frequent_a mention_n make_v in_o jewish_n and_o other_o author_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v in_o a_o old_a samaritan_n character_n whence_o it_o be_v infer_v by_o some_o that_o this_o be_v the_o primitive_a character_n wherein_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v and_o consequent_o that_o this_o which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v not_o the_o true_a genuine_a character_n but_o i_o answer_v this_o do_v not_o follow_v for_o this_o samaritan_n vulgar_a character_n be_v not_o the_o first_o and_o ancient_a though_o it_o be_v sometime_o in_o use_n but_o the_o sacred_a character_n now_o call_v the_o hebrew_n character_n be_v real_o such_o and_o be_v the_o true_a and_o most_o ancient_a letter_n wherein_o this_o holy_a book_n be_v write_v this_o be_v the_o authentic_a letter_n which_o god_n himself_o grave_v the_o law_n in_o and_o thence_o have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o sacred_a character_n but_o the_o other_o call_v the_o common_a and_o vulgar_a be_v not_o in_o that_o esteem_n it_o be_v a_o deviation_n from_o that_o primitive_a one_o and_o yet_o to_o speak_v free_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o character_n the_o latter_a be_v only_o some_o variation_n and_o degeneracy_n from_o the_o former_a which_o happen_v by_o length_n of_o time_n this_o be_v the_o real_a truth_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o it_o solve_v the_o controversy_n and_o end_v all_o the_o dispute_n on_o both_o side_n and_o the_o learned_a french_a critic_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n come_v over_o at_o last_o to_o this_o when_o bible_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o critic_n to_o dispute_v so_o fierce_o about_o the_o first_o hebrew_n character_n for_o if_o we_o attentive_o consider_v and_o compare_v together_o the_o samaritan_n and_o hebrew_n character_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o origine_fw-la and_o he_o grant_v also_o that_o it_o be_v from_o the_o succession_n of_o so_o many_o age_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o produce_v some_o alteration_n that_o there_o have_v be_v this_o variation_n from_o their_o first_o figure_n but_o this_o be_v inconsiderable_a so_o that_o both_o character_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o same_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n then_o to_o think_v that_o ezra_n change_v the_o character_n but_o that_o he_o only_o amend_v the_o defect_n and_o slip_v which_o he_o find_v in_o the_o hebrew_n for_o by_o consult_v and_o compare_v the_o several_a copy_n he_o purge_v they_o from_o the_o error_n and_o mistake_v which_o be_v contract_v in_o the_o time_n of_o thâ—_n captivity_n and_o after_o he_o have_v cause_v the_o book_n 〈◊〉_d be_v fair_o write_v out_o he_o put_v they_o into_o that_o order_n in_o which_o now_o they_o be_v place_v and_o so_o he_o may_v bâ—_n say_v to_o be_v the_o composer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n into_o that_o model_n we_o see_v it_o now_o in_o and_o from_o his_o revise_v the_o book_n and_o mend_v they_o by_o compare_v of_o copy_n be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o keri_n and_o chetib_n as_o most_o of_o the_o learneâ—_n jew_n assert_v for_o where_o the_o copy_n disagree_v oâ—_n where_o two_o readins_n be_v probable_a there_o werâ—_n make_v variae_fw-la lectiones_fw-la the_o one_o be_v put_v into_o thâ—_n margin_n and_o be_v call_v lectio_fw-la keri_n the_o other_o into_o thâ—_n text_n and_o be_v call_v scriptio_fw-la chetib_n i_o know_v some_o ascribe_v these_o not_o to_o ezra_n but_o to_o the_o doctor_n of_o tiberiasâ—_n but_o here_o as_o before_z i_o be_o willing_a to_o compromise_v the_o quarrel_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v ascribe_v theâ—_n to_o both_o they_o be_v begin_v by_o ezra_n and_o augment_v by_o the_o other_o afterward_o this_o be_v one_o waâ—_n to_o keep_v the_o bible_n entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a and_o bâ—_n the_o favour_n of_o divine_a providence_n it_o have_v be_v transmit_v so_o to_o we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n also_o the_o canon_n 〈◊〉_d scripture_n be_v digest_v into_o partition_n and_o division_n as_o now_o it_o be_v and_o there_o be_v then_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o masorah_n or_o masore_v which_o become_v afterward_o part_n of_o the_o jewish_a cabala_n which_o abouâ—_n the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 494_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v by_o some_o skilful_a grammarian_n and_o have_v beeâ—_n very_o useful_a for_o preserve_v the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v three_o several_a species_n of_o this_o cabala_n 〈◊〉_d they_o tell_v we_o the_o first_o be_v gematria_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o mathematical_a consideration_n of_o the_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o mystical_a number_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o a_o account_n of_o the_o great_a and_o little_a letter_n in_o word_n the_o second_o be_v notariaca_n a_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n from_o certain_a note_n character_n line_n and_o point_n belong_v to_o the_o hebrew_n text._n more_o particular_o noteriekon_v or_o notaricon_n or_o notariaca_n for_o i_o find_v that_o it_o be_v thus_o different_o express_v d_o in_o writer_n be_v when_o one_o letter_n stand_v for_o a_o whole_a word_n this_o way_n of_o cabalize_a give_v the_o name_n to_o judas_n maccabaeus_n who_o write_v on_o his_o standard_n and_o ensign_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o abbreviature_n or_o first_o letter_n of_o those_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d exod._n 15._o 11._o and_o by_o put_v vowel_n to_o the_o consonant_n they_o read_v it_o maccabi_n the_o three_o be_v temurah_n mutatio_fw-la which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o transposition_n of_o the_o same_o letter_n whence_o another_o word_n arise_v which_o explain_v the_o word_n that_o be_v transpose_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v explain_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d terra_n which_o contain_v the_o same_o letter_n thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d noah_n be_v say_v to_o have_v find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d grace_n or_o favour_n gen._n 6._o 8._o the_o letter_n be_v the_o same_o but_o transpose_v so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d exod._n 23._o 23._o be_v by_o metathesis_n expound_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dan._n 12._o 1._o i._n e._n the_o messiah_n say_v the_o jewish_a doctor_n but_o the_o first_o and_o second_o way_n of_o cabalize_a which_o obtain_v the_o name_n of_o masore_v be_v the_o most_o considerable_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n these_o critical_a observation_n on_o the_o bible_n make_v of_o old_a and_o deliver_v from_o one_o to_o another_o whence_o they_o have_v their_o traderâ—_n denomination_n treat_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o letter_n why_o some_o word_n be_v in_o great_a other_o in_o lesser_a character_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o great_a vau_fw-fr levit._n 11._o 42._o so_o they_o observe_v there_o be_v a_o open_a man_n at_o the_o end_n of_o a_o word_n in_o neh._n 2._o 13._o and_o a_o close_a man_n in_o the_o middle_n in_o isa._n 9_o 7._o the_o masorite_n likewise_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o likeness_n and_o difference_n of_o word_n by_o similitude_n oâ—_n diversity_n of_o letter_n and_o point_n they_o have_v madâ—_n remark_n on_o irregular_a and_o extraordinary_a pointing_n they_o have_v observe_v the_o variety_n of_o accent_n and_o so_o criticize_v on_o all_o these_o in_o the_o several_a placeâ—_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o there_o can_v be_v 〈◊〉_d change_v make_v in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n but_o it_o muâ—â—_n be_v present_o see_v in_o this_o masore_v on_o the_o hebreâ—_n text_n they_o have_v reckon_v which_o verse_n in_o thâ—_n psalm_n be_v the_o middle_a one_o and_o which_o letter_n be_v thâ—_n middle_a letter_n in_o that_o whole_a book_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o thâ—_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o psal._n 80._o 13._o yea_o they_o hauâ—_n count_v all_o the_o verse_n and_o word_n all_o the_o accentâ—â—_n letter_n and_o vowel_n that_o be_v in_o every_o single_a bookâ—_n from_o which_o critical_a enumeration_n those_o transcrâ—bers_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v call_v by_o the_o jew_n sopheriâ—_n i_o e._n numberer_n and_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o every_o volume_n they_o have_v set_v down_o the_o exact_a number_n of_o 〈◊〉_d these_o and_o at_o last_o they_o reckon_v how_o many_o there_o aâ—_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n fathâ—â—_n simon_n indeed_o say_v they_o mistake_v in_o their_o accompâ—â—_n but_o that_o be_v more_o than_o he_o prove_v and_o i_o do_v 〈◊〉_d think_v he_o ever_o take_v the_o pain_n as_o great_a a_o criticâ—â—_n on_o the_o bible_n as_o he_o be_v to_o cast_v they_o up_o there_o 〈◊〉_d good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o jewish_a critic_n 〈◊〉_d the_o old_a testament_n be_v more_o to_o be_v credit_v in_o 〈◊〉_d particular_a than_o the_o french_a one_o however_o froâ—_n what_o have_v
number_v among_o the_o book_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v argue_v from_o the_o tradition_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v do_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v it_o be_v valid_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o copy_n the_o canonicalness_n of_o the_o book_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o decidable_a by_o scripture_n itself_o but_o in_o the_o way_n that_o all_o other_o controversy_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v as_o you_o will_v prove_v any_o other_o book_n to_o be_v authentic_a so_o you_o must_v prove_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v viz._n by_o sufficient_a and_o able_a testimony_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o sacred_a history_n that_o there_o be_v to_o believe_v any_o other_o historical_a write_n that_o be_v extant_a nay_o the_o testimony_n on_o behalf_n of_o the_o holy_a scriptureâ—_n be_v more_o pregnant_a than_o any_o that_o be_v bring_v for_o other_o write_n beside_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v for_o the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v for_o other_o write_n i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o this_o above_o aâ—â—_n other_o the_o main_a thing_n we_o have_v insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v faithful_o convey_v to_o we_o and_o that_o they_o be_v vouch_v by_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a tradition_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o these_o book_n and_o no_o other_o be_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n for_o to_o be_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o be_v own_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o divine_o inspire_a write_n the_o church_n witness_v and_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n for_o she_o receive_v they_o as_o divine_a and_o she_o deliver_v they_o to_o we_o as_o such_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o church_n testify_v these_o book_n to_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v a_o absolute_a and_o entire_a authority_n to_o they_o a_o clerk_n in_o the_o parliament_n or_o any_o other_o court_n writes_z down_z and_o testiâ—ies_n that_o such_o a_o act_n or_o decree_n or_o order_n be_v pass_v by_o the_o king_n magistrate_n or_o people_n and_o he_o witness_n that_o he_o have_v faithful_o keep_v these_o by_o he_o and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o at_o such_o a_o time_n be_v make_v by_o the_o foresay_a authority_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o act_n decree_n or_o order_n rest_v not_o in_o the_o clerk_n but_o whole_o in_o the_o king_n magistrate_n or_o people_n so_o the_o church_n record_v and_o keep_v the_o sacred_a write_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o bear_v witness_v that_o they_o have_v be_v faithful_o preserve_v and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o genuine_a write_n of_o those_o person_n who_o name_n be_v presix_v to_o they_o bâ—t_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o church_n but_o on_o the_o book_n and_o author_n themselves_o namely_o their_o be_v inspire_v and_o indeed_o this_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v depend_v on_o the_o church_n because_o the_o church_n itself_o depend_v on_o the_o scripture_n these_o must_v be_v prove_v before_o the_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o church_n we_o can_v know_v the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v know_v before_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o papist_n be_v very_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a in_o make_v the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v into_o the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n this_o we_o disow_v as_o a_o great_a falsity_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o hold_v that_o the_o church_n testimony_n be_v one_o good_a argument_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n according_a to_o that_o know_a say_v of_o st._n augustine_n i_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o move_v i_o not_o that_o he_o find_v the_o gospel_n i._n e._n the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o papist_n be_v wont_a to_o infer_v from_o these_o word_n and_o frequent_o quote_v they_o to_o this_o purpose_n no_o the_o father_n meaning_n be_v this_o that_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n he_o believe_v the_o book_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v very_o that_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o scope_n of_o it_o for_o he_o speak_v there_o of_o the_o copy_n or_o write_n not_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o good_a father_n rely_v on_o this_o that_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o know_v and_o honest_a person_n as_o the_o church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o do_v assert_v the_o evangelical_n write_n to_o be_v the_o write_n of_o such_o as_o be_v real_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a and_o not_o corrupt_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o same_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o of_o those_o that_o immediate_o succeed_v they_o several_a of_o which_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n this_o be_v the_o external_n testimony_n give_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v the_o general_a persuasion_n and_o attestation_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o these_o be_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n immediate_o direct_v by_o the_o spirit_n who_o therefore_o can_v not_o err_v it_o be_v usual_a heretofore_o among_o the_o pagan_a lawgiver_n to_o attribute_v their_o law_n to_o some_o deity_n though_o they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o invention_n intend_v thereby_o to_o conciliate_v reverence_n to_o they_o and_o to_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o people_n but_o here_o be_v no_o such_o cheat_n put_v upon_o we_o god_n himself_o be_v real_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n these_o sacred_a law_n come_v immediate_o from_o he_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v assurance_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o they_o chap._n iii_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n manifest_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n especial_o of_o pagan_n these_o confirm_v what_o the_o old_a testament_n say_v concern_v the_o creation_n the_o production_n of_o adam_n and_o eve_n their_o fall_n with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o it_o enoch_n translation_n the_o longevity_n of_o the_o patriarch_n the_o giant_n in_o those_o time_n the_o universal_a flood_n the_o build_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n i_o have_v propound_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a argument_n which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o will_v now_o choose_v out_o another_o for_o the_o sake_n chief_o of_o the_o learned_a and_o curious_a which_o i_o purpose_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o yea_o to_o make_v the_o subject_a of_o my_o whole_a ensue_a discourse_n i_o consider_v then_o that_o we_o have_v in_o this_o matter_n not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n but_o of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n and_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o vouch_v by_o all_o man_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o enemy_n be_v most_o considerable_a the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o beside_o these_o witness_n there_o be_v other_o there_o be_v the_o attestation_n of_o foreigner_n and_o adversary_n these_o full_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a bible_n we_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o heathen_a writer_n to_o confirm_v many_o of_o the_o thing_n relate_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o both_o profess_a heathen_n and_o jew_n for_o we_o must_v now_o look_v upon_o these_o latter_a as_o profess_a enemy_n when_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_a concern_v attest_v sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o vouch_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o they_o here_o than_o i_o will_v distinct_o proceed_v and_o first_o begin_v with_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o let_v you_o see_v in_o several_a particular_n that_o even_o the_o pagan_a world_n give_v testimony_n to_o this_o sacred_a volume_n
for_o prestegian_n or_o protegian_n as_o some_o think_v but_o this_o be_v disputable_a maldon_n in_o essex_n by_o the_o saxon_n call_v malodune_n be_v a_o corruption_n of_o camalodunum_n the_o old_a colony_n of_o the_o roman_n here_o godmanchester_n in_o huntingdon_n shire_n be_v so_o write_v in_o stead_n of_o gormonchester_n from_o one_o gormon_n a_o danish_a prince_n that_o have_v this_o part_n of_o the_o country_n allot_v to_o he_o but_o charterhouse_n for_o chartreuse_n the_o covent_n heretofore_o of_o the_o carthusian_n and_o shingles_n the_o common_a word_n for_o st._n anthony_n fire_n because_o it_o incompass_n the_o body_n like_o a_o girdle_n for_o cingles_n and_o good_a morrow_n for_o good_a morning_n be_v not_o so_o great_a depravation_n of_o the_o word_n refer_v this_o to_o page_n 254._o line_n 25._o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o furtum_fw-la we_o may_v perhaps_o think_v the_o english_a felony_n come_v thence_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o stola_fw-la signify_v sedile_n we_o shall_v be_v incline_v to_o fetch_v stool_n thence_o we_o shall_v have_v derive_v smoke_n from_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o it_o have_v signify_v any_o thing_n like_o fumus_fw-la and_o so_o a_o spade_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o spado_fw-la nay_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d denote_v any_o thing_n like_o placenta_n or_o laganum_fw-la we_o then_o shall_v have_v vouch_v even_o our_o english_a word_n of_o that_o sound_n to_o be_v derive_v from_o it_o finis_fw-la book_n sell_v by_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n the_o glorious_a epiphany_n with_o the_o devout_a christian_n love_n to_o it_o the_o second_o edition_n octavo_fw-la search_v the_o scripture_n a_o treatise_n show_v that_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n with_o direction_n to_o they_o therein_o twelve_o a_o discourse_n concern_v prayer_n especial_o of_o frequent_v the_o daily_a public_a prayer_n twelve_o all_o three_o by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n patrick_n now_o lord_n bishop_n of_o ely_n the_o old_a religion_n demonstrate_v in_o the_o principle_n and_o describe_v in_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n thereof_o by_o i._o goodman_n d._n d._n the_o second_o edition_n twelve_o imprimatur_fw-la april_n 6._o 1694._o carolus_n alston_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc._n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la 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 underta_n king_n be_v further_o 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 with_o a_o probable_a resolution_n of_o they_o by_o john_n edward_n b._n d._n sometime_o fellow_n of_o st._n john_n college_n in_o cambridge_n london_n print_v by_o i._n d._n for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n and_o john_n wyatt_n at_o the_o rose_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxciv_o imprimatur_fw-la cantab._n oct._n 19_o 1693._o geo._n oxenden_n ll._n d._n procan_n jo._n beaumond_n s._n t._n d._n regius_n theologiae_n professor_n nath._n coga_n s._n t._n d._n aul._n pembr_n custos_fw-la jo._n covell_n s._n t._n d._n coll._n christi_fw-la praefect_n to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n simon_n lord_n bishop_n of_o ely_z my_o lord_n i_o once_o more_o presume_v to_o prefix_v your_o lordship_n name_n which_o be_v so_o great_a and_o celebrate_v to_o my_o obscure_a paper_n thereby_o to_o create_v they_o some_o credit_n and_o to_o derive_v a_o repute_n upon_o myself_o your_o matchless_a pen_n have_v purchase_v you_o a_o last_a renown_n and_o your_o exemplarly_a life_n and_o practice_n have_v add_v a_o far_a glory_n to_o you._n so_o that_o all_o the_o understand_a world_n count_v you_o worthy_a of_o douâ—le_a honour_n if_o you_o have_v live_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n you_o will_v 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not_o praise_v they_o lest_o they_o shall_v offend_v their_o modesty_n i_o will_v not_o dedicate_v my_o labour_n as_o mean_a as_o they_o be_v to_o a_o person_n of_o a_o mean_a figure_n in_o the_o learned_a world_n or_o in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o religious_a for_o the_o design_n of_o the_o dedication_n be_v to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v real_o praiseworthy_a and_o tâ—at_a even_o to_o a_o wonder_n that_o he_o be_v one_o that_o ought_v to_o be_v extreme_o honour_v and_o venerate_v for_o his_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o yet_o my_o lord_n you_o see_v i_o do_v not_o enter_v on_o the_o task_n of_o enlarge_n on_o your_o lordship_n praise_n the_o reason_n be_v not_o because_o it_o be_v unlawful_a or_o unfit_a but_o because_o it_o be_v too_o great_a for_o i_o not_o to_o give_v your_o lordship_n any_o far_a trouble_n if_o i_o have_v offend_v by_o this_o repeat_v presumption_n i_o have_v this_o to_o plead_v in_o my_o excuse_n that_o your_o merit_n as_o well_o as_o my_o own_o inclination_n have_v make_v i_o criminal_a and_o see_v my_o fault_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o duty_n i_o despair_v not_o but_o that_o it_o will_v meet_v with_o a_o pardon_n and_o that_o your_o lordship_n will_v aceept_v of_o this_o poor_a oblation_n from_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n be_v most_o devote_v son_n and_o servant_n j._n edward_n the_o preface_n when_o i_o have_v by_o my_o long_a forbearance_n satisfy_v the_o world_n that_o i_o be_v not_o fond_a of_o show_v myself_o in_o public_a and_o offer_v any_o discourse_n in_o print_n at_o leâ—st_n with_o open_a face_n i_o at_o last_o prevail_v with_o my_o sâ—lf_n to_o venture_v visible_o to_o the_o press_n and_o true_o i_o think_v i_o may_v appear_v now_o with_o the_o more_o confidence_n because_o i_o have_v a_o great_a while_n deliberate_v on_o what_o i_o have_v do_v in_o this_o nature_n though_o i_o be_v very_o shy_a 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different_a phrase_n and_o new_a method_n that_o by_o offer_v a_o fresh_a critical_a gloss_n upon_o several_a dubious_a and_o difficult_a passage_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o have_v clear_v up_o the_o sâ—â—se_n of_o they_o and_o in_o short_a that_o i_o hâ—ve_v make_v some_o remarkable_a observation_n on_o the_o best_a book_n in_o the_o world_n if_o i_o have_v not_o perform_v this_o which_o the_o judicious_a only_o can_v be_v judge_n of_o i_o â—m_n sure_o i_o have_v endeavour_v it_o and_o have_v all_o along_o make_v it_o my_o grand_a design_n and_o business_n to_o â—elp_v my_o reader_n to_o understand_v the_o bible_n aright_o which_o certain_o be_v of_o the_o high_a concern_v next_o to_o the_o religious_a practice_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o i_o have_v sufficient_a warrant_n to_o break_v out_o of_o my_o retirement_n to_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 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〈◊〉_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 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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
vouch_v by_o writer_n of_o very_a good_a account_n and_o who_o joint_a authority_n in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v as_o for_o some_o particular_a circustances_n which_o relate_v to_o this_o matter_n as_o the_o place_n where_o they_o meet_v their_o mavellous_a consent_n in_o the_o work_n and_o the_o time_n they_o dispatch_v it_o in_o these_o may_v be_v doubt_v of_o though_o for_o my_o part_n i_o see_v no_o solid_a ground_n of_o deny_v they_o altogether_o the_o whole_a translation_n be_v finish_v in_o 72_o day_n say_v aristaeas_n or_o aristaeus_n for_o his_o name_n be_v write_v both_o way_n one_o that_o be_v a_o great_a favourite_n of_o king_n ptolomee_n and_o write_v the_o history_n of_o this_o greek_a translation_n of_o the_o jewish_a elder_n but_o this_o author_n be_v think_v to_o be_v spurious_a by_o graec._n vossius_fw-la and_o by_o some_o other_o learned_a man_n before_o he_o as_o to_o the_o place_n philo_n the_o jew_n justin_n martyr_n and_o other_o 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very_o much_o differ_v from_o the_o lxx_o and_o so_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o disparage_v the_o cell_n and_o the_o translator_n to_o make_v way_n for_o his_o own_o translation_n this_o be_v the_o uncharitable_a censure_n which_o gregory_n one_o give_v of_o this_o great_a father_n and_o as_o for_o aristâ—as_o he_o come_v off_o thus_o with_o he_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o he_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o cell_n for_o this_o aristaea_n who_o be_v quote_v by_o st._n jerom_n be_v not_o the_o genuine_a author_n but_o a_o spurious_a one_o for_o the_o father_n quote_v many_o thing_n out_o of_o he_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o book_n but_o 2._o another_o tell_v we_o another_o story_n viz._n that_o the_o hellenist_n jew_n who_o read_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o â—0_n in_o their_o synagogue_n be_v the_o inventor_n of_o this_o history_n of_o the_o translator_n and_o put_v it_o out_o in_o one_o aristâ—us's_n name_n and_o the_o same_o person_n moreover_o present_v we_o 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