i_o find_v it_o be_v yea_o flat_o deny_v by_o aben_n ezra_n and_o pererius_n and_o late_o by_o hobbs_n and_o spinosa_n a_o very_a little_a portion_n of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o say_v monsieur_n simon_n who_o have_v a_o new_a notion_n of_o certain_a public_a scribe_n or_o register_n that_o pen_v this_o and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o sort_n of_o abbreviate_a notary_n he_o borrow_v from_o the_o egyptian_n as_o he_o confess_v himself_o because_o there_o be_v such_o officer_n in_o the_o egyptian_a court_n who_o have_v a_o privilege_n to_o add_v to_o or_o take_v away_o from_o to_o amplify_v or_o abridge_v the_o public_a record_n he_o thence_o groundless_o infer_v there_o be_v such_o among_o the_o jew_n who_o make_v what_o alteration_n they_o please_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n which_o paradox_n of_o his_o i_o have_v consider_v and_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o in_o a_o former_a treatise_n this_o i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o 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supplement_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o judge_n samuel_n the_o king_n chronicle_n ezra_n which_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o chronicle_n nehemiah_n esther_n the_o author_n stile_n composure_n matter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n discuss_v a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o penman_n subject_n kind_n title_n poetic_a meter_n and_o rhythm_n of_o the_o psalm_n next_o unto_o this_o be_v that_o excellent_a history_n write_v by_o joshua_n the_o captain_n general_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o moses_n famous_a successor_n who_o very_a name_n without_o doubt_n be_v as_o terrible_a to_o the_o canaanite_n as_o those_o of_o hunniades_n and_o scanderbag_n be_v afterward_o to_o the_o turk_n here_o he_o admirable_o describe_v the_o holy_a war_n the_o martial_a achievement_n and_o stratagem_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n against_o those_o nation_n who_o land_n they_o be_v to_o possess_v and_o at_o length_n their_o victory_n over_o they_o here_o be_v very_o particular_o set_v down_o their_o 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of_o mere_a fiction_n whence_o 10._o eusebius_n complain_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o mere_a fable_n in_o the_o greek_a history_n if_o they_o may_v be_v call_v history_n before_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o olympiad_n that_o famous_a greek_a epoch_n or_o computation_n which_o begin_v from_o the_o instauration_n of_o the_o olympic_a game_n by_o iphitus_n but_o when_o this_o be_v be_v not_o very_o clear_a for_o some_o say_v it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o azariab_n king_n of_o judah_n above_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o solomon_n other_o say_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o vzziah_n king_n of_o judah_n a._n m._n 3173._o other_o fix_v it_o a._n m._n 3189_o eight_o year_n before_o the_o birth_n of_o romulus_n and_o remus_n four_o hundred_o and_o seven_o year_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o troy_n other_o place_n the_o olympiad_n low_a about_o a._n m._n 3228_o other_o a._n m._n 3256_o about_o seven_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n before_o christ._n varro_n 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that_o those_o that_o come_v after_o they_o take_v from_o they_o and_o that_o these_o sacred_a write_n yield_v matter_n to_o those_o other_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o pagan_a historian_n philosopher_n and_o poet_n be_v behold_v to_o the_o scripture_n second_o i_o will_v prove_v it_o from_o the_o way_n of_o communicate_v those_o scriptural_a truth_n and_o history_n to_o they_o 1._o this_o happen_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o commerce_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v with_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n chaldean_n phaenician_o egyptian_n and_o other_o especial_o in_o king_n solomon_n time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a commerce_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o these_o latter_a and_o then_o it_o be_v probable_a the_o egyptian_n learn_v many_o thing_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o solomon_n marry_v a_o wife_n thence_o so_o it_o be_v likely_a they_o affect_v some_o of_o the_o rite_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o people_n and_o espouse_v their_o custom_n and_o usage_n together_o 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jerusalem_n i_o have_v set_v it_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o nation_n ch._n 5._o v._n 5._o second_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v disperse_v over_o all_o the_o world_n by_o divine_a providence_n have_v a_o opportunity_n of_o communicate_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o gentile_n the_o main_a body_n of_o they_o be_v send_v into_o assyria_n and_o babylon_n by_o nehuchadnezzar_n where_o they_o have_v converse_v with_o those_o â—_z seventy_o year_n and_o a_o part_n of_o they_o be_v carry_v at_o the_o same_o time_n into_o egypt_n with_o jeremiah_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o they_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o holy_a write_n which_o be_v then_o extant_a and_o out_o of_o they_o they_o daily_o impart_v the_o passage_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o noah_n flood_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n and_o other_o the_o like_a particular_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n afterward_o when_o they_o be_v beat_v by_o pompey_n and_o make_v slave_n they_o be_v carry_v captive_a into_o egypt_n syria_n greece_n rome_n beside_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n some_o have_v free_o leave_v their_o country_n and_o go_v into_o egypt_n to_o make_v proselyte_n there_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o scatter_v into_o these_o foreign_a country_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o people_n in_o these_o part_n attain_v to_o some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n and_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o must_v needs_o hear_v and_o learn_v something_o of_o those_o matter_n converse_v familiar_o with_o the_o jew_n 3._o the_o jewish_a notion_n and_o custom_n may_v easy_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o gentile_n see_v moses_n write_n be_v translate_v into_o greek_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n if_o not_o before_o it_o as_o 3._o eusebius_n report_v from_o megasibenes_n a_o man_n well_o skill_v in_o history_n and_o who_o
christ_n into_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v expound_v by_o that_o infallible_a interpreter_n ephes._n 4._o 8._o wherefore_o he_o say_v when_o he_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n which_o refer_v to_o the_o abovesaid_a psalm_n but_o be_v apply_v to_o christ_n ascension_n by_o the_o apostle_n here_o the_o 45th_o psalm_n be_v original_o a_o song_n of_o love_n a_o epithalamium_n on_o the_o nuptial_n of_o king_n solomon_n and_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n daughter_n but_o in_o a_o remote_a and_o mystical_a sense_n it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o the_o admirable_a benefit_n which_o accrue_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o many_o other_o psalm_n may_v be_v produce_v wherein_o the_o double_a sense_n beforementioned_a be_v clear_o to_o be_v discern_v to_o proceed_v though_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o canticle_n be_v in_o its_o literal_a capacity_n no_o other_o than_o solomon_n wedding-song_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o in_o the_o more_o sublime_a acception_n of_o it_o as_o a_o dialogue_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n set_v forth_o all_o those_o divine_a amour_n which_o be_v mutual_o experience_v by_o they_o and_o that_o this_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n call_v the_o song_n of_o solomon_n be_v of_o a_o high_a strain_n than_o the_o bare_a letter_n import_v and_o that_o it_o contain_v great_a mystery_n and_o abstrusity_n in_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o that_o extraordinary_a reverence_n which_o the_o jew_n pay_v to_o this_o book_n for_o cantic_a origen_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o beginning_n of_o genesis_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o be_v read_v by_o they_o till_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o some_o maturity_n of_o year_n i_o come_v next_o to_o the_o evangelical_n prophet_n isaiah_n who_o have_v many_o thing_n concern_v christ_n and_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n or_o church_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o some_o of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o and_o literal_a sense_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v interpret_v otherwise_o yea_o the_o learned_a grotius_n and_o hammond_n be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o that_o famous_a prophecy_n in_o isa._n 7._o 14._o behold_v a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n and_o shall_v call_v â—is_n name_v immanuel_n have_v a_o double_a sense_n the_o word_n literal_o and_o primary_o respect_v a_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a birth_n in_o those_o very_a day_n secondary_o and_o mystical_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v miraculous_o of_o a_o virgin_n whether_o this_o opinion_n be_v true_a or_o no_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o mystical_a mean_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o literal_a or_o rather_o as_o i_o say_v before_o it_o may_v be_v more_o expressive_a to_o say_v a_o secondary_a mean_v be_v add_v to_o the_o primary_n one_o in_o sundry_a passage_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o not_o only_o in_o this_o prophet_n but_o in_o jeremiaâ—_n and_o ezekiel_n concern_v the_o former_a of_o these_o the_o jewish_a historian_n have_v these_o word_n 6._o jeremiah_n say_v he_o in_o his_o book_n foretell_v the_o captivity_n which_o the_o israelite_n be_v to_o undergo_v in_o babylon_n which_o be_v just_a then_o approach_v and_o also_o the_o slaughter_n and_o destruction_n which_o we_o of_o this_o age_n have_v see_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a sense_n according_a to_o this_o learned_a writer_n in_o some_o of_o this_o prophet_n prediction_n yea_o there_o be_v a_o double_a literal_a or_o historical_a sense_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o i_o assert_v before_o whence_o you_o see_v i_o have_v reason_n to_o make_v the_o distinction_n of_o a_o first_o and_o a_o second_o mean_v of_o scripture_n rather_o than_o of_o a_o literal_a and_o a_o mystical_a though_o i_o bring_v the_o mystical_a mean_v when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o under_o the_o second_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o prophet_n when_o we_o find_v he_o relate_v strange_a thing_n act_v in_o vision_n and_o dream_n which_o be_v thing_n only_o imaginary_a and_o represent_v to_o the_o fancy_n we_o must_v not_o think_v they_o true_a in_o a_o strict_a literal_a sense_n for_o they_o be_v only_o or_o most_o common_o do_v in_o appearance_n and_o many_o time_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o real_a performance_n as_o they_o be_v relate_v and_o describe_v but_o we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o enigmatical_a representation_n and_o to_o fix_v only_o a_o mystical_a sense_n upon_o they_o that_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o as_o significative_a of_o some_o great_a and_o high_a thing_n than_o they_o represent_v in_o themselves_o which_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n why_o among_o the_o jew_n those_o that_o have_v not_o arrive_v to_o some_o considerable_a age_n ezek._n be_v not_o allow_v to_o read_v the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o ezekiel_n in_o which_o part_n chief_o those_o more_o mystical_a vision_n be_v insert_v i_o may_v pass_v to_o the_o other_o prophet_n and_o mention_v some_o place_n in_o which_o we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v a_o secondary_a mean_v as_o in_o that_o of_o daniel_n chap._n 9_o 27._o for_o the_o overspread_n of_o abomination_n or_o with_o the_o wing_n or_o 8._o army_n of_o abomination_n he_o shall_v make_v it_o desolate_a which_o be_v mean_v without_o doubt_n of_o antiochus_n desolate_v army_n which_o be_v so_o abominable_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o who_o as_o we_o read_v 54._o set_v up_o the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n upon_o the_o altar_n but_o yet_o our_o saviour_n himself_o the_o best_a expositor_n of_o the_o place_n le_fw-fr we_o we_o know_v that_o this_o be_v mean_v also_o in_o a_o prophetical_a and_o secondary_a way_n of_o the_o roman_a army_n that_o sit_v down_o before_o jerusalem_n and_o after_o a_o long_a siege_n make_v their_o way_n into_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o so_o may_v be_v say_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n 15._o when_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n say_v he_o speak_v of_o by_o daniel_n the_o prophet_n stand_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n then_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v manifest_a therefore_o that_o daniel_n speak_v of_o both_o these_o destroy_a army_n his_o word_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o twofold_a sense_n a_o primary_n and_o secondary_a one_o in_o the_o former_a they_o speak_v of_o what_o happen_v to_o the_o jew_n when_o antiochus_n army_n invade_v they_o in_o the_o latter_a they_o speak_v of_o what_o befall_v they_o when_o titus_n vespasian_n come_v against_o they_o and_o destroy_v their_o city_n and_o nation_n this_o be_v the_o double_a sense_n and_o therefore_o you_o may_v observe_v what_o our_o saviour_n insert_v whoso_o read_v let_v he_o understand_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v when_o you_o read_v that_o passage_n in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n you_o be_v to_o understand_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o it_o you_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o hide_a sense_n in_o those_o word_n they_o speak_v not_o only_o of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o antiochus_n but_o in_o vespasian_n reign_n which_o be_v about_o 250_o year_n after_o the_o abominable_a desolate_v army_n of_o both_o be_v here_o mean_v you_o see_v then_o here_o be_v a_o double_a literal_a sense_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o i_o choose_v rather_o the_o division_n of_o the_o scripture-sense_n into_o primary_n and_o secondary_a and_o of_o this_o latter_a into_o historical_a and_o mystical_a than_o that_o receive_v one_o of_o literal_a and_o mystical_a because_o both_o the_o sense_n sometime_o may_v be_v literal_a this_o aught_o to_o be_v careful_o observe_v by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v desirous_a to_o attain_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o attend_v to_o this_o that_o have_v often_o hinder_v man_n due_a apprehension_n of_o several_a text_n we_o see_v here_o in_o the_o instance_n before_o we_o that_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o text_n in_o daniel_n may_v be_v apply_v both_o to_o the_o syrian_a and_o the_o roman_a army_n i_o may_v produce_v those_o word_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o hosea_n out_o of_o egypt_n have_v i_o call_v my_o son_n ch_z 11._o 1._o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o of_o the_o patriarch_n of_o old_a god_n child_n or_o son_n be_v bring_v by_o god_n out_o of_o egypt_n but_o of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n call_v out_o thence_o after_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n matth._n 2._o 15._o this_o place_n of_o hosea_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o both_o hither_o may_v be_v refer_v some_o other_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o new_a where_o it_o be_v say_v this_o be_v do_v that_o it_o may_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v
because_o adam_n may_v have_v more_o child_n than_o cain_n and_o his_o wife_n though_o they_o be_v not_o mention_v and_o these_o child_n may_v have_v son_n and_o daughter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o mankind_n be_v then_o considerable_o increase_v he_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n who_o know_v not_o this_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v suppose_v other_o be_v touch_v upon_o only_a and_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v full_o set_v down_o and_o sometime_o repeat_v i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v do_v though_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o at_o all_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n and_o those_o very_a considerable_a as_o the_o creation_n of_o angel_n the_o covenant_n enter_v into_o between_o god_n and_o our_o first_o parent_n the_o celebrate_n of_o the_o seven_o day_n the_o institute_v of_o sacrifice_n and_o such_o like_a be_v omit_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n and_o when_o you_o observe_v that_o moses_n in_o the_o six_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n and_o those_o but_o brief_a one_o comprise_v the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o creation_n to_o the_o flood_n i._n e._n the_o transaction_n of_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o upward_a you_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o vast_a numâ—er_n of_o passage_n which_o happen_v in_o that_o time_n be_v whole_o leave_v out_o this_o in_o part_n we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o some_o particular_a thing_n be_v mention_v that_o refer_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o we_o find_v they_o not_o name_v there_o as_o enoch_n prophecy_n concern_v the_o last_o judgement_n be_v speak_v of_o by_o st._n jude_n ver_fw-la 14._o but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o it_o in_o that_o place_n of_o genesis_n which_o speak_v of_o he_o the_o particular_a person_n that_o withstand_v moses_n viz._n jannes_n and_o jambres_n be_v mention_v in_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 8._o but_o their_o name_n be_v not_o set_v down_o in_o exodus_fw-la which_o be_v the_o proper_a place_n for_o they_o the_o famous_a contra_v of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a angel_n about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n i._n e._n the_o bury_n of_o it_o be_v record_v by_o st._n jude_n ver_fw-la 9_o but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o it_o in_o deut._n 34._o where_o there_o be_v particular_a mention_n of_o his_o bury_n ver_fw-la 6._o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o many_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o those_o time_n concern_v which_o moses_n write_v or_o whosoever_o it_o be_v that_o make_v a_o supplement_n to_o his_o write_n which_o be_v not_o record_v nor_o be_v we_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o sacred_a history_n for_o this_o for_o if_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o a_o historian_n as_o one_o who_o be_v such_o acquaint_v we_o halicarn_n to_o know_v what_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o history_n and_o what_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v pass_v in_o silence_n to_o know_v from_o whence_o to_o take_v his_o beginning_n and_o how_o far_o he_o be_v to_o go_v certain_o moses_n who_o be_v skilled_a in_o all_o other_o learning_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o who_o moreover_o be_v a_o inspire_a person_n know_v what_o belong_v to_o this_o part_n of_o a_o historian_n insert_v into_o the_o pentateuch_n those_o thing_n only_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n think_v fit_a to_o be_v commit_v to_o writing_n and_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v exceed_v numerous_a be_v pass_v by_o but_o though_o they_o be_v so_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n whole_o to_o disbelieve_v they_o but_o where_o they_o be_v fair_o intimate_v or_o suppose_v in_o the_o sacred_a history_n we_o ought_v to_o credit_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v particular_o and_o express_o mention_v thus_o in_o the_o present_a case_n though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o record_v in_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n that_o there_o be_v any_o more_o person_n at_o that_o time_n on_o the_o earth_n than_o those_o four_o yet_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n because_o we_o know_v that_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n be_v very_o short_a and_o contract_v and_o be_v wont_a to_o leave_v out_o several_a considerable_a thing_n which_o we_o of_o ourselves_o may_v gather_v and_o infer_v from_o what_o be_v in_o express_a term_n set_v down_o there_o may_v then_o be_v and_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o there_o be_v more_o people_n in_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n than_o those_o who_o name_n we_o meet_v with_o moses_n give_v we_o but_o two_o genealogy_n one_o of_o cain_n the_o other_o of_o seth_n but_o it_o be_v likely_a there_o be_v some_o other_o descent_n whereby_o adam_n race_n be_v increase_v and_o multiply_v wherefore_o notwithstanding_o the_o samll_a number_n of_o person_n name_v by_o this_o writer_n it_o be_v rational_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o live_v on_o the_o earth_n we_o read_v present_o after_o ver_fw-la 17._o that_o cain_n build_v a_o city_n which_o will_v employ_v a_o considerable_a number_n of_o man_n yea_o though_o we_o suppose_v it_o to_o consist_v of_o some_o rude_a and_o slight_a structure_n and_o wall_v perhaps_o with_o mud._n this_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o number_n of_o person_n be_v great_a than_o the_o objector_n imagine_v beside_o cain_n and_o his_o wife_n there_o may_v be_v many_o other_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o adam_n and_o there_o may_v be_v many_o son_n of_o abel_n who_o this_o murderer_n may_v just_o fear_v will_v avenge_v their_o father_n blood_n wherefore_o cain_n have_v reason_n to_o say_v every_o one_o that_o find_v i_o shall_v slay_v i_o but_o sâ—condly_o not_o grant_v but_o only_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v thâ—n_o no_o more_o person_n in_o the_o world_n than_o adam_n and_o eve_n and_o their_o ungracious_a son_n cain_n and_o his_o wife_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v that_o he_o cry_v out_o every_o one_o that_o find_v mâ—_n etc._n etc._n for_o this_o be_v to_o be_v think_v of_o that_o his_o guilty_a conscience_n be_v able_a to_o make_v more_o man_n in_o the_o world_n than_o there_o be_v this_o vile_a murderer_n may_v be_v afraid_a of_o his_o life_n although_o wâ—_n shall_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n to_o take_v it_o away_o thâ—_n inward_a fear_n and_o horror_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n can_v present_v those_o thing_n to_o his_o imagination_n which_o real_o be_v not_o and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a if_o he_o fancy_v every_o where_o assassin_n and_o murderer_n as_o the_o just_a recompeâ—sers_n of_o that_o innocent_a and_o righteous_a blood_n which_o he_o have_v most_o barbarous_o spill_v it_o be_v weak_o say_v by_o some_o in_o behalf_n of_o cain_n that_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o kill_v his_o â—â—other_n although_o he_o purpose_v to_o do_v he_o some_o harâ—_n because_o aâ—_n error_n one_o represent_v their_o opinion_n he_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o kill_v or_o no_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o mortality_n have_v never_o see_v a_o example_n of_o it_o but_o though_o he_o have_v not_o see_v such_o a_o example_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v thence_o that_o he_o understand_v not_o what_o death_n or_o kill_v be_v for_o than_o it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v say_v that_o adam_n know_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o god_n word_n when_o he_o say_v to_o he_o thou_o shall_v die_v 〈◊〉_d death_n bâ—causâ—_n at_o that_o time_n he_o have_v no_o example_n of_o it_o before_o his_o eye_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v that_o â—hâ—re_n be_v example_n of_o it_o though_o not_o in_o his_o own_o kind_n for_o it_o be_v likely_a he_o daily_o behold_v his_o father_n adam_n slay_v of_o sheep_n or_o other_o animal_n in_o order_n to_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o they_o for_o sacrifice_v be_v the_o first_o worship_n in_o the_o world_n and_o he_o see_v his_o brother_n abel_n do_v the_o like_a as_o be_v express_o record_v in_o this_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o offer_v the_o firstling_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o of_o the_o fat_a thereof_o ver_fw-la 4._o which_o he_o can_v not_o do_v without_o kill_v they_o fâ—rst_o so_o that_o cain_n have_v a_o example_n of_o kill_v and_o death_n just_a before_o he_o practise_v the_o same_o on_o his_o brother_n yea_o perhaps_o â—he_v one_o suggest_v to_o he_o the_o other_o and_o be_v enrage_v with_o anger_n against_o his_o brother_n he_o resolve_v that_o he_o shall_v fall_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o his_o fury_n and_o this_o bloody_a fact_n of_o he_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o excuse_n because_o it_o be_v the_o product_n of_o perfect_a malice_n as_o appear_v from_o that_o account_n
contain_v and_o here_o be_v those_o choice_a material_n which_o no_o other_o history_n furnish_v we_o with_o but_o i_o shall_v be_v endless_a if_o i_o shall_v enlarge_v here_o by_o particularise_v therefore_o i_o will_v not_o launch_v out_o but_o only_o commend_v to_o the_o reader_n the_o learned_a endeavour_n of_o strigelius_n in_o his_o commentary_n on_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n king_n chronicle_n where_o he_o will_v be_v ample_o convince_v of_o the_o unparalleled_a diversity_n multiplicity_n and_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o historical_a example_n in_o scripture_n the_o ancient_a poetry_n be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o as_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o historian_n so_o he_o be_v the_o first_o poet_n that_o be_v extant_a a_o proof_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o that_o eucharistick_a song_n which_o he_o compose_v upon_o his_o pass_v the_o red_a sea_n and_o be_v record_v in_o exod._n 15._o a_o admirable_a hymn_n it_o be_v and_o in_o hexameter_n verse_n if_o 14._o josephus_n may_v be_v judge_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o if_o a_o christian_a father_n may_v be_v credit_v who_o have_v more_o hebrew_n than_o most_o of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n yea_o more_o than_o all_o of_o they_o except_o origen_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v true_a or_o no_o this_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o piece_n of_o poetry_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v the_o priority_n of_o this_o of_o moses_n for_o orpheus_n who_o be_v reckon_v by_o the_o pagan_n as_o the_o first_o poet_n be_v according_a to_o the_o most_o favourable_a computation_n of_o some_o of_o their_o historian_n three_o hundred_o year_n after_o moses_n and_o homer_n be_v towards_o six_o hundred_o beside_o this_o divine_a hymn_n there_o be_v other_o ancient_a one_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n record_v in_o the_o same_o authentic_a write_n viz._n deborah_n song_n judg._n 5._o which_o have_v many_o noble_a flight_n of_o poetry_n and_o that_o of_o hannah_n the_o mother_n of_o samuel_n 1_o sam._n 2._o 1_o etc._n etc._n which_o have_v excellent_a poetic_a rapture_n and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n i_o will_v offer_v this_o conjecture_n that_o perhaps_o from_o miriam_n bear_n her_o part_n in_o moses_n song_n exod._a 15â—_n 20_o 21._o and_o from_o these_o other_o woman_n poetic_a inspiration_n which_o come_v to_o be_v celebrate_v among_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n the_o poet_n who_o as_o i_o have_v large_o show_v elsewhere_o have_v frequent_a reference_n to_o the_o old_a testament_n take_v occasion_n to_o report_v that_o poetry_n be_v of_o female_a extraction_n and_o that_o calliope_n one_o of_o that_o sex_n be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o faculty_n other_o famous_a instance_n there_o be_v here_o of_o this_o sacred_a art_n as_o david_n incomparable_a elegy_n on_o the_o death_n of_o saul_n and_o jonathan_n 2_o sam._n 1._o 16_o etc._n etc._n that_o gratulatory_a hymn_n in_o the_o 12_o chapter_n of_o isaiah_n hezekiah_n song_n of_o praise_n in_o the_o 38th_o of_o the_o same_o prophet_n habakkuk_n lofty_a description_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o greatness_n in_o poetic_a number_n chap._n 3._o the_o style_n of_o which_o be_v far_o more_o sublime_a and_o majestic_a than_o any_o of_o orpheus_n or_o pindar_n ode_n i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n of_o skill_n and_o that_o have_v a_o right_a poetic_a genius_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o true_a and_o as_o there_o be_v these_o single_a hymn_n and_o song_n so_o there_o be_v just_a poem_n for_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v six_o that_o be_v compose_v and_o write_v in_o verse_n viz._n the_o book_n of_o job_n the_o psalm_n proverb_n ecclesiaste_n canticle_n lamentation_n as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o hebrew_n poesy_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o verse_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n the_o learned_a 21._o mersennus_n and_o other_o have_v give_v we_o some_o account_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v very_o short_a and_o mean_a and_o much_o of_o it_o be_v mere_a 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viz._n that_o the_o psalm_n and_o other_o piece_n of_o hebrew_n poetry_n be_v always_o rhythmical_a necessary_o infer_v a_o great_a many_o fault_n and_o mistake_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o suppose_v several_a place_n to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o mangle_a for_o we_o do_v not_o find_v all_o the_o poetry_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o be_v such_o at_o this_o day_n and_o consequent_o subvert_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v allow_v of_o all_o that_o i_o will_v add_v under_o this_o head_n be_v that_o even_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o first_o and_o ancient_a writer_n be_v poet_n 1_o strabo_n undertake_v to_o show_v that_o poetry_n be_v before_o prose_n and_o that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o imitation_n of_o that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o first_o philosopher_n write_v in_o verse_n as_o orpheus_n parmenide_n empedocles_n theognis_n phocylides_n etc._n etc._n and_o thence_o as_o sacr._n one_o of_o the_o learnede_a man_n of_o our_o age_n observe_v the_o moral_a precept_n of_o the_o philosopher_n be_v call_v of_o old_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o carmina_fw-la the_o grecian_a oracle_n be_v deliver_v in_o verse_n concern_v the_o agathyrsi_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o aristotle_n that_o their_o law_n be_v all_o in_o metre_n concern_v the_o old_a german_n tacitus_n relate_v that_o their_o very_a record_n and_o annal_n be_v in_o verse_n and_o all_o this_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v in_o emulation_n of_o the_o first_o sacred_a writer_n the_o penman_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o who_o write_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n dictate_v in_o measure_n and_o some_o entire_a book_n be_v altogether_o metrical_a for_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o delight_n as_o well_o as_o profit_v with_o poetry_n let_v we_o join_v music_n it_o be_v of_o so_o near_a affinity_n with_o it_o and_o the_o first_o inventor_n of_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o from_o the_o scripture_n which_o inform_v 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the_o first_o musical_a instrument_n be_v make_v of_o iron_n and_o brass_n the_o metal_n of_o the_o smith_n and_o brasier_n or_o if_o i_o shall_v guess_v it_o a_o downright_a mistake_n of_o tuâ—al_n for_o jubal_n son_n of_o the_o same_o father_n a_o smith_n for_o a_o musician_n or_o that_o it_o be_v suggest_v from_o the_o music_n of_o their_o nameâ—_n tuâ—al_a and_o jubal_n have_v some_o affinity_n in_o the_o sound_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o disprove_v it_o but_o that_o which_o be_v certain_a be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o first_o inventors_n oâ—_n other_o thing_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n so_o particular_o be_v he_o that_o find_v out_o music_n and_o by_o the_o harp_n and_o the_o organ_n all_o other_o musical_a instrument_n be_v mean_v whether_o pulsative_a or_o pneumatick_a and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o the_o
part_n of_o it_o extant_a before_o there_o be_v any_o writer_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o borrow_v from_o other_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o this_o book_n this_o be_v the_o particular_a commendation_n of_o these_o write_n that_o they_o be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o and_o can_v not_o be_v take_v from_o any_o else_o these_o holy_a scripture_n borrow_v from_o none_o unless_o you_o will_v say_v they_o do_v so_o from_o themselves_o as_o the_o 18_o psalm_n be_v take_v out_o of_o 2_o sam._n 22._o or_o this_o out_o of_o that_o the_o evangelist_n borrow_v from_o one_o another_o the_o virgin_n mary_n magnificat_fw-la refer_v in_o several_a place_n of_o it_o to_o hannab_n song_n 1_o sam._n 2_o and_o st._n paul_n take_v some_o thing_n out_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o epbesians_n and_o put_v they_o into_o that_o which_o he_o write_v to_o the_o colossian_n and_o so_o sy_n jude_n may_v be_v say_v to_o borrow_v from_o st._n peter_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o plagiarism_n which_o other_o writer_n be_v guilty_a of_o and_o which_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o their_o want_n and_o defect_n whereas_o the_o holy_a spirit_n supply_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o bible_n both_o with_o matter_n and_o word_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n especial_o and_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v nothing_o at_o second_o hand_n all_o be_v fresh_a and_o new_a thâ—_n thing_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v never_o deliver_v by_o any_o writer_n before_o but_o most_o of_o the_o profane_a historian_n begin_v when_o the_o holy_a history_n be_v just_a end_n and_o herodotus_n himself_o the_o father_n of_o history_n write_v not_o till_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n time_n the_o greeâ—_n historian_n go_v no_o further_a back_n than_o the_o persjan_a eâ—piâ—e_n and_o most_o of_o the_o roman_a history_n take_v not_o its_o rise_n so_o high_a indeed_o the_o egyptian_n boast_v that_o they_o have_v be_v rule_v by_o king_n above_o ten_o 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in_o another_o place_n to_o evince_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v large_o prove_v in_o a_o word_n all_o other_o ancient_a write_n refer_v to_o these_o or_o suppose_v they_o this_o inspire_a volume_n alone_o be_v the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o either_o they_o or_o we_o can_v derive_v any_o truth_n and_o certainty_n and_o as_o there_o be_v the_o ancient_a learning_n so_o there_o be_v all_o learning_n i_o speak_v now_o of_o that_o which_o be_v humane_a and_o be_v reckon_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o rational_a person_n and_o all_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o in_o this_o book_n of_o book_n here_o be_v not_o only_a prose_n but_o verse_n here_o be_v not_o only_a poem_n but_o history_n annal_n chronicle_n here_o be_v thing_n profound_a and_o mystical_a and_o here_o be_v other_o that_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n be_v intelligible_a and_o clear_a here_o be_v prophecy_n vision_n revelation_n for_o even_o in_o the_o narratives_n which_o be_v give_v of_o these_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n serviceable_a to_o promote_v the_o study_n of_o humanity_n here_o be_v proverb_n adage_n emblem_n parable_n apologue_n paradox_n riddle_n and_o here_o be_v also_o plain_a question_n and_o answer_n proposition_n discourse_n sermon_n oration_n letter_n epistle_n colloquy_n debate_n disputation_n here_o be_v maxim_n of_o law_n and_o reason_n rule_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n example_n of_o keen_a wit_n and_o deep_a politic_n matter_n of_o church_n and_o state_n public_a and_o private_a affair_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o subject_n either_o treat_v of_o or_o refer_v unto_o thus_o the_o bible_n be_v excellent_o sit_v to_o entertain_v any_o person_n as_o they_o be_v student_n and_o scholar_n for_o here_o be_v a_o treasury_n of_o all_o good_a letter_n here_o be_v lay_v up_o all_o thing_n that_o conduce_v to_o humane_a knowledge_n porphyrius_n be_v say_v to_o have_v write_v a_o book_n suid._n of_o homer_n philosophy_n wherein_o he_o attempt_v to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v as_o much_o a_o philosopher_n as_o a_o poet_n and_o no_o less_o a_o person_n than_o 16._o maximus_n tyrius_n affirm_v he_o to_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o philosopher_n and_o another_o 2._o grave_a author_n undertake_v to_o show_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o all_o art_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o homer_n work_n this_o be_v say_v by_o his_o admirer_n to_o inhanse_v his_o credit_n and_o repute_v but_o far_o great_a thing_n and_o more_o just_o may_v be_v pronounce_v concern_v these_o famous_a record_n of_o learning_n and_o antiquity_n with_o more_o reason_n may_v we_o maintain_v that_o the_o chief_a art_n and_o invention_n be_v original_o in_o the_o sacred_a volume_n and_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o humane_a learning_n and_o science_n be_v lay_v here_o for_o though_o these_o be_v not_o the_o chief_a thing_n design_v in_o this_o book_n it_o be_v write_v to_o high_a purpose_n yet_o they_o be_v occasional_o intersperse_v every_o where_o and_o a_o studious_a enquirer_n can_v miss_v of_o they_o it_o be_v rational_o and_o undeniable_o to_o be_v infer_v from_o the_o particular_n abovementioned_a though_o many_o more_o may_v have_v be_v add_v that_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o most_o complete_a book_n and_o have_v all_o learning_n in_o it_o this_o true_o deserve_v the_o 〈◊〉_d name_n which_o diodore_n the_o sicilian_a give_v his_o history_n that_o be_v it_o be_v indeed_o a_o library_n a_o universal_a one_o and_o contain_v all_o book_n in_o it_o as_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o be_v person_n of_o several_a condition_n king_n noblemen_z priest_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n so_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v various_a and_o different_a and_o by_o read_v and_o study_v these_o write_n we_o may_v commence_v in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n we_o may_v be_v accomplish_v grammarian_n critic_n chronologer_n historian_n poet_n orator_n disputant_n lawyer_n statesman_n preacher_n prophet_n many_o valuable_a monument_n of_o learning_n have_v be_v lose_v the_o famous_a library_n of_o alexandria_n which_o contain_v six_o or_o seven_o hundred_o thousand_o volume_n and_o that_o of_o constantinople_n which_o consist_v of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o perish_v by_o fire_n and_o the_o work_n of_o varro_n the_o learnede_a man_n of_o all_o the_o roman_n be_v extinct_a and_o many_o other_o may_v be_v reckon_v up_o beside_o those_o that_o historian_n say_v nothing_o of_o but_o have_v the_o scripture_n hacatub_n as_o the_o jew_n right_o call_v it_o by_o way_n of_o eminence_n the_o most_o excellent_a write_n in_o the_o world_n fraught_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o useful_a literature_n we_o may_v afford_v to_o be_v without_o the_o other_o for_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a verity_n that_o if_o we_o have_v the_o bible_n we_o want_v no_o book_n and_o more_o particular_o i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o choice_a antiquity_n be_v to_o be_v find_v here_o a_o pry_a antiquary_n may_v
a_o consequent_a of_o they_o the_o many_o disappointment_n and_o cross_n he_o meet_v with_o the_o various_a judgement_n and_o plague_n which_o be_v inflict_v on_o he_o and_o his_o people_n by_o god_n the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n be_v the_o history_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n under_o the_o reign_v of_o their_o several_a king_n the_o first_o contain_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o life_n of_o david_n and_o his_o death_n the_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n of_o that_o nation_n under_o solomon_n who_o succeed_v he_o his_o erect_n and_o consecrate_v of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n his_o scandalous_a defection_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o sudden_a decay_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n after_o his_o death_n when_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o kingdom_n under_o rehoboam_n who_o reign_v over_o the_o two_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n and_o under_o jeroboam_fw-la who_o be_v king_n over_o the_o other_o ten_o tribe_n that_o revolt_v from_o the_o house_n of_o david_n the_o rest_n of_o it_o be_v spend_v in_o relate_v the_o act_n of_o four_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o eight_o of_o israel_n the_o second_o book_n which_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o king_n be_v a_o relation_n of_o the_o memorable_a act_n of_o sixteen_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o twelve_o of_o israel_n and_o the_o end_n of_o both_o kingdom_n by_o the_o carry_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n captive_a into_o assyria_n by_o salmanasser_n and_o the_o other_o two_o into_o babylon_n by_o nabuchadnezzar_n the_o just_a reward_n of_o that_o people_n idolatry_n and_o impenitency_n after_o so_o many_o favour_n show_v to_o they_o this_o and_o the_o former_a book_n together_o comprehend_v the_o history_n of_o about_o four_o hundred_o year_n the_o chronicle_n or_o journals_n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v the_o fill_v up_o of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o history_n which_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o though_o we_o know_v not_o which_o of_o these_o history_n viz._n of_o the_o king_n or_o the_o chronicle_n i_o speak_v as_o to_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o book_n not_o one_o particular_a passage_n as_o that_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o chronicle_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o cyrus_n which_o may_v be_v add_v afterward_o be_v write_v first_o for_o the_o book_n of_o king_n refer_v to_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n and_o this_o again_o send_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o yet_o this_o we_o see_v that_o this_o of_o the_o chronicle_n be_v more_o full_a and_o ample_a sometime_o than_o that_o of_o the_o king_n what_o be_v leave_v out_o or_o not_o so_o full_o set_v down_o in_o the_o one_o be_v supply_v in_o the_o other_o and_o thence_o these_o book_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n remain_n supplement_n addition_n by_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n the_o first_o book_n of_o chronicle_n relate_v the_o rise_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o entire_a subject_n of_o the_o first_o nine_o chapter_n which_o consist_v whole_o of_o genealogy_n and_o then_o afterward_o most_o punctual_o and_o accurate_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o david_n the_o second_o book_n as_o faithful_o set_v down_o the_o progress_n and_o end_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n even_o to_o the_o year_n of_o their_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n these_o book_n of_o chronicle_n together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o king_n and_o samuel_n make_v up_o the_o best_a and_o choice_a history_n in_o the_o world_n here_o we_o be_v abundant_o furnish_v with_o such_o useful_a notice_n truth_n and_o maxim_n as_o these_o all_o confirm_v by_o note_a and_o illustrious_a example_n and_o such_o instance_n as_o be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a crown_a head_n be_v encircle_v with_o care_n and_o seldom_o find_v rest_n and_o repose_v though_o their_o life_n be_v more_o splendid_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o less_o calamitous_a than_o those_o of_o the_o common_a people_n good_a king_n be_v rare_a and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bad._n the_o best_a king_n have_v their_o fault_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o a_o very_a scandalous_a nature_n there_o be_v little_a piety_n in_o prince_n court_n and_o as_o little_a integrity_n and_o honesty_n the_o people_n be_v easy_o induce_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o governor_n and_o religion_n and_o manner_n too_o often_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o superior_n good_a king_n be_v the_o great_a blessing_n and_o wicked_a one_o be_v the_o great_a curse_n to_o a_o nation_n prince_n mistake_v their_o measure_n when_o they_o either_o disobey_v god_n or_o oppress_v their_o people_n tyrannical_a prince_n procure_v their_o own_o ruin_n the_o sin_n and_o vice_n of_o ruler_n prove_v fatal_a to_o their_o subject_n public_a enormity_n be_v punish_v with_o public_a and_o national_a calamity_n king_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o minister_n they_o choose_v and_o make_v use_n of_o those_o counsel_n that_o be_v found_v in_o religion_n be_v most_o successful_a evil_a counselor_n contrive_v their_o own_o destruction_n war_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o fight_v against_o god_n the_o success_n of_o arm_n depend_v upon_o the_o divine_a blessing_n the_o church_n be_v never_o more_o shock_a then_o under_o bad_a prince_n religion_n and_o reformation_n be_v never_o effectual_o promote_v unless_o the_o great_a one_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o they_o division_n and_o rent_n about_o religion_n have_v immediate_a influence_n on_o secular_a affair_n and_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v the_o state_n be_v so_o too_o the_o revolution_n in_o both_o be_v by_o the_o particular_a disposal_n of_o the_o wise_a over-ruler_n of_o the_o world_n true_a religion_n and_o godliness_n be_v attend_v with_o earthly_a reward_n and_o blessing_n and_o the_o contrary_n bring_v down_o the_o great_a plague_n even_o in_o this_o world_n the_o worst_a time_n afford_v some_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o holy_a religious_a and_o zealous_a men._n whatever_o change_n and_o revolution_n happen_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o church_n of_o god_n remain_v secure_a though_o there_o be_v great_a and_o frequent_a defection_n yet_o there_o never_o be_v a_o total_a extinction_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n the_o church_n be_v impregnable_a this_o rock_n be_v immovable_a and_o many_o other_o proposition_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v of_o great_a service_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o these_o excellent_a history_n ezra_n be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n of_o chronicle_n and_o comprise_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o time_n that_o cyrus_n make_v the_o edict_n for_o their_o return_n until_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n longimanus_fw-la which_o be_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n for_o the_o jew_n return_v from_o babylon_n be_v at_o two_o several_a time_n viz._n first_o in_o the_o day_n of_o cyrus_n the_o first_o perâ—â—an_n monarch_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o zerubbabel_n their_o captain_n and_o jeshua_n their_o high_a priest_n here_o be_v record_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o return_v cyrus_n proclamation_n for_o the_o rebuild_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o lay_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o the_o retard_v of_o the_o work_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o two_o of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n at_o last_o the_o finish_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o darius_n reign_n the_o second_o return_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o artaxerxes_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o ezra_n a_o priest_n who_o have_v be_v a_o courtier_n in_o the_o persian_a court_n and_o be_v send_v into_o judea_n by_o artaxerxes_n in_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n which_o be_v above_o eighty_o year_n after_o the_o first_o return_n in_o cyrus_n time_n to_o expedite_v the_o building_n of_o jerusalem_n this_o pious_a reformer_n observe_v the_o people_n 〈◊〉_d with_o stranger_n and_o infidel_n and_o their_o join_a themselves_o to_o they_o in_o marriage_n proclaim_v a_o solemn_a fast_o and_o pray_v and_o mourn_v and_o lament_v their_o gross_a miscarriage_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n and_o zeal_n exhort_v they_o to_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o way_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o avert_v god_n wrath_n and_o conciliate_v his_o favour_n and_o pardon_n this_o be_v that_o ezra_n who_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n and_o who_o be_v also_o a_o restorer_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o collect_v and_o methodise_v they_o into_o certain_a order_n and_o review_v the_o copy_n and_o amend_v all_o errata_n that_o be_v contract_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n nehemiah_n who_o
omit_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n beside_o that_o this_o evangelist_n in_o the_o entrance_n into_o his_o gospel_n be_v more_o sublime_a and_o soar_v than_o the_o rest_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v represent_v by_o a_o eagle_n assert_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o bold_a heretic_n of_o that_o time_n who_o open_o confront_v that_o doctrine_n and_o in_o other_o place_n of_o his_o write_n he_o have_v a_o peculiar_a strain_n and_o excellency_n which_o mensal_n luther_n express_v thus_o after_o his_o plain_a way_n every_o word_n in_o john_n weigh_v two_o tun_n concern_v the_o evangelist_n i_o may_v note_v this_o that_o though_o they_o do_v not_o all_o of_o they_o set_v down_o the_o very_a individual_a word_n that_o christ_n or_o other_o speak_v for_o we_o see_v that_o sometime_o one_o represent_v they_o in_o term_n different_a from_o the_o rest_n yet_o those_o that_o do_v not_o so_o deliver_v always_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o be_v say_v and_o even_o that_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v sufficient_a and_o concern_v st._n john_n particular_o i_o remark_n this_o that_o see_v he_o be_v the_o last_o of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n i._n e._n he_o write_v his_o gospel_n last_o it_o be_v rational_a upon_o that_o account_n to_o interpret_v the_o other_o evangelist_n by_o he_o namely_o where_o any_o doubt_n or_o controversy_n arise_v for_o he_o have_v peruse_v the_o other_o evangelist_n and_o observe_v what_o exception_n unbelieving_a man_n have_v make_v against_o any_o passage_n in_o their_o write_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o express_v himself_o with_o great_a plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n where_o those_o matter_n be_v concern_v this_o the_o intelligent_a and_o observant_a reader_n will_v find_v to_o be_v true_a if_o he_o consult_v the_o respective_a place_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o give_v a_o particular_a and_o distinct_a survey_n of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o evangelist_n write_n this_o only_o can_v be_v say_v here_o in_o pursuance_n of_o our_o grand_a undertake_n that_o these_o book_n be_v the_o choice_a history_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v because_o they_o contain_v the_o birth_n the_o life_n the_o action_n the_o doctrine_n the_o miracle_n the_o suffering_n the_o death_n the_o resurrection_n the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o most_o compassionate_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n all_o of_o which_o be_v the_o most_o stupendous_a and_o amaze_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o necessary_a matter_n to_o be_v know_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n if_o this_o brief_a and_o summary_n account_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o study_n and_o meditation_n and_o to_o beget_v in_o we_o the_o utmost_a esteem_n of_o they_o nothing_o more_o large_o say_v will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o to_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n belong_v the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o account_n give_v of_o what_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v concern_v in_o viz._n their_o choose_n mathias_n into_o iudas_n room_n their_o meet_v together_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentâ—cost_n at_o which_o time_n they_o be_v all_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o christ_n promise_n visible_o descend_v upon_o they_o their_o determination_n in_o the_o council_n hold_v at_o jerusalem_n with_o their_o letter_n which_o they_o send_v to_o the_o church_n abroad_o and_o several_a other_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v joint_o interest_v this_o book_n contain_v also_o the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o its_o happy_a progress_n and_o success_n especial_o among_o the_o gentile_n of_o the_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n it_o encounter_v with_o of_o the_o undaunted_a courage_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o course_n of_o their_o ministry_n of_o their_o disputation_n conference_n apology_n prayer_n sermon_n worship_n discipline_n church-government_n miracle_n here_o we_o be_v inform_v what_o be_v the_o usage_n of_o the_o first_o apostolical_a age_n in_o a_o word_n here_o we_o may_v find_v the_o primitive_a church_n and_o religion_n all_o which_o be_v plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o singular_a usefulness_n worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o this_o book_n but_o it_o be_v chief_o confine_v to_o the_o act_n and_o achievement_n of_o those_o most_o eminent_a apostles_n st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n and_o especial_o and_o most_o large_o here_o be_v relate_v the_o conversion_n travel_n preach_v and_o suffering_n of_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o for_o st._n â—uke_n be_v st._n paul_n companion_n all_o along_o and_o well_o acquaint_v with_o whatever_o he_o do_v and_o whatsoever_o happen_v to_o he_o give_v we_o the_o full_a narrative_n of_o this_o apostle_n the_o whole_a book_n be_v a_o history_n of_o about_o forty_o year_n namely_o from_o christ_n ascension_n to_o the_o second_o year_n of_o st._n paul_n imprisonment_n at_o rome_n the_o new_a testament_n consist_v likewise_o of_o several_a epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v pious_a discourse_n occasional_o write_v more_o full_o to_o explain_v and_o apply_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o confute_v some_o grow_a error_n to_o compose_v difference_n and_o schism_n to_o reform_v abuse_n and_o corruption_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o christian_n to_o holiness_n and_o to_o encourage_v they_o against_o persecution_n for_o the_o apostle_n have_v convert_v several_a nation_n to_o the_o faith_n when_o they_o can_v not_o visit_v they_o in_o person_n write_v to_o they_o and_o so_o supply_v their_o presence_n by_o these_o epistle_n to_o begin_v with_o st._n paul_n epistle_n they_o be_v write_v either_o to_o whole_a church_n viz._n of_o believe_a gentile_n i._n e._n the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v such_o though_o some_o of_o jewish_a race_n may_v be_v mix_v among_o they_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n corinthian_n galatian_n ephesian_n philippian_n colossian_n thessalonian_n or_o of_o believe_v jew_n whole_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n or_o they_o be_v write_v to_o particular_a person_n as_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n titus_n philemon_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a profound_a discourse_n on_o such_o subject_n as_o these_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o rejection_n notwithstanding_o those_o prerogative_n the_o wonderful_a dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o gentile_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o law_n justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o election_n and_o free_a grace_n the_o conflict_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n christian_a liberty_n scandal_n the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o chief_a thing_n which_o he_o design_n in_o this_o epistle_n be_v to_o show_v that_o neither_o the_o gentile_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o jew_n by_o that_o of_o moses_n can_v attain_v to_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n and_o consequent_o salvation_n but_o that_o these_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v only_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o who_o merit_n alone_o we_o be_v account_v righteous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o then_o to_o show_v that_o this_o faith_n be_v not_o separate_v from_o good_a work_n he_o add_v exhortation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n obedience_n of_o life_n and_o a_o religious_a conversation_n so_o that_o this_o epistle_n be_v both_o doctrinal_a and_o practical_a it_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o notion_n and_o in_o our_o manner_n it_o decide_v some_o of_o the_o great_a controversy_n and_o withal_o it_o inform_v we_o about_o the_o most_o indispensable_a office_n of_o christianity_n the_o next_o epistle_n be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o chief_a city_n of_o peloponneâ—us_n which_o be_v now_o call_v the_o morea_n and_o cenchrea_n which_o you_o read_v of_o rom._n 16._o 1._o act_n 19_o 18._o be_v the_o station_n of_o ship_n for_o this_o maritime_a city_n but_o be_v a_o distinct_a town_n from_o it_o to_o the_o convert_v inhabitant_n of_o this_o great_a metropolis_n fame_v for_o its_o wealth_n and_o therefore_o surname_v the_o rich_a as_o thucydides_n say_v â—ea_n 1._o to_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o achaia_n the_o apostle_n here_o write_v his_o first_o epistle_n to_o they_o be_v against_o the_o unsound_a persuasion_n and_o vicious_a practice_n which_o he_o observe_v among_o they_o at_o that_o time_n his_o design_n be_v to_o reform_v they_o as_o to_o their_o schism_n and_o dissension_n their_o idolatrous_a communion_n their_o unseemly_a habit_n their_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o their_o assembly_n their_o profane_v the_o lord_n supper_n their_o toleration_n of_o incest_n and_o the_o like_a scandalous_a behaviour_n beside_o there_o be_v other_o considerable_a matter_n which_o he_o treat_v of_o as_o marriage_n divorce_n virginity_n eat_v of_o meat_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n christian_a liberty_n go_v to_o law_n before_o heathen_n
out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n but_o propose_v to_o be_v insert_v there_o afterward_o the_o plain_a answer_n then_o be_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o book_n of_o judge_n together_o with_o that_o of_o joshua_n where_o be_v relate_v the_o particular_n of_o the_o holy_a war_n i._n e._n the_o war_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o the_o infidel_n and_o that_o in_o one_o of_o these_o it_o shall_v be_v particular_o remember_v and_o record_v what_o god_n do_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o in_o the_o brook_n of_o arnon_n etc._n etc._n and_o according_o we_o find_v it_o insert_v in_o the_o forecited_a place_n in_o judge_n thus_o you_o see_v it_o can_v be_v prove_v hence_o that_o the_o church_n have_v lose_v any_o part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n another_o book_n say_v by_o some_o to_o be_v lose_v be_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n mention_v in_o josh._n 10._o 13._o &_o 2_o sam._n 1._o 18._o but_o some_o of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a hebrew_a doctor_n say_v they_o have_v find_v it_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o act_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n jacob_n and_o other_o patriarch_n who_o be_v by_o way_n of_o excellence_n call_v jasherim_n recti_fw-la justi._n but_o sure_o that_o man_n be_v easy_o satisfy_v who_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o this_o dr._n lightfoot_n hold_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o i_o assert_v the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o god_n to_o be_v but_o there_o be_v little_a foundation_n for_o it_o for_o though_o the_o particular_a narrative_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v stand_v still_o be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o jasher_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o text_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o intimation_n that_o all_o ioshua_n war_n or_o the_o war_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v register_v there_o this_o book_n be_v according_a to_o the_o excellent_a 18._o grotius_n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o triumphal_a poem_n in_o which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v for_o the_o verse_n sake_n contract_v into_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o though_o this_o be_v very_o ingenious_a yet_o it_o want_v solidity_n and_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o the_o word_n will_v be_v twice_o mention_v i._n e._n both_o in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n and_o in_o the_o 2d_o book_n of_o samuel_n in_o its_o abbreviate_v form_n the_o learned_a â—_o jewish_a historian_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o bid_v fair_a for_o truth_n who_o â—aith_v by_o this_o book_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v certain_a record_n keep_v in_o some_o safe_a place_n on_o purpose_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o temple_n give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o happen_v among_o the_o jew_n from_o year_n to_o year_n and_o particular_o the_o prodigy_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v stand_v still_o and_o the_o direction_n and_o law_n about_o the_o use_n of_o the_o bow_n i._n e._n set_v up_o of_o archery_n and_o maintain_v military_a exercise_n and_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o the_o title_n give_v to_o these_o jewish_a annal_n be_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n i._n e._n rect_v this_o may_v be_v render_v as_o a_o probable_a reason_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v by_o all_o person_n reckon_v as_o a_o very_a faithful_a and_o authentic_a account_n of_o all_o those_o event_n and_o occurrence_n which_o it_o record_v it_o be_v compose_v with_o great_a uprightness_n and_o truth_n thence_o it_o be_v common_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o iasher_n book_n or_o chronicle_n and_o if_o you_o remember_v that_o jasher_n be_v translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o thâ—_n seventy_o in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o book_n of_o joâ—_a it_o will_v â—urther_o confirm_v what_o i_o say_v and_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o iasher_n book_n be_v as_o much_o as_o a_o true_a book_n a_o book_n that_o be_v not_o counterfeit_v it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o any_o inspire_a person_n but_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o common_a civil_a annal_n and_o consequent_o we_o can_v infer_v hence_o that_o any_o book_n proper_o belong_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i._n e._n that_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v at_o this_o day_n miss_v again_o some_o reckon_v the_o act_n of_o uzziah_n write_v by_o isaiah_n the_o prophet_n 2_o chron._n 26._o 22._o in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o such_o book_n of_o scripture_n as_o be_v lose_v but_o they_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o do_v so_o for_o by_o thoâ—â—_n word_n be_v plain_o mean_v that_o part_n of_o the_o life_n and_o history_n of_o that_o king_n which_o we_o now_o have_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n for_o the_o first_o six_o chapter_n be_v â—_o relation_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o his_o day_n they_o give_v a_o account_n of_o several_a passage_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o state_n in_o that_o king_n reign_n and_o isaiah_n be_v true_o say_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n in_o the_o chronicle_n to_o have_v write_v his_o act_n first_o and_o last_o because_o you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n begin_v at_o the_o day_n of_o uzziah_n v_o 1._o and_o the_o six_o chapter_n relate_v what_o happen_v in_o the_o year_n that_o king_n uzziah_n die_v v_o 1._o so_o that_o something_o of_o what_o be_v first_o and_o last_o in_o his_o time_n be_v here_o record_v this_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o very_a substantial_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o scruple_n about_o that_o place_n also_o some_o will_v infer_v from_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 29._o that_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o extant_a at_o this_o day_n bâ—cause_fw-mi there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o seer_n and_o the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o book_n of_o gad_n the_o seer_n in_o which_o it_o be_v say_v all_o david_n '_o s_z act_n be_v write_v but_o no_o such_o inference_n can_v rational_o be_v make_v only_o this_o we_o gather_v which_o be_v the_o solution_n of_o the_o difficulty_n that_o nathan_n and_o gad_n as_o well_o as_o samuel_n compile_v the_o history_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o this_o last_o and_o because_o it_o be_v make_v by_o they_o all_o three_o therefore_o it_o be_v represent_v here_o as_o three_o different_a book_n but_o the_o true_a account_n be_v that_o those_o two_o book_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o samuel_n be_v write_v partly_o by_o he_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o first_o book_n relate_v thing_n that_o happen_v in_o his_o time_n and_o partly_o by_o nathan_n and_o partly_o by_o gad_n two_o eminent_a prophet_n in_o those_o day_n and_o who_o survive_v samuel_n then_o as_o to_o 2_o chron._n 9_o 29._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o solomon_n act_n be_v write_v not_o only_o in_o the_o book_n hebr._n dibrim_n the_o word_n as_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o day_n of_o nathan_n of_o which_o before_o but_o in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o ahijah_n the_o shilonite_n and_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o iddo_n the_o seer_n which_o last_o be_v call_v midrash_n the_o story_n or_o commentary_n of_o the_o prophet_n iddo_n chap._n 13._o v._n 22._o and_o as_o to_o 2_o chron._n 12._o 15._o where_o we_o read_v also_o of_o this_o book_n of_o iddo_n the_o seer_n and_o of_o shemaiah_n the_o prophet_n in_o which_o it_o be_v say_v rehoboam_n act_n be_v write_v the_o answer_n which_o i_o give_v relate_v to_o these_o book_n in_o brief_a be_v this_o that_o few_o of_o they_o if_o any_o be_v different_a from_o those_o of_o the_o king_n but_o be_v only_o a_o part_n of_o they_o though_o they_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o as_o distinct_a book_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o that_o individual_a part_n of_o the_o story_n viz._n concern_v solomon_n and_o rehoboam_n be_v quote_v which_o these_o particular_a person_n here_o name_v write_v you_o must_v know_v then_o that_o this_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o work_n of_o several_a person_n it_o be_v a_o collection_n make_v by_o sundry_a prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n as_o samuel_n nathan_n gad_n ahijah_n iddo_n shemaiah_n and_o the_o book_n which_o they_o write_v be_v call_v the_o book_n of_o samuel_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o be_v general_o know_v by_o these_o name_n but_o when_o those_o part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v particucular_o insert_v and_o write_v by_o samuel_n himself_o or_o nathan_n etc._n etc._n be_v quote_v or_o refer_v to_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n they_o be_v mention_v as_o distinct_a book_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v distinct_a part_n of_o such_o a_o history_n and_o write_v by_o such_o particular_a person_n who_o altogether_o make_v up_o that_o
demosthenes_n more_o especial_o who_o no_o less_o than_o three_o time_n in_o 1._o one_o oration_n use_v the_o word_n in_o this_o manner_n and_o in_o 1._o another_o place_n once_o or_o twice_o but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o establish_v my_o notion_n already_o by_o what_o i_o have_v produce_v you_o see_v plain_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v not_o absolute_o a_o reference_n to_o a_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o large_a import_n and_o signify_v in_o general_a on_o the_o account_n or_o for_o the_o sake_n and_o more_o especial_o that_o it_o denote_v a_o impulsive_a cause_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o be_v use_v to_o express_v those_o thing_n or_o person_n that_o put_v man_n upon_o action_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o i_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o disprove_v it_o i_o have_v defend_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o classical_a author_n that_o i_o may_v thereby_o obviate_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o inquisitive_a person_n and_o give_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o curious_a and_o make_v my_o exposition_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d more_o clear_a and_o demonstrative_a when_o it_o be_v see_v that_o it_o be_v found_v on_o the_o acception_n of_o that_o preposition_n not_o only_o in_o the_o new-testament_n but_o in_o profane_a author_n and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o i_o may_v render_v my_o whole_a undertake_n on_o that_o text_n the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o the_o learned_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o this_o rank_n of_o person_n i_o devote_v all_o my_o endeavour_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o that_o which_o i_o now_o offer_v to_o the_o world_n be_v more_o especial_o design_v for_o the_o use_v of_o young_a student_n in_o sacred_a learning_n such_o as_o be_v beginner_n and_o candidate_n in_o theology_n though_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v that_o these_o critical_a researche_n will_v â—ot_n be_v useless_a to_o those_o of_o a_o high_a character_n a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o difficult_a chapter_n and_o verse_n in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v explain_v in_o this_o book_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o same_o order_n that_o they_o be_v there_o mention_v ii_o chap._n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o image_n who_o head_n be_v of_o gold_n etc._n etc._n page_n 9_o vii_o chap._n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o four_o beast_n p._n 10_o viii_o chap._n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o ram_n and_o he-goat_n p._n 13_o xi_o gen._n 4._o let_v we_o make_v we_o a_o name_n lest_o we_o scatter_v abroad_o etc._n etc._n p._n 127_o xxxvi_o gen._n 24._o this_o be_v that_o anah_n that_o find_v the_o mule_n in_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n p._n 147_o xv._n judg._n 15_o 16_o 17_o etc._n etc._n concern_v the_o jawbone_n of_o the_o ass_n wherewith_o samson_n slay_v a_o thousand_o men._n p._n 149_o xxxviii_o isai._n 8._o the_o sun_n return_v ten_o degree_n by_o which_o degree_n it_o be_v go_v down_o p._n 200_o xxxiii_o deut._n 17._o where_o joseph_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o ox_n or_o bullock_n and_o why_o p._n 214_o ii_o luke_n 1_o 2._o there_o go_v out_o a_o decree_n from_o caesar_n augustus_n that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v tax_v p._n 352_o ii_o matth._n 2._o we_o have_v see_v his_o star_n in_o the_o east_n vers._n 7._o herod_n inquire_v of_o they_o diligent_o what_o time_n the_o star_n appear_v vers._n 9_o the_o star_n which_o they_o see_v in_o the_o east_n go_v before_o they_o etc._n etc._n vers._n 16._o herod_n slay_v all_o the_o child_n that_o be_v in_o bethlehem_n from_o two_o year_n old_a and_o under_o according_a to_o the_o time_n which_o he_o have_v diligent_o inquire_v of_o the_o wise_a men._n p._n 360_o xxiv_o matth._n the_o former_a part_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o parallel_a chapter_n of_o st._n luke_n viz._n the_o xxi_o p._n 394_o the_o author_n vindication_n of_o his_o interpretation_n of_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 29._o praef._n errata_fw-la page_n 18._o l._n 28._o for_o ahaz_n read_v hezekiah_n p._n 37._o l._n 15._o for_o end_n r._n err_v p._n 99_o l._n 8._o deal_n not_o p._n 151._o l._n 15._o deal_n not_o p._n 212._o l._n 30._o r._n with_o ham._n and_o l._n 26_o 27._o correct_v the_o hebrew_n word_n and_o do_v the_o same_o in_o other_o place_n p._n 227._o l._n 21._o r._n unutterable_a p._n 238._o l._n 11._o r._n on_o p._n 241._o l._n 9_o r._n deus_fw-la be_v p._n 248._o l._n 18._o r._n ex_fw-la aetheris_fw-la l._n ult_n for_o that_o r._n at_o other_o time_n p._n 250._o l._n 17._o r._n martinius_n p._n 255._o l._n 26._o r._n tornare_fw-la p._n 334._o marg._n quotation_n misplace_v p._n 349._o marg._n 3_o last_o line_n put_v apolog._n 2._o add_v senator_n after_o the_o quotation_n sed_fw-la cum_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o put_v b_o before_o adu._n gent._n p._n 363._o l._n 33._o r._n other_o pagan_n p._n 364._o l._n 26._o r._n silver_n lock_n p._n 376._o l._n 11._o deal_n cit_v the_o same_o testimony_n and._n p._n 411._o l._n 7_o &_o 10._o r._n cedrenus_n what_o other_o fault_n have_v escape_v the_o reader_n be_v desire_v to_o correct_v advertisement_n a_fw-la enquiry_n into_o several_a remarkable_a text_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o with_o a_o probable_a resolution_n of_o they_o by_o john_n edward_n b._n d._n in_o two_o volume_n in_o octavo_n sell_v by_o i._o robinson_n i._o everingham_n and_o i._o wyatt_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o ludgate-street_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._n the_o internal_a testimony_n or_o argument_n to_o evince_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n 1._o the_o matter_n of_o they_o that_o be_v the_o sublime_a verity_n the_o holy_a rule_n the_o accomplish_v prophecy_n contain_v in_o they_o under_o which_o last_n topick_n several_a particular_a prediction_n chief_o in_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v explain_v and_o show_v to_o be_v fulfil_v further_o it_o be_v 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which_o the_o scripture_n have_v in_o themselves_o be_v either_o their_o matter_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o write_v they_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o here_o i_o will_v mention_v only_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o the_o sublime_a doctrine_n and_o verity_n which_o be_v in_o holy_a writ_n in_o read_v this_o book_n we_o meet_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o come_v from_o any_o but_o god_n himself_o in_o other_o write_n which_o be_v most_o applaud_v the_o choice_a thing_n which_o entertain_v our_o mind_n be_v the_o excellent_a moral_a notion_n and_o precept_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o we_o which_o be_v all_o the_o result_n of_o improve_v reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n but_o here_o be_v beside_o these_o notice_n of_o a_o peculiar_a nature_n and_o such_o as_o be_v above_o our_o natural_a capacity_n and_o invention_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o be_v represent_v to_o 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serious_a and_o think_v man_n can_v but_o discern_v the_o peculiar_a turn_v and_o singular_a contrivance_n of_o these_o mysterious_a doctrine_n which_o argue_v they_o to_o be_v divine_a we_o may_v therefore_o believe_v the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o of_o the_o wonderful_a height_n and_o sublimity_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o 2._o the_o exact_a purity_n and_o holiness_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o be_v enjoin_v in_o these_o write_n be_v another_o testimony_n of_o their_o be_v divine_o inspire_v for_o though_o some_o other_o book_n dictate_v religion_n and_o piety_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o true_a and_o just_a measure_n of_o they_o be_v take_v original_o from_o this_o one_o exact_a standard_n which_o be_v prior_n to_o they_o all_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o beside_o the_o love_n and_o charity_n the_o humility_n meekness_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n which_o the_o scripture_n describe_v to_o we_o far_o exceed_v the_o most_o advantageous_a representation_n the_o most_o exalt_a idea_n which_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n give_v of_o they_o these_o therefore_o be_v emphatical_o and_o eminent_o call_v by_o st._n paul_n the_o holy_a scripture_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o because_o they_o breathe_v the_o most_o consummate_a goodness_n and_o piety_n and_o that_o antecedent_o to_o all_o write_n whatsoever_o because_o every_o thing_n in_o they_o advance_v holiness_n and_o that_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o they_o be_v to_o promote_v protrept_n sanctity_n of_o life_n to_o make_v we_o every_o way_n better_o and_o even_o to_o render_v we_o *_o like_o god_n himself_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v intend_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o display_v the_o heavenly_a purity_n and_o thereby_o to_o commend_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o with_o sincere_a and_o humble_a mind_n we_o peruse_v this_o book_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v this_o bless_a result_n of_o it_o it_o will_v marvellous_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n especial_o of_o god_n unspotted_a holiness_n it_o will_v tincture_n our_o mind_n with_o religion_n it_o will_v pervade_v all_o our_o faculty_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o godliness_n and_o it_o will_v thorough_o cleanse_v and_o sanctify_v both_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n but_o because_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v more_o of_o this_o when_o i_o treat_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o will_v now_o dismiss_v it_o 3._o to_o the_o matter_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v refer_v the_o prophecios_fw-la and_o prediction_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o these_o i_o reckon_v another_o internal_a argument_n because_o they_o be_v draw_v from_o what_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o very_a scripture_n itself_o what_o a_o vast_a number_n be_v there_o of_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o find_v fulfil_v and_o according_o be_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o scripture_n here_o i_o will_v a_o little_a enlarge_v and_o first_o i_o will_v begâ—n_v with_o that_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o noah_n 27._o god_n shall_v enlarge_v japhet_n and_o he_o shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o shem_n and_o canaan_n shall_v be_v his_o servant_n where_o be_v foretell_v thing_n that_o happen_v above_o two_o thousand_o year_n afterward_o for_o the_o posterity_n of_o japheth_n viz._n the_o european_n especial_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n among_o other_o conquest_n gain_v the_o possession_n of_o judea_n and_o other_o eastern_a country_n which_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o shem._n again_o it_o be_v fulfil_v thus_o by_o christ_n come_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o by_o his_o
nothing_o in_o scripture_n that_o look_v like_o inconsistent_a and_o contradictory_n upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n we_o shall_v discern_v a_o mutual_a correspondence_n in_o the_o style_n matter_n and_o design_n of_o these_o write_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o happy_a concurrence_n of_o circumstance_n and_o a_o admirable_a consistency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discourse_n in_o so_o much_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o upon_o this_o single_a consideration_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o these_o write_n be_v indict_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n this_o harmony_n then_o of_o the_o scripture_n i_o may_v just_o reckon_v among_o the_o inward_a note_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v adjoin_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o which_o be_v of_o the_o very_a intrinsic_a nature_n of_o it_o what_o justinian_n profess_v and_o promise_v concern_v his_o digest_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o clash_v and_o contradictory_n in_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o a_o piece_n be_v true_a only_a of_o the_o sacred_a law_n of_o the_o evangelical_n pandect_v which_o contain_v in_o they_o nothing_o dissonant_n and_o repugnant_a the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v consonant_a to_o themselves_o and_o to_o one_o another_o which_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n opposite_a to_o the_o true_a mean_v which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v reveal_v and_o assert_v in_o another_o the_o content_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n whether_o you_o look_v into_o the_o doctrinal_a or_o historical_a part_n of_o it_o have_v nothing_o contradictory_n in_o they_o all_o the_o author_n of_o it_o agree_v in_o their_o testimony_n and_o assert_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o consent_n among_o themselves_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o lie_n and_o forgery_n that_o they_o hang_v not_o together_o as_o 3._o lactantius_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n have_v observe_v especial_o if_o you_o search_v very_o inquisitive_o and_o narrow_o into_o they_o you_o will_v perceive_v that_o they_o be_v 80._o thin_a and_o slight_a and_o may_v easy_o be_v see_v through_o but_o the_o content_n of_o these_o write_n have_v be_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o and_o with_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n examine_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v every_o way_n consistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o writer_n be_v know_v to_o be_v concurrent_a and_o agree_v all_o wise_a and_o curious_a observer_n must_v needs_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o book_n under_o heaven_n that_o parallel_v the_o scripture_n as_o to_o this_o which_o show_v that_o they_o be_v more_o than_o humane_a write_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o dictate_v and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o assure_v we_o that_o 19_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n they_o be_v from_o god_n they_o be_v not_o of_o private_a interpretation_n they_o be_v not_o from_o man_n invention_n they_o be_v not_o of_o his_o own_o brain_n and_o fancy_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v as_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a oracle_n thus_o 3._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v witness_n to_o itself_o and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o other_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o what_o be_v in_o it_o and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n which_o make_v a_o ancient_a writer_n say_v 7._o we_o have_v complete_a demonstration_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o according_o we_o be_v demonstrative_o assure_v by_o faith_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n therein_o deliver_v which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o humane_a write_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o carry_v no_o such_o native_a mark_n with_o they_o but_o the_o very_a inward_a note_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n create_v in_o we_o a_o certain_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n they_o may_v be_v know_v from_o all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o by_o the_o excellent_a transcendent_a and_o divine_a matter_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o by_o the_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o deliver_v and_o publish_v it_o these_o i_o call_v internal_a proof_n because_o they_o be_v take_v from_o the_o book_n themselves_o because_o they_o be_v something_o that_o we_o find_v there_o these_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v write_v not_o by_o man_n but_o by_o god_n there_o be_v yet_o another_o internal_a testimony_n i_o call_v it_o so_o because_o it_o be_v within_o we_o though_o not_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o now_o i_o add_v that_o this_o spirit_n speak_v in_o we_o and_o work_n in_o our_o heart_n a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o of_o christ_n in_o those_o write_n this_o witness_v power_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v assert_v in_o act_n 5._o 32._o &_o 15._o 7_o 8._o and_o in_o 1_o john_n 5._o 6._o from_o these_o place_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v a_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n join_v with_o our_o conscience_n and_o persuasion_n and_o this_o spirit_n powerful_o convince_v all_o believer_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o testimony_n follow_v immediate_o on_o our_o set_n before_o we_o the_o inward_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v they_o for_o god_n make_v use_v of_o those_o evidence_n and_o argument_n to_o beget_v a_o belief_n in_o we_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n enlighten_v and_o convince_v man_n mind_n by_o those_o mean_n but_o more_o especial_o he_o urge_v these_o evidence_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o religious_a and_o faithful_a and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v no_o enthusiasm_n because_o it_o be_v discover_v to_o we_o by_o proper_a mean_n and_o instrument_n whereas_o that_o be_v without_o any_o and_o be_v general_o accompany_v with_o the_o despise_n of_o they_o but_o the_o evidence_n and_o note_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o reason_n and_o motive_n of_o our_o belief_n only_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v and_o prepare_v and_o sanctify_v our_o mind_n and_o illuminate_v our_o conscience_n and_o cause_v those_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o make_v impression_n upon_o we_o and_o effectual_o to_o prevail_v with_o we_o and_o to_o silence_v all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n witness_v in_o we_o but_o when_o i_o say_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o must_v adjoin_v this_o that_o this_o proof_n serve_v only_o for_o those_o that_o have_v this_o spirit_n it_o may_v establish_v they_o but_o it_o can_v convince_v other_o no_o other_o man_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n by_o the_o spirit_n be_v convince_a i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o beside_o this_o proof_n be_v not_o in_o all_o that_o real_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o book_n some_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o without_o this_o but_o where_o this_o be_v it_o be_v most_o powerful_a and_o convictive_a and_o surpass_v all_o other_o degreâ—_n of_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v no_o such_o câ—tain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o holy_a wâ—_n thing_n as_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d the_o heart_n of_o man_n produce_v there_o in_o a_o ration_n â—_o way_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a 〈◊〉_d our_o faculty_n chap._n ii_o external_n proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scriptureâ—_n viz._n the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o they_o and_o universal_a tradition_n which_o latter_a be_v defend_v against_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o that_o talk_v of_o a_o new_a character_n wherein_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v thâ—_n jewish_a masore_v attest_n the_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v not_o corrupt_v the_o point_n or_o vowel_n be_v coexistent_a with_o the_o letter_n f._n simon_n be_v notion_n of_o abbreviate_a the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n reject_v the_o new_a tement_n vouch_v by_o the_o unanimous_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o
and_o twenty_o after_o the_o number_n of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n and_o 4._o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v these_o express_a word_n read_v these_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n but_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o study_n and_o meditate_v only_o on_o these_o scripture_n which_o we_o confident_o read_v in_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n and_o first_o bishop_n be_v true_a guide_n and_o be_v more_o wise_a and_o religious_a than_o thou_o be_v and_o these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o deliver_v these_o scripture_n to_o we_o thou_o then_o be_v a_o son_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o go_v beyond_o her_o bound_n and_o order_n but_o acknowledge_v and_o study_v only_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n of_o the_o old_a â—â—â—stament_n and_o other_o father_n of_o the_o churâ—â—_n as_o melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n athanasius_n amphiloâ—â—us_n epiphanius_n eusebius_n gregory_n nazianzen_n gâ—â—gory_n the_o great_a basil_n chrysostom_n testify_v that_o 〈◊〉_d book_n and_o no_o other_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o receive_v now_o be_v the_o canonical_a booâ—â—_n of_o old_a and_o receive_v so_o by_o the_o first_o christiâ—â—_n those_o eminent_a light_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n râ—t_n jerom_n hilary_n disow_v as_o uncanonical_a 〈◊〉_d book_n of_o apocrypha_fw-la the_o two_o latter_a especial_o 〈◊〉_d very_o positive_a eustock_n jerom_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o 〈◊〉_d canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d and_o twenty_o just_o the_o number_n of_o the_o hebrew_n alâ—phabet_n and_o no_o more_o and_o he_o enumerate_v the_o particular_a book_n which_o constitute_v the_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d say_v indeed_o that_o some_o make_v they_o four_o and_o twâ—â—ty_a but_o it_o be_v the_o same_o account_n for_o they_o reckâ—â—_n ruth_n and_o lamentation_n separately_z but_o as_o for_o 〈◊〉_d other_o he_o say_v they_o be_v not_o part_v of_o inspire_a scripture_n and_o the_o church_n do_v not_o receive_v theâ—_n among_o the_o canonical_a write_n so_o psalm_n hilary_n giu_v we_o the_o just_a catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o peremptory_o affirm_v that_o there_o 〈◊〉_d but_o two_o and_o twenty_o canonical_a book_n of_o it_o in_o all_o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o thirty_o nine_o according_a to_o the_o reckon_n in_o our_o bibles_n to_o father_n wâ—_n may_v add_v synod_n and_o council_n as_o that_o antieâ—â—_n one_o of_o laodicea_n convened_a a._n d._n 364._o which_o draw_v up_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o make_v mention_v only_o of_o these_o which_o we_o now_o receive_v but_o leave_v out_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o this_o canon_n be_v receive_v afterward_o and_o confirm_v by_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n one_o of_o the_o first_o four_o general_n council_n and_o the_o six_o general_n council_n hold_v at_o constantinople_n a._n d._n 680._o express_o ratify_v the_o decree_n of_o that_o old_a laodicean_n council_n and_o particular_o this_o that_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o two_o and_o twenty_o there_o be_v another_o reason_n also_o beside_o the_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n why_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v eject_v out_o of_o the_o canon_n viz._n because_o some_o thing_n in_o they_o be_v false_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n as_o in_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la 46._o 20._o 2_o esdras_n 6._o 40._o and_o some_o thing_n be_v vicious_a as_o in_o 2_o maccab._n 14._o 42._o after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o answer_v what_o the_o romanist_n say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o quote_v the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n which_o they_o tell_v we_o receive_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n into_o the_o canon_n and_o among_o the_o father_n st._n augustin_n they_o say_v own_v they_o beside_o that_o two_o pope_n viz._n innocent_a the_o first_o and_o gelasius_n take_v those_o book_n which_o we_o style_v apocryphal_a into_o the_o canon_n as_o for_o the_o council_n which_o they_o allege_v it_o be_v but_o a_o provincial_a one_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v set_v against_o those_o more_o authentic_a and_o general_a council_n which_o i_o produce_v nor_o must_v that_o one_o single_a father_n who_o they_o name_n stand_v out_o against_o that_o great_a number_n of_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n who_o i_o mention_v the_o pope_n bear_v a_o great_a name_n among_o our_o adversary_n but_o they_o be_v but_o two_o and_o must_v not_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o council_n and_o that_o multitude_n of_o father_n who_o be_v on_o our_o side_n or_o if_o they_o lie_v such_o great_a stress_n on_o a_o pope_n i_o can_v name_v they_o one_o and_o he_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a they_o ever_o have_v viz._n pope_n gregory_n the_o great_a who_o 17._o declare_v that_o the_o book_n of_o maccabee_n a_o main_a piece_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a writing_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n wâ—_n may_v set_v this_o one_o pope_n for_o he_o be_v great_a enough_o against_o the_o other_o two_n beside_o their_o own_o 〈◊〉_d be_v against_o they_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v 〈◊〉_d receive_v as_o part_v of_o holy_a inspire_a scripture_n by_o iâ—â—dorus_n damascen_n nicephorus_n rabanus_n maurus_n hâ—go_n lyranus_fw-la cajetan_n and_o other_o who_o be_v of_o greâ—â—_n repute_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o regard_v 〈◊〉_d what_o the_o pack_v council_n of_o trent_n have_v decree_v viz._n 4._o that_o beside_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n 〈◊〉_d the_o hebrew_n canon_n those_o also_o of_o tobias_n juditâ—_n the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la maccabeâ—â—â—_n baruch_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o canonical_a and_o thâ—_n they_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o canon_n oâ—_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o general_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a council_n father_n and_o writer_n who_o have_v reject_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n and_o receive_v but_o twenty_o two_o into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n belong_v to_o the_o old_a testament_n you_o see_v what_o ground_n we_o have_v no_o other_o than_o the_o universal_a church_n we_o reject_v some_o book_n as_o apocryphal_a because_o they_o be_v general_o reject_v by_o the_o ancient_a primitive_a church_n and_o we_o receive_v the_o rest_n as_o canonical_a because_o they_o be_v believe_v and_o own_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n see_v this_o admirable_o make_v good_a in_o bishop_n cousins_n history_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n yet_o aâ—ter_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v we_o count_v the_o apocrypha_n write_n worthy_a to_o be_v read_v and_o peruse_v the_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n amiss_o in_o they_o yet_o we_o give_v great_a deference_n and_o respect_n to_o they_o as_o contain_v many_o historical_a truth_n and_o furnish_v we_o witâ—_n matter_n of_o jewish_a antiquity_n as_o likewise_o because_o there_o be_v many_o doctrinal_a and_o moral_a truth_n in_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n and_o ecâ—lesiasticus_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o say_v we_o bear_v great_a respect_n to_o they_o and_o rank_v they_o next_o to_o the_o holy_a canon_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o all_o profane_a author_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o frequent_o allege_v they_o in_o their_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n which_o be_v one_o reason_n i_o question_v not_o why_o these_o apocryphal_a book_n come_v to_o be_v make_v canonical_a by_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n namely_o because_o they_o be_v so_o often_o quote_v by_o the_o father_n and_o in_o some_o church_n read_v public_o but_o this_o be_v no_o proof_n of_o their_o be_v canonical_a but_o only_o let_v we_o know_v that_o these_o book_n be_v in_o their_o kind_a useful_a and_o profitable_a as_o indeed_o they_o be_v therefore_o st._n proverb_n jerom_n say_v the_o church_n receive_v not_o these_o book_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n though_o she_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v read_v and_o concern_v these_o write_n our_o church_n say_v well_o quote_v st._n jerom_n for_o it_o 6._o she_o do_v read_v they_o for_o example_n of_o life_n and_o instruction_n of_o manner_n but_o yet_o do_v not_o apply_v they_o to_o establish_v any_o doctrine_n which_o give_v we_o a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o book_n namely_o that_o they_o contain_v excellent_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o inform_v we_o of_o our_o duty_n as_o to_o several_a weighty_a thing_n but_o they_o be_v not_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v they_o be_v not_o the_o infallible_a standard_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v and_o make_v use_n of_o to_o that_o purpose_n this_o and_o the_o other_o reason_n before_o mention_v may_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o think_v that_o these_o write_n aught_o not_o to_o be_v
tongue_n which_o express_o mention_v the_o great_a friendship_n of_o those_o two_o king_n and_o the_o latter_n send_v material_n and_o workman_n for_o the_o temple_n he_o quote_v dius_n who_o write_v of_o the_o phaenician_a affair_n and_o atte_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o solomon_n and_o hiram_n 1._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o menander_n speak_v of_o the_o great_a famine_n and_o want_n of_o rain_n in_o elias_n time_n and_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o salmaness_a king_n of_o asâ—yria_n and_o that_o eu'erpe_n herodotus_n mention_n senacherib_n king_n of_o 〈◊〉_d same_o country_n and_o his_o be_v discomfit_v 11._o tâ—_n same_o author_n take_v notice_n that_o nabuchadnezzar_n specken_v of_o in_o daniel_n be_v mention_v in_o berosus_n in_o 〈◊〉_d gasthenes_n who_o write_v of_o the_o indian_a affair_n in_o dâ—ocles_n who_o treat_v of_o the_o persian_a and_o in_o philostrâ—â—tus's_n history_n of_o the_o phaenician_o and_o indian_n to_o proceed_v it_o be_v record_v that_o the_o sun_n 〈◊〉_d back_n in_o king_n hezekiah_n day_n by_o the_o special_a command_n of_o god_n who_o as_o you_o read_v in_o 2_o king_n 20._o 11._o bring_v the_o shadow_n ten_o degree_n backward_o by_o which_o it_o have_v go_v down_o on_o the_o dial_n of_o abâ—â—_n the_o degree_n in_o this_o dial_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v â—_o those_o in_o the_o heaven_n say_v some_o other_o think_v the_o degree_n be_v line_n engrave_v on_o the_o dial._n so_o many_o hour_n or_o so_o many_o half-hour_n or_o so_o many_o quarter_n be_v think_v by_o other_o to_o be_v mean_v the_o miracle_n be_v here_o say_v a_o loc_n learned_a man_n that_o the_o shadow_n on_o the_o dial_n go_v back_o not_o that_o the_o sun_n itself_o do_v so_o but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n of_o the_o miracle_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v isai._n 38._o 8._o the_o sun_n return_v ten_o degree_n by_o which_o degree_n it_o be_v go_v down_o the_o sun_n itself_o as_o well_o as_o the_o shadow_n move_v backward_o again_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o this_o 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be_v only_o poetic_a flourish_v and_o therefore_o must_v not_o be_v think_v to_o refer_v to_o any_o real_a thing_n the_o fix_v this_o on_o my_o mind_n keep_v i_o from_o run_v into_o those_o extravagancy_n which_o some_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o whilst_o they_o imagine_v that_o the_o poet_n in_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o particular_n with_o which_o their_o fable_n be_v stuff_v allude_v to_o so_o many_o express_a passage_n in_o true_a history_n i_o attend_v to_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o their_o write_n which_o i_o see_v come_v so_o near_o to_o scripture_n the_o rest_n i_o pass_v by_o as_o mere_a poetic_a flash_n and_o foolery_n and_o not_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o short_a i_o have_v always_o tread_v where_o there_o be_v some_o tolerable_a ground_n and_o foot_n and_o i_o have_v omit_v several_a particular_n which_o other_o insist_v upon_o mere_o because_o they_o have_v so_o sandy_a a_o bottom_n so_o little_a reason_n have_v any_o to_o blame_v i_o for_o indulge_v of_o 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idolatry_n of_o the_o receiver_n by_o the_o affectation_n of_o mystery_n and_o abstrusity_n by_o the_o grecian_a humour_n of_o invent_v and_o romance_v by_o man_n be_v timorous_a by_o ignorance_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o affair_n by_o aâ—_n averseness_n and_o hatred_n to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v think_v by_o some_o dangerous_a to_o insert_v the_o holy_a text_n into_o their_o write_n what_o design_n the_o devil_n have_v in_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n and_o mix_v it_o with_o falsity_n iâ—_n the_o book_n of_o the_o pagan_n but_o not_o withstand_v all_o i_o have_v say_v there_o be_v some_o who_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n entertain_v this_o discourse_n but_o with_o great_a earnestness_n and_o violence_n oppose_v it_o i_o be_o oblige_v therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o fortify_v it_o by_o reason_n i_o will_v discover_v to_o you_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o my_o opinion_n be_v build_v and_o give_v you_o a_o rational_a account_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o heathen_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o old_a testament_n this_o i_o will_v do_v first_o by_o show_v you_o how_o they_o come_v by_o these_o tradition_n and_o truth_n second_o whence_o and_o how_o they_o disguise_v and_o corrupt_v they_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o gentile_n can_v light_v on_o these_o thing_n by_o natural_a reason_n for_o those_o discovery_n concern_v the_o creation_n and_o the_o paradisiacal_a state_n of_o man_n and_o the_o particular_a mannâ—r_n of_o his_o fall_n and_o several_a other_o thing_n which_o i_o mention_v be_v beyond_o nature_n ken_n they_o be_v not_o such_o thing_n as_o fall_v within_o the_o cognizance_n of_o man_n as_o they_o be_v rational_a creature_n therefore_o they_o must_v be_v particular_o reveal_v to_o mankind_n and_o the_o authentic_a body_n of_o divine_a reveal_v truth_n be_v the_o bible_n we_o can_v but_o infer_v that_o those_o thing_n be_v borrow_v from_o that_o sacred_a volume_n and_o as_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n 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reckon_v the_o date_n of_o his_o book_n to_o be_v about_o a._n m._n 2460_o which_o be_v above_o 400_o year_n before_o the_o trojan_a war_n before_o which_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v of_o any_o writer_n whatsoever_o yea_o it_o be_v above_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o it_o that_o the_o ancient_a historian_n unless_o you_o will_v reckon_v those_o fabulous_a one_o dare_v phrygius_n and_o dictys_n cretensis_n appear_v without_o controversy_n moses_n be_v the_o old_a historian_n either_o natural_a or_o ecclesiastical_a the_o antiquity_n of_o his_o work_n be_v beyond_o all_o other_o book_n they_o all_o begin_v long_o after_o he_o and_o as_o for_o some_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o be_v before_o the_o write_n of_o any_o heathen_n to_o begin_v first_o with_o the_o ancient_a egyptian_a writer_n some_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o moses_n time_n flourish_v those_o excellent_a philosopher_n zoroastres_n and_o mercurius_n trismegistus_n but_o whâ—n_o yoâ—_n come_v to_o examine_v this_o you_o find_v no_o less_o than_o four_o zoroastres_n and_o to_o which_o of_o these_o the_o write_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v and_o what_o date_n they_o bear_v iâ—_n uncertain_a so_o that_o we_o can_v conclude_v nothing_o there_o there_o be_v also_o great_a dispute_n about_o herâ—os_n or_o trismegistus_n namely_o who_o he_o be_v and_o when_o he_o live_v and_o at_o what_o time_n the_o write_n that_o go_v under_o his_o name_n be_v write_v and_o whether_o they_o be_v genuine_a kircher_n hold_v they_o to_o be_v such_o but_o casaâ—bon_n attempâ—â—_n the_o contrary_a his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v quote_v by_o 〈◊〉_d martyr_n lactantius_n and_o augustin_n and_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d ancient_n but_o his_o antiquity_n can_v be_v prove_v 〈◊〉_d be_v equal_a with_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a writer_n manetho_n or_o manethos_n who_o write_v the_o egyptian_a history_n live_v but_o in_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n time_n then_o for_o the_o phaenician_a antiquity_n which_o sanâ—athon_n write_v in_o the_o phaenician_a tongue_n and_o which_o philo_n biblius_n who_o live_v in_o adrian_n time_n â—â—rned_v into_o greek_a of_o which_o version_n eusebius_n have_v preserve_v we_o a_o famous_a fragment_n though_o scaliâ—â—_n have_v labour_v to_o prove_v they_o supposititious_a 〈◊〉_d some_o other_o reckon_v they_o not_o as_o such_o and_o particular_o the_o learned_a bochart_n have_v commentâ—â—_n upon_o they_o as_o true_a and_o genuine_a write_n 〈◊〉_d as_o for_o the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o phaenician_a historian_n and_o theologer_n though_o it_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v great_a yet_o without_o question_n he_o be_v â—oses's_n junior_a by_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o so_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o babylonian_a or_o chaldean_a 〈◊〉_d for_o berosus_n who_o be_v say_v to_o compile_v â—â—â—m_n live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o manetho_n do_v and_o though_o perhaps_o friar_n annius_n have_v impose_v 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n by_o the_o name_n of_o this_o author_n as_o vâ—lateranus_n some_o think_v and_o according_o bring_v several_a argument_n to_o prove_v this_o new_a berosus_n a_o cheat_n 〈◊〉_d it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o old_a one_o of_o â—hom_n both_o josephus_n and_o eusebius_n have_v preserve_v the_o fragment_n be_v such_o some_o greek_a writer_n plead_v great_a antiquity_n next_o orpheus_n and_o muâ—â—â—s_n the_o ancient_a of_o they_o all_o be_v â—aid_v to_o have_v chronic._n live_v in_o gideon_n day_n which_o be_v about_o 200_o year_n after_o moses_n and_o 200_o year_n after_o this_o live_v dares_n phrygius_n and_o dictys_n cretensis_n who_o write_v the_o trojan_a war._n and_o 100_o year_n after_o this_o homer_n write_v his_o poem_n who_o flourish_v not_o till_o at_o least_o 150_o year_n after_o david_n the_o divine_a poet._n this_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o greek_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v gain_v any_o knowledge_n of_o letter_n and_o art_n fall_v to_o invent_v of_o incredible_a story_n and_o write_v
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testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n but_o it_o be_v also_o object_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o sibylline_a book_n be_v unknown_a and_o we_o can_v neither_o tell_v how_o many_o the_o sibylls_n or_o their_o write_n be_v and_o as_o for_o their_o quality_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n these_o be_v uncertain_o deliver_v nor_o do_v we_o well_o know_v their_o name_n as_o appear_v from_o this_o that_o cumaea_n in_o virgil_n be_v put_v for_o cumana_n and_o other_o mistake_v there_o be_v it_o be_v true_a the_o opinion_n be_v various_a concern_v these_o thing_n their_o name_n and_o verse_n be_v often_o confound_v and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o one_o another_o this_o be_v grant_v and_o even_o by_o oâ—â—c_fw-fr those_o who_o have_v with_o great_a eagerness_n maintain_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o sibylls_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v much_o controvert_v what_o and_o how_o many_o these_o 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cumaean_a the_o hellespontiack_n or_o trojan_a the_o lesbick_a or_o jabyck_n the_o phrygian_a the_o tiburtine_n the_o persian_a or_o chaldaean_a sibyl_n other_o add_v two_o more_o viz._n epiroâ—iâ—k_n and_o egyptian_a and_o make_v they_o a_o complete_a dozen_o thus_o the_o reckon_a be_v not_o alike_o but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o what_o we_o have_v assert_v it_o be_v not_o material_a how_o many_o the_o sibylls_n or_o their_o write_n be_v it_o be_v frivolous_a to_o insist_v upon_o this_o they_o may_v all_o of_o they_o be_v put_v into_o one_o if_o author_n please_v or_o they_o may_v divide_v they_o into_o more_o as_o the_o way_n at_o some_o coffee_n house_n now_o be_v to_o deal_v out_o pamphlet_n wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o reject_v they_o on_o this_o account_n see_v we_o have_v prove_v that_o their_o book_n be_v they_o more_o or_o few_o be_v own_v as_o to_o the_o main_a by_o the_o father_n and_o primitive_a christian_n to_o be_v true_a and_o see_v they_o be_v frequent_o make_v use_n of_o by_o they_o as_o sufficient_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o as_o for_o those_o modern_n who_o have_v reject_v these_o witness_n we_o may_v with_o reference_n to_o they_o take_v up_o that_o lamentation_n of_o a_o late_a 11._o learned_a writer_n who_o himself_o be_v partly_o guilty_a of_o the_o fault_n he_o complain_v of_o very_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v no_o enemy_n more_o set_v against_o it_o than_o christian_n themselves_o for_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v searce_o any_o prophecy_n or_o testimony_n to_o be_v find_v concern_v christ_n among_o the_o ancient_n which_o many_o even_a of_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n have_v not_o endeavour_v to_o weaken_v yea_o utter_o to_o destroy_v and_o annul_v this_o be_v a_o very_a deplorable_a thing_n but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v it_o most_o true_a in_o several_a instance_n you_o will_v meet_v with_o some_o of_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o testimony_n concern_v christ_n which_o josephus_n give_v but_o this_o which_o be_v now_o before_o we_o be_v as_o signal_n a_o one_o as_o any_o that_o can_v be_v name_v for_o the_o sibylls_n verse_n be_v very_o express_a attestation_n concern_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o great_a undertake_n yet_o how_o strange_o do_v christian_n man_n endeavour_v to_o enfeeble_v yea_o to_o baffle_v and_o subvert_v these_o testimonial_n concern_v our_o lord_n they_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v the_o forgery_n of_o jew_n and_o the_o imposture_n of_o heretical_a christian_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o objection_n they_o invent_v against_o they_o yea_o a_o late_a gallaeus_n writer_n pronounce_v these_o sibylls_n to_o be_v mad_a and_o frentick_a people_n and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o heed_n to_o be_v give_v to_o what_o they_o say_v when_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o afford_v we_o such_o a_o remarkable_a confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o pagan_n be_v it_o not_o unpardonable_a ingratitude_n thus_o to_o vilisie_n and_o reject_v it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o vile_a and_o perverse_a spirit_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n and_o those_o very_a shameful_a one_o too_o to_o disprove_v that_o plain_a evidence_n which_o these_o sibylls_n bring_v and_o to_o shut_v their_o ear_n to_o that_o repeat_v testimony_n which_o they_o give_v to_o christianity_n and_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o it_o in_o short_a the_o pagan_n have_v their_o temple_n and_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n and_o prayer_n and_o they_o have_v also_o their_o scripture_n i._n e._n the_o sibylls_n book_n in_o these_o be_v discover_v the_o council_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sibylls_n according_a to_o the_o import_n of_o their_o name_n be_v interpreter_n of_o god_n will_n to_o the_o heathen_n in_o these_o be_v express_o foretold_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o many_o other_o remarkable_a thing_n relate_v to_o he_o by_o these_o oracle_n the_o gentile_n be_v pre-admonished_n of_o christ_n come_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o god_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o gospel_n by_o these_o forerunner_n and_o messenger_n as_o he_o do_v the_o jew_n by_o their_o extraordinary_a prophet_n and_o they_o be_v useful_a to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o gentile_n we_o may_v be_v fortify_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n by_o what_o they_o deliver_v they_o give_v a_o plain_a and_o clear_a suffrage_n for_o christianity_n and_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o the_o ancient_a christian_n think_v their_o write_n to_o be_v authentic_a record_n though_o now_o some_o be_v please_v to_o slight_a and_o vilify_v they_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o good_a evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o new-testament_n which_o contain_v it_o and_o there_o be_v still_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v esteem_v they_o as_o such_o especial_o since_o the_o objection_n to_o prove_v the_o falsity_n of_o these_o book_n be_v very_o mean_a and_o weak_a therefore_o to_o conclude_v till_o they_o can_v produce_v better_a reason_n against_o these_o testimonial_n i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o and_o reasonable_o make_v use_n of_o they_o chap._n xi_o it_o be_v prove_v from_o particular_a unquestionable_a testimony_n of_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v a_o person_n of_o such_o a_o name_n and_o that_o all_o the_o great_a and_o eminent_a circumstance_n of_o his_o birth_n life_n and_o death_n be_v real_o true_a as_o to_o his_o birth_n they_o attest_v the_o particular_a time_n of_o it_o the_o general_a tax_n or_o enrol_a the_o wonderful_a star_n the_o murder_v of_o the_o infant_n of_o bethlehem_n then_o as_o to_o his_o life_n and_o action_n abgarus_n letter_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o saviour_n answer_n to_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o authentic_a evidence_n what_o the_o emperor_n augustus_n do_v in_o relation_n to_o christ_n be_v consider_v the_o defection_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v light_a and_o the_o earthquake_n at_o our_o saviour_n passion_n be_v not_o whole_o pass_v over_o in_o silence_n by_o heathen_a writer_n have_v thus_o premise_v those_o particular_n which_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a kind_n between_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o this_o i_o will_v now_o whole_o insist_v on_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v more_o appropriate_v to_o the_o subject_a i_o be_o treat_v of_o this_o then_o i_o will_v prove_v from_o witness_n who_o be_v profess_v enemy_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n pagan_n and_o jew_n that_o there_o be_v a_o peâ—son_n of_o such_o a_o name_n and_o that_o all_o the_o great_a and_o â—minent_a circumstance_n of_o this_o person_n birth_n life_n and_o death_n be_v real_o true_a first_o the_o pagan_a historian_n present_v we_o with_o his_o name_n tacitus_n tell_v how_o the_o christian_n suffer_v for_o the_o fire_n of_o
not_o authentic_a as_o true_o i_o can_v say_v much_o for_o they_o i_o will_v produce_v those_o that_o be_v so_o in_o all_o man_n judgement_n you_o may_v observe_v that_o those_o writer_n who_o have_v undertake_v to_o compile_v all_o the_o laudable_a thing_n and_o manner_n of_o divers_a nation_n and_o have_v even_o praise_v the_o brahmin_n and_o gymnosophist_n and_o ransack_v the_o most_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o thing_n excellent_a and_o observable_a yet_o have_v say_v nothing_o of_o the_o essenes_n who_o far_o outdo_v all_o of_o they_o and_o be_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n most_o eminent_a and_o conspicuous_a neither_o strabo_n nor_o tacitus_n nor_o justin_n nor_o aristaea_n who_o have_v particular_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n say_v any_o thing_n of_o these_o nay_o josephus_n a_o jew_n and_o who_o in_o his_o two_o book_n against_o apion_n have_v heap_v up_o all_o that_o be_v great_a and_o noble_a of_o that_o nation_n have_v nothing_o there_o though_o as_o you_o shall_v hear_v anon_o he_o have_v something_o in_o his_o other_o write_n of_o this_o famous_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n among_o they_o shall_v we_o therefore_o be_v quarrelsome_a and_o deny_v there_o be_v essenes_n before_n or_o in_o christ_n time_n again_o i_o can_v observe_v to_o you_o that_o the_o roman_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v either_o by_o herodotus_n or_o thucydides_n or_o any_o other_o greek_a writer_n of_o that_o time_n though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n and_o grow_v great_a and_o formidable_a it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a but_o be_v very_o true_a and_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o josephus_n against_o apion_n though_o this_o author_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v be_v himself_o desective_a in_o the_o like_a case_n suetonius_n write_v the_o life_n of_o the_o first_o twelve_o roman_a emperor_n yet_o if_o you_o compare_v his_o relation_n with_o the_o thing_n set_v down_o in_o other_o you_o will_v find_v that_o he_o have_v pass_v by_o many_o considerable_a thing_n he_o have_v omit_v sundry_a matter_n which_o be_v very_o obvious_a let_v we_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n what_o if_o none_o of_o the_o heathen_a historian_n who_o have_v relate_v the_o roman_a act_n have_v speak_v of_o that_o famous_a census_n or_o tax_n in_o augustus_n time_n what_o though_o the_o eclipse_n at_o christ_n passion_n have_v not_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o historian_n though_o both_o this_o and_o the_o other_o be_v record_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o have_v follow_v thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n for_o you_o see_v it_o be_v not_o unusual_a with_o historian_n to_o pass_v by_o some_o person_n and_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o worth_a record_v if_o then_o some_o matter_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o evangelist_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o other_o history_n we_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n thence_o conclude_v that_o the_o evangelist_n record_v that_o which_o be_v false_a no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v infer_v for_o even_o among_o pagan_a writer_n there_o be_v many_o peculiar_a historical_a passage_n mention_v by_o some_o of_o they_o which_o none_o else_o speak_v of_o tacitus_n and_o valerius_n maximus_n and_o other_o have_v narration_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o suspect_v of_o falsehood_n why_o then_o may_v we_o not_o credit_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o new_a testament_n record_n although_o no_o gentle_a historian_n say_v a_o word_n of_o they_o nay_o we_o have_v observe_v this_o before_o of_o the_o evangelical_n historian_n themselves_o that_o they_o do_v not_o all_o record_n the_o same_o thing_n though_o all_o of_o they_o mention_v some_o passage_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o only_a by_o one_o or_o two_o of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n or_o person_n which_o none_o of_o they_o make_v mention_n of_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v as_o remarkable_a as_o some_o of_o those_o which_o they_o have_v commit_v to_o write_v thus_o the_o gospel_n speak_v of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o sadducee_n yea_o of_o the_o galilean_n and_o herodian_o and_o yet_o say_v not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o essenes_n who_o be_v a_o considerable_a sect_n as_o be_v note_v before_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v then_o that_o some_o thing_n occur_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o very_a approve_a author_n no_o history_n sacred_a or_o profane_a relate_v every_o thing_n the_o evangelist_n themselves_o pretend_v not_o to_o this_o you_o must_v not_o expect_v all_o christ_n do_n in_o their_o write_n for_o one_o of_o they_o who_o write_v last_o of_o all_o close_v his_o gospel_n thus_o 25._o there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v the_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v every_o one_o i_o suppose_v that_o even_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v 3._o we_o be_v to_o know_v this_o that_o both_o jewish_a and_o pagan_a historian_n conceal_v or_o misrepresent_v some_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o christianity_n and_o that_o wilful_o and_o out_o of_o design_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o historian_n and_o offer_v this_o instance_n we_o read_v in_o philo_n and_o josephus_n the_o character_n of_o the_o essenes_n who_o i_o mention_v before_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o devout_a man_n of_o all_o the_o jewith_o nation_n that_o they_o be_v a_o retire_a people_n and_o give_v to_o husbandry_n that_o they_o be_v fame_v for_o their_o mutual_a love_n to_o one_o another_o and_o that_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o this_o they_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o common_a like_o those_o primitive_a christian_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o act_n or_o like_o the_o colidei_n or_o culdee_n among_o the_o scot_n in_o the_o first_o age_n that_o though_o they_o be_v the_o devout_a worshipper_n among_o the_o jew_n yet_o they_o libre_fw-la offer_v no_o sacrifice_n but_o compose_v their_o mind_n whole_o to_o 2_o severe_a sanctity_n that_o they_o be_v celebrate_v for_o their_o great_a austerity_n of_o life_n for_o their_o temperance_n chastity_n and_o self-denial_n that_o 7._o their_o bare_a word_n be_v of_o more_o force_n with_o they_o than_o a_o oath_n and_o that_o they_o avoid_v all_o swear_v count_v it_o far_o worse_o than_o perjury_n that_o they_o ibid._n be_v generous_a despiser_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o affright_v and_o trouble_v other_o and_o that_o they_o vanquish_v all_o torment_n and_o persecution_n with_o fortitude_n and_o steadiness_n of_o mind_n and_o as_o for_o death_n if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v undergo_v with_o honour_n and_o repute_n they_o judge_v it_o â—o_o be_v better_a than_o immortality_n this_o be_v the_o true_a but_o admirable_a character_n of_o that_o people_n and_o both_o these_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v jew_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v such_o people_n as_o jewish_a essene_n and_o josephus_n neckon_v they_o as_o one_o of_o the_o three_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n among_o the_o jew_n but_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o this_o excellent_a character_n or_o all_o of_o it_o at_o least_o belong_v not_o to_o these_o but_o to_o the_o christian_n of_o alexandria_n at_o that_o time_n philo_z then_o in_o his_o treatise_n of_o a_o comtemplative_a life_n where_o he_o pretend_v to_o describe_v the_o essenes_n writ_v in_o praise_n of_o these_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v under_o the_o tuition_n and_o conduct_n of_o st._n mark_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n for_o this_o evangelist_n preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o egypt_n settle_v a_o church_n here_o this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o that_o learned_a father_n ecclesiaâ—t_fw-la st._n jerom_n that_o church_n say_v he_o do_v at_o that_o time_n judaize_n and_o therefore_o philo_n the_o jew_n think_v it_o to_o be_v for_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o nation_n to_o describe_v their_o excellent_a order_n life_n and_o institution_n for_o this_o reason_n this_o author_n be_v number_v by_o that_o father_n among_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n namely_o because_o he_o have_v leave_v a_o encomium_n of_o these_o christian_n who_o live_v thus_o religious_o under_o st._n mark_v the_o evangelist_n 16._o eusebius_n be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o say_v what_o philo_n write_v of_o the_o essenes_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v discipline_v under_o st._n mark_n epiphanius_n and_o chrysosâ—om_n be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n and_o so_o be_v some_o other_o of_o the_o father_n baronius_n hold_v they_o be_v old_a christian_a monk_n and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o protestant_a writer_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v devout_a christian_n breed_v up_o as_o disciple_n under_o that_o holy_a man._n this_o be_v the_o more_o credible_a because_o it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o use_v no_o
kingdom_n though_o from_o very_o small_a beginning_n compare_v they_o to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n and_o by_o a_o lessen_v hyperbole_n call_v this_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n though_o in_o exact_a speak_v it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o if_o this_o way_n of_o interpret_n christ_n word_n which_o i_o now_o offer_v be_v not_o approve_v of_o than_o you_o may_v expound_v they_o thus_o that_o this_o seed_n be_v oâ—e_v of_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n or_o you_o may_v understand_v they_o speak_v respective_o that_o be_v it_o be_v the_o least_o of_o all_o such_o seed_n as_o extend_v to_o large_a production_n no_o seed_n so_o little_o send_v forth_o branch_n so_o wide_o or_o bring_v forth_o its_o fruit_n after_o that_o plentiful_a manner_n thus_o you_o may_v understand_v the_o word_n but_o in_o my_o judgement_n the_o resolve_v they_o into_o a_o hyperbole_n be_v the_o best_a way_n though_o it_o be_v not_o make_v use_v â—f_n by_o expositor_n and_o how_o indeed_o can_v it_o when_o they_o take_v the_o seed_n of_o mustard_n to_o be_v absolute_o the_o least_o of_o all_o grain_n whatsoever_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o luke_n 19_o 44._o they_o shall_v not_o leave_v in_o thou_o one_o stone_n upon_o another_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o last_o and_o final_a devastation_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v a_o hyperbolical_a expression_n and_o consequent_o not_o true_a in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n for_o can_v we_o think_v say_v some_o that_o the_o roman_a army_n have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o pick_v out_o all_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o foundation_n and_o throw_v they_o away_o those_o who_o talk_v thus_o do_v not_o remember_v what_o be_v do_v at_o several_a time_n towards_o the_o complete_a and_o total_a destruction_n of_o that_o place_n this_o passage_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n seem_v to_o refer_v particular_o and_o signal_o to_o the_o dig_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o the_o very_o plough_v up_o the_o ground_n by_o titus_n command_n which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o do_v not_o deny_v and_o also_o to_o that_o prodigious_a earthquake_n in_o iulian_n time_n whereby_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o foundation_n be_v whole_o break_v up_o and_o scatter_v abroad_o here_o be_v a_o exact_a fulfil_n of_o christ_n prediction_n without_o any_o hyperbole_n as_o for_o that_o close_a of_o st._n john_n gospel_n even_o the_o woâ—ld_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v chap._n 21_o 25._o 3._o eusâ—bius_n and_o st._n aâ—gustin_n of_o old_a and_o tremellius_n other_o more_o late_o understand_v it_o thus_o the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v that_o be_v conceive_v comprehend_v and_o digest_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v concern_v our_o saviour_n deed_n their_o understanding_n be_v weak_a and_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v oppress_v with_o so_o many_o book_n on_o that_o subject_a so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n here_o use_v be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o matth._n 19_o 11._o all_o man_n can_v receive_v or_o contain_v this_o say_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v by_o philo_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o how_o unsearchable_a it_o be_v sai_z that_o 1._o neither_o heaven_n nor_o earth_n be_v able_a to_o contain_v i._n e._n to_o comprehend_v it_o but_o a_o sacr._n modern_a critic_n think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o signify_v to_o entertain_v and_o approve_v of_o and_o according_o his_o gloss_n on_o the_o word_n be_v this_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v scorn_v reject_v and_o slight_v all_o the_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v of_o christ_n it_o have_v despise_v these_o that_o be_v already_o write_v the_o world_n have_v other_o employment_n it_o will_v not_o read_v and_o peruse_v such_o write_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o verb_n in_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d receive_v entertain_v approve_v of_o we_o and_o 8._o dionys._n halicarn_n use_v the_o word_n thus_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o city_n admit_v not_o of_o i._n e._n scorn_n good_a men._n but_o though_o this_o and_o the_o other_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n sometime_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a and_o unusual_a beside_o that_o it_o be_v improper_a and_o metaphorical_a and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o choose_v and_o embrace_v that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v common_a and_o usual_a as_o also_o genuine_a and_o proper_a and_o then_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o world_n as_o capacious_a and_o wide_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o able_a to_o hold_v oâ—_n contain_v all_o the_o book_n that_o may_v have_v be_v write_v concern_v christ_n and_o his_o work_n but_o this_o can_v be_v the_o sâ—nsâ—_n here_o you_o will_v say_v because_o than_o our_o saviour_n word_n will_v not_o be_v true_a for_o the_o world_n be_v able_a be_v wide_a enough_o to_o contain_v to_o hold_v those_o book_n and_o many_o more_o beside_o i_o answer_v i_o grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o strict_a way_n of_o speak_v but_o the_o evangelist_n st._n john_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o conclude_v his_o book_n with_o some_o great_a word_n concern_v his_o dear_a master_n and_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o express_v himself_o thus_o in_o a_o high_a and_o hyperbolical_a manner_n the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v of_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o i_o and_o otherâ—_n have_v record_v the_o say_n and_o do_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n yet_o this_o be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o what_o may_v be_v say_v on_o this_o vast_a subject_n theâ—e_n be_v unspeakable_o much_o more_o reâ—naining_v than_o have_v be_v tell_v you_o what_o he_o say_v and_o do_v be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o admirable_a that_o innumerable_a volume_n may_v be_v fill_v with_o enlarge_n on_o that_o copious_a matter_n i_o may_v say_v to_o you_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o wide_a and_o ample_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o able_a to_o contain_v those_o immense_a treatise_n those_o infinite_a discourse_n which_o may_v be_v write_v in_o relate_v all_o the_o passage_n that_o concern_v our_o bless_a lord_n and_o in_o commendation_n of_o they_o obseruâ—_v it_o the_o evangelist_n say_v the_o world_n itself_o i._n e._n this_o material_a local_a world_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n as_o those_o of_o the_o former_a opinion_n fancy_v beside_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o speak_v not_o absolute_o here_o but_o in_o a_o qualify_a manner_n i_o suppose_v i_o think_v i_o conceive_v the_o world_n itself_o can_v contain_v etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o word_n can_v be_v mean_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n for_o what_o sense_n can_v you_o make_v of_o this_o i_o suppose_v i_o think_v that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v comprehend_v the_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v or_o i_o suppose_v all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v entertain_v and_o approve_v of_o they_o whether_o he_o suppose_v it_o or_o not_o it_o will_v be_v so_o and_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v suppose_v but_o real_o believe_v and_o direct_o assert_v if_o it_o be_v true_a but_o if_o you_o admit_v of_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v propound_v than_o his_o suppose_n may_v be_v very_o pertinent_a and_o consistent_a here_o for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o supposition_n not_o a_o exact_a and_o strict_a truth_n which_o he_o here_o utter_v it_o be_v a_o lofty_a strain_n or_o hyperbole_n which_o he_o shut_v up_o his_o gospel_n with_o i_o think_v in_o a_o manner_n â—aith_o he_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n itself_o can_v contain_v the_o book_n that_o may_v be_v compose_v and_o write_v on_o this_o glorious_a theme_n which_o be_v so_o various_a so_o voluminous_a thus_o you_o see_v the_o word_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o this_o way_n for_o the_o other_o be_v not_o reconcilable_a to_o good_a sense_n and_o indeed_o this_o manner_n of_o style_n be_v but_o parallel_n with_o other_o passage_n in_o scripture_n as_o gen._n 13._o 6._o the_o land_n be_v not_o able_a â—o_o bear_v they_o viz._n lot_n and_o abraham_n and_o their_o flock_n which_o express_v how_o exceed_v numerous_a they_o be_v so_o some_o understand_v luke_n 2._o 1._o there_o go_v out_o a_o decree_n that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v tax_v which_o set_v forth_o the_o largeness_n and_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o emperor_n dominion_n not_o that_o all_o the_o world_n strict_o speak_v be_v to_o be_v tax_v for_o it_o be_v not_o all_o in_o his_o power_n it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o
saviour_n the_o world_n be_v go_v after_o he_o john_n 12._o 19_o which_o only_o express_v the_o vast_a number_n of_o people_n that_o flock_v to_o he_o wheresoever_o he_o go_v such_o be_v the_o style_n here_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v contain_v etc._n etc._n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n must_v in_o a_o manner_n have_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o their_o write_n concern_v christ_n the_o book_n will_v have_v be_v so_o numerous_a that_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v scarce_o have_v hold_v they_o that_o be_v in_o plain_a term_n there_o must_v have_v be_v a_o incredible_a number_n of_o book_n to_o have_v contain_v all_o those_o matter_n there_o be_v many_o other_o instance_n of_o this_o hyperbolical_a manner_n of_o speak_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n but_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o give_v you_o a_o taste_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a figurative_a expression_n in_o order_n to_o your_o being_n better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o corinth_n learned_a modern_a divine_a who_o think_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o hyperbole_n in_o scripture_n he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n grant_v that_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n because_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o lie_n but_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o he_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v any_o other_o account_n of_o some_o of_o the_o forename_a instance_n and_o several_a other_o than_o by_o resolve_v they_o into_o a_o hyperbole_n which_o be_v no_o lie_n nor_o a_o kind_n of_o one_o because_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o speak_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o moderation_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o as_o there_o be_v in_o scripture_n in_o use_v this_o sort_n of_o speak_v you_o meet_v with_o but_o few_o hyperbole_n in_o the_o holy_a writer_n and_o as_o they_o be_v rare_o and_o spare_o use_v so_o it_o be_v do_v in_o a_o fit_a and_o convenient_a subject_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n of_o their_o degenerate_v into_o a_o lie_n and_o where_o the_o story_n or_o other_o subject_a matter_n be_v not_o thereby_o false_o misrepresent_v but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o where_o writer_n immoderate_o affect_v a_o hyperbolic_a strain_n for_o they_o make_v use_v of_o it_o in_o matter_n where_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v use_v and_o where_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v endanger_v and_o where_o it_o administer_v to_o falsehood_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o poem_n of_o that_o historical_a poet_n lucan_n who_o be_v a_o prodigious_a and_o unsufferable_a hyperbolizer_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o mounseur_fw-fr balsac_n a_o extravagant_a hyperbole_n go_v all_o along_o through_o his_o letter_n though_o to_o the_o great_a person_n and_o man_n of_o profess_a gravity_n a_o great_a fault_n certain_o it_o be_v in_o those_o ingenious_a piece_n of_o he_o but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n there_o be_v nothing_o there_o romantic_a and_o extravagant_a the_o hyperbole_n be_v seldom_o use_v and_o when_o it_o be_v it_o be_v modest_a and_o become_v fit_a and_o convenient_a and_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o administer_v to_o levity_n or_o impair_v and_o endamage_v the_o truth_n again_o in_o this_o holy_a book_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o write_n there_o be_v that_o sort_n of_o speak_v which_o be_v call_v a_o irony_n i._n e._n when_o something_o be_v say_v in_o way_n of_o derision_n or_o scoff_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v mean_v as_o in_o that_o common_o observe_v place_n gen._n 3._o 22._o behold_v the_o man_n be_v become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o to_o know_v good_a and_o evil_a which_o refer_v to_o satan_n word_n to_o adam_n you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_a ver_fw-la 5._o and_o so_o man_n be_v here_o upbraid_v with_o his_o belief_n of_o the_o devil_n before_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n look_v you_o now_o be_v not_o man_n become_v a_o god_n yes_o this_o mighty_o appear_v indeed_o from_o what_o have_v befall_v he_o he_o have_v lose_v the_o divine_a image_n wherein_o he_o be_v create_v and_o be_v become_v a_o wretched_a sinner_n and_o apostate_n be_v not_o this_o creature_n then_o become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o or_o now_o suit_n he_o have_v be_v as_o one_o of_o we_o he_o have_v already_o experience_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o god_n have_v he_o not_o thus_o he_o be_v just_o deride_v for_o his_o wilful_a folly_n by_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n and_o if_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n it_o will_v not_o unbecome_v the_o son_n of_o men._n this_o ironical_a way_n of_o speak_v you_o meet_v with_o in_o 1_o king_n 18._o 27._o cry_v aloud_o for_o he_o that_o be_v baal_n be_v a_o god_n either_o he_o be_v talk_v or_o he_o be_v pursue_v or_o he_o be_v on_o a_o journey_n or_o peradventure_o he_o sleep_v and_o must_v be_v awake_v thus_o the_o prophet_n elijah_n mock_v those_o delude_a priest_n of_o baal_n he_o make_v himself_o pleasant_a with_o they_o even_o grave_a and_o austere_a elijab_n laugh_v at_o the_o baalite_n invoke_v of_o a_o deaf_a deity_n he_o play_v upon_o their_o serious_a but_o idolatrous_a devotion_n whence_o i_o gather_v that_o it_o be_v not_o light_a and_o unbecoming_a to_o scoff_n at_o superstition_n and_o jeer_v idolatry_n those_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n micaiah_n to_o king_n abab_n 1_o king_n 22._o 15._o go_v and_o prosper_v be_v a_o plain_a ironical_a concession_n in_o this_o sense_n those_o woâ—ds_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v job_n 5._o 1._o call_v now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o will_v answer_v thou_o and_o to_o which_o of_o the_o saint_n will_v thou_o turn_v and_o chap._n 12._o 2._o no_o doubt_n but_o you_o be_v the_o people_n and_o wisdom_n shall_v die_v with_o you_o and_o that_o of_o solomon_n to_o the_o youthful_a sinner_n rejoice_v o_o young_a man_n in_o thy_o youth_n etc._n etc._n eccles._n 11._o 9_o which_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v more_o particular_o suit_v here_o to_o the_o humour_n and_o genius_n of_o the_o young_a man_n who_o fashion_n be_v immoderate_o to_o scoff_n and_o to_o entertain_v himself_o and_o other_o with_o pleasantry_n and_o drollery_n but_o that_o he_o may_v see_v that_o this_o be_v intend_v as_o a_o rebuke_n to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o solomon_n be_v serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n notwithstanding_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o verse_n know_v that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v thou_o to_o judgement_n and_o he_o that_o consider_v that_o will_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o rejoice_v i._n e._n to_o be_v loose_a and_o inordinate_a in_o his_o mirth_n but_o rather_o to_o be_v sober_a and_o retire_a and_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o judgement_n and_o to_o set_v about_o so_o great_a a_o task_n betimes_o and_o not_o fond_o presume_v on_o health_n and_o length_n of_o day_n no_o man_n need_v question_n whether_o those_o word_n of_o isaiah_n ch_n 8._o 9_o associate_v yourselves_o o_o you_o people_n be_v not_o speak_v ironical_o which_o be_v parallel_v with_o joel_n 3._o 11._o assemble_v yourselves_o and_o come_v all_o you_o heathen_a and_o gather_v yourselves_o round_o about_o etc._n etc._n and_o those_o in_o isa._n 50._o 11._o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o your_o fire_n and_o in_o the_o spark_n that_o you_o have_v kindle_v i._n e._n trust_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o can_v help_v you_o spark_n that_o give_v a_o short_a light_n and_o soon_o vanish_v that_o be_v a_o terrible_a bite_a taunt_n in_o jer._n 22._o 23._o how_o gracious_a shall_v thou_o be_v when_o pang_n come_v upon_o thou_o the_o pain_n as_o of_o a_o woman_n in_o travail_n and_o so_o be_v that_o other_o lam._n 4._o 21_o rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a o_o daughter_n of_o edom_n the_o cup_n viz._n of_o vengeance_n shall_v pass_v through_o to_o thou_o who_o doubt_v whether_o ezek._n 20._o 39_o be_v not_o sarcastical_a thus_o faith_n the_o lord_n god_n go_v you_o serve_v you_o every_o one_o his_o idol_n the_o like_a command_n we_o read_v in_o amos_n 4._o 4_o 5_o come_v to_o bethel_n and_o transgress_v at_o gilgal_n multiply_v transgression_n etc._n etc._n that_o also_o in_o mic._n 5._o 1._o must_v be_v reckon_v as_o speak_v ironical_o now_o gather_v thyself_o in_o troop_n o_o daughter_n of_o troop_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n o_o assyrian_n come_v and_o do_v your_o worst_a with_o your_o joint_a force_n invade_v we_o and_o most_o severe_o treat_v our_o prince_n and_o people_n yea_o by_o all_o mean_n destroy_v extirpate_v and_o even_o annihilate_v the_o church_n
be_v their_o rightful_a governor_n they_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o depose_v he_o and_o to_o choose_v a_o king_n in_o his_o room_n and_o therefore_o samuel_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o their_o true_a and_o lawful_a governor_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v yet_o this_o time_n of_o his_o rule_n be_v make_v here_o a_o part_n of_o saul_n reign_n because_o he_o be_v force_v at_o last_o to_o anoint_v he_o king_n and_o because_o he_o suffer_v his_o own_o government_n to_o be_v swallow_v of_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o forty_o year_n assign_v to_o he_o by_o st._n paul_n do_v include_v samuel_n judicature_n that_o be_v samuel_n and_o saul_n reign_v forty_o year_n together_o this_o also_o will_v salve_v many_o chronological_a difference_n that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n do_v often_o make_v their_o son_n king_n in_o their_o own_o reign_n to_o settle_v they_o in_o the_o kingdom_n before_o their_o death_n and_o so_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reign_n be_v sometime_o set_v down_o as_o 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alphonsus_n in_o all_o his_o expedition_n and_o at_o all_o other_o time_n carry_v julius_n caesar_n commentary_n other_o say_v livy_n history_n with_o he_o theodore_n gaza_n give_v his_o vote_n for_o plutarch_n work_n and_o be_v so_o please_v with_o they_o that_o he_o protest_v if_o he_o can_v have_v but_o one_o man_n write_n he_o will_v certain_o choose_v his_o before_o all_o other_o thomas_n aquinas_n be_v no_o less_o in_o love_n with_o st._n chrysostom_n on_o st._n matthew_n and_o express_v his_o high_a esteem_n of_o he_o by_o say_v he_o prefer_v he_o before_o the_o goodly_a city_n of_o paris_n charles_n the_o v._o the_o give_v a_o great_a deference_n to_o comines_n than_o to_o any_o other_o writer_n and_o perpetual_o converse_v with_o he_o scaliger_n will_v rather_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o nine_o ode_n of_o horace_n than_o be_v emperor_n of_o germany_n and_o to_o come_v down_o yet_o low_o grotius_n give_v cujacius_n the_o preference_n to_o all_o the_o other_o commâ—ntators_n 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in_o antiquity_n for_o the_o first_o penman_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n who_o relate_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o write_n contain_v the_o act_n and_o monument_n of_o the_o patriarch_n have_v the_o start_n of_o all_o philosopher_n poet_n and_o historian_n and_o be_v absolute_o the_o ancient_a writer_n extant_a in_o the_o world_n no_o write_n be_v equal_a to_o these_o of_o the_o bible_n if_o we_o mention_v only_o the_o stock_n of_o humane_a learning_n contain_v in_o they_o here_o linguist_n and_o philologist_n may_v find_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v no_o where_o else_o here_o rhetorician_n and_o orator_n may_v be_v entertain_v with_o a_o more_o lofty_a eloquence_n with_o a_o choice_a composure_n of_o word_n and_o with_o great_a variety_n of_o style_n than_o any_o other_o writer_n can_v afford_v they_o here_o be_v a_o book_n where_o more_o be_v understand_v than_o express_v where_o word_n be_v few_o but_o the_o sense_n be_v full_a and_o 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of_o the_o scripture_n say_v tertullian_n and_o to_o he_o have_v echo_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n especial_o st._n cyprian_n jerom_n augustine_n chrysostom_n who_o have_v high_o magnify_v the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o have_v be_v very_o rhetorical_a in_o their_o panegyric_n upon_o they_o these_o and_o some_o other_o brave_a man_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n signalise_v themselves_o by_o their_o reverence_n and_o esteem_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o elpidius_n some_o of_o they_o consecrate_v their_o wit_n and_o poetry_n to_o this_o noble_a cause_n nor_o have_v these_o latter_a age_n be_v destitute_a of_o person_n of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a part_n and_o learning_n that_o have_v adore_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v use_v their_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n in_o set_v forth_o its_o praise_n 〈◊〉_d â—icinus_fw-la that_o great_a philosophic_a soul_n and_o the_o noble_a piâ—us_n mirandula_n who_o be_v the_o best_a linguist_n and_o scholar_n of_o his_o age_n two_o as_o learned_a italian_n as_o that_o nation_n ever_o breed_v and_o who_o may_v more_o than_o compound_v for_o those_o two_o other_o italian_n mention_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n who_o so_o impious_o vilify_v the_o sacred_a write_n after_o they_o have_v read_v all_o good_a author_n rest_v in_o the_o bible_n as_o the_o only_a book_n and_o particular_o it_o be_v pronounce_v by_o the_o latter_a of_o they_o that_o now_o he_o have_v find_v the_o 〈◊〉_d eloquence_n and_o wisdom_n yea_o these_o last_o time_n have_v produce_v man_n of_o the_o choice_a brain_n of_o the_o brisk_v part_n of_o the_o great_a humane_a learning_n who_o have_v employ_v these_o excellent_a talent_n in_o embelish_v the_o sacrâ—d_a scripture_n witness_n caâ—â—â—llio_n who_o have_v turn_v the_o whole_a bible_n into_o purâ—_n terse_a elegant_a latin_a able_a to_o tempt_v we_o to_o read_v this_o book_n and_o â—rotius_fw-la have_v incomparable_o 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book_n and_o have_v have_v long_a experience_n in_o learning_n and_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o book_n like_o the_o bible_n for_o excellent_a learning_n wisdom_n and_o use_n and_o it_o be_v want_v of_o understanding_n in_o they_o that_o think_v or_o speak_v otherwise_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o refine_a wit_n the_o most_o know_v and_o the_o most_o judicious_a head_n bear_v the_o great_a regard_n and_o esteem_v for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o all_o other_o write_n in_o the_o world_n it_o may_v pass_v for_o a_o certain_a maxim_n that_o the_o more_o learned_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o he_o prize_v the_o bible_n the_o great_a regard_n he_o have_v for_o these_o sacred_a record_n it_o be_v say_v of_o old_a that_o qâ—intil_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o great_a proficiency_n in_o good_a letter_n to_o love_n tully_n write_n it_o be_v much_o more_o a_o sign_n of_o our_o improvement_n in_o true_a learning_n that_o we_o delight_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o love_v they_o above_o all_o write_n whatsoever_o we_o show_v our_o proficiency_n by_o reverent_o esteem_v the_o bible_n and_o prefer_v it_o before_o all_o other_o author_n we_o discover_v that_o we_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o true_a and_o useful_a knowledge_n when_o we_o value_v this_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v contain_v when_o we_o admire_v this_o volume_n where_o all_o excellency_n meet_v together_o to_o evince_v this_o i_o will_v undertake_v these_o follow_a thing_n i._o to_o show_v the_o matchless_a usefulness_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o respect_n of_o spiritual_a divine_a and_o supernatural_a matter_n ii_o to_o demonstrate_v its_o transcendent_a excellency_n in_o regard_n of_o thing_n temporal_a and_o secular_a such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o humane_a learning_n and_o for_o the_o use_v of_o life_n iii_o to_o give_v a_o proof_n of_o this_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n by_o a_o particular_a display_v of_o the_o several_a book_n contain_v in_o this_o holy_a volume_n iv._o to_o let_v you_o see_v that_o this_o perfection_n be_v not_o impair_v by_o what_o be_v object_v and_o allege_v 1._o concern_v the_o loss_n of_o some_o book_n which_o have_v former_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n 2._o concern_v the_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o hebrew_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o greek_a translation_n of_o the_o seventy_o where_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v the_o true_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o those_o mistake_v that_o be_v in_o the_o lxx_n version_n and_o show_v whence_o it_o arise_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o discrepancy_n between_o that_o and_o the_o original_a verity_n v._o i_o will_v attempt_v a_o emendation_n of_o the_o present_a english_a version_n which_o in_o several_a place_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v defective_a that_o i_o may_v hereby_o restore_v the_o new_a testament_n for_o of_o that_o i_o shall_v chief_o speak_v to_o its_o native_a perfection_n and_o lustre_n last_o i_o will_v invite_v and_o solicit_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o direct_v he_o in_o so_o laudable_a and_o worthy_a a_o employment_n first_o i_o will_v demonstrative_o prove_v the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o these_o write_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v divine_a and_o have_v a_o immediate_a relation_n to_o religion_n thus_o they_o be_v the_o only_a canon_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o exact_a standard_n of_o our_o life_n and_o they_o mark_v we_o out_o the_o way_n to_o solid_a comfort_n peace_n and_o happiness_n these_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n i_o will_v insist_v upon_o 1._o this_o holy_a book_n be_v the_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n this_o comprise_v in_o it_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o belief_n the_o maâ—â—â—r_n of_o our_o assent_n here_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o believeâ—_n a_o god_n a_o immortal_a independent_a all-sufficient_a self-subsisting_a spirit_n who_o be_v infinite_o wife_n powerful_a just_a and_o merciful_a who_o though_o he_o be_v ineffable_o happy_a in_o the_o fruition_n of_o his_o own_o immense_a and_o transcendent_a perfection_n yet_o that_o he_o may_v communicate_v his_o goodness_n to_o other_o be_v please_v to_o frame_v the_o world_n with_o all_o the_o excellent_a furniture_n which_o we_o behold_v in_o it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o heaven_n be_v make_v and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o they_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n psal._n 33._o 6._o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o give_v to_o the_o sea_n his_o decree_n and_o set_v a_o compass_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a psal._n 104._o 5._o prov._n 8._o 27_o 29._o we_o be_v assure_v from_o these_o write_n that_o god_n providence_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o whether_o great_a or_o small_a psal._n 147._o 8_o etc._n etc._n matth._n 10._o 29_o
infallible_a this_o be_v that_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o st._n peter_n prefer_v before_o eye-witness_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 16_o etc._n etc._n yea_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o afterward_o commit_v to_o write_v st._n paul_n pronounce_v he_o accurse_v gal._n 1._o 8._o these_o infallible_a record_n these_o undoubted_a oracle_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n be_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o belief_n to_o all_o christian_n even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n on_o this_o they_o may_v rely_v with_o confidence_n as_o on_o a_o unerring_a guide_n for_o it_o be_v not_o like_o other_o book_n which_o be_v make_v by_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o void_a of_o error_n and_o mistake_v but_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v thus_o the_o canonical_a book_n 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just_a and_o give_v the_o strict_a rule_n of_o deal_v honest_o and_o upright_o with_o our_o neighbour_n even_o morality_n which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n and_o groundwork_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v most_o illustrious_a here_o christianity_n have_v the_o impress_n of_o reason_n civility_n and_o all_o acceptable_a quality_n it_o forbid_v nothing_o that_o be_v fit_v and_o decorous_a it_o countenance_n all_o that_o be_v manly_n and_o generous_a it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n in_o these_o sacred_a write_n the_o duty_n of_o christian_n be_v set_v down_o not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v single_a but_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o other_o and_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o community_n there_o be_v peculiar_a lesson_n for_o person_n in_o every_o condition_n for_o husband_n and_o wife_n for_o master_n and_o servant_n for_o parent_n and_o child_n for_o superior_n equal_n and_o inferior_n they_o be_v all_o provide_v here_o with_o instruction_n and_o direction_n proper_a to_o that_o state_n they_o be_v in_o they_o be_v very_o remarkable_a word_n which_o a_o â—_o reverend_n divine_a of_o our_o church_n utter_v will_v man_n apply_v their_o mind_n say_v he_o to_o study_v scripture_n and_o observe_v their_o own_o and_o other_o course_n of_o life_n experience_n will_v teach_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o estate_n on_o earth_n nor_o humane_a business_n in_o christendom_n this_o day_n on_o foot_n but_o have_v a_o rule_v cafe_z in_o scripture_n for_o their_o issue_n and_o success_n this_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n and_o be_v no_o mean_a demonstration_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o here_o be_v also_o the_o most_o notable_a instance_n of_o all_o those_o virtue_n and_o grace_n which_o adorn_v the_o life_n of_o man._n here_o be_v the_o example_n of_o abel_n sincere_a and_o acceptable_a devotion_n of_o enoch_n walk_v with_o god_n of_o noah_n untainted_a faithfulness_n amid_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o corrupt_a world_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o self-denial_n when_o he_o offer_v his_o only_a son_n on_o the_o altar_n of_o ioseph_n resolve_a chastity_n when_o he_o once_o and_o again_o resist_v the_o lustful_a solicitation_n of_o his_o mistress_n here_o be_v the_o example_n of_o moses_n public_a spirit_n who_o desire_v his_o name_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n rather_o than_o that_o nation_n shall_v perish_v here_o you_o read_v of_o aaron_n submissive_a silence_n of_o reuben_n fraternal_a commiseration_n of_o rohab_n seasonable_a wisdom_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o her_o faith_n in_o conceal_v the_o spy_n that_o be_v search_v for_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v phineas_n active_a zeal_n eli_n entire_a submission_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n iob_n invincible_a patience_n iosiah_n early_a piety_n his_o and_o iehosaphat_n care_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n ionathan_n entire_a friendship_n 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strengthen_v and_o support_v we_o under_o our_o heavy_a cross_n and_o make_v our_o life_n happy_a whatever_o befall_v we_o all_o which_o be_v undeniable_a argument_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n whence_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o believe_v aright_o to_o live_v well_o and_o to_o rejoice_v thus_o these_o holy_a write_n be_v indict_v that_o 17._o we_o may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n and_o thus_o scripture_n must_v needs_o be_v perfect_a because_o its_o design_n be_v to_o make_v we_o so_o but_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o several_a devout_a and_o practical_a writer_n have_v enlarge_v on_o this_o subject_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v say_v no_o more_o of_o it_o because_o my_o present_a discourse_n be_v design_v to_o be_v chief_o critical_a let_v it_o suffice_v that_o i_o have_v brief_o assert_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o to_o the_o three_o forementioned_a particular_n and_o that_o i_o have_v show_v that_o this_o 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be_v serviceable_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o bible_n second_o that_o which_o by_o they_o be_v call_v the_o oral_a law_n or_o the_o law_n deliver_v from_o one_o to_o another_o as_o a_o exposition_n on_o the_o write_a law_n it_o may_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o short_a account_n of_o this_o oral_a law_n which_o they_o so_o much_o boast_v of_o this_o be_v either_o before_o moses_n and_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o patriarch_n propagate_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n before_o the_o law_n be_v commit_v to_o write_v it_o consist_v of_o the_o seven_o precept_n of_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n of_o the_o apothegm_n sentence_n and_o paradox_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o first_o age_n or_o it_o be_v in_o and_o after_o moses_n time_n who_o be_v reckon_v the_o great_a author_n of_o the_o cabala_n because_o he_o deliver_v it_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-la to_o the_o jew_n say_v the_o rabbin_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o give_v they_o the_o decalogue_n and_o the_o other_o write_a law_n this_o torah_n gnal_n peh_fw-it as_o they_o style_v it_o this_o oral_a law_n be_v the_o exposition_n of_o those_o write_a law_n and_o be_v mean_v they_o say_v in_o deut._n 4._o 14._o the_o lord_n command_v i_o at_o that_o time_n to_o teach_v you_o statute_n and_o judgement_n and_o for_o this_o they_o allege_v deut._n 12._o 21._o which_o they_o tell_v we_o refer_v to_o some_o special_a command_n of_o god_n about_o kill_v and_o see_v we_o read_v no_o such_o special_a command_n about_o it_o in_o the_o write_a law_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o oral_a one_o that_o must_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o word_n there_o as_o i_o have_v command_v thou_o that_o moses_n receive_v this_o law_n on_o mount_n sinai_n 34._o rabbi_n bechai_n prove_v by_o the_o same_o token_n that_o he_o know_v by_o this_o law_n how_o long_o time_n he_o be_v upon_o that_o mount_n for_o when_o god_n teach_v he_o the_o write_a law_n than_o he_o know_v it_o be_v day_n because_o he_o can_v not_o write_v in_o the_o dark_a but_o when_o god_n give_v he_o the_o oral_a law_n he_o know_v then_o that_o it_o be_v night_n a_o most_o profound_a answer_n to_o the_o difficulty_n how_o moses_n can_v tell_v that_o he_o be_v 40_o day_n and_o night_n on_o the_o mount_n well_o god_n they_o say_v deliver_v this_o law_n to_o moses_n moses_n deliver_v it_o to_o joshua_n joshua_n to_o the_o seventy_o elder_n they_o to_o ezra_n who_o some_o say_v commit_v it_o to_o writing_n for_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a cabalist_n next_o to_o moses_n but_o the_o book_n which_o he_o compose_v of_o this_o matter_n be_v lose_v and_o so_o it_o go_v on_o after_o the_o old_a way_n again_o viz._n by_o tradition_n and_o come_v to_o the_o prophet_n of_o who_o zechary_n and_o malachi_n be_v the_o last_o and_o from_o they_o the_o great_a sanhedrim_n have_v it_o and_o at_o last_o it_o be_v make_v into_o a_o book_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lose_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o that_o compile_v this_o volume_n or_o book_n be_v rabbi_n judah_n who_o for_o the_o singular_a holiness_n of_o his_o life_n be_v call_v hakkadosh_n the_o saint_n he_o flourish_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n pius_n about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n passion_n the_o title_n which_o he_o give_v to_o it_o be_v mishnah_n i._n e._n the_o repetition_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n or_o a_o large_a explication_n of_o it_o give_v immediate_o to_o moses_n by_o god_n and_o by_o tradition_n derive_v to_o the_o jew_n this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o iterate_a or_o second_a law_n be_v divide_v by_o he_o into_o six_o general_a sedarim_n i._n e._n so_o many_o head_n or_o subject_n of_o which_o it_o treat_v and_o every_o sedar_n be_v divide_v into_o book_n every_o book_n into_o chapter_n or_o pirka_n about_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o this_o famous_a rabbi_n have_v reduce_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o one_o volume_n the_o learned_a doctor_n begin_v to_o comment_v upon_o it_o and_o first_o the_o jerusalem_n talmud_n call_v so_o because_o it_o be_v make_v for_o the_o jew_n that_o live_v in_o judea_n especial_o in_o jerusalem_n be_v finish_v by_o r._n jochanan_n about_o a._n d._n 240._o the_o comment_n which_o he_o and_o the_o other_o rabbi_n make_v on_o the_o mishnah_n be_v call_v the_o gemara_n the_o supplemental_a exposition_n of_o that_o volume_n of_o jewish_a tradition_n next_o the_o babylonick_a talmud_n be_v put_v forth_o by_o the_o learned_a jew_n at_o babylon_n who_o gather_v their_o tradition_n into_o a_o more_o complete_a and_o exact_a body_n as_o they_o think_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o countryman_n in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v compile_v by_o rabbi_n ascanio_n and_o his_o companion_n about_o a._n d._n 500_o and_o consist_v as_o the_o former_a talmud_n of_o the_o mishnaioth_n and_o the_o gemara_n the_o one_o be_v the_o text_n the_o other_o be_v the_o comment_n or_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o doctor_n on_o the_o book_n of_o the_o mishnah_n so_o then_o the_o oral_a law_n which_o the_o jew_n so_o much_o boast_v of_o and_o set_v so_o high_a a_o value_n upon_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o two_o talmud_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o mishnah_n and_o the_o gemara_n the_o mishnah_n be_v that_o which_o r._n judah_n compile_v the_o gemara_n be_v the_o work_n of_o r._n jochanan_n and_o ascanio_n and_o other_o rabbi_n and_o both_o be_v a_o complete_a body_n of_o the_o civil_a and_o canon_n law_n of_o the_o jew_n whoso_o name_v the_o talmud_n name_v all_o judaism_n say_v lightfoot_n these_o as_o he_o add_v be_v the_o jew_n council_n of_o trent_n they_o be_v the_o last_o and_o full_a determination_n which_o they_o have_v about_o all_o their_o religious_a opinion_n rite_n and_o usage_n thus_o i_o have_v exhibit_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a talmudick_n system_n wherein_o the_o oral_a law_n be_v comprise_v explain_v and_o descant_v upon_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o very_a excellent_a use_v make_v of_o this_o collection_n of_o jewish_a tradition_n it_o may_v be_v serviceable_a in_o sundry_a instance_n to_o expound_v the_o mosaic_a law_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o jewish_a antiquity_n to_o illustrate_v several_a place_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o to_o interpret_v many_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a which_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o receive_a practice_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o person_n who_o i_o be_o now_o blame_v make_v very_o ill_a use_n of_o it_o because_o they_o immoderate_o extol_v these_o tradition_n call_v they_o torah_n shebegnal_n peh_n their_o infallible_a oracle_n and_o esteem_v the_o
native_a language_n of_o those_o that_o possess_v that_o land_n to_o prove_v which_o he_o produce_v the_o name_n of_o person_n and_o place_n among_o they_o as_o melchisedek_n abimelek_n kirjath-seph_a jericho_n etc._n etc._n and_o thence_o infer_v that_o hebrew_n be_v the_o native_a tongue_n of_o the_o canaanite_n or_o philistine_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o the_o great_a selden_n and_o with_o he_o many_o other_o be_v mistake_v who_o affirm_v that_o 2._o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n remain_v pure_a in_o the_o family_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n only_o and_o that_o abraham_n bring_v that_o tongue_n first_o into_o canaan_n the_o contrary_n appear_v viz._n that_o this_o tongue_n be_v preserve_v even_o in_o canaan_n but_o mounseur_fw-fr bochart_n go_v too_o far_o when_o he_o add_v that_o hebrew_n be_v not_o retain_v in_o the_o family_n of_o heber_n and_o abraham_n but_o that_o this_o latter_a learn_v this_o tongue_n of_o the_o canaanite_n when_o he_o live_v with_o they_o in_o canaan_n i_o do_v not_o see_v this_o clear_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v both_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o among_o the_o canaanite_n though_o abraham_n be_v a_o chaldean_a and_o chaldee_n be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o country_n yet_o by_o the_o singular_a providence_n of_o god_n the_o hebrew_n may_v be_v keep_v up_o and_o speak_v by_o he_o nor_o do_v this_o hinder_v his_o converse_n with_o the_o chaldean_n because_o the_o chaldee_n be_v a_o dialect_n of_o the_o hebrew_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o canaan_n and_o consequent_o the_o canaanites_n be_v from_o cham_n who_o be_v a_o â—abel-builder_n and_o how_o then_o be_v the_o primitive_a hebrew_n among_o they_o it_o may_v be_v hard_a to_o resolve_v this_o and_o perhaps_o it_o be_v the_o only_a considerable_a objection_n against_o bochart_n opinion_n i_o be_o not_o now_o oblige_v to_o show_v why_o it_o be_v so_o but_o i_o be_o only_o concern_v to_o attend_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o the_o canaanite_n speak_v hebrew_n and_o consequent_o keep_v their_o tongue_n notwithstanding_o the_o confusion_n at_o babel_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o whole_o dismiss_v it_o without_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o it_o this_o may_v very_o well_o be_v because_o the_o canaanite_n speak_v hebrew_a be_v as_o much_o a_o barbarian_a and_o as_o little_o understand_v by_o another_o family_n or_o plantation_n as_o if_o god_n have_v infuse_v a_o new_a language_n or_o idiom_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v that_o hebrew_n be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o ungodly_a canaanites_n though_o true_o if_o i_o may_v speak_v free_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o this_o be_v firm_o build_v on_o that_o text_n in_o isaiah_n before_o cite_v for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o that_o be_v a_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o particular_o the_o egyptian_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o worship_n viz._n that_o of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v then_o in_o be_v and_o consequent_o this_o and_o not_o the_o ancient_a speech_n and_o dialect_n of_o canaan_n be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o language_n of_o canaan_n or_o suppose_v the_o very_a speech_n of_o that_o country_n to_o be_v mean_v yet_o we_o can_v thence_o absolute_o infer_v that_o the_o canaanite_n speak_v hebrew_n but_o only_o that_o hebrew_n be_v call_v the_o language_n of_o canaan_n which_o may_v be_v for_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o israelite_n who_o speak_v hebrew_n have_v possess_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n about_o eight_o hundred_o year_n when_o this_o be_v say_v by_o isaiah_n but_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o language_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o old_a canaanites_n to_o be_v the_o same_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o from_o what_o have_v be_v before_o allege_v we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o conclude_v as_o several_a bochart_n learned_a writer_n have_v do_v that_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o language_n of_o canaan_n i._n e._n the_o language_n which_o the_o canaanite_n speak_v from_o all_o which_o lay_v together_o and_o compare_v with_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o be_v confirm_v in_o this_o assertion_n that_o hebrew_n be_v the_o only_a language_n that_o be_v in_o use_n before_o the_o confusion_n of_o babel_n and_o so_o be_v the_o first_o tongue_n and_o the_o mother_n of_o all_o other_o eastern_a tongue_n this_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o universal_a belief_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v very_o positive_a here_o and_o it_o have_v be_v hold_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o learnede_a pagnin_n christians_o who_o have_v treat_v on_o this_o subject_a this_o be_v the_o language_n which_o god_n himself_o speak_v as_o be_v manifest_a from_o abundant_a instance_n some_o of_o which_o have_v be_v refer_v to_o and_o there_o be_v many_o other_o as_o god_n change_v of_o the_o name_n of_o abram_n sarai_n jacob_n etc._n etc._n and_o several_a name_n and_o memorial_n in_o the_o forty_o year_n abide_v of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n testify_v this_o this_o be_v the_o ancient_n and_o holy_a tongue_n that_o be_v use_v by_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o without_o doubt_v it_o be_v immediate_o teach_v they_o by_o god_n for_o he_o that_o bestow_v upon_o they_o other_o excellent_a benefit_n deny_v they_o not_o speech_n therefore_o this_o be_v a_o special_a gift_n of_o the_o creator_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o donative_n confer_v on_o adam_n and_o eve_n and_o it_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o and_o by_o all_o the_o antediluvian_o yea_o all_o noah_n posterity_n till_o the_o confusion_n at_o babel_n in_o this_o first_o and_o ancient_a language_n be_v the_o pentateuch_n and_o even_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n write_v and_o that_o in_o those_o very_a hebrew_n letter_n which_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n for_o the_o samaritan_n one_o which_o by_o some_o be_v cry_v up_o for_o the_o ancient_a be_v but_o a_o corrupt_a imitation_n of_o these_o in_o this_o holy_a language_n and_o character_n both_o of_o his_o own_o institution_n god_n will_v have_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n express_v and_o record_v in_o this_o book_n alone_o be_v the_o first_o name_n of_o man_n and_o beast_n in_o that_o tongue_n denote_v their_o particular_a nature_n and_o quality_n which_o i_o may_v have_v mention_v before_o to_o show_v the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o tongue_n nay_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v this_o that_o this_o first_o way_n of_o speak_v among_o mankind_n be_v no_o where_o preserve_v but_o in_o these_o write_n for_o after_o the_o babylonian_a captivity_n which_o be_v about_o three_o thousand_o and_o four_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o creation_n this_o original_a speech_n be_v no_o long_o the_o language_n of_o any_o particular_a nation_n for_o the_o captive_a jew_n lose_v this_o tongue_n at_o babylon_n a_o place_n fatal_a to_o hebrew_a at_o first_o in_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n and_o afterward_o in_o this_o people_n forget_v their_o language_n there_o insomuch_o that_o at_o their_o return_n home_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v the_o book_n of_o their_o own_o law_n but_o by_o a_o interpreter_n neh._n 8._o 7_o 8._o for_o they_o have_v change_v their_o hebrew_a into_o a_o mix_v language_n compound_v partly_o of_o hebrew_n and_o partly_o of_o chaldee_n which_o be_v afterward_o call_v syriack_n but_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o pure_a hebrew_n be_v keep_v entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a and_o be_v extant_a at_o this_o day_n in_o no_o write_n but_o these_o if_o any_o grammarian_n and_o critic_n can_v say_v the_o like_o concern_v the_o greek_a or_o latin_a tongue_n that_o there_o be_v one_o book_n wherein_o either_o of_o these_o in_o its_o first_o purity_n be_v whole_o contain_v they_o will_v be_v very_o lavish_a in_o their_o encomium_n of_o that_o volume_n and_o the_o prelation_n of_o it_o to_o all_o other_o shall_v not_o want_v set_v forth_o behold_v here_o the_o whole_a hebrew_n tongue_n and_o that_o in_o its_o native_a lustre_n comprise_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o no_o one_o book_n upon_o earth_n beside_o this_o be_v there_o lodge_v a_o whole_a language_n which_o shall_v invite_v all_o admirer_n and_o lover_n of_o ancient_a literature_n to_o prize_v it_o and_o the_o book_n write_v in_o it_o certain_o this_o be_v a_o high_a commendation_n of_o these_o sacred_a write_n and_o give_v they_o the_o preference_n to_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o second_o they_o right_o claim_v this_o because_o they_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o find_v record_v in_o no_o other_o write_n for_o though_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o some_o circumstance_n which_o appertain_v to_o it_o be_v obscure_o intimate_v in_o some_o pagan_a historian_n and_o poet_n and_o thereby_o as_o i_o have_v late_o show_v on_o another_o occasion_n testimony_n be_v give_v
venom_n of_o lust_n and_o debauchery_n be_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o instill_a by_o it_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o lament_v the_o fashionable_a folly_n and_o levity_n of_o our_o time_n chap._n v._n we_o be_v furnish_v in_o the_o bible_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o first_o usage_n relate_v to_o matrimony_n of_o nuptial_a feast_n and_o other_o ancient_a feast_n we_o have_v here_o the_o first_o notice_n of_o buy_v and_o sell_v and_o the_o ancient_a use_n of_o money_n we_o learn_v hence_o what_o be_v the_o first_o apparel_n and_o what_o addition_n there_o be_v afterward_o the_o chief_a ornament_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n viz._n crown_n mitre_n frontal_n jewel_n earring_n the_o occasion_n of_o wear_v these_o at_o first_o and_o among_o what_o person_n and_o nation_n together_o with_o the_o abuse_n of_o they_o chain_n bracelet_n finger-ring_n and_o signet_n change_n of_o garment_n the_o ancient_a use_n of_o white_a apparel_n fuller_n earth_n looking-glass_n rend_v of_o the_o garment_n that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o first_o and_o ancient_a usage_n in_o the_o world_n i_o will_v make_v good_a in_o the_o next_o place_n by_o speak_v of_o marriage_n and_o several_a thing_n that_o have_v reference_n to_o it_o concern_v which_o we_o have_v the_o best_a notice_n from_o this_o authentic_a book_n there_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o man_n be_v no_o soon_o make_v but_o god_n extract_v a_o woman_n out_o of_o he_o and_o when_o he_o have_v divide_v they_o he_o present_o join_v they_o together_o so_o that_o a_o conjugal_a life_n become_v the_o first_o and_o bless_a state_n of_o paradise_n gen._n 2._o 21_o etc._n etc._n the_o first_o person_n that_o violate_v this_o primitive_a law_n of_o wedlock_n be_v lamech_v who_o take_v unto_o he_o two_o wife_n gen._n 4._o 19_o and_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v 3._o josephus_n have_v 77_o child_n by_o they_o the_o example_n of_o this_o first_o polygamist_n be_v afterward_o draw_v into_o practice_n by_o the_o jew_n and_o polygamy_n become_v frequent_a and_o divorcement_n be_v permit_v in_o order_n to_o the_o marry_n of_o other_o wife_n the_o first_o that_o keep_v concubine_n be_v abraham_n gen._n 25._o 6._o who_o practice_n be_v follow_v afterward_o by_o other_o patriarch_n not_o without_o some_o permission_n from_o god_n but_o grow_v at_o last_o to_o a_o most_o scandalous_a excess_n in_o solomon_n and_o rehoboam_n day_n that_o there_o be_v prostitute_n harlot_n betimes_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o gen._n 34._o 31._o and_o chap._n 38._o v._n 14_o 15._o in_o which_o latter_a place_n there_o be_v mention_v some_o circumstance_n whereby_o those_o mercenary_a woman_n be_v know_v in_o those_o time_n as_o their_o veil_n their_o sit_v in_o a_o open_a place_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o be_v veil_v may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o tamar_n but_o it_o be_v with_o a_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a sort_n of_o cover_v by_o which_o they_o be_v know_v from_o other_o for_o all_o the_o sex_n general_o in_o those_o eastern_a country_n go_v veil_v it_o be_v not_o wear_v because_o those_o first_o prostitute_n be_v modest_a in_o respect_n of_o those_o since_o as_o some_o have_v think_v but_o because_o they_o be_v distinguish_v by_o this_o from_o other_o woman_n i_o know_v that_o bochart_n and_o some_o other_o attempt_n to_o infer_v from_o isa._n 47._o 3._o and_o such_o like_a place_n that_o they_o be_v not_o veil_v but_o this_o as_o i_o apprehend_v be_v upon_o mistake_n for_o those_o word_n have_v no_o reference_n to_o harlot_n but_o to_o slave_n and_o so_o the_o learnede_a commentator_n agree_v their_o place_v themselves_o by_o the_o way_n side_n or_o in_o some_o open_a place_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o foresay_a example_n of_o tamar_n and_o this_o be_v a_o long_a time_n afterward_o the_o usage_n among_o person_n of_o that_o infamous_a character_n prov._n 7._o 12._o she_o be_v in_o the_o street_n and_o lie_v in_o wait_n at_o every_o corner_n where_o by_o the_o corner_n be_v mean_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o eminent_a place_n in_o the_o street_n open_a and_o to_o be_v see_v wherefore_o we_o find_v her_o seat_n to_o be_v in_o the_o high_a place_n of_o the_o city_n chap._n 9_o v._n 14._o to_o this_o impudent_a practice_n refer_v those_o passage_n in_o the_o way_n have_v thou_o set_v for_o they_o jer._n 3._o 2._o thou_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o high_a place_n in_o every_o street_n at_o every_o head_n of_o the_o way_n ezek._n 16._o 24_o 25._o so_o the_o roman_a strumpet_n be_v wont_a to_o sit_v in_o triviis_fw-la in_o the_o high_a way_n where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a resort_v of_o people_n as_o from_o catullus_n and_o other_o may_v be_v prove_v if_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o main_a subject_n that_o of_o matrimony_n we_o see_v what_o kind_n of_o treaty_n there_o be_v about_o it_o gen._n 34._o 6_o 12._o what_o the_o contract_n gen._n 24._o 50_o 51_o 57_o 58._o what_o the_o solemnize_n of_o it_o gen._n 24._o 67._o be_v in_o those_o early_a day_n we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o formality_n in_o join_v of_o man_n and_o woman_n mutual_a consent_n make_v marriage_n will_v thou_o go_v with_o this_o man_n and_o she_o say_v i_o will_v go_v then_o when_o she_o be_v come_v to_o his_o house_n he_o take_v she_o and_o she_o become_v his_o wife_n to_o this_o some_o have_v think_v those_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n hos._n 3._o 3._o refer_v i_o buy_v she_o for_o a_o homer_n of_o barley_n as_o if_o they_o allude_v to_o the_o ancient_a custom_n of_o marriage_n solemnize_v per_fw-la confarreationem_fw-la by_o a_o cake_n of_o bread_n or_o some_o corn_n put_v into_o the_o bride_n hand_n which_o here_o by_o the_o way_n i_o may_v observe_v be_v perhaps_o the_o original_a of_o thâ—_n bridecake_n which_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a attendant_n at_o nuptial_n but_o though_o that_o be_v questionable_a yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o word_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o ancient_n buy_v of_o wife_n the_o bridal_a purchase_n here_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n be_v partly_o with_o corn_n and_o partly_o with_o money_n for_o he_o say_v he_o buy_v she_o to_o he_o for_o fifteen_o pieceâ—_n of_o silver_n as_o well_o as_o for_o a_o homer_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o dower_n consist_v in_o money_n and_o good_n but_o we_o have_v a_o much_o early_a example_n of_o this_o dowry_n or_o gift_n as_o it_o be_v call_v exod._n 34._o 12._o where_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v give_v a_o certain_a sum_n of_o money_n to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o woman_n who_o be_v court_v and_o design_v for_o a_o wife_n and_o this_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o 1_o sam._n 18._o 25._o for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v the_o king_n desire_v not_o any_o dowry_n it_o be_v imply_v that_o although_o saul_n in_o craft_n seem_v to_o refuse_v a_o dowry_n for_o his_o daughter_n yet_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o those_o day_n to_o give_v it_o for_o a_o wife_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o great_a father_n of_o poet_n and_o of_o all_o pagan_a antiquity_n and_o there_o be_v reference_n to_o this_o practice_n in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o poem_n whence_o aristotle_n speak_v of_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o old_a greek_n say_v 8._o they_o buy_v their_o wife_n and_o this_o conjugal_a buy_v or_o purchase_v be_v reciprocal_a i._n e._n it_o be_v perform_v by_o both_o party_n general_o husband_n and_o wife_n it_o be_v the_o same_o matrimonial_a coemption_n or_o mutual_a purchase_n which_o prevail_v at_o this_o day_n the_o woman_n purchase_v the_o man_n with_o her_o portion_n or_o jointure_n and_o he_o she_o with_o his_o estate_n or_o part_n of_o it_o the_o simplicity_n of_o those_o first_o age_n be_v such_o that_o there_o be_v then_o no_o such_o ceremonial_a rite_n in_o their_o nuptial_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v since_o and_o indeed_o it_o become_v partly_o necessary_a to_o have_v a_o public_a and_o solemn_a celebration_n of_o marriage_n after_o the_o world_n be_v grow_v more_o numerous_a to_o fix_v and_o ascertain_v the_o legitimacy_n of_o succession_n in_o family_n and_o to_o tie_v the_o matrimonial_a knot_n the_o fast_o in_o these_o slippery_a time_n yet_o this_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o nuptial_a bond_n be_v enter_v into_o without_o ceremony_n and_o formality_n yet_o they_o be_v always_o attend_v with_o a_o feast_n which_o ever_o afterward_o become_v fashionable_a among_o all_o nation_n but_o especial_o the_o roman_n of_o who_o we_o have_v example_n in_o 2._o tully_n 25._o suetonius_n 6._o juvenal_n and_o many_o other_o we_o read_v of_o a_o feast_n at_o jacob_n and_o rachel_n or_o rather_o as_o latan_n order_v the_o matter_n leah_n wedding_n gen._n 29._o 22._o
find_v more_o work_n and_o much_o more_o to_o his_o advantage_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n especial_o of_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n than_o in_o all_o the_o mouldy_a manuscript_n and_o record_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o therefore_o you_o will_v find_v mr._n selden_n as_o great_a a_o antiquary_n as_o this_o last_o age_n afford_v continual_o converse_v with_o these_o sacred_a record_n and_o present_v the_o world_n with_o the_o noble_a and_o most_o useful_a piece_n of_o antiquity_n from_o thence_o here_o we_o learn_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o the_o world_n how_o thing_n go_v before_o and_o immediate_o after_o the_o flood_n the_o scripture_n give_v the_o old_a account_n and_o discovery_n of_o thing_n all_o curious_a observation_n of_o the_o first_o time_n all_o ancient_a notion_n and_o invention_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o here_o so_o that_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o bible_n but_o as_o a_o ancient_a book_n of_o 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of_o romulus_n and_o scipio_n africanus_n and_o make_v this_o observation_n that_o the_o death_n of_o great_a man_n be_v uncertain_o report_v athenâ—us_o say_v of_o plato_n that_o he_o be_v eat_v up_o of_o louse_n by_o his_o frequent_a eat_n of_o fig_n which_o he_o so_o exceed_o love_v that_o he_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o this_o be_v contradict_v by_o other_o some_o say_v aristotle_n drown_v himself_o in_o euripus_n because_o he_o can_v not_o find_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o its_o ebb_a and_o flow_v other_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o he_o poison_v himself_o but_o some_o affirm_v he_o die_v a_o natural_a death_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o philosopher_n but_o die_v twice_o or_o thrice_o in_o laertius_n nor_o be_v there_o almost_o any_o life_n in_o plutarch_n without_o two_o or_o three_o death_n as_o a_o med._n learned_a man_n have_v observe_v to_o pass_v to_o other_o historian_n from_o who_o we_o may_v think_v to_o have_v better_a and_o certain_a information_n antiochus_n in_o the_o book_n of_o maccabee_n die_v three_o several_a death_n 1_o sy_n in_o his_o bed_n at_o babylon_n 1_o mac._n 6._o 8_o 16._o two_o he_o be_v stone_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o nanea_n 2_o mac._n 1._o 15_o 16._o three_o he_o die_v on_o the_o mountain_n by_o a_o fall_n out_o of_o his_o chariot_n 2_o mac._n 9_o 28._o there_o be_v different_a report_n concern_v iulian_n death_n but_o the_o respective_a historian_n be_v confident_a in_o they_o all_o he_o be_v kill_v by_o one_o of_o his_o own_o soldier_n say_v socrates_n by_o a_o daemon_n say_v callistus_n who_o write_v in_o verse_n of_o the_o war_n at_o that_o time_n with_o the_o persian_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o he_o die_v by_o a_o stroke_n which_o a_o christian_a soldier_n give_v he_o according_a to_o sozomen_n but_o none_o know_v whence_o that_o stroke_n come_v according_a to_o theodoret._n eusebius_n and_o zosimus_n speak_v diverse_o concern_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a procopius_n give_v a_o account_n of_o justinian_n contrary_a to_o what_o all_o other_o historian_n do_v and_o before_o this_o we_o find_v the_o father_n differ_v about_o the_o character_n of_o nicolas_n the_o deacon_n clemens_n of_o alexandria_n and_o theodoret_n say_v he_o live_v a_o chaste_a life_n but_o that_o be_v reprimand_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o his_o jealousy_n towards_o his_o wife_n he_o thereupon_o bring_v she_o out_o and_o expose_v she_o to_o any_o one_o but_o tertullian_n and_o epiphanius_n affirm_v that_o he_o allow_v of_o and_o practise_v all_o obscenity_n and_o lewdness_n and_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o woman_n the_o person_n who_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o st._n george_n be_v a_o cappadocian_n tribune_n a_o great_a hero_n and_o at_o last_o a_o martyr_n say_v some_o he_o be_v a_o heretic_n a_o arian_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n say_v other_o there_o be_v no_o such_o man_n say_v a_o three_o sort_n if_o we_o shall_v look_v into_o our_o own_o british_a concern_v there_o 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be_v poison_v by_o other_o that_o he_o die_v of_o a_o pleurisy_n by_o other_o that_o a_o palsy_n and_o cramp_n take_v away_o his_o life_n and_o there_o be_v other_o that_o confident_o report_v his_o death_n be_v by_o st._n anthony_n fire_n yea_o our_o writer_n be_v often_o gross_o mistake_v about_o matter_n of_o very_a late_a occurrence_n as_o baker_n heylin_n fuâ—â—er_n profess_v historian_n tell_v we_o that_o richard_n sutton_n a_o single_a man_n found_v the_o hospital_n at_o the_o charterhouse_n whereas_o his_o christian_a name_n be_v thomas_n and_o 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o marry_a man._n so_o mr._n hooker_n die_v in_o holy_a celibacy_n say_v gauden_n and_o fuller_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v know_v to_o be_v too_o true_a but_o i_o shall_v be_v infinite_a if_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o set_v before_o you_o the_o palpable_a mistake_v and_o misreport_v in_o
history_n both_o domestieâ—_n and_o foreign_a all_o that_o be_v conversant_a in_o this_o way_n of_o study_n complain_v and_o that_o just_o of_o the_o erroneous_a misrepresentation_n of_o passage_n of_o all_o sort_n among_o historian_n and_o of_o our_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o but_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v or_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v in_o the_o sacred_a history_n because_o god_n himself_o speak_v there_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v the_o surâ—â—_n ground_n for_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o can_v desire_v there_o be_v no_o authority_n so_o firm_a as_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a there_o be_v no_o testimony_n so_o strong_a and_o valid_a as_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o such_o be_v that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o it_o most_o just_o challenge_v yea_o command_v our_o faith_n and_o assent_n this_o be_v the_o singular_a pre-eminence_n and_o advantage_n which_o this_o book_n have_v above_o all_o other_o that_o the_o penman_n of_o it_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o unerring_a spirit_n of_o god_n this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v and_o six_o we_o it_o be_v the_o most_o stable_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o proper_a basis_n of_o our_o belief_n even_o where_o thing_n that_o be_v very_o improbable_a be_v propound_v to_o we_o to_o be_v assent_v to_o beside_o as_o to_o the_o seem_a improbability_n of_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o ought_v not_o to_o hinder_v we_o from_o give_v credit_n to_o they_o many_o person_n be_v wont_a to_o look_v upon_o these_o passage_n and_o story_n as_o strange_a and_o almost_o incredible_a which_o they_o observe_v be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o manner_n custom_n art_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v at_o present_a and_o thence_o they_o be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n heretofore_o but_o these_o man_n do_v not_o well_o consider_v nor_o distinguish_v between_o those_o time_n and_o these_o which_o be_v exceed_o different_a and_o moreover_o if_o they_o suspend_v their_o belief_n of_o some_o thing_n which_o they_o read_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n because_o they_o see_v other_o thing_n now_o thing_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n they_o may_v as_o well_o disbelieve_v all_o the_o other_o history_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o be_v extant_a which_o yet_o we_o see_v they_o be_v very_o backward_o to_o do_v and_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n on_o their_o side_n because_o the_o world_n be_v not_o now_o as_o it_o be_v then_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o those_o time_n shall_v be_v full_o conformable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o what_o occur_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n for_o this_o reason_n a_o very_a 11._o solid_a and_o judicious_a writer_n have_v defend_v the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n whereof_o whatever_n be_v strange_a be_v in_o herodotus_n and_o pliny_n show_v that_o though_o some_o fabulous_a narration_n and_o many_o gross_a mistake_v and_o error_n be_v intermingle_v the_o strangeness_n of_o some_o passage_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o diversity_n of_o time_n the_o posture_n of_o the_o world_n have_v much_o change_v since_o those_o thing_n happen_v let_v we_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o reason_v in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o when_o we_o find_v several_a strange_a unusual_a and_o surprise_v matter_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n impute_v this_o to_o the_o antientness_n of_o they_o and_o the_o great_a discrepancy_n between_o those_o day_n and_o these_o we_o now_o live_v in_o if_o we_o do_v so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o impediment_n to_o our_o steady_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o nay_o if_o we_o weigh_v thing_n well_o we_o shall_v see_v it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o expect_v that_o the_o guise_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o now_o that_o they_o be_v 4_o or_o 5000_o year_n ago_o for_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v new_a thing_n when_o the_o number_n of_o person_n be_v so_o vast_o increase_v when_o the_o difference_n of_o clime_n produce_v such_o diversity_n of_o disposition_n when_o casualty_n necessity_n industry_n wit_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o so_o many_o new_a occurrence_n let_v this_o be_v remember_v and_o serious_o think_v of_o and_o it_o will_v dispel_v our_o vain_a scruple_n and_o disbelief_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o remain_v the_o former_a consideration_n will_v thorough_o extirpate_v they_o i._n e._n if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v its_o peculiar_a prerogative_n and_o excellency_n chap._n vii_o a_o particular_a distribution_n of_o the_o several_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n genesis_n the_o first_o of_o they_o together_o with_o the_o four_o follow_v one_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n his_o ample_a character_n or_o panegyric_n be_v attompt_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o full_a account_n of_o his_o birth_n education_n flight_n from_o court_n retire_a life_n his_o return_n to_o egypt_n his_o conduct_v of_o the_o israelite_n thence_o his_o immediate_a converse_n with_o god_n in_o the_o mount_n his_o deliver_v the_o law_n his_o divine_a eloquence_n his_o humility_n and_o meekness_n his_o suffering_n his_o miracle_n and_o his_o particular_a fitness_n to_o write_v these_o book_n a_o summary_n of_o the_o several_a head_n contain_v in_o genesis_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o brief_a but_o distinct_a view_n of_o the_o six_o day_n work_n wherein_o be_v explain_v the_o mosaic_a draught_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o thing_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o bold_a hypothesis_n of_o a_o late_a writer_n design_v to_o confront_v the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v expose_v and_o refute_v the_o content_n of_o the_o book_n of_o 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proceed_v now_o to_o the_o other_o book_n of_o moses_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v brief_a leviticus_n have_v its_o name_n because_o it_o treat_v chief_o of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o levite_n and_o the_o whole_a levitical_a order_n it_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o jewish_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o particular_a employment_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n of_o their_o several_a kind_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n viz._n burnt-offering_n meat-offering_n peace-offering_n sin-offering_n trespass-offering_n of_o the_o consecration_n of_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n to_o the_o priesthood_n of_o law_n about_o clean_n and_o unclean_a thing_n and_o of_o difference_n of_o meat_n here_o they_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v blood_n here_o they_o be_v teach_v how_o to_o discern_v the_o leprosy_n and_o how_o to_o cleanse_v it_o here_o be_v law_n concern_v vow_n and_o thing_n and_o person_n devote_v there_o be_v also_o other_o ordinance_n and_o 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of_o israel_n as_o we_o may_v collect_v from_o ch_z 1._o v._n 3_o 4._o where_o we_o read_v that_o moses_n and_o aaron_n have_v a_o special_a command_n from_o god_n to_o muster_n the_o tribe_n and_o to_o take_v the_o number_n of_o all_o that_o be_v fit_a for_o war_n and_o to_o order_n and_o marshal_v the_o army_n when_o it_o be_v once_o form_v for_o now_o in_o their_o passage_n through_o the_o wilderness_n they_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o many_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v convenient_a to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o their_o force_n and_o to_o put_v themselves_o into_o a_o posture_n ready_a to_o engage_v a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o book_n be_v historical_a relate_v several_a remarkable_a passage_n in_o the_o israelite_n march_v through_o the_o wilderness_n as_o the_o sedition_n of_o aaron_n and_o miriam_n the_o rebellion_n of_o corah_n and_o his_o companion_n the_o murmur_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n their_o be_v plague_v with_o fiery_a serpent_n baalam_n prophesy_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o israel_n instead_o of_o curse_v they_o the_o miraculous_a bud_a of_o aaron_n rod._n hear_v also_o be_v distinct_o relate_v their_o several_a remove_n from_o place_n to_o place_n their_o two_o and_o forty_o stage_n or_o journey_n through_o the_o wilderness_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n which_o befall_v they_o whereby_o we_o be_v instruct_v and_o confirm_v in_o some_o of_o the_o weighty_a truth_n that_o have_v immediate_a reference_n to_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n be_v spend_v in_o enumerate_v those_o law_n and_o ordinance_n whether_o ceremonial_a or_o civil_a which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o be_v not_o mention_v before_o in_o the_o precede_a book_n as_o some_o particular_n of_o the_o levite_n office_n and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o the_o trial_n of_o jealousy_n the_o rite_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o nazarite_n the_o renew_n of_o the_o passover_n the_o make_n of_o fringe_n on_o the_o border_n of_o their_o garment_n the_o water_n of_o separation_n to_o be_v use_v in_o purify_n the_o unclean_a the_o law_n of_o inheritance_n of_o vow_n of_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n of_o the_o city_n for_o the_o levite_n and_o some_o other_o constitution_n either_o not_o insert_v into_o the_o other_o book_n of_o moses_n or_o not_o so_o distinct_o and_o plain_o set_v down_o thus_o this_o book_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o addition_n of_o law_n not_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o forego_n book_n have_v its_o peculiar_a use_n and_o excellency_n deuteronomy_n which_o signify_v a_o second_o law_n be_v a_o repetition_n of_o the_o law_n before_o deliver_v it_o be_v the_o canonic_a mishnah_n or_o new_a rehearsal_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o be_v necessary_a because_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o before_o die_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o there_o be_v now_o spring_v up_o another_o generation_n of_o man_n the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v promulge_v to_o they_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v live_v at_o that_o time_n have_v not_o hear_v the_o decalogue_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o law_n open_o proclaim_v or_o be_v young_a they_o have_v neglect_v or_o forget_v they_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o moses_n in_o this_o book_n rehearse_v they_o to_o this_o new_a people_n and_o withal_o add_v a_o explication_n of_o they_o in_o many_o place_n yea_o and_o adjoin_v some_o new_a law_n viz._n the_o take_n down_o of_o malefactor_n from_o the_o tree_n in_o the_o evening_n make_v of_o battlement_n on_o the_o roof_n of_o their_o house_n the_o expiation_n of_o a_o unknown_a murder_n the_o punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o a_o rebellious_a son_n the_o distinction_n of_o the_o sex_n by_o apparel_n marry_v the_o brother_n wife_n after_o his_o decease_n also_o order_n and_o injunction_n concern_v divorce_n concern_v manstealer_n concern_v unjust_a weight_n and_o measure_n concern_v the_o marry_v of_o a_o captive_a woman_n concern_v the_o servant_n that_o desert_n his_o master_n service_n and_o several_a other_o law_n not_o only_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a but_o military_a there_o be_v likewise_o insert_v some_o new_a action_n and_o passage_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o last_o year_n of_o their_o travel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n moreover_o moses_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n show_v himself_o a_o true_a father_n pastor_n and_o guide_n to_o that_o people_n a_o hearty_a lover_n of_o they_o and_o their_o welfare_n in_o such_o manifest_a instance_n as_o these_o his_o often_o inculcate_v upon_o they_o the_o many_o obligation_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o from_o god_n the_o innumerable_a favour_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o his_o frequent_a and_o pathetic_a exhortation_n to_o obedience_n and_o live_v answerable_o to_o the_o singular_a mercy_n which_o be_v confer_v upon_o they_o his_o constant_a remind_v they_o of_o their_o former_a miscarriage_n their_o murmur_n and_o rebellion_n against_o heaven_n and_o all_o their_o unworthy_a deportment_n towards_o their_o matchless_a benefactor_n his_o compassionate_a forewarn_n they_o of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n of_o the_o various_a plague_n and_o punishment_n which_o will_v certain_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o their_o persist_v in_o their_o sin_n last_o his_o affectionate_a encourage_v they_o to_o obedience_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o endear_n promise_v which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o they_o and_o which_o he_o will_v assure_o make_v good_a if_o they_o do_v not_o frustrate_v his_o design_n of_o mercy_n towards_o they_o by_o their_o own_o wilful_a obstinacy_n these_o be_v the_o excellent_a subject_n of_o this_o divine_a book_n and_o which_o render_v it_o so_o unvaluable_a a_o treasury_n hitherto_o of_o the_o pentateuch_n or_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o they_o i_o think_v need_v not_o be_v question_v though_o
write_v the_o book_n which_o bear_v his_o name_n be_v a_o jew_n cupbearer_n to_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n and_o return_v into_o judea_n thirteen_o year_n after_o ezra_n there_o be_v another_o nehemiah_n who_o come_v with_o those_o that_o return_v at_o first_o from_o babylon_n ezra_n 2._o 2._o but_o he_o who_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o come_v afterward_o by_o artaxerxes_n leave_n in_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o go_v back_o to_o persia_n again_o twelve_o year_n after_o neh._n 5._o 14._o this_o writer_n begin_v where_o ezra_n leave_v of_o and_o continue_v the_o history_n of_o the_o building_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o deportment_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o time_n from_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o darius_n about_o fifty_o year_n in_o all_o as_o ezra_n chief_o relate_v the_o restore_a of_o religion_n and_o erect_v the_o temple_n so_o this_o author_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o building_n of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v restore_v in_o several_a particular_n he_o show_v what_o be_v the_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o people_n and_o how_o they_o be_v redress_v even_o by_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o tell_v we_o what_o method_n he_o take_v of_o regulate_v both_o their_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a affair_n in_o short_a of_o reform_v both_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v even_o then_o so_o early_o corrupt_v from_o the_o whole_a both_o here_o and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n we_o be_v teach_v many_o useful_a lesson_n but_o this_o above_o all_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v power_n to_o extinguish_v this_o little_a flock_n israel_n be_v not_o always_o a_o captive_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n babylon_n send_v back_o her_o prisoner_n and_o bondman_n her_o very_a enemy_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a direction_n of_o heaven_n promote_v her_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n for_o we_o be_v inform_v from_o this_o part_n of_o sacred_a history_n that_o god_n stir_v up_o even_o the_o persian_a monarch_n to_o restore_v his_o people_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o when_o they_o be_v there_o to_o help_v and_o assist_v they_o and_o to_o baffle_v all_o their_o opposer_n the_o book_n of_o esther_n be_v a_o particular_a history_n of_o what_o happen_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o captivity_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o ahasuerus_n one_o of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n whether_o he_o be_v artaxerxes_n longimanus_fw-la as_o raleigh_n some_o think_v or_o artaxerxes_n mnemon_n as_o most_o author_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a say_v or_o artaxerxes_n ochus_n as_o serarius_n hold_v or_o xerxes_n the_o four_o persian_a monarch_n according_a to_o scaliger_n or_o darius_n the_o son_n of_o hystaspes_n or_o cambyses_n for_o so_o various_a aâ—e_n the_o opinion_n of_o author_n i_o will_v not_o here_o dispute_v only_o we_o know_v that_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o the_o profane_a intend_v the_o same_o person_n sometime_o though_o they_o give_v different_a name_n the_o story_n be_v this_o haman_n a_o great_a favourite_n and_o minion_n of_o the_o king_n and_o advance_v to_o great_a honour_n by_o he_o be_v high_o incense_v against_o mordecai_n one_o of_o the_o captive_a jew_n because_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v he_o reverence_n and_o to_o bow_n to_o he_o whereupon_o he_o resolve_v for_o his_o sake_n to_o compass_v the_o destruction_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o territory_n and_o to_o that_o end_n gain_v a_o decree_n from_o the_o king_n to_o put_v they_o all_o to_o the_o sword_n but_o this_o wicked_a design_n be_v happy_o frustrate_v by_o mean_n of_o esther_n a_o jewish_a captive_a virgin_n who_o for_o her_o transcendent_a beauty_n have_v a_o little_a time_n before_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o throne_n and_o now_o prevail_v with_o her_o royal_a husband_n to_o spare_v the_o life_n of_o her_o dear_a countryman_n in_o this_o manner_n haman_n curse_a conspiracy_n be_v defeat_v he_o himself_o advance_v to_o a_o gibbet_n and_o that_o of_o his_o own_o prepare_v the_o jew_n deliver_v from_o their_o fear_n and_o danger_n mordecai_n who_o discover_v this_o bloody_a design_n to_o queen_n esther_n and_o who_o have_v before_o that_o discover_v another_o conspiracy_n viz._n against_o the_o king_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o chronicle_n and_o about_o this_o time_n read_v to_o he_o and_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n serviceable_a by_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o bring_v about_o this_o happy_a frustration_n of_o haman_n plot_n this_o mordecai_n i_o say_v be_v prefer_v unto_o the_o great_a honour_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o by_o the_o by_o let_v i_o suggest_v that_o perhaps_o from_o his_o ride_v the_o king_n horse_n and_o thereby_o be_v prefer_v to_o kingly_a dignity_n the_o story_n of_o darius_n be_v make_v king_n of_o persia_n by_o the_o neigh_v of_o his_o horse_n have_v its_o rise_n for_o as_o i_o have_v often_o have_v occasion_n in_o another_o place_n to_o prove_v the_o gentile_a historian_n mistake_v one_o person_n for_o another_o the_o heart_n and_o mouth_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o king_n province_n be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o a_o annual_a festival_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o all_o succeed_a generation_n in_o remembrance_n of_o this_o singular_a and_o unexpected_a deliverance_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o this_o short_a history_n in_o which_o there_o be_v many_o admirable_a and_o surprise_v circumstance_n which_o though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v particular_o relate_v here_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o god_n singular_a providence_n and_o goodness_n to_o his_o church_n in_o discover_v and_o defeat_v the_o contrivance_n of_o her_o malicious_a and_o cruel_a enemy_n in_o deliver_v she_o in_o her_o great_a extremity_n and_o in_o bring_v vengeance_n and_o ruin_n on_o the_o head_n of_o those_o who_o plot_n her_o downfall_n as_o to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n there_o be_v no_o agreement_n among_o writer_n though_o one_o will_v be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v mordecai'_v by_o reading_z ch_z 9_o v._n 20._o and_o ch_n 12._o of_o apocryphal_a esther_n v_o 4._o the_o next_o penman_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v job_n who_o book_n may_v have_v be_v place_v next_o to_o the_o pentateuch_n if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o be_v general_o believe_v that_o he_o live_v about_o moses_n time_n though_o selden_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o he_o live_v a_o considerable_a time_n before_o the_o israelite_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o that_o he_o be_v before_o moses_n it_o be_v write_v by_o himself_o say_v origen_n and_o suidas_n but_o the_o rabbin_n general_o pronounce_v moses_n the_o author_n other_o make_v solomon_n the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n discover_v as_o they_o think_v his_o manner_n of_o speak_v in_o it_o the_o most_o probable_a account_n be_v that_o the_o material_n of_o this_o book_n be_v draw_v up_o first_o by_o joâ—_a himself_o or_o one_o or_o all_o of_o his_o pious_a friend_n that_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o here_o and_o that_o they_o come_v to_o moses_n hand_n as_o some_o of_o the_o jewish_a master_n tell_v we_o or_o afterward_o to_o solomon_n be_v make_v up_o into_o hebrew_n verse_n as_o we_o now_o find_v it_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n be_v of_o this_o composure_n and_o indeed_o be_v the_o first_o poetical_a book_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o bible_n whence_o we_o may_v infer_v something_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o as_o mensal_n m._n luther_n well_o observe_v job_n and_o his_o friend_n speak_v not_o all_o the_o very_a word_n which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o this_o book_n for_o man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o speak_v in_o verse_n in_o their_o discourse_n one_o with_o another_o and_o especial_o in_o such_o a_o lofty_a style_n of_o poetry_n as_o we_o read_v here_o sometime_o but_o this_o be_v true_a that_o both_o their_o thought_n and_o word_n be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o what_o be_v here_o write_v and_o thing_n actual_o and_o real_o happen_v as_o they_o be_v here_o represent_v only_o the_o whole_a argument_n be_v clothe_v in_o verse_n the_o individual_a and_o express_a word_n which_o they_o all_o the_o time_n use_v be_v not_o always_o write_v down_o neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v but_o we_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n attend_v to_o the_o talmudick_n doctor_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o book_n be_v not_o a_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o write_v in_o a_o parabolical_a way_n to_o exhibit_v to_o the_o world_n a_o eminent_a example_n of_o patience_n nor_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o parisaan_n patr._n professor_n to_o be_v tolerate_v who_o say_v the_o history_n be_v true_a but_o the_o
worth_n and_o excellency_n be_v style_v a_o proverb_n for_o this_o as_o dominari_fw-la the_o hebrew_n word_n denote_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dominatrix_fw-la sententia_fw-la a_o speech_n that_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n above_o other_o a_o say_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o force_n and_o therefore_o deserve_v to_o be_v high_o esteem_v by_o all_o these_o wise_a moral_a speech_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o hold_v in_o great_a repute_n of_o old_a homer_n be_v a_o note_a master_n of_o this_o excellency_n and_o be_v applaud_v for_o it_o by_o the_o learned_a and_o indeed_o when_o i_o read_v in_o the_o skilful_a accomptant_n of_o time_n that_o this_o poet_n flourish_v not_o long_o after_o solomon_n day_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o credit_n casaubon_n and_o grotius_n and_o a_o famous_a homerist_n of_o our_o own_o who_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o homer_n borrow_a many_o of_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o sage_a say_n or_o proverb_n from_o our_o royal_a author_n and_o they_o produce_v very_o fair_a instance_n out_o of_o his_o poem_n to_o prove_v it_o after_o this_o great_a poet_n i_o may_v mention_v those_o minor_a one_o theognis_n and_o phocylides_n who_o be_v fame_v for_o their_o excellent_a moral_a sentence_n pythagoras_n be_v celebrate_v for_o his_o golden_a say_n or_o verse_n and_o so_o be_v some_o of_o his_o scholar_n for_o their_o worthy_a speech_n proper_a to_o their_o school_n and_o true_o if_o we_o remember_v that_o these_o pythagorean_n be_v enjoin_v by_o their_o master_n a_o five_o year_n silence_n we_o may_v well_o expect_v some_o handsome_a sentence_n from_o they_o at_o last_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o speak_v i_o may_v add_v here_o the_o set_a saying_n of_o the_o stoic_n such_o as_o tully_n paradox_n yea_o i_o may_v remind_n you_o that_o the_o sage_n of_o all_o school_n and_o sect_n have_v their_o peculiar_a motto_n and_o device_n as_o in_o theoretical_a philosophy_n there_o be_v axiom_n and_o maxim_n in_o medic_n there_o be_v aphorism_n in_o mathematics_n there_o be_v theorem_n among_o rhetorician_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d select_a theme_n and_o matter_n to_o declaim_v upon_o so_o in_o ethic_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pithy_a short_a sentence_n wise_a and_o weighty_a apophthegm_n contain_v great_a moral_n in_o few_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proverb_n short_a but_o study_a saying_n of_o great_a and_o frequent_a use_n in_o our_o life_n this_o book_n of_o solomon_n be_v chief_o make_v up_o of_o this_o sort_n and_o they_o outvie_v all_o that_o ever_o be_v extant_a before_o or_o since_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n come_v to_o hear_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o matchless_a prince_n and_o to_o be_v benefit_v by_o his_o divine_a accomplishment_n but_o we_o save_v ourselves_o the_o labour_n of_o so_o long_a a_o pilgrimage_n he_o have_v visit_v we_o and_o his_o admirable_a write_n be_v bring_v home_o to_o we_o fraught_v with_o the_o most_o desirable_a treasure_n here_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o useful_a maxim_n and_o rule_n for_o our_o practice_n in_o the_o several_a occurrence_n of_o our_o life_n here_o be_v faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o be_v smart_a and_o quick_a here_o be_v grave_a and_o sage_a apophthegm_n here_o be_v concise_n and_o pithy_a adage_n the_o very_a extract_n and_o essence_n of_o the_o strong_a sense_n and_o most_o precious_a truth_n here_o you_o will_v find_v solomon_n as_o a_o father_n and_o with_o a_o paternal_a affection_n instruct_v his_o reader_n and_o hearer_n as_o his_o son_n who_o therefore_o he_o call_v by_o that_o affectionate_a title_n more_o than_o once_o in_o this_o his_o admirable_a treatise_n of_o moral_n direct_v they_o in_o the_o various_a passage_n and_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o frame_v their_o manner_n most_o becoming_o and_o successful_o in_o order_n to_o another_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v divisible_a into_o three_o main_a part_n 1._o the_o inscription_n or_o title_n of_o the_o book_n which_o contain_v the_o use_n and_o scope_n of_o it_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n the_o son_n of_o david_n king_n of_o israel_n to_o know_v wisdom_n instruction_n to_o perceive_v the_o word_n of_o understanding_n etc._n etc._n v._n 1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o seven_o that_o i_o to_o make_v man_n true_o wise_a and_o understanding_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n holy_a and_o religious_a 2._o the_o preface_n or_o introduction_n to_o the_o book_n which_o be_v a_o general_n exhortatory_n to_o true_a wisdom_n and_o holiness_n this_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o first_o nine_o chapter_n 3._o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o book_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o 10_o chapter_n to_o the_o close_a of_o all_o which_o comprehend_v in_o it_o several_a excellent_a precept_n rule_n and_o caution_n of_o a_o mix_v and_o various_a nature_n applicable_a to_o the_o different_a circumstance_n case_n and_o occasion_n of_o person_n these_o be_v more_o signal_o call_v mishlim_n the_o proverb_n a_o collection_n of_o sacred_a aphorism_n useful_a in_o the_o live_v of_o all_o man_n whether_o we_o look_v upon_o they_o in_o a_o natural_a civil_a or_o religious_a capacity_n whether_o we_o consider_v they_o alone_o or_o as_o member_n of_o a_o society_n whether_o we_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v desirous_a to_o live_v happy_o here_o or_o hereafter_o or_o rather_o as_o they_o desire_v both_o to_o all_o these_o excellent_a purpose_n they_o may_v be_v plentiful_o furnish_v by_o this_o royal_a author_n this_o great_a master_n of_o the_o sentence_n this_o divine_a penman_n of_o the_o proverb_n there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o word_n of_o agur_n ch_n â—0_n v_o 1._o who_o be_v the_o same_o with_o solomon_n say_v r._n levi_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o several_a christian_a expositor_n however_o if_o he_o be_v not_o solomon_n under_o that_o name_n but_o a_o different_a person_n yet_o the_o word_n or_o prophecy_n for_o so_o they_o be_v alâ—o_o call_v there_o contain_v may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v solomon_n because_o collect_v and_o preserve_v by_o he_o so_o bathsheba_n instruction_n to_o solomon_n ch_n 31._o 1._o 10._o may_v be_v call_v he_o because_o he_o have_v careful_o record_v they_o and_o in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n have_v observe_v they_o but_o whether_o the_o encomium_n of_o a_o virtuous_a woman_n or_o a_o good_a wife_n from_o v_o 10._o to_o the_o end_n be_v pen_v by_o solomon_n or_o his_o mother_n be_v disputable_a however_o this_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o it_o be_v dictate_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o sacred_a writ_n and_o moreover_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o it_o be_v compose_v in_o alphabetical_a order_n i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o series_n of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n as_o several_a psalm_n be_v which_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o before_o before_o i_o dismiss_v this_o book_n it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a here_o to_o observe_v concern_v several_a of_o the_o proverb_n that_o they_o may_v be_v apply_v several_a way_n according_o as_o we_o interpret_v the_o similitude_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o they_o so_o we_o may_v form_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n and_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o offend_v any_o good_a or_o wise_a man._n to_o give_v a_o instance_n or_o two_o as_o he_o that_o bind_v a_o stone_n in_o a_o sling_n so_o be_v he_o that_o give_v honour_n to_o a_o fool_n prov._n 26._o 8._o the_o mean_v of_o which_o may_v be_v that_o honour_n confer_v on_o a_o undeserving_a person_n be_v throw_v away_o and_o lose_v like_o a_o stone_n cast_v out_o of_o a_o sling_n or_o thus_o he_o that_o bestow_v preferment_n and_o dignity_n on_o such_o a_o one_o do_v as_o it_o be_v arm_v he_o against_o himself_o he_o help_v to_o do_v himself_o a_o mischief_n because_o he_o put_v he_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o do_v it_o other_o have_v a_o different_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n margemah_n which_o be_v here_o translate_v a_o sling_n and_o by_o it_o understand_v a_o heap_n of_o stone_n and_o they_o frame_v such_o a_o interpretation_n as_o this_o he_o that_o give_v respect_n and_o honour_n to_o a_o fool_n to_o a_o unworthy_a vile_a person_n be_v like_o he_o that_o cast_v a_o precious_a stone_n for_o so_o they_o limit_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n ebâ—n_n as_o laâ—illi_n among_o the_o latin_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o greek_n have_v that_o particular_a signification_n sometime_o among_o common_a pebble_n other_o expound_v it_o thus_o as_o one_o single_a stone_n throw_v into_o a_o great_a heap_n be_v scarce_o discern_v and_o make_v no_o accession_n to_o it_o so_o by_o the_o honour_n and_o favour_n that_o be_v collate_v on_o a_o fool_n there_o be_v no_o real_a addition_n make_v to_o he_o there_o be_v â—o_o
the_o sing_a woman_n speak_v of_o josiah_n in_o their_o lamentation_n to_o this_o day_n and_o make_v 〈◊〉_d ordinance_n in_o israel_n and_o behold_v they_o be_v write_v iâ—_n the_o lamentation_n even_o those_o which_o this_o prophet_n compose_v which_o be_v also_o confirm_v by_o the_o 6_o jewish_a historian_n who_o vouch_v this_o poem_n to_o be_v a_o funeral_n elegy_n on_o that_o pious_a king_n to_o which_o st._n jerom_n add_v that_o this_o prophet_n lament_v the_o loss_n of_o josias_n as_o the_o begin_n of_o those_o galamity_n which_o afterward_o ensue_v and_o according_o he_o proceed_v to_o bewail_v the_o miserable_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o particular_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v not_o then_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o be_v prophetical_o foretell_v it_o be_v not_o unusual_a with_o the_o prophet_n to_o speak_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o if_o they_o be_v already_o past_a unless_o we_o shall_v say_v as_o some_o have_v that_o part_n of_o this_o mournful_a song_n be_v indict_v after_o the_o take_n and_o sack_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o carry_v the_o people_n captive_a and_o be_v a_o passionate_a bewail_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o horrid_a consequence_n of_o it_o in_o which_o also_o the_o holy_a man_n humble_o confess_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a justice_n in_o all_o that_o beâ—el_v they_o to_o which_o he_o adjoin_v a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o repentance_n and_o comfort_v they_o with_o hope_n of_o a_o restoration_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v a_o exact_a pattern_n of_o devotion_n in_o time_n of_o great_a and_o national_a calamity_n and_o public_a suffering_n and_o instruct_v we_o how_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o in_o such_o deplorable_a circumstance_n ezekiel_n be_v carry_v captive_a into_o babylon_n with_o those_o that_o go_v thither_o in_o the_o second_o captivity_n which_o be_v in_o the_o 8_o year_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n reign_n about_o ten_o year_n before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o captivity_n he_o prophesy_v here_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o jeremiah_n do_v in_o judaea_n and_o afterward_o in_o egypt_n many_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n he_o foretell_v more_o especial_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o fatal_a issue_n of_o those_o that_o revolt_a from_o babylon_n to_o egypt_n and_o at_o last_o the_o happy_a return_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o their_o own_o land_n he_o distinct_o foretell_v the_o plague_n which_o shall_v certain_o be_v inflict_v on_o other_o nation_n who_o be_v profess_v enemy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o edomite_n moabite_n ammonite_n egyptian_n tyrian_n and_o last_o the_o assyrian_n and_o babylonian_n in_o figurative_a and_o mystical_a expression_n he_o predict_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o his_o kingdom_n i._n e._n the_o christian_a church_n because_o the_o prophet_n begin_v with_o vision_n and_o type_n and_o end_n with_o the_o measure_v of_o the_o mystical_a temple_n therefore_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o abstrusity_n and_o mystery_n the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o this_o book_n be_v forbid_v ezek._n to_o be_v read_v by_o the_o jew_n before_o they_o come_v to_o thirty_o year_n of_o age._n but_o the_o great_a â—art_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_o intelligible_a it_o have_v reference_n chief_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o degenerate_a age_n wherein_o the_o prophet_n observe_v and_o severe_o animadvert_v upon_o the_o general_n corruption_n which_o have_v invade_v they_o in_o those_o day_n and_o which_o merit_v the_o severe_a judgement_n that_o heaven_n can_v send_v down_o upon_o they_o he_o exâ—ibits_v a_o particular_a catalogue_n of_o the_o notorious_a enormity_n which_o their_o king_n their_o priest_n their_o prophet_n their_o people_n be_v infamous_a for_o he_o labour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o these_o scandalous_a practice_n and_o to_o make_v they_o hearty_o relent_v for_o they_o final_o like_o a_o trne_n watchman_n as_o he_o be_v style_v he_o â—â—â—â—hfully_o warn_v they_o of_o their_o imminent_a danger_n and_o admonish_v they_o to_o prevent_v it_o if_o possible_a by_o abandon_v their_o evil_a way_n this_o be_v the_o inspire_a man_n that_o pen_v this_o book_n and_o this_o be_v the_o â—ook_n which_o contain_v so_o many_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a â—â—ings_n in_o it_o another_o of_o the_o four_o great_a prophet_n be_v daniel_n who_o be_v of_o the_o progeny_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n 〈◊〉_d be_v contemporary_a with_o ezekiol_n and_o be_v a_o capâ—â—â—e_n in_o babylon_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o be_v there_o he_o prophesy_v and_o there_o he_o write_v and_o â—his_v book_n be_v the_o result_n of_o both_o the_o six_o first_o chapâ—â—â—s_n of_o which_o be_v a_o history_n of_o the_o king_n of_o babyâ—â—â—_n and_o of_o what_o beâ—el_v some_o of_o the_o captive_a jew_n under_o they_o here_o we_o have_v nebuchadnezzar_n remarkable_a dream_n interpret_v we_o have_v a_o relation_n of_o the_o singular_a courage_n of_o the_o three_o hebrew_n yoâ—â—â—_n man_n that_o refuse_v to_o fall_v down_o to_o his_o image_n with_o the_o miraculous_a deliverance_n of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o flame_n here_o be_v unfold_v belshazzar_n fatal_a dooâ—_n contain_v in_o the_o mystical_a handwriting_n on_o the_o wall_n with_o his_o death_n that_o soon_o follow_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o succession_n of_o darius_n to_o the_o throne_n and_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o monarchy_n to_o the_o mede_n it_o be_v under_o this_o prince_n that_o our_o noble_a prophet_n be_v advance_v to_o his_o great_a height_n of_o honour_n 〈◊〉_d whereas_o he_o have_v be_v a_o great_a courtier_n and_o favosrrite_n in_o nebuchadnezzar_n time_n and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o belshazzar_n reign_n be_v make_v the_o three_o ruler_n in_o the_o kingdom_n now_o he_o be_v make_v the_o first_o be_v set_v 〈◊〉_d all_o the_o precedent_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o realm_n this_o make_v he_o envy_v and_o hate_v but_o he_o be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v much_o more_o for_o his_o religion_n by_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o even_o by_o a_o decree_n of_o the_o king_n be_v own_o sign_v commit_v to_o the_o den_n of_o lion_n there_o to_o be_v devour_v of_o they_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o omnipotence_n immediate_o interpose_v and_o he_o come_v out_o thence_o safe_a and_o his_o adversary_n and_o accuser_n be_v send_v thither_o in_o his_o room_n who_o fare_v not_o after_o the_o same_o rate_n that_o he_o do_v after_o this_o he_o live_v in_o great_a esteem_n honour_n and_o prosperity_n not_o only_o in_o this_o king_n reign_n but_o under_o cyrus_n 〈◊〉_d monarch_n of_o the_o persian_a race_n but_o as_o our_o author_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o book_n relate_v thing_n pasâ—_n as_o a_o historian_n so_o in_o the_o six_o last_o chapter_n he_o be_v alâ—_n together_o prophetical_a foretell_v what_o shall_v befall_v thâ—_n church_n in_o general_n and_o particular_o the_o jew_n yeâ—â—_n his_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n reach_v to_o future_a event_n wherein_o even_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n arâ—_n concern_v what_o can_v be_v more_o valuable_a than_o hâ—â—_n dream_n or_o vision_n of_o the_o four_o secular_a monarchy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o five_o which_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_a viz._n that_o of_o the_o messiah_n what_o be_v more_o famous_a and_o celebrate_v than_o his_o discovery_n by_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n information_n of_o the_o seventy_o week_n viz._n of_o year_n i._n e._n 490_o year_n upon_o the_o expire_a of_o which_o the_o messias_n kingdom_n be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o what_o plain_a and_o signal_n prophecy_n do_v this_o book_n afford_v concern_v that_o renown_a conqueror_n alexander_n the_o great_a and_o his_o subdue_a the_o persian_a empire_n as_o also_o concern_v the_o fierce_a war_n among_o his_o great_a captain_n and_o commander_n who_o succeed_v he_o particular_o how_o clear_o and_o plain_o be_v the_o action_n of_o antiochus_n the_o great_a and_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n his_o son_n describe_v by_o our_o prophet_n long_o before_o these_o person_n be_v in_o be_v and_o many_o other_o notable_a occurrence_n relate_v to_o the_o most_o public_a and_o fame_a transaction_n on_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n be_v prophetical_o foresignified_n and_o reveal_v by_o this_o divine_a seer_n insomuch_o that_o we_o may_v just_o style_v this_o book_n the_o apocalypse_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o which_o that_o other_o of_o the_o new_a so_o often_o refer_v and_o even_o borrow_v many_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n last_o we_o may_v particular_o note_v concern_v this_o book_n that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o chaldean_a tongue_n viz._n from_o the_o four_o verse_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o seven_o the_o reason_n of_o â—hich_v may_v be_v this_o because_o daniel_n be_v now_o by_o his_o â—â—ng_n abide_v
not_o always_o observe_v here_o thing_n be_v not_o relate_v constant_o in_o a_o certain_a continue_a method_n and_o series_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v or_o take_v they_o as_o write_v so_o a_o great_a and_o prevail_a mistake_v it_o have_v be_v to_o think_v that_o the_o course_n and_o order_n of_o time_n be_v due_o and_o all_o along_o observe_v in_o these_o write_n whereas_o to_o a_o considerate_a person_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o chapter_n be_v not_o write_v and_o dispose_v in_o any_o method_n this_o because_o it_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o and_o censure_v as_o a_o new_a notion_n i_o will_v make_v good_a thus_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v represent_v and_o describe_v three_o or_o four_o time_n in_o these_o vision_n and_o revelation_n as_o first_o at_o the_o open_n of_o the_o six_o seal_n ch_n 6._o v._n 12_o to_o the_o end_n where_o the_o description_n of_o the_o last_o day_n agree_v exact_o with_o other_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n especial_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o mat._n 24._o and_o therefore_o to_o allegorise_v it_o where_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o signify_v sometime_o temporal_a judgement_n as_o the_o destruction_n of_o babylon_n isa._n 13._o 10._o and_o of_o egypt_n ezek._n 32._o 7._o i_o answer_v that_o though_o it_o do_v so_o yet_o these_o remarkable_a judgement_n and_o devastation_n be_v figure_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o last_o and_o terrible_a one_o and_o be_v so_o design_v by_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v well_o be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o manner_n nay_o the_o darken_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o the_o like_a expression_n be_v but_o metaphorical_a in_o those_o former_a instance_n but_o here_o be_v proper_a natural_a and_o real_a and_o therefore_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n again_o st._n john_n have_v another_o revelation_n of_o this_o great_a day_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 11_o chapter_n from_o ver_fw-la 15_o to_o the_o close_a of_o the_o chapter_n but_o especial_o those_o plain_a word_n in_o ver_fw-la 18._o thy_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v place_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n be_v here_o mean_v again_o the_o seven_o vial_n mention_v rev._n 16._o 17._o which_o contain_v the_o last_o plague_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o indignation_n and_o punishment_n of_o that_o day_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o prodigy_n which_o accompany_v it_o and_o particular_o from_o what_o be_v say_v ver_fw-la 20._o every_o island_n flee_v away_o and_o the_o mountain_n be_v not_o find_v which_o express_v the_o terrible_a dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o precede_a vial_n which_o make_v way_n for_o this_o last_o that_o christ_n say_v i_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n v_o 15._o which_o manner_n of_o expression_n be_v particular_o apply_v and_o make_v use_n of_o when_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v speak_v of_o mat._n 24._o 43._o 1_o thess._n 5._o 2_o 4_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 10._o and_o last_o in_o the_o 20_o chapter_n from_o the_o 11_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n there_o be_v another_o vision_n of_o this_o last_o and_o general_a appearance_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v by_o interpreter_n and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o stand_v to_o clear_v it_o now_o from_o all_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v not_o observe_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o this_o book_n a_o historical_a order_n or_o course_n of_o time_n for_o if_o there_o be_v the_o general_n day_n of_o doom_n which_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n of_o all_o can_v not_o be_v represent_v here_o three_o or_o four_o time_n this_o must_v have_v come_v in_o the_o shut_n up_o of_o all_o when_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v pass_v whereas_o now_o we_o see_v it_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o beginning_n in_o the_o middle_a and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o these_o revelation_n which_o if_o it_o be_v well_o attend_v to_o be_v one_o admirable_a key_n to_o open_v the_o secret_n of_o this_o book_n for_o hence_o we_o understand_v that_o this_o prophecy_n be_v not_o what_o it_o have_v be_v think_v to_o be_v one_o entire_a historical_a narration_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v and_o that_o first_o one_o thing_n be_v foretell_v and_o then_o what_o follow_v that_o in_o time_n be_v next_o set_v down_o and_o so_o on_o in_o order_n no_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v thrice_o at_o least_o insert_v show_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o this_o book_n end_n and_o then_o begin_v again_o and_o then_o have_v a_o period_n and_o commence_v again_o and_o after_o that_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a scene_n be_v open_v and_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v repeat_v which_o be_v a_o most_o evident_a argument_n that_o this_o book_n consist_v of_o three_o or_o four_o grand_a prophecy_n or_o prophetic_a representation_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o christ_n church_n from_o the_o time_n when_o this_o be_v â—â—nned_v to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o be_v represent_v by_o different_a type_n prophetic_a symbol_n and_o vision_n the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n which_o happen_v on_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o theâ—_n be_v these_o three_o the_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n which_o â—befal_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a the_o â—â—liverâ—â—de_n of_o they_o out_o of_o those_o trial_n and_o god_n 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—â—shing_v of_o their_o enemy_n these_o you_o will_v 〈◊〉_d set_v forth_o and_o illustrate_v by_o diverse_a scheme_n and_o apparition_n by_z different_z and_o reiterated_a representation_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o thing_n though_o the_o same_o be_v diverse_o represent_v i._n e._n in_o different_a vision_n over_o and_o over_o again_o and_o why_o they_o be_v express_v in_o different_a term_n and_o word_n the_o â—â—â—son_n i_o say_v why_o they_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v be_v â—â—â—use_v they_o so_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o wise_a disposal_n of_o proviâ—â—noâ—_n these_o prophecy_n have_v be_v and_o they_o â—â—all_v be_v yet_o fulfil_v for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o cruelty_n of_o its_o enemy_n and_o persecutor_n and_o the_o wonderful_a deliverance_n from_o they_o and_o avenge_a their_o cause_n upon_o their_o head_n be_v the_o same_o in_o different_a age_n until_o the_o time_n when_o babyâ—â—â—_n shall_v fall_v and_o never_o rise_v again_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o a_o most_o eminent_a and_o learned_a bishop_n of_o our_o own_o â—_o one_o may_v easy_o see_v say_v he_o that_o rome_n be_v here_o intend_a and_o not_o pagan_a but_o christian_a rome_n which_o be_v degenerate_v into_o a_o idolatrous_a and_o tyrannical_a state_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v doom_v in_o due_a time_n to_o destruction_n you_o see_v then_o how_o useful_a this_o book_n be_v you_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o propheoy_n ch_n 1._o v._n 3._o thâ—_n we_o can_v so_o clear_o descny_v the_o particular_a and_o 〈◊〉_d dividual_a thing_n time_n and_o personâ—_n contain_v in_o tâ—â—_n though_o this_o last_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n the_o obscure_a of_o they_o all_o though_o in_o some_o place_n there_o be_v apocalyps_n as_o many_o mystery_n as_o word_n yet_o thus_o far_o it_o be_v proper_o revelation_n that_o herein_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o particular_a method_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o it_o in_o all_o time_n be_v plain_o reveal_v and_o discover_v to_o we_o plain_o i_o say_v because_o they_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o mistake_v they_o as_o pharaâ—â—'s_n dream_n be_v double_v to_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n represent_v gen._n 41._o 32._o so_o these_o prophecy_n and_o vision_n be_v double_v and_o tribble_v yea_o more_o than_o so_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o certain_a truth_n and_o reality_n of_o these_o event_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o this_o persuasion_n that_o though_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v often_o trouble_v and_o persecute_v yet_o she_o have_v her_o time_n of_o restoration_n and_o revive_v and_o there_o be_v a_o time_n of_o vengeance_n and_o recompense_n to_o her_o enemy_n even_o in_o this_o world_n but_o more_o especial_o at_o the_o
imperfect_a i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o epistle_n to_o the_o laodiceans_n which_o go_v under_o st._n paul_n name_n but_o it_o be_v general_o vote_v to_o be_v spurious_a and_o counterfeit_n 2._o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o place_n to_o the_o colossian_n speak_v not_o of_o a_o epistle_n to_o the_o laodicean_n buâ—_n from_o laodicea_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can_v convenient_o be_v â—ranâ—â—â—ted_v otherwise_o yet_o i_o know_v 〈◊〉_d how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o so_o sharp_a a_o critic_n as_o sir_n n._n kâ—aâ—chbull_n hold_v it_o be_v a_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o laodiceans_n and_o say_v it_o be_v lose_v hiâ—_n critical_a genius_n fail_v he_o here_o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d carry_v no_o such_o sense_n with_o it_o as_o he_o himself_o illustrate_v the_o phrase_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o epistle_n not_o 〈◊〉_d but_o of_o thâ—_n 〈◊〉_d for_o he_o say_v this_o way_n of_o speak_v be_v frequent_a as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o of_o the_o synagogue_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o stoic_n or_o those_o that_o belong_v in_o the_o stoa_n according_a to_o this_o idiom_n whicâ—â—his_v learned_a gentleman_n allege_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v a_o epistle_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o then_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n unless_o he_o can_v have_v prove_v that_o of_o the_o laodicean_n or_o of_o laodicea_n be_v the_o same_o with_o to_o laodioea_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v â—endred_v by_o the_o old_a latin_a ea_fw-la qua_fw-la est_fw-la laodicensiurn_n which_o version_n this_o learned_a man_n produce_v and_o applaud_v as_o if_o it_o be_v on_o his_o side_n but_o i_o conceive_v the_o â—mport_n of_o the_o latin_a be_v not_o what_o he_o represent_v it_o to_o be_v viz._n the_o epistle_n which_o be_v write_v to_o the_o laodicean_n by_o the_o apostle_n at_o least_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o make_v this_o construction_n for_o it_o may_v as_o well_o signify_v a_o epistle_n write_v from_o laodicea_n by_o the_o apostle_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v what_o epistle_n this_o be_v and_o consequent_o what_o epistle_n be_v here_o mean_v the_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v probable_a it_o be_v the_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n that_o be_v write_v from_o laodiâ—ea_n as_o you_o will_v find_v in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o or_o 3._o if_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o epistle_n bring_v to_o the_o colossian_n from_o laodicea_n it_o be_v write_v to_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o place_n by_o st._n paul_n it_o may_v be_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n because_o laodicea_n be_v a_o church_n within_o the_o circuit_n of_o the_o ephesian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o metropolitan_a of_o all_o asia_n and_o ephesus_n be_v the_o chief_a city_n of_o this_o proconsular_a asia_n this_o epistle_n may_v refer_v to_o all_o the_o province_n as_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o produce_v a_o epistle_n to_o the_o laodicean_n perhaps_o it_o be_v this_o st._n paul_n order_v that_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n which_o be_v near_o to_o colosse_n col._n 4._o 16._o and_o we_o must_v remember_v this_o that_o though_o colosse_n be_v a_o considerable_a city_n yet_o laodicea_n be_v more_o considerable_a in_o that_o province_n but_o it_o be_v likely_a there_o be_v more_o christian_n in_o the_o former_a than_o in_o the_o latter_a and_o that_o move_v the_o apostle_n to_o direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n but_o withal_o he_o enjoin_v it_o to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n the_o chief_a city_n now_o it_o be_v read_v there_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o epistle_n to_o the_o laodicean_n whence_o in_o time_n some_o feign_v this_o epistle_n which_o be_v now_o extant_a this_o i_o conceive_v may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o mistake_n and_o forgery_n last_o if_o after_o all_o we_o shall_v suppose_v though_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o the_o epistle_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v lose_v yet_o if_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o other_o epistle_n or_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o maim_v and_o therefore_o the_o objector_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o cavil_v against_o it_o as_o imperfect_a and_o defective_a but_o a_o objection_n of_o another_o nature_n be_v shape_v oâ—t_n of_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 6._o i_o speak_v this_o of_o permission_n and_o not_o of_o commandment_n and_o v_o 12._o to_o the_o rest_n speak_v i_o nâ—â—_n the_o lord_n and_o v_o 25._o i_o have_v no_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o i_o give_v my_o judgement_n and_o 2_o cor._n 8._o 8._o i_o speak_v not_o by_o commandment_n and_o again_o chap._n 11._o v._n 17._o i_o speak_v not_o after_o the_o lord_n from_o all_o which_o text_n they_o gather_v that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n that_o be_v not_o divine_o dictate_v he_o acknowledge_v as_o much_o himself_o say_v they_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o he_o and_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o wherein_o do_v this_o part_n of_o scripture_n excel_v any_o other_o write_n i_o will_v return_v a_o distinct_a answer_n to_o the_o several_a quotation_n the_o first_o speak_v of_o the_o mutual_a render_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v._n 3._o require_v in_o the_o conjugal_a state_n and_o the_o apostle_n show_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o advice_n which_o he_o give_v about_o it_o i_o speak_v this_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o way_n of_o permission_n that_o be_v i_o herein_o permit_v you_o to_o do_v as_o you_o shall_v see_v occasion_n as_o you_o shall_v find_v yourselves_o dispose_v if_o you_o can_v refrain_v in_o those_o circumstance_n i_o mention_v then_o do_v so_o but_o if_o not_o i_o allow_v you_o to_o act_v otherwise_o i_o speak_v to_o you_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o of_o commandment_n i._n e._n in_o a_o peremptory_a way_n i_o be_o not_o positive_a i_o do_v not_o command_v you_o i_o have_v no_o absolute_a injunction_n to_o lay_v upon_o you_o in_o this_o matter_n if_o you_o can_v forbear_v you_o have_v best_a to_o do_v so_o but_o i_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o force_v it_o upon_o you_o thus_o the_o apostle_n let_v they_o see_v how_o far_o his_o doctrine_n oblige_v and_o what_o authority_n it_o have_v and_o this_o he_o speak_v as_o a_o inspire_a person_n so_o that_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o collect_v hence_o that_o he_o be_v not_o inspire_v when_o he_o write_v this_o passage_n in_o his_o epistle_n the_o second_o place_n speak_v of_o divorce_n or_o the_o separation_n of_o marry_a person_n in_o case_n of_o unequal_a marriage_n viz._n between_o christian_n and_o infidel_n these_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o rest_n which_o he_o now_o distinct_o apply_v his_o discourse_n to_o to_o these_o say_v he_o speak_v i_o i_o e._n i_o as_o a_o apostle_n i_o as_o a_o person_n divine_o enlighten_v declare_v this_o that_o their_o best_a course_n be_v to_o live_v together_o and_o not_o to_o think_v of_o part_v this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o say_v to_o those_o who_o be_v marry_v to_o unbeliever_n and_o i_o say_v it_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n â—rom_o god_n that_o be_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o speak_n i_o and_o any_o considerate_a man_n that_o well_o weigh_v the_o word_n can_v but_o discern_v it_o it_o follow_v and_o not_o the_o lord_n i._n e._n god_n have_v give_v we_o no_o express_a command_n about_o this_o we_o find_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o moses_n law_n which_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n himself_o the_o apostle_n refer_v here_o to_o what_o he_o have_v say_v before_o in_o this_o chapter_n about_o marry_a person_n v_o 2_o 3._o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mosaic_a law_n exod._n 21._o 10._o and_o a_o law_n before_o that_o viz._n in_o genesis_n ch_n 2._o v._n 24._o which_o oblige_v the_o marry_a couple_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o one_o another_o but_o here_o say_v he_o in_o our_o present_a case_n the_o lord_n have_v leave_v no_o positive_a and_o absolute_a precept_n or_o prohibition_n or_o it_o may_v have_v respect_n also_o to_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o i_o speak_v and_o not_o the_o lord_n be_v this_o what_o i_o now_o deliver_v to_o you_o be_v not_o from_o our_o b._n saviour_n direct_o it_o be_v not_o express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o speak_v by_o he_o when_o he_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n but_o i_o gather_v it_o from_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o make_v this_o collection_n and_o inference_n by_o the_o
before_o it_o it_o be_v not_o sit_v that_o the_o same_o word_n shall_v have_v two_o diverse_a readins_n in_o the_o same_o verse_n in_o v_o 6_o 8_o 9_o let_v live_v creature_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o margin_n and_o be_v set_v in_o the_o text_n itself_o in_o the_o place_n of_o beast_n which_o be_v not_o a_o sit_v word_n for_o those_o that_o be_v represent_v by_o that_o vision_n especial_o when_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n here_o be_v the_o word_n which_o be_v right_o translate_v the_o beast_n in_o this_o book_n in_o ch_z 11._o v._n 17._o those_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o right_o render_v which_o art_n and_o waste_v and_o be_v to_o come_v but_o thus_o who_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v in_o ch_z 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o v_o 13._o be_v translate_v wonder_v in_o the_o 14_o miracle_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v correct_v for_o the_o reason_n so_o often_o give_v viz._n because_o the_o same_o greek_a word_n shall_v be_v render_v by_o the_o same_o english_a one_o if_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a cause_n for_o the_o contrary_n in_o ch_z 14._o v._n 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v render_v with_o they_o their_o work_v follow_v with_o they_o in_o ch_z 16._o v._n 12._o the_o way_n of_o the_o king_n who_o be_v from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o true_a and_o literal_a version_n of_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o in_o our_o present_a english_a translation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v absorp_v these_o be_v the_o several_a place_n which_o i_o conceive_v aught_o to_o be_v alter_v and_o translate_v more_o exact_o i_o say_v not_o this_o to_o impair_v or_o derogate_v from_o the_o credit_n and_o honour_n of_o our_o english_a translation_n much_o less_o to_o condemn_v the_o present_a edition_n or_o to_o expose_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o but_o my_o design_n be_v to_o represent_v they_o in_o their_o native_a excellency_n and_o purity_n and_o to_o contribute_v by_o this_o critical_a essay_n towards_o so_o worthy_a a_o end_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o can_v more_o commend_v the_o holy_a writ_n than_o a_o exact_a translation_n i._n e._n such_o a_o one_o as_o faithful_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o express_a text_n of_o scripture_n wherefore_o i_o humble_o offer_v the_o forementioned_a place_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a and_o leave_v the_o whole_a or_o part_n to_o be_v approve_v or_o reject_v as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a perhaps_o when_o our_o church-affair_n be_v settle_v this_o will_v not_o seem_v unworthy_a of_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o convocation_n who_o i_o question_v not_o will_v see_v that_o the_o revise_v and_o correct_v of_o our_o english_a translation_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o all_o or_o in_o most_o of_o those_o place_n and_o in_o several_a other_o which_o i_o have_v not_o here_o propound_v be_v very_o requisite_a it_o be_v my_o judgement_n that_o as_o out_o of_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a and_o the_o modern_a latin_a version_n one_o entire_a one_o may_v be_v make_v in_o that_o language_n that_o shall_v be_v general_o use_v in_o quotation_n among_o the_o orthodox_n learned_a so_o a_o new_a english_a translation_n may_v be_v compose_v out_o of_o this_o last_o edition_n as_o to_o the_o main_a but_o with_o such_o new_a alteration_n and_o amendment_n as_o shall_v render_v the_o style_n and_o sense_n in_o many_o place_n more_o accurate_a and_o shall_v make_v it_o acceptable_a to_o the_o most_o curious_a english_a reader_n and_o here_o i_o advise_v that_o the_o marginal_a note_n of_o the_o present_a english_a bible_n be_v often_o consult_v because_o the_o best_a and_o most_o genuine_a translation_n of_o word_n be_v frequent_o put_v there_o but_o in_o the_o forego_n animadversion_n i_o have_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o those_o different_a signification_n of_o word_n which_o be_v place_v there_o i_o have_v only_o offer_v those_o that_o have_v not_o hitherto_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o may_v add_v something_o concern_v the_o division_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o chapter_n and_o verse_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o moses_n the_o prophet_n evangelist_n and_o apostle_n write_v their_o book_n without_o any_o such_o partition_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o all_o other_o writer_n of_o old_a but_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v divide_v afterward_o into_o parashes_n before_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o this_o distribution_n of_o they_o be_v often_o mention_v in_o the_o talmud_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o more_o methodical_a read_n of_o they_o in_o the_o synagogue_n some_o of_o the_o 3._o greek_a father_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o distribution_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v make_v before_o their_o time_n for_o they_o mention_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o daniel_n jerom_n speak_v of_o a_o pericope_n of_o jeremiah_n yea_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o this_o sort_n of_o section_n or_o parashes_n be_v mention_v in_o act_n 8._o 32._o and_o be_v call_v there_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o book_n of_o the_o evanglist_n and_o apostle_n be_v afterward_o divide_v into_o certain_a section_n by_o some_o of_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n for_o the_o more_o convenient_a read_n of_o they_o herein_o imitate_v the_o jew_n who_o have_v do_v the_o same_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n these_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o lazaro_n eastern_a father_n and_o lectiones_fw-la by_o the_o latin_a one_o they_o be_v the_o same_o that_o we_o call_v chapter_n verse_n be_v also_o ancient_a but_o not_o the_o same_o that_o be_v at_o present_a nor_o be_v all_o the_o book_n so_o divide_v st._n jerom_n tell_v we_o he_o distribute_v the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n and_o that_o of_o ezekiel_n into_o verse_n and_o some_o of_o thâ—_n book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v thus_o divide_v particular_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n be_v part_v into_o these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o origen_n as_o galat._n jerom_n inform_v we_o but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o these_o partition_n whether_o into_o chapter_n or_o verse_n wâ—re_v very_o much_o different_a from_o what_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a as_o heinsius_n and_o some_o other_o critic_n out_o of_o suidas_n relate_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v divide_v into_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v gather_v from_o the_o account_n which_o they_o give_v of_o these_o two_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v the_o division_n of_o a_o book_n into_o chapter_n and_o the_o latter_a into_o verse_n or_o some_o such_o small_a portion_n though_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v a_o quite_o different_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o great_a division_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lesser_a as_o to_o the_o division_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n consist_v of_o 39_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o 27_o of_o the_o new_a into_o distinct_a chapter_n as_o they_o be_v now_o among_o we_o viz._n 779_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o 260_o in_o the_o new_a it_o be_v make_v by_o lanfrank_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n about_o the_o year_n 1060_o other_o say_v by_o stephen_n langton_n who_o be_v archbishop_n of_o the_o same_o see_v in_o k._n john_n time_n about_o the_o year_n 1200._o it_o be_v say_v by_o other_o that_o cardinal_n hugo_n twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n afterward_o be_v the_o first_o that_o contrive_v the_o distinction_n of_o chapter_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o fit_v the_o hebrew_n text_n to_o the_o concordance_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o he_o be_v author_n of_o the_o divide_v of_o chapter_n into_o verse_n be_v more_o late_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o industrious_a and_o learned_a robert_n stephens_n about_o eightscore_o year_n since_o but_o whoever_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o this_o division_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o chapter_n and_o verse_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o right_o make_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o 10_o chap._n of_o isaiah_n shall_v not_o be_v cut_v of_o from_o the_o 9th_o chapter_n for_o it_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o 5_o v_o of_o the_o 10_o chap._n which_o be_v so_o now_o the_o 9th_o shall_v end_v and_o many_o other_o chapter_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v ill_o divide_v but_o especial_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n one_o may_v see_v that_o the_o distinction_n of_o chapter_n and_o verse_n now_o in_o
use_n be_v draw_v up_o in_o haste_n whereby_o some_o matter_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v unite_v be_v sever_v and_o vice_n versâ_fw-la the_o one_a verse_n of_o the_o four_o chapter_n to_o the_o colossian_n shall_v have_v be_v join_v to_o the_o three_o chapter_n and_o the_o division_n of_o the_o verse_n in_o many_o other_o place_n ought_v to_o be_v correct_v and_o alter_v as_o sir_n n._n knatchbull_n have_v in_o several_a instance_n show_v we_o may_v take_v junius_n and_o tremellius_n for_o a_o example_n who_o have_v alter_v the_o chapter_n sometime_o in_o the_o latin_a and_o it_o may_v be_v as_o convenient_a to_o imitate_v they_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n in_o english_a nor_o will_v this_o change_a or_o any_o other_o alteration_n which_o i_o have_v before_o suggest_v be_v any_o argument_n at_o all_o of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o scripture_n this_o remain_v entire_a in_o itself_o and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o change_v and_o the_o â—esign_n of_o my_o 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spinoza_n who_o have_v speak_v so_o ill_o of_o the_o bible_n this_o i_o can_v certain_o affirm_v 9_o say_v he_o that_o i_o have_v not_o find_v any_o fault_n or_o variety_n of_o reading_n about_o the_o moral_a document_n which_o may_v render_v they_o obscure_v and_o dubious_a wherefore_o our_o assertion_n still_o remain_v impregnable_a and_o unshaken_a that_o the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a and_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o can_v speak_v it_o a_o most_o consummate_v work_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o reader_n be_v invite_v to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o he_o value_v the_o repute_n of_o a_o scholar_n and_o a_o learned_a man._n that_o he_o may_v successful_o study_v this_o holy_a book_n he_o must_v be_v furnish_v with_o tongue_n art_n history_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o be_v very_o inquisitive_a and_o diligent_a in_o search_v into_o the_o mind_n and_o design_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n in_o examine_v the_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n in_o compare_v place_n together_o in_o observe_v and_o discover_v the_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o elegancy_n and_o sometime_o the_o verbal_a allusion_n and_o cadence_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o which_o several_a instance_n be_v give_v he_o must_v also_o be_v moral_o qualify_v to_o read_v this_o book_n i._n e._n he_o ought_v to_o banish_v all_o prejudice_n he_o must_v be_v modest_a and_o humble_a he_o must_v endeavour_v to_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o love_n of_o all_o vice_n he_o must_v with_o great_a earnestness_n implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o conclude_v with_o a_o serious_a address_n and_o invitation_n to_o the_o reader_n to_o admire_v and_o value_v this_o book_n which_o be_v so_o transcendent_o excellent_a and_o complete_a to_o prize_v it_o above_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o constant_o to_o read_v peruse_v and_o study_v these_o holy_a write_n the_o law_n of_o that_o vile_a impostor_n mahomet_n be_v style_v the_o alcoran_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d legit_fw-la as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v the_o book_n be_v to_o be_v read_v and_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v that_o that_o sacred_a volume_n which_o contain_v the_o law_n of_o our_o heavenly_a master_n and_o infallible_a teacher_n deserve_v that_o respect_n from_o we_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o holy_a scripture_n mikra_fw-mi i._n e._n lectionem_fw-la because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v read_v by_o all_o because_o this_o divine_a book_n be_v to_o be_v universal_o peruse_v revolve_v and_o search_v into_o we_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o other_o author_n such_o as_o may_v conduce_v to_o useful_a knowledge_n whether_o secular_a or_o religious_a especial_o such_o as_o may_v be_v someways_o helpful_a towards_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o writer_n that_o be_v trifle_v vain_a and_o useless_a other_o be_v dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a meddle_v with_o neither_o of_o these_o or_o if_o you_o have_v lay_v they_o out_o of_o your_o hand_n forthwith_o and_o take_v up_o the_o bible_n the_o only_a book_n that_o be_v worthy_a of_o your_o most_o serious_a perusal_n behold_v here_o the_o book_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o write_n any_o where_o like_o these_o none_o can_v afford_v any_o thing_n comparable_a to_o they_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v make_v use_n of_o divers_a sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o pen_n of_o this_o volume_n moses_n breed_v up_o in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o egyptian_n daniel_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o persian_a court_n david_n and_o solomon_n king_n jeremy_n and_o ezekiel_n priest_n amos_n a_o herdsman_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n matthew_n a_o convert_v publican_n paul_n bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n fitherman_n and_o 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know_v in_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o universal_a learning_n second_o that_o we_o may_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o be_v exceed_o attentive_a observe_v considerate_a that_o we_o be_v very_o inquisitive_a thoughtful_a and_o diligent_a this_o rule_n may_v be_v explain_v in_o several_a particular_n 1._o we_o must_v use_v great_a thoughtfulness_n diligence_n and_o care_n in_o penetrate_v into_o the_o design_n and_o sense_n of_o those_o inspire_a write_n st._n chrysostom_n deliver_v the_o rule_n thus_o galat._n we_o must_v not_o only_o examine_v the_o mere_a naked_a word_n and_o insist_v upon_o they_o simple_o and_o absolute_o consider_v but_o we_o must_v chief_o attend_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o writer_n sometime_o instead_o of_o a_o absolute_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n in_o scripture_n they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v comparative_o or_o with_o limitation_n they_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n as_o to_o instance_n no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1._o cor._n 12._o 3._o i_o e._n no_o man_n can_v say_v so_o from_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v that_o reserve_v imply_v where_o i_o be_o you_o eannot_v come_v john_n 7._o 34._o i_o e._n you_o can_v come_v yet_o but_o afterward_o you_o shall_v all_o that_o come_v before_o i_o be_v thief_n and_o robber_n john_n 1_o o._n 8._o i._n e._n all_o false_a prophet_n for_o he_o mean_v they_o be_v such_o it_o be_v report_v that_o there_o be_v such_o fornication_n among_o you_o as_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v among_o the_o gentile_n that_o one_o shall_v have_v his_o father_n wife_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 1._o this_o sort_n of_o fornication_n be_v not_o only_o name_v but_o practise_v among_o the_o gentile_n for_o there_o be_v several_a example_n in_o pagan_a story_n of_o marry_v the_o father_n wife_n therefore_o here_o must_v be_v mean_v the_o more_o 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knowledge_n and_o insight_n into_o these_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v here_o contain_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o observe_v and_o practise_v the_o holy_a precept_n of_o this_o book_n this_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o urge_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o come_v to_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n with_o defecate_n and_o purge_v mind_n with_o love_n to_o what_o it_o dictate_v and_o with_o obedience_n to_o it_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o principal_a care_n to_o live_v well_o and_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o excellent_a rule_n all_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o our_o action_n in_o this_o world_n depend_v upon_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o let_v we_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o infallible_a maxim_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o this_o book_n we_o see_v man_n live_v by_o custom_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o other_o or_o by_o their_o own_o opinion_n which_o oftentimes_o prove_v erroneous_a and_o lead_v they_o into_o unwarrantable_a practice_n 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spirit_n to_o illuminate_v our_o mind_n effectual_o there_o be_v require_v the_o special_a help_n of_o this_o heavenly_a instructor_n to_o direct_v we_o into_o truth_n wherefore_o he_o be_v call_v 13._o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o 20._o the_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o whereby_o we_o know_v all_o thing_n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indict_v these_o holy_a write_n must_v enlighten_v our_o mind_n to_o understand_v they_o which_o i_o find_v thus_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o church_n scripture_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o we_o in_o truth_n we_o can_v without_o it_o attain_v true_a saving-knowledg_n and_o a_o learned_a and_o pious_a son_n of_o our_o mother_n give_v his_o suffrage_n in_o these_o word_n country-parson_n wicked_a man_n however_o learned_a do_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o feel_v they_o not_o and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o understand_v but_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o write_v they_o see_v then_o a_o spiritual_a illumination_n be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o the_o comprehend_v of_o scripture-truths_n we_o ought_v with_o great_a fervour_n and_o zeal_n to_o request_v it_o we_o ought_v with_o a_o singular_a devotion_n to_o repair_v to_o this_o infallible_a teacher_n and_o with_o mighty_a importunity_n beseech_v he_o to_o 18._o open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o to_o conduct_v our_o reason_n aright_o in_o our_o enquiry_n into_o this_o sacred_a volume_n and_o he_o that_o command_v we_o to_o implore_v his_o help_n will_v certain_o vouchsafe_v it_o to_o all_o sincere_a and_o devout_a supplicant_n the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n shall_v be_v irradiate_v with_o a_o celestial_a beam_n and_o we_o shall_v feel_v a_o internal_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o our_o heart_n communicate_v light_n and_o wisdom_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o this_o bless_a guide_n we_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v in_o our_o search_n and_o endeavour_n this_o divine_a book_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v have_v its_o mystery_n and_o depth_n disclose_v to_o we_o so_o far_o as_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o and_o no_o rational_a man_n ought_v to_o desire_v any_o more_o yea_o as_o it_o be_v with_o some_o of_o those_o that_o have_v study_v for_o the_o philosophic_a elixir_n though_o they_o attain_v not_o to_o it_o yet_o in_o their_o impetuous_a search_n after_o it_o they_o find_v out_o many_o excellent_a thing_n admirable_o useful_a for_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o recompense_n of_o their_o labour_n so_o though_o we_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o some_o grand_a secret_n which_o be_v treasure_v up_o in_o this_o inspire_a volume_n yet_o we_o shall_v not_o faâ—l_v of_o some_o choice_a discovery_n that_o will_v make_v we_o amends_o for_o our_o most_o laborious_a inquiry_n we_o shall_v mighty_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n and_o we_o shall_v likewise_o be_v under_o the_o special_a benediction_n of_o heaven_n the_o rabbin_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o r._n jonathan_n write_v his_o targum_fw-la on_o the_o bible_n if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o least_o fly_v light_v upon_o his_o paper_n it_o be_v present_o consume_v with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n but_o though_o this_o be_v romantic_a and_o after_o the_o rate_n of_o the_o rabbin_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o sober_a trutlâ—_n that_o god_n will_v protect_v we_o in_o read_v and_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n while_o we_o be_v thus_o employ_v nothing_o shall_v disturb_v or_o hurt_v we_o the_o divine_a arm_n will_v defend_v and_o prosper_v we_o and_o we_o shall_v peruse_v this_o book_n with_o that_o happy_a success_n which_o we_o pray_v for_o in_o short_a by_o continual_a converse_v with_o this_o book_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o that_o have_v no_o errata_n we_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o correct_v all_o the_o failure_n of_o our_o notion_n and_o of_o our_o life_n we_o shall_v enrich_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o stock_n of_o excellent_a principle_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n we_o shall_v be_v conduct_v to_o the_o high_a improvement_n of_o knowledge_n and_o sanctity_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o the_o most_o consummate_v happiness_n in_o another_o finis_fw-la book_n write_v by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n john_n edward_n a_fw-la enquiry_n into_o several_a 〈◊〉_d text_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o with_o a_o probable_a resolution_n of_o they_o in_o two_o volume_n in_o 8â—_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n i._o with_o a_o continue_a illustration_n of_o several_a difficult_a text_n throughout_o the_o whole_a work_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n ii_o wherein_o the_o author_n be_v former_a undertake_n be_v further_a prosecute_v viz._n a_o enquiry_n into_o several_a remarkable_a text_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o at_fw-fr discoeurs_fw-fr concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n iii_o treat_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o illustrate_v several_a difficult_a text_n occur_v in_o this_o undertake_n all_o sell_v by_o jonathan_n robinson_n john_n taylor_n and_o john_n wyat._n wyat._n plataic_n plataic_n panegyr_n &_o plataic_n plataic_n plataic_n plataic_n orat._n 2._o ad_fw-la nicocl_n nicocl_n panegyr_n orat._n orat._n orat._n ad_fw-la philip._n philip._n panegyr_n ad_fw-la philip._n epist._n ad_fw-la philip._n epist._n ad_fw-la mitylen_n mitylen_n panegyr_n orat._n orat._n plataic_n orat._n 1._o 1._o orat._n ad_fw-la philip._n philip._n panegyr_n orat._n plataic_n orat._n bis_fw-la bis_fw-la olynth_n 1._o 1._o philip._n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d clem._n alex._n in_o protrept_n protrept_n gen._n 9_o 27._o 27._o deut._n 28._o 49_o etc._n etc._n etc._n 1_o king_n 13._o 2._o 2._o antiqu._n 1._o 11._o c._n 1._o 1._o dr._n jackson_n jackson_n dan._n 2._o 2._o temporum_fw-la conscius_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la mundi_fw-la polyhistor_n epist._n ad_fw-la paulin._n paulin._n ver._n 2._o 2._o ver._n 20._o 20._o ver._n 5._o 5._o ibid._n ibid._n john_n 21._o 18._o 18._o ver._n 22._o 22._o earum_fw-la rerum_fw-la quae_fw-la foâ—â—uitae_n putantur_fw-la praedictio_fw-la atque_fw-la praesentio_fw-la de_fw-fr divinat_fw-la l._n 1._o 1._o lib._n 3._o c._n 8._o 8._o colloqu_n mensal_n mensal_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d orig._n cont_n celâ—_n l._n 6._o 6._o lib._n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d isid._n pelus_n ep._n l._n 5._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d just._n mart._n dialog_n cum_fw-la tryph._n tryph._n arnob._n lib._n 1._o 1._o sozom._n l._n 1._o c._n 11._o 11._o gr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mark_v 2
record_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n for_o either_o as_o we_o say_v before_o concern_v moses_n they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o through_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n that_o foresee_v these_o thing_n or_o else_o they_o be_v add_v by_o some_o other_o inspire_a writer_n so_o perhaps_o be_v those_o word_n unto_o this_o day_n ch_n 4._o v._n 9_o &_o ch_n 5._o v._n 9_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a at_o all_o to_o believe_v so_o for_o joshua_n relate_v some_o passage_n that_o happen_v a_o good_a while_n before_o he_o write_v this_o book_n which_o be_v a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n may_v speak_v after_o this_o manner_n very_o well_o and_o some_o few_o other_o word_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v insert_v after_o ioshua_n death_n but_o that_o the_o main_n be_v write_v by_o himself_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o question_v the_o history_n of_o the_o judge_n follow_v which_o relate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a people_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n from_o ioshua_n death_n until_o eli_n that_o be_v about_o three_o hundred_o year_n these_o judge_n be_v man_n of_o heroic_a spirit_n raise_v up_o by_o god_n out_o of_o the_o several_a tribe_n to_o govern_v the_o people_n and_o to_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o present_a danger_n they_o be_v supreme_a ruler_n but_o temporary_a and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v type_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o deliverer_n in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o peculiar_a polity_n of_o the_o israelite_n there_o be_v very_o notable_a occurrence_n which_o be_v faithful_o record_v in_o this_o book_n here_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o gross_a impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o that_o new_a generation_n which_o come_v up_o after_o ioshua_n death_n here_o be_v record_v to_o their_o perpetual_a infamy_n their_o intimate_v converse_n with_o those_o idolatrous_a people_n that_o be_v leave_v remain_v in_o that_o land_n their_o approve_v of_o their_o superstitious_a and_o irreligious_a custom_n and_o their_o serve_v their_o go_n here_o be_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o manner_n of_o their_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a practice_n which_o occasion_v the_o very_a heathen_n to_o open_v their_o mouth_n against_o they_o yea_o to_o blaspheme_n god_n who_o name_n they_o be_v call_v by_o here_o also_o we_o have_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o heaven_n towards_o this_o people_n sometime_o relieve_v and_o deliver_v they_o at_o other_o tâ—mes_v most_o severe_o chastise_v they_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o groan_v under_o tyrant_n and_o oppressor_n here_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o history_n most_o admirable_a example_n of_o god_n displeasure_n against_o apostate_n and_o such_o as_o revolt_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o here_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_a as_o memorable_a instance_n of_o his_o reward_v those_o that_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o his_o cause_n and_o hold_v fast_o their_o integrity_n in_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o perilous_a time_n here_o be_v most_o ample_o display_v his_o love_n and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o stir_v up_o so_o many_o eminent_a worthy_n and_o champion_n to_o fight_v for_o she_o and_o to_o push_v they_o on_o by_o no_o less_o than_o a_o extraordinary_a impulse_n of_o spirit_n to_o enterprise_n and_o effect_v such_o mighty_a thing_n for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o choose_a servant_n to_o conclude_v here_o and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n occur_v such_o a_o plenty_n of_o ancient_a rite_n custom_n and_o practice_n relate_v both_o to_o peace_n and_o war_n to_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n as_o be_v able_a to_o stock_n a_o antiquary_n of_o the_o first_o size_n we_o be_v not_o certain_a who_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n it_o be_v write_v by_o samuel_n say_v the_o talmudist_n and_o it_o may_v be_v after_o one_o of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o some_o thing_n be_v here_o mention_v or_o refer_v to_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o there_o other_o say_v it_o be_v not_o compose_v till_o ezrâ—'s_n time_n by_o ezra_n the_o book_n of_o ruth_n be_v a_o appendix_n to_o that_o of_o the_o judge_n in_o who_o time_n the_o thing_n be_v do_v that_o be_v here_o relate_v particular_o a_o little_a before_o eli_n time_n they_o happen_v than_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o famine_n in_o canaan_n elimelech_n and_o his_o wife_n naomi_n and_o their_o son_n go_v into_o the_o land_n of_o moab_n and_o there_o these_o latter_a be_v marry_v one_o to_o ruth_n and_o the_o other_o to_o orphah_n after_o ten_o year_n be_v expire_v elimelech_n and_o his_o son_n die_v whereupon_o naomi_n and_o her_o daughter-in-law_n ruth_n for_o the_o other_o daughter_n stay_v behind_o return_v to_o their_o own_o country_n and_o come_v to_o bethlehem_n be_v kind_o receive_v by_o boaz_n their_o kinsman_n the_o particular_n of_o this_o kind_a reception_n and_o entertainment_n be_v set_v down_o here_o and_o the_o close_a be_v that_o he_o marry_v ruth_n who_o bear_v to_o he_o obed_n who_o be_v the_o grandfather_n of_o david_n it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v but_o a_o private_a history_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v such_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o many_o thing_n worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n viz._n the_o difference_n of_o child_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o regard_v to_o their_o parent_n orphah_n with_o great_a ease_n and_o willingness_n leave_v naomi_n but_o ruth_n cleave_v unto_o she_o the_o prudent_a instruction_n and_o wise_a demeanour_n of_o that_o excellent_a matron_n towards_o her_o daughter_n the_o young_a widow_n though_o i_o must_v needs_o add_v with_o reference_n to_o ruth_n behaviour_n that_o her_o boldness_n and_o almost_o endanger_v of_o her_o chastity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v example_n to_o other_o for_o modesty_n and_o shamefacedness_n be_v the_o proper_a quality_n of_o that_o sex_n wedlock_n be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o by_o they_o with_o such_o peril_n and_o therefore_o this_o dare_a fact_n of_o this_o venturous_a widow_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a instance_n and_o not_o to_o be_v imitate_v by_o other_o female_n here_o be_v remarkable_a the_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o afflict_a the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a the_o reward_n of_o constancy_n and_o obedience_n the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o trust_n in_o he_o beside_o here_o be_v observable_a the_o ancient_n right_o of_o kinsman_n and_o of_o redemption_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o buy_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o decease_a with_o other_o thing_n of_o great_a antiquity_n nay_o this_o be_v more_o than_o private_a history_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o pious_a woman_n ruth_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o obed_n the_o father_n of_o jesse_n the_o father_n of_o david_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o you_o find_v she_o insert_v into_o his_o genealogy_n by_o st._n matthew_n again_o ruth_n a_o moabitish_a woman_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o lot_n be_v a_o type_n or_o rather_o indeed_o a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o private_a concern_v but_o of_o the_o large_a extent_n imaginable_a the_o two_o book_n of_o samuel_n be_v public_a history_n the_o former_a whereof_o contain_v thing_n do_v under_o the_o two_o last_o judge_n eli_n and_o samuel_n and_o under_o the_o first_o king_n who_o be_v saul_n as_o also_o the_o act_n of_o david_n while_o he_o live_v under_o saul_n here_o be_v a_o narrative_a of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o judge_n into_o king_n of_o the_o republic_n or_o aristocracy_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o a_o monarchy_n and_o of_o the_o great_a and_o many_o evil_n which_o they_o suffer_v as_o consequent_a upon_o it_o all_o worthy_a of_o our_o serious_a perusal_n and_o consideration_n here_o be_v a_o account_n of_o their_o new_a king_n be_v be_v depose_v by_o god_n viz._n for_o his_o rash_a and_o profane_a sacrifice_v and_o his_o wilful_a disobey_v the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o total_a destruction_n of_o the_o amalekite_n and_o whatever_o belong_v to_o they_o the_o latter_a book_n â—s_v whole_o spend_v in_o the_o history_n of_o king_n david_n reign_n that_o be_v his_o act_n after_o saul_n death_n these_o â—re_n either_o his_o military_a act_n his_o troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a and_o sometime_o successful_a erterprise_n in_o war_n or_o his_o political_a act_n show_v in_o the_o wise_a administration_n of_o civil_a government_n or_o his_o ecclesiastical_a and_o religious_a undertake_n which_o respect_v 〈◊〉_d church_n of_o god_n in_o those_o day_n with_o these_o be_v mix_v the_o great_a fail_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o that_o king_n which_o be_v as_o particular_o record_v as_o his_o other_o act_n and_o as_o