reason_n why_o the_o apocryphal_a write_n be_v not_o receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o bible_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n make_v by_o the_o romanist_n second_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o external_n testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v add_v to_o those_o argument_n which_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v true_a in_o themselves_o will_n exceed_o corroborate_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o those_o book_n and_o here_o i_o may_v mention_v the_o testimony_n give_v to_o they_o by_o god_n in_o the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o they_o through_o all_o age_n since_o they_o be_v first_o write_v in_o all_o the_o change_n of_o affair_n and_o the_o overthrow_n of_o so_o many_o city_n and_o kingdom_n that_o incomparable_a treasure_n have_v not_o be_v lose_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v keep_v untouched_a and_o inviolable_a at_o the_o sack_n and_o burn_v of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o of_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o ever_o since_o that_o time_n the_o scripture_n have_v be_v unaltered_a in_o word_n and_o sense_n notwithstanding_o the_o frequent_a endeavour_n of_o satan_n busy_a agent_n to_o corrupt_v they_o yea_o utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o next_o to_o god_n providence_n in_o preserve_v these_o book_n through_o all_o time_n and_o age_n we_o may_v add_v the_o marvellous_a success_n which_o have_v attend_v the_o holy_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o these_o write_n they_o have_v prevail_v against_o the_o power_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n and_o to_o this_o very_a day_n they_o be_v maintain_v and_o uphold_v maugre_o the_o attempt_n of_o both_o of_o they_o to_o root_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o i_o wave_v this_o intend_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o divine_a but_o humane_a testimony_n in_o this_o place_n by_o external_n testimony_n than_o i_o mean_v here_o no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o universal_a tradition_n and_o this_o tradition_n be_v both_o of_o jew_n and_o christian_n and_o what_o will_v a_o man_n desire_v more_o in_o a_o humane_a way_n for_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n from_o the_o joint_a attestation_n of_o these_o witness_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o book_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v the_o true_a copy_n of_o the_o first_o original_n that_o the_o same_o book_n and_o author_n be_v faithful_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o which_o be_v first_o of_o all_o deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o these_o write_n as_o we_o now_o have_v they_o that_o be_v falsify_v or_o corrupt_v first_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o name_n of_o which_o be_v as_o follow_v genesis_n exodus_fw-la leviticus_n number_n deuteronomy_n joshuâ—_n judge_n ruth_n the_o one_a and_o 2d_o book_n of_o samuel_n thâ—_n one_a and_o 2d_o book_n of_o king_n though_o one_a and_o 2d_o book_n 〈◊〉_d chronicle_n ezra_n nehemiah_n esther_n job_n the_o psalm_n proverb_n ecclesiaste_n the_o song_n of_o solomon_n the_o foâ—â—_n great_a prophet_n and_o the_o twelve_o lesser_n these_o and_o none_o but_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o canâ—_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o ancient_a church_n oâ—_n the_o jew_n who_o testimony_n be_v very_a authentics_n here_o yea_o indeed_o we_o can_v have_v a_o better_a they_o acquaint_v we_o that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a writing_n that_o be_v universal_o agree_v by_o they_o to_o be_v extraordinary_o inspire_v and_o they_o further_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o different_a person_n and_o at_o diverse_a time_n be_v first_o compile_v and_o collect_v into_o one_o body_n or_o volume_n by_o ezra_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o doctor_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o time_n be_v not_o constitute_v till_o ezra_n day_n by_o the_o great_a synagogue_n as_o they_o call_v it_o upon_o his_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n he_o undertake_v this_o good_a work_n he_o gather_v together_o all_o those_o disperse_a book_n before_o name_v and_o after_o he_o have_v review_v they_o he_o public_o own_v and_o solemn_o vouch_v the_o authority_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o that_o the_o church_n for_o the_o future_a may_v not_o doubt_v of_o their_o be_v authentic_a and_o true_a but_o some_o add_v here_o by_o way_n of_o objection_n that_o this_o holy_a man_n cause_v these_o book_n to_o be_v write_v over_o in_o a_o new_a character_n because_o the_o jew_n have_v lose_v their_o knowledge_n of_o the_o former_a one_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o consequent_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o eusebius_n and_o jerom_n be_v allege_v for_o this_o especial_o the_o latter_a who_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o the_o samaritan_n character_n be_v the_o old_a hebrew_n character_n in_o which_o the_o bible_n be_v first_o write_v and_o that_o it_o be_v first_o change_v by_o ezrd_n after_o the_o return_n from_o babylon_n he_o write_v â—he_v sacred_a volume_n over_o in_o assyrian_a or_o chaldee_n letter_n and_o neglect_v the_o old_a hebrew_n one_o which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o samaritan_n be_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v they_o say_v because_o the_o jew_n be_v best_o acquaint_v with_o this_o character_n at_o that_o time_n and_o some_o walton_n modern_a writer_n be_v gain_v over_o to_o this_o opinion_n who_o talk_v much_o of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o character_n and_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o first_o and_o old_a letter_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v samaritan_n but_o that_o those_o which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v assyrian_n and_o of_o quite_o another_o sort_n but_o upon_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n i_o find_v little_a or_o no_o foundation_n for_o this_o opinion_n it_o rather_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o invention_n and_o dream_n of_o those_o who_o design_n to_o disparage_v the_o hebrew_n bible_n they_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o original_a be_v impair_v because_o we_o have_v it_o not_o now_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n for_o the_o old_a bible_n be_v in_o samaritan_n letter_n these_o be_v the_o first_o and_o ancient_a hebrew_a character_n this_o be_v like_o the_o story_n of_o the_o hebrew_n point_n be_v invent_v five_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n of_o which_o afterward_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n namely_o to_o discredit_v the_o hebrew_n text_n which_o we_o now_o have_v and_o whole_o to_o take_v away_o its_o authority_n for_o if_o the_o letter_n be_v change_v it_o be_v probable_a some_o word_n and_o consequent_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o place_n be_v alter_v but_o that_o this_o be_v groundless_a and_o that_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o character_n now_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o you_o will_v find_v very_o large_o and_o convince_o prove_v by_o the_o famous_a hebr._n buxtorf_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o talmud_n especial_o the_o gemara_n 〈◊〉_d the_o cabala_n from_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o most_o notâ—_n rabbin_n of_o old_a and_o of_o the_o learned_a modern_a jeâ—â—_n as_o aben_n ezra_n r._n solomon_n r._n ben_n maimon_n &_o â—_o who_o without_o doubt_n be_v very_o competent_a judge_n 〈◊〉_d this_o case_n to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v several_a of_o 〈◊〉_d christian_a persuasion_n as_o picus_n mirandula_n f._n juniâ—_n skikkard_n postellus_n with_o those_o three_o eminent_a person_n of_o our_o own_o country_n nic._n fuller_n broughtâ—â—_n lightfoot_n if_o you_o consult_v these_o they_o will_v satisfy_v you_o that_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n which_o we_o have_v now_o in_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o primitive_a one_o the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v of_o old_a but_o to_o give_v you_o my_o thought_n impartial_o 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of_o st._n augustine_n i_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o move_v i_o not_o that_o he_o find_v the_o gospel_n i._n e._n the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o papist_n be_v wont_a to_o infer_v from_o these_o word_n and_o frequent_o quote_v they_o to_o this_o purpose_n no_o the_o father_n meaning_n be_v this_o that_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n he_o believe_v the_o book_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v very_o that_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o scope_n of_o it_o for_o he_o speak_v there_o of_o the_o copy_n or_o write_n not_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o good_a father_n rely_v on_o this_o that_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o know_v and_o honest_a person_n as_o the_o church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o do_v assert_v the_o evangelical_n write_n to_o be_v the_o write_n of_o such_o as_o be_v real_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a and_o not_o corrupt_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o same_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o of_o those_o that_o immediate_o succeed_v they_o several_a of_o which_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n this_o be_v the_o external_n testimony_n give_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v the_o general_a persuasion_n and_o attestation_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o these_o be_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n immediate_o direct_v by_o the_o spirit_n who_o therefore_o can_v not_o err_v it_o be_v usual_a heretofore_o among_o the_o pagan_a lawgiver_n to_o attribute_v their_o law_n to_o some_o deity_n though_o they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o invention_n intend_v thereby_o to_o conciliate_v reverence_n to_o they_o and_o to_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o people_n but_o here_o be_v no_o such_o cheat_n put_v upon_o we_o god_n himself_o be_v real_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n these_o sacred_a law_n come_v immediate_o from_o he_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v assurance_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o they_o chap._n iii_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n manifest_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n especial_o of_o pagan_n these_o confirm_v what_o the_o old_a testament_n say_v concern_v the_o creation_n the_o production_n of_o adam_n and_o eve_n their_o fall_n with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o it_o enoch_n translation_n the_o longevity_n of_o the_o patriarch_n the_o giant_n in_o those_o time_n the_o universal_a flood_n the_o build_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n i_o have_v propound_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a argument_n which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o will_v now_o choose_v out_o another_o for_o the_o sake_n chief_o of_o the_o learned_a and_o curious_a which_o i_o purpose_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o yea_o to_o make_v the_o subject_a of_o my_o whole_a ensue_a discourse_n i_o consider_v then_o that_o we_o have_v in_o this_o matter_n not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n but_o of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n and_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o vouch_v by_o all_o man_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o enemy_n be_v most_o considerable_a the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o beside_o these_o witness_n 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nothing_o in_o scripture_n that_o look_v like_o inconsistent_a and_o contradictory_n upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n we_o shall_v discern_v a_o mutual_a correspondence_n in_o the_o style_n matter_n and_o design_n of_o these_o write_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o happy_a concurrence_n of_o circumstance_n and_o a_o admirable_a consistency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discourse_n in_o so_o much_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o upon_o this_o single_a consideration_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o these_o write_n be_v indict_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n this_o harmony_n then_o of_o the_o scripture_n i_o may_v just_o reckon_v among_o the_o inward_a note_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v adjoin_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o which_o be_v of_o the_o very_a intrinsic_a nature_n of_o it_o what_o justinian_n profess_v and_o promise_v concern_v his_o digest_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o clash_v and_o 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sacred_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d the_o heart_n of_o man_n produce_v there_o in_o a_o ration_n â—_o way_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a 〈◊〉_d our_o faculty_n chap._n ii_o external_n proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scriptureâ—_n viz._n the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o they_o and_o universal_a tradition_n which_o latter_a be_v defend_v against_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o that_o talk_v of_o a_o new_a character_n wherein_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v thâ—_n jewish_a masore_v attest_n the_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v not_o corrupt_v the_o point_n or_o vowel_n be_v coexistent_a with_o the_o letter_n f._n simon_n be_v notion_n of_o abbreviate_a the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n reject_v the_o new_a tement_n vouch_v by_o the_o unanimous_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o
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 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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 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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 you_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o frequent_o quote_v the_o canonical_a book_n never_o quoâ—â—_n any_o of_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o which_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v not_o repute_v as_o inspire_a write_n otherwise_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o have_v cite_v some_o one_o passage_n at_o least_o out_o of_o these_o book_n it_o be_v their_o great_a work_n as_o you_o may_v see_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o god_n in_o former_a time_n they_o embrace_v all_o occasion_n of_o establish_v christianity_n upon_o the_o write_n of_o the_o inspire_a prophet_n who_o go_v before_o therefore_o if_o the_o apocryphal_a writer_n have_v be_v of_o that_o number_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v be_v quote_v by_o they_o and_o because_o they_o be_v 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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 twenty_o two_o into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n belong_v to_o the_o old_a testament_n you_o see_v what_o ground_n we_o have_v no_o other_o than_o the_o universal_a church_n we_o reject_v some_o book_n as_o apocryphal_a because_o they_o be_v general_o reject_v by_o the_o ancient_a primitive_a church_n and_o we_o receive_v the_o rest_n as_o canonical_a because_o they_o be_v believe_v and_o own_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n see_v this_o admirable_o make_v good_a in_o bishop_n cousins_n history_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n yet_o aâ—ter_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v we_o count_v the_o apocrypha_n write_n worthy_a to_o be_v read_v and_o peruse_v the_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n amiss_o in_o they_o yet_o we_o give_v great_a deference_n and_o respect_n to_o they_o as_o contain_v many_o historical_a truth_n and_o furnish_v we_o witâ—_n matter_n of_o jewish_a antiquity_n as_o likewise_o because_o there_o be_v many_o doctrinal_a and_o moral_a truth_n in_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n and_o 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
renown_a act_n of_o several_a of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o first_o worthy_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o great_a establish_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o those_o pagan_n derive_v so_o many_o thing_n from_o scripture_n the_o gentile_a writer_n vouch_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n wherefore_o we_o must_v needs_o embrace_v it_o when_o it_o be_v attest_v by_o such_o disinterest_v person_n 3._o we_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o wonderful_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n behold_v the_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o those_o who_o never_o own_v its_o authority_n yea_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n ratify_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o they_o the_o heathen_a poet_n whilst_o they_o corrupt_v divine_a truth_n assert_v it_o their_o very_a lie_n and_o fiction_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o sacred_a verity_n their_o fable_n confirm_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v do_v here_o the_o great_a and_o overrule_v wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v see_v here_o his_o almighty_a power_n in_o baâ—â—ing_v satan_n contrivance_n and_o design_n may_v be_v discern_v he_o as_o be_v say_v before_o intend_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o silence_v of_o the_o truth_n the_o exalt_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o advance_v of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o the_o alwise_a and_o powerful_a moderator_n of_o the_o world_n disappoint_v his_o design_n and_o make_v this_o thing_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o serviceable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o religion_n he_o make_v it_o become_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o antiquity_n reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n 4._o henceforth_o we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o write_n of_o profane_a author_n we_o have_v this_o considerable_a advantage_n by_o read_v the_o work_v of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n and_o by_o peruse_v their_o story_n and_o fable_n that_o we_o shall_v find_v some_o great_a thing_n couch_v in_o they_o than_o 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so_o that_o we_o be_v read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o manner_n whilst_o we_o be_v turn_v over_o pagan_a writer_n in_o these_o we_o meet_v with_o truth_n transplant_v from_o the_o sacred_a book_n we_o find_v many_o passage_n steal_v from_o the_o hebrew_a fountain_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v then_o that_o scholar_n and_o student_n yea_o the_o very_a candidate_n of_o sacred_a theology_n may_v with_o great_a profit_n pry_v into_o these_o write_n of_o the_o pagan_n for_o here_o be_v the_o footstep_n of_o divine_a verity_n profane_a and_o sacred_a learning_n be_v to_o be_v join_v the_o gentile_a monument_n illustrate_v the_o inspire_a one_o we_o may_v notwithstanding_o the_o disguise_n which_o poet_n have_v put_v upon_o the_o story_n see_v the_o foundation_n of_o they_o and_o perceive_v that_o those_o vain_a figmentsâ—_n be_v ground_v on_o some_o solid_a truth_n and_o that_o a_o sacred_a treasure_n lie_v hide_v under_o those_o confuse_a fable_n for_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o palestine_n afford_v greece_n matter_n of_o fancy_n and_o invention_n the_o pagan_a poet_n be_v befriend_v by_o the_o jew_n athens_n be_v indebt_v to_o jerusalem_n parnassus_n be_v behold_v to_o sinai_n and_o helicon_n to_o jordan_n you_o see_v then_o the_o advantage_n we_o may_v reap_v by_o be_v acquaint_v with_o profane_a writer_n whilst_o we_o look_v further_o than_o the_o outward_a shape_n which_o they_o have_v give_v to_o many_o thing_n and_o search_v into_o that_o truth_n which_o lie_v hide_v under_o it_o even_o the_o sacred_a and_o undoubted_a history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n thus_o we_o may_v make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o far_o high_a and_o better_a end_n than_o they_o be_v intend_v this_o be_v the_o best_a improvement_n that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o to_o see_v the_o true_a source_n of_o what_o be_v write_v by_o they_o to_o understand_v whence_o they_o borrow_v their_o matter_n and_o to_o confirm_v ourselves_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n by_o peruse_v these_o which_o be_v profane_a 5th_o and_o last_o then_o see_v the_o authority_n truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n i_o have_v be_v aim_v at_o i_o have_v prove_v this_o before_o by_o several_a argument_n and_o those_o perhaps_o on_o some_o account_v more_o force_v and_o convictive_a than_o this_o but_o i_o think_v good_a to_o add_v this_o to_o they_o as_o no_o contemptible_a way_n of_o prove_v the_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v evidence_v from_o heathen_a writer_n not_o only_o historian_n but_o philosopher_n and_o poet_n a_o man_n may_v by_o compare_v these_o with_o the_o sacred_a volume_n find_v out_o the_o original_a of_o the_o pagan_a tradition_n and_o fiction_n and_o observe_v the_o lineament_n of_o true_a and_o unquestionable_a history_n among_o they_o hence_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n and_o thing_n in_o be_v as_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o the_o passage_n and_o transaction_n there_o mention_v be_v real_a and_o true_a this_o admirable_o serve_v to_o evince_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o write_n this_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o record_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n i._n e._n as_o infallible_a chap._n x._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n confirm_v by_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a writer_n who_o speak_v of_o a_o king_n or_o lord_n that_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o particular_o out_o of_o judaea_n a_o enumeration_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o learned_a concern_v the_o sibylls_n with_o the_o particular_a sentiment_n of_o the_o author_n viz._n that_o the_o content_n of_o their_o verse_n be_v harrow_v from_o the_o old-testament_n and_o that_o those_o woman_n be_v not_o prophetess_n but_o only_o relate_v what_o they_o find_v in_o the_o inspire_a write_n or_o hear_v of_o thence_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o sibylline_a write_n to_o be_v spurious_a next_o i_o be_o to_o show_v how_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v vouch_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o external_n testimony_n i._n e._n how_o profess_a pagansâ—nd_n â—nd_z jew_n enemy_n to_o christianity_n have_v relate_v â—nd_o assert_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o be_v set_v down_o â—n_o those_o evangelical_n write_n first_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a nature_n between_o what_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o before_o and_o what_o â—_o be_o now_o to_o engage_v in_o which_o therefore_o may_v apt_o serve_v as_o a_o transition_n from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o i_o â—ean_v the_o belief_n and_o report_n record_v in_o pagan_a writer_n that_o a_o king_n or_o lord_n shall_v come_v from_o the_o â—ast_n and_o do_v great_a and_o mighty_a thing_n this_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o 〈◊〉_d belong_v to_o the_o former_a discourse_n but_o because_o it_o be_v mention_v by_o historian_n that_o be_v after_o christ_n time_n and_o the_o application_n be_v with_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v make_v to_o he_o i_o right_o bring_v it_o in_o here_o it_o be_v i_o say_v a_o constant_a report_n that_o prevail_v about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n and_o afterward_o that_o some_o eminent_a person_n or_o person_n shall_v rise_v out_o of_o those_o eastern_a nation_n and_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o world_n we_o find_v 5._o tacitus_n assert_v this_o and_o that_o great_a politician_n and_o statesman_n will_v needs_o have_v it_o fulfil_v in_o vespasian_n and_o titus_n because_o they_o be_v call_v out_o of_o judea_n unto_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n suetonius_n
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
which_o deride_v the_o 3d_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n and_o who_o commit_v it_o to_o the_o press_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o of_o the_o witty_a folk_n of_o the_o town_n and_o to_o please_v the_o atheistical_a rabble_n this_o signal_n act_n of_o avenge_a providence_n be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o i_o wish_v the_o ingenious_a theorist_n will_v serious_o reflect_v upon_o it_o and_o learn_v thence_o to_o make_v sport_n with_o the_o bible_n no_o more_o and_o i_o request_v he_o not_o to_o be_v offend_v at_o my_o plain_a deal_v with_o he_o for_o i_o assure_v he_o that_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o out_o of_o any_o disrespect_n or_o ill_a will_n to_o his_o person_n but_o whole_o from_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o great_a mischief_n which_o be_v like_a to_o ensue_v upon_o this_o late_a attempt_n of_o he_o i_o abhor_v the_o treat_v of_o any_o learned_a man_n write_n with_o contempt_n yea_o on_o the_o contrary_n i_o have_v always_o pay_v a_o due_a respect_n and_o deference_n to_o they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o adjust_v to_o the_o notion_n which_o i_o have_v of_o thing_n but_o when_o i_o see_v the_o holy_a scripture_n strike_v at_o and_o religion_n itself_o shock_a and_o extreme_o hazard_v i_o can_v forbear_v from_o utter_v my_o sentiment_n and_o chew_v my_o just_a indignation_n on_o such_o a_o occasion_n christian_n charity_n which_o bear_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n can_v by_o any_o mean_n brook_v this_o and_o i_o must_v free_o tell_v this_o learned_a writer_n that_o let_v his_o character_n otherwise_o be_v never_o so_o fair_a and_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o disow_v it_o or_o blemish_v it_o in_o the_o least_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o better_a this_o be_v the_o worse_a be_v his_o enterprise_n for_o he_o seem_v to_o come_v sober_a and_o demure_a to_o undermine_v the_o bible_n and_o destroy_v christianity_n as_o many_o a_o cracovian_a reasoner_n have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o true_o there_o be_v little_a sobriety_n in_o jest_v and_o buffoon_v in_o jeer_a and_o droll_v away_o our_o religion_n and_o that_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o philosophic_a antiquity_n nay_o let_v i_o tell_v he_o and_o i_o hope_v by_o this_o time_n his_o own_o thought_n do_v so_o too_o that_o to_o trifle_n and_o droll_n after_o the_o rate_n that_o he_o do_v on_o the_o inspire_a history_n concern_v adam_n and_o eve_n be_v a_o near_o approach_v to_o blasphemy_n i_o hearty_o wish_v he_o may_v be_v apprehensive_a of_o his_o delinquency_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o that_o for_o the_o future_a he_o may_v guide_v himself_o by_o that_o wholesome_a rule_n viz._n that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o quit_v the_o literal_a interpretation_n in_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o do_v so_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o present_a case_n nay_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o acknowledge_v the_o literal_a and_o historical_a mean_v unless_o we_o will_v subvert_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o religion_n he_o that_o make_v this_o first_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o be_v whole_o mystical_a do_v not_o observe_v the_o distance_n between_o genesis_n and_o some_o part_n of_o the_o revelation_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a that_o we_o follow_v not_o the_o master_n of_o abstruse_a divinity_n so_o far_o that_o we_o exclude_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o this_o will_v prove_v fatal_a to_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o to_o all_o religion_n especial_o christianity_n if_o we_o dote_v upon_o allegory_n and_o defy_v the_o letter_n and_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o quite_o null_a these_o sacred_a write_n because_o we_o thereby_o render_v they_o ambiguous_a and_o precarious_a we_o authorize_v any_o wild_a interpretation_n that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o if_o we_o may_v leave_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n when_o we_o please_v and_o fly_v to_o metaphorical_a and_o mystical_a one_o than_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v soon_o vanish_v for_o than_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o be_v true_a or_o what_o be_v false_a or_o if_o we_o know_v it_o we_o can_v never_o confute_v any_o error_n or_o maintain_v any_o truth_n from_o the_o holy_a writ_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n theâ—â—will_v be_v innumerable_a explication_n of_o scripture_n and_o who_o can_v possible_o determine_v which_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v choice_n of_o if_o you_o offer_v any_o text_n to_o prove_v â—uch_n or_o such_o a_o doctrine_n it_o will_v easy_o be_v evade_v if_o the_o letter_n may_v not_o be_v our_o guide_n for_o it_o be_v but_o say_v the_o place_n be_v not_o mean_v as_o the_o word_n sound_v but_o must_v be_v take_v figurative_o and_o mystical_o thus_o scripture_n itself_o be_v destroy_v by_o cashier_v the_o literal_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n yea_o we_o destroy_v the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o pluck_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n we_o deny_v christ_n and_o all_o his_o bless_a undertake_n for_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n for_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o literal_a account_n we_o have_v of_o they_o upon_o the_o historical_a relation_n of_o they_o which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n thus_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a it_o be_v to_o let_v go_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o catch_v at_o a_o mystical_a one_o only_a by_o this_o wild_a practice_n man_n attempt_v to_o thrust_v religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o present_v we_o with_o a_o metaphorical_a and_o allegorical_a religion_n instead_o of_o a_o true_a and_o real_a one_o therefore_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o quit_v the_o literal_a construction_n of_o scripture_n second_o the_o other_o extreme_o which_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v by_o we_o be_v the_o 31._o rest_v altogether_o in_o the_o outside_n the_o look_v no_o far_o than_o the_o literal_a mean_v of_o scripture_n there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o mystical_a or_o symbolical_a divinity_n however_o some_o have_v mistake_v and_o abuse_v it_o and_o this_o if_o it_o be_v right_o use_v be_v exceed_v profitable_a yea_o necessary_a for_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o result_n of_o the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o he_o be_v true_o a_o divine_a he_o may_v deserve_o be_v say_v to_o have_v skill_n in_o christian_a theology_n who_o content_v not_o himself_o with_o the_o primary_n or_o literal_a import_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n but_o dive_v into_o the_o secondary_a but_o more_o abstruse_a mean_v of_o they_o who_o penetrate_v into_o the_o hide_a mind_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o there_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d sense_n in_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o several_a instance_n it_o must_v be_v reckon_v a_o great_a oversight_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o in_o the_o expositor_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o interpretation_n but_o to_o acquiesce_v whole_o in_o the_o literal_a mean_v this_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o exposition_n which_o some_o of_o the_o rabbin_n give_v of_o the_o bible_n for_o as_o the_o jewish_a cabalist_n be_v too_o allegorical_a as_o we_o take_v notice_n before_o so_o another_o set_a of_o their_o doctor_n be_v too_o much_o devote_v to_o a_o literal_a interpretation_n this_o they_o stick_v to_o when_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o yea_o when_o the_o word_n be_v plain_o figurative_a and_o must_v needs_o be_v take_v so_o yet_o even_o then_o they_o interpret_v they_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o thence_o be_v produce_v some_o of_o those_o foolish_a proposition_n and_o childish_a assertion_n those_o groundless_a fable_n and_o legend_n yea_o those_o gross_a lie_n and_o forgery_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o rabbin_n erasmus_n be_v faulty_a in_o this_o kind_n his_o reader_n may_v observe_v that_o he_o neglect_v the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o resolute_o adhere_v to_o the_o bare_a letter_n in_o which_o he_o be_v follow_v by_o calvin_n who_o general_o leave_v out_o the_o secondary_a and_o more_o sublime_a sense_n of_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o the_o literal_a one_o only_a this_o he_o do_v in_o his_o comment_n on_o gen._n 3._o 15._o i_o will_v put_v enmity_n between_o etc._n etc._n which_o he_o interpret_v simple_o of_o the_o antipathy_n between_o man_n and_o serpent_n which_o be_v the_o poor_a and_o lank_a interpretation_n which_o josephus_n the_o jew_n give_v of_o it_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v whereas_o those_o word_n in_o the_o high_a mean_v of_o they_o as_o the_o ancient_a and_o learnede_a father_n have_v suggest_v be_v the_o first_o and_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n make_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o
kingdom_n though_o from_o very_o small_a beginning_n compare_v they_o to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n and_o by_o a_o lessen_v hyperbole_n call_v this_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n though_o in_o exact_a speak_v it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o if_o this_o way_n of_o interpret_n christ_n word_n which_o i_o now_o offer_v be_v not_o approve_v of_o than_o you_o may_v expound_v they_o thus_o that_o this_o seed_n be_v oâ—e_v of_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n or_o you_o may_v understand_v they_o speak_v respective_o that_o be_v it_o be_v the_o least_o of_o all_o such_o seed_n as_o extend_v to_o large_a production_n no_o seed_n so_o little_o send_v forth_o branch_n so_o wide_o or_o bring_v forth_o its_o fruit_n after_o that_o plentiful_a manner_n thus_o you_o may_v understand_v the_o word_n but_o in_o my_o judgement_n the_o resolve_v they_o into_o a_o hyperbole_n be_v the_o best_a way_n though_o it_o be_v not_o make_v use_v â—f_n by_o expositor_n and_o how_o indeed_o can_v it_o when_o they_o take_v the_o seed_n of_o mustard_n to_o be_v absolute_o the_o least_o of_o all_o grain_n whatsoever_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o luke_n 19_o 44._o they_o shall_v not_o leave_v in_o thou_o one_o stone_n upon_o another_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o last_o and_o final_a devastation_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v a_o hyperbolical_a expression_n and_o consequent_o not_o true_a in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n for_o can_v we_o think_v say_v some_o that_o the_o roman_a army_n have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o pick_v out_o all_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o foundation_n and_o throw_v they_o away_o those_o who_o talk_v thus_o do_v not_o remember_v what_o be_v do_v at_o several_a time_n towards_o the_o complete_a and_o total_a destruction_n of_o that_o place_n this_o passage_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n seem_v to_o refer_v particular_o and_o signal_o to_o the_o dig_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o the_o very_o plough_v up_o the_o ground_n by_o titus_n command_n which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o do_v not_o deny_v and_o also_o to_o that_o prodigious_a earthquake_n in_o iulian_n time_n whereby_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o foundation_n be_v whole_o break_v up_o and_o scatter_v abroad_o here_o be_v a_o exact_a fulfil_n of_o christ_n prediction_n without_o any_o hyperbole_n as_o for_o that_o close_a of_o st._n john_n gospel_n even_o the_o woâ—ld_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v chap._n 21_o 25._o 3._o eusâ—bius_n and_o st._n aâ—gustin_n of_o old_a and_o tremellius_n other_o more_o late_o understand_v it_o thus_o the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v that_o be_v conceive_v comprehend_v and_o digest_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v concern_v our_o saviour_n deed_n their_o understanding_n be_v weak_a and_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v oppress_v with_o so_o many_o book_n on_o that_o subject_a so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n here_o use_v be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o matth._n 19_o 11._o all_o man_n can_v receive_v or_o contain_v this_o say_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v by_o philo_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o how_o unsearchable_a it_o be_v sai_z that_o 1._o neither_o heaven_n nor_o earth_n be_v able_a to_o contain_v i._n e._n to_o comprehend_v it_o but_o a_o sacr._n modern_a critic_n think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o signify_v to_o entertain_v and_o approve_v of_o and_o according_o his_o gloss_n on_o the_o word_n be_v this_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v scorn_v reject_v and_o slight_v all_o the_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v of_o christ_n it_o have_v despise_v these_o that_o be_v already_o write_v the_o world_n have_v other_o employment_n it_o will_v not_o read_v and_o peruse_v such_o write_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o verb_n in_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d receive_v entertain_v approve_v of_o we_o and_o 8._o dionys._n halicarn_n use_v the_o word_n thus_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o city_n admit_v not_o of_o i._n e._n scorn_n good_a men._n but_o though_o this_o and_o the_o other_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n sometime_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a and_o unusual_a beside_o that_o it_o be_v improper_a and_o metaphorical_a and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o choose_v and_o embrace_v that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v common_a and_o usual_a as_o also_o genuine_a and_o proper_a and_o then_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o world_n as_o capacious_a and_o wide_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o able_a to_o hold_v oâ—_n contain_v all_o the_o book_n that_o may_v have_v be_v write_v concern_v christ_n and_o his_o work_n but_o this_o can_v be_v the_o sâ—nsâ—_n here_o you_o will_v say_v because_o than_o our_o saviour_n word_n will_v not_o be_v true_a for_o the_o world_n be_v able_a be_v wide_a enough_o to_o contain_v to_o hold_v those_o book_n and_o many_o more_o beside_o i_o answer_v i_o grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o strict_a way_n of_o speak_v but_o the_o evangelist_n st._n john_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o conclude_v his_o book_n with_o some_o great_a word_n concern_v his_o dear_a master_n and_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o express_v himself_o thus_o in_o a_o high_a and_o hyperbolical_a manner_n the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v of_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o i_o and_o otherâ—_n have_v record_v the_o say_n and_o do_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n yet_o this_o be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o what_o may_v be_v say_v on_o this_o vast_a subject_n theâ—e_n be_v unspeakable_o much_o more_o reâ—naining_v than_o have_v be_v tell_v you_o what_o he_o say_v and_o do_v be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o admirable_a that_o innumerable_a volume_n may_v be_v fill_v with_o enlarge_n on_o that_o copious_a matter_n i_o may_v say_v to_o you_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o wide_a and_o ample_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o able_a to_o contain_v those_o immense_a treatise_n those_o infinite_a discourse_n which_o may_v be_v write_v in_o relate_v all_o the_o passage_n that_o concern_v our_o bless_a lord_n and_o in_o commendation_n of_o they_o obseruâ—_v it_o the_o evangelist_n say_v the_o world_n itself_o i._n e._n this_o material_a local_a world_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n as_o those_o of_o the_o former_a opinion_n fancy_v beside_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o speak_v not_o absolute_o here_o but_o in_o a_o qualify_a manner_n i_o suppose_v i_o think_v i_o conceive_v the_o world_n itself_o can_v contain_v etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o word_n can_v be_v mean_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n for_o what_o sense_n can_v you_o make_v of_o this_o i_o suppose_v i_o think_v that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v comprehend_v the_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v or_o i_o suppose_v all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v entertain_v and_o approve_v of_o they_o whether_o he_o suppose_v it_o or_o not_o it_o will_v be_v so_o and_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v suppose_v but_o real_o believe_v and_o direct_o assert_v if_o it_o be_v true_a but_o if_o you_o admit_v of_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v propound_v than_o his_o suppose_n may_v be_v very_o pertinent_a and_o consistent_a here_o for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o supposition_n not_o a_o exact_a and_o strict_a truth_n which_o he_o here_o utter_v it_o be_v a_o lofty_a strain_n or_o hyperbole_n which_o he_o shut_v up_o his_o gospel_n with_o i_o think_v in_o a_o manner_n â—aith_o he_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n itself_o can_v contain_v the_o book_n that_o may_v be_v compose_v and_o write_v on_o this_o glorious_a theme_n which_o be_v so_o various_a so_o voluminous_a thus_o you_o see_v the_o word_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o this_o way_n for_o the_o other_o be_v not_o reconcilable_a to_o good_a sense_n and_o indeed_o this_o manner_n of_o style_n be_v but_o parallel_n with_o other_o passage_n in_o scripture_n as_o gen._n 13._o 6._o the_o land_n be_v not_o able_a â—o_o bear_v they_o viz._n lot_n and_o abraham_n and_o their_o flock_n which_o express_v how_o exceed_v numerous_a they_o be_v so_o some_o understand_v luke_n 2._o 1._o there_o go_v out_o a_o decree_n that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v tax_v which_o set_v forth_o the_o largeness_n and_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o emperor_n dominion_n not_o that_o all_o the_o world_n strict_o speak_v be_v to_o be_v tax_v for_o it_o be_v not_o all_o in_o his_o power_n it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o
when_o he_o rid_v forth_o in_o state_n signify_v as_o they_o think_v that_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o salute_v he_o most_o humble_o and_o even_o to_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o he_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o dict._n barak_n be_v a_o general_a word_n for_o salute_v whether_o at_o meeting_n or_o part_v either_o by_o word_n or_o gesture_n and_o be_v equivalent_a with_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o because_o at_o such_o time_n they_o general_o use_v to_o bow_v the_o knee_n it_o have_v that_o particular_a signification_n as_o in_o 2_o chron._n 16._o 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o lxx_o so_o in_o dan._n 6._o 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o gen._n 24._o 11._o the_o kneel_v down_o of_o camel_n to_o take_v up_o their_o burden_n be_v express_v by_o it_o yea_o the_o word_n barak_n be_v sometime_o transfer_v from_o its_o signification_n of_o civil_a respect_n and_o kneel_v and_o apply_v unto_o religious_a worship_n as_o in_o 2_o chron._n 6._o 13._o solomon_n when_o he_o pray_v kneel_v upon_o his_o knee_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o psal._n 95._o 6._o let_v we_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n the_o word_n be_v here_o make_v use_n of_o to_o denote_v bend_v the_o knee_n in_o divine_a worship_n and_o prostrate_v themselves_o before_o god_n so_o that_o this_o word_n barak_n in_o the_o original_a denotation_n of_o it_o answer_v to_o the_o word_n nashak_n which_o signify_v to_o salute_v in_o a_o lowly_a and_o humble_a manner_n to_o submit_v and_o do_v obeisance_n and_o more_o particular_o kiss_v be_v express_v by_o it_o which_o be_v a_o token_n of_o homage_n and_o subjection_n of_o old_a 1_o sam._n 10._o 1._o but_o from_o this_o first_o and_o simple_a import_n of_o the_o word_n another_o arise_v which_o be_v this_o viz._n to_o take_v leave_n of_o one_o because_o salutation_n and_o greeting_n at_o last_o end_n in_o this_o man_n part_n and_o go_v their_o way_n after_o a_o short_a salute_v and_o accost_v one_o another_o thus_o the_o word_n be_v take_v in_o 2_o sam._n 14._o 22._o joab_n â—ell_o to_o the_o ground_n on_o his_o face_n and_o bow_v himself_o and_o thank_v the_o king_n hebr._n jeberek_n he_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o he_o he_o make_v that_o salutation_n which_o be_v become_v at_o his_o go_v out_o of_o his_o presence_n in_o which_o notion_n it_o likewise_o answer_v to_o nashak_n which_o beside_o its_o former_a sense_n signify_v to_o take_v leave_n of_o to_o bid_v adieu_o to_o one_o as_o in_o gen._n 31._o 28._o therefore_o that_o valedictory_n salutation_n of_o kiss_v be_v call_v neshikah_n parashah_n osculum_fw-la separationis_fw-la the_o kiss_n at_o part_v or_o take_v their_o leave_n of_o one_o another_o and_o then_o there_o be_v another_o derivative_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o flow_v both_o from_o this_o and_o the_o former_a meaning_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v twofold_a for_o person_n be_v wont_n at_o salute_v and_o take_v leave_v to_o wish_v well_o or_o ill_o to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o express_v these_o by_o good_a or_o evil_a word_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o barak_n be_v either_o benè_fw-la or_o malè_fw-la precari_fw-la it_o import_v either_o to_o bless_v or_o to_o curse_v this_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v the_o true_a and_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o primary_n and_o more_o restrain_a acception_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o secondary_a and_o more_o general_a sense_n of_o it_o now_o that_o which_o i_o offer_v be_v this_o that_o the_o word_n in_o that_o place_n of_o job_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v chief_o in_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a denotation_n of_o it_o i._n e._n as_o it_o signify_v humble_o to_o salute_v to_o bow_v down_o and_o do_v obeisance_n or_o as_o it_o signify_v to_o take_v one_o leave_n according_a to_o the_o former_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n iob_n wife_n speak_v thus_o to_o he_o do_v not_o continue_v to_o retain_v thy_o integrity_n or_o to_o hold_v fast_o thy_o perfection_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a do_v not_o justify_v thyself_o before_o god_n as_o if_o thou_o be_v void_a of_o all_o gild_n but_o with_o humble_a reverence_n bow_v thyself_o before_o the_o lord_n adore_v and_o worship_v the_o most_o high_a and_o submit_v thyself_o to_o he_o and_o acknowledge_v thy_o meanness_n and_o sinfulness_n do_v thus_o and_o then_o thou_o may_v die_v with_o peace_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o only_o she_o may_v incur_v the_o imputation_n of_o speak_v foolish_o because_o she_o like_o iob_n friend_n afterward_o have_v wrong_a apprehension_n of_o this_o good_a man_n and_o imagine_v that_o he_o justify_v himself_o and_o be_v in_o his_o own_o thought_n a_o sinless_a person_n or_o else_o this_o be_v the_o worse_o language_n of_o that_o woman_n take_v now_o thy_o leave_n of_o god_n and_o die_v i._n e._n see_v thou_o be_v in_o this_o miserable_a condition_n smite_v with_o fore_n boil_v from_o the_o sole_a of_o thy_o foot_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o thy_o head_n ver_fw-la 7._o think_v not_o of_o live_v but_o rather_o desire_v to_o quit_v this_o world_n and_o to_o be_v go_v bid_v god_n adieu_o take_v your_o farewell_n of_o he_o and_o only_o beg_v this_o of_o he_o that_o you_o may_v die_v as_o soon_o as_o may_v be_v or_o you_o may_v suppose_v this_o woman_n language_n or_o mean_v rather_o to_o be_v much_o worse_a yet_o even_o after_o this_o sort_n take_v your_o last_o valâ—_n of_o heaven_n utter_o renounce_v god_n as_o well_o as_o your_o integrity_n shake_v he_o off_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o he_o since_o he_o deal_v so_o severe_o with_o you_o abandon_v he_o for_o ever_o and_o hasten_v out_o of_o the_o world_n though_o this_o be_v not_o so_o harsh_a as_o downright_o curse_v of_o god_n yet_o this_o be_v indeed_o speak_v like_o one_o of_o the_o foolish_a sottish_a woman_n as_o he_o roundly_o tell_v she_o v_o 10._o the_o style_n be_v something_o too_o rough_a to_o say_v curse_v god_n she_o will_v not_o speak_v after_o that_o rate_n to_o her_o pious_a comfort_n but_o she_o impious_o counsel_v he_o to_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o to_o bid_v a_o eternal_a farewell_n to_o both_o in_o three_o other_o place_n in_o this_o book_n the_o word_n be_v take_v in_o this_o latter_a sense_n for_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o in_o this_o particular_a book_n the_o word_n be_v always_o use_v in_o the_o same_o mean_v as_o in_o ch_z 1._o 5._o it_o may_v be_v my_o son_n have_v as_o it_o be_v take_v their_o leave_n of_o i._n e._n tacit_o renounce_v god_n in_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o pleasure_n and_o entertainment_n it_o may_v be_v they_o have_v have_v a_o aversion_n to_o god_n they_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n depart_v from_o he_o for_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o iob_n child_n open_o blaspheme_v or_o strict_o speak_v curse_v god_n so_o that_o part_n of_o the_o 11_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o of_o the_o 5_o of_o the_o next_o which_o we_o translate_v he_o will_v curse_v thou_o to_o thy_o face_n seem_v to_o be_v too_o harsh_a a_o representation_n even_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o devil_n of_o that_o holy_a man_n carriage_n for_o though_o he_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n he_o never_o curse_a and_o blaspheme_v the_o almighty_a and_o that_o to_o his_o face_n i._n e._n open_o and_o audacious_o but_o he_o may_v be_v say_v in_o some_o degree_n to_o have_v forsake_v and_o abandon_v god_n and_o to_o have_v turn_v himself_o from_o he_o by_o indulge_v too_o much_o to_o impatience_n and_o murmur_a and_o not_o only_o these_o place_n in_o job_n but_o that_o in_o 1_o king_n beforementioned_a which_o we_o translate_v thus_o naboth_n blaspheme_v or_o curse_a god_n and_o the_o king_n may_v be_v understand_v in_o this_o sense_n he_o by_o certain_a action_n discover_v as_o be_v pretend_v that_o he_o have_v forsake_v god_n and_o revolt_v from_o his_o duty_n to_o the_o king_n but_o i_o submit_v this_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a thus_o you_o see_v that_o word_n of_o different_n much_o more_o of_o contrary_a signification_n occasion_n some_o difficulty_n in_o interpret_n the_o text_n where_o they_o be_v find_v there_o be_v many_o book_n other_o hebrew_n word_n in_o scripture_n which_o signify_v contrary_a thing_n the_o sense_n sometime_o as_o well_o as_o the_o letter_n must_v be_v read_v backward_o nor_o be_v the_o greek_a whole_o destitute_a of_o such_o word_n as_o in_o tit._n 1._o 12._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v render_v either_o slow_a or_o quick_a belly_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v both_o piger_fw-la and_o celer_fw-la the_o cretan_n of_o who_o this_o be_v speak_v may_v be_v say_v
knowledge_n and_o insight_n into_o these_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v here_o contain_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o observe_v and_o practise_v the_o holy_a precept_n of_o this_o book_n this_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o urge_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o come_v to_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n with_o defecate_n and_o purge_v mind_n with_o love_n to_o what_o it_o dictate_v and_o with_o obedience_n to_o it_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o principal_a care_n to_o live_v well_o and_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o excellent_a rule_n all_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o our_o action_n in_o this_o world_n depend_v upon_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o let_v we_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o infallible_a maxim_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o this_o book_n we_o see_v man_n live_v by_o custom_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o other_o or_o by_o their_o own_o opinion_n which_o oftentimes_o prove_v erroneous_a and_o lead_v they_o into_o unwarrantable_a practice_n but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o misguided_a if_o they_o consult_v these_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n this_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n if_o they_o regulate_v their_o action_n by_o this_o exact_a canon_n and_o hereby_o we_o be_v certain_a to_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n in_o this_o holy_a book_n for_o by_o live_v according_a to_o it_o we_o shall_v the_o better_o understand_v it_o by_o mind_v the_o practical_a content_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o its_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n last_o that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o due_a perception_n of_o the_o mean_v of_o what_o be_v deliver_v here_o let_v we_o most_o earnest_o invoke_v the_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n he_o that_o read_v this_o book_n without_o prayer_n can_v never_o expect_v to_o be_v bless_v with_o a_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a work_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o illuminate_v our_o mind_n effectual_o there_o be_v require_v the_o special_a help_n of_o this_o heavenly_a instructor_n to_o direct_v we_o into_o truth_n wherefore_o he_o be_v call_v 13._o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o 20._o the_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o whereby_o we_o know_v all_o thing_n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indict_v these_o holy_a write_n must_v enlighten_v our_o mind_n to_o understand_v they_o which_o i_o find_v thus_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o church_n scripture_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o we_o in_o truth_n we_o can_v without_o it_o attain_v true_a saving-knowledg_n and_o a_o learned_a and_o pious_a son_n of_o our_o mother_n give_v his_o suffrage_n in_o these_o word_n country-parson_n wicked_a man_n however_o learned_a do_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o feel_v they_o not_o and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o understand_v but_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o write_v they_o see_v then_o a_o spiritual_a illumination_n be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o the_o comprehend_v of_o scripture-truths_n we_o ought_v with_o great_a fervour_n and_o zeal_n to_o request_v it_o we_o ought_v with_o a_o singular_a devotion_n to_o repair_v to_o this_o infallible_a teacher_n and_o with_o mighty_a importunity_n beseech_v he_o to_o 18._o open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o to_o conduct_v our_o reason_n aright_o in_o our_o enquiry_n into_o this_o sacred_a volume_n and_o he_o that_o command_v we_o to_o implore_v his_o help_n will_v certain_o vouchsafe_v it_o to_o all_o sincere_a and_o devout_a supplicant_n the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n shall_v be_v irradiate_v with_o a_o celestial_a beam_n and_o we_o shall_v feel_v a_o internal_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o our_o heart_n communicate_v light_n and_o wisdom_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o this_o bless_a guide_n we_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v in_o our_o search_n and_o endeavour_n this_o divine_a book_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v have_v its_o mystery_n and_o depth_n disclose_v to_o we_o so_o far_o as_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o and_o no_o rational_a man_n ought_v to_o desire_v any_o more_o yea_o as_o it_o be_v with_o some_o of_o those_o that_o have_v study_v for_o the_o philosophic_a elixir_n though_o they_o attain_v not_o to_o it_o yet_o in_o their_o impetuous_a search_n after_o it_o they_o find_v out_o many_o excellent_a thing_n admirable_o useful_a for_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o recompense_n of_o their_o labour_n so_o though_o we_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o some_o grand_a secret_n which_o be_v treasure_v up_o in_o this_o inspire_a volume_n yet_o we_o shall_v not_o faâ—l_v of_o some_o choice_a discovery_n that_o will_v make_v we_o amends_o for_o our_o most_o laborious_a inquiry_n we_o shall_v mighty_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n and_o we_o shall_v likewise_o be_v under_o the_o special_a benediction_n of_o heaven_n the_o rabbin_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o r._n jonathan_n write_v his_o targum_fw-la on_o the_o bible_n if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o least_o fly_v light_v upon_o his_o paper_n it_o be_v present_o consume_v with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n but_o though_o this_o be_v romantic_a and_o after_o the_o rate_n of_o the_o rabbin_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o sober_a trutlâ—_n that_o god_n will_v protect_v we_o in_o read_v and_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n while_o we_o be_v thus_o employ_v nothing_o shall_v disturb_v or_o hurt_v we_o the_o divine_a arm_n will_v defend_v and_o prosper_v we_o and_o we_o shall_v peruse_v this_o book_n with_o that_o happy_a success_n which_o we_o pray_v for_o in_o short_a by_o continual_a converse_v with_o this_o book_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o that_o have_v no_o errata_n we_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o correct_v all_o the_o failure_n of_o our_o notion_n and_o of_o our_o life_n we_o shall_v enrich_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o stock_n of_o excellent_a principle_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n we_o shall_v be_v conduct_v to_o the_o high_a improvement_n of_o knowledge_n and_o sanctity_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o the_o most_o consummate_v happiness_n in_o another_o finis_fw-la book_n write_v by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n john_n edward_n a_fw-la enquiry_n into_o several_a 〈◊〉_d text_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o with_o a_o probable_a resolution_n of_o they_o in_o two_o volume_n in_o 8â—_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n i._o with_o a_o continue_a illustration_n of_o several_a difficult_a text_n throughout_o the_o whole_a work_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n ii_o wherein_o the_o author_n be_v former_a undertake_n be_v further_a prosecute_v viz._n a_o enquiry_n into_o several_a remarkable_a text_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o at_fw-fr discoeurs_fw-fr concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n iii_o treat_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o illustrate_v several_a difficult_a text_n occur_v in_o this_o undertake_n all_o sell_v by_o jonathan_n robinson_n john_n taylor_n and_o john_n wyat._n wyat._n plataic_n plataic_n panegyr_n &_o plataic_n plataic_n plataic_n plataic_n orat._n 2._o ad_fw-la nicocl_n nicocl_n panegyr_n orat._n orat._n orat._n ad_fw-la philip._n philip._n panegyr_n ad_fw-la philip._n epist._n ad_fw-la philip._n epist._n ad_fw-la mitylen_n mitylen_n panegyr_n orat._n orat._n plataic_n orat._n 1._o 1._o orat._n ad_fw-la philip._n philip._n panegyr_n orat._n plataic_n orat._n bis_fw-la bis_fw-la olynth_n 1._o 1._o philip._n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d clem._n alex._n in_o protrept_n protrept_n gen._n 9_o 27._o 27._o deut._n 28._o 49_o etc._n etc._n etc._n 1_o king_n 13._o 2._o 2._o antiqu._n 1._o 11._o c._n 1._o 1._o dr._n jackson_n jackson_n dan._n 2._o 2._o temporum_fw-la conscius_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la mundi_fw-la polyhistor_n epist._n ad_fw-la paulin._n paulin._n ver._n 2._o 2._o ver._n 20._o 20._o ver._n 5._o 5._o ibid._n ibid._n john_n 21._o 18._o 18._o ver._n 22._o 22._o earum_fw-la rerum_fw-la quae_fw-la foâ—â—uitae_n putantur_fw-la praedictio_fw-la atque_fw-la praesentio_fw-la de_fw-fr divinat_fw-la l._n 1._o 1._o lib._n 3._o c._n 8._o 8._o colloqu_n mensal_n mensal_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d orig._n cont_n celâ—_n l._n 6._o 6._o lib._n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d isid._n pelus_n ep._n l._n 5._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d just._n mart._n dialog_n cum_fw-la tryph._n tryph._n arnob._n lib._n 1._o 1._o sozom._n l._n 1._o c._n 11._o 11._o gr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mark_v 2
import_n signify_v a_o dispose_n of_o something_o be_v most_o commoâ—â—ly_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o disposal_n as_o be_v either_o by_o covenâ—â—_n or_o testament_n hence_o it_o be_v sometime_o render_v 〈◊〉_d covenant_n and_o sometime_o a_o testament_n especial_o among_o the_o lawyer_n the_o latter_a sense_n prevail_v and_o according_o you_o will_v find_v that_o a_o last_o will_v and_o testament_n be_v express_v by_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o imperial_a institution_n and_o other_o law-book_n translate_v into_o greek_a we_o may_v here_o join_v both_o sense_n together_o for_o what_o god_n have_v agree_v to_o by_o covenant_n with_o man_n that_o christ_n bequeath_v and_o give_v by_o testament_n now_o we_o must_v prove_v both_o these_o i._n e._n we_o must_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o covenant_n and_o testament_n be_v true_a before_o we_o can_v receive_v any_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n from_o they_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o evidence_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v this_o covenant_n and_o this_o testament_n otherwise_o we_o can_v build_v nothing_o upon_o they_o here_o then_o i._o i_o will_v evince_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o great_a basis_n of_o all_o theology_n ii_o after_o i_o have_v large_o insist_v on_o this_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o style_n and_o phrase_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n iii_o i_o will_v advance_v yet_o far_o and_o demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o they_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o present_a undertake_n be_v the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o handle_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v but_o brief_o and_o concise_o make_v use_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v common_o insist_v upon_o by_o learned_a writer_n till_o i_o come_v to_o fix_v upon_o a_o topick_n which_o be_v not_o common_o yea_o which_o be_v very_o rare_o and_o by_o the_o by_o use_v in_o this_o cause_n and_o this_o i_o will_v pursue_v very_o large_o and_o full_o i_o hope_v with_o some_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o reader_n there_o be_v many_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o embrace_v by_o we_o as_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n some_o of_o these_o argument_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n be_v in_o common_a with_o those_o that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n on_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o insist_v at_o another_o time_n but_o my_o design_n at_o present_a be_v to_o propound_v those_o which_o be_v more_o peculiarly_a and_o proper_o fit_v to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o these_o be_v either_o internal_a or_o external_n the_o internal_a one_o i_o call_v those_o which_o be_v either_o in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o or_o in_o vs._n the_o character_n of_o divinity_n 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all_o other_o virtue_n which_o the_o scripture_n describe_v to_o we_o far_o exceed_v the_o most_o advantageous_a representation_n the_o most_o exalt_a idea_n which_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n give_v of_o they_o these_o therefore_o be_v emphatical_o and_o eminent_o call_v by_o st._n paul_n the_o holy_a scripture_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o because_o they_o breathe_v the_o most_o consummate_a goodness_n and_o piety_n and_o that_o antecedent_o to_o all_o write_n whatsoever_o because_o every_o thing_n in_o they_o advance_v holiness_n and_o that_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o they_o be_v to_o promote_v protrept_n sanctity_n of_o life_n to_o make_v we_o every_o way_n better_o and_o even_o to_o render_v we_o *_o like_o god_n himself_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v intend_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o display_v the_o heavenly_a purity_n and_o thereby_o to_o commend_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a 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book_n with_o we_o we_o need_v not_o stay_v to_o attend_v here_o to_o what_o a_o late_a learned_a writer_n before_o name_v have_v with_o much_o confidence_n but_o slender_a reason_n suggest_v viz._n that_o the_o bible_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v a_o abbreviate_v collection_n from_o ancient_a record_n which_o be_v much_o more_o large_a he_o confess_v that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v take_v out_o of_o authentic_a registery_n but_o the_o author_n who_o collect_v it_o add_v and_o diminish_v as_o they_o please_v especial_o he_o assert_v this_o concern_v the_o historical_a book_n that_o they_o be_v abridgement_n of_o large_a record_n and_o summary_n of_o other_o large_a act_n keep_v in_o the_o jewish_a archive_v and_o these_o public_a scribe_n who_o write_v they_o out_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o alter_v word_n as_o they_o see_v occasion_n so_o that_o in_o short_a according_a to_o this_o critic_n here_o be_v only_o some_o break_a piece_n and_o scrap_n take_v out_o of_o the_o first_o authentic_a write_n a_o bold_a and_o dare_a assertion_n and_o found_v on_o no_o other_o bottom_n than_o f._n simon_n be_v brain_n who_o will_v expect_v this_o from_o one_o that_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a sense_n and_o reason_n one_o that_o be_v a_o great_a master_n of_o critical_a learning_n and_o have_v present_v the_o world_n with_o very_a choice_n remark_n on_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n for_o true_o i_o be_o not_o of_o work_n his_o opinion_n who_o say_v he_o see_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o author_n write_n buâ—_n what_o be_v common_a it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v that_o a_o person_n otherwise_o so_o judicious_a and_o observe_v have_v give_v himself_o up_o here_o to_o his_o own_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n he_o invent_v a_o new_a office_n of_o public_a register_n that_o be_v divine_o inspire_v he_o make_v notary_n and_o prophet_n the_o same_o he_o give_v no_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o that_o add_v and_o diminish_v which_o the_o scribe_n he_o 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as_o some_o fond_o suggest_v contract_v abbreviate_v curtail_v unto_o the_o jew_n the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v his_o oracle_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o they_o show_v themselves_o conscientious_a and_o diligent_a conservator_n of_o they_o the_o jewish_a nation_n say_v st._n augustin_n have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v 23._o the_o chest-keeper_n for_o the_o christian_n they_o have_v faithful_o preserve_v that_o sacred_a depositum_fw-la for_o they_o they_o have_v safe_o keep_v that_o ark_n wherein_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v lock_v up_o god_n will_v have_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v librarii_fw-la christianorum_fw-la say_v 60._o drusius_n keeper_n of_o those_o sacred_a volume_n for_o we_o christian_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o keep_v they_o with_o great_a care_n the_o like_a whereof_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v to_o have_v be_v take_v in_o preserve_v any_o other_o sort_n of_o write_n under_o heaven_n and_o see_v they_o have_v so_o careful_o hand_v the_o old_a testament_n down_o to_o we_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o receive_v it_o with_o a_o proportionable_a thankfulness_n and_o to_o reckon_v this_o their_o deliver_v of_o those_o write_n down_o to_o we_o as_o no_o mean_a argument_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o certainty_n second_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v confirm_v by_o external_n testimony_n or_o tradition_n no_o less_o than_o that_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v the_o authentic_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n that_o this_o book_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a some_o of_o the_o father_n and_o first_o writer_n give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o those_o which_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n athanasius_n particular_o enumerate_v those_o book_n set_v down_o all_o those_o which_o we_o now_o embrace_v as_o canonical_a and_o no_o other_o and_o many_o of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o first_o age_n after_o christ_n as_o irenaeus_n justin_n martyr_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n origen_n tertullian_n etc._n etc._n quote_v the_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o they_o be_v now_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o in_o the_o father_n sometime_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o exact_o what_o we_o find_v it_o and_o read_v it_o at_o this_o day_n this_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o they_o sometime_o quote_v the_o mean_v not_o the_o very_a word_n at_o other_o time_n their_o memory_n fail_v they_o as_o to_o the_o word_n and_o thence_o they_o change_v they_o into_o other_o and_o instead_o of_o those_o in_o the_o text_n use_v some_o that_o be_v like_o they_o so_o when_o they_o be_v in_o haste_n and_o not_o at_o leisure_n to_o consult_v the_o text_n they_o make_v use_v of_o such_o word_n and_o expression_n as_o they_o think_v come_v near_a to_o it_o sac._n heinsius_n show_v this_o in_o a_o vast_a many_o place_n sometime_o they_o contract_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o give_v only_o the_o brief_a sense_n of_o it_o at_o other_o time_n they_o enlarge_v it_o and_o present_v we_o with_o a_o comment_n upon_o it_o yea_o sometime_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n and_o as_o their_o matter_n lead_v they_o to_o it_o they_o invert_v the_o word_n and_o misplace_v the_o part_n of_o the_o text._n but_o no_o man_n ought_v hence_o to_o infer_v that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n then_o and_o now_o be_v not_o the_o same_o and_o as_o for_o the_o number_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n and_o their_o book_n it_o hatâ—_n be_v always_o the_o same_o i._n e._n the_o same_o catalogue_n and_o canon_n have_v be_v general_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v true_a some_o particular_a book_n have_v be_v question_v but_o by_o a_o few_o only_a and_o for_o a_o time_n but_o the_o church_n be_v at_o last_o full_o 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 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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 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their_o religious_a rite_n from_o the_o gentile_n that_o from_o what_o have_v be_v premise_v we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o admire_v the_o singular_a providence_n of_o heaven_n that_o we_o be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o antiquity_n reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o write_n of_o profane_a author_n that_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o will_v now_o add_v unto_o reason_n and_o evidence_n the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o wise_a whether_o ancient_n or_o modern_n it_o be_v aver_v long_o since_o by_o demetrius_n phalereus_n that_o great_a historian_n and_o philosopher_n in_o a_o epistle_n of_o he_o to_o king_n ptolomey_n that_o the_o gentile_a philosopher_n take_v many_o thing_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o you_o will_v find_v he_o cite_v by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o evangelical_n preparation_n this_o be_v a_o early_a testimony_n 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together_o where_o he_o prove_v that_o the_o greek_n have_v some_o understanding_n of_o moses_n theology_n and_o follow_v the_o jewish_a writer_n in_o several_a thing_n which_o he_o make_v good_a by_o allege_v several_a passage_n out_o of_o theophrastus_n hecataeus_n porphyrius_n numenius_n megasthenes_n etc._n etc._n and_o afterward_o he_o go_v on_o and_o more_o design_o clear_v this_o proposition_n that_o what_o be_v good_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o gentile_a philosopher_n be_v all_o steal_a from_o the_o hebrew_n and_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o greek_n especial_o come_v from_o the_o jew_n i_o may_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o 2._o st._n augustin_n who_o show_v that_o the_o platonist_n borrow_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o principiis_fw-la theodoret_n who_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o this_o and_o far_o prove_v that_o other_o philosopher_n have_v their_o theologick_n notion_n from_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n thus_o we_o see_v this_o be_v a_o old_a and_o receive_a truth_n nor_o do_v it_o want_v the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a modern_a writer_n some_o of_o who_o without_o any_o order_n of_o time_n i_o will_v brief_o mention_v stuckius_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o peremptory_a and_o speak_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o have_v deliver_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n gent._n the_o whole_a religion_n of_o the_o old_a pagan_n say_v he_o proceed_v from_o a_o deprave_a perverse_a and_o preposterous_a kind_n of_o imitate_v that_o ancient_n and_o true_o divine_a religion_n which_o the_o patriarch_n and_o their_o posterity_n the_o jew_n have_v such_o a_o reverence_n for_o as_o be_v prescribe_v they_o by_o god_n himself_o villalpandus_n on_o the_o pentateuch_n profess_o declare_v that_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o usage_n among_o the_o gentile_n come_v from_o the_o jew_n who_o can_v deny_v say_v ult_n another_o that_o the_o law_n which_o be_v give_v to_o those_o holy_a man_n the_o hebrew_n come_v first_o to_o the_o egyptian_n and_o then_o out_o of_o egypt_n go_v to_o greece_n the_o gentili_n elder_a vossius_fw-la have_v in_o almost_o innumerable_a place_n assort_v this_o that_o the_o gentile_n make_v a_o great_a number_n of_o their_o fable_n out_o of_o the_o history_n which_o be_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n scripturae_fw-la bochart_n have_v with_o great_a wit_n and_o learning_n trace_v and_o discover_v the_o footstep_n of_o scripture-history_n among_o the_o heathen_n in_o their_o mythology_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o noae_n marcus_n marinus_n that_o the_o theological_a sentiment_n concern_v divine_a thing_n be_v the_o same_o among_o all_o the_o ancient_a hebrew_n and_o patriarch_n but_o afterward_o they_o be_v deprave_v by_o the_o greek_n and_o convert_v into_o fable_n jepthâ—_n lewis_n capell_n have_v these_o express_a word_n in_o the_o old_a fable_n of_o the_o greek_n you_o may_v perceive_v some_o shadow_n and_o image_n some_o dark_a and_o fly_a footstep_n as_o it_o be_v of_o several_a of_o the_o history_n in_o the_o bible_n which_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o a_o manifold_a induction_n of_o particular_n it_o be_v the_o declare_a judgement_n of_o test._n another_o that_o the_o gentile_n be_v wont_a to_o transferr_v the_o more_o remarkable_a history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o divine_a miracle_n relate_v therein_o to_o their_o false_a god_n and_o he_o instance_n in_o several_a and_o because_o i_o have_v assert_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n that_o the_o sacred_a mystery_n and_o rite_n of_o god_n own_o appointment_n have_v be_v profane_v and_o abuse_v even_o to_o magical_a purpose_n i_o will_v adjoyn_v here_o the_o testimony_n of_o 5._o petrus_n crinitus_n who_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o egyptian_n and_o other_o make_v and_o invent_v magical_a ceremony_n out_o of_o the_o scacred_a rite_n and_o observance_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o indebt_v to_o these_o for_o they_o kircher_n and_o isaac_n vossius_fw-la have_v do_v their_o part_n in_o this_o subject_a but_o huetius_n in_o his_o evanâ—â—lical_n
or_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v according_a to_o some_o threefold_a 1._o tropological_a when_o one_o thing_n deliver_v in_o scripture_n signify_v some_o other_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o conversation_n of_o men._n thus_o those_o text_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n wherein_o be_v forbid_v the_o eat_n of_o certain_a animal_n have_v partly_o respect_v unto_o the_o manner_n of_o person_n both_o jewish_a and_o christian_a expositor_n have_v think_v that_o it_o be_v design_v in_o those_o prohibition_n that_o some_o moral_a instruction_n shall_v be_v teach_v that_o people_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o natural_a inclination_n and_o quality_n of_o those_o creature_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o allegorical_a sense_n when_o thing_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v figure_n of_o something_o in_o the_o new_a or_o when_o particular_o they_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o christ_n or_o the_o church_n militant_a as_o the_o rock_n and_o the_o manna_n mention_v in_o moses_n history_n of_o the_o israelite_n 3._o a_o anagogical_a sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o be_v when_o the_o thing_n relate_v be_v applicable_a to_o the_o church_n triumphant_a or_o the_o life_n everlasting_a thus_o the_o enter_v into_o canaan_n and_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n in_o the_o temple_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n of_o they_o be_v mean_v of_o heaven_n and_o the_o state_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a quarrel_v about_o the_o apply_v of_o this_o triple_a distinction_n to_o the_o several_a passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v say_v to_o bear_v a_o mystical_a meaning_n and_o because_o some_o learned_a divine_n of_o the_o protestant_a persuasion_n disallow_v of_o this_o distribution_n of_o the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v avoid_v all_o wrangle_n by_o assign_v only_o those_o two_o general_a sense_n of_o scripture_n viz._n the_o literal_a and_o mystical_a and_o by_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o one_o liberty_n either_o to_o omit_v the_o particular_a subdivision_n of_o the_o latter_a or_o to_o apply_v they_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n or_o rather_o if_o i_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o vary_v from_o this_o receive_a division_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v divide_v it_o thus_o into_o a_o primary_n and_o a_o secondary_a sense_n the_o former_a be_v literal_a the_o latter_a be_v mystical_a and_o yet_o not_o so_o but_o that_o sometime_o as_o you_o shall_v see_v afterward_o the_o secondary_a sense_n be_v literal_a too_o for_o there_o be_v two_o literal_a or_o historical_a meaning_n in_o some_o place_n but_o the_o latter_a of_o they_o may_v be_v call_v mystical_a also_o because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o plain_o understand_v as_o the_o other_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o main_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a sense_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o for_o some_o particular_a place_n only_o have_v a_o mystical_a signification_n this_o be_v the_o most_o genuine_a proper_a and_o original_a meaning_n and_o therefore_o i_o call_v it_o the_o first_o or_o primary_n one_o but_o the_o mystical_a sense_n be_v derivative_a improper_a indirect_a and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v first_o and_o chief_o design_v and_o therefore_o i_o call_v it_o the_o secondary_a sense_n the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v that_o plain_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n which_o the_o bare_a letter_n and_o word_n themselves_o denote_v to_o we_o the_o latter_a be_v when_o some_o other_o thing_n be_v signify_v in_o the_o word_n beside_o what_o the_o letter_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o import_v the_o one_o be_v obvious_a and_o lie_v uppermost_a in_o the_o text_n and_o be_v the_o soon_o perceive_v but_o the_o other_o be_v more_o remote_a and_o lie_v deep_a and_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o discover_v but_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o moment_n yea_o general_o of_o great_a than_o the_o other_o more_o familiar_a and_o obvious_a meaning_n wherefore_o it_o be_v our_o concern_v to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o it_o the_o bible_n like_o that_o book_n in_o ezekiel_n ch_n 2._o 10._o be_v write_v within_o and_o without_o it_o have_v a_o inward_a secret_a and_o mystical_a signification_n as_o well_o as_o one_o that_o be_v external_a open_a and_o literal_a and_o we_o can_v never_o arrive_v to_o a_o true_a understanding_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n unless_o we_o have_v some_o insight_n into_o both_o i_o will_v instance_n first_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o secondary_a or_o mystical_a sense_n lodge_v in_o several_a passage_n of_o they_o indeed_o the_o holy_a language_n itself_o in_o which_o these_o be_v write_v be_v big_a with_o mystery_n i_o have_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v more_o word_n in_o this_o tongue_n that_o signify_v to_o hide_v or_o conceal_v than_o in_o any_o other_o language_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v a_o hundred_o synonymous_a word_n at_o least_o for_o this_o one_o thing_n whether_o this_o criticism_n have_v any_o weight_n in_o it_o or_o no_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v much_o concern_v but_o this_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o many_o great_a mystery_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o this_o abstruse_a tongue_n in_o the_o holy_a volume_n the_o jew_n who_o be_v conversant_a in_o these_o write_n acknowledge_v there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o literal_a but_o a_o mystical_a interpretation_n of_o they_o which_o latter_a they_o call_v inquirere_fw-la midrash_n because_o there_o be_v no_o attain_n to_o it_o but_o by_o a_o diligent_a inquisition_n the_o hebrew_n doctor_n say_v in_o a_o proverbial_a manner_n there_o be_v not_o a_o single_a letter_n in_o the_o whole_a law_n on_o which_o there_o do_v not_o depend_v great_a mountain_n their_o meaning_n be_v that_o there_o be_v vast_a mystery_n and_o profound_a sense_n in_o every_o word_n almost_o in_o the_o sacred_a write_n which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o another_o adage_n of_o they_o viz._n that_o 〈◊〉_d the_o law_n have_v seventy_o face_n it_o have_v many_o various_a aspect_n different_a signification_n and_o sense_n for_o there_o be_v mystical_a as_o well_o as_o literal_a interpretation_n of_o the_o holy_a text._n thus_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n though_o it_o be_v historical_a and_o set_v down_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o wonderful_a creation_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o of_o man_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o low_a world_n yet_o it_o be_v think_v by_o the_o wise_a jew_n that_o there_o be_v a_o far_a reach_n in_o it_o and_o that_o both_o moral_a and_o divine_a mystery_n be_v couch_v in_o the_o several_a particular_n of_o that_o narrative_a which_o moses_n give_v there_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n for_o which_o reason_n this_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v forhad_v to_o be_v read_v by_o the_o jew_n till_o they_o be_v thirty_o year_n of_o age._n it_o be_v agree_v among_o the_o best_a expositor_n that_o in_o those_o word_n in_o gen._n 3._o 14_o 15._o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o the_o serpent_n i_o will_v put_v enmity_n between_o thou_o and_o the_o woman_n and_o between_o thy_o seed_n and_o her_o seed_n beside_o the_o primary_n or_o literal_a sense_n viz._n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o irreconcilable_a enmity_n between_o mankind_n and_o the_o serpentine_a brood_n and_o that_o man_n have_v a_o antipathy_n against_o that_o creature_n shall_v labour_v to_o destroy_v it_o by_o â—ruising_v his_o head_n because_o there_o his_o venom_n lie_v whereby_o he_o do_v harm_n and_o the_o head_n be_v to_o be_v first_o attack_v if_o we_o will_v destroy_v this_o mischievous_a creature_n as_o josephus_n 2._o give_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o place_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v there_o be_v another_o for_o satan_n be_v mean_v by_o the_o serpent_n as_o well_o as_o the_o creature_n of_o that_o name_n for_o satan_n appear_v in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o serpent_n or_o rather_o actuate_v a_o live_a serpent_n and_o christ_n be_v mean_v by_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n for_o he_o be_v emphatical_o and_o exclusive_o call_v so_o because_o he_o be_v not_o the_o seed_n of_o man_n but_o be_v after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n so_o that_o this_o text_n be_v just_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o dawn_v of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o most_o early_o promise_v concern_v the_o bless_a messiah_n the_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n so_o likewise_o we_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o heb._n 7._o 1_o etc._n etc._n that_o what_o be_v say_v in_o gen._n 14._o 18._o of_o melohisedek_n king_n of_o salem_n priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n be_v not_o only_o literal_o speak_v but_o aught_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o high_a and_o
that_o both_o they_o and_o the_o jew_n who_o come_v from_o shem_n shall_v embrace_v christianity_n and_o this_o enlarge_n of_o iapheth_n border_n shall_v be_v do_v by_o persuasion_n by_o the_o mild_a and_o gentle_a method_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o persuasive_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o thus_o i_o decide_v the_o quarrel_n among_o grammarian_n and_o critic_n about_o the_o hebrew_n word_n by_o join_v both_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o together_o and_o this_o we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v a_o good_a expedient_a some_o other_o time_n the_o hebrew_n word_n chush_fw-mi signify_v to_o make_v haste_n and_o to_o be_v ashamed_a say_v our_o learned_a mos._n pocock_n and_o thence_o that_o place_n in_o isa._n 28._o 16._o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v not_o make_v haste_n be_v otherwise_o word_v in_o rom._n 9_o 33._o he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a if_o there_o be_v this_o different_a acception_n of_o the_o verb_n it_o be_v impossible_a without_o a_o revelation_n which_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v to_o tell_v which_o sense_n be_v peculiar_o design_v by_o the_o prophet_n for_o we_o have_v no_o light_n at_o all_o from_o the_o context_n to_o help_v we_o but_o see_v the_o word_n be_v capable_a in_o this_o place_n of_o both_o signification_n let_v we_o as_o before_o unite_v they_o together_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o who_o believe_v will_n neither_o make_v haste_n nor_o be_v ashamed_a kaphatz_n be_v claudere_fw-la and_o also_o transilire_fw-la viz._n è_fw-la loco_fw-la svo_fw-la whence_o you_o may_v read_v the_o word_n in_o job_n 24._o 24._o either_o thus_o they_o be_v shut_v up_o viz._n in_o destruction_n or_o in_o the_o grave_a or_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n the_o subject_a matter_n will_v permit_v both_o translation_n the_o signification_n of_o rad_n be_v both_o dominari_fw-la and_o plangere_fw-la plorare_fw-la whence_o there_o may_v be_v a_o double_a interpretation_n of_o that_o place_n gen._n 27._o 40._o when_o thou_o shall_v have_v the_o dominion_n or_o when_o thou_o shall_v have_v mourn_v and_o both_o sentence_n be_v applicable_a sacal_a be_v intelligere_fw-la &_o prosperum_fw-la felicem_fw-la esse_fw-la therefore_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o determine_v whether_o the_o word_n in_o jos._n 1._o 7_o 8._o isa._n 52._o 13._o jer._n 23._o 5._o be_v to_o be_v render_v in_o the_o first_o or_o the_o second_o sense_n but_o neither_o in_o this_o nor_o the_o forego_n text_n be_v any_o point_n of_o faith_n concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n shanah_n be_v not_o only_a mutare_fw-la but_o errare_fw-la and_o according_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o word_n in_o eccl._n 8._o 1._o be_v different_o render_v and_o may_v be_v so_o in_o some_o other_o place_n dam_n or_o damam_fw-la signify_v either_o to_o be_v silent_a or_o to_o wait_v and_o expect_v consequent_o psal._n 62._o 1._o may_v be_v render_v my_o soul_n be_v silent_a or_o wait_v on_o god_n mahar_n be_v festinare_fw-la and_o dotare_fw-la or_o donare_fw-la and_o therefore_o in_o psal._n 16._o 4._o maharu_n may_v be_v either_o english_v they_o hasten_v or_o they_o give_v gift_n i._n e._n they_o bring_v sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n viz._n to_o another_o god_n and_o we_o may_v suppose_v these_o zealous_a idolater_n hasten_v to_o bring_v these_o gift_n these_o sacrifice_n and_o then_o both_o sense_n be_v reconcile_v palal_n according_a to_o the_o different_a conjugation_n it_o be_v in_o signify_v to_o pray_v and_o to_o judge_v thence_o psal._n 106._o 30._o be_v different_o translate_v viz._n then_o stand_v up_o phineas_n and_o pray_v according_a to_o our_o old_a translation_n of_o the_o psalm_n or_o execute_v judgement_n according_a to_o the_o late_a version_n we_o may_v join_v both_o the_o sense_n for_o it_o be_v probable_a this_o zealous_a man_n join_v prayer_n with_o this_o eminent_a act_n of_o justice_n ashar_n be_v to_o walk_v and_o to_o pronounce_v bless_v so_o discrepant_a be_v the_o meaning_n of_o some_o word_n whence_o prov._n 4._o 14._o may_v be_v english_v either_o go_v not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o evil_a man_n as_o we_o render_v it_o or_o bless_v not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o evil_a man_n i._n e._n account_v not_o pronounce_v not_o thyself_o bless_v or_o happy_a whilst_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o evil_a men._n and_o so_o veasher_n in_o prov._n 23._o 19_o may_v be_v translate_v either_o dirige_fw-la or_o beatifica_fw-la either_o of_o these_o version_n yield_v we_o a_o good_a notion_n of_o the_o place_n so_o because_o of_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o the_o word_n tizachar_n which_o may_v be_v render_v masculum_fw-la â—ascetur_fw-la or_o memorabitur_fw-la that_o text_n exod_n 34._o 19_o may_v be_v different_o translate_v the_o double_a signification_n of_o puach_n be_v flare_v spirare_fw-la &_o illaqueari_fw-la so_o that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o this_o word_n in_o psal._n 12._o 5._o shall_v be_v render_v puss_v at_o he_o or_o ensnare_v he_o but_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o impair_v by_o either_o chalam_n be_v not_o only_a somniavit_fw-la but_o sanus_fw-la fuit_fw-la convaluit_fw-la which_o make_v the_o original_a psal._n 126._o 1._o to_o be_v capable_a of_o either_o of_o these_o translation_n we_o be_v like_a to_o they_o that_o dream_v or_o we_o be_v like_a to_o they_o that_o be_v restore_v to_o health_n both_o which_o version_n admit_v of_o a_o very_a good_a sense_n to_o instance_n in_o some_o word_n that_o have_v more_o than_o two_o signification_n see_v the_o word_n pharang_n signify_v to_o be_v abandon_v and_o lose_v and_o likewise_o to_o be_v strip_v naked_a and_o moreover_o to_o rebel_v as_o also_o to_o be_v idle_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o a_o clause_n in_o prov._n 29._o 18._o be_v render_v by_o our_o english_a translator_n the_o people_n perish_v by_o other_o as_o coeceius_fw-la the_o people_n be_v make_v naked_a by_o some_o as_o arias_n montanus_n the_o people_n be_v rebellious_a and_o by_o other_o 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one_o reason_n why_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o text_n be_v dubious_a
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redundant_fw-la no_o book_n equal_v this_o in_o authority_n because_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o dictate_v by_o a_o unerring_a spirit_n it_o excel_v all_o other_o write_n in_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o matter_n which_o be_v the_o high_a noble_a and_o worthy_a and_o of_o the_o great_a concern_v to_o mankind_n last_o to_o name_n no_o more_o at_o present_a that_o i_o may_v not_o anticipate_v what_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n the_o scripture_n transcend_v all_o other_o write_n in_o their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n this_o 8._o word_n of_o god_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n irradiate_a man_n mind_n with_o supernatural_a truth_n affect_v their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n subdue_a the_o refracotriness_n of_o their_o will_n transform_v their_o life_n and_o change_v they_o into_o other_o person_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o all_o man_n of_o well-disposed_a soul_n find_v a_o plain_a differene_a between_o their_o read_v this_o and_o other_o 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and_o again_o yea_o never_o so_o often_o you_o will_v not_o â—ind_v it_o grow_v worse_o but_o much_o better_a i._n e._n it_o will_v yield_v you_o great_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o the_o often_o you_o converse_v with_o it_o the_o more_o you_o will_v discern_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o yea_o the_o more_o please_a will_n the_o very_a word_n and_o syllable_n of_o these_o divine_a write_n be_v to_o you_o for_o what_o the_o great_a critic_n observe_v of_o homer_n poem_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o peculiar_a easiness_n and_o slide_v in_o his_o verse_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o poet_n be_v eminent_o true_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o compare_v with_o other_o author_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a sweetness_n a_o matchless_a softness_n and_o pleasantness_n in_o the_o style_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n be_v winning_n and_o ravish_v and_o all_o pure_a and_o sanctify_a mind_n have_v a_o 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authority_n of_o they_o equal_a with_o that_o of_o the_o bible_n for_o as_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v dictate_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n so_o these_o law_n they_o hold_v be_v from_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o those_o scripture_n they_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o inspire_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o book_n of_o mishnaioth_n or_o the_o talmud_n which_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o amassment_n only_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o diverse_a decision_n of_o the_o school_n of_o hillel_n and_o shammai_n of_o the_o different_a determination_n of_o r._n akiba_n and_o r._n eliezer_n of_o r._n simeon_n and_o r._n joshua_n etc._n etc._n bandy_n against_o one_o another_o or_o rather_o if_o we_o speak_v plain_a they_o be_v a_o rhapsody_n of_o idle_a dream_n groundless_a fable_n curse_a error_n superstitious_a rite_n and_o practice_n yea_o if_o we_o shall_v instance_n in_o the_o babylonick_a 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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 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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 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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
history_n both_o domestieâ—_n and_o foreign_a all_o that_o be_v conversant_a in_o this_o way_n of_o study_n complain_v and_o that_o just_o of_o the_o erroneous_a misrepresentation_n of_o passage_n of_o all_o sort_n among_o historian_n and_o of_o our_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o but_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v or_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v in_o the_o sacred_a history_n because_o god_n himself_o speak_v there_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v the_o surâ—â—_n ground_n for_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o can_v desire_v there_o be_v no_o authority_n so_o firm_a as_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a there_o be_v no_o testimony_n so_o strong_a and_o valid_a as_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o such_o be_v that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o it_o most_o just_o challenge_v yea_o command_v our_o faith_n and_o assent_n this_o be_v the_o singular_a pre-eminence_n and_o advantage_n which_o this_o book_n have_v above_o 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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
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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 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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
as_o this_o of_o the_o pious_a king_n and_o prophet_n here_o be_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o beget_v religion_n and_o piety_n in_o we_o here_o be_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v serviceable_a to_o nourish_v and_o sustain_v all_o our_o virtue_n and_o grace_n and_o that_o in_o the_o utmost_a height_n of_o they_o before_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o next_o book_n i_o will_v add_v a_o few_o word_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o poetry_n here_o use_v this_o be_v to_o be_v say_v with_o great_a truth_n that_o these_o poetical_a measure_n be_v far_o different_a from_o those_o which_o we_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o in_o other_o writer_n but_o than_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v that_o though_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a quality_n of_o these_o poetic_a number_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o melodious_a and_o lofty_a and_o not_o unworthy_a of_o the_o best_a poet_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a artificial_a meter_n observe_v in_o this_o book_n which_o render_v the_o several_a ode_n and_o hymn_n very_o delightful_a the_o euseâ—_n young_a scaliger_n deny_v and_o that_o with_o some_o earnestness_n and_o sharpness_n otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o show_v himself_o his_o father_n own_o son_n that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n like_o this_o in_o this_o book_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o grant_v that_o the_o proverb_n and_o almost_o all_o job_n be_v metrical_a but_o josephus_n and_o philo_n two_o learned_a jew_n and_o who_o may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o be_v competent_a judge_n in_o this_o matter_n attest_v the_o meet_a of_o these_o psalm_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n etc._n etc._n so_o do_v origen_n eusebius_n jerom_n and_o some_o of_o the_o most_o judicious_a critic_n among_o the_o modern_n but_o then_o they_o confess_v that_o the_o meet_a be_v not_o so_o regular_a as_o that_o of_o succeed_a poet_n and_o who_o see_v not_o that_o even_o these_o exceed_o very_o in_o their_o measure_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v that_o sophocles_n and_o euripides_n plautus_n and_o terence_n write_v in_o verse_n but_o they_o can_v scarce_o be_v say_v to_o do_v so_o in_o comparison_n of_o homer_n and_o virgil._n there_o be_v some_o hexameter_n iambic_n sapphic_n and_o other_o know_a kind_n of_o verse_n in_o david_n psalm_n but_o they_o be_v very_o rare_a and_o seldom_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a but_o notwithstanding_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v if_o we_o be_v observant_a and_o attentive_a that_o there_o be_v several_a verse_n together_o that_o be_v matrical_a the_o arabian_a critic_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o alcoran_n be_v write_v in_o a_o sort_n of_o verse_n and_o sometime_o in_o rythme_n but_o every_o reader_n can_v find_v this_o no_o more_o can_v a_o ordinary_a eye_n or_o ear_n discern_v the_o number_n in_o the_o hebrew_n verse_n for_o the_o hebrew_n way_n of_o measure_v their_o foot_n be_v different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a poet_n yet_o so_o as_o we_o may_v oftentimes_o perceive_v a_o certain_a harmony_n of_o syllable_n and_o as_o the_o psalm_n be_v metrical_a so_o some_o of_o they_o be_v rhythmical_a this_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o very_a entrance_n of_o these_o divine_a hymn_n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d again_o in_o psal._n 6._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v evident_a in_o psal._n 8._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v plain_a in_o psal._n 12._o 4._o &_o 51._o 16._o &_o 63._o 3._o &_o 116._o 7._o &_o 148._o 1_o 2._o and_o in_o abundance_n of_o other_o place_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o certain_a orderly_a number_n of_o syllable_n but_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o verse_n end_v alike_o in_o sound_n chap._n ix_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n why_o so_o call_v the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o these_o divine_a and_o inspire_a aphorism_n some_o instance_n of_o the_o different_a application_n of_o the_o similitude_n use_v by_o this_o author_n the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n why_o so_o entitle_v the_o admirable_a subject_n of_o it_o succinct_o display_v the_o particular_a nature_n of_o the_o canticle_n or_o mystical_a song_n of_o solomon_n brief_o set_v forth_o it_o be_v evince_v from_o very_o cogent_a argument_n that_o solomon_n die_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v save_v the_o book_n of_o the_o four_o great_a prophet_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n with_o his_o lamentation_n ezekiel_n daniel_n be_v describe_v so_o be_v those_o of_o the_o twelve_o lesser_a prophet_n hosea_n etc._n etc._n who_o shall_v succeed_v david_n but_o solomon_n as_o in_o the_o throne_n so_o in_o the_o sacred_a canon_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o he_o like_o his_o father_n be_v a_o divine_a poet_n his_o three_o book_n viz._n the_o proverb_n ecclesiaste_n and_o his_o song_n be_v write_v in_o hebrew_a verse_n the_o first_o of_o these_o book_n be_v compose_v of_o excellent_a proverb_n whence_o it_o have_v its_o name_n by_o this_o word_n mishle_n which_o be_v here_o render_v proverb_n sometime_o be_v signify_v i._o parable_n strict_o so_o call_v which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o apologue_n or_o artificial_a fable_n of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v under_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v none_o such_o in_o this_o book_n 2._o by_o this_o word_n be_v mean_v any_o 13._o trite_a and_o common_o receive_v say_v any_o vulgar_a proverbial_a speech_n as_o that_o in_o ch_n 26._o v._n 11._o the_o dog_n return_v to_o his_o vomit_n but_o there_o be_v few_o of_o this_o sort_n here_o 3._o sarcastic_a speech_n gibe_n taunt_n as_o in_o 2_o chron._n 7._o 20._o psal._n 69._o 11._o be_v intend_v by_o this_o expression_n and_o this_o book_n of_o solomon_n be_v not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o these_o 4._o the_o hebrew_n word_n denote_v such_o speech_n as_o be_v by_o way_n of_o similitude_n ezek._n 18._o 2._o of_o which_o kind_n there_o be_v many_o in_o this_o book_n as_o that_o in_o ch_n 11._o 22._o as_o a_o jewel_n of_o gold_n in_o a_o swine_n snout_z so_o be_v a_o fair_a woman_n without_o discretion_n and_o in_o ch_z 25._o 11._o a_o word_n fit_o speak_v be_v like_a apple_n of_o gold_n in_o picture_n of_o silver_n this_o we_o find_v to_o be_v the_o frequent_a manner_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v in_o this_o book_n he_o general_o illustrate_v and_o amplify_v his_o doctrine_n by_o some_o fit_a simile_n or_o comparison_n so_o that_o thereby_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v twice_o deliver_v 5._o saying_n that_o be_v mix_v with_o some_o obscurity_n and_o intricacy_n such_o speech_n as_o require_v sharpness_n of_o wit_n and_o understanding_n both_o for_o propound_v and_o conceive_v they_o be_v denote_v by_o this_o word_n in_o scripture_n thus_o a_o intricate_a question_n or_o problem_n mashal_n be_v set_v down_o in_o psal._n 49._o 4_o 5._o and_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o psalm_n there_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o problem_n a_o resolution_n of_o this_o difficult_a point_n proverbial_a sentence_n be_v sometime_o 〈◊〉_d enigmatical_a and_o have_v a_o mean_v far_o different_a from_o what_o the_o word_n direct_o signify_v thus_o you_o will_v find_v some_o saying_n that_o carry_v a_o mystical_a sense_n with_o they_o in_o this_o book_n as_o that_o in_o ch_n 9_o 17._o steal_v water_n be_v sweet_a and_o in_o ch_z 25._o v._n 27._o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o eat_v much_o honey_n and_o such_o like_a allegorical_a and_o allusive_a speech_n which_o contain_v in_o they_o a_o high_a sense_n than_o the_o bare_a word_n import_v this_o proverbial_a manner_n of_o speak_v and_o write_v be_v in_o great_a use_n and_o esteem_v among_o the_o hebrew_n and_o all_o the_o eastern_a country_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n come_v to_o prove_v solomon_n with_o hard_a question_n 1_o king_n 10._o 1._o parable_n according_a to_o the_o chaldâ—e_n problem_n riddle_n these_o be_v the_o chidoth_n which_o the_o propound_v to_o be_v solve_v by_o he_o yea_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v may_v general_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o write_n of_o most_o of_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o ancient_a time_n pythagoras_n and_o plato_n be_v much_o addict_v to_o this_o abstruse_a way_n and_o all_o their_o follower_n be_v delight_v in_o mystical_a representation_n of_o thing_n 6._o by_o this_o word_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v all_o wise_a and_o excellent_a say_n graviter_fw-la dicta_fw-la as_o the_o latin_n call_v they_o sentence_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n but_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o hebrew_n ancient_o call_v any_o say_v that_o have_v grace_n and_o wit_n in_o it_o mashal_n but_o especial_o any_o eminent_a speech_n or_o smart_n say_v for_o the_o use_v of_o life_n and_o direction_n of_o manner_n go_v under_o that_o name_n a_o moral_a or_o religious_a say_v that_o be_v of_o singular_a
worth_n and_o excellency_n be_v style_v a_o proverb_n for_o this_o as_o dominari_fw-la the_o hebrew_n word_n denote_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dominatrix_fw-la sententia_fw-la a_o speech_n that_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n above_o other_o a_o say_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o force_n and_o therefore_o deserve_v to_o be_v high_o esteem_v by_o all_o these_o wise_a moral_a speech_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o hold_v in_o great_a repute_n of_o old_a homer_n be_v a_o note_a master_n of_o this_o excellency_n and_o be_v applaud_v for_o it_o by_o the_o learned_a and_o indeed_o when_o i_o read_v in_o the_o skilful_a accomptant_n of_o time_n that_o this_o poet_n flourish_v not_o long_o after_o solomon_n day_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o credit_n casaubon_n and_o grotius_n and_o a_o famous_a homerist_n of_o our_o own_o who_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o homer_n borrow_a many_o of_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o sage_a say_n or_o proverb_n from_o our_o royal_a author_n and_o they_o produce_v very_o fair_a instance_n out_o of_o his_o poem_n to_o prove_v it_o after_o this_o great_a poet_n i_o may_v mention_v those_o minor_a one_o theognis_n and_o phocylides_n who_o be_v fame_v for_o their_o excellent_a moral_a sentence_n pythagoras_n be_v celebrate_v for_o his_o golden_a say_n or_o verse_n and_o so_o be_v some_o of_o his_o scholar_n for_o their_o worthy_a speech_n proper_a to_o their_o school_n and_o true_o if_o we_o remember_v that_o these_o pythagorean_n be_v enjoin_v by_o their_o master_n a_o five_o year_n silence_n we_o may_v well_o expect_v some_o handsome_a sentence_n from_o they_o at_o last_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o speak_v i_o may_v add_v here_o the_o set_a saying_n of_o the_o stoic_n such_o as_o tully_n paradox_n yea_o i_o may_v remind_n you_o that_o the_o sage_n of_o all_o school_n and_o sect_n have_v their_o peculiar_a motto_n and_o device_n as_o in_o theoretical_a philosophy_n there_o be_v axiom_n and_o maxim_n in_o medic_n there_o be_v aphorism_n in_o mathematics_n there_o be_v theorem_n among_o rhetorician_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d select_a theme_n and_o matter_n to_o declaim_v upon_o so_o in_o ethic_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pithy_a short_a sentence_n wise_a and_o weighty_a apophthegm_n contain_v great_a moral_n in_o few_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proverb_n short_a but_o study_a saying_n of_o great_a and_o frequent_a use_n in_o our_o life_n this_o book_n of_o solomon_n be_v chief_o make_v up_o of_o this_o sort_n and_o they_o outvie_v all_o that_o ever_o be_v extant_a before_o or_o since_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n come_v to_o hear_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o matchless_a prince_n and_o to_o be_v benefit_v by_o his_o divine_a accomplishment_n but_o we_o save_v ourselves_o the_o labour_n of_o so_o long_a a_o pilgrimage_n he_o have_v visit_v we_o and_o his_o admirable_a write_n be_v bring_v home_o to_o we_o fraught_v with_o the_o most_o desirable_a treasure_n here_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o useful_a maxim_n and_o rule_n for_o our_o practice_n in_o the_o several_a occurrence_n of_o our_o life_n here_o be_v faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o be_v smart_a and_o quick_a here_o be_v grave_a and_o sage_a apophthegm_n here_o be_v concise_n and_o pithy_a adage_n the_o very_a extract_n and_o essence_n of_o the_o strong_a sense_n and_o most_o precious_a truth_n here_o you_o will_v find_v solomon_n as_o a_o father_n and_o with_o a_o paternal_a affection_n instruct_v his_o reader_n and_o hearer_n as_o his_o son_n who_o therefore_o he_o call_v by_o that_o affectionate_a title_n more_o than_o once_o in_o this_o his_o admirable_a treatise_n of_o moral_n direct_v they_o in_o the_o various_a passage_n and_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o frame_v their_o manner_n most_o becoming_o and_o successful_o in_o order_n to_o another_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v divisible_a into_o three_o main_a part_n 1._o the_o inscription_n or_o title_n of_o the_o book_n which_o contain_v the_o use_n and_o scope_n of_o it_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n the_o son_n of_o david_n king_n of_o israel_n to_o know_v wisdom_n instruction_n to_o perceive_v the_o word_n of_o understanding_n etc._n etc._n v._n 1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o seven_o that_o i_o to_o make_v man_n true_o wise_a and_o understanding_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n holy_a and_o religious_a 2._o the_o preface_n or_o introduction_n to_o the_o book_n which_o be_v a_o general_n exhortatory_n to_o true_a wisdom_n and_o holiness_n this_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o first_o nine_o chapter_n 3._o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o book_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o 10_o chapter_n to_o the_o close_a of_o all_o which_o comprehend_v in_o it_o several_a excellent_a precept_n rule_n and_o caution_n of_o a_o mix_v and_o various_a nature_n applicable_a to_o the_o different_a circumstance_n case_n and_o occasion_n of_o person_n these_o be_v more_o signal_o call_v mishlim_n the_o proverb_n a_o collection_n of_o sacred_a aphorism_n useful_a in_o the_o live_v of_o all_o man_n whether_o we_o look_v upon_o they_o in_o a_o natural_a civil_a or_o religious_a capacity_n whether_o we_o consider_v they_o alone_o or_o as_o member_n of_o a_o society_n whether_o we_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v desirous_a to_o live_v happy_o here_o or_o hereafter_o or_o rather_o as_o they_o desire_v both_o to_o all_o these_o excellent_a purpose_n they_o may_v be_v plentiful_o furnish_v by_o this_o royal_a author_n this_o great_a master_n of_o the_o sentence_n this_o divine_a penman_n of_o the_o proverb_n there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o word_n of_o agur_n ch_n â—0_n v_o 1._o who_o be_v the_o same_o with_o solomon_n say_v r._n levi_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o several_a christian_a expositor_n however_o if_o he_o be_v not_o solomon_n under_o that_o name_n but_o a_o different_a person_n yet_o the_o word_n or_o prophecy_n for_o so_o they_o be_v alâ—o_o call_v there_o contain_v may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v solomon_n because_o collect_v and_o preserve_v by_o he_o so_o bathsheba_n instruction_n to_o solomon_n ch_n 31._o 1._o 10._o may_v be_v call_v he_o because_o he_o have_v careful_o record_v they_o and_o in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n have_v observe_v they_o but_o whether_o the_o encomium_n of_o a_o virtuous_a woman_n or_o a_o good_a wife_n from_o v_o 10._o to_o the_o end_n be_v pen_v by_o solomon_n or_o his_o mother_n be_v disputable_a however_o this_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o it_o be_v dictate_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o sacred_a writ_n and_o moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o it_o be_v compose_v in_o alphabetical_a order_n i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o series_n of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n as_o several_a psalm_n be_v which_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o before_o before_o i_o dismiss_v this_o book_n it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a here_o to_o observe_v concern_v several_a of_o the_o proverb_n that_o they_o may_v be_v apply_v several_a way_n according_o as_o we_o interpret_v the_o similitude_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o they_o so_o we_o may_v form_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n and_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o offend_v any_o good_a or_o wise_a man._n to_o give_v a_o instance_n or_o two_o as_o he_o that_o bind_v a_o stone_n in_o a_o sling_n so_o be_v he_o that_o give_v honour_n to_o a_o fool_n prov._n 26._o 8._o the_o mean_v of_o which_o may_v be_v that_o honour_n confer_v on_o a_o undeserving_a person_n be_v throw_v away_o and_o lose_v like_o a_o stone_n cast_v out_o of_o a_o sling_n or_o thus_o he_o that_o bestow_v preferment_n and_o dignity_n on_o such_o a_o one_o do_v as_o it_o be_v arm_v he_o against_o himself_o he_o help_v to_o do_v himself_o a_o mischief_n because_o he_o put_v he_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o do_v it_o other_o have_v a_o different_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n margemah_n which_o be_v here_o translate_v a_o sling_n and_o by_o it_o understand_v a_o heap_n of_o stone_n and_o they_o frame_v such_o a_o interpretation_n as_o this_o he_o that_o give_v respect_n and_o honour_n to_o a_o fool_n to_o a_o unworthy_a vile_a person_n be_v like_o he_o that_o cast_v a_o precious_a stone_n for_o so_o they_o limit_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n ebâ—n_n as_o laâ—illi_n among_o the_o latin_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o greek_n have_v that_o particular_a signification_n sometime_o among_o common_a pebble_n other_o expound_v it_o thus_o as_o one_o single_a stone_n throw_v into_o a_o great_a heap_n be_v scarce_o discern_v and_o make_v no_o accession_n to_o it_o so_o by_o the_o honour_n and_o favour_n that_o be_v collate_v on_o a_o fool_n there_o be_v no_o real_a addition_n make_v to_o he_o there_o be_v â—o_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
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
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 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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
ver_fw-la 3._o they_o take_v several_a passage_n out_o of_o scripture_n which_o be_v applicable_a as_o they_o think_v to_o that_o place_n and_o there_o insert_v they_o whence_o instead_o of_o seven_o verse_n in_o this_o psalm_n according_a to_o our_o last_o english_a translation_n which_o follow_v the_o hebrew_n there_o be_v eleven_o it_o it_o according_a to_o the_o old_a one_o use_v in_o our_o service_n which_o follow_v the_o septuagint_n thus_o in_o prov._n 6._o after_o what_o be_v say_v there_o v._n 6_o 7_o 8._o of_o the_o ant_n they_o make_v bold_a to_o add_v something_o concern_v the_o bee_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n so_o in_o isaiah_n and_o jeremiah_n and_o other_o book_n they_o take_v a_o great_a liberty_n there_o be_v several_a whole_a sentence_n add_v that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o many_o be_v leave_v out_o that_o be_v in_o it_o to_o instance_n at_o present_a only_o in_o two_o of_o this_o latter_a sort_n those_o word_n in_o prov._n 22._o 6._o train_z up_o a_o child_n in_o the_o way_n he_o shall_v go_v and_o when_o â—e_n be_v old_a he_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o be_v whole_o omit_v and_o the_o whole_a thirty_o chapter_n of_o the_o proverb_n and_o part_n of_o the_o one_o and_o thirty_o be_v leave_v out_o in_o this_o translation_n this_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n we_o have_v hitherto_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n but_o now_o come_v one_o which_o be_v much_o great_a and_o indeed_o unpardonable_a if_o it_o be_v true_a 9_o then_o it_o be_v think_v by_o some_o that_o in_o many_o place_n they_o have_v wilful_o corrupt_v and_o pervert_v the_o text._n it_o be_v think_v at_o least_o that_o they_o do_v not_o exact_o translate_v some_o place_n because_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o expose_v the_o bible_n to_o the_o gentile_n this_o be_v too_o rich_a and_o precious_a a_o treasure_n to_o be_v impart_v to_o they_o it_o will_v be_v a_o profane_v and_o pollute_v of_o it_o to_o lay_v it_o open_v to_o all_o men._n it_o be_v ver._n galatinus_n persuasion_n that_o in_o their_o turn_v the_o hebrew_n into_o greek_a they_o alter_v several_a thing_n because_o the_o ethnic_n be_v at_o that_o time_n unworthy_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o divine_a mystery_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o this_o the_o talmud_n itself_o witness_v the_o pagan_a world_n be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v several_a of_o those_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v seem_v absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a to_o they_o if_o they_o have_v be_v translate_v as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o original_a hence_o say_v he_o the_o seventy_n version_n be_v imperfect_a and_o seem_v to_o differ_v yea_o real_o do_v differ_v from_o the_o hebrew_n in_o many_o place_n and_o a_o lightfoot_n learned_a doctor_n of_o our_o own_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o translate_v the_o bible_n unwilling_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o impart_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o heathen_n therefore_o though_o be_v command_v by_o ptolemy_n they_o undertake_v this_o work_n yet_o go_v about_o it_o with_o unwilling_a mind_n they_o do_v it_o slight_o and_o perfunctory_o and_o it_o be_v likely_a false_o in_o some_o place_n and_o this_o be_v long_o ago_o the_o opinion_n of_o st._n iâ—rom_n who_o plain_o declare_v that_o pentateuch_n wherever_o any_o thing_n occur_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o sacred_a trinity_n it_o be_v either_o misinterpret_v or_o whole_o conceal_v by_o these_o 70_o elder_n and_o this_o he_o say_v be_v do_v by_o they_o partly_o to_o please_v king_n ptolomee_o and_o partly_o because_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o divulge_v the_o mystery_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o the_o world_n thus_o as_o genes_n he_o observe_v 〈◊〉_d isa._n 9_o 6._o they_o leave_v out_o five_o or_o 〈◊〉_d name_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v in_o the_o place_n of_o they_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o great_a caunâ—el_n they_o will_v not_o let_v it_o be_v know_v that_o that_o child_n be_v god_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v think_v 10_o worship_v another_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o purposely_o and_o â—allciously_o conceal_v those_o glorious_a title_n attribute_v to_o christ_n and_o more_o especial_o that_o the_o mighty_a god_n but_o this_o author_n be_v more_o candid_a and_o mild_a in_o his_o censure_n of_o these_o 70_o elder_n when_o in_o other_o place_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o many_o of_o those_o copy_n and_o edition_n of_o the_o greek_a translation_n which_o be_v then_o abroad_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o transcriber_n and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o design_n in_o his_o latin_a version_n to_o correct_v they_o again_o he_o impute_v their_o mistake_v to_o their_o ignorance_n say_v pentaâ—euch_n they_o make_v this_o translation_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o know_v not_o what_o they_o render_v in_o many_o place_n and_o therefore_o do_v it_o obscure_o and_o dubious_o wherefore_o he_o profess_v he_o condemn_v not_o the_o seventy_o but_o only_o prefer_v the_o apostle_n before_o they_o their_o write_n be_v near_o to_o the_o hebrew_n original_a and_o true_o i_o be_o not_o thorough_o convince_v that_o the_o interpreter_n themselves_o do_v wilful_o corrupt_v the_o translation_n that_o they_o design_o misinterpret_v the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o falsify_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n and_o several_a other_o for_o the_o messiah_n the_o christ_n be_v not_o come_v then_o and_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n about_o he_o and_o therefore_o according_a to_o my_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v too_o early_a time_n of_o day_n to_o misrepresent_v or_o corrupt_v the_o bible_n where_o it_o speak_v of_o he_o i_o rather_o think_v this_o be_v do_v afterward_o namely_o after_o our_o saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v be_v reject_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o impostor_n then_o these_o place_n before_o mention_v and_o several_a other_o begin_v to_o be_v pervert_v then_o the_o circumcise_a doctor_n attempt_v to_o pare_v off_o some_o passage_n to_o make_v some_o alteration_n in_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o lxx_o which_o they_o get_v into_o their_o hand_n then_o it_o be_v that_o they_o corrupt_v the_o chronology_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o you_o find_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n and_o those_o of_o the_o seventy_o about_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v that_o the_o jew_n make_v a_o alteration_n in_o the_o year_n mention_v in_o the_o pentateuch_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o life_n of_o the_o patriarch_n more_o especial_o those_o before_o the_o flood_n in_o that_o catalogue_n in_o gen._n 5._o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n text_n there_o be_v 1656_o year_n from_o the_o creation_n to_o the_o flood_n but_o according_a to_o the_o greek_a there_o be_v about_o 2250._o the_o young_a sacra_fw-la vossius_fw-la be_v a_o smart_a advocate_n for_o the_o septuagint_n and_o follow_v their_o computation_n tell_v we_o that_o 4000_o want_v â—ive_a or_o six_o year_n be_v expire_v before_o moses_n death_n and_o that_o from_o thence_o to_o our_o saviour_n come_v be_v above_o 2000_o year_n so_o that_o christ_n be_v incarnate_a at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o six_o millenary_a or_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o seven_o the_o sum_n be_v that_o according_a to_o vossius_fw-la and_o the_o lxx_n reckon_v the_o time_n of_o the_o world_n beginning_n anticipate_v the_o vulgar_a aera_fw-la at_o least_o 1400_o year_n this_o lengthen_v of_o the_o account_n in_o the_o greek_a bible_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o jew_n after_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n especial_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o then_o out_o of_o their_o hatred_n to_o christian_n change_v the_o chronology_n of_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n expunge_v the_o contract_a aera_fw-la and_o introduce_v a_o large_a one_o i_o e._n they_o add_v one_o thousand_o four_o hundred_o year_n to_o these_o book_n and_o their_o design_n in_o do_v this_o be_v to_o confute_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o messias_n come_v it_o will_v appear_v hence_o that_o the_o time_n be_v past_a according_a to_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o rabbi_n for_o this_o reason_n they_o make_v this_o alteration_n in_o the_o greek_a translation_n though_o they_o can_v not_o effect_v it_o in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n hence_o arise_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a computation_n but_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o sacred_a chronology_n deliver_v by_o moses_n be_v certain_a and_o the_o calculation_n true_a and_o authentic_a because_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v so_o which_o i_o have_v demonstrate_v in_o another_o place_n and_o consequent_o the_o greek_a version_n be_v to_o be_v correct_v by_o this_o but_o this_o error_n of_o the_o septuagint_n be_v not_o original_o they_o but_o be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o latter_a jew_n i_o mean_v those_o soon_o after_o our_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 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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
before_o it_o it_o be_v not_o sit_v that_o the_o same_o word_n shall_v have_v two_o diverse_a readins_n in_o the_o same_o verse_n in_o v_o 6_o 8_o 9_o let_v live_v creature_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o margin_n and_o be_v set_v in_o the_o text_n itself_o in_o the_o place_n of_o beast_n which_o be_v not_o a_o sit_v word_n for_o those_o that_o be_v represent_v by_o that_o vision_n especial_o when_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n here_o be_v the_o word_n which_o be_v right_o translate_v the_o beast_n in_o this_o book_n in_o ch_z 11._o v._n 17._o those_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o right_o render_v which_o art_n and_o waste_v and_o be_v to_o come_v but_o thus_o who_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v in_o ch_z 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o v_o 13._o be_v translate_v wonder_v in_o the_o 14_o miracle_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v correct_v for_o the_o reason_n so_o often_o give_v viz._n because_o the_o same_o greek_a word_n shall_v be_v render_v by_o the_o same_o english_a one_o if_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a cause_n for_o the_o contrary_n in_o ch_z 14._o v._n 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v render_v with_o they_o their_o work_v follow_v with_o they_o in_o ch_z 16._o v._n 12._o the_o way_n of_o the_o king_n who_o be_v from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o true_a and_o literal_a version_n of_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o in_o our_o present_a english_a translation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v absorp_v these_o be_v the_o several_a place_n which_o i_o conceive_v aught_o to_o be_v alter_v and_o translate_v more_o exact_o i_o say_v not_o this_o to_o impair_v or_o derogate_v from_o the_o credit_n and_o honour_n of_o our_o english_a translation_n much_o less_o to_o condemn_v the_o present_a edition_n or_o to_o expose_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o but_o my_o design_n be_v to_o represent_v they_o in_o their_o native_a excellency_n and_o purity_n and_o to_o contribute_v by_o this_o critical_a essay_n towards_o so_o worthy_a a_o end_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o can_v more_o commend_v the_o holy_a writ_n than_o a_o exact_a translation_n i._n e._n such_o a_o one_o as_o faithful_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o express_a text_n of_o scripture_n wherefore_o i_o humble_o offer_v the_o forementioned_a place_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a and_o leave_v the_o whole_a or_o part_n to_o be_v approve_v or_o reject_v as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a perhaps_o when_o our_o church-affair_n be_v settle_v this_o will_v not_o seem_v unworthy_a of_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o convocation_n who_o i_o question_v not_o will_v see_v that_o the_o revise_v and_o correct_v of_o our_o english_a translation_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o all_o or_o in_o most_o of_o those_o place_n and_o in_o several_a other_o which_o i_o have_v not_o here_o propound_v be_v very_o requisite_a it_o be_v my_o judgement_n that_o as_o out_o of_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a and_o the_o modern_a latin_a version_n one_o entire_a one_o may_v be_v make_v in_o that_o language_n that_o shall_v be_v general_o use_v in_o quotation_n among_o the_o orthodox_n learned_a so_o a_o new_a english_a translation_n may_v be_v compose_v out_o of_o this_o last_o edition_n as_o to_o the_o main_a but_o with_o such_o new_a alteration_n and_o amendment_n as_o shall_v render_v the_o style_n and_o sense_n in_o many_o place_n more_o accurate_a and_o shall_v make_v it_o acceptable_a to_o the_o most_o curious_a english_a reader_n and_o here_o i_o advise_v that_o the_o marginal_a note_n of_o the_o present_a english_a bible_n be_v often_o consult_v because_o the_o best_a and_o most_o genuine_a translation_n of_o word_n be_v frequent_o put_v there_o but_o in_o the_o forego_n animadversion_n i_o have_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o those_o different_a signification_n of_o word_n which_o be_v place_v there_o i_o have_v only_o offer_v those_o that_o have_v not_o hitherto_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o may_v add_v something_o concern_v the_o division_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o chapter_n and_o verse_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o moses_n the_o prophet_n evangelist_n and_o apostle_n write_v their_o book_n without_o any_o such_o partition_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o all_o other_o writer_n of_o old_a but_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v divide_v afterward_o into_o parashes_n before_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o this_o distribution_n of_o they_o be_v often_o mention_v in_o the_o talmud_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o more_o methodical_a read_n of_o they_o in_o the_o synagogue_n some_o of_o the_o 3._o greek_a father_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o distribution_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v make_v before_o their_o time_n for_o they_o mention_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o daniel_n jerom_n speak_v of_o a_o pericope_n of_o jeremiah_n yea_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o this_o sort_n of_o section_n or_o parashes_n be_v mention_v in_o act_n 8._o 32._o and_o be_v call_v there_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o book_n of_o the_o evanglist_n and_o apostle_n be_v afterward_o divide_v into_o certain_a section_n by_o some_o of_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n for_o the_o more_o convenient_a read_n of_o they_o herein_o imitate_v the_o jew_n who_o have_v do_v the_o same_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n these_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o lazaro_n eastern_a father_n and_o lectiones_fw-la by_o the_o latin_a one_o they_o be_v the_o same_o that_o we_o call_v chapter_n verse_n be_v also_o ancient_a but_o not_o the_o same_o that_o be_v at_o present_a nor_o be_v all_o the_o book_n so_o divide_v st._n jerom_n tell_v we_o he_o distribute_v the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n and_o that_o of_o ezekiel_n into_o verse_n and_o some_o of_o thâ—_n book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v thus_o divide_v particular_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n be_v part_v into_o these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o origen_n as_o galat._n jerom_n inform_v we_o but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o these_o partition_n whether_o into_o chapter_n or_o verse_n wâ—re_v very_o much_o different_a from_o what_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a as_o heinsius_n and_o some_o other_o critic_n out_o of_o suidas_n relate_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v divide_v into_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v gather_v from_o the_o account_n which_o they_o give_v of_o these_o two_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v the_o division_n of_o a_o book_n into_o chapter_n and_o the_o latter_a into_o verse_n or_o some_o such_o small_a portion_n though_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v a_o quite_o different_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o great_a division_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lesser_a as_o to_o the_o division_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n consist_v of_o 39_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o 27_o of_o the_o new_a into_o distinct_a chapter_n as_o they_o be_v now_o among_o we_o viz._n 779_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o 260_o in_o the_o new_a it_o be_v make_v by_o lanfrank_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n about_o the_o year_n 1060_o other_o say_v by_o stephen_n langton_n who_o be_v archbishop_n of_o the_o same_o see_v in_o k._n john_n time_n about_o the_o year_n 1200._o it_o be_v say_v by_o other_o that_o cardinal_n hugo_n twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n afterward_o be_v the_o first_o that_o contrive_v the_o distinction_n of_o chapter_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o fit_v the_o hebrew_n text_n to_o the_o concordance_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o he_o be_v author_n of_o the_o divide_v of_o chapter_n into_o verse_n be_v more_o late_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o industrious_a and_o learned_a robert_n stephens_n about_o eightscore_o year_n since_o but_o whoever_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o this_o division_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o chapter_n and_o verse_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o right_o make_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o 10_o chap._n of_o isaiah_n shall_v not_o be_v cut_v of_o from_o the_o 9th_o chapter_n for_o it_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o 5_o v_o of_o the_o 10_o chap._n which_o be_v so_o now_o the_o 9th_o shall_v end_v and_o many_o other_o chapter_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v ill_o divide_v but_o especial_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n one_o may_v see_v that_o the_o distinction_n of_o chapter_n and_o verse_n now_o in_o
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
be_v great_a moral_a and_o religious_a qualification_n likewise_o for_o this_o be_v the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v come_v to_o it_o with_o agreeable_a inclination_n will_n and_o affection_n man_n complain_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a contention_n about_o the_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n and_o different_a party_n can_v agree_v whence_o they_o proceed_v to_o blame_v the_o obscurity_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o herein_o these_o person_n themselves_o be_v very_o unblamable_a for_o this_o disagreement_n in_o the_o interpret_n of_o sacred_a writ_n arise_v not_o whole_o from_o the_o obscurity_n of_o it_o nor_o do_v it_o proceed_v from_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o it_o as_o some_o will_v suggest_v but_o from_o man_n deprave_a mind_n and_o passion_n wherefore_o our_o main_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v one_a to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o all_o wilful_a prejudice_n and_o perverseness_n which_o have_v be_v the_o first_o and_o original_a cause_n of_o misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n thus_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n when_o he_o tempt_v our_o saviour_n most_o perverse_o quote_v psal._n 91._o 11._o and_o misapply_v it_o to_o his_o purpose_n and_o from_o he_o heretic_n and_o seducer_n have_v learn_v to_o cite_v and_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n to_o evil_a design_n viz._n to_o uphold_v some_o error_n or_o vice_n what_o a_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n say_v of_o one_o sort_n of_o heretical_a teacher_n that_o 27._o they_o interpret_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n according_a to_o their_o own_o pleasure_n be_v true_a of_o they_o all_o their_o constant_a practice_n be_v to_o strain_v and_o distort_v these_o sacred_a write_n to_o construe_v they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o to_o make_v they_o like_o a_o echo_n speak_v what_o they_o please_v their_o great_a work_n in_o consult_v and_o turn_v over_o this_o volume_n be_v to_o find_v something_o they_o may_v misinterpret_v for_o their_o own_o ends._n their_o affection_n to_o a_o particular_a cause_n make_v they_o believe_v and_o assert_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o improbable_a and_o then_o they_o allege_v scripture_n to_o back_o it_o though_o it_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o purpose_n these_o person_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o depraver_n of_o truth_n who_o as_o hexaâ—m_n one_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n give_v we_o their_o character_n do_v not_o accommodate_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o pervert_v and_o draw_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o wi_n this_o gloss_v and_o expound_v of_o the_o bible_n according_a to_o man_n corrupt_a fancy_n be_v as_o menâ—al_a m._n luther_n have_v express_v it_o like_o strain_v milk_n through_o a_o colesack_n it_o blacken_v and_o defile_v the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n it_o deprave_v and_o falsify_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n those_o man_n be_v to_o be_v abhor_v that_o submit_v not_o their_o thought_n and_o 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a_o learned_a ignorance_n as_o 15._o st._n augustin_n term_v it_o and_o we_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v master_n of_o it_o these_o four_o thing_n mention_v in_o eccles_n 12._o 6._o i_o understand_v not_o say_v castellio_n i_o scarce_o understand_v the_o thousand_o part_n of_o this_o book_n say_v he_o concern_v the_o apocalypse_n and_o it_o be_v frequent_a with_o this_o learned_a man_n to_o say_v i_o know_v not_o the_o mean_v of_o this_o place_n that_o man_n be_v impudent_o rash_a who_o dare_v profess_v that_o he_o understand_v one_o single_a book_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o all_o its_o part_n say_v psalmos_fw-la luther_n i_o own_v it_o that_o i_o be_o so_o blind_a that_o i_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o in_o that_o dark_a place_n of_o scripture_n amos_n 5._o 26._o say_v the_o syr._n great_a selden_n but_o the_o contrary_a temper_n and_o spirit_n have_v swell_v some_o with_o proud_a conceit_n of_o their_o understanding_n some_o passage_n of_o this_o book_n when_o they_o 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he_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v which_o he_o understand_v not_o the_o like_a may_v we_o with_o more_o reason_n pronounce_v concern_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n the_o matter_n which_o we_o have_v knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v the_o main_a body_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o book_n be_v excellent_a and_o divine_a and_o so_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o those_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n there_o be_v no_o occasion_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o sovereign_a wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v our_o apparent_a duty_n to_o lay_v aside_o pride_n and_o to_o exercise_v humility_n which_o will_v capacitate_v we_o to_o understand_v even_o those_o great_a mystery_n and_o abstrusity_n when_o we_o have_v with_o much_o diligence_n and_o frequent_a study_n search_v into_o they_o 3_o we_o must_v think_v ourselves_o concern_v to_o purge_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n from_o all_o deâ—ilements_n of_o vice_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o quick_a brain_n a_o subtle_a head_n and_o a_o nimble_a wit_n be_v not_o so_o much_o require_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o a_o religious_a practice_n to_o man_n of_o pollute_a conscience_n and_o profane_a manner_n the_o scripture_n seem_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a but_o to_o those_o of_o sanctify_a mind_n and_o holy_a life_n they_o be_v as_o to_o the_o most_o part_n plain_a and_o clear_a these_o qualification_n render_v they_o as_o bright_a as_o a_o sunbeam_n what_o the_o turk_n be_v say_v to_o write_v on_o the_o backside_n of_o the_o alcoran_n let_v none_o touch_v this_o book_n but_o he_o that_o be_v pure_a may_v with_o great_a reason_n and_o justice_n be_v write_v on_o the_o holy_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o only_o for_o a_o pure_a life_n be_v the_o best_a commentator_n on_o these_o write_n a_o wonderful_a measure_n of_o
of_o mesopotamia_n that_o he_o prophesy_v concern_v the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o concern_v the_o come_v of_o christ._n saul_n be_v a_o very_a bad_a man_n yet_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n caiphas_n one_o of_o christ_n judge_n be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o prophesy_v concern_v our_o saviour_n death_n and_o why_o may_v not_o god_n inspire_v heathen_a woman_n though_o they_o be_v wicked_a with_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o seem_v to_o appear_v from_o their_o verse_n wherein_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n very_o fond_a and_o superstitious_a and_o so_o indeed_o they_o may_v be_v quote_v by_o the_o roman_a catholic_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o cause_n this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o possessor_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n but_o then_o i_o ask_v this_o can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o choice_a mystery_n of_o religion_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o profane_a will_v god_n vouchsafe_v so_o great_a and_o peculiar_a a_o privilege_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o person_n 3_o therefore_o some_o hold_n that_o these_o pagan_a prophetess_n speak_v not_o by_o a_o good_a but_o evil_a spirit_n the_o devil_n reveal_v these_o thing_n to_o they_o say_v cap._n st._n ambrose_n and_o help_v they_o to_o foretell_v these_o future_a event_n and_o some_o have_v turn_v those_o foresay_a instance_n this_o way_n tell_v we_o that_o baalam_n saul_n and_o caiphas_n prophesy_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o some_o evil_a daemon_n so_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n speak_v truth_n oftentimes_o though_o their_o answer_n come_v from_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n that_o these_o sibylls_n receive_v their_o skill_n from_o satan_n may_v be_v discern_v say_v some_o in_o the_o error_n and_o superstition_n which_o be_v in_o their_o book_n yea_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v countenance_v by_o they_o in_o some_o passage_n which_o occur_v in_o their_o prediction_n but_o then_o this_o may_v be_v say_v to_o baffle_v this_o opinion_n that_o the_o foretell_v of_o such_o future_a contingency_n be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o that_o evil_a spirit_n moreover_o it_o be_v unlikely_a that_o these_o gentile_n be_v they_o inform_v by_o a_o divine_a intelligencer_n but_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v act_v by_o a_o diabolick_a one_o shall_v have_v as_o clear_v nay_o a_o clear_a foresight_n and_o discovery_n of_o christ_n to_o come_v than_o the_o jew_n god_n own_o people_n and_o the_o holy_a man_n among_o they_o have_v 4_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o siâ—yl_n the_o learned_a isaac_n vossius_fw-la that_o the_o sibylline_a verse_n so_o call_v be_v make_v and_o collect_v by_o the_o jew_n this_o he_o assert_v only_o concern_v those_o write_n of_o they_o which_o be_v extant_a before_o christ_n come_n for_o the_o jew_n be_v disperse_v over_o the_o world_n and_o know_v that_o daniel_n seventy_o week_n be_v expire_a be_v stir_v up_o by_o god_n to_o compose_v these_o verse_n thereby_o to_o signify_v to_o the_o gentile_n the_o approach_n of_o christ._n but_o of_o the_o other_o work_v of_o the_o sibylls_n viz._n those_o that_o be_v afterward_o quote_v by_o some_o of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v not_o the_o same_o opinion_n and_o esteem_n but_o think_v they_o be_v make_v and_o compile_v or_o in_o plain_a term_n forge_v by_o some_o christian_n particular_o the_o gnostic_n this_o be_v a_o very_a odd_a account_n of_o the_o sibylls_n and_o show_v that_o the_o learned_a author_n of_o it_o be_v in_o a_o great_a straight_o he_o be_v first_o willing_a to_o reject_v the_o christian_n from_o be_v the_o composer_n of_o those_o write_n which_o some_o have_v assert_v and_o yet_o it_o seem_v afterward_o he_o retract_v that_o sentiment_n and_o be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o christian_n themselves_o forge_v and_o counterfeit_v these_o sibylline_a oracle_n but_o if_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o author_n of_o some_o part_n of_o these_o write_n than_o i_o ask_v how_o come_v they_o to_o insert_v thing_n savour_v of_o heathen_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o if_o the_o christian_n be_v compiler_n of_o a_o other_o part_n of_o these_o verse_n how_o come_v they_o to_o insist_v in_o the_o step_n of_o the_o former_a and_o to_o add_v some_o thing_n as_o be_v say_v in_o favour_n of_o those_o pagan_a corruption_n but_o i_o dismiss_v this_o as_o a_o divide_a and_o distracted_a opinion_n beside_o that_o i_o can_v see_v why_o the_o jew_n may_v not_o as_o well_o have_v produce_v the_o bible_n to_o the_o gentile_n for_o it_o have_v be_v translate_v into_o greek_a a_o tongue_n intelligible_a to_o the_o pagan_a world_n a_o long_a time_n before_o our_o saviour_n come_v that_o have_v be_v more_o authentic_a than_o any_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o of_o their_o own_o compose_v in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n i_o take_v leave_n to_o propound_v a_o other_o opinion_n which_o be_v this_o i_o hold_v that_o these_o ancient_a write_n or_o oracle_n be_v not_o make_v by_o jew_n but_o pagan_n and_o particular_o by_o those_o woman_n call_v sibylls_n who_o make_v they_o in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o this_o that_o they_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old-testament_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o verse_n this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o assert_v as_o most_o consonant_a to_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v a_o far_a proof_n of_o what_o i_o have_v be_v so_o long_o insist_v upon_o viz._n that_o the_o pagan_n borrow_v from_o the_o bible_n i_o be_o not_o solicitous_a whether_o these_o woman_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a whether_o they_o be_v move_v by_o god_n or_o by_o a_o evil_a spirit_n there_o be_v some_o inconvenience_n in_o assert_v of_o either_o side_n but_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a way_n different_a from_o both_o viz._n that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o prophetic_a person_n as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o gift_n of_o foretell_v all_o those_o thing_n they_o speak_v of_o no_o they_o only_o extract_v what_o they_o write_v from_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n therein_o contain_v especial_o from_o that_o of_o isaiah_n and_o so_o indeed_o in_o some_o sense_n their_o write_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o inspire_a for_o whatever_o these_o pagan_n foretold_v be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o they_o take_v from_o the_o inspire_a prophet_n in_o holy_a writ_n they_o be_v instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n with_o those_o that_o i_o have_v so_o often_o produce_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n namely_o gentile_a poet_n that_o make_v use_v of_o several_a passage_n in_o the_o sacred_a volume_n and_o insert_v the_o main_a substance_n of_o they_o into_o their_o verse_n and_o as_o those_o heathen_a poet_n mingle_v profane_a notion_n and_o fable_n with_o the_o sacred_a doctrine_n and_o history_n which_o i_o show_v before_o so_o here_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o these_o pagan_a versifier_n mix_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v superstitious_a with_o their_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n which_o they_o derive_v from_o the_o old-testament_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v female_a poet_n among_o the_o pagan_n as_o sappho_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o scruple_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o sibylls_n writ_n in_o verse_n indeed_o the_o looseness_n and_o neglectfulness_n of_o the_o style_n show_v that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o some_o easy_a poet_n that_o they_o be_v pagan_a woman_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o frequent_a allegation_n of_o the_o father_n who_o represent_v they_o always_o as_o such_o and_o produce_v the_o write_n of_o these_o pagan_n as_o a_o proper_a confutation_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o they_o dispute_v against_o and_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v such_o and_o no_o other_o as_o be_v apparent_a from_o what_o you_o shall_v hâ—ar_v afterward_o concern_v erythraea_n and_o the_o cumaean_a sibyl_n now_o concern_v these_o poetic_a pagan_a woman_n i_o assert_v that_o they_o be_v no_o prophetess_n no_o more_o than_o hesiod_n and_o ovid_n and_o other_o pagan_a writer_n beforementioned_a and_o that_o they_o like_o these_o take_v some_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o old-testament_n which_o also_o be_v much_o fame_v and_o talk_v of_o and_o digest_v they_o into_o number_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o in_o their_o verse_n there_o be_v very_o notable_a testimony_n concern_v our_o saviour_n there_o be_v mention_v many_o considerable_a circumstance_n of_o his_o birth_n life_n miracle_n passion_n death_n resurrection_n ascension_n and_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n but_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o these_o be_v speak_v by_o they_o from_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n than_o to_o believe_v that_o orpheus_n and_o homer_n be_v inspire_v when_o they_o refer_v to_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n
if_o these_o have_v be_v prophecy_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n they_o will_v have_v be_v communicate_v by_o god_n to_o his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v his_o oracle_n rather_o than_o to_o common_a pagan_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o be_v too_o choice_a secret_n to_o be_v râ—â—ealed_v to_o they_o wherefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old-testament_n which_o be_v spread_v abroad_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o sibylls_n only_a recite_v those_o prophecy_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n be_v you_o to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v prophecy_n of_o their_o own_o it_o be_v true_a the_o pagan_n hear_v of_o these_o prediction_n and_o not_o know_v the_o rise_n of_o they_o attribute_v they_o to_o their_o prophetess_n the_o sibylls_n and_o so_o they_o pass_v for_o the_o sibylls_n oracle_n as_o if_o those_o woman_n make_v and_o indict_v they_o of_o their_o own_o head_n but_o they_o be_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o not_o of_o any_o person_n among_o the_o pagan_n the_o sibylls_n be_v not_o the_o original_a author_n of_o they_o but_o they_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o sibylls_n write_n and_o by_o this_o we_o be_v rid_v of_o all_o the_o hard_a consequence_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o foregoing_a assertion_n we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o have_v these_o thing_n by_o divine_a aâ—â—lation_n or_o by_o the_o help_n of_o some_o evil_a daemon_n we_o need_v not_o dispute_v whether_o they_o can_v be_v endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o yet_o be_v pagan_n in_o their_o persuasion_n and_o vicious_a in_o their_o life_n or_o whither_o if_o they_o be_v act_v by_o a_o diabolick_a spirit_n they_o can_v foretell_v thing_n of_o this_o sacred_a nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o maintain_v either_o of_o these_o because_o we_o can_v solve_v the_o matter_n before_o we_o without_o suppose_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n viz._n by_o hold_v that_o these_o sibylls_n as_o many_o other_o before_o they_o take_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o dress_v they_o up_o after_o their_o own_o fashion_n all_o thing_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o this_o opinion_n and_o we_o be_v press_v with_o no_o absurdity_n insomuch_o that_o i_o have_v wonder_v sometime_o that_o this_o have_v not_o be_v think_v of_o by_o the_o inquisitive_a this_o be_v yet_o a_o far_a evidence_n of_o what_o i_o so_o large_o pursue_v before_o that_o the_o gentile_n insert_v into_o their_o write_n several_a particularâ—_n of_o the_o old-testament_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o evangelical_n write_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o offer_v second_o then_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o sibylls_n oracle_n and_o verse_n as_o they_o be_v a_o signal_n attestation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new-testament_n behold_v here_o the_o main_a thing_n relate_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n plain_o speak_v of_o by_o these_o pagan_n who_o witness_n in_o this_o case_n be_v very_o considerable_a they_o declare_v in_o these_o write_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a change_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o a_o new_a governor_n or_o king_n shall_v arise_v and_o be_v very_o eminent_a cicâ—ro_n frequent_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o the_o sibylls_n and_o the_o roman_a senate_n be_v mighty_o alarm_v with_o it_o and_o be_v afraid_a their_o commonwealth_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o monarchy_n yea_o lentulus_n begin_v to_o take_v heart_n from_o this_o prophecy_n if_o you_o will_v believe_v tully_n and_o sallust_n and_o fancy_v he_o be_v the_o king_n the_o sibylls_n speak_v of_o and_o other_o afterward_o imagine_v that_o julius_n caesar_n or_o augustus_n or_o as_o some_o thought_n vespasian_n or_o titus_n be_v intend_v whereas_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v that_o the_o sibylls_n have_v only_o divulge_v in_o their_o verse_n the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v find_v by_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v know_v at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o world_n if_o we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o allege_v but_o this_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o sibylls_n write_n they_o tell_v we_o in_o their_o mystic_a verse_n that_o a_o little_a child_n shall_v throw_v down_o idolatry_n with_o his_o hand_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o delphic_a daemon_n this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o blessed_a babe_n jesus_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o transcribe_v particular_a passage_n in_o these_o write_n as_o concern_v christ_n miracle_n 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v only_o a_o paraphrase_n on_o that_o prophecy_n concern_v our_o bless_a lord_n in_o isai._n 35._o 5_o 6._o and_o many_o other_o text_n in_o the_o same_o prophet_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o miraculous_a act_n which_o he_o be_v to_o exert_v here_o upon_o earth_n so_o what_o be_v say_v of_o his_o suffering_n 18._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v borrow_v from_o that_o prediction_n in_o isai._n 5â—_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o description_n of_o the_o messias_n suffering_n and_o that_o passage_n reâ—â—ting_v to_o the_o resurrection_n and_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v found_v on_o some_o peculiar_a text_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o messias_n last_o advent_n and_o glorious_a reign_n certain_o it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n that_o these_o person_n attest_v these_o thing_n the_o very_a same_o which_o be_v predict_v in_o the_o old-testament_n and_o which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n this_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o refute_v the_o objection_n and_o cavil_n of_o the_o most_o profess_a adversary_n of_o christianity_n according_o the_o ancient_a christian_n especial_o the_o father_n make_v use_v of_o these_o heathen_a write_n against_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o beat_v they_o with_o their_o own_o weapon_n peruse_v athenagoras_n and_o theophilus_n of_o antioch_n and_o you_o will_v â—ind_v these_o woman_n verse_n high_o commend_v by_o they_o peruse_v alibi_fw-la justin_n and_o 6._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o you_o will_v see_v that_o they_o frequent_o quote_v those_o write_n and_o rely_v on_o they_o in_o their_o dispute_n against_o the_o pagan_n for_o christianity_n so_o do_v tertullian_n so_o do_v origen_n argue_v out_o of_o these_o pagan_a book_n for_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v espouse_v in_o imitation_n of_o these_o learned_a father_n constantine_n the_o great_a in_o 18._o one_o of_o his_o oration_n speak_v very_o reverent_o of_o the_o sibylls_n prediction_n and_o vindicate_v they_o as_o no_o contemptible_a proof_n of_o christianity_n 18._o lactantius_n and_o arnobius_n allege_v they_o to_o prove_v the_o same_o st._n augustin_n quote_v the_o acrostic_n of_o sibylla_n erythraea_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o latin_n thus_o the_o father_n use_v to_o convince_v the_o gentile_n out_o of_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n and_o the_o old_a christian_n constant_o read_v these_o write_n and_o appeal_v to_o they_o in_o their_o discourse_n with_o the_o heathen_n from_o which_o practice_n of_o they_o the_o gentile_n as_o 13._o origen_n testify_v style_v the_o christian_n sibyllist_n yea_o the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v so_o addict_v to_o the_o read_v these_o book_n of_o the_o sibylls_n that_o they_o be_v strict_o 5._o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o future_a upon_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o gentil_n we_o be_v tell_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o emperor_n prohibit_v the_o read_n of_o these_o book_n namely_o because_o they_o thence_o fetch_v many_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o their_o cause_n these_o write_n of_o heathen_a woman_n be_v in_o those_o day_n reckon_v to_o be_v a_o notable_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v no_o forgery_n for_o the_o ancient_a and_o learnede_a father_n as_o well_o as_o other_o christian_a brethren_n will_v not_o have_v quote_v they_o to_o confirm_v the_o christian_a religion_n if_o they_o have_v be_v such_o but_o we_o see_v they_o do_v frequent_o allege_v they_o to_o that_o end_n and_o especial_o in_o their_o dispute_n with_o the_o gentile_n as_o they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o poet_n for_o attest_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old-testament_n as_o have_v be_v show_v you_o so_o they_o cite_v these_o gentile_a
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