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book_n woman_n word_n work_n 104 3 4.6951 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A37989 A discourse concerning the authority, stile, and perfection of the books of the Old and New-Testament with a continued illustration of several difficult texts of scripture throughout the whole work / by John Edwards. Edwards, John, 1637-1716. 1693 (1693) Wing E202; ESTC R29386 927,516 1,518

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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 o●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 ●f_n by_o expositor_n and_o how_o indeed_o can_v it_o when_o they_o 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when_o he_o rid_v forth_o in_o state_n signify_v as_o they_o think_v that_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o salute_v he_o most_o humble_o and_o even_o to_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o he_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o dict._n barak_n be_v a_o general_a word_n for_o salute_v whether_o at_o meeting_n or_o part_v either_o by_o word_n or_o gesture_n and_o be_v equivalent_a with_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o because_o at_o such_o time_n they_o general_o use_v to_o bow_v the_o knee_n it_o have_v that_o particular_a signification_n as_o in_o 2_o chron._n 16._o 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o lxx_o so_o in_o dan._n 6._o 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o gen._n 24._o 11._o the_o kneel_v down_o of_o camel_n to_o take_v up_o their_o burden_n be_v express_v by_o it_o yea_o the_o word_n barak_n be_v sometime_o transfer_v from_o its_o signification_n of_o civil_a respect_n and_o kneel_v and_o apply_v unto_o religious_a worship_n as_o in_o 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he_o will_v curse_v thou_o to_o thy_o face_n seem_v to_o be_v too_o harsh_a a_o representation_n even_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o devil_n of_o that_o holy_a man_n carriage_n for_o though_o he_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n he_o never_o curse_a and_o blaspheme_v the_o almighty_a and_o that_o to_o his_o face_n i._n e._n open_o and_o audacious_o but_o he_o may_v be_v say_v in_o some_o degree_n to_o have_v forsake_v and_o abandon_v god_n and_o to_o have_v turn_v himself_o from_o he_o by_o indulge_v too_o much_o to_o impatience_n and_o murmur_a and_o not_o only_o these_o place_n in_o job_n but_o that_o in_o 1_o king_n beforementioned_a which_o we_o translate_v thus_o naboth_n blaspheme_v or_o curse_a god_n and_o the_o king_n may_v be_v understand_v in_o this_o sense_n he_o by_o certain_a action_n discover_v as_o be_v pretend_v that_o he_o have_v forsake_v god_n and_o revolt_v from_o his_o duty_n to_o the_o king_n but_o i_o submit_v this_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a thus_o you_o see_v that_o word_n of_o different_n much_o more_o of_o contrary_a signification_n occasion_n some_o difficulty_n in_o interpret_n the_o text_n where_o they_o be_v find_v there_o be_v many_o book_n other_o hebrew_n word_n in_o scripture_n which_o signify_v contrary_a thing_n the_o sense_n sometime_o as_o well_o as_o the_o letter_n must_v be_v read_v backward_o nor_o be_v the_o greek_a whole_o destitute_a of_o such_o word_n as_o in_o tit._n 1._o 12._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v render_v either_o slow_a or_o quick_a belly_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v both_o piger_fw-la and_o celer_fw-la the_o cretan_n of_o who_o this_o be_v speak_v may_v be_v say_v
of_o the_o pentateuch_n that_o excellent_a philosopher_n lawgiver_n historian_n that_o captain_n that_o prince_n that_o prophet_n that_o man_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o inspire_a writer_n of_o the_o five_o first_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o first_o of_o which_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v genesis_n which_o begin_v with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o i_o call_v it_o a_o history_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o fond_a conceit_n of_o those_o man_n who_o read_v the_o beginning_n of_o this_o book_n with_o cabalistick_a spectacle_n only_o and_o think_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o allegory_n and_o mystery_n in_o the_o whole_a text._n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v very_o evident_a to_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o so_o i_o have_v propound_v argument_n in_o another_o place_n viz._n when_o i_o treat_v of_o the_o literal_a and_o mystical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o take_v off_o their_o prejudce_n and_o mistake_v this_o i_o do_v because_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o what_o we_o meet_v with_o here_o in_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v indispensable_o requisite_a that_o we_o believe_v moses_n to_o have_v deliver_v these_o thing_n as_o a_o historian_n and_o that_o he_o speak_v real_a matter_n of_o fact_n when_o he_o give_v we_o a_o narrative_a of_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o original_a of_o man_n his_o innocency_n and_o happiness_n and_o after_o that_o his_o fall_n which_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o sin_n of_o the_o devil_n tyranny_n of_o death_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o all_o evil_n whatsoever_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o this_o be_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o that_o perhaps_o be_v the_o mean_v of_o mensal_n luther_n say_v that_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a scripture_n wherefore_o this_o be_v with_o great_a wisdom_n premise_v in_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o sacred_a volume_n to_o which_o afterward_o be_v adjoin_v the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n the_o rise_v of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o invention_n of_o art_n the_o general_n defection_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n the_o universal_a del●ge_n which_o drown_v all_o mankind_n but_o noah_n and_o his_o family_n the_o restoration_n of_o the_o world_n the_o certain_a distinction_n of_o time_n before_o the_o flood_n and_o partly_o after_o it_o the_o confusion_n of_o ●_z and_o thereupon_o the_o division_n of_o the_o earth_n among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o plantation_n of_o family_n the_o original_a of_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n as_o the_o assyrian_a monarchy_n begin_v in_o nimrod_n or_o belus_n and_o the_o egyptian_a dynasty_n the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o patriarch_n not_o only_o before_o but_o after_o the_o general_n deluge_n as_o of_o noab_n the_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n of_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a of_o isaac_n the_o seed_n in_o which_o all_o nation_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v of_o jacob_n the_o father_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o joseph_n who_o memorable_a action_n be_v here_o full_o record_v and_o with_o which_o this_o first_o book_n of_o moses●nds_n ●nds_z unless_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n may_v be_v say_v to_o reach_v as_o far_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o of_o that_o promise_v contain_v in_o it_o concern_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n viz._n christ_n the_o redeemer_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n and_o send_v to_o subdue_v the_o devil_n and_o to_o destroy_v sin_n and_o death_n but_o because_o this_o first_o book_n begin_v with_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v therefore_o by_o the_o rabbin_n call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o creation_n i_o will_v here_o annex_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o several_a distinct_a step_n of_o this_o great_a work_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o this_o inspire_a writer_n and_o divine_a philosopher_n who_o acquaint_v we_o that_o there_o be_v six_o day_n spend_v in_o erect_v this_o glorious_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o far_a proof_n of_o what_o i_o say_v before_o viz._n that_o in_o scripture_n be_v the_o true_a philosophy_n when_o moses_n say_v in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n ver._n 1._o he_o do_v in_o these_o word_n give_v we_o a_o summary_n account_v of_o all_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o say_v afterward_o in_o this_o chapter_n for_o heaven_n and_o earth_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a creation_n this_o first_o verse_n than_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o general_n draught_n of_o the_o production_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o particular_n of_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n where_o the_o several_a day_n work_n be_v distinct_o set_v down_o the_o product_n of_o the_o first_o day_n be_v twofold_a viz._n the_o terraqueous_a mass_n call_v here_o the_o earth_n and_o light_n there_o be_v first_o of_o all_o create_v a_o rude_a confuse_a heap_n by_o profane_a writer_n call_v the_o chaos_n a_o indigested_a mass_n of_o earth_n and_o water_n mix_v together_o out_o of_o which_o god_n afterward_o make_v all_o corporeal_a thing_n which_o belong_v to_o this_o low_a world_n for_o we_o must_v not_o as_o some_o imagine_v that_o the_o celestial_a body_n be_v compose_v out_o of_o the_o earthly_a chaos_n that_o all_o the_o vast_a space_n of_o the_o heavenly_a mansion_n owe_v their_o rise_n to_o this_o mass_n below_o and_o that_o the_o very_a star_n be_v the_o offspring_n of_o the_o earth_n no_o moses_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o this_o confuse_a lump_n be_v the_o original_a only_o of_o the_o low_a world_n for_o the_o earth_n in_o this_o first_o verse_n be_v mention_v as_o one_o part_n of_o the_o new-created_a world_n as_o distinct_a from_o light_a the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n as_o light_v then_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v next_o be_v the_o primordial_a matter_n of_o the_o ethereal_a celestial_a and_o shine_v body_n so_o this_o gross_a and_o lumpish_a heap_n be_v that_o of_o which_o all_o dark_a and_o heavy_a body_n be_v compound_v this_o unshape_a mass_n without_o form_n and_o void_a be_v here_o by_o a_o general_a name_n call_v the_o earth_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n such_o for_o the_o earth_n as_o a_o distinct_a body_n from_o all_o other_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o three_o day_n in_o this_o place_n therefore_o by_o earth_n be_v mean_v earth_n and_o water_n blend_v together_o which_o make_v one_o great_a bog_n or_o universal_a quagmire_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o true_a conception_n we_o can_v have_v of_o the_o primitive_a state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o hence_o without_o doubt_n be_v derive_v the_o opinion_n of_o thales_n and_o some_o other_o ancient_a philosopher_n that_o water_n or_o slime_n or_o mud_n for_o they_o express_v it_o various_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o being_n whatsoever_o and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o this_o terraqueous_a matter_n be_v the_o first_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o those_o material_a being_n beforementioned_a according_o sir_n w._n raleigh_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o history_n of_o the_o world_n determine_v that_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o water_n as_o mix_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v by_o moses_n understand_v in_o the_o word_n earth_n hitherto_o according_a to_o the_o mosaic_a history_n nature_n be_v in_o her_o night-clothes_n the_o world_n be_v overspread_v with_o darkness_n which_o be_v especial_o say_v to_o be_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a by_o which_o be_v mean_v either_o the_o whole_a disorder_v mass_n which_o be_v a_o abyss_n or_o else_o as_o be_v most_o probable_a the_o watery_a part_n of_o it_o for_o though_o this_o and_o the_o earthy_a part_n be_v mix_v together_o yet_o these_o latter_a being_n light_a be_v general_o uppermost_a and_o float_v above_o all_o and_o appear_v on_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n therefore_o that_o learned_a knight_n before_o mention_v observe_v that_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o only_o mix_v but_o cover_v with_o the_o water_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n proceed_v to_o tell_v we_o mave_v or_o hover_v over_o this_o dark_a abyss_n this_o mix_v chaos_n especial_o the_o water_n as_o it_o be_v particular_o say_v because_o these_o be_v uppermost_a and_o hereby_o the_o rude_a matter_n be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v its_o several_a form_n and_o then_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o throw_v off_o its_o dark_a and_o sable_a mantle_n and_o to_o appear_v in_o a_o bright_a dress_n for_o the_o other_o product_n of_o this_o first_o day_n and_o which_o indeed_o make_v it_o day_n be_v light_a i._n e._n some_o lucid_a body_n or_o body_n which_o yet_o cast_v but_o a_o glimmer_a splendour_n a_o
as_o this_o of_o the_o pious_a king_n and_o prophet_n here_o be_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o beget_v religion_n and_o piety_n in_o we_o here_o be_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v serviceable_a to_o nourish_v and_o sustain_v all_o our_o virtue_n and_o grace_n and_o that_o in_o the_o utmost_a height_n of_o they_o before_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o next_o book_n i_o will_v add_v a_o few_o word_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o poetry_n here_o use_v this_o be_v to_o be_v say_v with_o great_a truth_n that_o these_o poetical_a measure_n be_v far_o different_a from_o those_o which_o we_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o in_o other_o writer_n but_o than_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v that_o though_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a quality_n of_o these_o poetic_a number_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o melodious_a and_o lofty_a and_o not_o unworthy_a of_o the_o best_a poet_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a artificial_a meter_n observe_v in_o this_o book_n which_o render_v the_o several_a ode_n and_o hymn_n very_o delightful_a the_o euse●_n young_a scaliger_n deny_v and_o that_o with_o some_o earnestness_n and_o sharpness_n otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o show_v himself_o his_o father_n own_o son_n that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n like_o this_o in_o this_o book_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o grant_v that_o the_o proverb_n and_o almost_o all_o job_n be_v metrical_a but_o josephus_n and_o philo_n two_o learned_a jew_n and_o who_o may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o be_v competent_a judge_n in_o this_o matter_n attest_v the_o meet_a of_o these_o psalm_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n etc._n etc._n so_o do_v origen_n eusebius_n jerom_n and_o some_o of_o the_o most_o judicious_a critic_n among_o the_o modern_n but_o then_o they_o confess_v that_o the_o meet_a be_v not_o so_o regular_a as_o that_o of_o succeed_a poet_n and_o who_o see_v not_o that_o even_o these_o exceed_o very_o in_o their_o measure_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v that_o sophocles_n and_o euripides_n plautus_n and_o terence_n write_v in_o verse_n but_o they_o can_v scarce_o be_v say_v to_o do_v so_o in_o comparison_n of_o homer_n and_o virgil._n there_o be_v some_o hexameter_n iambic_n sapphic_n and_o other_o know_a kind_n of_o verse_n in_o david_n psalm_n but_o they_o be_v very_o rare_a and_o seldom_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a but_o notwithstanding_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v if_o we_o be_v observant_a and_o attentive_a that_o there_o be_v several_a verse_n together_o that_o be_v matrical_a the_o arabian_a critic_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o alcoran_n be_v write_v in_o a_o sort_n of_o verse_n and_o sometime_o in_o rythme_n but_o every_o reader_n can_v find_v this_o no_o more_o can_v a_o ordinary_a eye_n or_o ear_n discern_v the_o number_n in_o the_o hebrew_n verse_n for_o the_o hebrew_n way_n of_o measure_v their_o foot_n be_v different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a poet_n yet_o so_o as_o we_o may_v oftentimes_o perceive_v a_o certain_a harmony_n of_o syllable_n and_o as_o the_o psalm_n be_v metrical_a so_o some_o of_o they_o be_v rhythmical_a this_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o very_a entrance_n of_o these_o divine_a hymn_n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d again_o in_o psal._n 6._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v evident_a in_o psal._n 8._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v plain_a in_o psal._n 12._o 4._o &_o 51._o 16._o &_o 63._o 3._o &_o 116._o 7._o &_o 148._o 1_o 2._o and_o in_o abundance_n of_o other_o place_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o certain_a orderly_a number_n of_o syllable_n but_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o verse_n end_v alike_o in_o sound_n chap._n ix_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n why_o so_o call_v the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o these_o divine_a and_o inspire_a aphorism_n some_o instance_n of_o the_o different_a application_n of_o the_o similitude_n use_v by_o this_o author_n the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n why_o so_o entitle_v the_o admirable_a subject_n of_o it_o succinct_o display_v the_o particular_a nature_n of_o the_o canticle_n or_o mystical_a song_n of_o solomon_n brief_o set_v forth_o it_o be_v evince_v from_o very_o cogent_a argument_n that_o solomon_n die_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v save_v the_o book_n of_o the_o four_o great_a prophet_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n with_o his_o lamentation_n ezekiel_n daniel_n be_v describe_v so_o be_v those_o of_o the_o twelve_o lesser_a prophet_n hosea_n etc._n etc._n who_o shall_v succeed_v david_n but_o solomon_n as_o in_o the_o throne_n so_o in_o the_o sacred_a canon_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o he_o like_o his_o father_n be_v a_o divine_a poet_n his_o three_o book_n viz._n the_o proverb_n ecclesiaste_n and_o his_o song_n be_v write_v in_o hebrew_a verse_n the_o first_o of_o these_o book_n be_v compose_v of_o excellent_a proverb_n whence_o it_o have_v its_o name_n by_o this_o word_n mishle_n which_o be_v here_o render_v proverb_n sometime_o be_v signify_v i._o parable_n strict_o so_o call_v which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o apologue_n or_o artificial_a fable_n of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v under_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v none_o such_o in_o this_o book_n 2._o by_o this_o word_n be_v mean_v any_o 13._o trite_a and_o common_o receive_v say_v any_o vulgar_a proverbial_a speech_n as_o that_o in_o ch_n 26._o v._n 11._o the_o dog_n return_v to_o his_o vomit_n but_o there_o be_v few_o of_o this_o sort_n here_o 3._o sarcastic_a speech_n gibe_n taunt_n as_o in_o 2_o chron._n 7._o 20._o psal._n 69._o 11._o be_v intend_v by_o this_o expression_n and_o this_o book_n of_o solomon_n be_v not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o these_o 4._o the_o hebrew_n word_n denote_v such_o speech_n as_o be_v by_o way_n of_o similitude_n ezek._n 18._o 2._o of_o which_o kind_n there_o be_v many_o in_o this_o book_n as_o that_o in_o ch_n 11._o 22._o as_o a_o jewel_n of_o gold_n in_o a_o swine_n snout_z so_o be_v a_o fair_a woman_n without_o discretion_n and_o in_o ch_z 25._o 11._o a_o word_n fit_o speak_v be_v like_a apple_n of_o gold_n in_o picture_n of_o silver_n this_o we_o find_v to_o be_v the_o frequent_a manner_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v in_o this_o book_n he_o general_o illustrate_v and_o amplify_v his_o doctrine_n by_o some_o fit_a simile_n or_o comparison_n so_o that_o thereby_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v twice_o deliver_v 5._o saying_n that_o be_v mix_v with_o some_o obscurity_n and_o intricacy_n such_o speech_n as_o require_v sharpness_n of_o wit_n and_o understanding_n both_o for_o propound_v and_o conceive_v they_o be_v denote_v by_o this_o word_n in_o scripture_n thus_o a_o intricate_a question_n or_o problem_n mashal_n be_v set_v down_o in_o psal._n 49._o 4_o 5._o and_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o psalm_n there_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o problem_n a_o resolution_n of_o this_o difficult_a point_n proverbial_a sentence_n be_v sometime_o 〈◊〉_d enigmatical_a and_o have_v a_o mean_v far_o different_a from_o what_o the_o word_n direct_o signify_v thus_o you_o will_v find_v some_o saying_n that_o carry_v a_o mystical_a sense_n with_o they_o in_o this_o book_n as_o that_o in_o ch_n 9_o 17._o steal_v water_n be_v sweet_a and_o in_o ch_z 25._o v._n 27._o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o eat_v much_o honey_n and_o such_o like_a allegorical_a and_o allusive_a speech_n which_o contain_v in_o they_o a_o high_a sense_n than_o the_o bare_a word_n import_v this_o proverbial_a manner_n of_o speak_v and_o write_v be_v in_o great_a use_n and_o esteem_v among_o the_o hebrew_n and_o all_o the_o eastern_a country_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n come_v to_o prove_v solomon_n with_o hard_a question_n 1_o king_n 10._o 1._o parable_n according_a to_o the_o chald●e_n problem_n riddle_n these_o be_v the_o chidoth_n which_o the_o propound_v to_o be_v solve_v by_o he_o yea_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v may_v general_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o write_n of_o most_o of_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o ancient_a time_n pythagoras_n and_o plato_n be_v much_o addict_v to_o this_o abstruse_a way_n and_o all_o their_o follower_n be_v delight_v in_o mystical_a representation_n of_o thing_n 6._o by_o this_o word_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v all_o wise_a and_o excellent_a say_n graviter_fw-la dicta_fw-la as_o the_o latin_n call_v they_o sentence_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n but_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o hebrew_n ancient_o call_v any_o say_v that_o have_v grace_n and_o wit_n in_o it_o mashal_n but_o especial_o any_o eminent_a speech_n or_o smart_n say_v for_o the_o use_v of_o life_n and_o direction_n of_o manner_n go_v under_o that_o name_n a_o moral_a or_o religious_a say_v that_o be_v of_o singular_a
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-testament_n with_o a_o continue_a illustration_n of_o several_a difficult_a text_n of_o scripture_n throughout_o the_o whole_a work_n 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 and_o sell_v by_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxciii_o imprimatur_fw-la s._n blithe_a procan_n deput_fw-la io._n beaumond_n s._n t._n p._n io._n covell_n s._n t._n p._n c._n roderick_n s._n t._n p._n cantabr_n april_n 13._o 1693._o 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 your_o kind_a and_o generous_a acceptance_n of_o my_o former_a undertake_n which_o just_o merit_v my_o most_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n which_o i_o here_o render_v to_o your_o lordship_n have_v encourage_v i_o to_o make_v this_o offer_n of_o another_o little_a treatise_n and_o to_o request_v you_o to_o take_v both_o it_o and_o its_o worthless_a author_n into_o your_o protection_n your_o name_n alone_o be_v a_o sufficient_a amulet_n against_o the_o censure_n which_o these_o paper_n may_v be_v expose_v to_o by_o be_v make_v thus_o public_a none_o will_v venture_v to_o damn_v that_o book_n which_o your_o lordship_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o patronize_v i_o be_o confident_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o i_o have_v espouse_v but_o i_o be_o as_o sensible_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n of_o my_o great_a and_o manifold_a defect_n in_o the_o manage_n it_o however_o i_o entertain_v good_a hope_n of_o find_v my_o reader_n in_o some_o measure_n favourable_a to_o this_o enterprise_n when_o they_o shall_v behold_v your_o lordship_n name_n which_o be_v the_o know_a name_n of_o learning_n and_o piety_n prefix_v to_o it_o by_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n most_o humble_a and_o devote_a servant_n john_n edwards_n the_o preface_n what_o i_o have_v prepare_v for_o the_o public_a view_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n i_o intend_v to_o have_v publish_v together_o in_o one_o volume_n but_o find_v that_o the_o present_a age_n be_v not_o for_o great_a book_n i_o be_o content_a to_o comply_v with_o it_o so_o f●r_a especial_o perceive_v the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o my_o undertake_n to_o swell_v into_o a_o moderate_a octavo_fw-la i_o be_o willing_a it_o shall_v go_v into_o the_o world_n alon●_n and_o according_o i_o now_o publish_v that_o first_o p●rt_n only_o intend_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o style_n and_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n either_o in_o one_o or_o two_o volume_n afterward_o the_o whole_a attempt_n be_v of_o near_a affinity_n with_o my_o fo●mer_a undertake_n viz._n of_o criticise_v on_o several_a text_n of_o scripture_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v difficult_a and_o give_v the_o resolution_n of_o they_o i_o have_v all_o along_o whilst_o i_o have_v mention_v several_a passage_n of_o holy_a writ_n to_o which_o the_o opinion_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o pagan_n refer_v give_v a_o explication_n general_o of_o they_o so_o that_o i_o be_o still_o in_o pursuit_n of_o my_o former_a design_n and_o i_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o clear_v and_o illustrate_v the_o sacred_a write_n especial_o that_o part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v most_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a but_o the_o more_o particular_a design_n of_o these_o paper_n be_v to_o a●●e●t_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o ancient_n and_o divine_a write_n and_o that_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o profess_a adversary_n viz._n pagan_n and_o jew_n it_o be_v folly_n to_o deny_v that_o divers_a of_o these_o thing_n be_v mention_v in_o other_o author_n and_o partly_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o i_o have_v produce_v they_o as_o indeed_o what_o useful_a subject_n be_v there_o that_o have_v escape_v the_o pen_n of_o the_o learned_a but_o than_o it_o will_v be_v fit_v if_o not_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o add_v in_o a_o just_a vindication_n of_o my_o present_a attempt_n that_o so_o far_o as_o i_o have_v converse_v with_o writer_n i_o never_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o trace_v this_o noble_a subject_n both_o through_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o this_o present_a work_n i_o know_v some_o have_v hint_v at_o a_o few_o of_o these_o remark_n and_o most_o common_o without_o insist_v on_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o they_o and_o without_o examine_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n belong_v to_o they_o but_o i_o have_v not_o content_v myself_o with_o this_o superficial_a way_n of_o deliver_v these_o thing_n but_o have_v endeavour_v to_o search_v into_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a original_a of_o they_o which_o have_v occasion_v several_a just_a discourse_n and_o enlarge_v disquisition_n on_o the_o various_a matter_n which_o occur_v under_o those_o head_n in_o brief_a i_o have_v ample_o prosecute_v this_o argument_n by_o offer_v a_o vast_a number_n of_o particular_n from_o my_o own_o enquiry_n and_o observation_n i_o have_v design_o treat_v on_o this_o theme_n which_o scarce_o any_o have_v do_v i_o have_v methodical_o digest_v my_o material_n according_a to_o the_o history_n or_o other_o passage_n in_o the_o bible_n to_o which_o they_o have_v reference_n in_o jewish_a or_o pagan_a writer_n and_o last_o i_o have_v make_v the_o whole_a serviceable_a to_o this_o excellent_a purpose_n viz._n the_o atte_a and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n but_o the_o main_a of_o this_o preface_n shall_v be_v spend_v in_o vindicate_v my_o interpretation_n of_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 29._o in_o my_o former_a enquiry_n into_o that_o text_n where_o i_o maintain_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o our_o translator_n rende●_n baptise_a for_o the_o dead_a be_v according_a to_o the_o tru●_n and_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o that_o place_n to_o be_v translate_v baptise_a on_o the_o account_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o dead_a which_o interpretation_n i_o perceive_v some_o be_v backward_o to_o entertain_v because_o they_o doubt_v whether_o the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d join_v with_o a_o genitive_a case_n be_v take_v in_o that_o sense_n in_o profane_a author_n they_o grant_v it_o be_v equivalent_a with_o the_o latin_a causâ_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la or_o in_o gratiam_fw-la but_o they_o think_v that_o these_o and_o consequent_o the_o greek_a preposition_n always_o refer_v to_o and_o denote_v some_o advantage_n or_o benefit_n therefore_o according_a to_o these_o person_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v rather_o be_v render_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o dead_a because_o this_o be_v the_o acception_n of_o the_o preposition_n in_o the_o write_n of_o all_o profane_a author_n but_o to_o this_o i_o may_v reply_v and_o that_o with_o most_o justifiable_a reason_n that_o i_o be_o not_o oblige_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o preposition_n be_v use_v in_o pagan_a writer_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o i_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v use_v in_o this_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o know_v not_o that_o some_o author_n have_v a_o particular_a and_o individual_a sense_n of_o some_o word_n appropriate_v to_o themselves_o and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o look_v for_o the_o same_o acception_n of_o they_o in_o other_o writer_n the_o commentator_n on_o homer_n aristophanes_n herodotus_n or_o any_o other_o good_a greek_a or_o latin_a author_n take_v notice_n that_o such_o a_o word_n or_o phrase_n be_v use_v by_o these_o writer_n in_o a_o sense_n different_a from_o what_o be_v find_v in_o other_o and_o this_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o the_o learned_a but_o especial_o if_o they_o find_v that_o one_o of_o these_o author_n use_v the_o same_o word_n more_o than_o once_o in_o this_o peculiar_a sense_n they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o singular_a meaning_n of_o it_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v here_o for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o good_a as_o that_o of_o the_o forementioned_a author_n or_o any_o other_o any_o fair_a critic_n will_v ready_o grant_v that_o if_o i_o produce_v two_o or_o three_o place_n in_o the_o new-testament_n where_o the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v the_o signification_n which_o i_o affix_v to_o it_o i_o perform_v my_o task_n well_o enough_o and_o this_o i_o have_v already_o do_v in_o my_o enquiry_n into_o that_o text_n where_o more_o than_o the_o forenamed_a number_n of_o place_n be_v bring_v to_o confirm_v that_o particular_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o i_o have_v propound_v i_o can_v have_v mention_v gal._n 1._o 4._o and_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 18._o and_o other_o text_n make_v use_v of_o by_o grotius_n where_o he_o think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o be_v render_v
be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o jew_n we●●_n very_o careful_a and_o studious_a very_o exact_a and_o curio●●_n in_o scripture_n by_o which_o mean_v it_o happen_v that_o the●_n be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o make_v any_o alteration_n in_o 〈◊〉_d without_o be_v discover_v that_o be_v the_o only_a re●son_n of_o my_o allege_v here_o the_o masoretic_n note_n 〈◊〉_d i_o undertake_v not_o to_o defend_v the_o superstitious_a r●●marks_n and_o criticism_n of_o the_o masorite_n i_o applaud_v not_o their_o laborious_a nicety_n their_o childish_a transmutation_n and_o shufl_v of_o letter_n and_o syllable_n their_o trifle_a annotation_n on_o the_o figure_n and_o make_v of_o some_o hebrew_n letter_n but_o i_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o make_v these_o critical_a man_n to_o be_v very_o serviceable_a towards_o the_o preserve_a the_o bible_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o its_o purity_n the_o observation_n of_o these_o masoretic_n doctor_n who_o be_v person_n of_o great_a skill_n in_o the_o language_n and_o well_o acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o ancient_a copy_n and_o manuscript_n and_o who_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o exact_o number_v all_o the_o verse_n word_n letter_n and_o even_o the_o minute_a part_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n have_v be_v a_o great_a security_n and_o preservative_n to_o it_o they_o have_v keep_v it_o undeprave_v and_o uncorrupt_a and_o have_v make_v the_o read_n of_o it_o certain_a and_o unalterable_a this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o that_o excellent_a and_o noble_a personage_n the_o learned_a picus_n mirandula_n so_o high_o extol_v the_o hebrew_n cabala_n without_o doubt_n he_o see_v this_o usefulness_n and_o excellency_n in_o it_o nay_o before_o these_o doctor_n of_o tiberias_n draw_v up_o their_o masoretic_n note_n there_o be_v it_o be_v probable_a extant_a something_o of_o this_o nature_n they_o have_v before_o this_o time_n some_o account_n not_o only_o of_o all_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o of_o all_o the_o apices_fw-la of_o they_o for_o to_o this_o our_o saviour_n allude_v in_o mat._n 5._o 18._o not_o one_o jot_n or_o one_o 〈◊〉_d tittle_n which_o latter_a be_v mean_v of_o those_o little_a horn_n prick_n and_o dot_n belong_v to_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n not_o only_o the_o small_a letter_n as_o jod_n but_o the_o cut_n of_o those_o letter_n be_v diligent_o observe_v by_o the_o masoretic_n jew_n and_o this_o their_o nice_a and_o almost_o fond_a criticism_n be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n entire_a and_o unchanged_a thus_o the_o masore_v as_o they_o express_v it_o be_v a_o hedge_n or_o fence_n to_o the_o law_n the●_n critical_a note_n and_o remark_n of_o the_o old_a jew_n hau●_n preserve_v the_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n from_o be_v corrupt_v and_o abuse_v so_o that_o we_o may_v from_o hen●_n gather_v that_o we_o have_v in_o our_o hand_n the_o same_o he●brew_n text_n which_o be_v at_o first_o give_v by_o god_n to_o 〈◊〉_d people_n but_o some_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n 〈◊〉_d b●rnt_v at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o the_o temple_n be_v 〈◊〉_d that_o ezra_n after_o the_o captivity_n dictate_v and_o write_v 〈◊〉_d over_o again_o according_a to_o what_o we_o find_v record●●_n in_o 2_o esdras_n 14._o 21_o 23_o 24._o so_o there_o be_v some_o recovery_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o original_a book_n bein●_n lose_v it_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o ●aults_n and_o mistake_v in_o this_o which_o we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d present_a i_o answer_v either_o this_o passage_n in_o the_o a●pocryphal_a writer_n speak_v of_o some_o other_o book_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n or_o it_o be_v to_o b●_n reckon_v as_o fabulous_a and_o supposititious_a and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d credit●_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o for_o in_o nehem._n 8._o 2_o 3._o there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v bring_v before_o the_o congregation_n and_o its_o be_v read_v before_o 〈◊〉_d man_n and_o the_o woman_n but_o not_o a_o syllable_n of_o the_o ma●t●r_n mention_v in_o esdras_n be_v hero_n to_o be_v find_v yes_o it_o be_v imply_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v still_o the_o same_o for_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o what_o the_o chaldean_n destroy_v and_o burn_v and_o carry_v away_o at_o the_o take_n of_o jerus●●em_n but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n which_o most_o certain_o will_v have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o they_o be_v of_o so_o inestimable_a a_o va●●●_n morcover_v if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v the_o law_n be_v burn_v in_o the_o temple_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o copy_n of_o it_o among_o the_o jew_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v preserve_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n therefore_o to_o suspect_v that_o the_o hebrew_n original_a of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v corrupt_v but_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o well_o as_o some_o learned_a modern_n have_v assert_v that_o the_o hebrew_n be_v corrupt_v i_o answer_v first_o as_o to_o the_o father_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o justin_n martyr_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n he_o confident_o assirm_v that_o the_o jew_n erase_v many_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o he_o assign_v particular_a instance_n in_o the_o psalm_n isaiah_n and_o jeremiah_n and_o this_o they_o do_v say_v he_o because_o they_o hate_v christ_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o think_v some_o of_o those_o place_n favour_v the_o christian_a cause_n too_o much_o here_o by_o the_o by_o you_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o great_a mistake_n and_o oversight_n in_o bishop_n ward_n be_v 3_o essay_n where_o he_o peremptory_o assert_n that_o never_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n have_v in_o their_o great_a heat_n of_o zeal_n against_o the_o jew_n accuse_v they_o of_o such_o corruption_n i._n e._n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o first_o time_n that_o justin_n martyr_n have_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o historical_a truth_n this_o among_o other_o be_v questionless_a a_o gross_a mistake_n of_o that_o good_a man_n and_o his_o strong_a averseness_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o his_o belief_n of_o their_o willingness_n and_o readiness_n to_o deprave_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o own_o end_n betray_v he_o to_o it_o as_o for_o other_o father_n as_o tertullian_n irenaecus_fw-la origen_n eusebius_n who_o it_o be_v true_a sometime_o complain_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o jew_n they_o speak_v of_o their_o adulterate_v the_o text_n rather_o as_o to_o the_o sense_n than_o as_o to_o the_o word_n they_o mean_v that_o the_o translation_n which_o the_o jew_n use_v be_v false_a for_o they_o general_o adhere_v to_o aquila_n and_o theodotion_n version_n and_o prefer_v it_o before_o that_o of_o the_o seventy_o whence_o their_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v unsound_a and_o erroneous_a and_o 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industry_n to_o preserve_v scripture_n from_o corruption_n we_o may_v gather_v from_o this_o diversity_n of_o readins_n that_o man_n have_v be_v very_o inquisitive_a and_o careful_a in_o their_o compare_v of_o copy_n but_o we_o can_v thence_o argue_v that_o the_o text_n be_v adulterate_v yea_o rather_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o from_o this_o compare_v and_o vie_v of_o copy_n we_o come_v to_o know_v and_o be_v ascertain_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o authentic_a one_o and_o we_o may_v far_o add_v with_o the_o same_o excellent_a author_n that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a since_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o indeed_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o that_o that_o the_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n shall_v have_v be_v corrupt_v for_o the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n be_v then_o such_o have_v be_v since_o much_o more_o such_o and_o so_o far_o disperse_v that_o neither_o one_o man_n nor_o one_o body_n of_o man_n can_v ever_o get_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n to_o corrupt_v they_o and_o if_o some_o few_o or_o m●●●ny_a copy_n have_v be_v corrupt_v but_o not_o all_o th●●_n sincere_a number_n will_v have_v detect_v the_o corrupt_a again_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n writer_n of_o the_o church_n do_v all_o ci●●_n these_o scripture_n as_o we_o now_o have_v they_o in_o everything_o material_a yea_o that_o most_o heretic_n have_v plead_v these_o same_o scripture_n and_o deny_v they_o not_o to_o be_v genuine_a to_o establish_v we_o yet_o further_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o these_o write_n have_v be_v open_o read_v to_o the_o people_n in_o all_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n in_o the_o several_a age_n since_o christianity_n begin_v and_o they_o be_v thus_o constant_o use_v can_v not_o possible_o be_v alter_v and_o corrupt_v beside_o that_o all_o private_a christian_n be_v exhort_v to_o read_v and_o use_v they_o in_o their_o family_n whereby_o they_o become_v so_o know_v and_o familiar_a that_o whenever_o any_o alteration_n be_v make_v they_o can_v present_o observe_v it_o last_o notwithstanding_o the_o author_n of_o a_o theologico-politic_a late_a tractate_n have_v bring_v divers_a objection_n against_o the_o usual_a tradition_n that_o such_o and_o such_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o though_o mr._n hobbs_n before_o he_o have_v do_v the_o same_o yet_o neither_o of_o they_o have_v effect_v it_o with_o any_o success_n this_o be_v all_o they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v only_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o civil_a to_o the_o holy_a write_n as_o they_o be_v to_o the_o profane_a one_o for_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o clear_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n under_o who_o name_n they_o go_v as_o that_o any_o other_o write_n be_v put_v out_o by_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v nor_o can_v these_o man_n vouchsafe_v to_o show_v that_o civility_n to_o these_o sacred_a book_n which_o even_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v do_v for_o when_o both_o ●hese_n oppose_v these_o book_n you_o will_v not_o find_v that_o they_o ever_o question_v the_o author_n but_o the_o doctrine_n only_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o look_v upon_o these_o man_n and_o such_o as_o take_v part_n with_o they_o as_o act_v with_o high_a prejudice_n than_o either_o jew_n or_o heathen_n do_v and_o according_o we_o be_v to_o slight_v what_o they_o say_v unless_o it_o be_v thus_o far_o that_o from_o their_o impotent_a and_o malicious_a cavil_n we_o may_v be_v further_o confirm_v in_o this_o persuasion_n that_o these_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v indeed_o write_v by_o those_o author_n under_o who_o name_n they_o be_v now_o receive_v that_o these_o scripture_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o copy_n we_o have_v of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o corrupt_v that_o 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write_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o jew_n believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n cease_v among_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o malachi_n have_v do_v prophesy_v they_o own_v no_o divine_a inspiration_n after_o his_o time_n and_o according_o receive_v not_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n i._n e._n book_n divine_o inspire_v 〈◊〉_d be_v write_v after_o malachi_n time_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d last_o prophet_n be_v not_o canonical_a be_v not_o of_o 〈◊〉_d authority_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o emphatical_a call_v scripture_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n inform_v we_o 〈◊〉_d scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o mark_n and_o criterion_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d be_v back_v by_o st._n peter_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o holy_a man_n 〈◊〉_d god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 〈◊〉_d those_o write_n which_o be_v not_o by_o inspiration_n 〈◊〉_d god_n nor_o from_o the_o immediate_a motion_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d ghost_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v as_o holy_a scriptu●●_n and_o such_o be_v the_o apocryphal_a write_n they_o wer●●_n write_v after_o the_o cessation_n of_o prophecy_n and_o divi●●_n inspiration_n and_o so_o they_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o can_v be_v esteem_v canonical_a scripture_o second_o the_o jew_n receive_v not_o the_o apocrypha_fw-la 〈◊〉_d to_o their_o canon_n because_o it_o be_v write_v in_o greek_n not_o in_o hebrew_n as_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v for_o god_n will_v not_o they_o say_v give_v they_o scripture_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o oracle_n of_o go●_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o authentic_a language_n which_o be_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n the_o apocryphal_a write_n be_v not_o such_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o and_o not_o take_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o sacred_a writ_n and_o as_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v by_o the_o jewi●_n church_n so_o not_o by_o the_o christian_a one_o you_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o frequent_o quote_v the_o canonical_a book_n never_o quo●●_n any_o of_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o which_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v not_o repute_v as_o inspire_a write_n otherwise_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o have_v cite_v some_o one_o passage_n at_o least_o out_o of_o these_o book_n it_o be_v their_o great_a work_n as_o you_o may_v see_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o god_n in_o former_a time_n they_o embrace_v all_o occasion_n of_o establish_v christianity_n upon_o the_o write_n of_o the_o inspire_a prophet_n who_o go_v before_o therefore_o if_o the_o apocryphal_a writer_n have_v be_v of_o that_o number_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v be_v quote_v by_o they_o and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o inspire_a writer_n again_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o immediate_o succeed_v that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o these_o write_n as_o divine_o inspire_v and_o therefore_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n look_v into_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n who_o without_o doubt_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o search_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v which_o be_v the_o divine_o inspire_a book_n and_o there_o you_o will_v see_v that_o those_o of_o the_o eastern_a church_n receive_v only_o the_o jew_n canon_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o old_a testament_n thus_o 19_o origen_n recite_v the_o canonical_a book_n of_o it_o as_o they_o be_v now_o reckon_v viz._n two_o
hajim_n the_o breath_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n the_o ancient_a sage_n among_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v no_o stranger_n to_o this_o and_o other_o text_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o derive_v two_o notion_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v this_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v breath_n and_o according_o in_o greek_n and_o latin_a it_o have_v its_o ventus_fw-la name_n from_o breathe_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o spiratulum_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la as_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a render_v it_o by_o which_o man_n body_n be_v inspire_v be_v the_o occasion_n i_o guess_v of_o these_o denomination_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o breath_n wind_n or_o air_n and_o that_o of_o the_o poet_n divina●_n particula_fw-la aurae_fw-la which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o soul_n seem_v to_o refer_v to_o this_o another_o notion_n which_o they_o derive_v from_o this_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o breathe_v or_o asslation_n be_v that_o the_o soul_n the_o rational_a soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n for_o as_o breath_n be_v something_o that_o come_v from_o within_o a_o man_n so_o soul_n that_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o breath_n be_v the_o emanation_n of_o god_n they_o come_v from_o he_o and_o be_v part_n of_o he_o the_o soul_n say_v the_o platonist_n quaest._n ●_o not_o only_o the_o work_n of_o god_n but_o a_o portion_n of_o he_o which_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v plato_n meaning_n when_o he_o say_v the_o do_v soul_n be_v a_o sharer_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v more_o especial_o the_o stoic_n apprehension_n of_o humane_a soul_n they_o be_v say_v the_o royal_a philosopher_n 〈◊〉_d a_o part_n a_o piece_n a_o effluvium_fw-la of_o the_o godhead_n with_o who_o arianus_n agree_v tell_v that_o 14._o our_o soul_n be_v so_o link_v to_o god_n that_o they_o be_v particle_n of_o he_o and_o as_o it_o be_v pluck_v from_o he_o but_o he_o be_v very_o extravagant_a when_o he_o add_v in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o that_o as_o to_o our_o soul_n we_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o or_o less_o than_o god_n himself_o 〈◊〉_d epictetus_n himself_o and_o 92._o seneca_n prononnce_n the_o soul_n to_o be_v a_o piece_n a_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n cicery_n speak_v like_o one_o of_o this_o sect_n as_o he_o frequent_o do_v when_o he_o say_v lib●●_n our_o soul_n be_v take_v out_o and_o pluck_v off_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o be_v certain_a segment_n of_o the_o divine_a mind_n and_o because_o it_o be_v hold_v by_o some_o philosopher_n that_o some_o of_o the_o inferior_a animal_n as_o bee_n have_v soul_n resemble_v those_o of_o man_n therefore_o they_o assert_v that_o they_o likewise_o georg._n be_v part_n of_o the_o divinity_n all_o this_o come_v if_o i_o mistake_v not_o from_o that_o forename_a passage_n in_o moses_n history_n concern_v the_o production_n of_o man_n god_n breathe_v into_o he_o the_o breath_n ●f_a life_n which_o be_v interpret_v as_o if_o humane_a soul_n be_v partial_a efflux_n or_o aporrhae_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n itself_o the_o make_n of_o eve_n out_o of_o adam_n be_v also_o obscure_o intimate_v in_o what_o plato_n say_v in_o his_o symposium_fw-la namely_o that_o the_o first_o man_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o mixture_n of_o both_o sex_n which_o fable_n of_o his_o be_v from_o the_o jewish_a tradition_n that_o the_o first_o man_n be_v make_v a_o hermaphrodite_n that_o he_o have_v two_o body_n join_v together_o one_o of_o a_o male_a another_o of_o a_o female_a and_o that_o god_n afterward_o split_v he_o into_o two_o distinct_a body_n whence_o arise_v man_n and_o woman_n if_o the_o jewish_a rabbi_n who_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o scripture_n talk_v after_o this_o dote_a rate_n plato_n may_v well_o be_v excuse_v who_o perhaps_o have_v it_o only_o on_o tradition_n and_o have_v not_o the_o mean_n to_o correct_v his_o mistake_v which_o they_o have_v but_o this_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o fable_n be_v a_o corruption_n of_o the_o sacred_a story_n which_o speak_v of_o our_o first_o parent_n say_v 2._o god_n call_v their_o name_n adam_n as_o if_o their_o have_v but_o one_o name_n signify_v they_o be_v but_o one_o person_n and_o again_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n male_a and_o female_a create_v he_o they_o as_o if_o the_o first_o man_n who_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o forego_v consist_v of_o a_o double_a sex_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o word_n relate_v to_o both_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o name_n adam_n be_v give_v to_o both_o be_v because_o they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o from_o the_o earth_n one_o immediate_o the_o other_o remote_o but_o afterward_o we_o read_v that_o they_o have_v distinct_a name_n adam_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o man_n and_o eve_n to_o the_o woman_n and_o this_o ridiculous_a fable_n which_o plato_n have_v pick_v up_o may_v be_v occasion_v likewise_o from_o a_o misunderstanding_n of_o that_o text_n 22._o god_n take_v one_o of_o the_o man_n rib_n and_o out_o of_o it_o make_v he_o a_o woman_n because_o the_o woman_n be_v form_v out_o of_o the_o man_n side_n they_o infer_v that_o adam_n be_v at_o first_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o that_o the_o woman_n at_o her_o first_o make_v stick_v to_o his_o side_n which_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n of_o the_o text_n but_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o antiquity_n of_o that_o book_n of_o moses_n which_o assure_v we_o of_o eve_n formation_n out_o of_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o give_v rise_v to_o this_o erroneous_a tradition_n may_v we_o not_o think_v that_o adam_n dominion_n over_o the_o beast_n which_o be_v accompany_v with_o his_o call_v they_o and_o give_v they_o name_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o what_o the_o poet_n talk_v of_o orpheus_n draw_v the_o beast_n after_o he_o and_o make_v they_o tame_a and_o cause_v they_o to_o stand_v still_o and_o as_o it_o be_v answer_v to_o their_o name_n or_o else_o it_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o animal_n come_v into_o the_o ark_n at_o noah_n call_n which_o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o another_o know_a passage_n in_o the_o mosaic_a write_n but_o i_o be_o not_o positive_a here_o and_o in_o some_o suchlike_a passage_n which_o occur_v in_o the_o poet_n though_o in_o other_o i_o shall_v heap_v up_o several_a plain_n and_o evident_a circumstance_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o reader_n that_o they_o have_v reference_n to_o something_o speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n as_o to_o adam_n give_v of_o name_n to_o all_o thing_n mention_v gen._n 2._o 19_o it_o appear_v that_o plato_n be_v not_o a_o stranger_n to_o it_o for_o in_o his_o 〈◊〉_d cratylus_n where_o it_o be_v dispute_v whether_o word_n signify_v by_o institution_n or_o from_o nature_n he_o first_o deny_v the_o language_n of_o his_o grecian_n to_o have_v be_v the_o original_a one_o as_o in_o timaeo_n another_o place_n he_o call_v his_o countryman_n the_o greek_n youth_n and_o stripling_n of_o yesterday_o and_o consequent_o their_o language_n be_v not_o the_o ancient_a and_o then_o he_o hint_n that_o hebrew_n be_v the_o original_a tongue_n which_o be_v mean_v by_o what_o be_v say_v gen._n 11._o 1._o that_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v of_o one_o language_n and_o of_o one_o speech_n and_o though_o he_o conceal_v the_o name_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o hebrew_n yet_o when_o he_o express_o affirm_v in_o this_o dialogue_n that_o the_o right_a doctrine_n of_o name_n and_o their_o interpretation_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o 〈◊〉_d barbarian_n as_o the_o more_o ancient_a we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v that_o he_o mean_v the_o jew_n or_o hebrew_n for_o all_o agree_v that_o they_o be_v call_v barba●●●●_n by_o the_o greek_n as_o these_o be_v so_o by_o they_o and_o hence_o i_o gather_v that_o plato_n and_o other_o heathen_n know_v and_o perhaps_o have_v read_v that_o adam_n give_v name_n proper_a and_o significant_a name_n to_o all_o creature_n which_o moses_n particular_o make_v mention_n of_o and_o must_v be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o plato_n when_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o true_a etymology_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o name_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o barbarian_n the_o first_o and_o innocent_a state_n of_o man_n and_o that_o with_o some_o of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o which_o can_v be_v know_v only_o from_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v speak_v of_o by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n among_o the_o heathen_n thus_o you_o will_v ●ind_v that_o etc._n hesiod_n give_v we_o a_o admirable_a description_n of_o it_o in_o plato_n atlanticus_n or_o critias_n be_v plain_o to_o be_v see_v the_o footstep_n of_o the_o old_a and_o primeve_v state_n of_o man_n when_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o he_o say_v prevail_v when_o the_o dive_v 〈◊〉_d
heavenly_a nature_n be_v not_o corrupt_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o his_o politic_n where_o he_o likewise_o speak_v ●_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a state_n of_o man_n he_o tell_v ●_o that_o in_o those_o first_o time_n man_n get_v his_o live_n with_o ●_o out_o trouble_v and_o labour_n that_o he_o feed_v only_o on_o ●_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o nakedness_n be_v ●_o attendant_n of_o that_o first_o and_o golden_a age_n of_o ●_o world_n allude_v to_o gen._n 2._o 25._o they_o be_v both_o ●_o k_v the_o man_n and_o his_o wife_n so_o a_o 1._o ancient_a w●_n ter_z acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o egyptian_n find_v in_o t●_n old_a write_n that_o the_o first_o man_n and_o woman_n ●_o naked_a which_o be_v according_a to_o what_o be_v read_v in_o t●_n place_n in_o the_o sibylline_a verse_n which_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o scripture_n though_o same_o allegory_n and_o d●_n scription_n be_v use_v in_o set_v forth_o the_o happy_a a●_n of_o man_n that_o you_o find_v use_v in_o that_o holy_a book_n ●_o the_o happiness_n of_o paradise_n be_v oblique_o describe_v b●_n 10._o homer_n and_o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o first_o age_n by_o 8._o vagil_n and_o without_o question_n the_o bless_a state_n ●_o paradise_n be_v refer_v to_o by_o 1._o ovid_n in_o his_o descript●_n on_o of_o the_o golden_a age_n or_o saturn_n reign_n the●_n we_o may_v see_v represent_v the_o simplicity_n and_o innocency_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n the_o peace_n and_o tras_n quillity_n the_o contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o state_n of_o integrity_n 〈◊〉_d itself_o the_o seat_n of_o this_o happiness_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v know_v by_o the_o ancient_a pagan_n for_o it_o be_v probable_a their_o writer_n understand_v this_o when_o they_o te●_n we_o of_o the_o elysian_a field_n for_o garden_n such_o as_o w●_n paradise_n and_o pleasant_a field_n be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o these_o you_o may_v see_v describe_v by_o plato_n ●_o his_o phaedo_fw-la where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v bless_v with_o a_o mild_a and_o gentle_a air_n pleasant_a stream_n a_o constant_a spring_n fragrant_a flower_n and_o fruit_n ever_o grow_v of_o these_o virgil_n speak_v in_o his_o six_o aenead_n and_o they_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o fortunate_a island_n which_o the_o greek_n write_v of_o a_o place_n of_o extraordinary_a delight_n and_o where_o none_o but_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n inhabit_v or_o if_o we_o must_v parallel_v it_o with_o a_o garden_n so_o express_o call_v we_o have_v alcivous_a his_o garden_n or_o orchard_n in_o n._n homer_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o description_n of_o paradise_n say_v justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o oration_n against_o the_o gentile_n or_o the_o garden_n of_o adonis_n which_o be_v so_o celebrate_v may_v refer_v to_o that_o of_o eden_n and_o be_v easy_o derive_v from_o it_o or_o 〈◊〉_d the_o garden_n of_o jupiter_n in_o plato_n symposiack_n may_v enigmatical_o refer_v as_o tha●_n learned_a father_n origen_n deem_v to_o that_o of_o paradise_n so_o likewise_o may_v the_o pleasant_a orchard_n of_o the_o hesperide_n in_o which_o be_v tree_n that_o bear_v golden_a apple_n and_o it_o may_v be_v some_o confirmation_n of_o this_o notion_n that_o near_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o river_n ti●gris_n on_o which_o paradise_n be_v seat_v we_o read_v of_o a_o place_n that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o hispercitis_n and_o hisperatis_n it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o these_o diverse_a garden_n be_v transplant_v from_o that_o in_o eden_n it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o some_o or_o all_o of_o these_o greek_a fable_n be_v found_v in_o truth_n and_o arise_v from_o what_o the_o inspire_a book_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n place_v man_n in_o a_o garden_n the_o garden_n of_o eden_n which_o signify_v pleasure_n or_o delight_n for_o it_o be_v add_v that_o here_o grow_v every_o tree_n that_o be_v pleasant_a to_o the_o sight_n and_o good_a for_o food_n gen._n 2._o 9_o and_o as_o this_o garden_n be_v the_o platform_n of_o those_o before_o mention_v so_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o this_o garden_n give_v rise_v to_o the_o poet_n nectar_n and_o ambrosia_n brosia_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o food_n and_o repast_n of_o these_o earthly_a god_n these_o divine_a creature_n that_o inhabit_v here_o the_o former_a of_o these_o according_a to_o suidas_n one_o derivation_n of_o it_o make_v the_o drinker_n of_o it_o ever_o youthful_a and_o 〈◊〉_d another_o etymology_n speak_v this_o drink_n to_o be_v such_o as_o suffer_v the●_n not_o to_o die_v these_o be_v the_o very_a blessing_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n it_o have_v a_o property_n to_o keep_v off_o old_a age_n and_o to_o preserve_v man_n life_n a_o long_a time_n the_o latter_a namely_o 〈◊〉_d ambrosia_n have_v the_o same_o virtue_n it_o be_v say_v to_o keep_v those_o that_o eat_v it_o free_a from_o mortality_n this_o therefore_o no_o less_o than_o the_o other_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o and_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o shall_v have_v make_v the_o eater_n of_o it_o immortal_a and_o secure_v they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o blessedness_n for_o ever_o thus_o the_o production_n of_o man_n and_o sundry_a thing_n refer_v to_o his_o bless_a state_n in_o innocency_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v take_v from_o the_o sacred_a fountain_n and_o consequent_o the_o write_n of_o these_o heathen_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n attest_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n iii_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n and_o the_o several_a particular_a thing_n relate_v to_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o pagan_a record_n first_o the_o forerunner_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o angel_n be_v plain_o speak_v of_o by_o that_o ancient_a philosopher_n empedocles_n as_o alien_a plutarch_n relate_v for_o who_o else_o can_v he_o mean_v by_o his_o daemon_n to_o who_o he_o give_v the_o name_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heaven-fallen_a creature_n than_o these_o apostate_n spirit_n who_o be_v thrust_v down_o from_o the_o region_n of_o happiness_n above_o and_o become_v devil_n by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a oppose_v of_o god_n and_o decline_v his_o government_n next_o we_o have_v good_a record_n among_o the_o pagan_n of_o the_o fall_v itself_o of_o adam_n and_o eve_n especial_o of_o the_o latter_a because_o she_o be_v first_o and_o most_o eminent_a in_o the_o transgression_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o man_n defection_n from_o his_o duty_n she_o be_v represent_v by_o 1._o homer_n ate_n who_o incense_a jupiter_n thrust_v down_o from_o heaven_n threaten_v that_o she_o shall_v never_o be_v restore_v to_o that_o place_n again_o though_o some_o have_v think_v that_o this_o may_v refer_v to_o the_o apostate_n angel_n of_o who_o before_o because_o it_o be_v common_a with_o the_o poet_n to_o imply_v many_o when_o they_o mention_v but_o one_o person_n and_o so_o here_o though_o one_o be_v say_v to_o be_v cast_v down_o from_o heaven_n yet_o it_o may_v intimate_v to_o we_o the_o fall_n of_o all_o the_o curse_a crew_n of_o wicked_a angel_n but_o it_o be_v more_o natural_a i_o think_v to_o apply_v this_o story_n it_o be_v of_o the_o female_a sex_n to_o our_o grandmother_n eve_n for_o what_o the_o poet_n tell_v we_o of_o ate_n viz._n that_o she_o be_v the_o first-born_a daughter_n of_o jupiter_n and_o that_o she_o be_v that_o pernicious_a woman_n that_o bring_v mischief_n on_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n exact_o agree_v to_o she_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o explain_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o our_o first_o parent_n eve_n be_v also_o mean_v by_o pandora_n who_o hesiod_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_n mention_n acquaint_v we_o that_o out_o of_o her_o deadly_a box_n which_o she_o give_v to_o epimetheus_n fly_v all_o evil_a into_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o she_o become_v the_o original_a of_o all_o the_o miserable_a occurrence_n that_o happen_v to_o humane_a kind_a eve_n be_v this_o pandora_n who_o give_v that_o fatal_a gift_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n unto_o her_o husband_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o gen._n 3._o 6._o and_o he_o himself_o afterward_o with_o unspeakable_a regret_n and_o too_o late_a a_o insi●●●_n into_o his_o condition_n whence_o he_o just_o merit_v 〈◊〉_d title_n of_o epimetheus_n repeat_v the_o same_o she_o 〈◊〉_d i_o of_o it_o ver_fw-la 13._o and_o with_o it_o impart_v all_o evil_a 〈◊〉_d mankind_n wherefore_o from_o that_o unhappy_a 〈◊〉_d and_o from_o her_o general_n bestow_v of_o all_o evil_n on_o 〈◊〉_d world_n she_o have_v the_o name_n of_o pandora_n among_o 〈◊〉_d first_o greek_n poet_n who_o have_v arrive_v to_o some_o not_o 〈…〉_z of_o this_o unfortunate_a woman_n miscarriage_n
if_o these_o have_v be_v prophecy_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n they_o will_v have_v be_v communicate_v by_o god_n to_o his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v his_o oracle_n rather_o than_o to_o common_a pagan_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o be_v too_o choice_a secret_n to_o be_v r●●ealed_v to_o they_o wherefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old-testament_n which_o be_v spread_v abroad_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o sibylls_n only_a recite_v those_o prophecy_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n be_v you_o to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v prophecy_n of_o their_o own_o it_o be_v true_a the_o pagan_n hear_v of_o these_o prediction_n and_o not_o know_v the_o rise_n of_o they_o attribute_v they_o to_o their_o prophetess_n the_o sibylls_n and_o so_o they_o pass_v for_o the_o sibylls_n oracle_n as_o if_o those_o woman_n make_v and_o indict_v they_o of_o their_o own_o head_n but_o they_o be_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o 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signal_n attestation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new-testament_n behold_v here_o the_o main_a thing_n relate_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n plain_o speak_v of_o by_o these_o pagan_n who_o witness_n in_o this_o case_n be_v very_o considerable_a they_o declare_v in_o these_o write_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a change_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o a_o new_a governor_n or_o king_n shall_v arise_v and_o be_v very_o eminent_a cic●ro_n frequent_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o the_o sibylls_n and_o the_o roman_a senate_n be_v mighty_o alarm_v with_o it_o and_o be_v afraid_a their_o commonwealth_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o monarchy_n yea_o lentulus_n begin_v to_o take_v heart_n from_o this_o prophecy_n if_o you_o will_v believe_v tully_n and_o sallust_n and_o fancy_v he_o be_v the_o king_n the_o sibylls_n speak_v of_o and_o other_o afterward_o imagine_v that_o julius_n caesar_n or_o augustus_n or_o as_o some_o thought_n vespasian_n or_o titus_n be_v intend_v whereas_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v that_o the_o sibylls_n have_v only_o divulge_v in_o their_o verse_n the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v find_v by_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v know_v at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o world_n if_o we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o allege_v but_o this_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o sibylls_n write_n they_o tell_v we_o in_o their_o mystic_a verse_n that_o a_o little_a child_n shall_v throw_v down_o idolatry_n with_o his_o hand_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o delphic_a daemon_n this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o blessed_a babe_n jesus_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o transcribe_v particular_a passage_n in_o these_o write_n as_o concern_v christ_n miracle_n 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v only_o a_o paraphrase_n on_o that_o prophecy_n concern_v our_o bless_a lord_n in_o isai._n 35._o 5_o 6._o and_o many_o other_o text_n in_o the_o same_o prophet_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o miraculous_a act_n which_o he_o be_v to_o exert_v here_o upon_o earth_n so_o what_o be_v say_v of_o his_o suffering_n 18._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v borrow_v from_o that_o prediction_n in_o isai._n 5●_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o description_n of_o the_o messias_n suffering_n and_o that_o passage_n re●●ting_v to_o the_o resurrection_n and_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v found_v on_o some_o peculiar_a text_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o messias_n last_o advent_n and_o glorious_a reign_n certain_o it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n that_o these_o person_n attest_v these_o thing_n the_o very_a same_o which_o be_v predict_v in_o the_o old-testament_n and_o which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n this_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o refute_v the_o objection_n and_o cavil_n of_o the_o most_o profess_a adversary_n of_o christianity_n according_o the_o ancient_a christian_n especial_o the_o father_n make_v use_v of_o these_o heathen_a write_n against_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o beat_v they_o with_o their_o own_o weapon_n peruse_v athenagoras_n and_o theophilus_n of_o antioch_n and_o you_o will_v ●ind_v these_o woman_n verse_n high_o commend_v by_o they_o peruse_v alibi_fw-la justin_n and_o 6._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o you_o will_v see_v that_o they_o frequent_o quote_v those_o write_n and_o rely_v on_o they_o in_o their_o dispute_n against_o the_o pagan_n for_o christianity_n so_o do_v tertullian_n so_o do_v origen_n argue_v out_o of_o these_o pagan_a book_n for_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v espouse_v in_o imitation_n of_o these_o learned_a father_n constantine_n the_o great_a in_o 18._o one_o of_o his_o oration_n speak_v very_o reverent_o of_o the_o sibylls_n prediction_n and_o vindicate_v they_o as_o no_o contemptible_a proof_n of_o christianity_n 18._o lactantius_n and_o arnobius_n allege_v they_o to_o prove_v the_o same_o st._n augustin_n quote_v the_o acrostic_n of_o sibylla_n erythraea_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o latin_n thus_o the_o father_n use_v to_o convince_v the_o gentile_n out_o of_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n and_o the_o old_a christian_n constant_o read_v these_o write_n and_o appeal_v to_o they_o in_o their_o discourse_n with_o the_o heathen_n from_o which_o practice_n of_o they_o the_o gentile_n as_o 13._o origen_n testify_v style_v the_o christian_n sibyllist_n yea_o the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v so_o addict_v to_o the_o read_v these_o book_n of_o the_o sibylls_n that_o they_o be_v strict_o 5._o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o future_a upon_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o gentil_n we_o be_v tell_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o emperor_n prohibit_v the_o read_n of_o these_o book_n namely_o because_o they_o thence_o fetch_v many_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o their_o cause_n these_o write_n of_o heathen_a woman_n be_v in_o those_o day_n reckon_v to_o be_v a_o notable_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v no_o forgery_n for_o the_o ancient_a and_o learnede_a father_n as_o well_o as_o other_o christian_a brethren_n will_v not_o have_v quote_v they_o to_o confirm_v the_o christian_a religion_n if_o they_o have_v be_v such_o but_o we_o see_v they_o do_v frequent_o allege_v they_o to_o that_o end_n and_o especial_o in_o their_o dispute_n with_o the_o gentile_n as_o they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o poet_n for_o attest_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old-testament_n as_o have_v be_v show_v you_o so_o they_o cite_v these_o gentile_a
prophetess_n for_o such_o they_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v to_o assert_v the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o absolute_o and_o necessary_o follow_v that_o because_o the_o father_n use_v the_o sibylls_n verse_n to_o confute_v the_o pagan_n therefore_o they_o be_v true_a for_o they_o may_v suppose_v they_o to_o be_v such_o though_o they_o do_v not_o express_o declare_v it_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o return_v that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a probability_n of_o these_o sibylline_a write_n be_v true_a because_o they_o be_v quote_v by_o the_o father_n for_o 1._o many_o of_o these_o know_a person_n use_v their_o testimony_n if_o one_o or_o two_o only_o do_v so_o we_o can_v make_v no_o conclusion_n from_o thence_o but_o since_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o great_a number_n of_o they_o not_o only_o those_o before_o name_v but_o other_o express_o appeal_v to_o those_o book_n we_o can_v with_o any_o 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be_v their_o concern_v to_o do_v it_o for_o their_o religion_n depend_v much_o upon_o it_o wherefore_o those_o who_o blast_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n in_o this_o point_n have_v little_a reason_n to_o do_v so_o they_o be_v no_o credulous_a fool_n and_o such_o who_o take_v up_o any_o thing_n on_o trust_n they_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v these_o write_n to_o be_v counterfeit_n if_o they_o have_v be_v such_o as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o person_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o there_o have_v be_v of_o old_a and_o be_v of_o late_a several_a man_n that_o reject_v the_o sibylls_n write_n as_o spurious_a and_o counterfeit_n and_o who_o shall_v forge_v they_o but_o christian_n here_o than_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o answer_v that_o cavil_v that_o the_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o sibylls_n be_v ●orged_v by_o christian_a heretic_n this_o it_o seem_v be_v a_o old_a objection_n for_o origen_n acquaint_v we_o that_o it_o be_v make_v by_o the_o arch_a pagan_a celsus_n and_o lactantius_n after_o he_o say_v that_o this_o objection_n be_v renew_v against_o the_o sibylls_n book_n by_o some_o other_o pagan_a adversary_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v forge_v by_o some_o christian_n themselves_o behold_v also_o the_o modern_n concur_v with_o the_o pagan_n to_o defame_v the_o sibylls_n scaliger_n be_v very_o warm_a against_o they_o and_o hold_v that_o the_o father_n be_v much_o deceive_v about_o they_o 10._o isaac_n casaubon_n against_o baronius_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o sibylls_n to_o be_v suspect_v becman_n photin_n be_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n and_o say_v they_o be_v supposititious_a david_n blondel_n use_v all_o way_n to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v forgery_n and_o imposture_n and_o he_o hold_v they_o be_v the_o fiction_n of_o some_o busy_a christian_n who_o have_v the_o boldness_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o these_o cheat_n and_o romance_n as_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n and_o father_n say_v he_o receive_v counterfeit_a gospel_n act_n and_o epistle_n so_o they_o be_v cheat_v and_o abuse_v by_o ●hese_n spurious_a piece_n of_o the_o sibylls_n the_o learned_a dallé_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o prediction_n concern_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o kingdom_n be_v put_v out_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o sibylls●y_a ●y_z some_o christians_n who_o be_v fall_v into_o here●●e_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o use_v a_o kind_n of_o pious_a fraud●o_n ●o_z establish_v some_o part_n of_o religion_n they_o think_v it_o to_o cheat_v the_o world_n for_o their_o good_a and_o so_o they_o ●●blished_v these_o write_n under_o the_o name_n of_o those_o prophetess_n 34_o the_o learned_a dr._n cave_n who_o be_v ●ot_n wont_a to_o dote_v on_o these_o modern_n follow_v they_o 〈◊〉_d this_o opinion_n very_o close_o and_o leave_v the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o sake_n he_o peremptory_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o sibylls_n verse_n be_v make_v ●nd_o feign_v on_o purpose_n by_o the_o christians_n to_o up●old_v their_o religion_n and_o faith_n and_o they_o be_v da●●d_v by_o he_o from_o the_o year_n 130_o in_o adrian_n reign_n 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o first_o flight_n of_o they_o he_o say_v but_o all_o ●●is_n be_v suspicion_n and_o prejudice_n and_o bold_a affirma●●ves_n but_o no_o proof_n which_o will_v evident_o appear_v 〈◊〉_d you_o consider_v beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o these_o follow_a thing_n 1._o some_o of_o the_o si●●lls_n verse_n be_v extant_a before_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o be_v confess_v by_o ancient_a christian_n ●nd_v pagan_n and_o by_o all_o the_o learned_a antiquary_n the_o acrostic_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o last_o judgement_n and_o the_o consummation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v before_o which_o consist_v of_o so_o many_o verse_n as_o there_o be_v letter_n in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o verse_n begin_v with_o ι_n the_o second_o with_o η_n etc._n etc._n these_o i_o say_v be_v mention_v by_o tully_n in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o divination_n and_o be_v in_o a_o other_o place_n insert_v into_o his_o work_n as_o eusebius_n testify_v in_o the_o life_n of_o constantine_n and_o say_v they_o be_v translate_v into_o latin_a verse_n by_o he_o where_o he_o add_v that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o poem_n of_o a_o mad_a and_o frentick_a person_n for_o the_o composure_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o verse_n argue_v the_o contrary_a and_o show_v attention_n of_o mind_n skill_n and_o diligence_n these_o sibylline_a verse_n the_o initial_a letter_n of_o which_o point_n at_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v mention_v not_o only_o by_o tully_n but_o by_o 5._o varro_n who_o also_o live_v before_o our_o saviour_n time_n if_o then_o they_o be_v extant_a and_o famous_a before_o christ_n birth_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v be_v invent_v by_o the_o christian_n whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o sibylls_n be_v not_o obtrude_v by_o christian_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v there_o be_v any_o such_o before_o christ._n again_o virgil_n four_o eclogue_n be_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v the_o same_o now_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o and_o yet_o there_o he_o comment_n on_o the_o cumaean_a sibyll_n oracle_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a prediction_n of_o christ._n according_o in_o constantine_n oration_n regna_fw-la part_n of_o this_o poem_n be_v apply_v to_o christ_n and_o look_v on_o as_o a_o prophecy_n of_o he_o although_o the_o poet_n make_v use_v of_o it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o panegyric_n to_o the_o emperor_n augustus_n and_o to_o asinius_n pollio_n his_o good_a patron_n yea_o he_o ridiculous_o apply_v it_o to_o pollio_n son_n who_o be_v bear_v that_o year_n he_o understand_v those_o word_n borrow_a from_o the_o sibylls_n oracle_n jam_fw-la redit_fw-la &_o virgo_fw-la concern_v astraea_n but_o the_o sense_n be_v much_o high_a there_o be_v a_o reference_n in_o those_o word_n to_o the_o sign_n mention_v by_o the_o evangelical_n prophet_n a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n isai._n 7._o 14._o of_o that_o golden_a age_n which_o be_v to_o come_v he_o say_v incipient_fw-la magni_fw-la procedere_fw-la menses_fw-la what_o magnitude_n be_v in_o body_n that_o diuturnity_n or_o length_n be_v in_o time_n and_o so_o here_o be_v intimate_v the_o duration_n of_o christ_n reign_n who_o kingdom_n be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o shall_v stand_v for_o ever_o dan._n 2._o 44._o 7._o 27._o or_o those_o day_n and_o month_n shall_v be_v great_a because_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n to_o who_o whatever_n appertain_v be_v great_a whence_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o its_o kind_n the_o great_a be_v call_v god_n several_a other_o thing_n in_o that_o eclogue_n be_v transcribe_v out_o of_o
that_o sibyll_n verse_n and_o be_v mean_v of_o christ_n come_v and_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o the_o world_n which_o shall_v accompany_v it_o which_o be_v frequent_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o old-testament_n whence_o the_o sibyl_n borrow_a these_o prophecy_n no_o man_n can_v have_v the_o face_n to_o say_v that_o these_o make_v use_v of_o here_o by_o the_o roman_a poet_n be_v obtrude_v on_o the_o world_n by_o christian_n see_v christianity_n itself_o have_v its_o rise_n afterward_o i_o may_v go_v on_o still_o and_o show_v that_o the_o sibylls_n oracle_n or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o be_v mention_v by_o author_n before_o our_o saviour_n time_n as_o by_o plato_n in_o his_o phaedrus_n by_o auscultationib_fw-la aristotle_n who_o particular_o name_v the_o cuman_a sibyl_n by_o divinatione_fw-la chrysippus_n who_o make_v mention_n of_o she_o of_o delphos_n by_o 4._o diodorus_n the_o sicilian_a historian_n and_o phocaicis_fw-la pausanias_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o same_o dionysius_n halicarnass_n take_v notice_n of_o another_o and_o eratosthenes_n have_v write_v of_o the_o samian_a sibyl_n and_o euripides_n quote_v she_o of_o lybia_n thus_o we_o be_v assure_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o writer_n who_o live_v before_o christ_n nativity_n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n among_o the_o heathen_n note_v for_o their_o enthusiastic_a and_o prophetic_a genius_n as_o they_o suppose_v now_o what_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n dare_v say_v that_o the_o christian_n forge_v the_o verse_n of_o these_o sibylls_n when_o there_o be_v no_o chrstian_n at_o that_o time_n 2._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o signal_o it_o be_v order_v by_o god_n providence_n that_o some_o of_o these_o book_n of_o the_o sibylls_n shall_v be_v evidence_v to_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a be●ore_a christ_n come_v the_o verse_n of_o these_o poetic_a woman_n be_v inquire_v into_o by_o the_o gentile_n they_o be_v search_v and_o compare_v with_o other_o copy_n and_o the_o spurious_a one_o be_v reject_v and_o the_o rest_n keep_v and_o safe_o lay_v up_o so_o that_o the_o christian_n may_v allege_v they_o as_o they_o do_v without_o suspicion_n of_o imposture_n these_o book_n be_v first_o offer_v to_o tarquin_n king_n of_o the_o roman_n at_o that_o time_n who_o buy_v some_o of_o they_o and_o deposit_v they_o in_o the_o capitol_n and_o appoint_v officer_n on_o purpose_n to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o as_o be_v relate_v by_o several_a credible_a lactantius_n writer_n in_o that_o place_n the_o book_n continue_v till_o the_o capitol_n be_v burn_v which_o be_v about_o fourscore_o year_n before_o christ_n birth_n and_o after_o it_o be_v rebuilt_a messenger_n be_v dispatch_v by_o the_o senate_n into_o asia_n and_o greece_n to_o search_v for_o these_o sibylls_n verse_n and_o according_o a_o thousand_o of_o be_v bring_v and_o lay_v up_o in_o the_o new_a capitol_n other_o afterward_o that_o be_v careful_o collect_v be_v place_v in_o golden_a box_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o apollo_n and_o when_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o great_a affair_n on_o foot_n these_o oracle_n be_v consult_v as_o appear_v from_o several_a good_a historian_n both_o 5._o tacitus_n and_o 31._o suetonius_n testify_v that_o when_o these_o write_n have_v be_v seek_v out_o and_o fetch_v to_o rome_n they_o be_v by_o augustus_n command_n diligent_o examine_v and_o review_v by_o the_o senate_n and_o by_o the_o quindecemviri_fw-la that_o the_o true_a copy_n may_v be_v know_v from_o the_o false_a wherefore_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o these_o book_n which_o be_v thus_o search_v into_o and_o examine_v so_o strict_o be_v counterfeit_n much_o less_o be_v there_o any_o possibility_n that_o these_o ancient_a write_n can_v be_v figment_n of_o the_o christians_n for_o they_o can_v not_o feign_v they_o before_o they_o be_v in_o be_v 3._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o ground_n to_o think_v that_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o sibylls_n verse_n now_o extant_a as_o to_o the_o main_a be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v before_o our_o saviour_n day_n or_o that_o heretical_a christian_n corrupt_v it_o and_o add_v to_o it_o for_o first_o if_o they_o do_v so_o why_o be_v it_o not_o show_v what_o heresy_n what_o ●alse_a doctrine_n they_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v by_o these_o addition_n and_o supplement_n of_o they_o i_o see_v nothing_o of_o this_o make_v out_o by_o our_o adversary_n again_o if_o these_o write_n have_v be_v the_o forgery_n of_o christian_n the_o heathen_n will_v have_v certain_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o lay_v open_v this_o cheat_n and_o let_v the_o world_n know_v there_o be_v no_o such_o verse_n but_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o pretend_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n wherefore_o no_o man_n of_o consistent_a thought_n can_v imagine_v that_o these_o write_n be_v the_o mere_a invention_n of_o some_o christian_n nay_o i_o can_v add_v from_o good_a author_n that_o not_o only_a heathen_n but_o jew_n make_v frequent_a use_n of_o these_o celebrate_a book_n and_o several_a of_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o read_v the_o content_n of_o they_o and_o true_o when_o they_o see_v many_o thing_n fulfil_v which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o and_o fore_o tell_v it_o can_v not_o but_o induce_v they_o to_o think_v well_o of_o christianity_n whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o have_v no_o suspicion_n of_o these_o write_n they_o have_v no_o such_o apprehension_n as_o some_o since_o have_v form_v viz._n that_o they_o be_v a_o cheat_n and_o that_o some_o christian_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o then_o as_o for_o use_v of_o pious_a fraud_n to_o vouch_v christianity_n there_o be_v as_o little_a ground_n for_o that_o for_o see_v they_o have_v such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n of_o all_o sort_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v altogether_o superfluous_a and_o unnecessary_a to_o counterfeit_v any_o or_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o grant_v that_o some_o ill-minded_n christian_n insert_v some_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o into_o the_o sibylls_n write_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v thence_o that_o all_o be_v spurious_a and_o counterfeit_n i_o know_v some_o condemn_v all_o and_o other_o allow_v every_o thing_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o sibylls_n oracle_n but_o i_o know_v no_o cause_n for_o either_o but_o the_o usual_a one_o namely_o that_o writer_n must_v run_v direct_o counter_a to_o one_o a_o other_o this_o be_v their_o practice_n general_o but_o it_o be_v no_o good_a one_o and_o i_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o follow_v it_o i_o take_v a_o other_o way_n the_o middle_a one_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o all_o the_o verse_n that_o bear_v their_o name_n be_v they_o and_o genuine_a and_o i_o be_o far_o from_o think_v that_o all_o be_v counterfeit_n what_o if_o we_o grant_v that_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o collection_n of_o the_o sibylls_n writing_n as_o in_o many_o other_o be_v alter_v and_o superadd_v can_v we_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o every_o thing_n in_o they_o be_v change_v and_o corrupt_v no_o sure_o there_o be_v counterfeit_n gospel_n write_v but_o these_o do_v not_o prejudice_v the_o other_o which_o be_v true_a so_o there_o be_v many_o piece_n go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v spurious_a but_o we_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o work_n because_o of_o they_o thus_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v here_o some_o christian_n may_v add_v a_o few_o thing_n they_o may_v insert_v some_o verse_n that_o mention_v those_o individual_a act_n and_o particular_a work_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o some_o circumstance_n which_o be_v no_o where_o mention_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n this_o perhaps_o they_o may_v do_v i_o can_v whole_o deny_v it_o but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o the_o main_a of_o these_o book_n be_v not_o compose_v before_o christ_n time_n and_o be_v genuine_a and_o authentic_a nay_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o date_n of_o they_o be_v long_o before_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o condemn_v the_o whole_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o small_a part_n we_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o thing_n quote_v out_o of_o they_o by_o the_o father_n and_o which_o be_v the_o clear_a attestation_n of_o the_o sacred_a truth_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o supposititious_a and_o forge_v we_o be_v certain_a that_o some_o of_o their_o write_n be_v extant_a before_o there_o be_v any_o christian_n to_o corrupt_v and_o adulterate_a they_o and_o many_o of_o the_o particular_a passage_n quote_v by_o the_o father_n in_o these_o write_n be_v now_o to_o be_v find_v and_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o they_o be_v then_o and_o consequent_o they_o be_v now_o as_o good_a a_o
of_o the_o resurrection_n or_o as_o grotius_n with_o most_o of_o the_o pontifician_n because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o rise_v to_o immortal_a life_n and_o glory_n or_o as_o other_o because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o it_o be_v say_v act_n 26._o 23._o viz._n by_o his_o own_o power_n but_o because_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o those_o that_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a because_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o they_o all_o as_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v have_v the_o preeminence_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o the_o dead_a or_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o dead_a for_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v render_v the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v here_o so_o much_o a_o three_o text_n may_v be_v allege_v viz._n rom._n 8._o 29._o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o first-born_a among_o many_o brethren_n i._n e._n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o chief_a the_o supreme_a of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o he_o be_v predestinate_v as_o well_o as_o they_o he_o be_v set_v apart_o as_o the_o first-born_a among_o man_n who_o be_v the_o choice_a of_o all_o be_v who_o be_v more_o immediate_o destine_v and_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n ex●d_n 1●_n 2._o and_o last_o i_o will_v mention_v rev._n 1._o 5._o where_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o first-begotten_a of_o the_o dead_a which_o have_v the_o same_o import_n with_o those_o word_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o calossians_n before_o allege_v for_o it_o be_v explain_v to_o we_o by_o what_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o clause_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o let_v we_o see_v that_o the_o word_n first-born_a or_o first-begotten_a have_v the_o signification_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v it_o be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o hebrew_n to_o apply_v it_o to_o those_o thing_n or_o person_n that_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o excellent_a in_o which_o sense_n likewise_o first-fruit_n be_v take_v in_o jam._n 1._o 18._o where_o the_o saint_n be_v call_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n i._n e._n they_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o the_o creation_n they_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o mankind_n they_o be_v more_o signal_o and_o eminent_o design_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n so_o christ_n be_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_v 1_o cor._n 15._o 20._o he_o be_v the_o principal_a of_o all_o those_o that_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a this_o way_n of_o speak_v be_v take_v from_o the_o jewish_a notion_n of_o first-fruit_n which_o be_v the_o choice_a of_o all_o their_o fruit_n and_o income_n and_o from_o the_o hebrew_n manner_n of_o express_v themselves_o that_o be_v call_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v chief_a and_o most_o eligible_a first-fruit_n amos_n 6._o 1._o mic._n 7._o 1._o moreover_o i_o take_v that_o expression_n which_o our_o saviour_n so_o often_o use_v concern_v himself_o viz._n his_o still_n himself_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o be_v a_o way_n of_o speech_n proper_a to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v explain_v by_o what_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n a_o law_n person_n well_o skilled_a in_o hebrew_a criticism_n tell_v we_o that_o ezekiel_n be_v very_o often_o about_o a_o hundred_o time_n call_v son_n of_o man_n because_o of_o the_o extraordinary_a vision_n and_o revelation_n which_o he_o have_v wherewith_o he_o be_v high_o honour_v above_o other_o so_o that_o son_n of_o man_n be_v the_o same_o with_o a_o excellent_a or_o dignify_v man._n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o frequent_a language_n of_o the_o psalmist_n have_v be_v very_o late_o observe_v and_o ample_o prove_v by_o our_o preface_n incomparable_a paraphra_v on_o this_o sacred_a book_n beside_o several_a other_o excellent_a discovery_n make_v by_o he_o in_o that_o choice_a work_n which_o will_v gain_v he_o a_o immortal_a honour_n among_o the_o pious_a and_o wise_a he_o have_v particular_o set_v we_o into_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o this_o expression_n so_o often_o use_v by_o the_o holy_a penman_n from_o several_a place_n in_o this_o book_n as_o also_o from_o other_o which_o he_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o sacred_a write_n he_o evidence_v that_o son_n of_o man_n be_v the_o same_o with_o a_o eminent_a person_n and_o he_o be_v the_o first_o writer_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o that_o have_v establish_v and_o full_o clear_v this_o notion_n from_o this_o discern_v author_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o psal._n 49._o 2._o there_o be_v a_o difference_n make_v between_o be_v ada_z and_o be_v be_v the_o former_a signify_v there_o mean_o inferior_a person_n but_o the_o latter_a man_n of_o considerable_a rank_n and_o quality_n wherefore_o our_o translator_n give_v we_o the_o sense_n very_o full_o in_o render_v it_o low_a and_o high_a or_o perhaps_o ada_z in_o this_o place_n be_v the_o same_o with_o adamah_o earth_n and_o so_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o son_n of_o the_o earth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o seventy_o render_v it_o terrigenae_fw-la according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a latin_n in_o psal._n 4._o 2._o bene●ish_n the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v apply_v to_o prince_n and_o ruler_n for_o of_o such_o that_o place_n speak_v and_o i_o translate_v it_o the_o son_n of_o man_n not_o of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o english_a bibles_n for_o so_o the_o original_a have_v it_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o son_n of_o man_n in_o scripture_n be_v all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o race_n of_o adam_n but_o son_n or_o son_n of_o man_n be_v person_n of_o some_o dignity_n and_o rule_n in_o the_o world_n but_o sometime_o indeed_o be_v ada_z be_v the_o same_o with_o be_v be_v and_o then_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o enosh_n or_o ben_fw-mi enosh_fw-mi as_o in_o psal._n 8._o 4._o what_o be_v man_n and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i._o e._n as_o i_o conceive_v what_o be_v the_o low_a and_o the_o high_a rank_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o visite_a they_o that_o thou_o show_v thyself_o so_o bountiful_a to_o they_o so_o son_n of_o man_n psal._n 58._o 1._o be_v mean_v of_o judge_n and_o great_a man_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o former_a word_n of_o that_o verse_n and_o in_o psal._n 80._o 17._o son_n of_o man_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o man_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o man_n that_o be_v make_v strong_a again_o in_o psal._n 146._o 3._o prince_n and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v synonimous_a for_o in_a prince_n in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v by_o way_n of_o apposition_n in_o the_o hebrew_n to_o acquaint_v we_o that_o they_o be_v identify_v and_o further_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o title_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v particular_o and_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n affix_v to_o the_o messiah_n as_o in_o that_o forementioned_a place_n psal._n 8._o 4._o for_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o heb._n 2._o 6._o it_o be_v refer_v to_o he_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o secondary_a and_o mystical_a sense_n but_o more_o signal_o and_o direct_o in_o dan._n 7._o 13._o behold_v one_o like_o the_o son_n of_o man._n on_o which_o word_n rabbi_n saadiah_n be_v very_o peremptory_a and_o say_v this_o be_v the_o messiah_n our_o righteousness_n and_o solomon_n jarchi_n and_o other_o great_a rabbi_n declare_v that_o by_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v mean_v the_o messiah_n there_o be_v reason_n therefore_o to_o assert_v that_o when_o christ_n so_o frequent_o give_v himself_o this_o title_n he_o take_v it_o from_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o it_o signify_v a_o man_n of_o eminency_n and_o rule_n and_o more_o especial_o from_o daniel_n who_o by_o this_o epithet_n express_v the_o messiah_n the_o prince_n the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o to_o any_o considerate_a man_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o saviour_n particular_o refer_v to_o that_o place_n in_o daniel_n behold_v one_o like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v with_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n when_o he_o pronounce_v those_o word_n hereafter_o shall_v you_o see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o power_n and_o come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 26._o 64._o neither_o will_v the_o high_a priest_n have_v think_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v blasphemy_n and_o thereupon_o rend_v his_o clothes_n if_o he_o have_v not_o apprehend_v that_o he_o refer_v to_o those_o word_n of_o daniel_n and_o consequent_o own_a himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n who_o have_v the_o title_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n give_v he_o because_o of_o his_o
and_o down_o to_o rest_v or_o be_v quiet_a sharash_n to_o take_v root_n to_o eradicate_v or_o extirpate_v taab_n to_o desire_v in_o kal_n to_o abominate_a in_o piel_n gnuph_n to_o shine_v to_o be_v obscure_a natzar_n to_o save_v to_o destroy_v gnazab_v to_o desert_n to_o help_v batzar_n to_o rob_v or_o prey_n to_o defend_v one_o self_n from_o ●obbers_n bara_n to_o make_v or_o create_v also_o to_o remove_v or_o destroy_v salah_n to_o tread_v under_o foot_n to_o esteem_v garaph_n to_o gather_v to_o disperse_v asaph_z to_o gather_v or_o preserve_v also_o to_o remove_v or_o destroy_v nacham_n to_o grieve_v or_o repent_v to_o abandon_v grief_n or_o to_o be_v comfort_v chiss_v to_o consecrate_v to_o desecrate_v there_o be_v instance_n of_o all_o or_o most_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o same_o hebrew_n verb_n and_o noun_n which_o have_v not_o only_o different_a but_o contrary_a sense_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o the_o reader_n may_v consider_v at_o his_o leisure_n and_o thereby_o be_v help_v to_o a_o distinct_a understanding_n of_o the_o word_n in_o those_o text_n where_o they_o occur_v 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 remarkable_a 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 8o._o 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 t●e_v whole_a work_n 8o._o 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 8o._o all_o sell_v by_o jonathan_n robinson_n john_n evering●am_n and_o john_n wyat._n imprimatur_fw-la jan._n 10._o 1694_o 5._o carolus_n alston_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc._n lond._n à_fw-la sacris_fw-la 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 iii_o treat_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o be_v also_o several_a remarkable_a text_n interpret_v according_a to_o the_o author_n be_v particular_a judgement_n by_o john_n edward_n b._n d._n sometime_o fellow_n of_o s._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 john_n taylor_n at_o the_o ship_n and_o john_n wyatt_n at_o the_o rose_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxcv_o octob._n 13._o 1694._o i_o judge_v the_o reverend_a author_n shall_v do_v well_o to_o print_v the_o follow_a discourse_n wherein_o he_o have_v learned_o demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n io._n beaumond_n d._n d._n the_o king_n professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o cambridge_n to_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n his_o grace_n thomas_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n primate_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o all_o england_n and_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n may_v it_o please_v your_o grace_n i_o embrace_v this_o welcome_a opportunity_n of_o congratulate_v your_o late_a access_n to_o the_o high_a station_n in_o our_o church_n which_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o happy_a omen_n of_o the_o future_a felicity_n of_o these_o realm_n for_o in_o your_o grace_n conspire_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v render_v we_o by_o the_o divine_a blessing_n a_o prosperous_a people_n viz._n your_o unstained_a faithfulness_n and_o loyalty_n to_o his_o majesty_n your_o most_o ardent_a love_n to_o your_o country_n your_o great_a ability_n for_o public_a counsel_n and_o affair_n your_o perfect_a abhorrence_n of_o all_o immorality_n and_o debauchery_n your_o zealous_a concern_v for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o in_o that_o for_o the_o whole_a protestant_a religion_n of_o this_o last_o you_o have_v afford_v the_o world_n such_o a_o illustrious_a proof_n as_o will_v give_v a_o immortal_a reputation_n to_o your_o name_n for_o you_o have_v not_o only_o with_o your_o learned_a pen_n encounter_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therein_o vindicate_v the_o reform_a cause_n but_o in_o all_o your_o action_n you_o have_v demonstrate_v your_o singular_a care_n for_o this_o latter_a and_o your_o detestation_n of_o the_o former_a especial_o when_o in_o the_o late_a reign_n this_o idol_n begin_v to_o be_v set_v up_o again_o and_o too_o many_o fall_v down_o to_o it_o you_o with_o the_o utmost_a zeal_n vigour_n and_o courage_n remonstrate_v against_o this_o practice_n you_o bear_v the_o insolence_n and_o insult_v of_o the_o enemy_n with_o a_o unimitable_a bravery_n you_o withstand_v their_o boldness_n with_o a_o confidence_n become_v the_o goodness_n of_o your_o cause_n you_o obviate_v their_o folly_n and_o madness_n with_o a_o profound_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n you_o defeat_v their_o diligence_n by_o a_o more_o unwearied_a industry_n and_o in_o brief_a you_o be_v the_o successful_a maul_n and_o scourge_n of_o the_o hector_a jesuit_n that_o lift_v up_o their_o head_n in_o that_o day_n for_o this_o you_o be_v hate_v and_o defame_v and_o be_v so_o at_o this_o hour_n by_o all_o the_o swear_a friend_n to_o the_o pontifician_n interest_n who_o look_v upon_o you_o and_o that_o just_o as_o their_o most_o dreadful_a enemy_n but_o this_o very_a thing_n deserve_o make_v your_o grace_n to_o be_v love_v admire_a and_o honour_v by_o all_o sincere_a protestant_n and_o true_a english_a man_n i_o be_o one_o that_o glory_n in_o be_v of_o that_o number_n and_o according_o i_o now_o attempt_v to_o express_v my_o infinite_a regard_v and_o veneration_n of_o your_o grace_n transcendent_a undertake_n in_o behalf_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o our_o church_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o my_o resentment_n and_o duty_n i_o here_o offer_v to_o your_o grace_n a_o discourse_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v design_v to_o be_v present_v to_o your_o lordship_n before_o you_o be_v advance_v to_o this_o supreme_a see_v to_o which_o your_o merit_n have_v call_v you._n wherefore_o i_o have_v then_o consecrate_v it_o to_o your_o name_n i_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a now_o to_o alienate_v it_o especial_o it_o be_v the_o choice_a and_o noble_a subject_n that_o i_o have_v yet_o treat_v of_o and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v not_o unworthy_a of_o your_o grace_n patronage_n i_o submit_v the_o work_n whole_o to_o your_o grace_n judgement_n and_o beg_v leave_v to_o have_v the_o honour_n of_o profess_v myself_o to_o be_v your_o grace_n most_o humble_a and_o obedient_a son_n and_o servant_n john_n edwards_n the_o preface_n i_o now_o present_a the_o reader_n with_o that_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n concern_v the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o i_o have_v attempt_v to_o display_v the_o matchless_a worth_n and_o perfection_n of_o those_o divine_a record_n beside_o the_o great_a and_o important_a remark_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v i_o can_v have_v mention_v other_o thing_n bare_o critical_a and_o which_o though_o they_o be_v of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o which_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o be_v deem_v to_o be_v excellency_n and_o embellishment_n in_o other_o author_n of_o good_a rank_n thus_o some_o critic_n have_v observe_v concern_v that_o of_o virgil_n aen._n 8._o quadrupedante_fw-la putrem_fw-la sonitu_fw-la quatit_fw-la ungula_fw-la campum_fw-la that_o in_o the_o very_a sound_n of_o the_o word_n the_o swift_a career_n of_o the_o horse_n beat_v and_o shake_v the_o ground_n with_o their_o hoof_n seem_v to_o s●rike_v the_o ear._n the_o poetic_a foot_n be_v so_o form_v that_o they_o express_v those_o of_o the_o steed_n and_o so_o in_o the_o same_o writer_n aen._n 5._o procumbit_fw-la humi_fw-la bos_fw-la be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o great_a elegancy_n and_o pulchritude_n as_o if_o it_o represent_v in_o a_o lively_a manner_n the_o dull_a and_o heavy_a f●ll_n of_o that_o creature_n both_o in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a instance_n the_o very_a noise_n of_o the_o word_n the_o very_a composure_n of_o the_o syllable_n be_v just_o applaud_v by_o the_o admirer_n of_o that_o poet._n the_o like_a i_o can_v have_v observe_v in_o the_o inspire_a write_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v poetical_a among_o which_o i_o reckon_v the_o book_n of_o isaiah_n to_o be_v one_o for_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o verse_n yet_o a_o poetic_a genius_n and_o strain_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o most_o part_n of_o it_o those_o word_n ch_n 21._o v._n 5._o prepare_v the_o table_n watch_v in_o
of_o it_o anah_n invention_n of_o mule_n writer_n borrow_v from_o one_o another_o the_o bible_n only_o be_v the_o book_n that_o be_v behold_v to_o no_o other_o here_o be_v the_o ancient_a learning_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o of_o all_o kind_n it_o be_v common_a with_o author_n to_o contradict_v themselves_o and_o one_o another_o they_o be_v uncertain_a lubricous_a and_o fabulous_a but_o the_o divine_a writer_n alone_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a how_o strange_a and_o improbable_a soever_o some_o of_o the_o content_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v they_o just_o command_v our_o firm_a assent_n to_o they_o p._n 263_o 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 attempt_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 exodus_fw-la to_o which_o be_v adjoin_v a_o short_a comment_n on_o the_o ten_o plague_n of_o egypt_n a_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o remarkable_a particular_n treat_v of_o in_o leviticus_n number_n deuteronomy_n that_o moses_n be_v the_o penman_n and_o author_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n notwithstanding_o what_o some_o have_v late_o object_v against_o it_o p._n 305_o chap._n viii_o a_o short_a survey_n of_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n which_o be_v a_o supplement_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o judge_n samuel_n the_o king_n chronicle_n ezra_n which_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o chronicle_n nehemiah_n esther_n the_o author_n stile_n composure_n matter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n discuss_v a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o penman_n subject_n kind_n title_n poetic_a meter_n and_o rhythm_n of_o the_o psalm_n p._n 350_o chap._n ix_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n why_o so_o call_v the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o these_o divine_a and_o inspire_a aphorism_n some_o instance_n of_o the_o different_a application_n of_o the_o similitude_n use_v by_o this_o author_n the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n why_o so_o entitle_v the_o admirable_a subject_n of_o it_o succinct_o display_v the_o particular_a nature_n of_o the_o canticle_n or_o mystical_a song_n of_o solomon_n brief_o set_v forth_o it_o be_v evince_v from_o very_o cogent_a argument_n that_o solomon_n die_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v save_v the_o book_n of_o the_o four_o great_a prophet_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n with_o his_o lamentation_n ezekiel_n daniel_n be_v describe_v so_o be_v those_o of_o the_o twelve_o lesser_a prophet_n hosea_n etc._n etc._n p._n 379_o chap._n x._o a_o account_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n the_o peculiar_a time_n order_n stile_n design_n of_o their_o gospel_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n show_v to_o be_v a_o incomparable_a history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n particular_o delineate_v he_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o apostle_n style_n and_o manner_n of_o write_v the_o excellent_a matter_n and_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n st._n peter_n st._n john_n st._n judas_n a_o historical_a series_n or_o order_n be_v not_o observe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n p._n 415_o chap._n xi_o none_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v lose_v not_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n nor_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o the_o book_n of_o jasher_n nor_o the_o act_n of_o vzziah_n a_o account_n of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o seer_n the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n the_o book_n of_o gad_n the_o seer_n the_o book_n of_o iddo_n the_o book_n of_o shemaiah_n jehu_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v to_o be_v think_v concern_v the_o book_n of_o solomon_n mention_v 1_o king_n 4._o 32_o 33._o objection_n draw_v from_o jam._n 4._o 5._o from_o luke_n 11._o 49._o from_o act_n 20._o 35._o from_o judas_n v._n 14._o from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 9_o from_o col._n 4._o 16._o full_o satisfy_v other_o objection_n from_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 6_o 12_o 25._o 2_o cor._n 8._o 8._o &_o 11._o 17._o particular_o answer_v p._n 451_o chap._n xii_o a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o eastern_a translation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n especial_o of_o the_o targum_n the_o several_a greek_a translation_n more_o especial_o that_o of_o the_o lxx_o jewish_a elder_n the_o impartial_a history_n of_o they_o and_o their_o version_n some_o immoderate_o extol_v it_o other_o as_o excessive_o inveigh_v against_o it_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o the_o greek_a translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n assign_v viz._n one_o hebrew_n vowel_n be_v put_v for_o another_o one_o consonant_a for_o another_o sometime_o both_o vowel_n and_o consonant_n be_v mistake_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o signification_n of_o some_o hebrew_n word_n be_v another_o cause_n sometime_o the_o sense_n rather_o than_o the_o word_n itself_o be_v attend_v to_o some_o fault_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o transcriber_n some_o because_o the_o lxx_o be_v paraphrast_n rather_o than_o translator_n they_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o insert_v word_n and_o passage_n of_o their_o own_o the_o greek_a version_n have_v be_v design_o corrupt_v in_o several_a place_n why_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o sermon_n and_o write_n make_v use_v of_o this_o version_n though_o it_o be_v faulty_a sometime_o the_o sacred_a writer_n keep_v close_o to_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o seventy_n translation_n of_o the_o word_n at_o other_o time_n in_o their_o quotation_n they_o confine_v themselves_o to_o neither_o but_o use_v a_o latitude_n the_o greek_a version_n be_v to_o be_v read_v with_o candour_n and_o caution_n and_o must_v always_o give_v way_n to_o the_o hebrew_n original_a the_o chief_a latin_a translation_n of_o the_o bible_n especial_o the_o vulgar_a examine_v modern_a latin_a translation_n and_o last_o our_o own_o english_a one_o consider_v p._n 477_o chap._n xiii_o our_o english_a translation_n show_v to_o be_v faulty_a and_o defective_a in_o some_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o more_o large_o and_o full_o this_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o several_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o abundant_a instance_n be_v produce_v of_o this_o defect_n and_o particular_a emendation_n be_v all_o along_o offer_v in_o order_n to_o the_o render_v our_o translation_n more_o exact_a and_o complete_a the_o date_n of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o chapter_n and_o verse_n p._n 532_o 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 p._n 532_o of_o the_o excellency_n &_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._n the_o different_a esteem_n and_o sentiment_n of_o person_n concern_v the_o author_n they_o make_v choice_n of_o to_o read_v no_o write_n can_v equal_v the_o bible_n it_o have_v be_v high_o value_v in_o all_o age_n by_o
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 perfection_n be_v not_o communicable_a to_o any_o other_o write_n under_o heaven_n such_o be_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o bible_n wherefore_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o take_v notice_n and_o beware_v of_o those_o man_n who_o oppose_v or_o rather_o deny_v this_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n first_o the_o circumcise_a doctor_n show_v themselves_o great_a oppugner_n of_o it_o whilst_o they_o excessive_o magnify_v their_o tradition_n and_o even_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o sacred_a text._n we_o must_v know_v then_o that_o the_o jew_n talk_v much_o of_o their_o est_fw-la cabala_n or_o as_o that_o word_n signify_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n among_o they_o which_o be_v propagate_v by_o oral_a tradition_n and_o continual_a succession_n this_o their_o cabala_n be_v twofold_a first_o that_o which_o deal_v in_o mysterious_a criticism_n and_o curiosity_n about_o word_n and_o letter_n to_o which_o belong_v the_o masore_v which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o another_o discourse_n 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
history_n both_o domestie●_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 sur●●_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 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nothing_o to_o be_v right_a prophecy_n but_o what_o be_v convey_v in_o dream_n or_o vision_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o rabbinical_a conceit_n and_o hereby_o they_o strike_v david_n and_o some_o other_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o they_o yet_o the_o partition_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o it_o may_v be_v right_o understand_v be_v not_o altogether_o to_o be_v reject_v nay_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o luke_n 24._o 44._o where_o he_o tell_v his_o apostle_n that_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v write_v concern_v he_o in_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n viz._n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n under_o these_o last_o comprise_v all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o hagiographa_n or_o you_o may_v divide_v the_o book_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o their_o order_n in_o the_o
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 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that_o be_v speak_v of_o there_o other_o say_v it_o be_v not_o compose_v till_o ezr●'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 ●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 ●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
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 ●_o jewish_a historian_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o bid_v fair_a for_o truth_n who_o ●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 th●_n seventy_o in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o book_n of_o jo●_a it_o will_v ●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 tho●●_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 ●_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 b●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
knowledge_n and_o insight_n into_o these_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v here_o contain_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o observe_v and_o practise_v the_o holy_a precept_n of_o this_o book_n this_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o urge_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o come_v to_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n with_o defecate_n and_o purge_v mind_n with_o love_n to_o what_o it_o dictate_v and_o with_o obedience_n to_o it_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o principal_a care_n to_o live_v well_o and_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o excellent_a rule_n all_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o our_o action_n in_o this_o world_n depend_v upon_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o let_v we_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o infallible_a maxim_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o this_o book_n we_o see_v man_n live_v by_o custom_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o other_o or_o by_o their_o own_o opinion_n which_o oftentimes_o prove_v erroneous_a and_o lead_v they_o into_o unwarrantable_a practice_n but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o misguided_a if_o they_o consult_v these_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n this_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n if_o they_o regulate_v their_o action_n by_o this_o exact_a canon_n and_o hereby_o we_o be_v certain_a to_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n in_o this_o holy_a book_n for_o by_o live_v according_a to_o it_o we_o shall_v the_o better_o understand_v it_o by_o mind_v the_o practical_a content_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o its_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n last_o that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o due_a perception_n of_o the_o mean_v of_o what_o be_v deliver_v here_o let_v we_o most_o earnest_o invoke_v the_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n he_o that_o read_v this_o book_n without_o prayer_n can_v never_o expect_v to_o be_v bless_v with_o a_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a work_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o illuminate_v our_o mind_n effectual_o there_o be_v require_v the_o special_a help_n of_o this_o heavenly_a instructor_n to_o direct_v we_o into_o truth_n wherefore_o he_o be_v call_v 13._o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o 20._o the_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o whereby_o we_o know_v all_o thing_n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indict_v these_o holy_a write_n must_v enlighten_v our_o mind_n to_o understand_v they_o which_o i_o find_v thus_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o church_n scripture_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o we_o in_o truth_n we_o can_v without_o it_o attain_v true_a saving-knowledg_n and_o a_o learned_a and_o pious_a son_n of_o our_o mother_n give_v his_o suffrage_n in_o these_o word_n country-parson_n wicked_a man_n however_o learned_a do_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o feel_v they_o not_o and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o understand_v but_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o write_v they_o see_v then_o a_o spiritual_a illumination_n be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o the_o comprehend_v of_o scripture-truths_n we_o ought_v with_o great_a fervour_n and_o zeal_n to_o request_v it_o we_o ought_v with_o a_o singular_a devotion_n to_o repair_v to_o this_o infallible_a teacher_n and_o with_o mighty_a importunity_n beseech_v he_o to_o 18._o open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o to_o conduct_v our_o reason_n aright_o in_o our_o enquiry_n into_o this_o sacred_a volume_n and_o he_o that_o command_v we_o to_o implore_v his_o help_n will_v certain_o vouchsafe_v it_o to_o all_o sincere_a and_o devout_a supplicant_n the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n shall_v be_v irradiate_v with_o a_o celestial_a beam_n and_o we_o shall_v feel_v a_o internal_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o our_o heart_n communicate_v light_n and_o wisdom_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o this_o bless_a guide_n we_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v in_o our_o search_n and_o endeavour_n this_o divine_a book_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v have_v its_o mystery_n and_o depth_n disclose_v to_o we_o so_o far_o as_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o and_o no_o rational_a man_n ought_v to_o desire_v any_o more_o yea_o as_o it_o be_v with_o some_o of_o those_o that_o have_v study_v for_o the_o philosophic_a elixir_n though_o they_o attain_v not_o to_o it_o yet_o in_o their_o impetuous_a search_n after_o it_o they_o find_v out_o many_o excellent_a thing_n admirable_o useful_a for_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o recompense_n of_o their_o labour_n so_o though_o we_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o some_o grand_a secret_n which_o be_v treasure_v up_o in_o this_o inspire_a volume_n yet_o we_o shall_v not_o fa●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 trutl●_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 8●_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 fo●●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 cel●_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
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 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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
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 learning_n we_o be_v invite_v to_o study_v it_o we_o be_v furnish_v here_o with_o some_o of_o the_o most_o desirable_a antiquity_n of_o the_o babylonian_n persian_n egyptian_n arabian_n syrian_n canaanite_n phoenician_n jew_n greek_n roman_n and_o several_a other_o nation_n on_o which_o very_a account_n alone_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o best_a book_n that_o a_o true_a lover_n of_o learning_n can_v take_v into_o his_o hand_n brief_o from_o the_o whole_a i_o make_v this_o conclusion_n that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o consummate_v scholar_n without_o read_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o source_n even_o of_o all_o humane_a learning_n but_o as_o the_o antiquity_n and_o the_o universal_a learning_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n so_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o give_v it_o the_o preference_n to_o all_o other_o what_o we_o meet_v with_o here_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v true_a whatever_o be_v relate_v as_o say_v or_o do_v in_o so_o many_o age_n past_a we_o have_v reason_n to_o yield_v a_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 athen●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 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