import_n signify_v a_o dispose_n of_o something_o be_v most_o commoâ—â—ly_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o disposal_n as_o be_v either_o by_o covenâ—â—_n or_o testament_n hence_o it_o be_v sometime_o render_v 〈◊〉_d covenant_n and_o sometime_o a_o testament_n especial_o among_o the_o lawyer_n the_o latter_a sense_n prevail_v and_o according_o you_o will_v find_v that_o a_o last_o will_v and_o testament_n be_v express_v by_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o imperial_a institution_n and_o other_o law-book_n translate_v into_o greek_a we_o may_v here_o join_v both_o sense_n together_o for_o what_o god_n have_v agree_v to_o by_o covenant_n with_o man_n that_o christ_n bequeath_v and_o give_v by_o testament_n now_o we_o must_v prove_v both_o these_o i._n e._n we_o must_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o covenant_n and_o testament_n be_v true_a before_o we_o can_v receive_v any_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n from_o they_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o evidence_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v this_o covenant_n and_o this_o testament_n otherwise_o we_o can_v build_v nothing_o upon_o they_o here_o then_o i._o i_o will_v evince_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o great_a basis_n of_o all_o theology_n ii_o after_o i_o have_v large_o insist_v on_o this_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o style_n and_o phrase_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n iii_o i_o will_v advance_v yet_o far_o and_o demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o they_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o present_a undertake_n be_v the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o handle_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v but_o brief_o and_o concise_o make_v use_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v common_o insist_v upon_o by_o learned_a writer_n till_o i_o come_v to_o fix_v upon_o a_o topick_n which_o be_v not_o common_o yea_o which_o be_v very_o rare_o and_o by_o the_o by_o use_v in_o this_o cause_n and_o this_o i_o will_v pursue_v very_o large_o and_o full_o i_o hope_v with_o some_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o reader_n there_o be_v many_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o embrace_v by_o we_o as_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n some_o of_o these_o argument_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n be_v in_o common_a with_o those_o that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n on_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o insist_v at_o another_o time_n but_o my_o design_n at_o present_a be_v to_o propound_v those_o which_o be_v more_o peculiarly_a and_o proper_o fit_v to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o these_o be_v either_o internal_a or_o external_n the_o internal_a one_o i_o call_v those_o which_o be_v either_o in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o or_o in_o vs._n the_o character_n of_o divinity_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v in_o themselves_o be_v either_o their_o matter_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o write_v they_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o here_o i_o will_v mention_v only_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o the_o sublime_a doctrine_n and_o verity_n which_o be_v in_o holy_a writ_n in_o read_v this_o book_n we_o meet_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o come_v from_o any_o but_o god_n himself_o in_o other_o write_n which_o be_v most_o applaud_v the_o choice_a thing_n which_o entertain_v our_o mind_n be_v the_o excellent_a moral_a notion_n and_o precept_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o we_o which_o be_v all_o the_o result_n of_o improve_v reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n but_o here_o be_v beside_o these_o notice_n of_o a_o peculiar_a nature_n and_o such_o as_o be_v above_o our_o natural_a capacity_n and_o invention_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o these_o write_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o eternal_a decree_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o blood_n the_o whole_a method_n of_o man_n salvation_n the_o stupendous_a providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n the_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o the_o raise_n of_o all_o man_n out_o of_o their_o ash_n these_o and_o several_a other_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o come_v from_o any_o but_o god_n they_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o character_n of_o divinity_n as_o be_v no_o common_a and_o obvious_a matter_n but_o such_o as_o be_v tower_a and_o lofty_a hide_a and_o abstruse_a and_o not_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n a_o god_n be_v plain_o discover_v in_o they_o for_o the_o most_o improve_v creature_n can_v never_o have_v reach_v to_o this_o pitch_n any_o serious_a and_o think_v man_n can_v but_o discern_v the_o peculiar_a turn_v and_o singular_a contrivance_n of_o these_o mysterious_a doctrine_n which_o argue_v they_o to_o be_v divine_a we_o may_v therefore_o believe_v the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o of_o the_o wonderful_a height_n and_o sublimity_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o 2._o the_o exact_a purity_n and_o holiness_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o be_v enjoin_v in_o these_o write_n be_v another_o testimony_n of_o their_o be_v divine_o inspire_v for_o though_o some_o other_o book_n dictate_v religion_n and_o piety_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o true_a and_o just_a measure_n of_o they_o be_v take_v original_o from_o this_o one_o exact_a standard_n which_o be_v prior_n to_o they_o all_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o beside_o the_o love_n and_o charity_n the_o humility_n meekness_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n which_o the_o scripture_n describe_v to_o we_o far_o exceed_v the_o most_o advantageous_a representation_n the_o most_o exalt_a idea_n which_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n give_v of_o they_o these_o therefore_o be_v emphatical_o and_o eminent_o call_v by_o st._n paul_n the_o holy_a scripture_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o because_o they_o breathe_v the_o most_o consummate_a goodness_n and_o piety_n and_o that_o antecedent_o to_o all_o write_n whatsoever_o because_o every_o thing_n in_o they_o advance_v holiness_n and_o that_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o they_o be_v to_o promote_v protrept_n sanctity_n of_o life_n to_o make_v we_o every_o way_n better_o and_o even_o to_o render_v we_o *_o like_o god_n himself_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v intend_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o display_v the_o heavenly_a purity_n and_o thereby_o to_o commend_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o with_o sincere_a and_o humble_a mind_n we_o peruse_v this_o book_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v this_o bless_a result_n of_o it_o it_o will_v marvellous_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n especial_o of_o god_n unspotted_a holiness_n it_o will_v tincture_n our_o mind_n with_o religion_n it_o will_v pervade_v all_o our_o faculty_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o godliness_n and_o it_o will_v thorough_o cleanse_v and_o sanctify_v both_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n but_o because_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v more_o of_o this_o when_o i_o treat_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o will_v now_o dismiss_v it_o 3._o to_o the_o matter_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v refer_v the_o prophecios_fw-la and_o prediction_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o these_o i_o reckon_v another_o internal_a argument_n because_o they_o be_v draw_v from_o what_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o very_a scripture_n itself_o what_o a_o vast_a number_n be_v there_o of_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o find_v fulfil_v and_o according_o be_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o scripture_n here_o i_o will_v a_o little_a enlarge_v and_o first_o i_o will_v begâ—n_v with_o that_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o noah_n 27._o god_n shall_v enlarge_v japhet_n and_o he_o shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o shem_n and_o canaan_n shall_v be_v his_o servant_n where_o be_v foretell_v thing_n that_o happen_v above_o two_o thousand_o year_n afterward_o for_o the_o posterity_n of_o japheth_n viz._n the_o european_n especial_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n among_o other_o conquest_n gain_v the_o possession_n of_o judea_n and_o other_o eastern_a country_n which_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o shem._n again_o it_o be_v fulfil_v thus_o by_o christ_n come_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o by_o his_o
as_o we_o english_a it_n or_o people_n can_v be_v determine_v because_o the_o word_n signify_v both_o in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n because_o zaba_n denote_v both_o a_o determinate_a time_n and_o military_a order_n that_o of_o job_n 7._o 1._o may_v be_v render_v either_o thus_o be_v there_o not_o a_o appoint_a time_n to_o man_n or_o be_v there_o not_o a_o warfare_n to_o man_n and_o so_o in_o ch_n 14._o 14._o you_o may_v read_v it_o all_z the_o day_n of_o my_o appoint_a time_n or_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o warfare_n in_o all_o these_o place_n there_o be_v no_o point_n of_o religion_n endanger_v if_o you_o take_v the_o word_n in_o either_o sense_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o double_a read_n in_o josh._n 11._o 20._o because_o the_o word_n techinnah_n signify_v grace_n or_o favour_n and_o likewise_o prayer_n or_o supplication_n so_o that_o we_o may_v translate_v it_o either_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o favour_n for_o they_o or_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o supplication_n for_o they_o both_o which_o sense_n may_v be_v unite_v thus_o that_o there_o may_v be_v none_o to_o pray_v for_o grace_n and_o favour_n for_o they_o and_o so_o both_o the_o translation_n meet_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o rain_n fill_v the_o pool_n and_o the_o teacher_n be_v fill_v or_o cover_v with_o blessing_n and_o yet_o psal._n 84._o 6._o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n may_v be_v read_v either_o of_o these_o way_n because_o the_o word_n moreh_n be_v pluvia_fw-la and_o doctor_n and_o beracoth_n be_v both_o piscinâ—_n and_o benedictiones_fw-la these_o two_o have_v but_o little_a affinity_n he_o have_v give_v you_o the_o former_a rain_n moderate_o and_o he_o have_v give_v you_o a_o teacher_n of_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o the_o hebrew_a word_n in_o joel_n 2._o 23._o be_v capable_a of_o be_v render_v either_o way_n and_o according_o our_o english_a translator_n embrace_v the_o former_a and_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a the_o latter_a sense_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o moreh_n be_v a_o teacher_n and_o rain_n the_o word_n bege_v be_v perfidia_fw-la jer._n 12._o 1._o and_o also_o vestis_fw-la in_o above_o a_o hundred_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o isle_n job_n 22._o 30._o a_o region_n or_o province_n isa._n 20._o 6._o a_o bird_n or_o other_o animal_n that_o frequent_v island_n isa._n 13._o 22._o cir_n signify_v a_o laver_n exod._n 20._o 18._o a_o hearth_n zech._n 12._o 6._o a_o scaffold_n or_o pulpit_n 2_o chron._n 6._o 13._o chajah_n be_v the_o soul_n life_n a_o beast_n a_o company_n a_o village_n wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o word_n in_o these_o place_n admit_v of_o different_a construction_n psal._n 68_o 30._o psal._n 74._o 19_o isa._n 57_o 10._o but_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o text_n will_v conduct_v a_o diligent_a enquirer_n to_o the_o proper_a denotation_n of_o the_o word_n in_o each_o place_n pagnam_fw-la be_v a_o blow_n a_o stroke_n judg._n 5._o 28._o a_o foot_n or_o footstep_n psal._n 85._o 14._o a_o anvil_n isa._n 41._o 7._o and_o moreover_o it_o have_v the_o force_n of_o the_o latin_a vice_n or_o hac_fw-la vice_n this_o once_o 1_o sam._n 26._o 8._o how_o vast_o different_a be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n tsir_n viz._n grief_n isa._n 13._o 8._o a_o hinge_v prov._n 26._o 14._o a_o ambassador_n or_o messenger_n prov._n 25._o 13._o idol_n isa._n 45._o 16._o so_o the_o word_n which_o we_o translate_v frost_n psal._n 78._o 47._o be_v of_o a_o large_a import_n and_o signify_v not_o only_a frost_n but_o vehement_a hail_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o margin_n of_o our_o bibles_n be_v render_v great_a hailstone_n avenarius_n render_v it_o thunder_n or_o thunderbolt_n r._n chasen_n understand_v by_o it_o not_o a_o meteor_n but_o a_o infect_v and_o read_v the_o place_n thus_o he_o destroy_v their_o sycomore_n tree_n with_o the_o locust_n tzitz_n have_v five_o distinct_a rendring_n a_o flower_n isa._n 28._o 1._o a_o feather_n or_o quill_n or_o wing_n jer._n 48._o 9_o a_o plate_n exod._n 28._o 36._o a_o fringe_n numb_a 15._o 38._o a_o lock_n of_o hair_n ezek._n 8._o 3._o the_o word_n bad_a and_o baddim_n signify_v linen_n or_o linen_n cloth_n ezek._n 9_o 3._o branch_n ezek._n 19_o 14._o bar_n exod._n 27._o 6._o greatness_n or_o strength_n job_n 18._o 13._o member_n or_o joint_n job_n 41._o 3._o liar_n and_o lie_n jer._n 50._o 36._o isa._n 44._o 25._o job_n 11._o 3._o here_o be_v six_o different_a sense_n of_o one_o word_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o affinity_n or_o resemblance_n between_o any_o of_o they_o basar_n to_o which_o answer_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a be_v subject_a in_o the_o sacred_a write_n to_o as_o great_a a_o multiplicity_n of_o meaning_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v and_o to_o conclude_v the_o word_n jad_n be_v of_o a_o vast_a latitude_n i_o know_v none_o that_o equal_v it_o as_o to_o its_o wonderful_a variety_n of_o sense_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o apply_v at_o least_o twenty_o several_a way_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o yet_o though_o it_o be_v sometime_o difficult_a it_o be_v never_o impossible_a to_o distinguish_v the_o sense_n these_o word_n and_o many_o book_n more_o be_v proof_n of_o what_o i_o at_o first_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o different_a signification_n and_o that_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n especial_o abound_v with_o such_o for_o the_o hebrew_n have_v but_o few_o word_n very_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o what_o there_o be_v in_o other_o language_n but_o they_o make_v their_o small_a stock_n go_v as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v by_o make_v one_o word_n serve_v for_o diverse_a thing_n so_o that_o oftentimes_o the_o subject_a matter_n must_v determine_v the_o signification_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o look_v but_o into_o the_o margin_n of_o the_o english_a bible_n and_o there_o you_o may_v be_v full_o satisfy_v from_o the_o diversity_n of_o render_v the_o text_n that_o many_o noun_n as_o well_o as_o verb_n have_v different_a and_o unlike_a meaning_n which_o we_o must_v needs_o apprehend_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o some_o place_n be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a chap._n viii_o many_o hebrew_n noun_n whereby_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o brute_n animal_n be_v signify_v admit_v of_o different_a interpretation_n which_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a the_o great_a fish_n jon._n 1._o 17._o which_o devour_v ionas_n be_v a_o whale_n proper_o and_o strict_o so_o call_v but_o perhaps_o the_o belly_n of_o this_o fish_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n of_o the_o abdomen_fw-la or_o jow_a venture_n but_o of_o the_o wide_a and_o capacious_a mouth_n of_o that_o animal_n the_o proper_a name_n of_o some_o bird_n and_o infect_v be_v ambiguous_a the_o author_n be_v particular_a opinion_n concern_v kirjonim_n 2_o king_n 6._o 25._o the_o dove_n dung_n that_o be_v sell_v at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n at_o the_o siege_n of_o samaria_n what_o the_o locust_n be_v that_o john_n baptist_n feed_v on_o in_o the_o wilderness_n the_o name_n of_o flower_n tree_n plant_n mention_v in_o the_o bible_n be_v somewhat_o uncertain_a so_o be_v the_o word_n for_o mineral_n precious_a stone_n musical_a instrument_n yet_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o blemish_n to_o the_o sacred_a write_n that_o it_o be_v a_o commendation_n of_o they_o the_o hebrew_n measure_n whether_o of_o longitude_n or_o capacity_n be_v another_o instance_n of_o the_o difficulty_n which_o arise_v from_o our_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o exact_a signification_n of_o some_o word_n in_o the_o bible_n the_o word_n whereby_o the_o hebrew_n weight_n be_v express_v be_v something_o dubious_a and_o so_o be_v those_o whereby_o the_o jewish_a coin_n be_v denote_v likewise_o there_o be_v uncertainty_n in_o the_o greek_a and_o roman_a coin_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o far_a prosecution_n of_o this_o i_o will_v observe_v that_o many_o hebrew_n word_n which_o signify_v brute_n animal_n whether_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o other_o creature_n on_o the_o earth_n or_o fish_n and_o bird_n and_o infect_v admit_v of_o different_a interpretation_n and_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o animal_n of_o divers_a kind_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v both_o by_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_a jew_n themselves_o that_o they_o have_v no_o certain_a account_n of_o the_o proper_a name_n of_o divers_a of_o those_o animal_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o 11_o chapter_n of_o leviticus_n some_o of_o which_o be_v forbid_v other_o allow_v to_o be_v eat_v by_o that_o people_n when_o they_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o some_o of_o they_o particular_o they_o exceed_o disagree_v about_o they_o and_o various_o determine_v what_o they_o be_v sus_n be_v
pâ—rlege_n rubras_fw-la majorum_fw-la leges_fw-la at_o other_o time_n they_o make_v use_v of_o chalk_n and_o of_o coal_n both_o which_o be_v mention_v by_o 5._o persius_n illa_fw-la priùs_fw-la cretà _fw-la mox_fw-la bâ—â—c_fw-la carbone_fw-la notasti_fw-la but_o these_o be_v use_v only_o on_o special_a occasion_n and_o be_v not_o the_o ordinary_a manner_n of_o write_v therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v whole_o silent_a aâ—_n to_o this_o but_o it_o mention_n the_o write_v instrument_n that_o be_v of_o common_a use_n as_o first_o those_o which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o hard_a material_n those_o wherewith_o they_o make_v incision_n into_o stone_n wood_n etc._n etc._n according_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o use_v a_o iron_n pen_n or_o style_n and_o therewith_o cut_v what_o character_n they_o think_v fit_a in_o they_o of_o this_o we_o have_v mention_n in_o job_n 19_o 24._o where_o that_o holy_a man_n wish_n that_o his_o complaint_n be_v write_v down_o and_o record_v that_o future_a age_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o they_o which_o moses_n or_o some_o other_o inspire_a person_n who_o digest_v and_o compile_v this_o book_n thus_o expressetâ—_n o_o that_o my_o word_n be_v engrave_v with_o a_o iron_n pen_n and_o lead_v with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o seventy_o make_v of_o iron_n and_o with_o lead_n plumbi_fw-la laminâ_fw-la as_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a a_o thin_a sheet_n or_o plate_n of_o lead_n on_o which_o they_o engrave_v letter_n with_o this_o iron_n pen._n and_o in_o the_o next_o clause_n of_o this_o verse_n he_o wish_v yet_o further_o that_o his_o word_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o rock_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o lxx_o render_v it_o ut_fw-la sculpantur_fw-la in_o silice_fw-la the_o vulgar_a latin_a follow_v the_o septuagint_n as_o it_o general_o do_v every_o where_o which_o refer_v to_o the_o ancient_a manner_n of_o write_v in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v by_o engrave_v of_o letter_n not_o only_o on_o leaden_a table_n but_o on_o stone_n and_o flint_n with_o iron_n pen_n or_o bodkin_n these_o be_v the_o first_o instrument_n use_v in_o write_v in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o jeremiah_n say_v 1._o the_o sin_n of_o judah_n be_v write_v with_o a_o pen_n of_o iron_n and_o grave_v upon_o the_o table_n of_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o this_o practice_n though_o here_o another_o word_n be_v use_v viz._n cheret_n from_o charath_n sculpsit_fw-la whence_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v a_o grave_v tool_n and_o so_o be_v render_v exod._n 32._o 4._o with_o this_o they_o make_v the_o letter_n on_o wood_n and_o stone_n and_o such_o like_a hard_a substance_n and_o in_o wax-table_n next_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o ancient_a instrument_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o other_o way_n of_o writing_n viz._n upon_o the_o soft_a material_n as_o the_o papyrus_fw-la and_o parchment_n this_o be_v call_v shebet_n which_o word_n in_o other_o place_n be_v render_v a_o sceptre_n we_o read_v that_o the_o tribe_n of_o zebulon_n afford_v some_o that_o handle_v the_o pen_n of_o the_o writer_n judg._n 5._o i4_n such_o as_o be_v dexterous_a at_o this_o instrument_n such_o as_o know_v how_o to_o wield_v this_o shebet_fw-la this_o writing-scepter_n with_o art_n and_o skill_n in_o other_o place_n it_o have_v the_o same_o name_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o engrave_v pen_n thus_o it_o be_v style_v cheret_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o septuagint_n isa._n 8._o 1._o the_o pen_n of_o a_o man_n i._n e._n such_o a_o pen_n as_o man_n usual_o write_v with_o in_o those_o day_n when_o they_o write_v upon_o any_o soft_a and_o yield_a matter_n and_o that_o be_v a_o reed_n which_o be_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o jer._n 8._o 8._o where_o gnet_n the_o pen_n of_o the_o scribe_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n and_o in_o psal._n 45._o 1._o where_o it_o be_v again_o call_v gnet_n the_o pen_n of_o a_o ready_a writer_n the_o same_o interpreter_n render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a calamus_fw-la which_o be_v the_o word_n use_v by_o martial_a and_o other_o for_o the_o egyptian_a reed_n which_o be_v the_o write_v pen_n in_o their_o time_n 14._o that_o chartis_fw-la habiles_fw-la calamos_fw-la memphitica_fw-la tellus_fw-la and_o aquila_n a_o learned_a jew_n who_o know_v the_o genuine_a mean_v of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n in_o this_o place_n render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n juncus_fw-la arundo_fw-la aquatica_fw-la wherewith_o they_o ancient_o write_v it_o appear_v then_o that_o egypt_n afford_v both_o paper_n and_o pen_n the_o former_a be_v of_o that_o rushy_a plant_n before_o describe_v the_o latter_a be_v of_o a_o reed_n grow_v in_o the_o same_o place_n viz._n about_o the_o river_n nile_n and_o the_o fenny_a part_n of_o egypt_n which_o be_v dry_v and_o harden_v and_o convenient_o shape_v be_v the_o usual_a instrument_n of_o write_v before_o the_o invention_n of_o quill_n it_o be_v so_o make_v that_o it_o will_v contain_v and_o convey_v in_o it_o a_o black_a sort_n of_o liquor_n which_o answer_v to_o our_o ink_n which_o we_o use_v at_o this_o day_n into_o which_o they_o use_v to_o dip_v it_o to_o this_o ancient_a writing_n with_o ink_n or_o such_o like_a dark_a substance_n some_o have_v think_v ezek._n 9_o 2._o have_v reference_n where_o we_o read_v of_o the_o writer_n inkhorn_n but_o though_o the_o hebrew_n word_n be_v render_v atramentarium_fw-la by_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a yet_o in_o its_o original_a signification_n it_o have_v no_o reference_n to_o that_o particular_a thing_n but_o may_v be_v translate_v a_o pen-case_n or_o a_o writing-table_n as_o well_o as_o a_o inkhorn_n from_o the_o bare_a sound_n of_o the_o english_a word_n we_o can_v infer_v the_o thing_n itself_o we_o may_v as_o well_o affirm_v the_o art_n of_o printing_n be_v find_v out_o and_o practise_v in_o iob_n day_n because_o he_o wish_v that_o his_o word_n be_v print_v in_o a_o book_n job_n 19_o 23._o but_o there_o be_v a_o place_n to_o our_o purpose_n and_o that_o be_v jer._n 36._o 18._o i_o write_v they_o i._n e._n the_o word_n which_o jeremy_n speak_v with_o ink_n in_o a_o book_n the_o ancient_a way_n of_o writing_n appear_v from_o what_o baruch_n here_o say_v that_o he_o write_v ieremiah_n prophecy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d atramento_fw-la which_o be_v the_o black_a and_o inky_a matter_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o be_v lay_v on_o by_o his_o pen_n in_o writing_n this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v 2_o cor._n 3._o 3_o 2_o ep._n john_n v._n 12._o and_o again_o 3_o epist._n v_o 13._o where_o it_o be_v join_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o show_v what_o be_v at_o that_o time_n the_o way_n of_o writing_n viz._n with_o reed-pen_n dip_v in_o ink_n which_o as_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o pliny_n and_o persius_n be_v various_o prepare_v the_o greek_n and_o roman_n make_v it_o of_o soot_n say_v the_o 5._o former_a of_o these_o writer_n and_o from_o he_o and_o 3._o persius_n we_o learn_v that_o the_o african_n use_v the_o dark_a excrementitious_a humour_n which_o the_o sepia_n afford_v they_o and_o other_o black_a juice_n serve_v for_o ink_n in_o other_o country_n thus_o the_o most_o ancient_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o authentic_a memoir_n concern_v letter_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o write_v be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a penman_n thus_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o grammar_n and_o the_o root_n of_o all_o learning_n be_v lay_v here_o next_o unto_o grammar_n i_o may_v mention_v history_n the_o first_o father_n of_o which_o be_v moses_n who_o write_n begin_v the_o bible_n all_o that_o i_o will_v say_v of_o he_o under_o this_o present_a character_n be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v sole_o indebt_v to_o he_o for_o our_o knowledge_n of_o the_o transaction_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o write_v before_o all_o other_o historian_n so_o he_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o none_o beside_o do_v wherefore_o his_o book_n be_v the_o key_n of_o all_o history_n to_o he_o be_v add_v other_o who_o be_v not_o only_o of_o admire_a antiquity_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v prize_v as_o much_o for_o the_o admirable_a and_o various_a matter_n they_o communicate_v here_o be_v excellent_a historical_a passage_n of_o all_o sort_n religious_a and_o civil_a sacred_a and_o profane_a foreign_a and_o domestic_a relate_v to_o politic_n and_o economic_n to_o public_a and_o private_a affair_n yea_o the_o historiae_fw-la title_n of_o procopius_n history_n belong_v only_a and_o proper_o to_o these_o sacred_a chronicle_n for_o here_o the_o secret_n and_o depth_n of_o all_o ancient_a occurrence_n be_v
reason_n why_o the_o apocryphal_a write_n be_v not_o receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o bible_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n make_v by_o the_o romanist_n second_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o external_n testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v add_v to_o those_o argument_n which_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v true_a in_o themselves_o will_n exceed_o corroborate_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o those_o book_n and_o here_o i_o may_v mention_v the_o testimony_n give_v to_o they_o by_o god_n in_o the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o they_o through_o all_o age_n since_o they_o be_v first_o write_v in_o all_o the_o change_n of_o affair_n and_o the_o overthrow_n of_o so_o many_o city_n and_o kingdom_n that_o incomparable_a treasure_n have_v not_o be_v lose_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v keep_v untouched_a and_o inviolable_a at_o the_o sack_n and_o burn_v of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o of_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o ever_o since_o that_o time_n the_o scripture_n have_v be_v unaltered_a in_o word_n and_o sense_n notwithstanding_o the_o frequent_a endeavour_n of_o satan_n busy_a agent_n to_o corrupt_v they_o yea_o utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o next_o to_o god_n providence_n in_o preserve_v these_o book_n through_o all_o time_n and_o age_n we_o may_v add_v the_o marvellous_a success_n which_o have_v attend_v the_o holy_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o these_o write_n they_o have_v prevail_v against_o the_o power_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n and_o to_o this_o very_a day_n they_o be_v maintain_v and_o uphold_v maugre_o the_o attempt_n of_o both_o of_o they_o to_o root_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o i_o wave_v this_o intend_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o divine_a but_o humane_a testimony_n in_o this_o place_n by_o external_n testimony_n than_o i_o mean_v here_o no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o universal_a tradition_n and_o this_o tradition_n be_v both_o of_o jew_n and_o christian_n and_o what_o will_v a_o man_n desire_v more_o in_o a_o humane_a way_n for_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n from_o the_o joint_a attestation_n of_o these_o witness_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o book_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v the_o true_a copy_n of_o the_o first_o original_n that_o the_o same_o book_n and_o author_n be_v faithful_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o which_o be_v first_o of_o all_o deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o these_o write_n as_o we_o now_o have_v they_o that_o be_v falsify_v or_o corrupt_v first_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o name_n of_o which_o be_v as_o follow_v genesis_n exodus_fw-la leviticus_n number_n deuteronomy_n joshuâ—_n judge_n ruth_n the_o one_a and_o 2d_o book_n of_o samuel_n thâ—_n one_a and_o 2d_o book_n of_o king_n though_o one_a and_o 2d_o book_n 〈◊〉_d chronicle_n ezra_n nehemiah_n esther_n job_n the_o psalm_n proverb_n ecclesiaste_n the_o song_n of_o solomon_n the_o foâ—â—_n great_a prophet_n and_o the_o twelve_o lesser_n these_o and_o none_o but_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o canâ—_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o ancient_a church_n oâ—_n the_o jew_n who_o testimony_n be_v very_a authentics_n here_o yea_o indeed_o we_o can_v have_v a_o better_a they_o acquaint_v we_o that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a writing_n that_o be_v universal_o agree_v by_o they_o to_o be_v extraordinary_o inspire_v and_o they_o further_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o different_a person_n and_o at_o diverse_a time_n be_v first_o compile_v and_o collect_v into_o one_o body_n or_o volume_n by_o ezra_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o doctor_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o time_n be_v not_o constitute_v till_o ezra_n day_n by_o the_o great_a synagogue_n as_o they_o call_v it_o upon_o his_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n he_o undertake_v this_o good_a work_n he_o gather_v together_o all_o those_o disperse_a book_n before_o name_v and_o after_o he_o have_v review_v they_o he_o public_o own_v and_o solemn_o vouch_v the_o authority_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o that_o the_o church_n for_o the_o future_a may_v not_o doubt_v of_o their_o be_v authentic_a and_o true_a but_o some_o add_v here_o by_o way_n of_o objection_n that_o this_o holy_a man_n cause_v these_o book_n to_o be_v write_v over_o in_o a_o new_a character_n because_o the_o jew_n have_v lose_v their_o knowledge_n of_o the_o former_a one_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o consequent_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o eusebius_n and_o jerom_n be_v allege_v for_o this_o especial_o the_o latter_a who_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o the_o samaritan_n character_n be_v the_o old_a hebrew_n character_n in_o which_o the_o bible_n be_v first_o write_v and_o that_o it_o be_v first_o change_v by_o ezrd_n after_o the_o return_n from_o babylon_n he_o write_v â—he_v sacred_a volume_n over_o in_o assyrian_a or_o chaldee_n letter_n and_o neglect_v the_o old_a hebrew_n one_o which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o samaritan_n be_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v they_o say_v because_o the_o jew_n be_v best_o acquaint_v with_o this_o character_n at_o that_o time_n and_o some_o walton_n modern_a writer_n be_v gain_v over_o to_o this_o opinion_n who_o talk_v much_o of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o character_n and_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o first_o and_o old_a letter_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v samaritan_n but_o that_o those_o which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v assyrian_n and_o of_o quite_o another_o sort_n but_o upon_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n i_o find_v little_a or_o no_o foundation_n for_o this_o opinion_n it_o rather_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o invention_n and_o dream_n of_o those_o who_o design_n to_o disparage_v the_o hebrew_n bible_n they_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o original_a be_v impair_v because_o we_o have_v it_o not_o now_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n for_o the_o old_a bible_n be_v in_o samaritan_n letter_n these_o be_v the_o first_o and_o ancient_a hebrew_a character_n this_o be_v like_o the_o story_n of_o the_o hebrew_n point_n be_v invent_v five_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n of_o which_o afterward_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n namely_o to_o discredit_v the_o hebrew_n text_n which_o we_o now_o have_v and_o whole_o to_o take_v away_o its_o authority_n for_o if_o the_o letter_n be_v change_v it_o be_v probable_a some_o word_n and_o consequent_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o place_n be_v alter_v but_o that_o this_o be_v groundless_a and_o that_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o character_n now_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o you_o will_v find_v very_o large_o and_o convince_o prove_v by_o the_o famous_a hebr._n buxtorf_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o talmud_n especial_o the_o gemara_n 〈◊〉_d the_o cabala_n from_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o most_o notâ—_n rabbin_n of_o old_a and_o of_o the_o learned_a modern_a jeâ—â—_n as_o aben_n ezra_n r._n solomon_n r._n ben_n maimon_n &_o â—_o who_o without_o doubt_n be_v very_o competent_a judge_n 〈◊〉_d this_o case_n to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v several_a of_o 〈◊〉_d christian_a persuasion_n as_o picus_n mirandula_n f._n juniâ—_n skikkard_n postellus_n with_o those_o three_o eminent_a person_n of_o our_o own_o country_n nic._n fuller_n broughtâ—â—_n lightfoot_n if_o you_o consult_v these_o they_o will_v satisfy_v you_o that_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n which_o we_o have_v now_o in_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o primitive_a one_o the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v of_o old_a but_o to_o give_v you_o my_o thought_n impartial_o in_o this_o point_n i_o do_v belieuâ—_v from_o what_o i_o find_v assert_v by_o writer_n on_o both_o side_n that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o character_n use_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o cubit_n and_o shekel_n the_o sacred_a and_o common_a and_o i_o gather_v that_o the_o samaritan_n letter_n be_v of_o the_o latter_a sort_n that_o which_o be_v common_o use_v and_o even_o sometime_o in_o transcribe_v the_o bible_n but_o the_o sacred_a character_n in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v this_o which_o we_o now_o have_v and_o in_o which_o the_o bible_n be_v at_o this_o day_n this_o be_v the_o true_a original_a hebrew_n letter_n and_o be_v use_v from_o the_o begin_n by_o they_o this_o i_o think_v may_v reconcile_v the_o dispute_n among_o writer_n for_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v perceive_v the_o quarrel_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o there_o be_v
and_o twenty_o after_o the_o number_n of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n and_o 4._o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v these_o express_a word_n read_v these_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n but_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o study_n and_o meditate_v only_o on_o these_o scripture_n which_o we_o confident_o read_v in_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n and_o first_o bishop_n be_v true_a guide_n and_o be_v more_o wise_a and_o religious_a than_o thou_o be_v and_o these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o deliver_v these_o scripture_n to_o we_o thou_o then_o be_v a_o son_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o go_v beyond_o her_o bound_n and_o order_n but_o acknowledge_v and_o study_v only_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n of_o the_o old_a â—â—â—stament_n and_o other_o father_n of_o the_o churâ—â—_n as_o melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n athanasius_n amphiloâ—â—us_n epiphanius_n eusebius_n gregory_n nazianzen_n gâ—â—gory_n the_o great_a basil_n chrysostom_n testify_v that_o 〈◊〉_d book_n and_o no_o other_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o receive_v now_o be_v the_o canonical_a booâ—â—_n of_o old_a and_o receive_v so_o by_o the_o first_o christiâ—â—_n those_o eminent_a light_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n râ—t_n jerom_n hilary_n disow_v as_o uncanonical_a 〈◊〉_d book_n of_o apocrypha_fw-la the_o two_o latter_a especial_o 〈◊〉_d very_o positive_a eustock_n jerom_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o 〈◊〉_d canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d and_o twenty_o just_o the_o number_n of_o the_o hebrew_n alâ—phabet_n and_o no_o more_o and_o he_o enumerate_v the_o particular_a book_n which_o constitute_v the_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d say_v indeed_o that_o some_o make_v they_o four_o and_o twâ—â—ty_a but_o it_o be_v the_o same_o account_n for_o they_o reckâ—â—_n ruth_n and_o lamentation_n separately_z but_o as_o for_o 〈◊〉_d other_o he_o say_v they_o be_v not_o part_v of_o inspire_a scripture_n and_o the_o church_n do_v not_o receive_v theâ—_n among_o the_o canonical_a write_n so_o psalm_n hilary_n giu_v we_o the_o just_a catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o peremptory_o affirm_v that_o there_o 〈◊〉_d but_o two_o and_o twenty_o canonical_a book_n of_o it_o in_o all_o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o thirty_o nine_o according_a to_o the_o reckon_n in_o our_o bibles_n to_o father_n wâ—_n may_v add_v synod_n and_o council_n as_o that_o antieâ—â—_n one_o of_o laodicea_n convened_a a._n d._n 364._o which_o draw_v up_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o make_v mention_v only_o of_o these_o which_o we_o now_o receive_v but_o leave_v out_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o this_o canon_n be_v receive_v afterward_o and_o confirm_v by_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n one_o of_o the_o first_o four_o general_n council_n and_o the_o six_o general_n council_n hold_v at_o constantinople_n a._n d._n 680._o express_o ratify_v the_o decree_n of_o that_o old_a laodicean_n council_n and_o particular_o this_o that_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o two_o and_o twenty_o there_o be_v another_o reason_n also_o beside_o the_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n why_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v eject_v out_o of_o the_o canon_n viz._n because_o some_o thing_n in_o they_o be_v false_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n as_o in_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la 46._o 20._o 2_o esdras_n 6._o 40._o and_o some_o thing_n be_v vicious_a as_o in_o 2_o maccab._n 14._o 42._o after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o answer_v what_o the_o romanist_n say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o quote_v the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n which_o they_o tell_v we_o receive_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n into_o the_o canon_n and_o among_o the_o father_n st._n augustin_n they_o say_v own_v they_o beside_o that_o two_o pope_n viz._n innocent_a the_o first_o and_o gelasius_n take_v those_o book_n which_o we_o style_v apocryphal_a into_o the_o canon_n as_o for_o the_o council_n which_o they_o allege_v it_o be_v but_o a_o provincial_a one_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v set_v against_o those_o more_o authentic_a and_o general_a council_n which_o i_o produce_v nor_o must_v that_o one_o single_a father_n who_o they_o name_n stand_v out_o against_o that_o great_a number_n of_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n who_o i_o mention_v the_o pope_n bear_v a_o great_a name_n among_o our_o adversary_n but_o they_o be_v but_o two_o and_o must_v not_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o council_n and_o that_o multitude_n of_o father_n who_o be_v on_o our_o side_n or_o if_o they_o lie_v such_o great_a stress_n on_o a_o pope_n i_o can_v name_v they_o one_o and_o he_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a they_o ever_o have_v viz._n pope_n gregory_n the_o great_a who_o 17._o declare_v that_o the_o book_n of_o maccabee_n a_o main_a piece_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a writing_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n wâ—_n may_v set_v this_o one_o pope_n for_o he_o be_v great_a enough_o against_o the_o other_o two_n beside_o their_o own_o 〈◊〉_d be_v against_o they_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v 〈◊〉_d receive_v as_o part_v of_o holy_a inspire_a scripture_n by_o iâ—â—dorus_n damascen_n nicephorus_n rabanus_n maurus_n hâ—go_n lyranus_fw-la cajetan_n and_o other_o who_o be_v of_o greâ—â—_n repute_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o regard_v 〈◊〉_d what_o the_o pack_v council_n of_o trent_n have_v decree_v viz._n 4._o that_o beside_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n 〈◊〉_d the_o hebrew_n canon_n those_o also_o of_o tobias_n juditâ—_n the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la maccabeâ—â—â—_n baruch_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o canonical_a and_o thâ—_n they_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o canon_n oâ—_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o general_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a council_n father_n and_o writer_n who_o have_v reject_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n and_o receive_v but_o twenty_o two_o into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n belong_v to_o the_o old_a testament_n you_o see_v what_o ground_n we_o have_v no_o other_o than_o the_o universal_a church_n we_o reject_v some_o book_n as_o apocryphal_a because_o they_o be_v general_o reject_v by_o the_o ancient_a primitive_a church_n and_o we_o receive_v the_o rest_n as_o canonical_a because_o they_o be_v believe_v and_o own_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n see_v this_o admirable_o make_v good_a in_o bishop_n cousins_n history_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n yet_o aâ—ter_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v we_o count_v the_o apocrypha_n write_n worthy_a to_o be_v read_v and_o peruse_v the_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n amiss_o in_o they_o yet_o we_o give_v great_a deference_n and_o respect_n to_o they_o as_o contain_v many_o historical_a truth_n and_o furnish_v we_o witâ—_n matter_n of_o jewish_a antiquity_n as_o likewise_o because_o there_o be_v many_o doctrinal_a and_o moral_a truth_n in_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n and_o ecâ—lesiasticus_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o say_v we_o bear_v great_a respect_n to_o they_o and_o rank_v they_o next_o to_o the_o holy_a canon_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o all_o profane_a author_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o frequent_o allege_v they_o in_o their_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n which_o be_v one_o reason_n i_o question_v not_o why_o these_o apocryphal_a book_n come_v to_o be_v make_v canonical_a by_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n namely_o because_o they_o be_v so_o often_o quote_v by_o the_o father_n and_o in_o some_o church_n read_v public_o but_o this_o be_v no_o proof_n of_o their_o be_v canonical_a but_o only_o let_v we_o know_v that_o these_o book_n be_v in_o their_o kind_a useful_a and_o profitable_a as_o indeed_o they_o be_v therefore_o st._n proverb_n jerom_n say_v the_o church_n receive_v not_o these_o book_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n though_o she_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v read_v and_o concern_v these_o write_n our_o church_n say_v well_o quote_v st._n jerom_n for_o it_o 6._o she_o do_v read_v they_o for_o example_n of_o life_n and_o instruction_n of_o manner_n but_o yet_o do_v not_o apply_v they_o to_o establish_v any_o doctrine_n which_o give_v we_o a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o book_n namely_o that_o they_o contain_v excellent_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o inform_v we_o of_o our_o duty_n as_o to_o several_a weighty_a thing_n but_o they_o be_v not_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v they_o be_v not_o the_o infallible_a standard_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v and_o make_v use_n of_o to_o that_o purpose_n this_o and_o the_o other_o reason_n before_o mention_v may_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o think_v that_o these_o write_n aught_o not_o to_o be_v
use_n of_o this_o testimony_n especial_o that_o the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n where_o his_o design_n be_v to_o convert_v that_o jew_n to_o christianity_n omit_v it_o whole_o but_o to_o he_o that_o consider_v thing_n aright_o this_o will_v not_o seem_v strange_a for_o if_o he_o look_v into_o these_o father_n he_o will_v find_v that_o their_o grand_a enterprise_n and_o design_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o jew_n out_o of_o the_o old-testament_n which_o they_o profess_a they_o hearty_o believe_v and_o embrace_v and_o therefore_o those_o learned_a and_o pious_a writer_n fix_v here_o and_o be_v not_o solicitous_a to_o go_v any_o far_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o fly_v to_o human_a author_n when_o this_o divine_a and_o inspire_a volume_n furnish_v they_o with_o abundant_a argument_n and_o proof_n against_o judaism_n it_o will_v have_v be_v unnecessary_a and_o superfluous_a to_o allege_v the_o testimony_n of_o this_o person_n though_o never_o so_o credible_a when_o they_o have_v so_o many_o infallible_a author_n to_o vouch_v they_o and_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v espouse_v again_o this_o late_a critic_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o testimony_n be_v against_o iosephus_n mind_n he_o be_v a_o jewish_a priest_n a_o legal_a sacrificer_n and_o most_o tenacious_a of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n he_o be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o one_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o mosaic_a church_n therefore_o it_o be_v unlikely_a that_o he_o will_v leave_v any_o such_o thing_n upon_o record_n in_o his_o write_n those_o that_o know_v iosephus_n sect_n and_o life_n can_v believe_v say_v he_o that_o these_o word_n be_v he_o yes_o they_o very_o well_o may_v for_o he_o do_v not_o absolute_o assert_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n but_o only_o that_o he_o be_v the_o person_n who_o be_v call_v christ_n and_o that_o excellent_a worth_n and_o even_o divinity_n appear_v in_o he_o and_o he_o far_o bear_v witness_n that_o this_o excellent_a person_n who_o be_v of_o old_a prophesy_v of_o be_v not_o treat_v according_a to_o his_o transcendent_a merit_n but_o be_v barbarous_o put_v to_o death_n by_o his_o countryman_n and_o yet_o that_o in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n he_o be_v revive_v and_o thereby_o give_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n all_o this_o though_o it_o be_v a_o most_o remarkable_a attestation_n of_o our_o saviour_n yet_o may_v have_v be_v say_v as_o real_o it_o be_v by_o a_o jewish_a sacrificer_n by_o a_o strict_a pharisee_fw-mi by_o a_o tenacious_a asserter_n of_o the_o mosaic_a riligion_n the_o whole_a testimony_n be_v but_o the_o result_n of_o a_o unprejudiced_a and_o honest_a mind_n such_o as_o this_o historian_n be_v master_n of_o and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a what_o this_o criticizer_n mention_n and_o attempt_n to_o prove_v out_o of_o origen_n that_o josephus_n have_v before_o this_o writ_n against_o christ_n the_o testimony_n thereby_o become_v the_o more_o remarkable_a because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o irresistible_a power_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o wonderful_a change_n wrought_v in_o this_o person_n and_o true_o this_o objector_n himself_o mention_n that_o which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o for_o we_o read_v say_v he_o in_o iosephus_n book_n which_o he_o write_v of_o his_o own_o life_n that_o he_o have_v go_v through_o all_o the_o jewish_a sect_n be_v admit_v at_o last_o into_o the_o discipline_n of_o banus_fw-la a_o disciple_n of_o john_n the_o baptist._n thus_o this_o author_n answer_v himself_o and_o what_o he_o have_v before_o object_v namely_o that_o this_o historian_n write_v against_o his_o own_o mind_n if_o these_o word_n of_o he_o be_v true_a it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o he_o speak_v contrary_a to_o his_o persuasion_n if_o he_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o discipline_n of_o john_n baptist_n who_o have_v be_v christ_n forerunner_n for_o thereby_o this_o author_n imbibe_v a_o good_a opinion_n to_o say_v no_o more_o of_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n what_o this_o critic_n far_o say_v that_o if_o this_o testimony_n be_v iosephus_n he_o will_v have_v say_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o he_o do_v be_v very_o frivolous_a and_o not_o worth_a take_v notice_n of_o and_o so_o be_v that_o that_o the_o style_n plain_o betray_v the_o cheat_n it_o be_v frigid_a and_o lax_n putid_v and_o inert_a as_o he_o say_v whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o any_o competent_a judge_n that_o the_o language_n be_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n but_o be_v like_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o historian_n style_n last_o we_o be_v behold_v to_o he_o for_o find_v out_o the_o author_n of_o the_o cheat_n who_o he_o affirm_v be_v eusebius_n as_o if_o he_o have_v live_v before_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o josephus_n that_o be_v as_o if_o one_o of_o the_o four_o century_n be_v contemporary_a with_o he_o that_o flourish_v in_o the_o first_o he_o peremptory_o tell_v we_o that_o 11._o eusebius_n clap_v in_o this_o passage_n mere_o out_o of_o design_n namely_o to_o gratify_v a_o party_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o cause_n and_o that_o we_o may_v give_v credit_n to_o this_o he_o fall_v very_o severe_o on_o this_o worthy_a man_n and_o both_o ignorant_o and_o malicious_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o this_o be_v the_o course_n that_o our_o angry_a critic_n take_v but_o no_o sober_a and_o judicious_a person_n can_v allow_v of_o it_o for_o it_o may_v be_v plain_o discern_v that_o this_o writer_n be_v resolve_v upon_o it_o to_o run_v down_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o jewish_a historian_n by_o any_o kind_n of_o artifice_n whatsoever_o but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o method_n he_o take_v they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n what_o he_o offer_v for_o proof_n be_v groundless_a precarious_a and_o inconsistent_a after_o all_o that_o he_o have_v say_v this_o jewish_a testimony_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o its_o author_n remain_v impregnable_a what_o though_o we_o have_v grant_v that_o in_o some_o thing_n he_o be_v faulty_a and_o where_o be_v their_o a_o historian_n that_o be_v not_o what_o though_o he_o omit_v some_o remarkable_a occurrence_n and_o mistake_v the_o order_n of_o time_n of_o which_o he_o can_v not_o come_v to_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n notwithstanding_o this_o his_o testimony_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v valid_a nay_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v it_o be_v such_o for_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o attain_v to_o a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o what_o he_o here_o write_v there_o be_v then_o no_o ground_n to_o think_v that_o he_o impose_v upon_o his_o reader_n or_o speak_v against_o his_o persuasion_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o one_o that_o free_o utter_v his_o mind_n and_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v ingenuous_a faithful_a and_o impartial_a such_o be_v he_o esteem_v to_o be_v by_o those_o etc._n ancient_a writer_n who_o have_v oceasion_n to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o testimony_n and_o such_o be_v his_o character_n with_o all_o those_o person_n who_o have_v since_o use_v the_o same_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o true_o it_o be_v a_o full_a and_o pregnant_a ratification_n of_o it_o a_o attest_v no_o less_o than_o the_o life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o latter_a especial_o be_v attest_v by_o a_o jewish_a priest_n be_v considerable_a this_o person_n know_v nothing_o of_o that_o cheat_n which_o the_o jew_n labour_v at_o first_o to_o put_v upon_o some_o and_o therewith_o to_o stifle_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a namely_o that_o 13._o his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v he_o away_o he_o tell_v we_o plain_o and_o express_o that_o christ_n be_v restore_v to_o life_n on_o the_o three_o day_n after_o he_o be_v put_v death_n which_o be_v exact_o according_a to_o the_o narrative_a in_o the_o gospel_n i_o will_v conclude_v then_o with_o the_o word_n which_o a_o pious_a father_n use_v after_o he_o have_v recite_v iosephus_n testimony_n of_o christ_n 4._o if_o our_o very_a enemy_n say_v he_o dare_v not_o oppose_v the_o truth_n who_o will_v show_v himself_o so_o obstinate_a as_o not_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n yea_o much_o clear_a if_o jew_n and_o pagan_n bear_v witness_n to_o christ_n we_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o listen_v to_o their_o testimony_n and_o to_o abominate_a the_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o endeavour_n and_o that_o with_o no_o little_a art_n and_o pain_n to_o enervate_a and_o destroy_v it_o again_o josephus_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n by_o relate_v several_a other_o thing_n which_o be_v record_v there_o thus_o 7._o he_o speak_v
moses_n or_o of_o other_o who_o write_v those_o book_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o now_o read_v of_o the_o name_n of_o place_n which_o be_v not_o give_v at_o that_o time_n when_o they_o be_v mention_v but_o be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n insert_v into_o the_o history_n near_o of_o kin_n to_o this_o be_v hysterosis_n another_o usual_a figure_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v when_o the_o proper_a and_o genuine_a order_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o keep_v and_o this_o be_v observable_a either_o in_o some_o single_a word_n and_o verse_n or_o in_o some_o chapter_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v gen._n 10._o 1._o where_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n be_v reckon_v in_o this_o order_n shem_fw-mi ham_n and_o japheth_n yet_o japheth_n be_v the_o elder_a brother_n it_o be_v true_a scaliger_n hold_v the_o very_a order_n of_o the_o generation_n which_o this_o verse_n set_v down_o and_o say_v shem_n be_v noah_n first-born_a and_o japheth_n his_o young_a but_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v on_o by_o the_o learned_a that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o right_a order_n for_o first_o the_o septuagint_n express_o say_v japheth_n be_v the_o elder_a brother_n of_o shem_n v_o 21._o again_o josephus_n in_o his_o 7._o jewish_a antiquity_n reckon_v they_o thus_o japheth_n the_o elder_a son_n i_o be_o the_o next_o and_o sheâ—_n the_o young_a of_o all_o moreover_o according_a to_o the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v who_o be_v of_o good_a repute_n this_o be_v the_o true_a order_n last_o you_o will_v find_v it_o observe_v in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o generation_n begin_v first_o with_o japheth_n then_o pass_v to_o cham_n and_o end_n with_o shem._n all_o which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o transposition_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n and_o that_o the_o true_a rank_v of_o they_o be_v not_o there_o keep_v we_o read_v in_o gen._n 11._o 26._o that_o terab_n beget_v abram_n nahor_n and_o haran_n but_o the_o name_n of_o abram_n first_o of_o the_o three_o brethren_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v elder_a but_o there_o be_v some_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v not_o and_o as_o the_o true_a order_n of_o word_n in_o some_o verse_n be_v not_o always_o exact_a so_o neither_o be_v the_o true_a series_n of_o history_n observe_v in_o some_o chapter_n thus_o in_o gen._n 2._o after_o god_n rest_v on_o the_o seven_o day_n v_o 1._o you_o read_v of_o god_n form_v man_n and_o woman_n v_o 7._o &_o 18._o which_o be_v the_o six_o day_n be_v work_v and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o true_a order_n of_o thing_n shall_v have_v be_v part_n of_o the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n so_o the_o division_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o 10_o of_o genesis_n be_v set_v before_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 11_o chapter_n notwithstanding_o this_o be_v before_o that_o and_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o and_o some_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v in_o those_o historical_a book_n of_o samuel_n the_o king_n and_o chronicle_n the_o seven_o and_o eight_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n be_v misplace_v they_o shall_v of_o right_n have_v be_v insert_v before_o viz._n immediate_o after_o the_o four_o chapter_n for_o they_o speak_v of_o what_o happen_v in_o belshazzar_n time_n although_o the_o forego_n chapter_n relate_v what_o be_v do_v by_o darius_n after_o belshazzar_n be_v slay_v and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o babylon_n become_v his_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n there_o be_v a_o transpose_n of_o thing_n and_o sometime_o that_o be_v place_v first_o which_o be_v do_v last_o to_o which_o purpose_n the_o hebrew_n doctor_n have_v long_a since_o pronounce_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o before_o nor_o after_o in_o the_o law_n a_o 1._o late_a author_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o book_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o some_o other_o be_v write_v upon_o little_a scroll_n or_o sheet_n of_o paper_n not_o so_o well_o fasten_v together_o as_o our_o book_n now_o be_v and_o so_o the_o order_n of_o these_o scroll_n be_v change_v but_o this_o be_v a_o upstart_n invention_n of_o this_o gentleman_n brain_n and_o have_v no_o foundation_n but_o his_o own_o fancy_n for_o as_o he_o mistake_v paper_n for_o parchment_n there_o be_v perhaps_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o former_a in_o those_o day_n so_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o conceit_n about_o fasten_v those_o parchment-writing_n together_o first_o i_o say_v he_o proceed_v upon_o a_o wrong_a foundation_n because_o he_o assert_v the_o ancient_a book_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o have_v be_v write_v on_o paper_n whereas_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o this_o invention_n be_v so_o old_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v undeniable_a proof_n of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o parchment_n and_o that_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o book_n to_o write_v upon_o that_o which_o have_v occasion_v some_o learned_a man_n and_o it_o be_v likely_a our_o present_a author_n who_o be_v most_o just_o rank_v in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o learned_a to_o think_v otherwise_o be_v that_o passage_n in_o pliny_n 11._o natural_a history_n where_o he_o report_v that_o ptolomee_n philadelph_n king_n of_o egypt_n forbid_v the_o export_n of_o the_o papyrus_fw-la of_o which_o paper_n be_v make_v at_o that_o time_n out_o of_o his_o territory_n whereupon_o eumenes_n king_n of_o pergamus_n find_v out_o another_o way_n of_o make_v paper_n of_o the_o inmost_a skin_n of_o beast_n which_o be_v call_v pergamena_n because_o it_o be_v invent_v in_o pergamus_n first_o but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a oversight_n of_o pliny_n for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o first_o use_v of_o they_o they_o be_v much_o ancient_a than_o that_o time_n 2._o diodorus_n the_o sicilian_a tell_v we_o that_o the_o persian_a annal_n be_v write_v in_o parchment_n which_o be_v a_o great_a proof_n of_o its_o be_v very_o antient._n salmuth_n in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o chartâ—_n pancirol_n think_v the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o membrana_fw-la be_v prove_v from_o jovis_fw-la diphthera_fw-la the_o skin_n of_o the_o goat_n that_o suckle_v jupiter_n in_o which_o the_o ancient_a memorial_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v think_v to_o be_v write_v and_o out_o of_o herodotus_n the_o great_a father_n of_o history_n he_o have_v a_o very_a considerable_a quotation_n who_o relate_v that_o some_o of_o the_o old_a grecian_n make_v use_v of_o the_o skin_n of_o goat_n and_o sheep_n to_o write_v in_o and_o therefore_o terpsichore_n they_o call_v their_o book_n skin_n and_o he_o add_v that_o 〈◊〉_d many_o of_o the_o barbarian_n write_v in_o such_o skin_n now_o we_o know_v who_o they_o be_v that_o the_o pagan_n use_v to_o call_v barbarian_n viz._n the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v probable_a these_o be_v mean_v here_o it_o may_v have_v relation_n to_o their_o writing_n the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o parchment_n but_o if_o this_o concern_v the_o particular_a reference_n of_o these_o word_n to_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o conjecture_n only_o yet_o the_o other_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v suggest_v be_v a_o clear_a and_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o ancient_n use_v of_o the_o membrana_fw-la and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v that_o the_o bible_n itself_o be_v write_v in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v so_o we_o learn_v from_o josephus_n who_o assure_v we_o that_o eleazar_n the_o high_a priest_n send_v away_o the_o 72_o elder_n or_o interpreter_n to_o ptolomee_n with_o the_o bible_n write_v in_o â—ine_o parchment_n and_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o 2._o the_o same_o place_n which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o to_o our_o purpose_n that_o king_n ptolomee_n be_v astonish_v to_o see_v the_o parchment_n so_o fine_a and_o delicate_a and_o to_o observe_v the_o whole_a form_n of_o they_o so_o exact_o join_v together_o that_o no_o one_o can_v possible_o discern_v where_o the_o seam_n be_v from_o which_o testimony_n of_o this_o learned_a jew_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v parchment_n find_v out_o and_o use_v in_o write_v before_o the_o time_n that_o pliny_n talk_v of_o i._n e._n before_o eumenes_n time_n and_o as_o for_o this_o eumenes_n who_o be_v by_o some_o writer_n also_o call_v attalus_n for_o it_o appear_v plain_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o man_n the_o same_o king_n of_o pergamus_n he_o be_v not_o the_o person_n that_o invent_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o in_o his_o time_n invent_v he_o only_o procure_v a_o great_a quantity_n of_o it_o to_o be_v make_v and_o so_o it_o become_v common_a in_o greece_n and_o asia_n whence_o some_o and_o pliny_n among_o the_o rest_n think_v he_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o rise_n of_o the_o mistake_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v this_o which_o the_o learnede_a man_n
now_o agree_v to_o that_o parchment_n which_o be_v make_v of_o sheepskin_n dress_v be_v long_o before_o the_o emulation_n between_o ptolomee_n and_o eumenes_n who_o both_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v ambitious_a to_o procure_v a_o universal_a library_n but_o when_o this_o quarrel_n arise_v ptolomee_o forbid_v paper_n to_o be_v send_v out_o of_o egypt_n whereupon_o eumence_v cause_v parchment_n to_o be_v make_v in_o great_a abundance_n than_o before_o that_o so_o there_o may_v be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o paper_n again_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o testimony_n of_o josephus_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v in_o parchment_n and_o see_v we_o have_v prove_v that_o parchment_n be_v long_o before_o it_o be_v credible_a that_o the_o bible_n be_v copy_v out_o at_o first_o into_o it_o that_o proverbial_a say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d show_v the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o writing-materials_a for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v membrana_fw-la and_o it_o be_v also_o a_o book_n make_v of_o the_o same_o which_o they_o of_o old_a use_v to_o write_v in_o i_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o the_o jew_n viz._n their_o wear_n of_o phylactery_n which_o be_v piece_n of_o scroll_n of_o parchment_n whereon_o they_o write_v some_o part_n of_o the_o law_n and_o bind_v it_o to_o their_o head_n and_o hand_n whence_o we_o may_v probable_o gather_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v first_o of_o all_o parchment-writing_n for_o the_o jew_n be_v strict_a observer_n as_o well_o as_o admirer_n of_o antiquity_n and_o therefore_o their_o writing_n some_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n in_o parchment_n show_v that_o the_o bible_n itself_o from_o whence_o they_o be_v take_v have_v be_v usual_o and_o of_o old_a transcribe_v into_o those_o very_a material_n much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v but_o i_o will_v only_o add_v that_o the_o jew_n roll_v up_o their_o sacred_a write_n whence_o their_o book_n be_v call_v megilloth_n volumina_fw-la be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o compose_v of_o egyptian_a paper_n which_o be_v thin_a and_o weak_a and_o consequent_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o this_o rolling_n but_o a_o long_a and_o broad_a skin_n or_o parchment_n will_v endure_v this_o without_o tear_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o this_o be_v make_v use_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o which_o beside_o the_o common_a report_n and_o notion_n among_o the_o jew_n cause_v the_o famous_a rabbi_n jonathan_n to_o say_v in_o his_o targum_fw-la on_o deut._n 31._o 24._o that_o moses_n write_v the_o law_n upon_o parchment_n which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o learned_a jew_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v original_o write_v in_o parchment_n not_o on_o paper_n and_o the_o talmud_n often_o mention_n this_o parchment-writing_a as_o a_o know_a thing_n it_o be_v rational_a then_o to_o believe_v and_o assert_v that_o these_o holy_a record_n be_v write_v in_o parchment_n and_o though_o we_o be_v inform_v from_o sufficient_a author_n that_o other_o material_n of_o old_a be_v use_v as_o the_o egyptian_a papyrus_fw-la leave_n as_o also_o the_o inward_a bark_n or_o coat_n of_o tree_n etc._n etc._n when_o they_o write_v but_o few_o word_n yet_o parchment_n be_v the_o old_a and_o usual_a matter_n on_o which_o they_o write_v when_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o compose_v a_o whole_a book_n which_o confute_v f._n simon_n be_v notion_n that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v in_o paper_n which_o upon_o serious_a reflection_n so_o search_v a_o person_n as_o he_o be_v can_v but_o discern_v to_o be_v a_o mistake_n and_o he_o know_v that_o charta_n writing-paper_n be_v not_o general_o use_v till_o alexander_n the_o great_a be_v time_n as_o 11._o pliny_n himself_o acknowledge_v who_o quote_v varro_n for_o this_o that_o the_o first_o use_n of_o paper_n make_v of_o the_o cortex_fw-la of_o the_o egyptian_a papyrus_fw-la be_v find_v out_o in_o egypt_n in_o that_o monarch_n reign_n and_o that_o before_o that_o time_n they_o write_v upon_o leave_n of_o tree_n on_o wax_n etc._n etc._n then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o disprove_v this_o ingenious_a author_n conceit_n about_o the_o fasten_n or_o rather_o as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o the_o not_o fasten_v of_o these_o parchment_n together_o whence_o he_o fancy_v it_o be_v that_o the_o transposition_n and_o misplace_n of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n happen_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o heretofore_o they_o write_v upon_o sheet_n or_o leave_n roll_v together_o one_o over_o another_o round_o a_o piece_n of_o wood_n and_o these_o be_v not_o well_o join_v together_o there_o be_v sometime_o a_o misplace_n of_o what_o be_v write_v in_o they_o because_o their_o order_n be_v alter_v this_o may_v be_v partly_o true_a and_o i_o can_v deny_v that_o it_o so_o happen_v sometime_o that_o be_v when_o there_o be_v no_o care_n take_v to_o sow_v or_o other_o way_n to_o fasten_v the_o leave_n or_o sheet_n to_o the_o stick_n of_o wood_n about_o which_o they_o be_v roll_v or_o to_o one_o another_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o present_a case_n for_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o they_o take_v all_o the_o care_n imaginable_a to_o secure_v the_o order_n of_o the_o sheet_n and_o they_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o a_o particular_a way_n of_o do_v it_o so_o that_o their_o book_n be_v sufficient_o fasten_v but_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v as_o our_o book_n be_v now_o a_o day_n than_o his_o new_a discovery_n be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o trade_n of_o book-binding_a be_v not_o set_v up_o in_o moses_n or_o ezra_n day_n or_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o write_v sheet_n and_o scroll_n be_v loose_a and_o not_o well_o tack_v together_o he_o wilful_o speak_v against_o his_o own_o knowledge_n of_o this_o matter_n for_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o jew_n write_v in_o roll_n or_o continue_a sheet_n or_o skin_n which_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o be_v separate_v as_o our_o write_n be_v now_o he_o be_v antiquary_n enough_o to_o confute_v himself_o from_o what_o he_o have_v read_v concern_v their_o manner_n of_o make_v their_o book_n or_o volume_n their_o fix_v the_o sheet_n of_o parchment_n at_o one_o end_n by_o sow_v or_o fasten_v the_o first_o sheet_n between_o two_o stick_n or_o piece_n of_o wood_n their_o join_v the_o several_a sheet_n together_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o forecited_a testimony_n of_o the_o jewish_a historian_n who_o say_v the_o parchment_n in_o which_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v be_v so_o close_o and_o firm_o join_v together_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o discern_v the_o seam_n or_o place_n where_o they_o be_v join_v their_o roll_v they_o up_o close_o and_o their_o keep_v they_o in_o safe_a repository_n for_o they_o have_v place_n on_o purpose_n for_o all_o valuable_a book_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a yea_o scarce_o possible_a that_o any_o of_o these_o scroll_n or_o sheet_n which_o be_v not_o little_a one_o as_o he_o suggest_v but_o of_o a_o considerable_a size_n shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o their_o place_n much_o less_o lose_v for_o he_o go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o assert_v that_o many_o of_o these_o scroll_n be_v embezzele_v and_o lose_v and_o thence_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v so_o maim_v and_o imperfect_a but_o we_o know_v the_o man_n and_o his_o design_n which_o be_v to_o depretiate_v and_o vilify_v the_o scripture_n thereby_o to_o advance_v the_o credit_n of_o tradition_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o exalt_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o this_o be_v not_o so_o forward_o to_o exalt_v he_o this_o be_v it_o which_o make_v he_o give_v we_o this_o specimen_fw-la of_o his_o wit_n and_o invention_n of_o which_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v he_o have_v no_o small_a stock_n this_o make_v he_o attempt_v by_o these_o paper-proof_n to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n otherwise_o it_o be_v certain_a this_o parisian_a critic_n be_v a_o person_n of_o great_a worth_n and_o learning_n and_o it_o be_v his_o singular_a commendation_n that_o he_o be_v no_o furious_a bigot_n but_o be_v moderate_a and_o discreet_a in_o many_o thing_n and_o be_v one_o that_o dote_v not_o on_o the_o opinion_n and_o assertion_n of_o the_o catholic_n doctor_n but_o if_o you_o will_v know_v the_o true_a reason_n or_o occasion_n of_o that_o transposition_n which_o you_o sometime_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o holy_a write_n not_o only_o of_o the_o old_a but_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v chief_o this_o as_o i_o conceive_v the_o holy_a writer_n study_v not_o exactness_n they_o be_v more_o intent_n upon_o the_o thing_n and_o matter_n which_o they_o write_v than_o upon_o the_o due_a order_n and_o marshal_n of_o it_o they_o
be_v great_a moral_a and_o religious_a qualification_n likewise_o for_o this_o be_v the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v come_v to_o it_o with_o agreeable_a inclination_n will_n and_o affection_n man_n complain_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a contention_n about_o the_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n and_o different_a party_n can_v agree_v whence_o they_o proceed_v to_o blame_v the_o obscurity_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o herein_o these_o person_n themselves_o be_v very_o unblamable_a for_o this_o disagreement_n in_o the_o interpret_n of_o sacred_a writ_n arise_v not_o whole_o from_o the_o obscurity_n of_o it_o nor_o do_v it_o proceed_v from_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o it_o as_o some_o will_v suggest_v but_o from_o man_n deprave_a mind_n and_o passion_n wherefore_o our_o main_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v one_a to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o all_o wilful_a prejudice_n and_o perverseness_n which_o have_v be_v the_o first_o and_o original_a cause_n of_o misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n thus_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n when_o he_o tempt_v our_o saviour_n most_o perverse_o quote_v psal._n 91._o 11._o and_o misapply_v it_o to_o his_o purpose_n and_o from_o he_o heretic_n and_o seducer_n have_v learn_v to_o cite_v and_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n to_o evil_a design_n viz._n to_o uphold_v some_o error_n or_o vice_n what_o a_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n say_v of_o one_o sort_n of_o heretical_a teacher_n that_o 27._o they_o interpret_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n according_a to_o their_o own_o pleasure_n be_v true_a of_o they_o all_o their_o constant_a practice_n be_v to_o strain_v and_o distort_v these_o sacred_a write_n to_o construe_v they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o to_o make_v they_o like_o a_o echo_n speak_v what_o they_o please_v their_o great_a work_n in_o consult_v and_o turn_v over_o this_o volume_n be_v to_o find_v something_o they_o may_v misinterpret_v for_o their_o own_o ends._n their_o affection_n to_o a_o particular_a cause_n make_v they_o believe_v and_o assert_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o improbable_a and_o then_o they_o allege_v scripture_n to_o back_o it_o though_o it_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o purpose_n these_o person_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o depraver_n of_o truth_n who_o as_o hexaâ—m_n one_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n give_v we_o their_o character_n do_v not_o accommodate_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o pervert_v and_o draw_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o wi_n this_o gloss_v and_o expound_v of_o the_o bible_n according_a to_o man_n corrupt_a fancy_n be_v as_o menâ—al_a m._n luther_n have_v express_v it_o like_o strain_v milk_n through_o a_o colesack_n it_o blacken_v and_o defile_v the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n it_o deprave_v and_o falsify_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n those_o man_n be_v to_o be_v abhor_v that_o submit_v not_o their_o thought_n and_o conception_n to_o this_o sacred_a standard_n who_o compel_v the_o scripture_n to_o serve_v their_o private_a opinion_n who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o put_v a_o text_n upon_o the_o rack_n to_o make_v it_o speak_v what_o it_o intend_v not_o of_o miserable_o torture_v it_o that_o they_o may_v force_v it_o to_o confess_v what_o it_o never_o mean_v these_o person_n shall_v be_v reminded_a how_o great_a a_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o distort_v and_o deprave_v the_o holy_a writ_n and_o design_o to_o draw_v it_o to_o another_o sense_n than_o it_o natural_o bear_v and_o the_o penalty_n be_v as_o grievous_a as_o the_o crime_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n inform_v we_o this_o generation_n of_o man_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o wherefore_o let_v none_o presume_v to_o be_v guilty_a in_o this_o nature_n and_o dare_v to_o follow_v their_o own_o sinister_a imagination_n in_o the_o interpret_n of_o the_o inspire_a write_n but_o let_v they_o attend_v to_o that_o advice_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o learned_a author_n diatrib_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o willing_a to_o take_v a_o sense_n from_o scripture_n than_o to_o bring_v one_o to_o it_o let_v we_o strive_v to_o know_v the_o naked_a and_o pure_a mean_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o read_v the_o bible_n with_o a_o unprejudiced_a and_o sincere_a mind_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a interpreter_n whereas_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o perverse_a mind_n will_v pervert_v the_o scripture_n 2_o we_o ought_v to_o read_v these_o divine_a write_n with_o great_a modesty_n and_o humility_n let_v it_o not_o trouble_v we_o that_o some_o part_n of_o they_o be_v not_o level_v to_o our_o understanding_n and_o where_o we_o can_v solve_v some_o thing_n let_v we_o not_o arrogant_o pretend_v to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o confess_v our_o ignorance_n here_o i_o can_v assure_v you_o this_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o learnede_a head_n there_o be_v a_o learned_a ignorance_n as_o 15._o st._n augustin_n term_v it_o and_o we_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v master_n of_o it_o these_o four_o thing_n mention_v in_o eccles_n 12._o 6._o i_o understand_v not_o say_v castellio_n i_o scarce_o understand_v the_o thousand_o part_n of_o this_o book_n say_v he_o concern_v the_o apocalypse_n and_o it_o be_v frequent_a with_o this_o learned_a man_n to_o say_v i_o know_v not_o the_o mean_v of_o this_o place_n that_o man_n be_v impudent_o rash_a who_o dare_v profess_v that_o he_o understand_v one_o single_a book_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o all_o its_o part_n say_v psalmos_fw-la luther_n i_o own_v it_o that_o i_o be_o so_o blind_a that_o i_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o in_o that_o dark_a place_n of_o scripture_n amos_n 5._o 26._o say_v the_o syr._n great_a selden_n but_o the_o contrary_a temper_n and_o spirit_n have_v swell_v some_o with_o proud_a conceit_n of_o their_o understanding_n some_o passage_n of_o this_o book_n when_o they_o have_v no_o true_a apprehension_n of_o they_o in_o the_o least_o and_o according_o they_o have_v endeavour_v in_o a_o supercilious_a manner_n to_o impose_v their_o crude_a sense_n upon_o other_o not_o crave_v but_o command_a assent_n to_o what_o they_o have_v propound_v these_o bold_a man_n forget_v what_o the_o wise_a king_n say_v 1._o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o conceal_v a_o matter_n to_o speak_v sometime_o in_o so_o dark_a and_o hide_a a_o manner_n that_o there_o be_v need_n of_o great_a search_n study_v and_o inquire_v into_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v and_o yet_o at_o last_o they_o remain_v abstruse_a and_o unintelligible_a it_o have_v please_v god_n the_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v have_v difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o as_o socrates_n say_v of_o heraclitus_n write_n what_o he_o understand_v of_o they_o be_v very_o good_a and_o so_o he_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v which_o he_o understand_v not_o the_o like_a may_v we_o with_o more_o reason_n pronounce_v concern_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n the_o matter_n which_o we_o have_v knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v the_o main_a body_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o book_n be_v excellent_a and_o divine_a and_o so_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o those_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n there_o be_v no_o occasion_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o sovereign_a wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v our_o apparent_a duty_n to_o lay_v aside_o pride_n and_o to_o exercise_v humility_n which_o will_v capacitate_v we_o to_o understand_v even_o those_o great_a mystery_n and_o abstrusity_n when_o we_o have_v with_o much_o diligence_n and_o frequent_a study_n search_v into_o they_o 3_o we_o must_v think_v ourselves_o concern_v to_o purge_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n from_o all_o deâ—ilements_n of_o vice_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o quick_a brain_n a_o subtle_a head_n and_o a_o nimble_a wit_n be_v not_o so_o much_o require_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o a_o religious_a practice_n to_o man_n of_o pollute_a conscience_n and_o profane_a manner_n the_o scripture_n seem_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a but_o to_o those_o of_o sanctify_a mind_n and_o holy_a life_n they_o be_v as_o to_o the_o most_o part_n plain_a and_o clear_a these_o qualification_n render_v they_o as_o bright_a as_o a_o sunbeam_n what_o the_o turk_n be_v say_v to_o write_v on_o the_o backside_n of_o the_o alcoran_n let_v none_o touch_v this_o book_n but_o he_o that_o be_v pure_a may_v with_o great_a reason_n and_o justice_n be_v write_v on_o the_o holy_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o only_o for_o a_o pure_a life_n be_v the_o best_a commentator_n on_o these_o write_n a_o wonderful_a measure_n of_o
knowledge_n and_o insight_n into_o these_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v here_o contain_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o observe_v and_o practise_v the_o holy_a precept_n of_o this_o book_n this_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o urge_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o come_v to_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n with_o defecate_n and_o purge_v mind_n with_o love_n to_o what_o it_o dictate_v and_o with_o obedience_n to_o it_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o principal_a care_n to_o live_v well_o and_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o excellent_a rule_n all_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o our_o action_n in_o this_o world_n depend_v upon_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o let_v we_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o infallible_a maxim_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o this_o book_n we_o see_v man_n live_v by_o custom_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o other_o or_o by_o their_o own_o opinion_n which_o oftentimes_o prove_v erroneous_a and_o lead_v they_o into_o unwarrantable_a practice_n but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o misguided_a if_o they_o consult_v these_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n this_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n if_o they_o regulate_v their_o action_n by_o this_o exact_a canon_n and_o hereby_o we_o be_v certain_a to_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n in_o this_o holy_a book_n for_o by_o live_v according_a to_o it_o we_o shall_v the_o better_o understand_v it_o by_o mind_v the_o practical_a content_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o its_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n last_o that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o due_a perception_n of_o the_o mean_v of_o what_o be_v deliver_v here_o let_v we_o most_o earnest_o invoke_v the_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n he_o that_o read_v this_o book_n without_o prayer_n can_v never_o expect_v to_o be_v bless_v with_o a_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a work_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o illuminate_v our_o mind_n effectual_o there_o be_v require_v the_o special_a help_n of_o this_o heavenly_a instructor_n to_o direct_v we_o into_o truth_n wherefore_o he_o be_v call_v 13._o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o 20._o the_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o whereby_o we_o know_v all_o thing_n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indict_v these_o holy_a write_n must_v enlighten_v our_o mind_n to_o understand_v they_o which_o i_o find_v thus_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o church_n scripture_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o we_o in_o truth_n we_o can_v without_o it_o attain_v true_a saving-knowledg_n and_o a_o learned_a and_o pious_a son_n of_o our_o mother_n give_v his_o suffrage_n in_o these_o word_n country-parson_n wicked_a man_n however_o learned_a do_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o feel_v they_o not_o and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o understand_v but_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o write_v they_o see_v then_o a_o spiritual_a illumination_n be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o the_o comprehend_v of_o scripture-truths_n we_o ought_v with_o great_a fervour_n and_o zeal_n to_o request_v it_o we_o ought_v with_o a_o singular_a devotion_n to_o repair_v to_o this_o infallible_a teacher_n and_o with_o mighty_a importunity_n beseech_v he_o to_o 18._o open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o to_o conduct_v our_o reason_n aright_o in_o our_o enquiry_n into_o this_o sacred_a volume_n and_o he_o that_o command_v we_o to_o implore_v his_o help_n will_v certain_o vouchsafe_v it_o to_o all_o sincere_a and_o devout_a supplicant_n the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n shall_v be_v irradiate_v with_o a_o celestial_a beam_n and_o we_o shall_v feel_v a_o internal_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o our_o heart_n communicate_v light_n and_o wisdom_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o this_o bless_a guide_n we_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v in_o our_o search_n and_o endeavour_n this_o divine_a book_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v have_v its_o mystery_n and_o depth_n disclose_v to_o we_o so_o far_o as_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o and_o no_o rational_a man_n ought_v to_o desire_v any_o more_o yea_o as_o it_o be_v with_o some_o of_o those_o that_o have_v study_v for_o the_o philosophic_a elixir_n though_o they_o attain_v not_o to_o it_o yet_o in_o their_o impetuous_a search_n after_o it_o they_o find_v out_o many_o excellent_a thing_n admirable_o useful_a for_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o recompense_n of_o their_o labour_n so_o though_o we_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o some_o grand_a secret_n which_o be_v treasure_v up_o in_o this_o inspire_a volume_n yet_o we_o shall_v not_o faâ—l_v of_o some_o choice_a discovery_n that_o will_v make_v we_o amends_o for_o our_o most_o laborious_a inquiry_n we_o shall_v mighty_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n and_o we_o shall_v likewise_o be_v under_o the_o special_a benediction_n of_o heaven_n the_o rabbin_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o r._n jonathan_n write_v his_o targum_fw-la on_o the_o bible_n if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o least_o fly_v light_v upon_o his_o paper_n it_o be_v present_o consume_v with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n but_o though_o this_o be_v romantic_a and_o after_o the_o rate_n of_o the_o rabbin_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o sober_a trutlâ—_n that_o god_n will_v protect_v we_o in_o read_v and_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n while_o we_o be_v thus_o employ_v nothing_o shall_v disturb_v or_o hurt_v we_o the_o divine_a arm_n will_v defend_v and_o prosper_v we_o and_o we_o shall_v peruse_v this_o book_n with_o that_o happy_a success_n which_o we_o pray_v for_o in_o short_a by_o continual_a converse_v with_o this_o book_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o that_o have_v no_o errata_n we_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o correct_v all_o the_o failure_n of_o our_o notion_n and_o of_o our_o life_n we_o shall_v enrich_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o stock_n of_o excellent_a principle_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n we_o shall_v be_v conduct_v to_o the_o high_a improvement_n of_o knowledge_n and_o sanctity_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o the_o most_o consummate_v happiness_n in_o another_o finis_fw-la book_n write_v by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n john_n edward_n a_fw-la enquiry_n into_o several_a 〈◊〉_d text_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o with_o a_o probable_a resolution_n of_o they_o in_o two_o volume_n in_o 8â—_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n i._o with_o a_o continue_a illustration_n of_o several_a difficult_a text_n throughout_o the_o whole_a work_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n ii_o wherein_o the_o author_n be_v former_a undertake_n be_v further_a prosecute_v viz._n a_o enquiry_n into_o several_a remarkable_a text_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o at_fw-fr discoeurs_fw-fr concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n iii_o treat_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o illustrate_v several_a difficult_a text_n occur_v in_o this_o undertake_n all_o sell_v by_o jonathan_n robinson_n john_n taylor_n and_o john_n wyat._n wyat._n plataic_n plataic_n panegyr_n &_o plataic_n plataic_n plataic_n plataic_n orat._n 2._o ad_fw-la nicocl_n nicocl_n panegyr_n orat._n orat._n orat._n ad_fw-la philip._n philip._n panegyr_n ad_fw-la philip._n epist._n ad_fw-la philip._n epist._n ad_fw-la mitylen_n mitylen_n panegyr_n orat._n orat._n plataic_n orat._n 1._o 1._o orat._n ad_fw-la philip._n philip._n panegyr_n orat._n plataic_n orat._n bis_fw-la bis_fw-la olynth_n 1._o 1._o philip._n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d clem._n alex._n in_o protrept_n protrept_n gen._n 9_o 27._o 27._o deut._n 28._o 49_o etc._n etc._n etc._n 1_o king_n 13._o 2._o 2._o antiqu._n 1._o 11._o c._n 1._o 1._o dr._n jackson_n jackson_n dan._n 2._o 2._o temporum_fw-la conscius_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la mundi_fw-la polyhistor_n epist._n ad_fw-la paulin._n paulin._n ver._n 2._o 2._o ver._n 20._o 20._o ver._n 5._o 5._o ibid._n ibid._n john_n 21._o 18._o 18._o ver._n 22._o 22._o earum_fw-la rerum_fw-la quae_fw-la foâ—â—uitae_n putantur_fw-la praedictio_fw-la atque_fw-la praesentio_fw-la de_fw-fr divinat_fw-la l._n 1._o 1._o lib._n 3._o c._n 8._o 8._o colloqu_n mensal_n mensal_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d orig._n cont_n celâ—_n l._n 6._o 6._o lib._n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d isid._n pelus_n ep._n l._n 5._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d just._n mart._n dialog_n cum_fw-la tryph._n tryph._n arnob._n lib._n 1._o 1._o sozom._n l._n 1._o c._n 11._o 11._o gr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mark_v 2