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book_n woman_n word_n world_n 140 4 4.1292 3 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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which_o shall_v be_v write_v or_o i_o suppose_v all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v entertain_v and_o approve_v of_o they_o whether_o he_o suppose_v it_o or_o not_o it_o will_v be_v so_o and_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v suppose_v but_o real_o believe_v and_o direct_o assert_v if_o it_o be_v true_a but_o if_o you_o admit_v of_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v propound_v than_o his_o suppose_n may_v be_v very_o pertinent_a and_o consistent_a here_o for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o supposition_n not_o a_o exact_a and_o strict_a truth_n which_o he_o here_o utter_v it_o be_v a_o lofty_a strain_n or_o hyperbole_n which_o he_o shut_v up_o his_o gospel_n with_o i_o think_v in_o a_o manner_n ●aith_o he_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n itself_o can_v contain_v the_o book_n that_o may_v be_v compose_v and_o write_v on_o this_o glorious_a theme_n which_o be_v so_o various_a so_o voluminous_a thus_o you_o see_v the_o word_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o this_o way_n for_o the_o other_o be_v not_o reconcilable_a to_o good_a sense_n and_o indeed_o this_o manner_n of_o style_n be_v but_o parallel_n with_o other_o passage_n in_o scripture_n as_o gen._n 13._o 6._o the_o land_n be_v not_o able_a ●o_o bear_v they_o viz._n lot_n and_o abraham_n and_o their_o flock_n which_o express_v how_o exceed_v numerous_a they_o be_v so_o some_o understand_v luke_n 2._o 1._o there_o go_v out_o a_o decree_n that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v tax_v which_o set_v forth_o the_o largeness_n and_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o emperor_n dominion_n not_o that_o all_o the_o world_n strict_o speak_v be_v to_o be_v tax_v for_o it_o be_v not_o all_o in_o his_o power_n it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o
sufficient_o dispatch_v it_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v let_v you_o see_v that_o those_o be_v no_o impartial_a judge_n of_o scripture-stile_n who_o cry_v out_o of_o its_o barbarism_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o betray_v both_o their_o ignorance_n and_o irreligion_n at_o once_o in_o give_v such_o a_o judgement_n of_o it_o their_o ignorance_n in_o that_o they_o show_v themselves_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o best_a author_n who_o be_v not_o always_o wont_a to_o bind_v themselves_o to_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o grammatical_a rule_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o learned_a henry_n stephens_n animadversion_n and_o appendix_n at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o thesaurus_fw-la gr._n l._n be_v worthy_a of_o the_o perusal_n of_o all_o curious_a person_n that_o will_v be_v full_o acquaint_v with_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o attic_a phrase_n and_o idiom_n and_o the_o read_n of_o these_o will_v abundant_o satisfy_v they_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v like_o other_o greek_a writer_n and_o that_o the_o most_o classic_a greek_a author_n speak_v in_o the_o same_o strain_n that_o this_o do_v this_o accomplish_v critic_n show_v that_o there_o be_v pure_a atticism_n sometime_o in_o these_o holy_a write_n and_o particular_o that_o a_o ellipsis_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o they_o be_v a_o common_a atticism_n in_o the_o best_a grecian_n if_o those_o who_o raise_v objection_n against_o the_o style_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n will_v converse_v with_o these_o they_o may_v see_v that_o those_o passage_n which_o seem_v not_o so_o proper_a or_o elegant_a in_o scripture_n and_o that_o whatever_o look_v like_o soloecism_n and_o favour_n of_o rudeness_n or_o defect_n of_o language_n in_o these_o holy_a write_n may_v be_v parallel_v with_o what_o they_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o most_o applaud_v author_n their_o irreligion_n likewise_o be_v discover_v in_o this_o that_o nothing_o please_v they_o in_o the_o holy_a book_n and_o that_o what_o be_v not_o think_v improper_a or_o rude_a in_o other_o write_n be_v account_v such_o in_o these_o yea_o that_o what_o be_v soloecism_n in_o a_o sacred_a writer_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o atticism_n and_o elegancy_n in_o a_o profane_a one._n have_v hitherto_o be_v in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v many_o thing_n in_o it_o according_a to_o the_o strain_n of_o other_o writer_n i_o be_o to_o pass_v to_o the_o next_o proposition_n chap._n vii_o the_o scripture-stile_n have_v some_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v not_o in_o common_a with_o other_o writer_n but_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o itself_o the_o lxx_n greek_a version_n and_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v word_n that_o be_v not_o extant_a in_o any_o other_o author_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mark_v 14._o 3._o be_v coin_v by_o the_o evangelist_n it_o be_v true_a signification_n inquire_v into_o inward_a goodness_n or_o righteousness_n be_v express_v by_o term_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o other_o writer_n instance_n of_o several_a other_o peculiar_a way_n of_o speak_v some_o profane_a author_n differ_v from_o the_o rest_n as_o to_o the_o use_n of_o some_o particular_a word_n and_o phrase_n ecclesiastical_a writer_n have_v word_n proper_a to_o themselves_o the_o difficulty_n of_o scripture_n proceed_v partly_o from_o the_o different_a acception_n of_o word_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o there_o many_o instance_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o various_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n spirit_n enumerate_v and_o reduce_v to_o distinct_a head_n the_o author_n confine_v himself_o to_o the_o hebrew_n verb_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o show_v how_o different_a the_o sense_n of_o the_o same_o word_n be_v and_o endeavour_n to_o remove_v the_o ambiguity_n of_o they_o in_o the_o several_a text_n which_o he_o cite_v and_o to_o determine_v the_o sense_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o those_o particular_a place_n the_o like_a he_o attempt_n in_o those_o text_n where_o hebrew_n noun_n of_o a_o different_a meaning_n occur_v the_o three_o proposition_n be_v that_o the_o scripture-stile_n have_v some_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v not_o in_o common_a with_o other_o writer_n but_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o itself_o for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a some_o other_o author_n have_v word_n proper_a to_o themselves_o which_o be_v not_o find_v in_o other_o thus_o in_o pindar_n plato_n isocrates_n homer_n aristophanes_n hypocrates_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v some_o particular_a word_n and_o phrase_n peculiar_a to_o they_o alone_o yet_o the_o bible_n have_v word_n and_o expression_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o any_o of_o these_o nor_o in_o any_o other_o writer_n the_o original_a hebrew_n have_v great_a choice_n of_o word_n than_o any_o book_n extant_a in_o that_o language_n it_o be_v the_o most_o copious_a vocabulary_a that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o hebrew_n writer_n of_o note_n borrow_v from_o this_o the_o septuagint_n have_v word_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v proper_a to_o they_o and_o be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o answer_v to_o the_o hebrew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n take_v it_o from_o they_o they_o also_o make_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cant._n 4._o 9_o to_o express_v the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ex._n 2._o 5._o be_v of_o their_o coin_n and_o the_o apostle_n think_v fit_a to_o use_v it_o tit._n 2._o 14._o and_o some_o have_v think_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o signify_v sleep_n or_o slumber_v isa._n 29._o 10._o be_v make_v by_o they_o as_o if_o it_o be_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o word_n be_v also_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 11._o 8._o the_o new_a testament_n in_o greek_a have_v word_n never_o hear_v of_o before_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n a_o word_n which_o be_v first_o use_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o st._n luke_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o angel_n salutation_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n luk._n 1._o 28._o be_v a_o new_a greek_a word_n which_o the_o evangelist_n himself_o make_v locum_fw-la as_o some_o have_v think_v but_o that_o be_v a_o mistake_n because_o the_o apocryphal_a writer_n have_v use_v it_o before_o eccles._n 18._o 17._o yet_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o word_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o greek_a author_n i._n e._n any_o profane_a one_o but_o st._n paul_n use_v it_o viz._n the_o active_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d though_o not_o the_o passive_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o eph._n 1._o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o passive_a voice_n have_v a_o peculiar_a signification_n in_o mat._n 5._o 24._o rom._n 5._o 10._o 1_o c●r_n 11._o 7._o 2._o cor._n 5._o 20._o which_o be_v in_o no_o other_o writer_n say_v grotius_n upon_o mat._n 5._o 24._o that_o likewise_o in_o mark_n 14._o 3._o and_o john_n 12._o 3._o be_v scarce_o use_v by_o any_o writer_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o the_o grammarian_n and_o critic_n know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o assign_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o some_o derive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o word_n there_o use_v and_o join_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o it_o denote_v that_o ointment_n to_o have_v be_v faithful_o prepare_v and_o compound_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o this_o etymology_n be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d true_a pure_a not_o adulterate_v approve_a it_o be_v right_o and_o faithful_o make_v this_o be_v according_a to_o the_o syriac_a version_n and_o it_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o 26._o st._n jerom_n and_o 14._o theophylact_fw-mi other_o think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v put_v here_o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o vulgar_a latin_a have_v it_o spicata_n and_o so_o it_o be_v translate_v spikenard_n by_o we_o beza_n and_o camerarius_fw-la be_v of_o this_o opinion_n and_o think_v the_o ointment_n have_v this_o name_n because_o it_o be_v make_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d spicis_fw-la nardi_fw-la that_o be_v of_o the_o choice_a part_n of_o nard_n a_o three_o fort_n among_o who_o casaubon_n be_v chief_a tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d potabilis_fw-la à_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o signify_v such_o a_o liquid_a ointment_n as_o may_v be_v drink_v and_o last_o some_o have_v think_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o if_o it_o be_v call_v so_o from_o a_o place_n viz_o opis_n a_o city_n not_o far_o from_o babylon_n whence_o
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 2_o chron._n 6._o 13._o solomon_n when_o he_o pray_v kneel_v upon_o his_o knee_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o psal._n 95._o 6._o let_v we_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n the_o word_n be_v here_o make_v use_n of_o to_o denote_v bend_v the_o knee_n in_o divine_a worship_n and_o prostrate_v themselves_o before_o god_n so_o that_o this_o word_n barak_n in_o the_o original_a denotation_n of_o it_o answer_v to_o the_o word_n nashak_n which_o signify_v to_o salute_v in_o a_o lowly_a and_o humble_a manner_n to_o submit_v and_o do_v obeisance_n and_o more_o particular_o kiss_v be_v express_v by_o it_o which_o be_v a_o token_n of_o homage_n and_o subjection_n of_o old_a 1_o sam._n 10._o 1._o but_o from_o this_o first_o and_o simple_a import_n of_o the_o word_n another_o arise_v which_o be_v this_o viz._n to_o take_v leave_n of_o one_o because_o salutation_n and_o greeting_n at_o last_o end_n in_o this_o man_n part_n and_o go_v their_o way_n after_o a_o short_a salute_v and_o accost_v one_o another_o thus_o the_o word_n be_v take_v in_o 2_o sam._n 14._o 22._o joab_n ●ell_o to_o the_o ground_n on_o his_o face_n and_o bow_v himself_o and_o thank_v the_o king_n hebr._n jeberek_n he_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o he_o he_o make_v that_o salutation_n which_o be_v become_v at_o his_o go_v out_o of_o his_o presence_n in_o which_o notion_n it_o likewise_o answer_v to_o nashak_n which_o beside_o its_o former_a sense_n signify_v to_o take_v leave_n of_o to_o bid_v adieu_o to_o one_o as_o in_o gen._n 31._o 28._o therefore_o that_o valedictory_n salutation_n of_o kiss_v be_v call_v neshikah_n parashah_n osculum_fw-la separationis_fw-la the_o kiss_n at_o part_v or_o take_v their_o leave_n of_o one_o another_o and_o then_o there_o be_v another_o derivative_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o flow_v both_o from_o this_o and_o the_o former_a meaning_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v twofold_a for_o person_n be_v wont_n at_o salute_v and_o take_v leave_v to_o wish_v well_o or_o ill_o to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o express_v these_o by_o good_a or_o evil_a word_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o barak_n be_v either_o benè_fw-la or_o malè_fw-la precari_fw-la it_o import_v either_o to_o bless_v or_o to_o curse_v this_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v the_o true_a and_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o primary_n and_o more_o restrain_a acception_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o secondary_a and_o more_o general_a sense_n of_o it_o now_o that_o which_o i_o offer_v be_v this_o that_o the_o word_n in_o that_o place_n of_o job_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v chief_o in_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a denotation_n of_o it_o i._n e._n as_o it_o signify_v humble_o to_o salute_v to_o bow_v down_o and_o do_v obeisance_n or_o as_o it_o signify_v to_o take_v one_o leave_n according_a to_o the_o former_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n iob_n wife_n speak_v thus_o to_o he_o do_v not_o continue_v to_o retain_v thy_o integrity_n or_o to_o hold_v fast_o thy_o perfection_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a do_v not_o justify_v thyself_o before_o god_n as_o if_o thou_o be_v void_a of_o all_o gild_n but_o with_o humble_a reverence_n bow_v thyself_o before_o the_o lord_n adore_v and_o worship_v the_o most_o high_a and_o submit_v thyself_o to_o he_o and_o acknowledge_v thy_o meanness_n and_o sinfulness_n do_v thus_o and_o then_o thou_o may_v die_v with_o peace_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o only_o she_o may_v incur_v the_o imputation_n of_o speak_v foolish_o because_o she_o like_o iob_n friend_n afterward_o have_v wrong_a apprehension_n of_o this_o good_a man_n and_o imagine_v that_o he_o justify_v himself_o and_o be_v in_o his_o own_o thought_n a_o sinless_a person_n or_o else_o this_o be_v the_o worse_o language_n of_o that_o woman_n take_v now_o thy_o leave_n of_o god_n and_o die_v i._n e._n see_v thou_o be_v in_o this_o miserable_a condition_n smite_v with_o fore_n boil_v from_o the_o sole_a of_o thy_o foot_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o 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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
write_v the_o book_n which_o bear_v his_o name_n be_v a_o jew_n cupbearer_n to_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n and_o return_v into_o judea_n thirteen_o year_n after_o ezra_n there_o be_v another_o nehemiah_n who_o come_v with_o those_o that_o return_v at_o first_o from_o babylon_n ezra_n 2._o 2._o but_o he_o who_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o come_v afterward_o by_o artaxerxes_n leave_n in_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o go_v back_o to_o persia_n again_o twelve_o year_n after_o neh._n 5._o 14._o this_o writer_n begin_v where_o ezra_n leave_v of_o and_o continue_v the_o history_n of_o the_o building_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o deportment_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o time_n from_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o darius_n about_o fifty_o year_n in_o all_o as_o ezra_n chief_o relate_v the_o restore_a of_o religion_n and_o erect_v the_o temple_n so_o this_o author_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o building_n of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v restore_v in_o several_a particular_n he_o show_v what_o be_v the_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o people_n and_o how_o they_o be_v redress_v even_o by_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o tell_v we_o what_o method_n he_o take_v of_o regulate_v both_o their_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a affair_n in_o short_a of_o reform_v both_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v even_o then_o so_o early_o corrupt_v from_o the_o whole_a both_o here_o and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n we_o be_v teach_v many_o useful_a lesson_n but_o this_o above_o all_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v power_n to_o extinguish_v this_o little_a flock_n israel_n be_v not_o always_o a_o captive_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n babylon_n send_v back_o her_o prisoner_n and_o bondman_n her_o very_a enemy_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a direction_n of_o heaven_n promote_v her_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n for_o we_o be_v inform_v from_o this_o part_n of_o sacred_a history_n that_o god_n stir_v up_o even_o the_o persian_a monarch_n to_o restore_v his_o people_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o when_o they_o be_v there_o to_o help_v and_o assist_v they_o and_o to_o baffle_v all_o their_o opposer_n the_o book_n of_o esther_n be_v a_o particular_a history_n of_o what_o happen_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o captivity_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o ahasuerus_n one_o of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n whether_o he_o be_v artaxerxes_n longimanus_fw-la as_o raleigh_n some_o think_v or_o artaxerxes_n mnemon_n as_o most_o author_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a say_v or_o artaxerxes_n ochus_n as_o serarius_n hold_v or_o xerxes_n the_o four_o persian_a monarch_n according_a to_o scaliger_n or_o darius_n the_o son_n of_o hystaspes_n or_o cambyses_n for_o so_o various_a a●e_n the_o opinion_n of_o author_n i_o will_v not_o here_o dispute_v only_o we_o know_v that_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o the_o profane_a intend_v the_o same_o person_n sometime_o though_o they_o give_v different_a name_n the_o story_n be_v this_o haman_n a_o great_a favourite_n and_o minion_n of_o the_o king_n and_o advance_v to_o great_a honour_n by_o he_o be_v high_o incense_v against_o mordecai_n one_o of_o the_o captive_a jew_n because_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v he_o reverence_n and_o to_o bow_n to_o he_o whereupon_o he_o resolve_v for_o his_o sake_n to_o compass_v the_o destruction_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o territory_n and_o to_o that_o end_n gain_v a_o decree_n from_o the_o king_n to_o put_v they_o all_o to_o the_o sword_n but_o this_o wicked_a design_n be_v happy_o frustrate_v by_o mean_n of_o esther_n a_o jewish_a captive_a virgin_n who_o for_o her_o transcendent_a beauty_n have_v a_o little_a time_n before_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o throne_n and_o now_o prevail_v with_o her_o royal_a husband_n to_o spare_v the_o life_n of_o her_o dear_a countryman_n in_o this_o manner_n haman_n curse_a conspiracy_n be_v defeat_v he_o himself_o advance_v to_o a_o gibbet_n and_o that_o of_o his_o own_o prepare_v the_o jew_n deliver_v from_o their_o fear_n and_o danger_n mordecai_n who_o discover_v this_o bloody_a design_n to_o queen_n esther_n and_o who_o have_v before_o that_o discover_v another_o conspiracy_n viz._n against_o the_o king_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o chronicle_n and_o about_o this_o time_n read_v to_o he_o and_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n serviceable_a by_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o bring_v about_o this_o happy_a frustration_n of_o haman_n plot_n this_o mordecai_n i_o say_v be_v prefer_v unto_o the_o great_a honour_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o by_o the_o by_o let_v i_o suggest_v that_o perhaps_o from_o his_o ride_v the_o king_n horse_n and_o thereby_o be_v prefer_v to_o kingly_a dignity_n the_o story_n of_o darius_n be_v make_v king_n of_o persia_n by_o the_o neigh_v of_o his_o horse_n have_v its_o rise_n for_o as_o i_o have_v often_o have_v occasion_n in_o another_o place_n to_o prove_v the_o gentile_a historian_n mistake_v one_o person_n for_o another_o the_o heart_n and_o mouth_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o king_n province_n be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o a_o annual_a festival_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o all_o succeed_a generation_n in_o remembrance_n of_o this_o singular_a and_o unexpected_a deliverance_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o this_o short_a history_n in_o which_o there_o be_v many_o admirable_a and_o surprise_v circumstance_n which_o though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v particular_o relate_v here_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o god_n singular_a providence_n and_o goodness_n to_o his_o church_n in_o discover_v and_o defeat_v the_o contrivance_n of_o her_o malicious_a and_o cruel_a enemy_n in_o deliver_v she_o in_o her_o great_a extremity_n and_o in_o bring_v vengeance_n and_o ruin_n on_o the_o head_n of_o those_o who_o plot_n her_o downfall_n as_o to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n there_o be_v no_o agreement_n among_o writer_n though_o one_o will_v be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v mordecai'_v by_o reading_z ch_z 9_o v._n 20._o and_o ch_n 12._o of_o apocryphal_a esther_n v_o 4._o the_o next_o penman_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v job_n who_o book_n may_v have_v be_v place_v next_o to_o the_o pentateuch_n if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o be_v general_o believe_v that_o he_o live_v about_o moses_n time_n though_o selden_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o he_o live_v a_o considerable_a time_n before_o the_o israelite_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o that_o he_o be_v before_o moses_n it_o be_v write_v by_o himself_o say_v origen_n and_o suidas_n but_o the_o rabbin_n general_o pronounce_v moses_n the_o author_n other_o make_v solomon_n the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n discover_v as_o they_o think_v his_o manner_n of_o speak_v in_o it_o the_o most_o probable_a account_n be_v that_o the_o material_n of_o this_o book_n be_v draw_v up_o first_o by_o jo●_a himself_o or_o one_o or_o all_o of_o his_o pious_a friend_n that_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o here_o and_o that_o they_o come_v to_o moses_n hand_n as_o some_o of_o the_o jewish_a master_n tell_v we_o or_o afterward_o to_o solomon_n be_v make_v up_o into_o hebrew_n verse_n as_o we_o now_o find_v it_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n be_v of_o this_o composure_n and_o indeed_o be_v the_o first_o poetical_a book_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o bible_n whence_o we_o may_v infer_v something_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o as_o mensal_n m._n luther_n well_o observe_v job_n and_o his_o friend_n speak_v not_o all_o the_o very_a word_n which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o this_o book_n for_o man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o speak_v in_o verse_n in_o their_o discourse_n one_o with_o another_o and_o especial_o in_o such_o a_o lofty_a style_n of_o poetry_n as_o we_o read_v here_o sometime_o but_o this_o be_v true_a that_o both_o their_o thought_n and_o word_n be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o what_o be_v here_o write_v and_o thing_n actual_o and_o real_o happen_v as_o they_o be_v here_o represent_v only_o the_o whole_a argument_n be_v clothe_v in_o verse_n the_o individual_a and_o express_a word_n which_o they_o all_o the_o time_n use_v be_v not_o always_o write_v down_o neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v but_o we_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n attend_v to_o the_o talmudick_n doctor_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o book_n be_v not_o a_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o write_v in_o a_o parabolical_a way_n to_o exhibit_v to_o the_o world_n a_o eminent_a example_n of_o patience_n nor_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o parisaan_n patr._n professor_n to_o be_v tolerate_v who_o say_v the_o history_n be_v true_a but_o the_o
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 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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
demosthenes_n more_o especial_o who_o no_o less_o than_o three_o time_n in_o 1._o one_o oration_n use_v the_o word_n in_o this_o manner_n and_o in_o 1._o another_o place_n once_o or_o twice_o but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o establish_v my_o notion_n already_o by_o what_o i_o have_v produce_v you_o see_v plain_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v not_o absolute_o a_o reference_n to_o a_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o large_a import_n and_o signify_v in_o general_a on_o the_o account_n or_o for_o the_o sake_n and_o more_o especial_o that_o it_o denote_v a_o impulsive_a cause_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o be_v use_v to_o express_v those_o thing_n or_o person_n that_o put_v man_n upon_o action_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o i_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o disprove_v it_o i_o have_v defend_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o classical_a author_n that_o i_o may_v thereby_o obviate_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o inquisitive_a person_n and_o give_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o curious_a and_o make_v my_o exposition_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d more_o clear_a and_o demonstrative_a when_o it_o be_v see_v that_o it_o be_v found_v on_o the_o acception_n of_o that_o preposition_n not_o only_o in_o the_o new-testament_n but_o in_o profane_a author_n and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o i_o may_v render_v my_o whole_a undertake_n on_o that_o text_n the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o the_o learned_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o this_o rank_n of_o person_n i_o devote_v all_o my_o endeavour_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o that_o which_o i_o now_o offer_v to_o the_o world_n be_v more_o especial_o design_v for_o the_o use_v of_o young_a student_n in_o sacred_a learning_n such_o as_o be_v beginner_n and_o candidate_n in_o theology_n though_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v that_o these_o critical_a researche_n will_v ●ot_n be_v useless_a to_o those_o of_o a_o high_a character_n a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o difficult_a chapter_n and_o verse_n in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v explain_v in_o this_o book_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o same_o order_n that_o they_o be_v there_o mention_v ii_o chap._n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o image_n who_o head_n be_v of_o gold_n etc._n etc._n page_n 9_o vii_o chap._n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o four_o beast_n p._n 10_o viii_o chap._n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o ram_n and_o he-goat_n p._n 13_o xi_o gen._n 4._o let_v we_o make_v we_o a_o name_n lest_o we_o scatter_v abroad_o etc._n etc._n p._n 127_o xxxvi_o gen._n 24._o this_o be_v that_o anah_n that_o find_v the_o mule_n in_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n p._n 147_o xv._n judg._n 15_o 16_o 17_o etc._n etc._n concern_v the_o jawbone_n of_o the_o ass_n wherewith_o samson_n slay_v a_o thousand_o men._n p._n 149_o xxxviii_o isai._n 8._o the_o sun_n return_v ten_o degree_n by_o which_o degree_n it_o be_v go_v down_o p._n 200_o xxxiii_o deut._n 17._o where_o joseph_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o ox_n or_o bullock_n and_o why_o p._n 214_o ii_o luke_n 1_o 2._o there_o go_v out_o a_o decree_n from_o caesar_n augustus_n that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v tax_v p._n 352_o ii_o matth._n 2._o we_o have_v see_v his_o star_n in_o the_o east_n vers._n 7._o herod_n inquire_v of_o they_o diligent_o what_o time_n the_o star_n appear_v vers._n 9_o the_o star_n which_o they_o see_v in_o the_o east_n go_v before_o they_o etc._n etc._n vers._n 16._o herod_n slay_v all_o the_o child_n that_o be_v in_o bethlehem_n from_o two_o year_n old_a and_o under_o according_a to_o the_o time_n which_o he_o have_v diligent_o inquire_v of_o the_o wise_a men._n p._n 360_o xxiv_o matth._n the_o former_a part_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o parallel_a chapter_n of_o st._n luke_n viz._n the_o xxi_o p._n 394_o the_o author_n vindication_n of_o his_o interpretation_n of_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 29._o praef._n errata_fw-la page_n 18._o l._n 28._o for_o ahaz_n read_v hezekiah_n p._n 37._o l._n 15._o for_o end_n r._n err_v p._n 99_o l._n 8._o deal_n not_o p._n 151._o l._n 15._o deal_n not_o p._n 212._o l._n 30._o r._n with_o ham._n and_o l._n 26_o 27._o correct_v the_o hebrew_n word_n and_o do_v the_o same_o in_o other_o place_n p._n 227._o l._n 21._o r._n unutterable_a p._n 238._o l._n 11._o r._n on_o p._n 241._o l._n 9_o r._n deus_fw-la be_v p._n 248._o l._n 18._o r._n ex_fw-la aetheris_fw-la l._n ult_n for_o that_o r._n at_o other_o time_n p._n 250._o l._n 17._o r._n martinius_n p._n 255._o l._n 26._o r._n tornare_fw-la p._n 334._o marg._n quotation_n misplace_v p._n 349._o marg._n 3_o last_o line_n put_v apolog._n 2._o add_v senator_n after_o the_o quotation_n sed_fw-la cum_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o put_v b_o before_o adu._n gent._n p._n 363._o l._n 33._o r._n other_o pagan_n p._n 364._o l._n 26._o r._n silver_n lock_n p._n 376._o l._n 11._o deal_n cit_v the_o same_o testimony_n and._n p._n 411._o l._n 7_o &_o 10._o r._n cedrenus_n what_o other_o fault_n have_v escape_v the_o reader_n be_v desire_v to_o correct_v advertisement_n a_fw-la enquiry_n into_o several_a remarkable_a text_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o with_o a_o probable_a resolution_n of_o they_o by_o john_n edward_n b._n d._n in_o two_o volume_n in_o octavo_n sell_v by_o i._o robinson_n i._o everingham_n and_o i._o wyatt_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o ludgate-street_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._n the_o internal_a testimony_n or_o argument_n to_o evince_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n 1._o the_o matter_n of_o they_o that_o be_v the_o sublime_a verity_n the_o holy_a rule_n the_o accomplish_v prophecy_n contain_v in_o they_o under_o which_o last_n topick_n several_a particular_a prediction_n chief_o in_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v explain_v and_o show_v to_o be_v fulfil_v further_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o foretell_v of_o future_a contingence_n of_o that_o nature_n especial_o so_o long_o before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v can_v be_v from_o god_n only_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o these_o write_n which_o be_v peculiar_a as_o to_o their_o simplicity_n majesty_n and_o their_o be_v immediate_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o their_o harmony_n 4._o the_o particular_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o have_v choose_v a_o very_a noble_a and_o important_a subject_n to_o exercise_v my_o pen_n and_o to_o entertain_v both_o my_o own_o and_o the_o reader_n be_v thought_n and_o contemplation_n with_o for_o no_o book_n under_o heaven_n can_v possible_o be_v the_o rival_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n none_o in_o the_o world_n can_v pretend_v to_o the_o transcendent_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o these_o sacred_a write_n here_o not_o only_o all_o natural_a or_o mor●●_n religion_n but_o that_o also_o which_o be_v supernatural_a be_v ful●ly_o and_o ample_o contain_v here_o be_v the_o decalogue_n write_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o transcribe_v out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v frequent_o intersperse_v in_o these_o write_n other_o choice_n rul●●_n and_o precept_n of_o morality_n but_o supernatural_a religion_n be_v the_o chief_a this_o be_v the_o main_a subject_n of_o th●●_n sacred_a volume_n and_o this_o you_o will_v find_v partly_o de●livered_v by_o the_o inspire_a prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o partly_o by_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o in_o per●son_n and_o by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o these_o holy_a scripture_n i_o be_o t●_n treat_v which_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o truth_n the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o the_o ground_n work_v of_o all_o divinity_n for_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deliver'●_n in_o sacred_a writ_n we_o must_v necessary_o be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o and_o know_v in_o the_o ●irst_n place_n that_o it_o i●_n true_a and_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v so_o if_o a●●_n estate_n be_v give_v a_o person_n by_o will_n he_o must_v fir●●_n prove_v that_o instrument_n to_o be_v true_a and_o authentic●●_n before_o he_o can_v challenge_v any_o right_n to_o what_o be_v demise_v he_o in_o it_o so_o it_o be_v here_o god_n bequeath_v we_o a●_n inheritance_n i._n e._n life_n and_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o testament_n wherein_o this_o be_v plain_o express_v and_o whereby_o it_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o especial_o th●_n write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n deseru●_v that_o name_n and_o thence_o be_v style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o greek_a word_n which_o in_o its_o original_a
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 thereby_o they_o sometime_o set_v up_o judaisme_n against_o christianity_n but_o this_o be_v do_v without_o corrupt_a th●_n hebrew_n copy_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v express_o assert_v and_o maintain_v by_o jerom_n and_o 11._o augustine_n two_o ancient_a father_n of_o a_o great_a fame_n for_o learning_n and_o piety_n as_o those_o before_o name_v these_o worthy_a person_n refute_v that_o suspicion_n and_o rumour_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v then_o rise_v namely_o that_o th●_n jew_n have_v adulterate_v the_o hebrew_n text._n these_o father_n not_o only_o declare_v that_o they_o do_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o they_o praise_v they_o for_o their_o faithfulness_n in_o preserve_v the_o bible_n pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a then_o as_o to_o some_o of_o the_o modern_n who_o have_v assert_v the_o hebrew_a copy_n to_o be_v faulty_a and_o deprave_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v what_o it_o be_v that_o prompt_v they_o to_o it_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v corrupt_v and_o so_o be_v that_o of_o the_o septuagint_n say_v the_o romanist_n but_o the_o old_a vulgar_a latin_a be_v uncorrupt_a and_o infallible_a so_o determine_v the_o tridentine_a council_n huntlaeus_n several_a of_o that_o communion_n have_v write_v against_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n and_o labour_v to_o prove_v they_o corrupt_v but_o diatribe_n morinus_n have_v show_v himself_o more_o zealous_a than_o all_o of_o they_o in_o this_o point_n and_o he_o frank_o confess_v this_o be_v his_o main_a design_n in_o it_o viz._n to_o baffle_v the_o protestant_n who_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o manner_n if_o the_o original_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v lose_v and_o the_o transcript_n be_v defective_a and_o erroneous_a how_o can_v the_o bible_n be_v a_o certain_a rule_n what_o will_v become_v then_o of_o the_o
that_o the_o gentile_n relate_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o this_o do_v that_o the_o great_a truth_n and_o notable_a history_n notion_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o profane_a write_n but_o take_v from_o these_o sacred_a one_o the_o heathen_n borrow_v many_o of_o their_o rite_n and_o usage_n from_o tradition_n which_o be_v found_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o derive_v many_o thing_n in_o their_o religion_n and_o manner_n from_o these_o sacred_a fountain_n though_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o they_o have_v labour_v to_o pollute_v they_o but_o i_o will_v make_v it_o clear_a and_o manifest_a that_o they_o fetch_v they_o thence_o and_o i_o will_v abundant_o prove_v that_o most_o of_o the_o chief_a thing_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v attest_v both_o by_o the_o fable_n and_o the_o serious_a history_n of_o the_o pagan_n there_o have_v be_v some_o high-flier_n i_o know_v who_o have_v carry_v on_o this_o notion_n to_o a_o ridiculous_a extravagancy_n thus_o 216._o zimmeranus_fw-la speak_v of_o a_o odd_a christiano_n capuchin_n who_o have_v vent_v very_o wild_a thing_n in_o prosecute_a this_o argument_n viz._n that_o the_o gentile_a mystery_n be_v take_v from_o the_o true_a god_n and_o from_o the_o scripture_n inspire_v by_o he_o and_o one_o jacob●_n hugo_n in_o his_o historia_fw-la romana_fw-la be_v quote_v by_o the_o same_o person_n as_o very_o extravagant_a in_o this_o kind_n for_o he_o hold_v that_o the_o roman_a story_n be_v a_o narrative_a of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n pious_a aeneas_n be_v st._n peter_n and_o his_o sail_v from_o troy_n to_o latium_n be_v the_o story_n of_o st._n peter_n leave_v the_o chair_n at_o antioch_n and_o go_v to_o rome_n homer_n and_o virgil_n heroic_a poem_n be_v a_o account_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o shipwreck_n and_o misfortune_n which_o this_o latter_a meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n ilium_n or_o aelia_n be_v jerusalem_n that_o be_v the_o name_n which_o aelius_n adrianus_n give_v it_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o jewish_a war_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v contain_v in_o homer_n iliad_n and_o so_o be_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o whole_a gospel_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o romulus_n and_o remus_n signify_v the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n the_o founder_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o more_o extravagant_o yet_o he_o go_v on_o tell_v we_o that_o diana_n signify_v the_o holy_a trinity_n curtius_n on_o horseback_n swallow_v up_o in_o the_o lake_n be_v the_o virgin_n mary_n who_o temple_n be_v see_v there_o in_o the_o marketplace_n at_o rome_n with_o this_o inscription_n d._n virgin_n templum_fw-la à_fw-la poenis_fw-la inferni_fw-la liberantis_fw-la and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o of_o such_o stuff_n this_o hugo_n have_v which_o no_o man_n of_o consideration_n and_o sense_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v indeed_o such_o wild_a and_o far-fetched_a conceit_n may_v be_v just_o entertain_v with_o laughter_n and_o contempt_n nor_o do_v i_o look_v upon_o some_o thing_n which_o some_o other_o of_o more_o compose_a thought_n mention_v as_o any_o real_a testimony_n give_v to_o the_o scripture_n they_o strange_o fancy_v a_o affinity_n between_o scripture_n and_o paganism_n between_o what_o they_o read_v in_o the_o one_o and_o what_o they_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o other_o though_o there_o be_v no_o cognation_n at_o all_o thus_o the_o greek_a fable_n of_o minerva_n be_v the_o offspring_n of_o jove_n brain_n take_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o eternal_a and_o ineffable_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n say_v a_o generib_o learned_a man_n and_o isis_n the_o egyptian_a goddess_n be_v say_v he_o ishah_n mulier_fw-la or_o virgo_fw-la i._n e._n the_o virgin_n mary_n from_o a_o tradition_n among_o they_o that_o a_o virgin_n shoul●_n bring_v forth_o a_o son_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o redeemer_n 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n and_o i_o can_v mention_v other_o who●●_n name_n be_v better_o know_v who_o have_v be_v too_o extravagant_a in_o this_o kind_n carry_v the_o notion_n on_o to●_n far_o and_o strong_o fancy_v every_o thing_n almo●●_n which_o they_o meet_v with_o in_o pagan_a story_n to_o hau●_n some_o reference_n to_o and_o be_v take_v from_o the_o hol●_n scripture_n but_o i_o shall_v very_o industrious_o avo●●_n this_o vanity_n and_o folly_n and_o only_o represent_v to_o the_o curious_a and_o critical_a reader_n those_o passage_n in_o pag●●_n writer_n which_o with_o great_a probability_n and_o reaso●_n we_o may_v conclude_v to_o have_v be_v take_v from_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o let_v you_o see_v the_o sacred_a history_n of_o the_o bible_n eve●_n through_o the_o fable_n and_o feign_a story_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o thereby_o confirm_v you_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o that_o sacred_a history_n whence_o they_o be_v take_v 1._o to_o begin_v first_o where_o all_o thing_n begin_v the_o creation_n this_o as_o it_o be_v particular_o describe_v i●_n the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n be_v plain_o to_o be_v find_v in_o pagan_a author_n who_o without_o doubt_n have_v it_o fro●_n this_o first_o entrance_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o though_o a_o man_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v know_v that_o the_o world_n have_v a_o beginning_n yet_o this_o particular_a way_n of_o its_o beginning_n as_o it_o be_v there_o set_v down_o can_v not_o be_v attain_v to_o but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n wherefore_o it_o be_v rational_o to_o be_v assert_v that_o the_o paga●●_n take_v this_o notion_n from_o god_n reveal_v will_n in_o scripture_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o do_v hereby_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n the_o gen●r●●_n opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a gentile_n be_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v out_o of_o a_o precede_a chaos_n which_o they_o represent_v to_o be_v a_o rude_a disorder_a and_o indigested_a mass_n of_o matter_n reduce_v to_o no_o shape_n and_o form_n sanconiathon_n the_o phoenician_n historian_n so_o much_o praise_v by_o porphyrius_n the_o philosopher_n in_o 5._o eusebius_n make_v mention_n of_o this_o chaos_n as_o the_o source_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o his_o fragment_n of_o phoenician_n theology_n the_o ancient_a poet_n orpheus_n hold_v that_o this_o chaos_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o theogon_n hesiod_n agree_v with_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o chaos_n be_v that_o out_o of_o which_o all_o body_n be_v make_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n it_o be_v describe_v by_o 1._o ovid_n after_o this_o manner_n ante_fw-la mare_fw-la &_o terras_fw-la &_o quod_fw-la tegit_fw-la omne_fw-la coelum_fw-la vnus_fw-la erat_fw-la toto_fw-la naturae_fw-la vultus_fw-la in_o orbe_fw-la quem_fw-la dixere_fw-la chaos_n etc._n etc._n where_o in_o forty_o or_o ●ifty_a pair_n of_o good_a smooth_a verse_n he_o most_o excellent_o describe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o thing_n and_o make_v the_o very_a chaos_n beautiful_a this_o be_v the_o same_o with_o hyle_n the_o first_o original_a matter_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o poet_n demogorgon_n which_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o shapeless_a lump_n of_o the_o chaos_n and_o in_o the_o phoenician_n language_n we_o may_v find_v it_o in_o the_o very_a sound_n of_o the_o word_n thoth_v and_o bau_n which_o be_v but_o a_o small_a variation_n from_o tohu_n and_o bohu_n in_o the_o hebrew_n text_n the_o same_o with_o chaos_n among_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n this_o be_v found_v on_o those_o word_n of_o moses_n gen._n 1._o 2._o the_o earth_n be_v without_o form_n and_o void_a and_o darkness_n be_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a this_o dark_a and_o formless_a heap_n of_o water_n and_o earth_n mingle_v together_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o fi●_n element_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v afterwards_o hence_o spring_v the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v now_o shape_a 〈◊〉_d model_v from_o this_o account_n which_o moses_n giu_v here_o of_o the_o creation_n the_o old_a pagan_a theologer_n i._o e._n the_o pocts_n make_v the_o ocean_n to_o be_v the_o origin_n of_o all_o generation_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o th●_n if_o you_o give_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o it_o that_o th●_n moist_a and_o fluid_a matter_n give_v beginning_n to_o all_o bod●_n that_o be_v orpheus_n own_a this_o hypothesis_n calli●●_n the_o ocean_n the_o parent_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o one_o of_o 〈◊〉_d hymn_n and_o out_o of_o some_o other_o piece_n of_o 〈◊〉_d work_n the_o same_o may_v be_v prove_v homer_n 〈◊〉_d the_o like_a assert_v the_o ocean_n to_o be_v the_o antiente_a of_o the_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o again_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d iliad_n on_o which_o word_n the_o scholiast_n give_v this_o reason_n
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
these_o be_v spread_v over_o all_o the_o east_n and_o so_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o poet_n as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o light_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o make_v thence_o their_o comparison_n of_o the_o four_o age_n to_o the_o four_o metal_n eight_o the_o heathen_n have_v their_o god_n from_o scripture_n i_o have_v partly_o show_v already_o that_o some_o of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o other_o person_n in_o the_o sacred_a record_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o poet_n under_o other_o name_n than_o what_o the_o holy_a writ_n give_v they_o now_o i_o will_v show_v that_o they_o be_v often_o represent_v under_o the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o the_o poet_n especial_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o a_o inquisitive_a eye_n that_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n afford_v the_o pagan_a world_n the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o ancient_a god_n and_o goddess_n first_o to_o begin_v with_o adam_n he_o without_o doubt_n be_v saturn_n of_o who_o the_o poet_n relate_v that_o his_o father_n be_v coelus_n and_o his_o mother_n tellus_n that_o he_o rule_v over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o be_v supreme_a sovereign_n that_o under_o he_o be_v the_o golden-age_n that_o afterward_o he_o be_v expel_v his_o kingdom_n and_o depose_v from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n he_o have_v and_o that_o he_o find_v out_o agriculture_n answerable_o to_o which_o adam_n be_v call_v 38._o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o poet_n be_v son_n of_o coelus_n beside_o he_o be_v form_v by_o god_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v both_o the_o son_n of_o go●_n and_o of_o the_o earth_n adam_n be_v the_o first_o ruler_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n under_o he_o be_v the_o golden-age_n or_o happy_a state_n in_o paradise_n which_o all_o man_n may_v have_v enjoy_v if_o he_o have_v not_o fall_v but_o he_o fall_v and_o lose_v his_o empire_n and_o be_v expel_v that_o bless_a place_n he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o till_v the_o ground_n and_o teach_v man_n husbandry_n beside_o i_o have_v this_o to_o add_v that_o saturn_n be_v the_o same_o with_o time_n for_o by_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o change_n of_o a_o letter_n be_v call_v 12._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o they_o be_v synonimous_a and_o adam_n well_o deserve_v that_o name_n be_v the_o elder_a of_o all_o man_n and_o because_o time_n begin_v from_o he_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a i_o think_v and_o moreover_o the_o name_n of_o saturn_n may_v be_v give_v to_o adam_n from_o satar_n latere_fw-la because_o after_o his_o fall_n from_o that_o happy_a state_n he_o have_v be_v in_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o like_o a_o guilty_a malefactor_n he_o flee_v for_o it_o and_o hide_v himself_o in_o the_o garden_n gen._n 3._o 10._o hence_o saturnus_n be_v the_o same_o with_o latius_fw-la as_o vossius_fw-la observe_v and_o the_o place_n which_o of_o old_a be_v call_v saturnia_n be_v afterward_o call_v latium_n as_o virgil_n and_o other_o testify_v thus_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o 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jew_n that_o other_o great_a philosopher_n as_o solon_n democritus_n heraclitus_n etc._n etc._n travel_v into_o egypt_n and_o babylon_n be_v testify_v by_o diogenes_n laertius_n in_o their_o life_n the_o same_o be_v attest_v by_o ult_n diodorus_n concern_v orpheus_n musaeus_n homer_n lycurgus_n and_o other_o wise_a grecian_n viz._n that_o they_o go_v and_o visit_v those_o foreign_a part_n and_o thence_o come_v furnish_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v learn_v in_o those_o country_n the_o like_a be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o 1._o christian_a father_n who_o also_o add_v that_o those_o chief_a philosopher_n of_o greece_n when_o they_o sojourn_v among_o the_o egyptian_n learn_v many_o thing_n of_o their_o priest_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v among_o they_o and_o there_o they_o peruse_v the_o mosaic_a write_n which_o be_v of_o great_a account_n among_o some_o of_o they_o hence_o the_o religion_n rite_n and_o practice_n record_v in_o those_o book_n be_v divulge_v and_o spread_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n indeed_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o this_o will_v happen_v for_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o people_n so_o renown_v for_o religion_n and_o their_o fame_n and_o glory_n be_v every_o where_o celebrate_v it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o that_o foreign_a people_n especial_o the_o most_o philosophical_a and_o inquisitive_a among_o they_o shall_v be_v desirous_a to_o confer_v with_o the_o bible_n or_o jewish_a author_n and_o to_o know_v their_o law_n way_n and_o custom_n and_o that_o whole_a nation_n shall_v be_v forward_o to_o imitate_v and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o this_o be_v more_o than_o prophetical_o intimate_v in_o deut._n 4._o 6._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o the_o nation_n shall_v hear_v all_o those_o excellent_a statute_n give_v to_o the_o jew_n they_o shall_v say_v sure_o this_o great_a nation_n be_v a_o wise_a and_o understand_a people_n if_o the_o pagan_n shall_v so_o admire_v and_o value_v the_o jewish_a custom_n and_o ceremony_n they_o will_v as_o the_o consequent_a of_o that_o imitate_v and_o practice_v they_o thus_o you_o have_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o consonancy_n of_o pagan_a write_n and_o custom_n to_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n you_o see_v how_o they_o be_v derive_v from_o these_o fountain_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o be_o to_o inquire_v how_o the_o scriptural_a story_n and_o truth_n come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v mix_v with_o obscurity_n and_o falsity_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o pagan_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o one_o thing_n be_v put_v for_o another_o and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o hard_o oftentimes_o to_o understand_v what_o they_o deliver_v i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o this_o in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o the_o confusion_n of_o language_n do_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o these_o mistake_v corruption_n and_o falsity_n when_o the_o world_n be_v of_o one_o tongue_n the_o notice_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v impart_v by_o speech_n be_v very_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a when_o they_o all_o join_v in_o one_o language_n they_o can_v easy_o apprehend_v one_o another_o and_o there_o can_v arise_v no_o mistake_n by_o ambiguity_n in_o the_o variety_n of_o word_n but_o upon_o confound_v the_o first_o i_o anguage_n and_o divide_v it_o into_o many_o there_o follow_v a_o great_a disorder_n among_o mankind_n for_o than_o it_o become_v difficult_a to_o understand_v one_o another_o the_o word_n be_v confuse_v the_o conception_n and_o thing_n which_o be_v convey_v to_o man_n by_o those_o word_n be_v also_o confuse_v obscure_a and_o uncertain_a the_o variety_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o word_n beget_v mistake_n and_o confusion_n among_o so_o many_o million_o of_o word_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a
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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solve_v the_o matter_n before_o we_o without_o suppose_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n viz._n by_o hold_v that_o these_o sibylls_n as_o many_o other_o before_o they_o take_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o dress_v they_o up_o after_o their_o own_o fashion_n all_o thing_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o this_o opinion_n and_o we_o be_v press_v with_o no_o absurdity_n insomuch_o that_o i_o have_v wonder_v sometime_o that_o this_o have_v not_o be_v think_v of_o by_o the_o inquisitive_a this_o be_v yet_o a_o far_a evidence_n of_o what_o i_o so_o large_o pursue_v before_o that_o the_o gentile_n insert_v into_o their_o write_n several_a particular●_n of_o the_o old-testament_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o evangelical_n write_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o offer_v second_o then_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o sibylls_n oracle_n and_o verse_n as_o they_o be_v a_o 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
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 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〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o stola_fw-la signify_v sedile_n we_o shall_v be_v incline_v to_o fetch_v stool_n thence_o we_o shall_v have_v derive_v smoke_n from_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o it_o have_v signify_v any_o thing_n like_o fumus_fw-la and_o so_o a_o spade_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o spado_fw-la nay_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d denote_v any_o thing_n like_o placenta_n or_o laganum_fw-la we_o then_o shall_v have_v vouch_v even_o our_o english_a word_n of_o that_o sound_n to_o be_v derive_v from_o it_o finis_fw-la book_n sell_v by_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n the_o glorious_a epiphany_n with_o the_o devout_a christian_n love_n to_o it_o the_o second_o edition_n octavo_fw-la search_v the_o scripture_n a_o treatise_n show_v that_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n with_o direction_n to_o they_o therein_o twelve_o a_o discourse_n concern_v prayer_n especial_o of_o frequent_v the_o daily_a public_a prayer_n twelve_o all_o three_o by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n patrick_n now_o lord_n bishop_n of_o ely_n the_o old_a religion_n demonstrate_v in_o the_o principle_n and_o describe_v in_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n thereof_o by_o i._o goodman_n d._n d._n the_o second_o edition_n twelve_o imprimatur_fw-la april_n 6._o 1694._o carolus_n alston_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc._n lond._n à_fw-la sacris_fw-la a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n ii_o wherein_o the_o author_n be_v former_a underta_n king_n be_v further_o prosecute_v viz._n a_o enquiry_n into_o several_a remarkable_a text_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o with_o a_o probable_a resolution_n of_o they_o by_o john_n edward_n b._n d._n sometime_o fellow_n of_o st._n john_n college_n in_o cambridge_n london_n print_v by_o i._n d._n for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n and_o john_n wyatt_n at_o the_o rose_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxciv_o imprimatur_fw-la cantab._n oct._n 19_o 1693._o geo._n oxenden_n ll._n d._n procan_n jo._n beaumond_n s._n t._n d._n regius_n theologiae_n professor_n nath._n coga_n s._n t._n d._n aul._n pembr_n custos_fw-la jo._n covell_n s._n t._n d._n coll._n christi_fw-la praefect_n to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n simon_n lord_n bishop_n of_o ely_z my_o lord_n i_o once_o more_o presume_v to_o prefix_v your_o lordship_n name_n which_o be_v so_o great_a and_o celebrate_v to_o my_o obscure_a paper_n thereby_o to_o create_v they_o some_o credit_n and_o to_o derive_v a_o repute_n upon_o myself_o your_o matchless_a pen_n have_v purchase_v you_o a_o last_a renown_n and_o your_o exemplarly_a life_n and_o practice_n have_v add_v a_o far_a glory_n to_o you._n so_o that_o all_o the_o understand_a world_n count_v you_o worthy_a of_o dou●le_a honour_n if_o you_o have_v live_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n you_o will_v 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a_o good_a specimen_fw-la of_o that_o new-invented_n art_n it_o have_v be_v a_o happy_a thing_n if_o the_o press_n have_v proceed_v as_o well_o as_o it_o begin_v if_o book_n of_o use_n and_o worth_n only_o have_v be_v hand_v into_o the_o world_n by_o it_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v that_o there_o be_v another_o use_v too_o often_o make_v of_o this_o invention_n whilst_o too_o many_o man_n that_o be_v master_n of_o no_o other_o conception_n than_o those_o that_o be_v flat_a and_o useless_a or_o else_o erroneous_a and_o pernicious_a take_v the_o pain_n to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v as_o much_o in_o print_n other_o scribble_v to_o satisfy_v a_o certain_a itch_n of_o write_v that_o they_o have_v get_v and_o the_o press_n seldom_o cure_v the_o distemper_n but_o rather_o increase_v it_o other_o mercenary_a soul_n make_v their_o pen_n wag_v for_o bread_n and_o they_o may_v general_o be_v know_v by_o this_o property_n that_o the_o front_n belie_v the_o fabric_n the_o title_n do_v 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say_v the_o jewish_a doctor_n i._n e._n whereas_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unskilful_a corrupt_v the_o text_n and_o deprave_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o he_o come_v and_o heal_v it_o by_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o genuine_a and_o proper_a meaning_n but_o in_o effect_v this_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v tie_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o method_n and_o art_n of_o cure_n which_o other_o have_v use_v before_o he_o some_o superstitious_o confine_v themselves_o to_o one_o man_n critical_a determination_n on_o the_o place_n as_o bishop_n montague_n say_v of_o mr._n selden_n they_o take_v a_o grammarian_n for_o a_o god_n they_o do_v so_o in_o the_o worst_a sense_n they_o deify_v criticism_n they_o idolize_v a_o expositor_n and_o fall_v down_o to_o his_o particular_a interpretation_n but_o we_o must_v be_v more_o catholic_n and_o generous_n if_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sacred_a text_n and_o if_o we_o will_v be_v intimate_o acquaint_v 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saviour_n the_o world_n be_v go_v after_o he_o john_n 12._o 19_o which_o only_o express_v the_o vast_a number_n of_o people_n that_o flock_v to_o he_o wheresoever_o he_o go_v such_o be_v the_o style_n here_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v contain_v etc._n etc._n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n must_v in_o a_o manner_n have_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o their_o write_n concern_v christ_n the_o book_n will_v have_v be_v so_o numerous_a that_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v scarce_o have_v hold_v they_o that_o be_v in_o plain_a term_n there_o must_v have_v be_v a_o incredible_a number_n of_o book_n to_o have_v contain_v all_o those_o matter_n there_o be_v many_o other_o instance_n of_o this_o hyperbolical_a manner_n of_o speak_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n but_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o give_v you_o a_o taste_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a figurative_a expression_n in_o order_n to_o your_o being_n better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o 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man_n in_o thy_o youth_n etc._n etc._n eccles._n 11._o 9_o which_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v more_o particular_o suit_v here_o to_o the_o humour_n and_o genius_n of_o the_o young_a man_n who_o fashion_n be_v immoderate_o to_o scoff_n and_o to_o entertain_v himself_o and_o other_o with_o pleasantry_n and_o drollery_n but_o that_o he_o may_v see_v that_o this_o be_v intend_v as_o a_o rebuke_n to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o solomon_n be_v serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n notwithstanding_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o verse_n know_v that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v thou_o to_o judgement_n and_o he_o that_o consider_v that_o will_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o rejoice_v i._n e._n to_o be_v loose_a and_o inordinate_a in_o his_o mirth_n but_o rather_o to_o be_v sober_a and_o retire_a and_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o judgement_n and_o to_o set_v about_o so_o great_a a_o task_n betimes_o and_o not_o fond_o 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suffice_v to_o have_v mention_v the_o forego_v one_o the_o explain_v of_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v figurative_a and_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v gather_v that_o these_o divine_a write_n come_v not_o short_a of_o the_o most_o applaud_v piece_n of_o the_o greek_a or_o latin_a orator_n for_o here_o be_v those_o very_a scheme_n and_o mode_n of_o speech_n which_o embellish_v those_o author_n work_n here_o be_v all_o the_o grace_n and_o elegancy_n which_o enrich_v and_o adorn_v they_o therefore_o in_o that_o place_n beforementioned_a where_o origen_n say_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o write_v polite_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o that_o be_v not_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o those_o write_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v pursue_v general_o there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o high_a design_n yet_o in_o many_o place_n there_o be_v very_o excellent_a strain_n 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because_o adam_n may_v have_v more_o child_n than_o cain_n and_o his_o wife_n though_o they_o be_v not_o mention_v and_o these_o child_n may_v have_v son_n and_o daughter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o mankind_n be_v then_o considerable_o increase_v he_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n who_o know_v not_o this_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v suppose_v other_o be_v touch_v upon_o only_a and_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v full_o set_v down_o and_o sometime_o repeat_v i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v do_v though_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o at_o all_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n and_o those_o very_a considerable_a as_o the_o creation_n of_o angel_n the_o covenant_n enter_v into_o between_o god_n and_o our_o first_o parent_n the_o celebrate_n of_o the_o seven_o day_n the_o institute_v of_o sacrifice_n and_o such_o like_a be_v omit_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n and_o when_o you_o observe_v that_o moses_n in_o the_o six_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n and_o those_o but_o brief_a one_o comprise_v the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o creation_n to_o the_o flood_n i._n e._n the_o transaction_n of_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o upward_a you_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o vast_a num●er_n of_o passage_n which_o happen_v in_o that_o time_n be_v whole_o leave_v out_o this_o in_o part_n we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o some_o particular_a thing_n be_v mention_v that_o refer_v to_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o we_o find_v they_o not_o name_v there_o as_o enoch_n prophecy_n concern_v the_o last_o judgement_n be_v speak_v of_o by_o st._n jude_n ver_fw-la 14._o but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o it_o in_o that_o place_n of_o genesis_n which_o speak_v of_o he_o the_o particular_a person_n that_o withstand_v moses_n viz._n jannes_n and_o jambres_n be_v mention_v in_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 8._o but_o their_o name_n be_v not_o set_v down_o in_o exodus_fw-la which_o be_v the_o proper_a place_n for_o they_o the_o famous_a contra_v of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a angel_n about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n i._n e._n the_o bury_n of_o it_o be_v record_v by_o st._n jude_n ver_fw-la 9_o but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o it_o in_o deut._n 34._o where_o there_o be_v particular_a mention_n of_o his_o bury_n ver_fw-la 6._o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o many_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o those_o time_n concern_v which_o moses_n write_v or_o whosoever_o it_o be_v that_o make_v a_o supplement_n to_o his_o write_n which_o be_v not_o record_v nor_o be_v we_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o sacred_a history_n for_o this_o for_o if_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o a_o historian_n as_o one_o who_o be_v such_o acquaint_v we_o halicarn_n to_o know_v what_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o history_n and_o what_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v pass_v in_o silence_n to_o know_v from_o whence_o to_o take_v his_o beginning_n and_o how_o far_o he_o be_v to_o go_v certain_o moses_n who_o be_v skilled_a in_o all_o other_o learning_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o who_o moreover_o be_v a_o inspire_a person_n know_v what_o belong_v to_o this_o part_n of_o a_o historian_n insert_v into_o the_o pentateuch_n those_o thing_n only_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n think_v fit_a to_o be_v commit_v to_o writing_n and_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v exceed_v numerous_a be_v pass_v by_o but_o though_o they_o be_v so_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n whole_o to_o disbelieve_v they_o but_o where_o they_o be_v fair_o intimate_v or_o suppose_v in_o the_o sacred_a history_n we_o ought_v to_o credit_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v particular_o and_o express_o mention_v thus_o in_o the_o present_a case_n though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o record_v in_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n that_o there_o be_v any_o more_o person_n at_o that_o time_n on_o the_o earth_n than_o those_o four_o yet_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n because_o we_o know_v that_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n be_v very_o short_a and_o contract_v and_o be_v wont_a to_o leave_v out_o several_a considerable_a thing_n which_o we_o of_o ourselves_o may_v gather_v and_o infer_v from_o what_o be_v in_o express_a term_n set_v down_o there_o may_v then_o be_v and_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o there_o be_v more_o people_n in_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n than_o those_o who_o name_n we_o meet_v with_o moses_n give_v we_o but_o two_o genealogy_n one_o of_o cain_n the_o other_o of_o seth_n but_o it_o be_v likely_a there_o be_v some_o other_o descent_n whereby_o adam_n race_n be_v increase_v and_o multiply_v wherefore_o notwithstanding_o the_o samll_a number_n of_o person_n name_v by_o this_o writer_n it_o be_v rational_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o live_v on_o the_o earth_n we_o read_v present_o after_o ver_fw-la 17._o that_o cain_n build_v a_o city_n which_o will_v employ_v a_o considerable_a number_n of_o man_n yea_o though_o we_o suppose_v it_o to_o consist_v of_o some_o rude_a and_o slight_a structure_n and_o wall_v perhaps_o with_o mud._n this_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o number_n of_o person_n be_v great_a than_o the_o objector_n imagine_v beside_o cain_n and_o his_o wife_n there_o may_v be_v many_o other_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o adam_n and_o there_o may_v be_v many_o son_n of_o abel_n who_o this_o murderer_n may_v just_o fear_v will_v avenge_v their_o father_n blood_n wherefore_o cain_n have_v reason_n to_o say_v every_o one_o that_o find_v i_o shall_v slay_v i_o but_o s●condly_o not_o grant_v but_o only_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v th●n_o no_o more_o person_n in_o the_o world_n than_o adam_n and_o eve_n and_o their_o ungracious_a son_n cain_n and_o his_o wife_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v that_o he_o cry_v out_o every_o one_o that_o find_v m●_n etc._n etc._n for_o this_o be_v to_o be_v think_v of_o that_o his_o guilty_a conscience_n be_v able_a to_o make_v more_o man_n in_o the_o world_n than_o there_o be_v this_o vile_a murderer_n may_v be_v afraid_a of_o his_o life_n although_o w●_n shall_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n to_o take_v it_o away_o th●_n inward_a fear_n and_o horror_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n can_v present_v those_o thing_n to_o his_o imagination_n which_o real_o be_v not_o and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a if_o he_o fancy_v every_o where_o assassin_n and_o murderer_n as_o the_o just_a recompe●sers_n of_o that_o innocent_a and_o righteous_a blood_n which_o he_o have_v most_o barbarous_o spill_v it_o be_v weak_o say_v by_o some_o in_o behalf_n of_o cain_n that_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o kill_v his_o ●●other_n although_o he_o purpose_v to_o do_v he_o some_o har●_n because_o a●_n error_n one_o represent_v their_o opinion_n he_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o kill_v or_o no_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o mortality_n have_v never_o see_v a_o example_n of_o it_o but_o though_o he_o have_v not_o see_v such_o a_o example_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v thence_o that_o he_o understand_v not_o what_o death_n or_o kill_v be_v for_o than_o it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v say_v that_o adam_n know_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o god_n word_n when_o he_o say_v to_o he_o thou_o shall_v die_v 〈◊〉_d death_n b●caus●_n at_o that_o time_n he_o have_v no_o example_n of_o it_o before_o his_o eye_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v that_o ●h●re_n be_v example_n of_o it_o though_o not_o in_o his_o own_o kind_n for_o it_o be_v likely_a he_o daily_o behold_v his_o father_n adam_n slay_v of_o sheep_n or_o other_o animal_n in_o order_n to_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o they_o for_o sacrifice_v be_v the_o first_o worship_n in_o the_o world_n and_o he_o see_v his_o brother_n abel_n do_v the_o like_a as_o be_v express_o record_v in_o this_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o offer_v the_o firstling_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o of_o the_o fat_a thereof_o ver_fw-la 4._o which_o he_o can_v not_o do_v without_o kill_v they_o f●rst_o so_o that_o cain_n have_v a_o example_n of_o kill_v and_o death_n just_a before_o he_o practise_v the_o same_o on_o his_o brother_n yea_o perhaps_o ●he_v one_o suggest_v to_o he_o the_o other_o and_o be_v enrage_v with_o anger_n against_o his_o brother_n he_o resolve_v that_o he_o shall_v fall_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o his_o fury_n and_o this_o bloody_a fact_n of_o he_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o excuse_n because_o it_o be_v the_o product_n of_o perfect_a malice_n as_o appear_v from_o that_o account_n
the_o watch-tower_n eat_v drink_v arise_v you_o prince_n anoint_v the_o shield_n express_v the_o speediness_n of_o the_o preparation_n make_v for_o babylon_n fall_n they_o be_v so_o order_v that_o the_o quickness_n of_o the_o dispatch_n be_v signify_v by_o they_o there_o be_v six_o part_n or_o division_n in_o this_o verse_n without_o a_o copulative_a mere_o to_o signify_v the_o celerity_n of_o the_o undertake_n and_o the_o vision_n wherein_o this_o speedy_a ruin_n of_o that_o nation_n be_v foretell_v be_v thus_o represent_v v_o 7._o he_o see_v a_o chariot_n a_o couple_n of_o horseman_n a_o chariot_n of_o ass_n a_o chariot_n of_o camel_n there_o be_v expedition_n in_o the_o very_a word_n there_o be_v no_o conjunctive_a particle_n to_o retard_v they_o you_o may_v in_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o the_o word_n perceive_v the_o chariot_n run_v speedy_o but_o if_o we_o look_v into_o those_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v strict_o and_o proper_o poetical_a that_o be_v which_o consist_v of_o certain_a measure_n and_o number_n we_o shall_v find_v example_n of_o this_o sort_n very_o frequent_o the_o egyptian_n furious_a pursuit_n after_o the_o israelite_n be_v thus_o express_v in_o moses_n song_n exod._n 15._o 9_o i_o will_v pursue_v i_o will_v overtake_v etc._n etc._n where_o there_o be_v ●ix_v verb_n denote_v action_n and_o expedition_n and_o not_o one_o conjunction_n between_o they_o in_o the_o conciseness_n and_o roundness_n of_o the_o word_n especial_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o original_a which_o be_v more_o emphatic_a we_o may_v discern_v the_o speediness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o speak_v of_o the_o like_a may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o song_n of_o deborah_n judg._n 5._o and_o in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o psalm_n and_o the_o lamentation_n thus_o if_o we_o will_v be_v very_o curious_a we_o may_v parallel_v the_o inspire_a poetry_n with_o that_o of_o the_o best_a master_n in_o that_o art_n among_o the_o gentile_n but_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o mean_a in_o respect_n of_o those_o weighty_a one_o wherein_o the_o bible_n excellency_n do_v appear_v i_o have_v not_o insert_v they_o or_o any_o other_o observation_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n into_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v my_o design_n to_o mention_v only_o those_o particular_n which_o be_v of_o universal_a use_n and_o which_o may_v without_o exception_n be_v acceptable_a to_o all_o person_n who_o have_v a_o due_a esteem_n either_o of_o true_a learning_n or_o piety_n those_o who_o value_v the_o former_a and_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o will_v most_o ready_o give_v their_o suffrage_n here_o and_o proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n that_o scripture-learning_n outvie_v all_o other_o that_o the_o original_a of_o most_o art_n and_o science_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v hence_o that_o a_o library_n without_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o imperfect_a thing_n those_o who_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o latter_a will_v be_v as_o forward_o to_o assert_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o this_o sacred_a volume_n for_o here_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v devout_a and_o pious_a who_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o this_o wherefore_o when_o with_o a_o become_a regret_n i_o see_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n be_v general_o lose_v among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n i_o apprehend_v that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o retrieve_v it_o be_v to_o read_v and_o peruse_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v with_o success_n i_o think_v it_o requisite_a to_o set_v forth_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n that_o thence_o person_n may_v be_v effectual_o invite_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o it_o and_o i_o hope_v how_o mean_o soever_o i_o have_v perform_v this_o task_n some_o who_o light_n upon_o these_o paper_n will_v from_o they_o be_v inspire_v with_o a_o hearty_a regard_n and_o reverence_n a_o entire_a love_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n and_o be_v reminded_a from_o what_o be_v here_o suggest_v to_o converse_v more_o intimate_o with_o it_o themselves_o and_o to_o encourage_v other_o to_o follow_v their_o example_n this_o will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n make_v a_o great_a change_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o bible_n itself_o will_v be_v read_v in_o the_o life_n and_o behaviour_n of_o mankind_n wherefore_o with_o great_a seriousness_n and_o importunity_n i_o request_v the_o reader_n that_o he_o will_v entertain_v such_o thought_n and_o persuasion_n as_o these_o that_o bible-learning_n be_v the_o high_a accomplishment_n that_o this_o book_n be_v the_o most_o valuable_a of_o any_o upon_o earth_n that_o here_o be_v a_o library_n in_o on_o single_a volume_n that_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o though_o all_o the_o library_n and_o book_n in_o the_o world_n be_v destroy_v and_o this_o be_v the_o grand_a truth_n which_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o follow_a paper_n a_o catalogue_n of_o most_o of_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v interpret_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n according_a to_o the_o author_n be_v particular_a judgement_n genesis_n the_o whole_a first_o chapter_n page_z 3_o ●_o chap._n 3._o v._n 7._o they_o make_v themselves_o apron_n what_o the_o word_n c●agoroth_n signify_v p._n 235_o ver._n 21._o unto_o they_o the_o lord_n god_n make_v coat_n of_o skin_n why_o so_o call_v p._n 237_o ch._n 4._o v._n 20._o jabal_n be_v the_o father_n of_o such_o as_o dwell_v in_o tent_n p._n 112_o ch._n 18._o v._n 7._o he_o take_v the_o calf_n which_o he_o have_v dress_v and_o set_v it_o before_o they_o p._n 117_o ch._n 24._o v._n 22._o the_o man_n take_v a_o golden_a ear-ring_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o nezem_n zahab_n p._n 242_o ch._n 50._o v._n 2._o joseph_n command_v the_o physician_n rophim_n to_o embalm_v his_o father_n the_o large_a extent_n of_o that_o word_n be_v full_o show_v p._n 187_o exodus_fw-la ch._n 21._o v._n 7._o his_o master_n shall_v bore_v his_o ear_n through_o with_o a_o awl_n and_o he_o shall_v serve_v he_o for_o ever_o p._n 247_o number_n ch._n 21._o v._n 14._o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n beside_o several_a other_o text_n from_o which_o some_o endeavour_n to_o infer_v that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o write_n belong_v to_o the_o bible_n be_v lose_v p._n 453_o joshua_n ch._n 2._o v._n 4._o the_o woman_n take_v the_o two_o man_n and_o hide_v they_o p._n 153_o ch._n 7._o v._n 26._o they_o raise_v over_o he_o a_o great_a heap_n of_o stone_n p._n 280_o ch._n 23._o v._n 2._o joshua_n call_v for_o their_o elder_n and_o for_o their_o head_n and_o for_o their_o judge_n and_o their_o officer_n p._n 85_o judge_n ch._n 20._o v._n 16._o there_o be_v seven_o hundred_o choose_a man_n left-handed_a or_o shut_v of_o their_o right_a hand_n p._n 212_o samuel_n book_n i._n ch._n 17._o v._n 6._o he_o have_v a_o target_n cidon_n of_o brass_n between_o his_o shoulder_n p._n 204_o samuel_n book_n ii_o ch._n 1._o v._n 21._o there_o the_o shield_n of_o the_o mighty_a be_v vile_o cast_v away_o the_o shield_n of_o saul_n as_o though_o he_o rather_o it_o have_v not_o be_v anoint_v with_o oil._n p._n 206_o 207_o ch._n 3._o v._n 35._o all_o the_o people_n come_v to_o cause_n david_n to_o eat_v bread_n king_n book_n i._n ch._n 9_o v._n 28._o and_o they_o come_v to_o ophir_n in_o what_o part_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v p._n 194_o chronicle_n book_n ii_o ch._n 21._o v._n 19_o his_o people_n make_v no_o burn_v for_o he_o like_o the_o burn_a of_o his_o father_n p._n 273_o job_n ch._n 1._o v._n 21._o naked_a come_v i_o out_o of_o my_o mother_n womb_n and_o naked_a shall_v i_o return_v thither_o p._n 264_o proverb_n ch._n 1._o v._n 17._o sure_o in_o vain_a be_v the_o net_n spread_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o any_o bird._n p._n 385_o jeremiah_n ch._n 34._o v._n 5._o he_o die_v with_o the_o burn_n of_o his_o father_n p._n 272_o ezekiel_n ch._n 24._o v._n 17._o bind_v the_o tire_n of_o thy_o head_n upon_o thou_o p._n 275_o amos_n ch._n 2._o v._n 8._o they_o lay_v themselves_o down_o upon_o clothes_n p._n 134_o st._n luke_n ch._n 10._o v._n 42._o mary_n have_v choose_v the_o good_a part._n p._n 141_o act_n ch._n 7._o v._n 22._o he_o be_v mighty_a in_o word_n and_o in_o deed_n p._n 312_o etc._n etc._n corinthian_n 1_o epist._n ch._n 5._o v._n 9_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o in_o a_o epistle_n p._n 467_o ch._n 7._o v._n 6._o i_o speak_v this_o of_o permission_n and_o not_o of_o command_n p._n 472_o ver._n 12._o to_o the_o rest_n speak_v i_o not_o the_o lord_n ibid._n corinthian_n 2_o epist._n ch._n 3._o v._n 17._o now_o the_o lord_n be_v that_o spirit_n p._n 434_o ch._n 8._o v._n 8._o i_o speak_v not_o by_o commandment_n p._n 472_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
of_o the_o scripture_n say_v tertullian_n and_o to_o he_o have_v echo_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n especial_o st._n cyprian_n jerom_n augustine_n chrysostom_n who_o have_v high_o magnify_v the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o have_v be_v very_o rhetorical_a in_o their_o panegyric_n upon_o they_o these_o and_o some_o other_o brave_a man_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n signalise_v themselves_o by_o their_o reverence_n and_o esteem_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o elpidius_n some_o of_o they_o consecrate_v their_o wit_n and_o poetry_n to_o this_o noble_a cause_n nor_o have_v these_o latter_a age_n be_v destitute_a of_o person_n of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a part_n and_o learning_n that_o have_v adore_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v use_v their_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n in_o set_v forth_o its_o praise_n 〈◊〉_d ●icinus_fw-la that_o great_a philosophic_a soul_n and_o the_o noble_a pi●us_n mirandula_n who_o be_v the_o best_a linguist_n and_o scholar_n of_o his_o age_n two_o as_o learned_a italian_n as_o that_o nation_n ever_o breed_v and_o who_o may_v more_o than_o compound_v for_o those_o two_o other_o italian_n mention_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n who_o so_o impious_o vilify_v the_o sacred_a write_n after_o they_o have_v read_v all_o good_a author_n rest_v in_o the_o bible_n as_o the_o only_a book_n and_o particular_o it_o be_v pronounce_v by_o the_o latter_a of_o they_o that_o now_o he_o have_v find_v the_o 〈◊〉_d eloquence_n and_o wisdom_n yea_o these_o last_o time_n have_v produce_v man_n of_o the_o choice_a brain_n of_o the_o brisk_v part_n of_o the_o great_a humane_a learning_n who_o have_v employ_v these_o excellent_a talent_n in_o embelish_v the_o sacr●d_a scripture_n witness_n ca●●●llio_n who_o have_v turn_v the_o whole_a bible_n into_o pur●_n terse_a elegant_a latin_a able_a to_o tempt_v we_o to_o read_v this_o book_n and_o ●rotius_fw-la have_v incomparable_o assert_v the_o propriety_n and_o elegancy_n of_o the_o sacred_a style_n and_o many_o other_o exc●ll●●t_a person_n who_o have_v defend_v this_o holy_a book_n against_o the_o insult_v and_o cavil_v of_o profane_a men._n we_o can_v name_v wes●●y_n other_o of_o the_o most_o sparkle_v wit_n and_o fancy_n who_o have_v exercise_v their_o poetic_a genius_n in_o descant_v either_o on_o the_o sacred_a history_n of_o the_o bible_n or_o on_o those_o divine_a matter_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o and_o have_v think_v their_o pen_n yea_o poetry_n itself_o ●nobled_v by_o such_o a_o subject_a we_o can_v mention_v other_o of_o the_o most_o serious_a thought_n and_o of_o the_o most_o impartial_a judgement_n not_o only_o among_o those_o that_o be_v pr●●essed_v divine_n and_o that_o have_v adorn_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n by_o their_o learned_a exposition_n comment_n annotation_n paraphrase_n lecture_n sermon_n discourse_n but_o also_o among_o person_n of_o another_o rank_n and_o capacity_n who_o have_v give_v the_o bible_n the_o pre-eminence_n of_o all_o write_n i_o will_v at_o present_a mention_n only_o mr._n selden_n and_o judge_n ha●e_v the_o former_a be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a scholar_n and_o antiquary_n of_o this_o age_n and_o make_v a_o vast_a amassment_n of_o book_n and_o manuscript_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n a_o library_n perhaps_o not_o to_o be_v equal_v o●_n all_o account_n in_o the_o universe_n this_o man_n of_o book_n and_o learning_n hold_v some_o serious_a conference_n with_o archbishop_n usher_n a_o little_a before_o he_o die_v profess_v to_o he_o that_o li●e_z notwithstanding_o he_o have_v possess_v himself_o of_o that_o vast_a treasure_n of_o book_n and_o manuscript_n in_o all_o ancient_a subject_n yet_o he_o can_v rest_v his_o soul_n on_o none_o but_o the_o scripture_n and_o hear_v what_o the_o other_o gentleman_n of_o the_o same_o study_n and_o profession_n declare_v so●s_n i_o have_v be_v acquaint_v somewhat_o with_o man_n and_o book_n and_o have_v have_v long_a experience_n in_o learning_n and_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o book_n like_o the_o bible_n for_o excellent_a learning_n wisdom_n and_o use_n and_o it_o be_v want_v of_o understanding_n in_o they_o that_o think_v or_o speak_v otherwise_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o refine_a wit_n the_o most_o know_v and_o the_o most_o judicious_a head_n bear_v the_o great_a regard_n and_o esteem_v for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o all_o other_o write_n in_o the_o world_n it_o may_v pass_v for_o a_o certain_a maxim_n that_o the_o more_o learned_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o he_o prize_v the_o bible_n the_o great_a regard_n he_o have_v for_o these_o sacred_a record_n it_o be_v say_v of_o old_a that_o q●intil_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o great_a proficiency_n in_o good_a letter_n to_o love_n tully_n write_n it_o be_v much_o more_o a_o sign_n of_o our_o improvement_n in_o true_a learning_n that_o we_o delight_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o love_v they_o above_o all_o write_n whatsoever_o we_o show_v our_o proficiency_n by_o reverent_o esteem_v the_o bible_n and_o prefer_v it_o before_o all_o other_o author_n we_o discover_v that_o we_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o true_a and_o useful_a knowledge_n when_o we_o value_v this_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v contain_v when_o we_o admire_v this_o volume_n where_o all_o excellency_n meet_v together_o to_o evince_v this_o i_o will_v undertake_v these_o follow_a thing_n i._o to_o show_v the_o matchless_a usefulness_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o respect_n of_o spiritual_a divine_a and_o supernatural_a matter_n ii_o to_o demonstrate_v its_o transcendent_a excellency_n in_o regard_n of_o thing_n temporal_a and_o secular_a such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o humane_a learning_n and_o for_o the_o use_v of_o life_n iii_o to_o give_v a_o proof_n of_o this_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n by_o a_o particular_a display_v of_o the_o several_a book_n contain_v in_o this_o holy_a volume_n iv._o to_o let_v you_o see_v that_o this_o perfection_n be_v not_o impair_v by_o what_o be_v object_v and_o allege_v 1._o concern_v the_o loss_n of_o some_o book_n which_o have_v former_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n 2._o concern_v the_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o hebrew_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o greek_a translation_n of_o the_o seventy_o where_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v the_o true_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o those_o mistake_v that_o be_v in_o the_o lxx_n version_n and_o show_v whence_o it_o arise_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o discrepancy_n between_o that_o and_o the_o original_a verity_n v._o i_o will_v attempt_v a_o emendation_n of_o the_o present_a english_a version_n which_o in_o several_a place_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v defective_a that_o i_o may_v hereby_o restore_v the_o new_a testament_n for_o of_o that_o i_o shall_v chief_o speak_v to_o its_o native_a perfection_n and_o lustre_n last_o i_o will_v invite_v and_o solicit_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o direct_v he_o in_o so_o laudable_a and_o worthy_a a_o employment_n first_o i_o will_v demonstrative_o prove_v the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o these_o write_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v divine_a and_o have_v a_o immediate_a relation_n to_o religion_n thus_o they_o be_v the_o only_a canon_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o exact_a standard_n of_o our_o life_n and_o they_o mark_v we_o out_o the_o way_n to_o solid_a comfort_n peace_n and_o happiness_n these_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n i_o will_v insist_v upon_o 1._o this_o holy_a book_n be_v the_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n this_o comprise_v in_o it_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o belief_n the_o ma●●●r_n of_o our_o assent_n here_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o believe●_n a_o god_n a_o immortal_a independent_a all-sufficient_a self-subsisting_a spirit_n who_o be_v infinite_o wife_n powerful_a just_a and_o merciful_a who_o though_o he_o be_v ineffable_o happy_a in_o the_o fruition_n of_o his_o own_o immense_a and_o transcendent_a perfection_n yet_o that_o he_o may_v communicate_v his_o goodness_n to_o other_o be_v please_v to_o frame_v the_o world_n with_o all_o the_o excellent_a furniture_n which_o we_o behold_v in_o it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o heaven_n be_v make_v and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o they_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n psal._n 33._o 6._o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o give_v to_o the_o sea_n his_o decree_n and_o set_v a_o compass_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a psal._n 104._o 5._o prov._n 8._o 27_o 29._o we_o be_v assure_v from_o these_o write_n that_o god_n providence_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o whether_o great_a or_o small_a psal._n 147._o 8_o etc._n etc._n matth._n 10._o 29_o
it_o shall_v be_v believe_v as_o a_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o be_v think_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o solid_a proof_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o scripture_n this_o than_o we_o assert_v that_o these_o write_n be_v plain_a and_o perfect_a as_o to_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o according_o be_v able_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o controversy_n which_o relate_v to_o salvation_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o end_v they_o with_o this_o rule_n they_o will_v never_o do_v it_o with_o any_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a perfection_n of_o scripture_n that_o in_o it_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n as_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o necessary_a tendency_n to_o our_o happiness_n and_o consequent_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a thing_n to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v by_o we_o be_v plain_o reveal_v the_o new_a testament_n particular_o be_v the_o last_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o counsel_n and_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v add_v to_o it_o or_o take_v from_o it_o which_o make_v it_o a_o perfect_a standard_n of_o belief_n and_o a_o complete_a rule_n of_o our_o life_n in_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o short_a and_o defective_a nothing_o superfluous_a and_o redundant_fw-la here_o be_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o all_o the_o measure_n of_o holy_a live_n so_o that_o whilst_o we_o proceed_v according_a to_o this_o perfect_a canon_n we_o be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v and_o of_o the_o rectitude_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o we_o act_n on_o this_o sole_a account_n the_o holy_a writ_n excel_v all_o write_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o 3._o we_o be_v to_o adjoin_v this_o that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o light_n to_o our_o understand_n and_o a_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n so_o it_o be_v the_o grand_a procurer_n of_o our_o comfort_n joy_n and_o tranquillity_n alas_o they_o be_v cold_a topic_n of_o consolation_n which_o the_o write_n of_o the_o best_a moralist_n afford_v we_o when_o our_o outward_a distress_n and_o misery_n much_o more_o when_o our_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a malady_n increase_v upon_o we_o epictetus_n and_o seneca_n with_o all_o their_o spangle_a saying_n be_v too_o mean_a physician_n to_o take_v we_o in_o hand_n the_o great_a cicero_n when_o in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o life_n he_o be_v reduce_v to_o marvellous_a difficulty_n declare_v that_o his_o learning_n and_o his_o book_n afford_v he_o not_o any_o considerable_a argument_n of_o comfort_n that_o the_o disease_n of_o his_o mind_n which_o he_o lay_v under_o be_v 10._o too_o great_a and_o too_o strong_a to_o be_v cure_v by_o those_o ordinary_a medicine_n which_o philosophy_n administer_v to_o he_o there_o must_v be_v some_o great_a traumatick_a some_o more_o powerful_a application_n to_o these_o wound_n to_o work_v a_o perfect_a cure_n and_o this_o divine_a book_n be_v able_a to_o furnish_v we_o with_o it_o this_o alone_a can_v remove_v our_o pain_n and_o languor_n and_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o entire_a health_n 50._o this_o faith_n the_o psalmist_n be_v my_o comfort_n in_o my_o affliction_n thy_o word_n have_v quicken_v i_o and_o again_o 92._o unless_o thy_o law_n have_v be_v my_o delight_n i_o shall_v then_o have_v perish_v in_o my_o affliction_n it_o be_v this_o which_o uphold_v and_o cheer_v he_o in_o his_o great_a strait_o and_o yield_v he_o light_a and_o joy_n when_o all_o thing_n about_o he_o look_v black_a and_o dismal_a if_o but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v this_o bless_a effect_n how_o powerful_a and_o successful_a will_v all_o of_o it_o prove_v if_o we_o due_o consult_v it_o serious_o meditate_v upon_o it_o and_o give_v it_o admittance_n into_o our_o heart_n if_o the_o apostle_n can_v say_v 4._o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v asore_a time_n in_o this_o book_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n how_o much_o great_a hope_n must_v needs_o be_v administer_v to_o we_o in_o all_o condition_n of_o life_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n when_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n not_o only_o of_o the_o old_a but_o new_a testament_n to_o repair_v unto_o this_o latter_a especial_o will_v be_v a_o never-falling_a spring_n of_o contentment_n and_o joy_n to_o we_o in_o these_o book_n we_o have_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a landscape_n and_o view_n of_o the_o world_n here_o be_v unmask_v and_o lay_v open_a the_o vanity_n of_o it_o here_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o many_o of_o the_o gay_a thing_n which_o it_o present_v we_o with_o and_o which_o fond_a mind_n so_o dote_v upon_o be_v but_o empty_a bubble_n deceitful_a phantom_n and_o apparition_n mere_a conceit_n and_o castle_n in_o the_o air._n here_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o a_o prosperous_a state_n be_v not_o real_o good_a that_o a_o overplus_n of_o riches_n and_o worldly_a abundance_n do_v frequent_o prove_v a_o clog_n to_o virtuous_a mind_n and_o that_o excess_n of_o pleasure_n be_v too_o fulsome_a and_o luscious_a and_o take_v away_o that_o pure_a relish_n of_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a delight_n yea_o that_o man_n general_o find_v a_o worse_a effect_n of_o they_o for_o when_o they_o be_v gorge_v and_o clog_v with_o they_o they_o revolt_v from_o god_n when_o they_o be_v wax_v fat_a they_o kick_v against_o heaven_n so_o their_o worldly_a plenty_n be_v turn_v into_o the_o worst_a of_o punishment_n and_o this_o plethory_n be_v their_o disease_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o be_v teach_v in_o these_o write_n that_o cross_n and_o affliction_n be_v not_o evil_a in_o themselves_o yea_o that_o they_o be_v good_a and_o medicinal_a and_o advance_v our_o spiritual_a health_n that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o our_o happiness_n that_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o for_o otherwise_o the_o afflict_a will_v not_o be_v so_o often_o pronounce_v 12._o bless_v that_o god_n afflict_v a_o man_n be_v 17._o magnify_v of_o he_o and_o set_v his_o heart_n upon_o he_o it_o show_v that_o god_n be_v great_o concern_v for_o his_o good_a and_o that_o the_o almighty_a have_v more_o care_n of_o he_o than_o he_o have_v of_o himself_o here_o we_o be_v instruct_v that_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o suspect_v our_o condition_n if_o we_o be_v whole_o exempt_v from_o the_o distress_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o not_o to_o be_v chastise_v be_v a_o mark_n of_o bastardy_n here_o we_o learn_v the_o true_a use_n and_o end_n of_o all_o those_o adverse_a dispensation_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v design_v to_o try_v we_o to_o make_v we_o know_v ourselves_o and_o to_o inform_v we_o how_o evil_a and_o bitter_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o offend_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o awaken_v we_o out_o of_o our_o sloth_n and_o security_n to_o hold_v we_o in_o action_n to_o keep_v we_o in_o breath_n and_o exercise_n as_o carthage_n be_v useful_a to_o rouse_v rome_n valour_n to_o abate_v our_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n and_o make_v we_o humble_a and_o submissive_a creature_n to_o check_v our_o immoderate_a passion_n and_o pursuit_n after_o earthly_a thing_n to_o disentangle_v we_o from_o these_o snare_n to_o free_v we_o from_o these_o charm_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o be_v suck_v in_o and_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o powerful_a circle_n and_o eddy_n of_o this_o world_n as_o who_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v true_a philosophy_n that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v up_o of_o vortices_fw-la to_o cause_v we_o to_o look_v after_o better_a thing_n when_o these_o be_v take_v from_o we_o to_o reclaim_v we_o from_o our_o evil_a course_n and_o to_o reduce_v we_o unto_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o a_o renunciation_n of_o all_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o ourselves_o and_o the_o transitory_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o depend_v upon_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v this_o book_n whence_o we_o be_v acquaint_v that_o our_o suffering_n make_v we_o conformable_a to_o christ_n our_o master_n and_o therefore_o be_v honourable_a badge_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o curse_n which_o usual_o attend_v outward_a cross_n be_v take_v away_o by_o our_o saviour_n death_n that_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v chastisement_n rather_o than_o punishment_n that_o no_o adverse_a accident_n can_v do_v we_o any_o hurt_n if_o we_o believe_v in_o jesus_n and_o abandon_v our_o sin_n that_o the_o pressure_n of_o this_o life_n be_v serviceable_a to_o make_v we_o pity_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n to_o know_v and_o relish_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o suffer_v for_o we_o to_o inhanse_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o commend_v
the_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o we_o to_o prepare_v we_o for_o heaven_n and_o to_o increase_v the_o happiness_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o scripture_n reconcile_v our_o mind_n to_o those_o disappointment_n danger_n and_o calamity_n which_o be_v our_o allotment_n in_o this_o world_n thus_o they_o allay_v the_o evil_a spirit_n of_o discontent_n they_o effectual_o cast_v out_o and_o vanquish_v those_o legion_n of_o impatient_a and_o tumultuous_a thought_n which_o be_v the_o frequent_a attendant_n of_o adversity_n they_o assure_v we_o that_o these_o afflictive_a deal_n of_o heaven_n towards_o we_o be_v intend_v for_o our_o real_a advantage_n that_o they_o be_v the_o great_a kindness_n and_o favour_n that_o can_v be_v show_v we_o that_o they_o be_v undeniable_a token_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o in_o brief_a that_o good_a man_n be_v happy_a in_o their_o worst_a circumstance_n than_o other_o be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o their_o great_a worldly_a felicity_n upon_o these_o rational_a ground_n the_o holy_a scripture_n become_v the_o most_o effectual_a anodynes_n to_o take_v away_o or_o at_o least_o to_o mitigate_v all_o our_o pain_n and_o sorrow_n they_o successful_o remove_v all_o those_o murmur_n and_o discontent_n which_o russle_v and_o imbroil_v the_o soul_n they_o quash_n and_o defeat_v all_o those_o troublesome_a passion_n which_o embarass_n and_o plague_n the_o mind_n by_o the_o help_n of_o these_o divine_a instruction_n which_o the_o holy_a writ_n afford_v we_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o encounter_v the_o great_a evil_n with_o courage_n and_o bravery_n to_o receive_v the_o shock_n to_o weather_v the_o storm_n to_o bear_v all_o the_o insolence_n and_o insult_v of_o our_o enemy_n to_o break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n to_o have_v peace_n within_o though_o we_o find_v none_o without_o to_o keep_v a_o sabbath_n in_o our_o own_o breast_n to_o entertain_v ourselves_o with_o the_o serenade_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n this_o be_v the_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o write_n in_o the_o world_n can_v bless_v we_o with_o they_o but_o these_o and_o indeed_o this_o necessary_o follow_v from_o those_o forego_v assertion_n viz_o that_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o also_o of_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v the_o former_a it_o be_v a_o sure_a basis_n for_o we_o to_o rest_v upon_o we_o know_v who_o we_o have_v believe_v and_o so_o we_o be_v fix_v and_o determine_v which_o do_v effectual_o contribute_v towards_o our_o peace_n and_o solace_n as_o it_o be_v the_o latter_a also_o we_o can_v but_o receive_v comfort_n from_o it_o because_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o unerring_a guide_n in_o all_o our_o action_n it_o must_v needs_o administer_v great_a satisfaction_n and_o joy_n to_o we_o through_o our_o whole_a life_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v a_o stable_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o that_o we_o can_v do_v amiss_o if_o we_o follow_v that_o but_o especial_o when_o we_o reflect_v on_o our_o manner_n and_o see_v that_o they_o be_v adjust_v to_o this_o canon_n and_o that_o 12._o we_o have_v in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n this_o will_v be_v our_o rejoice_v and_o exultation_n again_o the_o scripture_n yield_v a_o inconceivable_a joy_n by_o prescribe_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o attain_v peace_n and_o unity_n which_o be_v comfortable_a blessing_n of_o this_o life_n by_o allow_v we_o all_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a delight_n such_o as_o will_v neither_o destroy_v the_o peace_n of_o our_o soul_n nor_o impair_v the_o health_n of_o our_o body_n by_o thorough_o convince_a we_o that_o christianity_n in_o itself_o be_v most_o satisfactory_a to_o our_o mind_n and_o be_v make_v to_o convey_v joy_n and_o peace_n into_o our_o heart_n by_o teach_v we_o contentedness_n in_o all_o condition_n by_o assure_v we_o that_o christianity_n provide_v for_o our_o great_a and_o most_o important_a want_n and_o supply_v our_o most_o urgent_a necessity_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o and_o solace_v ourselves_o with_o it_o thus_o it_o administer_v the_o most_o cheer_v cordial_n and_o so_o it_o do_v by_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o worthy_a end_n by_o set_v before_o we_o the_o strong_a motive_n the_o most_o powerful_a persuasive_n to_o our_o duty_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v not_o only_o to_o undertake_v it_o but_o to_o discharge_v it_o with_o cheerfulness_n and_o delight_n by_o propound_v and_o present_v to_o we_o the_o best_a reward_n viz._n forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o blessedness_n for_o as_o a_o great_a man_n say_v ourselves_o no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n but_o this_o show_v a_o man_n the_o adequate_a end_n of_o his_o be_v his_o supreme_a good_a his_o happiness_n nor_o direct_v the_o mean_n of_o acquire_v it_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o great_a instrument_n as_o it_o be_v emphatical_o call_v by_o the_o father_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n by_o these_o write_n we_o hold_v our_o everlasting_a inheritance_n and_o these_o be_v the_o great_a deed_n and_o evidence_n whereby_o we_o prove_v our_o title_n to_o it_o in_o a_o word_n as_o these_o sustain_v and_o support_v we_o in_o all_o condition_n of_o our_o life_n and_o give_v we_o a_o happy_a prospect_n of_o a_o better_a state_n so_o they_o render_v death_n welcome_a and_o joyful_a to_o we_o they_o enable_v we_o by_o virtue_n of_o those_o sacred_a truth_n contain_v in_o they_o to_o expire_v our_o last_o breath_n with_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n on_o all_o which_o account_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v the_o great_a support_n and_o relief_n of_o our_o soul_n yea_o the_o only_a source_n of_o comfort_n and_o content_a thus_o if_o you_o consider_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o dictate_v the_o best_a principle_n as_o they_o beget_v in_o we_o the_o great_a holiness_n and_o purity_n and_o as_o they_o be_v the_o solace_n of_o our_o life_n we_o must_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o incomparable_a excellency_n these_o three_o particular_n wherein_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o display_v the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v find_v together_o in_o psal._n 19_o 7_o 8._o where_o these_o property_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n namely_o that_o it_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o so_o be_v a_o director_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o it_o convert_v the_o soul_n and_o so_o be_v a_o reformer_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o that_o it_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n and_o so_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o true_a comfort_n you_o find_v all_o these_o in_o conjunction_n in_o that_o other_o remarkable_a place_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o all_o scripture_n whereby_o we_o may_v understand_v not_o only_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o part_n of_o the_o new_a viz._n st._n matthew_n gospel_n which_o be_v extant_a when_o timothy_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v be_v a_o child_n v._o 15._o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o doctrine_n refer_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o belief_n and_o reproof_n and_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n to_o the_o will_n and_o manner_n and_o then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rectify_v restore_a set_v all_o straight_a again_o as_o the_o world_n import_v include_v in_o it_o that_o comfort_v and_o cheer_v which_o i_o speak_v of_o these_o be_v the_o main_a content_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n first_o it_o be_v a_o body_n and_o system_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o consistent_a notion_n it_o regulate_v the_o apprehension_n and_o present_v we_o with_o true_a conception_n of_o thing_n here_o be_v nothing_o deliver_v that_o thwart_v our_o rectify_a understanding_n or_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o most_o refine_a faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n moreover_o it_o most_o successful_o conduct_n we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o perfect_v humane_a nature_n to_o exalt_v man_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n their_o condition_n be_v capable_a of_o both_o by_o moral_a and_o reveal_v truth_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o none_o but_o the_o bless_a redeemer_n be_v able_a to_o communicate_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o noble_a improvement_n and_o exaltation_n of_o virtue_n which_o they_o can_v possible_o arrive_v to_o on_o this_o side_n of_o heaven_n in_o brief_a to_o make_v we_o act_v not_o only_o as_o rational_a but_o as_o divine_a creature_n yea_o even_o to_o render_v we_o like_o god_n himself_o and_o last_o it_o not_o only_o inspire_v we_o with_o excellent_a principle_n and_o promote_v the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n but_o administer_v the_o great_a matter_n of_o joy_n imaginable_a this_o raise_v our_o spirit_n and_o fill_v our_o soul_n with_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n this_o
have_v be_v not_o to_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o be_v above_o they_o thus_o these_o bold_a man_n out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n vilify_v the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o bible_n thus_o absurd_o and_o irreligious_o these_o delude_a person_n out_o of_o a_o enthusiastic_a heat_n prefer_v their_o own_o private_a spirit_n before_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o man_n hold_v themselves_o to_o be_v perfect_a but_o the_o scripture_n must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v so_o it_o be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a and_o aught_o to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o inward_a impression_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o according_a to_o they_o be_v that_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o they_o think_v they_o do_v well_o to_o give_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n but_o we_o see_v that_o they_o be_v thereby_o lead_v into_o gross_a error_n and_o darkness_n and_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a persuasion_n concern_v the_o meanness_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o therein_o as_o in_o several_a other_o thing_n symbolize_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whence_o they_o have_v their_o original_a they_o confound_v natural_a light_n or_o reason_n with_o revelation_n they_o hold_v that_o pagan_n be_v in_o as_o good_a a_o condition_n as_o christian_n they_o make_v their_o private_a dictate_v as_o authentic_a as_o the_o bible_n yea_o they_o must_v needs_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v no_o infallible_a rule_n of_o truth_n or_o practice_n but_o their_o own_o notion_n and_o sentiment_n which_o some_o of_o their_o writer_n call_v canonical_a i_o may_v observe_v to_o you_o that_o beside_o jew_n papist_n and_o enthusiast_n there_o be_v other_o that_o deny_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o atheist_n and_o mere_a politician_n who_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o all_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n and_o that_o this_o book_n be_v so_o too_o likewise_o the_o generality_n of_o heretic_n seducer_n and_o impostor_n who_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n debase_v that_o which_o they_o design_v to_o pervert_v but_o the_o bare_a mention_v of_o these_o person_n be_v sufficient_a to_o beget_v a_o dislike_n of_o they_o with_o all_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o sober_a and_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o scripture_n perfection_n from_o those_o topic_n which_o i_o have_v propound_v it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o most_o book_n as_o martial_n say_v of_o his_o mul●a_fw-la there_o be_v some_o good_a and_o some_o bad_a thing_n in_o they_o and_o some_o of_o a_o middle_a nature_n but_o in_o this_o divine_a book_n there_o be_v no_o such_o allay_v all_o be_v pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a entire_a and_o unmixed_a there_o be_v no_o defect_n no_o mistake_v in_o this_o infallible_a volume_n give_v we_o from_o heaven_n shall_v the_o turk_n then_o when_o they_o find_v a_o leaf_n or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o alcoran_n on_o the_o ground_n take_v it_o up_o and_o kiss_v it_o and_o deposit_v it_o in_o some_o safe_a place_n affirm_v it_o to_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o suffer_v that_o wherein_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o mahomet_n law_n be_v write_v to_o be_v tread_v under_o foot_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o christian_n high_o value_v and_o reverence_v the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n which_o enrich_v we_o with_o that_o sublime_a and_o supernatural_a learning_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o conduct_n of_o our_o manner_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n chap._n ii_o the_o bible_n be_v furnish_v with_o all_o sort_n ofhumane_a as_o well_o as_o divine_a learning_n hebrew_n wherein_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v be_v the_o primitive_a language_n of_o the_o world_n the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n be_v plain_o record_v in_o no_o other_o write_n but_o these_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n be_v a_o real_a history_n and_o record_v matter_n of_o ●act_n it_o be_v large_o prove_v that_o the_o mosaic_a history_n give_v we_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o the_o several_a nation_n and_o people_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o the_o place_n of_o their_o habitation_n also_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o original_a of_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o increase_v of_o it_o and_o the_o different_a change_n it_o undergo_v be_v derive_v from_o these_o write_n the_o court_n of_o judicature_n and_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o punishment_n among_o the_o jew_n distinct_o treat_v of_o the_o government_n among_o the_o heathen_a nation_n the_o four_o celebrate_a monarchy_n or_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o general_n head_n of_o my_o discourse_n viz._n the_o universal_a vsefulness_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o to_o thing_n that_o be_v temporal_a and_o secular_a not_o only_o all_o religious_a divine_a and_o save_v knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v hence_o but_o that_o likewise_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o humane_a and_o belong_v to_o the_o world_n and_o arts._n many_o believe_v the_o former_a but_o can_v be_v induce_v to_o credit_v the_o latter_a for_o they_o think_v the_o bible_n be_v write_v only_o for_o the_o save_n of_o man_n soul_n but_o that_o all_o other_o knowledge_n and_o discovery_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v whole_o from_o other_o writer_n i_o have_v sometime_o observe_v that_o person_n who_o have_v have_v a_o good_a desire_n to_o learning_n and_o be_v greedy_a devourer_n of_o all_o other_o author_n yet_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o fond_o imagine_v there_o be_v no_o improvement_n of_o man_n notion_n no_o enlarge_n of_o their_o understanding_n no_o ground_n of_o excellent_a literature_n from_o the_o sacred_a writ_n they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o bible_n may_v serve_v well_o enough_o for_o the_o use_v of_o those_o that_o study_v divinity_n or_o make_v sermon_n but_o that_o the_o write_n of_o profane_a author_n must_v be_v whole_o consult_v for_o other_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v a_o gross_a surmise_n and_o possess_v the_o unthinking_a head_n of_o those_o only_a that_o consider_v not_o the_o matchless_a antiquity_n of_o the_o bible_n or_o that_o on_o a_o worse_a account_n refuse_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o these_o write_n and_o care_v not_o for_o that_o book_n which_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o check_v the_o disorder_n of_o man_n life_n all_o honest_a industrious_a and_o impartial_a enquirer_n into_o learning_n know_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o great_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n that_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o particular_o that_o the_o first_o and_o early_o invention_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o from_o the_o old_a testament_n especial_o the_o five_o first_o book_n of_o it_o in_o vain_a do_v you_o look_v for_o these_o in_o the_o write_n of_o other_o man_n for_o though_o some_o of_o they_o relate_v very_o ancient_a occurrence_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o old_a as_o these_o and_o as_o for_o those_o writer_n who_o pretend_v to_o some_o great_a antiquity_n and_o have_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o think_v that_o they_o can_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n they_o have_v be_v explode_v by_o all_o person_n of_o sobriety_n and_o serious_a thought_n in_o pagan_a writer_n we_o have_v some_o wild_a guess_n at_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n and_o the_o first_o inventor_n of_o art_n but_o he_o that_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v certain_a and_o infallible_a information_n concern_v these_o must_v consult_v the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o these_o alone_a we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o ancient_a usage_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o be_v the_o first_o rise_n and_o original_a of_o they_o wherefore_o i_o may_v safe_o pronounce_v that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v the_o just_a repute_n of_o a_o scholar_n unless_o he_o have_v read_v and_o study_v the_o bible_n for_o in_o this_o one_o book_n there_o be_v more_o humane_a learning_n than_o in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o therefore_o here_o by_o the_o way_n i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o very_a scandalous_a mistake_n that_o the_o knowledge_n and_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v for_o divine_n only_o as_o if_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v skilled_a in_o any_o humane_a learning_n they_o that_o talk_v after_o this_o rate_n understand_v not_o what_o the_o study_n of_o divinity_n and_o true_a scholarship_n be_v for_o there_o be_v no_o complete_a divine_a that_o be_v not_o well_o verse_v in_o humane_a literature_n and_o there_o be_v no_o complete_a scholar_n that_o be_v not_o skilled_a in_o
native_a language_n of_o those_o that_o possess_v that_o land_n to_o prove_v which_o he_o produce_v the_o name_n of_o person_n and_o place_n among_o they_o as_o melchisedek_n abimelek_n kirjath-seph_a jericho_n etc._n etc._n and_o thence_o infer_v that_o hebrew_n be_v the_o native_a tongue_n of_o the_o canaanite_n or_o philistine_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o the_o great_a selden_n and_o with_o he_o many_o other_o be_v mistake_v who_o affirm_v that_o 2._o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n remain_v pure_a in_o the_o family_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n only_o and_o that_o abraham_n bring_v that_o tongue_n first_o into_o canaan_n the_o contrary_n appear_v viz._n that_o this_o tongue_n be_v preserve_v even_o in_o canaan_n but_o mounseur_fw-fr bochart_n go_v too_o far_o when_o he_o add_v that_o hebrew_n be_v not_o retain_v in_o the_o family_n of_o heber_n and_o abraham_n but_o that_o this_o latter_a learn_v this_o tongue_n of_o the_o canaanite_n when_o he_o live_v with_o they_o in_o canaan_n i_o do_v not_o see_v this_o clear_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v both_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o among_o the_o canaanite_n though_o abraham_n be_v a_o chaldean_a and_o chaldee_n be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o country_n yet_o by_o the_o singular_a providence_n of_o god_n the_o hebrew_n may_v be_v keep_v up_o and_o speak_v by_o he_o nor_o do_v this_o hinder_v his_o converse_n with_o the_o chaldean_n because_o the_o chaldee_n be_v a_o dialect_n of_o the_o hebrew_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o canaan_n and_o consequent_o the_o canaanites_n be_v from_o cham_n who_o be_v a_o ●abel-builder_n and_o how_o then_o be_v the_o primitive_a hebrew_n among_o they_o it_o may_v be_v hard_a to_o resolve_v this_o and_o perhaps_o it_o be_v the_o only_a considerable_a objection_n against_o bochart_n opinion_n i_o be_o not_o now_o oblige_v to_o show_v why_o it_o be_v so_o but_o i_o be_o only_o concern_v to_o attend_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o the_o canaanite_n speak_v hebrew_n and_o consequent_o keep_v their_o tongue_n notwithstanding_o the_o confusion_n at_o babel_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o whole_o dismiss_v it_o without_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o it_o this_o may_v very_o well_o be_v because_o the_o canaanite_n speak_v hebrew_a be_v as_o much_o a_o barbarian_a and_o as_o little_o understand_v by_o another_o family_n or_o plantation_n as_o if_o god_n have_v infuse_v a_o new_a language_n or_o idiom_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v that_o hebrew_n be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o ungodly_a canaanites_n though_o true_o if_o i_o may_v speak_v free_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o this_o be_v firm_o build_v on_o that_o text_n in_o isaiah_n before_o cite_v for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o that_o be_v a_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o particular_o the_o egyptian_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o worship_n viz._n that_o of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v then_o in_o be_v and_o consequent_o this_o and_o not_o the_o ancient_a speech_n and_o dialect_n of_o canaan_n be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o language_n of_o canaan_n or_o suppose_v the_o very_a speech_n of_o that_o country_n to_o be_v mean_v yet_o we_o can_v thence_o absolute_o infer_v that_o the_o canaanite_n speak_v hebrew_n but_o only_o that_o hebrew_n be_v call_v the_o language_n of_o canaan_n which_o may_v be_v for_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o israelite_n who_o speak_v hebrew_n have_v possess_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n about_o eight_o hundred_o year_n when_o this_o be_v say_v by_o isaiah_n but_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o language_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o old_a canaanites_n to_o be_v the_o same_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o from_o what_o have_v be_v before_o allege_v we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o conclude_v as_o several_a bochart_n learned_a writer_n have_v do_v that_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o language_n of_o canaan_n i._n e._n the_o language_n which_o the_o canaanite_n speak_v from_o all_o which_o lay_v together_o and_o compare_v with_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o be_v confirm_v in_o this_o assertion_n that_o hebrew_n be_v the_o only_a language_n that_o be_v in_o use_n before_o the_o confusion_n of_o babel_n and_o so_o be_v the_o first_o tongue_n and_o the_o mother_n of_o all_o other_o eastern_a tongue_n this_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o universal_a belief_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v very_o positive_a here_o and_o it_o have_v be_v hold_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o learnede_a pagnin_n christians_o who_o have_v treat_v on_o this_o subject_a this_o be_v the_o language_n which_o god_n himself_o speak_v as_o be_v manifest_a from_o abundant_a instance_n some_o of_o which_o have_v be_v refer_v to_o and_o there_o be_v many_o other_o as_o god_n change_v of_o the_o name_n of_o abram_n sarai_n jacob_n etc._n etc._n and_o several_a name_n and_o memorial_n in_o the_o forty_o year_n abide_v of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n testify_v this_o this_o be_v the_o ancient_n and_o holy_a tongue_n that_o be_v use_v by_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o without_o doubt_v it_o be_v immediate_o teach_v they_o by_o god_n for_o he_o that_o bestow_v upon_o they_o other_o excellent_a benefit_n deny_v they_o not_o speech_n therefore_o this_o be_v a_o special_a gift_n of_o the_o creator_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o donative_n confer_v on_o adam_n and_o eve_n and_o it_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o and_o by_o all_o the_o antediluvian_o yea_o all_o noah_n posterity_n till_o the_o confusion_n at_o babel_n in_o this_o first_o and_o ancient_a language_n be_v the_o pentateuch_n and_o even_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n write_v and_o that_o in_o those_o very_a hebrew_n letter_n which_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n for_o the_o samaritan_n one_o which_o by_o some_o be_v cry_v up_o for_o the_o ancient_a be_v but_o a_o corrupt_a imitation_n of_o these_o in_o this_o holy_a language_n and_o character_n both_o of_o his_o own_o institution_n god_n will_v have_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n express_v and_o record_v in_o this_o book_n alone_o be_v the_o first_o name_n of_o man_n and_o beast_n in_o that_o tongue_n denote_v their_o particular_a nature_n and_o quality_n which_o i_o may_v have_v mention_v before_o to_o show_v the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o tongue_n nay_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v this_o that_o this_o first_o way_n of_o speak_v among_o mankind_n be_v no_o where_o preserve_v but_o in_o these_o write_n for_o after_o the_o babylonian_a captivity_n which_o be_v about_o three_o thousand_o and_o four_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o creation_n this_o original_a speech_n be_v no_o long_o the_o language_n of_o any_o particular_a nation_n for_o the_o captive_a jew_n lose_v this_o tongue_n at_o babylon_n a_o place_n fatal_a to_o hebrew_a at_o first_o in_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n and_o afterward_o in_o this_o people_n forget_v their_o language_n there_o insomuch_o that_o at_o their_o return_n home_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v the_o book_n of_o their_o own_o law_n but_o by_o a_o interpreter_n neh._n 8._o 7_o 8._o for_o they_o have_v change_v their_o hebrew_a into_o a_o mix_v language_n compound_v partly_o of_o hebrew_n and_o partly_o of_o chaldee_n which_o be_v afterward_o call_v syriack_n but_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o pure_a hebrew_n be_v keep_v entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a and_o be_v extant_a at_o this_o day_n in_o no_o write_n but_o these_o if_o any_o grammarian_n and_o critic_n can_v say_v the_o like_o concern_v the_o greek_a or_o latin_a tongue_n that_o there_o be_v one_o book_n wherein_o either_o of_o these_o in_o its_o first_o purity_n be_v whole_o contain_v they_o will_v be_v very_o lavish_a in_o their_o encomium_n of_o that_o volume_n and_o the_o prelation_n of_o it_o to_o all_o other_o shall_v not_o want_v set_v forth_o behold_v here_o the_o whole_a hebrew_n tongue_n and_o that_o in_o its_o native_a lustre_n comprise_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o no_o one_o book_n upon_o earth_n beside_o this_o be_v there_o lodge_v a_o whole_a language_n which_o shall_v invite_v all_o admirer_n and_o lover_n of_o ancient_a literature_n to_o prize_v it_o and_o the_o book_n write_v in_o it_o certain_o this_o be_v a_o high_a commendation_n of_o these_o sacred_a write_n and_o give_v they_o the_o preference_n to_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o second_o they_o right_o claim_v this_o because_o they_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o find_v record_v in_o no_o other_o write_n for_o though_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o some_o circumstance_n which_o appertain_v to_o it_o be_v obscure_o intimate_v in_o some_o pagan_a historian_n and_o poet_n and_o thereby_o as_o i_o have_v late_o show_v on_o another_o occasion_n testimony_n be_v give_v
bold_a man_n that_o asse●ts_v the_o primitive_a earth_n to_o have_v be_v without_o sea_n and_o without_o mountain_n and_o the_o airy_a expansion_n to_o be_v without_o cloud_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a contradict_v of_o moses_n who_o say_v the_o water_n be_v gather_v together_o and_o be_v call_v sea_n ver_fw-la 10._o and_o inform_v we_o that_o there_o be_v other_o water_n above_o the_o firmament_n or_o air_n ver_fw-la 7._o and_o in_o another_o place_n let_v we_o know_v that_o all_o the_o high_a hill_n and_o mountain_n be_v cover_v by_o the_o water_n of_o the_o deluge_n gen._n 7._o 19_o 20._o thus_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v ill_o philosophize_v in_o defiance_n of_o moses_n the_o first_o of_o the_o philosophic_a order_n this_o be_v confutation_n enough_o of_o his_o hypothesis_n and_o herein_o i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o the_o excepter_n against_o his_o book_n be_v in_o the_o right_n now_o to_o support_v his_o own_o opinion_n and_o to_o run_v down_o moses_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o instead_o of_o a_o history_n we_o be_v here_o present_v with_o a_o parable_n with_o a_o ethical_a discourse_n in_o a_o obscure_a way_n this_o philosophic_a romancer_n turn_v the_o holy_a scripture_n into_o aesop_n fable_n and_o seem_v with_o his_o friend_n spinosa_n to_o hint_n that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v only_o high_a flight_n of_o imagination_n god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v fasten_v any_o such_o thing_n upon_o he_o or_o any_o the_o like_a imputation_n on_o any_o other_o man_n of_o learning_n or_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v it_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o ground_n for_o it_o i_o appeal_v therefore_o to_o all_o person_n of_o correct_a thought_n whether_o his_o assert_v that_o moses_n the_o prime_n and_o lead_a prophet_n be_v so_o fanciful_a that_o he_o present_v we_o with_o mere_a allegory_n and_o parable_n even_o when_o he_o seem_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o fall_v of_o our_o first_o parent_n whether_o i_o say_v this_o do_v not_o argue_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophetic_a writer_n who_o can_v not_o do_v amiss_o in_o imitate_v so_o great_a a_o guide_n be_v lead_v whole_o by_o imagination_n and_o dictate_v not_o thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v but_o as_o they_o fancy_v they_o to_o be_v nay_o he_o not_o only_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o moses_n write_n but_o he_o blast_v the_o integrity_n of_o the_o penman_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o crafty_a politician_n and_o dissembler_n one_o that_o do_v all_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o people_n one_o that_o cheat_v the_o ignorant_a jew_n with_o a_o thing_n like_o a_o history_n mere_o to_o please_v they_o whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o piece_n of_o morality_n in_o a_o allegorized_a way_n and_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v so_o by_o we_o certain_o moses_n need_v not_o to_o have_v be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o i_o suppose_v most_o grant_v he_o to_o be_v to_o have_v merit_v this_o character_n but_o i_o have_v animadvert_v on_o he_o with_o some_o freedom_n in_o a_o former_a discourse_n and_o therrfore_o i_o will_v not_o say_v any_o more_o here_o nor_o shall_v i_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n then_o or_o now_o if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v very_o persuade_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o consequent_o of_o our_o whole_a religion_n lay_v at_o stake_n for_o if_o this_o one_a chapter_n of_o genesis_n together_o with_o the_o rest_n which_o follow_v which_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o history_n upon_o they_o be_v not_o literal_a and_o historical_a we_o know_v not_o what_o judgement_n to_o make_v of_o any_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o recite_v matter_n of_o fact_n we_o can_v tell_v whether_o any_o text_n bear_v a_o literal_a sense_n or_o no_o and_o so_o we_o throw_v up_o the_o whole_a bible_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o sceptic_n and_o atheist_n after_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v under_o this_o head_n i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o mean_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v design_v for_o philosophy_n no_o there_o be_v noble_a thing_n that_o it_o aim_v at_o yet_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o here_o be_v the_o best_a philosophy_n both_o moral_a and_o natural_a it_o be_v the_o latter_a i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o viz._n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n god_n create_v of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o f●rst_a step_n to_o all_o natural_a philosophy_n this_o be_v to_o be_v learn_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n who_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n i_o be_o treat_v of_o here_o the_o birth_n and_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n be_v distinct_o set_v down_o which_o be_v a_o subject_a that_o all_o the_o philosopher_n be_v defective_a in_o i_o grant_v wha●_n cyril_n speak_v of_o moses_n say_v julian_n that_o he_o design_v not_o to_o play_v the_o philosopher_n in_o a_o subtle_a and_o curious_a manner_n and_o to_o be_v accurate_a in_o his_o discourse_n of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o thing_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a truth_n that_o no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n teach_v we_o the_o true_a origine_fw-la and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o epoch_n of_o the_o universe_n the_o particular_a order_n and_o method_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o production_n of_o mankind_n but_o this._n by_o this_o alone_a we_o be_v fix_v and_o determine_v in_o these_o point_n and_o we_o have_v no_o long_o any_o reason_n to_o doubt_n and_o waver_v we_o may_v plain_o discern_v from_o these_o sacred_a write_n the_o invalidity_n of_o those_o notion_n which_o some_o philosophic_a head_n have_v entertain_v viz._n the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n the_o production_n of_o it_o by_o chance_n or_o the_o mechanical_a rise_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o mere_a matter_n and_o motion_n all_o these_o fond_a conceit_n be_v silence_v by_o this_o sacred_a author_n a_o happiness_n which_o we_o can_v not_o have_v have_v if_o this_o most_o ancient_a and_o authentic_a book_n be_v not_o extant_a three_o we_o have_v no_o account_n of_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o nation_n and_o people_n in_o the_o world_n but_o ●rom_o the_o mosaic_a history_n here_o and_o only_o here_o we_o have_v a_o exact_a narrative_n of_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o earth_n among_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n and_o their_o posterity_n it_o be_v in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n that_o we_o have_v the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o plantation_n a_o choice_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n and_o to_o be_v prize_v by_o all_o lover_n of_o ancient_a learning_n those_o that_o delight_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o first_o original_n of_o thing_n here_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o japheth_n the_o elder_a son_n of_o noah_n and_o his_o seven_o son_n be_v the_o first_o that_o people_v that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v call_v europe_n with_o a_o part_n of_o asia_n the_o less_o his_o son_n be_v reckon_v up_o in_o this_o manner_n 1._o gomer_n who_o progeny_n seat_v themselves_o in_o the_o north-east_n part_n of_o that_o le●●er_n asia_n which_o contain_v phrygia_n pontus_n bythinia_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o galatia_n these_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v josephus_n call_v by_o the_o latin_n galatae_n among_o who_o be_v the_o city_n comara_n according_a to_o pliny_n and_o 1._o mela_n speak_v of_o the_o comari_n the_o people_n that_o dwell_v in_o this_o tract_n be_v as_o herodotus_n and_o other_o ancient_a historian_n testify_v call●d_v cimmerii_n and_o have_v their_o name_n from_o gomer_n if_o we_o may_v give_v credit_n to_o some_o of_o the_o learnede_a critic_n such_o who_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o rest_v in_o fanciful_a derivation_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o gomeri_fw-la comeri_fw-la cumeri_fw-la cimbri_n cimmerii_n be_v the_o same_o the_o old_a german_n be_v think_v by_o they_o to_o have_v be_v a_o colony_n of_o these_o cimmerian_n or_o gomerian_o for_o german_n be_v but_o a_o corruption_n of_o gomerman_n the_o old_a gall_n be_v another_o colony_n of_o the_o gomerian_o who_o by_o the_o grecian_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o contract_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d celtae_n for_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o cimbri_n or_o cimmerii_n be_v the_o ancient_a inhabitant_n of_o old_a gallia_n and_o our_o ancestor_n the_o britain_n be_v of_o the_o same_o stock_n for_o that_o they_o descend_v from_o the_o gall_n or_o celtae_n who_o be_v the_o gomeri_fw-la or_o cimbri_n of_o old_a our_o own_o learned_a antiquary_n mr._n cambden_n attempt_v to_o prove_v from_o their_o religion_n manner_n language_n etc._n etc._n the_o inhabitant_n of_o cumberland_n as_o he_o think_v retain_v the_o name_n still_o
the_o father_n of_o the_o ethiopan_n can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o man_n that_o well_o observe_v what_o the_o use_n of_o the_o name_n cushi_n or_o cushim_n be_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n havilah_n one_o of_o cush_n son_n give_v name_n to_o havilah_n which_o strabo_n place_n in_o the_o confine_n of_o arabia_n and_o mesopotamia_n whether_o the_o arabian_a or_o ethiopian_a saba_n or_o saba_n be_v denominate_v from_o sheba_n the_o son_n of_o cush_n or_o another_o of_o that_o name_n who_o be_v his_o grandson_n or_o from_o a_o three_o sheba_n the_o son_n of_o joctan_n who_o also_o we_o find_v in_o this_o 10_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n here_o to_o dispute_v mesraim_n the_o second_o son_n of_o cham_n be_v questionless_a the_o founder_n of_o egypt_n for_o that_o be_v the_o know_a name_n that_o it_o have_v in_o the_o hebrew_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o 6._o josephus_n we_o learn_v that_o the_o metropolis_n of_o this_o province_n by_o some_o call_v memphis_n have_v the_o name_n of_o mezzara_n give_v it_o by_o the_o jew_n in_o his_o time_n and_o to_o this_o day_n egypt_n be_v call_v mizraim_n by_o the_o jew_n and_o arabian_n phut_v a_o three_o son_n be_v believe_v by_o most_o writer_n to_o have_v people_v mauritania_n numidia_n lytia_n thence_o 1._o pliny_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o river_n in_o mauvitania_n call_v phut_v of_o which_o also_o st._n jerom_n speak_v tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v in_o his_o time_n a_o gen._n region_n in_o africa_n that_o have_v its_o name_n from_o it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o some_o part_n of_o africa_n if_o not_o the_o whole_a country_n be_v mean_v by_o phut_v in_o nah._n 3._o 9_o and_o it_o can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o extravagant_a conjecture_n if_o i_o guess_v that_o phetz_n or_o fez_n a_o kingdom_n of_o mauritania_n be_v a_o corruption_n of_o that_o word_n the_o four_o and_o last_o son_n of_o cham_n be_v canaan_n from_o who_o spring_v the_o canaanite_n his_o son_n be_v sidon_n emori_fw-la jebuss_n etc._n etc._n from_o who_o be_v the_o sidonian_n include_v the_o tyrian_n amorites_n jebusite_n etc._n etc._n often_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n all_o this_o country_n of_o palestine_n be_v as_o i_o say_v before_o part_n of_o shem_n portion_n but_o canaan_n invade_v it_o and_o thence_o it_o bear_v his_o name_n the_o learned_a bocbart_n think_v this_o be_v the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a phoenicia_n it_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o lxx_o exod._n 16._o 35._o and_o she_o who_o st._n matthew_n call_v a_o woman_n of_o canaan_n be_v say_v by_o st._n mark_v to_o be_v a_o syro-phoenician_n it_o be_v this_o great_a critic_n persuasion_n that_o the_o phoenician_n be_v original_o canaanites_n and_o that_o they_o flee_v out_o of_o canaan_n when_o joshua_n come_v and_o take_v possession_n of_o their_o country_n then_o they_o go_v and_o seat_v themselves_o on_o the_o sea-coast_n of_o palestine_n call_v by_o they_o afterward_o phoenicia_n as_o the_o britain_n upon_o the_o come_n of_o the_o saxon_n betake_v themselves_o to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o country_n which_o be_v now_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o wales_n this_o excellent_a person_n have_v with_o great_a and_o manifold_a argument_n attempt_v the_o establishment_n of_o this_o assertion_n and_o have_v abundant_o phaleg_n show_v that_o there_o be_v several_a plain_a footstep_n of_o those_o first_o planter_n in_o the_o name_n in_o geography_n i_o may_v confirm_v this_o from_o a_o very_a remarkable_a passage_n in_o st._n augustine_n who_o assure_v we_o rom._n that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o peasant_n of_o hippo_n who_o be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o the_o race_n of_o the_o phaenician_o when_o they_o be_v ask_v who_o they_o be_v use_v to_o answer_v they_o be_v canaan_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o canaan_n and_o phoenicia_n be_v the_o same_o but_o this_o i_o will_v add_v here_o that_o phoenicia_n be_v a_o large_a and_o more_o extensive_a term_n than_o canaan_n because_o i_o conceive_v the_o former_a take_v in_o all_o those_o country_n that_o border_v on_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o phoenicia_n have_v its_o denomination_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o name_n of_o esau_n or_o edom_n turn_v into_o greek_a i_o have_v occasion_n heretofore_o to_o show_v that_o this_o note_a person_n be_v call_v erythras_n or_o erythroeus_fw-la by_o the_o pagan_a historian_n which_o name_n i_o be_o now_o to_o observe_v be_v of_o the_o like_a signification_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n rufus_n so_o that_o esau_n edom_n erythraeus_n phoenix_n be_v the_o same_o and_o consequent_o the_o phaenician_o proper_o speak_v be_v all_o those_o people_n that_o live_v near_o the_o red_a sea_n which_o be_v call_v so_o from_o edom_n the_o hebrew_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n red_a and_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o that_o great_a lord_n and_o potentate_n esau._n this_o be_v the_o division_n of_o the_o world_n among_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n thus_o 8._o the_o most_o high_o divide_v to_o the_o nation_n their_o inheritance_n he_o separate_v the_o son_n of_o adam_n he_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o people_n iapheth_n possession_n be_v the_o northern_a and_o western_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n shem_o have_v the_o east_n and_o cham_n have_v his_o lot_n between_o both_o moses_n reckon_v up_o in_o this_o chapter_n fourteen_o person_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o japheth_n six_o and_o twenty_o of_o the_o race_n of_o shem_n and_o nine_o and_o twenty_o of_o that_o of_o cham_fw-mi who_o all_o with_o japheth_n shem_n and_o cham_n themselves_o amount_v to_o seventy_o two_o and_o just_o so_o many_o language_n or_o rather_o dialect_v some_o think_v there_o be_v and_o the_o very_a same_o number_n of_o nation_n occasion_v by_o the_o rise_n of_o those_o language_n it_o be_v a_o most_o difficult_a task_n to_o assign_v exact_o the_o several_a particular_a region_n and_o people_n derive_v from_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n and_o their_o proper_a seat_n and_o habitation_n arias_n montanus_n bochart_n raleigh_n heylin_n beside_o other_o before_o they_o who_o have_v write_v of_o this_o subject_a seem_v to_o differ_v not_o a_o little_a and_o yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a nay_o where_o you_o see_v different_a place_n and_o region_n assign_v by_o they_o they_o may_v all_o be_v true_a for_o one_o may_v set_v down_o the_o first_o seat_n of_o noah_n offspring_n another_o may_v mention_v the_o colony_n they_o send_v forth_o which_o lie_v it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a way_n off_o of_o the_o first_o seat_n and_o another_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o their_o encroachment_n and_o invasion_n but_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o be_v say_v by_o any_o authentic_a writer_n concern_v this_o people_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v all_o found_v on_o the_o mosaic_a history_n here_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v divide_v by_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n every_o one_o after_o his_o tongue_n after_o their_o family_n in_o their_o nation_n gen._n 10._o 5._o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n be_v that_o which_o divide_a family_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o affinity_n of_o the_o tongue_n there_o be_v a_o union_n make_v for_o those_o that_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o idiom_n join_v together_o and_o go_v and_o seat_v themselves_o together_o and_o who_o these_o first_o planter_n be_v the_o sacred_a history_n particular_o acquaint_v we_o as_o we_o have_v no_o book_n but_o this_o that_o let_v we_o know_v who_o be_v the_o first_o people_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v before_o the_o flood_n so_o none_o but_o this_o tell_v we_o who_o the_o most_o considerable_a person_n after_o it_o and_o by_o who_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v first_o erect_v and_o colony_n be_v send_v forth_o into_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n four_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o original_a of_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o increase_v of_o it_o and_o the_o different_a change_n it_o undergo_v be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o these_o sacred_a fountain_n we_o may_v inform_v form_n ourselves_o here_o and_o no_o where_o else_o that_o the_o primitive_a government_n be_v paternal_a i._n e._n it_o be_v seat_v in_o father_n of_o family_n as_o first_o in_o adam_n and_o other_o head_n of_o family_n who_o then_o live_v a_o very_a long_a time_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v tell_v by_o aristotle_n that_o 8._o the_o power_n of_o parent_n over_o their_o child_n be_v a_o regal_a and_o sovereign_a dominion_n the_o one_o i._n e._n parent_n be_v the_o first_o king_n the_o other_o i._n e._n children_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n but_o this_o the_o philosopher_n can_v learn_v from_o no_o other_o book_n but_o the_o bible_n or_o from_o those_o tradition_n which_o be_v
cheer_v be_v use_v when_o for_o some_o great_a offence_n a_o man_n be_v exclude_v from_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n debar_v the_o congregation_n cut_v off_o from_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o the_o cheer_v be_v the_o same_o with_o cherem_n which_o be_v the_o middle_a sort_n of_o excommunication_n among_o the_o jew_n between_o nidui_n which_o be_v a_o separation_n from_o company_n and_o converse_n and_o shammata_fw-la which_o be_v a_o devote_v to_o satan_n and_o utter_a destruction_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o course_n they_o take_v in_o those_o early_a time_n to_o animadvert_v on_o those_o that_o be_v faulty_a and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o considerable_a because_o it_o be_v of_o god_n own_o appointment_n hence_o we_o conclude_v these_o infliction_n be_v appoint_v and_o execute_v with_o great_a reason_n and_o equity_n with_o singular_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n and_o such_o as_o become_v the_o divine_a author_n of_o they_o and_o the_o alwise_a governor_n of_o that_o people_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v i_o shall_v insist_v on_o the_o particular_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o their_o civil_a government_n they_o be_v so_o many_o and_o various_a these_o may_v be_v consult_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n itself_o which_o present_v we_o with_o the_o most_o complete_a rule_n of_o civil_a polity_n and_o such_o as_o to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v sit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n the_o greek_n be_v famous_a for_o their_o law_n and_o so_o be_v the_o old_a roman_n who_o borrow_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o law_n from_o they_o and_o particular_o cause_v those_o of_o the_o twelve_o table_n the_o first_o beginning_n of_o their_o law_n to_o be_v fetch_v thence_o by_o their_o decemviri_fw-la and_o we_o see_v they_o contain_v excellent_a thing_n in_o they_o and_o the_o encomium_n of_o the_o learnede_a man_n be_v large_a on_o the_o law_n of_o the_o empire_n the_o pandect_n be_v fraught_v with_o the_o decision_n and_o response_n of_o wise_a and_o experience_a lawyer_n and_o the_o code_n be_v fame_v for_o the_o decree_n and_o constitution_n of_o emperor_n yea_o how_o large_a and_o elaborate_a have_v the_o where_o great_a sage_n of_o our_o nation_n be_v in_o commendation_n of_o the_o english_a law_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v ratio_fw-la the_o high_a reason_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v so_o reasonable_a that_o praesumendum_fw-la nothing_o that_o be_v unjust_a can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o that_o legibus_fw-la no_o man_n must_v presume_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o these_o law_n if_o these_o be_v the_o eulogium_n of_o mere_a humane_a constitution_n of_o what_o transcendent_a worth_n and_o excellency_n must_v we_o needs_o allow_v those_o law_n to_o be_v which_o though_o calculate_v for_o civil_a and_o humane_a government_n be_v original_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a and_o frame_v by_o insinite_a wisdom_n itself_o such_o be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o in_o this_o sacred_a volume_n be_v transmit_v to_o we_o and_o consequent_o they_o far_o surpass_v they_o infinite_o surmount_v all_o other_o under_o heaven_n and_o no_o law_n whatsoever_o be_v prior_n to_o these_o as_o josephus_n against_o appion_n very_o clear_o demonstrate_v moses_n be_v the_o ancient_a lawgiver_n and_o lycurgus_n draco_n solon_n and_o other_o publisher_n of_o law_n who_o the_o greek_n boast_v of_o be_v but_o upstart_n in_o respect_n of_o he_o you_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o meet_v with_o the_o word_n law_n in_o homer_n or_o orpheus_n or_o mus●us_n the_o antientost_a greek_a author_n as_o 6._o bodinus_fw-la observe_v indeed_o the_o nation_n have_v no_o write_a law_n at_o first_o tully_n livy_n justin_n and_o other_o historian_n acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o verbal_a command_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n be_v their_o law_n but_o afterward_o when_o they_o have_v law_n commit_v to_o writing_n such_o as_o can_v be_v read_v whence_o they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o leges_fw-la they_o derive_v they_o from_o the_o hebrew_n more_o especial_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o ancient_a attic_a and_o roman_a law_n be_v borrow_v from_o moses_n and_o that_o other_o wise_a law_n giver_n and_o ruler_n have_v take_v some_o of_o their_o best_a constitution_n hence_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o we_o look_v abroad_o and_o inquire_v into_o the_o government_n of_o the_o heathen_a nation_n we_o shall_v there_o also_o be_v assist_v by_o the_o anitent_n record_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o as_o to_o many_o thing_n that_o concern_v their_o king_n and_o government_n we_o can_v inform_v ourselves_o otherwise_o than_o from_o this_o sacred_a history_n here_o we_o read_v of_o four_o eastern_a king_n such_o as_o they_o be_v for_o melech_n be_v a_o large_a word_n and_o signify_v any_o ruler_n the_o king_n of_o shinar_n the_o king_n of_o ellasar_n the_o king_n of_o elam_n the_o king_n of_o nation_n gen._n 14._o 1_o 2._o which_o be_v the_o first_o peeping_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o babylon_n assyria_n persia_n and_o greece_n for_o shinar_n be_v babylon_n as_o all_o agree_v ellasar_n be_v assyria_n some_o region_n near_o to_o euphrates_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o isa._n 37._o 12._o elam_n be_v the_o usual_a name_n of_o persia_n and_o by_o nation_n be_v mean_v greece_n especial_o the_o grecian_a isle_n where_o there_o be_v a_o great_a conflux_n of_o several_a nation_n but_o these_o name_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o this_o extent_n here_o for_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o five_o great_a king_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o very_o distant_a country_n will_v come_v to_o sight_n the_o king_n of_o sodom_n a_o petty_a prince_n therefore_o the_o place_n here_o name_v must_v not_o be_v think_v to_o be_v those_o wide_a region_n which_o afterward_o be_v know_v by_o those_o name_n and_o the_o person_n who_o be_v here_o call_v king_n must_v not_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v any_o other_o than_o governor_n or_o magistrate_n of_o city_n for_o so_o the_o title_n of_o king_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o some_o text_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o history_n where_o the_o five_o king_n of_o canaan_n be_v mention_v we_o read_v that_o abimelech_n which_o afterward_o become_v the_o name_n of_o the_o king_n of_o palestine_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o king_n of_o this_o country_n and_o that_o the_o particular_a seat_n of_o his_o government_n be_v gerar_n gen._n 20._o 2._o we_o be_v inform_v that_o about_o this_o time_n which_o be_v about_o 400_o year_n after_o the_o flood_n there_o be_v king_n of_o egypt_n and_o that_o pharaob_n be_v the_o royal_a name_n even_o then_o gen._n 12._o 15._o no_o book_n that_o we_o can_v trust_v to_o make_v mention_n of_o these_o early_a kingdom_n and_o royal_a throne_n such_o as_o they_o be_v but_o moses_n history_n yea_o here_o be_v a_o considerable_a account_n of_o the_o four_o grand_a monarchy_n or_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n as_o they_o be_v usual_o style_v we_o be_v tell_v here_o that_o nimrod_n be_v a_o mighty_a one_o in_o the_o earth_n gen._n 10._o 8._o and_o a_o mighty_a hunter_n before_o the_o lord_n v_o 9_o by_o which_o character_n and_o what_o we_o may_v infer_v from_o it_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o exercise_v a_o imperial_a and_o kingly_a power_n in_o the_o world_n though_o he_o have_v not_o here_o the_o title_n of_o king_n the_o word_n gibbor_n which_o we_o render_v mighty_a be_v in_o the_o version_n of_o the_o seventy_o a_o giant_n which_o express_v not_o only_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o stature_n but_o the_o exorbitancy_n of_o his_o power_n which_o he_o exert_v over_o other_o with_o a_o unlimited_a sway_n and_o arbitrariness_n and_o when_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v a_o mighty_a hunter_n i_o grant_v it_o may_v set_v forth_o what_o warlike_a exercise_n he_o be_v give_v to_o as_o livy_n remark_n of_o romulus_n and_o remus_n that_o they_o be_v addict_v to_o this_o manly_a recreation_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o vigour_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o strength_n and_o agility_n of_o their_o body_n and_o so_o xenophon_n in_o the_o life_n of_o cyrus_n observe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o military_a exercise_n and_o become_v a_o great_a man._n but_o i_o conceive_v there_o be_v something_o more_o intimate_v to_o we_o in_o his_o be_v represent_v as_o a_o hunter_n and_o a_o mighty_a hunter_n and_o before_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o may_v signify_v to_o we_o his_o fierce_a pursuit_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o beast_n his_o tyrannize_a and_o usurp_a dominion_n over_o the_o people_n and_o that_o in_o desiance_n of_o god_n before_o who_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o act_v thus_o wicked_o he_o be_v of_o the_o race_n of_o chush_fw-mi the_o son_n of_o cham_n and_o be_v the_o
great_a man_n that_o he_o be_v learn_v in_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n act_n 7._o 22._o which_o comprehend_v not_o only_a arithmetic_n geometry_n astronomy_n all_o part_n of_o mathematics_n physics_n of_o all_o which_o there_o be_v several_a remarkable_a stricture_n in_o the_o pentateuch_n but_o moral_a philosophy_n with_o which_o his_o book_n be_v everywhere_o fraught_n solomon_n also_o be_v a_o most_o profound_a philosopher_n as_o those_o word_n in_o 1_o king_n 4._o 29_o &c_n &c_n ample_o testify_v god_n give_v solomon_n wisdom_n and_o understanding_n exceed_v much_o his_o wisdom_n excel_v the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o east-country_n and_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o egypt_n he_o speak_v of_o tree_n from_o the_o cedar-tree_n that_o be_v in_o lebanon_n even_o to_o the_o hyssop_n that_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o wall_n he_o speak_v also_o of_o b●asts_n and_o of_o fowl_n and_o of_o creep_a thing_n and_o of_o fish_n and_o as_o 8._o josephus_n add_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o discourse_v of_o all_o terestrial_a thing_n for_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o no_o natural_a thing_n he_o pass_v by_o none_o of_o they_o unexamined_a but_o philosophize_v concern_v every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o full_o discuss_v the_o property_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o thus_o he_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a natural_a historian_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o his_o book_n of_o proverb_n and_o that_o which_o be_v entitle_v ecclesiaste_n abundant_o inform_v we_o what_o skill_n he_o have_v in_o ethic_n economic_n politic_n so_o that_o we_o may_v just_o style_v he_o a_o universal_a philosopher_n iob_n skill_n in_o the_o choice_a part_n of_o physics_n be_v evident_a from_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n and_o disquisition_n concern_v thunder_n the_o cloud_n the_o sea_n chap._n 26._o concern_v mineral_n and_o other_o fossiles_n and_o fountain_n chap._n 28._o concern_v rain_n vapour_n snow_n hail_o and_o other_o meteor_n chap._n 37._o &_o 38._o and_o several_a sort_n of_o animal_n both_o wild_a and_o tame_a with_o their_o chief_a property_n and_o quality_n be_v discourse_v of_o in_o chapter_n 39_o 40_o 41._o and_o here_o i_o must_v insert_v this_o that_o the_o knowledge_n and_o study_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o study_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a thought_n of_o a_o ingenious_a man_n education_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o be_v to_o be_v well_o imbibe_v before_o young_a man_n be_v enter_v into_o natural_a philosophy_n because_o matter_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o all_o our_o sense_n be_v constant_o conversant_a with_o it_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o possess_v the_o mind_n and_o exclude_v all_o other_o being_n but_z itself_o that_o prejudice_n ground_v on_o such_o principle_n often_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o the_o admittance_n of_o spirit_n or_o the_o allow_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o immaterial_a being_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o converse_v with_o the_o inspire_a write_n whe●_n we_o have_v abundant_a proof_n of_o the_o existence_n and_o operation_n of_o those_o invisible_a agent_n no_o book_n ●_o so_o full_o and_o demonstrative_o convince_v we_o of_o their_o be_v and_o power_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o grand_a reason_n in_o my_o opinion_n why_o so_o many_o reject_v the_o notion_n of_o spirit_n and_o run_v into_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a notion_n which_o be_v the_o consequent_a of_o it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o and_o which_o be_v more_o dislike_v this_o book_n which_o be_v the_o basis_n of_o a●●_n natural_a philosophy_n in_o that_o we_o have_v here_o a_o irrefragable_a demonstration_n of_o those_o incorporeal_a being_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o good_a naturalist_n if_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o hol●_n write_n much_o more_o if_o he_o slight_v and_o vilifi●●_n they_o we_o shall_v perpetual_o fluctuate_v without_o a_o adherence_n to_o these_o infallible_a record_n the_o cartesian_a and_o indeed_o the_o whole_a corpuscularian_a philosophy_n deprave_v man_n mind_n unless_o it_o be_v temper_v by_o these_o nay_o i_o may_v say_v the_o study_n of_o nature_n abstract_n from_o they_o will_v lead_v we_o into_o scepticism_n and_o atheism_n for_o many_o substantial_a notion_n as_o well_o as_o phaenomena_n be_v utter_o unaccountable_a without_o help_n from_o this_o book_n but_o this_o rectify_v our_o apprehension_n and_o give_v we_o a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v manage_v chief_o by_o spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a substance_n this_o salve_v the_o most_o surprise_v difficulty_n by_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o spring_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o motion_n and_o transaction_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o natural_a body_n in_o short_a this_o will_v season_n and_o qualify_v our_o speculation_n concern_v nature_n and_o all_o its_o operation_n for_o when_o the_o operation_n and_o result_v of_o matter_n be_v defective_a here_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o a_o high_a principle_n thus_o the_o bible_n lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o our_o study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o be_v itself_o the_o best_a body_n of_o philosophy_n i_o mean_v on_o the_o foresay_a account_n because_o it_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o existence_n of_o spirit_n by_o who_o influence_n so_o many_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n in_o the_o world_n be_v effect_v this_o be_v know_v of_o old_a by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o barbaric_a philosophy_n and_o it_o be_v frequent_o call_v so_o by_o 2._o clement_n of_o alexandria_n and_o both_o he_o and_o evang._n eusebius_n and_o some_o gale_n modern_a writer_n have_v show_v that_o the_o grecian_a philosophy_n be_v derive_v from_o this_o which_o indeed_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o some_o considerable_a man_n among_o the_o pagan_n whence_o diogenes_n laertius_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v their_o say_v pro●emio_n philosophy_n have_v its_o original_a from_o the_o barbarian_n i._n e._n the_o hebrew_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o all_o the_o true_a notion_n about_o god_n and_o providence_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o other_o great_a doctrine_n in_o philosophy_n be_v take_v from_o the_o jewish_a write_n the_o sacred_a and_o inspire_a scripture_n in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o antiquity_n of_o medic_n chirurgery_n anatomy_n embalm_v be_v likewise_o discover_v here_o for_o joseph_n command_v the_o physician_n to_o embalm_v his_o father_n and_o the_o physician_n embalm_v israel_n gen._n 50._o 2._o the_o word_n here_o repeat_v be_v rophim_n and_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a hebrew_n word_n for_o man_n skilled_a in_o medic_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o wherefore_o vatablus_n and_o some_o other_o be_v mistake_v who_o fancy_n this_o place_n be_v not_o mean_v of_o physician_n proper_o so_o call_v because_o this_o term_n be_v translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o septuagint_n and_o because_o they_o be_v bid_v to_o embalm_v jacob._n whence_o they_o infer_v that_o they_o be_v not_o physician_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o we_o use_v the_o word_n in_o at_o this_o day_n viz._n for_o such_o as_o take_v care_n of_o sick_a and_o disease_a person_n and_o endeavour_v by_o their_o skill_n and_o art_n to_o restore_v they_o to_o health_n but_o that_o they_o be_v only_a embalmer_n that_o be_v that_o their_o sole_a office_n and_o employment_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o dead_a body_n and_o to_o preserve_v they_o from_o putrify_v but_o this_o misapprehension_n have_v its_o rise_n from_o this_o that_o they_o judge_v of_o physician_n and_o their_o employment_n according_a to_o what_o they_o see_v now_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o day_n which_o no_o man_n of_o due_a consideration_n and_o unprejudiced_a judgement_n ought_v to_o do_v for_o of_o old_a the_o physician_n be_v both_o chirurgeon_n and_o embalmer_n yea_o even_o in_o hippocrates_n time_n the_o work_n of_o the_o physician_n and_o chirurgeon_n be_v not_o different_a but_o the_o very_a same_o in_o ancient_a time_n much_o more_o these_o profession_n be_v unite_v and_o be_v the_o employment_n of_o the_o same_o person_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o embalm_v be_v annex_v to_o it_o and_o constant_o go_v along_o with_o it_o for_o the_o chirurgeon_n or_o physician_n call_v he_o which_o you_o will_v or_o both_o be_v the_o man_n that_o have_v skill_n to_o dissect_v body_n in_o order_n to_o their_o pollincture_n he_o know_v what_o part_n to_o take_v out_o and_o how_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o situation_n of_o the_o vessel_n for_o anatomy_n be_v first_o of_o all_o practise_v among_o the_o egyptian_n as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o 5._o pliny_n and_o other_o who_o attest_v that_o the_o egyptian_a king_n use_v it_o to_o find_v out_o the_o cause_n and_o
watery_a speculum_n last_o to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o this_o head_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o rend_n of_o the_o garment_n so_o often_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o divine_a write_n this_o they_o do_v either_o when_o some_o great_a calamity_n befall_v they_o or_o when_o some_o enormous_a fact_n be_v commit_v or_o when_o some_o impious_a and_o blasphemous_a word_n be_v utter_v and_o brief_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o extraordinary_a grief_n perturbation_n of_o mind_n anger_n great_a displeasure_n detestation_n frequent_a example_n we_o have_v of_o it_o among_o the_o hebrew_n gen._n 37._o 29._o &_o 44._o 23._o numb_a 14._o 6._o josh._n 7._o 6._o judg._n 11._o 35._o 2_o sam._n 1._o 2._o mat._n 26._o 65._o act_n 14._o 14._o and_o the_o arabian_n express_v their_o doleful_a resentment_n by_o this_o ceremony_n job_n 1._o 20._o &_o 2._o 12._o and_o so_o do_v the_o persian_n as_o may_v be_v rational_o suppose_v from_o mordecai_n run_v in_o this_o mournful_a posture_n through_o the_o street_n where_o he_o will_v have_v be_v think_v to_o be_v mad_a if_o that_o people_n have_v not_o use_v the_o same_o way_n of_o testify_v their_o mourn_a esth._n 4._o 1._o and_o indeed_o we_o be_v assure_v from_o 3._o herodotus_n 3._o xenophon_n and_o 5._o q._n curtius_n that_o the_o persian_n be_v wont_a to_o rend_v their_o clothes_n when_o they_o have_v any_o doleful_a tiding_n bring_v they_o in_o imitation_n of_o they_o the_o erone_n greek_n do_v so_o but_o very_o spare_o and_o several_a 40._o historian_n ascertain_v we_o that_o the_o roman_n use_v this_o custom_n when_o they_o will_v show_v their_o excessive_a sorrow_n and_o trouble_v of_o mind_n especial_o at_o the_o death_n and_o funeral_n of_o their_o friend_n which_o remind_v i_o of_o the_o last_o part_n of_o my_o task_n viz._n to_o speak_v of_o the_o scripture-antiquity_n which_o relate_v to_o burial_n and_o funeral_n chap._n vi_o here_o we_o be_v inform_v concern_v the_o primitive_a institution_n of_o burying_n grave_n and_o sepulcher_n be_v general_o in_o the_o field_n and_o without_o the_o wall_n of_o city_n they_o usual_o embalm_v the_o dead_a body_n why_o they_o sometime_o burn_v they_o burn_v also_o signify_v embalm_v there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o funeral_n burn_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o heathen_n the_o manner_n and_o time_n of_o mourn_v for_o the_o dead_a both_o vocal_a and_o instrumental_a music_n use_v at_o funeral_n the_o antiquity_n of_o funeral_n monument_n the_o old_a way_n of_o erect_v great_a heap_n of_o stone_n over_o the_o dead_a stone-heng_a be_v a_o sepulchral_v monument_n and_o in_o imitation_n 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 here_o and_o only_o here_o we_o ●ind_v the_o first_o institution_n of_o burying_n or_o inhumation_n the_o antiquity_n of_o which_o be_v great_a than_o be_v common_o think_v man_n original_a and_o interment_n be_v both_o join_v together_o gen._n 3._o 19_o for_o he_o be_v tell_v by_o god_n himself_o that_o he_o must_v return_v unto_o the_o ground_n because_o out_o of_o it_o he_o be_v take_v and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o it_o it_o be_v repeat_v in_o the_o same_o place_n dust_n thou_o be_v and_o to_o dust_n thou_o shall_v return_v man_n act_n in_o a_o circle_n he_o go_v back_o to_o his_o first_o principle_n to_o the_o same_o point_n again_o the_o earth_n of_o which_o he_o be_v compound_v here_o be_v the_o primitive_a law_n of_o burial_n i._n e._n of_o commit_v the_o body_n to_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v proper_o inter_v this_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a way_n of_o dispose_n of_o the_o dead_a body_n of_o this_o the_o pious_a sufferer_n speak_v say_v naked_a come_v i_o out_o of_o my_o mother_n womb_n and_o naked_a shall_v i_o return_v thither_o job_n 1._o 21._o have_v in_o the_o former_a clause_n mention_v his_o mother_n womb_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v as_o it_o be_v his_o mother_n he_o say_v he_o shall_v return_v thither_o as_o if_o he_o have_v mention_v the_o earth_n therefore_o according_a to_o chrysostom_n and_o some_o other_o expositor_n his_o mother_n womb_n be_v interpret_v the_o earth_n but_o there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o this_o which_o have_v not_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o interpreter_n therefore_o the_o better_a to_o show_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o word_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o immediate_o forego_v verse_n say_v job_n fall_v down_o upon_o the_o ground_n grovel_v upon_o the_o bar●_n earth_n and_o then_o he_o take_v occasion_n to_o utter_v these_o word_n naked_a come_v i_o etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o be_o here_o lay_v low_o upon_o the_o ground_n which_o remind_v i_o of_o my_o original_a extraction_n out_o of_o this_o i_o and_o all_o mankind_n be_v first_o take_v as_o we_o be_v since_o out_o of_o our_o mother_n womb_n and_o to_o the_o ground_n we_o must_v return_v again_o which_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o this_o as_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o the_o word_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v discover_v without_o attend_v to_o the_o forego_n verse_n to_o which_o these_o have_v a_o plain_a reference_n this_o notion_n have_v be_v entertain_v by_o pagan_a writer_n when_o the_o earth_n be_v call_v by_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o none_o of_o they_o mention_v because_o they_o be_v ingnorant_a of_o that_o first_o and_o original_a order_n of_o burial_n unto_o dust_n thou_o shall_v return_v on_o which_o this_o be_v found_v man_n by_o these_o word_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o ground_n to_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o earth_n in_o pursuance_n of_o which_o order_n man_n have_v be_v natural_o incline_v to_o take_v care_n of_o decent_a burial_n and_o to_o bestow_v the_o body_n of_o the_o dead_a in_o the_o earth_n therefore_o the_o bury_n with_o the_o burial_n of_o a_o ass_n which_o be_v proper_o no_o bury_v at_o all_o be_v abhor_v by_o mankind_n and_o be_v threaten_v as_o a_o judgement_n from_o heaven_n jer._n 22._o 19_o for_o i_o suppose_v few_o will_v attend_v to_o what_o 10._o josephus_n say_v that_o nabuchadnezzar_n take_v jehoiakim_n who_o be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o be_v threaten_v and_o kill_v he_o and_o rip_v up_o a_o ass_n belly_n bury_v he_o in_o it_o which_o this_o writer_n say_v be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o prophecy_n it_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o his_o being_n not_o bury_v at_o all_o but_o expose_v to_o the_o air_n and_o putrefaction_n above_o ground_n as_o beast_n be_v he_o be_v cast_v forth_o beyond_o the_o gate_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o clause_n and_o more_o express_o in_o jer._n 36._o 30._o his_o dead_a body_n be_v cast_v out_o in_o the_o day_n to_o the_o heat_n and_o in_o the_o night_n to_o the_o frost_n though_o burial_n be_v use_v from_o the_o beginning_n yet_o the_o first_o instance_n we_o meet_v of_o it_o be_v that_o in_o gen._n 23._o 19_o viz._n of_o abraham_n bury_v sarah_n to_o which_o purpose_n he_o buy_v a_o field_n with_o a_o cave_n in_o it_o wherein_o he_o lodge_v his_o belove_a wife_n gen._n 23._o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o there_o afterward_o he_o be_v bury_v himself_o gen._n 25._o 8._o and_o in_o the_o same_o sepulchre_n be_v deposit_v the_o corpse_n of_o isaac_n and_o rebekah_n jacob_n and_o leah_n gen._n 49._o 31._o this_o than_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o that_o field_n be_v the_o first_o place_n of_o burial_n i_o mean_v the_o first_o that_o we_o read_v of_o and_o cave_n the_o first_o particular_a repository_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o thus_o general_o it_o be_v afterward_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v any_o discovery_n from_o these_o holy_a record_n the_o burying-place_n be_v in_o the_o field_n and_o not_o within_o city_n and_o wall_a to_n only_o here_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o there_o be_v some_o few_o exception_n as_o that_o in_o 1_o sam._n 25._o 1._o they_o bury_v samuel_n in_o his_o house_n at_o ramah_n there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n some_o person_n inter_v private_o and_o then_o their_o corpse_n be_v not_o carry_v abroad_o this_o be_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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lose_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o royal_a patroness_n and_o with_o that_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v great_a yea_o though_o he_o shall_v incur_v the_o danger_n of_o be_v miserable_a above_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o former_a happiness_n 26._o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n his_o hebrew_a brethren_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n in_o pharaoh_n court_n esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o or_o for_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n in_o egypt_n in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o 23._o he_o visit_v his_o brethren_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n who_o now_o groan_v under_o their_o extreme_a bondage_n and_o slavery_n in_o that_o country_n he_o bold_o 24_o defend_v they_o when_o ●e_n see_v they_o suffer_v wrong_a and_o avenge_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o oppress_a and_o smite_v the_o egyptian_n this_o make_v he_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o egyptian_a lord_n and_o taskmaster_n who_o present_o go_v and_o represent_v his_o carriage_n to_o the_o court_n and_o thereupon_o he_o be_v banish_v thence_o for_o his_o dare_a to_o take_v the_o part_n of_o any_o of_o those_o hebrew_n bondslave_n 29._o then_o flee_v moses_n into_o the_o land_n of_o midian_a and_o be_v a_o shepherd_n there_o 30_o forty_o year_n just_a as_o many_o as_o he_o have_v be_v a_o courtier_n this_o be_v the_o sudden_a change_n of_o his_o condition_n and_o he_o make_v it_o serviceable_a to_o the_o best_a ends._n he_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v to_o come_v into_o it_o with_o the_o great_a vigour_n for_o his_o retire_a life_n fit_v he_o for_o public_a achievement_n afterward_o his_o contemplative_a and_o solitary_a way_n of_o live_v prepare_v he_o for_o action_n his_o low_a and_o mean_a estate_n be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o his_o be_v call_v to_o a_o high_a one_o god_n bestow_v not_o on_o a_o man_n magnificence_n unless_o he_o first_o make_v trial_n of_o he_o in_o some_o small_a thing_n say_v the_o rabbi_n and_o they_o instance_n in_o moses_n and_o david_n who_o keep_v sheep_n king_n be_v ancient_o style_v shepherd_n and_o sometime_o be_v real_o such_o god_n call_v cyrus_n his_o shepherd_n isa._n 44._o 28._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o epithet_n of_o a_o prince_n in_o homer_n which_o '_o plato_n explain_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o feeder_n and_o nourisher_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o mankind_n the_o three_o hebrew_n verb_n nahag_a nahal_fw-mi ragnah_o signify_v to_o lead_v or_o feed_v sheep_n and_o to_o govern_v so_o do_v the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v both_o a_o palace_n luke_n 11._o 21._o john_n 18._o 15._o and_o a_o sheepfold_n john_n 10._o 1._o the_o word_n 4._o shebet_n be_v both_o a_o sceptre_n and_o a_o pastoral_n rod._n the_o shepherd_n employment_n say_v mosis_fw-la
record_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n for_o either_o as_o we_o say_v before_o concern_v moses_n they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o through_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n that_o foresee_v these_o thing_n or_o else_o they_o be_v add_v by_o some_o other_o inspire_a writer_n so_o perhaps_o be_v those_o word_n unto_o this_o day_n ch_n 4._o v._n 9_o &_o ch_n 5._o v._n 9_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a at_o all_o to_o believe_v so_o for_o joshua_n relate_v some_o passage_n that_o happen_v a_o good_a while_n before_o he_o write_v this_o book_n which_o be_v a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n may_v speak_v after_o this_o manner_n very_o well_o and_o some_o few_o other_o word_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v insert_v after_o ioshua_n death_n but_o that_o the_o main_n be_v write_v by_o himself_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o question_v the_o history_n of_o the_o judge_n follow_v which_o relate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a people_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n from_o ioshua_n death_n until_o eli_n that_o be_v about_o three_o hundred_o year_n these_o judge_n be_v man_n of_o heroic_a spirit_n raise_v up_o by_o god_n out_o of_o the_o several_a tribe_n to_o govern_v the_o people_n and_o to_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o present_a danger_n they_o be_v supreme_a ruler_n but_o temporary_a and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v type_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o deliverer_n in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o peculiar_a polity_n of_o the_o israelite_n there_o be_v very_o notable_a occurrence_n which_o be_v faithful_o record_v in_o this_o book_n here_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o gross_a impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o that_o new_a generation_n which_o come_v up_o after_o ioshua_n death_n here_o be_v record_v to_o their_o perpetual_a infamy_n their_o intimate_v converse_n with_o those_o idolatrous_a people_n that_o be_v leave_v remain_v in_o that_o land_n their_o approve_v of_o their_o superstitious_a and_o irreligious_a custom_n and_o their_o serve_v their_o go_n here_o be_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o manner_n of_o their_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a practice_n which_o occasion_v the_o very_a heathen_n to_o open_v their_o mouth_n against_o they_o yea_o to_o blaspheme_n god_n who_o name_n they_o be_v call_v by_o here_o also_o we_o have_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o heaven_n towards_o this_o people_n sometime_o relieve_v and_o deliver_v they_o at_o other_o t●mes_v most_o severe_o chastise_v they_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o groan_v under_o tyrant_n and_o oppressor_n here_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o history_n most_o admirable_a example_n of_o god_n displeasure_n against_o apostate_n and_o such_o as_o revolt_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o here_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_a as_o memorable_a instance_n of_o his_o reward_v those_o that_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o his_o cause_n and_o hold_v fast_o their_o integrity_n in_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o perilous_a time_n here_o be_v most_o ample_o display_v his_o love_n and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o stir_v up_o so_o many_o eminent_a worthy_n and_o champion_n to_o fight_v for_o she_o and_o to_o push_v they_o on_o by_o no_o less_o than_o a_o extraordinary_a impulse_n of_o spirit_n to_o enterprise_n and_o effect_v such_o mighty_a thing_n for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o choose_a servant_n to_o conclude_v here_o and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n occur_v such_o a_o plenty_n of_o ancient_a rite_n custom_n and_o practice_n relate_v both_o to_o peace_n and_o war_n to_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n as_o be_v able_a to_o stock_n a_o antiquary_n of_o the_o first_o size_n we_o be_v not_o certain_a who_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n it_o be_v write_v by_o samuel_n say_v the_o talmudist_n and_o it_o may_v be_v after_o one_o of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o some_o thing_n be_v here_o mention_v or_o refer_v to_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o there_o other_o say_v it_o be_v not_o compose_v till_o 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
a_o consequent_a of_o they_o the_o many_o disappointment_n and_o cross_n he_o meet_v with_o the_o various_a judgement_n and_o plague_n which_o be_v inflict_v on_o he_o and_o his_o people_n by_o god_n the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n be_v the_o history_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n under_o the_o reign_v of_o their_o several_a king_n the_o first_o contain_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o life_n of_o david_n and_o his_o death_n the_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n of_o that_o nation_n under_o solomon_n who_o succeed_v he_o his_o erect_n and_o consecrate_v of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n his_o scandalous_a defection_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o sudden_a decay_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n after_o his_o death_n when_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o kingdom_n under_o rehoboam_n who_o reign_v over_o the_o two_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n and_o under_o jeroboam_fw-la who_o be_v king_n over_o the_o other_o ten_o tribe_n that_o revolt_v from_o the_o house_n of_o david_n the_o rest_n of_o it_o be_v spend_v in_o relate_v the_o act_n of_o four_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o eight_o of_o israel_n the_o second_o book_n which_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o king_n be_v a_o relation_n of_o the_o memorable_a act_n of_o sixteen_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o twelve_o of_o israel_n and_o the_o end_n of_o both_o kingdom_n by_o the_o carry_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n captive_a into_o assyria_n by_o salmanasser_n and_o the_o other_o two_o into_o babylon_n by_o nabuchadnezzar_n the_o just_a reward_n of_o that_o people_n idolatry_n and_o impenitency_n after_o so_o many_o favour_n show_v to_o they_o this_o and_o the_o former_a book_n together_o comprehend_v the_o history_n of_o about_o four_o hundred_o year_n the_o chronicle_n or_o journals_n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v the_o fill_v up_o of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o history_n which_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o though_o we_o know_v not_o which_o of_o these_o history_n viz._n of_o the_o king_n or_o the_o chronicle_n i_o speak_v as_o to_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o book_n not_o one_o particular_a passage_n as_o that_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o chronicle_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o cyrus_n which_o may_v be_v add_v afterward_o be_v write_v first_o for_o the_o book_n of_o king_n refer_v to_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n and_o this_o again_o send_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o yet_o this_o we_o see_v that_o this_o of_o the_o chronicle_n be_v more_o full_a and_o ample_a sometime_o than_o that_o of_o the_o king_n what_o be_v leave_v out_o or_o not_o so_o full_o set_v down_o in_o the_o one_o be_v supply_v in_o the_o other_o and_o thence_o these_o book_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n remain_n supplement_n addition_n by_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n the_o first_o book_n of_o chronicle_n relate_v the_o rise_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o entire_a subject_n of_o the_o first_o nine_o chapter_n which_o consist_v whole_o of_o genealogy_n and_o then_o afterward_o most_o punctual_o and_o accurate_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o david_n the_o second_o book_n as_o faithful_o set_v down_o the_o progress_n and_o end_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n even_o to_o the_o year_n of_o their_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n these_o book_n of_o chronicle_n together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o king_n and_o samuel_n make_v up_o the_o best_a and_o choice_a history_n in_o the_o world_n here_o we_o be_v abundant_o furnish_v with_o such_o useful_a notice_n truth_n and_o maxim_n as_o these_o all_o confirm_v by_o note_a and_o illustrious_a example_n and_o such_o instance_n as_o be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a crown_a head_n be_v encircle_v with_o care_n and_o seldom_o find_v rest_n and_o repose_v though_o their_o life_n be_v more_o splendid_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o less_o calamitous_a than_o those_o of_o the_o common_a people_n good_a king_n be_v rare_a and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bad._n the_o best_a king_n have_v their_o fault_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o a_o very_a scandalous_a nature_n there_o be_v little_a piety_n in_o prince_n court_n and_o as_o little_a integrity_n and_o honesty_n the_o people_n be_v easy_o induce_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o governor_n and_o religion_n and_o manner_n too_o often_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o superior_n good_a king_n be_v the_o great_a blessing_n and_o wicked_a one_o be_v the_o great_a curse_n to_o a_o nation_n prince_n mistake_v their_o measure_n when_o they_o either_o disobey_v god_n or_o oppress_v their_o people_n tyrannical_a prince_n procure_v their_o own_o ruin_n the_o sin_n and_o vice_n of_o ruler_n prove_v fatal_a to_o their_o subject_n public_a enormity_n be_v punish_v with_o public_a and_o national_a calamity_n king_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o minister_n they_o choose_v and_o make_v use_n of_o those_o counsel_n that_o be_v found_v in_o religion_n be_v most_o successful_a evil_a counselor_n contrive_v their_o own_o destruction_n war_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o fight_v against_o god_n the_o success_n of_o arm_n depend_v upon_o the_o divine_a blessing_n the_o church_n be_v never_o more_o shock_a then_o under_o bad_a prince_n religion_n and_o reformation_n be_v never_o effectual_o promote_v unless_o the_o great_a one_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o they_o division_n and_o rent_n about_o religion_n have_v immediate_a influence_n on_o secular_a affair_n and_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v the_o state_n be_v so_o too_o the_o revolution_n in_o both_o be_v by_o the_o particular_a disposal_n of_o the_o wise_a over-ruler_n of_o the_o world_n true_a religion_n and_o godliness_n be_v attend_v with_o earthly_a reward_n and_o blessing_n and_o the_o contrary_n bring_v down_o the_o great_a plague_n even_o in_o this_o world_n the_o worst_a time_n afford_v some_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o holy_a religious_a and_o zealous_a men._n whatever_o change_n and_o revolution_n happen_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o church_n of_o god_n remain_v secure_a though_o there_o be_v great_a and_o frequent_a defection_n yet_o there_o never_o be_v a_o total_a extinction_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n the_o church_n be_v impregnable_a this_o rock_n be_v immovable_a and_o many_o other_o proposition_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v of_o great_a service_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o these_o excellent_a history_n ezra_n be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n of_o chronicle_n and_o comprise_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o time_n that_o cyrus_n make_v the_o edict_n for_o their_o return_n until_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n longimanus_fw-la which_o be_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n for_o the_o jew_n return_v from_o babylon_n be_v at_o two_o several_a time_n viz._n first_o in_o the_o day_n of_o cyrus_n the_o first_o per●●an_n monarch_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o zerubbabel_n their_o captain_n and_o jeshua_n their_o high_a priest_n here_o be_v record_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o return_v cyrus_n proclamation_n for_o the_o rebuild_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o lay_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o the_o retard_v of_o the_o work_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o two_o of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n at_o last_o the_o finish_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o darius_n reign_n the_o second_o return_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o artaxerxes_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o ezra_n a_o priest_n who_o have_v be_v a_o courtier_n in_o the_o persian_a court_n and_o be_v send_v into_o judea_n by_o artaxerxes_n in_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n which_o be_v above_o eighty_o year_n after_o the_o first_o return_n in_o cyrus_n time_n to_o expedite_v the_o building_n of_o jerusalem_n this_o pious_a reformer_n observe_v the_o people_n 〈◊〉_d with_o stranger_n and_o infidel_n and_o their_o join_a themselves_o to_o they_o in_o marriage_n proclaim_v a_o solemn_a fast_o and_o pray_v and_o mourn_v and_o lament_v their_o gross_a miscarriage_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n and_o zeal_n exhort_v they_o to_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o way_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o avert_v god_n wrath_n and_o conciliate_v his_o favour_n and_o pardon_n this_o be_v that_o ezra_n who_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n and_o who_o be_v also_o a_o restorer_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o collect_v and_o methodise_v they_o into_o certain_a order_n and_o review_v the_o copy_n and_o amend_v all_o errata_n that_o be_v contract_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n nehemiah_n who_o
circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v feign_v there_o be_v no_o fiction_n in_o it_o because_o it_o be_v as_o to_o the_o whole_a matter_n of_o it_o real_a and_o relate_v what_o actual_o happen_v only_o as_o to_o the_o word_n and_o style_n it_o be_v poetical_o compose_v i_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o historical_a poem_n be_v in_o way_n of_o dialogue_n or_o rather_o be_v make_v up_o of_o feveral_a dialogue_n and_o colloquy_n it_o be_v a_o dramatic_a piece_n wherein_o six_o person_n have_v their_o part_n job_n eliphaz_n bildad_n zophar_n elihu_n and_o god_n who_o speak_v in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o nor_o be_v this_o unusual_a in_o some_o other_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n where_o we_o find_v that_o some_o of_o david_n psalm_n be_v dialogue-wise_a and_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o solomon_n song_n be_v after_o that_o manner_n beside_o that_o as_o a_o scripture_n worthy_a person_n have_v observe_v in_o some_o of_o the_o other_o write_n of_o this_o wise_a man_n and_o 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the_o christian_a church_n as_o justin_n martyr_n who_o set_v forth_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o become_v a_o christian_a in_o the_o platonic_a way_n i._n e._n of_o a_o colloquy_n and_o the_o whole_a discourse_n with_o trypho_n be_v no_o more_o perhaps_o than_o the_o personate_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o jew_n by_o way_n of_o dialogue_n minutius_n felix_n debate_n between_o octavius_n and_o caecilius_n a_o christian_a and_o a_o gentile_a be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o this_o ancient_a practise_n of_o deliver_v truth_n in_o this_o manner_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o book_n of_o job_n the_o old_a dialogue_n in_o the_o world_n and_o which_o moreover_o be_v in_o way_n of_o a_o disputation_n where_o job_n be_v respondent_fw-la his_o three_o friend_n the_o opponent_n and_o eli●u_n yea_o and_o at_o last_o god_n himself_o the_o moderator_n and_o one_o thing_n by_o the_o by_o i_o will_v here_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v say_v ch_n 31._o v._n 40._o the_o word_n of_o job_n be_v end_v which_o we_o must_v understand_v with_o reference_n to_o this_o contrast_n between_o he_o and_o his_o friend_n for_o otherwise_o job_n have_v not_o make_v a_o end_n of_o speak_v as_o we_o find_v in_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n therefore_o the_o mean_v be_v that_o his_o word_n in_o way_n of_o contention_n and_o controversy_n with_o those_o man_n be_v end_v and_o thus_o the_o first_o verse_n in_o the_o ensue_a chapter_n explain_v it_o so_o these_o three_o man_n cease_v to_o answer_n job_n the_o whole_a afford_v we_o many_o excellent_a observation_n viz._n that_o the_o great_a wealth_n and_o riches_n be_v uncertain_a that_o sudden_o and_o unexpected_o they_o make_v themselves_o wing_n and_o fly_v away_o from_o the_o possessor_n and_o leave_v they_o in_o want_n distress_n and_o misery_n that_o integrity_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n exempt_v no_o man_n from_o this_o changeableness_n of_o his_o condition_n be_v no_o protection_n against_o the_o worst_a of_o outward_a evil_n whatsoever_o whether_o procure_v by_o satan_n or_o by_o evil_a men._n this_o be_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o example_n of_o this_o great_a man_n yea_o 3._o the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o east_n i._n e._n in_o arabia_n and_o who_o be_v as_o good_a as_o he_o be_v great_a for_o 1._o he_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o upright_o man_n nay_o 8._o there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o in_o the_o earth_n this_o be_v the_o true_a arabian_a phoenix_n there_o be_v none_o but_o he_o at_o that_o time_n but_o this_o person_n who_o be_v so_o fame_v for_o his_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n come_v at_o last_o to_o be_v as_o note_v for_o his_o low_a and_o mean_a condition_n his_o trouble_n and_o distress_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o those_o too_o of_o the_o high_a degree_n for_o he_o be_v bereave_v of_o all_o his_o dear_a child_n by_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o house_n where_o they_o be_v he_o be_v despoil_v of_o all_o his_o good_n and_o estate_n by_o the_o chaldean_a and_o sabean_a freebooter_n he_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o bodily_a health_n and_o smite_v with_o painful_a and_o loathsome_a disease_n by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o the_o malicious_a demon_n he_o be_v despise_v scorn_a deride_v by_o the_o vile_a race_n of_o people_n hence_o we_o be_v instruct_v that_o the_o worst_a of_o temporal_a evil_n do_v sometime_o befall_v the_o most_o upright_a person_n and_o we_o be_v teach_v from_o iob_n example_n also_o that_o the_o holy_a man_n have_v their_o fit_n of_o impatience_n they_o be_v hear_v sometime_o to_o complain_v and_o cry_v out_o under_o their_o burden_n they_o expostulate_v with_o god_n and_o question_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o they_o magnify_v their_o own_o innocence_n at_o too_o high_a a_o rate_n they_o be_v weary_a of_o their_o life_n and_o passionate_o wish_v for_o a_o period_n of_o they_o this_o be_v iob_n case_n and_o may_v be_v of_o other_o righteous_a man_n they_o may_v through_o humane_a frailty_n be_v for_o a_o time_n subject_a to_o the_o same_o disorder_n and_o show_v themselves_o as_o uneasy_a under_o their_o affliction_n especial_o when_o with_o this_o holy_a man_n they_o be_v wound_v in_o spirit_n and_o buffet_v by_o satan_n and_o lie_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n but_o as_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n say_v talm._n a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o hour_n of_o his_o grief_n and_o perplexity_n it_o be_v not_o impute_v to_o he_o if_o he_o utter_v thing_n that_o be_v unfitting_a when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o extremity_n of_o pain_n and_o anguish_n but_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v likewise_o that_o this_o good_a man_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o most_o press_a calamity_n be_v never_o quite_o run_v down_o by_o they_o but_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o show_v by_o his_o word_n and_o behaviour_n that_o he_o have_v get_v the_o conquest_n of_o they_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n say_v st._n 11._o james_n and_o this_o patience_n be_v as_o eminent_a as_o his_o disaster_n for_o we_o hear_v he_o 21._o blessing_n the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o for_o what_o he_o give_v but_o for_o what_o he_o take_v away_o from_o he_o we_o hear_v he_o protect_v that_o 15._o though_o god_n shall_v stay_v he_o yet_o he_o will_v trust_v in_o he_o we_o hear_v he_o express_v his_o foresight_n persuasion_n and_o assurance_n that_o 25._o his_o redeemer_n live_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v stand_v at_o the_o latter_a day_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o though_o after_o his_o skin_n worm_n destroy_v his_o body_n yet_o in_o his_o flesh_n he_o shall_v see_v god_n all_o which_o be_v most_o evident_a argument_n of_o his_o patience_n under_o his_o cross_n of_o his_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o they_o of_o his_o strong_a faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o they_o and_o of_o his_o hearty_a persuasion_n that_o nothing_o do_v or_o can_v happen_v to_o mankind_n without_o god_n good_a pleasure_n nothing_o can_v betide_v we_o without_o his_o leave_n and_o consent_v which_o be_v the_o great_a comfort_n and_o refreshment_n the_o high_a repose_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o mind_n imaginable_a this_o indeed_o be_v one_o grand_a design_n of_o this_o book_n to_o bring_v the_o spirit_n of_o good_a man_n to_o a_o even_a and_o placid_a frame_n on_o this_o consideration_n that_o god_n have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v what_o he_o think_v fit_a with_o his_o creature_n as_o to_o the_o outward_a condition_n they_o be_v liable_a to_o in_o this_o life_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n order_v all_o the_o action_n and_o erterprise_n either_o of_o man_n or_o devil_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v
true_a and_o proper_a import_n of_o it_o i_o can_v find_v the_o certain_a meaning_n of_o it_o say_v radicum_fw-la au●narius_n though_o i_o have_v consult_v all_o the_o comment_n of_o the_o rabbi_n the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v render_v it_o perpetuò_fw-la semper_fw-la and_o so_o several_a rabbin_n expound_v it_o but_o can_v assign_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o some_o take_v it_o for_o a_o musical_a note_n of_o no_o significancy_n in_o itself_o but_o a_o mere_a make_v word_n to_o direct_v the_o master_n of_o music_n in_o sing_v or_o play_v but_o then_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n among_o those_o of_o this_o opinion_n for_o some_o of_o the_o hebrew_n writer_n think_v it_o denote_v the_o elevation_n of_o the_o voice_n and_o that_o wherever_o this_o word_n be_v in_o the_o psalm_n the_o chorister_n be_v put_v in_o mind_n to_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n other_o of_o they_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o note_n to_o signify_v a_o pause_v a_o rest_a or_o breathe_v for_o a_o time_n and_o according_o some_o of_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n say_v that_o they_o be_v admonish_v by_o this_o word_n to_o begin_v another_o sentence_n or_o period_n but_o another_o classis_fw-la of_o interpreter_n look_v upon_o this_o word_n not_o as_o a_o note_n of_o music_n but_o of_o observation_n or_o remark_n and_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v affix_v to_o some_o sentence_n that_o be_v very_o notable_a and_o more_o especial_o worthy_a of_o our_o consideration_n in_o my_o mind_n r._n kim●hi_n be_v in_o the_o right_n who_o join_v this_o and_o the_o former_a exposition_n of_o the_o word_n together_o tell_v we_o that_o selah_n be_v both_o a_o musical_a note_n and_o a_o note_n of_o emphasis_n in_o the_o sense_n whereby_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o observe_v something_o more_o than_o usual_o remarkable_a it_o be_v derive_v from_o shall_fw-mi or_o salal_o exaltavit_fw-la and_o denote_v the_o elevate_n of_o the_o voice_n in_o sing_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o heart_n the_o serious_a consider_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v it_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o i_o that_o this_o be_v of_o use_n in_o music_n and_o singing_n because_o it_o be_v render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n and_o which_o be_v more_o considerable_a because_o we_o meet_v with_o it_o in_o the_o psalm_n only_o and_o in_o ha●akkuk_n chap._n 3._o v._n 3_o 9_o 13._o which_o chapter_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o psalm_n or_o canticle_n as_o you_o will_v see_v in_o the_o title_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v also_o a_o mark_n of_o observation_n and_o meditation_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o its_o be_v join_v in_o psal._n 9_o 16._o with_o higgaion_n which_o signify_v meditation_n for_o the_o word_n be_v from_o hagah_n meditatus_fw-la fuit_fw-la and_o though_o in_o some_o place_n selah_n seem_v to_o be_v use_v where_o there_o be_v ●o_o emphatic_a word_n or_o sense_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o this_o must_v be_v refer_v and_o apply_v not_o only_o to_o the_o immediate_o precede_v word_n or_o verse_n but_o to_o the_o whole_a set_a of_o verse_n or_o period_n about_o which_o it_o be_v place_v if_o we_o thus_o apply_v it_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o it_o be_v use_v to_o good_a purpose_n viz._n to_o point_n out_o to_o we_o something_o very_o observable_a and_o notable_a it_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o revolve_v in_o our_o mind_n with_o great_a seriousness_n the_o matter_n that_o be_v before_o we_o and_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o selah_n in_o psal._n 46._o 11._o be_v render_v by_o the_o seventy_o interpreter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o it_o be_v the_o excellent_a and_o noble_a matter_n which_o most_o of_o all_o commend_v these_o divine_a poem_n some_o of_o they_o be_v historical_a give_v a_o account_n of_o god_n wonderful_a dispensation_n in_o the_o forego_n age_n of_o the_o world_n especial_o towards_o the_o jewish_a people_n in_o their_o first_o election_n out_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n their_o condition_n in_o egypt_n in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o c●naan_n with_o a_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o particular_a mercy_n and_o judgement_n show_v towards_o they_o other_o psalm_n be_v didactic_a fraught_v with_o most_o wholesome_a and_o useful_a doctrine_n with_o most_o solid_a and_o necessary_a instruction_n what_o be_v there_o say_v psalm_n basil_n the_o great_a that_o we_o be_v not_o teach_v here_o be_v we_o not_o instruct_v here_o concern_v all_o moral_a virtue_n the_o magnificence_n of_o fortitude_n the_o exactness_n of_o justice_n the_o gravity_n of_o temperance_n the_o perfection_n of_o prudence_n be_v we_o not_o inform_v hence_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o repentance_n the_o measure_n of_o patience_n and_o whatever_o other_o good_a and_o virtuous_a thing_n we_o can_v name_v here_o be_v the_o treasure_n of_o complete_a theology_n here_o be_v ibid._n the_o common_a storehouse_n of_o all_o good_a document_n other_o psalm_n be_v prophetical_a foreshow_v the_o great_a and_o astonish_a thing_n which_o have_v happen_v since_o in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n in_o the_o flesh_n his_o suffering_n death_n resurrection_n ascension_n and_o most_o of_o the_o considerable_a circumstance_n appertain_v to_o these_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o wonderful_a propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o success_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n upon_o earth_n again_o some_o of_o these_o psalm_n be_v petitory_a beg_v with_o the_o high_a zeal_n and_o devotion_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o thereby_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o implore_v of_o heaven_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n we_o shall_v put_v up_o our_o address_n other_o be_v eucharistical_a wherein_o the_o psalmist_n discover_v the_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o his_o mind_n by_o a_o open_a recognition_n of_o the_o divine_a bounty_n to_o he_o and_o by_o send_v up_o continual_a praise_n unto_o the_o author_n of_o all_o those_o favour_n and_o blessing_n daily_o heap_v upon_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n teach_v we_o to_o pay_v the_o like_a tribute_n of_o devotion_n to_o the_o same_o bountiful_a hand_n and_o to_o take_v all_o occasion_n as_o he_o do_v of_o testify_v our_o thankful_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n of_o this_o sort_n more_o especial_o be_v the_o 113th_o psalm_n with_o the_o five_o follow_v one_o which_o be_v call_v by_o the_o jew_n the_o great_a haleluia_o or_o rather_o as_o buxtorf_n say_v the_o great_a hymn_n which_o they_o use_v at_o their_o three_o chief_a feast_n especial_o at_o the_o passover_n this_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v mean_v by_o the_o hymn_n mat._n 26._o 30._o which_o christ_n with_o his_o apostle_n sing_v after_o their_o eat_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb._n some_o be_v hortatory_n with_o singular_a earnestness_n invite_v the_o world_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o obey_v the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pathetical_o call_v upon_o wicked_a man_n to_o abandon_v their_o sinful_a way_n and_o to_o repent_v and_o turn_v unto_o god_n with_o a_o more_o special_a love_n and_o tenderness_n beseech_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a to_o fear_v and_o reverence_v his_o name_n to_o trust_v at_o all_o time_n in_o he_o and_o to_o be_v obedient_a unto_o his_o holy_a law_n and_o statute_n other_o be_v consolatory_a administer_a peace_n and_o joy_n to_o all_o that_o be_v upright_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n breathe_v nothing_o but_o heavenly_a solace_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o distress_a mind_n such_o as_o never_o come_v from_o any_o mouth_n but_o what_o be_v inspire_v some_o of_o they_o be_v penitential_a beside_o those_o 141st_o seven_o which_o be_v usual_o style_v so_o wherein_o the_o holy_a man_n with_o infinite_a sorrow_n and_o remorse_n of_o soul_n declare_v his_o abhorrence_n of_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o his_o firm_a resolve_n and_o purpose_n of_o relinquish_a they_o for_o the_o future_a last_o some_o of_o the_o psalm_n be_v of_o a_o mix_v nature_n comprehend_v several_a of_o the_o forementioned_a head_n in_o they_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o book_n of_o devotion_n extant_a in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o variety_n of_o matter_n as_o this_o be_v and_o therefore_o be_v not_o only_o the_o more_o delightful_a and_o entertain_v but_o be_v also_o the_o more_o useful_a and_o advantageous_a the_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o various_a condition_n and_o occasion_n of_o mankind_n the_o more_o fit_v for_o the_o several_a purpose_n of_o the_o devout_a the_o more_o serviceable_a to_o all_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n for_o this_o and_o many_o other_o reason_n i_o may_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o such_o another_o excellent_a collection_n of_o devotion_n under_o heaven_n
as_o the_o original_a if_o we_o will_v be_v exact_a in_o render_v it_o express_v it_o and_o if_o we_o interpret_v this_o proverb_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o exact_o comport_v with_o the_o next_o verse_n they_o lay_v wait_v for_o their_o own_o blood_n they_o lurk_v privy_o for_o their_o own_o life_n those_o that_o thus_o design_n mischief_n against_o innocent_a person_n bring_v ruin_n upon_o themselves_o and_o be_v frequent_o take_v in_o that_o net_n which_o they_o spread_v for_o other_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o genuine_a exposition_n of_o the_o word_n but_o every_o one_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o liberty_n to_o choose_v any_o other_o interpretation_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o context_n and_o oppose_v no_o other_o text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o of_o all_o these_o sense_n be_v at_o first_o design_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o can_v certain_o tell_v it_o may_v be_v in_o such_o place_n as_o these_o of_o which_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a number_n in_o this_o book_n there_o be_v a_o latitude_n and_o questionless_a it_o be_v best_o it_o ●●ould_v be_v so_o that_o we_o may_v with_o the_o great_a freedom_n search_v into_o and_o descant_v upon_o these_o sacred_a write_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o full_a extent_n of_o these_o excellent_a moral_a observation_n and_o remarkable_a say_n of_o this_o wise_a king_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v short_a and_o concise_a and_o therehy_a sometime_o become_v somewhat_o difficult_a but_o if_o 〈◊〉_d im●eratoria_n brevital_n as_o tacitus_n call_v it_o be_v commendable_a no_o wise_a man_n sure_o will_v dislike_v it_o in_o solomon_n especial_o when_o such_o divine_a and_o admirable_a truth_n be_v couch_v in_o it_o his_o next_o book_n be_v entitle_v ecclesiaste_n for_o the_o lxx_o by_o who_o the_o wor●●_n kabal_n be_v general_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v according_o render_v kobele_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v probable_a he_o pen_v it_o when_o 〈◊〉_d be_v 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immortal_a spirit_n of_o man_n that_o the_o great_a wit_n and_o learning_n the_o most_o exquisite_a pleasure_n and_o sensual_a enjoyment_n the_o vast_a confluence_n of_o wealth_n and_o riches_n and_o the_o high_a seat_n of_o honour_n even_o the_o royal_a throne_n itself_o be_v insufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n happy_a and_o consequent_o that_o our_o happiness_n must_v be_v ●ought_v for_o some_o where_o else_o here_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o world_n be_v changeable_n and_o ambient_a to_o vanity_n though_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o in_o it_o yet_o the_o steady_a and_o uner_a providence_n of_o god_n rule_v all_o affair_n and_o event_n here_o below_o and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o god_n will_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n with_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil_a here_o be_v particular_a direction_n give_v we_o how_o we_o be_v to_o discharge_v our_o duty_n first_o with_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o viz._n that_o we_o ought_v very_o strict_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o to_o live_v i●_n a_o thankful_a use_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o be_v content_a with_o our_o portion_n and_o allotment_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o banish_v all_o covetous_a desire_n and_o project_n as_o we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v i._n e._n be_v very_o retire_v and_o solemn_a very_o ●●●lous_a and_o compose_v and_o banish_v all_o superfluous_a mirth_n and_o gaiety_n so_o we_o must_v eat_v our_o bread_n with_o joy_n i._n e._n live_v in_o a_o comfortable_a fruition_n of_o these_o earthly_a blessing_n and_o delight_n in_o these_o enjoyment_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v lawful_a and_o innocent_a our_o duty_n to_o other_o be_v here_o also_o brief_o prescribe_v we_o viz._n that_o we_o ought_v to_o pay_v a_o profound_a respect_n to_o good_a king_n and_o to_o keep_v their_o commandment_n yea_o that_o our_o very_a thought_n towards_o they_o ought_v to_o he_o reverent_a then_o as_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o equal_a level_n with_o we_o or_o inferior_a to_o we_o that_o we_o show_v ourselves_o just_a and_o righteous_a to_o they_o in_o all_o our_o converse_n and_o deal_n and_o that_o when_o we_o see_v any_o of_o they_o reduce_v to_o poverty_n and_o strait_o that_o we_o extend_v our_o charity_n to_o they_o that_o we_o cast_v our_o bread_n upon_o these_o water_n that_o we_o relieve_v their_o want_n and_o necessity_n last_o we_o be_v instruct_v in_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o approach_v he_o with_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n to_o keep_v our_o foot_n when_o we_o go_v to_o his_o house_n to_o pay_v our_o vow_n to_o he_o to_o remember_v he_o our_o creator_n and_o preserver_n to_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n his_o whole_a duty_n and_o his_o whole_a concern_v the_o canticle_n or_o solomon_n song_n be_v another_o piece_n of_o hebrew_n poetry_n which_o he_o write_v when_o he_o be_v young_a and_o in_o a_o amorous_a vein_n and_o yet_o breathe_v most_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a amour_n if_o you_o take_v it_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n only_o it_o be_v king_n solomon_n epithalamium_n or_o wedding-song_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o 45th_o psalm_n which_o be_v a_o song_n on_o his_o nuptial_n with_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n be_v daughter_n but_o in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n it_o set_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v there_o call_v the_o king_n daughter_n such_o be_v this_o dramatic_a poem_n wherein_o be_v bring_v in_o the_o bridegroom_n and_o bride_n and_o the_o friend_n of_o both_o alternate_o speak_v but_o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o gross_a in_o our_o apprehension_n as_o to_o conceive_v this_o to_o be_v bare_o a_o marriage-song_n as_o castellio_n groundless_o fanci_v and_o therefore_o deem_v it_o to_o be_v scripture_n not_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n with_o the_o rest_n beside_o the_o literal_a import_n of_o the_o word_n in_o this_o lovesong_n there_o be_v a_o mystical_a sense_n couch_v in_o they_o carnal_a love_n be_v here_o make_v to_o administer_v to_o religion_n the_o flesh_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o mystery_n in_o this_o love-poem_n the_o jew_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o read_v it_o till_o they_o be_v of_o maturity_n of_o year_n if_o we_o take_v this_o mystical_a wedding_n song_n in_o the_o high_a mean_v of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o allegorical_a description_n of_o the_o spiritual_a marriage_n and_o communion_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n it_o i●_n a_o representation_n of_o the_o mystical_a nuptial_n of_o th●_n lord_n christ_n jesus_n and_o believer_n their_o mutu●●_n affection_n and_o love_n be_v decipher_v by_o the_o so●_n passion_n and_o amour_n of_o solomon_n and_o his_o royal_a spouse_n this_o though_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o it_o make_v it_o a_o most_o divine_a poem_n and_o high_o worthy_a of_o our_o most_o serious_a perusal_n and_o study_n for_o here_o we_o see_v the_o gospel_n anticipate_v and_o the_o most_o glorious_a subject_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n betimes_o insert_v into_o the_o old_a object_n but_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a disparagement_n to_o this_o and_o the_o other_o beforementioned_a book_n of_o solomon_n that_o ●e_n be_v a_o reprobate_n and_o final_o reject_v by_o god_n be_v we_o not_o discourage_v from_o receive_v these_o write_n as_o canonical_a scripture_n when_o we_o know_v that_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v a_o damn_a person_n for_o what_o can_v he_o be_v else_o who_o towards_o his_o latter_a end_n revolt_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n
and_o go_v after_o strange_a god_n and_o strange_a woman_n and_o we_o never_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o he_o repent_v either_o of_o his_o idolatry_n or_o his_o whoredom_n be_v it_o likely_a that_o this_o gross_a apostate_n be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v it_o probahle_v that_o he_o have_v the_o honour_n of_o be_v one_o of_o the_o penman_n of_o sacred_a writ_n answ._n it_o be_v true_a solomon_n be_v as_o great_a a_o reproach_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o ever_o any_o person_n be_v if_o we_o consider_v all_o his_o circumstance_n his_o sin_n be_v of_o a_o very_a high_a nature_n his_o fault_n be_v most_o heinous_a and_o scandalous_a and_o that_o man_n be_v half_a guilty_a of_o they_o that_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v they_o a_o most_o provoke_a crime_n it_o be_v in_o he_o that_o have_v be_v so_o high_o favour_v of_o god_n to_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o his_o lust_n a_o most_o horrid_a offence_n it_o be_v even_o in_o his_o old_a age_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o life_n as_o if_o now_o his_o year_n have_v make_v he_o decrepit_a and_o idolatrous_a too_o to_o bow_v down_o to_o idol_n but_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o solomon_n bow_v so_o low_a that_o he_o can_v not_o rise_v again_o that_o he_o fall_v and_o never_o recover_v himself_o i_o confess_v no_o mean_a a_o man_n than_o st._n augustin_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n this_o hard_a father_n of_o infant_n be_v as_o harsh_a against_o solomon_n pronounce_v he_o a_o person_n whole_o cast_v out_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o never_o receive_v to_o mercy_n again_o and_o some_o other_o father_n as_o st_n cyprian_n and_o prosper_v question_v his_o salvation_n bellarmin_n and_o pererius_n positive_o conclude_v he_o be_v damn_v but_o then_o we_o find_v drexellius_n three_o other_o of_o that_o communion_n and_o of_o the_o same_o order_n peremptory_o assert_v the_o contrary_a maldonate_fw-it declare_v he_o do_v not_o know_v what_o to_o determine_v of_o which_o mind_n it_o seem_v be_v that_o archbishop_n of_o toledo_n who_o ●aused_v king_n solomon_n to_o be_v paint_v on_o the_o wall_n of_o his_o chapel_n half_a in_o hell_n and_o half_a in_o heaven_n but_o to_o wave_v the_o opinion_n and_o censure_n of_o particular_a person_n at_o present_a it_o be_v general_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o solomon_n repent_v and_o be_v save_v and_o there_o be_v such_o reason_n as_o these_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a conclude_v from_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o repent_v not_o and_o that_o he_o be_v damn_v for_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o king_n manasse●_n be_v a_o great_a sinner_n than_o ever_o he_o be_v for_o unto_o all_o manner_n of_o idolatry_n he_o add_v the_o diabolical_a practice_n of_o witchcraft_n and_o enchantment_n 2_o chron._n 33._o 3_o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o his_o hearty_a repentance_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n be_v record_v v_o 12_o 13_o 19_o yea_o david_n solomon_n own_o parent_n be_v a_o very_a heinous_a criminal_a if_o the_o sin_n of_o study_a murder_n which_o we_o do_v not_o find_v his_o son_n guilty_a of_o and_o adultery_n can_v make_v he_o such_o and_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o upon_o his_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o these_o crime_n and_o reform_v his_o way_n he_o be_v acquit_v of_o these_o offence_n and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o same_o mercy_n be_v show_v to_o the_o son_n and_o what_o ground_n have_v we_o to_o exclude_v he_o from_o partake_v of_o it_o upon_o his_o unfeigned_a repentance_n 2._o that_o he_o do_v repent_v and_o be_v save_v may_v be_v gather_v from_o 2_o chron._n 11._o 17._o where_o the_o walk_n in_o the_o way_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n be_v mention_v as_o walk_v holy_o and_o so_o as_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n upon_o which_o passage_n a_o testament_n judicious_a writer_n have_v these_o word_n this_o very_a place_n and_o passage_n say_v he_o may_v resolve_v that_o solomon_n be_v no_o more_o final_o cast_v away_o for_o his_o idolatry_n than_o david_n be_v for_o his_o adultery_n and_o murder_n we_o see_v that_o david_n and_o solomon_n be_v here_o join_v together_o their_o way_n of_o walk_v be_v represent_v as_o the_o same_o as_o much_o as_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o as_o david_n be_v a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n except_v the_o murder_n of_o vriah_n and_o debauch_v his_o wife_n so_o be_v his_o son_n solomon_n except_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o his_o life_n 3._o solomon_n book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n as_o have_v be_v suggest_v already_o be_v a_o plain_a testimony_n of_o his_o repentance_n here_o he_o bewail_v his_o former_a folly_n here_o he_o make_v a_o public_a retractation_n of_o they_o and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v penance_n for_o they_o before_o all_o the_o world_n we_o may_v therefore_o safe_o vote_v he_o a_o true_a penitent_n a_o real_a convert_n at_o last_o and_o now_o a_o saint_n in_o heaven_n 4._o in_o express_v word_n according_a to_o the_o septuagint_n his_o repentance_n be_v record_v prov._n 24._o 32._o 〈◊〉_d afterward_o or_o at_o last_o i_o repent_v or_o if_o this_o version_n be_v not_o admit_v and_o although_o we_o can_v produce_v a_o express_a text_n though_o that_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o it_o be_v not_o any_o where_o record_v that_o lot_n repent_v of_o his_o incest_n or_o that_o some_o other_o who_o salvation_n we_o question_v not_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o their_o miscarriage_n yet_o there_o be_v ground_n to_o believe_v his_o conversion_n not_o only_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v but_o from_o what_o we_o be_v able_a further_o to_o allege_v 5._o therefore_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o this_o inspire_a secretary_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o prophet_n concern_v who_o our_o infallible_a teacher_n say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n luke_n 13._o 28._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o those_o prophet_n who_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o god_n in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n as_o to_o be_v sacred_a writer_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v all_o admit_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v place_v in_o the_o mansion_n of_o glory_n beside_o such_o person_n as_o these_o who_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v pronounce_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n by_o st._n peter_n 2_o ep_n ch_n 1._o v._n 21._o none_o have_v that_o honour_n but_o those_o who_o be_v of_o real_a sanctity_n i._n e._n the_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o in_o that_o place_n be_v vouchsafe_v to_o none_o but_o such_o and_o therefore_o though_o solomon_n repentance_n be_v not_o express_o record_v yet_o when_o we_o know_v that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a penman_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o notwithstanding_o god_n suffer_v he_o for_o a_o time_n to_o fall_v into_o those_o scandalous_a sin_n yet_o he_o return_v afterward_o to_o he_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o be_v renew_a and_o reform_a and_o die_v a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a person_n 6._o this_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o solomon_n 2_o sam._n 7._o 15._o my_o mercy_n shall_v not_o depart_v away_o from_o he_o which_o be_v commented_a upon_o by_o the_o wise_a son_n of_o sirach_n speak_v of_o this_o king_n folly_n and_o extravagancy_n and_o the_o sad_a event_n of_o they_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o will_v never_o leave_v off_o his_o mercy_n neither_o shall_v any_o of_o his_o work_n perish_v neither_o will_v he_o abolish_v the_o posterity_n of_o his_o elect_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o he_o that_o love_v he_o he_o will_v not_o take_v away_o ecclesiastic_a 47._o 22._o whence_o we_o may_v rational_o gather_v that_o solomon_n be_v not_o cast_v off_o by_o god_n but_o still_o continue_v in_o his_o favour_n some_o argue_n from_o his_o name_n dei_fw-la agur_n which_o they_o say_v imply_v his_o former_a fail_n and_o his_o be_v reclaim_v other_o think_v his_o name_n jedidiah_n belove_v of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o good_a intimation_n that_o he_o become_v a_o true_a penitent_n and_o be_v save_v and_o some_o conceive_v that_o because_o he_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n he_o can_v not_o miscarry_v but_o whether_o these_o have_v any_o weight_n or_o no_o i_o be_o confident_a no_o considerate_a person_n can_v deny_v the_o force_n of_o the_o reason_n before_o allege_a we_o may_v from_o they_o alone_o conclude_v that_o solomon_n be_v not_o final_o reject_v by_o god_n yea_o that_o he_o be_v upon_o his_o hearty_a repentance_n receive_v into_o favour_n and_o be_v now_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o those_o ancient_n and_o learned_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n
act_n and_o work_v of_o holiness_n wherefore_o he_o offer_v several_a plain_a mark_n and_o token_n whereby_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v real_a christian_n true_o religious_a and_o the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o he_o propound_v be_v this_o that_o if_o they_o love_v god_n and_o their_o brethren_n and_o demonstrate_v this_o love_n by_o the_o proper_a and_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o it_o than_o they_o may_v conclude_v they_o be_v christian_n indeed_o otherwise_o they_o be_v mere_a stranger_n to_o christianty_n and_o to_o all_o religion_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o they_o this_o the_o belove_a disciple_n and_o divine_a amourist_n incul●ates_v with_o that_o spirit_n warmth_n and_o earnestness_n which_o so_o weighty_a a_o subject_n deserve_v his_o second_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o elect_a lady_n and_o her_o child_n that_o be_v say_v st._n agerach_n jerom_n to_o some_o eminent_a select_a church_n in_o asia_n and_o to_o all_o the_o christian_n belong_v to_o it_o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o athenian_n and_o curia_n with_o the_o roman_n be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o assembly_n perhaps_o ephesus_n be_v mean_v say_v a_o loc_n learned_a man_n which_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o asia_n and_o so_o may_v more_o signal_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o it_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n that_o a_o person_n not_o a_o church_n 〈◊〉_d mean_v here_o and_o that_o st._n john_n the_o evangelist_n not_o another_o presbyter_n of_o that_o name_n as_o st._n eccles._n jerom_n think_v write_v to_o a_o virtuous_a lady_n who_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d servant_n of_o christ_n a_o very_a godly_a and_o religion_n woman_n or_o it_o may_v be_v her_o proper_a name_n be_v loc_n elect_a as_o a_o learned_a critic_n have_v conjecture_v which_o may_v seem_v the_o more_o probable_a because_o the_o word_n have_v no_o article_n prefix_v to_o it_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o our_o saviour_n himself_o as_o the_o evangelical_n write_n inform_v we_o to_o make_v his_o application_n to_o those_o of_o this_o sex_n to_o cherish_v and_o commend_v their_o virtue_n it_o be_v particular_o record_v that_o 4._o of_o the_o chief_a woman_n afterward_o call_v 12._o honourable_a woman_n not_o a_o few_o be_v st._n paul_n proselyte_n and_o to_o descend_v low_a we_o read_v that_o st._n jerom_n take_v great_a pain_n in_o instruct_v the_o roman_a lady_n and_o in_o commend_v and_o encourage_v their_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yea_o many_o of_o his_o write_n be_v direct_v and_o dedicate_v to_o noble_a woman_n widow_n and_o virgin_n as_o paula_n eustochium_fw-la salvina_n celantia_n and_o several_a other_o that_o be_v roman_a lady_n and_o of_o noble_a extraction_n such_o be_v our_o elect_n here_o who_o be_v the_o only_a person_n of_o that_o sex_n to_o who_o a_o inspire_a epistle_n be_v write_v she_o be_v commend_v for_o her_o virtuous_a bring_v up_o her_o child_n she_o be_v exhort_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o perservere_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o delusion_n of_o false_a teacher_n but_o chief_o the_o apostle_n beseech_v this_o noble_a matron_n to_o practice_v the_o great_a and_o indispensable_a commandment_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n his_o three_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o gaius_n a_o convert_v jew_n or_o gentile_a as_o other_o think_v because_o he_o have_v a_o roman_a name_n a_o man_n of_o a_o fair_a estate_n and_o who_o have_v be_v very_o bountiful_a and_o hospitable_a to_o the_o saint_n the_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v to_o own_o and_o commend_v his_o hospitality_n especial_o his_o seasonable_a beneficence_n and_o charity_n to_o stranger_n to_o those_o that_o be_v exile_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o charity_n and_o liberality_n to_o the_o distress_a brethren_n demetrius_n be_v propound_v as_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o for_o which_o and_o all_o other_o virtue_n he_o have_v the_o good_a report_n of_o all_o man_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o truth_n itself_o that_o be_v as_o he_o be_v speak_v well_o of_o by_o every_o one_o so_o he_o real_o deserve_v it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o complain_v of_o the_o uncharitable_a insolent_a and_o ambitious_a diotrephes_n a_o prate_a opposer_n not_o only_o of_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o of_o all_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o jesus_n the_o general_a epistle_n of_o jude_n or_o judas_n as_o we_o render_v it_o in_o john_n 14._o 22._o it_o be_v the_o same_o name_n with_o that_o of_o the_o traitor_n for_o it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n to_o have_v the_o same_o name_n as_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n eliab_n jehu_n hananiah_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o new_a testament_n simon_n john_n ananias_n be_v instance_n of_o this_o this_o epistle_n i_o say_v of_o this_o good_a apostle_n with_o a_o bad_a man_n name_n be_v write_v to_o all_o christian_a church_n or_o at_o least_o to_o all_o the_o jewish_a christian_n disperse_v the_o same_o to_o who_o st._n james_n and_o st._n peter_n write_v wherein_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n against_o those_o dream_v heretic_n and_o seducer_n that_o be_v at_o that_o time_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n who_o erroneous_a tenant_n and_o ungodly_a practice_n he_o here_o particular_o decipher_v and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n vengeance_n on_o other_o great_a offender_n infer_v the_o certainty_n of_o these_o man_n ruin_n in_o short_a this_o epistle_n have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a apostolic_a spirit_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o argument_n with_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o epitome_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o need_v not_o be_v very_o particular_a in_o rehearse_v the_o content_n the_o last_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n the_o divine_a which_o epithet_n be_v signal_o give_v to_o he_o here_o because_o of_o the_o divinity_n and_o sublimity_n of_o his_o rapture_n because_o he_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o great_a communication_n of_o divine_a mystery_n it_o may_v be_v refer_v either_o to_o the_o historical_a book_n or_o to_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o former_a because_o it_o be_v a_o prophetic_a history_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o latter_a because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o epistle_n after_o the_o three_o first_o verse_n by_o way_n of_o preface_n viz._n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n at_o first_o plant_v by_o and_o now_o under_o the_o government_n of_o st._n john_n and_o as_o it_o begin_v so_o it_o end_v after_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o conclude_a epistle_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n ●brist_n be_v with_o you_o all_o amm._n concern_v the_o precise_a time_n when_o st._n john_n receive_v and_o when_o he_o write_v this_o revelation_n there_o be_v some_o dispute_n but_o the_o most_o probable_a if_o not_o the_o most_o general_o receive_v opinion_n be_v that_o he_o be_v ●●nished_v into_o patmos_n a_o isle_n in_o the_o archipelago_n situate_v about_o forty_o mile_n from_o the_o continent_n of_o asia_n by_o domitian_n under_o who_o be_v the_o second_o persecution_n this_o revelation_n be_v deliver_v to_o he_o about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o emperor_n reign_n but_o at_o several_a time_n and_o that_o he_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v about_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o vision_n themselves_o i_o will_v not_o here_o particular_o in●ist_v upon_o any_o of_o they_o only_o in_o general_n it_o be_v common_o say_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seal_n set_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o heathen_a persecution_n from_o nero_n to_o the_o end_n of_o dioclesian_n persecution_n the_o vision_n of_o the_o trumpet_n which_o follow_v that_o show_v the_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o heresy_n schism_n and_o persecution_n afterward_o in_o the_o time_n succeed_v the_o pagan_a roman_a emperor_n viz._n under_o papacy_n and_o then_o the_o vial_n tell_v what_o vengeance_n befall_v the_o papal_a antichrist_n and_o all_o the_o church_n enemy_n so_o that_o the_o seal_n trumpet_n and_o vial_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o three_o grand_a period_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v great_a probability_n of_o this_o but_o i_o must_v add_v and_o i_o will_v offer_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n as_o a_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o order_n to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o book_n that_o the_o order_n of_o time_n and_o history_n be_v
not_o always_o observe_v here_o thing_n be_v not_o relate_v constant_o in_o a_o certain_a continue_a method_n and_o series_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v or_o take_v they_o as_o write_v so_o a_o great_a and_o prevail_a mistake_v it_o have_v be_v to_o think_v that_o the_o course_n and_o order_n of_o time_n be_v due_o and_o all_o along_o observe_v in_o these_o write_n whereas_o to_o a_o considerate_a person_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o chapter_n be_v not_o write_v and_o dispose_v in_o any_o method_n this_o because_o it_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o and_o censure_v as_o a_o new_a notion_n i_o will_v make_v good_a thus_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v represent_v and_o describe_v three_o or_o four_o time_n in_o these_o vision_n and_o revelation_n as_o first_o at_o the_o open_n of_o the_o six_o seal_n ch_n 6._o v._n 12_o to_o the_o end_n where_o the_o description_n of_o the_o last_o day_n agree_v exact_o with_o other_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n especial_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o mat._n 24._o and_o therefore_o to_o allegorise_v it_o where_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o signify_v sometime_o temporal_a judgement_n as_o the_o destruction_n of_o babylon_n isa._n 13._o 10._o and_o of_o egypt_n ezek._n 32._o 7._o i_o answer_v that_o though_o it_o do_v so_o yet_o these_o remarkable_a judgement_n and_o devastation_n be_v figure_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o last_o and_o terrible_a one_o and_o be_v so_o design_v by_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v well_o be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o manner_n nay_o the_o darken_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o the_o like_a expression_n be_v but_o metaphorical_a in_o those_o former_a instance_n but_o here_o be_v proper_a natural_a and_o real_a and_o therefore_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n again_o st._n john_n have_v another_o revelation_n of_o this_o great_a day_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 11_o chapter_n from_o ver_fw-la 15_o to_o the_o close_a of_o the_o chapter_n but_o especial_o those_o plain_a word_n in_o ver_fw-la 18._o thy_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v place_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n be_v here_o mean_v again_o the_o seven_o vial_n mention_v rev._n 16._o 17._o which_o contain_v the_o last_o plague_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o indignation_n and_o punishment_n of_o that_o day_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o prodigy_n which_o accompany_v it_o and_o particular_o from_o what_o be_v say_v ver_fw-la 20._o every_o island_n flee_v away_o and_o the_o mountain_n be_v not_o find_v which_o express_v the_o terrible_a dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o precede_a vial_n which_o make_v way_n for_o this_o last_o that_o christ_n say_v i_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n v_o 15._o which_o manner_n of_o expression_n be_v particular_o apply_v and_o make_v use_n of_o when_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v speak_v of_o mat._n 24._o 43._o 1_o thess._n 5._o 2_o 4_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 10._o and_o last_o in_o the_o 20_o chapter_n from_o the_o 11_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n there_o be_v another_o vision_n of_o this_o last_o and_o general_a appearance_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v by_o interpreter_n and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o stand_v to_o clear_v it_o now_o from_o all_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v not_o observe_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o this_o book_n a_o historical_a order_n or_o course_n of_o time_n for_o if_o there_o be_v the_o general_n day_n of_o doom_n which_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n of_o all_o can_v not_o be_v represent_v here_o three_o or_o four_o time_n this_o 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vision_n over_o and_o over_o again_o and_o why_o they_o be_v express_v in_o different_a term_n and_o word_n the_o ●●●son_n i_o say_v why_o they_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v be_v ●●●use_v they_o so_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o wise_a disposal_n of_o provi●●no●_n these_o prophecy_n have_v be_v and_o they_o ●●all_v be_v yet_o fulfil_v for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o cruelty_n of_o its_o enemy_n and_o persecutor_n and_o the_o wonderful_a deliverance_n from_o they_o and_o avenge_a their_o cause_n upon_o their_o head_n be_v the_o same_o in_o different_a age_n until_o the_o time_n when_o baby●●●_n shall_v fall_v and_o never_o rise_v again_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o a_o most_o eminent_a and_o learned_a bishop_n of_o our_o own_o ●_o one_o may_v easy_o see_v say_v he_o that_o rome_n be_v here_o intend_a and_o not_o pagan_a but_o christian_a rome_n which_o be_v degenerate_v into_o a_o idolatrous_a and_o 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reveal_v and_o discover_v to_o we_o plain_o i_o say_v because_o they_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o mistake_v they_o as_o phara●●'s_n dream_n be_v double_v to_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n represent_v gen._n 41._o 32._o so_o these_o prophecy_n and_o vision_n be_v double_v and_o tribble_v yea_o more_o than_o so_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o certain_a truth_n and_o reality_n of_o these_o event_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o this_o persuasion_n that_o though_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v often_o trouble_v and_o persecute_v yet_o she_o have_v her_o time_n of_o restoration_n and_o revive_v and_o there_o be_v a_o time_n of_o vengeance_n and_o recompense_n to_o her_o enemy_n even_o in_o this_o world_n but_o more_o especial_o at_o the_o
close_a of_o it_o when_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o judgement_n thus_o i_o have_v attempt_v to_o evince_v the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n by_o enumerate_v all_o the_o book_n of_o both_o testament_n and_o give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o they_o these_o excellent_a and_o incomparable_a book_n be_v the_o true_a pandect_n indeed_o the_o book_n that_o comprehend_v all_o that_o treat_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a they_o be_v the_o most_o valuable_a collection_n of_o write_n under_o heaven_n they_o be_v of_o all_o the_o book_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n because_o they_o be_v our_o infallible_a rule_n and_o sure_a guide_n to_o wisdom_n holiness_n and_o blessedness_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o most_o desirable_a thing_n here_o and_o of_o the_o most_o eligible_a hereafter_o if_o this_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v before_o do_v not_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v complete_v and_o perfect_a i_o despair_v of_o ever_o 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angry_a with_o any_o man_n that_o deny_v that_o there_o any_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n miss_v now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a there_o be_v ground_n to_o complain_v of_o a_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o these_o book_n that_o therefore_o which_o i_o be_o to_o undertake_v here_o be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o book_n mention_v in_o scripture_n as_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o what_o be_v now_o to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o and_o be_v real_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v not_o defective_a that_o the_o body_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v not_o maim_a and_o imperfect_a first_o as_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n mention_v in_o exod._n 24._o 7._o which_o some_o fancy_n be_v lose_v it_o be_v not_o any_o distinct_a book_n from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n if_o we_o impartial_o weigh_v the_o place_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o collection_n or_o volume_n of_o those_o several_a injunction_n and_o institution_n which_o we_o read_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n viz._n 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o which_o god_n deliver_v to_o moses_n on_o the_o mount_n it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n de●t_n 31._o 9_o that_o which_o have_v cause_v a_o different_a persuasion_n in_o some_o be_v this_o that_o these_o law_n be_v call_v a_o book_n but_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o evident_a afterward_o that_o this_o appellation_n be_v of_o a_o great_a latitude_n and_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o sort_n of_o write_v by_o the_o hebrew_n second_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n numb_a 21._o 14._o which_o be_v think_v to_o be_v now_o want_v the_o answer_v give_v by_o some_o be_v that_o this_o be_v a_o apocrypbal_a author_n and_o so_o can_v be_v say_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o book_n do_v not_o argue_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o though_o this_o way_n of_o solution_n be_v tolerable_a when_o make_v use_v of_o as_o to_o some_o other_o book_n hereafter_o mention_v yet_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o use_v it_o here_o because_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o test._n learned_a english_a rabbi_n that_o moses_n refer_v here_o to_o himself_o and_o a_o book_n of_o his_o own_o compose_n for_o we_o read_v that_o upon_o the_o discomfiture_n of_o amalek_n god_n command_v moses_n to_o write_v it_o for_o a_o memorial_n in_o a_o book_n exod._n 17._o 14._o and_o as_o it_o follow_v to_o rehearse_v it_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o joshua_n so_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v some_o book_n of_o direction_n write_v by_o moses_n for_o ioshua_n manage_v of_o the_o war_n after_o he_o thus_o this_o learned_a writer_n make_v this_o book_n only_o to_o be_v of_o private_a use_n and_o dictate_v by_o a_o ordinary_a not_o a_o divine_a spirit_n wherefore_o it_o can_v be_v one_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a then_o though_o it_o be_v lose_v yet_o no_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v lose_v hereby_o but_o from_o what_o i_o shall_v propound_v i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v find_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n in_o this_o place_n mention_v be_v one_o of_o the_o receive_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i._n e._n it_o be_v the_o book_n of_o judge_n which_o deserve_o have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o it_o recount_v those_o warlike_a erterprise_n which_o those_o heroic_a spirit_n stir_v up_o by_o god_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n be_v famous_a for_o or_o milchamoth_n jehovah_n the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o great_a wonderful_a and_o renown_a war_n for_o perhaps_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v use_v here_o as_o in_o several_a other_o place_n to_o augment_v the_o sense_n and_o to_o express_v the_o 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understand_v they_o aright_o i_o propound_v these_o ensue_a rule_n and_o direction_n first_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o other_o learning_n to_o make_v ourselves_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o bible_n all_o art_n require_v a_o master_n and_o teacher_n even_o the_o low_a and_o mechanical_a all_o trade_n and_o science_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v none_o presume_v to_o meddle_v with_o they_o till_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o all_o degree_n of_o person_n pretend_v to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n though_o they_o be_v never_o instruct_v never_o prepare_v as_o paulin._n st._n jerom_n complain_v of_o old_a a_o great_a many_o imagine_v that_o the_o weak_a brain_n can_v comprehend_v the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n and_o without_o all_o other_o knowledge_n attain_v to_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n and_o be_v one_o cause_n of_o man_n wrest_v and_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o unlearned_a and_o unwilling_a to_o be_v teach_v for_o so_o the_o word_n import_v they_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n they_o use_v not_o the_o proper_a help_n conduce_v to_o it_o or_o whatever_o they_o be_v in_o st._n peter_n time_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o now_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o humane_a learning_n be_v require_v to_o understand_v these_o write_n for_o though_o they_o surpass_v all_o humane_a wisdom_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o they_o have_v stricture_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n in_o they_o and_o be_v write_v in_o the_o learned_a language_n and_o as_o i_o have_v show_v former_o contain_v in_o they_o all_o sort_n of_o word_n phrase_n and_o idiom_n wherefore_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o art_n and_o tongue_n for_o understand_v this_o book_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n there_o be_v the_o rite_n custom_n manner_n opinion_n say_n proverb_n of_o almost_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o of_o the_o ancient_a hebrew_n wherefore_o a_o knowledge_n of_o their_o write_n and_o ancient_a monument_n a_o converse_n with_o history_n and_o antiquity_n be_v absolute_o requisite_a especial_o for_o explain_v the_o difficult_a place_n and_o to_o have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o several_a passage_n in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n ecclesiastical_a history_n in_o needful_a which_o give_v we_o nitice_n of_o the_o heretic_n of_o that_o time_n or_o of_o those_o concern_v who_o the_o apostle_n prophetical_o speak_v the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v to_o be_v consult_v and_o that_o with_o great_a application_n of_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v the_o interpretation_n which_o those_o learned_a and_o pious_a man_n give_v of_o the_o respective_a place_n of_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v be_v edify_v by_o their_o religious_a comment_n but_o not_o imbibe_n any_o of_o their_o error_n this_o which_o i_o now_o say_v principal_o concern_v the_o guide_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o scholarship_n and_o true_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v more_o especial_o fit_v for_o such_o it_o be_v their_o province_n to_o expound_v and_o teach_v this_o holy_a book_n which_o be_v itself_o a_o library_n and_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o can_v be_v right_o understand_v and_o explain_v without_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n without_o skill_n in_o the_o tongue_n rhetdrick_n logic_n philosophy_n history_n criticism_n for_o as_o it_o be_v furnish_v with_o all_o literature_n so_o it_o require_v all_o to_o unfold_v it_o aright_o as_o for_o the_o apostle_n though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n in_o art_n and_o science_n yet_o that_o defect_n be_v abundant_o recompense_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o most_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n who_o be_v not_o hebrew_n understand_v the_o language_n in_o which_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o their_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o as_o for_o the_o greek_a of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v universal_o know_v and_o so_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o native_a tongue_n both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o of_o that_o time_n but_o man_n be_v not_o now_o instruct_v in_o strange_a language_n by_o the_o spirit_n nor_o be_v they_o bear_v with_o hebrew_n or_o greek_a neither_o be_v they_o inspire_v with_o art_n and_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o consequent_o study_v and_o read_n and_o long_a exercise_n be_v indispensable_o requisite_a 6._o clement_n of_o alexandria_n will_v have_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n his_o perfect_a and_o complete_a theologue_n be_v skilled_a in_o humane_a literature_n and_o philosophy_n inshort_n to_o be_v a_o consummate_v divine_a and_o thorough_o know_v in_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o universal_a learning_n second_o that_o we_o may_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o be_v exceed_o attentive_a observe_v considerate_a that_o we_o be_v very_o inquisitive_a thoughtful_a and_o diligent_a this_o rule_n may_v be_v explain_v in_o several_a particular_n 1._o we_o must_v use_v great_a thoughtfulness_n diligence_n and_o care_n in_o penetrate_v into_o the_o design_n and_o sense_n of_o those_o inspire_a write_n st._n chrysostom_n deliver_v the_o rule_n thus_o galat._n we_o must_v not_o only_o examine_v the_o mere_a naked_a word_n and_o insist_v upon_o they_o simple_o and_o absolute_o consider_v but_o we_o must_v chief_o attend_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o writer_n sometime_o instead_o of_o a_o absolute_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n in_o scripture_n they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v comparative_o or_o with_o limitation_n they_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n as_o to_o instance_n no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1._o cor._n 12._o 3._o i_o e._n no_o man_n can_v say_v so_o from_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v that_o reserve_v imply_v where_o i_o be_o you_o eannot_v come_v john_n 7._o 34._o i_o e._n you_o can_v come_v yet_o but_o afterward_o you_o shall_v all_o that_o come_v before_o i_o be_v thief_n and_o robber_n john_n 1_o o._n 8._o i._n e._n all_o false_a prophet_n for_o he_o mean_v they_o be_v such_o it_o be_v report_v that_o there_o be_v such_o fornication_n among_o you_o as_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v among_o the_o gentile_n that_o one_o shall_v have_v his_o father_n wife_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 1._o this_o sort_n of_o fornication_n be_v not_o only_o name_v but_o practise_v among_o the_o gentile_n for_o there_o be_v several_a example_n in_o pagan_a story_n of_o marry_v the_o father_n wife_n therefore_o here_o must_v be_v mean_v the_o more_o sober_a sort_n of_o gentile_n and_o so_o in_o many_o other_o place_n thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v absolute_o speak_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o restrain_a sense_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o be_v very_o thoughtful_a and_o inquisitive_a about_o the_o context_n the_o dependence_n the_o connection_n of_o those_o place_n which_o we_o search_v into_o we_o be_v to_o be_v exceed_o mindful_a what_o the_o word_n refer_v to_o what_o coherence_n they_o have_v with_o what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v to_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o we_o must_v careful_o observe_v the_o subject-matter_n for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o proposition_n be_v true_a or_o not_o true_a according_a to_o this_o you_o will_v meet_v with_o several_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v forbear_v to_o mention_v any_o here_o only_o i_o offer_v this_o at_o present_a as_o a_o general_n rule_n for_o guide_v 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who_o thereby_o destroy_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o theology_n and_o of_o christianity_n itself_o for_o if_o there_o be_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n before_o mention_v if_o in_o a_o literal_a and_o historical_a sense_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o that_o first_o disobedience_n of_o adam_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a concern_v the_o temptation_n and_o the_o apostasy_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o the_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o ensue_v upon_o it_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v thence_o that_o mankind_n have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n then_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v in_o vain_a then_o all_o christianity_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n then_o when_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n speak_v of_o 14._o eve_n be_v deceive_v and_o be_v in_o the_o transgression_n when_o they_o acquaint_v we_o that_o 3._o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n and_o that_o 19_o by_o one_o man_n disobedience_n many_o be_v make_v sinner_n and_o that_o in_o 22._o adam_n all_o die_v all_o be_v mere_a romance_n and_o fiction_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o these_o in_o reality_n and_o then_o likewise_o we_o have_v as_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o speak_v of_o our_o saviour_n and_o all_o his_o undertake_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o be_v they_o be_v but_o a_o cunning_o devise_v parable_n they_o may_v have_v some_o moral_a meaning_n as_o esop_n fable_n have_v but_o they_o contain_v nothing_o of_o real_a fact_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a result_n of_o allegorise_v the_o 3d_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n by_o deal_v thus_o with_o this_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n he_o have_v baffle_v all_o the_o rest_n he_o have_v wretched_o subvert_v the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o our_o religion_n he_o have_v spoil_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o christianity_n and_o he_o have_v make_v the_o scripture_n useless_a and_o insignificant_a so_o that_o by_o this_o one_o attempt_n of_o his_o he_o have_v shake_v not_o to_o say_v overturn_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n he_o have_v take_v part_n with_o the_o know_a despiser_n of_o all_o reveal_v theology_n he_o have_v encourage_v and_o patronise_v the_o wild_a conceit_n of_o sceptic_n he_o have_v strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o profane_a he_o have_v abundant_o gratify_v the_o whole_a tribe_n of_o atheist_n and_o deist_n he_o have_v win_v their_o heart_n for_o ever_o and_o indeed_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v what_o fort_n of_o man_n they_o be_v that_o applaud_v his_o undertake_n viz._n the_o wit_n of_o the_o town_n as_o they_o be_v call_v men_n dispose_v to_o very_o ill_a thought_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o scripture_n yea_o man_n general_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o immorality_n and_o debauchery_n these_o be_v the_o person_n that_o promote_v his_o notion_n and_o cry_v up_o his_o write_n this_o theorist_n be_v become_v much_o more_o please_v to_o they_o than_o mr._n hobbs_n this_o new_a archaeologist_n be_v far_o more_o take_v than_o the_o leviathan_n because_o he_o nip_v the_o bible_n more_o close_o and_o also_o because_o he_o be_v not_o as_o the_o other_o a_o layman_n but_o a_o profess_a divine_a and_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n this_o make_v his_o enterprise_n so_o acceptable_a to_o these_o man_n for_o now_o they_o have_v a_o clergyman_n to_o vouch_v they_o they_o have_v the_o warranty_n of_o a_o churchman_n i_o will_v not_o question_v or_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v the_o prudence_n of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n but_o in_o my_o judgement_n if_o there_o be_v no_o public_a censure_n pass_v upon_o such_o a_o dare_a attempt_n as_o this_o by_o a_o member_n of_o our_o church_n atheist_n will_v have_v just_a ground_n to_o laugh_v at_o our_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v at_o our_o doctrine_n to_o excuse_v himself_o he_o say_v this_o way_n of_o speak_v be_v use_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o confess_v to_o be_v metaphorical_a and_o symbolical_a and_o why_o not_o then_o in_o genesis_n i_o answer_v because_o though_o there_o be_v some_o expression_n of_o that_o nature_n as_o the_o trumpet_n sound_v and_o the_o book_n open_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n which_o be_v but_o metaphorical_a it_o be_v likely_a yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v it_o and_o in_o other_o place_n it_o be_v intimate_v and_o sometime_o plain_o declare_v that_o the_o passage_n be_v metaphorical_a and_o my●●ical_a as_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n but_o it_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o viz._n not_o a_o expression_n or_o two_o but_o a_o whole_a entire_a history_n deliver_v in_o plain_a word_n and_o with_o all_o its_o circumstance_n as_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o other_o sense_n yea_o many_o of_o the_o particular_n be_v mention_v in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o direct_v matter_n of_o fact_n wherefore_o when_o he_o attempt_v to_o solve_v his_o undertake_n by_o allege_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n he_o can_v but_o see_v that_o it_o be_v very_o foreign_a to_o his_o business_n again_o in_o a_o short_a appendix_n to_o his_o book_n where_o he_o seem_v to_o retract_v in_o a_o manner_n what_o he_o ●ad_v say_v have_v be_v inform_v he_o ●aith_v that_o it_o be_v displease_v to_o pious_a and_o wife_n man_n he_o excuse_v himself_o by_o allege_v the_o father_n who_o it_o be_v true_a present_v we_o with_o several_a allegorical_a interpretation_n and_o descant_n on_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o particular_o on_o the_o 3d_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n but_o this_o be_v ●othing_v to_o his_o purpose_n because_o those_o ancient_a writer_n do_v not_o deny_v the_o literal_a sense_n which_o he_o do_v he_o be_v not_o content_a to_o allegorise_v that_o chapter_n but_o he_o whole_o reject_v the_o literal_a mean_v and_o confident_o aver_v that_o moses_n all_o along_o tell_v a_o story_n that_o ●ath_v nothing_o of_o truth_n in_o it_o and_o be_v not_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o i_o grant_v that_o some_o of_o the_o old_a jewish_a ●_z moralize_v m●ses's_n history_n but_o they_o do_v not_o slight_a much_o less_o supersede_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o historical_a sense_n and_o moreover_o he_o have_v neither_o the_o father_n nor_o the_o rabbi_n as_o a_o example_n of_o ridioul_v the_o mosaic_a history_n which_o yet_o he_o do_v throughout_o his_o whole_a discourse_n on_o that_o chapter_n show_v his_o little_a talon_n of_o jest_a and_o dro●ling_v so_o that_o in_o brief_a it_o may_v become_v hudibras_n better_a than_o a_o doctor_n of_o divinity_n i_o appeal_v to_o any_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o ancient_a monument_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o he_o do_v not_o perfect_o tread_v in_o the_o step_v of_o the_o old_a adversary_n and_o blasphemer_n of_o christianity_n julian_n celsus_n etc._n etc._n the_o former_a of_o these_o speak_n of_o and_o deride_v what_o be_v say_v in_o genesis_n concern_v adam_n and_o paradise_n and_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n etc._n etc._n positive_o declare_v that_o 3._o these_o be_v altogether_o fabulous_a and_o again_o afterward_o 〈◊〉_d what_o difference_n be_v there_o say_v he_o between_o these_o and_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o greek_n what_o dr._n burnet_n say_v amount_n to_o the_o same_o for_o when_o he_o express_o say_v moses_n deliver_v nothing_o of_o the_o physical_a truth_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n but_o wise_o dissemble_v to_o accommodate_v himself_o to_o the_o people_n and_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o moses_n say_v these_o thing_n only_o to_o conciliate_v force_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o law_n which_o be_v his_o own_o word_n he_o do_v as_o good_a as_o say_v that_o what_o he_o deliver_v be_v a_o fable_n he_o may_v in_o 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which_o deride_v the_o 3d_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n and_o who_o commit_v it_o to_o the_o press_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o of_o the_o witty_a folk_n of_o the_o town_n and_o to_o please_v the_o atheistical_a rabble_n this_o signal_n act_n of_o avenge_a providence_n be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o i_o wish_v the_o ingenious_a theorist_n will_v serious_o reflect_v upon_o it_o and_o learn_v thence_o to_o make_v sport_n with_o the_o bible_n no_o more_o and_o i_o request_v he_o not_o to_o be_v offend_v at_o my_o plain_a deal_v with_o he_o for_o i_o assure_v he_o that_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o out_o of_o any_o disrespect_n or_o ill_a will_n to_o his_o person_n but_o whole_o from_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o great_a mischief_n which_o be_v like_a to_o ensue_v upon_o this_o late_a attempt_n of_o he_o i_o abhor_v the_o treat_v of_o any_o learned_a man_n write_n with_o contempt_n yea_o on_o the_o contrary_n i_o have_v always_o pay_v a_o due_a respect_n and_o deference_n to_o they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o adjust_v to_o the_o notion_n which_o i_o have_v of_o thing_n but_o when_o i_o see_v the_o holy_a scripture_n strike_v at_o and_o religion_n itself_o shock_a and_o extreme_o hazard_v i_o can_v forbear_v from_o utter_v my_o sentiment_n and_o chew_v my_o just_a indignation_n on_o such_o a_o occasion_n christian_n charity_n which_o bear_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n can_v by_o any_o mean_n brook_v this_o and_o i_o must_v free_o tell_v this_o learned_a writer_n that_o let_v his_o character_n otherwise_o be_v never_o so_o fair_a and_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o disow_v it_o or_o blemish_v it_o in_o the_o least_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o better_a this_o be_v the_o worse_a be_v his_o enterprise_n for_o he_o seem_v to_o come_v sober_a and_o demure_a to_o undermine_v the_o bible_n and_o destroy_v christianity_n as_o many_o a_o cracovian_a reasoner_n have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o true_o there_o be_v little_a sobriety_n in_o jest_v 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