of_o nice_a inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o by_o that_o council_n and_o that_o they_o be_v style_v apostolical_a because_o they_o be_v make_v by_o apostolical_a man_n or_o such_o as_o live_v next_o to_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o deliver_v in_o these_o canon_n what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n dr_n beverege_n think_v they_o roman_n they_o bever_n annot._fw-la ad_fw-la pandect_a can._n &_o cod._n can._n eccl._n primit_fw-la vind_z cave_n histor_n litter_n in_o clem_v roman_n be_v collect_v into_o one_o body_n by_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o dr_n cave_n seem_v incline_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n as_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o particular_a apostolical_a canon_n which_o contain_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n give_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n to_o it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o show_v wherein_o it_o have_v be_v corrupt_v since_o all_o which_o very_o well_o agree_v with_o that_o which_o i_o observe_v from_o tertullian_n that_o frequent_a council_n be_v call_v in_o the_o first_o age_n and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n among_o other_o thing_n under_o consideration_n which_o we_o find_v set_v down_o in_o the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n canon_n and_o from_o thence_o in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n no_o book_n be_v omit_v but_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n which_o yet_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o receive_v as_o authentic_a from_o the_o begin_n of_o those_o who_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o know_v of_o what_o authority_n it_o be_v but_o none_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o canon_n but_o such_o book_n as_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v constant_o read_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v finish_v by_o st_n john_n and_o that_o such_o book_n as_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a authority_n be_v reject_v by_o council_n hold_v when_o there_o be_v live_a witness_n to_o certify_v st_n john_n approbation_n of_o the_o canon_n or_o at_o least_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o such_o witness_n the_o gospel_n of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n be_v translate_v into_o divers_a language_n in_o st_n john_n life_n time_n and_o we_o must_v in_o reason_n suppose_v the_o same_o of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v all_o very_o early_o translate_v into_o many_o tongue_n and_o disperse_v into_o so_o many_o hand_n in_o so_o many_o country_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v either_o lose_v or_o falsify_v espeble_a cial_o since_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o christian_n be_v never_o more_o jealous_a and_o watchful_a over_o each_o other_o in_o any_o thing_n than_o in_o this_o particular_a the_o several_a interest_n and_o pretension_n of_o all_o party_n be_v chief_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o no_o catalogue_n of_o book_n can_v have_v be_v receive_v exclusive_o to_o all_o other_o but_o upon_o the_o clear_a evidence_n xii_o when_o it_o once_o appear_v that_o the_o book_n which_o have_v be_v doubt_v of_o belong_v to_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v afterward_o general_o acknowledge_v and_o constant_o receive_v in_o all_o church_n every_o sect_n have_v since_o use_v all_o art_n and_o endeavour_n to_o reconcile_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n few_o or_o none_o presume_v to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o of_o these_o book_n which_o they_o will_v never_o scruple_n to_o do_v if_o they_o suppose_v they_o can_v make_v out_o any_o plausible_a pretence_n for_o it_o protestant_n have_v refuse_v to_o admit_v of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n as_o inspire_v but_o whoever_o have_v go_v about_o to_o reject_v any_o part_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n have_v be_v universal_o declare_v against_o for_o it_o whereof_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v want_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n papist_n own_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o of_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o that_o epistle_n which_o be_v direct_o against_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n to_o be_v genuine_a though_o the_o second_o chapter_n be_v so_o clear_o against_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n these_o espistle_n indeed_o be_v never_o controvert_v but_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n likewise_o be_v not_o reject_v by_o the_o socinian_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v so_o plain_o assert_v in_o it_o and_o they_o dare_v not_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n of_o st_n john_n though_o they_o be_v so_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o expound_v they_o to_o their_o own_o sense_n that_o socinus_n be_v force_v to_o pretend_v to_o i_o know_v not_o what_o revelation_n to_o help_v out_o one_o of_o his_o explication_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o he_o can_v have_v find_v out_o any_o colour_n for_o not_o admit_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o text_n so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o tenant_n that_o he_o can_v not_o expect_v that_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o a_o revelation_n shall_v procure_v any_o credit_n to_o his_o interpretation_n and_o general_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o other_o sect_n those_o that_o differ_v never_o so_o much_o one_o from_o another_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o particular_a text_n yet_o agree_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n itself_o or_o can_v find_v out_o no_o sufficient_a pretence_n to_o disow_v it_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o various_a readins_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o a_o extrardinary_a providence_n have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n secure_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o those_o casualty_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o humane_a write_n for_o the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o many_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n beyond_o that_o of_o any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n which_o have_v be_v take_v in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n the_o difficulty_n to_o avoid_v mistake_n in_o transcribe_v book_n in_o a_o language_n which_o have_v so_o many_o of_o its_o letter_n and_o of_o its_o word_n themselves_o so_o like_o one_o another_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n as_o it_o be_v general_o now_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o point_n the_o change_n of_o the_o samaritan_n or_o ancient_a hebrew_n for_o the_o present_a hebrew_n character_n the_o captivity_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o seventy_o year_n and_o the_o mixture_n and_o change_n which_o be_v during_o that_o time_n bring_v into_o their_o language_n in_o short_a all_o the_o accident_n which_o have_v ever_o happen_v to_o occasion_n error_n or_o mistake_n in_o any_o book_n have_v concur_v to_o cause_v they_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o yet_o the_o different_a readins_n be_v much_o few_o and_o make_v much_o less_o alteration_n in_o the_o sense_n than_o those_o of_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o same_o bigness_n and_o of_o any_o note_n and_o antiquity_n if_o all_o the_o copy_n shall_v be_v careful_o examine_v and_o every_o little_a variation_n as_o punctual_o set_v down_o as_o those_o of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v but_o though_o from_o hence_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o a_o peculiar_a providence_n have_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o from_o humane_a consideration_n and_o argument_n we_o may_v likewise_o be_v assure_v that_o nothing_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v happen_v by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n 1._o the_o defect_n in_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n of_o the_o point_n be_v not_o prejuduce_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o though_o the_o point_n which_o crititical_o determine_v the_o exact_a read_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v of_o a_o late_a invention_n yet_o that_o tongue_n be_v never_o without_o its_o vowel_n for_o aleph_fw-la vau_fw-fr and_o jod_a and_o which_o some_o add_v he_o and_o gnajm_n before_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o point_n be_v use_v as_o vowel_n as_o it_o be_v evident_o prove_v from_o josephus_n 49._o vid._n walton_n prolegom_n iii._o s_o 49._o origen_n and_o st_n jerom_n by_o the_o best_a critic_n in_o that_o language_n it_o must_v indeed_o be_v confess_v that_o these_o vowel_n can_v not_o be_v so_o effectual_a to_o ascertain_v the_o true_a read_n as_o the_o point_n have_v since_o be_v but_o
of_o fact_n which_o be_v past_a a_o author_n may_v easy_o be_v disprove_v if_o he_o relate_v what_o be_v false_a of_o his_o own_o time_n or_o of_o time_n whereof_o there_o be_v memorial_n still_o extant_a but_o the_o credit_n of_o prophecy_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v a_o long_a time_n after_o to_o pass_v must_v depend_v upon_o the_o mission_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n only_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v annex_v that_o their_o prediction_n may_v be_v depend_v upon_o when_o they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v deliver_v by_o man_n who_o by_o other_o prediction_n already_o fulfil_v have_v prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a prophet_n iv_o the_o very_a preservation_n of_o book_n of_o so_o great_a antiquity_n through_o so_o many_o change_n and_o revolution_n against_o all_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n and_o ignorance_n against_o the_o violence_n of_o war_n and_o the_o malice_n of_o adversary_n and_o so_o many_o other_o accident_n which_o have_v destroy_v most_o other_o book_n of_o any_o considerable_a antiquity_n be_v a_o certain_a indication_n of_o a_o wonderful_a providence_n concern_v for_o they_o and_o of_o that_o evidence_n whereby_o they_o be_v at_o first_o attest_v the_o law_n of_o the_o wise_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o most_o flourish_a and_o powerful_a nation_n have_v be_v so_o little_o regard_v by_o the_o people_n to_o who_o they_o be_v give_v that_o they_o soon_o forsake_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o ready_o deliver_v up_o themselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o other_o law_n upon_o any_o revolution_n and_o all_o the_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n which_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a lawgiver_n assume_v to_o themselves_o can_v make_v they_o no_o long_o adhere_v to_o nor_o so_o much_o value_v as_o to_o outlive_v the_o fate_n of_o the_o particular_a kingdom_n and_o state_n for_o which_o they_o be_v contrive_v but_o most_o of_o they_o be_v change_v or_o lay_v aside_o before_o and_o the_o rest_n give_v up_o and_o abandon_v as_o out_o of_o date_n and_o of_o little_a use_n or_o esteem_v afterward_o and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v so_o little_a able_a to_o withstand_v the_o destruction_n of_o time_n that_o we_o know_v not_o much_o more_o of_o they_o than_o that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o ancient_a be_v in_o great_a measure_n take_v out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v continue_v entire_a and_o unchanged_a under_o all_o accident_n and_o revolution_n of_o affair_n bear_v this_o character_n as_o well_o as_o other_o of_o he_o who_o be_v immutable_a they_o have_v be_v still_o assert_v against_o all_o the_o malice_n and_o opposition_n of_o enemy_n by_o a_o captive_a and_o disperse_a people_n who_o by_o the_o signal_n providence_n of_o god_n though_o they_o reject_v their_o messiah_n yet_o still_o acknowledge_v those_o prophecy_n which_o foretell_v his_o come_n and_o after_o their_o dispersion_n for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n be_v so_o far_o from_o renounce_v they_o that_o they_o assert_v and_o maintain_v they_o and_o be_v zealous_a even_o to_o superstition_n for_o those_o book_n which_o command_v that_o worship_n and_o appoint_v those_o solemnity_n which_o they_o have_v so_o long_o be_v out_o of_o all_o possibility_n to_o observe_v as_o if_o those_o law_n which_o be_v once_o so_o uneasy_a to_o their_o forefather_n be_v now_o become_v natural_a to_o their_o posterity_n or_o rather_o because_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o who_o word_n shall_v never_o pass_v away_o till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v v._o the_o new_a testament_n give_v evidence_n and_o confirmation_n to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a which_o be_v so_o often_o cite_v in_o it_o vi_o the_o christian_n be_v religious_o cautious_a and_o circumspect_a in_o admit_v book_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o script_n the_o hieron_n catalogue_n eccl._n script_n epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st_n peter_n be_v at_o first_o scruple_v only_o or_o chief_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o style_n the_o style_n of_o the_o former_a be_v think_v different_a from_o that_o of_o st_n paul_n and_o the_o style_n of_o the_o latter_a from_o that_o of_o st_n peter_n the_o epistle_n of_o st_n judas_n be_v likewise_o doubt_v of_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n of_o enoch_n be_v cite_v in_o it_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o several_a of_o the_o apostle_n be_v reject_v and_o by_o general_a consent_n lay_v aside_o the_o genuine_a epistle_n of_o st_n barnabas_n who_o be_v style_v a_o apostle_n act_v xiii_o 2._o fourteen_o 14._o be_v never_o receive_v but_o as_o apocryphal_a and_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st_n clement_n of_o who_o st_n paul_n give_v as_o high_a a_o character_n phil._n four_o 3._o as_o he_o do_v of_o st_n luke_n or_o as_o st_n peter_n ever_o give_v of_o st_n mark_n be_v never_o admit_v among_o the_o canonical_a book_n though_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v read_v in_o church_n but_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st_n mark_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v by_o st_n luke_n have_v ever_o be_v receive_v for_o canonical_a for_o which_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o st_n mark_n and_o st_n luke_n be_v know_v to_o have_v write_v by_o inspiration_n since_o upon_o all_o personal_a and_o humane_a account_n a_o epistle_n of_o st_n barnabas_n or_o st_n clement_n must_v have_v carry_v as_o much_o authority_n with_o it_o as_o any_o thing_n under_o the_o name_n of_o st_n mark_n or_o st_n luke_n ib._n luke_n unam_fw-la ad_fw-la aedisicationem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pertinentem_fw-la epistolam_fw-la composuit_fw-la quae_fw-la inter_fw-la apochrypha_n scripture_n legitur_fw-la id._n ib._n st_o jerom_n say_v that_o st_n barnabas_n be_v the_o author_n of_o one_o epistle_n write_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v read_v among_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n so_o that_o book_n be_v style_v apocryphal_a not_o because_o it_o be_v uncertain_a who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o because_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o they_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_z or_o no._n so_o careful_a be_v the_o primitive_a church_n to_o receive_v none_o into_o the_o canon_n but_o book_n certain_o inspire_v it_o be_v well_o observe_v 1._o observe_v crit_fw-fr hist_o of_o the_o n._n t._n part._n 1._o c._n 1._o by_o f._n simon_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o liturgy_n that_o we_o have_v under_o the_o name_n of_o several_a apostle_n to_o who_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o eastern_a christian_n do_v attribute_v they_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_o the_o apostle_n for_o all_o the_o church_n have_v preserve_v they_o in_o their_o ancient_a purity_n whereas_o every_o particular_a nation_n have_v add_v to_o their_o liturgy_n and_o have_v take_v the_o liberty_n often_o to_o revise_v they_o the_o respect_n that_o have_v be_v always_o have_v to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n without_o in_o sert_v any_o considerable_a addition_n therein_o be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o all_o people_n have_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o divine_a book_n which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o alter_v on_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v be_v persuade_v that_o the_o liturgy_n though_o they_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o of_o some_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o original_o write_v by_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v attribute_v and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v leave_v free_a to_o the_o church_n to_o add_v to_o they_o or_o to_o diminish_v from_o they_o according_a as_o occasion_n require_v vii_o as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v very_o jealous_a and_o cautious_a in_o admit_v book_n into_o the_o canon_n so_o they_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v and_o distinguish_v the_o genuine_a and_o inspire_v write_n from_o the_o apocryphal_a or_o spurious_a the_o way_n of_o write_v and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v well_o know_v to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o write_v as_o st_n paul_n intimate_v of_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o manner_n of_o salutation_n for_o when_o he_o use_v a_o amanuensis_fw-la yet_o he_o write_v the_o salutation_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n as_o his_o token_n in_o every_o epistle_n 2_o thess_n iii._o 17._o they_o general_o write_v to_o whole_a church_n but_o particular_a man_n be_v frequent_o name_v in_o their_o epistle_n which_o be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o ascertain_v the_o authority_n of_o they_o 36._o they_o ago_o jam_fw-la qui_fw-la voles_fw-fr curiofitatem_fw-la melius_fw-la exercere_fw-la in_o negotio_fw-la salutis_fw-la tuus_fw-la percurre_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la apostolicas_fw-la apud_fw-la quas_fw-la ipsae_fw-la adhue_n cathedrae_fw-la
apostolorum_fw-la suis_fw-la locis_fw-la presidentur_fw-la apud_fw-la quas_fw-la ipsae_fw-la authenticae_fw-la literae_fw-la eorum_fw-la recitantur_fw-la tertull_n de_fw-fr prescript_n c._n 36._o tertullian_n appeal_v to_o authentic_a book_n or_o the_o very_a hand-writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o for_o though_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o word_n authenticus_fw-la do_v not_o always_o denote_v the_o original_a write_n under_o the_o author_n own_o hand_n but_o sometime_o only_a the_o original_a language_n yet_o the_o word_n of_o tertullian_n be_v express_v that_o the_o original_a epistle_n be_v in_o his_o time_n still_o extant_a for_o which_o reason_n he_o refer_v the_o heretic_n to_o the_o apostolical_a church_n where_o they_o be_v read_v viz._n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n of_o phillippi_n thessalonica_n ephesus_n and_o rome_n but_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v read_v in_o greek_a without_o doubt_n in_o other_o church_n beside_o these_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o apostolical_a church_n rather_o than_o to_o any_o other_o must_v be_v because_o the_o original_n under_o st_n paul_n own_o hand_n be_v there_o still_o to_o be_v see_v and_o he_o mention_n that_o the_o throne_n or_o seat_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v then_o also_o preserve_v as_o 19_o as_o euseb_n hist_o lib._n seven_o c_o 19_o eusebius_n say_v that_o of_o st_n james_n be_v preserve_v to_o his_o time_n justin_n 2._o justin_n apol._n 2._o martyr_n ascribe_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o apostle_n he_o transcribe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n at_o large_a out_o of_o they_o and_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n every_o sunday_n 2._o sunday_n irenae_n lib._n 3_o c._n 2._o st_o ireneus_fw-la a_o disciple_n of_o st_n polycarp_n who_o be_v make_v by_o bishop_n st_n john_n gives_z a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n and_o say_v there_o be_v four_o gospel_n and_o no_o more_o and_o that_o these_o be_v write_v by_o st_n matthew_n and_o st_n mark_n and_o st_n luke_n and_o st_n john_n 5._o john_n tertull._n adv_o martion_n lib._n four_o c._n 2_o 5._o tertullian_n undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o the_o four_o gospel_n against_o martion_n and_o these_o father_n frequent_o quote_v these_o and_o the_o other_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o do_v likewise_o clemens_n romanus_n and_o ignatius_n who_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o in_o our_o dispute_n with_o infidel_n particular_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o our_o proof_n against_o they_o depend_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n both_o 8._o both_o grot._fw-la mat._n f._n sim._n crit._n hist_o on_o the_o n._n t._n c._n 7_o 8._o grotius_n and_o f._n simon_n have_v prove_v that_o the_o gospel_n write_v in_o hebrew_n by_o st_n matthew_n be_v preserve_v to_o the_o time_n of_o st_n jerom_n and_o epiphanius_n and_o that_o though_o the_o nazarene_o have_v make_v some_o addition_n to_o it_o yet_o they_o have_v make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o original_a text._n f._n simon_n moreover_o say_v that_o the_o gospel_n of_o st_n matthew_n have_v be_v translate_v undoubted_o out_o of_o hebrew_n into_o greek_a before_o the_o nazarene_o have_v insert_v their_o addition_n these_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o no_o greek_a copy_n the_o ebionite_n have_v corrupt_v the_o hebrew_n copy_n which_o they_o use_v and_o have_v leave_v out_o what_o they_o please_v but_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o nazarene_o epiphanius_n 9_o epiphanius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d epiphan_n haeres_fw-la 29._o num._n 9_o say_v be_v more_o entire_a only_o he_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o they_o retain_v the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a in_o f._n simon_n be_v judgement_n that_o they_o do_v retain_v it_o though_o the_o ebionite_n omit_v it_o so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v some_o addition_n make_v by_o the_o nazarene_o yet_o as_o far_o as_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o religion_n against_o infidel_n be_v concern_v the_o hebrew_n gospel_n in_o its_o original_a hebrew_n as_o it_o be_v write_v by_o st_n matthew_n remain_v exact_o perfect_a for_o divers_a age_n till_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarene_o cease_v and_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n grow_v out_o of_o use_n the_o greek_a translation_n only_o be_v preserve_v this_o translation_n of_o st_n matthew_n gospel_n be_v ascribe_v to_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n though_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a to_o who_o of_o they_o it_o belong_v 39_o belong_v euseb_n hist_o lib._n iii._o c._n 39_o papias_n speak_v of_o the_o time_n before_o there_o be_v any_o authentic_a version_n when_o he_o say_v that_o every_o one_o translate_v it_o as_o he_o can_v for_o his_o own_o use_n it_o appear_v from_o he_o however_o that_o there_o be_v greek_a version_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o st_n matthew_n make_v immediate_o upon_o its_o first_o publication_n and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o st_n john_n revise_v and_o approve_v the_o present_a version_n which_o be_v by_o some_o attribute_v to_o he_o by_o whosoever_o it_o be_v make_v at_o first_o for_o this_o gospel_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n be_v most_o in_o use_n and_o thereby_o preserve_v when_o the_o original_a hebrew_n have_v be_v so_o long_o ago_o lose_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o st_n john_n shall_v have_v no_o regard_n to_o it_o in_o that_o review_n which_o he_o take_v of_o the_o other_o gospel_n that_o be_v write_v original_o in_o greek_a we_o read_v in_o ccliv_o in_o phot._n cod_n ccliv_o photius_n that_o he_o revise_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o write_v in_o divers_a language_n the_o version_n as_o well_o as_o the_o original_n and_o therefore_o this_o of_o st_o matthew_n gospel_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v omit_v one_o of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v that_o of_o discern_v of_o spirit_n whereby_o person_n endue_v with_o it_o be_v enable_v to_o distinguish_v true_a revelation_n from_o imposture_n 1_o cor._n twelve_o 10._o and_o st_n john_n write_v his_o gospel_n and_o his_o epistle_n to_o confute_v those_o heretic_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a forger_n of_o counterfeit_a book_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o most_o notorious_a corrupter_n of_o the_o true_a book_n and_o his_o life_n be_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n prolong_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a both_o to_o vindicate_v and_o perfect_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n we_o find_v that_o luc._n that_o high_a catal._n in_o st._n luc._n he_o discover_v a_o imposture_n which_o be_v frame_v concern_v st_n paul_n and_o joan._n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euseb_n hist_o lib._n three_o c._n 24._o quod_fw-la quum_fw-la legisset_fw-la matthaei_n marci_n &_o lucae_n volumina_fw-la probaverit_fw-la quidem_fw-la textum_fw-la historiae_fw-la &_o vera_fw-la eos_fw-la dixisse_fw-la firmaverit_fw-la hieron_n catal._n in_o st._n joan._n that_o he_o read_v and_o approve_v the_o gospel_n which_o have_v be_v write_v before_o his_o own_o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o he_o have_v see_v all_o the_o other_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o so_o finish_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n himself_o and_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n and_o assembly_n of_o christian_n from_o the_o beginning_n as_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o become_v so_o divulge_v and_o publish_v that_o they_o can_v be_v neither_o lose_v nor_o falsify_v vi_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v genuine_a by_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o st_n paul_n epistle_n which_o he_o frequent_o quote_v the_o gospel_n be_v allow_v by_o julian_n x._o julian_n cyrill_n alex._n contr_n jul._n lib._n x._o the_o apostate_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v dial_n bear_v just_a mart._n dial_n trypho_n own_v he_o have_v read_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v no_o question_n or_o scruple_n about_o the_o author_n celsus_n quote_v the_o scripture_n frequent_o and_o hierocles_n as_o 3._o as_o lactant._n institut_fw-la lib._n v._o c._n 2_o 3._o lactantius_n who_o have_v hear_v he_o discourse_n say_v be_v as_o conversant_a in_o they_o as_o if_o he_o have_v once_o be_v a_o christian_n yet_o neither_o of_o they_o move_v any_o dispute_n concern_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o refer_v to_o they_o upon_o all_o occasion_n show_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n on_o that_o head_n and_o when_o 2._o when_o orig._n cont_n cell_n lib._n 2._o celsus_n say_v that_o some_o of_o the_o christian_n make_v alteration_n in_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v a_o confession_n that_o some_o only_o do_v it_o and_o origen_n show_v that_o they_o be_v
heretic_n viz._n the_o marcionist_n and_o valentinian_o and_o perhaps_o the_o disciple_n of_o lucanus_n or_o lucianus_n for_o in_o this_o he_o can_v not_o be_v positive_a though_o this_o lucanus_n be_v a_o follower_n of_o martion_n ix_o there_o be_v still_o extant_a copy_n of_o great_a antiquity_n the_o cambridge_n copy_n in_o greek_a and_o latin_a contain_v the_o four_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o it_o contain_v st_n paul_n epistle_n in_o the_o french_a king_n library_n and_o another_o the_o like_a copy_n which_o be_v in_o the_o library_n of_o the_o benedictines_n of_o st_n germains_n 1._o germains_n f._n simon_n crâ—t_n hist_o of_o the_o n._n test_n part_n 1._o c._n 31._o mabil_n de_fw-mi re_fw-mi diplom_n lib._n 5._o tabell_n 1._o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v a_o thousand_o year_n old_a at_o least_o morinus_n think_v they_o to_o be_v ancient_a than_o st_n jerom_n time_n the_o alexandrian_a copy_n be_v believe_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o thecla_n above_o one_o thousand_o three_o hundred_o year_n ago_o morinus_n orient_a morinus_n epist_n 54._o inter_v antique_a eccl._n orient_a acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v of_o above_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n date_n bishop_n 34._o bishop_n prolegom_n ix_o 34._o walton_n suppose_v the_o alexandrian_a ms._n to_o be_v at_o least_o as_o old_a as_o that_o in_o the_o vatican_n which_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v twelve_o hundred_o year_n old_a there_o be_v 4._o be_v f._n sim._n crit._n hist_o of_o the_o n._n t._n part_n 2._o c._n 4._o one_o syriack_n ms._n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o library_n of_o the_o duke_n of_o florence_n of_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n antiquity_n and_o another_o not_o much_o less_o ancient_a a_o 146._o a_o gruter_n inscript_n p._n 146._o gothick_n translation_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n in_o the_o abbey_n of_o werdin_n be_v likewise_o of_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n antiquity_n and_o what_o ancient_a book_n be_v there_o of_o which_o the_o original_n be_v still_o extant_a or_o of_o which_o there_o be_v so_o ancient_a copy_n as_o of_o the_o scripture_n x._o sufficient_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v to_o show_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n be_v at_o first_o doubt_v of_o 1._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v no_o name_n prefix_v either_o because_o the_o jew_n be_v prejudice_v against_o st_n paul_n or_o because_o the_o gentile_n be_v his_o more_o peculiar_a care_n or_o for_o some_o other_o reason_n unknown_a and_o in_o this_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o st_n paul_n epistle_n and_o the_o paul_n the_o hieroâ—_n catal._n i_o petr._n &_o paul_n style_n be_v different_a which_o occasion_v the_o first_o doubt_n about_o it_o as_o it_o happen_v likewise_o to_o st_n peter_n second_o epistle_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o style_n and_o then_o the_o novatian_o allege_v some_o text_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o favour_n of_o their_o opinion_n this_o make_v the_o orthodox_n the_o less_o incline_v to_o receive_v a_o book_n which_o before_o have_v be_v dispute_v and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o east_n it_o be_v question_v at_o rome_n where_o novatian_n begin_v his_o schism_n the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st_n peter_n may_v be_v scruple_v on_o the_o same_o account_n and_o both_o that_o and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n be_v allege_v for_o the_o millennium_n by_o such_o as_o understand_v it_o in_o a_o gross_a sense_n this_o cause_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n which_o be_v say_v 25._o say_v euseb_n hist_o lib._n vi_fw-la c._n 25._o express_o of_o the_o revelation_n 2._o some_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o particular_a person_n or_o direct_v to_o such_o as_o live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n arise_v the_o authentic_a epistle_n may_v not_o ready_o be_v produce_v 3._o some_o book_n be_v not_o usual_o read_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o rest_n be_v all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n except_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n be_v insert_v in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n and_o this_o be_v omit_v because_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o abstruse_a mystery_n contain_v in_o it_o it_o be_v not_o public_o read_v in_o church_n for_o that_o catalogue_n be_v design_v to_o show_v what_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n but_o the_o revelation_n be_v long_o before_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v genuine_a by_o johannum_n by_o justin_n mart._n dialog_n tertull._n de_fw-fr resur_n c._n 27_o 38._o adu._n martion_n lib._n two_o c._n 5._o iii._o c._n 14._o euseb_n hist_o lib._n four_o c._n 18._o v._n c._n 8._o hierom._n catal._n in_o johannum_n justin_n martyr_n by_o irenaeus_n and_o by_o tertullian_n and_o other_o both_o justin_n martyr_n and_o irenaeas_n write_v a_o comment_n upon_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o epistle_n of_o st_n james_n and_o the_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st_n peter_n be_v cite_v by_o clemens_n romanus_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n which_o be_v itself_o wont_a to_o be_v read_v in_o church_n 4._o the_o heretic_n will_v use_v all_o their_o endeavour_n and_o subtlety_n to_o hinder_v the_o reception_n of_o those_o book_n by_o which_o their_o heresy_n be_v disprove_v and_o they_o may_v so_o far_o have_v effect_n as_o to_o make_v some_o doubt_n for_o a_o while_n of_o their_o authority_n for_o instance_n diotrephes_n a_o ambitious_a aspire_a man_n who_o prate_v against_o st_n john_n with_o malicious_a word_n and_o have_v so_o much_o power_n as_o to_o cast_v the_o brethren_n out_o of_o the_o church_n will_v forbid_v the_o receive_n of_o st_n john_n epistle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o receive_n the_o brethren_n of_o that_o apostle_n communion_n and_o that_o he_o do_v this_o st_z john_n himself_z intimate_v when_o he_o say_v i_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o diotrephes_n who_o love_v to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n among_o they_o receive_v we_o not_o joh._n epist_n iii._o 9_o that_o be_v he_o receive_v not_o st_n john_n epistle_n for_o that_o will_v have_v be_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o apostle_n or_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n xi_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n have_v be_v question_v by_o private_a man_n yet_o those_o book_n be_v never_o reject_v by_o any_o council_n of_o the_o church_n though_o frequent_a council_n be_v call_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v this_o very_a thing_n under_o consideration_n 10._o consideration_n tertull._n de_fw-fr pudicit_fw-la c._n 10._o tertullian_n after_o he_o have_v turn_v montanist_n reject_v the_o authority_n of_o hermas_n pastor_n as_o not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n say_v that_o it_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n by_o all_o the_o council_n of_o his_o adversary_n the_o orthodox_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o tertullian_n time_n divers_a council_n have_v pass_v their_o censure_n upon_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n and_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n have_v be_v fix_v long_o before_o so_o that_o the_o time_n in_o which_o some_o of_o these_o council_n be_v hold_v must_v probable_o be_v whilst_o st_n polycarp_n a_o disciple_n of_o st_n john_n be_v yet_o live_v who_o martyrdom_n by_o the_o early_a computation_n be_v not_o till_o a._n d._n cxlvii_o at_o least_o they_o must_v be_v hold_v in_o irenaeus_n life_n time_n who_o converse_v with_o st_n polycarp_n and_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o tertullian_n thus_o be_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n vouch_v by_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o st_n john_n and_o council_n upon_o occasion_n be_v call_v which_o 13._o which_o tertull._n de_fw-fr jejun_n c._n 13._o tertullian_n elsewhere_o mention_n as_o very_o numerous_a and_o frequent_a in_o greece_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o genuine_a canon_n and_o censure_v apocryphal_a book_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v settle_v before_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o in_o the_o lixth_o canon_n appoint_v that_o no_o book_n lix_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d conc._n laod_z can_v lix_o which_o be_v extra_fw-la canonem_fw-la but_o only_o canonical_a book_n shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n and_o then_o subjoin_v the_o title_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n which_o title_n they_o have_v as_o zonaras_n and_o balsamon_n observe_v because_o they_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o apostle_n canon_n and_o all_o other_o be_v style_v uncanonical_a and_o it_o be_v conclude_v after_o the_o strict_a examination_n by_o the_o best_a critic_n that_o those_o which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n canon_n be_v the_o canon_n of_o council_n assemble_v before_o the_o council_n
that_o hear_v prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v ps_n lxv_o 2._o and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o the_o lord_n be_o thy_o saviour_n and_o thy_o redeemer_n the_o mighty_a one_o of_o jacob_n isa_n xlix_o 26._o all_o flesh_n shall_v come_v to_o worship_n before_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n isa_n lxvi_o 23._o and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n luke_n iii._o 6._o i_o will_v pour_v out_o of_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n act_v two_o 17._o joel_n two_o 28._o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v no_o flesh_n be_v justify_v galat._n two_o 16._o and_o we_o say_v in_o our_o own_o language_n any_o body_n think_v or_o any_o body_n understand_v though_o we_o all_o know_v it_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o not_o the_o body_n which_o think_v and_o understand_v it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o other_o book_n and_o very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o stile_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o common_a speech_n and_o sense_n of_o man_n for_o those_o action_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v attribute_v to_o one_o of_o the_o unite_a nature_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v only_o in_o the_o other_o and_o the_o union_n between_o the_o godhead_n and_o the_o manhood_n be_v like_o that_o which_o be_v between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v suffer_v and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o have_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n not_o that_o the_o godhead_n suffer_v or_o that_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o heaven_n before_o his_o incarnation_n but_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a stile_n of_o scripture_n the_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n entitle_v the_o person_n consist_v of_o they_o both_o under_o the_o denomination_n of_o either_o nature_n to_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o other_o though_o as_o the_o humane_a nature_n do_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a so_o neither_o do_v the_o divine_a nature_n partake_v of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o humane_a but_o both_o nature_n be_v personal_o unite_v the_o person_n be_v sometime_o denote_v by_o one_o and_o sometime_o by_o the_o other_o nature_n all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n proceed_v upon_o the_o like_a mistake_n with_o they_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o be_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o place_n to_o behold_v and_o be_v present_a at_o the_o worst_a of_o action_n as_o if_o the_o sun_n brightness_n will_v not_o be_v the_o more_o resplendent_a and_o glorious_a if_o it_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o obscure_a corner_n and_o recess_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o as_o if_o his_o ray_n can_v be_v sully_v and_o defile_v by_o the_o foulness_n of_o any_o object_n which_o they_o shine_v upon_o and_o if_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n to_o god_n infinite_a glory_n and_o majesty_n to_o be_v omnipresent_v it_o can_v be_v none_o to_o be_v more_o near_o and_o even_o personal_o unite_v to_o some_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o be_v so_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n to_o manifest_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o extend_v his_o goodness_n to_o mankind_n as_o god_n be_v every_o where_o present_a so_o he_o be_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n present_a in_o some_o place_n than_o in_o other_o by_o the_o act_n of_o his_o power_n or_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v a_o more_o especial_a presence_n to_o some_o person_n than_o to_o other_o and_o thus_o he_o be_v present_a with_o his_o prophet_n who_o be_v send_v to_o prepare_v for_o and_o foretell_v christ_n come_v but_o he_o be_v personal_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o high_a honour_n and_o advancement_n to_o our_o nature_n for_o god_n thus_o to_o assume_v it_o but_o it_o can_v be_v no_o diminution_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n because_o god_n continue_v as_o he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n without_o any_o alteration_n only_o by_o his_o personal_a presence_n and_o union_n with_o our_o humane_a nature_n he_o cause_v all_o the_o performance_n and_o suffering_n of_o it_o to_o be_v meritorious_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o so_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o to_o be_v no_o long_o there_o but_o to_o forsake_v his_o father_n kingdom_n he_o still_o continue_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o same_o bliss_n and_o glory_n that_o he_o enjoy_v with_o his_o father_n from_o all_o eternity_n though_o he_o so_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o come_v and_o abide_v in_o it_o by_o assume_v our_o humane_a nature_n our_o saviour_n tell_v nicodemus_n joh._n iii._o 13._o no_o man_n have_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o who_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n with_o his_o presence_n be_v still_o in_o heaven_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o godhead_n though_o he_o make_v a_o more_o peculiar_a residence_n than_o he_o have_v before_o do_v on_o earth_n by_o dwell_v in_o our_o nature_n here_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v at_o all_o time_n every_o where_o present_a be_v yet_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n present_a where_o ever_o he_o be_v please_v to_o manifest_v himself_o by_o peculiar_a act_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o power_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v in_o a_o most_o stupendous_a manner_n in_o that_o flesh_n which_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o it_o can_v be_v think_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o actuate_v the_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v join_v in_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o vital_a union_n with_o it_o suppose_v god_n only_o to_o act_v upon_o it_o and_o not_o to_o be_v act_v upon_o by_o it_o nor_o to_o suffer_v the_o misery_n and_o feel_v the_o pain_n which_o the_o humane_a nature_n endure_v which_o will_v be_v blasphemy_n to_o assert_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o be_v in_o heaven_n still_o in_o his_o full_a power_n and_o majesty_n but_o some_o man_n will_v say_v how_o be_v this_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n make_v or_o wherein_o do_v it_o consist_v to_o who_o we_o may_v reply_v as_o our_o saviour_n sometime_o do_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n by_o ask_v another_o question_n and_o inquire_v how_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o man_n be_v unite_v or_o how_o god_n be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n and_o how_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o if_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v how_o these_o thing_n be_v though_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o than_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o tell_v how_o the_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n be_v make_v or_o in_o what_o it_o consist_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o a_o mystery_n which_o it_o be_v above_o any_o man_n capacity_n to_o explain_v but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o union_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o thither_o we_o appeal_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o put_v such_o question_n argue_v either_o a_o great_a mind_n to_o cavil_v or_o great_a inconsideration_n and_o shortness_n of_o thought_n for_o what_o man_n be_v there_o pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o so_o little_a observation_n as_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o of_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o perceive_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o existence_n of_o very_a few_o or_o rather_o of_o none_o of_o they_o be_v full_o understand_v by_o we_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o great_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v for_o this_o dispensation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a and_o that_o no_o material_a objection_n can_v be_v frame_v against_o it_o second_o no_o other_o way_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v apprehend_v can_v have_v be_v so_o proper_a and_o expedient_a as_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v so_o well_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o must_v depend_v upon_o the_o reason_n for_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o they_o be_v all_o comprehend_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n the_o abolish_n or_o take_v away_o of_o sin_n and_o you_o know_v that_o he_o be_v manifest_v to_o take_v away_o our_o sin_n and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o sin_n 1_o joh._n three_o 5._o we_o be_v
between_o virgil_n four_o eclogue_n and_o the_o translation_n of_o it_o into_o greek_a in_o constantine_n oration_n be_v rather_o a_o argument_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n than_o against_o it_o for_o constantine_n be_v wont_a to_o compose_v his_o oration_n and_o epistle_n in_o latin_a and_o they_o be_v translate_v into_o greek_a by_o some_o who_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o service_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o translation_n translate_v only_o what_o be_v proper_o virgil_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o what_o be_v by_o virgil_n borrow_a from_o the_o sibyl_n he_o write_v down_o the_o original_a greek_a not_o translate_n the_o variation_n which_o virgil_n have_v make_v from_o it_o to_o apply_v the_o prophecy_n to_o his_o own_o subject_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o ancient_n take_v as_o great_a a_o liberty_n as_o this_o in_o their_o translation_n and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o allowable_a when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o design_n or_o likelihood_n of_o deceit_n in_o the_o translation_n of_o so_o famous_a a_o poem_n as_o that_o eclogue_n of_o virgil._n this_o be_v but_o to_o point_v out_o the_o alteration_n which_o virgil_n have_v make_v and_o to_o show_v how_o easy_o these_o part_n of_o his_o poem_n may_v be_v supply_v from_o the_o original_a greek_a and_o perhaps_o this_o be_v a_o know_a translation_n of_o that_o eclogue_n which_o have_v be_v make_v with_o this_o design_n it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o answer_v all_o the_o other_o objection_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v bring_v against_o the_o sybilline_a oracle_n so_o far_o as_o the_o notion_n here_o propose_v be_v concern_v in_o they_o for_o though_o the_o book_n which_o we_o have_v now_o contain_v manifest_a falsification_n and_o forgery_n yet_o there_o must_v have_v be_v something_o real_a to_o give_v a_o pretence_n and_o countenance_n to_o so_o many_o elaborate_a forgery_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v the_o sibylline_a oracle_n mention_v in_o tully_n sallust_n virgil_n etc._n etc._n we_o may_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o the_o true_a religion_n receive_v a_o considerable_a promulgation_n from_o these_o oracle_n which_o serve_v to_o awaken_v in_o the_o gentile_n a_o expectation_n of_o a_o king_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o judaea_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o gospel_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n like_o the_o rise_a sun_n it_o diffuse_v its_o divine_a light_n and_o influence_n into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n its_o propagation_n be_v itself_o a_o miracle_n and_o answerable_a to_o that_o miraculous_a power_n of_o language_n and_o other_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v accomplish_v tertullian_n acquaint_v we_o 7._o we_o tertull._n adv_o judoee_n c._n 7._o that_o it_o be_v soon_o propagate_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o northern_a part_n of_o britain_n and_o we_o know_v it_o receive_v as_o early_o a_o propagation_n in_o other_o place_n more_o remote_a be_v preach_v by_o st._n bartholomew_n 10._o bartholomew_n euseb_n hist_o l._n 3._o c._n 1._o &_o l._n 5._o c._n 10._o to_o the_o indian_n by_o st._n thomas_n to_o the_o parthian_n and_o to_o the_o scythian_n by_o st._n andrew_n in_o st._n augustine_n time_n 7._o time_n st._n aug._n de_fw-fr vtilit_fw-la credendi_fw-la c._n 7._o the_o christian_n be_v more_o numerous_a in_o all_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o world_n than_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n together_o and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o immediate_a disciple_n and_o follower_n have_v carry_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n far_o than_o either_o ambition_n or_o avarice_n itself_o till_o of_o late_a year_n have_v make_v any_o discovery_n which_o tertullian_n likewise_o sufficient_o intimate_v the_o cross_n be_v find_v to_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o chinese_n by_o those_o who_o first_o go_v from_o europe_n 31._o europe_n trigaut_n de_fw-fr christ_n expedit_fw-la apud_fw-la sinus_n l._n 1._o c._n 11._o alvar._n semedo_n hist_o of_o china_n part_v 1._o c._n 31._o into_o china_n and_o a_o bell_n be_v see_v there_o which_o have_v greek_a character_n engrave_v on_o it_o and_o those_o who_o honour_v the_o cross_n be_v in_o so_o great_a number_n in_o the_o northern_a province_n that_o they_o give_v jealousy_n to_o the_o infidel_n the_o christian_n there_o be_v call_v isai_n from_o the_o name_n jesus_n and_o from_o the_o chaldee_n book_n which_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o coast_n of_o malabar_n it_o appear_v that_o st._n thomas_n preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o china_n and_o found_v many_o church_n there_o the_o passage_n which_o prove_v this_o may_v be_v see_v in_o trigautius_n and_o semedo_n translate_v out_o of_o those_o book_n nicolas_n de_fw-fr conti_n 16._o conti_n purch_n part_n 1._o l._n 4._o c._n 16._o say_v of_o the_o chinese_n that_o when_o they_o rise_v in_o the_o morning_n they_o turn_v their_o face_n to_o the_o east_n and_o with_o their_o hand_n join_v say_v god_n in_o trinity_n keep_v we_o in_o this_o law_n the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v in_o china_n ib._n china_n le_fw-fr compte's_n memoirs_fw-fr p._n 348._o semedo_n ib._n by_o some_o who_o come_v from_o judaea_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v monk_n a._n d._n dcxxxvi_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o a_o marble_n table_n erect_v a._n d._n dcclxxxii_o and_o find_v a._n d._n mdcxxv_o this_o monument_n contain_v the_o principal_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o inscription_n may_v be_v see_v in_o le_fw-fr compte_n memoir_n and_o the_o whole_a be_v translate_v by_o semedo_n hornius_n 15._o hornius_n horn._n de_fw-fr orig._n american_n l._n 4_o c._n 15._o indeed_o reject_v this_o inscription_n which_o be_v likewise_o produce_v by_o kircher_n as_o counterfeit_v but_o without_o any_o cause_n that_o i_o can_v perceive_v for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o fraud_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v all_o the_o point_n of_o popery_n insert_v in_o it_o osorius_n write_v 2._o write_v hierom._n oâ—r_n de_fw-fr rebus_fw-la eman_n lusitan_n regis_fw-la l._n 2._o that_o the_o brahmin_n believe_v a_o trinity_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o a_o god_n incarnate_a to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o st._n thomas_n be_v esteem_v most_o holy_a among_o the_o saracen_n and_o other_o nation_n for_o the_o report_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v there_o the_o gentile_n of_o indostan_n 4._o indostan_n continuat_fw-la of_o the_o history_n of_o m._n bernier_n tom._n 4._o retain_v some_o notion_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o second_o person_n though_o corrupt_v with_o fabulous_a story_n the_o people_n of_o ceylon_n 5._o ceylon_n capt._n knox_n his_o hist_n of_o ceylon_n part_v 3._o c._n 5._o do_v firm_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o indian_n in_o america_n 28._o america_n jos_n accost_n hist_o l._n 5._o c._n 28._o worship_v a_o god_n who_o they_o say_v be_v one_o in_o three_o and_o three_o in_o one._n they_o baptise_a 9_o baptise_a pet._n mart._n decad_n 4._o c._n 8._o &_o decad._n 8._o c._n 9_o their_o child_n and_o use_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n have_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o the_o cross_n and_o think_v it_o a_o preservative_n against_o evil_a spirit_n they_o believe_v the_o 16._o the_o lerii_fw-la navigate_fw-la in_o bras_fw-fr c._n 16._o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n they_o have_v monastery_n nunnery_n confessor_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o mexican_n 25._o mexican_n accost_n l._n 5._o c._n 14_o 23_o 24_o 25._o in_o their_o ancient_a tongue_n call_v their_o high-priest_n papae'_v or_o sovereign_a bishop_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o their_o history_n it_o be_v a_o remarkable_a relation_n which_o lerius_fw-la give_v ibid._n give_v lerius_fw-la navigate_fw-la ibid._n of_o the_o people_n of_o brasil_n that_o when_o he_o have_v discourse_v to_o they_o concern_v religion_n and_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o become_v christian_n one_o of_o their_o ancient_a man_n answer_v that_o he_o have_v declare_v excellent_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o they_o which_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o what_o they_o have_v often_o hear_v from_o their_o forefather_n that_o a_o long_a while_n ago_o many_o age_n before_o their_o time_n there_o come_v a_o stranger_n into_o their_o country_n in_o such_o a_o habit_n and_o with_o a_o beard_n as_o they_o see_v the_o french_a wear_n for_o these_o american_n wear_v none_o who_o preach_v to_o they_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n as_o they_o have_v now_o hear_v he_o do_v but_o that_o the_o people_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o he_o upon_o which_o lerius_fw-la observe_v that_o nicephorus_n write_v that_o st._n matthew_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o cannibal_n and_o he_o think_v it_o not_o improbable_a that_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n may_v pass_v into_o america_n that_o the_o sound_v of_o
not_o distinguish_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o two_o book_n of_o king_n and_o of_o chronicle_n be_v and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o book_n begin_v by_o samuel_n and_o continue_v by_o other_o prophet_n shall_v bear_v the_o name_n only_o of_o samuel_n from_o 1_o chron._n xxix_o 29._o we_o may_v likewise_o learn_v that_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o king_n must_v be_v write_v by_o one_o of_o these_o prophet_n both_o the_o book_n of_o king_n as_o far_o as_o hezekiah_n reign_n be_v write_v before_o josiah_n time_n for_o 2_o kin._n 18.5_o it_o be_v say_v of_o hezekiah_n that_o he_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n so_o that_o after_o he_o be_v none_o like_o he_o of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n nor_o any_o that_o be_v before_o he_o and_o of_o josiah_n it_o be_v say_v 2_o king_n xxiii_o 25._o that_o like_a unto_o he_o be_v there_o no_o king_n before_o he_o that_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o josiah_n in_o his_o reformation_n exceed_v hezekiah_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o history_n of_o hezekiah_n must_v be_v write_v before_o josiah_n time_n or_o else_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v with_o truth_n say_v of_o hezekiah_n that_o there_o be_v no_o king_n after_o he_o who_o be_v like_o he_o or_o equal_v he_o of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n from_o 1_o chron._n four_o 43._o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v write_v before_o the_o captivity_n though_o the_o genealogy_n be_v transcribe_v afterward_o out_o of_o the_o record_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o 1_o chron._n ix_o 1._o that_o the_o second_o book_n of_o chronicle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o book_n of_o king_n be_v write_v before_o the_o captivity_n we_o may_v conclude_v from_o 2_o chron._n v._n 9_o 1_o king_n viij_o 8._o for_o the_o ark_n be_v not_o remain_v after_o the_o captivity_n the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o king_n gives_z so_o particular_a a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o carry_v they_o away_o captive_a in_o every_o material_a circumstance_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v write_v at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o memorir_n be_v constant_o take_v and_o preserve_v of_o all_o that_o happen_v the_o second_o book_n of_o chronicle_n conclude_v with_o the_o first_o year_n of_o cyrus_n in_o the_o same_o word_n with_o which_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n begin_v be_v add_v by_o he_o at_o the_o time_n when_o cyrus_n give_v out_o his_o proclamation_n for_o the_o prophet_n from_o time_n to_o time_n make_v continuation_n to_o the_o history_n of_o their_o predecessor_n by_o insert_v what_o relate_v to_o their_o own_o time_n and_o it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n among_o the_o ancient_n as_o grotius_n observe_v to_o begin_v one_o book_n with_o the_o conclusion_n of_o another_o the_o psalm_n be_v quote_v under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o prophet_n mat._n xiii_o 35_o &_o xxvii_o 35._o and_o from_o the_o first_o pen_n they_o be_v use_v in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n 1_o chron._n xuj_o 7._o 2_o chron._n v._n 13._o &_o seven_o 6._o &_o xx_o 21._o jer._n xxxiii_o 11._o ezra_n iii._o 10_o 11._o this_o be_v know_v even_o to_o their_o enemy_n in_o their_o captivity_n psal_n cxxxvii_o 3._o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o prophet_n under_o it_o and_o lesson_n out_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n with_o hymn_n out_o of_o the_o psalm_n and_o prayer_n make_v up_o the_o jewish_a form_n of_o worship_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n luke_n xuj_o 29._o act_n xiii_o 15._o and_o if_o both_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n comprehend_v all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n write_v before_o the_o captivity_n be_v still_o extant_a and_o well_o know_v and_o make_v use_v of_o by_o pious_a man_n during_o all_o that_o time_n and_o the_o people_n have_v copy_n of_o they_o or_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o as_o the_o prophet_n zechariah_n suppose_v zech._n seven_o 7._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o they_o have_v not_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n at_o their_o restoration_n many_o be_v still_o alive_a who_o be_v first_o carry_v away_o captive_a and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n during_o the_o captivity_n show_v that_o the_o people_n do_v understand_v it_o for_o they_o all_o write_v in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n except_o upon_o some_o particular_a occasion_n where_o their_o prophecy_n more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o babylonian_a affair_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n can_v understand_v ezra_n when_o he_o read_v the_o law_n and_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o people_n be_v attentive_a unto_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n neh._n viij_o 3._o and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o language_n unless_o in_o some_o particular_n which_o in_o all_o language_n will_v want_v explication_n to_o the_o vulgar_a who_o be_v native_n but_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v that_o be_v interpret_v ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o letter_n of_o artaxerxes_n be_v both_o write_v in_o the_o syrian_a tongue_n and_o interpret_v in_o the_o syrian_a tongue_n ezra_n four_o 7._o nehemiah_n particular_o complain_v that_o the_o child_n of_o those_o who_o have_v marry_v strange_a wife_n can_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o jew_n language_n which_o suppose_v that_o the_o child_n of_o other_o parent_n as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n themselves_o be_v teach_v to_o speak_v the_o hebrew_n tongue_n neh._n xiii_o 24._o and_o the_o decree_n of_o ahasuerus_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v write_v unto_o every_o province_n according_a unto_o the_o write_n thereof_o and_o unto_o every_o people_n after_o their_o language_n and_o unto_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o their_o writing_n and_o according_a to_o their_o language_n est_fw-la viij_o 9_o which_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o the_o jew_n still_o retain_v not_o only_o their_o language_n but_o their_o manner_n of_o write_v it_o or_o the_o form_n and_o fashion_n of_o their_o letter_n under_o the_o captivity_n not_o long_o after_o the_o captivity_n the_o scripture_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o be_v disperse_v into_o so_o many_o hand_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n that_o the_o copy_n can_v not_o be_v destroy_v either_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n or_o at_o any_o other_o time_n by_o the_o malice_n of_o perscutor_n or_o any_o other_o accident_n and_o though_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o their_o tradition_n as_o to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o they_o yet_o they_o never_o add_v any_o book_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n in_o favour_n of_o those_o tradition_n which_o they_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o but_o when_o they_o have_v no_o long_o any_o prophet_n among_o they_o they_o dare_v not_o place_v any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o same_o rank_a and_o authority_n with_o those_o which_o the_o prophet_n have_v leave_v behind_o they_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v write_v by_o inspire_a author_n and_o have_v be_v in_o constant_a use_n among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o private_a house_n and_o public_a assembly_n even_o from_o the_o first_o write_v they_o for_o they_o be_v preserve_v during_o the_o captivity_n and_o both_o understand_v and_o use_v by_o the_o people_n but_o their_o other_o book_n write_v under_o the_o second_o temple_n though_o never_o so_o useful_a and_o pious_a be_v never_o receive_v with_o the_o like_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n they_o pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o humane_a composition_n and_o be_v never_o rank_v with_o those_o of_o divine_a authority_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o false_a prophet_n prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n 1_o king_n xxii_o which_o suppose_v that_o true_a prophecy_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v deliver_v in_o his_o name_n or_o else_o they_o can_v never_o have_v hope_v to_o deceive_v by_o it_o and_o in_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o which_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v relate_v reference_n be_v frequent_o make_v to_o the_o record_n then_o extant_a in_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n most_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v of_o that_o public_a nature_n and_o so_o intermix_v with_o the_o affair_n of_o state_n that_o they_o must_v be_v record_v together_o with_o they_o josiah_n 5._o josiah_n joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 10._o c._n 5._o be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o name_n three_o hundred_o sixty_o one_o year_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v behold_v a_o child_n shall_v be_v bear_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o david_n josiah_n by_o name_n
upon_o any_o subject_a and_o then_o they_o trample_v with_o wonderful_a scorn_n and_o triumph_n upon_o that_o which_o they_o conceive_v be_v so_o miserable_o overcome_v but_o alas_o the_o victory_n be_v over_o themselves_o nothing_o be_v either_o the_o more_o or_o the_o less_o true_a for_o their_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v it_o and_o religion_n be_v always_o the_o same_o how_o profane_o soever_o it_o may_v be_v speak_v of_o we_o have_v no_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o any_o man_n faith_n but_o if_o there_o be_v reason_n in_o what_o we_o say_v it_o may_v well_o be_v expect_v from_o reasonable_a man_n that_o they_o shall_v hearken_v to_o reason_n religion_n be_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n as_o the_o father_n often_o speak_v the_o best_a and_o true_a philosophy_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v how_o much_o soever_o i_o may_v have_v fail_v in_o the_o performance_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v with_o such_o clear_a and_o full_a evidence_n even_o to_o ordinary_a understanding_n as_o to_o make_v all_o pretence_n of_o argue_v against_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v as_o ridiculous_a as_o they_o be_v impious_a the_o content_n chap._n i._o of_o humane_a reason_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o book_n such_o point_n be_v clear_v in_o the_o second_o as_o be_v think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o before_o man_n venture_v upon_o objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o consider_v the_o strength_n and_o compass_n of_o their_o own_o faculty_n and_o the_o manifold_a defect_n of_o humane_a reason_n p._n 1._o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o be_v demonstrable_a p._n 4._o every_o man_n believe_v and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o several_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculative_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o incredible_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v p._n 12._o those_o who_o disbelieve_v and_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v believe_v thing_n much_o more_o incredible_a p._n 24._o chap._n ii_o of_o inspiration_n all_o motion_n of_o material_a thing_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o conceivable_a by_o we_o that_o god_n do_v act_n upon_o the_o immaterial_a as_o that_o he_o act_v upon_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o may_v act_v more_o powerful_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n of_o some_o man_n than_o of_o other_o p._n 28._o wherein_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v consist_v and_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v p._n 31._o such_o inference_n from_o thence_o as_o may_v afford_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n allege_v upon_o this_o subject_a p._n 41._o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o exclude_v humane_a mean_n as_o information_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n etc._n etc._n p._n 42._o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o word_n and_o style_n ibid._n though_o something_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n indefinite_o and_o without_o any_o positive_a assertion_n or_o determination_n this_o be_v no_o proof_n against_o their_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n p._n 43._o in_o thing_n which_o may_v fall_v under_o humane_a prudence_n and_o observation_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v use_v only_o a_o directive_n power_n and_o influence_n p._n 46._o this_o infallible_a assistance_n be_v not_o permanent_a and_o habitual_a p._n 49._o it_o do_v not_o prevent_v personal_a fail_n p._n 50._o no_o passage_n or_o circumstance_n in_o the_o scripture_n erroneous_a p._n 51._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o grammatical_a construction_n and_o propriety_n of_o speech_n p._n 53._o those_o which_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o defect_n in_o the_o scripture-style_n be_v usual_a in_o the_o most_o approve_a heathen_a author_n p._n ib._n metaphor_n and_o rhetorical_a scheme_n and_o figure_n p._n 57_o the_o style_n different_a of_o different_a nation_n p._n 58._o the_o title_n of_o king_n p._n 59_o what_o art_n be_v use_v by_o orator_n to_o raise_v the_o passion_n p._n 60._o that_o they_o sometime_o read_v their_o speech_n p._n 62._o the_o figurative_a expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o their_o type_n and_o parable_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n and_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v ibid._n several_a thing_n relate_v as_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v only_o parabolical_a description_n or_o representation_n p._n 64._o the_o prophetic_a scheme_n of_o speech_n usual_a with_o the_o eastern_a nation_n p._n 66._o the_o want_n of_o distinguish_v the_o person_n speak_v have_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n p._n 68_o the_o antiquity_n and_o various_a way_n of_o poetry_n p._n 69._o the_o metaphorical_a and_o figurative_a use_n of_o word_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o work_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n p._n 71._o the_o decorum_n or_o suitableness_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n p._n 79._o the_o method_n p._n 86._o some_o book_n of_o scripture_n admirable_a for_o their_o style_n p._n 89._o why_o the_o style_n not_o alike_o excellent_a in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n p._n 93._o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n any_o controversy_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o rest_n p._n 96._o the_o uncontroverted_a book_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n p._n 97._o the_o dispute_n concern_v the_o apochrypha_n fall_v not_o here_o under_o consideration_n p._n 99_o no_o suppression_n or_o alteration_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o idolatrous_a king_n etc._n etc._n p._n 100_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o handwriting_a of_o moses_n find_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o josiah_n p._n 102._o no_o book_n but_o those_o which_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n receive_v by_o the_o jew_n into_o their_o canon_n p._n 103._o what_o opinion_n the_o ten_o tribe_n have_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n p._n 105._o neither_o the_o samaritan_n nor_o the_o sadducee_n reject_v any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n p._n 106._o of_o the_o book_n whereof_o mention_n be_v make_v in_o the_o o._n t._n p._n 106._o why_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n express_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n shall_v be_v express_v p._n 108._o a_o wonderful_a providence_n manifest_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o o._n t._n for_o so_o many_o age_n p._n 109._o the_o new_a testament_n confirm_v the_o old_a p._n 111._o the_o caution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o admit_v book_n into_o the_o canon_n ib._n the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o examine_v and_o distinguish_v the_o genuine_a and_o inspire_v write_n from_o the_o apocryphal_a or_o spurious_a p._n 113._o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n matt._n in_o hebrew_n how_o long_o preserve_v p._n 115._o the_o greek_a version_n of_o it_o p._n 116._o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n finish_v by_o st._n john_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n review_v by_o he_o p._n 117._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n ib._n copy_n of_o great_a antiquity_n still_o extant_a p._n 118._o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n be_v at_o first_o doubt_v of_o p._n 119._o the_o canon_n have_v be_v fix_v and_o confirm_v in_o council_n in_o tertullian_n time_n p._n 121._o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n general_o receive_v by_o christian_n of_o all_o sect_n and_o party_n p._n 124._o chap._n v._o of_o the_o various_a readins_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n a_o extraordinary_a providence_n manifest_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o such_o casualty_n as_o have_v befall_v other_o book_n p._n 126._o the_o defect_n in_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n of_o the_o point_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n p._n 127._o the_o change_n of_o the_o old_a hebrew_n character_n into_o that_o now_o in_o use_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n p._n 130._o the_o keri_n and_o the_o ketib_n no_o prejudice_n to_o it_o ib._n the_o difference_n between_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o the_o septuagint_n and_o other_o version_n or_o between_o the_o version_n themselves_o no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n p._n 132._o it_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o great_a critic_n both_o protestant_n and_o
question_n be_v not_o only_o dubious_a but_o certain_o spurious_a the_o remain_a book_n which_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o the_o necessary_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n have_v be_v former_o matter_n of_o controversy_n i_o shall_v enter_v upon_o no_o discourse_n concern_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n the_o authority_n whereof_o have_v be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o effectual_o disprove_v by_o protestant_n that_o the_o most_o learned_a papist_n have_v now_o little_a to_o say_v for_o they_o but_o â—re_n force_v only_o to_o fly_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o beg_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n or_o to_o beg_v something_o as_o hard_a to_o be_v grant_v viz._n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o i_o shall_v here_o engage_v in_o no_o controversy_n of_o that_o nature_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n be_v general_o speak_v agree_v that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v true_a whether_o there_o be_v or_o be_v not_o other_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o of_o equal_a authority_n these_o book_n in_o the_o main_n have_v already_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v genuine_a and_o without_o any_o material_a corruption_n or_o alteration_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o propose_v such_o general_a consideration_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o obviate_v objection_n the_o agreement_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n in_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n for_o its_o authority_n and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a idolatry_n commit_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n yet_o by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o total_a apostasy_n in_o the_o people_n nor_o so_o long_a a_o succession_n of_o idolatrous_a king_n as_o that_o the_o book_n either_o of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v suppress_v or_o alter_v for_o three_o year_n under_o rehoboam_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n 2_o chron._n 11.17.12.1_o and_o though_o afterward_o he_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o israel_n with_o he_o his_o reign_n be_v in_o all_o but_o seventeen_o year_n abijam_n be_v a_o wicked_a king_n but_o he_o reign_v no_o long_o than_o three_o year_n 1_o king_n xv_o 2._o asa_n the_o three_o from_o solomon_n and_o jehoshaphat_n his_o son_n be_v great_a reformer_n and_o asa_n reign_v one_o and_o forty_o year_n and_o jehoshaphat_n five_o and_o twenty_o year_n 2_o chron._n xuj_o 13._o xx_o 31._o the_o two_o next_o king_n in_o succession_n do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o their_o reign_n be_v short_a jehoram_n reign_v eight_o year_n and_o ahaziah_n but_o one_o 2_o chron._n xxi_o 20._o xxii_o 2._o during_o the_o interval_n of_o six_o year_n under_o the_o usurpation_n of_o athaliah_n the_o people_n can_v not_o be_v great_o corrupt_v for_o she_o be_v hateful_a to_o they_o as_o jehoram_n her_o husband_n have_v be_v before_o she_o and_o they_o ready_o join_v with_o jehoiada_n in_o slay_v she_o and_o in_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2_o chron._n xxii_o joash_n the_o son_n of_o ahaziah_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o jehoiada_n 2_o chron._n xxiv_o 2._o we_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o reign_v well_o three_o and_o twenty_o year_n 2_o king_n twelve_o 6._o and_o probable_o much_o long_o for_o jehoiada_n live_v to_o a_o very_a great_a age_n 2_o chron._n xxiv_o 15._o amaziah_n his_o son_n have_v the_o same_o character_n and_o with_o the_o same_o abatement_n that_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o not_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n 2_o chron._n twenty-five_o 2._o or_o yet_o not_o like_o david_n his_o father_n he_o do_v according_a to_o all_o thing_n as_o joash_n his_o father_n do_v 2_o king_n fourteen_o 3._o vzziah_n son_n to_o amaziah_n reign_v well_o and_o seek_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o zachariah_n 2_o chron._n xxvi_o 5._o and_o after_o he_o be_v seize_v with_o the_o leprosy_n for_o invade_v the_o priest_n office_n the_o administration_n of_o affair_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o son_n jotham_n vers_fw-la 21._o who_o imitate_v the_o good_a part_n of_o his_o father_n reign_n chap._n xxvii_o 2._o ahaz_n be_v wicked_a and_o a_o idolater_n but_o he_o reign_v only_o sixteen_o year_n chap._n xxviii_o 1._o and_o his_o son_n hezekiah_n wrought_v a_o great_a reformation_n who_o reign_v twenty_o nine_o year_n chap._n xxix_o 1._o manasses_n be_v much_o give_v to_o idolatry_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o his_o reign_n but_o after_o his_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n he_o be_v very_o zealous_a against_o it_o chap._n xxxiii_o 15_o 16._o amon_n imitate_v the_o ill_a part_n of_o his_o father_n reign_n but_o his_o own_o continue_v no_o long_o than_o two_o year_n chap._n xxxiii_o 21._o the_o next_o be_v josiah_n in_o who_o time_n the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v find_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o must_v be_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n own_o hand-writing_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o book_n of_o the_o law_n can_v be_v no_o such_o rare_a thing_n at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o to_o be_v take_v so_o much_o notice_n of_o unless_o it_o have_v be_v that_o book_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o be_v to_o be_v transcribe_v by_o every_o king_n it_o seem_v that_o book_n of_o the_o law_n have_v be_v purposely_o hide_v to_o preserve_v it_o from_o the_o attempt_n of_o idolater_n who_o it_o be_v fear_v may_v have_v a_o design_n to_o destroy_v it_o for_o if_o it_o have_v only_o lie_v by_o neglect_a the_o find_n of_o it_o can_v have_v be_v no_o such_o surprise_v thing_n because_o the_o place_n in_o the_o temple_n be_v well_o know_v where_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o where_o they_o may_v have_v seek_v for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v probable_o at_o that_o time_n suppose_v to_o have_v be_v utter_o lose_v and_o its_o be_v find_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v build_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o where_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v keep_v with_o the_o great_a care_n as_o a_o most_o inestimable_a treasure_n the_o veneration_n which_o josiah_n have_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o write_n and_o the_o happy_a and_o unexpected_a recovery_n of_o it_o when_o it_o have_v be_v disregard_v and_o almost_o lose_v through_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o predecessor_n these_o consideration_n can_v not_o but_o exceed_o move_v a_o mind_n so_o tender_a and_o affectionate_o pious_a as_o that_o king_n when_o he_o receive_v the_o law_n under_o moses_n own_o hand_n send_v he_o as_o he_o believe_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o deliver_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v anew_o from_o heaven_n not_o long_o after_o his_o time_n be_v the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n till_o which_o there_o be_v always_o prophet_n frequent_a reformation_n and_o never_o any_o succession_n of_o idolatrous_a king_n which_o continue_v for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o very_o few_o king_n be_v idolatrous_a throughout_o their_o whole_a reign_n and_o those_o that_o be_v reign_v but_o a_o short_a time_n 9_o time_n book_n 1._o part_n 2._o c._n 6._o &_o 9_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n write_v before_o the_o captivity_n be_v preserve_v among_o the_o jew_n till_o their_o return_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n that_o ezra_n who_o compose_v the_o canon_n do_v it_o by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n or_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o prophet_n in_o the_o do_v it_o 1._o it_o joseph_n câ—nt_fw-la apion_n lib._n 1._o josephus_n say_v that_o their_o book_n after_o the_o time_n of_o artaxerxes_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o before_o his_o time_n for_o want_v of_o a_o certain_a succession_n of_o prophet_n and_o since_o the_o jew_n admit_v no_o writing_n as_o inspire_v into_o the_o canon_n after_o malachi_n prophecy_n this_o show_v their_o sincerity_n and_o exactness_n in_o examine_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o write_n as_o they_o admit_v into_o their_o canon_n of_o scripture_n the_o pharisee_n make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o no_o effect_n by_o their_o tradition_n but_o never_o dare_v presume_v to_o impose_v they_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o
whatever_o defect_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o vowel_n it_o be_v supply_v by_o constant_a use_n and_o practice_n and_o by_o some_o general_a rule_n which_o they_o observe_v in_o the_o read_n the_o bible_n be_v a_o book_n which_o by_o divine_a commandment_n be_v so_o often_o and_o careful_o read_v both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a the_o hebrew_n text_n may_v be_v exact_o read_v and_o the_o true_a sense_n certain_o retain_v and_o know_v and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o by_o constant_a use_n and_o continual_a practice_n and_o custom_n from_o their_o infancy_n the_o jew_n can_v read_v it_o with_o ease_n and_o readiness_n without_o point_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o be_v ordinary_o do_v now_o by_o man_n who_o be_v skilful_a in_o that_o language_n and_o divers_a have_v attain_v to_o it_o by_o their_o own_o observation_n and_o industry_n if_o there_o be_v the_o more_o difficulty_n in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n before_o the_o invention_n of_o point_n there_o be_v the_o more_o care_n and_o study_v use_v about_o it_o the_o jew_n have_v time_n purposely_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n study_v it_o with_o that_o diligence_n and_o exactness_n that_o they_o know_v it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v their_o own_o name_n or_o better_o two_o better_o joseph_n contr_n ap._n lib._n two_o josephus_n express_v it_o if_o that_o be_v possible_a and_o they_o use_v so_o great_a accuracy_n both_o in_o their_o pronounce_v and_o write_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o danger_n that_o any_o considerable_a mistake_n shall_v be_v occasion_v by_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o vowel_n before_o the_o point_n be_v find_v out_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a learning_n as_o 8._o as_o considerate_a considere_fw-la c._n x._o s._n 8._o bishop_n walton_n observe_v the_o true_a read_n of_o the_o text_n and_o they_o who_o be_v most_o accurate_a and_o exact_a therein_o be_v honour_v most_o among_o they_o and_o have_v their_o school_n and_o their_o scholar_n and_o disciple_n who_o they_o instruct_v from_o time_n to_o time_n till_o at_o length_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o many_o dispersion_n and_o banishment_n that_o the_o true_a read_n may_v not_o be_v lose_v with_o the_o language_n they_o begin_v to_o affix_v point_n to_o the_o text_n as_o well_o to_o facilitate_v the_o read_n as_o to_o preserve_v it_o the_o better_a from_o any_o alteration_n or_o change_n but_o this_o be_v a_o objection_n which_o never_o can_v have_v be_v make_v but_o in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o in_o the_o east_n they_o common_o write_v yet_o without_o point_n as_o the_o jew_n likewise_o write_v the_o western_a language_n where_o they_o live_v without_o point_n in_o the_o hebrew_n character_n orient_a character_n walt._n prolegom_n three_o s_o 40._o morin-epist_a 15._o &_o 70._o inter_fw-la antiquit_fw-la eccl._n orient_a the_o samaritan_n still_o have_v no_o point_n and_o 243._o and_o joseph_n scalig._n epist_n 243._o the_o child_n of_o the_o turk_n arabian_n and_o persian_n and_o general_o of_o all_o the_o mahometan_n learn_v to_o read_v without_o they_o orac._n they_o voss_n de_fw-fr sibyl_n orac._n isaac_n vossius_fw-la say_v the_o asiatic_n laugh_v at_o the_o european_n because_o they_o can_v read_v as_o they_o do_v without_o vowel_n 50._o vowel_n walt._n prolegom_n iii._o s_o 50._o schickard_n confess_v that_o he_o have_v know_v child_n of_o seven_o year_n of_o age_n read_v the_o pentateuch_n mere_o by_o use_n 6._o use_n lud._n capel_n de_fw-fr punct_a hebr._fw-la antiqu_n lib._n two_o c._n 27._o s_o 4_o 5_o 6._o clenard_n and_o erpenius_n himself_o who_o be_v so_o famous_a for_o the_o arabic_a and_o other_o eastern_a language_n both_o of_o they_o declare_v that_o they_o learn_v the_o arabic_a only_o by_o their_o own_o study_n and_o diligence_n from_o book_n without_o point_n and_o arpenius_n have_v attain_v to_o such_o accuracy_n in_o that_o language_n before_o he_o have_v read_v any_o book_n with_o the_o point_n that_o isaac_n casaubon_n so_o far_o approve_v of_o the_o translation_n which_o he_o have_v then_o make_v of_o the_o arabic_a nubian_n geography_n into_o latin_a that_o he_o be_v very_o earnest_a with_o he_o to_o publish_v it_o ludovicus_n capellus_n beside_o give_v a_o instance_n from_o his_o own_o knowledge_n of_o one_o who_o when_o he_o have_v scarce_o be_v teach_v the_o arabic_a alphabet_n make_v a_o great_a progress_n in_o that_o tongue_n in_o four_o month_n only_o by_o his_o own_o industry_n and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o point_n all_o these_o thing_n consider_v it_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a paradox_n to_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o the_o ancient_a eastern_a way_n of_o writing_n and_o that_o no_o body_n can_v certain_o know_v what_o their_o author_n mean_v nay_o that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v one_o another_o meaning_n as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v now_o in_o our_o manner_n of_o writing_n before_o some_o certain_a time_n when_o the_o point_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v first_o find_v out_o ii_o the_o change_n of_o the_o old_a hebrew_n character_n into_o that_o now_o in_o use_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text._n because_o this_o be_v but_o the_o write_n over_o that_o which_o be_v before_o in_o one_o alphabet_n into_o another_o the_o language_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o this_o if_o it_o be_v do_v with_o sufficient_a care_n as_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v can_v make_v no_o material_a mistake_n and_o we_o find_v it_o have_v not_o by_o the_o agreement_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o samaritan_n pentateuch_n still_o extant_a iii_o the_o keri_n and_o the_o kelib_a or_o the_o difference_n in_o some_o place_n between_o the_o text_n and_o the_o marginal_a read_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o the_o various_a lection_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v much_o few_o consider_v the_o antiquity_n of_o it_o and_o the_o vast_a number_n of_o copy_n which_o have_v be_v transcribe_v in_o all_o age_n and_o country_n than_o those_o of_o any_o other_o book_n so_o many_o of_o they_o may_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v and_o the_o occasion_n of_o they_o as_o easy_o discover_v some_o of_o they_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o likeness_n of_o several_a of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n which_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v distinguish_v in_o book_n write_v in_o such_o small_a character_n 8._o character_n hieron_n proaem_n in_o ezech._n comment_fw-fr lib._n 8._o as_o st_n jerome_n complain_v be_v use_v in_o write_v the_o hebrew_n bibles_n of_o his_o time_n other_o happen_v from_o abbreviation_n and_o some_o may_v proceed_v from_o marginal_a gloss_n it_o must_v likewise_o be_v observe_v that_o all_o the_o word_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o margin_n of_o the_o hebrew_n bibles_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o various_a lection_n for_o divers_a of_o they_o be_v place_v there_o by_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o 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for_o what_o book_n be_v there_o without_o they_o or_o what_o book_n of_o the_o same_o bigness_n and_o of_o any_o antiquity_n have_v so_o few_o various_a lection_n as_o the_o bible_n and_o what_o book_n can_v be_v transcribe_v or_o print_v but_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o have_v mistake_v make_v in_o it_o iu._n no_o difference_n between_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o the_o septuagint_n and_o other_o version_n or_o between_o the_o several_a version_n themselves_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v ever_o different_a in_o any_o thing_n material_a from_o what_o it_o be_v now_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n 8._o septuagint_n id._n prolegom_n ix_o s_o â—2_n &_o x._o s_o 8._o as_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v from_o st._n jerom_n and_o other_o be_v in_o many_o place_n rather_o a_o comment_n or_o paraphrase_n than_o a_o strict_a version_n and_o give_v the_o sense_n rather_o than_o the_o word_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n many_o time_n there_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o difference_n where_o there_o be_v none_o for_o want_v of_o a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o the_o original_a as_o 46._o as_o pocock_n append._n ad_fw-la porâ—_n mos_fw-la c._n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o pear_n praef._n ad_fw-la septuag_n edit_fw-la cantab_n be_v voss_n de_fw-fr lxx_o interpret_v walt_n proleg_n ix_o 46._o dr_n pocock_n have_v show_v in_o divers_a instance_n and_o bp_o pearson_n in_o other_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v write_v by_o isaac_n vossius_fw-la to_o this_o purpose_n and_o one_o very_o skilful_a in_o the_o oriental_a tongue_n have_v undertake_v to_o show_v the_o agreement_n between_o hebrew_a and_z and_o the_o septuagint_n throughout_o and_o have_v make_v a_o considerable_a progress_n in_o the_o work_n as_o bishop_n walton_n inform_v we_o other_o difference_n proceed_v from_o the_o mistake_v of_o transcriber_n as_o it_o must_v needs_o happen_v in_o book_n of_o which_o so_o many_o copy_n have_v be_v take_v in_o all_o age_n and_o from_o the_o rashness_n of_o critic_n in_o make_v unnecessary_a alteration_n or_o by_o insert_v into_o the_o text_n such_o note_n as_o be_v at_o first_o place_v only_o for_o explication_n in_o the_o margin_n in_o some_o thing_n of_o less_o consequence_n the_o translator_n may_v be_v mistake_v or_o they_o may_v follow_v a_o different_a copy_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v great_o confirm_v from_o the_o citation_n of_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n the_o copy_n which_o they_o make_v use_v of_o have_v no_o such_o variation_n from_o those_o we_o now_o use_v as_o to_o be_v of_o any_o ill_a consequence_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o the_o imputation_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o jew_n by_o some_o of_o the_o father_n that_o they_o have_v corrupt_v the_o scripture_n in_o such_o place_n as_o according_a to_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o ancestor_n must_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o they_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o version_n of_o aquila_n symmachus_n and_o theodosian_a who_o be_v all_o either_o profess_a jew_n or_o judaize_v heretic_n design_v their_o translation_n to_o countenance_v their_o own_o error_n especial_o aquila_n who_o undertake_v his_o version_n purposely_o to_o oppose_v that_o of_o the_o septuagint_n for_o it_o be_v now_o general_o agree_v that_o the_o jew_n never_o deserve_v the_o censure_n of_o have_v corrupt_v the_o hebrew_n text_n though_o they_o pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v various_a readins_n choose_v to_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v most_o favourable_a to_o their_o own_o pretence_n though_o it_o be_v in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o forefather_n as_o well_o as_o the_o christian_n philo_z in_o a_o discourse_n cite_v 6._o cite_v euseb_n praepar_fw-la evang._n lib._n viij_o c._n 6._o by_o eusebius_n who_o thereby_o own_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o say_v that_o for_o the_o space_n of_o above_o two_o thousand_o year_n there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o word_n alter_v in_o the_o law_n but_o that_o the_o jew_n will_v choose_v to_o die_v never_o so_o many_o death_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v consent_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o prejudice_n of_o it_o and_o i._n and_o contra_fw-la apion_n lib._n i._n josephus_n declare_v of_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n that_o it_o have_v suffer_v no_o alteration_n from_o the_o begin_n down_o to_o his_o own_o time_n 38._o time_n antiqu._n eccl._n orient_a epist_n 38._o morinus_n himself_o whatever_o he_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a declare_v in_o a_o letter_n to_o dr_n comber_n dean_n of_o carlisle_n that_o he_o suppose_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o jewish_a copy_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o any_o copy_n of_o the_o samaritan_n which_o he_o in_o his_o write_n so_o high_o magnify_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o verse_n and_o word_n and_o letter_n and_o the_o observe_v which_o be_v the_o middle_a letter_n of_o every_o book_n can_v signify_v little_a to_o the_o secure_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n entire_a because_o there_o may_v be_v the_o same_o number_n of_o verse_n and_o word_n and_o letter_n in_o different_a book_n and_o the_o same_o number_n of_o letter_n may_v make_v up_o different_a word_n and_o the_o same_o word_n diverse_o place_v and_o apply_v may_v express_v a_o very_a different_a sense_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o charm_n in_o a_o word_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o book_n to_o keep_v all_o the_o rest_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n but_o this_o scrupulous_a and_o even_o superstitious_a diligence_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o little_a thing_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o their_o constant_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o great_a value_n and_o reverence_n they_o have_v for_o it_o so_o that_o they_o will_v neither_o corrupt_v it_o themselves_o nor_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o other_o but_o be_v careful_a and_o zealous_a to_o preserve_v every_o ever_o letter_n and_o tittle_n and_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o from_o josephus_n they_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o that_o he_o think_v he_o can_v not_o full_o enough_o express_v their_o skill_n and_o accuracy_n but_o by_o say_v that_o they_o know_v it_o better_o than_o their_o own_o name_n v._o it_o be_v evident_a and_o confess_v by_o the_o critic_n that_o neither_o by_o these_o nor_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n any_o such_o difference_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o several_a copy_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o to_o prejudice_v the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n or_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o relate_v to_o this_o controversy_n have_v be_v eager_o debate_v by_o contend_a party_n who_o yet_o agree_v in_o this_o whatever_o they_o differ_v in_o beside_o that_o the_o various_a lection_n do_v not_o invalidate_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o render_v they_o ineffectual_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n inasmuch_o as_o all_o the_o various_a lection_n take_v together_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n nor_o to_o any_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n 2._o salvation_n non_fw-la minus_fw-la ex_fw-la ijs_fw-la quae_fw-la supra_fw-la disputata_fw-la sunt_fw-la planum_fw-la est_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la statim_fw-la libri_fw-la primi_fw-la initio_fw-la monuimus_fw-la &_o saepius_fw-la toto_fw-la opere_fw-la inculcavimus_fw-la plerasque_fw-la omnes_fw-la quae_fw-la observari_fw-la &_o deprehendi_fw-la in_o sacris_fw-la libris_fw-la possunt_fw-la varias_fw-la lectiones_fw-la levissimi_fw-la esse_fw-la ac_fw-la pene_fw-la nullius_fw-la momenti_fw-la ut_fw-la parum_fw-la admodum_fw-la intersit_fw-la aut_fw-la vero_fw-la perinde_v omnino_fw-la sit_fw-la utram_fw-la sequaris_fw-la sive_fw-la hanc_fw-la sive_fw-la illam_fw-la ludovic_n cappel_n crit._n sacr._n lib._n 6._o c._n 2._o ludovicus_n cappellus_n who_o have_v study_v this_o subject_n as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n and_o be_v as_o well_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o it_o after_o the_o strict_a examination_n he_o can_v make_v find_v that_o the_o thing_n relate_v either_o to_o faith_n or_o practice_n be_v plain_o contain_v in_o all_o copy_n whatever_o difference_n there_o be_v in_o lesser_a thing_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o chronology_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o alteration_n or_o the_o omission_n or_o addition_n of_o a_o letter_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o man_n or_o of_o city_n or_o country_n but_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o disperse_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o can_v receive_v no_o damage_n nor_o alteration_n unless_o the_o whole_a scripture_n shall_v have_v be_v change_v wherefore_o not_o only_o the_o most_o learned_a protestant_n but_o 2._o but_o
prophecy_n of_o he_o than_o in_o his_o person_n again_o obscurity_n be_v necessary_a because_o some_o event_n can_v never_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v if_o they_o have_v be_v express_o and_o in_o plain_a term_n foretell_v unless_o god_n will_v have_v force_v man_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o prediction_n which_o must_v have_v take_v away_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n for_o man_n will_v scarce_o have_v venture_v upon_o such_o action_n as_o they_o know_v beforehand_o must_v end_v in_o affliction_n and_o great_a calamity_n and_o perhaps_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o themselves_o or_o of_o their_o family_n or_o nation_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a that_o these_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v for_o the_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n and_o for_o the_o good_a and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n few_o will_v have_v show_v that_o courage_n and_o resolution_n which_o st_n peter_n and_o st_n paul_n do_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n if_o they_o have_v be_v tell_v so_o long_o before_o as_o st_z peter_z be_v that_o it_o must_v end_v in_o martyrdom_n or_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v witness_v in_o every_o city_n concern_v they_o as_o he_o do_v of_o st_n paul_n say_v in_o express_a term_n that_o bond_n and_o affliction_n do_v abide_v he_o must_v other_o man_n will_v have_v be_v move_v though_o he_o be_v not_o by_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n act_n xx_o 23._o for_o we_o find_v that_o the_o disciple_n upon_o this_o account_n be_v earnest_a with_o he_o not_o to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n so_o difficult_a be_v it_o for_o the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o best_a cause_n to_o resolve_v to_o meet_v certain_a and_o apparent_a danger_n the_o nature_n therefore_o of_o some_o thing_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v more_o particular_o describe_v in_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v they_o for_o either_o they_o must_v have_v be_v obscure_o speak_v of_o or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v prophesy_v of_o at_o all_o because_o if_o they_o have_v be_v clear_o foretell_v they_o can_v never_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v which_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o what_o god_n declare_v by_o his_o prophet_n shall_v not_o be_v fulfil_v if_o all_o that_o be_v to_o befall_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v set_v down_o with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n by_o st_n john_n in_o the_o revelation_n so_o as_o to_o prevent_v the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o except_o against_o the_o obscurity_n of_o that_o book_n this_o certain_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o great_a discouragement_n to_o many_o christian_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o must_v have_v hinder_v the_o bring_v to_o pass_v the_o event_n unless_o god_n shall_v have_v overrule_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o force_v they_o upon_o act_v which_o have_v be_v to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o freedom_n of_o will._n 4._o if_o prophecy_n have_v punctual_o foretell_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o all_o their_o circumstance_n man_n will_v have_v purposely_o contrive_v to_o frame_v their_o action_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o appear_v to_o fulfil_v many_o of_o they_o and_o whenever_o they_o have_v be_v fulfil_v it_o may_v have_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v by_o design_n and_o contrivance_n which_o will_v have_v be_v only_o to_o act_v a_o part_n or_o live_v by_o a_o rule_n and_o pattern_n describe_v and_o set_v before_o they_o but_o when_o the_o obscurity_n be_v such_o that_o they_o become_v fulfil_v without_o any_o intention_n or_o knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o fulfil_v they_o this_o manifest_v the_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o prophecy_n have_v be_v less_o obscure_a man_n will_v have_v be_v the_o more_o prone_a to_o venture_v upon_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n in_o order_n to_o fulfil_v they_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n how_o apt_a all_o enthusiast_n and_o such_o as_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o obscure_a prophecy_n be_v to_o think_v any_o thing_n lawful_a to_o be_v do_v which_o may_v bring_v about_o those_o event_n that_o they_o fancy_v to_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o and_o if_o the_o event_n of_o all_o prophecy_n have_v be_v conceal_v under_o no_o obscurity_n of_o word_n and_o circumstance_n but_o have_v be_v obvious_a and_o visible_a to_o every_o reader_n the_o number_n of_o such_o undertaker_n will_v have_v be_v much_o great_a for_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o make_v man_n distinguish_v between_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v often_o commit_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o but_o when_o they_o can_v serve_v their_o interest_n by_o it_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v the_o worst_a action_n lawful_a which_o may_v fulfil_v a_o prophecy_n and_o the_o clear_a prophecy_n have_v be_v the_o more_o occasion_n and_o pretence_n have_v be_v give_v to_o such_o dilusion_n to_o which_o none_o be_v now_o subject_a but_o such_o as_o think_v they_o clear_a and_o persuade_v themselves_o or_o will_v persuade_v other_o that_o they_o thorough_o understand_v they_o 5._o another_o reason_n be_v that_o sometime_o a_o prophecy_n may_v be_v deliver_v obscure_o in_o mercy_n to_o the_o instrument_n who_o be_v to_o bring_v about_o the_o event_n foretell_v by_o it_o for_o god_n foresee_v that_o some_o man_n notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a revelation_n will_v persist_v in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o become_v instrumental_a in_o accomplish_v the_o prediction_n may_v in_o mercy_n to_o they_o forbear_v to_o discover_v the_o particular_n of_o the_o event_n lest_o thiâ—_n shall_v add_v to_o their_o guilt_n and_o prove_v a_o greaâ—_n aggravation_n both_o of_o their_o â—rime_n and_o punishment_n our_o saviour_n though_o he_o know_v from_o the_o beginning_n who_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v betray_v he_o yet_o conceal_v it_o till_o his_o last_o supper_n and_o then_o discover_v it_o to_o judas_n in_o the_o mild_a manner_n to_o move_v he_o to_o repentance_n if_o he_o have_v not_o harden_v himself_o against_o it_o not_o to_o make_v he_o desperate_a upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o so_o wicked_a a_o design_n again_o other_o prophecy_n may_v be_v hide_v in_o obscurity_n for_o a_o judgement_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o make_v a_o due_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n afford_v they_o of_o salvation_n but_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o resolve_v to_o continue_v impenitent_a against_o all_o the_o method_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o use_v to_o reclaim_v they_o for_o of_o such_o our_o saviour_n give_v this_o reason_n why_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o parable_n that_o see_v they_o may_v see_v and_o not_o perceive_v and_o hear_v they_o may_v hear_v and_o not_o understand_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o their_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v they_o markiv_n 12._o for_o when_o god_n have_v both_o by_o miracle_n and_o other_o prophecy_n unquestionable_o clear_a and_o plain_a admonish_v and_o forewarn_v they_o of_o the_o folly_n and_o danger_n of_o their_o way_n and_o they_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o but_o reject_v his_o revelation_n and_o just_a affront_n his_o mercy_n it_o be_v very_o for_o he_o to_o deny_v they_o that_o further_a declaration_n and_o manifestation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o power_n which_o may_v effectual_o produce_v a_o true_a faith_n in_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n especial_o when_o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n may_v be_v conduce_v to_o the_o method_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o his_o gracious_a design_n of_o mercy_n towards_o other_o man_n who_o have_v not_o stand_v out_o in_o so_o bold_a a_o defiance_n of_o his_o other_o declaration_n of_o himself_o god_n endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a thevessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n he_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v and_o therefore_o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n may_v be_v in_o mercy_n to_o some_o to_o prevent_v the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o for_o a_o judgement_n upon_o other_o to_o harden_v they_o 6._o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o conceal_v a_o thing_n but_o the_o honour_n of_o king_n be_v to_o search_v out_o a_o matter_n prov._n twenty-five_o 2._o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n may_v be_v design_v to_o abate_v the_o confidence_n and_o confound_v the_o pride_n of_o some_o and_o to_o provoke_v the_o diligence_n and_o industry_n of_o other_o for_o as_o some_o man_n care_v to_o be_v at_o no_o pain_n to_o attain_v the_o most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a knowledge_n so_o other_o despise_v all_o that_o be_v obvious_a and_o have_v no_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v easy_o know_v by_o other_o as_o
witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n god_n himself_o bear_v witness_n to_o it_o and_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v say_v in_o this_o as_o they_o do_v in_o a_o very_a different_a case_n what_o need_v we_o any_o further_a witness_n for_o we_o ourselves_o have_v hear_v of_o their_o own_o mouth_n in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n or_o see_v it_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n in_o the_o many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o be_v continual_o wrought_v in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n in_o testimony_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n our_o bless_a saviour_n therefore_o give_v as_o full_a proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o temple_n or_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o this_o have_v not_o be_v more_o effectual_a to_o the_o conversion_n of_o most_o of_o they_o nor_o more_o sufficient_a to_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o his_o appearance_n to_o his_o disciple_n be_v and_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v unanimous_o believe_v it_o can_v not_o have_v contribute_v more_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n than_o their_o unbelief_n have_v do_v he_o send_v his_o apostle_n with_o a_o miraculous_a power_n as_o convince_a as_o his_o own_o appearance_n can_v have_v be_v and_o all_o thing_n consider_v the_o jew_n afford_v we_o as_o full_a evidence_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o oppose_v it_o as_o they_o can_v have_v do_v by_o their_o compliance_n with_o it_o and_o since_o we_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o divine_a veracity_n the_o certainty_n be_v the_o same_o whether_o the_o witness_n be_v more_o or_o few_o because_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o the_o same_o whatever_o the_o mean_n be_v by_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o it_o chap._n xxvii_o of_o the_o forty_o day_n in_o which_o christ_n remain_v upon_o earth_n after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o ascension_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v certify_v his_o disciple_n of_o his_o resurrection_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o give_v they_o many_o infallible_a proof_n of_o it_o or_o else_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v infallible_o prove_v and_o that_o which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o he_o be_v see_v by_o they_o not_o once_o but_o often_o not_o for_o a_o short_a time_n or_o at_o a_o hasty_a interview_n but_o for_o forty_o day_n together_o and_o then_o he_o perform_v the_o common_a action_n of_o humane_a life_n he_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o and_o discourse_v with_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n relate_v to_o his_o kingdom_n to_o who_o also_o he_o show_v himself_o alive_a after_o his_o passion_n by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n act_n i_o 3._o that_o which_o i_o here_o design_n be_v to_o make_v some_o observation_n upon_o the_o conversation_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v with_o his_o disciple_n during_o the_o forty_o day_n between_o his_o resurrection_n and_o his_o ascension_n and_o upon_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o leave_v they_o when_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n 2._o the_o scripture_n acquaint_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n be_v see_v of_o his_o disciple_n forty_o day_n or_o that_o he_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o time_n which_o he_o remain_v upon_o earth_n after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o in_o what_o manner_n all_o that_o time_n be_v spend_v with_o they_o we_o be_v not_o where_o tell_v which_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o of_o his_o former_a life_n be_v conceal_v from_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o in_o the_o plain_a and_o sincere_a manner_n in_o the_o world_n to_o inform_v we_o of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n we_o have_v nothing_o take_v notice_n of_o for_o ostentation_n nor_o for_o ornament_n but_o many_o thing_n omit_v in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v think_v needful_a in_o humane_a author_n to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a history_n we_o have_v no_o more_o mention_v of_o his_o parentage_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v descend_v from_o david_n and_o bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v of_o he_o when_o he_o be_v bear_v we_o read_v that_o the_o shepherd_n and_o the_o wiseman_n come_v to_o worship_v he_o that_o he_o be_v circumcise_a that_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v present_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o be_v carry_v into_o egypt_n to_o avoid_v herod_n cruelty_n and_o hereby_o know_v prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v afterward_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o nazareth_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n and_o from_o that_o time_n we_o read_v no_o more_o of_o he_o till_o the_o twelve_o year_n of_o his_o age_n when_o he_o dispute_v with_o the_o doctor_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o then_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o go_v down_o to_o nazareth_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o mother_n and_o to_o joseph_n and_o in_o general_a term_n that_o he_o increase_v in_o wisdom_n and_o stature_n and_o in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man_n as_o it_o be_v before_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o grow_v and_o wax_v strong_a in_o spirit_n fill_v with_o wisdom_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o he_o luke_n two_o 40_o 52._o the_o next_o time_n we_o read_v any_o thing_n of_o he_o be_v when_o he_o be_v about_o thirty_o year_n of_o age_n and_o come_v to_o john_n to_o be_v baptise_a thus_o not_o only_o during_o his_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n there_o be_v little_o relate_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o his_o ripe_a year_n be_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n in_o all_o which_o time_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v no_o speech_n or_o action_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o person_n but_o what_o well_o deserve_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o that_o know_v he_o and_o be_v more_o worthy_a of_o mention_n in_o history_n than_o all_o the_o renown_a adventure_n and_o exploit_n or_o than_o the_o wise_a or_o witty_a say_n which_o adorn_v the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a among_o the_o son_n of_o men._n but_o modesty_n humility_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n be_v some_o of_o the_o great_a and_o useful_a doctrine_n in_o which_o he_o come_v to_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o he_o can_v not_o do_v this_o more_o effectual_o than_o by_o his_o own_o example_n in_o lead_v a_o mean_a and_o obscure_a life_n little_o know_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n till_o two_o or_o three_o year_n before_o he_o be_v to_o leave_v it_o by_o a_o cruel_a and_o infamous_a death_n he_o do_v not_o choose_v to_o spend_v his_o time_n in_o place_n of_o public_a resort_v and_o converse_v and_o when_o he_o dispute_v in_o the_o temple_n yet_o nothing_o of_o the_o particular_n be_v mention_v this_o obscure_a and_o unknown_a person_n be_v to_o rebuke_v and_o control_v the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o popular_a scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o after_o he_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n very_o much_o of_o his_o life_n be_v spend_v in_o privacy_n and_o retirement_n not_o many_o of_o his_o discourse_n be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o action_n be_v omit_v for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v all_o write_v and_o describe_v in_o their_o several_a circumstance_n many_o volume_n must_v have_v be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o narrative_a of_o they_o insomuch_o that_o st._n john_n suppose_v that_o even_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o have_v contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v write_v joh._n xxi_o 25._o that_o be_v as_o we_o may_v express_v it_o in_o our_o language_n he_o do_v a_o world_n of_o thing_n more_o than_o these_o which_o be_v relate_v of_o he_o and_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n st._n james_n say_v that_o the_o tongue_n be_v a_o world_n of_o iniquity_n jam._n iii._o 6._o the_o meaning_n of_o st._n john_n be_v that_o hardly_o any_o word_n can_v express_v how_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n beside_o those_o which_o he_o have_v set_v down_o christ_n may_v have_v employ_v some_o accurate_a historian_n to_o compose_v the_o annal_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n with_o the_o great_a exactness_n imaginable_a but_o he_o be_v please_v to_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o world_n very_o imperfest_o by_o such_o as_o know_v nothing_o of_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o write_a history_n any_o far_a than_o to_o be_v able_a to_o tell_v the_o strict_a and_o necessary_a truth_n the_o