n viii_o a_o short_a survey_n of_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n which_o be_v a_o supplement_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o judge_n samuel_n the_o king_n chronicle_n ezra_n which_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o chronicle_n nehemiah_n esther_n the_o author_n stile_n composure_n matter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n discuss_v a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o penman_n subject_n kind_n title_n poetic_a meter_n and_o rhythm_n of_o the_o psalm_n next_o unto_o this_o be_v that_o excellent_a history_n write_v by_o joshua_n the_o captain_n general_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o moses_n famous_a successor_n who_o very_a name_n without_o doubt_n be_v as_o terrible_a to_o the_o canaanite_n as_o those_o of_o hunniades_n and_o scanderbag_n be_v afterward_o to_o the_o turk_n here_o he_o admirable_o describe_v the_o holy_a war_n the_o martial_a achievement_n and_o stratagem_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n against_o those_o nation_n who_o land_n they_o be_v to_o possess_v and_o at_o length_n their_o victory_n over_o they_o here_o be_v very_o particular_o set_v down_o their_o conquest_n over_o those_o king_n and_o country_n this_o book_n be_v the_o fulfil_v of_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o they_o concern_v the_o enter_v into_o canaan_n and_o enjoy_v that_o land_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n the_o everlasting_a rest_n which_o remain_v to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n heb._n 4._o 9_o here_o be_v the_o actual_a possession_n of_o that_o promise_a inheritance_n and_o the_o division_n of_o it_o among_o the_o several_a tribe_n by_o lot_n the_o short_a be_v in_o the_o whole_a book_n which_o i_o must_v not_o now_o give_v you_o by_o retail_n there_o be_v abundant_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n repeat_v instance_n of_o the_o infinite_a kindness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o servant_n remarkable_a example_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n on_o his_o enemy_n yea_o and_o visible_a proof_n of_o his_o severe_a deal_n with_o his_o own_o people_n when_o they_o refuse_v to_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o when_o they_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o here_o be_v in_o the_o large_a account_n which_o be_v give_v of_o joshua_n and_o his_o action_n a_o exact_a character_n of_o a_o worthy_a prince_n a_o ruler_n a_o general_n who_o ought_v to_o signalise_v himself_o by_o his_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o zeal_n for_o religion_n by_o his_o constant_a sobriety_n justice_n and_o charity_n by_o his_o undaunted_a courage_n valour_n and_o prowess_n by_o his_o deep_a wisdom_n policy_n and_o conduct_n and_o his_o great_a and_o wonderful_a success_n which_o 6._o be_v so_o much_o require_v in_o a_o general_n crown_v all_o the_o whole_a contain_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o moses_n death_n till_o the_o death_n of_o their_o great_a commander_n joshua_n in_o all_o about_o eighteen_o year_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o the_o age_n death_n and_o burial_n of_o this_o latter_a be_v
record_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n for_o either_o as_o we_o say_v before_o concern_v moses_n they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o through_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n that_o foresee_v these_o thing_n or_o else_o they_o be_v add_v by_o some_o other_o inspire_a writer_n so_o perhaps_o be_v those_o word_n unto_o this_o day_n ch_n 4._o v._n 9_o &_o ch_n 5._o v._n 9_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a at_o all_o to_o believe_v so_o for_o joshua_n relate_v some_o passage_n that_o happen_v a_o good_a while_n before_o he_o write_v this_o book_n which_o be_v a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n may_v speak_v after_o this_o manner_n very_o well_o and_o some_o few_o other_o word_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v insert_v after_o ioshua_n death_n but_o that_o the_o main_n be_v write_v by_o himself_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o question_v the_o history_n of_o the_o judge_n follow_v which_o relate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a people_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n from_o ioshua_n death_n until_o eli_n that_o be_v about_o three_o hundred_o year_n these_o judge_n be_v man_n of_o heroic_a spirit_n raise_v up_o by_o god_n out_o of_o the_o several_a tribe_n to_o govern_v the_o people_n and_o to_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o present_a danger_n they_o be_v supreme_a ruler_n but_o temporary_a and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v type_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o deliverer_n in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o peculiar_a polity_n of_o the_o israelite_n there_o be_v very_o notable_a occurrence_n which_o be_v faithful_o record_v in_o this_o book_n here_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o gross_a impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o that_o new_a generation_n which_o come_v up_o after_o ioshua_n death_n here_o be_v record_v to_o their_o perpetual_a infamy_n their_o intimate_v converse_n with_o those_o idolatrous_a people_n that_o be_v leave_v remain_v in_o that_o land_n their_o approve_v of_o their_o superstitious_a and_o irreligious_a custom_n and_o their_o serve_v their_o go_n here_o be_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o manner_n of_o their_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a practice_n which_o occasion_v the_o very_a heathen_n to_o open_v their_o mouth_n against_o they_o yea_o to_o blaspheme_n god_n who_o name_n they_o be_v call_v by_o here_o also_o we_o have_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o heaven_n towards_o this_o people_n sometime_o relieve_v and_o deliver_v they_o at_o other_o tâ—mes_v most_o severe_o chastise_v they_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o groan_v under_o tyrant_n and_o oppressor_n here_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o history_n most_o admirable_a example_n of_o god_n displeasure_n against_o apostate_n and_o such_o as_o revolt_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o here_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_a as_o memorable_a instance_n of_o his_o reward_v those_o that_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o his_o cause_n and_o hold_v fast_o their_o integrity_n in_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o perilous_a time_n here_o be_v most_o ample_o display_v his_o love_n and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o stir_v up_o so_o many_o eminent_a worthy_n and_o champion_n to_o fight_v for_o she_o and_o to_o push_v they_o on_o by_o no_o less_o than_o a_o extraordinary_a impulse_n of_o spirit_n to_o enterprise_n and_o effect_v such_o mighty_a thing_n for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o choose_a servant_n to_o conclude_v here_o and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n occur_v such_o a_o plenty_n of_o ancient_a rite_n custom_n and_o practice_n relate_v both_o to_o peace_n and_o war_n to_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n as_o be_v able_a to_o stock_n a_o antiquary_n of_o the_o first_o size_n we_o be_v not_o certain_a who_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n it_o be_v write_v by_o samuel_n say_v the_o talmudist_n and_o it_o may_v be_v after_o one_o of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o some_o thing_n be_v here_o mention_v or_o refer_v to_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o there_o other_o say_v it_o be_v not_o compose_v till_o ezrâ—'s_n time_n by_o ezra_n the_o book_n of_o ruth_n be_v a_o appendix_n to_o that_o of_o the_o judge_n in_o who_o time_n the_o thing_n be_v do_v that_o be_v here_o relate_v particular_o a_o little_a before_o eli_n time_n they_o happen_v than_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o famine_n in_o canaan_n elimelech_n and_o his_o wife_n naomi_n and_o their_o son_n go_v into_o the_o land_n of_o moab_n and_o there_o these_o latter_a be_v marry_v one_o to_o ruth_n and_o the_o other_o to_o orphah_n after_o ten_o year_n be_v expire_v elimelech_n and_o his_o son_n die_v whereupon_o naomi_n and_o her_o daughter-in-law_n ruth_n for_o the_o other_o daughter_n stay_v behind_o return_v to_o their_o own_o country_n and_o come_v to_o bethlehem_n be_v kind_o receive_v by_o boaz_n their_o kinsman_n the_o particular_n of_o this_o kind_a reception_n and_o entertainment_n be_v set_v down_o here_o and_o the_o close_a be_v that_o he_o marry_v ruth_n who_o bear_v to_o he_o obed_n who_o be_v the_o grandfather_n of_o david_n it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v but_o a_o private_a history_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v such_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o many_o thing_n worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n viz._n the_o difference_n of_o child_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o regard_v to_o their_o parent_n orphah_n with_o great_a ease_n and_o willingness_n leave_v naomi_n but_o ruth_n cleave_v unto_o she_o the_o prudent_a instruction_n and_o wise_a demeanour_n of_o that_o excellent_a matron_n towards_o her_o daughter_n the_o young_a widow_n though_o i_o must_v needs_o add_v with_o reference_n to_o ruth_n behaviour_n that_o her_o boldness_n and_o almost_o endanger_v of_o her_o chastity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v example_n to_o other_o for_o modesty_n and_o shamefacedness_n be_v the_o proper_a quality_n of_o that_o sex_n wedlock_n be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o by_o they_o with_o such_o peril_n and_o therefore_o this_o dare_a fact_n of_o this_o venturous_a widow_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a instance_n and_o not_o to_o be_v imitate_v by_o other_o female_n here_o be_v remarkable_a the_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o afflict_a the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a the_o reward_n of_o constancy_n and_o obedience_n the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o trust_n in_o he_o beside_o here_o be_v observable_a the_o ancient_n right_o of_o kinsman_n and_o of_o redemption_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o buy_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o decease_a with_o other_o thing_n of_o great_a antiquity_n nay_o this_o be_v more_o than_o private_a history_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o pious_a woman_n ruth_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o obed_n the_o father_n of_o jesse_n the_o father_n of_o david_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o you_o find_v she_o insert_v into_o his_o genealogy_n by_o st._n matthew_n again_o ruth_n a_o moabitish_a woman_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o lot_n be_v a_o type_n or_o rather_o indeed_o a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o private_a concern_v but_o of_o the_o large_a extent_n imaginable_a the_o two_o book_n of_o samuel_n be_v public_a history_n the_o former_a whereof_o contain_v thing_n do_v under_o the_o two_o last_o judge_n eli_n and_o samuel_n and_o under_o the_o first_o king_n who_o be_v saul_n as_o also_o the_o act_n of_o david_n while_o he_o live_v under_o saul_n here_o be_v a_o narrative_a of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o judge_n into_o king_n of_o the_o republic_n or_o aristocracy_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o a_o monarchy_n and_o of_o the_o great_a and_o many_o evil_n which_o they_o suffer_v as_o consequent_a upon_o it_o all_o worthy_a of_o our_o serious_a perusal_n and_o consideration_n here_o be_v a_o account_n of_o their_o new_a king_n be_v be_v depose_v by_o god_n viz._n for_o his_o rash_a and_o profane_a sacrifice_v and_o his_o wilful_a disobey_v the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o total_a destruction_n of_o the_o amalekite_n and_o whatever_o belong_v to_o they_o the_o latter_a book_n â—s_v whole_o spend_v in_o the_o history_n of_o king_n david_n reign_n that_o be_v his_o act_n after_o saul_n death_n these_o â—re_n either_o his_o military_a act_n his_o troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a and_o sometime_o successful_a erterprise_n in_o war_n or_o his_o political_a act_n show_v in_o the_o wise_a administration_n of_o civil_a government_n or_o his_o ecclesiastical_a and_o religious_a undertake_n which_o respect_v 〈◊〉_d church_n of_o god_n in_o those_o day_n with_o these_o be_v mix_v the_o great_a fail_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o that_o king_n which_o be_v as_o particular_o record_v as_o his_o other_o act_n and_o as_o
a_o consequent_a of_o they_o the_o many_o disappointment_n and_o cross_n he_o meet_v with_o the_o various_a judgement_n and_o plague_n which_o be_v inflict_v on_o he_o and_o his_o people_n by_o god_n the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n be_v the_o history_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n under_o the_o reign_v of_o their_o several_a king_n the_o first_o contain_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o life_n of_o david_n and_o his_o death_n the_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n of_o that_o nation_n under_o solomon_n who_o succeed_v he_o his_o erect_n and_o consecrate_v of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n his_o scandalous_a defection_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o sudden_a decay_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n after_o his_o death_n when_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o kingdom_n under_o rehoboam_n who_o reign_v over_o the_o two_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n and_o under_o jeroboam_fw-la who_o be_v king_n over_o the_o other_o ten_o tribe_n that_o revolt_v from_o the_o house_n of_o david_n the_o rest_n of_o it_o be_v spend_v in_o relate_v the_o act_n of_o four_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o eight_o of_o israel_n the_o second_o book_n which_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o king_n be_v a_o relation_n of_o the_o memorable_a act_n of_o sixteen_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o twelve_o of_o israel_n and_o the_o end_n of_o both_o kingdom_n by_o the_o carry_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n captive_a into_o assyria_n by_o salmanasser_n and_o the_o other_o two_o into_o babylon_n by_o nabuchadnezzar_n the_o just_a reward_n of_o that_o people_n idolatry_n and_o impenitency_n after_o so_o many_o favour_n show_v to_o they_o this_o and_o the_o former_a book_n together_o comprehend_v the_o history_n of_o about_o four_o hundred_o year_n the_o chronicle_n or_o journals_n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v the_o fill_v up_o of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o history_n which_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o though_o we_o know_v not_o which_o of_o these_o history_n viz._n of_o the_o king_n or_o the_o chronicle_n i_o speak_v as_o to_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o book_n not_o one_o particular_a passage_n as_o that_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o chronicle_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o cyrus_n which_o may_v be_v add_v afterward_o be_v write_v first_o for_o the_o book_n of_o king_n refer_v to_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n and_o this_o again_o send_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o yet_o this_o we_o see_v that_o this_o of_o the_o chronicle_n be_v more_o full_a and_o ample_a sometime_o than_o that_o of_o the_o king_n what_o be_v leave_v out_o or_o not_o so_o full_o set_v down_o in_o the_o one_o be_v supply_v in_o the_o other_o and_o thence_o these_o book_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n remain_n supplement_n addition_n by_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n the_o first_o book_n of_o chronicle_n relate_v the_o rise_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o entire_a subject_n of_o the_o first_o nine_o chapter_n which_o consist_v whole_o of_o genealogy_n and_o then_o afterward_o most_o punctual_o and_o accurate_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o david_n the_o second_o book_n as_o faithful_o set_v down_o the_o progress_n and_o end_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n even_o to_o the_o year_n of_o their_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n these_o book_n of_o chronicle_n together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o king_n and_o samuel_n make_v up_o the_o best_a and_o choice_a history_n in_o the_o world_n here_o we_o be_v abundant_o furnish_v with_o such_o useful_a notice_n truth_n and_o maxim_n as_o these_o all_o confirm_v by_o note_a and_o illustrious_a example_n and_o such_o instance_n as_o be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a crown_a head_n be_v encircle_v with_o care_n and_o seldom_o find_v rest_n and_o repose_v though_o their_o life_n be_v more_o splendid_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o less_o calamitous_a than_o those_o of_o the_o common_a people_n good_a king_n be_v rare_a and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bad._n the_o best_a king_n have_v their_o fault_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o a_o very_a scandalous_a nature_n there_o be_v little_a piety_n in_o prince_n court_n and_o as_o little_a integrity_n and_o honesty_n the_o people_n be_v easy_o induce_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o governor_n and_o religion_n and_o manner_n too_o often_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o superior_n good_a king_n be_v the_o great_a blessing_n and_o wicked_a one_o be_v the_o great_a curse_n to_o a_o nation_n prince_n mistake_v their_o measure_n when_o they_o either_o disobey_v god_n or_o oppress_v their_o people_n tyrannical_a prince_n procure_v their_o own_o ruin_n the_o sin_n and_o vice_n of_o ruler_n prove_v fatal_a to_o their_o subject_n public_a enormity_n be_v punish_v with_o public_a and_o national_a calamity_n king_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o minister_n they_o choose_v and_o make_v use_n of_o those_o counsel_n that_o be_v found_v in_o religion_n be_v most_o successful_a evil_a counselor_n contrive_v their_o own_o destruction_n war_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o fight_v against_o god_n the_o success_n of_o arm_n depend_v upon_o the_o divine_a blessing_n the_o church_n be_v never_o more_o shock_a then_o under_o bad_a prince_n religion_n and_o reformation_n be_v never_o effectual_o promote_v unless_o the_o great_a one_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o they_o division_n and_o rent_n about_o religion_n have_v immediate_a influence_n on_o secular_a affair_n and_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v the_o state_n be_v so_o too_o the_o revolution_n in_o both_o be_v by_o the_o particular_a disposal_n of_o the_o wise_a over-ruler_n of_o the_o world_n true_a religion_n and_o godliness_n be_v attend_v with_o earthly_a reward_n and_o blessing_n and_o the_o contrary_n bring_v down_o the_o great_a plague_n even_o in_o this_o world_n the_o worst_a time_n afford_v some_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o holy_a religious_a and_o zealous_a men._n whatever_o change_n and_o revolution_n happen_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o church_n of_o god_n remain_v secure_a though_o there_o be_v great_a and_o frequent_a defection_n yet_o there_o never_o be_v a_o total_a extinction_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n the_o church_n be_v impregnable_a this_o rock_n be_v immovable_a and_o many_o other_o proposition_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v of_o great_a service_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o these_o excellent_a history_n ezra_n be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n of_o chronicle_n and_o comprise_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o time_n that_o cyrus_n make_v the_o edict_n for_o their_o return_n until_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n longimanus_fw-la which_o be_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n for_o the_o jew_n return_v from_o babylon_n be_v at_o two_o several_a time_n viz._n first_o in_o the_o day_n of_o cyrus_n the_o first_o perâ—â—an_n monarch_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o zerubbabel_n their_o captain_n and_o jeshua_n their_o high_a priest_n here_o be_v record_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o return_v cyrus_n proclamation_n for_o the_o rebuild_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o lay_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o the_o retard_v of_o the_o work_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o two_o of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n at_o last_o the_o finish_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o darius_n reign_n the_o second_o return_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o artaxerxes_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o ezra_n a_o priest_n who_o have_v be_v a_o courtier_n in_o the_o persian_a court_n and_o be_v send_v into_o judea_n by_o artaxerxes_n in_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n which_o be_v above_o eighty_o year_n after_o the_o first_o return_n in_o cyrus_n time_n to_o expedite_v the_o building_n of_o jerusalem_n this_o pious_a reformer_n observe_v the_o people_n 〈◊〉_d with_o stranger_n and_o infidel_n and_o their_o join_a themselves_o to_o they_o in_o marriage_n proclaim_v a_o solemn_a fast_o and_o pray_v and_o mourn_v and_o lament_v their_o gross_a miscarriage_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n and_o zeal_n exhort_v they_o to_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o way_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o avert_v god_n wrath_n and_o conciliate_v his_o favour_n and_o pardon_n this_o be_v that_o ezra_n who_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n and_o who_o be_v also_o a_o restorer_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o collect_v and_o methodise_v they_o into_o certain_a order_n and_o review_v the_o copy_n and_o amend_v all_o errata_n that_o be_v contract_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n nehemiah_n who_o
write_v the_o book_n which_o bear_v his_o name_n be_v a_o jew_n cupbearer_n to_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n and_o return_v into_o judea_n thirteen_o year_n after_o ezra_n there_o be_v another_o nehemiah_n who_o come_v with_o those_o that_o return_v at_o first_o from_o babylon_n ezra_n 2._o 2._o but_o he_o who_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o come_v afterward_o by_o artaxerxes_n leave_n in_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o go_v back_o to_o persia_n again_o twelve_o year_n after_o neh._n 5._o 14._o this_o writer_n begin_v where_o ezra_n leave_v of_o and_o continue_v the_o history_n of_o the_o building_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o deportment_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o time_n from_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o darius_n about_o fifty_o year_n in_o all_o as_o ezra_n chief_o relate_v the_o restore_a of_o religion_n and_o erect_v the_o temple_n so_o this_o author_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o building_n of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v restore_v in_o several_a particular_n he_o show_v what_o be_v the_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o people_n and_o how_o they_o be_v redress_v even_o by_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o tell_v we_o what_o method_n he_o take_v of_o regulate_v both_o their_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a affair_n in_o short_a of_o reform_v both_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v even_o then_o so_o early_o corrupt_v from_o the_o whole_a both_o here_o and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n we_o be_v teach_v many_o useful_a lesson_n but_o this_o above_o all_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v power_n to_o extinguish_v this_o little_a flock_n israel_n be_v not_o always_o a_o captive_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n babylon_n send_v back_o her_o prisoner_n and_o bondman_n her_o very_a enemy_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a direction_n of_o heaven_n promote_v her_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n for_o we_o be_v inform_v from_o this_o part_n of_o sacred_a history_n that_o god_n stir_v up_o even_o the_o persian_a monarch_n to_o restore_v his_o people_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o when_o they_o be_v there_o to_o help_v and_o assist_v they_o and_o to_o baffle_v all_o their_o opposer_n the_o book_n of_o esther_n be_v a_o particular_a history_n of_o what_o happen_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o captivity_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o ahasuerus_n one_o of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n whether_o he_o be_v artaxerxes_n longimanus_fw-la as_o raleigh_n some_o think_v or_o artaxerxes_n mnemon_n as_o most_o author_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a say_v or_o artaxerxes_n ochus_n as_o serarius_n hold_v or_o xerxes_n the_o four_o persian_a monarch_n according_a to_o scaliger_n or_o darius_n the_o son_n of_o hystaspes_n or_o cambyses_n for_o so_o various_a aâ—e_n the_o opinion_n of_o author_n i_o will_v not_o here_o dispute_v only_o we_o know_v that_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o the_o profane_a intend_v the_o same_o person_n sometime_o though_o they_o give_v different_a name_n the_o story_n be_v this_o haman_n a_o great_a favourite_n and_o minion_n of_o the_o king_n and_o advance_v to_o great_a honour_n by_o he_o be_v high_o incense_v against_o mordecai_n one_o of_o the_o captive_a jew_n because_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v he_o reverence_n and_o to_o bow_n to_o he_o whereupon_o he_o resolve_v for_o his_o sake_n to_o compass_v the_o destruction_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o territory_n and_o to_o that_o end_n gain_v a_o decree_n from_o the_o king_n to_o put_v they_o all_o to_o the_o sword_n but_o this_o wicked_a design_n be_v happy_o frustrate_v by_o mean_n of_o esther_n a_o jewish_a captive_a virgin_n who_o for_o her_o transcendent_a beauty_n have_v a_o little_a time_n before_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o throne_n and_o now_o prevail_v with_o her_o royal_a husband_n to_o spare_v the_o life_n of_o her_o dear_a countryman_n in_o this_o manner_n haman_n curse_a conspiracy_n be_v defeat_v he_o himself_o advance_v to_o a_o gibbet_n and_o that_o of_o his_o own_o prepare_v the_o jew_n deliver_v from_o their_o fear_n and_o danger_n mordecai_n who_o discover_v this_o bloody_a design_n to_o queen_n esther_n and_o who_o have_v before_o that_o discover_v another_o conspiracy_n viz._n against_o the_o king_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o chronicle_n and_o about_o this_o time_n read_v to_o he_o and_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n serviceable_a by_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o bring_v about_o this_o happy_a frustration_n of_o haman_n plot_n this_o mordecai_n i_o say_v be_v prefer_v unto_o the_o great_a honour_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o by_o the_o by_o let_v i_o suggest_v that_o perhaps_o from_o his_o ride_v the_o king_n horse_n and_o thereby_o be_v prefer_v to_o kingly_a dignity_n the_o story_n of_o darius_n be_v make_v king_n of_o persia_n by_o the_o neigh_v of_o his_o horse_n have_v its_o rise_n for_o as_o i_o have_v often_o have_v occasion_n in_o another_o place_n to_o prove_v the_o gentile_a historian_n mistake_v one_o person_n for_o another_o the_o heart_n and_o mouth_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o king_n province_n be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o a_o annual_a festival_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o all_o succeed_a generation_n in_o remembrance_n of_o this_o singular_a and_o unexpected_a deliverance_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o this_o short_a history_n in_o which_o there_o be_v many_o admirable_a and_o surprise_v circumstance_n which_o though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v particular_o relate_v here_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o god_n singular_a providence_n and_o goodness_n to_o his_o church_n in_o discover_v and_o defeat_v the_o contrivance_n of_o her_o malicious_a and_o cruel_a enemy_n in_o deliver_v she_o in_o her_o great_a extremity_n and_o in_o bring_v vengeance_n and_o ruin_n on_o the_o head_n of_o those_o who_o plot_n her_o downfall_n as_o to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n there_o be_v no_o agreement_n among_o writer_n though_o one_o will_v be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v mordecai'_v by_o reading_z ch_z 9_o v._n 20._o and_o ch_n 12._o of_o apocryphal_a esther_n v_o 4._o the_o next_o penman_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v job_n who_o book_n may_v have_v be_v place_v next_o to_o the_o pentateuch_n if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o be_v general_o believe_v that_o he_o live_v about_o moses_n time_n though_o selden_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o he_o live_v a_o considerable_a time_n before_o the_o israelite_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o that_o he_o be_v before_o moses_n it_o be_v write_v by_o himself_o say_v origen_n and_o suidas_n but_o the_o rabbin_n general_o pronounce_v moses_n the_o author_n other_o make_v solomon_n the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n discover_v as_o they_o think_v his_o manner_n of_o speak_v in_o it_o the_o most_o probable_a account_n be_v that_o the_o material_n of_o this_o book_n be_v draw_v up_o first_o by_o joâ—_a himself_o or_o one_o or_o all_o of_o his_o pious_a friend_n that_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o here_o and_o that_o they_o come_v to_o moses_n hand_n as_o some_o of_o the_o jewish_a master_n tell_v we_o or_o afterward_o to_o solomon_n be_v make_v up_o into_o hebrew_n verse_n as_o we_o now_o find_v it_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n be_v of_o this_o composure_n and_o indeed_o be_v the_o first_o poetical_a book_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o bible_n whence_o we_o may_v infer_v something_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o as_o mensal_n m._n luther_n well_o observe_v job_n and_o his_o friend_n speak_v not_o all_o the_o very_a word_n which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o this_o book_n for_o man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o speak_v in_o verse_n in_o their_o discourse_n one_o with_o another_o and_o especial_o in_o such_o a_o lofty_a style_n of_o poetry_n as_o we_o read_v here_o sometime_o but_o this_o be_v true_a that_o both_o their_o thought_n and_o word_n be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o what_o be_v here_o write_v and_o thing_n actual_o and_o real_o happen_v as_o they_o be_v here_o represent_v only_o the_o whole_a argument_n be_v clothe_v in_o verse_n the_o individual_a and_o express_a word_n which_o they_o all_o the_o time_n use_v be_v not_o always_o write_v down_o neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v but_o we_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n attend_v to_o the_o talmudick_n doctor_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o book_n be_v not_o a_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o write_v in_o a_o parabolical_a way_n to_o exhibit_v to_o the_o world_n a_o eminent_a example_n of_o patience_n nor_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o parisaan_n patr._n professor_n to_o be_v tolerate_v who_o say_v the_o history_n be_v true_a but_o the_o
the_o sing_a woman_n speak_v of_o josiah_n in_o their_o lamentation_n to_o this_o day_n and_o make_v 〈◊〉_d ordinance_n in_o israel_n and_o behold_v they_o be_v write_v iâ—_n the_o lamentation_n even_o those_o which_o this_o prophet_n compose_v which_o be_v also_o confirm_v by_o the_o 6_o jewish_a historian_n who_o vouch_v this_o poem_n to_o be_v a_o funeral_n elegy_n on_o that_o pious_a king_n to_o which_o st._n jerom_n add_v that_o this_o prophet_n lament_v the_o loss_n of_o josias_n as_o the_o begin_n of_o those_o galamity_n which_o afterward_o ensue_v and_o according_o he_o proceed_v to_o bewail_v the_o miserable_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o particular_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v not_o then_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o be_v prophetical_o foretell_v it_o be_v not_o unusual_a with_o the_o prophet_n to_o speak_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o if_o they_o be_v already_o past_a unless_o we_o shall_v say_v as_o some_o have_v that_o part_n of_o this_o mournful_a song_n be_v indict_v after_o the_o take_n and_o sack_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o carry_v the_o people_n captive_a and_o be_v a_o passionate_a bewail_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o horrid_a consequence_n of_o it_o in_o which_o also_o the_o holy_a man_n humble_o confess_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a justice_n in_o all_o that_o beâ—el_v they_o to_o which_o he_o adjoin_v a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o repentance_n and_o comfort_v they_o with_o hope_n of_o a_o restoration_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v a_o exact_a pattern_n of_o devotion_n in_o time_n of_o great_a and_o national_a calamity_n and_o public_a suffering_n and_o instruct_v we_o how_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o in_o such_o deplorable_a circumstance_n ezekiel_n be_v carry_v captive_a into_o babylon_n with_o those_o that_o go_v thither_o in_o the_o second_o captivity_n which_o be_v in_o the_o 8_o year_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n reign_n about_o ten_o year_n before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o captivity_n he_o prophesy_v here_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o jeremiah_n do_v in_o judaea_n and_o afterward_o in_o egypt_n many_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n he_o foretell_v more_o especial_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o fatal_a issue_n of_o those_o that_o revolt_a from_o babylon_n to_o egypt_n and_o at_o last_o the_o happy_a return_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o their_o own_o land_n he_o distinct_o foretell_v the_o plague_n which_o shall_v certain_o be_v inflict_v on_o other_o nation_n who_o be_v profess_v enemy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o edomite_n moabite_n ammonite_n egyptian_n tyrian_n and_o last_o the_o assyrian_n and_o babylonian_n in_o figurative_a and_o mystical_a expression_n he_o predict_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o his_o kingdom_n i._n e._n the_o christian_a church_n because_o the_o prophet_n begin_v with_o vision_n and_o type_n and_o end_n with_o the_o measure_v of_o the_o mystical_a temple_n therefore_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o abstrusity_n and_o mystery_n the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o this_o book_n be_v forbid_v ezek._n to_o be_v read_v by_o the_o jew_n before_o they_o come_v to_o thirty_o year_n of_o age._n but_o the_o great_a â—art_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_o intelligible_a it_o have_v reference_n chief_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o degenerate_a age_n wherein_o the_o prophet_n observe_v and_o severe_o animadvert_v upon_o the_o general_n corruption_n which_o have_v invade_v they_o in_o those_o day_n and_o which_o merit_v the_o severe_a judgement_n that_o heaven_n can_v send_v down_o upon_o they_o he_o exâ—ibits_v a_o particular_a catalogue_n of_o the_o notorious_a enormity_n which_o their_o king_n their_o priest_n their_o prophet_n their_o people_n be_v infamous_a for_o he_o labour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o these_o scandalous_a practice_n and_o to_o make_v they_o hearty_o relent_v for_o they_o final_o like_o a_o trne_n watchman_n as_o he_o be_v style_v he_o â—â—â—â—hfully_o warn_v they_o of_o their_o imminent_a danger_n and_o admonish_v they_o to_o prevent_v it_o if_o possible_a by_o abandon_v their_o evil_a way_n this_o be_v the_o inspire_a man_n that_o pen_v this_o book_n and_o this_o be_v the_o â—ook_n which_o contain_v so_o many_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a â—â—ings_n in_o it_o another_o of_o the_o four_o great_a prophet_n be_v daniel_n who_o be_v of_o the_o progeny_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n 〈◊〉_d be_v contemporary_a with_o ezekiol_n and_o be_v a_o capâ—â—â—e_n in_o babylon_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o be_v there_o he_o prophesy_v and_o there_o he_o write_v and_o â—his_v book_n be_v the_o result_n of_o both_o the_o six_o first_o chapâ—â—â—s_n of_o which_o be_v a_o history_n of_o the_o king_n of_o babyâ—â—â—_n and_o of_o what_o beâ—el_v some_o of_o the_o captive_a jew_n under_o they_o here_o we_o have_v nebuchadnezzar_n remarkable_a dream_n interpret_v we_o have_v a_o relation_n of_o the_o singular_a courage_n of_o the_o three_o hebrew_n yoâ—â—â—_n man_n that_o refuse_v to_o fall_v down_o to_o his_o image_n with_o the_o miraculous_a deliverance_n of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o flame_n here_o be_v unfold_v belshazzar_n fatal_a dooâ—_n contain_v in_o the_o mystical_a handwriting_n on_o the_o wall_n with_o his_o death_n that_o soon_o follow_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o succession_n of_o darius_n to_o the_o throne_n and_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o monarchy_n to_o the_o mede_n it_o be_v under_o this_o prince_n that_o our_o noble_a prophet_n be_v advance_v to_o his_o great_a height_n of_o honour_n 〈◊〉_d whereas_o he_o have_v be_v a_o great_a courtier_n and_o favosrrite_n in_o nebuchadnezzar_n time_n and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o belshazzar_n reign_n be_v make_v the_o three_o ruler_n in_o the_o kingdom_n now_o he_o be_v make_v the_o first_o be_v set_v 〈◊〉_d all_o the_o precedent_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o realm_n this_o make_v he_o envy_v and_o hate_v but_o he_o be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v much_o more_o for_o his_o religion_n by_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o even_o by_o a_o decree_n of_o the_o king_n be_v own_o sign_v commit_v to_o the_o den_n of_o lion_n there_o to_o be_v devour_v of_o they_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o omnipotence_n immediate_o interpose_v and_o he_o come_v out_o thence_o safe_a and_o his_o adversary_n and_o accuser_n be_v send_v thither_o in_o his_o room_n who_o fare_v not_o after_o the_o same_o rate_n that_o he_o do_v after_o this_o he_o live_v in_o great_a esteem_n honour_n and_o prosperity_n not_o only_o in_o this_o king_n reign_n but_o under_o cyrus_n 〈◊〉_d monarch_n of_o the_o persian_a race_n but_o as_o our_o author_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o book_n relate_v thing_n pasâ—_n as_o a_o historian_n so_o in_o the_o six_o last_o chapter_n he_o be_v alâ—_n together_o prophetical_a foretell_v what_o shall_v befall_v thâ—_n church_n in_o general_n and_o particular_o the_o jew_n yeâ—â—_n his_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n reach_v to_o future_a event_n wherein_o even_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n arâ—_n concern_v what_o can_v be_v more_o valuable_a than_o hâ—â—_n dream_n or_o vision_n of_o the_o four_o secular_a monarchy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o five_o which_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_a viz._n that_o of_o the_o messiah_n what_o be_v more_o famous_a and_o celebrate_v than_o his_o discovery_n by_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n information_n of_o the_o seventy_o week_n viz._n of_o year_n i._n e._n 490_o year_n upon_o the_o expire_a of_o which_o the_o messias_n kingdom_n be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o what_o plain_a and_o signal_n prophecy_n do_v this_o book_n afford_v concern_v that_o renown_a conqueror_n alexander_n the_o great_a and_o his_o subdue_a the_o persian_a empire_n as_o also_o concern_v the_o fierce_a war_n among_o his_o great_a captain_n and_o commander_n who_o succeed_v he_o particular_o how_o clear_o and_o plain_o be_v the_o action_n of_o antiochus_n the_o great_a and_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n his_o son_n describe_v by_o our_o prophet_n long_o before_o these_o person_n be_v in_o be_v and_o many_o other_o notable_a occurrence_n relate_v to_o the_o most_o public_a and_o fame_a transaction_n on_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n be_v prophetical_o foresignified_n and_o reveal_v by_o this_o divine_a seer_n insomuch_o that_o we_o may_v just_o style_v this_o book_n the_o apocalypse_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o which_o that_o other_o of_o the_o new_a so_o often_o refer_v and_o even_o borrow_v many_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n last_o we_o may_v particular_o note_v concern_v this_o book_n that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o chaldean_a tongue_n viz._n from_o the_o four_o verse_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o seven_o the_o reason_n of_o â—hich_v may_v be_v this_o because_o daniel_n be_v now_o by_o his_o â—â—ng_n abide_v
act_n and_o work_v of_o holiness_n wherefore_o he_o offer_v several_a plain_a mark_n and_o token_n whereby_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v real_a christian_n true_o religious_a and_o the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o he_o propound_v be_v this_o that_o if_o they_o love_v god_n and_o their_o brethren_n and_o demonstrate_v this_o love_n by_o the_o proper_a and_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o it_o than_o they_o may_v conclude_v they_o be_v christian_n indeed_o otherwise_o they_o be_v mere_a stranger_n to_o christianty_n and_o to_o all_o religion_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o they_o this_o the_o belove_a disciple_n and_o divine_a amourist_n inculâ—ates_v with_o that_o spirit_n warmth_n and_o earnestness_n which_o so_o weighty_a a_o subject_n deserve_v his_o second_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o elect_a lady_n and_o her_o child_n that_o be_v say_v st._n agerach_n jerom_n to_o some_o eminent_a select_a church_n in_o asia_n and_o to_o all_o the_o christian_n belong_v to_o it_o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o athenian_n and_o curia_n with_o the_o roman_n be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o assembly_n perhaps_o ephesus_n be_v mean_v say_v a_o loc_n learned_a man_n which_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o asia_n and_o so_o may_v more_o signal_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o it_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n that_o a_o person_n not_o a_o church_n 〈◊〉_d mean_v here_o and_o that_o st._n john_n the_o evangelist_n not_o another_o presbyter_n of_o that_o name_n as_o st._n eccles._n jerom_n think_v write_v to_o a_o virtuous_a lady_n who_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d servant_n of_o christ_n a_o very_a godly_a and_o religion_n woman_n or_o it_o may_v be_v her_o proper_a name_n be_v loc_n elect_a as_o a_o learned_a critic_n have_v conjecture_v which_o may_v seem_v the_o more_o probable_a because_o the_o word_n have_v no_o article_n prefix_v to_o it_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o our_o saviour_n himself_o as_o the_o evangelical_n write_n inform_v we_o to_o make_v his_o application_n to_o those_o of_o this_o sex_n to_o cherish_v and_o commend_v their_o virtue_n it_o be_v particular_o record_v that_o 4._o of_o the_o chief_a woman_n afterward_o call_v 12._o honourable_a woman_n not_o a_o few_o be_v st._n paul_n proselyte_n and_o to_o descend_v low_a we_o read_v that_o st._n jerom_n take_v great_a pain_n in_o instruct_v the_o roman_a lady_n and_o in_o commend_v and_o encourage_v their_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yea_o many_o of_o his_o write_n be_v direct_v and_o dedicate_v to_o noble_a woman_n widow_n and_o virgin_n as_o paula_n eustochium_fw-la salvina_n celantia_n and_o several_a other_o that_o be_v roman_a lady_n and_o of_o noble_a extraction_n such_o be_v our_o elect_n here_o who_o be_v the_o only_a person_n of_o that_o sex_n to_o who_o a_o inspire_a epistle_n be_v write_v she_o be_v commend_v for_o her_o virtuous_a bring_v up_o her_o child_n she_o be_v exhort_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o perservere_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o delusion_n of_o false_a teacher_n but_o chief_o the_o apostle_n beseech_v this_o noble_a matron_n to_o practice_v the_o great_a and_o indispensable_a commandment_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n his_o three_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o gaius_n a_o convert_v jew_n or_o gentile_a as_o other_o think_v because_o he_o have_v a_o roman_a name_n a_o man_n of_o a_o fair_a estate_n and_o who_o have_v be_v very_o bountiful_a and_o hospitable_a to_o the_o saint_n the_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v to_o own_o and_o commend_v his_o hospitality_n especial_o his_o seasonable_a beneficence_n and_o charity_n to_o stranger_n to_o those_o that_o be_v exile_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o charity_n and_o liberality_n to_o the_o distress_a brethren_n demetrius_n be_v propound_v as_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o for_o which_o and_o all_o other_o virtue_n he_o have_v the_o good_a report_n of_o all_o man_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o truth_n itself_o that_o be_v as_o he_o be_v speak_v well_o of_o by_o every_o one_o so_o he_o real_o deserve_v it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o complain_v of_o the_o uncharitable_a insolent_a and_o ambitious_a diotrephes_n a_o prate_a opposer_n not_o only_o of_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o of_o all_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o jesus_n the_o general_a epistle_n of_o jude_n or_o judas_n as_o we_o render_v it_o in_o john_n 14._o 22._o it_o be_v the_o same_o name_n with_o that_o of_o the_o traitor_n for_o it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n to_o have_v the_o same_o name_n as_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n eliab_n jehu_n hananiah_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o new_a testament_n simon_n john_n ananias_n be_v instance_n of_o this_o this_o epistle_n i_o say_v of_o this_o good_a apostle_n with_o a_o bad_a man_n name_n be_v write_v to_o all_o christian_a church_n or_o at_o least_o to_o all_o the_o jewish_a christian_n disperse_v the_o same_o to_o who_o st._n james_n and_o st._n peter_n write_v wherein_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n against_o those_o dream_v heretic_n and_o seducer_n that_o be_v at_o that_o time_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n who_o erroneous_a tenant_n and_o ungodly_a practice_n he_o here_o particular_o decipher_v and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n vengeance_n on_o other_o great_a offender_n infer_v the_o certainty_n of_o these_o man_n ruin_n in_o short_a this_o epistle_n have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a apostolic_a spirit_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o argument_n with_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o epitome_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o need_v not_o be_v very_o particular_a in_o rehearse_v the_o content_n the_o last_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n the_o divine_a which_o epithet_n be_v signal_o give_v to_o he_o here_o because_o of_o the_o divinity_n and_o sublimity_n of_o his_o rapture_n because_o he_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o great_a communication_n of_o divine_a mystery_n it_o may_v be_v refer_v either_o to_o the_o historical_a book_n or_o to_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o former_a because_o it_o be_v a_o prophetic_a history_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o latter_a because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o epistle_n after_o the_o three_o first_o verse_n by_o way_n of_o preface_n viz._n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n at_o first_o plant_v by_o and_o now_o under_o the_o government_n of_o st._n john_n and_o as_o it_o begin_v so_o it_o end_v after_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o conclude_a epistle_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n â—brist_n be_v with_o you_o all_o amm._n concern_v the_o precise_a time_n when_o st._n john_n receive_v and_o when_o he_o write_v this_o revelation_n there_o be_v some_o dispute_n but_o the_o most_o probable_a if_o not_o the_o most_o general_o receive_v opinion_n be_v that_o he_o be_v â—â—nished_v into_o patmos_n a_o isle_n in_o the_o archipelago_n situate_v about_o forty_o mile_n from_o the_o continent_n of_o asia_n by_o domitian_n under_o who_o be_v the_o second_o persecution_n this_o revelation_n be_v deliver_v to_o he_o about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o emperor_n reign_n but_o at_o several_a time_n and_o that_o he_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v about_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o vision_n themselves_o i_o will_v not_o here_o particular_o inâ—ist_v upon_o any_o of_o they_o only_o in_o general_n it_o be_v common_o say_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seal_n set_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o heathen_a persecution_n from_o nero_n to_o the_o end_n of_o dioclesian_n persecution_n the_o vision_n of_o the_o trumpet_n which_o follow_v that_o show_v the_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o heresy_n schism_n and_o persecution_n afterward_o in_o the_o time_n succeed_v the_o pagan_a roman_a emperor_n viz._n under_o papacy_n and_o then_o the_o vial_n tell_v what_o vengeance_n befall_v the_o papal_a antichrist_n and_o all_o the_o church_n enemy_n so_o that_o the_o seal_n trumpet_n and_o vial_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o three_o grand_a period_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v great_a probability_n of_o this_o but_o i_o must_v add_v and_o i_o will_v offer_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n as_o a_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o order_n to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o book_n that_o the_o order_n of_o time_n and_o history_n be_v
not_o always_o observe_v here_o thing_n be_v not_o relate_v constant_o in_o a_o certain_a continue_a method_n and_o series_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v or_o take_v they_o as_o write_v so_o a_o great_a and_o prevail_a mistake_v it_o have_v be_v to_o think_v that_o the_o course_n and_o order_n of_o time_n be_v due_o and_o all_o along_o observe_v in_o these_o write_n whereas_o to_o a_o considerate_a person_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o chapter_n be_v not_o write_v and_o dispose_v in_o any_o method_n this_o because_o it_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o and_o censure_v as_o a_o new_a notion_n i_o will_v make_v good_a thus_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v represent_v and_o describe_v three_o or_o four_o time_n in_o these_o vision_n and_o revelation_n as_o first_o at_o the_o open_n of_o the_o six_o seal_n ch_n 6._o v._n 12_o to_o the_o end_n where_o the_o description_n of_o the_o last_o day_n agree_v exact_o with_o other_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n especial_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o mat._n 24._o and_o therefore_o to_o allegorise_v it_o where_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o signify_v sometime_o temporal_a judgement_n as_o the_o destruction_n of_o babylon_n isa._n 13._o 10._o and_o of_o egypt_n ezek._n 32._o 7._o i_o answer_v that_o though_o it_o do_v so_o yet_o these_o remarkable_a judgement_n and_o devastation_n be_v figure_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o last_o and_o terrible_a one_o and_o be_v so_o design_v by_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v well_o be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o manner_n nay_o the_o darken_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o the_o like_a expression_n be_v but_o metaphorical_a in_o those_o former_a instance_n but_o here_o be_v proper_a natural_a and_o real_a and_o therefore_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n again_o st._n john_n have_v another_o revelation_n of_o this_o great_a day_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 11_o chapter_n from_o ver_fw-la 15_o to_o the_o close_a of_o the_o chapter_n but_o especial_o those_o plain_a word_n in_o ver_fw-la 18._o thy_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v place_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n be_v here_o mean_v again_o the_o seven_o vial_n mention_v rev._n 16._o 17._o which_o contain_v the_o last_o plague_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o indignation_n and_o punishment_n of_o that_o day_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o prodigy_n which_o accompany_v it_o and_o particular_o from_o what_o be_v say_v ver_fw-la 20._o every_o island_n flee_v away_o and_o the_o mountain_n be_v not_o find_v which_o express_v the_o terrible_a dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o precede_a vial_n which_o make_v way_n for_o this_o last_o that_o christ_n say_v i_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n v_o 15._o which_o manner_n of_o expression_n be_v particular_o apply_v and_o make_v use_n of_o when_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v speak_v of_o mat._n 24._o 43._o 1_o thess._n 5._o 2_o 4_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 10._o and_o last_o in_o the_o 20_o chapter_n from_o the_o 11_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n there_o be_v another_o vision_n of_o this_o last_o and_o general_a appearance_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v by_o interpreter_n and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o stand_v to_o clear_v it_o now_o from_o all_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v not_o observe_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o this_o book_n a_o historical_a order_n or_o course_n of_o time_n for_o if_o there_o be_v the_o general_n day_n of_o doom_n which_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n of_o all_o can_v not_o be_v represent_v here_o three_o or_o four_o time_n this_o must_v have_v come_v in_o the_o shut_n up_o of_o all_o when_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v pass_v whereas_o now_o we_o see_v it_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o beginning_n in_o the_o middle_a and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o these_o revelation_n which_o if_o it_o be_v well_o attend_v to_o be_v one_o admirable_a key_n to_o open_v the_o secret_n of_o this_o book_n for_o hence_o we_o understand_v that_o this_o prophecy_n be_v not_o what_o it_o have_v be_v think_v to_o be_v one_o entire_a historical_a narration_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v and_o that_o first_o one_o thing_n be_v foretell_v and_o then_o what_o follow_v that_o in_o time_n be_v next_o set_v down_o and_o so_o on_o in_o order_n no_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v thrice_o at_o least_o insert_v show_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o this_o book_n end_n and_o then_o begin_v again_o and_o then_o have_v a_o period_n and_o commence_v again_o and_o after_o that_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a scene_n be_v open_v and_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v repeat_v which_o be_v a_o most_o evident_a argument_n that_o this_o book_n consist_v of_o three_o or_o four_o grand_a prophecy_n or_o prophetic_a representation_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o christ_n church_n from_o the_o time_n when_o this_o be_v â—â—nned_v to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o be_v represent_v by_o different_a type_n prophetic_a symbol_n and_o vision_n the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n which_o happen_v on_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o theâ—_n be_v these_o three_o the_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n which_o â—befal_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a the_o â—â—liverâ—â—de_n of_o they_o out_o of_o those_o trial_n and_o god_n 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—â—shing_v of_o their_o enemy_n these_o you_o will_v 〈◊〉_d set_v forth_o and_o illustrate_v by_o diverse_a scheme_n and_o apparition_n by_z different_z and_o reiterated_a representation_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o thing_n though_o the_o same_o be_v diverse_o represent_v i._n e._n in_o different_a vision_n over_o and_o over_o again_o and_o why_o they_o be_v express_v in_o different_a term_n and_o word_n the_o â—â—â—son_n i_o say_v why_o they_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v be_v â—â—â—use_v they_o so_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o wise_a disposal_n of_o proviâ—â—noâ—_n these_o prophecy_n have_v be_v and_o they_o â—â—all_v be_v yet_o fulfil_v for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o cruelty_n of_o its_o enemy_n and_o persecutor_n and_o the_o wonderful_a deliverance_n from_o they_o and_o avenge_a their_o cause_n upon_o their_o head_n be_v the_o same_o in_o different_a age_n until_o the_o time_n when_o babyâ—â—â—_n shall_v fall_v and_o never_o rise_v again_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o a_o most_o eminent_a and_o learned_a bishop_n of_o our_o own_o â—_o one_o may_v easy_o see_v say_v he_o that_o rome_n be_v here_o intend_a and_o not_o pagan_a but_o christian_a rome_n which_o be_v degenerate_v into_o a_o idolatrous_a and_o tyrannical_a state_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v doom_v in_o due_a time_n to_o destruction_n you_o see_v then_o how_o useful_a this_o book_n be_v you_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o propheoy_n ch_n 1._o v._n 3._o thâ—_n we_o can_v so_o clear_o descny_v the_o particular_a and_o 〈◊〉_d dividual_a thing_n time_n and_o personâ—_n contain_v in_o tâ—â—_n though_o this_o last_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n the_o obscure_a of_o they_o all_o though_o in_o some_o place_n there_o be_v apocalyps_n as_o many_o mystery_n as_o word_n yet_o thus_o far_o it_o be_v proper_o revelation_n that_o herein_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o particular_a method_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o it_o in_o all_o time_n be_v plain_o reveal_v and_o discover_v to_o we_o plain_o i_o say_v because_o they_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o mistake_v they_o as_o pharaâ—â—'s_n dream_n be_v double_v to_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n represent_v gen._n 41._o 32._o so_o these_o prophecy_n and_o vision_n be_v double_v and_o tribble_v yea_o more_o than_o so_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o certain_a truth_n and_o reality_n of_o these_o event_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o this_o persuasion_n that_o though_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v often_o trouble_v and_o persecute_v yet_o she_o have_v her_o time_n of_o restoration_n and_o revive_v and_o there_o be_v a_o time_n of_o vengeance_n and_o recompense_n to_o her_o enemy_n even_o in_o this_o world_n but_o more_o especial_o at_o the_o
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 â—_o jewish_a historian_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o bid_v fair_a for_o truth_n who_o â—aith_v by_o this_o book_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v certain_a record_n keep_v in_o some_o safe_a place_n on_o purpose_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o temple_n give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o happen_v among_o the_o jew_n from_o year_n to_o year_n and_o particular_o the_o prodigy_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v stand_v still_o and_o the_o direction_n and_o law_n about_o the_o use_n of_o the_o bow_n i._n e._n set_v up_o of_o archery_n and_o maintain_v military_a exercise_n and_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o the_o title_n give_v to_o these_o jewish_a annal_n be_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n i._n e._n rect_v this_o may_v be_v render_v as_o a_o probable_a reason_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v by_o all_o person_n reckon_v as_o a_o very_a faithful_a and_o authentic_a account_n of_o all_o those_o event_n and_o occurrence_n which_o it_o record_v it_o be_v compose_v with_o great_a uprightness_n and_o truth_n thence_o it_o be_v common_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o iasher_n book_n or_o chronicle_n and_o if_o you_o remember_v that_o jasher_n be_v translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o thâ—_n seventy_o in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o book_n of_o joâ—_a it_o will_v â—urther_o confirm_v what_o i_o say_v and_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o iasher_n book_n be_v as_o much_o as_o a_o true_a book_n a_o book_n that_o be_v not_o counterfeit_v it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o any_o inspire_a person_n but_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o common_a civil_a annal_n and_o consequent_o we_o can_v infer_v hence_o that_o any_o book_n proper_o belong_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i._n e._n that_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v at_o this_o day_n miss_v again_o some_o reckon_v the_o act_n of_o uzziah_n write_v by_o isaiah_n the_o prophet_n 2_o chron._n 26._o 22._o in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o such_o book_n of_o scripture_n as_o be_v lose_v but_o they_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o do_v so_o for_o by_o thoâ—â—_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 â—_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 bâ—cause_fw-mi there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o seer_n and_o the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o book_n of_o gad_n the_o seer_n in_o which_o it_o be_v say_v all_o david_n '_o s_z act_n be_v write_v but_o no_o such_o inference_n can_v rational_o be_v make_v only_o this_o we_o gather_v which_o be_v the_o solution_n of_o the_o difficulty_n that_o nathan_n and_o gad_n as_o well_o as_o samuel_n compile_v the_o history_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o this_o last_o and_o because_o it_o be_v make_v by_o they_o all_o three_o therefore_o it_o be_v represent_v here_o as_o three_o different_a book_n but_o the_o true_a account_n be_v that_o those_o two_o book_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o samuel_n be_v write_v partly_o by_o he_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o first_o book_n relate_v thing_n that_o happen_v in_o his_o time_n and_o partly_o by_o nathan_n and_o partly_o by_o gad_n two_o eminent_a prophet_n in_o those_o day_n and_o who_o survive_v samuel_n then_o as_o to_o 2_o chron._n 9_o 29._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o solomon_n act_n be_v write_v not_o only_o in_o the_o book_n hebr._n dibrim_n the_o word_n as_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o day_n of_o nathan_n of_o which_o before_o but_o in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o ahijah_n the_o shilonite_n and_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o iddo_n the_o seer_n which_o last_o be_v call_v midrash_n the_o story_n or_o commentary_n of_o the_o prophet_n iddo_n chap._n 13._o v._n 22._o and_o as_o to_o 2_o chron._n 12._o 15._o where_o we_o read_v also_o of_o this_o book_n of_o iddo_n the_o seer_n and_o of_o shemaiah_n the_o prophet_n in_o which_o it_o be_v say_v rehoboam_n act_n be_v write_v the_o answer_n which_o i_o give_v relate_v to_o these_o book_n in_o brief_a be_v this_o that_o few_o of_o they_o if_o any_o be_v different_a from_o those_o of_o the_o king_n but_o be_v only_o a_o part_n of_o they_o though_o they_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o as_o distinct_a book_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o that_o individual_a part_n of_o the_o story_n viz._n concern_v solomon_n and_o rehoboam_n be_v quote_v which_o these_o particular_a person_n here_o name_v write_v you_o must_v know_v then_o that_o this_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o work_n of_o several_a person_n it_o be_v a_o collection_n make_v by_o sundry_a prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n as_o samuel_n nathan_n gad_n ahijah_n iddo_n shemaiah_n and_o the_o book_n which_o they_o write_v be_v call_v the_o book_n of_o samuel_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o be_v general_o know_v by_o these_o name_n but_o when_o those_o part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v particucular_o insert_v and_o write_v by_o samuel_n himself_o or_o nathan_n etc._n etc._n be_v quote_v or_o refer_v to_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n they_o be_v mention_v as_o distinct_a book_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v distinct_a part_n of_o such_o a_o history_n and_o write_v by_o such_o particular_a person_n who_o altogether_o make_v up_o that_o
of_o all_o the_o latin_a edition_n be_v the_o most_o general_o receive_v and_o use_v and_o be_v real_o the_o ancient_a of_o all_o the_o latin_a translation_n but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o translation_n of_o a_o translation_n viz._n that_o of_o the_o 70_o and_o must_v have_v undergo_v the_o same_o censure_n with_o the_o greek_a version_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v before_o if_o it_o have_v be_v now_o extant_a but_o it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v whole_o lose_v only_o the_o psalm_n remain_v and_o as_o much_o as_o be_v find_v quote_v here_o and_o there_o in_o the_o father_n and_o ancient_a writer_n 2._o st._n ierom_n version_n for_o this_o learned_a father_n observe_v the_o error_n in_o the_o several_a latin_a version_n the_o italian_a especial_o which_o be_v in_o his_o time_n do_v as_o i_o say_v before_o translate_v both_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n himself_o the_o first_o he_o whole_o do_v by_o a_o new_a translation_n out_o of_o the_o hebrew_n original_a the_o second_o be_v rather_o a_o correction_n and_o emendation_n of_o the_o old_a latin_a or_o italian_a version_n than_o a_o new_a one._n the_o psalm_n because_o they_o be_v daily_o sing_v in_o the_o church_n and_o can_v not_o without_o offence_n to_o the_o people_n be_v change_v remain_v the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o old_a version_n there_o be_v no_o occasion_n to_o add_v any_o censure_n of_o we_o here_o concern_v this_o translation_n because_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o original_a hebrew_n only_o we_o will_v observe_v that_o when_o st._n jerom_n have_v finish_v it_o it_o be_v not_o present_o receive_v by_o the_o latin_a church_n but_o many_o bishop_n refuse_v it_o and_o st._n augustin_n particular_o forbid_v it_o to_o be_v read_v in_o his_o diocese_n so_o great_o do_v they_o esteem_v the_o greek_a version_n of_o the_o lxx_o many_o that_o be_v ignorant_a in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n speak_v against_o this_o translation_n as_o a_o mere_a innovation_n and_o fall_v heavy_o upon_o the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o he_o with_o great_a earnestness_n defend_v his_o work_n and_o sometime_o repay_v the_o invective_n of_o his_o adversary_n with_o too_o much_o bitterness_n though_o some_o bishop_n and_o other_o dislike_v his_o translation_n yet_o it_o be_v authorize_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o damasus_n the_o then_o bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o who_o command_n it_o be_v first_o undertake_v and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o other_o understand_a person_n who_o see_v its_o conformity_n to_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o perceive_v it_o be_v void_a of_o those_o mistake_v which_o the_o other_o latin_a translation_n abound_v with_o whilst_o this_o division_n ja_v both_o the_o translation_n be_v public_o read_v i._n e._n they_o read_v some_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o ierom_n version_n and_o other_o in_o the_o italian_a and_o this_o last_v till_o the_o time_n of_o gregory_n the_o great_a at_o length_n another_o translation_n prevail_v viz._n 3._o the_o vulgar_a which_o we_o now_o have_v which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o both_o the_o former_a and_o be_v call_v by_o the_o romanist_n vetus_n &_o vulgata_fw-la this_o by_o degree_n get_v the_o better_a of_o all_o the_o other_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o be_v general_o use_v by_o they_o and_o be_v still_o authentic_a there_o and_o be_v the_o vulgar_a latin_a which_o they_o now_o so_o commend_v yea_o which_o etc._n some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n hold_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o consequent_o free_a from_o all_o fault_n either_o in_o word_n or_o matter_n and_o there_o be_v other_o of_o they_o as_o genebrard_n and_o mariana_n who_o extravagant_o extol_v it_o and_o they_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o both_o the_o italian_a and_o st._n ierom_n version_n and_o comprise_v in_o this_o one_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o old_a italian_a translation_n which_o be_v use_v before_o jerom_n and_o augustin_n time_n for_o that_o be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o greek_a version_n of_o the_o 70_o interpreter_n whereas_o this_o differ_v from_o it_o in_o many_o place_n nor_o be_v this_o vulgar_a latin_a of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n st._n ierom_n version_n because_o that_o be_v exact_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n text_n but_o this_o though_o it_o come_v near_a to_o the_o hebrew_n than_o to_o the_o 70_o interpreter_n yet_o it_o often_o vary_v from_o the_o hebrew_n and_o add_v many_o thing_n to_o it_o as_o in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n especial_o and_o in_o other_o place_n so_o that_o this_o modern_a vulgar_a edition_n be_v not_o the_o pure_a version_n of_o jerom_n but_o mix_v of_o his_o translation_n and_o of_o the_o old_a one_o which_o be_v in_o the_o latin_a church_n before_o his_o time_n and_o this_o be_v the_o opinion_n even_o of_o those_o great_a romanist_n baronius_n and_o bellarmine_n we_o know_v then_o what_o censure_n to_o give_v of_o this_o latin_a edition_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o very_o ancient_a and_o have_v be_v use_v many_o age_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v just_o reckon_v to_o be_v a_o very_a learned_a translation_n for_o which_o reason_n fagius_n who_o be_v well_o skilled_a in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n and_o drusius_n who_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o learned_a critic_n have_v a_o great_a reverence_n for_o this_o edition_n and_o give_v a_o very_a high_a character_n of_o it_o and_o beza_n and_o grotius_n prefer_v it_o before_o all_o other_o latin_a translation_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a it_o have_v many_o thing_n faulty_a in_o it_o it_o leave_v the_o hebrew_n very_o often_o and_o follow_v the_o septuagint_n or_o the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n or_o even_o some_o rabbin_z luoas_fw-la brugensis_n take_v notice_n of_o above_o six_o hundred_o fault_n in_o it_o and_o isidore_n clarius_n a_o spanish_a abbot_n and_o afterward_o of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n observe_v eight_o thousand_o errata_n in_o it_o beside_o that_o it_o have_v many_o barbarous_a word_n the_o sense_n in_o many_o place_n be_v corrupt_v and_o sometime_o quite_o lose_v sometime_o it_o run_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o original_a text_n as_o in_o gen._n 8._o 7._o non_fw-la revertebatur_fw-la instead_o of_o revertebatir_n and_o in_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 51._o omnes_fw-la quidem_fw-la resurgemus_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la omnes_fw-la immutabimur_fw-la whereas_o according_a to_o the_o greek_a it_o shall_v have_v be_v non_fw-la omnes_fw-la dormiemus_fw-la sed_fw-la omnes_fw-la mutabimur_fw-la and_o several_a instance_n may_v be_v produce_v of_o the_o like_a nature_n so_o far_o be_v the_o vulgar_a latin_a from_o be_v absolute_o authentic_a as_o the_o 4._o council_n of_o trent_n determine_v it_o to_o be_v even_o before_o that_o edition_n be_v mend_v but_o see_v how_o that_o council_n baffle_v itself_o it_o define_v the_o vulgar_a latin_a to_o be_v the_o authentic_a and_o then_o order_v it_o to_o be_v correct_v and_o print_v again_o according_o the_o pope_n set_v about_o the_o mend_n of_o it_o first_o sixtus_n the_o five_o put_v forth_o a_o mend_a copy_n and_o tie_v all_o person_n to_o that_o when_o he_o be_v dead_a gregory_n the_o fourteen_o set_v about_o the_o correct_v of_o that_o edition_n and_o afterward_o clement_a the_o eight_o amend_v pope_n gregory_n in_o many_o place_n this_o be_v do_v after_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v declare_v the_o vulgar_a latin_a to_o be_v the_o authentic_a copy_n which_o with_o what_o we_o have_v suggest_v before_o be_v a_o clear_a proof_n that_o it_o deserve_v not_o that_o epithet_n but_o that_o there_o be_v and_o be_v still_o in_o it_o many_o corruption_n in_o vain_a therefore_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n prefer_v this_o vulgar_a latin_a edition_n of_o the_o bible_n before_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a original_n unreasonable_o do_v the_o doctor_n of_o that_o church_n complain_v of_o the_o defect_n and_o error_n of_o these_o yea_o malicious_o do_v they_o urge_v the_o disagreement_n between_o these_o especial_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a and_o thereby_o endeavour_v to_o accuse_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n of_o imperfection_n the_o sum_n be_v notwithstanding_o what_o the_o romanist_n and_o some_o other_o that_o be_v their_o abettor_n endeavour_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n the_o latter_a i._n e._n the_o vulgar_a latin_a be_v ever_o to_o be_v correct_v by_o the_o former_a viz._n the_o hebrewd_v and_o not_o this_o by_o that_o beside_o these_o 3_o old_a latin_a version_n there_o be_v other_o that_o may_v just_o be_v call_v modern_a for_o soon_o after_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1500_o there_o arise_v several_a learned_a man_n well_o skilled_a in_o the_o tongue_n who_o see_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o latin_a version_n and_o compare_v these_o with_o the_o original_n endeavour_v to_o correct_v they_o by_o those_o fountain_n hence_o after_o the_o attempt_v of_o ximenius_n archbishop_n of_o toledo_n in_o hiâ—_n
understand_v they_o aright_o i_o propound_v these_o ensue_a rule_n and_o direction_n first_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o other_o learning_n to_o make_v ourselves_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o bible_n all_o art_n require_v a_o master_n and_o teacher_n even_o the_o low_a and_o mechanical_a all_o trade_n and_o science_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v none_o presume_v to_o meddle_v with_o they_o till_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o all_o degree_n of_o person_n pretend_v to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n though_o they_o be_v never_o instruct_v never_o prepare_v as_o paulin._n st._n jerom_n complain_v of_o old_a a_o great_a many_o imagine_v that_o the_o weak_a brain_n can_v comprehend_v the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n and_o without_o all_o other_o knowledge_n attain_v to_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n and_o be_v one_o cause_n of_o man_n wrest_v and_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o unlearned_a and_o unwilling_a to_o be_v teach_v for_o so_o the_o word_n import_v they_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n they_o use_v not_o the_o proper_a help_n conduce_v to_o it_o or_o whatever_o they_o be_v in_o st._n peter_n time_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o now_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o humane_a learning_n be_v require_v to_o understand_v these_o write_n for_o though_o they_o surpass_v all_o humane_a wisdom_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o they_o have_v stricture_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n in_o they_o and_o be_v write_v in_o the_o learned_a language_n and_o as_o i_o have_v show_v former_o contain_v in_o they_o all_o sort_n of_o word_n phrase_n and_o idiom_n wherefore_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o art_n and_o tongue_n for_o understand_v this_o book_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n there_o be_v the_o rite_n custom_n manner_n opinion_n say_n proverb_n of_o almost_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o of_o the_o ancient_a hebrew_n wherefore_o a_o knowledge_n of_o their_o write_n and_o ancient_a monument_n a_o converse_n with_o history_n and_o antiquity_n be_v absolute_o requisite_a especial_o for_o explain_v the_o difficult_a place_n and_o to_o have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o several_a passage_n in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n ecclesiastical_a history_n in_o needful_a which_o give_v we_o nitice_n of_o the_o heretic_n of_o that_o time_n or_o of_o those_o concern_v who_o the_o apostle_n prophetical_o speak_v the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v to_o be_v consult_v and_o that_o with_o great_a application_n of_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v the_o interpretation_n which_o those_o learned_a and_o pious_a man_n give_v of_o the_o respective_a place_n of_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v be_v edify_v by_o their_o religious_a comment_n but_o not_o imbibe_n any_o of_o their_o error_n this_o which_o i_o now_o say_v principal_o concern_v the_o guide_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o scholarship_n and_o true_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v more_o especial_o fit_v for_o such_o it_o be_v their_o province_n to_o expound_v and_o teach_v this_o holy_a book_n which_o be_v itself_o a_o library_n and_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o can_v be_v right_o understand_v and_o explain_v without_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n without_o skill_n in_o the_o tongue_n rhetdrick_n logic_n philosophy_n history_n criticism_n for_o as_o it_o be_v furnish_v with_o all_o literature_n so_o it_o require_v all_o to_o unfold_v it_o aright_o as_o for_o the_o apostle_n though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n in_o art_n and_o science_n yet_o that_o defect_n be_v abundant_o recompense_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o most_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n who_o be_v not_o hebrew_n understand_v the_o language_n in_o which_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o their_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o as_o for_o the_o greek_a of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v universal_o know_v and_o so_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o native_a tongue_n both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o of_o that_o time_n but_o man_n be_v not_o now_o instruct_v in_o strange_a language_n by_o the_o spirit_n nor_o be_v they_o bear_v with_o hebrew_n or_o greek_a neither_o be_v they_o inspire_v with_o art_n and_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o consequent_o study_v and_o read_n and_o long_a exercise_n be_v indispensable_o requisite_a 6._o clement_n of_o alexandria_n will_v have_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n his_o perfect_a and_o complete_a theologue_n be_v skilled_a in_o humane_a literature_n and_o philosophy_n inshort_n to_o be_v a_o consummate_v divine_a and_o thorough_o know_v in_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o universal_a learning_n second_o that_o we_o may_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o be_v exceed_o attentive_a observe_v considerate_a that_o we_o be_v very_o inquisitive_a thoughtful_a and_o diligent_a this_o rule_n may_v be_v explain_v in_o several_a particular_n 1._o we_o must_v use_v great_a thoughtfulness_n diligence_n and_o care_n in_o penetrate_v into_o the_o design_n and_o sense_n of_o those_o inspire_a write_n st._n chrysostom_n deliver_v the_o rule_n thus_o galat._n we_o must_v not_o only_o examine_v the_o mere_a naked_a word_n and_o insist_v upon_o they_o simple_o and_o absolute_o consider_v but_o we_o must_v chief_o attend_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o writer_n sometime_o instead_o of_o a_o absolute_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n in_o scripture_n they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v comparative_o or_o with_o limitation_n they_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n as_o to_o instance_n no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1._o cor._n 12._o 3._o i_o e._n no_o man_n can_v say_v so_o from_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v that_o reserve_v imply_v where_o i_o be_o you_o eannot_v come_v john_n 7._o 34._o i_o e._n you_o can_v come_v yet_o but_o afterward_o you_o shall_v all_o that_o come_v before_o i_o be_v thief_n and_o robber_n john_n 1_o o._n 8._o i._n e._n all_o false_a prophet_n for_o he_o mean_v they_o be_v such_o it_o be_v report_v that_o there_o be_v such_o fornication_n among_o you_o as_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v among_o the_o gentile_n that_o one_o shall_v have_v his_o father_n wife_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 1._o this_o sort_n of_o fornication_n be_v not_o only_o name_v but_o practise_v among_o the_o gentile_n for_o there_o be_v several_a example_n in_o pagan_a story_n of_o marry_v the_o father_n wife_n therefore_o here_o must_v be_v mean_v the_o more_o sober_a sort_n of_o gentile_n and_o so_o in_o many_o other_o place_n thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v absolute_o speak_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o restrain_a sense_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o be_v very_o thoughtful_a and_o inquisitive_a about_o the_o context_n the_o dependence_n the_o connection_n of_o those_o place_n which_o we_o search_v into_o we_o be_v to_o be_v exceed_o mindful_a what_o the_o word_n refer_v to_o what_o coherence_n they_o have_v with_o what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v to_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o we_o must_v careful_o observe_v the_o subject-matter_n for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o proposition_n be_v true_a or_o not_o true_a according_a to_o this_o you_o will_v meet_v with_o several_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v forbear_v to_o mention_v any_o here_o only_o i_o offer_v this_o at_o present_a as_o a_o general_n rule_n for_o guide_v we_o to_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n 3._o this_o attentiveness_n and_o care_n must_v be_v exercise_v in_o compare_v one_o place_n with_o another_o or_o with_o divers_a other_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n for_o as_o a_o temple_n intelligent_a person_n right_o suggest_v all_o truth_n be_v consonant_n to_o itself_o and_o all_o be_v pen_v by_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a spirit_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o a_o industrious_a and_o judicious_a compare_v of_o place_n with_o place_n must_v be_v a_o singular_a help_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o one_o rule_n if_o well_o and_o due_o observe_v will_v carry_v we_o through_o most_o of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o bible_n for_o this_o we_o may_v depend_v upon_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n that_o the_o best_a comment_n on_o this_o book_n be_v itself_o wherefore_o let_v
we_o not_o be_v hasty_a and_o giddy_a but_o diligent_o compare_v the_o scripture_n with_o itself_o for_o there_o be_v certain_a text_n and_o passage_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o be_v ally_v to_o and_o symbolize_v with_o one_o another_o the_o observe_v of_o this_o will_v be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o we_o thus_o gen._n 49._o may_v be_v explain_v out_o of_o deut._n 32._o the_o blessing_n and_o prophecy_n of_o jacob_n concern_v the_o tribe_n receive_v light_a hence_o and_o also_o from_o the_o particular_a history_n in_o joshua_n and_o judge_n concern_v the_o action_n of_o the_o several_a tribe_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v by_o those_o that_o be_v clear_a and_o easy_a we_o must_v interpret_v those_o that_o be_v uncertain_a by_o text_n that_o be_v undoubted_o certain_a and_o plain_a so_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v brief_a and_o contract_a the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o expound_v they_o by_o those_o that_o be_v large_a and_o full._n the_o beatitude_n in_o luke_n 6._o be_v the_o same_o but_o epitomise_v with_o those_o in_o matth._n 5._o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o explain_v the_o former_a by_o the_o latter_a that_o text_n of_o isaiah_n ch_n 6._o v._n 9_o hear_v you_o indeed_o but_o understand_v not_o etc._n etc._n be_v contract_v in_o mark_n 4._o 12._o luke_n 8._o 10._o jobn_n 12._o 40._o but_o it_o be_v at_o large_a in_o mat._n 13._o 14_o 15._o and_o according_o thence_o the_o sense_n appear_v best_a and_o while_o we_o be_v expound_v one_o place_n by_o another_o we_o must_v not_o forget_v to_o search_v diligent_o into_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o either_o and_o to_o consider_v distinct_o by_o who_o of_o what_o particular_a thing_n to_o who_o at_o what_o time_n on_o what_o occasion_n they_o be_v speak_v if_o we_o be_v thus_o industrious_a and_o attentive_a we_o shall_v be_v effectual_o direct_v to_o the_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v none_o of_o those_o contradiction_n which_o unthinking_a and_o careless_a reader_n through_o want_n of_o collation_n of_o text_n imagine_v to_o be_v in_o scripture_n 4._o this_o inquisitiveness_n and_o observation_n will_v lead_v we_o to_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o singular_a elegancy_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o sacred_a style_n there_o be_v peculiar_a form_n and_o mode_n of_o speech_n in_o several_a nation_n proper_a to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o rendeâ—_n they_o in_o another_o tongue_n or_o if_o you_o attempt_v it_o the_o elegancy_n vanish_v thus_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a excellency_n and_o lustre_n in_o the_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v in_o this_o book_n it_o be_v such_o that_o it_o sometime_o rise_v above_o the_o strain_n of_o the_o most_o eloquent_a orator_n of_o greece_n or_o rome_n but_o this_o can_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o reader_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o discern_v it_o unless_o with_o great_a sedulity_n they_o search_v into_o the_o word_n themselves_o and_o by_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o original_a come_v to_o perceive_v the_o peculiar_a grace_n of_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n thus_o in_o the_o greek_a of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v in_o many_o place_n a_o most_o remarkable_a choice_n of_o word_n and_o a_o wonderful_a accommodate_v they_o to_o the_o matter_n speak_v of_o many_o word_n in_o this_o language_n be_v so_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a that_o they_o can_v be_v express_v in_o english_a we_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o pregnancy_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gal._n 6._o 3._o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tit._n 1._o 10._o for_o in_o these_o word_n be_v include_v not_o only_o deceive_v but_o self-deceit_n or_o deceive_v and_o impose_v upon_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n yea_o the_o latter_a word_n which_o be_v bare_o render_v deceiver_n may_v import_v the_o deceive_a of_o the_o mind_n or_o soul_n of_o other_o our_o translator_n be_v force_v to_o use_v two_o word_n to_o render_v that_o single_a one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d jam._n 5._o 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o pet._n 4._o 15._o be_v translate_v by_o a_o poriphrasis_n six_o word_n in_o english_a for_o one_o in_o greek_a but_o indeed_o this_o be_v a_o compound_v or_o double_a word_n there_o be_v more_o in_o the_o original_a luke_n 21._o 34._o than_o can_v be_v express_v in_o the_o translation_n we_o render_v it_o thus_o take_v heed_n lest_o your_o heart_n be_v overcharge_v but_o there_o be_v a_o marvellous_a elegancy_n in_o the_o greek_a which_o ordinary_a reader_n can_v perceive_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o equivocal_a word_n and_o signify_v not_o only_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o faculty_n but_o that_o noble_a visous_n of_o the_o heart_n well_o know_v by_o that_o name_n and_o also_o that_o part_n of_o the_o body_n which_o be_v the_o receptacle_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n viz._n the_o stomach_n this_o be_v a_o criticism_n not_o unworthy_a the_o take_a notice_n of_o and_o it_o much_o inhanse_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n excellent_a caveat_n here_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v this_o latter_a signification_n sometime_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o name_n of_o that_o distemper_n which_o physician_n give_v to_o the_o pain_n in_o the_o upper_a orifice_n of_o the_o stomach_n which_o be_v near_o to_o the_o heart_n affect_v that_o whence_o the_o distemper_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v vulgar_o call_v heartburning_a which_o be_v indeed_o a_o distemper_n of_o the_o upper_a mouth_n of_o the_o stomach_n and_o shall_v rather_o be_v call_v stomach-burning_a which_o be_v when_o this_o part_n of_o the_o body_n be_v pain_v and_o disorder_v by_o reason_n of_o some_o sharp_a and_o noxious_a humour_n the_o stomach_n and_o the_o heart_n affect_v one_o another_o by_o consent_n the_o former_a have_v be_v call_v by_o the_o greek_a word_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o latter_a thus_o galen_n testify_v that_o the_o old_a physician_n use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o this_o sense_n and_o according_o the_o cardiac_n distemper_n be_v that_o of_o the_o stomach_n the_o affinity_n of_o these_o word_n may_v also_o be_v show_v in_o the_o latin_a stomachus_fw-la and_o the_o english_a stomach_n which_o denote_v sometime_o that_o great_a spirit_n and_o stubborness_n which_o â—ave_n their_o seat_n in_o the_o heart_n but_o it_o most_o manifest_o appear_v as_o i_o have_v shewid_v in_o that_o language_n wherein_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v and_o st._n luke_n who_o be_v a_o greek_a physician_n and_o well_o skilled_a in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o art_n do_v particular_o refer_v to_o this_o and_o notable_o use_v a_o word_n that_o signisy_n both_o the_o stomach_n and_o heart_n proper_o so_o call_v because_o this_o fit_o agree_v to_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v overcharge_v with_o surfeit_v and_o drunkenness_n wherein_o the_o stomach_n be_v main_o concern_v nor_o with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n wherein_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v most_o interest_v wherefore_o a_o word_n that_o import_v both_o be_v very_o elegant_a a_o parallel_n place_n be_v that_o act_n 14._o 17._o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o equivocal_a term_n and_o signify_v something_o else_o beside_o heart_n for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o this_o ambiguity_n in_o the_o word_n fill_v their_o heart_n with_o food_n will_v be_v a_o very_a odd_a and_o unaccountable_a expression_n but_o the_o translator_n can_v not_o use_v both_o sense_n therefore_o they_o set_v down_o one_o and_o leave_v the_o other_o to_o be_v understand_v but_o the_o doubtful_a word_n according_a to_o the_o subject_a matter_n may_v be_v apply_v both_o way_n that_o be_v their_o stomach_n be_v replenish_v with_o food_n and_o their_o heart_n as_o that_o signify_v the_o soul_n and_o its_o affection_n with_o gladness_n and_o further_o to_o corroborate_v this_o criticism_n and_o to_o show_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n and_o pregnancy_n of_o the_o scripture-stile_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o stomach_n in_o jam._n 5._o 5._o you_o have_v nourish_v your_o heart_n as_o in_o a_o day_n of_o slaughter_n for_o here_o by_o a_o day_n of_o slaughter_n as_o all_o expositor_n of_o any_o note_n grant_v be_v mean_v a_o day_n of_o feast_v because_o on_o great_a festival_n many_o beast_n be_v kill_v for_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v eat_v by_o the_o sacrificer_n and_o their_o friend_n prov._n 7._o 14._o isa._n 22._o 13._o and_o consequent_o by_o heart_n we_o
and_o go_v after_o strange_a god_n and_o strange_a woman_n and_o we_o never_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o he_o repent_v either_o of_o his_o idolatry_n or_o his_o whoredom_n be_v it_o likely_a that_o this_o gross_a apostate_n be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v it_o probahle_v that_o he_o have_v the_o honour_n of_o be_v one_o of_o the_o penman_n of_o sacred_a writ_n answ._n it_o be_v true_a solomon_n be_v as_o great_a a_o reproach_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o ever_o any_o person_n be_v if_o we_o consider_v all_o his_o circumstance_n his_o sin_n be_v of_o a_o very_a high_a nature_n his_o fault_n be_v most_o heinous_a and_o scandalous_a and_o that_o man_n be_v half_a guilty_a of_o they_o that_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v they_o a_o most_o provoke_a crime_n it_o be_v in_o he_o that_o have_v be_v so_o high_o favour_v of_o god_n to_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o his_o lust_n a_o most_o horrid_a offence_n it_o be_v even_o in_o his_o old_a age_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o life_n as_o if_o now_o his_o year_n have_v make_v he_o decrepit_a and_o idolatrous_a too_o to_o bow_v down_o to_o idol_n but_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o solomon_n bow_v so_o low_a that_o he_o can_v not_o rise_v again_o that_o he_o fall_v and_o never_o recover_v himself_o i_o confess_v no_o mean_a a_o man_n than_o st._n augustin_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n this_o hard_a father_n of_o infant_n be_v as_o harsh_a against_o solomon_n pronounce_v he_o a_o person_n whole_o cast_v out_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o never_o receive_v to_o mercy_n again_o and_o some_o other_o father_n as_o st_n cyprian_n and_o prosper_v question_v his_o salvation_n bellarmin_n and_o pererius_n positive_o conclude_v he_o be_v damn_v but_o then_o we_o find_v drexellius_n three_o other_o of_o that_o communion_n and_o of_o the_o same_o order_n peremptory_o assert_v the_o contrary_a maldonate_fw-it declare_v he_o do_v not_o know_v what_o to_o determine_v of_o which_o mind_n it_o seem_v be_v that_o archbishop_n of_o toledo_n who_o â—aused_v king_n solomon_n to_o be_v paint_v on_o the_o wall_n of_o his_o chapel_n half_a in_o hell_n and_o half_a in_o heaven_n but_o to_o wave_v the_o opinion_n and_o censure_n of_o particular_a person_n at_o present_a it_o be_v general_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o solomon_n repent_v and_o be_v save_v and_o there_o be_v such_o reason_n as_o these_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a conclude_v from_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o repent_v not_o and_o that_o he_o be_v damn_v for_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o king_n manasseâ—_n be_v a_o great_a sinner_n than_o ever_o he_o be_v for_o unto_o all_o manner_n of_o idolatry_n he_o add_v the_o diabolical_a practice_n of_o witchcraft_n and_o enchantment_n 2_o chron._n 33._o 3_o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o his_o hearty_a repentance_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n be_v record_v v_o 12_o 13_o 19_o yea_o david_n solomon_n own_o parent_n be_v a_o very_a heinous_a criminal_a if_o the_o sin_n of_o study_a murder_n which_o we_o do_v not_o find_v his_o son_n guilty_a of_o and_o adultery_n can_v make_v he_o such_o and_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o upon_o his_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o these_o crime_n and_o reform_v his_o way_n he_o be_v acquit_v of_o these_o offence_n and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o same_o mercy_n be_v show_v to_o the_o son_n and_o what_o ground_n have_v we_o to_o exclude_v he_o from_o partake_v of_o it_o upon_o his_o unfeigned_a repentance_n 2._o that_o he_o do_v repent_v and_o be_v save_v may_v be_v gather_v from_o 2_o chron._n 11._o 17._o where_o the_o walk_n in_o the_o way_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n be_v mention_v as_o walk_v holy_o and_o so_o as_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n upon_o which_o passage_n a_o testament_n judicious_a writer_n have_v these_o word_n this_o very_a place_n and_o passage_n say_v he_o may_v resolve_v that_o solomon_n be_v no_o more_o final_o cast_v away_o for_o his_o idolatry_n than_o david_n be_v for_o his_o adultery_n and_o murder_n we_o see_v that_o david_n and_o solomon_n be_v here_o join_v together_o their_o way_n of_o walk_v be_v represent_v as_o the_o same_o as_o much_o as_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o as_o david_n be_v a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n except_v the_o murder_n of_o vriah_n and_o debauch_v his_o wife_n so_o be_v his_o son_n solomon_n except_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o his_o life_n 3._o solomon_n book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n as_o have_v be_v suggest_v already_o be_v a_o plain_a testimony_n of_o his_o repentance_n here_o he_o bewail_v his_o former_a folly_n here_o he_o make_v a_o public_a retractation_n of_o they_o and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v penance_n for_o they_o before_o all_o the_o world_n we_o may_v therefore_o safe_o vote_v he_o a_o true_a penitent_n a_o real_a convert_n at_o last_o and_o now_o a_o saint_n in_o heaven_n 4._o in_o express_v word_n according_a to_o the_o septuagint_n his_o repentance_n be_v record_v prov._n 24._o 32._o 〈◊〉_d afterward_o or_o at_o last_o i_o repent_v or_o if_o this_o version_n be_v not_o admit_v and_o although_o we_o can_v produce_v a_o express_a text_n though_o that_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o it_o be_v not_o any_o where_o record_v that_o lot_n repent_v of_o his_o incest_n or_o that_o some_o other_o who_o salvation_n we_o question_v not_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o their_o miscarriage_n yet_o there_o be_v ground_n to_o believe_v his_o conversion_n not_o only_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v but_o from_o what_o we_o be_v able_a further_o to_o allege_v 5._o therefore_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o this_o inspire_a secretary_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o prophet_n concern_v who_o our_o infallible_a teacher_n say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n luke_n 13._o 28._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o those_o prophet_n who_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o god_n in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n as_o to_o be_v sacred_a writer_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v all_o admit_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v place_v in_o the_o mansion_n of_o glory_n beside_o such_o person_n as_o these_o who_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v pronounce_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n by_o st._n peter_n 2_o ep_n ch_n 1._o v._n 21._o none_o have_v that_o honour_n but_o those_o who_o be_v of_o real_a sanctity_n i._n e._n the_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o in_o that_o place_n be_v vouchsafe_v to_o none_o but_o such_o and_o therefore_o though_o solomon_n repentance_n be_v not_o express_o record_v yet_o when_o we_o know_v that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a penman_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o notwithstanding_o god_n suffer_v he_o for_o a_o time_n to_o fall_v into_o those_o scandalous_a sin_n yet_o he_o return_v afterward_o to_o he_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o be_v renew_a and_o reform_a and_o die_v a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a person_n 6._o this_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o solomon_n 2_o sam._n 7._o 15._o my_o mercy_n shall_v not_o depart_v away_o from_o he_o which_o be_v commented_a upon_o by_o the_o wise_a son_n of_o sirach_n speak_v of_o this_o king_n folly_n and_o extravagancy_n and_o the_o sad_a event_n of_o they_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o will_v never_o leave_v off_o his_o mercy_n neither_o shall_v any_o of_o his_o work_n perish_v neither_o will_v he_o abolish_v the_o posterity_n of_o his_o elect_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o he_o that_o love_v he_o he_o will_v not_o take_v away_o ecclesiastic_a 47._o 22._o whence_o we_o may_v rational_o gather_v that_o solomon_n be_v not_o cast_v off_o by_o god_n but_o still_o continue_v in_o his_o favour_n some_o argue_n from_o his_o name_n dei_fw-la agur_n which_o they_o say_v imply_v his_o former_a fail_n and_o his_o be_v reclaim_v other_o think_v his_o name_n jedidiah_n belove_v of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o good_a intimation_n that_o he_o become_v a_o true_a penitent_n and_o be_v save_v and_o some_o conceive_v that_o because_o he_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n he_o can_v not_o miscarry_v but_o whether_o these_o have_v any_o weight_n or_o no_o i_o be_o confident_a no_o considerate_a person_n can_v deny_v the_o force_n of_o the_o reason_n before_o allege_a we_o may_v from_o they_o alone_o conclude_v that_o solomon_n be_v not_o final_o reject_v by_o god_n yea_o that_o he_o be_v upon_o his_o hearty_a repentance_n receive_v into_o favour_n and_o be_v now_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o those_o ancient_n and_o learned_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n
jovin_n st._n jerom_n dau._n ambrose_n 52._o hilary_n 2._o cyril_n let_v we_o then_o forget_v his_o fault_n when_o we_o study_v his_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v no_o errata_n he_o be_v a_o interpreter_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o we_o and_o when_o he_o utter_v these_o thing_n be_v a_o friend_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n but_o suppose_v we_o know_v certain_o which_o we_o do_v not_o and_o can_v but_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o contrary_a that_o he_o be_v at_o last_o cast_v off_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o this_o do_v necessary_o invalidate_v his_o write_n god_n might_n if_o he_o please_v make_v use_n of_o a_o bad_a man_n to_o pen_v some_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o call_v judas_n to_o the_o apostleship_n and_o to_o be_v a_o eminent_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o solomon_n be_v a_o apostate_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o direct_a argument_n against_o the_o validity_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o write_n but_o there_o be_v such_o great_a probability_n not_o to_o say_v reason_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o need_v not_o fly_v to_o this_o answer_n but_o on_o good_a ground_n persuade_v ourselves_o that_o solomon_n who_o be_v once_o 〈◊〉_d with_o sacred_a wisdom_n never_o loâ—t_v it_o whole_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v prejudice_v against_o what_o he_o have_v write_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o gross_a fall_n and_o miscarriage_n next_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o those_o who_o prophesy_v after_o the_o division_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n from_o the_o other_o two_o but_o before_o the_o captivity_n of_o either_o isaiah_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o eminent_a he_o be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal_a his_o father_n amoz_fw-mi being_z brother_n to_o azariah_n king_n of_o judâ—â—_n he_o be_v a_o old_a prophet_n have_v be_v in_o that_o employment_n under_o four_o king_n of_o judah_n as_o 1._o he_o tell_v we_o himself_o and_o all_o this_o time_n which_o be_v about_o threescore_o year_n he_o faithful_o discharge_v the_o part_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n in_o a_o impartial_a reprove_v of_o the_o vice_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o age_n he_o live_v in_o 〈◊〉_d a_o free_a and_o open_o display_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o be_v impendent_a on_o that_o nation_n yet_o not_o forget_v to_o threaten_v and_o denounce_v vengeance_n on_o those_o foreign_a and_o strange_a people_n who_o be_v instrumental_a in_o inâ—â—â—cting_v these_o judgement_n and_o who_o for_o their_o cry_a enormity_n deserve_v to_o be_v destroy_v viz._n aslyrian_o egyptian_n ethiopian_n moabite_n edomite_n tyrian_n arabian_n in_o a_o most_o pathetic_a exhortation_n to_o repentance_n and_o in_o set_v before_o they_o the_o promise_v of_o mercy_n and_o deliverance_n this_o last_o especial_o he_o be_v most_o famous_a for_o clear_o foretell_v the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o cyrus_n king_n of_o persia_n and_o this_o he_o express_o mention_v a_o hundred_o year_n before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o his_o prediction_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v the_o most_o remarkable_a of_o all_o he_o in_o plain_a term_n foretell_v not_o only_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o all_o the_o great_a and_o memorable_a passage_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o he_o speak_v as_o clear_o and_o distinct_o of_o these_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v bless_v the_o world_n with_o his_o presence_n at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o he_o write_v his_o prophecy_n he_o seem_v to_o speak_v say_v st._n isai._n jerom_n rather_o of_o thing_n past_a than_o to_o come_v and_o he_o may_v be_v call_v a_o evangelist_n rather_o than_o â—_o prophet_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n without_o doubt_n of_o the_o so_o frequent_a citation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o this_o book_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o christ_n himself_o his_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n have_v quote_v about_o threescore_o place_n out_o of_o it_o iâ—_n read_v of_o this_o book_n than_o we_o read_v the_o gospel_n itself_o we_o antedate_v the_o new_a testament_n by_o the_o write_n of_o this_o evangelical_n prophet_n i_o have_v intimate_v before_o that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o eloquent_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o be_v the_o hebrew_n demosthenes_n as_o 1._o grotius_n right_o style_v he_o the_o purity_n of_o hebraism_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o he_o as_o in_o the_o other_o that_o of_o atticism_n he_o use_v many_o scheme_n and_o figure_n but_o none_o be_v more_o remarkable_a than_o that_o for_o which_o that_o athenian_a orator_n be_v so_o applaud_v say_v quintilian_n his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o excellent_a art_n of_o add_v gravity_n force_n and_o vehemence_n to_o what_o he_o say_v he_o continual_o exaggerate_v and_o amplify_v the_o matter_n which_o he_o undertake_v he_o have_v above_o other_o prophet_n a_o advantage_n of_o improve_n his_o style_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o noble_a descent_n and_o converse_v with_o man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o elocution_n but_o the_o maiâ—_n thing_n wherein_o he_o excel_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v this_o that_o he_o say_v more_o of_o our_o lord_n christ_n than_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o this_o be_v his_o peculiar_a excellency_n that_o he_o make_v so_o early_a a_o discovery_n of_o the_o advent_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n jeremiah_n be_v another_o ancient_a prophet_n he_o beginning_n to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o thirteen_o year_n of_o king_n josiah_n and_o continue_v in_o that_o sacred_a employment_n till_o the_o last_o year_n of_o king_n zedekiah_n he_o see_v the_o captivity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o samaria_n and_o after_o that_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n and_o of_o the_o temple_n part_v of_o this_o famous_a prophecy_n yea_o most_o of_o it_o be_v after_o the_o captivity_n of_o israel_n and_o before_o that_o of_o judah_n from_o chap._n 1._o to_o ch_z 44._o and_o part_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o latter_a captivity_n this_o prophet_n be_v not_o carry_v captive_a with_o the_o other_o jew_n but_o remain_v in_o judea_n and_o afterward_o carry_v into_o egypt_n from_o chap._n 44_o to_o the_o end_n in_o the_o whole_a be_v comprise_v many_o thing_n of_o great_a worth_n and_o moment_n for_o here_o wefind_v this_o divine_a prophet_n lay_v open_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n with_o a_o unparalleled_a freedom_n and_o boldness_n and_o remind_v they_o of_o the_o severe_a judgement_n which_o have_v befall_v the_o ten_o tribe_n for_o the_o very_a same_o offence_n and_o miscarriage_n here_o this_o weep_v prophet_n this_o jewish_a heraclitus_n most_o passionate_o lament_v the_o miserable_a condition_n which_o they_o be_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o and_o withal_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o prevent_v it_o namely_o by_o a_o speedy_a reform_v of_o their_o life_n but_o at_o last_o he_o more_o peremptory_o proclaim_v god_n wrath_n and_o vengeance_n against_o they_o foresee_v and_o foretell_v the_o grievous_a calamity_n which_o be_v approach_v particular_o the_o seventy_o year_n captivity_n in_o chaldaea_n which_o begin_v as_o some_o think_v with_o the_o carry_v away_o of_o those_o of_o judah_n he_o also_o dissuade_v they_o from_o break_v faith_n with_o the_o chaldean_n after_o they_o be_v conquer_v by_o they_o and_o sheweth_z how_o unsuccessful_a thâ—y_n shall_v be_v in_o their_o revolt_n from_o they_o to_o the_o egyptian_n but_o even_o then_o he_o foretell_v their_o happy_a return_n and_o deliverance_n and_o likewise_o the_o just_a recompense_n which_o babylon_n moab_n the_o philistine_n and_o other_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v meet_v with_o in_o due_a time_n here_o be_v also_o several_a intimation_n concern_v christ_n the_o bless_a messiah_n and_o redeemer_n and_o concern_v his_o kingdom_n and_o government_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n here_o be_v many_o remarkable_a vision_n and_o type_n wherein_o be_v represent_v thing_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o last_o here_o be_v sundry_a historical_a passage_n of_o considerable_a moment_n which_o relate_v to_o those_o time_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v of_o inestimable_a worth_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o sacred_a volume_n his_o lamentation_n which_o be_v in_o hebrew_a verse_n and_o be_v so_o contrive_v that_o in_o the_o four_o first_o chapter_n every_o verse_n except_v one_o begin_v with_o a_o hebrew_n letter_n in_o the_o alphabetick_a order_n be_v write_v on_o the_o death_n of_o that_o religious_a prince_n josiah_n which_o appear_v from_o what_o be_v record_v in_o a_o chron._n 35._o 25._o jeremiah_n lament_v for_o josiah_n and_o all_o the_o sing_a man_n and_o