in_o the_o letter_n be_v incorrupt_a and_o unchanged_a and_o that_o may_v be_v judge_n for_o the_o vowel_n be_v the_o soul_n give_v life_n to_o the_o distinct_a word_n and_o the_o word_n write_v with_o bare_a consonant_n can_v be_v read_v nor_o understand_v without_o vowel_n and_o especial_o in_o dark_a and_o difficult_a place_n one_o will_v add_v these_o vowel_n another_o those_o as_o every_o own_o shall_v attempt_v to_o draw_v forth_o the_o meaning_n here_o be_v need_n of_o another_o judge_n the_o word_n write_v with_o naked_a letter_n can_v speak_v for_o itself_o the_o greek_a version_n of_o the_o lxx_o differ_v from_o the_o hebrew_n text_n not_o only_o in_o the_o read_n of_o vowel_n but_o letter_n also_o so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v judge_n where_o will_v you_o seek_v another_o shall_v the_o servant_n give_v sentence_n upon_o the_o lord_n the_o wait_a maid_n upon_o her_o royal_a lady_n or_o shall_v the_o live_n and_o most_o clear_a fountain_n be_v try_v by_o the_o taste_n and_o colour_n of_o the_o trouble_a and_o muddy_a stream_n cap._n 9_o xxviii_o the_o other_o opinion_n of_o the_o hebrew_n touch_v the_o author_n of_o the_o masora_n be_v that_o the_o masora_n be_v write_v by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n who_o they_o style_v in_o their_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v the_o great_a council_n gather_v by_o ezra_n the_o priest_n the_o precedent_n thereof_o after_o the_o babylonian_a captivity_n by_o who_o help_n and_o assistance_n he_o restore_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o all_o the_o jew_n purge_v and_o reform_v it_o from_o many_o corruption_n error_n and_o vice_n contract_v in_o babylon_n for_o this_o office_n when_o he_o depart_v from_o babylon_n to_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o king_n artaxerxes_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o king_n letter_n esr_n 7._o not_o long_o after_o he_o the_o king_n send_v away_o nehemias_n also_o as_o a_o most_o faithful_a colleague_n and_o zealous_a assistant_n who_o be_v arm_v with_o the_o royal_a commission_n and_o public_a authority_n promote_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o church_n with_o great_a fervour_n of_o affection_n as_o the_o book_n of_o nehemiah_n show_v cap._n 10._o xxix_o esra_n and_o nehemiah_n associate_v to_o themselves_o other_o of_o the_o prime_a man_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o wise_a so_o that_o the_o whole_a council_n complete_v the_o number_n of_o 120._o man_n which_o council_n be_v of_o most_o worthy_a memory_n frequent_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o hebrew_n hence_o in_o the_o chronicle_n juchasin_n fol._n 13._o it_o be_v read_v of_o this_o counsel_n when_o constitution_n be_v name_v absolute_o they_o be_v from_o esra_n and_o the_o house_n of_o judgement_n of_o esra_n be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o great_a synagogue_n or_o the_o great_a council_n which_o restore_v the_o crown_n unto_o the_o ancient_a estate_n the_o hebrew_n have_v three_o crown_n of_o the_o law_n the_o priesthood_n and_o the_o kingdom_n the_o crown_n of_o the_o law_n i._n the_o study_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o according_a to_o that_o prov._n 8._o 15._o by_o i_o i._o wisdom_n king_n reign_v this_o crown_n esra_n which_o his_o colleague_n reduce_v to_o the_o primitive_a condition_n i._n e._n he_o reform_v the_o ecclesiastical_a commonwealth_n from_o the_o filth_n and_o pollution_n of_o babylon_n and_o reduce_v it_o to_o the_o old_a integrity_n and_o purge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o the_o deceitful_a book_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o from_o all_o corruption_n therefore_o in_o the_o jerusalem_n talmud_n in_o the_o book_n megilla_n c._n 4._o in_o fine_a when_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n arise_v they_o restore_v magnificence_n i._o the_o crown_n of_o the_o law_n than_o who_o magnificence_n none_o be_v great_a don_n isaac_n abarbinel_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d commemorates_n the_o principal_a man_n of_o this_o council_n most_o of_o who_o come_v from_o babylon_n and_o jerusalem_n with_o zorobabel_n the_o catalogue_n say_v he_o of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a council_n be_v hagaeus_n the_o prophet_n zacharias_n the_o prophet_n malachias_n the_o prophet_n zorobabel_n the_o son_n of_o schealtiel_n mordecai_n bilsohan_n ezra_n the_o priest_n and_o scribe_n jehosua_n the_o son_n of_o johotzedek_n the_o priest_n seraja_n realja_n mispar_fw-la bigaeus_n rachum_n bana_n nehemiah_n the_o son_n of_o chacilja_n these_o be_v the_o twelve_o prime_a man_n etc._n etc._n the_o last_o man_n say_v rabbi_n moses_n be_v mâ—jomen_n in_o who_o the_o council_n end_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d simeon_n the_o just_a he_o who_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v the_o great_a alexander_n in_o bis_fw-la priestly_a habit_n and_o incline_v he_o to_o show_v clemency_n towards_o the_o city_n which_o story_n be_v famous_a among_o the_o hebrew_n it_o happen_v according_a to_o their_o account_n in_o the_o four_o year_n after_o the_o build_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n whence_o we_o gather_v that_o the_o man_n of_o this_o synod_n supervive_v beyond_o forty_o year_n all_o this_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o hebrew_n esteem_v this_o synod_n of_o very_a great_a authority_n cap._n 10._o xxx_o the_o head_n and_o precedent_n of_o this_o synod_n ezra_n be_v above_o all_o the_o rest_n furnish_v with_o singular_a gift_n of_o god_n for_o these_o affair_n chief_o be_v he_o expert_a in_o the_o divine_a law_n in_o the_o interpretation_n and_o description_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n most_o exercise_v for_o which_o he_o be_v commend_v esr_n 7._o 6._o he_o be_v a_o ready_a scribe_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o scribe_n he_o be_v call_v not_o so_o much_o à _fw-la scribendo_fw-la from_o write_v as_o from_o declare_v and_o explain_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o interpreter_n of_o book_n a_o doctor_n a_o scribe_n and_o by_o no_o book_n be_v get_v great_a praise_n then_o by_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n whence_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o lawyer_n who_o teach_v and_o interpret_v the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o be_v sometime_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d scribe_n who_o instruct_v the_o people_n sometime_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d skilful_a of_o the_o law_n yet_o proper_o be_v he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o scribe_n who_o do_v write_v letter_n instrument_n book_n contract_n and_o such_o like_a as_o in_o psa_n 45._o 2._o my_o tongue_n be_v the_o pen_n of_o a_o ready_a scribe_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o esra_n be_v excellent_a both-waye_n be_v at_o once_o a_o learned_a expounder_n of_o the_o law_n and_o a_o ready_a writer_n of_o it_o for_o ezra_n have_v prepare_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o do_v it_o and_o to_o teach_v in_o israel_n statute_n and_o judgement_n ez._n 7._o 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hence_o also_o they_o compare_v he_o to_o moses_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o dignity_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o both_o talmud_n and_o he_o be_v just_o name_v ezra_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v help_v st._n jerom_n render_v it_o adjutor_n a_o helper_n xxxi_o ezra_n therefore_o be_v solicitous_a to_o help_v a_o decay_a church_n and_o to_o reform_v it_o distribute_v office_n ecclesiastical_a institute_v sacrifice_n consecrate_a vessel_n appoint_v for_o divine_a use_n celebrate_v solemn_a feast_n proclaim_v fast_n and_o repentance_n cleanse_v the_o people_n from_o the_o wedlock_n of_o stranger_n and_o endeavour_v to_o order_n and_o compose_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o prescript_n of_o divine_a law_n but_o that_o the_o law_n itself_o and_o the_o whole_a sacred_a scripture_n may_v be_v extant_a among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o genuine_a and_o pure_a integrity_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o write_n of_o many_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o true_a and_o whatsoever_o spot_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o incommodity_n of_o their_o long_a captivity_n have_v blemish_v the_o holy_a letter_n may_v be_v strip_v off_o there_o be_v great_a need_n of_o mature_a advice_n of_o the_o provident_a care_n of_o learned_a man_n exercise_v perfect_o in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o of_o the_o vigorous_a aid_n of_o many_o assistant_n to_o this_o purpose_n he_o have_v with_o he_o divine_a colleague_n endue_v with_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n haggaeus_n malachias_n nehemias_n who_o fervent_a and_o most_o ardent_a affection_n be_v testify_v open_o by_o their_o holy_a sermon_n he_o have_v with_o he_o that_o most_o
valiant_a leader_n zorobabel_n who_o stock_n and_o virtue_n be_v ennoble_v by_o the_o genealogy_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n he_o have_v with_o he_o the_o high_a priest_n jeschua_n and_o other_o chief_a priest_n and_o levite_n the_o companion_n of_o zorobabel_n their_o leader_n out_o of_o babylon_n and_o he_o have_v also_o all_o that_o be_v pillar_n of_o piety_n among_o all_o the_o people_n these_o be_v the_o man_n design_v for_o the_o settlement_n of_o religion_n not_o only_o for_o the_o present_a time_n but_o for_o the_o eternal_a benefit_n of_o posterity_n from_o who_o they_o know_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v now_o depart_v cap._n 10._o xxxii_o in_o this_o synod_n they_o think_v it_o not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v deliver_v the_o sacred_a authentic_a book_n unto_o the_o church_n but_o the_o manner_n also_o how_o to_o read_v they_o clear_o and_o expound_v they_o be_v most_o prudent_o prescribe_v it_o appear_v by_o the_o learned_a hebrew_n exposition_n of_o that_o place_n in_o nehemiah_n chap._n 8._o vers_fw-la 8._o so_o they_o read_v in_o the_o book_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o give_v the_o sense_n and_o cause_v they_o tâ—_n understand_v the_o read_n that_o in_o the_o public_a synagogue_n they_o read_v first_o the_o text_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n in_o hebrew_n distinct_o and_o understand_o according_a to_o the_o pause_n and_o then_o explain_v it_o in_o the_o chaldee_n which_o be_v now_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n of_o the_o people_n bring_v from_o babylon_n this_o reformation_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n by_o ezra_n be_v not_o unknown_a to_o tertullian_n a_o most_o grave_a writer_n of_o the_o first_o antiquity_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr hab._n mul._n he_o say_v after_o the_o overthrow_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o babylonian_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o judaic_a literature_n be_v restore_v by_o ezra_n chrysostome_n also_o ascribe_v unto_o ezra_n the_o same_o work_n where_o he_o write_v attend_v and_o learn_v god_n mercy_n to_o we_o of_o old_a he_o inspire_v moses_n and_o he_o write_v the_o table_n of_o stone_n he_o determine_v he_o forty_o day_n in_o the_o mount_n and_o again_o so_o many_o day_n that_o he_o may_v give_v he_o the_o law_n in_o after_o time_n he_o send_v prophet_n who_o suffer_v innumerable_a wrong_n war_n rush_v in_o it_o consume_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n the_o book_n be_v burn_v in_o the_o fire_n but_o again_o he_o inspire_v another_o man_n that_o he_o may_v repair_v those_o admirable_a scripture_n i_o mean_v ezra_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o compose_v the_o law_n anew_o out_o of_o their_o relic_n etc._n etc._n hom._n 8._o in_o epist_n ad_fw-la hebr._n cap._n 11._o xxxiii_o now_o and_o henceforth_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o masora_n lay_v the_o work_n be_v begin_v in_o the_o partition_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n in_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o text_n into_o great_a section_n and_o into_o verse_n and_o in_o the_o dinumeration_n of_o they_o as_o also_o of_o the_o letter_n lest_o one_o prick_v or_o tittle_n may_v afterward_o be_v change_v or_o lose_v for_o first_o have_v constitute_v the_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n and_o reduce_v they_o into_o one_o body_n of_o scripture_n they_o divide_v it_o into_o three_o principal_a part_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o law_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o prophet_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o holy_a write_n or_o hagiographa_n this_o division_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o declare_v in_o that_o say_n of_o he_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n concern_v i_o luc._n 24._o 44._o where_o the_o psalm_n be_v put_v for_o all_o the_o book_n in_o that_o part_n entitle_v hagiographa_n out_o of_o which_o also_o some_o thing_n be_v cite_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o fulfil_v elsewhere_o he_o name_v only_o two_o part_n the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v until_o john_n luc._n 16._o 16._o and_o in_o another_o place_n a_o whole_a part_n of_o scripture_n be_v set_v for_o one_o book_n of_o that_o part_n as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n mark_n 1._o 2._o jo._n 6._o 45._o that_o be_v in_o that_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o prophet_n in_o that_o volume_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o that_o which_o be_v cite_v be_v not_o write_v in_o all_o the_o prophet_n but_o in_o one_o of_o they_o the_o first_o in_o mal._n 3._o 1._o the_o other_o in_o isa_n 54._o 13._o thus_o be_v this_o division_n usual_a in_o the_o most_o ancient_a writing_n of_o the_o hebrew_n in_o the_o masora_n when_o any_o word_n be_v find_v only_o thrice_o and_o that_o in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o scripture_n than_o they_o say_v we_o meet_v with_o it_o three_o time_n once_o in_o the_o law_n once_o in_o the_o prophet_n once_o in_o the_o hagiographia_fw-la in_o the_o talmudist_n one_o bind_v up_o the_o law_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o hagiographa_n into_o one_o book_n again_o they_o bring_v unto_o we_o the_o law_n the_o prophet_n the_o hagiographa_n bind_v into_o one_o barabathra_n fol._n 13._o 2._o elias_n levita_n in_o the_o three_o preface_n to_o his_o masore_v where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n and_o their_o labour_n in_o restore_v of_o the_o scripture_n write_v thus_o for_o all_o the_o twenty_o four_o book_n be_v not_o bind_v up_o together_o but_o they_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n conjoin_v they_o and_o make_v three_o part_n of_o they_o the_o law_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o hagiographa_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cap._n 11._o xxxiv_o these_o three_o part_n be_v afterward_o divide_v into_o other_o the_o law_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o history_n be_v subdivide_v into_o five_o book_n which_o be_v entitle_v by_o we_o genesis_n exodus_fw-la leviticus_n number_n deuternomy_n the_o prophet_n be_v subdivide_v into_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o former_a prophet_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o latter_a prophet_n the_o former_a be_v four_o in_o number_n which_o be_v name_v under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n samuel_n and_o king_n or_o so_o call_v because_o in_o these_o book_n it_o be_v treat_v of_o the_o first_o prophet_n in_o these_o samuel_n be_v reckon_v at_o first_o for_o one_o book_n and_o the_o king_n likewise_o for_o one_o which_o afterward_o be_v distinguish_v into_o two_o hence_o samuel_n be_v call_v a_o prophet_n as_o in_o that_o he_o give_v they_o judge_n until_o samuel_n the_o prophet_n act._n 13._o 20._o the_o latter_a prophet_n be_v also_o four_o isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n daniel_n and_o the_o twelve_o lesser_n these_o last_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o book_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v in_o danger_n by_o their_o smallness_n to_o be_v lose_v hence_o be_v that_o to_o be_v take_v act._n 7._o 42._o as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v of_o the_o lesser_a prophet_n to_o wit_n amos_n 5._o 25._o and_o hence_o also_o we_o read_v in_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n those_o eight_o prophet_n be_v bind_v in_o one_o barabathra_n fol._n 13._o 2._o to_o wit_n the_o four_o former_a and_o so_o many_o latter_a before_o mention_v as_o the_o commentator_n there_o explain_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n be_v the_o hagiographa_n and_o they_o be_v style_v in_o the_o hebrew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d write_n by_o a_o synecdoche_n in_o asmuch_o as_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v by_o immediate_a instinct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n or_o by_o prophecy_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o daniel_n and_o esra_n be_v account_v as_o it_o be_v historical_a compose_v the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a instinct_n whither_o also_o pertain_v the_o paralipomena_fw-la or_o chronicle_n who_o author_n esra_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v david_n and_o solomon_n have_v write_v most_o part_n thing_n belong_v unto_o piety_n and_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n in_o adversity_n and_o prosperity_n albeit_o they_o have_v prophetical_a matter_n david_n eminent_o often_o time_n intermix_v the_o five_o small_a book_n which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v likewise_o judge_v as_o didactical_a and_o historical_a the_o hagiographa_n therefore_o at_o first_o be_v account_v nine_o book_n psalm_n proverb_n job_n canticle_n ecclesiaste_n esther_n daniel_n esra_n chronicle_n where_o esra_n comprehend_v also_o nehemiah_n and_o the_o two_o book_n of_o chronicle_n be_v take_v for_o one_o the_o book_n of_o ruth_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n for_o the_o
grammar_n plain_o say_v thus_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o tiberias_n for_o of_o they_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o masora_n and_o from_o they_o have_v we_o receive_v all_o the_o point_v and_o often_o do_v he_o mention_v those_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o same_o book_n and_o commend_v they_o several_a time_n for_o their_o skill_n in_o read_v and_o genuine_a pronunciation_n his_o second_o in_o this_o opinion_n be_v elias_n levita_n a_o jew_n of_o germany_n and_o a_o famous_a grammarian_n in_o the_o last_o age_n and_o one_o that_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o whole_a masora_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o curious_a handle_n of_o this_o part_n get_v the_o praise_n from_o all_o the_o rabbin_n of_o his_o people_n in_o sundry_a preface_n to_o his_o masore_v hammasore_v his_o opinion_n touch_v the_o original_n of_o masora_n and_o the_o vowel_n point_v be_v this_o in_o short_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v innumerable_a author_n of_o the_o masora_n in_o divers_a age_n 2._o that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o they_o and_o the_o end_n be_v uncertain_a 3._o that_o the_o hebrew_n of_o tiberias_n first_o write_v the_o masora_n and_o invent_v the_o point_n of_o vowel_n and_o of_o accent_n after_o the_o talmud_n be_v finish_v i._o long_v after_o 500_o year_n since_o our_o saviour_n christ_n cap._n 3._o vii_o the_o city_n of_o tiberias_n which_o produce_v the_o masore_v of_o all_o the_o jew_n most_o expert_a in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v in_o the_o land_n of_o galilee_n seat_v near_o the_o lake_n of_o henne-caroth_a of_o who_o rise_n and_o situation_n josephus_n that_o noble_a and_o most_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o jewish_a affair_n inform_v we_o antiq._n lib._n 18._o c._n 3._o and_o when_o after_o the_o desolation_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_a army_n some_o relic_n of_o the_o learned_a jew_n escape_v into_o babylon_n and_o some_o remain_v in_o palestin_n these_o by_o a_o little_a and_o little_a in_o the_o more_o commodious_a place_n and_o city_n restore_v their_o school_n and_o assembly_n and_o this_o tiberias_n be_v one_o of_o those_o city_n celebrate_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o adorn_v with_o some_o name_n of_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o enjoy_v that_o honour_n till_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 230._o after_o which_o time_n the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o hebrew_n relate_v nothing_o very_o memorable_a concern_v school_n and_o the_o study_n of_o good_a learning_n in_o judea_n for_o here_o rabbi_n jehuda_n aftet_fw-la the_o publish_n of_o the_o jerusalem_n talmud_n die_v in_o the_o same_o or_o the_o follow_a year_n and_o after_o his_o death_n the_o student_n in_o judea_n be_v disperse_v and_o the_o school_n translate_v into_o babylon_n cap._n 4._o &_o 5._o viii_o thus_o the_o school_n of_o judea_n as_o it_o be_v expire_a with_o r._n jehuda_n the_o saint_n their_o light_n and_o life_n and_o the_o principal_a scholar_n be_v remove_v about_o the_o year_n 230._o out_o of_o palestin_n into_o babylon_n there_o do_v they_o renew_v their_o study_n with_o great_a fervour_n chief_o do_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n flourish_n comprehend_v in_o the_o book_n mischna_n their_o corpus_fw-la juris_fw-la as_o it_o be_v this_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o they_o lecture_n and_o disputation_n so_o that_o afterward_o in_o the_o year_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o city_n 436._o as_o elias_n put_v it_o that_o be_v of_o christ_n 506_o come_v forth_o the_o babylonian_a talmund_n distinct_a into_o six_o principal_a part_n and_o sixty_o three_o book_n by_o which_o even_o until_o this_o day_n the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v govern_v in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1037_o than_o the_o babylonian_a school_n be_v altogether_o extinguish_v the_o wise_a master_n vanish_v thence_o and_o fix_v themselves_o in_o another_o sphere_n in_o spain_n and_o other_o part_n of_o europe_n as_o r._n abraham_n and_o other_o writer_n testify_v cap._n 6._o ix_o it_o seem_v yet_o that_o all_o learning_n do_v not_o die_v in_o palestin_n with_o rabbi_n jehuda_n the_o saint_n for_o though_o the_o chronicle_n give_v we_o nothing_o memorable_a after_o he_o yet_o the_o hebrew_n history_n make_v mention_n of_o some_o doctor_n of_o school_n in_o the_o land_n of_o israel_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o juchasin_n fol._n 106._o in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 340._o hillel_n hannasi_n be_v famous_a among_o the_o jew_n both_o a_o philosopher_n and_o excellent_a astronomer_n so_o that_o he_o make_v a_o new_a compute_v and_o jos_n scaliger_n in_o his_o book_n of_o de_fw-fr emendatione_fw-la temp._n p._n 544._o say_v the_o new_a compute_v be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o master_n of_o tyberias_fw-la we_o read_v of_o none_o but_o this_o hillel_n that_o reform_v the_o calendar_n therefore_o by_o the_o master_n of_o tyberias_fw-la we_o must_v understand_v hillel_n the_o rather_o because_o all_o the_o jew_n unto_o this_o day_n do_v follow_v his_o computation_n and_o will_v follow_v it_o till_o the_o time_n of_o their_o deliverer_n who_o they_o expect_v as_o we_o see_v in_o inchasin_n fol._n 90._o according_a to_o scaliger_n then_o this_o hillel_n live_v in_o tyberias_fw-la and_o to_o that_o time_n tyberias_fw-la be_v not_o decay_v cap._n 7._o x._o that_o something_o of_o the_o school_n in_o palestin_n remain_v till_o this_o time_n appear_v by_o schalschelet_n fol._n 34._o he_o r._n jehuda_n nesia_n be_v the_o father_n of_o rabbi_n hillel_n the_o prince_n who_o be_v promote_v into_o a_o master_n in_o the_o land_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o last_o of_o the_o promote_v as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o talmudical_a book_n de_fw-fr idololatria_fw-la and_o in_o tzemach_n david_n where_o be_v mention_v of_o this_o hillel_n fol._n 47._o the_o promote_v in_o the_o jew_n of_o israel_n cease_v in_o he_o now_o if_o scholastical_a promotion_n here_o cease_v it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o profession_n and_o public_a exercise_n cease_v also_o be_v those_o dignity_n be_v the_o reward_n of_o a_o excellent_a learning_n ordain_v for_o the_o conservation_n and_o propagation_n of_o study_n which_o be_v make_v more_o probable_a in_o that_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o hebrew_n relate_v nothing_o at_o all_o after_o this_o hillel_n touch_v the_o school_n or_o wise_a man_n of_o palestin_n but_o pursue_v the_o school_n of_o babylon_n to_o the_o last_o cap._n 7._o xi_o yet_o st._n hierom_n a_o very_a ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n carry_v we_o a_o little_a far_o for_o he_o when_o he_o translate_v the_o hebrew_n bible_n into_o latin_a procure_v a_o learned_a jew_n from_o tyberias_fw-la who_o help_n he_o use_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n a_o certain_a doctor_n of_o the_o law_n admire_v among_o the_o hebrew_n by_o who_o assistance_n he_o be_v encourage_v to_o go_v through_o with_o his_o translation_n as_o himself_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o that_o book_n now_o st._n hierom_n as_o our_o chronologer_n say_v end_v his_o life_n at_o bethelem_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 420_o or_o 422._o i_o suppose_v he_o may_v be_v upon_o his_o interpretation_n about_o the_o year_n 400._o be_v he_o spend_v some_o year_n about_o it_o and_o live_v some_o year_n after_o it_o be_v finish_v to_o hear_v the_o censure_n of_o man_n for_o it_o or_o against_o it_o and_o to_o make_v his_o defence_n at_o sundry_a time_n cap._n 7._o xii_o thus_o we_o have_v search_v into_o the_o study_n of_o these_o tyberians_n and_o follow_v they_o to_o the_o year_n 400._o draw_v on_o by_o some_o hope_n of_o find_v the_o most_o wise_a college_n of_o masoreth_n at_o tyberias_fw-la we_o have_v find_v indeed_o that_o learning_n after_o the_o waste_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o long_a time_n conserve_v in_o palestin_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o city_n of_o tyberias_fw-la but_o be_v the_o hebrew_n history_n pursue_v the_o course_n of_o study_n and_o the_o several_a generation_n of_o wise_a man_n to_o a_o thousand_o year_n in_o babylon_n and_o leave_v off_o in_o palestin_n or_o the_o land_n of_o israel_n about_o the_o year_n 340_o end_v with_o hillel_n the_o prince_n it_o be_v no_o way_n credible_a that_o after_o 500_o or_o about_o 600._o year_n from_o christ_n or_o more_o so_o many_o mighty_a scholar_n be_v extant_a at_o tyberias_fw-la who_o above_o all_o the_o jew_n be_v most_o exercise_v in_o the_o read_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o invention_n so_o new_a so_o admire_v of_o such_o concernment_n to_o the_o most_o sober_a and_o most_o weighty_a handle_n of_o the_o sacred_a letter_n and_o deliver_v the_o same_o without_o any_o witness_n without_o any_o history_n without_o any_o memory_n of_o book_n deliver_v it_o i_o say_v as_o a_o divine_a oracle_n to_o be_v accept_v by_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n yea_o by_o the_o whole_a world_n wheresoever_o
by_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o dead_a body_n a_o levite_n a_o great_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o deut._n 6._o 4._o in_o that_o illustrious_a sentence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hear_v o_o israel_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v one_o lord_n in_o this_o sentence_n the_o letter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v also_o a_o great_a one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o signify_v that_o the_o eternal_a lord_n be_v the_o only_a god_n in_o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o no_o other_o god_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o he_o for_o the_o letter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d stand_v for_o four_o the_o two_o great_a letter_n in_o this_o sentence_n conjoin_v make_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o witness_n as_o if_o they_o will_v thereby_o say_v unto_o we_o hear_v israel_n and_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o i_o that_o i_o have_v serious_o admonish_v thou_o concern_v the_o one_o true_a and_o eternal_a god_n according_a to_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o witness_n say_v the_o lord_n isa_n 43._o 10._o a_o great_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o it_o be_v say_v do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a deut._n 32._o 6._o to_o raise_v the_o great_a admiration_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o ill_a requital_n to_o that_o lord_n father_n redeemer_n maker_n and_o governor_n by_o show_v themselves_o to_o their_o fivefold_a benefactor_n five_o way_n which_o the_o letter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v withal_o denote_v wicked_a and_o ungrateful_a be_v corrupt_a perverse_a crooked_a foolish_a and_o unwise_a as_o all_o these_o be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n etc._n etc._n cap._n 14._o li._n the_o little_a letter_n signify_v diminution_n and_o contempt_n as_o a_o little_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prov._n 30._o 15._o the_o horseleech_n have_v two_o daughter_n call_v give_v give_v the_o horseleech_n be_v a_o symbol_n or_o sign_n of_o a_o covetous_a man_n their_o estate_n to_o who_o his_o daughter_n be_v marry_v be_v suck_v out_o and_o diminish_v if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o do_v good_a to_o a_o poor_a man_n he_o never_o do_v it_o gratis_o but_o require_v double_a by_o his_o daughter_n give_v give_v till_o the_o poor_a man_n be_v bring_v to_o extremity_n and_o this_o diminution_n be_v intimate_v by_o the_o smallness_n of_o the_o letter_n a_o little_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prov._n 28._o 17._o a_o man_n that_o do_v violence_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o any_o person_n to_o show_v his_o misery_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o shed_v of_o blood_n that_o he_o be_v even_o unworthy_a of_o the_o name_n of_o man_n a_o little_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gen._n 2._o 4._o when_o they_o be_v create_v to_o wit_n the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n to_o declare_v that_o all_o create_a thing_n shall_v decay_v and_o perish_v and_o as_o the_o letter_n consist_v of_o break_a part_n so_o shall_v they_o be_v dissolve_v the_o hebrew_n affect_v mystery_n say_v a_o transposition_n of_o this_o letter_n be_v intimate_v that_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v make_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o abraham_n i._n e._n for_o the_o faithful_a be_v the_o world_n create_v for_o they_o alone_a praise_n god_n for_o his_o wonderful_a work_n of_o creation_n etc._n etc._n but_o some_o who_o have_v more_o thorough_o search_v the_o letter_n and_o number_n have_v give_v another_o cause_n of_o great_a and_o lesser_a letter_n namely_o that_o every_o such_o letter_n be_v the_o term_n or_o bind_v of_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o letter_n either_o from_o the_o precede_a great_a letter_n or_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o book_n or_o some_o other_o place_n heretofore_o know_v by_o a_o peculiar_a index_n as_o the_o little_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gen._n 2._o be_v the_o term_n of_o the_o number_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o book_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o letter_n hitherto_o be_v 1112._o etc._n etc._n cap._n 15._o lii_o of_o the_o letter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d invert_v say_v the_o masora_n numb_a 10._o 35._o at_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o go_v fòrward_o there_o be_v nine_o verse_n wherein_o be_v such_o a_o sign_n of_o nun_n invert_v and_o the_o first_o be_v this_o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o the_o ark_n set_v forward_o that_o moses_n say_v rise_v up_o lord_n and_o let_v thy_o enemy_n be_v scatter_v and_o let_v they_o that_o hate_v thou_o flee_v before_o thou_o here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v conceive_v to_o be_v invert_v to_o intimate_v that_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o israel_n shall_v so_o be_v turn_v back_o and_o overthrow_v the_o second_o numb_a 11._o 1._o and_o the_o people_n complain_v where_o the_o invert_v nun_n be_v a_o token_n of_o the_o preversnesse_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o signal_n deliverance_n and_o great_a blessing_n of_o god_n bitter_o complain_v and_o show_v their_o contumacy_n and_o ingratitude_n etc._n etc._n cap._n 16._o liii_o that_o the_o masoreth_n may_v have_v nothing_o untouched_a that_o be_v pertinent_a to_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o sacred_a text_n and_o the_o notation_n of_o its_o genuine_a form_n be_v thus_o intent_n upon_o the_o work_n they_o espy_v in_o the_o whole_a text_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n fifteen_o word_n wherein_o some_o one_o letter_n or_o other_o be_v note_v extraordinary_o with_o certain_a prick_n above_o not_o with_o vowel_n or_o the_o note_n of_o vowel_n but_o symbolical_a note_n the_o sign_n of_o some_o arcane_a and_o secret_a sense_n the_o explication_n whereof_o be_v deliver_v and_o propagate_v oral_o be_v know_v to_o those_o first_o and_o next_o follow_v time_n but_o among_o the_o posterity_n by_o reason_n of_o war_n and_o persecution_n go_v out_o of_o knowledge_n into_o oblivion_n now_o the_o masoreth_n easy_o judge_v they_o be_v not_o set_v down_o in_o vain_a by_o the_o ancient_n but_o as_o remembrance_n of_o some_o point_n of_o secret_a wisdom_n will_v by_o no_o mâ—anes_n wipe_v they_o out_o of_o the_o text_n but_o rather_o mark_v they_o thereby_o to_o hold_v posterity_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n the_o prick_v word_n as_o i_o say_v be_v in_o the_o whole_a fifteen_o ten_o in_o the_o law_n four_o in_o the_o prophet_n one_o in_o the_o hagiographa_fw-la first_o be_v in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gen._n 16._o 5._o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v between_o i_o and_o thou_o the_o word_n of_o sarah_n to_o her_o husband_n abraham_n the_o masora_n note_v there_o be_v a_o prick_n above_o the_o latter_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o write_v full_o with_o both_o jod_n in_o all_o the_o law_n but_o in_o this_o place_n whence_o the_o latter_a be_v prick_v to_o mind_v we_o it_o be_v not_o put_v here_o in_o vain_a etc._n etc._n cap._n 17._o liv._o next_o for_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o letter_n or_o their_o number_n that_o the_o masoreth_n comprehend_v in_o a_o certain_a number_n the_o letter_n of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v evident_a enough_o out_o of_o some_o remain_v to_o this_o day_n extant_a of_o the_o masora_n for_o the_o masora_n note_v upon_o the_o letter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d levit._fw-la 11._o 42._o that_o it_o be_v the_o middle_a letter_n of_o the_o whole_a pentateuch_n or_o law_n and_o the_o letter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d psal_n 80._o 14._o be_v the_o middle_a letter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n at_o the_o end_n of_o genesis_n after_o the_o number_n of_o the_o verse_n of_o that_o book_n it_o be_v add_v and_o the_o letter_n thereof_o be_v 4395._o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o last_o section_n of_o that_o book_n not_o of_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n elias_n levita_fw-la pref._n 3._o l._n mas_o write_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n be_v sixty_o thousand_o thousand_o forty_o five_o and_o there_o he_o say_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o first_o section_n bereshit_v be_v 1915._o which_o be_v false_a we_o believe_v they_o be_v more_o than_o 5000._o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o number_n of_o letter_n in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n though_o this_o masora_n be_v not_o bring_v to_o
light_v but_o that_o this_o part_n of_o the_o masoretic_a study_n be_v refer_v into_o certain_a place_n of_o their_o book_n and_o so_o deliver_v to_o the_o notice_n of_o posterity_n appear_v by_o a_o certain_a poem_n which_o in_o a_o curious_a manner_n exhibite_v the_o number_n how_o often_o every_o letter_n in_o tâ—e_v alphabet_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n cap._n 18._o lv._o the_o author_n of_o those_o verse_n be_v affirm_v by_o elias_n to_o be_v raf_n saadia_n gaon_n who_o be_v head_n of_o the_o sorian_a academy_n in_o babylon_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 927._o the_o verse_n be_v very_o difficult_a but_o this_o sum_n of_o they_o here_o follow_v ×_n 42377_o ב_n 38218_o ×’_n 29537_o ד_n 32530_o ×”_n 47754_o ו_n 76922_o ×–_n 22867_o ×—_n 23447_o ט_n 11052_o ×™_n 66420_o ×›_n 48253_o ל_n 41517_o מ_n 77778_o × _n 32977_o ס_n 13580_o ×¢_n 20175_o פ_n 22725_o צ_n 21822_o ק_n 22972_o ר_n 22147_o ש_n 32148_o ת_n 59343._o  _fw-fr  _fw-fr  _fw-fr  _fw-fr and_o hence_o it_o be_v clear_o see_v how_o exceed_v great_a be_v the_o industry_n of_o these_o man_n how_o laborious_a their_o study_n and_o how_o much_o their_o zeal_n that_o they_o may_v conserve_v the_o integrity_n of_o scripture_n inviolate_a even_o in_o the_o least_o tittle_n to_o all_o posterity_n cap._n 18._o lvi_o we_o have_v see_v the_o matter_n now_o for_o the_o form_n of_o the_o masora_n it_o be_v at_o first_o consign_v in_o separate_a and_o distinct_a book_n but_o afterward_o the_o scribe_n adjoin_v it_o to_o the_o text_n by_o part_n but_o confuse_o and_o defectively_o in_o which_o form_n it_o stand_v till_o the_o public_a impression_n make_v about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o last_o age_n by_o the_o singular_a study_n and_o cost_v of_o daniel_n bombergus_n and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o r._n jacob_n ben_n chajim_n at_o venice_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o diligence_n of_o the_o man_n the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o work_n cause_v he_o to_o leave_v innumerous_a fault_n a_o good_a part_n whereof_o we_o have_v correct_v in_o our_o edition_n cap._n 19_o lvii_o the_o form_n and_o order_n of_o the_o masora_n in_o the_o bible_n print_v at_o venice_n be_v in_o this_o sort_n masora_n be_v twofold_a the_o great_a and_o the_o little_a the_o great_a masora_n which_o comprehend_v all_o the_o critical_a learning_n with_o a_o full_a enumeration_n of_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v propose_v either_o separately_z without_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o bibles_n or_o joint_o with_o the_o text_n in_o the_o high_o and_o low_a margin_n thereof_o the_o one_o be_v name_v final_a the_o other_o textual_a the_o little_a masora_n be_v that_o which_o be_v brief_o and_o succinct_o write_v down_o at_o the_o side_n of_o the_o text_n in_o numeral_a letter_n in_o short_a and_o symbolical_a word_n here_o be_v no_o citation_n of_o the_o place_n but_o when_o a_o word_n occur_v twice_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o letter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d then_o the_o other_o place_n be_v note_v by_o a_o word_n or_o two_o annex_v to_o that_o letter_n a_o great_a number_n sometime_o be_v express_v in_o a_o symbolical_a sentence_n and_o in_o the_o chaldee_n where_o the_o single_a word_n denote_v the_o several_a place_n of_o the_o bible_n allege_v in_o the_o great_a masora_n this_o be_v the_o form_n cap._n 19_o lviii_o we_o conclude_v with_o the_o end_n of_o the_o masora_n this_o the_o more_o sound_a and_o learned_a hebrew_n have_v excellent_o observe_v that_o the_o masora_n be_v a_o sure_a safeguard_v and_o defence_n of_o the_o sacred_a text_n to_o this_o end_n set_v round_o about_o it_o to_o secure_v and_o keep_v it_o safe_a against_o all_o error_n here_o be_v pertinent_a what_o the_o wise_a cosri_n say_v to_o his_o antagonist_n object_v that_o the_o study_n of_o the_o masoreth_n be_v place_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o unlawful_a and_o unprofitable_a work_n but_o say_v he_o their_o study_n be_v in_o such_o a_o unprofitable_a work_n with_o which_o be_v join_v the_o conservation_n of_o the_o law_n that_o there_o may_v never_o bâ—_n occasion_n of_o change_v any_o thing_n therein_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o the_o wise_a aben_n ezra_n certain_o a_o great_a reward_n be_v due_a to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o masore_v who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o the_o city-wall_n for_o by_o their_o endeavour_n persi_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o holy_a book_n in_o their_o form_n without_o any_o addition_n or_o detraction_n and_o that_o of_o elias_n levita_n after_o the_o labour_n perform_v by_o the_o masoreth_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o change_n at_o all_o in_o any_o book_n of_o scripture_n have_v happen_v heretofore_o or_o can_v hereafter_o happen_v that_o of_o r._n jacob_n ben_n chajim_n be_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v who_o in_o his_o preface_n to_o those_o great_a bibles_n after_o he_o have_v declare_v large_o the_o use_n of_o masora_n say_v have_v not_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n be_v who_o restore_v the_o crown_n of_o the_o law_n to_o its_o ancient_a splendour_n as_o it_o be_v write_v so_o they_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n distinct_o and_o give_v the_o sense_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o read_n nehem._n 8._o 8._o we_o have_v walk_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o be_v as_o blind_a man_n and_o have_v not_o have_v one_o book_n correct_v nor_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n whereon_o we_o may_v rely_v thus_o the_o jew_n cap._n 20._o lix_n the_o same_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o christian_n as_o many_o as_o have_v attain_v to_o any_o better_a knowledge_n of_o this_o art_n benedictus_n arias_n montanus_n in_o his_o preface_n discourse_v of_o the_o various_a read_n in_o the_o hebrew_n book_n and_o the_o way_n and_o use_v of_o the_o masoreth_n great_a say_v he_o be_v the_o religion_n and_o great_a the_o care_n of_o the_o ancient_a israelite_n in_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n and_o that_o treasury_n entrust_v by_o god_n and_o commend_v to_o they_o wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o mystery_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v esteem_v worthy_a of_o all_o their_o diligence_n to_o keep_v it_o so_o that_o by_o no_o mean_n any_o one_o word_n of_o it_o or_o so_o much_o as_o the_o least_o tittle_n may_v be_v impair_v hugh_n broughton_n a_o english_a man_n upon_o the_o 9_o of_o dan._n say_v there_o be_v one_o sort_n of_o great_a renown_n the_o masorite_n who_o diligence_n preserve_v the_o hebrew_n text_n safe_a and_o sound_a for_o ever_o and_o nicholas_n fuller_n in_o his_o miscell_n theol._n l._n 3._o c._n 13._o to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o hebrew_n truth_n may_v be_v keep_v inviolate_a be_v excogitated_a by_o the_o most_o expert_a jewish_a master_n a_o certain_a subtle_a and_o curious_a art_n which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v a_o tradition_n or_o the_o most_o accurate_a way_n of_o deliver_v through_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o do_v succeed_v the_o canon_n of_o holy_a scripture_n always_o pure_a and_o perfect_a by_o the_o benefit_n whereof_o they_o exact_o know_v and_o have_v the_o number_n of_o not_o the_o word_n only_o but_o the_o very_a letter_n too_o so_o that_o not_o the_o least_o change_n can_v be_v make_v by_o any_o either_o unlearned_a or_o rash_a or_o negligent_a hand_n but_o it_o be_v deprehend_v present_o whence_o it_o be_v fit_o style_v by_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o hedge_n or_o mound_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o keep_v off_o thence_o all_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n cap._n 20._o lx._n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o present_a concern_v the_o author_n matter_n form_n end_v of_o the_o masora_n i_o will_v close_v up_o these_o collection_n with_o a_o say_n of_o pliny_n use_v by_o my_o author_n optima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la malunt_fw-la contemnere_fw-la plerique_fw-la quam_fw-la discere_fw-la very_o many_o there_o be_v who_o have_v rather_o despise_v the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n then_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o learn_v they_o finis_fw-la