Selected quad for the lemma: book_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
book_n world_n worth_n write_v 52 3 5.0154 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

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

There are 83 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

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
number_v among_o the_o book_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v argue_v from_o the_o tradition_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v do_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v it_o be_v valid_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o copy_n the_o canonicalness_n of_o the_o book_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o decidable_a by_o scripture_n itself_o but_o in_o the_o way_n that_o all_o other_o controversy_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v as_o you_o will_v prove_v any_o other_o book_n to_o be_v authentic_a so_o you_o must_v prove_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v viz._n by_o sufficient_a and_o able_a testimony_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o sacred_a history_n that_o there_o be_v to_o believe_v any_o other_o historical_a write_n that_o be_v extant_a nay_o the_o testimony_n on_o behalf_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture●_n be_v more_o pregnant_a than_o any_o that_o be_v bring_v for_o other_o write_n beside_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v for_o the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v for_o other_o write_n i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o this_o above_o a●●_n other_o the_o main_a thing_n we_o have_v insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v faithful_o convey_v to_o we_o and_o that_o they_o be_v vouch_v by_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a tradition_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o these_o book_n and_o no_o other_o be_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n for_o to_o be_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o be_v own_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o divine_o inspire_a write_n the_o church_n witness_v and_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n for_o she_o receive_v they_o as_o divine_a and_o she_o deliver_v they_o to_o we_o as_o such_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o church_n testify_v these_o book_n to_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v a_o absolute_a and_o entire_a authority_n to_o they_o a_o clerk_n in_o the_o parliament_n or_o any_o other_o court_n writes_z down_z and_o testi●ies_n that_o such_o a_o act_n or_o decree_n or_o order_n be_v pass_v by_o the_o king_n magistrate_n or_o people_n and_o he_o witness_n that_o he_o have_v faithful_o keep_v these_o by_o he_o and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o at_o such_o a_o time_n be_v make_v by_o the_o foresay_a authority_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o act_n decree_n or_o order_n rest_v not_o in_o the_o clerk_n but_o whole_o in_o the_o king_n magistrate_n or_o people_n so_o the_o church_n record_v and_o keep_v the_o sacred_a write_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o bear_v witness_v that_o they_o have_v be_v faithful_o preserve_v and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o genuine_a write_n of_o those_o person_n who_o name_n be_v presix_v to_o they_o b●t_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o church_n but_o on_o the_o book_n and_o author_n themselves_o namely_o their_o be_v inspire_v and_o indeed_o this_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v depend_v on_o the_o church_n because_o the_o church_n itself_o depend_v on_o the_o scripture_n these_o must_v be_v prove_v before_o the_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o church_n we_o can_v know_v the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v know_v before_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o papist_n be_v very_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a in_o make_v the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v into_o the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n this_o we_o disow_v as_o a_o great_a falsity_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o hold_v that_o the_o church_n testimony_n be_v one_o good_a argument_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n according_a to_o that_o know_a say_v of_o st._n augustine_n i_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o move_v i_o not_o that_o he_o find_v the_o gospel_n i._n e._n the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o papist_n be_v wont_a to_o infer_v from_o these_o word_n and_o frequent_o quote_v they_o to_o this_o purpose_n no_o the_o father_n meaning_n be_v this_o that_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n he_o believe_v the_o book_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v very_o that_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o scope_n of_o it_o for_o he_o speak_v there_o of_o the_o copy_n or_o write_n not_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o good_a father_n rely_v on_o this_o that_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o know_v and_o honest_a person_n as_o the_o church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o do_v assert_v the_o evangelical_n write_n to_o be_v the_o write_n of_o such_o as_o be_v real_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a and_o not_o corrupt_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o same_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o of_o those_o that_o immediate_o succeed_v they_o several_a of_o which_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n this_o be_v the_o external_n testimony_n give_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v the_o general_a persuasion_n and_o attestation_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o these_o be_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n immediate_o direct_v by_o the_o spirit_n who_o therefore_o can_v not_o err_v it_o be_v usual_a heretofore_o among_o the_o pagan_a lawgiver_n to_o attribute_v their_o law_n to_o some_o deity_n though_o they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o invention_n intend_v thereby_o to_o conciliate_v reverence_n to_o they_o and_o to_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o people_n but_o here_o be_v no_o such_o cheat_n put_v upon_o we_o god_n himself_o be_v real_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n these_o sacred_a law_n come_v immediate_o from_o he_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v assurance_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o they_o chap._n iii_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n manifest_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n especial_o of_o pagan_n these_o confirm_v what_o the_o old_a testament_n say_v concern_v the_o creation_n the_o production_n of_o adam_n and_o eve_n their_o fall_n with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o it_o enoch_n translation_n the_o longevity_n of_o the_o patriarch_n the_o giant_n in_o those_o time_n the_o universal_a flood_n the_o build_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n i_o have_v propound_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a argument_n which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o will_v now_o choose_v out_o another_o for_o the_o sake_n chief_o of_o the_o learned_a and_o curious_a which_o i_o purpose_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o yea_o to_o make_v the_o subject_a of_o my_o whole_a ensue_a discourse_n i_o consider_v then_o that_o we_o have_v in_o this_o matter_n not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n but_o of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n and_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o vouch_v by_o all_o man_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o enemy_n be_v most_o considerable_a the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o beside_o these_o witness_n there_o be_v other_o there_o be_v the_o attestation_n of_o foreigner_n and_o adversary_n these_o full_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a bible_n we_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o heathen_a writer_n to_o confirm_v many_o of_o the_o thing_n relate_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o both_o profess_a heathen_n and_o jew_n for_o we_o must_v now_o look_v upon_o these_o latter_a as_o profess_a enemy_n when_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_a concern_v attest_v sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o vouch_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o they_o here_o than_o i_o will_v distinct_o proceed_v and_o first_o begin_v with_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o let_v you_o see_v in_o several_a particular_n that_o even_o the_o pagan_a world_n give_v testimony_n to_o this_o sacred_a volume_n
not_o authentic_a as_o true_o i_o can_v say_v much_o for_o they_o i_o will_v produce_v those_o that_o be_v so_o in_o all_o man_n judgement_n you_o may_v observe_v that_o those_o writer_n who_o have_v undertake_v to_o compile_v all_o the_o laudable_a thing_n and_o manner_n of_o divers_a nation_n and_o have_v even_o praise_v the_o brahmin_n and_o gymnosophist_n and_o ransack_v the_o most_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o thing_n excellent_a and_o observable_a yet_o have_v say_v nothing_o of_o the_o essenes_n who_o far_o outdo_v all_o of_o they_o and_o be_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n most_o eminent_a and_o conspicuous_a neither_o strabo_n nor_o tacitus_n nor_o justin_n nor_o aristaea_n who_o have_v particular_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n say_v any_o thing_n of_o these_o nay_o josephus_n a_o jew_n and_o who_o in_o his_o two_o book_n against_o apion_n have_v heap_v up_o all_o that_o be_v great_a and_o noble_a of_o that_o nation_n have_v nothing_o there_o though_o as_o you_o shall_v hear_v anon_o he_o have_v something_o in_o his_o other_o write_n of_o this_o famous_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n among_o they_o shall_v we_o therefore_o be_v quarrelsome_a and_o deny_v there_o be_v essenes_n before_n or_o in_o christ_n time_n again_o i_o can_v observe_v to_o you_o that_o the_o roman_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v either_o by_o herodotus_n or_o thucydides_n or_o any_o other_o greek_a writer_n of_o that_o time_n though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n and_o grow_v great_a and_o formidable_a it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a but_o be_v very_o true_a and_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o josephus_n against_o apion_n though_o this_o author_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v be_v himself_o desective_a in_o the_o like_a case_n suetonius_n write_v the_o life_n of_o the_o first_o twelve_o roman_a emperor_n yet_o if_o you_o compare_v his_o relation_n with_o the_o thing_n set_v down_o in_o other_o you_o will_v find_v that_o he_o have_v pass_v by_o many_o considerable_a thing_n he_o have_v omit_v sundry_a matter_n which_o be_v very_o obvious_a let_v we_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n what_o if_o none_o of_o the_o heathen_a historian_n who_o have_v relate_v the_o roman_a act_n have_v speak_v of_o that_o famous_a census_n or_o tax_n in_o augustus_n time_n what_o though_o the_o eclipse_n at_o christ_n passion_n have_v not_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o historian_n though_o both_o this_o and_o the_o other_o be_v record_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o have_v follow_v thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n for_o you_o see_v it_o be_v not_o unusual_a with_o historian_n to_o pass_v by_o some_o person_n and_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o worth_a record_v if_o then_o some_o matter_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o evangelist_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o other_o history_n we_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n thence_o conclude_v that_o the_o evangelist_n record_v that_o which_o be_v false_a no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v infer_v for_o even_o among_o pagan_a writer_n there_o be_v many_o peculiar_a historical_a passage_n mention_v by_o some_o of_o they_o which_o none_o else_o speak_v of_o tacitus_n and_o valerius_n maximus_n and_o other_o have_v narration_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o suspect_v of_o falsehood_n why_o then_o may_v we_o not_o credit_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o new_a testament_n record_n although_o no_o gentle_a historian_n say_v a_o word_n of_o they_o nay_o we_o have_v observe_v this_o before_o of_o the_o evangelical_n historian_n themselves_o that_o they_o do_v not_o all_o record_n the_o same_o thing_n though_o all_o of_o they_o mention_v some_o passage_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o only_a by_o one_o or_o two_o of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n or_o person_n which_o none_o of_o they_o make_v mention_n of_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v as_o remarkable_a as_o some_o of_o those_o which_o they_o have_v commit_v to_o write_v thus_o the_o gospel_n speak_v of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o sadducee_n yea_o of_o the_o galilean_n and_o herodian_o and_o yet_o say_v not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o essenes_n who_o be_v a_o considerable_a sect_n as_o be_v note_v before_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v then_o that_o some_o thing_n occur_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o very_a approve_a author_n no_o history_n sacred_a or_o profane_a relate_v every_o thing_n the_o evangelist_n themselves_o pretend_v not_o to_o this_o you_o must_v not_o expect_v all_o christ_n do_n in_o their_o write_n for_o one_o of_o they_o who_o write_v last_o of_o all_o close_v his_o gospel_n thus_o 25._o there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v the_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v every_o one_o i_o suppose_v that_o even_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v 3._o we_o be_v to_o know_v this_o that_o both_o jewish_a and_o pagan_a historian_n conceal_v or_o misrepresent_v some_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o christianity_n and_o that_o wilful_o and_o out_o of_o design_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o historian_n and_o offer_v this_o instance_n we_o read_v in_o philo_n and_o josephus_n the_o character_n of_o the_o essenes_n who_o i_o mention_v before_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o devout_a man_n of_o all_o the_o jewith_o nation_n that_o they_o be_v a_o retire_a people_n and_o give_v to_o husbandry_n that_o they_o be_v fame_v for_o their_o mutual_a love_n to_o one_o another_o and_o that_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o this_o they_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o common_a like_o those_o primitive_a christian_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o act_n or_o like_o the_o colidei_n or_o culdee_n among_o the_o scot_n in_o the_o first_o age_n that_o though_o they_o be_v the_o devout_a worshipper_n among_o the_o jew_n yet_o they_o libre_fw-la offer_v no_o sacrifice_n but_o compose_v their_o mind_n whole_o to_o 2_o severe_a sanctity_n that_o they_o be_v celebrate_v for_o their_o great_a austerity_n of_o life_n for_o their_o temperance_n chastity_n and_o self-denial_n that_o 7._o their_o bare_a word_n be_v of_o more_o force_n with_o they_o than_o a_o oath_n and_o that_o they_o avoid_v all_o swear_v count_v it_o far_o worse_o than_o perjury_n that_o they_o ibid._n be_v generous_a despiser_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o affright_v and_o trouble_v other_o and_o that_o they_o vanquish_v all_o torment_n and_o persecution_n with_o fortitude_n and_o steadiness_n of_o mind_n and_o as_o for_o death_n if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v undergo_v with_o honour_n and_o repute_n they_o judge_v it_o ●o_o be_v better_a than_o immortality_n this_o be_v the_o true_a but_o admirable_a character_n of_o that_o people_n and_o both_o these_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v jew_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v such_o people_n as_o jewish_a essene_n and_o josephus_n neckon_v they_o as_o one_o of_o the_o three_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n among_o the_o jew_n but_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o this_o excellent_a character_n or_o all_o of_o it_o at_o least_o belong_v not_o to_o these_o but_o to_o the_o christian_n of_o alexandria_n at_o that_o time_n philo_z then_o in_o his_o treatise_n of_o a_o comtemplative_a life_n where_o he_o pretend_v to_o describe_v the_o essenes_n writ_v in_o praise_n of_o these_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v under_o the_o tuition_n and_o conduct_n of_o st._n mark_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n for_o this_o evangelist_n preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o egypt_n settle_v a_o church_n here_o this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o that_o learned_a father_n ecclesia●t_fw-la st._n jerom_n that_o church_n say_v he_o do_v at_o that_o time_n judaize_n and_o therefore_o philo_n the_o jew_n think_v it_o to_o be_v for_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o nation_n to_o describe_v their_o excellent_a order_n life_n and_o institution_n for_o this_o reason_n this_o author_n be_v number_v by_o that_o father_n among_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n namely_o because_o he_o have_v leave_v a_o encomium_n of_o these_o christian_n who_o live_v thus_o religious_o under_o st._n mark_v the_o evangelist_n 16._o eusebius_n be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o say_v what_o philo_n write_v of_o the_o essenes_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v discipline_v under_o st._n mark_n epiphanius_n and_o chrysos●om_n be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n and_o so_o be_v some_o other_o of_o the_o father_n baronius_n hold_v they_o be_v old_a christian_a monk_n and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o protestant_a writer_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v devout_a christian_n breed_v up_o as_o disciple_n under_o that_o holy_a man._n this_o be_v the_o more_o credible_a because_o it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o use_v no_o
appear_v bare-faced_n and_o to_o salute_v the_o public_a beside_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o give_v the_o world_n some_o account_n of_o the_o spend_n of_o my_o time_n and_o to_o let_v it_o be_v see_v that_o i_o have_v not_o whole_o throw_v away_o my_o hour_n moreover_o i_o have_v a_o great_a and_o passionate_a desire_n to_o serve_v the_o church_n to_o vindicate_v our_o holy_a religion_n to_o advance_v the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o transcendent_a worth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o all_o excellent_a notion_n and_o regular_a manner_n and_o to_o promote_v and_o set_v forward_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n i_o be_o sensible_a what_o multitude_n of_o writer_n there_o be_v already_o how_o many_o print_a discourse_n be_v publish_v that_o may_v well_o be_v spare_v to_o say_v no_o worse_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o tully_n office_n w●●_n the_o first_o book_n th●t_o be_v print_v in_o europe_n which_o be_v 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 not_o tell_v what_o be_v in_o the_o book_n but_o only_o set_v it_o to_o sale_n so_o that_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a pretence_n and_o show_n and_o stand_v as_o r._n b_n sham-name_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v of_o late_a in_o the_o title-page_n but_o none_o of_o these_o miscarriage_n have_v discourage_v i_o from_o appear_v in_o public_a and_o pursue_v those_o good_a end_n i_o before_o mention_v which_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o legitimate_a the_o press_n and_o to_o licence_n the_o author_n undertake_n and_o if_o the_o question_n be_v why_o more_o book_n still_o the_o answer_n be_v make_v by_o another_o question_n why_o more_o man_n still_o as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n increase_v write_v will_v do_v so_o too_o for_o all_o man_n be_v not_o alike_o their_o notion_n and_o conception_n be_v not_o the_o same_o wherefore_o for_o these_o different_a reader_n there_o must_v be_v different_a book_n st._n augustin_n argue_v of_o old_a be_v useful_a and_o seasonable_a at_o this_o day_n 3._o it_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o world_n say_v that_o learned_a father_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v many_o book_n compose_v by_o many_o man_n in_o a_o different_a style_n though_o not_o a_o different_a faith_n about_o the_o same_o question_n and_o subject_n that_o so_o hereby_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o truth_n inquire_v into_o may_v the_o better_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o reader_n to_o some_o of_o they_o in_o one_o manner_n to_o other_o in_o another_o for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o person_n be_v not_o convince_v and_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n wherefore_o there_o be_v liberty_n to_o use_v all_o kind_n of_o topic_n thus_o the_o excellent_a grotius_n acquaint_v we_o that_o he_o pick_v out_o the_o best_a and_o most_o convictive_a argument_n as_o he_o think_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o the_o christian_n and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o as_o signature_n fire_v ordeal_o etc._n etc._n be_v neglect_v by_o other_o learned_a man_n for_o evidence_n work_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o man_n genius_n and_o disposition_n hence_o the_o judicious_a doctor_n jackson_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n before_o his_o first_o volume_n confess_v that_o the_o ground_n an●_n motive_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o and_o which_o most_o of_o all_o prevait_v with_o he_o may_v have_v little_a or_o no_o operation_n upon_o other_o whereupon_o be_v found_v the_o vsefulness_n yea_o necessity_n of_o propound_v divers_a sort_n of_o argument_n that_o if_o s●me_v of_o they_o prove_v not_o forcible_a and_o persuasive_a other_o may_v so_o be_v it_o in_o illustrate_v and_o comment_v upon_o the_o holy_a text_n the_o diversity_n of_o interpretation_n be_v requisite_a and_o useful_a and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v be_v penetrate_v into_o without_o these_o different_a way_n of_o enquiry_n the_o wise_a man_n be_v a_o physician_n of_o the_o law_n 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 with_o the_o divine_a truth_n contain_v in_o it_o this_o justify_v the_o variety_n of_o comment_n and_o critical_a researche_n into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o this_o furnish_v i_o with_o a_o apology_n for_o thrust_v myself_o in_o among_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o age._n and_o be_v now_o of_o that_o number_n i_o have_v this_o 〈◊〉_d say_v far_o to_o the_o reader_n that_o though_o i_o be_o sensible_a of_o my_o own_o defect_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o mistake_v that_o may_v occur_v in_o this_o work_n it_o reach_v to_o so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o text_n and_o diversity_n of_o matter_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v find_v he_o as_o sensible_a of_o the_o arduousness_n of_o the_o undertake_n and_o the_o liableness_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o to_o fall_v short_a in_o so_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a a_o subject_n in_o fine_a in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o my_o endeavour_n which_o i_o shall_v expose_v to_o the_o public_a view_n i_o covet_v only_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o candid_a and_o wise_a and_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o my_o business_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o merit_v but_o to_o purchase_v it_o errata_fw-la page_n 41._o line_n 31._o read_v there_o p._n 54._o l._n 4._o r._n purpose_v p._n 61._o l._n 4._o r._n air_n instead_o of_o fire_n p._n 67._o l._n 3._o after_o counsel_n insert_v so_o theocritus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 69._o l._n 2._o r._n a_o other_o p._n 94._o l._n 12._o after_o as_o in_o insert_v exod._n 20._o 18._o the_o people_n see_v the_o noise_n of_o the_o trumpet_n p._n 145._o l._n 15._o r._n bony_a p._n 155._o l._n 2._o r._n nephritick_n p._n 178._o l._n 15._o deal_n by_o p._n 269._o l._n 32._o r._n have_v no._n p._n 278._o l._n 11._o r._n to_o be_v p._n 280._o l._n 17._o after_o belly_n insert_v as_o it_o i●_n general_o think_v p._n 300._o l._n 1._o after_o ordinary_a insert_v or_o profane_v p._n 333._o l._n 8._o after_o more_o insert_v according_a to_o the_o different_a read_n of_o they_o p._n 385._o l._n 1._o r._n it_o as_o p._n 402._o l._n 11._o r._n this_o the_o h●br●w_n require_v correction_n which_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o learned_a a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v expound_v and_o resolve_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n according_a to_o the_o author_n be_v particular_a judgement_n genesis_n chap._n 15._o ver_fw-la 7._o i_o be_o the_o lord_n that_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o ur_fw-la of_o the_o chaldee_n page_n 371._o number_n ch._n 12._o v._n 1._o he_o have_v marry_v a_o ethiopian_a woman_n p._n 375._o ch._n 23._o v._n 21._o he_o have_v not_o behold_v iniquity_n in_o jacob_n neither_o have_v he_o see_v perverseness_n in_o israel_n p._n 96._o ch._n 25._o v._n 9_o those_o that_o die_v in_o the_o plague_n be_v twenty_o and_o
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 she●_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 chart●_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 ●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
kingdom_n though_o from_o very_o small_a beginning_n compare_v they_o to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n and_o by_o a_o lessen_v hyperbole_n call_v this_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n though_o in_o exact_a speak_v it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o if_o this_o way_n of_o interpret_n christ_n word_n which_o i_o now_o offer_v be_v not_o approve_v of_o than_o you_o may_v expound_v they_o thus_o that_o this_o seed_n be_v o●e_v of_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n or_o you_o may_v understand_v they_o speak_v respective_o that_o be_v it_o be_v the_o least_o of_o all_o such_o seed_n as_o extend_v to_o large_a production_n no_o seed_n so_o little_o send_v forth_o branch_n so_o wide_o or_o bring_v forth_o its_o fruit_n after_o that_o plentiful_a manner_n thus_o you_o may_v understand_v the_o word_n but_o in_o my_o judgement_n the_o resolve_v they_o into_o a_o hyperbole_n be_v the_o best_a way_n though_o it_o be_v not_o make_v use_v ●f_n by_o expositor_n and_o how_o indeed_o can_v it_o when_o they_o take_v the_o seed_n of_o mustard_n to_o be_v absolute_o the_o least_o of_o all_o grain_n whatsoever_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o luke_n 19_o 44._o they_o shall_v not_o leave_v in_o thou_o one_o stone_n upon_o another_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o last_o and_o final_a devastation_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v a_o hyperbolical_a expression_n and_o consequent_o not_o true_a in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n for_o can_v we_o think_v say_v some_o that_o the_o roman_a army_n have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o pick_v out_o all_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o foundation_n and_o throw_v they_o away_o those_o who_o talk_v thus_o do_v not_o remember_v what_o be_v do_v at_o several_a time_n towards_o the_o complete_a and_o total_a destruction_n of_o that_o place_n this_o passage_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n seem_v to_o refer_v particular_o and_o signal_o to_o the_o dig_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o the_o very_o plough_v up_o the_o ground_n by_o titus_n command_n which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o do_v not_o deny_v and_o also_o to_o that_o prodigious_a earthquake_n in_o iulian_n time_n whereby_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o foundation_n be_v whole_o break_v up_o and_o scatter_v abroad_o here_o be_v a_o exact_a fulfil_n of_o christ_n prediction_n without_o any_o hyperbole_n as_o for_o that_o close_a of_o st._n john_n gospel_n even_o the_o wo●ld_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v chap._n 21_o 25._o 3._o eus●bius_n and_o st._n a●gustin_n of_o old_a and_o tremellius_n other_o more_o late_o understand_v it_o thus_o the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v that_o be_v conceive_v comprehend_v and_o digest_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v concern_v our_o saviour_n deed_n their_o understanding_n be_v weak_a and_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v oppress_v with_o so_o many_o book_n on_o that_o subject_a so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n here_o use_v be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o matth._n 19_o 11._o all_o man_n can_v receive_v or_o contain_v this_o say_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v by_o philo_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o how_o unsearchable_a it_o be_v sai_z that_o 1._o neither_o heaven_n nor_o earth_n be_v able_a to_o contain_v i._n e._n to_o comprehend_v it_o but_o a_o sacr._n modern_a critic_n think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o signify_v to_o entertain_v and_o approve_v of_o and_o according_o his_o gloss_n on_o the_o word_n be_v this_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v scorn_v reject_v and_o slight_v all_o the_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v of_o christ_n it_o have_v despise_v these_o that_o be_v already_o write_v the_o world_n have_v other_o employment_n it_o will_v not_o read_v and_o peruse_v such_o write_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o verb_n in_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d receive_v entertain_v approve_v of_o we_o and_o 8._o dionys._n halicarn_n use_v the_o word_n thus_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o city_n admit_v not_o of_o i._n e._n scorn_n good_a men._n but_o though_o this_o and_o the_o other_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n sometime_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a and_o unusual_a beside_o that_o it_o be_v improper_a and_o metaphorical_a and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o choose_v and_o embrace_v that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v common_a and_o usual_a as_o also_o genuine_a and_o proper_a and_o then_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o world_n as_o capacious_a and_o wide_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o able_a to_o hold_v o●_n contain_v all_o the_o book_n that_o may_v have_v be_v write_v concern_v christ_n and_o his_o work_n but_o this_o can_v be_v the_o s●ns●_n here_o you_o will_v say_v because_o than_o our_o saviour_n word_n will_v not_o be_v true_a for_o the_o world_n be_v able_a be_v wide_a enough_o to_o contain_v to_o hold_v those_o book_n and_o many_o more_o beside_o i_o answer_v i_o grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o strict_a way_n of_o speak_v but_o the_o evangelist_n st._n john_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o conclude_v his_o book_n with_o some_o great_a word_n concern_v his_o dear_a master_n and_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o express_v himself_o thus_o in_o a_o high_a and_o hyperbolical_a manner_n the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v of_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o i_o and_o other●_n have_v record_v the_o say_n and_o do_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n yet_o this_o be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o what_o may_v be_v say_v on_o this_o vast_a subject_n the●e_n be_v unspeakable_o much_o more_o re●naining_v than_o have_v be_v tell_v you_o what_o he_o say_v and_o do_v be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o admirable_a that_o innumerable_a volume_n may_v be_v fill_v with_o enlarge_n on_o that_o copious_a matter_n i_o may_v say_v to_o you_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o wide_a and_o ample_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o able_a to_o contain_v those_o immense_a treatise_n those_o infinite_a discourse_n which_o may_v be_v write_v in_o relate_v all_o the_o passage_n that_o concern_v our_o bless_a lord_n and_o in_o commendation_n of_o they_o obseru●_v it_o the_o evangelist_n say_v the_o world_n itself_o i._n e._n this_o material_a local_a world_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n as_o those_o of_o the_o former_a opinion_n fancy_v beside_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o speak_v not_o absolute_o here_o but_o in_o a_o qualify_a manner_n i_o suppose_v i_o think_v i_o conceive_v the_o world_n itself_o can_v contain_v etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o word_n can_v be_v mean_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n for_o what_o sense_n can_v you_o make_v of_o this_o i_o suppose_v i_o think_v that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v comprehend_v the_o book_n 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
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
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
p●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 b●●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 a●_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 expresset●_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
part_n of_o it_o extant_a before_o there_o be_v any_o writer_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o borrow_v from_o other_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o this_o book_n this_o be_v the_o particular_a commendation_n of_o these_o write_n that_o they_o be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o and_o can_v not_o be_v take_v from_o any_o else_o these_o holy_a scripture_n borrow_v from_o none_o unless_o you_o will_v say_v they_o do_v so_o from_o themselves_o as_o the_o 18_o psalm_n be_v take_v out_o of_o 2_o sam._n 22._o or_o this_o out_o of_o that_o the_o evangelist_n borrow_v from_o one_o another_o the_o virgin_n mary_n magnificat_fw-la refer_v in_o several_a place_n of_o it_o to_o hannab_n song_n 1_o sam._n 2_o and_o st._n paul_n take_v some_o thing_n out_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o epbesians_n and_o put_v they_o into_o that_o which_o he_o write_v to_o the_o colossian_n and_o so_o sy_n jude_n may_v be_v say_v to_o borrow_v from_o st._n peter_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o plagiarism_n which_o other_o writer_n be_v guilty_a of_o and_o which_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o their_o want_n and_o defect_n whereas_o the_o holy_a spirit_n supply_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o bible_n both_o with_o matter_n and_o word_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n especial_o and_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v nothing_o at_o second_o hand_n all_o be_v fresh_a and_o new_a th●_n thing_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v never_o deliver_v by_o any_o writer_n before_o but_o most_o of_o the_o profane_a historian_n begin_v when_o the_o holy_a history_n be_v just_a end_n and_o herodotus_n himself_o the_o father_n of_o history_n write_v not_o till_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n time_n the_o gree●_n historian_n go_v no_o further_a back_n than_o the_o persjan_a e●pi●e_n and_o most_o of_o the_o roman_a history_n take_v not_o its_o rise_n so_o high_a indeed_o the_o egyptian_n boast_v that_o they_o have_v be_v rule_v by_o king_n above_o ten_o thousand_o year_n as_o herodotus_n relate_v and_o thence_o perhaps_o it_o be_v that_o one_o of_o their_o pharaoh_n which_o be_v the_o common_a name_n of_o all_o their_o king_n brag_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o ancient_a king_n isa._n 19_o 11._o the_o chinoise_n pretend_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o passage_n almost_o three_o thousand_o year_n before_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o martinius_n in_o his_o atlas_n that_o they_o preserve_v a_o continue_a history_n compile_v from_o their_o annual_a exploit_n of_o four_o thousand_o and_o five_o hundred_o year_n yea_o they_o have_v if_o we_o may_v credit_v the_o young_a mundi_fw-la vossius_fw-la writer_n ancient_a than_o moses_n but_o these_o high_a flight_n be_v explode_v by_o all_o considerate_a man_n and_o upon_o a_o view_n of_o whatever_o pretence_n be_v make_v by_o other_o they_o conclude_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o ancient_a writer_n and_o that_o the_o early_a discovery_n of_o transaction_n and_o occurrence_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v from_o he_o alone_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a pagan_n have_v a_o hint_n of_o this_o and_o travel_v into_o the_o eastern_a country_n to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o these_o record_n and_o it_o be_v observe_v long_o since_o by_o plato_n as_o i_o take_v notice_n before_o that_o the_o old_a and_o most_o barbarous_a tongue_n mean_v the_o hebrew_n and_o chaldee_n be_v very_o requisite_a for_o the_o find_v out_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o first_o name_n of_o they_o which_o be_v now_o grow_v obsolete_a by_o length_n of_o time_n be_v preserve_v in_o those_o language_n they_o be_v the_o ancient_a of_o all_o in_o the_o hebrew_n especial_o be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o primitive_a origines_fw-la of_o thing_n and_o most_o of_o the_o pagan_a historiou_n have_v borrow_v from_o these_o and_o so_o have_v their_o po●ts_n orator_n and_o philosopher_n as_o a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o christian_a father_n who_o i_o have_v particular_o quote_v in_o another_o place_n to_o evince_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v large_o prove_v in_o a_o word_n all_o other_o ancient_a write_n refer_v to_o these_o or_o suppose_v they_o this_o inspire_a volume_n alone_o be_v the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o either_o they_o or_o we_o can_v derive_v any_o truth_n and_o certainty_n and_o as_o there_o be_v the_o ancient_a learning_n so_o there_o be_v all_o learning_n i_o speak_v now_o of_o that_o which_o be_v humane_a and_o be_v reckon_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o rational_a person_n and_o all_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o in_o this_o book_n of_o book_n here_o be_v not_o only_a prose_n but_o verse_n here_o be_v not_o only_a poem_n but_o history_n annal_n chronicle_n here_o be_v thing_n profound_a and_o mystical_a and_o here_o be_v other_o that_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n be_v intelligible_a and_o clear_a here_o be_v prophecy_n vision_n revelation_n for_o even_o in_o the_o narratives_n which_o be_v give_v of_o these_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n serviceable_a to_o promote_v the_o study_n of_o humanity_n here_o be_v proverb_n adage_n emblem_n parable_n apologue_n paradox_n riddle_n and_o here_o be_v also_o plain_a question_n and_o answer_n proposition_n discourse_n sermon_n oration_n letter_n epistle_n colloquy_n debate_n disputation_n here_o be_v maxim_n of_o law_n and_o reason_n rule_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n example_n of_o keen_a wit_n and_o deep_a politic_n matter_n of_o church_n and_o state_n public_a and_o private_a affair_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o subject_n either_o treat_v of_o or_o refer_v unto_o thus_o the_o bible_n be_v excellent_o sit_v to_o entertain_v any_o person_n as_o they_o be_v student_n and_o scholar_n for_o here_o be_v a_o treasury_n of_o all_o good_a letter_n here_o be_v lay_v up_o all_o thing_n that_o conduce_v to_o humane_a knowledge_n porphyrius_n be_v say_v to_o have_v write_v a_o book_n suid._n of_o homer_n philosophy_n wherein_o he_o attempt_v to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v as_o much_o a_o philosopher_n as_o a_o poet_n and_o no_o less_o a_o person_n than_o 16._o maximus_n tyrius_n affirm_v he_o to_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o philosopher_n and_o another_o 2._o grave_a author_n undertake_v to_o show_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o all_o art_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o homer_n work_n this_o be_v say_v by_o his_o admirer_n to_o inhanse_v his_o credit_n and_o repute_v but_o far_o great_a thing_n and_o more_o just_o may_v be_v pronounce_v concern_v these_o famous_a record_n of_o learning_n and_o antiquity_n with_o more_o reason_n may_v we_o maintain_v that_o the_o chief_a art_n and_o invention_n be_v original_o in_o the_o sacred_a volume_n and_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o humane_a learning_n and_o science_n be_v lay_v here_o for_o though_o these_o be_v not_o the_o chief_a thing_n design_v in_o this_o book_n it_o be_v write_v to_o high_a purpose_n yet_o they_o be_v occasional_o intersperse_v every_o where_o and_o a_o studious_a enquirer_n can_v miss_v of_o they_o it_o be_v rational_o and_o undeniable_o to_o be_v infer_v from_o the_o particular_n abovementioned_a though_o many_o more_o may_v have_v be_v add_v that_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o most_o complete_a book_n and_o have_v all_o learning_n in_o it_o this_o true_o deserve_v the_o 〈◊〉_d name_n which_o diodore_n the_o sicilian_a give_v his_o history_n that_o be_v it_o be_v indeed_o a_o library_n a_o universal_a one_o and_o contain_v all_o book_n in_o it_o as_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o be_v person_n of_o several_a condition_n king_n noblemen_z priest_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n so_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v various_a and_o different_a and_o by_o read_v and_o study_v these_o write_n we_o may_v commence_v in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n we_o may_v be_v accomplish_v grammarian_n critic_n chronologer_n historian_n poet_n orator_n disputant_n lawyer_n statesman_n preacher_n prophet_n many_o valuable_a monument_n of_o learning_n have_v be_v lose_v the_o famous_a library_n of_o alexandria_n which_o contain_v six_o or_o seven_o hundred_o thousand_o volume_n and_o that_o of_o constantinople_n which_o consist_v of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o perish_v by_o fire_n and_o the_o work_n of_o varro_n the_o learnede_a man_n of_o all_o the_o roman_n be_v extinct_a and_o many_o other_o may_v be_v reckon_v up_o beside_o those_o that_o historian_n say_v nothing_o of_o but_o have_v the_o scripture_n hacatub_n as_o the_o jew_n right_o call_v it_o by_o way_n of_o eminence_n the_o most_o excellent_a write_n in_o the_o world_n fraught_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o useful_a literature_n we_o may_v afford_v to_o be_v without_o the_o other_o for_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a verity_n that_o if_o we_o have_v the_o bible_n we_o want_v no_o book_n and_o more_o particular_o i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o choice_a antiquity_n be_v to_o be_v find_v here_o a_o pry_a antiquary_n may_v
true_a philosopher_n there_o be_v notable_a example_n of_o this_o in_o athens_n where_o aristides_n themistocles_n miltiades_n pericles_n photion_n alcibiades_n and_o several_a other_o be_v as_o celebrate_v philospher_n as_o commander_n and_o captain_n they_o be_v renown_v for_o their_o great_a wit_n and_o judgement_n and_o for_o as_o great_a valour_n and_o conduct_n as_o wife_n man_n they_o know_v how_o to_o regulate_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o manner_n as_o skilful_a ruler_n and_o governor_n they_o know_v how_o to_o rectify_v the_o behaviour_n of_o other_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o moses_n want_v not_o this_o double_a advantage_n be_v verse_v both_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o best_a philosophy_n and_o the_o wise_a government_n and_o be_v able_a to_o act_v according_a to_o both_o his_o learning_n and_o contemplation_n be_v reduce_v into_o exercise_n he_o by_o they_o not_o only_o understand_v but_o practise_v the_o art_n of_o war_n and_o well_o govern_v he_o know_v how_o to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o people_n and_o know_v how_o to_o lead_v they_o into_o the_o field_n like_o caesar_n afterward_o who_o be_v both_o scholar_n and_o soldier_n the_o master_n of_o eloquence_n and_o of_o arms._n the_o great_a variety_n of_o life_n which_o he_o have_v go_v through_o make_v he_o universal_o know_v and_o sit_v he_o for_o all_o sort_n of_o action_n david_n be_v a_o like_a instance_n in_o scripture_n and_o i_o know_v not_o another_o he_o be_v like_o moses_n a_o shepherd_n a_o courtier_n a_o king_n favourite_n and_o afterward_o out_o of_o favour_n a_o fugitive_n a_o warrior_n a_o ruler_n a_o prophet_n a_o writer_n this_o difference_n of_o scene_n render_v both_o of_o they_o complete_a actor_n this_o diversity_n of_o state_n furnish_v they_o with_o political_a wisdom_n which_o be_v add_v to_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a enable_v they_o to_o act_v so_o laudable_o in_o those_o public_a station_n to_o which_o they_o be_v advance_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n our_o moses_n be_v the_o more_o acceptable_a historian_n because_o he_o be_v one_o of_o such_o vast_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o have_v pass_v through_o so_o many_o and_o various_a stage_n of_o life_n and_o especial_o because_o he_o be_v personal_o engage_v in_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n he_o write_v we_o count_v it_o a_o good_a qualification_n in_o those_o that_o pen_n history_n that_o they_o write_v thing_n do_v in_o their_o own_o time_n and_o that_o they_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o what_o they_o describe_v thus_o dictys_n cretensis_n if_o we_o may_v begin_v with_o he_o write_v the_o trojan_a war_n wherein_o he_o himself_o have_v serve_v thucydides_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o history_n be_v present_a at_o the_o thing_n he_o write_v concern_v the_o peloponnesian_a war_n and_o see_v and_o know_v much_o of_o it_o xenophon_n be_v both_o historian_n and_o captain_n and_o know_v many_o of_o the_o thing_n he_o transmits_n to_o posterity_n diodorus_n siculus_n as_o he_o acquaint_v we_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o his_o history_n travel_v a_o great_a part_n of_o asia_n and_o europe_n to_o inform_v himself_o of_o the_o thing_n he_o relate_v and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o most_o of_o they_o and_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o that_o he_o go_v into_o africa_n julius_n caesar_n commentary_n which_o name_n he_o be_v please_v out_o of_o modesty_n to_o apply_v to_o the_o best_a history_n in_o the_o world_n of_o that_o sort_n be_v a_o account_n of_o the_o military_a act_n of_o his_o own_o army_n he_o fight_v and_o write_v his_o battle_n be_v transcribe_v into_o his_o book_n his_o blood_n and_o his_o ink_n be_v equal_o free_a his_o sword_n and_o his_o pen_n be_v alike_o famous_a josephus_n accompany_v titus_n to_o the_o siege_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o know_v himself_o the_o act_n do_v in_o the_o war_n he_o write_v polybius_n travel_v to_o most_o of_o the_o part_n which_o he_o describe_v and_o see_v those_o very_a thing_n which_o he_o write_v of_o procopius_n set_v down_o what_o he_o know_v for_o he_o be_v present_a with_o belisarius_n at_o the_o war_n which_o he_o treat_v of_o and_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v herodian_a writ_n the_o history_n of_o the_o emperor_n of_o his_o own_o time_n and_o so_o have_v the_o exacter_n knowledge_n of_o their_o action_n suetonius_n be_v contemporary_a with_o the_o three_o last_o emperor_n who_o life_n he_o write_v among_o the_o modern_a historian_n comines_n guicciardine_n sleidan_n thuanus_n be_v commendable_a on_o this_o account_n they_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o record_v be_v do_v and_o they_o be_v themselves_o actual_o concern_v in_o many_o of_o they_o now_o if_o these_o who_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o matter_n they_o deliver_v be_v think_v to_o be_v well_o qualify_v on_o that_o account_n for_o historian_n than_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o great_a regard_n to_o our_o divina_fw-la writer_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o commit_v to_o write_v he_o describe_v those_o battle_n at_o which_o he_o be_v present_a and_o record_v those_o passage_n in_o which_o he_o have_v a_o share_n and_o that_o a_o very_a considerable_a one_o so_o that_o have_v the_o relation_n of_o these_o thing_n from_o his_o mouth_n we_o do_v not_o only_o read_v they_o but_o as_o it_o be_v see_v they_o and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v see_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o man_n cavil_n who_o think_v it_o a_o diminish_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n write_n that_o he_o so_o often_o record_v his_o own_o action_n and_o deportment_n as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o sound_v well_o nay_o can_v not_o be_v true_a from_o his_o own_o mouth_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o very_a thing_n commend_v his_o write_n and_o strengthen_v the_o authority_n of_o they_o especial_o when_o we_o know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o integrity_n and_o will_v not_o tell_v a_o lie_n we_o think_v not_o the_o worse_a of_o iosephus_n life_n because_o it_o be_v write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n nor_o of_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n 〈◊〉_d book_n concern_v himself_o nor_o of_o st._n augustine_n confession_n wherein_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o own_o action_n nor_o of_o cardan_n or_o junius_n or_o bp._n hall_n who_o write_v their_o own_o life_n nor_o of_o montaign_n who_o in_o one_o book_n more_o especial_o make_v himself_o the_o subject_a and_o relate_v his_o own_o temper_n study_n fortune_n etc._n etc._n and_o shall_v we_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o moses_n because_o he_o set_v down_o the_o passage_n of_o his_o own_o life_n in_o the_o book_n which_o he_o have_v write_v no_o this_o rather_o advance_v their_o credit_n among_o wise_a and_o understand_a man_n who_o be_v satisfy_v that_o none_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o own_o action_n as_o this_o author_n himself_o both_o because_o he_o know_v they_o better_o than_o any_o man_n and_o because_o he_o be_v of_o that_o entire_a faithfulness_n that_o he_o will_v relate_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v exact_o true_a and_o that_o he_o be_v thus_o faithful_a and_o impartial_a be_v evident_a from_o those_o passage_n which_o relate_v to_o himself_o which_o be_v frequent_a in_o these_o write_n where_o his_o own_o infirmity_n imperfection_n and_o folly_n be_v register_v where_o his_o unseemly_a wrath_n and_o passion_n where_o his_o gross_a unbelief_n and_o distrust_v of_o god_n as_o at_o the_o water_n of_o meribah_n especial_o and_o several_a other_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o life_n be_v set_v down_o this_o show_v that_o he_o spare_v not_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o partiality_n this_o show_v that_o he_o be_v devote_v to_o truth_n and_o not_o lead_v by_o applause_n and_o vain_a glory_n whereas_o he_o may_v have_v compose_v his_o own_o panegyric_n and_o transmit_v it_o to_o future_a age_n you_o see_v he_o choose_v the_o contrary_a and_o record_v his_o own_o fault_n and_o misdemeanour_n whence_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o falsify_v in_o the_o least_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o his_o write_n and_o as_o for_o that_o aphorism_n of_o machiavelli_n he_o that_o write_v a_o history_n must_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n it_o be_v here_o disprove_v and_o consute_v moses_n be_v the_o most_o absolute_a historian_n and_o yet_o the_o most_o religious_a and_o his_o be_v the_o latter_a capacitate_v he_o to_o be_v the_o former_a for_o no_o man_n can_v so_o impartial_o deliver_v the_o truth_n as_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o from_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o especial_o as_o in_o the_o present_a case_n have_v a_o practical_a sense_n of_o those_o divine_a thing_n which_o he_o deliver_v this_o be_v that_o person_n who_o be_v the_o author_n
i_o find_v it_o be_v yea_o flat_o deny_v by_o aben_n ezra_n and_o pererius_n and_o late_o by_o hobbs_n and_o spinosa_n a_o very_a little_a portion_n of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o say_v monsieur_n simon_n who_o have_v a_o new_a notion_n of_o certain_a public_a scribe_n or_o register_n that_o pen_v this_o and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o sort_n of_o abbreviate_a notary_n he_o borrow_v from_o the_o egyptian_n as_o he_o confess_v himself_o because_o there_o be_v such_o officer_n in_o the_o egyptian_a court_n who_o have_v a_o privilege_n to_o add_v to_o or_o take_v away_o from_o to_o amplify_v or_o abridge_v the_o public_a record_n he_o thence_o groundless_o infer_v there_o be_v such_o among_o the_o jew_n who_o make_v what_o alteration_n they_o please_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n which_o paradox_n of_o his_o i_o have_v consider_v and_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o in_o a_o former_a treatise_n this_o i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v who_o be_v the_o particular_a penman_n of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o but_o on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o indict_v they_o they_o be_v the_o book_n of_o god_n that_o be_v their_o peculiar_a character_n and_o dignity_n and_o that_o alone_o make_v they_o authentic_a after_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o our_o certain_a know_v who_o pen_v they_o yet_o this_o must_v be_v say_v that_o it_o can_v with_o reason_n be_v deny_v that_o the_o author_n of_o some_o of_o these_o sacred_a book_n be_v well_o know_v and_o particular_o there_o be_v very_a convince_a proof_n that_o moses_n write_v the_o book_n which_o i_o have_v be_v give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o may_v be_v evince_v from_o our_o saviour_n word_n luke_n 16._o 31._o &_o 24._o 27._o where_o by_o moses_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a he_o mean_v the_o book_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o consequent_o thereby_o let_v we_o know_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o writer_n of_o they_o and_o more_o express_o the_o book_n of_o exodus_fw-la be_v call_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n by_o our_o same_o infallible_a master_n mark_v 12._o 26._o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o these_o book_n be_v read_v moses_n be_v read_v 2_o cor._n 3._o 19_o and_o both_o our_o saviour_n and_o this_o apostle_n distinguish_v between_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n luke_n 16._o 29._o act_n 26._o 22._o plain_o signify_v that_o as_o those_o book_n which_o pass_v under_o the_o prophet_n name_n be_v they_o so_o these_o that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v moses_n be_v write_v by_o he_o i_o think_v this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o need_v not_o to_o be_v further_o insist_v on_o as_o to_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o man_n before_o name_v against_o this_o i_o forbear_v to_o produce_v they_o and_o to_o return_v particular_a answer_n to_o they_o because_o this_o be_v so_o late_o do_v by_o pentateuchi_fw-la mounseur_fw-fr clerk_n and_o because_o another_o religion_n learned_a frenchman_n have_v laudable_o perform_v this_o task_n especial_o he_o have_v with_o great_a vigour_n and_o as_o great_a success_n attack_v spinosa_n a_o jew_n as_o they_o tell_v we_o by_o birth_n but_o neither_o jew_n nor_o christian_a by_o profession_n but_o a_o derider_n of_o both_o we_o may_v also_o find_v his_o argument_n which_o be_v general_o borrow_a from_o aben_n ezra_n refute_v with_o great_a clearness_n by_o the_o bible_n learned_a professor_n of_o divinity_n at_o paris_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n betake_v himself_o to_o the_o positive_a part_n and_o render_v it_o unquestionable_a that_o moses_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o five_o book_n that_o go_v under_o his_o name_n wherefore_o the_o particular_a fancy_n of_o those_o few_o objector_n and_o those_o no_o friend_n to_o the_o sacred_a text_n be_v not_o to_o be_v heed_v by_o we_o as_o to_o that_o common_a scruple_n which_o be_v so_o much_o insist_v upon_o that_o in_o the_o last_o book_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n there_o be_v mention_n of_o moses_n death_n and_o some_o thing_n that_o happen_v after_o it_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o moses_n write_v not_o those_o book_n or_o at_o least_o not_o the_o last_o of_o they_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n that_o moses_n be_v a_o prophet_n may_v foresee_v and_o have_v reveal_v to_o he_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o his_o own_o death_n and_o so_o he_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n wherefore_o none_o can_v from_o thence_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o penman_n of_o all_o this_o book_n however_o we_o will_v not_o contend_v here_o for_o perhaps_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o book_n be_v affix_v by_o joshua_n or_o afterward_o by_o ezra_n who_o be_v a_o inspire_a person_n likewise_o and_o who_o revise_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o insert_v some_o thing_n into_o they_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indict_v the_o rest_n notwithstanding_o then_o the_o foresay_a objection_n which_o refer_v only_o to_o a_o few_o passage_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n of_o deuteronomy_n w●_n have_v reason_n to_o assert_v that_o the_o whole_a five_o book_n except_v that_o little_a addition_n in_o the_o close_a be_v write_v by_o moses_n these_o be_v his_o authentic_a record_n consist_v chief_o of_o history_n which_o comprise_v in_o it_o the_o occurrence_n of_o about_o 2400_o year_n and_o law_n which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o his_o own_o people_n and_o will_v be_v of_o use_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n here_o be_v the_o cabinet_n of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n under_o heaven_n here_o be_v the_o first_o and_o old_a monument_n of_o the_o world_n 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 next_o unto_o this_o be_v that_o excellent_a history_n write_v by_o joshua_n the_o captain_n general_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o moses_n famous_a successor_n who_o very_a name_n without_o doubt_n be_v as_o terrible_a to_o the_o canaanite_n as_o those_o of_o hunniades_n and_o scanderbag_n be_v afterward_o to_o the_o turk_n here_o he_o admirable_o describe_v the_o holy_a war_n the_o martial_a achievement_n and_o stratagem_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n against_o those_o nation_n who_o land_n they_o be_v to_o possess_v and_o at_o length_n their_o victory_n over_o they_o here_o be_v very_o particular_o set_v down_o their_o conquest_n over_o those_o king_n and_o country_n this_o book_n be_v the_o fulfil_v of_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o they_o concern_v the_o enter_v into_o canaan_n and_o enjoy_v that_o land_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n the_o everlasting_a rest_n which_o remain_v to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n heb._n 4._o 9_o here_o be_v the_o actual_a possession_n of_o that_o promise_a inheritance_n and_o the_o division_n of_o it_o among_o the_o several_a tribe_n by_o lot_n the_o short_a be_v in_o the_o whole_a book_n which_o i_o must_v not_o now_o give_v you_o by_o retail_n there_o be_v abundant_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n repeat_v instance_n of_o the_o infinite_a kindness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o servant_n remarkable_a example_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n on_o his_o enemy_n yea_o and_o visible_a proof_n of_o his_o severe_a deal_n with_o his_o own_o people_n when_o they_o refuse_v to_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o when_o they_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o here_o be_v in_o the_o large_a account_n which_o be_v give_v of_o joshua_n and_o his_o action_n a_o exact_a character_n of_o a_o worthy_a prince_n a_o ruler_n a_o general_n who_o ought_v to_o signalise_v himself_o by_o his_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o zeal_n for_o religion_n by_o his_o constant_a sobriety_n justice_n and_o charity_n by_o his_o undaunted_a courage_n valour_n and_o prowess_n by_o his_o deep_a wisdom_n policy_n and_o conduct_n and_o his_o great_a and_o wonderful_a success_n which_o 6._o be_v so_o much_o require_v in_o a_o general_n crown_v all_o the_o whole_a contain_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o moses_n death_n till_o the_o death_n of_o their_o great_a commander_n joshua_n in_o all_o about_o eighteen_o year_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o the_o age_n death_n and_o burial_n of_o this_o latter_a be_v
jovin_n st._n jerom_n dau._n ambrose_n 52._o hilary_n 2._o cyril_n let_v we_o then_o forget_v his_o fault_n when_o we_o study_v his_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v no_o errata_n he_o be_v a_o interpreter_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o we_o and_o when_o he_o utter_v these_o thing_n be_v a_o friend_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n but_o suppose_v we_o know_v certain_o which_o we_o do_v not_o and_o can_v but_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o contrary_a that_o he_o be_v at_o last_o cast_v off_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o this_o do_v necessary_o invalidate_v his_o write_n god_n might_n if_o he_o please_v make_v use_n of_o a_o bad_a man_n to_o pen_v some_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o call_v judas_n to_o the_o apostleship_n and_o to_o be_v a_o eminent_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o solomon_n be_v a_o apostate_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o direct_a argument_n against_o the_o validity_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o write_n but_o there_o be_v such_o great_a probability_n not_o to_o say_v reason_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o need_v not_o fly_v to_o this_o answer_n but_o on_o good_a ground_n persuade_v ourselves_o that_o solomon_n who_o be_v once_o 〈◊〉_d with_o sacred_a wisdom_n never_o lo●t_v it_o whole_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v prejudice_v against_o what_o he_o have_v write_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o gross_a fall_n and_o miscarriage_n next_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o those_o who_o prophesy_v after_o the_o division_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n from_o the_o other_o two_o but_o before_o the_o captivity_n of_o either_o isaiah_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o eminent_a he_o be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal_a his_o father_n amoz_fw-mi being_z brother_n to_o azariah_n king_n of_o jud●●_n he_o be_v a_o old_a prophet_n have_v be_v in_o that_o employment_n under_o four_o king_n of_o judah_n as_o 1._o he_o tell_v we_o himself_o and_o all_o this_o time_n which_o be_v about_o threescore_o year_n he_o faithful_o discharge_v the_o part_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n in_o a_o impartial_a reprove_v of_o the_o vice_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o age_n he_o live_v in_o 〈◊〉_d a_o free_a and_o open_o display_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o be_v impendent_a on_o that_o nation_n yet_o not_o forget_v to_o threaten_v and_o denounce_v vengeance_n on_o those_o foreign_a and_o strange_a people_n who_o be_v instrumental_a in_o in●●●cting_v these_o judgement_n and_o who_o for_o their_o cry_a enormity_n deserve_v to_o be_v destroy_v viz._n aslyrian_o egyptian_n ethiopian_n moabite_n edomite_n tyrian_n arabian_n in_o a_o most_o pathetic_a exhortation_n to_o repentance_n and_o in_o set_v before_o they_o the_o promise_v of_o mercy_n and_o deliverance_n this_o last_o especial_o he_o be_v most_o famous_a for_o clear_o foretell_v the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o cyrus_n king_n of_o persia_n and_o this_o he_o express_o mention_v a_o hundred_o year_n before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o his_o prediction_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v the_o most_o remarkable_a of_o all_o he_o in_o plain_a term_n foretell_v not_o only_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o all_o the_o great_a and_o memorable_a passage_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o he_o speak_v as_o clear_o and_o distinct_o of_o these_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v bless_v the_o world_n with_o his_o presence_n at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o he_o write_v his_o prophecy_n he_o seem_v to_o speak_v say_v st._n isai._n jerom_n rather_o of_o thing_n past_a than_o to_o come_v and_o he_o may_v be_v call_v a_o evangelist_n rather_o than_o ●_o prophet_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n without_o doubt_n of_o the_o so_o frequent_a citation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o this_o book_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o christ_n himself_o his_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n have_v quote_v about_o threescore_o place_n out_o of_o it_o i●_n read_v of_o this_o book_n than_o we_o read_v the_o gospel_n itself_o we_o antedate_v the_o new_a testament_n by_o the_o write_n of_o this_o evangelical_n prophet_n i_o have_v intimate_v before_o that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o eloquent_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o be_v the_o hebrew_n demosthenes_n as_o 1._o grotius_n right_o style_v he_o the_o purity_n of_o hebraism_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o he_o as_o in_o the_o other_o that_o of_o atticism_n he_o use_v many_o scheme_n and_o figure_n but_o none_o be_v more_o remarkable_a than_o that_o for_o which_o that_o athenian_a orator_n be_v so_o applaud_v say_v quintilian_n his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o excellent_a art_n of_o add_v gravity_n force_n and_o vehemence_n to_o what_o he_o say_v he_o continual_o exaggerate_v and_o amplify_v the_o matter_n which_o he_o undertake_v he_o have_v above_o other_o prophet_n a_o advantage_n of_o improve_n his_o style_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o noble_a descent_n and_o converse_v with_o man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o elocution_n but_o the_o mai●_n thing_n wherein_o he_o excel_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v this_o that_o he_o say_v more_o of_o our_o lord_n christ_n than_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o this_o be_v his_o peculiar_a excellency_n that_o he_o make_v so_o early_a a_o discovery_n of_o the_o advent_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n jeremiah_n be_v another_o ancient_a prophet_n he_o beginning_n to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o thirteen_o year_n of_o king_n josiah_n and_o continue_v in_o that_o sacred_a employment_n till_o the_o last_o year_n of_o king_n zedekiah_n he_o see_v the_o captivity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o samaria_n and_o after_o that_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n and_o of_o the_o temple_n part_v of_o this_o famous_a prophecy_n yea_o most_o of_o it_o be_v after_o the_o captivity_n of_o israel_n and_o before_o that_o of_o judah_n from_o chap._n 1._o to_o ch_z 44._o and_o part_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o latter_a captivity_n this_o prophet_n be_v not_o carry_v captive_a with_o the_o other_o jew_n but_o remain_v in_o judea_n and_o afterward_o carry_v into_o egypt_n from_o chap._n 44_o to_o the_o end_n in_o the_o whole_a be_v comprise_v many_o thing_n of_o great_a worth_n and_o moment_n for_o here_o wefind_v this_o divine_a prophet_n lay_v open_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n with_o a_o unparalleled_a freedom_n and_o boldness_n and_o remind_v they_o of_o the_o severe_a judgement_n which_o have_v befall_v the_o ten_o tribe_n for_o the_o very_a same_o offence_n and_o miscarriage_n here_o this_o weep_v prophet_n this_o jewish_a heraclitus_n most_o passionate_o lament_v the_o miserable_a condition_n which_o they_o be_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o and_o withal_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o prevent_v it_o namely_o by_o a_o speedy_a reform_v of_o their_o life_n but_o at_o last_o he_o more_o peremptory_o proclaim_v god_n wrath_n and_o vengeance_n against_o they_o foresee_v and_o foretell_v the_o grievous_a calamity_n which_o be_v approach_v particular_o the_o seventy_o year_n captivity_n in_o chaldaea_n which_o begin_v as_o some_o think_v with_o the_o carry_v away_o of_o those_o of_o judah_n he_o also_o dissuade_v they_o from_o break_v faith_n with_o the_o chaldean_n after_o they_o be_v conquer_v by_o they_o and_o sheweth_z how_o unsuccessful_a th●y_n shall_v be_v in_o their_o revolt_n from_o they_o to_o the_o egyptian_n but_o even_o then_o he_o foretell_v their_o happy_a return_n and_o deliverance_n and_o likewise_o the_o just_a recompense_n which_o babylon_n moab_n the_o philistine_n and_o other_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v meet_v with_o in_o due_a time_n here_o be_v also_o several_a intimation_n concern_v christ_n the_o bless_a messiah_n and_o redeemer_n and_o concern_v his_o kingdom_n and_o government_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n here_o be_v many_o remarkable_a vision_n and_o type_n wherein_o be_v represent_v thing_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o last_o here_o be_v sundry_a historical_a passage_n of_o considerable_a moment_n which_o relate_v to_o those_o time_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v of_o inestimable_a worth_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o sacred_a volume_n his_o lamentation_n which_o be_v in_o hebrew_a verse_n and_o be_v so_o contrive_v that_o in_o the_o four_o first_o chapter_n every_o verse_n except_v one_o begin_v with_o a_o hebrew_n letter_n in_o the_o alphabetick_a order_n be_v write_v on_o the_o death_n of_o that_o religious_a prince_n josiah_n which_o appear_v from_o what_o be_v record_v in_o a_o chron._n 35._o 25._o jeremiah_n lament_v for_o josiah_n and_o all_o the_o sing_a man_n and_o
the_o sing_a woman_n speak_v of_o josiah_n in_o their_o lamentation_n to_o this_o day_n and_o make_v 〈◊〉_d ordinance_n in_o israel_n and_o behold_v they_o be_v write_v i●_n the_o lamentation_n even_o those_o which_o this_o prophet_n compose_v which_o be_v also_o confirm_v by_o the_o 6_o jewish_a historian_n who_o vouch_v this_o poem_n to_o be_v a_o funeral_n elegy_n on_o that_o pious_a king_n to_o which_o st._n jerom_n add_v that_o this_o prophet_n lament_v the_o loss_n of_o josias_n as_o the_o begin_n of_o those_o galamity_n which_o afterward_o ensue_v and_o according_o he_o proceed_v to_o bewail_v the_o miserable_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o particular_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v not_o then_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o be_v prophetical_o foretell_v it_o be_v not_o unusual_a with_o the_o prophet_n to_o speak_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o if_o they_o be_v already_o past_a unless_o we_o shall_v say_v as_o some_o have_v that_o part_n of_o this_o mournful_a song_n be_v indict_v after_o the_o take_n and_o sack_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o carry_v the_o people_n captive_a and_o be_v a_o passionate_a bewail_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o horrid_a consequence_n of_o it_o in_o which_o also_o the_o holy_a man_n humble_o confess_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a justice_n in_o all_o that_o be●el_v they_o to_o which_o he_o adjoin_v a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o repentance_n and_o comfort_v they_o with_o hope_n of_o a_o restoration_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v a_o exact_a pattern_n of_o devotion_n in_o time_n of_o great_a and_o national_a calamity_n and_o public_a suffering_n and_o instruct_v we_o how_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o in_o such_o deplorable_a circumstance_n ezekiel_n be_v carry_v captive_a into_o babylon_n with_o those_o that_o go_v thither_o in_o the_o second_o captivity_n which_o be_v in_o the_o 8_o year_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n reign_n about_o ten_o year_n before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o captivity_n he_o prophesy_v here_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o jeremiah_n do_v in_o judaea_n and_o afterward_o in_o egypt_n many_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n he_o foretell_v more_o especial_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o fatal_a issue_n of_o those_o that_o revolt_a from_o babylon_n to_o egypt_n and_o at_o last_o the_o happy_a return_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o their_o own_o land_n he_o distinct_o foretell_v the_o plague_n which_o shall_v certain_o be_v inflict_v on_o other_o nation_n who_o be_v profess_v enemy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o edomite_n moabite_n ammonite_n egyptian_n tyrian_n and_o last_o the_o assyrian_n and_o babylonian_n in_o figurative_a and_o mystical_a expression_n he_o predict_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o his_o kingdom_n i._n e._n the_o christian_a church_n because_o the_o prophet_n begin_v with_o vision_n and_o type_n and_o end_n with_o the_o measure_v of_o the_o mystical_a temple_n therefore_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o abstrusity_n and_o mystery_n the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o this_o book_n be_v forbid_v ezek._n to_o be_v read_v by_o the_o jew_n before_o they_o come_v to_o thirty_o year_n of_o age._n but_o the_o great_a ●art_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_o intelligible_a it_o have_v reference_n chief_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o degenerate_a age_n wherein_o the_o prophet_n observe_v and_o severe_o animadvert_v upon_o the_o general_n corruption_n which_o have_v invade_v they_o in_o those_o day_n and_o which_o merit_v the_o severe_a judgement_n that_o heaven_n can_v send_v down_o upon_o they_o he_o ex●ibits_v a_o particular_a catalogue_n of_o the_o notorious_a enormity_n which_o their_o king_n their_o priest_n their_o prophet_n their_o people_n be_v infamous_a for_o he_o labour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o these_o scandalous_a practice_n and_o to_o make_v they_o hearty_o relent_v for_o they_o final_o like_o a_o trne_n watchman_n as_o he_o be_v style_v he_o ●●●●hfully_o warn_v they_o of_o their_o imminent_a danger_n and_o admonish_v they_o to_o prevent_v it_o if_o possible_a by_o abandon_v their_o evil_a way_n this_o be_v the_o inspire_a man_n that_o pen_v this_o book_n and_o this_o be_v the_o ●ook_n which_o contain_v so_o many_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a ●●ings_n in_o it_o another_o of_o the_o four_o great_a prophet_n be_v daniel_n who_o be_v of_o the_o progeny_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n 〈◊〉_d be_v contemporary_a with_o ezekiol_n and_o be_v a_o cap●●●e_n in_o babylon_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o be_v there_o he_o prophesy_v and_o there_o he_o write_v and_o ●his_v book_n be_v the_o result_n of_o both_o the_o six_o first_o chap●●●s_n of_o which_o be_v a_o history_n of_o the_o king_n of_o baby●●●_n and_o of_o what_o be●el_v some_o of_o the_o captive_a jew_n under_o they_o here_o we_o have_v nebuchadnezzar_n remarkable_a dream_n interpret_v we_o have_v a_o relation_n of_o the_o singular_a courage_n of_o the_o three_o hebrew_n yo●●●_n man_n that_o refuse_v to_o fall_v down_o to_o his_o image_n with_o the_o miraculous_a deliverance_n of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o flame_n here_o be_v unfold_v belshazzar_n fatal_a doo●_n contain_v in_o the_o mystical_a handwriting_n on_o the_o wall_n with_o his_o death_n that_o soon_o follow_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o succession_n of_o darius_n to_o the_o throne_n and_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o monarchy_n to_o the_o mede_n it_o be_v under_o this_o prince_n that_o our_o noble_a prophet_n be_v advance_v to_o his_o great_a height_n of_o honour_n 〈◊〉_d whereas_o he_o have_v be_v a_o great_a courtier_n and_o favosrrite_n in_o nebuchadnezzar_n time_n and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o belshazzar_n reign_n be_v make_v the_o three_o ruler_n in_o the_o kingdom_n now_o he_o be_v make_v the_o first_o be_v set_v 〈◊〉_d all_o the_o precedent_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o realm_n this_o make_v he_o envy_v and_o hate_v but_o he_o be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v much_o more_o for_o his_o religion_n by_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o even_o by_o a_o decree_n of_o the_o king_n be_v own_o sign_v commit_v to_o the_o den_n of_o lion_n there_o to_o be_v devour_v of_o they_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o omnipotence_n immediate_o interpose_v and_o he_o come_v out_o thence_o safe_a and_o his_o adversary_n and_o accuser_n be_v send_v thither_o in_o his_o room_n who_o fare_v not_o after_o the_o same_o rate_n that_o he_o do_v after_o this_o he_o live_v in_o great_a esteem_n honour_n and_o prosperity_n not_o only_o in_o this_o king_n reign_n but_o under_o cyrus_n 〈◊〉_d monarch_n of_o the_o persian_a race_n but_o as_o our_o author_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o book_n relate_v thing_n pas●_n as_o a_o historian_n so_o in_o the_o six_o last_o chapter_n he_o be_v al●_n together_o prophetical_a foretell_v what_o shall_v befall_v th●_n church_n in_o general_n and_o particular_o the_o jew_n ye●●_n his_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n reach_v to_o future_a event_n wherein_o even_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n ar●_n concern_v what_o can_v be_v more_o valuable_a than_o h●●_n dream_n or_o vision_n of_o the_o four_o secular_a monarchy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o five_o which_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_a viz._n that_o of_o the_o messiah_n what_o be_v more_o famous_a and_o celebrate_v than_o his_o discovery_n by_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n information_n of_o the_o seventy_o week_n viz._n of_o year_n i._n e._n 490_o year_n upon_o the_o expire_a of_o which_o the_o messias_n kingdom_n be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o what_o plain_a and_o signal_n prophecy_n do_v this_o book_n afford_v concern_v that_o renown_a conqueror_n alexander_n the_o great_a and_o his_o subdue_a the_o persian_a empire_n as_o also_o concern_v the_o fierce_a war_n among_o his_o great_a captain_n and_o commander_n who_o succeed_v he_o particular_o how_o clear_o and_o plain_o be_v the_o action_n of_o antiochus_n the_o great_a and_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n his_o son_n describe_v by_o our_o prophet_n long_o before_o these_o person_n be_v in_o be_v and_o many_o other_o notable_a occurrence_n relate_v to_o the_o most_o public_a and_o fame_a transaction_n on_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n be_v prophetical_o foresignified_n and_o reveal_v by_o this_o divine_a seer_n insomuch_o that_o we_o may_v just_o style_v this_o book_n the_o apocalypse_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o which_o that_o other_o of_o the_o new_a so_o often_o refer_v and_o even_o borrow_v many_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n last_o we_o may_v particular_o note_v concern_v this_o book_n that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o chaldean_a tongue_n viz._n from_o the_o four_o verse_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o seven_o the_o reason_n of_o ●hich_v may_v be_v this_o because_o daniel_n be_v now_o by_o his_o ●●ng_n abide_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 must_v have_v come_v in_o the_o shut_n up_o of_o all_o when_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v pass_v whereas_o now_o we_o see_v it_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o beginning_n in_o the_o middle_a and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o these_o revelation_n which_o if_o it_o be_v well_o attend_v to_o be_v one_o admirable_a key_n to_o open_v the_o secret_n of_o this_o book_n for_o hence_o we_o understand_v that_o this_o prophecy_n be_v not_o what_o it_o have_v be_v think_v to_o be_v one_o entire_a historical_a narration_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v and_o that_o first_o one_o thing_n be_v foretell_v and_o then_o what_o follow_v that_o in_o time_n be_v next_o set_v down_o and_o so_o on_o in_o order_n no_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v thrice_o at_o least_o insert_v show_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o this_o book_n end_n and_o then_o begin_v again_o and_o then_o have_v a_o period_n and_o commence_v again_o and_o after_o that_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a scene_n be_v open_v and_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v repeat_v which_o be_v a_o most_o evident_a argument_n that_o this_o book_n consist_v of_o three_o or_o four_o grand_a prophecy_n or_o prophetic_a representation_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o christ_n church_n from_o the_o time_n when_o this_o be_v ●●nned_v to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o be_v represent_v by_o different_a type_n prophetic_a symbol_n and_o vision_n the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n which_o happen_v on_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the●_n be_v these_o three_o the_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n which_o ●befal_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a the_o ●●liver●●de_n of_o they_o out_o of_o those_o trial_n and_o god_n 〈◊〉_d ●●●●shing_v of_o their_o enemy_n these_o you_o will_v 〈◊〉_d set_v forth_o and_o illustrate_v by_o diverse_a scheme_n and_o apparition_n by_z different_z and_o reiterated_a representation_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o thing_n though_o the_o same_o be_v diverse_o represent_v i._n e._n in_o different_a 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 tyrannical_a state_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v doom_v in_o due_a time_n to_o destruction_n you_o see_v then_o how_o useful_a this_o book_n be_v you_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o propheoy_n ch_n 1._o v._n 3._o th●_n we_o can_v so_o clear_o descny_v the_o particular_a and_o 〈◊〉_d dividual_a thing_n time_n and_o person●_n contain_v in_o t●●_n though_o this_o last_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n the_o obscure_a of_o they_o all_o though_o in_o some_o place_n there_o be_v apocalyps_n as_o many_o mystery_n as_o word_n yet_o thus_o far_o it_o be_v proper_o revelation_n that_o herein_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o particular_a method_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o it_o in_o all_o time_n be_v plain_o 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
knowledge_n and_o insight_n into_o these_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v here_o contain_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o observe_v and_o practise_v the_o holy_a precept_n of_o this_o book_n this_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o urge_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o come_v to_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n with_o defecate_n and_o purge_v mind_n with_o love_n to_o what_o it_o dictate_v and_o with_o obedience_n to_o it_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o principal_a care_n to_o live_v well_o and_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o excellent_a rule_n all_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o our_o action_n in_o this_o world_n depend_v upon_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o let_v we_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o infallible_a maxim_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o this_o book_n we_o see_v man_n live_v by_o custom_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o other_o or_o by_o their_o own_o opinion_n which_o oftentimes_o prove_v erroneous_a and_o lead_v they_o into_o unwarrantable_a practice_n but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o misguided_a if_o they_o consult_v these_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n this_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n if_o they_o regulate_v their_o action_n by_o this_o exact_a canon_n and_o hereby_o we_o be_v certain_a to_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n in_o this_o holy_a book_n for_o by_o live_v according_a to_o it_o we_o shall_v the_o better_o understand_v it_o by_o mind_v the_o practical_a content_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o its_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n last_o that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o due_a perception_n of_o the_o mean_v of_o what_o be_v deliver_v here_o let_v we_o most_o earnest_o invoke_v the_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n he_o that_o read_v this_o book_n without_o prayer_n can_v never_o expect_v to_o be_v bless_v with_o a_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a work_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o illuminate_v our_o mind_n effectual_o there_o be_v require_v the_o special_a help_n of_o this_o heavenly_a instructor_n to_o direct_v we_o into_o truth_n wherefore_o he_o be_v call_v 13._o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o 20._o the_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o whereby_o we_o know_v all_o thing_n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indict_v these_o holy_a write_n must_v enlighten_v our_o mind_n to_o understand_v they_o which_o i_o find_v thus_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o church_n scripture_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o we_o in_o truth_n we_o can_v without_o it_o attain_v true_a saving-knowledg_n and_o a_o learned_a and_o pious_a son_n of_o our_o mother_n give_v his_o suffrage_n in_o these_o word_n country-parson_n wicked_a man_n however_o learned_a do_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o feel_v they_o not_o and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o understand_v but_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o write_v they_o see_v then_o a_o spiritual_a illumination_n be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o the_o comprehend_v of_o scripture-truths_n we_o ought_v with_o great_a fervour_n and_o zeal_n to_o request_v it_o we_o ought_v with_o a_o singular_a devotion_n to_o repair_v to_o this_o infallible_a teacher_n and_o with_o mighty_a importunity_n beseech_v he_o to_o 18._o open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o to_o conduct_v our_o reason_n aright_o in_o our_o enquiry_n into_o this_o sacred_a volume_n and_o he_o that_o command_v we_o to_o implore_v his_o help_n will_v certain_o vouchsafe_v it_o to_o all_o sincere_a and_o devout_a supplicant_n the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n shall_v be_v irradiate_v with_o a_o celestial_a beam_n and_o we_o shall_v feel_v a_o internal_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o our_o heart_n communicate_v light_n and_o wisdom_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o this_o bless_a guide_n we_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v in_o our_o search_n and_o endeavour_n this_o divine_a book_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v have_v its_o mystery_n and_o depth_n disclose_v to_o we_o so_o far_o as_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o and_o no_o rational_a man_n ought_v to_o desire_v any_o more_o yea_o as_o it_o be_v with_o some_o of_o those_o that_o have_v study_v for_o the_o philosophic_a elixir_n though_o they_o attain_v not_o to_o it_o yet_o in_o their_o impetuous_a search_n after_o it_o they_o find_v out_o many_o excellent_a thing_n admirable_o useful_a for_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o recompense_n of_o their_o labour_n so_o though_o we_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o some_o grand_a secret_n which_o be_v treasure_v up_o in_o this_o inspire_a volume_n yet_o we_o shall_v not_o fa●l_v of_o some_o choice_a discovery_n that_o will_v make_v we_o amends_o for_o our_o most_o laborious_a inquiry_n we_o shall_v mighty_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n and_o we_o shall_v likewise_o be_v under_o the_o special_a benediction_n of_o heaven_n the_o rabbin_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o r._n jonathan_n write_v his_o targum_fw-la on_o the_o bible_n if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o least_o fly_v light_v upon_o his_o paper_n it_o be_v present_o consume_v with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n but_o though_o this_o be_v romantic_a and_o after_o the_o rate_n of_o the_o rabbin_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o sober_a trutl●_n that_o god_n will_v protect_v we_o in_o read_v and_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n while_o we_o be_v thus_o employ_v nothing_o shall_v disturb_v or_o hurt_v we_o the_o divine_a arm_n will_v defend_v and_o prosper_v we_o and_o we_o shall_v peruse_v this_o book_n with_o that_o happy_a success_n which_o we_o pray_v for_o in_o short_a by_o continual_a converse_v with_o this_o book_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o that_o have_v no_o errata_n we_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o correct_v all_o the_o failure_n of_o our_o notion_n and_o of_o our_o life_n we_o shall_v enrich_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o stock_n of_o excellent_a principle_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n we_o shall_v be_v conduct_v to_o the_o high_a improvement_n of_o knowledge_n and_o sanctity_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o the_o most_o consummate_v happiness_n in_o another_o finis_fw-la book_n write_v by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n john_n edward_n a_fw-la enquiry_n into_o several_a 〈◊〉_d text_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o with_o a_o probable_a resolution_n of_o they_o in_o two_o volume_n in_o 8●_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n i._o with_o a_o continue_a illustration_n of_o several_a difficult_a text_n throughout_o the_o whole_a work_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n ii_o wherein_o the_o author_n be_v former_a undertake_n be_v further_a prosecute_v viz._n a_o enquiry_n into_o several_a remarkable_a text_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o at_fw-fr discoeurs_fw-fr concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n iii_o treat_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o illustrate_v several_a difficult_a text_n occur_v in_o this_o undertake_n all_o sell_v by_o jonathan_n robinson_n john_n taylor_n and_o john_n wyat._n wyat._n plataic_n plataic_n panegyr_n &_o plataic_n plataic_n plataic_n plataic_n orat._n 2._o ad_fw-la nicocl_n nicocl_n panegyr_n orat._n orat._n orat._n ad_fw-la philip._n philip._n panegyr_n ad_fw-la philip._n epist._n ad_fw-la philip._n epist._n ad_fw-la mitylen_n mitylen_n panegyr_n orat._n orat._n plataic_n orat._n 1._o 1._o orat._n ad_fw-la philip._n philip._n panegyr_n orat._n plataic_n orat._n bis_fw-la bis_fw-la olynth_n 1._o 1._o philip._n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d clem._n alex._n in_o protrept_n protrept_n gen._n 9_o 27._o 27._o deut._n 28._o 49_o etc._n etc._n etc._n 1_o king_n 13._o 2._o 2._o antiqu._n 1._o 11._o c._n 1._o 1._o dr._n jackson_n jackson_n dan._n 2._o 2._o temporum_fw-la conscius_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la mundi_fw-la polyhistor_n epist._n ad_fw-la paulin._n paulin._n ver._n 2._o 2._o ver._n 20._o 20._o ver._n 5._o 5._o ibid._n ibid._n john_n 21._o 18._o 18._o ver._n 22._o 22._o earum_fw-la rerum_fw-la quae_fw-la fo●●uitae_n putantur_fw-la praedictio_fw-la atque_fw-la praesentio_fw-la de_fw-fr divinat_fw-la l._n 1._o 1._o lib._n 3._o c._n 8._o 8._o colloqu_n mensal_n mensal_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d orig._n cont_n cel●_n l._n 6._o 6._o lib._n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d isid._n pelus_n ep._n l._n 5._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d just._n mart._n dialog_n cum_fw-la tryph._n tryph._n arnob._n lib._n 1._o 1._o sozom._n l._n 1._o c._n 11._o 11._o gr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mark_v 2
apostle_n propagate_a it_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v of_o the_o race_n of_o japheth_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o at_o first_o indeed_o consist_v of_o those_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o shem._n etc._n moses_n foretell_v the_o besiege_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o assyrian_a army_n and_o the_o calamity_n and_o misery_n which_o attend_v it_o which_o be_v very_o near_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o moses_n time_n the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o israelite_n from_o the_o oppression_n and_o slavery_n which_o they_o undergo_v in_o egypt_n be_v promise_v to_o abraham_n above_o four_o hundred_o year_n before_o it_o happen_v 2._o king_n josias_n be_v express_o name_v three_o hundred_o year_n before_o his_o birth_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v a_o long_a time_n before_o he_o can_v demolish_v the_o altar_n and_o destroy_v idolatry_n at_o bethel_n which_o be_v also_o particular_o foretell_v by_o a_o man_n of_o god_n cyrus_n who_o first_o unite_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n and_o be_v the_o first_o emperor_n of_o the_o second_o chief_a monarchy_n viz._n the_o persian_a be_v honourable_o name_v and_o foretell_v by_o isaiah_n to_o be_v the_o deliverer_n of_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o their_o captivity_n and_o the_o restorer_n of_o their_o temple_n almost_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o before_o that_o deliverance_n be_v accomplish_v isa._n 44._o 28._o and_o 45._o 1_o 5._o this_o be_v that_o cyrus_n who_o conquer_v astyages_n the_o last_o king_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o translate_v the_o empire_n to_o the_o persian_n and_o bring_v asia_n and_o all_o the_o east_n under_o his_o power_n this_o be_v that_o cyrus_n who_o life_n xenophon_n write_v say_v sir_n w._n raleigh_n and_o from_o some_o thing_n there_o relate_v especial_o his_o last_o oration_n at_o his_o death_n we_o may_v probable_o gather_v that_o he_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n from_o daniel_n when_o he_o govern_v susa_n in_o persia_n and_o that_o he_o have_v read_v isaiah_n prophecy_n wherein_o he_o be_v express_o name_v and_o indeed_o 1._o josephus_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v so_o and_o that_o when_o the_o jew_n show_v cyrus_n that_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o foretell_v his_o war_n and_o victory_n and_o likewise_o his_o beneficence_n to_o the_o jew_n he_o admire_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o book_n and_o to_o make_v good_a what_o he_o read_v he_o confer_v many_o great_a kindness_n on_o that_o people_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o say_v a_o jackson_n judicious_a writer_n that_o the_o history_n of_o cyrus_n life_n write_v by_o the_o foresay_a historian_n be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v a_o fiction_n he_o be_v so_o extraordinary_a a_o person_n design_v by_o god_n and_o signal_o foretell_v beforehand_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o vigour_n actuate_v he_o which_o make_v that_o historical_a account_n of_o he_o look_v like_o a_o romance_n but_o notwithstanding_o what_o these_o learned_a man_n say_v i_o be_o doubtful_a whether_o this_o famous_a cyrus_n who_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v he_o that_o this_o historian_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o for_o that_o cyrus_n who_o he_o describe_v die_v a_o natural_a death_n and_o expire_v peaceable_o on_o his_o bed_n and_o among_o his_o friend_n but_o this_o cyrus_n that_o set_v up_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n die_v in_o the_o war_n and_o be_v overcome_v by_o tomyris_n queen_n of_o the_o scythian_n therefore_o it_o be_v think_v by_o other_o that_o the_o life_n of_o cyrus_n the_o second_o be_v describe_v by_o xenophon_n to_o proceed_v the_o take_n of_o babylon_n and_o its_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n be_v predict_v by_o isaiah_n many_o year_n before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v isa._n 47._o 1_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o noble_a prophet_n have_v deserve_o gain_v the_o title_n of_o evangelical_n because_o he_o so_o exact_o set_v down_o what_o happen_v several_a hundred_o year_n afterward_o upon_o the_o arrival_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n jeremiah_n another_o note_a prophet_n prefix_v the_o seventy_o year_n of_o the_o babylonian_a captivity_n and_o in_o other_o prophet_n who_o be_v penman_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v very_o plain_a prediction_n of_o future_a event_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o have_v prove_v they_o to_o be_v true_a but_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v most_o eminent_a and_o wonderful_a in_o daniel_n who_o have_v foretell_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n wherein_o he_o live_v till_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v about_o five_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o most_o famous_a empire_n or_o monarchy_n of_o the_o world_n be_v prophetical_o represent_v by_o he_o in_o his_o interpretation_n of_o 2._o nebuchadnezzar_n dream_n there_o as_o st._n jerom_n say_v he_o show_v that_o he_o paulin._n have_v knowledge_n of_o all_o time_n and_o be_v fore-acquainted_n with_o the_o various_a history_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o you_o will_v see_v the_o babylonian_a medo-persian_a greek_a and_o roman_a monarchy_n decipher_v by_o the_o four_o know_a metal_n gold_n silver_n brass_n and_o iron_n the_o head_n of_o gold_n be_v the_o assyrian_a or_o babylonian_a empire_n which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o rich_a monarchy_n and_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o head_n of_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o breast_n and_o arm_n of_o silver_n be_v the_o medo-persian_a empire_n which_o because_o it_o consist_v of_o two_o people_n it_o be_v therefore_o fit_o set_v forth_o by_o two_o arms._n belly_n and_o thigh_n of_o brass_n be_v the_o greek_a empire_n which_o because_o it_o be_v chief_o divide_v into_o two_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lagidae_n and_o sel●●cidae_n it_o be_v well_o express_v by_o two_o thigh_n leg_n of_o iron_n be_v the_o roman_a empire_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d into_o eastern_a and_o western_a by_o occasion_n of_o cons●●●tine's_n tine_n remove_v his_o seat_n from_o rome_n to_o byzantium_n be_v not_o unfit_o set_v forth_o by_o two_o leg_n its_o foot_n be_v say_v to_o be_v partly_o iron_n and_o partly_o clay_n because_o be_v divide_v it_o be_v not_o all_o of_o a_o piece_n but_o be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n they_o can_v no_o more_o unite_v and_o cement_v than_o iron_n and_o day_n then_o you_o read_v of_o a_o stone_n cut_v out_o without_o hand_n i._n e._n the_o lord_n christ_n not_o bear_v after_o the_o ordinary_a and_o humane_a way_n this_o stone_n be_v first_o visible_a in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o king_n ver_fw-la 44._o i._n e._n the_o king_n that_o make_v up_o the_o roman_a empire_n for_o then_o christ_n be_v bear_v than_o christianity_n be_v first_o set_v up_o this_o stone_n shall_v become_v a_o great_a mountain_n and_o fill_v the_o whole_a earth_n ver_fw-la 35._o and_o destroy_v the_o gold_n silver_n brass_n and_o iron_n i._n e._n put_v a_o end_n to_o these_o empire_n christ_n and_o his_o church_n shall_v constitute_v another_o viz._n a_o five_o empire_n much_o more_o glorious_a and_o renown_a than_o the_o former_a one_o this_o famous_a prophecy_n of_o above_o two_o thousand_o year_n date_n be_v in_o a_o signal_n manner_n verify_v at_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o further_a completion_n when_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v propagate_v anew_o in_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o at_o last_o shall_v become_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o a_o glorious_a church_n shall_v be_v establish_v on_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o this_o prophecy_n you_o have_v the_o vision_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n which_o foretell_v the_o very_a same_o which_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o four_o metal_n but_o more_o particular_o and_o large_o first_o there_o be_v the_o lion_n i._n e._n the_o assyrian_a monarchy_n which_o have_v two_o wing_n which_o denote_v the_o two_o part_n of_o that_o empire_n babylon_n and_o assyria_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v pluck_v i._n e._n shatter_a and_o destroy_v as_o we_o read_v they_o be_v by_o darius_n and_o cyrus_n this_o lion_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o golden_a head_n in_o nebuchadnezzar_n dream_n next_o come_v the_o bear_n which_o be_v the_o persian_a monarchy_n set_v up_o by_o cyrus_n as_o the_o former_a by_o ninus_n and_o expire_v in_o darius_n who_o alexander_n the_o great_a slay_v in_o battle_n the_o three_o rib_n in_o its_o mouth_n be_v the_o three_o chief_a emperor_n or_o king_n of_o this_o monarchy_n namely_o cyrus_n darius_n artaxerxes_n who_o devour_v much_o flesh_n i._n e._n add_v many_o nation_n to_o their_o monarchy_n or_o the_o three_o rib_n may_v signify_v the_o persian_a kingdom_n which_o have_v unite_v to_o it_o the_o mede_n
or_o their_o conform_v to_o the_o dialect_n of_o their_o country_n for_o these_o be_v consistent_a with_o that_o isaiah_n be_v a_o courtier_n and_o a_o person_n of_o quality_n have_v a_o neat_a and_o elegant_a style_n and_o yet_o so_o as_o he_o know_v how_o to_o vary_v it_o according_a to_o the_o matter_n he_o treat_v of_o but_o general_o he_o be_v lofty_a and_o eloquent_a his_o style_n be_v raise_v by_o his_o education_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o noble_a extraction_n for_o he_o be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal._n jeremiah_n and_o amos_n be_v use_v to_o the_o country_n be_v mean_a and_o homely_a in_o their_o language_n the_o latter_a especial_o discover_v his_o condition_n and_o way_n of_o life_n in_o his_o low_a and_o rural_a strain_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n st._n luke_n who_o have_v improve_v himself_o by_o art_n and_o study_n be_v very_o observant_a of_o the_o greek_a elegancy_n and_o avoid_v all_o improper_a and_o exotic_a term_n in_o his_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o acts._n indeed_o the_o style_n of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n be_v very_o different_a and_o that_o difference_n be_v a_o excellency_n in_o this_o book_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o i_o say_v be_v this_o the_o writer_n leave_v not_o off_o their_o peculiar_a style_n though_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o this_o furnish_v they_o with_o new_a expression_n so_o it_o let_v they_o make_v use_n of_o their_o own_o usual_a one_o but_o immediate_o direct_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o apply_v of_o they_o so_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o they_o use_v their_o natural_a style_n they_o be_v divine_o help_v to_o make_v it_o serviceable_a to_o that_o purpose_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v hence_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o style_n and_o word_n and_o composure_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n be_v such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v reckon_v divine_a for_o this_o be_v one_o difference_n between_o this_o book_n and_o other_o that_o every_o thing_n of_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o therefore_o those_o person_n who_o dream_v of_o solecis●●_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o great_a soleciser_n themselves_o but_o especial_o those_o who_o assert_v there_o be_v mistake_v and_o literal_a falsity_n in_o the_o holy_a book_n be_v utter_o to_o be_v condemn_v such_o be_v 4._o episcopius_n who_o dare_v affirm_v that_o the_o spirit_n leave_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o their_o own_o humane_a frailty_n in_o deliver_v such_o thing_n as_o belong_v to_o circumstance_n of_o a_o fact_n their_o knowledge_n and_o memory_n be_v deficient_a and_o fallible_a the_o spirit_n do_v not_o tell_v st._n john_n how_o many_o furlong_n christ_n disciple_n go_v chap._n 6._o 19_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v assert_v he_o say_v as_o to_o some_o name_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o before_o this_o you_o be_v tell_v by_o erasmus_n ●●o_o other_o that_o the_o penman_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d in_o some_o light_a thing_n not_o that_o they_o will_v falsity_n but_o that_o they_o may_v forget_v some_o passage_n melchior_n canus_n be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v some_o considerable_a slip_v in_o scripture_n from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n memory_n yea_o among_o the_o ancient_a father_n there_o be_v 50._o one_o who_o more_o gross_o hold_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n sometime_o abuse_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o they_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o present_a purpose_n although_o they_o be_v nothing_o to_o it_o thus_o st._n paul_n he_o say_v quote_v the_o old_a testament_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n galatian_n and_o ephesian_n only_o to_o serve_v his_o turn_n and_o to_o confute_v the_o jew_n his_o adversary_n read_v say_v he_o these_o epistle_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n be_v whole_o on_o the_o polemic_a part_n and_o rufin_n you_o will_v see_v how_o prudent_o and_o dissemble_o he_o act_v in_o those_o text_n which_o he_o cit_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o at_o other_o time_n this_o bold_a man_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o say_v that_o some_o of_o the_o matter_n and_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v set_v down_o wrong_n this_o be_v no_o less_o than_o profane_a and_o blasphemous_a doctrine_n wherefore_o that_o father_n be_v to_o be_v read_v with_o great_a caution_n in_o such_o place_n as_o these_o we_o on_o the_o contrary_n assert_v that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o the_o author_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o content_n of_o holy_a writ_n but_o also_o of_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n yea_o even_o when_o those_o writer_n express_v their_o sense_n in_o their_o own_o term_n i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o way_n and_o dialect_n which_o they_o be_v master_n of_o and_o which_o be_v most_o familiar_a to_o they_o even_o than_o they_o be_v immediate_o assist_v 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o this_o book_n may_v have_v no_o error_n and_o fail_n in_o it_o of_o any_o kind_n but_o that_o it_o may_v transcend_v all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o if_o you_o do_v not_o hold_v this_o you_o make_v no_o considerable_a difference_n between_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o other_o write_n therefore_o i_o be_o thorough_o convince_v that_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v maintain_v viz._n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n indict_v the_o very_a style_n of_o scripture_n that_o even_o this_o be_v by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o writing_n i_o may_v well_o annex_v its_o harmony_n and_o thence_o also_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a though_o there_o be_v several_a seem_a repugnancy_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o in_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n and_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v they_o up_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o every_o sober_a and_o considerate_a person_n yet_o it_o can_v but_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o this_o book_n do_v entire_o agree_v and_o be_v consistent_a with_o one_o another_o this_o in_o other_o book_n which_o be_v compose_v and_o write_v by_o one_o author_n be_v not_o so_o admirable_a though_o in_o those_o piece_n we_o oftentimes_o meet_v with_o very_o palpable_a disagreement_n and_o contradiction_n but_o here_o we_o be_v able_a to_o remember_v that_o notwithstanding_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o different_a person_n and_o those_o many_o in_o number_n and_o disagree_v in_o quality_n and_o extreme_o distant_a as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n yet_o their_o write_n contradict_v not_o one_o another_o but_o there_o be_v a_o excellent_a harmony_n in_o all_o their_o part_n there_o be_v a_o perfect_a concord_n and_o consent_n among_o they_o all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o author_n in_o the_o world_n though_o of_o the_o same_o sect_n and_o party_n excellent_o to_o this_o purpose_n a_o very_a wise_a and_o judicious_a ourselves_o man_n thus_o speak_v when_o several_a man_n in_o several_a age_n not_o bring_v up_o under_o the_o same_o education_n write_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o find_v unity_n in_o their_o tenant_n or_o position_n because_o their_o spirit_n judgement_n and_o fancy_n be_v different_a but_o where_o so_o many_o several_a author_n speak_v and_o write_v at_o several_a time_n agree_v not_o only_o in_o matter_n dogmatical_a of_o sublime_a and_o difficult_a nature_n but_o also_o in_o prediction_n of_o future_a and_o contingent_a event_n whereof_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o humane_a understanding_n to_o make_v a_o discovery_n without_o a_o superior_a discovery_n make_v to_o it_o i_o must_v needs_o conclude_v one_o and_o the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n declare_v the_o same_o truth_n to_o these_o several_a men._n and_o as_o to_o the_o seem_a contrariety_n of_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n this_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o trouble_n we_o for_o this_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o writer_n do_v not_o combine_v together_o to_o cheat_v and_o delude_v we_o if_o they_o have_v design_v any_o such_o thing_n we_o shall_v not_o have_v meet_v with_o any_o difficult_a and_o seem_o repugnant_a place_n in_o these_o write_n but_o see_v we_o do_v so_o this_o among_o other_o thing_n may_v confirm_v we_o in_o this_o belief_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o contrive_v by_o man_n who_o have_v a_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v have_v such_o a_o design_n they_o will_v have_v so_o order_v it_o that_o not_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o contradiction_n and_o difference_n shall_v have_v be_v find_v but_o true_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o proceed_v thus_o in_o this_o discourse_n for_o to_o a_o unprejudiced_a and_o industrious_a enquirer_n there_o be_v
nothing_o in_o scripture_n that_o look_v like_o inconsistent_a and_o contradictory_n upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n we_o shall_v discern_v a_o mutual_a correspondence_n in_o the_o style_n matter_n and_o design_n of_o these_o write_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o happy_a concurrence_n of_o circumstance_n and_o a_o admirable_a consistency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discourse_n in_o so_o much_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o upon_o this_o single_a consideration_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o these_o write_n be_v indict_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n this_o harmony_n then_o of_o the_o scripture_n i_o may_v just_o reckon_v among_o the_o inward_a note_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v adjoin_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o which_o be_v of_o the_o very_a intrinsic_a nature_n of_o it_o what_o justinian_n profess_v and_o promise_v concern_v his_o digest_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o clash_v and_o contradictory_n in_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o a_o piece_n be_v true_a only_a of_o the_o sacred_a law_n of_o the_o evangelical_n pandect_v which_o contain_v in_o they_o nothing_o dissonant_n and_o repugnant_a the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v consonant_a to_o themselves_o and_o to_o one_o another_o which_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n opposite_a to_o the_o true_a mean_v which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v reveal_v and_o assert_v in_o another_o the_o content_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n whether_o you_o look_v into_o the_o doctrinal_a or_o historical_a part_n of_o it_o have_v nothing_o contradictory_n in_o they_o all_o the_o author_n of_o it_o agree_v in_o their_o testimony_n and_o assert_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o consent_n among_o themselves_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o lie_n and_o forgery_n that_o they_o hang_v not_o together_o as_o 3._o lactantius_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n have_v observe_v especial_o if_o you_o search_v very_o inquisitive_o and_o narrow_o into_o they_o you_o will_v perceive_v that_o they_o be_v 80._o thin_a and_o slight_a and_o may_v easy_o be_v see_v through_o but_o the_o content_n of_o these_o write_n have_v be_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o and_o with_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n examine_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v every_o way_n consistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o writer_n be_v know_v to_o be_v concurrent_a and_o agree_v all_o wise_a and_o curious_a observer_n must_v needs_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o book_n under_o heaven_n that_o parallel_v the_o scripture_n as_o to_o this_o which_o show_v that_o they_o be_v more_o than_o humane_a write_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o dictate_v and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o assure_v we_o that_o 19_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n they_o be_v from_o god_n they_o be_v not_o of_o private_a interpretation_n they_o be_v not_o from_o man_n invention_n they_o be_v not_o of_o his_o own_o brain_n and_o fancy_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v as_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a oracle_n thus_o 3._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v witness_n to_o itself_o and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o other_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o what_o be_v in_o it_o and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n which_o make_v a_o ancient_a writer_n say_v 7._o we_o have_v complete_a demonstration_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o according_o we_o be_v demonstrative_o assure_v by_o faith_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n therein_o deliver_v which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o humane_a write_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o carry_v no_o such_o native_a mark_n with_o they_o but_o the_o very_a inward_a note_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n create_v in_o we_o a_o certain_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n they_o may_v be_v know_v from_o all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o by_o the_o excellent_a transcendent_a and_o divine_a matter_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o by_o the_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o deliver_v and_o publish_v it_o these_o i_o call_v internal_a proof_n because_o they_o be_v take_v from_o the_o book_n themselves_o because_o they_o be_v something_o that_o we_o find_v there_o these_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v write_v not_o by_o man_n but_o by_o god_n there_o be_v yet_o another_o internal_a testimony_n i_o call_v it_o so_o because_o it_o be_v within_o we_o though_o not_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o now_o i_o add_v that_o this_o spirit_n speak_v in_o we_o and_o work_n in_o our_o heart_n a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o of_o christ_n in_o those_o write_n this_o witness_v power_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v assert_v in_o act_n 5._o 32._o &_o 15._o 7_o 8._o and_o in_o 1_o john_n 5._o 6._o from_o these_o place_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v a_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n join_v with_o our_o conscience_n and_o persuasion_n and_o this_o spirit_n powerful_o convince_v all_o believer_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o testimony_n follow_v immediate_o on_o our_o set_n before_o we_o the_o inward_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v they_o for_o god_n make_v use_v of_o those_o evidence_n and_o argument_n to_o beget_v a_o belief_n in_o we_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n enlighten_v and_o convince_v man_n mind_n by_o those_o mean_n but_o more_o especial_o he_o urge_v these_o evidence_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o religious_a and_o faithful_a and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v no_o enthusiasm_n because_o it_o be_v discover_v to_o we_o by_o proper_a mean_n and_o instrument_n whereas_o that_o be_v without_o any_o and_o be_v general_o accompany_v with_o the_o despise_n of_o they_o but_o the_o evidence_n and_o note_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o reason_n and_o motive_n of_o our_o belief_n only_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v and_o prepare_v and_o sanctify_v our_o mind_n and_o illuminate_v our_o conscience_n and_o cause_v those_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o make_v impression_n upon_o we_o and_o effectual_o to_o prevail_v with_o we_o and_o to_o silence_v all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n witness_v in_o we_o but_o when_o i_o say_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o must_v adjoin_v this_o that_o this_o proof_n serve_v only_o for_o those_o that_o have_v this_o spirit_n it_o may_v establish_v they_o but_o it_o can_v convince_v other_o no_o other_o man_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n by_o the_o spirit_n be_v convince_a i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o beside_o this_o proof_n be_v not_o in_o all_o that_o real_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o book_n some_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o without_o this_o but_o where_o this_o be_v it_o be_v most_o powerful_a and_o convictive_a and_o surpass_v all_o other_o degre●_n of_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v no_o such_o c●tain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o holy_a w●_n thing_n as_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d the_o heart_n of_o man_n produce_v there_o in_o a_o ration_n ●_o way_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a 〈◊〉_d our_o faculty_n chap._n ii_o external_n proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture●_n viz._n the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o they_o and_o universal_a tradition_n which_o latter_a be_v defend_v against_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o that_o talk_v of_o a_o new_a character_n wherein_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v th●_n jewish_a masore_v attest_n the_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v not_o corrupt_v the_o point_n or_o vowel_n be_v coexistent_a with_o the_o letter_n f._n simon_n be_v notion_n of_o abbreviate_a the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n reject_v the_o new_a tement_n vouch_v by_o the_o unanimous_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o
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 joshu●_n judge_n ruth_n the_o one_a and_o 2d_o book_n of_o samuel_n th●_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 fo●●_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 can●_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o ancient_a church_n o●_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 ●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 not●_n rabbin_n of_o old_a and_o of_o the_o learned_a modern_a je●●_n as_o aben_n ezra_n r._n solomon_n r._n ben_n maimon_n &_o ●_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 juni●_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 brought●●_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 belieu●_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
frequent_a mention_n make_v in_o jewish_n and_o other_o author_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v in_o a_o old_a samaritan_n character_n whence_o it_o be_v infer_v by_o some_o that_o this_o be_v the_o primitive_a character_n wherein_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v and_o consequent_o that_o this_o which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v not_o the_o true_a genuine_a character_n but_o i_o answer_v this_o do_v not_o follow_v for_o this_o samaritan_n vulgar_a character_n be_v not_o the_o first_o and_o ancient_a though_o it_o be_v sometime_o in_o use_n but_o the_o sacred_a character_n now_o call_v the_o hebrew_n character_n be_v real_o such_o and_o be_v the_o true_a and_o most_o ancient_a letter_n wherein_o this_o holy_a book_n be_v write_v this_o be_v the_o authentic_a letter_n which_o god_n himself_o grave_v the_o law_n in_o and_o thence_o have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o sacred_a character_n but_o the_o other_o call_v the_o common_a and_o vulgar_a be_v not_o in_o that_o esteem_n it_o be_v a_o deviation_n from_o that_o primitive_a one_o and_o yet_o to_o speak_v free_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o character_n the_o latter_a be_v only_o some_o variation_n and_o degeneracy_n from_o the_o former_a which_o happen_v by_o length_n of_o time_n this_o be_v the_o real_a truth_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o it_o solve_v the_o controversy_n and_o end_v all_o the_o dispute_n on_o both_o side_n and_o the_o learned_a french_a critic_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n come_v over_o at_o last_o to_o this_o when_o bible_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o critic_n to_o dispute_v so_o fierce_o about_o the_o first_o hebrew_n character_n for_o if_o we_o attentive_o consider_v and_o compare_v together_o the_o samaritan_n and_o hebrew_n character_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o origine_fw-la and_o he_o grant_v also_o that_o it_o be_v from_o the_o succession_n of_o so_o many_o age_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o produce_v some_o alteration_n that_o there_o have_v be_v this_o variation_n from_o their_o first_o figure_n but_o this_o be_v inconsiderable_a so_o that_o both_o character_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o same_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n then_o to_o think_v that_o ezra_n change_v the_o character_n but_o that_o he_o only_o amend_v the_o defect_n and_o slip_v which_o he_o find_v in_o the_o hebrew_n for_o by_o consult_v and_o compare_v the_o several_a copy_n he_o purge_v they_o from_o the_o error_n and_o mistake_v which_o be_v contract_v in_o the_o time_n of_o th●_n captivity_n and_o after_o he_o have_v cause_v the_o book_n 〈◊〉_d be_v fair_o write_v out_o he_o put_v they_o into_o that_o order_n in_o which_o now_o they_o be_v place_v and_o so_o he_o may_v b●_n say_v to_o be_v the_o composer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n into_o that_o model_n we_o see_v it_o now_o in_o and_o from_o his_o revise_v the_o book_n and_o mend_v they_o by_o compare_v of_o copy_n be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o keri_n and_o chetib_n as_o most_o of_o the_o learne●_n jew_n assert_v for_o where_o the_o copy_n disagree_v o●_n where_o two_o readins_n be_v probable_a there_o wer●_n make_v variae_fw-la lectiones_fw-la the_o one_o be_v put_v into_o th●_n margin_n and_o be_v call_v lectio_fw-la keri_n the_o other_o into_o th●_n text_n and_o be_v call_v scriptio_fw-la chetib_n i_o know_v some_o ascribe_v these_o not_o to_o ezra_n but_o to_o the_o doctor_n of_o tiberias●_n but_o here_o as_o before_z i_o be_o willing_a to_o compromise_v the_o quarrel_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v ascribe_v the●_n to_o both_o they_o be_v begin_v by_o ezra_n and_o augment_v by_o the_o other_o afterward_o this_o be_v one_o wa●_n to_o keep_v the_o bible_n entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a and_o b●_n the_o favour_n of_o divine_a providence_n it_o have_v be_v transmit_v so_o to_o we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n also_o the_o canon_n 〈◊〉_d scripture_n be_v digest_v into_o partition_n and_o division_n as_o now_o it_o be_v and_o there_o be_v then_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o masorah_n or_o masore_v which_o become_v afterward_o part_n of_o the_o jewish_a cabala_n which_o abou●_n the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 494_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v by_o some_o skilful_a grammarian_n and_o have_v bee●_n very_o useful_a for_o preserve_v the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v three_o several_a species_n of_o this_o cabala_n 〈◊〉_d they_o tell_v we_o the_o first_o be_v gematria_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o mathematical_a consideration_n of_o the_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o mystical_a number_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o a_o account_n of_o the_o great_a and_o little_a letter_n in_o word_n the_o second_o be_v notariaca_n a_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n from_o certain_a note_n character_n line_n and_o point_n belong_v to_o the_o hebrew_n text._n more_o particular_o noteriekon_v or_o notaricon_n or_o notariaca_n for_o i_o find_v that_o it_o be_v thus_o different_o express_v d_o in_o writer_n be_v when_o one_o letter_n stand_v for_o a_o whole_a word_n this_o way_n of_o cabalize_a give_v the_o name_n to_o judas_n maccabaeus_n who_o write_v on_o his_o standard_n and_o ensign_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o abbreviature_n or_o first_o letter_n of_o those_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d exod._n 15._o 11._o and_o by_o put_v vowel_n to_o the_o consonant_n they_o read_v it_o maccabi_n the_o three_o be_v temurah_n mutatio_fw-la which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o transposition_n of_o the_o same_o letter_n whence_o another_o word_n arise_v which_o explain_v the_o word_n that_o be_v transpose_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v explain_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d terra_n which_o contain_v the_o same_o letter_n thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d noah_n be_v say_v to_o have_v find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d grace_n or_o favour_n gen._n 6._o 8._o the_o letter_n be_v the_o same_o but_o transpose_v so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d exod._n 23._o 23._o be_v by_o metathesis_n expound_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dan._n 12._o 1._o i._n e._n the_o messiah_n say_v the_o jewish_a doctor_n but_o the_o first_o and_o second_o way_n of_o cabalize_a which_o obtain_v the_o name_n of_o masore_v be_v the_o most_o considerable_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n these_o critical_a observation_n on_o the_o bible_n make_v of_o old_a and_o deliver_v from_o one_o to_o another_o whence_o they_o have_v their_o trader●_n denomination_n treat_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o letter_n why_o some_o word_n be_v in_o great_a other_o in_o lesser_a character_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o great_a vau_fw-fr levit._n 11._o 42._o so_o they_o observe_v there_o be_v a_o open_a man_n at_o the_o end_n of_o a_o word_n in_o neh._n 2._o 13._o and_o a_o close_a man_n in_o the_o middle_n in_o isa._n 9_o 7._o the_o masorite_n likewise_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o likeness_n and_o difference_n of_o word_n by_o similitude_n o●_n diversity_n of_o letter_n and_o point_n they_o have_v mad●_n remark_n on_o irregular_a and_o extraordinary_a pointing_n they_o have_v observe_v the_o variety_n of_o accent_n and_o so_o criticize_v on_o all_o these_o in_o the_o several_a place●_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o there_o can_v be_v 〈◊〉_d change_v make_v in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n but_o it_o mu●●_n be_v present_o see_v in_o this_o masore_v on_o the_o hebre●_n text_n they_o have_v reckon_v which_o verse_n in_o th●_n psalm_n be_v the_o middle_a one_o and_o which_o letter_n be_v th●_n middle_a letter_n in_o that_o whole_a book_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o th●_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o psal._n 80._o 13._o yea_o they_o hau●_n count_v all_o the_o verse_n and_o word_n all_o the_o accent●●_n letter_n and_o vowel_n that_o be_v in_o every_o single_a book●_n from_o which_o critical_a enumeration_n those_o transcr●bers_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v call_v by_o the_o jew_n sopheri●_n i_o e._n numberer_n and_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o every_o volume_n they_o have_v set_v down_o the_o exact_a number_n of_o 〈◊〉_d these_o and_o at_o last_o they_o reckon_v how_o many_o there_o a●_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n fath●●_n simon_n indeed_o say_v they_o mistake_v in_o their_o accomp●●_n but_o that_o be_v more_o than_o he_o prove_v and_o i_o do_v 〈◊〉_d think_v he_o ever_o take_v the_o pain_n as_o great_a a_o critic●●_n on_o the_o bible_n as_o he_o be_v to_o cast_v they_o up_o there_o 〈◊〉_d good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o jewish_a critic_n 〈◊〉_d the_o old_a testament_n be_v more_o to_o be_v credit_v in_o 〈◊〉_d particular_a than_o the_o french_a one_o however_o fro●_n what_o have_v
book_n with_o we_o we_o need_v not_o stay_v to_o attend_v here_o to_o what_o a_o late_a learned_a writer_n before_o name_v have_v with_o much_o confidence_n but_o slender_a reason_n suggest_v viz._n that_o the_o bible_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v a_o abbreviate_v collection_n from_o ancient_a record_n which_o be_v much_o more_o large_a he_o confess_v that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v take_v out_o of_o authentic_a registery_n but_o the_o author_n who_o collect_v it_o add_v and_o diminish_v as_o they_o please_v especial_o he_o assert_v this_o concern_v the_o historical_a book_n that_o they_o be_v abridgement_n of_o large_a record_n and_o summary_n of_o other_o large_a act_n keep_v in_o the_o jewish_a archive_v and_o these_o public_a scribe_n who_o write_v they_o out_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o alter_v word_n as_o they_o see_v occasion_n so_o that_o in_o short_a according_a to_o this_o critic_n here_o be_v only_o some_o break_a piece_n and_o scrap_n take_v out_o of_o the_o first_o authentic_a write_n a_o bold_a and_o dare_a assertion_n and_o found_v on_o no_o other_o bottom_n than_o f._n simon_n be_v brain_n who_o will_v expect_v this_o from_o one_o that_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a sense_n and_o reason_n one_o that_o be_v a_o great_a master_n of_o critical_a learning_n and_o have_v present_v the_o world_n with_o very_a choice_n remark_n on_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n for_o true_o i_o be_o not_o of_o work_n his_o opinion_n who_o say_v he_o see_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o author_n write_n bu●_n what_o be_v common_a it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v that_o a_o person_n otherwise_o so_o judicious_a and_o observe_v have_v give_v himself_o up_o here_o to_o his_o own_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n he_o invent_v a_o new_a office_n of_o public_a register_n that_o be_v divine_o inspire_v he_o make_v notary_n and_o prophet_n the_o same_o he_o give_v no_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o that_o add_v and_o diminish_v which_o the_o scribe_n he_o talk_v of_o make_v he_o hat●_n not_o one_o tolerable_a argument_n to_o evince_v any_o of_o th●_n book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v fragment_n of_o great_a one_o indeed_o i_o shall_v mighty_o have_v wonder_v that_o so_o ingenious_a so_o sagacious_a so_o learned_a a_o man_n ha●_n broach_v such_o groundless_a notion_n if_o i_o do_v no●_n consider_v that_o this_o subtle_a romanist_n design_n here●●_n as_o most_o of_o that_o church_n general_o do_v to_o deprecia●●●_n the_o bible_n and_o to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o book_n of_o fragment_n and_o shred_n that_o so_o when_o our_o esteem_n 〈◊〉_d the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n be_v weaken_v yea_o take_a away_o we_o may_v whole_o rest_v upon_o tradition_n an●_n find_v our_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d that_o alone_o this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o drive_v at_o in_o 〈◊〉_d critical_a history_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o all_o sober_a and_o considerate_a person_n will_v beware_v of_o he_o when_o they_o discover_v this_o design_n the●_n will_v easy_o see_v through_o his_o plausible_a story_n fo●●_n surmise_n bold_a conjecture_n and_o seem_a arg●mentations_n and_o they_o will_v have_v the_o great_a reverence_n for_o the_o bible_n because_o he_o and_o other_o hau●_n attack_v it_o with_o so_o much_o contempt_n and_o rudeness_n and_o purposely_o bring_v its_o authority_n into_o question_n that_o they_o may_v set_v up_o something_o else_o above_o 〈◊〉_d notwithstanding_o then_o the_o cavil_n and_o objection_n of_o design_v man_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v an●_n avouch_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o to_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v that_o the_o book_n be_v entire_o transmit_v to_o we_o without_o any_o corruption_n and_o be_v the_o same_o that_o ever_o they_o be_v without_z and_o diminution_n or_o addition_n we_o have_v they_o as_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o first_o author_n we_o have_v they_o entire_a and_o perfect_a and_o not_o as_o some_o fond_o suggest_v contract_v abbreviate_v curtail_v unto_o the_o jew_n the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v his_o oracle_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o they_o show_v themselves_o conscientious_a and_o diligent_a conservator_n of_o they_o the_o jewish_a nation_n say_v st._n augustin_n have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v 23._o the_o chest-keeper_n for_o the_o christian_n they_o have_v faithful_o preserve_v that_o sacred_a depositum_fw-la for_o they_o they_o have_v safe_o keep_v that_o ark_n wherein_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v lock_v up_o god_n will_v have_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v librarii_fw-la christianorum_fw-la say_v 60._o drusius_n keeper_n of_o those_o sacred_a volume_n for_o we_o christian_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o keep_v they_o with_o great_a care_n the_o like_a whereof_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v to_o have_v be_v take_v in_o preserve_v any_o other_o sort_n of_o write_n under_o heaven_n and_o see_v they_o have_v so_o careful_o hand_v the_o old_a testament_n down_o to_o we_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o receive_v it_o with_o a_o proportionable_a thankfulness_n and_o to_o reckon_v this_o their_o deliver_v of_o those_o write_n down_o to_o we_o as_o no_o mean_a argument_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o certainty_n second_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v confirm_v by_o external_n testimony_n or_o tradition_n no_o less_o than_o that_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v the_o authentic_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n that_o this_o book_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a some_o of_o the_o father_n and_o first_o writer_n give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o those_o which_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n athanasius_n particular_o enumerate_v those_o book_n set_v down_o all_o those_o which_o we_o now_o embrace_v as_o canonical_a and_o no_o other_o and_o many_o of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o first_o age_n after_o christ_n as_o irenaeus_n justin_n martyr_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n origen_n tertullian_n etc._n etc._n quote_v the_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o they_o be_v now_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o in_o the_o father_n sometime_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o exact_o what_o we_o find_v it_o and_o read_v it_o at_o this_o day_n this_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o they_o sometime_o quote_v the_o mean_v not_o the_o very_a word_n at_o other_o time_n their_o memory_n fail_v they_o as_o to_o the_o word_n and_o thence_o they_o change_v they_o into_o other_o and_o instead_o of_o those_o in_o the_o text_n use_v some_o that_o be_v like_o they_o so_o when_o they_o be_v in_o haste_n and_o not_o at_o leisure_n to_o consult_v the_o text_n they_o make_v use_v of_o such_o word_n and_o expression_n as_o they_o think_v come_v near_a to_o it_o sac._n heinsius_n show_v this_o in_o a_o vast_a many_o place_n sometime_o they_o contract_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o give_v only_o the_o brief_a sense_n of_o it_o at_o other_o time_n they_o enlarge_v it_o and_o present_v we_o with_o a_o comment_n upon_o it_o yea_o sometime_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n and_o as_o their_o matter_n lead_v they_o to_o it_o they_o invert_v the_o word_n and_o misplace_v the_o part_n of_o the_o text._n but_o no_o man_n ought_v hence_o to_o infer_v that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n then_o and_o now_o be_v not_o the_o same_o and_o as_o for_o the_o number_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n and_o their_o book_n it_o hat●_n be_v always_o the_o same_o i._n e._n the_o same_o catalogue_n and_o canon_n have_v be_v general_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v true_a some_o particular_a book_n have_v be_v question_v but_o by_o a_o few_o only_a and_o for_o a_o time_n but_o the_o church_n be_v at_o last_o full_o satisfy_v about_o they_o the_o generality_n o●_n christian_n agree_v to_o own_o all_o those_o book_n which_o be_v now_o own_v by_o we_o all_o the_o eastern_a church_n hold_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n to_o be_v canonical_a though_o the_o latin_n it_o be_v grant_v be_v not_o so_o unanimous_a this_o epistle_n and_o that_o of_o st._n james_n the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o st._n john_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n jude_n and_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v question_v in_o the_o first_o century_n say_v 23._o eusebius_n but_o he_o acquaint_v we_o withal_o that_o they_o be_v afterward_o by_o general_a consent_n receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o doubt_n be_v resolve_v upon_o mature_a deliberation_n so_o that_o the_o question_n of_o those_o book_n be_v now_o a_o con●●rmation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o
they_o they_o be_v once_o doubt_v of_o that_o for_o the_o future_a they_o may_v be_v unquestionable_a and_o to_o come_v down_o to_o latter_a time_n what_o if_o two_o or_o three_o man_n of_o late_a as_o hemmingius_n baldwin_n eckard_n think_v revelation_n some_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n apocryphal_a and_o what_o if_o luther_n himself_o seem_v to_o say_v as_o much_o what_o do_v this_o signify_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o universal_a and_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o other_o and_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o at_o all_o but_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v first_o write_v in_o greek_a as_o we_o now_o receive_v it_o be_v attest_v by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o ancient_n who_o make_v enquiry_n into_o these_o thing_n only_o two_o book_n be_v except_v by_o some_o for_o though_o many_o of_o the_o lightfoot_n learned_a modern_n maintain_v that_o st._n matthew_n gospel_n be_v write_v original_o in_o greek_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o some_o of_o the_o augustine_n father_n hold_v it_o be_v write_v first_o in_o hebrew_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v st._n ecclesiast_n jerom_n the_o original_a hebrew_n be_v extant_a in_o his_o time_n and_o he_o translate_v the_o gospel_n into_o latin_a from_o that_o copy_n who_o turn_v it_o into_o greek_a be_v not_o certain_a but_o it_o be_v either_o by_o st._n matthew_n himself_o or_o by_o some_o apostolical_a person_n inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o the_o greek_a we_o now_o have_v be_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o the_o other_o the_o father_n likewise_o general_o say_v that_o st._n pa●●_n write_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o their_o own_o tongue_n and_o that_o st._n luke_n or_o st._n clement_n turn_v it_o into_o greek_a the_o contrary_n be_v hold_v by_o some_o modern_n particular_o cajetan_n among_o the_o romanist_n and_o by_o many_o of_o the_o reformed-way_n but_o except_v i_o say_v these_o two_o book_n it_o be_v universal_o agree_v that_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n be_v write_v in_o greek_a and_o one_o reason_n may_v be_v because_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o jew_n live_v among_o the_o greek_n and_o use_v their_o tongue_n and_o therefore_o this_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v sit_o write_v in_o greek_a as_o the_o other_o be_v long_o before_o translate_v into_o that_o tongue_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o these_o disperse_a jew_n therefore_o call_v the_o disperse_v among_o the_o gentile_n or_o according_a to_o the_o original_a the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o greek_n john_n 7._o 35._o who_o understand_v and_o speak_v the_o greek_a language_n the_o new_a testament_n be_v put_v forth_o in_o that_o tongue_n moreover_o this_o be_v the_o most_o general_o receive_v language_n at_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o the_o fit_a for_o the_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n for_o though_o i_o do_v not_o think_v the_o j●ws_n at_o jerusalem_n speak_v no_o other_o than_o the_o greek_a tongue_n among_o themselves_o as_o isaac_n vossius_fw-la confident_o hold_v and_o be_v therein_o right_o blame_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o late_a french_a critic_n yet_o i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o the_o greek_a tongue_n be_v universal_o understand_v and_o be_v with_o the_o latin_a juvenal_n the_o language_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o therefore_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o communicate_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o world_n poet._n tully_n acquaint_v we_o that_o in_o all_o the_o roman_a empire_n greek_n be_v vulgar_o understand_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v in_o that_o tongue_n and_o that_o st._n paul_n write_v not_o only_o to_o the_o galatian_n etc._n etc._n but_o to_o the_o roman_n in_o greek_a for_o they_o all_o understand_v it_o it_o be_v the_o modish_a and_o courtly_a way_n of_o speech_n at_o rome_n as_o the_o french_a be_v now_o with_o we_o their_o very_a woman_n affect_v to_o learn_v and_o speak_v greek_a for_o which_o they_o be_v jeer_v by_o the_o satirist_n who_o call_v rome_n the_o greek_a city_n in_o short_a all_o the_o eastern_a people_n speak_v greek_n more_o or_o less_o from_o the_o time_n that_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o his_o captain_n spread_v their_o dominion_n in_o the_o east_n the_o syrian_n egyptian_n persian_n and_o people_n of_o the_o lesser_a asia_n be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o language_n the_o jew_n of_o any_o considerable_a quality_n understand_v greek_n as_o well_o as_o their_o own_o tongue_n whence_o josephus_n a_o jewish_a priest_n or_o of_o the_o priestly_a stock_n write_v his_o book_n in_o greek_a the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n than_o may_v well_o write_v in_o the_o same_o tongue_n it_o be_v so_o common_a and_o every_o where_o understand_v especial_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n on_o another_o account_n that_o st._n paul_n write_v in_o greek_a for_o it_o be_v his_o native_a tongue_n he_o be_v of_o tarsus_n which_o be_v a_o city_n of_o greece_n we_o may_v then_o very_o just_o look_v upon_o the_o greek_a language_n as_o the_o original_a text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v that_o these_o greek_a copy_n which_o we_o now_o have_v and_o use_v be_v true_a and_o authentic_a though_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o differ_v and_o none_o be_v observe_v to_o oppose_v this_o but_o those_o who_o do_v it_o upon_o some_o interest_n and_o design_n i._n e._n to_o maintain_v some_o peculiar_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v take_v up_o the_o variety_n of_o readins_n shall_v not_o prejudice_v we_o much_o less_o ought_v we_o to_o alter_v the_o readins_n of_o the_o copy_n and_o to_o substitute_v new_a one_o at_o our_o pleasure_n which_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o theodore_n beza_n though_o on_o other_o account_v a_o excellent_a person_n and_o one_o that_o have_v high_o deserve_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v unsufferable_o bold_a in_o coin_v new_a readins_n of_o the_o text._n when_o he_o can_v find_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o place_n he_o present_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o copy_n and_o produce_v a_o new_a read_n which_o have_v bring_v a_o great_a scandal_n upon_o his_o annotation_n on_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o otherwise_o be_v fraught_v with_o admirable_a learning_n and_o discover_v his_o profound_a skill_n in_o divine_a criticism_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a manuscript_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o cheat_n for_o questionless_a they_o will_v have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n therefore_o it_o be_v downright_a imposture_n and_o beza_n be_v gross_o delude_v by_o it_o let_v we_o from_o his_o miscarriage_n learn_v to_o be_v cautious_a and_o not_o to_o venture_v so_o bold_o upon_o alter_v the_o greek_a copy_n this_o be_v a_o very_a rash_a and_o unaccountable_a undertake_n especial_o in_o a_o single_a person_n and_o much_o more_o when_o it_o be_v very_o usual_a and_o frequent_a to_o speak_v next_o both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n together_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o be_v establish_v by_o consider_v this_o that_o though_o bellarmine_n and_o other_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n who_o be_v follow_v by_o lewis_n cappel_n and_o some_o other_o that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o protestant_n cry_v out_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v alter_v and_o corrupt_v by_o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o transcriber_n and_o that_o the_o text_n be_v uncertain_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o different_a readins_n and_o variety_n of_o translation_n which_o be_v do_v out_o of_o design_n viz._n to_o debase_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n and_o to_o make_v man_n fly_v to_o tradition_n and_o rest_v whole_o in_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o i_o wish_v i_o may_v not_o add_v thereby_o to_o undermine_v some_o of_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o various_a readins_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o so_o many_o as_o be_v pretend_v and_o all_o the_o various_a copy_n in_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o nation_n at_o this_o day_n do_v agree_v in_o all_o material_a point_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v translate_v from_o those_o copy_n into_o many_o language_n concur_v in_o the_o same_o substantial_a thing_n again_o as_o to_o those_o various_a readins_n which_o be_v produce_v we_o may_v just_o allege_v the_o word_n of_o a_o scripture_n excellent_a man_n they_o be_v not_o argument_n say_v he_o of_o the_o scripture_n corruption_n but_o of_o god_n providence_n and_o of_o human_a
industry_n to_o preserve_v scripture_n from_o corruption_n we_o may_v gather_v from_o this_o diversity_n of_o readins_n that_o man_n have_v be_v very_o inquisitive_a and_o careful_a in_o their_o compare_v of_o copy_n but_o we_o can_v thence_o argue_v that_o the_o text_n be_v adulterate_v yea_o rather_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o from_o this_o compare_v and_o vie_v of_o copy_n we_o come_v to_o know_v and_o be_v ascertain_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o authentic_a one_o and_o we_o may_v far_o add_v with_o the_o same_o excellent_a author_n that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a since_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o indeed_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o that_o that_o the_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n shall_v have_v be_v corrupt_v for_o the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n be_v then_o such_o have_v be_v since_o much_o more_o such_o and_o so_o far_o disperse_v that_o neither_o one_o man_n nor_o one_o body_n of_o man_n can_v ever_o get_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n to_o corrupt_v they_o and_o if_o some_o few_o or_o m●●●ny_a copy_n have_v be_v corrupt_v but_o not_o all_o th●●_n sincere_a number_n will_v have_v detect_v the_o corrupt_a again_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n writer_n of_o the_o church_n do_v all_o ci●●_n these_o scripture_n as_o we_o now_o have_v they_o in_o everything_o material_a yea_o that_o most_o heretic_n have_v plead_v these_o same_o scripture_n and_o deny_v they_o not_o to_o be_v genuine_a to_o establish_v we_o yet_o further_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o these_o write_n have_v be_v open_o read_v to_o the_o people_n in_o all_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n in_o the_o several_a age_n since_o christianity_n begin_v and_o they_o be_v thus_o constant_o use_v can_v not_o possible_o be_v alter_v and_o corrupt_v beside_o that_o all_o private_a christian_n be_v exhort_v to_o read_v and_o use_v they_o in_o their_o family_n whereby_o they_o become_v so_o know_v and_o familiar_a that_o whenever_o any_o alteration_n be_v make_v they_o can_v present_o observe_v it_o last_o notwithstanding_o the_o author_n of_o a_o theologico-politic_a late_a tractate_n have_v bring_v divers_a objection_n against_o the_o usual_a tradition_n that_o such_o and_o such_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o though_o mr._n hobbs_n before_o he_o have_v do_v the_o same_o yet_o neither_o of_o they_o have_v effect_v it_o with_o any_o success_n this_o be_v all_o they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v only_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o civil_a to_o the_o holy_a write_n as_o they_o be_v to_o the_o profane_a one_o for_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o clear_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n under_o who_o name_n they_o go_v as_o that_o any_o other_o write_n be_v put_v out_o by_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v nor_o can_v these_o man_n vouchsafe_v to_o show_v that_o civility_n to_o these_o sacred_a book_n which_o even_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v do_v for_o when_o both_o ●hese_n oppose_v these_o book_n you_o will_v not_o find_v that_o they_o ever_o question_v the_o author_n but_o the_o doctrine_n only_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o look_v upon_o these_o man_n and_o such_o as_o take_v part_n with_o they_o as_o act_v with_o high_a prejudice_n than_o either_o jew_n or_o heathen_n do_v and_o according_o we_o be_v to_o slight_v what_o they_o say_v unless_o it_o be_v thus_o far_o that_o from_o their_o impotent_a and_o malicious_a cavil_n we_o may_v be_v further_o confirm_v in_o this_o persuasion_n that_o these_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v indeed_o write_v by_o those_o author_n under_o who_o name_n they_o be_v now_o receive_v that_o these_o scripture_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o copy_n we_o have_v of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o corrupt_v that_o god_n have_v preserve_v the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n from_o all_o considerable_a change_n and_o depravation_n his_o providence_n not_o suffer_v any_o such_o thing_n that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v now_o receive_v be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o and_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o be_v impregnable_a it_o may_v be_v expect_v i_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n which_o i_o have_v not_o reckon_v among_o the_o inspire_a write_n for_o do_v this_o i_o have_v good_a reason_n for_o i_o find_v they_o exclude_v from_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n by_o those_o that_o be_v the_o best_a judge_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o great_a keeper_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o never_o take_v these_o into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o jew_n believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n cease_v among_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o malachi_n have_v do_v prophesy_v they_o own_v no_o divine_a inspiration_n after_o his_o time_n and_o according_o receive_v not_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n i._n e._n book_n divine_o inspire_v 〈◊〉_d be_v write_v after_o malachi_n time_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d last_o prophet_n be_v not_o canonical_a be_v not_o of_o 〈◊〉_d authority_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o emphatical_a call_v scripture_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n inform_v we_o 〈◊〉_d scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o mark_n and_o criterion_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d be_v back_v by_o st._n peter_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o holy_a man_n 〈◊〉_d god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 〈◊〉_d those_o write_n which_o be_v not_o by_o inspiration_n 〈◊〉_d god_n nor_o from_o the_o immediate_a motion_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d ghost_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v as_o holy_a scriptu●●_n and_o such_o be_v the_o apocryphal_a write_n they_o wer●●_n write_v after_o the_o cessation_n of_o prophecy_n and_o divi●●_n inspiration_n and_o so_o they_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o can_v be_v esteem_v canonical_a scripture_o second_o the_o jew_n receive_v not_o the_o apocrypha_fw-la 〈◊〉_d to_o their_o canon_n because_o it_o be_v write_v in_o greek_n not_o in_o hebrew_n as_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v for_o god_n will_v not_o they_o say_v give_v they_o scripture_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o oracle_n of_o go●_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o authentic_a language_n which_o be_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n the_o apocryphal_a write_n be_v not_o such_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o and_o not_o take_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o sacred_a writ_n and_o as_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v by_o the_o jewi●_n church_n so_o not_o by_o the_o christian_a one_o you_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o frequent_o quote_v the_o canonical_a book_n never_o quo●●_n any_o of_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o which_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v not_o repute_v as_o inspire_a write_n otherwise_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o have_v cite_v some_o one_o passage_n at_o least_o out_o of_o these_o book_n it_o be_v their_o great_a work_n as_o you_o may_v see_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o god_n in_o former_a time_n they_o embrace_v all_o occasion_n of_o establish_v christianity_n upon_o the_o write_n of_o the_o inspire_a prophet_n who_o go_v before_o therefore_o if_o the_o apocryphal_a writer_n have_v be_v of_o that_o number_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v be_v quote_v by_o they_o and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o inspire_a writer_n again_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o immediate_o succeed_v that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o these_o write_n as_o divine_o inspire_v and_o therefore_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n look_v into_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n who_o without_o doubt_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o search_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v which_o be_v the_o divine_o inspire_a book_n and_o there_o you_o will_v see_v that_o those_o of_o the_o eastern_a church_n receive_v only_o the_o jew_n canon_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o old_a testament_n thus_o 19_o origen_n recite_v the_o canonical_a book_n of_o it_o as_o they_o be_v now_o reckon_v viz._n two_o
〈◊〉_d that_o demoniacal_a serpen●_n you_o will_v find_v 6._o origen_n assert_v that_o this_o be_v take_v from_o moses_n relation_n concern_v the_o serpent_n i●_n paradise_n and_o not_o this_o from_o that_o as_o celsus_n mo●●_n egregious_o fail_v in_o antiquity_n and_o chronology_n maintain_v 10._o eusebius_n also_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n affirm_v that_o this_o ophioneus_n refer_v to_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n and_o add_v to_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o pherecydes_n be_v conversant_a with_o the_o phoenician_n who_o worship_v their_o god_n under_o the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n the_o devil_n affect_v to_o be_v adore_v in_o that_o shape_n which_o he_o first_o assume_v and_o not_o only_o in_o phoenjoya_n but_o in_o other_o country_n dragon_n or_o serpent_n or_o snake_n for_o these_o be_v promiscuous_o use_v for_o one_o another_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o secret_a mystery_n of_o the_o gentile_n these_o have_v so_o great_a a_o veneration_n for_o serpent_n or_o dragon_n that_o some_o of_o their_o temple_n have_v their_o denomination_n thence_o and_o be_v style_v draconian_a say_v 14._o strabo_n the_o babylonian_n worship_v a_o dragon_n as_o the_o apocryphal_a write_n relate_v the_o egyptian_n worship_v opbioneus_fw-la as_o u●●_n eusebius_n testify_v and_o in_o their_o hieroglyphic_n they_o ●hewed_v that_o they_o be_v wonderful_a admirer_n of_o serpent_n for_o the_o head_n of_o their_o god_n be_v encircle_v with_o serpent_n and_o basilisk_n say_v horus_n the_o crown_n and_o dia_n 〈◊〉_d of_o their_o king_n be_v set_v with_o asp_n and_o suake_n serpent_n be_v the_o emblem_n of_o dominion_n and_o principality_n yea_o of_o immortality_n and_o divinity_n faith_n the_o same_o author_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o to_o our_o purpose_n eusebius_n observe_v that_o the_o egyptian_n as_o well_o as_o the_o phoenician_n use_v to_o call_v serpent_n 7._o good_a daemon_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a relic_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v assume_v the_o form_n of_o some_o goodly_a serpent_n and_o appear_v like_o a_o good_a daemon_n or_o angel_n of_o light_n when_o he_o accost_v our_o mother_n eve_n and_o lay_v siege_n to_o her_o integrity_n and_o to_o pass_v from_o egypt_n to_o greece_n there_o be_v here_o also_o some_o remembrance_n of_o this_o notable_a thing_n for_o the_o image_n of_o serpent_n be_v set_v over_o the_o gate_n of_o temple_n and_o consecrated_a place_n and_o general_o they_o meite_n paint_a serpent_n or_o dragon_n in_o all_o holy_a place_n as_o the_o ge●●●●_n of_o those_o place_n for_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o place_n appear_v in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o serpent_n among_o these_o grecian_n the_o devil_n be_v common_o worship_v in_o this_o primitive_a figure_n ●ore_o especial_o at_o delphos_n whence_o as_o a_o learned_a critic_n have_v remark_v apollo_n be_v call_v pythius_n and_o pytho_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o serpent_n i_o may_v add_v wh●●_n gent._n clement_n of_o alexandria_n report_n that_o the_o heathe●_n at_o their_o feast_n of_o bacchus_n be_v crown_v with_o se●●pents_n and_o use_v to_o carry_v a_o serpent_n in_o procession_n and_o cry_n with_o a_o loud_a voice_n eva_n eva_n for_o heu●●_n or_o hivia_n say_v he_o in_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v a_o strepent_n this_o latter_a be_v partly_o a_o mistake_n of_o he_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v in_o the_o chaldee_n that_o it_o signify_v so_o and_o be_v 〈◊〉_d word_n use_v by_o the_o chaldee_n translator_n in_o gen._n 〈◊〉_d and_o other_o place_n for_o a_o serpent_n and_o so_o we_o be_v then●_n inform_v what_o a_o reverence_n be_v pay_v to_o serpe●●_n by_o the_o ancient_n or_o what_o if_o i_o shall_v offer_v t●●●_n conjecture_n that_o eva_n or_o evia_n or_o hevia_n be_v plain_a remembrance_n of_o our_o mother_n eve_n or_o h●●●●_n or_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n termination_n he●●●_n or_o havah_n which_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a bec●●●●_n the_o proclaim_n of_o this_o name_n be_v join_v with_o t●●_n carry_v of_o a_o serpent_n which_o we_o know_v that_o unh●●●py_a woman_n be_v too_o well_o acquaint_v with_o a●●_n perhaps_o the_o word_n evante_n which_o be_v use_v by_o 6._o v●●gil_n to_o signify_v those_o mad_a frolic_v have_v its_o or●●ginal_a hence_o thus_o there_o be_v a_o double_a memorial_n i●_n that_o pagan_a festival_n solemnity_n to_o wit_n of_o a_o r●●markable_a person_n and_o as_o remarkable_a a_o thing_n r●●corded_v in_o sacred_a story_n now_o i_o ask_v whence_o ca●_n this_o memorial_n of_o serpent_n to_o be_v observe_v so_o ge●●●rally_o among_o the_o pagan_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o t●●_n old_a heathen_n be_v such_o adorer_n of_o these_o cr●●●tures_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o devil_n 〈◊〉_d worship_v by_o they_o under_o this_o form_n whe●●_n do_v this_o custom_n prevail_v among_o the_o phoenician_n ●●●bylonians_n egyptian_n and_o grecian_n nay_o 17._o s._n ●●●gustin_a acquaint_v we_o that_o some_o heretic_n christi●●_n make_v it_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o worship_v a_o serpent_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v leave_v the_o ancient_n and_o come_v down_o to_o latter_a age_n i_o may_v here_o allege_v what_o mensa●_n luther●aith_n ●aith_z he_o hear_v a_o merchant_n affirm_v namely_o that_o in_o the_o indies_n he_o have_v ●een_n people_n worship_n a_o great_a snake_n with_o the_o high_a reverence_n and_o honour_n imaginable_a of_o all_o this_o there_o can_v be_v a_o better_a account_n give_v than_o that_o which_o i_o have_v already_o offer_v it_o be_v questionless_a a_o remembrance_n of_o what_o happen_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o satan_n who_o have_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o god_n a_o glorious_a angel_n and_o therefore_o pass_v for_o such_o a_o one_o still_o among_o the_o ignorant_a heathen_n appear_v in_o a_o serpentine_a figure_n to_o adam_n and_o eve_n in_o paradise_n and_o this_o remind_v i_o of_o another_o circumstance_n of_o man_n fall_n viz._n the_o place_n which_o be_v paradise_n or_o the_o garden_n of_o eden_n which_o as_o i_o say_v before_o seem_v to_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o famous_a guerdon_n of_o the_o hesperides_n this_o i_o know_v have_v be_v a_o common_o receive_v notion_n this_o poetical_a passage_n have_v be_v usual_o apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o ●et_v we_o not_o think_v it_o the_o less_o true_a because_o of_o the_o commonness_n of_o it●_n if_o any_o man_n serious_o weigh_v what_o be_v report_v of_o this_o garden_n he_o will_v think_v it_o not_o improbable_a that_o the_o fall_v of_o man_n be_v couch_v in_o this_o poetic_a fable_n for_o this_o garden_n yield_v golden_a fruit_n i._n e._n very_a choice_n and_o excellent_a fruit_n and_o such_o as_o be_v as_o tempt_v as_o gold_n be_v afterward_o which_o plain_o point_v to_o the_o forbid_v fruit_n in_o paradise_n which_o be_v so_o desirable_a and_o delightful_a so_o tempt_v and_o charm_v and_o this_o fruit_n these_o golden_a apple_n be_v keep_v and_o watch_v by_o a_o dragon_n or_o serpent_n which_o plain_o refer_v to_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n who_o be_v always_o watch_v about_o the_o tre●_n not_o to_o keep_v the_o man_n and_o woman_n from_o eat_v ●_o it_o but_o to_o solicit_v and_o tempt_v they_o by_o all_o mean_v 〈◊〉_d do_v it_o what_o they_o add_v of_o hercules_n stay_v 〈◊〉_d dragon_n be_v a_o addition_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n 〈◊〉_d must_v always_o be_v expect_v in_o their_o represent_v 〈◊〉_d these_o story_n as_o i_o have_v intimate_v before_o 〈◊〉_d the_o issue_n be_v that_o the_o golden_a fruit_n be_v steal_v a●●●_n that_o be_v in_o plain_a term_n our_o parent_n do_v eat_v of_o 〈◊〉_d forbid_v fruit._n this_o be_v a_o downright_a stea●●_n or_o robbery_n for_o it_o be_v take_v away_o that_o whi●●_n be_v not_o their_o own_o and_o which_o they_o be_v strict●●_n command_v not_o to_o take_v away_o thus_o paradise_n 〈◊〉_d remove_v by_o the_o poet_n out_o of_o asia_n into_o africa_n 〈◊〉_d whatever_o place_v it_o be_v where_o the_o hesperide_n 〈◊〉_d their_o garden_n this_o fiction_n of_o they_o be_v ma●●_n out_o of_o genesis_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o garden_n 〈◊〉_d eden_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o of_o the_o forbid_v fr●●●_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o man_n be_v tempt●●_n and_o deceive_v whence_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d poet_n philosopher_n and_o sage_n among_o the_o heath●●●_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o mo●●●_n the_o inspired_a writer_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o transgression_n of_o man_n and_o the_o orig●●_n of_o it_o the_o depravation_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o ●●●serable_a consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o as_o the_o c●●sing_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o barrenness_n which_o e●s●●●_n upon_o it_o with_o the_o infirmity_n and_o disease_n that_o m●●_n body_n be_v
of_o mere_a fiction_n whence_o 10._o eusebius_n complain_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o mere_a fable_n in_o the_o greek_a history_n if_o they_o may_v be_v call_v history_n before_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o olympiad_n that_o famous_a greek_a epoch_n or_o computation_n which_o begin_v from_o the_o instauration_n of_o the_o olympic_a game_n by_o iphitus_n but_o when_o this_o be_v be_v not_o very_o clear_a for_o some_o say_v it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o azariab_n king_n of_o judah_n above_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o solomon_n other_o say_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o vzziah_n king_n of_o judah_n a._n m._n 3173._o other_o fix_v it_o a._n m._n 3189_o eight_o year_n before_o the_o birth_n of_o romulus_n and_o remus_n four_o hundred_o and_o seven_o year_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o troy_n other_o place_n the_o olympiad_n low_a about_o a._n m._n 3228_o other_o a._n m._n 3256_o about_o seven_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n before_o christ._n varro_n division_n of_o time_n into_o unknown_a fabulous_a and_o historical_a the_o last_o of_o which_o he_o begin_v not_o till_o the_o greek_a olympiad_n prove_v this_o very_a thing_n the_o most_o ancient_a greek_a historian_n be_v archilo●us_a aristeas_n proconnesius_n hecataeus_n milesius_n charon_n lampsacenus_n etc._n etc._n but_o nothing_o of_o their_o write_n be_v preserve_v herodotus_n be_v the_o ancient_a greek_a historian_n we_o have_v extant_a and_o therefore_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o history_n but_o he_o begin_v his_o historical_a relation_n but_o a_o little_a before_o the_o prophetic_a history_n of_o ezra_n nehemiah_n and_o daniel_n make_v a_o end_n you_o will_v find_v this_o argument_n prosecute_v by_o 1._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n who_o show_v that_o the_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v before_o that_o of_o the_o greek_n as_o much_o as_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v before_o the_o seven_o wise_a man_n and_o the_o sacred_a history_n before_o the_o argolick_a he_o show_v that_o thales_n and_o solon_n two_o of_o their_o wise_a man_n live_v about_o the_o forty_o six_o and_o the_o fifty_o olympiad_n and_o pythagoras_n about_o the_o sixty_o second_o than_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v much_o old_a by_o the_o confession_n of_o philo_n pythagoreus_n aristobulus_n peripateticus_n and_o megasthenes_n he_o compare_v the_o age_n of_o moses_n with_o bacchus_n the_o seven_o wise_a man_n and_o some_o of_o the_o grecian_a god_n and_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v above_o six_o hundred_o year_n before_o any_o of_o these_o he_o demonstrate_v from_o chronological_a computation_n that_o h●ggai_n a●d_v zachary_n be_v elder_a than_o pythagoras_n and_o that_o solomon_n be_v much_o seniour_n to_o the_o wise_a men._n and_o all_o this_o be_v in_o order_n to_o this_o that_o the_o greek_n as_o well_o as_o the_o chaldean_n and_o egyptian_n have_v their_o knowledge_n from_o the_o hebrew_n and_o not_o these_o from_o they_o see_v then_o that_o the_o ancient_a pagan_a writer_n be_v short_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n see_v all_o author_n and_o writer_n be_v after_o moses_n for_o he_o indeed_o be_v before_o all_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o be_v in_o pagan_a history_n 400_o year_n before_o the_o trojan_a war_n which_o be_v the_o first_o start_v of_o history_n with_o the_o greek_a and_o roman_a author_n his_o law_n have_v the_o precedency_n of_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o law_n be_v scarce_o extant_a at_o that_o time_n in_o all_o homer_n you_o can_v find_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o have_v no_o write_a rule_n to_o direct_v their_o manner_n by_o the_o will_n of_o their_o prince_n be_v the_o only_a law_n since_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o the_o transcendent_a antiquity_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v hence_o undeniable_o prove_v these_o be_v the_o ancient_a memorial_n in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o old_a monument_n of_o truth_n and_o consequent_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o first_o people_n that_o have_v these_o thing_n set_v before_o they_o and_o as_o a_o consequent_a of_o that_o all_o other_o take_v from_o they_o from_o this_o compare_v the_o antiquity_n of_o writer_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o moses_n law_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v not_o borrow_v from_o the_o pagan_n as_o some_o have_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o chaldean_n phaenician_o and_o egyptian_n yea_o that_o the_o arabian_n and_o persian_n as_o might_n have_v be_v show_v and_o as_o the_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n now_o a_o worthy_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n have_v prove_v in_o his_o admirable_a discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a and_o that_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n have_v derive_v their_o mystery_n from_o the_o hebrew_n and_o that_o all_o the_o gentile_a theologer_n borrow_v their_o great_a truth_n from_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o these_o be_v the_o ancient_a and_o first_o record_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o those_o that_o come_v after_o they_o take_v from_o they_o and_o that_o these_o sacred_a write_n yield_v matter_n to_o those_o other_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o pagan_a historian_n philosopher_n and_o poet_n be_v behold_v to_o the_o scripture_n second_o i_o will_v prove_v it_o from_o the_o way_n of_o communicate_v those_o scriptural_a truth_n and_o history_n to_o they_o 1._o this_o happen_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o commerce_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v with_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n chaldean_n phaenician_o egyptian_n and_o other_o especial_o in_o king_n solomon_n time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a commerce_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o these_o latter_a and_o then_o it_o be_v probable_a the_o egyptian_n learn_v many_o thing_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o solomon_n marry_v a_o wife_n thence_o so_o it_o be_v likely_a they_o affect_v some_o of_o the_o rite_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o people_n and_o espouse_v their_o custom_n and_o usage_n together_o with_o their_o notion_n and_o opinion_n it_o must_v be_v remember_v also_o that_o the_o chaldean_n phaenician_o and_o egyptian_n be_v the_o nation_n which_o greece_n trade_v with_o and_o so_o this_o country_n have_v a_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v the_o jewish_a tradition_n and_o custom_n at_o the_o second_o hand_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o you_o have_v the_o footstep_n of_o they_o so_o frequent_o in_o the_o greek_a author_n as_o well_o poet_n as_o other_o nay_o to_o speak_v more_o general_o judea_n be_v very_o well_o situate_v for_o the_o propagate_a of_o law_n and_o usage_n to_o all_o other_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v place_v in_o that_o climate_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n viz._n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o then_o inhabit_a earth_n to_o which_o convenient_a situation_n perhaps_o the_o psalmist_n refer_v in_o psal._n 74._o 12._o god_n work_v salvation_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o that_o of_o ezekiel_n concern_v jerusalem_n i_o have_v set_v it_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o nation_n ch._n 5._o v._n 5._o second_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v disperse_v over_o all_o the_o world_n by_o divine_a providence_n have_v a_o opportunity_n of_o communicate_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o gentile_n the_o main_a body_n of_o they_o be_v send_v into_o assyria_n and_o babylon_n by_o nehuchadnezzar_n where_o they_o have_v converse_v with_o those_o ●_z seventy_o year_n and_o a_o part_n of_o they_o be_v carry_v at_o the_o same_o time_n into_o egypt_n with_o jeremiah_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o they_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o holy_a write_n which_o be_v then_o extant_a and_o out_o of_o they_o they_o daily_o impart_v the_o passage_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o noah_n flood_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n and_o other_o the_o like_a particular_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n afterward_o when_o they_o be_v beat_v by_o pompey_n and_o make_v slave_n they_o be_v carry_v captive_a into_o egypt_n syria_n greece_n rome_n beside_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n some_o have_v free_o leave_v their_o country_n and_o go_v into_o egypt_n to_o make_v proselyte_n there_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o scatter_v into_o these_o foreign_a country_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o people_n in_o these_o part_n attain_v to_o some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n and_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o must_v needs_o hear_v and_o learn_v something_o of_o those_o matter_n converse_v familiar_o with_o the_o jew_n 3._o the_o jewish_a notion_n and_o custom_n may_v easy_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o gentile_n see_v moses_n write_n be_v translate_v into_o greek_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n if_o not_o before_o it_o as_o 3._o eusebius_n report_v from_o megasibenes_n a_o man_n well_o skill_v in_o history_n and_o who_o
observe_v how_o gross_o the_o latin_a writer_n be_v mistake_v it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n with_o they_o to_o confound_v jew_n and_o christian_n and_o to_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o they_o as_o i_o have_v show_v on_o another_o occasion_n 5._o tacitus_n description_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n together_o with_o the_o original_a of_o they_o show_v that_o that_o excellent_a historian_n be_v extreme_o ignorant_a of_o the_o affair_n of_o that_o people_n they_o be_v at_o first_o call_v idaei_n faith_n he_o from_o the_o mount_n ida_n and_o afterward_o by_o a_o addition_n of_o a_o letter_n they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o judaei_n their_o sabbath_n be_v consecrate_a to_o saturn_n he_o say_v and_o many_o such_o false_a and_o fabulous_a passage_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o account_n which_o he_o give_v of_o they_o so_o justin_n shameful_o err_v in_o several_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o jewish_a history_n he_o make_v abraham_n the_o three_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n israel_n the_o four_o joseph_n the_o five_o and_o moses_n who_o he_o reckon_v to_o be_v ioseph_n son_n the_o six_o in_o his_o whole_a thirty_o six_o book_n where_o he_o describe_v the_o original_a and_o increase_v of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n he_o have_v almost_o as_o many_o mistake_n as_o word_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o pagan_a historian_n exceed_o mistake_v when_o they_o treat_v of_o that_o people_n because_o they_o do_v not_o right_o inform_v themselves_o and_o endeavour_v to_o have_v a_o perfect_a account_n of_o the_o jewish_a matter_n thus_o josephus_n himself_o excuse_v in_o part_n the_o heathen_a writer_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o thing_n do_v in_o judea_n impute_v their_o error_n to_o want_v of_o knowledge_n and_o information_n yea_o he_o wonder_v not_o that_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v not_o know_v to_o some_o of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o write_v not_o a_o word_n of_o it_o for_o the_o most_o diligent_a historian_n 1._o say_v he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o france_n and_o spain_n and_o he_o instance_n in_o ephorus_n who_o he_o observe_v have_v so_o little_a knowledge_n of_o spain_n that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o one_o single_a city_n and_o no_o more_o we_o may_v observe_v likewise_o that_o little_a or_o nothing_o be_v mention_v of_o this_o our_o isle_n of_o britain_n either_o by_o greek_a or_o roman_a historian_n before_o casar_n commentary_n and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o take_v notice_n that_o neither_o herodotus_n nor_o thucydides_n nor_o any_o that_o be_v of_o that_o age_n make_v mention_n of_o rome_n although_o it_o have_v be_v in_o great_a power_n a_o long_a time_n and_o have_v wage_v so_o many_o war_n he_o add_v that_o all_o thing_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v new_a and_o of_o yesterday_o give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n why_o the_o greek_a historian_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o jewish_a affair_n they_o be_v themselves_o but_o upstart_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o though_o they_o know_v but_o little_a of_o they_o yet_o they_o feign_v many_o thing_n and_o represent_v they_o as_o they_o please_v especial_o their_o poet_n who_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o the_o jewish_a institution_n and_o of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o most_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v from_o those_o of_o that_o nation_n or_o from_o their_o book_n yet_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o invent_v and_o add_v and_o to_o mingle_v their_o own_o conceit_n and_o fancy_n with_o that_o little_a which_o they_o have_v hear_v or_o know_v of_o they_o 10._o some_o if_o not_o most_o of_o the_o heathen_n out_o of_o averseness_n and_o hatred_n to_o the_o jew_n pervert_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o that_o people_n this_o be_v a_o nation_n that_o be_v separate_v from_o all_o other_o and_o be_v different_a from_o not_o to_o say_v contrary_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n in_o many_o thing_n wherefore_o they_o grow_v odious_a and_o detestable_a and_o the_o pagan_n wilful_o misrepresent_v and_o traduce_v they_o and_o delight_v to_o load_v they_o with_o all_o sort_n of_o calumny_n all_o writer_n bandy_v against_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n they_o be_v all_o in_o league_n against_o these_o however_o they_o disagree_v among_o themselves_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o whenever_o they_o present_v their_o reader_n with_o any_o thing_n concern_v they_o they_o general_o show_v that_o illwill_a which_o they_o bear_v to_o they_o thus_o manethon_n the_o egyptian_a historian_n though_o he_o have_v many_o thing_n that_o agree_v with_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o the_o jew_n yet_o he_o misrepresents_a several_a particular_n and_o add_v other_o in_o disgrace_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o israelite_n and_o indeed_o from_o egypt_n be_v the_o rise_n of_o those_o malicious_a calumny_n against_o they_o for_o the_o people_n of_o that_o nation_n be_v sensible_a of_o and_o retain_v in_o their_o mind_n the_o many_o plague_n that_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o for_o their_o sake_n and_o the_o last_o mortal_a farewell_n in_o the_o red-sea_n and_o they_o express_v their_o implacable_a prejudice_n against_o they_o by_o reproach_v they_o and_o they_o teach_v other_o to_o do_v so_o too_o thus_o 36._o justin_n or_o rather_o trogus_n pompeius_n who_o he_o epitomize_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v expel_v egypt_n because_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o the_o egyptian_n that_o the_o plague_n which_o then_o rage_v among_o they_o can_v by_o no_o other_o way_n be_v allay_v than_o by_o that_o nation_n be_v be_v turn_v out_o diodorus_n the_o sicilian_a and_o 5._o tacitus_n write_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v thrust_v out_o of_o egypt_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n because_o they_o be_v scabby_a and_o leprous_a apion_n with_o a_o detestable_a impudence_n rail_v against_o this_o people_n and_o out_o of_o mere_a malice_n invent_v and_o forge_v lie_v to_o disgrace_v they_o he_o not_o only_o repeat_v the_o foresay_a calumny_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v expel_v out_o of_o that_o country_n because_o their_o body_n be_v overrun_v with_o leprosy_n but_o he_o add_v several_a other_o and_o miserable_o pervert_v the_o history_n of_o moses_n 1._o pliny_n avouch_v that_o moses_n be_v a_o magician_n and_o 16._o strabo_n reckon_v he_o among_o astrologer_n and_o diviner_n so_o joseph_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v skilled_a in_o 2._o magic_a arts._n though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v proceed_v from_o ignorance_n only_o that_o some_o of_o the_o pagan_a historian_n reckon_v these_o in_o the_o number_n of_o magician_n for_o they_o have_v hear_v of_o what_o wonderful_a thing_n these_o great_a man_n have_v do_v in_o egypt_n the_o one_o when_o he_o grapple_v with_o the_o egyptian_a sorcerer_n the_o other_o in_o interpret_n of_o dream_n and_o they_o conclude_v they_o be_v effect_v by_o magic_n according_o they_o represent_v they_o as_o person_n of_o that_o character_n but_o even_o the_o mistake_n of_o these_o gentile_a writer_n concern_v they_o and_o other_o show_v that_o they_o have_v hear_v of_o such_o man_n and_o the_o thing_n they_o do_v and_o they_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o history_n in_o general_n then_o as_o for_o the_o pagan_a poet_n the_o same_o prejudice_n and_o hatred_n reign_v in_o they_o and_o discover_v themselves_o in_o lie_n and_o fiction_n about_o the_o jew_n and_o what_o be_v relate_v concern_v they_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o they_o refer_v to_o any_o passage_n in_o the_o sacred_a story_n they_o malicious_o desile_v it_o with_o their_o own_o invention_n they_o distort_v and_o false_o deliver_v the_o circumtance_n and_o they_o blend_v it_o so_o with_o their_o own_o ridiculous_a fancy_n that_o they_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o fable_n again_o if_o we_o may_v give_v credit_n to_o 2._o demetrius_n 〈◊〉_d phalereus_n library-keeper_n to_o king_n ptolo_n 〈◊〉_d and_o who_o be_v the_o man_n that_o first_o excite_v he_o to_o promote_v that_o notable_a work_n of_o tran_n 〈◊〉_d the_o old_a testament_n into_o greek_n there_o be_v this_o notion_n among_o the_o pagan_a writer_n that_o this_o holy_a book_n be_v not_o to_o be_v profane_o handle_v nor_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o make_v common_a by_o every_o one_o that_o undertake_v to_o write_v yea_o that_o 〈◊〉_d insert_v of_o they_o into_o their_o write_n be_v i_o gross_a profane_v of_o they_o and_o have_v meet_v with_o ●_o suitable_a punishment_n thus_o one_o theopompus_n who_o have_v insert_v some_o passage_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o his_o write_n be_v strike_v with_o madness_n and_o another_o name_v theodectes_n who_o make_v use_v of_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n in_o a_o tragedy_n of_o he_o be_v almost_o deprive_v of_o his_o sight_n for_o it_o but_o the_o former_a when_o he_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o his_o fault_n be_v restore_v to_o a_o right_a mind_n again_o and_o the_o latter_a upon_o acknowledge_v the_o like_a offence_n recover_v his_o eyesight_n this_o be_v relate_v say_v josephus_n
prophetess_n for_o such_o they_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v to_o assert_v the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o absolute_o and_o necessary_o follow_v that_o because_o the_o father_n use_v the_o sibylls_n verse_n to_o confute_v the_o pagan_n therefore_o they_o be_v true_a for_o they_o may_v suppose_v they_o to_o be_v such_o though_o they_o do_v not_o express_o declare_v it_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o return_v that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a probability_n of_o these_o sibylline_a write_n be_v true_a because_o they_o be_v quote_v by_o the_o father_n for_o 1._o many_o of_o these_o know_a person_n use_v their_o testimony_n if_o one_o or_o two_o only_o do_v so_o we_o can_v make_v no_o conclusion_n from_o thence_o but_o since_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o great_a number_n of_o they_o not_o only_o those_o before_o name_v but_o other_o express_o appeal_v to_o those_o book_n we_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n slight_a their_o allegation_n 2._o if_o these_o book_n be_v quote_v by_o the_o father_n but_o seldom_o and_o rare_o there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o great_a a_o motive_n to_o attend_v to_o they_o but_o see_v we_o find_v they_o not_o only_o once_o or_o twice_o but_o very_o often_o make_v use_n of_o by_o they_o it_o argue_v that_o they_o deliberate_o do_v it_o and_o it_o invite_v we_o to_o give_v the_o great_a attention_n and_o credit_n to_o they_o 3._o they_o quote_v they_o not_o as_o on_o supposition_n only_o but_o as_o true_a and_o genuine_a and_o such_o as_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v depend_v on_o 4._o the_o father_n be_v person_n that_o be_v competent_a judge_n in_o this_o case_n many_o of_o they_o be_v man_n of_o sagacity_n and_o of_o a_o critical_a genius_n and_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o have_v also_o time_n and_o leisure_n to_o examine_v these_o write_n and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o no_o and_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v their_o concern_v to_o do_v it_o for_o their_o religion_n depend_v much_o upon_o it_o wherefore_o those_o who_o blast_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n in_o this_o point_n have_v little_a reason_n to_o do_v so_o they_o be_v no_o credulous_a fool_n and_o such_o who_o take_v up_o any_o thing_n on_o trust_n they_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v these_o write_n to_o be_v counterfeit_n if_o they_o have_v be_v such_o as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o person_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o there_o have_v be_v of_o old_a and_o be_v of_o late_a several_a man_n that_o reject_v the_o sibylls_n write_n as_o spurious_a and_o counterfeit_n and_o who_o shall_v forge_v they_o but_o christian_n here_o than_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o answer_v that_o cavil_v that_o the_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o sibylls_n be_v ●orged_v by_o christian_a heretic_n this_o it_o seem_v be_v a_o old_a objection_n for_o origen_n acquaint_v we_o that_o it_o be_v make_v by_o the_o arch_a pagan_a celsus_n and_o lactantius_n after_o he_o say_v that_o this_o objection_n be_v renew_v against_o the_o sibylls_n book_n by_o some_o other_o pagan_a adversary_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v forge_v by_o some_o christian_n themselves_o behold_v also_o the_o modern_n concur_v with_o the_o pagan_n to_o defame_v the_o sibylls_n scaliger_n be_v very_o warm_a against_o they_o and_o hold_v that_o the_o father_n be_v much_o deceive_v about_o they_o 10._o isaac_n casaubon_n against_o baronius_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o sibylls_n to_o be_v suspect_v becman_n photin_n be_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n and_o say_v they_o be_v supposititious_a david_n blondel_n use_v all_o way_n to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v forgery_n and_o imposture_n and_o he_o hold_v they_o be_v the_o fiction_n of_o some_o busy_a christian_n who_o have_v the_o boldness_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o these_o cheat_n and_o romance_n as_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n and_o father_n say_v he_o receive_v counterfeit_a gospel_n act_n and_o epistle_n so_o they_o be_v cheat_v and_o abuse_v by_o ●hese_n spurious_a piece_n of_o the_o sibylls_n the_o learned_a dallé_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o prediction_n concern_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o kingdom_n be_v put_v out_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o sibylls●y_a ●y_z some_o christians_n who_o be_v fall_v into_o here●●e_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o use_v a_o kind_n of_o pious_a fraud●o_n ●o_z establish_v some_o part_n of_o religion_n they_o think_v it_o to_o cheat_v the_o world_n for_o their_o good_a and_o so_o they_o ●●blished_v these_o write_n under_o the_o name_n of_o those_o prophetess_n 34_o the_o learned_a dr._n cave_n who_o be_v ●ot_n wont_a to_o dote_v on_o these_o modern_n follow_v they_o 〈◊〉_d this_o opinion_n very_o close_o and_o leave_v the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o sake_n he_o peremptory_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o sibylls_n verse_n be_v make_v ●nd_o feign_v on_o purpose_n by_o the_o christians_n to_o up●old_v their_o religion_n and_o faith_n and_o they_o be_v da●●d_v by_o he_o from_o the_o year_n 130_o in_o adrian_n reign_n 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o first_o flight_n of_o they_o he_o say_v but_o all_o ●●is_n be_v suspicion_n and_o prejudice_n and_o bold_a affirma●●ves_n but_o no_o proof_n which_o will_v evident_o appear_v 〈◊〉_d you_o consider_v beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o these_o follow_a thing_n 1._o some_o of_o the_o si●●lls_n verse_n be_v extant_a before_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o be_v confess_v by_o ancient_a christian_n ●nd_v pagan_n and_o by_o all_o the_o learned_a antiquary_n the_o acrostic_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o last_o judgement_n and_o the_o consummation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v before_o which_o consist_v of_o so_o many_o verse_n as_o there_o be_v letter_n in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o verse_n begin_v with_o ι_n the_o second_o with_o η_n etc._n etc._n these_o i_o say_v be_v mention_v by_o tully_n in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o divination_n and_o be_v in_o a_o other_o place_n insert_v into_o his_o work_n as_o eusebius_n testify_v in_o the_o life_n of_o constantine_n and_o say_v they_o be_v translate_v into_o latin_a verse_n by_o he_o where_o he_o add_v that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o poem_n of_o a_o mad_a and_o frentick_a person_n for_o the_o composure_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o verse_n argue_v the_o contrary_a and_o show_v attention_n of_o mind_n skill_n and_o diligence_n these_o sibylline_a verse_n the_o initial_a letter_n of_o which_o point_n at_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v mention_v not_o only_o by_o tully_n but_o by_o 5._o varro_n who_o also_o live_v before_o our_o saviour_n time_n if_o then_o they_o be_v extant_a and_o famous_a before_o christ_n birth_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v be_v invent_v by_o the_o christian_n whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o sibylls_n be_v not_o obtrude_v by_o christian_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v there_o be_v any_o such_o before_o christ._n again_o virgil_n four_o eclogue_n be_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v the_o same_o now_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o and_o yet_o there_o he_o comment_n on_o the_o cumaean_a sibyll_n oracle_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a prediction_n of_o christ._n according_o in_o constantine_n oration_n regna_fw-la part_n of_o this_o poem_n be_v apply_v to_o christ_n and_o look_v on_o as_o a_o prophecy_n of_o he_o although_o the_o poet_n make_v use_v of_o it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o panegyric_n to_o the_o emperor_n augustus_n and_o to_o asinius_n pollio_n his_o good_a patron_n yea_o he_o ridiculous_o apply_v it_o to_o pollio_n son_n who_o be_v bear_v that_o year_n he_o understand_v those_o word_n borrow_a from_o the_o sibylls_n oracle_n jam_fw-la redit_fw-la &_o virgo_fw-la concern_v astraea_n but_o the_o sense_n be_v much_o high_a there_o be_v a_o reference_n in_o those_o word_n to_o the_o sign_n mention_v by_o the_o evangelical_n prophet_n a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n isai._n 7._o 14._o of_o that_o golden_a age_n which_o be_v to_o come_v he_o say_v incipient_fw-la magni_fw-la procedere_fw-la menses_fw-la what_o magnitude_n be_v in_o body_n that_o diuturnity_n or_o length_n be_v in_o time_n and_o so_o here_o be_v intimate_v the_o duration_n of_o christ_n reign_n who_o kingdom_n be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o shall_v stand_v for_o ever_o dan._n 2._o 44._o 7._o 27._o or_o those_o day_n and_o month_n shall_v be_v great_a because_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n to_o who_o whatever_n appertain_v be_v great_a whence_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o its_o kind_n the_o great_a be_v call_v god_n several_a other_o thing_n in_o that_o eclogue_n be_v transcribe_v out_o of_o
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
for_o prestegian_n or_o protegian_n as_o some_o think_v but_o this_o be_v disputable_a maldon_n in_o essex_n by_o the_o saxon_n call_v malodune_n be_v a_o corruption_n of_o camalodunum_n the_o old_a colony_n of_o the_o roman_n here_o godmanchester_n in_o huntingdon_n shire_n be_v so_o write_v in_o stead_n of_o gormonchester_n from_o one_o gormon_n a_o danish_a prince_n that_o have_v this_o part_n of_o the_o country_n allot_v to_o he_o but_o charterhouse_n for_o chartreuse_n the_o covent_n heretofore_o of_o the_o carthusian_n and_o shingles_n the_o common_a word_n for_o st._n anthony_n fire_n because_o it_o incompass_n the_o body_n like_o a_o girdle_n for_o cingles_n and_o good_a morrow_n for_o good_a morning_n be_v not_o so_o great_a depravation_n of_o the_o word_n refer_v this_o to_o page_n 254._o line_n 25._o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o furtum_fw-la we_o may_v perhaps_o think_v the_o english_a felony_n come_v thence_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o stola_fw-la signify_v sedile_n we_o shall_v be_v incline_v to_o fetch_v stool_n thence_o we_o shall_v have_v derive_v smoke_n from_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o it_o have_v signify_v any_o thing_n like_o fumus_fw-la and_o so_o a_o spade_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o spado_fw-la nay_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d denote_v any_o thing_n like_o placenta_n or_o laganum_fw-la we_o then_o shall_v have_v vouch_v even_o our_o english_a word_n of_o that_o sound_n to_o be_v derive_v from_o it_o finis_fw-la book_n sell_v by_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n the_o glorious_a epiphany_n with_o the_o devout_a christian_n love_n to_o it_o the_o second_o edition_n octavo_fw-la search_v the_o scripture_n a_o treatise_n show_v that_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n with_o direction_n to_o they_o therein_o twelve_o a_o discourse_n concern_v prayer_n especial_o of_o frequent_v the_o daily_a public_a prayer_n twelve_o all_o three_o by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n patrick_n now_o lord_n bishop_n of_o ely_n the_o old_a religion_n demonstrate_v in_o the_o principle_n and_o describe_v in_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n thereof_o by_o i._o goodman_n d._n d._n the_o second_o edition_n twelve_o imprimatur_fw-la april_n 6._o 1694._o carolus_n alston_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc._n lond._n à_fw-la sacris_fw-la a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n ii_o wherein_o the_o author_n be_v former_a underta_n king_n be_v further_o prosecute_v viz._n a_o enquiry_n into_o several_a remarkable_a text_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o with_o a_o probable_a resolution_n of_o they_o by_o john_n edward_n b._n d._n sometime_o fellow_n of_o st._n john_n college_n in_o cambridge_n london_n print_v by_o i._n d._n for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n and_o john_n wyatt_n at_o the_o rose_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxciv_o imprimatur_fw-la cantab._n oct._n 19_o 1693._o geo._n oxenden_n ll._n d._n procan_n jo._n beaumond_n s._n t._n d._n regius_n theologiae_n professor_n nath._n coga_n s._n t._n d._n aul._n pembr_n custos_fw-la jo._n covell_n s._n t._n d._n coll._n christi_fw-la praefect_n to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n simon_n lord_n bishop_n of_o ely_z my_o lord_n i_o once_o more_o presume_v to_o prefix_v your_o lordship_n name_n which_o be_v so_o great_a and_o celebrate_v to_o my_o obscure_a paper_n thereby_o to_o create_v they_o some_o credit_n and_o to_o derive_v a_o repute_n upon_o myself_o your_o matchless_a pen_n have_v purchase_v you_o a_o last_a renown_n and_o your_o exemplarly_a life_n and_o practice_n have_v add_v a_o far_a glory_n to_o you._n so_o that_o all_o the_o understand_a world_n count_v you_o worthy_a of_o 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 have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a father_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n as_o you_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v now_o in_o these_o and_o your_o strict_a life_n will_v have_v entitle_v you_o a_o saint_n you_o do_v all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o excellent_a man_n and_o a_o christian_a bishop_n you_o perform_v great_a and_o worthy_a thing_n yourself_o and_o you_o countenance_v even_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a attempt_n of_o other_o in_o a_o word_n all_o that_o be_v intelligent_a proclaim_v you_o the_o chief_a glory_n of_o our_o english_a prelacy_n my_o lord_n i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o this_o can_v offend_v you_o for_o he_o that_o be_v eminent_o virtuous_a and_o learned_a provoke_v the_o world_n to_o speak_v his_o worth_n and_o they_o will_v be_v infinite_o unblamable_a if_o they_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o due_a praise_n therefore_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o those_o writer_n that_o tell_v their_o patron_n they_o will_v not_o praise_v they_o lest_o they_o shall_v offend_v their_o modesty_n i_o will_v not_o dedicate_v my_o labour_n as_o mean_a as_o they_o be_v to_o a_o person_n of_o a_o mean_a figure_n in_o the_o learned_a world_n or_o in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o religious_a for_o the_o design_n of_o the_o dedication_n be_v to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v real_o praiseworthy_a and_o t●at_a even_o to_o a_o wonder_n that_o he_o be_v one_o that_o ought_v to_o be_v extreme_o honour_v and_o venerate_v for_o his_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o yet_o my_o lord_n you_o see_v i_o do_v not_o enter_v on_o the_o task_n of_o enlarge_n on_o your_o lordship_n praise_n the_o reason_n be_v not_o because_o it_o be_v unlawful_a or_o unfit_a but_o because_o it_o be_v too_o great_a for_o i_o not_o to_o give_v your_o lordship_n any_o far_a trouble_n if_o i_o have_v offend_v by_o this_o repeat_v presumption_n i_o have_v this_o to_o plead_v in_o my_o excuse_n that_o your_o merit_n as_o well_o as_o my_o own_o inclination_n have_v make_v i_o criminal_a and_o see_v my_o fault_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o duty_n i_o despair_v not_o but_o that_o it_o will_v meet_v with_o a_o pardon_n and_o that_o your_o lordship_n will_v aceept_v of_o this_o poor_a oblation_n from_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n be_v most_o devote_v son_n and_o servant_n j._n edward_n the_o preface_n when_o i_o have_v by_o my_o long_a forbearance_n satisfy_v the_o world_n that_o i_o be_v not_o fond_a of_o show_v myself_o in_o public_a and_o offer_v any_o discourse_n in_o print_n at_o le●st_n with_o open_a face_n i_o at_o last_o prevail_v with_o my_o s●lf_n to_o venture_v visible_o to_o the_o press_n and_o true_o i_o think_v i_o may_v appear_v now_o with_o the_o more_o confidence_n because_o i_o have_v a_o great_a while_n deliberate_v on_o what_o i_o have_v do_v in_o this_o nature_n though_o i_o be_v very_o shy_a at_o first_o yet_o now_o be_v enter_v into_o thi●_n employment_n i_o believe_v i_o shall_v make_v a_o practice_n of_o it_o till_o it_o may_v be_v i_o shall_v be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o run_v into_o another_o extreme_a but_o i_o shall_v not_o consult_v or_o attend_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o few_o prejudice_v or_o envious_a folk_n but_o go_v on_o with_o my_o work_n which_o i_o design_v and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o of_o the_o text_n and_o other_o subject_n which_o i_o discourse_v upon_o have_v be_v often_o treat_v of_o by_o other_o my_o answer_n be_v that_o i_o ●m_n glad_a they_o have_v for_o than_o it_o will_v appear_v what_o i_o have_v do_v then_o the_o reader_n will_v see_v i_o hope_v that_o i_o be_o no_o filch_n plagiary_n no_o apish_a imitator_n no_o rash_a and_o credulous_a swearer_n unto_o other_o man_n opinion_n that_o when_o i_o handle_v the_o same_o matter_n which_o other_o have_v before_o i_o i_o present_v the_o world_n with_o something_o beside_o different_a phrase_n and_o new_a method_n that_o by_o offer_v a_o fresh_a critical_a gloss_n upon_o several_a dubious_a and_o difficult_a passage_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o have_v clear_v up_o the_o s●●se_n of_o they_o and_o in_o short_a that_o i_o h●ve_v make_v some_o remarkable_a observation_n on_o the_o best_a book_n in_o the_o world_n if_o i_o have_v not_o perform_v this_o which_o the_o judicious_a only_o can_v be_v judge_n of_o i_o ●m_n sure_o i_o have_v endeavour_v it_o and_o have_v all_o along_o make_v it_o my_o grand_a design_n and_o business_n to_o ●elp_v my_o reader_n to_o understand_v the_o bible_n aright_o which_o certain_o be_v of_o the_o high_a concern_v next_o to_o the_o religious_a practice_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o i_o have_v sufficient_a warrant_n to_o break_v out_o of_o my_o retirement_n to_o
or_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v according_a to_o some_o threefold_a 1._o tropological_a when_o one_o thing_n deliver_v in_o scripture_n signify_v some_o other_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o conversation_n of_o men._n thus_o those_o text_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n wherein_o be_v forbid_v the_o eat_n of_o certain_a animal_n have_v partly_o respect_v unto_o the_o manner_n of_o person_n both_o jewish_a and_o christian_a expositor_n have_v think_v that_o it_o be_v design_v in_o those_o prohibition_n that_o some_o moral_a instruction_n shall_v be_v teach_v that_o people_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o natural_a inclination_n and_o quality_n of_o those_o creature_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o allegorical_a sense_n when_o thing_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v figure_n of_o something_o in_o the_o new_a or_o when_o particular_o they_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o christ_n or_o the_o church_n militant_a as_o the_o rock_n and_o the_o manna_n mention_v in_o moses_n history_n of_o the_o israelite_n 3._o a_o anagogical_a sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o be_v when_o the_o thing_n relate_v be_v applicable_a to_o the_o church_n triumphant_a or_o the_o life_n everlasting_a thus_o the_o enter_v into_o canaan_n and_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n in_o the_o temple_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n of_o they_o be_v mean_v of_o heaven_n and_o the_o state_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a quarrel_v about_o the_o apply_v of_o this_o triple_a distinction_n to_o the_o several_a passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v say_v to_o bear_v a_o mystical_a meaning_n and_o because_o some_o learned_a divine_n of_o the_o protestant_a persuasion_n disallow_v of_o this_o distribution_n of_o the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v avoid_v all_o wrangle_n by_o assign_v only_o those_o two_o general_a sense_n of_o scripture_n viz._n the_o literal_a and_o mystical_a and_o by_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o one_o liberty_n either_o to_o omit_v the_o particular_a subdivision_n of_o the_o latter_a or_o to_o apply_v they_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n or_o rather_o if_o i_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o vary_v from_o this_o receive_a division_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v divide_v it_o thus_o into_o a_o primary_n and_o a_o secondary_a sense_n the_o former_a be_v literal_a the_o latter_a be_v mystical_a and_o yet_o not_o so_o but_o that_o sometime_o as_o you_o shall_v see_v afterward_o the_o secondary_a sense_n be_v literal_a too_o for_o there_o be_v two_o literal_a or_o historical_a meaning_n in_o some_o place_n but_o the_o latter_a of_o they_o may_v be_v call_v mystical_a also_o because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o plain_o understand_v as_o the_o other_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o main_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a sense_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o for_o some_o particular_a place_n only_o have_v a_o mystical_a signification_n this_o be_v the_o most_o genuine_a proper_a and_o original_a meaning_n and_o therefore_o i_o call_v it_o the_o first_o or_o primary_n one_o but_o the_o mystical_a sense_n be_v derivative_a improper_a indirect_a and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v first_o and_o chief_o design_v and_o therefore_o i_o call_v it_o the_o secondary_a sense_n the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v that_o plain_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n which_o the_o bare_a letter_n and_o word_n themselves_o denote_v to_o we_o the_o latter_a be_v when_o some_o other_o thing_n be_v signify_v in_o the_o word_n beside_o what_o the_o letter_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o import_v the_o one_o be_v obvious_a and_o lie_v uppermost_a in_o the_o text_n and_o be_v the_o soon_o perceive_v but_o the_o other_o be_v more_o remote_a and_o lie_v deep_a and_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o discover_v but_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o moment_n yea_o general_o of_o great_a than_o the_o other_o more_o familiar_a and_o obvious_a meaning_n wherefore_o it_o be_v our_o concern_v to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o it_o the_o bible_n like_o that_o book_n in_o ezekiel_n ch_n 2._o 10._o be_v write_v within_o and_o without_o it_o have_v a_o inward_a secret_a and_o mystical_a signification_n as_o well_o as_o one_o that_o be_v external_a open_a and_o literal_a and_o we_o can_v never_o arrive_v to_o a_o true_a understanding_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n unless_o we_o have_v some_o insight_n into_o both_o i_o will_v instance_n first_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o secondary_a or_o mystical_a sense_n lodge_v in_o several_a passage_n of_o they_o indeed_o the_o holy_a language_n itself_o in_o which_o these_o be_v write_v be_v big_a with_o mystery_n i_o have_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v more_o word_n in_o this_o tongue_n that_o signify_v to_o hide_v or_o conceal_v than_o in_o any_o other_o language_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v a_o hundred_o synonymous_a word_n at_o least_o for_o this_o one_o thing_n whether_o this_o criticism_n have_v any_o weight_n in_o it_o or_o no_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v much_o concern_v but_o this_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o many_o great_a mystery_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o this_o abstruse_a tongue_n in_o the_o holy_a volume_n the_o jew_n who_o be_v conversant_a in_o these_o write_n acknowledge_v there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o literal_a but_o a_o mystical_a interpretation_n of_o they_o which_o latter_a they_o call_v inquirere_fw-la midrash_n because_o there_o be_v no_o attain_n to_o it_o but_o by_o a_o diligent_a inquisition_n the_o hebrew_n doctor_n say_v in_o a_o proverbial_a manner_n there_o be_v not_o a_o single_a letter_n in_o the_o whole_a law_n on_o which_o there_o do_v not_o depend_v great_a mountain_n their_o meaning_n be_v that_o there_o be_v vast_a mystery_n and_o profound_a sense_n in_o every_o word_n almost_o in_o the_o sacred_a write_n which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o another_o adage_n of_o they_o viz._n that_o 〈◊〉_d the_o law_n have_v seventy_o face_n it_o have_v many_o various_a aspect_n different_a signification_n and_o sense_n for_o there_o be_v mystical_a as_o well_o as_o literal_a interpretation_n of_o the_o holy_a text._n thus_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n though_o it_o be_v historical_a and_o set_v down_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o wonderful_a creation_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o of_o man_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o low_a world_n yet_o it_o be_v think_v by_o the_o wise_a jew_n that_o there_o be_v a_o far_a reach_n in_o it_o and_o that_o both_o moral_a and_o divine_a mystery_n be_v couch_v in_o the_o several_a particular_n of_o that_o narrative_a which_o moses_n give_v there_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n for_o which_o reason_n this_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v forhad_v to_o be_v read_v by_o the_o jew_n till_o they_o be_v thirty_o year_n of_o age._n it_o be_v agree_v among_o the_o best_a expositor_n that_o in_o those_o word_n in_o gen._n 3._o 14_o 15._o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o the_o serpent_n i_o will_v put_v enmity_n between_o thou_o and_o the_o woman_n and_o between_o thy_o seed_n and_o her_o seed_n beside_o the_o primary_n or_o literal_a sense_n viz._n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o irreconcilable_a enmity_n between_o mankind_n and_o the_o serpentine_a brood_n and_o that_o man_n have_v a_o antipathy_n against_o that_o creature_n shall_v labour_v to_o destroy_v it_o by_o ●ruising_v his_o head_n because_o there_o his_o venom_n lie_v whereby_o he_o do_v harm_n and_o the_o head_n be_v to_o be_v first_o attack_v if_o we_o will_v destroy_v this_o mischievous_a creature_n as_o josephus_n 2._o give_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o place_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v there_o be_v another_o for_o satan_n be_v mean_v by_o the_o serpent_n as_o well_o as_o the_o creature_n of_o that_o name_n for_o satan_n appear_v in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o serpent_n or_o rather_o actuate_v a_o live_a serpent_n and_o christ_n be_v mean_v by_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n for_o he_o be_v emphatical_o and_o exclusive_o call_v so_o because_o he_o be_v not_o the_o seed_n of_o man_n but_o be_v after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n so_o that_o this_o text_n be_v just_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o dawn_v of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o most_o early_o promise_v concern_v the_o bless_a messiah_n the_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n so_o likewise_o we_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o heb._n 7._o 1_o etc._n etc._n that_o what_o be_v say_v in_o gen._n 14._o 18._o of_o melohisedek_n king_n of_o salem_n priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n be_v not_o only_o literal_o speak_v but_o aught_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o high_a and_o
knife_n to_o thy_o throat_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o man_n give_v to_o appetite_n and_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 5._o 29_o 30._o if_o the_o right_a eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o if_o the_o right_a hand_n offend_v thou_o cut_v it_o off_o to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v prov._n 25._o 21._o rom._n 12._o 20._o heap_v up_o coal_n on_o your_o enemy_n head_n when_o a_o person_n be_v thus_o command_v in_o scripture_n to_o do_v some_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o command_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o secondary_a or_o mystical_a sense_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n so_o when_o god_n bid_v hosea_n take_v a_o wife_n of_o whoredom_n and_o child_n of_o whoredom_n ch_n 1._o 2._o and_o when_o it_o be_v add_v that_o he_o go_v and_o take_v such_o a_o one_o ver_fw-la 3._o we_o must_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o parable_n a_o mystical_a say_v it_o be_v a_o vision_n say_v st._n hos._n jerom._n so_o say_v jonathan_n the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v and_o 46._o maimonides_n agree_v with_o he_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o be_v do_v only_o in_o show_n and_o representation_n but_o not_o actual_o and_o real_o because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o direct_a prohibition_n in_o the_o law_n leu._n 21._o 7._o thou_o shall_v not_o take_v a_o wife_n that_o be_v a_o whore_n the_o mean_v then_o of_o the_o forego_n word_n be_v this_o that_o see_v this_o people_n brag_v that_o they_o be_v my_o people_n my_o spouse_n my_o child_n go_v and_o represent_v the_o true_a state_n they_o be_v in_o by_o a_o parable_n and_o let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o my_o wife_n and_o my_o child_n and_o no_o more_o than_o if_o you_o shall_v take_v a_o profess_a whore_n with_o her_o spurious_a brat_n and_o say_v that_o she_o be_v your_o lawful_a wife_n and_o they_o be_v your_o lawful_a child_n which_o be_v absolute_o false_a this_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o plain_a mean_v of_o the_o word_n but_o that_o command_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n gen._n 22._o 2._o take_v thy_o son_n the_o only_a son_n isaac_n and_o offer_v he_o for_o a_o burnt-offering_a be_v of_o another_o kind_n for_o that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v mystical_o but_o literal_o we_o can_v prove_v from_o the_o history_n itself_o which_o be_v so_o relate_v that_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o it_o be_v insert_v among_o other_o historical_a passage_n concern_v that_o patriarch_n whereas_o the_o prophetical_a book_n such_o as_o that_o of_o hosea_n contain_v in_o they_o vision_n and_o representation_n of_o thing_n speak_v of_o as_o real_o do_v although_o they_o be_v not_o beside_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o abraham_n offering_n his_o son_n isaac_n i._n e._n his_o bind_v he_o and_o lay_v he_o upon_o the_o altar_n and_o undertake_v to_o kill_v he_o be_v real_a thing_n and_o actual_o perform_v because_o we_o be_v ●old_a by_o the_o infallible_a penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o they_o be_v so_o for_o they_o allege_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o prove_v and_o demonstrate_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v heb._n 11._o 17._o jam._n 2._o 21._o wherefore_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v a_o reality_n and_o consequent_o the_o word_n in_o genesis_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o plain_a literal_a sense_n a_o three_o rule_n and_o the_o most_o useful_a be_v this_o see_v what_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v already_o interpret_v in_o a_o mystical_a sense_n by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o observe_v the_o nature_n occasion_n and_o circumstance_n of_o those_o place_n and_o thereby_o you_o will_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v what_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o according_o you_o must_v interpret_v they_o not_o after_o the_o bare_a letter_n or_o history_n but_o in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o order_n to_o our_o have_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o place_n in_o it_o that_o have_v a_o double_a sense_n chap._n ii_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n speak_v not_o accurate_o but_o according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a opinion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o men._n several_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o phrase_n expression_n and_o mode_n of_o speak_v use_v by_o the_o inspire_a writer_n be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o best_a classic_a author_n this_o large_o prove_v from_o the_o phraseology_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n more_o particular_o the_o similitude_n and_o comparison_n in_o both_o be_v alike_o the_o correspondence_n of_o scripture-phrase_n with_o the_o profane_a style_n show_v by_o grotius_n pricaeus_n gataker_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n the_o same_o moral_a notion_n and_o express_v in_o the_o very_a same_o style_n that_o there_o be_v in_o pagan_a writer_n in_o both_o man_n life_n be_v a_o way_n a_o pilgrimage_n a_o warfare_n other_o ethick_n notion_n viz._n that_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n be_v free_a and_o that_o all_o vicious_a person_n be_v slave_n that_o good_a man_n be_v wife_n and_o all_o other_o be_v fool_n to_o which_o latter_o the_o author_n reduce_v john_n 20._o 10._o though_o general_o interpret_v otherwise_o and_o comment_n upon_o it_o that_o good_a man_n be_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n that_o vicious_a man_n be_v dead_a that_o death_n be_v a_o sleep_n all_o which_o occur_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n as_o well_o as_o in_o pagan_a moralist_n the_o second_o proposition_n be_v this_o that_o the_o style_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v many_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o usual_a strain_n of_o other_o writer_n and_o author_n take_v this_o in_o these_o particular_n ●_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n speak_v not_o accurate_o but_o according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a opinion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o men._n thus_o it_o be_v a_o common_a observation_n but_o i_o will_v not_o balk_v it_o here_o that_o in_o the_o mosaic_a history_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v god_n make_v two_o great_a light_n gen._n 1._o 16._o and_o the_o moon_n be_v reckon_v as_o one_o of_o they_o whereas_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o sun_n but_o especial_o the_o moon_n be_v but_o a_o little_a light_n in_o comparison_n of_o some_o of_o the_o fix_a star_n but_o this_o we_o may_v true_o say_v with_o a_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n hexaem_n it_o be_v not_o moses_n purpose_n to_o act_v the_o philosopher_n or_o astronomer_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n but_o because_o the_o sun_n be_v near_a to_o we_o than_o those_o fix_a light_n be_v and_o the_o moon_n be_v much_o near_a than_o the_o sun_n therefore_o though_o they_o be_v less_o in_o themselves_o than_o those_o remote_a star_n yet_o they_o seem_v to_o our_o sight_n to_o be_v the_o big_a light_n that_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o the_o heaven_n wherefore_o they_o be_v emphatical_o and_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n call_v in_o the_o hebrew_n the_o great_a light_n though_o the_o least_o of_o the_o star_n be_v a_o great_a light_n than_o the_o sun_n or_o moon_n so_o though_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o almighty_a creator_n and_o preserver_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o hang_v the_o earth_n upon_o nothing_o job_n 26._o 7._o which_o be_v exact_o and_o philosophical_o true_a yet_o in_o another_o place_n of_o this_o book_n we_o read_v of_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o earth_n job_n 9_o 6._o which_o be_v a_o manner_n of_o speech_n adapt_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o can_v conceive_v how_o so_o great_a and_o massy_a a_o body_n as_o this_o ball_n of_o earth_n can_v hang_v hover_v in_o the_o air_n and_o be_v uphold_v without_o some_o prop_n and_o several_a other_o such_o expression_n there_o be_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v speak_v according_a to_o the_o popular_a apprehension_n and_o the_o seem_a appearance_n of_o thing_n not_o the_o exactness_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o therefore_o their_o attempt_n have_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n who_o will_v force_v a_o philosophy_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o present_v we_o with_o a_o body_n of_o philosophy_n jure_fw-la divino_fw-la as_o some_o grammarian_n and_o critic_n pretend_v to_o find_v all_o art_n and_o science_n whatsoever_o in_o homer_n poem_n so_o these_o fond_a man_n undertake_v to_o discover_v a_o complete_a system_fw-la of_o natural_a philosophy_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n but_o this_o be_v a_o very_a vain_a enterprise_n because_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o
same_o import_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o somniis_fw-la philo._n i_o conceive_v this_o may_v be_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o evangelist_n word_n however_o i_o propound_v it_o only_o by_o way_n of_o conjecture_n and_o be_o willing_a in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o arbitration_n of_o the_o wise._n i_o will_v mention_v another_o instance_n of_o this_o agreement_n of_o the_o style_n of_o pagan_a and_o inspire_a writer_n it_o be_v usual_o among_o the_o former_a to_o honour_v a_o good_a man_n with_o the_o title_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v usual_a in_o homer_n and_o among_o the_o philosopher_n plato_n especial_o it_o be_v very_o frequent_a who_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n be_v excellent_o discourse_v of_o by_o this_o brave_a man_n in_o his_o four_o book_n of_o law_n a_o religious_a man_n be_v a_o friend_n of_o god_n say_v 4._o max._n tyrius_n with_o who_o concur_v another_o epicur_fw-fr eminent_a moralist_n direct_o assert_v that_o good_a man_n be_v the_o friend_n of_o the_o deity_n epictetus_n and_o arrianus_n speak_v of_o god_n as_o a_o friend_n and_o the_o best_a friend_n ca●byses's_n advice_n to_o his_o son_n cyrus_n be_v be_v thou_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n as_o 8._o xenophon_n relate_v in_o short_a it_o be_v the_o common_a style_n and_o language_n of_o the_o best_a moralist_n as_o socrates_n antoninus_n seneca_n plotinus_n beside_o those_o before_o name_v to_o call_v a_o virtuous_a person_n a_o fri●nd_n or_o one_o belove_v of_o god_n especial_o this_o epithet_n be_v give_v he_o if_o he_o prosper_v in_o his_o virtuous_a erterprise_n if_o he_o find_v success_n in_o his_o laudable_a endeavour_n yea_o epictetus_n that_o excellent_a stoic_a philosopher_n and_o great_a master_n of_o ethic_n be_v honour_v with_o this_o 〈◊〉_d title_n as_o the_o high_a that_o can_v be_v when_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o his_o epitaph_n the_o same_o expression_n we_o meet_v with_o often_o in_o scripture_n the_o same_o honourable_a epithet_n be_v vouchsafe_v there_o to_o holy_a men._n abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v particular_o signalise_v by_o it_o and_o that_o no_o less_o than_o thrice_o 2_o chron._n 20._o 7._o isa._n 41._o 8._o jam._n 2._o 23._o of_o moses_n it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n speak_v to_o he_o as_o to_o his_o friend_n exod._n 33._o 11._o solomon_n be_v name_v jedidiah_n i._n e._n the_o belove_a of_o the_o lord_n 2_o sam._n 13._o 25._o in_o that_o mystical_a book_n of_o the_o canticle_n this_o name_n be_v attribute_v to_o both_o those_o entire_a lover_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n 1._o eat_v o_o you_o friend_n drink_z o_o beloved_n say_v the_o former_a 16._o this_o be_v my_o belove_a this_o be_v my_o friend_n say_v the_o latter_a in_o which_o place_n ring_v and_o dod_n be_v the_o like_a endear_n title_n with_o ob●b_n which_o be_v the_o word_n use_v in_o the_o text_n beforementioned_a and_o this_o further_o i_o can_v observe_v to_o you_o that_o the_o word_n obeb_fw-mi and_o obebim_n which_o be_v translate_v friend_n and_o friend_n in_o those_o place_n may_v be_v render_v so_o in_o many_o 4._o other_o where_o our_o translator_n english_a they_o he_o or_o those_o that_o love_n god_n in_o the_o evangelical_n write_n the_o same_o style_n be_v observable_a thus_o those_o word_n in_o l●ke_n 12._o 4._o be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n particular_o to_o his_o dear_a companion_n and_o disciple_n where_o he_o call_v they_o his_o friend_n and_o in_o three_o verse_n together_o these_o his_o faithful_a follower_n and_o associate_n and_o with_o they_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o holy_a man_n be_v style_v his_o friend_n joh._n 15._o 13_o 14_o 15._o and_o hear_v what_o a_o honourable_a epitaph_n our_o saviour_n bestow_v on_o la●arus_n john_n 11._o 11._o our_o friend_n lazarus_n sleep_v what_o be_v more_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o to_o say_v a_o wicked_a man_n be_v dead_a this_o my_o son_n be_v dead_a say_v the_o father_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n luke_n 15._o 24._o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o profligate_v and_o debauch_v be_v moral_o dead_a and_o so_o some_o think_v this_o term_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o those_o word_n let_v the_o dead_a bury_v their_o dead_a mat._n 8._o 22._o of_o the_o widow_n gi●en_o to_o luxury_n it_o be_v say_v she_o be_v dead_a while_o she_o live_v i_o tim._n 5._o 6._o and_o to_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n be_v in_o scripture-phraseology_a apply_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n ephes._n 2._o 1_o 5._o col._n 2._o 13._o and_o in_o several_a other_o place_n the_o like_a mode_n of_o speech_n be_v observable_a to_o which_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n be_v no_o stranger_n in_o who_o account_n vicious_a man_n be_v repute_v as_o dead_a hence_o a_o alex._n ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n observe_v that_o even_o in_o the_o barbaric_a philosophy_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o call_v those_o dead_a who_o abandon_v the_o right_a sentiment_n of_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v and_o make_v their_o soul_n slave_n to_o the_o animal_n passion_n not_o only_o pythagoras_n himself_o be_v wont_a to_o place_v a_o coffin_n in_o the_o room_n of_o his_o outcast_a scholar_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v dead_a but_o his_o follower_n and_o the_o platonist_n in_o imitation_n of_o he_o have_v the_o same_o practice_n among_o they_o for_o it_o be_v a_o acknowledge_a notion_n that_o virtue_n make_v we_o live_v and_o consequent_o that_o wicked_a man_n do_v not_o proper_o live_v but_o that_o in_o true_a morality_n they_o be_v right_o say_v to_o be_v dead_a plut._n there_o be_v want_v in_o they_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n as_o the_o spartan_a say_v after_o all_o his_o trial_n of_o erect_v a_o dead_a body_n into_o a_o live_a posture_n hence_o vice_n be_v deserve_o style_v hierocl_n the_o death_n of_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o man_n and_o epictet_n the_o mortality_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o relation_n to_o which_o guise_n of_o speech_n intermortui_fw-la mores_fw-la be_v in_o plautus_n corrupt_a and_o vicious_a manner_n and_o the_o like_a phrase_n be_v use_v by_o the_o jew_n the_o wicked_a say_v they_o be_v dead_a while_o they_o live_v and_o again_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o ●ab_n a_o dead_a carcase_n be_v better_a than_o a_o disciple_n that_o be_v void_a of_o knowledge_n and_o true_a wisdom_n and_o other_o such_o like_a expression_n there_o be_v not_o only_o among_o the_o hebrew_n but_o the_o arabian_n once_o more_o i_o will_v observe_v how_o the_o scripture_n speak_v as_o the_o best_a moralist_n do_v viz._n when_o it_o call_v death_n a_o sleep_n the_o hebrew_n verb_n shacab_n signify_v to_o lie_v down_o to_o sleep_v gen._n 19_o 4._o and_o likewise_o to_o die_v ●_o sam._n 7._o 12._o isa._n 14._o 8._o whence_o to_o sleep_n with_o their_o father_n be_v a_o usual_a phrase_n in_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n thence_o the_o grave_n be_v call_v a_o bed_n isa._n 57_o 2._o gneres_n be_v both_o lectus_fw-la and_o feretrum_fw-la the_o bed_n of_o those_o that_o sleep_n and_o the_o bed_n or_o bier_n of_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a as_o perhaps_o our_o saxon_a word_n grave_n or_o grab_n as_o other_o german_n write_v it_o be_v from_o grabatus_fw-la the_o psalmist_n mention_n the_o sleep_n of_o death_n psal._n 13._o 3._o and_o it_o seem_v this_o be_v the_o style_n of_o the_o ancient_a arab_n as_o appear_v from_o job_n 7._o 21._o i_o shall_v sleep_v in_o the_o dust._n if_o we_o descend_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o shall_v read_v there_o that_o lazarus_n sleep_v joh._n 11._o 11._o and_o of_o st._n stephen_n it_o be_v say_v that_o 60._o he_o fall_v asleep_a and_o of_o other_o holy_a man_n that_o 14._o they_o sleep_v in_o jesus_n and_o 18._o be_v fall_v asleep_a in_o christ._n when_o a_o good_a man_n die_v he_o lay_v himself_o down_o to_o rest_n he_o betake_v himself_o to_o his_o repose_n bid_v the_o world_n good_a night_n he_o shut_v his_o eye_n and_o open_v they_o no_o more_o till_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o resurrection_n the_o like_a expression_n be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o pagan_n to_o sleep_v and_o to_o die_v be_v synonymous_a term_n with_o they_o with_o the_o prince_n of_o poet_n sleep_v be_v not_o only_o 14._o the_o brother_n of_o death_n but_o it_o be_v the_o very_a word_n to_o express_v 7._o death_n itself_o nox_fw-la est_fw-la perpetuò_fw-la una_fw-la dormienda_fw-la say_v catullus_n perpetuus_n sopor_fw-la be_v horace_n language_n nox_fw-la perpetua_fw-la be_v propertius_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o virgil_n nox_fw-la aeterna_fw-la allude_v to_o which_o phrase_n be_v that_o of_o 1._o tully_n and_o other_o good_a author_n decumbere_fw-la to_o lie_v down_o to_o betake_v himself_o to_o sleep_v i._n e._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
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 corinth_n learned_a modern_a divine_a who_o think_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o hyperbole_n in_o scripture_n he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n grant_v that_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n because_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o lie_n but_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o he_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v any_o other_o account_n of_o some_o of_o the_o forename_a instance_n and_o several_a other_o than_o by_o resolve_v they_o into_o a_o hyperbole_n which_o be_v no_o lie_n nor_o a_o kind_n of_o one_o because_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o speak_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o moderation_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o as_o there_o be_v in_o scripture_n in_o use_v this_o sort_n of_o speak_v you_o meet_v with_o but_o few_o hyperbole_n in_o the_o holy_a writer_n and_o as_o they_o be_v rare_o and_o spare_o use_v so_o it_o be_v do_v in_o a_o fit_a and_o convenient_a subject_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n of_o their_o degenerate_v into_o a_o lie_n and_o where_o the_o story_n or_o other_o subject_a matter_n be_v not_o thereby_o false_o misrepresent_v but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o where_o writer_n immoderate_o affect_v a_o hyperbolic_a strain_n for_o they_o make_v use_v of_o it_o in_o matter_n where_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v use_v and_o where_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v endanger_v and_o where_o it_o administer_v to_o falsehood_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o poem_n of_o that_o historical_a poet_n lucan_n who_o be_v a_o prodigious_a and_o unsufferable_a hyperbolizer_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o mounseur_fw-fr balsac_n a_o extravagant_a hyperbole_n go_v all_o along_o through_o his_o letter_n though_o to_o the_o great_a person_n and_o man_n of_o profess_a gravity_n a_o great_a fault_n certain_o it_o be_v in_o those_o ingenious_a piece_n of_o he_o but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n there_o be_v nothing_o there_o romantic_a and_o extravagant_a the_o hyperbole_n be_v seldom_o use_v and_o when_o it_o be_v it_o be_v modest_a and_o become_v fit_a and_o convenient_a and_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o administer_v to_o levity_n or_o impair_v and_o endamage_v the_o truth_n again_o in_o this_o holy_a book_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o write_n there_o be_v that_o sort_n of_o speak_v which_o be_v call_v a_o irony_n i._n e._n when_o something_o be_v say_v in_o way_n of_o derision_n or_o scoff_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v mean_v as_o in_o that_o common_o observe_v place_n gen._n 3._o 22._o behold_v the_o man_n be_v become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o to_o know_v good_a and_o evil_a which_o refer_v to_o satan_n word_n to_o adam_n you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_a ver_fw-la 5._o and_o so_o man_n be_v here_o upbraid_v with_o his_o belief_n of_o the_o devil_n before_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n look_v you_o now_o be_v not_o man_n become_v a_o god_n yes_o this_o mighty_o appear_v indeed_o from_o what_o have_v befall_v he_o he_o have_v lose_v the_o divine_a image_n wherein_o he_o be_v create_v and_o be_v become_v a_o wretched_a sinner_n and_o apostate_n be_v not_o this_o creature_n then_o become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o or_o now_o suit_n he_o have_v be_v as_o one_o of_o we_o he_o have_v already_o experience_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o god_n have_v he_o not_o thus_o he_o be_v just_o deride_v for_o his_o wilful_a folly_n by_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n and_o if_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n it_o will_v not_o unbecome_v the_o son_n of_o men._n this_o ironical_a way_n of_o speak_v you_o meet_v with_o in_o 1_o king_n 18._o 27._o cry_v aloud_o for_o he_o that_o be_v baal_n be_v a_o god_n either_o he_o be_v talk_v or_o he_o be_v pursue_v or_o he_o be_v on_o a_o journey_n or_o peradventure_o he_o sleep_v and_o must_v be_v awake_v thus_o the_o prophet_n elijah_n mock_v those_o delude_a priest_n of_o baal_n he_o make_v himself_o pleasant_a with_o they_o even_o grave_a and_o austere_a elijab_n laugh_v at_o the_o baalite_n invoke_v of_o a_o deaf_a deity_n he_o play_v upon_o their_o serious_a but_o idolatrous_a devotion_n whence_o i_o gather_v that_o it_o be_v not_o light_a and_o unbecoming_a to_o scoff_n at_o superstition_n and_o jeer_v idolatry_n those_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n micaiah_n to_o king_n abab_n 1_o king_n 22._o 15._o go_v and_o prosper_v be_v a_o plain_a ironical_a concession_n in_o this_o sense_n those_o wo●ds_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v job_n 5._o 1._o call_v now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o will_v answer_v thou_o and_o to_o which_o of_o the_o saint_n will_v thou_o turn_v and_o chap._n 12._o 2._o no_o doubt_n but_o you_o be_v the_o people_n and_o wisdom_n shall_v die_v with_o you_o and_o that_o of_o solomon_n to_o the_o youthful_a sinner_n rejoice_v o_o young_a 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 presume_v on_o health_n and_o length_n of_o day_n no_o man_n need_v question_n whether_o those_o word_n of_o isaiah_n ch_n 8._o 9_o associate_v yourselves_o o_o you_o people_n be_v not_o speak_v ironical_o which_o be_v parallel_v with_o joel_n 3._o 11._o assemble_v yourselves_o and_o come_v all_o you_o heathen_a and_o gather_v yourselves_o round_o about_o etc._n etc._n and_o those_o in_o isa._n 50._o 11._o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o your_o fire_n and_o in_o the_o spark_n that_o you_o have_v kindle_v i._n e._n trust_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o can_v help_v you_o spark_n that_o give_v a_o short_a light_n and_o soon_o vanish_v that_o be_v a_o terrible_a bite_a taunt_n in_o jer._n 22._o 23._o how_o gracious_a shall_v thou_o be_v when_o pang_n come_v upon_o thou_o the_o pain_n as_o of_o a_o woman_n in_o travail_n and_o so_o be_v that_o other_o lam._n 4._o 21_o rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a o_o daughter_n of_o edom_n the_o cup_n viz._n of_o vengeance_n shall_v pass_v through_o to_o thou_o who_o doubt_v whether_o ezek._n 20._o 39_o be_v not_o sarcastical_a thus_o faith_n the_o lord_n god_n go_v you_o serve_v you_o every_o one_o his_o idol_n the_o like_a command_n we_o read_v in_o amos_n 4._o 4_o 5_o come_v to_o bethel_n and_o transgress_v at_o gilgal_n multiply_v transgression_n etc._n etc._n that_o also_o in_o mic._n 5._o 1._o must_v be_v reckon_v as_o speak_v ironical_o now_o gather_v thyself_o in_o troop_n o_o daughter_n of_o troop_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n o_o assyrian_n come_v and_o do_v your_o worst_a with_o your_o joint_a force_n invade_v we_o and_o most_o severe_o treat_v our_o prince_n and_o people_n yea_o by_o all_o mean_n destroy_v extirpate_v and_o even_o annihilate_v the_o church_n
a_o metathesis_n which_o word_n and_o many_o more_o without_o doubt_n come_v in_o with_o the_o roman_a conquest_n over_o the_o jew_n for_o conqueror_n carry_v their_o language_n with_o they_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v marvel_v at_o that_o many_o roman_a word_n be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v likewise_o several_a syriac_a word_n use_v by_o the_o evangelical_n writer_n and_o general_o interpret_v in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v as_o raka_n matth._n 5._o 22._o golgotha_n matth._n 27._o 33._o sabachthani_fw-la mat._n 27._o 46._o boanerges_n mark_v 3._o 17._o talitha_n cumi_fw-la mark_v 5._o 41._o corban_n mark_v 7._o 11._o ephphatha_n mark_v 7._o 43._o abba_n mark_v 14._o 33._o rom._n 8._o 15._o mammon_n luke_n 16._o 9_o cephas_n john_n 1._o 42._o gabbatha_n john_n 19_o 13._o akeldama_n act_v 1._o 19_o tabytha_n act_v 9_o 36._o maran-atha_a 1_o cor._n 16._o 22._o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eph._n 1._o 14._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 22._o be_v also_o of_o syriac_n original_a nor_o be_v it_o a_o wonder_n that_o we_o find_v a_o great_a number_n of_o these_o in_o the_o greek_a testament_n for_o after_o the_o return_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n their_o language_n be_v mix_v of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o chaldee_n and_o name_v the_o syriac_a tongue_n from_o the_o region_n where_o it_o be_v use_v as_o for_o the_o old_a pure_a hebrew_n the_o priest_n and_o the_o learned_a jew_n only_o understand_v it_o but_o this_o mix_v tongue_n be_v that_o which_o be_v general_o speak_v and_o understand_v by_o all_o the_o jewish_a nation_n therefore_o in_o this_o tongue_n christ_n make_v all_o his_o sermon_n to_o the_o people_n and_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o in_o it_o yea_o because_o the_o syriac_a succeed_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o hebrew_n the_o jew_n have_v lose_v this_o and_o take_v up_o that_o therefore_o that_o tongue_n be_v sometime_o call_v the_o hebrew_n tongue_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o in_o john_n 19_o 13._o where_o it_o be_v say_v pilate_n sit_v down_o in_o the_o judgment-seat_n in_o a_o place_n that_o be_v call_v the_o pavement_n but_o in_o the_o hebrew_n gabbatha_n this_o be_v a_o syriac_a word_n or_o a_o dialect_n of_o the_o chaldee_n which_o be_v the_o same_o but_o it_o be_v call_v hebrew_n here_o because_o syriac_n be_v become_v the_o vulgar_a language_n of_o the_o hebrew_n yea_o be_v their_o mother-tongue_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n so_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o title_n on_o the_o cross_n be_v write_v in_o letter_n of_o hebrew_n luke_n 23._o 38._o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o syriac_n be_v mean_v i._n e._n the_o superscription_n be_v write_v in_o syriac_a word_n though_o in_o herew_a letter_n 5thly_a it_o be_v useful_a to_o observe_v what_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o hebraism_n i._n e._n of_o phrase_n proper_a to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o these_o holy_a write_n not_o in_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n only_o but_o in_o the_o greek_a write_n of_o the_o new_a indeed_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o hebrew_n we_o can_v expect_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v use_v the_o hebrew_n way_n of_o speak_v such_o be_v that_o in_o gen._n 40._o 13._o pharaoh_n shall_v lift_v up_o thy_o head_n to_o lift_v up_o the_o head_n be_v to_o account_n or_o reckon_v for_o as_o some_o tell_v we_o they_o use_v to_o cast_v account_n with_o nail_n or_o pin_n stick_v in_o a_o table_n with_o holes_n and_o these_o pin_n be_v call_v head_n by_o the_o lift_v they_o up_o or_o remove_v they_o out_o of_o one_o hole_n to_o another_o they_o perform_v their_o arithmetic_n therefore_o moses_n express_v it_o thus_o he_o lift_v up_o the_o head_n of_o the_o chief_a butler_n and_o chief_a baker_n ver_fw-la 20._o that_o be_v he_o reckon_v with_o they_o and_o then_o different_o deal_v with_o they_o viz._n according_a to_o their_o desert_n the_o same_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o exod._n 30._o 12._o when_o thou_o take_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n hebr._n when_o thou_o lifte_v up_o the_o head_n and_o so_o in_o numb_a 1._o 2._o take_v the_o sum_n hebr._n lift_v up_o the_o head_n it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a mode_n of_o speech_n to_o signify_v to_o reckon_v to_o gather_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o to_o which_o answer_n the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o latin_a recapitulare_fw-la to_o bring_v all_o to_o one_o head_z which_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o hebrew_n style_n to_o fill_v the_o hand_n exod._n 28._o 41._o ch_n 29._o 9_o numb_a 3._o 3._o be_v a_o way_n of_o speak_v proper_a to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o we_o fit_o render_v it_o to_o consecrate_v because_o perhaps_o when_o they_o consecrate_a person_n they_o deliver_v into_o their_o hand_n the_o badge_n and_o instrument_n of_o their_o office_n another_o peculiar_a phrase_n be_v use_v in_o 2_o king_n 10._o 21._o ch_n 21._o 16._o ezra_n 9_o 11._o which_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v from_o mouth_n to_o mouth_n or_o mouth_n to_o mouth_n but_o it_o particular_o denote_v a_o place_n to_o be_v full_a of_o people_n and_o according_o be_v so_o render_v perhaps_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o when_o it_o be_v so_o they_o stand_v close_o together_o as_o it_o be_v mouth_n to_o mouth_n to_o give_v the_o hand_n to_o one_o be_v heretofore_o a_o way_n of_o expression_n proper_a to_o the_o eastern_a country_n the_o hebrew_n especial_o and_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o submit_v or_o yield_v to_o one_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 24._o jer._n 50._o 15._o lam._n 5._o 6._o and_o it_o be_v apply_v in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n 2_o chron._n 30._o 8._o give_v the_o hand_n or_o yield_v yourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n the_o same_o phrase_n be_v use_v by_o gentile_a author_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dare_v manus_fw-la be_v to_o confess_v one_o self_n to_o be_v overcome_v the_o form_n of_o wish_v among_o the_o hebrew_n be_v singular_a and_o not_o use_v by_o other_o who_o will_v give_v exod._n 16._o 3._o which_o we_o translate_v will_v to_o god_n so_o numb_a 11._o 29._o deut._n 28._o 67._o job_n 13._o 5._o o_o that_o you_o will_v benjamin_n be_v call_v a_o lad_n gen._n 43._o 8._o though_o he_o be_v four_o and_o twenty_o year_n old_a and_o have_v child_n the_o idiom_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n solve_v it_o to_o this_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o phrase_v thing_n may_v be_v refer_v gen._n 49._o 10._o nor_o a_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n for_o so_o the_o hebrew_n modest_o express_v the_o place_n of_o generation_n still_v it_o ragelim_n the_o foot_n and_o so_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o be_v mean_v in_o exod._n 4._o 25._o deut._n 28._o 57_o isa._n 6._o 2._o and_o thus_o the_o masorite_n for_o the_o word_n which_o be_v use_v for_o urine_n read_v in_o the_o margin_n the_o water_n of_o the_o foot_n 2_o king_n 18._o 27._o and_o sometime_o instead_o of_o foot_n the_o hebrew_n use_v the_o word_n thigh_n gen._n 46._o 26._o exod._n 1._o 5._o and_o loin_n gen._n 35._o 11._o and_o in_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o place_n moreover_o the_o peculiar_a way_n of_o use_v the_o word_n son_n among_o the_o hebrew_n be_v remarkable_a as_o in_o prov._n 31._o 5._o son_n of_o affliction_n i._n e._n the_o afflict_a son_n of_o destruction_n ver_fw-la 8._o such_o as_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v destroy_v as_o we_o render_v it_o son_n of_o oil_n zech._n 4._o 14._o i_o e._n the_o anoint_a one_o so_o we_o read_v of_o the_o son_n of_o the_o morning_n isa._n 14._o 12._o and_o the_o son_n of_o belial_n judg._n 19_o 22._o 2._o sam._n 23._o 6._o and_o sometime_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o person_n as_o in_o job_n 5._o 7._o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o burn_a coal_n i._n e._n the_o spark_n fly_v upward_o whatever_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o thing_n or_o whoever_o belong_v to_o any_o thing_n or_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n idiom_n call_v a_o son_n again_o the_o name_n of_o god_n after_o the_o hebrew_n manner_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v add_v to_o magnify_v and_o augment_v the_o signification_n in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n there_o have_v be_v some_o instance_n of_o this_o sort_n produce_v by_o critical_a writer_n on_o the_o bible_n but_o i_o will_v endeavour_v here_o and_o afterward_o to_o make_v a_o considerable_a addition_n to_o they_o but_o first_o i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o place_n or_o two_o which_o have_v be_v bring_v under_o this_o head_n but_o in_o my_o judgement_n belong_v not_o to_o it_o such_o be_v that_o gen._n 10._o 9_o he_o be_v a_o mighty_a
sometime_o very_o emphatical_a the_o repetition_n which_o some_o think_v to_o be_v needless_a tautology_n be_v very_o useful_a as_o well_o as_o elegant_a what_o be_v more_o frequent_a in_o homer_n the_o father_n of_o poet_n there_o you_o meet_v with_o verse_n and_o half-verse_n over_o and_o over_o again_o and_o the_o commentator_n on_o those_o place_n tell_v we_o that_o his_o frequent_a use_v the_o same_o word_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o his_o style_n be_v natural_a and_o genuine_a as_o in_o common_a discourse_n we_o be_v wont_n to_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n again_o and_o again_o and_o that_o it_o show_v the_o intenseness_n and_o earnestness_n of_o the_o speaker_n that_o it_o argue_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o matter_n as_o well_o as_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v to_o conciliate_v attention_n and_o that_o sometime_o it_o be_v a_o great_a ornament_n and_o elegancy_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v the_o mode_n of_o speak_v then_o in_o use_n and_o according_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o good_a author_n more_o or_o less_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o satisfy_v ourselves_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n when_o we_o find_v the_o same_o thing_n repeat_v in_o the_o bible_n especial_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n which_o far_o exceed_v homer_n in_o antiquity_n that_o reiteration_n of_o the_o word_n in_o gen._n 1._o 27._o god_n create_v man_n in_o his_o own_o image_n in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n create_v he_o he_o shall_v not_o offend_v we_o nor_o that_o in_o moses_n song_n in_o exod._n 15._o 16._o till_o thy_o people_n pass_v over_o o_o lord_n till_o thy_o people_n pass_v over_o nor_o those_o many_o reduplication_n in_o the_o song_n of_o deborah_n and_o barak_n i_o will_v sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n judg._n 5._o 3._o the_o mountain_n melt_v from_o before_o the_o lord_n from_o before_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n ver_fw-la 5._o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o village_n cease_v they_o cease_v in_o israel_n until_o that_o i_o deborah_n arise_v that_o i_o arise_v a_o mother_n in_o israel_n ver_fw-la 7._o awake_v awake_a deborah_n awake_v awake_a ver_fw-la 12._o the_o king_n come_v and_o fight_v then_o fight_v the_o king_n ver_fw-la 19_o the_o river_n of_o kishon_n sweep_v they_o away_o that_o ancient_a river_n the_o river_n kishon_n v_o 21._o at_o her_o foot_n he_o bow_v he_o fall_v and_o lie_v down_o at_o her_o foot_n he_o bow_v he_o fall_v where_o he_o bow_v there_o he_o fall_v down_o dead_a ver_fw-la 27._o to_o sisera_n a_o prey_n of_o divers_a colour_n a_o prey_n of_o divers_a colour_n of_o needlework_n of_o divers_a colour_n of_o needlework_n of_o both_o side_n ver_fw-la 30._o this_o repeat_v and_o reduplicate_v the_o word_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o blemish_n to_o this_o ancient_a song_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o great_a elegancy_n and_o a_o singular_a grace_n to_o it_o this_o anadiplosis_fw-la be_v deem_v a_o very_a become_a figure_n and_o may_v have_v be_v mention_v with_o those_o before_o in_o the_o best_a classical_a writer_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o here_o if_o the_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v in_o they_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o naturalness_n of_o the_o style_n and_o of_o the_o seriousness_n and_o fervour_n of_o the_o speaker_n of_o the_o weightiness_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o like_a we_o can_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o these_o ancient_a write_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o as_o in_o the_o sacred_a history_n of_o this_o book_n so_o in_o homer_n the_o messenger_n whether_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n or_o man_n relate_v his_o errand_n verbatim_o in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o syllable_n usual_o that_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o so_o that_o he_o alter_v it_o not_o in_o the_o least_o in_o this_o as_o in_o several_a other_o thing_n that_o ancient_a poet_n come_v near_o to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n i_o can_v remark_n unto_o you_o also_o that_o that_o excellent_a emperor_n antoninus_n have_v many_o thing_n in_o his_o book_n which_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o style_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n and_o seem_v to_o resemble_v it_o his_o way_n of_o write_v be_v like_o a_o emperor_n short_a but_o pithy_a and_o sententious_a many_o thing_n be_v not_o express_v which_o must_v be_v supply_v and_o understand_v he_o sometime_o use_v word_n and_o phrase_n as_o he_o please_v not_o as_o other_o writer_n be_v wont_a he_o have_v unusual_a way_n of_o express_v himself_o and_o sometime_o he_o coin_v word_n as_o it_o be_v his_o royal_a prerogative_n to_o do_v so_o with_o money_n he_o have_v several_a abrupt_a and_o incoherent_a period_n he_o be_v general_o neglectful_a and_o not_o study_v this_o be_v some_o resemblance_n of_o the_o style_n of_o holy_a scripture_n where_o there_o be_v a_o princely_a brevity_n wherein_o more_o be_v contain_v than_o express_v where_o be_v as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o anon_o either_o new_a word_n or_o those_o which_o be_v usual_a be_v apply_v in_o a_o new_a and_o unheard_a of_o manner_n the_o style_n seem_v in_o sundry_a place_n to_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o independent_a and_o in_o most_o place_n it_o be_v careless_a and_o no_o way_n elaborate_v but_o as_o no_o wife_n critic_n ever_o defame_v the_o emperor_n for_o his_o particular_a strain_n of_o write_v so_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n of_o judgement_n disparage_v the_o penman_n of_o holy_a scripture_n who_o he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v imitate_v in_o brief_a the_o bible_n have_v something_o in_o it_o of_o all_o manner_n of_o style_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o all_o author_n and_o where_o you_o see_v any_o defect_n in_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o grammar_n even_o there_o it_o be_v not_o unlike_a to_o other_o writer_n this_o may_v satisfy_v we_o amid_o the_o cavil_n of_o some_o censurer_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o have_v in_o it_o the_o same_o phrase_n and_o mode_n of_o speak_v and_o manner_n of_o use_v they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o best_a greek_n and_o latin_a write_n let_v we_o come_v then_o to_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n as_o we_o see_v man_n do_v to_o homer_n and_o virgil._n this_o be_v a_o fair_a request_n any_o man_n will_v say_v and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v now_o you_o see_v that_o if_o any_o thing_n less_o grammatical_a or_o elegant_a occur_v in_o those_o writer_n the_o course_n which_o be_v take_v be_v this_o lexicon_n and_o dictionary_n be_v consult_v the_o master_n of_o grammar_n and_o rhetoric_n be_v advise_v with_o interpreter_n be_v search_v into_o other_o author_n be_v compare_v with_o these_o and_o their_o business_n be_v to_o reconcile_v they_o and_o to_o make_v sense_n of_o these_o poet_n and_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o make_v they_o speak_v well_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o do_v thus_o with_o the_o sacred_a write_n shall_v we_o not_o endeavour_v by_o all_o those_o way_n to_o vindicate_v the_o credit_n of_o they_o and_o to_o justify_v the_o propriety_n and_o excellency_n of_o their_o style_n when_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o by_o great_a example_n from_o the_o best_a and_o most_o celebrate_a writer_n among_o the_o moral_a philosopher_n orator_n poet_n historian_n the_o worthy_a knight_n beforementine_v have_v do_v his_o part_n here_o very_o laudable_o he_o have_v salve_v the_o grammar_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o many_o place_n and_o have_v show_v that_o its_o style_n where_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v strange_a and_o uncouth_a be_v parallel_n with_o very_o good_a and_o approve_a author_n and_o last_o if_o any_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o holy_a write_n because_o they_o be_v immethodical_a because_o neither_o the_o mosaic_a law_n nor_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n nor_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o the_o new_a be_v reduce_v to_o method_n and_o artificial_a order_n the_o like_a answer_n may_v be_v give_v viz._n that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o other_o writer_n in_o those_o time_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o old_a way_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o book_n of_o religion_n and_o moral_n be_v not_o orderly_o dispose_v but_o general_o make_v up_o of_o historical_a passage_n and_o wise_a aphorism_n and_o sentence_n and_o as_o for_o the_o gentile_n most_o of_o their_o learning_n be_v not_o more_o accurate_a and_o reduce_v you_o can_v descry_v nothing_o in_o their_o write_n of_o that_o method_n and_o order_n which_o have_v since_o be_v observe_v but_o my_o business_n here_o chief_o be_v not_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v methodise_v but_o to_o defend_v the_o propriety_n of_o its_o language_n or_o rather_o it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n now_o because_o i_o have_v
for_o a_o fir_n and_o other_o for_o a_o turpentine-tree_n and_o pererius_n that_o he_o may_v say_v something_o singular_a and_o different_a from_o all_o the_o rest_n fancy_v it_o be_v not_o the_o wood_n of_o one_o sort_n of_o tree_n but_o that_o it_o be_v make_v of_o divers_a kind_n but_o the_o translator_n of_o the_o english_a bible_n retain_v the_o hebrew_n word_n itself_o because_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o any_o of_o these_o signification_n eolah_n and_o allah_o and_o allon_n ezek._n 6._o 13._o josh._n 24._o 26._o isa._n 6._o 13._o according_a to_o different_a interpreter_n be_v render_v not_o only_o a_o oak_n but_o a_o elm_n a_o alder-tree_n a_o turpentine_n a_o lime_n or_o teil-tree_n a_o pine_n a_o chestnut_n what_o kind_n of_o tree_n algummim_a or_o almuggim_n 1_o king_n 10._o 11._o 2_o chron._n 2._o 8._o chap._n 9_o 10_o 11._o be_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o tell_v yea_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n think_v coral_n which_o we_o can_v proper_o call_v a_o tree_n be_v mean_v by_o they_o but_o 23._o grotius_n have_v warn_v we_o not_o to_o trust_v to_o the_o rabin_n especial_o the_o latter_a one_o in_o their_o interpretation_n which_o they_o give_v of_o herb_n and_o tree_n what_o particular_a kind_n of_o wood_n that_o be_v which_o be_v call_v shittim_n of_o which_o you_o read_v so_o often_o in_o exodu●_fw-la and_o be_v render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d incorruptible_a wood_n by_o the_o lxx_o be_v not_o agree_v among_o the_o learned_a some_o think_v it_o to_o be_v cedar_n other_o the_o pitch-tree_n other_o box_n but_o jerom_n and_o theodotion_n take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o white-thorn_n or_o a_o tree_n very_o like_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o be_v certain_a of_o nothing_o but_o this_o that_o it_o be_v some_o very_a excellent_a and_o choice_a wood_n which_o they_o find_v to_o be_v very_o useful_a in_o building_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o it_o be_v denominate_v from_o the_o place_n where_o it_o grow_v and_o whence_o it_o be_v fetch_v for_o of_o shittim_n we_o read_v in_o numb_a 25._o 1._o josh._n 2._o 1._o and_o in_o other_o place_n but_o what_o kind_n of_o tree_n it_o be_v be_v uncertain_a for_o which_o reason_n both_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a and_o english_a translator_n think_v fit_a to_o retain_v the_o hebrew_n word_n itself_o for_o we_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o these_o thing_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o see_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o they_o have_v tree_n and_o plant_n in_o the_o eastern_a country_n which_o be_v not_o in_o these_o place_n and_o therefore_o we_o know_v they_o not_o so_o for_o animal_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v before_o there_o be_v some_o proper_a to_o those_o region_n and_o because_o these_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v they_o not_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o several_a name_n of_o sensitive_a and_o vegetative_a creature_n mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v unintelligible_a whether_o the_o hebrew_n bedolach_n bdellium_n gen._n 2._o 12._o be_v a_o tree_n or_o a_o stone_n or_o a_o gum_n or_o a_o pearl_n be_v dispute_v pliny_n and_o diascorides_n mention_n bdellium_n as_o wood_n or_o a_o tree_n and_o junius_n upon_o the_o place_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n other_o and_o particular_o 1._o josephus_n understand_v it_o to_o be_v a_o aromatic_a gum_n or_o the_o juice_n of_o some_o odoriferous_a tree_n the_o jew_n general_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v a_o precious_a stone_n but_o some_o of_o they_o think_v it_o be_v a_o crystal_n other_o a_o jasper_n and_o other_o of_o they_o a_o carbuncle_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d so_o render_v by_o the_o septuagint_n bochart_n and_o some_o other_o modern_n tell_v we_o that_o bedolach_n be_v not_o bdellium_n or_o any_o other_o precious_a stone_n but_o a_o margarite_n a_o pearl_n of_o the_o sea_n which_o be_v usual_o fetch_v up_o in_o that_o maritime_a part_n of_o arabia_n which_o be_v call_v havilah_n in_o the_o forementioned_a text._n and_o to_o corroborate_v this_o opinion_n he_o further_o add_v that_o manna_n be_v say_v to_o be_v numb_a 11._o 7._o of_o the_o colour_n of_o bdellium_n i._n e._n white_a which_o be_v the_o singular_a ornament_n and_o beauty_n of_o a_o pearl_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v here_o that_o the_o word_n for_o mineral_n and_o precious_a stone_n be_v very_o ambiguous_a i_o will_v mention_v only_o one_o viz._n nophek_n the_o first_o precious_a stone_n in_o the_o second_o order_n of_o those_o in_o the_o high_a priest_n breastplate_n this_o be_v render_v by_o st._n jerom_n a_o carbuncle_n by_o onkelos_n a_o emerald_n by_o some_o interpreter_n a_o topaz_n and_o by_o other_o a_o ruby_n and_o there_o be_v almost_o the_o like_a difference_n in_o interpret_n some_o of_o the_o other_o word_n whereby_o other_o stone_n be_v signify_v for_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n as_o buxtorf_n and_o other_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o name_n of_o precious_a stone_n in_o scripture_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o there_o be_v such_o a_o discrepancy_n say_v a_o 20._o learned_a hebrician_n about_o these_o among_o all_o interpreter_n whether_o christian_n or_o jew_n that_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o determine_v any_o thing_n certain_a the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o musical_a instrument_n mention_v in_o scripture_n which_o have_v employ_v many_o critic_n and_o grammarian_n but_o with_o little_a satisfaction_n but_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o for_o my_o present_a purpose_n viz._n to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o hebrew_n name_n of_o divers_a thing_n be_v not_o well_o understand_v which_o sometime_o beget_v a_o misunderstanding_n concern_v the_o thing_n themselves_o there_o be_v indeed_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n a_o great_a number_n of_o word_n of_o different_a sense_n but_o the_o number_n be_v far_o great_a in_o hebrew_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o paucity_n of_o word_n in_o this_o tongue_n for_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n but_o few_o word_n to_o express_v they_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o sundry_a of_o they_o must_v be_v of_o various_a signification_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o distinguish_v between_o they_o this_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o septuagint_n have_v insert_v several_a hebrew_a word_n into_o their_o version_n namely_o because_o they_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o to_o express_v they_o in_o greek_a their_o signification_n be_v so_o doubtful_a hence_o also_o some_o proper_a name_n be_v translate_v by_o these_o interpreter_n as_o appellative_n which_o be_v do_v also_o sometime_o by_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a because_o those_o name_n be_v seem_o and_o as_o to_o their_o sound_n no_o other_o than_o appellative_n however_o the_o dubious_a meaning_n of_o they_o prompt_v the_o translator_n to_o take_v they_o as_o such_o nor_o be_v we_o to_o think_v that_o this_o ambiguity_n be_v any_o blemish_n or_o disparagement_n to_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o we_o find_v it_o no_o where_o but_o in_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v indifferent_a and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v not_o indispensable_o require_v of_o we_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a this_o difficulty_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o many_o word_n and_o passage_n in_o these_o holy_a write_n be_v so_o far_o from_o disparage_v they_o that_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o the_o unparalleled_a antiquity_n of_o they_o we_o be_v assure_v hence_o that_o they_o have_v the_o priority_n of_o all_o other_o book_n we_o may_v rational_o gather_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o volume_n at_o least_o be_v compose_v and_o write_v before_o any_o other_o write_n be_v extant_a if_o this_o sacred_a book_n be_v of_o a_o late_a date_n we_o shall_v have_v have_v few_o or_o none_o of_o those_o difficult_a term_n that_o it_o abound_v with_o now_o we_o can_v not_o then_o have_v a_o more_o convince_v argument_n of_o its_o be_v exceed_v ancient_a than_o its_o be_v dark_a in_o some_o place_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o complain_v of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o these_o write_n let_v we_o reverence_n and_o admire_v its_o matchless_a antiquity_n and_o congratulate_v our_o own_o happiness_n that_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v entrust_v we_o with_o the_o first_o and_o old_a record_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n i_o will_v go_v on_o then_o still_o with_o my_o present_a undertake_n and_o show_v in_o other_o particular_n the_o dubious_a import_n of_o some_o word_n in_o these_o sacred_a write_n and_o attempt_v to_o clear_v some_o of_o they_o i_o will_v here_o speak_v of_o the_o measure_n weight_n and_o coin_n mention_v in_o scripture_n which_o 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 sacred_a volume_n the_o hebrew_n measure_n be_v either_o of_o application_n or_o
and_o to_o rely_v whole_o on_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o christian_a brethren_n these_o be_v some_o choice_a skin_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v behind_o he_o at_o troas_n when_o he_o wrought_v in_o this_o his_o trade_n there_o and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o troas_n be_v a_o great_a way_n off_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o they_o may_v as_o easy_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o as_o the_o book_n he_o write_v for_o if_o these_o be_v of_o any_o considerable_a number_n and_o bigness_n and_o this_o notion_n be_v yet_o more_o probable_a if_o you_o consider_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v in_o way_n of_o contempt_n call_v by_o the_o pagan_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o coriarius_fw-la because_o he_o cut_v out_o hide_v and_o skin_n in_o order_n to_o the_o make_n of_o tent_n yea_o some_o of_o the_o christian_a writer_n give_v he_o the_o foresay_a title_n thereby_o to_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o he_o be_v often_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o therapeut_fw-fr theodoret_n and_o so_o he_o be_v by_o tim._n chrysostom_n coriarius_fw-la cilix_n be_v the_o epithet_n give_v by_o eply_n jerom._n this_o make_v it_o not_o improbable_a that_o the_o forementioned_a text_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o time_n the_o make_n of_o tent_n or_o the_o cover_n of_o booth_n and_o pavilion_n with_o skin_n these_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d st._n paul_n speak_v of_o as_o he_o send_v for_o his_o cloak_n to_o defend_v himself_o from_o the_o cold_a so_o he_o send_v for_o the_o skin_n which_o he_o leave_v behind_o he_o to_o make_v tent_n to_o shelter_n and_o keep_v other_o warm_v for_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o one_o signification_n of_o membrana_fw-la be_v parchment_n of_o which_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v before_o yet_o it_o also_o signify_v the_o uppermost_a skin_n or_o hide_n of_o any_o creature_n as_o appear_v from_o that_o of_o 4._o lucretius_n membranas_fw-la mittunt_fw-la vituli_fw-la de_fw-la corpore_fw-la summo_fw-la and_o it_o have_v its_o denomination_n from_o membrum_fw-la say_v etymolog_fw-la priscian_n because_o it_o cover_v the_o limb_n and_o other_o external_a part_n nay_o you_o must_v note_v that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n membrana_fw-la in_o tully_n pliny_n and_o other_o author_n whereas_o afterward_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n it_o come_v to_o signify_v parchment_n these_o thing_n may_v render_v my_o interpretation_n of_o this_o place_v not_o improbable_a however_o i_o presume_v to_o offer_v the_o criticism_n on_o the_o word_n and_o let_v the_o learned_a entertain_v it_o as_o they_o please_v but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v that_o the_o not_o attend_v to_o the_o usage_n and_o practice_n of_o old_a in_o the_o country_n to_o which_o some_o thing_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n belong_v be_v one_o reason_n why_o we_o miss_v of_o the_o right_a sense_n of_o some_o place_n 3._o the_o hebrew_n text_n which_o be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v some_o thing_n proper_a to_o itself_o which_o render_v it_o perplex_v and_o obscure_a in_o some_o place_n for_o in_o hebrew_n there_o be_v no_o mood_n in_o the_o verb_n but_o the_o indicative_a and_o insinitive_a no_o tense_n but_o the_o past_a and_o future_a participle_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o express_v the_o present_a time_n which_o oftentimes_o render_v the_o mean_v obscure_a and_o intricate_a instead_o of_o a_o interrogative_n point_v the_o hebrew_n make_v use_n of_o their_o interrogative_n he_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o note_n or_o mark_n of_o interrogation_n which_o be_v another_o cause_n as_o might_n be_v show_v of_o misunderstand_v the_o text_n sometime_o there_o be_v frequent_a parenthesis_n in_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o diligent_o observe_v they_o mar_v the_o sense_n as_o to_o instance_n but_o in_o one_o place_n at_o present_a isa._n 9_o 3_o etc._n etc._n the_o 3d_o four_o and_o 5_o verse_n be_v a_o parenthesis_n you_o must_v join_v the_o 6_o verse_n to_o the_o 2d_o and_o then_o you_o will_v see_v how_o the_o word_n for_o in_o the_o 6_o verse_n come_v in_o not_o otherwise_o but_o there_o be_v no_o mark_n or_o character_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o parenthesis_n which_o can_v but_o trouble_v the_o sense_n very_o much_o and_o confound_v the_o mean_v of_o the_o place_n unless_o it_o be_v with_o extraordinary_a care_n take_v notice_n of_o and_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o pause_n and_o period_n in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n be_v not_o so_o distinct_a as_o may_v be_v wish_v the_o great_a ought_v our_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o be_v in_o peruse_v and_o study_v this_o holy_a book_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o the_o eastern_a writer_n to_o express_v thing_n in_o a_o brief_a and_o concise_a manner_n which_o render_v the_o place_n sometime_o dark_a and_o confuse_a in_o the_o second_o psalm_n several_a person_n be_v introduce_v speak_v but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o intimate_v that_o there_o be_v this_o change_n of_o person_n but_o all_o be_v express_v in_o a_o short_a and_o promiscuous_a way_n the_o whole_a psalm_n be_v a_o dialogue_n wherein_o the_o church_n speak_v ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o then_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n v_o 3._o the_o church_n again_o v._o 4_o 5._o then_o god_n ver_fw-la 6._o then_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o last_o the_o psalmist_n end_v with_o his_o own_o exhortation_n all_o which_o part_n if_o we_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o though_o they_o be_v not_o distinguish_v for_o brevity_n sake_n the_o true_a import_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o psalm_n be_v lose_v it_o be_v common_a to_o recite_v word_n which_o be_v say_v by_o person_n and_o yet_o to_o bring_v they_o in_o abrupt_o and_o not_o to_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v say_v or_o speak_v by_o they_o as_o in_o psal._n 22._o 8._o he_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n i._n e._n they_o say_v so_o but_o this_o be_v not_o here_o express_v thus_o in_o isa._n 33._o 14._o who_o among_o we_o etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o sinner_n in_o zion_n mention_v in_o that_o verse_n say_v those_o word_n in_o v_o 18._o where_o be_v the_o scribe_n etc._n etc._n to_o make_v the_o sense_n perfect_v you_o must_v insert_v thou_o shall_v say_v so_o in_o isa._n 49._o 24._o these_o word_n say_v the_o enemy_n must_v be_v insert_v in_o jer._n 6._o 4._o these_o or_o such_o like_a word_n be_v leave_v out_o the_o enemy_n shall_v say_v the_o like_a be_v observable_a in_o jer._n 22._o 28._o ch_n 31._o 20._o in_o hos._n 5._o 15._o the_o word_n saying_n be_v necessary_o imply_v for_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o next_o chapter_n contain_v the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o be_v say_v sometime_o this_o be_v supply_v by_o the_o translation_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o hebrew_n as_o in_o 2_o sam._n 2._o isa._n 64._o 11._o but_o in_o obadiah_n ver_fw-la 1._o before_o arise_v you_o the_o word_n say_v be_v to_o be_v suppose_v in_o 1_o cor_fw-la 15._o 45._o but_o be_v leave_v out_o otherwise_o you_o can_v understand_v the_o apostle_n and_o many_o other_o word_n be_v omit_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v supply_v by_o the_o diligent_a reader_n who_o on_o that_o account_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v very_o attentive_a when_o he_o read_v these_o sacred_a writig_n for_o their_o short_a and_o contract_a way_n of_o speak_v make_v they_o the_o less_o intelligible_a whereas_o when_o matter_n be_v amplify_v by_o word_n they_o become_v more_o clear_a and_o plain_a 5._o there_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n a_o certain_a peculiar_a idiom_n or_o force_n of_o signification_n which_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v translate_v into_o another_o tongue_n be_v whole_o lose_v at_o least_o a_o great_a part_n of_o its_o vigour_n and_o elegancy_n be_v take_v away_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o understand_v because_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a idiom_n and_o no_o way_n agreeable_a to_o our_o manner_n of_o express_v ourselves_o 6._o order_n and_o time_n be_v not_o always_o observe_v in_o these_o holy_a write_n which_o too_o often_o beget_v mistake_v upon_o these_o several_a account_n and_o other_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v some_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o style_n of_o holy_a writ_n but_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o happen_v through_o the_o alwise_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o great_a and_o momentous_a thing_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o concern_v where_o the_o grand_a truth_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o endanger_v and_o when_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o meet_v
and_o down_o to_o rest_v or_o be_v quiet_a sharash_n to_o take_v root_n to_o eradicate_v or_o extirpate_v taab_n to_o desire_v in_o kal_n to_o abominate_a in_o piel_n gnuph_n to_o shine_v to_o be_v obscure_a natzar_n to_o save_v to_o destroy_v gnazab_v to_o desert_n to_o help_v batzar_n to_o rob_v or_o prey_n to_o defend_v one_o self_n from_o ●obbers_n bara_n to_o make_v or_o create_v also_o to_o remove_v or_o destroy_v salah_n to_o tread_v under_o foot_n to_o esteem_v garaph_n to_o gather_v to_o disperse_v asaph_z to_o gather_v or_o preserve_v also_o to_o remove_v or_o destroy_v nacham_n to_o grieve_v or_o repent_v to_o abandon_v grief_n or_o to_o be_v comfort_v chiss_v to_o consecrate_v to_o desecrate_v there_o be_v instance_n of_o all_o or_o most_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o same_o hebrew_n verb_n and_o noun_n which_o have_v not_o only_o different_a but_o contrary_a sense_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o the_o reader_n may_v consider_v at_o his_o leisure_n and_o thereby_o be_v help_v to_o a_o distinct_a understanding_n of_o the_o word_n in_o those_o text_n where_o they_o occur_v book_n write_v by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n john_n edward_n a_fw-la enquiry_n into_o several_a remarkable_a text_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o with_o a_o probable_a resolution_n of_o they_o in_o two_o volume_n 8o._o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n i._o with_o a_o continue_a illustration_n of_o several_a difficult_a text_n throughout_o t●e_v whole_a work_n 8o._o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n ii_o wherein_o the_o author_n be_v former_a undertake_n be_v further_a prosecute_v viz._n a_o enquiry_n into_o several_a remarkable_a text_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o 8o._o all_o sell_v by_o jonathan_n robinson_n john_n evering●am_n and_o john_n wyat._n imprimatur_fw-la jan._n 10._o 1694_o 5._o carolus_n alston_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc._n lond._n à_fw-la sacris_fw-la discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n iii_o treat_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o be_v also_o several_a remarkable_a text_n interpret_v according_a to_o the_o author_n be_v particular_a judgement_n by_o john_n edward_n b._n d._n sometime_o fellow_n of_o s._n john_n college_n in_o cambridge_n london_n print_v by_o i._n d._n for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n john_n taylor_n at_o the_o ship_n and_o john_n wyatt_n at_o the_o rose_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxcv_o octob._n 13._o 1694._o i_o judge_v the_o reverend_a author_n shall_v do_v well_o to_o print_v the_o follow_a discourse_n wherein_o he_o have_v learned_o demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n io._n beaumond_n d._n d._n the_o king_n professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o cambridge_n to_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n his_o grace_n thomas_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n primate_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o all_o england_n and_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n may_v it_o please_v your_o grace_n i_o embrace_v this_o welcome_a opportunity_n of_o congratulate_v your_o late_a access_n to_o the_o high_a station_n in_o our_o church_n which_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o happy_a omen_n of_o the_o future_a felicity_n of_o these_o realm_n for_o in_o your_o grace_n conspire_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v render_v we_o by_o the_o divine_a blessing_n a_o prosperous_a people_n viz._n your_o unstained_a faithfulness_n and_o loyalty_n to_o his_o majesty_n your_o most_o ardent_a love_n to_o your_o country_n your_o great_a ability_n for_o public_a counsel_n and_o affair_n your_o perfect_a abhorrence_n of_o all_o immorality_n and_o debauchery_n your_o zealous_a concern_v for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o in_o that_o for_o the_o whole_a protestant_a religion_n of_o this_o last_o you_o have_v afford_v the_o world_n such_o a_o illustrious_a proof_n as_o will_v give_v a_o immortal_a reputation_n to_o your_o name_n for_o you_o have_v not_o only_o with_o your_o learned_a pen_n encounter_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therein_o vindicate_v the_o reform_a cause_n but_o in_o all_o your_o action_n you_o have_v demonstrate_v your_o singular_a care_n for_o this_o latter_a and_o your_o detestation_n of_o the_o former_a especial_o when_o in_o the_o late_a reign_n this_o idol_n begin_v to_o be_v set_v up_o again_o and_o too_o many_o fall_v down_o to_o it_o you_o with_o the_o utmost_a zeal_n vigour_n and_o courage_n remonstrate_v against_o this_o practice_n you_o bear_v the_o insolence_n and_o insult_v of_o the_o enemy_n with_o a_o unimitable_a bravery_n you_o withstand_v their_o boldness_n with_o a_o confidence_n become_v the_o goodness_n of_o your_o cause_n you_o obviate_v their_o folly_n and_o madness_n with_o a_o profound_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n you_o defeat_v their_o diligence_n by_o a_o more_o unwearied_a industry_n and_o in_o brief_a you_o be_v the_o successful_a maul_n and_o scourge_n of_o the_o hector_a jesuit_n that_o lift_v up_o their_o head_n in_o that_o day_n for_o this_o you_o be_v hate_v and_o defame_v and_o be_v so_o at_o this_o hour_n by_o all_o the_o swear_a friend_n to_o the_o pontifician_n interest_n who_o look_v upon_o you_o and_o that_o just_o as_o their_o most_o dreadful_a enemy_n but_o this_o very_a thing_n deserve_o make_v your_o grace_n to_o be_v love_v admire_a and_o honour_v by_o all_o sincere_a protestant_n and_o true_a english_a man_n i_o be_o one_o that_o glory_n in_o be_v of_o that_o number_n and_o according_o i_o now_o attempt_v to_o express_v my_o infinite_a regard_v and_o veneration_n of_o your_o grace_n transcendent_a undertake_n in_o behalf_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o our_o church_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o my_o resentment_n and_o duty_n i_o here_o offer_v to_o your_o grace_n a_o discourse_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v design_v to_o be_v present_v to_o your_o lordship_n before_o you_o be_v advance_v to_o this_o supreme_a see_v to_o which_o your_o merit_n have_v call_v you._n wherefore_o i_o have_v then_o consecrate_v it_o to_o your_o name_n i_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a now_o to_o alienate_v it_o especial_o it_o be_v the_o choice_a and_o noble_a subject_n that_o i_o have_v yet_o treat_v of_o and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v not_o unworthy_a of_o your_o grace_n patronage_n i_o submit_v the_o work_n whole_o to_o your_o grace_n judgement_n and_o beg_v leave_v to_o have_v the_o honour_n of_o profess_v myself_o to_o be_v your_o grace_n most_o humble_a and_o obedient_a son_n and_o servant_n john_n edwards_n the_o preface_n i_o now_o present_a the_o reader_n with_o that_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n concern_v the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o i_o have_v attempt_v to_o display_v the_o matchless_a worth_n and_o perfection_n of_o those_o divine_a record_n beside_o the_o great_a and_o important_a remark_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v i_o can_v have_v mention_v other_o thing_n bare_o critical_a and_o which_o though_o they_o be_v of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o which_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o be_v deem_v to_o be_v excellency_n and_o embellishment_n in_o other_o author_n of_o good_a rank_n thus_o some_o critic_n have_v observe_v concern_v that_o of_o virgil_n aen._n 8._o quadrupedante_fw-la putrem_fw-la sonitu_fw-la quatit_fw-la ungula_fw-la campum_fw-la that_o in_o the_o very_a sound_n of_o the_o word_n the_o swift_a career_n of_o the_o horse_n beat_v and_o shake_v the_o ground_n with_o their_o hoof_n seem_v to_o s●rike_v the_o ear._n the_o poetic_a foot_n be_v so_o form_v that_o they_o express_v those_o of_o the_o steed_n and_o so_o in_o the_o same_o writer_n aen._n 5._o procumbit_fw-la humi_fw-la bos_fw-la be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o great_a elegancy_n and_o pulchritude_n as_o if_o it_o represent_v in_o a_o lively_a manner_n the_o dull_a and_o heavy_a f●ll_n of_o that_o creature_n both_o in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a instance_n the_o very_a noise_n of_o the_o word_n the_o very_a composure_n of_o the_o syllable_n be_v just_o applaud_v by_o the_o admirer_n of_o that_o poet._n the_o like_a i_o can_v have_v observe_v in_o the_o inspire_a write_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v poetical_a among_o which_o i_o reckon_v the_o book_n of_o isaiah_n to_o be_v one_o for_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o verse_n yet_o a_o poetic_a genius_n and_o strain_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o most_o part_n of_o it_o those_o word_n ch_n 21._o v._n 5._o prepare_v the_o table_n watch_v in_o
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
man_n of_o the_o great_a learning_n wit_n and_o judgement_n a_o scheme_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n brief_o propound_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v the_o best_a conduct_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n they_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o solid_a consolation_n joy_n and_o happiness_n this_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n be_v oppose_v by_o many_o of_o the_o rabbin_n a_o account_n of_o their_o cabala_n and_o oral_n law_n the_o papist_n by_o prefer_v their_o tradition_n before_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v these_o latter_a in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n deny_v the_o perfection_n of_o they_o so_o do_v familist_n quaker_n and_o all_o enthusiast_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n have_v be_v different_o dispose_v as_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o author_n they_o will_v read_v and_o their_o esteem_n and_o value_v of_o they_o have_v be_v as_o various_a it_o have_v be_v usual_a for_o person_n to_o express_v a_o particular_a kindness_n for_o one_o writer_n above_o another_o thus_o homer_n of_o old_a be_v excessive_o magnify_v by_o those_o famous_a warrior_n agesilaus_n and_o alexander_n the_o great_a the_o former_a read_v he_o continual_o at_o home_n and_o in_o the_o camp_n and_o whenever_o he_o have_v any_o time_n to_o spare_v for_o read_v the_o latter_a can_v not_o sleep_v without_o his_o iliad_n under_o his_o pillow_n scipio_n surname_v the_o african_a have_v a_o great_a opinion_n of_o xenophon_n institution_n of_o cyrus_n and_o be_v always_o consult_v it_o and_o value_v it_o at_o a_o high_a rate_n so_o among_o christian_n st._n cyprian_n be_v a_o great_a admirer_n of_o tertullian_n and_o when_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o read_v he_o his_o usual_a say_v be_v give_v i_o my_o master_n charles_n the_o great_a be_v huge_o take_v with_o st._n augustine_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la and_o have_v it_o constant_o read_v to_o he_o yea_o even_o at_o supper_n king_n alphonsus_n in_o all_o his_o expedition_n and_o at_o all_o other_o time_n carry_v julius_n caesar_n commentary_n other_o say_v livy_n history_n with_o he_o theodore_n gaza_n give_v his_o vote_n for_o plutarch_n work_n and_o be_v so_o please_v with_o they_o that_o he_o protest_v if_o he_o can_v have_v but_o one_o man_n write_n he_o will_v certain_o choose_v his_o before_o all_o other_o thomas_n aquinas_n be_v no_o less_o in_o love_n with_o st._n chrysostom_n on_o st._n matthew_n and_o express_v his_o high_a esteem_n of_o he_o by_o say_v he_o prefer_v he_o before_o the_o goodly_a city_n of_o paris_n charles_n the_o v._o the_o give_v a_o great_a deference_n to_o comines_n than_o to_o any_o other_o writer_n and_o perpetual_o converse_v with_o he_o scaliger_n will_v rather_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o nine_o ode_n of_o horace_n than_o be_v emperor_n of_o germany_n and_o to_o come_v down_o yet_o low_o grotius_n give_v cujacius_n the_o preference_n to_o all_o the_o other_o comm●ntators_n on_o the_o imperial_a law_n salmasius_n admire_v no_o divine_a so_o much_o as_o calvin_n and_o particular_o prefer_v his_o institution_n and_o the_o reverend_n mr._n b._n oley_n tell_v we_o if_o he_o be_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o one_o author_n he_o will_v choose_v dr._n iackson_n work_n thus_o have_v man_n sentiment_n and_o esteem_n be_v various_a about_o book_n ●ome_v prefer_v one_o writer_n and_o some_o another_o according_a as_o their_o genius_n or_o study_n lead_v they_o ●ut_v when_o we_o mention_v the_o bible_n i._n e._n the_o book_n of_o book_n we_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o this_o and_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o this_o sacred_a volume_n be_v emphatical_o and_o by_o way_n of_o eminence_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o if_o other_o book_n in_o respect_n of_o this_o deserve_v not_o the_o name_n for_o in_o what_o other_o write_n can_v we_o descry_v tho●e_a excellency_n which_o we_o find_v in_o this_o none_o of_o they_o can_v equal_v it_o in_o antiquity_n for_o the_o first_o penman_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n who_o relate_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o write_n contain_v the_o act_n and_o monument_n of_o the_o patriarch_n have_v the_o start_n of_o all_o philosopher_n poet_n and_o historian_n and_o be_v absolute_o the_o ancient_a writer_n extant_a in_o the_o world_n no_o write_n be_v equal_a to_o these_o of_o the_o bible_n if_o we_o mention_v only_o the_o stock_n of_o humane_a learning_n contain_v in_o they_o here_o linguist_n and_o philologist_n may_v find_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v no_o where_o else_o here_o rhetorician_n and_o orator_n may_v be_v entertain_v with_o a_o more_o lofty_a eloquence_n with_o a_o choice_a composure_n of_o word_n and_o with_o great_a variety_n of_o style_n than_o any_o other_o writer_n can_v afford_v they_o here_o be_v a_o book_n where_o more_o be_v understand_v than_o express_v where_o word_n be_v few_o but_o the_o sense_n be_v full_a and_o redundant_fw-la no_o book_n equal_v this_o in_o authority_n because_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o dictate_v by_o a_o unerring_a spirit_n it_o excel_v all_o other_o write_n in_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o matter_n which_o be_v the_o high_a noble_a and_o worthy_a and_o of_o the_o great_a concern_v to_o mankind_n last_o to_o name_n no_o more_o at_o present_a that_o i_o may_v not_o anticipate_v what_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n the_o scripture_n transcend_v all_o other_o write_n in_o their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n this_o 8._o word_n of_o god_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n irradiate_a man_n mind_n with_o supernatural_a truth_n affect_v their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n subdue_a the_o refracotriness_n of_o their_o will_n transform_v their_o life_n and_o change_v they_o into_o other_o person_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o all_o man_n of_o well-disposed_a soul_n find_v a_o plain_a differene_a between_o their_o read_v this_o and_o other_o book_n when_o they_o read_v those_o it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v something_o affect_v and_o please_v the_o style_n or_o the_o matter_n give_v they_o some_o satisfaction_n but_o if_o they_o read_v they_o often_o and_o confine_v themselves_o to_o they_o their_o former_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n abate_v and_o the_o author_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v so_o entertain_v and_o acceptable_a as_o they_o be_v before_o and_o at_o length_n they_o become_v burdensome_a and_o nauseous_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o writer_n grow_v out_o of_o fashion_n and_o other_o new_a one_o be_v call_v for_o but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o this_o holy_a book_n the_o affection_n and_o pleasure_n which_o you_o feel_v in_o the_o read_n it_o be_v last_a and_o durable_a because_o this_o bless_a word_n sink_v down_o into_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v always_o present_a with_o it_o though_o you_o lay_v this_o book_n aside_o and_o afterward_o take_v it_o up_o and_o do_v so_o again_o and_o again_o yea_o never_o so_o often_o you_o will_v not_o ●ind_v it_o grow_v worse_o but_o much_o better_a i._n e._n it_o will_v yield_v you_o great_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o the_o often_o you_o converse_v with_o it_o the_o more_o you_o will_v discern_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o yea_o the_o more_o please_a will_n the_o very_a word_n and_o syllable_n of_o these_o divine_a write_n be_v to_o you_o for_o what_o the_o great_a critic_n observe_v of_o homer_n poem_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o peculiar_a easiness_n and_o slide_v in_o his_o verse_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o poet_n be_v eminent_o true_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o compare_v with_o other_o author_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a sweetness_n a_o matchless_a softness_n and_o pleasantness_n in_o the_o style_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n be_v winning_n and_o ravish_v and_o all_o pure_a and_o sanctify_a mind_n have_v a_o clear_a perception_n of_o this_o yea_o the_o clear_a because_o they_o so_o frequent_o converse_v with_o these_o inspire_a writer_n we_o may_v then_o on_o this_o account_n as_o well_o as_o on_o other_o challenge_v the_o world_n to_o show_v we_o where_o there_o be_v any_o book_n like_o this_o where_o there_o be_v any_o author_n comparable_a to_o it_o in_o all_o humane_a writer_n there_o be_v something_o want_v something_o imperfect_a but_o in_o this_o sacred_a volume_n there_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o every_o thing_n here_o be_v complete_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n therefore_o all_o other_o write_n must_v vail_v to_o this_o best_a of_o book_n they_o must_v all_o submit_v and_o acknowledge_v their_o meanness_n and_o inferiority_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a man_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v do_v always_o extol_v the_o scripture_n hermogenem_fw-la i_o adore_v the_o plenitude_n
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
infallible_a this_o be_v that_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o st._n peter_n prefer_v before_o eye-witness_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 16_o etc._n etc._n yea_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o afterward_o commit_v to_o write_v st._n paul_n pronounce_v he_o accurse_v gal._n 1._o 8._o these_o infallible_a record_n these_o undoubted_a oracle_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n be_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o belief_n to_o all_o christian_n even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n on_o this_o they_o may_v rely_v with_o confidence_n as_o on_o a_o unerring_a guide_n for_o it_o be_v not_o like_o other_o book_n which_o be_v make_v by_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o void_a of_o error_n and_o mistake_v but_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v thus_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o complete_a and_o absolute_a rule_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o of_o all_o supernatural_a truth_n 2._o they_o be_v the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n they_o contain_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v believe_v here_o be_v the_o decalogue_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o the_o necessary_a precept_n of_o life_n comprise_v in_o it_o be_v often_o repeat_v enlarge_v upon_o and_o explain_v through_o the_o whole_a sacred_a book_n to_o these_o be_v add_v the_o evangelical_n duty_n of_o self-denial_n mortification_n poverty_n of_o spirit_n purity_n of_o heart_n brotherly_a love_n heavenly-mindedness_a circumspect_a walk_v redeem_v the_o time_n abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a give_v no_o offence_n to_o any_o and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n the_o write_n of_o the_o gospel_n forbid_v we_o to_o be_v carnal_a sensual_a and_o earthly_a and_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o converse_v with_o spiritual_a and_o celestial_a object_n to_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o and_o to_o work_v our_o mind_n to_o such_o a_o temper_n that_o we_o may_v desire_v to_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o body_n and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a than_o grovel_v here_o below_o and_o christianity_n promote_v this_o heavenly-mindedness_a by_o give_v we_o a_o power_n over_o ourselves_o by_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o government_n of_o our_o bodily_a appetite_n and_o passion_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n thereby_o become_v pure_a and_o defecate_a purge_v from_o all_o mundane_a dross_n and_o filth_n fit_v for_o heavenly_a joy_n and_o therefore_o most_o earnest_o breathe_v and_o belong_v after_o they_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o christianity_n be_v repugnant_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o satan_n kingdom_n and_o design_o promote_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n it_o bid_v we_o not_o seek_v ourselves_o and_o aim_v chief_o at_o worldly_a respect_n but_o it_o enjoin_v we_o to_o humble_a and_o debase_v ourselves_o and_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o all_o to_o advance_v his_o honour_n in_o the_o world_n and_o next_o to_o that_o to_o look_v after_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o immortal_a soul_n these_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o worthy_a design_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o law_n of_o it_o their_o business_n be_v to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o those_o low_a and_o mean_a project_n which_o man_n of_o the_o world_n carry_v on_o and_o to_o set_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o a_o right_a posture_n and_o to_o fix_v it_o on_o right_a ends._n the_o christian_a precept_n reach_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n they_o restrain_v the_o secret_a thought_n and_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n they_o curb_v the_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o wish_n they_o temper_v the_o affection_n and_o passion_n especial_o they_o forbid_v revenge_n malice_n hatred_n and_o they_o direct_v we_o to_o love_n god_n and_o to_o bear_v love_n to_o all_o man_n for_o his_o sake_n the_o christian_a law_n give_v rule_n for_o our_o word_n and_o speech_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v idle_a and_o vain_a much_o less_o profane_a and_o impious_a but_o they_o command_v our_o discourse_n to_o be_v always_o with_o grace_n season_v with_o salt_n to_o favour_v of_o goodness_n and_o piety_n and_o to_o be_v for_o the_o edify_v of_o those_o we_o converse_v with_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v also_o govern_v the_o outward_a action_n of_o our_o life_n and_o bid_v we_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n they_o enjoin_v chastity_n and_o continence_n temperance_n and_o sobriety_n they_o forbid_v lust_n and_o luxury_n pride_n and_o sensuality_n they_o teach_v courtesy_n affability_n meekness_n candour_n gentleness_n towards_o our_o brethren_n they_o bid_v we_o be_v kind_a and_o charitable_a to_o all_o and_o even_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n christianity_n be_v a_o religion_n that_o be_v exact_o just_a and_o give_v the_o strict_a rule_n of_o deal_v honest_o and_o upright_o with_o our_o neighbour_n even_o morality_n which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n and_o groundwork_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v most_o illustrious_a here_o christianity_n have_v the_o impress_n of_o reason_n civility_n and_o all_o acceptable_a quality_n it_o forbid_v nothing_o that_o be_v fit_v and_o decorous_a it_o countenance_n all_o that_o be_v manly_n and_o generous_a it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n in_o these_o sacred_a write_n the_o duty_n of_o christian_n be_v set_v down_o not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v single_a but_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o other_o and_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o community_n there_o be_v peculiar_a lesson_n for_o person_n in_o every_o condition_n for_o husband_n and_o wife_n for_o master_n and_o servant_n for_o parent_n and_o child_n for_o superior_n equal_n and_o inferior_n they_o be_v all_o provide_v here_o with_o instruction_n and_o direction_n proper_a to_o that_o state_n they_o be_v in_o they_o be_v very_o remarkable_a word_n which_o a_o ●_o reverend_n divine_a of_o our_o church_n utter_v will_v man_n apply_v their_o mind_n say_v he_o to_o study_v scripture_n and_o observe_v their_o own_o and_o other_o course_n of_o life_n experience_n will_v teach_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o estate_n on_o earth_n nor_o humane_a business_n in_o christendom_n this_o day_n on_o foot_n but_o have_v a_o rule_v cafe_z in_o scripture_n for_o their_o issue_n and_o success_n this_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n and_o be_v no_o mean_a demonstration_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o here_o be_v also_o the_o most_o notable_a instance_n of_o all_o those_o virtue_n and_o grace_n which_o adorn_v the_o life_n of_o man._n here_o be_v the_o example_n of_o abel_n sincere_a and_o acceptable_a devotion_n of_o enoch_n walk_v with_o god_n of_o noah_n untainted_a faithfulness_n amid_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o corrupt_a world_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o self-denial_n when_o he_o offer_v his_o only_a son_n on_o the_o altar_n of_o ioseph_n resolve_a chastity_n when_o he_o once_o and_o again_o resist_v the_o lustful_a solicitation_n of_o his_o mistress_n here_o be_v the_o example_n of_o moses_n public_a spirit_n who_o desire_v his_o name_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n rather_o than_o that_o nation_n shall_v perish_v here_o you_o read_v of_o aaron_n submissive_a silence_n of_o reuben_n fraternal_a commiseration_n of_o rohab_n seasonable_a wisdom_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o her_o faith_n in_o conceal_v the_o spy_n that_o be_v search_v for_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v phineas_n active_a zeal_n eli_n entire_a submission_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n iob_n invincible_a patience_n iosiah_n early_a piety_n his_o and_o iehosaphat_n care_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n ionathan_n entire_a friendship_n manasses_n and_o peter_n repentance_n john_n baptist_n austerity_n the_o centurion_n faith_n stephen_n charity_n to_o his_o enemy_n at_o his_o death_n brief_o here_o be_v commemorate_a the_o religious_a and_o holy_a demeanour_n of_o all_o rank_n and_o degree_n of_o person_n whether_o in_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n whether_o in_o youth_n manhood_n or_o old_a age_n or_o in_o whatsoever_o condition_n of_o life_n they_o be_v place_v where_o can_v we_o find_v such_o glorious_a achievement_n as_o the_o sacred_a history_n recount_v unto_o we_o where_o be_v there_o such_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o virtue_n where_o do_v you_o meet_v with_o such_o noble_a act_n as_o some_o of_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v celebrate_v for_o the_o great_a hero_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o pagan_n be_v general_o but_o idea_n of_o virtue_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o harmless_a romance_n to_o preach_v goodness_n to_o men._n virgil_n aeneas_n xenophon_n
strengthen_v and_o support_v we_o under_o our_o heavy_a cross_n and_o make_v our_o life_n happy_a whatever_o befall_v we_o all_o which_o be_v undeniable_a argument_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n whence_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o believe_v aright_o to_o live_v well_o and_o to_o rejoice_v thus_o these_o holy_a write_n be_v indict_v that_o 17._o we_o may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n and_o thus_o scripture_n must_v needs_o be_v perfect_a because_o its_o design_n be_v to_o make_v we_o so_o but_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o several_a devout_a and_o practical_a writer_n have_v enlarge_v on_o this_o subject_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v say_v no_o more_o of_o it_o because_o my_o present_a discourse_n be_v design_v to_o be_v chief_o critical_a let_v it_o suffice_v that_o i_o have_v brief_o assert_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o to_o the_o three_o forementioned_a particular_n and_o that_o i_o have_v show_v that_o this_o perfection_n be_v not_o communicable_a to_o any_o other_o write_n under_o heaven_n such_o be_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o bible_n wherefore_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o take_v notice_n and_o beware_v of_o those_o man_n who_o oppose_v or_o rather_o deny_v this_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n first_o the_o circumcise_a doctor_n show_v themselves_o great_a oppugner_n of_o it_o whilst_o they_o excessive_o magnify_v their_o tradition_n and_o even_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o sacred_a text._n we_o must_v know_v then_o that_o the_o jew_n talk_v much_o of_o their_o est_fw-la cabala_n or_o as_o that_o word_n signify_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n among_o they_o which_o be_v propagate_v by_o oral_a tradition_n and_o continual_a succession_n this_o their_o cabala_n be_v twofold_a first_o that_o which_o deal_v in_o mysterious_a criticism_n and_o curiosity_n about_o word_n and_o letter_n to_o which_o belong_v the_o masore_v which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o another_o discourse_n be_v serviceable_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o bible_n second_o that_o which_o by_o they_o be_v call_v the_o oral_a law_n or_o the_o law_n deliver_v from_o one_o to_o another_o as_o a_o exposition_n on_o the_o write_a law_n it_o may_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o short_a account_n of_o this_o oral_a law_n which_o they_o so_o much_o boast_v of_o this_o be_v either_o before_o moses_n and_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o patriarch_n propagate_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n before_o the_o law_n be_v commit_v to_o write_v it_o consist_v of_o the_o seven_o precept_n of_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n of_o the_o apothegm_n sentence_n and_o paradox_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o first_o age_n or_o it_o be_v in_o and_o after_o moses_n time_n who_o be_v reckon_v the_o great_a author_n of_o the_o cabala_n because_o he_o deliver_v it_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-la to_o the_o jew_n say_v the_o rabbin_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o give_v they_o the_o decalogue_n and_o the_o other_o write_a law_n this_o torah_n gnal_n peh_fw-it as_o they_o style_v it_o this_o oral_a law_n be_v the_o exposition_n of_o those_o write_a law_n and_o be_v mean_v they_o say_v in_o deut._n 4._o 14._o the_o lord_n command_v i_o at_o that_o time_n to_o teach_v you_o statute_n and_o judgement_n and_o for_o this_o they_o allege_v deut._n 12._o 21._o which_o they_o tell_v we_o refer_v to_o some_o special_a command_n of_o god_n about_o kill_v and_o see_v we_o read_v no_o such_o special_a command_n about_o it_o in_o the_o write_a law_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o oral_a one_o that_o must_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o word_n there_o as_o i_o have_v command_v thou_o that_o moses_n receive_v this_o law_n on_o mount_n sinai_n 34._o rabbi_n bechai_n prove_v by_o the_o same_o token_n that_o he_o know_v by_o this_o law_n how_o long_o time_n he_o be_v upon_o that_o mount_n for_o when_o god_n teach_v he_o the_o write_a law_n than_o he_o know_v it_o be_v day_n because_o he_o can_v not_o write_v in_o the_o dark_a but_o when_o god_n give_v he_o the_o oral_a law_n he_o know_v then_o that_o it_o be_v night_n a_o most_o profound_a answer_n to_o the_o difficulty_n how_o moses_n can_v tell_v that_o he_o be_v 40_o day_n and_o night_n on_o the_o mount_n well_o god_n they_o say_v deliver_v this_o law_n to_o moses_n moses_n deliver_v it_o to_o joshua_n joshua_n to_o the_o seventy_o elder_n they_o to_o ezra_n who_o some_o say_v commit_v it_o to_o writing_n for_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a cabalist_n next_o to_o moses_n but_o the_o book_n which_o he_o compose_v of_o this_o matter_n be_v lose_v and_o so_o it_o go_v on_o after_o the_o old_a way_n again_o viz._n by_o tradition_n and_o come_v to_o the_o prophet_n of_o who_o zechary_n and_o malachi_n be_v the_o last_o and_o from_o they_o the_o great_a sanhedrim_n have_v it_o and_o at_o last_o it_o be_v make_v into_o a_o book_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lose_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o that_o compile_v this_o volume_n or_o book_n be_v rabbi_n judah_n who_o for_o the_o singular_a holiness_n of_o his_o life_n be_v call_v hakkadosh_n the_o saint_n he_o flourish_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n pius_n about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n passion_n the_o title_n which_o he_o give_v to_o it_o be_v mishnah_n i._n e._n the_o repetition_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n or_o a_o large_a explication_n of_o it_o give_v immediate_o to_o moses_n by_o god_n and_o by_o tradition_n derive_v to_o the_o jew_n this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o iterate_a or_o second_a law_n be_v divide_v by_o he_o into_o six_o general_a sedarim_n i._n e._n so_o many_o head_n or_o subject_n of_o which_o it_o treat_v and_o every_o sedar_n be_v divide_v into_o book_n every_o book_n into_o chapter_n or_o pirka_n about_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o this_o famous_a rabbi_n have_v reduce_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o one_o volume_n the_o learned_a doctor_n begin_v to_o comment_v upon_o it_o and_o first_o the_o jerusalem_n talmud_n call_v so_o because_o it_o be_v make_v for_o the_o jew_n that_o live_v in_o judea_n especial_o in_o jerusalem_n be_v finish_v by_o r._n jochanan_n about_o a._n d._n 240._o the_o comment_n which_o he_o and_o the_o other_o rabbi_n make_v on_o the_o mishnah_n be_v call_v the_o gemara_n the_o supplemental_a exposition_n of_o that_o volume_n of_o jewish_a tradition_n next_o the_o babylonick_a talmud_n be_v put_v forth_o by_o the_o learned_a jew_n at_o babylon_n who_o gather_v their_o tradition_n into_o a_o more_o complete_a and_o exact_a body_n as_o they_o think_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o countryman_n in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v compile_v by_o rabbi_n ascanio_n and_o his_o companion_n about_o a._n d._n 500_o and_o consist_v as_o the_o former_a talmud_n of_o the_o mishnaioth_n and_o the_o gemara_n the_o one_o be_v the_o text_n the_o other_o be_v the_o comment_n or_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o doctor_n on_o the_o book_n of_o the_o mishnah_n so_o then_o the_o oral_a law_n which_o the_o jew_n so_o much_o boast_v of_o and_o set_v so_o high_a a_o value_n upon_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o two_o talmud_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o mishnah_n and_o the_o gemara_n the_o mishnah_n be_v that_o which_o r._n judah_n compile_v the_o gemara_n be_v the_o work_n of_o r._n jochanan_n and_o ascanio_n and_o other_o rabbi_n and_o both_o be_v a_o complete_a body_n of_o the_o civil_a and_o canon_n law_n of_o the_o jew_n whoso_o name_v the_o talmud_n name_v all_o judaism_n say_v lightfoot_n these_o as_o he_o add_v be_v the_o jew_n council_n of_o trent_n they_o be_v the_o last_o and_o full_a determination_n which_o they_o have_v about_o all_o their_o religious_a opinion_n rite_n and_o usage_n thus_o i_o have_v exhibit_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a talmudick_n system_n wherein_o the_o oral_a law_n be_v comprise_v explain_v and_o descant_v upon_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o very_a excellent_a use_v make_v of_o this_o collection_n of_o jewish_a tradition_n it_o may_v be_v serviceable_a in_o sundry_a instance_n to_o expound_v the_o mosaic_a law_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o jewish_a antiquity_n to_o illustrate_v several_a place_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o to_o interpret_v many_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a which_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o receive_a practice_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o person_n who_o i_o be_o now_o blame_v make_v very_o ill_a use_n of_o it_o because_o they_o immoderate_o extol_v these_o tradition_n call_v they_o torah_n shebegnal_n peh_n their_o infallible_a oracle_n and_o esteem_v the_o
authority_n of_o they_o equal_a with_o that_o of_o the_o bible_n for_o as_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v dictate_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n so_o these_o law_n they_o hold_v be_v from_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o those_o scripture_n they_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o inspire_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o book_n of_o mishnaioth_n or_o the_o talmud_n which_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o amassment_n only_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o diverse_a decision_n of_o the_o school_n of_o hillel_n and_o shammai_n of_o the_o different_a determination_n of_o r._n akiba_n and_o r._n eliezer_n of_o r._n simeon_n and_o r._n joshua_n etc._n etc._n bandy_n against_o one_o another_o or_o rather_o if_o we_o speak_v plain_a they_o be_v a_o rhapsody_n of_o idle_a dream_n groundless_a fable_n curse_a error_n superstitious_a rite_n and_o practice_n yea_o if_o we_o shall_v instance_n in_o the_o babylonick_a talmud_n of_o horrid_a blasphemy_n against_o christ_n of_o obloquy_n against_o the_o mosaic_a law_n itself_o and_o of_o contradiction_n even_o to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n these_o be_v part_n of_o the_o book_n so_o high_o prize_v by_o the_o jewish_a master_n these_o go_v along_o with_o their_o oral_a law_n which_o be_v first_o give_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o consequent_o be_v of_o the_o same_o original_a with_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n but_o they_o go_v yet_o high_o for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o equalise_v these_o tradition_n with_o scripture_n but_o they_o prefer_v they_o before_o it_o they_o do_v not_o only_o say_v in_o a_o proverbial_a manner_n that_o traditae_fw-la they_o can_v stand_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o write_a law_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o unwritten_a one_o i_o e._n the_o oral_a law_n which_o they_o talk_v of_o and_o that_o locupletissima_fw-la the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n as_o they_o be_v find_v in_o the_o text_n be_v poor_a and_o want_v but_o as_o they_o be_v expound_v by_o the_o doctor_n have_v great_a riches_n and_o abundance_n in_o they_o and_o again_o that_o pilo_fw-la very_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n depend_v upon_o these_o little_a tradition_n which_o they_o contend_v for_o but_o they_o be_v so_o bold_a and_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o proceed_v further_o and_o give_v a_o far_o great_a deference_n to_o these_o tradition_n and_o doctrine_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n as_o they_o call_v they_o than_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o verbis_fw-la their_o doctor_n have_v do_v more_o good_a viz._n as_o to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v of_o religion_n by_o their_o own_o say_n than_o by_o the_o word_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n itself_o and_o according_o their_o advice_n be_v legis_fw-la my_o son_n attend_v more_o to_o what_o the_o scribe_n say_v than_o to_o what_o be_v say_v by_o the_o law_n though_o i_o know_v this_o may_v admit_v of_o another_o sense_n viz._n that_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v more_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n than_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o it_o but_o that_o in_o the_o talmud_n be_v plain_a and_o can_v have_v no_o other_o mean_v 11._o to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o be_v studious_a in_o search_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v good_a and_o not_o good_a i._n e._n it_o be_v not_o of_o any_o considerable_a advantage_n but_o to_o turn_v over_o the_o mishnah_n night_n and_o day_n be_v a_o virtue_n which_o will_v have_v a_o great_a reward_n hereafter_o and_o to_o learn_v the_o gemara_n be_v a_o incomparable_a virtue_n yea_o the_o jew_n blasphemous_o say_v that_o god_n himself_o study_v in_o the_o talmud_n every_o day_n here_o you_o see_v they_o prefer_v their_o deliver_v law_n before_o the_o write_a one_o they_o make_v the_o infallible_a scripture_n truckle_n to_o the_o fabulous_a tradition_n of_o the_o mishnah_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v a_o note_a say_v of_o the_o hebrew_n rabbi_n that_o the_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v like_a water_n the_o mishnah_n like_o wine_n and_o the_o six_o book_n of_o the_o talmud_n be_v like_o the_o sweet_a honeyed_a wine_n thus_o to_o magnify_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n they_o vilify_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v not_o content_a with_o the_o rite_n and_o injunction_n write_v in_o the_o law_n which_o in_o way_n of_o contempt_n they_o call_v 〈…〉_z the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n but_o they_o admire_v those_o most_o which_o be_v take_v from_o their_o wise_a man_n which_o they_o call_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o rabbin_n and_o which_o be_v summary_o contain_v in_o the_o talmud_n these_o they_o hold_v to_o be_v of_o great_a value_n than_o the_o other_o the_o person_n that_o be_v skilled_a in_o these_o be_v slile_v by_o they_o tannaim_n profound_a master_n and_o doctor_n but_o they_o that_o study_v the_o scripture_n only_o be_v but_o karaim_n poor_a reader_n and_o man_n of_o the_o letter_n all_o this_o show_v how_o these_o man_n depretiate_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o exalt_v above_o it_o their_o oral_a law_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a fiction_n and_o forgery_n as_o to_o the_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v give_v to_o moses_n by_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o own_v by_o the_o karaint_n among_o they_o who_o stick_v close_o to_o the_o text_n nor_o by_o some_o of_o their_o perushim_n their_o sober_a sort_n of_o expositor_n who_o think_v those_o tradition_n be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n second_o papist_n as_o well_n as_o je●s_n disparage_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o deny_v its_o perfection_n nor_o by_o the_o way_n be_v this_o the_o only_a thing_n wherein_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o jew_n a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v no_o other_o than_o jewish_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n these_o modern_a talmudist_n will_v not_o own_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n they_o have_v their_o cabala_n the_o doctrine_n receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n they_o be_v for_o their_o oral_a law_n deliver_v from_o one_o to_o another_o they_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o scripture_n so_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o speak_v with_o their_o tradition_n they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o the_o jew_n that_o jud._n there_o must_v be_v a_o fence_n make_v about_o the_o law_n that_o it_o must_v be_v hedge_v in_o with_o tradition_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n say_v they_o but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v partly_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o partly_o in_o unwritten_a tradition_n a_o very_a absurd_a and_o wild_a doctrine_n because_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o by_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n whatever_o be_v or_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v reveal_v in_o these_o write_n and_o no_o new_a doctrine_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v deliver_v since_o to_o the_o church_n or_o any_o particular_a person_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o tenent_n they_o hold_v it_o fast_o and_o make_v it_o a_o great_a article_n of_o their_o belief_n for_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n as_o they_o repute_v it_o that_o unwritten_a tradition_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v 4._o with_o the_o same_o pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n those_o be_v the_o word_n wherewith_o the_o infallible_a write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v entertain_v and_o consequent_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n equal_a with_o the_o scripture_n but_o they_o rest_v not_o here_o they_o not_o only_o equal_a humane_a and_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n but_o follow_v the_o step_v of_o the_o old_a talmudist_n they_o proceed_v yet_o further_o prefer_v tradition_n before_o scripture_n thus_o a_o renown_a divine_a in_o their_o church_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o 8._o tradition_n be_v exceed_o necessary_a for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v more_o requisite_a than_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o this_o he_o endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a with_o he_o concur_v several_a other_o of_o their_o writer_n who_o we_o find_v extol_v tradition_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n speak_v very_o mean_o and_o slight_o of_o the_o holy_a writ_n hence_o they_o blasphemous_o call_v it_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n and_o a_o leaden_a rule_n and_o many_o such_o vilify_a term_n be_v use_v by_o pighius_fw-la and_o melchior_n canus_n and_o etc._n other_o great_a doctor_n of_o that_o church_n we_o deny_v not_o the_o usefulness_n nay_o even_o the_o necessity_n nay_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o tradition_n viz._n that_o tradition_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v entrust_v in_o the_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
the_o bible_n wherefore_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o intend_v very_o particular_o and_o large_o to_o insist_v upon_o viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o ancient_a storehouse_n of_o good_a letter_n and_o learning_n and_o that_o here_o be_v all_o the_o sort_n of_o they_o which_o i_o conceive_v will_v be_v a_o full_a eviction_n of_o what_o i_o have_v undertake_v viz._n to_o demonstrate_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o inspire_a write_n before_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o first_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o language_n in_o which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o be_v the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v which_o be_v hebrew_a and_o be_v the_o first_o and_o original_a tongue_n of_o the_o world_n this_o certain_o inhanse_v the_o worth_a of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o render_v the_o bible_n preferable_a to_o all_o other_o book_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v other_o language_n that_o pretend_v to_o priority_n but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v their_o claim_n we_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a pretence_n indeed_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o ●_o herodotus_n that_o psamm●ticus_n king_n of_o egypt_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o experiment_n about_o this_o and_o according_o cause_v two_o child_n to_o be_v nourish_v and_o breed_v up_o by_o two_o she-goat_n and_o suffer_v none_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o they_o at_o last_o they_o be_v hear_v to_o utter_v the_o word_n bec_fw-fr which_o it_o seem_v signify_v bread_n in_o the_o phrygian_a dialect_n whence_o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o that_o be_v the_o first_o language_n but_o upon_o enquiry_n it_o be_v find_v that_o this_o experiment_n be_v fruitless_a for_o bec_fw-la be_v a_o insignificant_a pronunciation_n which_o the_o child_n learn_v of_o their_o goat-nurse_n to_o who_o and_o all_o other_o animal_n of_o that_o species_n that_o sound_v it_o seem_v be_v natural_a 〈◊〉_d theodoret_n think_v syr●ack_n be_v the_o first_o tongue_n philo_z the_o jew_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o chaldee_n be_v the_o primitive_a language_n and_o that_o what_o we_o call_v hebrew_n be_v true_o the_o tongue_n which_o the_o chaldean_a abraham_n bring_v out_o of_o chaldea_n and_o capellus_n in_o his_o sacred_a chronology_n seem_v to_o espouse_v this_o assertion_n but_o there_o be_v little_a ground_n for_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o chaldee_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o hebrew_n and_o be_v a_o different_a dialect_n of_o it_o the_o scythian_a be_v the_o primitive_a tongue_n say_v boxhorn_v goropius_fw-la becanus_n fetch_v all_o word_n from_o the_o teutonick_n or_o high_a dutch_a and_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o mother-tongue_n of_o the_o world_n but_o he_o have_v give_v so_o slender_a proof_n of_o it_o that_o he_o have_v gain_v but_o few_o proselyte_n to_o his_o opinion_n the_o learned_a bochart_n derive_v all_o word_n from_o the_o phaenician_a tongue_n but_o any_o impartial_a judge_n may_v discern_v that_o he_o be_v too_o extravagant_a in_o his_o derivation_n witness_v that_o of_o phoenicia_n or_o phoenix_n from_o ben_fw-mi anak_n the_o son_n of_o anak_n make_v the_o old_a phaenician_n his_o posterity_n or_o by_o contraction_n beanak_n than_o pheanak_n and_o so_o phoenix_n and_o hundred_o more_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o strain_v to_o maintain_v his_o opinion_n be_v unacceptable_a to_o wise_a men._n a_o late_a author_n have_v publish_v a_o historical_a essay_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o of_o the_o probability_n of_o the_o language_n of_o china_n be_v the_o primitive_a one_o and_o among_o other_o offer_v towards_o it_o he_o have_v this_o that_o the_o first_o expression_n we_o make_v of_o life_n at_o the_o instant_a minute_n of_o our_o birth_n be_v by_o utter_v the_o chinois_n word_n ya_fw-mi or_o yah_n but_o by_o the_o same_o reason_v i_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o first_o tongue_n be_v hebrew_n because_o yah_n for_o so_o most_o hebrician_n pronounce_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hebrew_n name_n of_o god_n and_o how_o proper_a be_v it_o for_o infant_n to_o mention_n and_o acknowledge_v their_o maker_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n i_o allow_v the_o author_n to_o be_v very_o ingenious_a yet_o i_o believe_v he_o be_v so_o wise_a himself_o as_o not_o to_o think_v he_o have_v bring_v any_o solid_a proof_n for_o what_o he_o undertake_v such_o another_o attempt_n be_v he_o who_o commend_v the_o british_a or_o welsh_a tongue_n to_o we_o as_o the_o ancient_a of_o all_o this_o glory_n be_v due_a only_a to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o certain_o be_v the_o language_n that_o adam_n speak_v and_o be_v that_o peculiar_a form_n of_o speech_n which_o be_v give_v to_o he_o by_o god_n and_o which_o he_o teach_v his_o child_n and_o which_o last_v incorrupt_a there_o be_v no_o other_o tongue_n to_o be_v its_o rival_n till_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n at_o babel_n and_o the_o dispersion_n which_o be_v the_o consequent_a of_o that_o of_o this_o those_o word_n be_v mean_v gen._n 11._o 1._o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v of_o one_o language_n and_o of_o one_o speech_n viz._n hebrew_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v no_o small_a benefit_n to_o mankind_n this_o identity_n of_o speech_n have_v such_o a_o influence_n on_o society_n and_o contribute_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o friendship_n and_o familiarity_n whereas_o now_o we_o must_v ●e_v a_o long_a time_n learning_n to_o make_v those_o of_o other_o country_n understand_v what_o we_o say_v we_o must_v go_v to_o school_v to_o be_v friendly_a and_o we_o can_v be_v sociable_a without_o a_o dictionary_n but_o this_o primitive_a blessing_n be_v not_o of_o very_o great_a duration_n for_o the_o infallible_a record_n inform_v we_o that_o a_o notable_a confusion_n of_o language_n happen_v to_o the_o world_n when_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o its_o minority_n and_o childhood_n and_o have_v not_o long_o learn_v to_o speak_v if_o we_o may_v reckon_v the_o age_n of_o it_o from_o the_o deluge_n by_o the_o fault_n of_o man_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n the_o one_o way_n of_o speak_v be_v change_v into_o diverse_a but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o this_o change_v introduce_v into_o every_o colony_n or_o plantation_n a_o different_a language_n but_o only_o a_o particular_a and_o peculiar_a dialect_n for_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o idiom_n be_v sufficient_a to_o beget_v a_o not-understanding_n of_o one_o another_o as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n the_o german_n dane_n swede_n norwegian_n dutch_a english_a understand_v not_o one_o another_o when_o they_o speak_v though_o they_o have_v not_o proper_o a_o different_a language_n but_o only_o several_a dialect_n for_o they_o all_o speak_v teutonick_n the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n than_o be_v not_o new_a tongue_n but_o a_o considerable_a variation_n from_o the_o primitive_a one_o viz._n hebrew_n hereupon_o the_o babel-builder_n who_o before_o speak_v and_o understand_v this_o language_n it_o be_v their_o native_a one_o as_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mank_v be_v so_o confound_v that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o lay_v aside_o their_o tool_n and_o leave_v off_o work_v and_o that_o this_o confusion_n be_v not_o a_o introduction_n of_o real_o distinct_a tongue_n as_o some_o have_v think_v be_v evident_a hence_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a affinity_n between_o tongue_n especial_o the_o eastern_a one_o for_o as_o for_o other_o they_o have_v have_v their_o rise_n since_o and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v that_o at_o the_o babylonick_a confusion_n they_o speak_v italian_a spanish_a or_o french_a or_o that_o afterward_o there_o be_v any_o of_o the_o plantation_n that_o understand_v english_a dutch_a or_o irish_a i_o speak_v then_o concern_v the_o eastern_a language_n and_o assert_v they_o to_o be_v different_a dialect_n or_o modes_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v from_o the_o harmony_n and_o cognation_n between_o they_o i_o remit_v the_o reader_n to_o skickard_n hottinger_n and_o other_o for_o the_o particular_a eviction_n of_o this_o he_o will_v from_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o tongue_n be_v not_o multiply_v at_o babel_n but_o divide_v and_o that_o that_o one_o language_n which_o have_v be_v in_o use_n ever_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n receive_v there_o a_o alteration_n and_o new_a modification_n the_o diversity_n of_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o person_n can_v not_o understand_v one_o another_o now_o that_o the_o first_o tongue_n which_o adam_n and_o eve_n speak_v and_o be_v use_v before_o the_o division_n of_o language_n and_o be_v the_o original_a from_o whence_o all_o the_o other_o language_n be_v but_o variation_n be_v hebrew_a be_v apparent_a from_o that_o foresay_a cognation_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o other_o oriental_a tongue_n we_o find_v that_o this_o one_o language_n have_v spread_v itself_o more_o or_o less_o into_o all_o other_o we_o may_v discern_v in_o they_o some_o word_n either_o
pure_o hebrew_a or_o of_o near_a alliance_n with_o it_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o chaldean_n and_o syrian_n have_v abundance_n of_o hebrew_n word_n in_o their_o tongue_n only_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n in_o the_o inflection_n of_o they_o the_o arabic_a likewise_o have_v great_a affinity_n with_o the_o hebrew_n and_o so_o have_v the_o punic_a and_o ethiopick_n as_o the_o learned_a bochart_n have_v demonstrate_v and_o this_o you_o may_v observe_v which_o confirm_v the_o thing_n i_o be_o establish_v that_o the_o near_a any_o people_n be_v to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o their_o country_n the_o great_a number_n of_o hebrew_n word_n and_o idiom_n they_o retain_v in_o their_o language_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o more_o remote_a any_o nation_n be_v from_o they_o the_o few_o hebrew_n word_n have_v they_o and_o the_o great_a stranger_n be_v they_o to_o their_o manner_n and_o way_n of_o speak_v but_o there_o be_v some_o relic_n of_o that_o primitive_a tongue_n every_o where_o all_o language_n have_v borrow_v from_o this_o as_o 3._o st._n jerom_n long_o since_o observe_v and_o mercer_n and_o other_o learned_a modern_n take_v notice_n that_o sac_n and_o some_o other_o hebrew_a word_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o language_n and_o thence_o argue_v that_o hebrew_n be_v the_o mother-tongue_n of_o all_o again_o where_o shall_v we_o look_v for_o the_o original_a language_n and_o where_o shall_v we_o hope_v to_o find_v it_o yea_o where_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o find_v it_o but_o among_o the_o first_o people_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o immediate_o succeed_a generation_n of_o man_n before_o the_o flood_n and_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n according_o we_o discover_v that_o hebrew_n be_v that_o language_n which_o be_v in_o use_n with_o they_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n abundant_o testify_v this_o where_o be_v the_o name_n adam_n ishah_n woman_n chavah_n or_o eve_n cain_n abel_n seth_n noah_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o word_n of_o hebrew_n extraction_n which_o be_v argument_n that_o hebrew_n be_v the_o language_n of_o those_o first_o people_n and_o therefore_o the_o primitive_a one._n the_o etymology_n and_o derivation_n of_o these_o word_n do_v irrefragable_o prove_v this_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o tongue_n that_o have_v these_o word_n from_o whence_o these_o name_n be_v take_v but_o the_o hebrew_n therefore_o this_o be_v the_o first_o tongue_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o noah_n carry_v into_o the_o ark_n with_o he_o and_o if_o he_o do_v so_o no_o man_n question_n that_o he_o bring_v it_o out_o with_o he_o and_o that_o it_o be_v universal_o use_v till_o the_o babel-conspiracy_n otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v say_v as_o we_o have_v hear_v that_o the_o whole_a earth_n before_o that_o confusion_n be_v of_o one_o lip_n or_o language_n and_o one_o speech_n this_o text_n be_v peremptory_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wonder_v that_o a_o hebr._n learned_a man_n content_v himself_o with_o say_v there_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v one_o tongue_n before_o the_o flood_n till_o the_o build_n of_o babel_n and_o in_o 1._o another_o place_n he_o understand_v one_o lip_n and_o one_o speech_n of_o their_o mutual_a concord_n and_o agreement_n which_o interpretation_n of_o he_o be_v refute_v from_o what_o follow_v let_v we_o go_v down_o and_o confound_v their_o lip_n that_o they_o may_v not_o understand_v one_o another_o lip_n v_o 7._o where_o we_o see_v the_o confusion_n of_o lip_n be_v oppose_v to_o one_o lip_n and_o one_o speech_n before_o mention_v it_o be_v evident_a then_o from_o this_o text_n that_o there_o be_v only_o one_o language_n in_o use_n at_o first_o and_o that_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o hebrew_a for_o i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o this_o language_n be_v speak_v and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o language_n on_o the_o whole_a earth_n this_o must_v be_v it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o alteration_n as_o to_o language_n till_o the_o build_n of_o babel_n whence_o we_o infallible_o gather_v that_o the_o language_n which_o be_v use_v before_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o erect_v of_o babel_n be_v hebrew_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o forementioned_a writer_n who_o hold_v ge●_n that_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v no_o more_o primitive_a than_o any_o other_o oriental_a tongue_n be_v under_o a_o mistake_n and_o that_o his_o learned_a countryman_n who_o assert_n 4._o that_o the_o hebrew_n be_v one_o of_o the_o tongue_n that_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n at_o babel_n be_v gross_o oversee_v for_o it_o be_v a_o flat_a contradict_v of_o that_o plain_a text_n above_o name_v which_o acquaint_v we_o that_o there_o be_v one_o universal_a language_n in_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n and_o no_o more_o which_o from_o what_o i_o have_v suggest_v appear_v to_o be_v hebrew_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o common_a tongue_n of_o the_o world_n above_o seventeen_o hundred_o year_n viz._n from_o the_o creation_n to_o the_o build_n the_o tower_n of_o babel_n so_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v further_o that_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n fall_v only_o or_o chief_o on_o those_o people_n that_o be_v at_o rabel_n and_o concern_v in_o that_o wicked_a exploit_n viz._n the_o inhabitant_n of_o shinar_n and_o the_o neighbour_a place_n those_o impious_a troop_n of_o man_n that_o be_v the_o great_a admirer_n and_o flatterer_n of_o nimrod_n and_o his_o government_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a posterity_n of_o noah_n assist_v not_o in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o tower_n and_o therefore_o among_o they_o and_o their_o posterity_n and_o those_o that_o learn_v it_o of_o they_o be_v the_o primitive_a tongue_n preserve_v which_o some_o think_v have_v its_o denomination_n of_o hebrew_n from_o heber_n who_o be_v none_o of_o the_o babel-builder_n and_o therefore_o the_o original_a tongue_n be_v preserve_v entire_a in_o his_o family_n this_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o jewish_a writer_n and_o it_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o many_o christian_n more_o especial_o the_o 2._o learned_a bochart_n be_v of_o this_o opinion_n but_o be_v contradict_v by_o some_o other_o learned_a pen_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v call_v so_o from_o gneber_n transiit_fw-la i._n e._n from_o abraham_n the_o traveller_n or_o passenger_n gen._n 14._o 13._o but_o mr._n selden_n who_o learning_n be_v equal_a to_o any_o of_o these_o 2._o suspend_v his_o judgement_n in_o this_o controversy_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o be_v more_o prone_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o deduce_v it_o from_o eber_n transitus_fw-la this_o be_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n and_o we_o may_v rational_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o primitive_a and_o original_a speech_n and_o that_o from_o the_o corruption_n of_o this_o be_v the_o generation_n and_o production_n of_o other_o tongue_n and_o that_o worthy_a critic_n himself_o who_o make_v the_o phaenician_a the_o first_o tongue_n agree_v to_o what_o i_o here_o assert_v though_o he_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o for_o if_o we_o scan_v what_o he_o say_v we_o shall_v see_v that_o even_o according_a to_o he_o the_o phaenician_a and_o hebrew_n be_v the_o same_o which_o appear_v from_o this_o that_o he_o hold_v the_o canaanite_n and_o phaenician_o to_o be_v the_o same_o people_n canaan_n he_o prove_v that_o the_o phaenician_o or_o punicks_n or_o syrian_n or_o sidonian_n for_o they_o be_v know_v by_o all_o these_o name_n be_v former_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o cana●n_n but_o be_v expel_v thence_o by_o joshua_n when_o he_o subdue_v that_o land_n they_o carry_v colony_n into_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o language_n be_v find_v in_o all_o language_n of_o other_o people_n as_o he_o endeavour_v to_o show_v this_o be_v the_o hebrew_n tongue_n he_o confess_v abate_v the_o difference_n of_o dialect_n and_o therefore_o hebrew_n he_o say_v be_v call_v the_o language_n of_o canaan_n isa._n 19_o 18._o if_o then_o the_o punic_a be_v in_o its_o first_o purity_n hebrew_n as_o some_o other_o beside_o bochart_n grant_v it_o follow_v that_o in_o prove_v the_o former_a to_o be_v the_o original_a tongue_n he_o do_v in_o effect_n prove_v that_o the_o latter_a be_v so_o because_o they_o be_v the_o same_o and_o true_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a task_n to_o evince_v the_o language_n of_o the_o canaanite_n to_o have_v be_v hebrew_n for_o all_o the_o proper_a name_n of_o man_n and_o place_n reckon_v up_o in_o scripture_n in_o those_o nation_n be_v pure_o hebrew_a as_o salem_n jerusalem_n hebron_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o a_o weems_n learned_a scots-man_n give_v his_o suffrage_n express_o vouch_v that_o the_o canaanite_n speak_v hebrew_n and_o that_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v call_v the_o language_n of_o canaan_n because_o it_o be_v the_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
to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o give_v we_o a_o plain_a and_o particular_a account_n of_o this_o beginning_n and_o original_a of_o the_o mundane_a fabric_n yea_o the_o very_a philosophic_a man_n among_o the_o gentile_n in_o a_o most_o wild_a and_o ramble_a manner_n talk_v of_o the_o rise_v of_o all_o thing_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n ba●●le_v themselves_o thus_o the_o epicurean_o tell_v we_o a_o senseless_a story_n of_o the_o eternal_a frisk_v of_o atom_n which_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v eternal_a have_v no_o beginning_n or_o ri●e_n at_o all_o pythagoras_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o plato_n and_o some_o of_o the_o peripatetic_n hold_v that_o man_n be_v always_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a succession_n of_o they_o and_o consequent_o no_o original_a of_o they_o other_o who_o believe_v they_o have_v a_o beginning_n have_v strange_a and_o monstrous_a fancy_n concern_v it_o as_o that_o man_n be_v form_v out_o of_o fish_n which_o be_v anaximander_n conceit_n other_o imagine_v they_o shoot_v out_o of_o tree_n some_o out_o of_o egg_n other_o out_o of_o womb_n affix_v to_o the_o earth_n as_o epicurus_n and_o lucretius_n other_o as_o the_o fabulous_a poet_n conceit_v they_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o stone_n and_o 1._o cicero_n relate_v concern_v some_o of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o they_o think_v the_o original_a of_o mankind_n be_v from_o seed_n fall_v from_o the_o star_n and_o impregnate_v the_o earth_n this_o stumble_n at_o the_o threshold_n these_o extravagant_a and_o groundless_a notion_n concern_v the_o very_a first_o original_a of_o thing_n be_v too_o ominous_a a_o presage_v that_o these_o philosopher_n will_v gross_o mistake_v about_o other_o matter_n and_o give_v we_o but_o a_o sorry_a account_n of_o the_o other_o work_v of_o nature_n but_o moses_n confute_v all_o these_o fond_a surmise_n about_o the_o nativity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o mankind_n he_o quash_v all_o those_o wild_a conjecture_n by_o assure_v we_o that_o man_n have_v his_o origine_fw-la from_o the_o earth_n by_o god_n peculiar_a frame_v he_o out_o of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o world_n itself_o have_v its_o be_v by_o creation_n i._n e._n by_o be_v make_v out_o of_o nothing_o by_o the_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n wherefore_o it_o be_v right_o say_v by_o a_o understanding_n person_n 7._o i_o be_o persuade_v say_v he_o that_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n moses_n teach_v more_o than_o all_o the_o pagan_a philosopher_n and_o interpreter_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o this_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o historical_a or_o physical_a account_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v no_o allegory_n be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v by_o any_o man_n of_o a_o sober_a mind_n and_o consistent_a reason_v for_o thus_o i_o argue_v it_o be_v high_o fit_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ●irst_n rise_v of_o the_o universe_n the_o production_n of_o all_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v le●t_o doubtful_a but_o be_v convey_v unto_o we_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v best_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o so_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a a_o matter_n for_o this_o be_v of_o such_o concern_v that_o our_o belief_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n be_v comprise_v in_o it_o now_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o quality_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o deliver_v that_o it_o may_v be_v liable_a to_o imposture_n or_o suspect_v of_o falsehood_n or_o uncertainty_n as_o for_o private_a and_o personal_a revelation_n which_o some_o may_v here_o suppose_v these_o can_v only_o satisfy_v the_o individual_a person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v communicate_v and_o as_o for_o oral_a tradition_n it_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a but_o that_o it_o may_v leave_v some_o scruple_n in_o man_n mind_n hence_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v digest_v into_o such_o record_n which_o may_v assure_v we_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v sit_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v plain_a and_o simple_a and_o proper_o to_o be_v take_v and_o understand_v so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v reckon_v as_o a_o indubitable_a account_n of_o the_o world_n production_n therefore_o such_o be_v this_o relation_n which_o moses_n have_v jest_v we_o which_o be_v a_o perfect_a diary_n of_o th●●_n first_o work_n of_o the_o almighty_a but_o i_o will_v attempt_v yet_o further_o to_o prove_v that_o thi●_n history_n deserve_v that_o name_n i._n e._n that_o it_o relate_v what_o be_v real_o do_v if_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o some_o sacred_a and_o inspire_a author_n i_o conceive_v that_o will_v be_v a_o fair_a conviction_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o author_n to_o be_v inspire_v and_o to_o deliver_v thing_n that_o be_v real_o true_a that_o st._n peter_n then_o in_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o his_o second_o epistle_n where_o he_o brief_o describe_v the_o make_n and_o frame_n of_o this_o world_n as_o it_o be_v form_v at_o the_o first_o creation_n refer_v to_o this_o mosaic_a history_n and_o also_o full_o confirm_v it_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o perusal_n of_o that_o his_o description_n where_o you_o will_v find_v those_o very_a term_n which_o moses_n in_o the_o first_o of_o genesis_n make_v use_v of_o this_o they_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a of_o say_v the_o apostle_n that_o the_o heaven_n be_v of_o old_a i._n e._n from_o the_o beginning_n which_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n which_o agree_v exact_o with_o the_o first_o word_n of_o genesis_n and_o these_o heaven_n be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o reference_n to_o god_n say_v which_o moses_n express_o mention_n chap._n 1._o 6_o 14._o next_o to_o the_o heaven_n he_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o moses_n do_v tell_v we_o that_o it_o stand_v or_o consist_v out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o in_o the_o water_n which_o be_v the_o same_o account_n of_o it_o which_o we_o have_v in_o genesis_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v partly_o above_o water_n and_o partly_o under_o i._n e._n it_o be_v above_o the_o sea_n fountain_n river_n etc._n etc._n but_o under_o the_o w●tyr_n mass_n of_o cloud_n so_o that_o any_o man_n of_o unprejudiced_a thought_n can_v but_o see_v that_o those_o word_n the_o earth_n stand_v out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o in_o the_o water_n plain_o relate_v to_o the_o moysaicall_a history_n where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o globe_n of_o earth_n include_v in_o it_o a_o heap_n of_o water_n call_v the_o deep_a or_o the_o abys●_n which_o be_v afterward_o gather_v into_o one_o receptacle_n or_o channel_n this_o be_v call_v the_o water_n under_o the_o firmament_n i._n e._n under_o the_o expansion_n of_o the_o air_n as_o the_o water_n above_o the_o earth_n viz._n the_o cloud_n be_v call_v the_o water_n above_o the_o expansion_n gen._n 1._o 7._o thus_o you_o see_v all_o this_o be_v allege_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o st._n peter_n as_o true_a history_n and_o according_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o he_o wherefore_o we_o be_v ascertain_v from_o his_o infallible_a pen_n that_o the_o mosaic_a account_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v no_o fiction_n no_o strain_n of_o poetic_a fancy_n but_o be_v perfect_o historical_a and_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o real_a proper_a and_o literal_a sense_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v clear_v wherefore_o origen_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o allegorist_n who_o despise_v the_o letter_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o rely_v chief_o on_o some_o mystic_a and_o symbolical_a meaning_n be_v confute_v and_o so_o likewise_o be_v they_o that_o adhere_v to_o the_o foolish_a dream_n of_o philosopher_n concern_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o its_o be_v make_v by_o chance_n or_o the_o existence_n of_o more_o world_n all_o these_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o moses_n account_n of_o the_o creation_n beside_o that_o they_o affront_v other_o principle_n establish_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o bid_v desiance_n to_o reason_n and_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wonder_v that_o any_o person_n who_o pretend_v to_o own_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o bible_n shall_v public_o disow_v moses_n relation_n of_o the_o first_o original_a of_o the_o world_n and_o look_v upon_o this_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v on_o the_o three_o as_o not_o true_a i._n e._n not_o give_v a_o account_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n upon_o he_o to_o form_v such_o thought_n as_o these_o concern_v this_o entrance_n of_o moses_n book_n because_o he_o have_v in_o his_o theory_n of_o the_o earth_n run_v counter_a to_o that_o relation_n of_o it_o which_o moses_n give_v this_o be_v the_o
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
mention_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n chronicle_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n daniel_n and_o last_o belshazzar_n dan._n 5._o 22._o in_o who_o this_o monarchy_n have_v its_o period_n and_o so_o these_o sacred_a write_n acquaint_v we_o not_o only_o with_o the_o rise_v but_o the_o progress_n duration_n and_o end_n of_o this_o empire_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o last_v from_o nimrod_n to_o the_o close_a of_o belshazzar_n reign_n i._n e._n from_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 1717._o to_o the_o year_n 3419._o which_o be_v in_o all_o 1702_o year_n a_o much_o long_a time_n than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o monarchy_n endure_v again_o in_o these_o write_n be_v record_v the_o original_a of_o the_o next_o viz._n the_o persian_a usual_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o second_o monarchy_n here_o we_o read_v that_o belshazzar_n the_o last_o chaldean_a monarch_n he_o that_o impious_o carouze_v in_o the_o holy_a vessel_n belong_v to_o the_o temple_n be_v slay_v by_o darius_n the_o mcde_v dan._n 5._o 30_o 31._o who_o join_v with_o cyrus_n the_o persian_a in_o the_o expedition_n against_o belshazzar_n and_o they_o both_o have_v right_o to_o the_o babylonian_a monarchy_n on_o that_o account_n and_o according_o joint_o rule_v so_o it_o be_v a_o medo-persian_a monarchy_n darius_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o 6_o and_o 9th_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n but_o be_v age_a before_o he_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n he_o live_v but_o about_o two_o year_n after_o whereupon_o cyrus_n reign_v alone_o and_o be_v general_o repute_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n this_o famous_a cyrus_n surname_v the_o great_a be_v prophesy_v of_o long_a before_o he_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n isa._n 44._o 28._o &_o 45._o 1._o this_o be_v he_o that_o be_v the_o happy_a restorer_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o their_o own_o country_n and_o be_v a_o great_a favourer_n of_o the_o pious_a of_o that_o nation_n ezr._n 1_o and_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o nehemiah_n be_v infallible_o relate_v what_o persian_a king_n hinder_v the_o building_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o who_o they_o be_v that_o promote_v it_o beside_o the_o book_n of_o esther_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o daniel_n be_v a_o narrative_a of_o what_o be_v do_v under_o the_o king_n of_o persia._n next_o it_o may_v be_v add_v that_o alexander_n the_o great_a the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o grecian_a monarchy_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o these_o sacred_a write_n as_o in_o dan._n 2._o 32_o 39_o &_o 7._o 6._o &_o 8._o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o &_o 10._o 20._o &_o 11._o 3_o 4._o whence_o 8._o jaddus_n the_o high_a priest_n show_v the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n to_o that_o great_a monarch_n and_o particular_o turn_v to_o that_o place_n where_o his_o conquer_a of_o the_o persian_n and_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o empire_n to_o he_o be_v foretell_v here_o also_o the_o division_n of_o the_o empire_n among_o his_o captain_n be_v predict_v dan._n 2._o 33._o &_o 7._o 7_o 19_o &_o 8._o 22._o &_o 11._o 5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n last_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n mention_n the_o author_n and_o erecter_n of_o the_o roman_a which_o general_o pass_v for_o the_o four_o monarchy_n and_o some_o of_o his_o action_n and_o decree_n this_o be_v augustus_n for_o if_o we_o speak_v proper_o this_o empire_n begin_v not_o ●_o juliu_o c●sar_n but_o in_o he_o when_o he_o vanquish_v ●_o anthony_n and_o cleopatra_n in_o the_o battle_n of_o actium_n an●_n all_o egypt_n become_v a_o roman_a province_n thus_o ni●_n rod_n cyrus_n alexander_n augustus_n the_o founder_n ●_o those_o four_o renown_a monarchy_n and_o many_o of_o th●_n most_o eminent_a and_o remarkable_a passage_n in_o some_o of_o they_o be_v record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n whereby_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v confirm_v and_o some_o obscure_a place_n in_o pagan_a writer_n be_v enlighten_v and_o some_o mistake_v may_v be_v correct_v indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o gentile_a history_n aright_o in_o sundry_a matter_n relate_v to_o the_o first_o kingdom_n and_o government_n unless_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o bible_n chap._n iii_o in_o these_o sacred_a write_n we_o have_v the_o first_o and_o early_a account_n of_o all_o useful_a employment_n and_o calling_n viz._n garden_v husbandry_n feed_v of_o sheep_n prepare_v of_o food_n the_o ancient_a manner_n of_o thresh_v grind_v of_o corn_n and_o make_v bread_n be_v inquire_v into_o what_o be_v the_o primitive_a drink_n the_o posture_n which_o they_o use_v at_o eat_v and_o drink_v sit_v precede_v discubation_n the_o particular_a manner_n of_o place_v themselves_o on_o their_o bed_n eat_v in_o common_a not_o always_o use_v discalceation_n and_o wash_v the_o foot_n be_v the_o attendants_n of_o eat_v and_o feast_v so_o be_v anoint_v they_o have_v a_o master_n or_o governor_n of_o their_o feast_n who_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o mechanic_n arts._n the_o first_o example_n of_o architecture_n house_n be_v build_v flat_a at_o top_n and_o why_o in_o the_o five_o place_n here_o and_o only_o here_o be_v to_o be_v learn_v the_o original_a of_o all_o employment_n calling_n oecupation_n profession_n mystery_n trade_n and_o of_o all_o art_n and_o invention_n whatsoever_o first_o here_o be_v the_o early_a mention_n of_o garden_v husbandry_n plougb_v keep_v of_o sheep_n which_o be_v of_o ordinary_a use_n and_o for_o the_o necessary_a support_n of_o man_n life_n god_n place_v adam_n in_o paradise_n a_o garden_n of_o delight_n instruct_v he_o how_o to_o dress_v and_o keep_v it_o gen._n 2._o 15._o 〈◊〉_d to_o work_n and_o belabour_v the_o ground_n for_o so_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o lxx_o to_o dig_v and_o delve_v with_o great_a care_n and_o art_n to_o open_v the_o earth_n to_o let_v in_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n to_o prune_v the_o tree_n and_o cherish_v the_o plant_n to_o preserve_v the_o fruit_n from_o the_o beast_n and_o fowl_n which_o have_v admittance_n into_o that_o place_n as_o we_o read_v in_o gen._n 2._o 19_o 20._o and_o to_o keep_v all_o thing_n in_o good_a order_n as_o a_o skilful_a gardener_n and_o husbandman_n for_o both_o these_o make_v up_o the_o first_o employment_n and_o trade_n in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o man_n be_v eject_v out_o of_o paradise_n he_o be_v still_o set_v about_o the_o same_o work_n gen._n 3._o 23._o for_o the_o hebrew_n word_n that_o be_v use_v here_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o in_o ver_fw-la 15._o and_o be_v translate_v there_o to_o dress_v but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o gnamad_a which_o be_v the_o verb_n in_o both_o place_n be_v of_o a_o large_a import_n and_o signify_v all_o husbandly_a manage_n and_o improve_n of_o ground_n and_o true_o there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o exercise_v that_o art_n now_o than_o before_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o a_o little_a endamage_v by_o the_o curse_n which_o god_n denounce_v against_o it_o and_o execute_v upon_o it_o which_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o adam_n bring_v up_o his_o son_n cain_n to_o husbandry_n and_o tilling_n the_o ground_n gen._n 4._o 2._o for_o now_o it_o want_v manure_v and_o cultivate_v and_o as_o this_o his_o elder_a son_n be_v bring_v up_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o his_o next_o be_v breed_v up_o to_o feed_v of_o sheep_n which_o be_v the_o second_o employment_n or_o call_v that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o world_n afterward_o jabal_n advance_v high_a and_o become_v the_o first_o grazier_n for_o so_o i_o understand_v those_o word_n gen._n 4._o 20._o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o such_o as_o have_v cattle_n i._n e._n that_o have_v other_o cattle_n beside_o sheep_n for_o these_o and_o the_o keep_n or_o feed_v of_o they_o have_v be_v mention_v before_o he_o live_v upon_o pasturage_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n be_v the_o father_n of_o such_o as_o dwell_v in_o tent_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n the_o mean_v of_o which_o be_v that_o whereas_o other_o general_o live_v in_o one_o fix_a place_n and_o habitation_n he_o and_o other_o of_o his_o call_v go_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o feed_n they_o travel_v as_o their_o cattle_n do_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o have_v tent_n according_o that_o they_o may_v look_v after_o their_o flock_n and_o herd_n the_o better_a he_o invent_v these_o that_o they_o may_v lie_v out_o in_o the_o field_n all_o night_n under_o this_o shelter_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o primitive_a state_n of_o thing_n adain_n and_o his_o first-born_a son_n be_v husbandman_n and_o his_o second_o son_n a_o shepherd_n and_o other_o of_o his_o race_n be_v busy_v in_o feed_v of_o cattle_n such_o be_v the_o employment_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o first_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o for_o
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d absolute_o and_o by_o itself_o be_v according_a to_o hesychius_n as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o lydian_n and_o jonians_n 3._o lucan_n make_v the_o phoenician_n the_o first_o inventor_n of_o letter_n phoenices_fw-la primi_fw-la famae_fw-la si_fw-la creditur_fw-la ausi_fw-la mansuram_fw-la rudibus_fw-la vocem_fw-la signare_fw-la figuris_fw-la now_o when_o these_o be_v say_v to_o have_v first_o find_v out_o letter_n and_o when_o these_o letter_n be_v signal_o style_v phoenician_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o have_v call_v they_o hebrew_a letter_n so_o name_v from_o that_o famous_a hebrew_n moses_n and_o the_o people_n of_o that_o denomination_n for_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o learned_a that_o phoenician_n and_o hebrew_n be_v ●●e_v same_o in_o several_a author_n the_o old_a distinction_n be_v this_o p●ri●g_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v those_o of_o syria_n that_o inhabit_v the_o continent_n have_v the_o name_n of_o syrian_n but_o those_o that_o border_v 〈◊〉_d the_o maritime_a coast_n be_v call_v phoenician_n w●●_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o canaanite_n when_o w●_n find_v pliny_n profess_v 56._o literas_fw-la semper_fw-la arbitror_fw-la assyri●●_n fuisse_fw-la we_o can_v but_o know_v that_o by_o assyrian_a the_o country_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o even_o the_o jewish_a nuntion_n be_v point_v at_o when_o therefore_o he_o say_v he_o be_v of_o opinion_n and_o always_o be_v that_o lette●●_n be_v first_o of_o all_o assyrian_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o co●●firms_v what_o i_o be_o now_o suggest_v and_o when_o th●_n gentile_a historian_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o invention_n 〈◊〉_d letter_n be_v from_o cadmus_n it_o be_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n to_o observe_v who_o this_o cadmus_n be_v he_o 〈◊〉_d say_v to_o be_v a_o tyrian_a or_o phoenician_n whence_o h●_n have_v the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o syrophoeni●cian_a traffiker_n give_v he_o in_o lucian_n council_n of_o th●_n go_n this_o be_v he_o that_o bring_v the_o use_n of_o letter_n to_o the_o greek_n which_o show_v that_o the_o origininal_n of_o they_o be_v from_o canaan_n from_o the_o hebrew_n who_o be_v style_v phoenician_n beside_o that_o the_o greek_a alphabet_n be_v take_v from_o the_o hebrew_n not_o only_o the_o name_n but_o the_o order_n and_o figure_n of_o most_o of_o the_o letter_n do_v plain_o show_v and_o when_o it_o be_v say_v by_o plato_n diodorus_n siculus_n tully_n and_o other_o that_o mercurius_n and_o thoth_n who_o be_v the_o same_o person_n be_v the_o inventor_n of_o letter_n and_o erudition_n moses_n be_v mean_v for_o he_o be_v the_o true_a mercurius_n as_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o prove_v by_o very_a convince_a argument_n in_o another_o place_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o muse_n who_o be_v the_o celebrate_a author_n of_o learning_n and_o all_o ingenious_a art_n for_o cratylo_n plato_n who_o be_v the_o great_a searcher_n into_o antiquity_n of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n acknowledge_v that_o this_o word_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o barbarian_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v who_o be_v the_o barbarian_n with_o the_o greek_n viz._n the_o hebrew_n which_o make_v i_o think_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o corruption_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o muse_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o he_o and_o consequent_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o letter_n and_o of_o learning_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o same_o divine_a philosopher_n in_o another_o place_n express_o testify_v that_o 〈◊〉_d the_o greek_n receive_v their_o name_n and_o letter_n from_o the_o barbarian_n who_o be_v elder_a than_o they_o last_o i_o will_v mention_v that_o notable_a passage_n in_o osir._n plutarch_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o egyptian_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o think_v that_o hermes_n be_v the_o inventor_n of_o grammar_n where_o by_o grammar_n be_v mean_v all_o good_a letter_n and_o by_o hermes_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v moses_n who_o as_o have_v be_v say_v already_o be_v universal_o own_a to_o be_v the_o ancient_n hermes_n to_o this_o excellent_a man_n it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v the_o art_n of_o write_v set_v he_o a_o illustrious_a copy_n upon_o the_o two_o table_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n so_o that_o next_o unto_o god_n himself_o he_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o letter_n or_o write_a character_n he_o who_o when_o a_o infant_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o the_o egyptian_a papyrus_fw-la as_o you_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o be_v most_o congruous_o the_o principal_a author_n of_o write_v on_o it_o and_o adorn_v that_o and_o other_o material_n with_o letter_n the_o first_o penman_n and_o writer_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o discovery_n viz._n to_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o write_v these_o sacred_a record_n acquaint_v we_o also_o what_o be_v the_o first_o way_n of_o write_v or_o make_v letter_n they_o let_v we_o know_v what_o material_n they_o of_o old_a write_v upon_o and_o what_o instrument_n they_o write_v with_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o first_o way_n of_o write_v be_v sculpture_n or_o carve_n i._n e._n they_o cut_v their_o letter_n in_o sto●●_n or_o wood_n or_o some_o other_o hard_a and_o solid_a matter_n we_o read_v that_o moses_n or_o rather_o god_n himself_o 〈◊〉_d grave_v his_o law_n on_o stone_n exod._n 34._o 1._o deut._n 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o people_n be_v command_v afterward_o to_o write_v these_o very_a law_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n deut._n 27._o 3_o 8._o this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o antient●●_n way_n of_o write_v that_o we_o read_v of_o stone_n be_v their_o book_n of_o old_a on_o these_o they_o engrave_v the_o character_n which_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o egypti●●●_n do_v thus_o say_v 2._o jamblichus_n before_o their_o invent●●●_n of_o paper_n the_o babylonian_n write_v their_o law_n 〈◊〉_d stony_a sort_n of_o substance_n say_v ●6_n pliny_n of_o such_o 〈◊〉_d of_o write_v speaks_z ●raniâ_fw-la herodotus_n and_o all_o the_o 〈◊〉_d marble_n monument_n which_o rome_n afford_v and_o ar●●●_n this_o day_n to_o be_v see_v witness_v the_o antiquity_n of_o 〈◊〉_d engrave_v on_o wood_n and_o tree_n it_o be_v usual_a to_o carve_v their_o letter_n of_o old_a thus_o they_o write_v the_o name_n of_o the_o tribe_n on_o twelve_o rod_n numb_a 17._o ●_o and_o ezekiel_n be_v bid_v to_o write_v upon_o stick_n sma●●_n piece_n of_o wood_n ezek._n 37._o 16._o write_v on_o a_o table_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o lxx_o super_fw-la bu●●●_n according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a isa._n 30._o 8._o may_v refer_v to_o this_o i_o suppose_v this_o write_n in_o wood_n be_v not_o unusual_a among_o some_o of_o the_o gentile_n so_o shepherd_n and_o lover_n use_v to_o cut_v their_o name_n on_o the_o bark_n of_o tree_n of_o old_a this_o be_v call_v i0_n teeneris_fw-la incidere_fw-la amores_fw-la arboribus_fw-la some_o of_o the_o old_a roman_a law_n be_v write_v in_o 3._o table_n of_o oak_n and_o from_o sufficient_a testimony_n in_o author_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o cut_v letter_n in_o wooden_a table_n i._n e._n thin_a slice_n of_o wood_n which_o be_v call_v codices_fw-la but_o afterward_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n to_o cover_v these_o table_n with_o wax_n and_o so_o to_o cut_v their_o character_n on_o it_o of_o which_o sort_n it_o be_v probable_a be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o writing-table_n that_o zacharias_n call_v for_o luke_n 1._o 63._o these_o waxen_a board_n be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o trojan_a war_n as_o appear_v from_o homer_n il._n 6._o and_o that_o they_o be_v frequent_a among_o the_o roman_n and_o other_o be_v attest_v by_o 27._o pliny_n 3._o quintilian_n curcul_n plautus_n martial_n and_o most_o of_o the_o latin_a writer_n of_o engrave_v letter_n in_o gold_n there_o be_v a_o early_a instance_n in_o exod._n 39_o 30._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o holiness_n to_o the_o lord_n be_v write_v on_o a_o golden_a plate_n and_o wear_v on_o the_o high_a priest_n head_n so_o 44._o dio_n relate_v that_o they_o ancient_o make_v letter_n in_o gold_n and_o write_v in_o silver_n the_o draw_v of_o legible_a character_n on_o lead_n i._n e._n thin_a leave_n of_o that_o metal_n be_v record_v in_o job_n 19_o 24._o of_o which_o there_o be_v afterward_o example_n in_o pagan_a writer_n as_o in_o ●●otic_a pausanias_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o hesiod_n poem_n be_v thus_o write_v and_o public_a record_n and_o decree_n say_v 11._o the_o other_o pliny_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v transcribe_v into_o these_o sheet_n of_o lead_n because_o they_o be_v account_v last_a and_o durable_a for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o twelve_o table_n of_o the_o
ol●_n roman_a law_n that_o be_v fix_v up_o in_o public_a be_v write_v on_o plate_n of_o brass_n as_o a_o great_a number_n of_o good_a latin_a author_n testify_v and_o ●ome_v to_o preserve_v what_o they_o write_v imprint_v character_n on_o slice_n of_o ivory_n thence_o call_v libri_fw-la elephantini_n in_o tacitus_n and_o flavius_n vopiscus_n thus_o sculpture_n be_v one_o ancient_a way_n of_o write_v among_o man_n of_o whi●●_n the_o first_o instance_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o a●oliab_n who_o w●●_n the_o chief_a master_n of_o 23._o engrave_v and_o that_o by_o the_o particular_a inspiration_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o fi●●●_n improver_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o letter_n this_o be_v 〈◊〉_d primitive_a write_v of_o mankind_n the_o first_o lett●●●_n be_v cut_v and_o engrave_v which_o indeed_o may_v be_v fou●●_n in_o the_o very_a word_n for_o to_o grave_n be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v thence_o derive_v without_o doubt_n as_o hither_o to_o we_o have_v see_v by_o help_n of_o the_o sacr●●_n record_v that_o sculpture_n or_o e●●r●tion_n be_v the_o an●●_n ent_a sort_n of_o character_n so_o these_o likewise_o in●o●_n we_o that_o paint_n be_v the_o next_o i._o e._n that_o lett●●●_n be_v general_o draw_v and_o portray_v in_o some_o bla●●_n or_o ●able_a kind_n of_o colour_v and_o to_o this_o end_n i●●stead_o of_o those_o hard_a material_n which_o be_v mad●_n use_v of_o in_o write_v before_o there_o be_v other_o afterwards_o find_v out_o of_o a_o more_o tractable_a nature_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o mention_v those_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d seldom_o and_o little_o use_v as_o leau●s_n of_o tree_n espe●●●ally_o 11._o palm_n which_o be_v the_o way_n ●f_o the_o ●_o si●●●_n transmit_v some_o of_o their_o verse_n and_o that_o of_o old_a they_o write_v sometime_o on_o leave_v not_o only_o of_o tree_n but_o flower_n be_v more_o than_o once_o witness_v by_o virgil_n and_o ovid._n still_o to_o this_o day_n we_o seem_v to_o retain_v the_o memory_n of_o this_o ancient_a way_n of_o write_v when_o we_o say_v a_o leaf_n of_o paper_n and_o book_n in_o folio_n nor_o be_v the_o thin_a coat_n or_o rind_n which_o be_v between_o the_o bark_n and_o body_n of_o tree_n and_o be_v use_v in_o write_v of_o old_a as_o 30._o several_a relate_v and_o from_o whence_o come_v the_o name_n of_o liber_n at_o first_o mention_v by_o the_o holy_a writer_n because_o their_o use_n continue_v but_o a_o little_a time_n and_o they_o be_v of_o little_a service_n much_o less_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n say_v of_o write_v in_o linen_n which_o yet_o 1._o livy_n 11._o pliny_n antonino_n vopiscus_n and_o other_o take_v notice_n of_o because_o this_o be_v use_v among_o the_o indian_n and_o such_o remote_a people_n as_o the_o sacred_a history_n have_v no_o occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o but_o those_o material_n for_o write_v which_o be_v of_o constant_a use_n and_o that_o among_o most_o nation_n as_o papyr_n and_o parchment_n be_v either_o express_o mention_v or_o tacit_o refer_v to_o the_o former_a be_v make_v of_o broad_a rush_n and_o flag_n which_o grow_v in_o great_a abundance_n in_o egypt_n of_o which_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n foretell_v the_o confusion_n of_o that_o country_n speak_v ch_n 19_o v._n 6_o 7._o the_o reed_n and_o flag_n shall_v wither_v the_o paper-reed_n by_o the_o brook_n shall_v wither_v be_v drive_v away_o and_o be_v no_o more_o the_o gnaroth_n the_o material_n for_o write_v which_o be_v so_o celebrate_v all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a commodity_n of_o egypt_n and_o which_o bring_v in_o so_o great_a revenue_n to_o that_o nation_n these_o even_o these_o shall_v decay_v the_o traffic_n of_o they_o shall_v cease_v yea_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o moses_n be_v lay_v in_o a_o ark_n of_o bulrush_n exod._n 2._o 3._o a_o loc_n great_a critic_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o papyrus_fw-la be_v mean_v here_o and_o for_o this_o he_o quote_v 4._o lucan_n conseritur_fw-la bibulâ_fw-la memphitis_n cymba_fw-la papyro_fw-la and_o before_o he_o st._n jerom_n the_o most_o critical_a of_o all_o the_o father_n think_v the_o egyptian_a rush_n of_o which_o the_o first_o paper_n be_v make_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n and_o therefore_o gome_n which_o be_v the_o word_n here_o use_v be_v render_v by_o he_o papyrus_n and_o he_o it_o be_v likely_a have_v this_o from_o 5._o josep●us_n who_o acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o ark_n in_o which_o moses_n be_v secure_v be_v make_v of_o this_o great_a flag_n grow_v on_o the_o bank_n of_o nile_n of_o which_o they_o make_v leave_n to_o write_v on_o and_o whence_o our_o paper_n at_o this_o day_n have_v its_o name_n it_o be_v divide_v into_o thin_a flake_n which_o be_v press_v and_o dry_v in_o the_o sun_n and_o so_o be_v make_v serviceable_a to_o write_v upon_o in_o some_o tolerable_a manner_n of_o this_o 11._o pliny_n and_o several_a other_o writer_n speak_v and_o thence_o nile_n be_v call_v papyriferus_fw-la by_o 15._o ovid._n parchment_n which_o be_v make_v of_o sheep_n skin_n or_o the_o thin_a skin_n of_o other_o animal_n dress_v be_v another_o thing_n they_o write_v upon_o the_o best_a of_o this_o sort_n be_v make_v at_o pergamus_n and_o thence_o have_v its_o name_n pergamena_n but_o it_o be_v invent_v before_o attalus_n king_n of_o peragamus_fw-la his_o time_n though_o the_o contrary_n have_v be_v believe_v by_o some_o man_n and_o be_v in_o use_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o the_o egyptian_a papyrus_fw-la be_v only_o this_o be_v use_v for_o common_a purpose_n and_o the_o other_o for_o more_o choice_n write_v and_o such_o as_o they_o design_v shall_v last_v a_o long_a time_n therefore_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v transcribe_v into_o this_o moses_n write_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n gnal_n sepher_n upon_o a_o book_n deut._n 31._o 24._o i_o e._n on_o parchment_n say_v jonathan_n the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v on_o the_o place_n for_o so_o he_o and_o other_o learned_a jew_n understand_v the_o text._n this_o be_v mean_v by_o megillah_n a_o roll_n ezra_n 6._o 2._o and_o megillah_n sepher_v a_o roll_n of_o a_o book_n jer._n 36._o 2._o and_o gillaion_n a_o roll_n isa._n 8._o 1._o and_o a_o scroll_n roll_v together_o isa._n 34._o 4._o for_o it_o be_v parchment_n which_o be_v of_o some_o consistency_n not_o thin_a and_o weak_a paper_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v thus_o roll_v up_o to_o this_o terpsichore_n herodotus_n refer_v when_o he_o say_v that_o writing_n on_o skin_n be_v use_v by_o the_o barbarian_n mean_v the_o eastern_a people_n especial_o the_o jew_n and_o 2._o josep●us_n avouch_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v in_o sheet_n of_o parchment_n exact_o join_v and_o fasten_v together_o of_o which_o testimony_n of_o his_o i_o have_v speak_v in_o another_o place_n it_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o interpreter_n that_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v mean_v write_v parchment_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 13._o but_o i_o have_v heretofore_o propose_v another_o sense_n of_o that_o word_n and_o therefore_o i_o make_v no_o use_n of_o this_o place_n here_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o scroll_n roll_v together_o rev._n 6._o 14._o refer_v to_o this_o and_o though_o i_o will_v not_o aver_v that_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o our_o translator_n render_v paper_n 2_o joh._n v_o 12._o be_v to_o be_v understand_v parchment_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o improbable_a for_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a word_n to_o signify_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o write_v upon_o whether_o egyptian_a reed_n or_o leave_v of_o lead_n or_o gold_n or_o stone_n or_o wood_n or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o write_v material_n before_o specify_v the_o matter_n whatever_o it_o be_v be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o charta_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o from_o the_o hebrew_n charath_n seulpsit_fw-la exaravit_fw-la for_o this_o be_v a_o general_a term_n and_o signify_v any_o thing_n that_o have_v character_n engrave_v or_o write_v upon_o it_o but_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o material_n on_o which_o they_o write_v of_o old_a but_o of_o the_o instrument_n with_o which_o they_o form_v their_o letter_n on_o they_o i_o mean_v here_o such_o as_o be_v of_o common_a use_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o it_o shall_v say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o rubrica_fw-la mention_v by_o 5._o persius_n and_o other_o which_o serve_v sometime_o instead_o of_o pen_n and_o ink._n with_o this_o they_o write_v o●_n rather_o mark_v their_o title_n of_o book_n whence_o that_o of_o 14._o juvenal_n
contain_v and_o here_o be_v those_o choice_a material_n which_o no_o other_o history_n furnish_v we_o with_o but_o i_o shall_v be_v endless_a if_o i_o shall_v enlarge_v here_o by_o particularise_v therefore_o i_o will_v not_o launch_v out_o but_o only_o commend_v to_o the_o reader_n the_o learned_a endeavour_n of_o strigelius_n in_o his_o commentary_n on_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n king_n chronicle_n where_o he_o will_v be_v ample_o convince_v of_o the_o unparalleled_a diversity_n multiplicity_n and_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o historical_a example_n in_o scripture_n the_o ancient_a poetry_n be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o as_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o historian_n so_o he_o be_v the_o first_o poet_n that_o be_v extant_a a_o proof_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o that_o eucharistick_a song_n which_o he_o compose_v upon_o his_o pass_v the_o red_a sea_n and_o be_v record_v in_o exod._n 15._o a_o admirable_a hymn_n it_o be_v and_o in_o hexameter_n verse_n if_o 14._o josephus_n may_v be_v judge_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o if_o a_o christian_a father_n may_v be_v credit_v who_o have_v more_o hebrew_n than_o most_o of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n yea_o more_o than_o all_o of_o they_o except_o origen_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v true_a or_o no_o this_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o piece_n of_o poetry_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v the_o priority_n of_o this_o of_o moses_n for_o orpheus_n who_o be_v reckon_v by_o the_o pagan_n as_o the_o first_o poet_n be_v according_a to_o the_o most_o favourable_a computation_n of_o some_o of_o their_o historian_n three_o hundred_o year_n after_o moses_n and_o homer_n be_v towards_o six_o hundred_o beside_o this_o divine_a hymn_n there_o be_v other_o ancient_a one_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n record_v in_o the_o same_o authentic_a write_n viz._n deborah_n song_n judg._n 5._o which_o have_v many_o noble_a flight_n of_o poetry_n and_o that_o of_o hannah_n the_o mother_n of_o samuel_n 1_o sam._n 2._o 1_o etc._n etc._n which_o have_v excellent_a poetic_a rapture_n and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n i_o will_v offer_v this_o conjecture_n that_o perhaps_o from_o miriam_n bear_n her_o part_n in_o moses_n song_n exod._a 15●_n 20_o 21._o and_o from_o these_o other_o woman_n poetic_a inspiration_n which_o come_v to_o be_v celebrate_v among_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n the_o poet_n who_o as_o i_o have_v large_o show_v elsewhere_o have_v frequent_a reference_n to_o the_o old_a testament_n take_v occasion_n to_o report_v that_o poetry_n be_v of_o female_a extraction_n and_o that_o calliope_n one_o of_o that_o sex_n be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o faculty_n other_o famous_a instance_n there_o be_v here_o of_o this_o sacred_a art_n as_o david_n incomparable_a elegy_n on_o the_o death_n of_o saul_n and_o jonathan_n 2_o sam._n 1._o 16_o etc._n etc._n that_o gratulatory_a hymn_n in_o the_o 12_o chapter_n of_o isaiah_n hezekiah_n song_n of_o praise_n in_o the_o 38th_o of_o the_o same_o prophet_n habakkuk_n lofty_a description_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o greatness_n in_o poetic_a number_n chap._n 3._o the_o style_n of_o which_o be_v far_o more_o sublime_a and_o majestic_a than_o any_o of_o orpheus_n or_o pindar_n ode_n i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n of_o skill_n and_o that_o have_v a_o right_a poetic_a genius_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o true_a and_o as_o there_o be_v these_o single_a hymn_n and_o song_n so_o there_o be_v just_a poem_n for_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v six_o that_o be_v compose_v and_o write_v in_o verse_n viz._n the_o book_n of_o job_n the_o psalm_n proverb_n ecclesiaste_n canticle_n lamentation_n as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o hebrew_n poesy_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o verse_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n the_o learned_a 21._o mersennus_n and_o other_o have_v give_v we_o some_o account_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v very_o short_a and_o mean_a and_o much_o of_o it_o be_v mere_a surmise_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o it_o a_o late_a writer_n have_v attempt_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o hebrew_n verse_n or_o poetry_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v in_o rhythm_n which_o i_o believe_v be_v true_a in_o many_o place_n and_o if_o the_o pronunciation_n and_o sound_n be_v the_o very_a same_o now_o that_o they_o be_v when_o these_o poetic_a book_n be_v compose_v we_o shall_v observe_v the_o cadence_n in_o they_o more_o frequent_o but_o he_o go_v too_o far_o in_o assert_v that_o all_o the_o hebrew_n poesy_n in_o scripture_n be_v rhythm_v for_o they_o be_v not_o so_o exact_a at_o first_o though_o the_o verse_n end_v with_o the_o same_o sound_v sometime_o yet_o general_o they_o take_v a_o liberty_n upon_o examination_n we_o may_v find_v this_o to_o be_v true_a and_o i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v something_o further_o of_o it_o when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v particular_o of_o the_o psalm_n but_o the_o other_o assertion_n viz._n that_o the_o psalm_n and_o other_o piece_n of_o hebrew_n poetry_n be_v always_o rhythmical_a necessary_o infer_v a_o great_a many_o fault_n and_o mistake_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o suppose_v several_a place_n to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o mangle_a for_o we_o do_v not_o find_v all_o the_o poetry_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o be_v such_o at_o this_o day_n and_o consequent_o subvert_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v allow_v of_o all_o that_o i_o will_v add_v under_o this_o head_n be_v that_o even_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o first_o and_o ancient_a writer_n be_v poet_n 1_o strabo_n undertake_v to_o show_v that_o poetry_n be_v before_o prose_n and_o that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o imitation_n of_o that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o first_o philosopher_n write_v in_o verse_n as_o orpheus_n parmenide_n empedocles_n theognis_n phocylides_n etc._n etc._n and_o thence_o as_o sacr._n one_o of_o the_o learnede_a man_n of_o our_o age_n observe_v the_o moral_a precept_n of_o the_o philosopher_n be_v call_v of_o old_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o carmina_fw-la the_o grecian_a oracle_n be_v deliver_v in_o verse_n concern_v the_o agathyrsi_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o aristotle_n that_o their_o law_n be_v all_o in_o metre_n concern_v the_o old_a german_n tacitus_n relate_v that_o their_o very_a record_n and_o annal_n be_v in_o verse_n and_o all_o this_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v in_o emulation_n of_o the_o first_o sacred_a writer_n the_o penman_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o who_o write_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n dictate_v in_o measure_n and_o some_o entire_a book_n be_v altogether_o metrical_a for_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o delight_n as_o well_o as_o profit_v with_o poetry_n let_v we_o join_v music_n it_o be_v of_o so_o near_a affinity_n with_o it_o and_o the_o first_o inventor_n of_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o from_o the_o scripture_n which_o inform_v we_o that_o jubal_n the_o son_n of_o lamech_v the_o six_o from_o adam_n be_v the_o father_n of_o such_o as_o handle_v the_o harp_n and_o organ_n gen._n 4._o 21._o from_o who_o name_n some_o have_v think_v the_o jubilee_n be_v call_v because_o it_o be_v proclaim_v with_o music_n the_o poet_n tell_v we_o that_o apollo_n and_o mercury_n be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o by_o who_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a they_o mean_v moses_n who_o first_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o original_a of_o this_o art_n and_o may_v well_o be_v represent_v by_o apollo_n because_o of_o his_o singular_a wisdom_n and_o by_o mercury_n because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o interpreter_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o his_o write_n and_o on_o other_o account_n merit_v that_o name_n as_o i_o have_v evidence_v in_o another_o place_n perhaps_o the_o story_n of_o pythagoras_n find_n our_o musical_a note_n from_o the_o stroke_n of_o the_o hammer_n upon_o the_o smith_n anvil_n be_v suggest_v from_o this_o that_o the_o first_o musical_a instrument_n be_v make_v of_o iron_n and_o brass_n the_o metal_n of_o the_o smith_n and_o brasier_n or_o if_o i_o shall_v guess_v it_o a_o downright_a mistake_n of_o tu●al_n for_o jubal_n son_n of_o the_o same_o father_n a_o smith_n for_o a_o musician_n or_o that_o it_o be_v suggest_v from_o the_o music_n of_o their_o name●_n tu●al_a and_o jubal_n have_v some_o affinity_n in_o the_o sound_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o disprove_v it_o but_o that_o which_o be_v certain_a be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o first_o inventors_n o●_n other_o thing_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n so_o particular_o be_v he_o that_o find_v out_o music_n and_o by_o the_o harp_n and_o the_o organ_n all_o other_o musical_a instrument_n be_v mean_v whether_o pulsative_a or_o pneumatick_a and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o the_o
venom_n of_o lust_n and_o debauchery_n be_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o instill_a by_o it_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o lament_v the_o fashionable_a folly_n and_o levity_n of_o our_o time_n chap._n v._n we_o be_v furnish_v in_o the_o bible_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o first_o usage_n relate_v to_o matrimony_n of_o nuptial_a feast_n and_o other_o ancient_a feast_n we_o have_v here_o the_o first_o notice_n of_o buy_v and_o sell_v and_o the_o ancient_a use_n of_o money_n we_o learn_v hence_o what_o be_v the_o first_o apparel_n and_o what_o addition_n there_o be_v afterward_o the_o chief_a ornament_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n viz._n crown_n mitre_n frontal_n jewel_n earring_n the_o occasion_n of_o wear_v these_o at_o first_o and_o among_o what_o person_n and_o nation_n together_o with_o the_o abuse_n of_o they_o chain_n bracelet_n finger-ring_n and_o signet_n change_n of_o garment_n the_o ancient_a use_n of_o white_a apparel_n fuller_n earth_n looking-glass_n rend_v of_o the_o garment_n that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o first_o and_o ancient_a usage_n in_o the_o world_n i_o will_v make_v good_a in_o the_o next_o place_n by_o speak_v of_o marriage_n and_o several_a thing_n that_o have_v reference_n to_o it_o concern_v which_o we_o have_v the_o best_a notice_n from_o this_o authentic_a book_n there_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o man_n be_v no_o soon_o make_v but_o god_n extract_v a_o woman_n out_o of_o he_o and_o when_o he_o have_v divide_v they_o he_o present_o join_v they_o together_o so_o that_o a_o conjugal_a life_n become_v the_o first_o and_o bless_a state_n of_o paradise_n gen._n 2._o 21_o etc._n etc._n the_o first_o person_n that_o violate_v this_o primitive_a law_n of_o wedlock_n be_v lamech_v who_o take_v unto_o he_o two_o wife_n gen._n 4._o 19_o and_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v 3._o josephus_n have_v 77_o child_n by_o they_o the_o example_n of_o this_o first_o polygamist_n be_v afterward_o draw_v into_o practice_n by_o the_o jew_n and_o polygamy_n become_v frequent_a and_o divorcement_n be_v permit_v in_o order_n to_o the_o marry_n of_o other_o wife_n the_o first_o that_o keep_v concubine_n be_v abraham_n gen._n 25._o 6._o who_o practice_n be_v follow_v afterward_o by_o other_o patriarch_n not_o without_o some_o permission_n from_o god_n but_o grow_v at_o last_o to_o a_o most_o scandalous_a excess_n in_o solomon_n and_o rehoboam_n day_n that_o there_o be_v prostitute_n harlot_n betimes_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o gen._n 34._o 31._o and_o chap._n 38._o v._n 14_o 15._o in_o which_o latter_a place_n there_o be_v mention_v some_o circumstance_n whereby_o those_o mercenary_a woman_n be_v know_v in_o those_o time_n as_o their_o veil_n their_o sit_v in_o a_o open_a place_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o be_v veil_v may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o tamar_n but_o it_o be_v with_o a_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a sort_n of_o cover_v by_o which_o they_o be_v know_v from_o other_o for_o all_o the_o sex_n general_o in_o those_o eastern_a country_n go_v veil_v it_o be_v not_o wear_v because_o those_o first_o prostitute_n be_v modest_a in_o respect_n of_o those_o since_o as_o some_o have_v think_v but_o because_o they_o be_v distinguish_v by_o this_o from_o other_o woman_n i_o know_v that_o bochart_n and_o some_o other_o attempt_n to_o infer_v from_o isa._n 47._o 3._o and_o such_o like_a place_n that_o they_o be_v not_o veil_v but_o this_o as_o i_o apprehend_v be_v upon_o mistake_n for_o those_o word_n have_v no_o reference_n to_o harlot_n but_o to_o slave_n and_o so_o the_o learnede_a commentator_n agree_v their_o place_v themselves_o by_o the_o way_n side_n or_o in_o some_o open_a place_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o foresay_a example_n of_o tamar_n and_o this_o be_v a_o long_a time_n afterward_o the_o usage_n among_o person_n of_o that_o infamous_a character_n prov._n 7._o 12._o she_o be_v in_o the_o street_n and_o lie_v in_o wait_n at_o every_o corner_n where_o by_o the_o corner_n be_v mean_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o eminent_a place_n in_o the_o street_n open_a and_o to_o be_v see_v wherefore_o we_o find_v her_o seat_n to_o be_v in_o the_o high_a place_n of_o the_o city_n chap._n 9_o v._n 14._o to_o this_o impudent_a practice_n refer_v those_o passage_n in_o the_o way_n have_v thou_o set_v for_o they_o jer._n 3._o 2._o thou_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o high_a place_n in_o every_o street_n at_o every_o head_n of_o the_o way_n ezek._n 16._o 24_o 25._o so_o the_o roman_a strumpet_n be_v wont_a to_o sit_v in_o triviis_fw-la in_o the_o high_a way_n where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a resort_v of_o people_n as_o from_o catullus_n and_o other_o may_v be_v prove_v if_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o main_a subject_n that_o of_o matrimony_n we_o see_v what_o kind_n of_o treaty_n there_o be_v about_o it_o gen._n 34._o 6_o 12._o what_o the_o contract_n gen._n 24._o 50_o 51_o 57_o 58._o what_o the_o solemnize_n of_o it_o gen._n 24._o 67._o be_v in_o those_o early_a day_n we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o formality_n in_o join_v of_o man_n and_o woman_n mutual_a consent_n make_v marriage_n will_v thou_o go_v with_o this_o man_n and_o she_o say_v i_o will_v go_v then_o when_o she_o be_v come_v to_o his_o house_n he_o take_v she_o and_o she_o become_v his_o wife_n to_o this_o some_o have_v think_v those_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n hos._n 3._o 3._o refer_v i_o buy_v she_o for_o a_o homer_n of_o barley_n as_o if_o they_o allude_v to_o the_o ancient_a custom_n of_o marriage_n solemnize_v per_fw-la confarreationem_fw-la by_o a_o cake_n of_o bread_n or_o some_o corn_n put_v into_o the_o bride_n hand_n which_o here_o by_o the_o way_n i_o may_v observe_v be_v perhaps_o the_o original_a of_o th●_n bridecake_n which_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a attendant_n at_o nuptial_n but_o though_o that_o be_v questionable_a yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o word_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o ancient_n buy_v of_o wife_n the_o bridal_a purchase_n here_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n be_v partly_o with_o corn_n and_o partly_o with_o money_n for_o he_o say_v he_o buy_v she_o to_o he_o for_o fifteen_o piece●_n of_o silver_n as_o well_o as_o for_o a_o homer_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o dower_n consist_v in_o money_n and_o good_n but_o we_o have_v a_o much_o early_a example_n of_o this_o dowry_n or_o gift_n as_o it_o be_v call_v exod._n 34._o 12._o where_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v give_v a_o certain_a sum_n of_o money_n to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o woman_n who_o be_v court_v and_o design_v for_o a_o wife_n and_o this_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o 1_o sam._n 18._o 25._o for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v the_o king_n desire_v not_o any_o dowry_n it_o be_v imply_v that_o although_o saul_n in_o craft_n seem_v to_o refuse_v a_o dowry_n for_o his_o daughter_n yet_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o those_o day_n to_o give_v it_o for_o a_o wife_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o great_a father_n of_o poet_n and_o of_o all_o pagan_a antiquity_n and_o there_o be_v reference_n to_o this_o practice_n in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o poem_n whence_o aristotle_n speak_v of_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o old_a greek_n say_v 8._o they_o buy_v their_o wife_n and_o this_o conjugal_a buy_v or_o purchase_v be_v reciprocal_a i._n e._n it_o be_v perform_v by_o both_o party_n general_o husband_n and_o wife_n it_o be_v the_o same_o matrimonial_a coemption_n or_o mutual_a purchase_n which_o prevail_v at_o this_o day_n the_o woman_n purchase_v the_o man_n with_o her_o portion_n or_o jointure_n and_o he_o she_o with_o his_o estate_n or_o part_n of_o it_o the_o simplicity_n of_o those_o first_o age_n be_v such_o that_o there_o be_v then_o no_o such_o ceremonial_a rite_n in_o their_o nuptial_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v since_o and_o indeed_o it_o become_v partly_o necessary_a to_o have_v a_o public_a and_o solemn_a celebration_n of_o marriage_n after_o the_o world_n be_v grow_v more_o numerous_a to_o fix_v and_o ascertain_v the_o legitimacy_n of_o succession_n in_o family_n and_o to_o tie_v the_o matrimonial_a knot_n the_o fast_o in_o these_o slippery_a time_n yet_o this_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o nuptial_a bond_n be_v enter_v into_o without_o ceremony_n and_o formality_n yet_o they_o be_v always_o attend_v with_o a_o feast_n which_o ever_o afterward_o become_v fashionable_a among_o all_o nation_n but_o especial_o the_o roman_n of_o who_o we_o have_v example_n in_o 2._o tully_n 25._o suetonius_n 6._o juvenal_n and_o many_o other_o we_o read_v of_o a_o feast_n at_o jacob_n and_o rachel_n or_o rather_o as_o latan_n order_v the_o matter_n leah_n wedding_n gen._n 29._o 22._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 full_a assent_n to_o because_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o err_v in_o what_o they_o deliver_v this_o we_o can_v say_v of_o any_o other_o writer_n for_o we_o find_v they_o to_o be_v uncertain_a and_o lubricous_a and_o they_o too_o often_o take_v up_o story_n on_o trust_n or_o invent_v they_o as_o they_o please_v as_o for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o poet_n the_o best_a of_o they_o be_v mere_a fiction_n yea_o one_o that_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o heroic_a poem_n very_o well_o tell_v we_o that_o fable_n be_v the_o chief_a thing_n in_o it_o it_o be_v the_o aristot._n very_a soul_n and_o life_n of_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o homer_n and_o virgil_n poem_n and_o general_o the_o other_o poetic_a writer_n as_o orpheus_n hesiod_n etc._n etc._n be_v fabulous_a rhapsodists_n even_o the_o father_n of_o latin_a poetry_n who_o i_o just_a now_o mention_v bring_v aeneas_n and_o dido_n together_o though_o he_o live_v several_a age_n before_o she_o and_o many_o such_o historical_a incongruity_n and_o fabulous_a inconsistency_n the_o poet_n put_v we_o off_o with_o instead_o of_o true_a relation_n yea_o profess_a historian_n be_v full_a of_o uncertainty_n and_o contradiction_n every_o where_o xenophon_n aver_v that_o cyrus_n the_o first_o persian_a monarch_n die_v peaceable_o in_o his_o bed_n but_o herodotus_n and_o justin_n say_v he_o be_v vanquish_v in_o battle_n by_o tomy●is_n queen_n of_o scyt●ia_n who_o cause_v his_o head_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o throw_v into_o a_o vessel_n full_a of_o blood_n some_o tell_v we_o that_o alexander_n the_o great_a die_v of_o drunkenness_n other_o that_o he_o be_v poison_v hannibal_n poison_v himself_o say_v justin_n he_o be_v kill_v by_o his_o servant_n say_v plutarch_n but_o this_o author_n also_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o drink_v bull_n blood_n and_o thereby_o procure_v his_o dissolution_n the_o same_o writer_n set_v down_o the_o several_a opinion_n concern_v the_o death_n of_o romulus_n and_o scipio_n africanus_n and_o make_v this_o observation_n that_o the_o death_n of_o great_a man_n be_v uncertain_o report_v athen●us_o say_v of_o plato_n that_o he_o be_v eat_v up_o of_o louse_n by_o his_o frequent_a eat_n of_o fig_n which_o he_o so_o exceed_o love_v that_o he_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o this_o be_v contradict_v by_o other_o some_o say_v aristotle_n drown_v himself_o in_o euripus_n because_o he_o can_v not_o find_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o its_o ebb_a and_o flow_v other_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o he_o poison_v himself_o but_o some_o affirm_v he_o die_v a_o natural_a death_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o philosopher_n but_o die_v twice_o or_o thrice_o in_o laertius_n nor_o be_v there_o almost_o any_o life_n in_o plutarch_n without_o two_o or_o three_o death_n as_o a_o med._n learned_a man_n have_v observe_v to_o pass_v to_o other_o historian_n from_o who_o we_o may_v think_v to_o have_v better_a and_o certain_a information_n antiochus_n in_o the_o book_n of_o maccabee_n die_v three_o several_a death_n 1_o sy_n in_o his_o bed_n at_o babylon_n 1_o mac._n 6._o 8_o 16._o two_o he_o be_v stone_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o nanea_n 2_o mac._n 1._o 15_o 16._o three_o he_o die_v on_o the_o mountain_n by_o a_o fall_n out_o of_o his_o chariot_n 2_o mac._n 9_o 28._o there_o be_v different_a report_n concern_v iulian_n death_n but_o the_o respective_a historian_n be_v confident_a in_o they_o all_o he_o be_v kill_v by_o one_o of_o his_o own_o soldier_n say_v socrates_n by_o a_o daemon_n say_v callistus_n who_o write_v in_o verse_n of_o the_o war_n at_o that_o time_n with_o the_o persian_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o he_o die_v by_o a_o stroke_n which_o a_o christian_a soldier_n give_v he_o according_a to_o sozomen_n but_o none_o know_v whence_o that_o stroke_n come_v according_a to_o theodoret._n eusebius_n and_o zosimus_n speak_v diverse_o concern_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a procopius_n give_v a_o account_n of_o justinian_n contrary_a to_o what_o all_o other_o historian_n do_v and_o before_o this_o we_o find_v the_o father_n differ_v about_o the_o character_n of_o nicolas_n the_o deacon_n clemens_n of_o alexandria_n and_o theodoret_n say_v he_o live_v a_o chaste_a life_n but_o that_o be_v reprimand_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o his_o jealousy_n towards_o his_o wife_n he_o thereupon_o bring_v she_o out_o and_o expose_v she_o to_o any_o one_o but_o tertullian_n and_o epiphanius_n affirm_v that_o he_o allow_v of_o and_o practise_v all_o obscenity_n and_o lewdness_n and_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o woman_n the_o person_n who_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o st._n george_n be_v a_o cappadocian_n tribune_n a_o great_a hero_n and_o at_o last_o a_o martyr_n say_v some_o he_o be_v a_o heretic_n a_o arian_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n say_v other_o there_o be_v no_o such_o man_n say_v a_o three_o sort_n if_o we_o shall_v look_v into_o our_o own_o british_a concern_v there_o we_o shall_v find_v history_n very_o dark_a and_o uncertain_a nothing_o be_v tolerable_o relate_v of_o this_o country_n till_o julius_n caesar_n time_n and_o then_o and_o afterward_o we_o be_v involve_v in_o great_a uncertainty_n and_o we_o can_v look_v no_o where_o but_o thing_n be_v diverse_o report_v great_a man_n die_v several_a death_n and_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o person_n be_v various_o represent_v king_n edward_n surname_v ironsides_n his_o death_n be_v four_o or_o five_o way_n relate_v in_o our_o chronicle_n and_o so_o be_v king_n john_n some_o writer_n tell_v we_o that_o king_n richard_n the_o second_o die_v of_o famine_n by_o force_n other_o that_o he_o voluntary_o famish_a himself_o some_o say_v he_o be_v kill_v with_o the_o blow_n of_o a_o pole-axe_n on_o his_o head_n other_o that_o he_o escape_v out_o of_o prison_n and_o lead_v a_o solitary_a life_n in_o scotland_n and_o there_o expire_v concern_v king_n henry_n the_o 5_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o that_o he_o be_v poison_v by_o other_o that_o he_o die_v of_o a_o pleurisy_n by_o other_o that_o a_o palsy_n and_o cramp_n take_v away_o his_o life_n and_o there_o be_v other_o that_o confident_o report_v his_o death_n be_v by_o st._n anthony_n fire_n yea_o our_o writer_n be_v often_o gross_o mistake_v about_o matter_n of_o very_a late_a occurrence_n as_o baker_n heylin_n fu●●er_n profess_v historian_n tell_v we_o that_o richard_n sutton_n a_o single_a man_n found_v the_o hospital_n at_o the_o charterhouse_n whereas_o his_o christian_a name_n be_v thomas_n and_o 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o marry_a man._n so_o mr._n hooker_n die_v in_o holy_a celibacy_n say_v gauden_n and_o fuller_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v know_v to_o be_v too_o true_a but_o i_o shall_v be_v infinite_a if_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o set_v before_o you_o the_o palpable_a mistake_v and_o misreport_v in_o
history_n both_o domestie●_n and_o foreign_a all_o that_o be_v conversant_a in_o this_o way_n of_o study_n complain_v and_o that_o just_o of_o the_o erroneous_a misrepresentation_n of_o passage_n of_o all_o sort_n among_o historian_n and_o of_o our_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o but_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v or_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v in_o the_o sacred_a history_n because_o god_n himself_o speak_v there_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v the_o sur●●_n ground_n for_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o can_v desire_v there_o be_v no_o authority_n so_o firm_a as_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a there_o be_v no_o testimony_n so_o strong_a and_o valid_a as_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o such_o be_v that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o it_o most_o just_o challenge_v yea_o command_v our_o faith_n and_o assent_n this_o be_v the_o singular_a pre-eminence_n and_o advantage_n which_o this_o book_n have_v above_o all_o other_o that_o the_o penman_n of_o it_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o unerring_a spirit_n of_o god_n this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v and_o six_o we_o it_o be_v the_o most_o stable_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o proper_a basis_n of_o our_o belief_n even_o where_o thing_n that_o be_v very_o improbable_a be_v propound_v to_o we_o to_o be_v assent_v to_o beside_o as_o to_o the_o seem_a improbability_n of_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o ought_v not_o to_o hinder_v we_o from_o give_v credit_n to_o they_o many_o person_n be_v wont_a to_o look_v upon_o these_o passage_n and_o story_n as_o strange_a and_o almost_o incredible_a which_o they_o observe_v be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o manner_n custom_n art_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v at_o present_a and_o thence_o they_o be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n heretofore_o but_o these_o man_n do_v not_o well_o consider_v nor_o distinguish_v between_o those_o time_n and_o these_o which_o be_v exceed_o different_a and_o moreover_o if_o they_o suspend_v their_o belief_n of_o some_o thing_n which_o they_o read_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n because_o they_o see_v other_o thing_n now_o thing_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n they_o may_v as_o well_o disbelieve_v all_o the_o other_o history_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o be_v extant_a which_o yet_o we_o see_v they_o be_v very_o backward_o to_o do_v and_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n on_o their_o side_n because_o the_o world_n be_v not_o now_o as_o it_o be_v then_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o those_o time_n shall_v be_v full_o conformable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o what_o occur_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n for_o this_o reason_n a_o very_a 11._o solid_a and_o judicious_a writer_n have_v defend_v the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n whereof_o whatever_n be_v strange_a be_v in_o herodotus_n and_o pliny_n show_v that_o though_o some_o fabulous_a narration_n and_o many_o gross_a mistake_v and_o error_n be_v intermingle_v the_o strangeness_n of_o some_o passage_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o diversity_n of_o time_n the_o posture_n of_o the_o world_n have_v much_o change_v since_o those_o thing_n happen_v let_v we_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o reason_v in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o when_o we_o find_v several_a strange_a unusual_a and_o surprise_v matter_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n impute_v this_o to_o the_o antientness_n of_o they_o and_o the_o great_a discrepancy_n between_o those_o day_n and_o these_o we_o now_o live_v in_o if_o we_o do_v so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o impediment_n to_o our_o steady_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o nay_o if_o we_o weigh_v thing_n well_o we_o shall_v see_v it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o expect_v that_o the_o guise_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o now_o that_o they_o be_v 4_o or_o 5000_o year_n ago_o for_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v new_a thing_n when_o the_o number_n of_o person_n be_v so_o vast_o increase_v when_o the_o difference_n of_o clime_n produce_v such_o diversity_n of_o disposition_n when_o casualty_n necessity_n industry_n wit_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o so_o many_o new_a occurrence_n let_v this_o be_v remember_v and_o serious_o think_v of_o and_o it_o will_v dispel_v our_o vain_a scruple_n and_o disbelief_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o remain_v the_o former_a consideration_n will_v thorough_o extirpate_v they_o i._n e._n if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v its_o peculiar_a prerogative_n and_o excellency_n chap._n vii_o a_o particular_a distribution_n of_o the_o several_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n genesis_n the_o first_o of_o they_o together_o with_o the_o four_o follow_v one_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n his_o ample_a character_n or_o panegyric_n be_v attompt_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 to_o demonstrate_v yet_o further_o the_o excellency_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n i_o will_v enter_v upon_o the_o three_o way_n of_o proof_n which_o i_o propose_v that_o be_v i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o several_a book_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o i_o will_v show_v all_o along_o the_o particular_a usefulness_n and_o excellency_n of_o they_o i_o begin_v first_o with_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v divide_v by_o the_o jew_n into_o three_o general_a part_n first_o torah_n the_o law_n which_o contain_v the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n then_o nebiim_v the_o prophet_n which_o comprehend_v the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n first_o and_o second_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o first_o and_o second_o of_o the_o king_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n the_o twelve_o small_a prophet_n all_o which_o make_v the_o second_o volume_n then_o the_o chetubim_n the_o holy_a writer_n in_o which_o be_v include_v the_o psalm_n proverb_n job_n canticle_n ruth_n lamentation_n ecclesiaste_n esther_n daniel_n ezra_n nehemiah_n chronicle_n and_o these_o make_v the_o three_o volume_n the_o book_n of_o this_o last_o rank_n be_v write_v say_v the_o jewish_a doctor_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o writer_n be_v not_o admit_v into_o the_o degree_n of_o prophet_n because_o they_o have_v no_o vision_n but_o their_o sense_n remain_v perfect_a and_o entire_a all_o the_o while_n only_o the_o holy_a spirit_n stir_v they_o up_o and_o dictate_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n to_o they_o which_o they_o write_v down_o for_o you_o must_v know_v that_o the_o old_a jew_n think_v nothing_o to_o be_v right_a prophecy_n but_o what_o be_v convey_v in_o dream_n or_o vision_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o rabbinical_a conceit_n and_o hereby_o they_o strike_v david_n and_o some_o other_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o they_o yet_o the_o partition_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o it_o may_v be_v right_o understand_v be_v not_o altogether_o to_o be_v reject_v nay_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o luke_n 24._o 44._o where_o he_o tell_v his_o apostle_n that_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v write_v concern_v he_o in_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n viz._n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n under_o these_o last_o comprise_v all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o hagiographa_n or_o you_o may_v divide_v the_o book_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o their_o order_n in_o the_o
septuagint_n and_o latin_a version_n and_o according_a to_o they_o in_o our_o english_a bibles_n into_o these_o three_o sort_n historical_a doctrinal_a and_o prophetical_a the_o historical_a book_n be_v narrative_n of_o thing_n do_v and_o these_o be_v fifteen_o whereof_o genesis_n be_v the_o first_o and_o job_n the_o last_o or_o if_o you_o reckon_v the_o two_o part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o samuel_n and_o the_o king_n and_o those_o likewise_o of_o the_o chronicle_n as_o distinct_a book_n than_o there_o be_v eighteen_o in_o all_o the_o doctrinal_a book_n be_v such_o as_o purposely_o and_o whole_o instruct_v we_o in_o our_o devotion_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n these_o be_v four_o the_o psalm_n the_o proverb_n ecclesiaste_n and_o solomon_n song_n the_o prophetic_a book_n be_v those_o which_o consist_v chief_o in_o prediction_n concern_v the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o church_n the_o punishment_n of_o its_o enemy_n and_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh._n these_o be_v write_v either_o by_o the_o great_a propbet_n as_o isaiah_n jeremiah_n ez●kiel_n daniel_n to_o which_o also_o appertain_v the_o lamentation_n of_o jeremiah_n or_o by_o the_o lesser_a whereof_o the_o first_o be_v hosea_n and_o malachi_n the_o last_o have_v thus_o give_v you_o a_o distribution_n of_o the_o several_a book_n i_o come_v now_o to_o a_o particular_a survey_n of_o they_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v genesis_n which_o together_o with_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v write_v by_o moses_n who_o be_v the_o first_o writer_n that_o we_o know_v of_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v every_o way_n so_o remarkable_a and_o admirable_a a_o person_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v before_o i_o proceed_v any_o further_a to_o present_v you_o with_o the_o character_n of_o this_o excellent_a man_n that_o in_o what_o we_o shall_v deliver_v concern_v this_o one_o penman_n of_o scripture_n you_o may_v guess_v how_o large_a we_o may_v be_v in_o commendation_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o because_o we_o can_v have_v leisure_n to_o do_v so_o in_o all_o the_o other_o that_o follow_v i_o will_v offer_v here_o a_o specimen_fw-la of_o it_o in_o this_o first_o inspire_a writer_n who_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v he_o be_v bear_v about_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 2370_o in_o egypt_n of_o hebrew_n parent_n who_o present_o read_v in_o his_o face_n 20._o extraordinary_a mark_n of_o divinity_n and_o therefore_o be_v unwilling_a to_o discover_v his_o birth_n to_o the_o egyptian_n that_o he_o may_v not_o according_a to_o pharaoh_n order_n be_v hurry_v into_o nile_n and_o there_o drown_v however_o in_o this_o river_n they_o resolve_v to_o expose_v he_o in_o a_o ark_n of_o bulrush_n and_o to_o commit_v both_o he_o and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o little_a vessel_n in_o which_o he_o be_v embark_v to_o the_o great_a pilot_n of_o the_o world_n and_o behold_v it_o arrive_v at_o a_o safe_a harbour_n and_o no_o mean_a a_o person_n than_o the_o king_n daughter_n receive_v the_o little_a passenger_n into_o her_o embrace_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o court_n and_o breed_v up_o as_o her_o own_o son_n here_o he_o become_v 22._o learned_a in_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n in_o all_o those_o art_n and_o science_n wherein_o they_o use_v to_o instruct_v their_o youth_n which_o they_o chief_o design_v for_o the_o service_n of_o their_o country_n viz._n in_o arithmetic_n geometry_n music_n astronomy_n for_o these_o be_v science_n that_o they_o think_v be_v natural_a to_o man_n mind_n and_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n teach_v not_o only_o by_o the_o egyptian_n but_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o ancient_n in_o their_o school_n hence_o it_o be_v write_v in_o great_a letter_n over_o the_o entry_n of_o plato_n school_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d none_o must_v be_v admit_v into_o this_o place_n but_o such_o as_o have_v be_v initiate_v into_o geometry_n such_o as_o have_v have_v a_o taste_n of_o it_o at_o least_o therefore_o this_o and_o the_o forename_a art_n be_v term_v mathematics_n i._n e._n learning_n or_o discipline_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n in_o all_o these_o be_v this_o young_a courtier_n bring_v up_o and_o skill_v in_o all_o philosophical_a accomplishment_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n beside_o he_o be_v more_o especial_o instruct_v in_o that_o abstruse_a and_o recondite_v knowledge_n which_o the_o egyptian_n be_v peculiarly_a master_n of_o namely_o their_o hieroglyphic_n cipher_n their_o mystical_a symbol_n and_o figure_n whereby_o they_o represent_v the_o choice_a truth_n to_o man_n mind_n this_o way_n of_o symbolical_a learning_n furnish_v they_o with_o all_o kind_n of_o notion_n that_o be_v serviceable_a in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n they_o be_v teach_v hence_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o morality_n the_o profound_a maxim_n in_o politic_n and_o the_o most_o useful_a sentiment_n in_o theology_n this_o be_v the_o celebrate_a wisdom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n in_o which_o moses_n be_v educate_v be_v send_v by_o pharaoh_n daughter_n to_o the_o best_a academy_n and_o school_n of_o learning_n and_o commit_v to_o the_o best_a tutor_n and_o have_v moreover_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o own_o excellent_a part_n and_o quick_a ingeny_n for_o he_o who_o be_v so_o eminent_a as_o to_o his_o bodily_a feature_n and_o proportion_n have_v without_o doubt_n as_o fair_a a_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v time_n now_o for_o moses_n to_o leave_v the_o court_n and_o to_o add_v to_o all_o his_o other_o accomplishment_n that_o of_o travel_v and_o true_o he_o be_v neceslitated_a to_o this_o for_o the_o court_n can_v not_o bear_v he_o any_o long_o because_o he_o can_v not_o bear_v it_o he_o every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o dislike_v their_o manner_n contemn_v their_o gay_a folly_n laugh_v at_o their_o empty_a title_n and_o 24._o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n he_o be_v now_o resolve_v to_o help_v and_o assist_v his_o oppress_a brethren_n though_o by_o that_o attempt_n he_o shall_v 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
of_o the_o pentateuch_n that_o excellent_a philosopher_n lawgiver_n historian_n that_o captain_n that_o prince_n that_o prophet_n that_o man_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o inspire_a writer_n of_o the_o five_o first_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o first_o of_o which_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v genesis_n which_o begin_v with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o i_o call_v it_o a_o history_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o fond_a conceit_n of_o those_o man_n who_o read_v the_o beginning_n of_o this_o book_n with_o cabalistick_a spectacle_n only_o and_o think_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o allegory_n and_o mystery_n in_o the_o whole_a text._n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v very_o evident_a to_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o so_o i_o have_v propound_v argument_n in_o another_o place_n viz._n when_o i_o treat_v of_o the_o literal_a and_o mystical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o take_v off_o their_o prejudce_n and_o mistake_v this_o i_o do_v because_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o what_o we_o meet_v with_o here_o in_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v indispensable_o requisite_a that_o we_o believe_v moses_n to_o have_v deliver_v these_o thing_n as_o a_o historian_n and_o that_o he_o speak_v real_a matter_n of_o fact_n when_o he_o give_v we_o a_o narrative_a of_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o original_a of_o man_n his_o innocency_n and_o happiness_n and_o after_o that_o his_o fall_n which_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o sin_n of_o the_o devil_n tyranny_n of_o death_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o all_o evil_n whatsoever_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o this_o be_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o that_o perhaps_o be_v the_o mean_v of_o mensal_n luther_n say_v that_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a scripture_n wherefore_o this_o be_v with_o great_a wisdom_n premise_v in_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o sacred_a volume_n to_o which_o afterward_o be_v adjoin_v the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n the_o rise_v of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o invention_n of_o art_n the_o general_n defection_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n the_o universal_a del●ge_n which_o drown_v all_o mankind_n but_o noah_n and_o his_o family_n the_o restoration_n of_o the_o world_n the_o certain_a distinction_n of_o time_n before_o the_o flood_n and_o partly_o after_o it_o the_o confusion_n of_o ●_z and_o thereupon_o the_o division_n of_o the_o earth_n among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o plantation_n of_o family_n the_o original_a of_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n as_o the_o assyrian_a monarchy_n begin_v in_o nimrod_n or_o belus_n and_o the_o egyptian_a dynasty_n the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o patriarch_n not_o only_o before_o but_o after_o the_o general_n deluge_n as_o of_o noab_n the_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n of_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a of_o isaac_n the_o seed_n in_o which_o all_o nation_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v of_o jacob_n the_o father_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o joseph_n who_o memorable_a action_n be_v here_o full_o record_v and_o with_o which_o this_o first_o book_n of_o moses●nds_n ●nds_z unless_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n may_v be_v say_v to_o reach_v as_o far_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o of_o that_o promise_v contain_v in_o it_o concern_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n viz._n christ_n the_o redeemer_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n and_o send_v to_o subdue_v the_o devil_n and_o to_o destroy_v sin_n and_o death_n but_o because_o this_o first_o book_n begin_v with_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v therefore_o by_o the_o rabbin_n call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o creation_n i_o will_v here_o annex_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o several_a distinct_a step_n of_o this_o great_a work_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o this_o inspire_a writer_n and_o divine_a philosopher_n who_o acquaint_v we_o that_o there_o be_v six_o day_n spend_v in_o erect_v this_o glorious_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o far_a proof_n of_o what_o i_o say_v before_o viz._n that_o in_o scripture_n be_v the_o true_a philosophy_n when_o moses_n say_v in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n ver._n 1._o he_o do_v in_o these_o word_n give_v we_o a_o summary_n account_v of_o all_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o say_v afterward_o in_o this_o chapter_n for_o heaven_n and_o earth_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a creation_n this_o first_o verse_n than_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o general_n draught_n of_o the_o production_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o particular_n of_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n where_o the_o several_a day_n work_n be_v distinct_o set_v down_o the_o product_n of_o the_o first_o day_n be_v twofold_a viz._n the_o terraqueous_a mass_n call_v here_o the_o earth_n and_o light_n there_o be_v first_o of_o all_o create_v a_o rude_a confuse_a heap_n by_o profane_a writer_n call_v the_o chaos_n a_o indigested_a mass_n of_o earth_n and_o water_n mix_v together_o out_o of_o which_o god_n afterward_o make_v all_o corporeal_a thing_n which_o belong_v to_o this_o low_a world_n for_o we_o must_v not_o as_o some_o imagine_v that_o the_o celestial_a body_n be_v compose_v out_o of_o the_o earthly_a chaos_n that_o all_o the_o vast_a space_n of_o the_o heavenly_a mansion_n owe_v their_o rise_n to_o this_o mass_n below_o and_o that_o the_o very_a star_n be_v the_o offspring_n of_o the_o earth_n no_o moses_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o this_o confuse_a lump_n be_v the_o original_a only_o of_o the_o low_a world_n for_o the_o earth_n in_o this_o first_o verse_n be_v mention_v as_o one_o part_n of_o the_o new-created_a world_n as_o distinct_a from_o light_a the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n as_o light_v then_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v next_o be_v the_o primordial_a matter_n of_o the_o ethereal_a celestial_a and_o shine_v body_n so_o this_o gross_a and_o lumpish_a heap_n be_v that_o of_o which_o all_o dark_a and_o heavy_a body_n be_v compound_v this_o unshape_a mass_n without_o form_n and_o void_a be_v here_o by_o a_o general_a name_n call_v the_o earth_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n such_o for_o the_o earth_n as_o a_o distinct_a body_n from_o all_o other_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o three_o day_n in_o this_o place_n therefore_o by_o earth_n be_v mean_v earth_n and_o water_n blend_v together_o which_o make_v one_o great_a bog_n or_o universal_a quagmire_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o true_a conception_n we_o can_v have_v of_o the_o primitive_a state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o hence_o without_o doubt_n be_v derive_v the_o opinion_n of_o thales_n and_o some_o other_o ancient_a philosopher_n that_o water_n or_o slime_n or_o mud_n for_o they_o express_v it_o various_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o being_n whatsoever_o and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o this_o terraqueous_a matter_n be_v the_o first_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o those_o material_a being_n beforementioned_a according_o sir_n w._n raleigh_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o history_n of_o the_o world_n determine_v that_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o water_n as_o mix_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v by_o moses_n understand_v in_o the_o word_n earth_n hitherto_o according_a to_o the_o mosaic_a history_n nature_n be_v in_o her_o night-clothes_n the_o world_n be_v overspread_v with_o darkness_n which_o be_v especial_o say_v to_o be_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a by_o which_o be_v mean_v either_o the_o whole_a disorder_v mass_n which_o be_v a_o abyss_n or_o else_o as_o be_v most_o probable_a the_o watery_a part_n of_o it_o for_o though_o this_o and_o the_o earthy_a part_n be_v mix_v together_o yet_o these_o latter_a being_n light_a be_v general_o uppermost_a and_o float_v above_o all_o and_o appear_v on_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n therefore_o that_o learned_a knight_n before_o mention_v observe_v that_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o only_o mix_v but_o cover_v with_o the_o water_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n proceed_v to_o tell_v we_o mave_v or_o hover_v over_o this_o dark_a abyss_n this_o mix_v chaos_n especial_o the_o water_n as_o it_o be_v particular_o say_v because_o these_o be_v uppermost_a and_o hereby_o the_o rude_a matter_n be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v its_o several_a form_n and_o then_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o throw_v off_o its_o dark_a and_o sable_a mantle_n and_o to_o appear_v in_o a_o bright_a dress_n for_o the_o other_o product_n of_o this_o first_o day_n and_o which_o indeed_o make_v it_o day_n be_v light_a i._n e._n some_o lucid_a body_n or_o body_n which_o yet_o cast_v but_o a_o glimmer_a splendour_n a_o
proceed_v now_o to_o the_o other_o book_n of_o moses_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v brief_a leviticus_n have_v its_o name_n because_o it_o treat_v chief_o of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o levite_n and_o the_o whole_a levitical_a order_n it_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o jewish_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o particular_a employment_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n of_o their_o several_a kind_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n viz._n burnt-offering_n meat-offering_n peace-offering_n sin-offering_n trespass-offering_n of_o the_o consecration_n of_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n to_o the_o priesthood_n of_o law_n about_o clean_n and_o unclean_a thing_n and_o of_o difference_n of_o meat_n here_o they_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v blood_n here_o they_o be_v teach_v how_o to_o discern_v the_o leprosy_n and_o how_o to_o cleanse_v it_o here_o be_v law_n concern_v vow_n and_o thing_n and_o person_n devote_v there_o be_v also_o other_o ordinance_n and_o injunction_n concern_v their_o solemn_a feast_n viz._n the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o seven_o year_n the_o passover_n the_o feast_n of_o first-fruit_n of_o pentecost_n of_o trumpet_n of_o expiation_n of_o tabernacle_n and_o many_o the_o like_a usage_n and_o rite_n which_o be_v strict_o command_v this_o people_n on_o purpose_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a ceremony_n of_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v round_o about_o they_o and_o will_v be_v entice_v they_o to_o imitate_v their_o practice_n beside_o these_o rite_n be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o be_v type_n and_o representative_n of_o thing_n of_o a_o far_o high_a nature_n even_o of_o christ_n himself_o and_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a number_n of_o judicial_a law_n as_o concern_v the_o year_n of_o jubilee_n about_o the_o redemption_n of_o land_n and_o house_n against_o take_v of_o usury_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o also_o concern_v servant_n and_o bondman_n here_o be_v law_n touch_v the_o degree_n of_o affinity_n and_o consanguinity_n and_o consequent_o what_o marriage_n be_v lawful_a and_o what_o unlawful_a may_v thence_o be_v infer_v and_o several_a other_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o jew_n civil_a law_n furthermore_n here_o be_v insert_v several_a moral_a instruction_n and_o excellent_a precept_n of_o natural_a religion_n respect_v both_o god_n and_o men._n last_o towards_o the_o close_a of_o all_o there_o be_v blessing_n and_o curse_n pronounce_v the_o former_a to_o such_o as_o careful_o observe_v these_o law_n the_o latter_a on_o those_o that_o wilful_o break_v they_o these_o a●e_v the_o admirable_a thing_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n and_o which_o have_v be_v the_o acceptable_a entertainment_n of_o the_o inquisitive_a and_o religious_a of_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a in_o all_o age_n since_o they_o have_v be_v extant_a the_o book_n of_o number_n have_v its_o denomination_n from_o the_o number_v of_o the_o family_n of_o israel_n as_o we_o may_v collect_v from_o ch_z 1._o v._n 3_o 4._o where_o we_o read_v that_o moses_n and_o aaron_n have_v a_o special_a command_n from_o god_n to_o muster_n the_o tribe_n and_o to_o take_v the_o number_n of_o all_o that_o be_v fit_a for_o war_n and_o to_o order_n and_o marshal_v the_o army_n when_o it_o be_v once_o form_v for_o now_o in_o their_o passage_n through_o the_o wilderness_n they_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o many_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v convenient_a to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o their_o force_n and_o to_o put_v themselves_o into_o a_o posture_n ready_a to_o engage_v a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o book_n be_v historical_a relate_v several_a remarkable_a passage_n in_o the_o israelite_n march_v through_o the_o wilderness_n as_o the_o sedition_n of_o aaron_n and_o miriam_n the_o rebellion_n of_o corah_n and_o his_o companion_n the_o murmur_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n their_o be_v plague_v with_o fiery_a serpent_n baalam_n prophesy_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o israel_n instead_o of_o curse_v they_o the_o miraculous_a bud_a of_o aaron_n rod._n hear_v also_o be_v distinct_o relate_v their_o several_a remove_n from_o place_n to_o place_n their_o two_o and_o forty_o stage_n or_o journey_n through_o the_o wilderness_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n which_o befall_v they_o whereby_o we_o be_v instruct_v and_o confirm_v in_o some_o of_o the_o weighty_a truth_n that_o have_v immediate_a reference_n to_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n be_v spend_v in_o enumerate_v those_o law_n and_o ordinance_n whether_o ceremonial_a or_o civil_a which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o be_v not_o mention_v before_o in_o the_o precede_a book_n as_o some_o particular_n of_o the_o levite_n office_n and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o the_o trial_n of_o jealousy_n the_o rite_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o nazarite_n the_o renew_n of_o the_o passover_n the_o make_n of_o fringe_n on_o the_o border_n of_o their_o garment_n the_o water_n of_o separation_n to_o be_v use_v in_o purify_n the_o unclean_a the_o law_n of_o inheritance_n of_o vow_n of_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n of_o the_o city_n for_o the_o levite_n and_o some_o other_o constitution_n either_o not_o insert_v into_o the_o other_o book_n of_o moses_n or_o not_o so_o distinct_o and_o plain_o set_v down_o thus_o this_o book_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o addition_n of_o law_n not_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o forego_n book_n have_v its_o peculiar_a use_n and_o excellency_n deuteronomy_n which_o signify_v a_o second_o law_n be_v a_o repetition_n of_o the_o law_n before_o deliver_v it_o be_v the_o canonic_a mishnah_n or_o new_a rehearsal_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o be_v necessary_a because_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o before_o die_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o there_o be_v now_o spring_v up_o another_o generation_n of_o man_n the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v promulge_v to_o they_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v live_v at_o that_o time_n have_v not_o hear_v the_o decalogue_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o law_n open_o proclaim_v or_o be_v young_a they_o have_v neglect_v or_o forget_v they_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o moses_n in_o this_o book_n rehearse_v they_o to_o this_o new_a people_n and_o withal_o add_v a_o explication_n of_o they_o in_o many_o place_n yea_o and_o adjoin_v some_o new_a law_n viz._n the_o take_n down_o of_o malefactor_n from_o the_o tree_n in_o the_o evening_n make_v of_o battlement_n on_o the_o roof_n of_o their_o house_n the_o expiation_n of_o a_o unknown_a murder_n the_o punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o a_o rebellious_a son_n the_o distinction_n of_o the_o sex_n by_o apparel_n marry_v the_o brother_n wife_n after_o his_o decease_n also_o order_n and_o injunction_n concern_v divorce_n concern_v manstealer_n concern_v unjust_a weight_n and_o measure_n concern_v the_o marry_v of_o a_o captive_a woman_n concern_v the_o servant_n that_o desert_n his_o master_n service_n and_o several_a other_o law_n not_o only_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a but_o military_a there_o be_v likewise_o insert_v some_o new_a action_n and_o passage_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o last_o year_n of_o their_o travel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n moreover_o moses_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n show_v himself_o a_o true_a father_n pastor_n and_o guide_n to_o that_o people_n a_o hearty_a lover_n of_o they_o and_o their_o welfare_n in_o such_o manifest_a instance_n as_o these_o his_o often_o inculcate_v upon_o they_o the_o many_o obligation_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o from_o god_n the_o innumerable_a favour_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o his_o frequent_a and_o pathetic_a exhortation_n to_o obedience_n and_o live_v answerable_o to_o the_o singular_a mercy_n which_o be_v confer_v upon_o they_o his_o constant_a remind_v they_o of_o their_o former_a miscarriage_n their_o murmur_n and_o rebellion_n against_o heaven_n and_o all_o their_o unworthy_a deportment_n towards_o their_o matchless_a benefactor_n his_o compassionate_a forewarn_n they_o of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n of_o the_o various_a plague_n and_o punishment_n which_o will_v certain_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o their_o persist_v in_o their_o sin_n last_o his_o affectionate_a encourage_v they_o to_o obedience_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o endear_n promise_v which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o they_o and_o which_o he_o will_v assure_o make_v good_a if_o they_o do_v not_o frustrate_v his_o design_n of_o mercy_n towards_o they_o by_o their_o own_o wilful_a obstinacy_n these_o be_v the_o excellent_a subject_n of_o this_o divine_a book_n and_o which_o render_v it_o so_o unvaluable_a a_o treasury_n hitherto_o of_o the_o pentateuch_n or_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o they_o i_o think_v need_v not_o be_v question_v though_o
record_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n for_o either_o as_o we_o say_v before_o concern_v moses_n they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o through_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n that_o foresee_v these_o thing_n or_o else_o they_o be_v add_v by_o some_o other_o inspire_a writer_n so_o perhaps_o be_v those_o word_n unto_o this_o day_n ch_n 4._o v._n 9_o &_o ch_n 5._o v._n 9_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a at_o all_o to_o believe_v so_o for_o joshua_n relate_v some_o passage_n that_o happen_v a_o good_a while_n before_o he_o write_v this_o book_n which_o be_v a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n may_v speak_v after_o this_o manner_n very_o well_o and_o some_o few_o other_o word_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v insert_v after_o ioshua_n death_n but_o that_o the_o main_n be_v write_v by_o himself_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o question_v the_o history_n of_o the_o judge_n follow_v which_o relate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a people_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n in_o the_o 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
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
come_v to_o pass_v without_o the_o divine_a permission_n grant_v and_o superintendence_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v more_o especial_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o book_n we_o be_v teach_v here_o not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o our_o maker_n not_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o heaven_n this_o do_v not_o become_v we_o in_o the_o least_o it_o be_v rather_o the_o deportment_n of_o a_o chinoise_n priest_n who_o have_v so_o much_o power_n over_o his_o god_n that_o he_o be_v suffer_v to_o beat_v and_o whip_v they_o when_o they_o do_v act_n as_o he_o think_v as_o he_o will_v have_v they_o we_o have_v likewise_o the_o wretched_a state_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n most_o graphical_o set_v forth_o in_o these_o dialogue_n we_o have_v god_n infinite_a justice_n and_o unfearchable_a wisdom_n full_o assert_v and_o vindicate_v we_o have_v the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n in_o some_o of_o his_o creature_n describe_v by_o himself_o in_o a_o style_n befit_v his_o majesty_n in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o we_o have_v the_o happy_a period_n of_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n the_o end_n of_o they_o be_v peace_n god_n oftentimes_o reward_v good_a and_o upright_a man_n in_o this_o life_n with_o a_o great_a plenty_n of_o outward_a blessing_n and_o favour_n he_o be_v please_v to_o recompense_v they_o abundant_o for_o all_o their_o past_a calamity_n by_o double_v upon_o they_o all_o those_o mercy_n which_o he_o before_o deprive_v they_o of_o 12._o god_n bless_v the_o latter_a end_n of_o job_n more_o than_o his_o beginning_n he_o give_v he_o twice_o as_o much_o as_o he_o have_v before_o all_o blessing_n flow_v in_o now_o upon_o he_o in_o abundance_n first_o 9_o god_n accept_v he_o and_o then_o he_o be_v caress_v by_o his_o 11._o kindred_n and_o friend_n by_o his_o bretbren_n and_o sister_n and_o acquaintance_n he_o be_v present_v with_o 12._o gift_n his_o stock_n of_o cattle_n wherein_o the_o chief_a wealth_n of_o those_o country_n consist_v be_v increase_v and_o he_o be_v bless_v with_o a_o desirable_a number_n of_o 15._o child_n the_o son_n wise_a and_o the_o daughter_n fair_a final_o after_o all_o the_o storm_n be_v blow_v over_o 16._o he_o live_v a_o hundred_o and_o forty_o year_n in_o peace_n and_o plenty_n in_o his_o country_n now_o arabia_n the_o happy_a he_o enjoy_v the_o confluence_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o good_a thing_n relate_v both_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o relation_n and_o at_o length_n die_v in_o a_o good_a old_a age_n 17._o full_a of_o day_n and_o full_a of_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o almighty_a to_o conclude_v this_o ancient_a book_n be_v infinite_o worthy_a of_o the_o study_n of_o the_o curious_a and_o philosophical_a of_o the_o lover_n of_o learning_n and_o antiquity_n of_o those_o that_o value_v the_o primitive_a tongue_n art_n and_o custom_n for_o here_o be_v a_o excellent_a mixture_n of_o all_o these_o which_o can_v but_o be_v a_o grateful_a entertainment_n to_o inquisitive_a spirit_n wherefore_o a_o learned_a gentleman_n of_o great_a and_o subtle_a observation_n have_v leave_v we_o this_o censure_n on_o the_o book_n of_o job_n part._n whoever_o consider_v the_o subject_a and_o style_n of_o it_o will_v hardly_o think_v it_o be_v write_v in_o a_o age_n or_o country_n that_o want_v either_o book_n or_o learning_n the_o psalm_n be_v the_o next_o poetic_a book_n and_o they_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o david_n the_o chief_a author_n of_o they_o euthymius_n some_o indeed_o of_o the_o ancient_n hold_v that_o he_o be_v the_o sole_a author_n but_o they_o can_v scarce_o be_v credit_v in_o that_o because_o the_o title_n of_o the_o 90th_o psalm_n and_o other_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v compose_v by_o moses_n some_o of_o they_o it_o be_v think_v be_v make_v by_o asaph_n heman_n ethan_n jeduthun_n who_o be_v in_o david_n time_n but_o other_o think_v these_o be_v not_o sacred_a poet_n but_o only_o skilful_a musician_n or_o master_n of_o the_o choir_n and_o do_v not_o indite_v these_o psalm_n which_o bear_v their_o name_n but_o only_o set_v they_o to_o tune_n and_o sing_v they_o though_o a_o lightfoot_n modern_a writer_n be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o heman_n and_o ethan_n live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o egyptian_a bondage_n and_o pen_v the_o 88th_o and_o 89th_o psalm_n on_o that_o occasion_n in_o the_o former_a condole_v their_o present_a distress_n in_o the_o latter_a prophesy_v of_o deliverance_n the_o 92d_o psalm_n be_v make_v by_o adam_n say_v the_o targum_fw-la and_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n general_o agree_v to_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o scarce_o deny_v by_o any_o that_o the_o 137th_o psalm_n be_v write_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o jew_n captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v make_v by_o david_n and_o other_o psalm_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v after_o their_o return_n the_o author_n of_o which_o be_v not_o know_v and_o some_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v indict_v by_o solomen_n as_o the_o 45th_o which_o be_v a_o song_n of_o love_n as_o the_o title_n acquaint_v we_o and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o strain_n with_o his_o other_o nuptial_a song_n insert_v by_o itself_o into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o may_v be_v conclude_v then_o that_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n be_v not_o the_o issue_n of_o one_o inspire_a brain_n only_o but_o yet_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v indict_v and_o write_v by_o david_n who_o have_v a_o excellent_a gift_n of_o poetry_n and_o psalmody_n of_o compose_v make_v and_o sing_v of_o pious_a song_n such_o be_v these_o psalm_n which_o except_v a_o few_o of_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v deserve_o call_v david_n psalm_n the_o denomination_n be_v take_v from_o the_o great_a part._n they_o be_v divide_v into_o five_o lesser_a book_n which_o you_o may_v know_v thus_o where_o you_o find_v a_o psalm_n end_v with_o amen_n as_o the_o 41st_o 72d_o 89th_o 106th_o and_o the_o last_o psalm_n there_o be_v the_o period_n of_o the_o book_n and_o another_o begin_v by_o this_o you_o may_v understand_v that_o passage_n in_o psal._n 72._o v_o ult_n the_o prayer_n of_o david_n the_o son_n of_o jesse_n be_v end_v i._n e._n here_o be_v a_o end_n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o david_n psalm_n the_o rest_n that_o follow_v be_v other_o collection_n of_o they_o of_o these_o some_o be_v alphabetical_a i._n e._n compose_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n such_o be_v the_o 119th_o psalm_n and_o be_v style_v by_o the_o masora_n the_o great_a alphabet_n the_o eight_o first_o verse_n begin_v with_o the_o first_o hebrew_a letter_n the_o succeed_a eight_o with_o the_o second_o and_o so_o throughout_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n and_o such_o be_v the_o 25_o 34th_o 37th_o 111th_o 112th_o 145th_o all_o write_v in_o alphabetic_a order_n the_o holy_a ghost_n even_o inspire_v the_o psalmist_n fancy_n in_o this_o particular_a it_o be_v likely_a the_o acrostic_n 〈◊〉_d ancient_a way_n of_o wit_n use_v by_o one_o of_o the_o sibylls_n and_o other_o of_o old_a the_o initial_a letter_n of_o which_o verse_n make_v up_o certain_a word_n be_v partly_o in_o imitation_n of_o this_o some_o be_v style_v psalm_n of_o degree_n or_o ascent_n as_o those_o fifteen_o which_o immediate_o follow_v the_o 119th_o psalm_n either_o because_o the_o voice_n be_v lift_v up_o more_o than_o ordinary_o when_o they_o be_v s●ng_v or_o because_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o ground_n or_o place_n where_o they_o be_v sing_v viz._n the_o step_v in_o solomon_n temple_n which_o be_v fifteen_o and_o which_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v to_o sing_v these_o psalm_n be_v wont_a to_o ascend_v other_o psalm_n be_v know_v by_o their_o peculiar_a title_n as_o maschil_n i._n e._n psalm_n of_o instruction_n michtam_n i._n e._n golden_a psalm_n call_v so_o it_o be_v probable_a because_o of_o the_o precious_a matter_n couch_v in_o they_o and_o several_a other_o distinctive_a title_n there_o be_v which_o be_v not_o so_o well_o understand_v as_o that_o of_o psal._n 22._o a●ieleth_n ha_o shachar_n which_o in_o the_o margin_n be_v render_v the_o hind_n of_o the_o morning_n perhaps_o refer_v to_o our_o saviour_n of_o who_o this_o psalm_n speak_v who_o be_v call_v a_o hind_n or_o young_a hart_n cant._n 2._o 9_o 17._o other_o interpret_v it_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o morning_n but_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o apply_v it_o other●_n the_o morningstar_n some_o the_o instrument_n of_o music_n on_o which_o this_o psalm_n and_o other_o be_v play_v and_o the_o like_a obscure_a word_n as_o shiggaion_n gittith_n jeduthun_n altashith_n shushan_n eduth_n be_v prefix_v to_o many_o of_o these_o sacred_a hymn_n there_o be_v the_o word_n selah_n often●_n use_v seven●y_a time_n at_o least_o in_o these_o divine_a poem_n but_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o assign_v 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 it_o be_v not_o deny_v that_o sophocles_n and_o euripides_n plautus_n and_o terence_n write_v in_o verse_n but_o they_o can_v scarce_o be_v say_v to_o do_v so_o in_o comparison_n of_o homer_n and_o virgil._n there_o be_v some_o hexameter_n iambic_n sapphic_n and_o other_o know_a kind_n of_o verse_n in_o david_n psalm_n but_o they_o be_v very_o rare_a and_o seldom_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a but_o notwithstanding_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v if_o we_o be_v observant_a and_o attentive_a that_o there_o be_v several_a verse_n together_o that_o be_v matrical_a the_o arabian_a critic_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o alcoran_n be_v write_v in_o a_o sort_n of_o verse_n and_o sometime_o in_o rythme_n but_o every_o reader_n can_v find_v this_o no_o more_o can_v a_o ordinary_a eye_n or_o ear_n discern_v the_o number_n in_o the_o hebrew_n verse_n for_o the_o hebrew_n way_n of_o measure_v their_o foot_n be_v different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a poet_n yet_o so_o as_o we_o may_v oftentimes_o perceive_v a_o certain_a harmony_n of_o syllable_n and_o as_o the_o psalm_n be_v metrical_a so_o some_o of_o they_o be_v rhythmical_a this_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o very_a entrance_n of_o these_o divine_a hymn_n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d again_o in_o psal._n 6._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v evident_a in_o psal._n 8._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v plain_a in_o psal._n 12._o 4._o &_o 51._o 16._o &_o 63._o 3._o &_o 116._o 7._o &_o 148._o 1_o 2._o and_o in_o abundance_n of_o other_o place_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o certain_a orderly_a number_n of_o syllable_n but_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o verse_n end_v alike_o in_o sound_n chap._n ix_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n why_o so_o call_v the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o these_o divine_a and_o inspire_a aphorism_n some_o instance_n of_o the_o different_a application_n of_o the_o similitude_n use_v by_o this_o author_n the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n why_o so_o entitle_v the_o admirable_a subject_n of_o it_o succinct_o display_v the_o particular_a nature_n of_o the_o canticle_n or_o mystical_a song_n of_o solomon_n brief_o set_v forth_o it_o be_v evince_v from_o very_o cogent_a argument_n that_o solomon_n die_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v save_v the_o book_n of_o the_o four_o great_a prophet_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n with_o his_o lamentation_n ezekiel_n daniel_n be_v describe_v so_o be_v those_o of_o the_o twelve_o lesser_a prophet_n hosea_n etc._n etc._n who_o shall_v succeed_v david_n but_o solomon_n as_o in_o the_o throne_n so_o in_o the_o sacred_a canon_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o he_o like_o his_o father_n be_v a_o divine_a poet_n his_o three_o book_n viz._n the_o proverb_n ecclesiaste_n and_o his_o song_n be_v write_v in_o hebrew_a verse_n the_o first_o of_o these_o book_n be_v compose_v of_o excellent_a proverb_n whence_o it_o have_v its_o name_n by_o this_o word_n mishle_n which_o be_v here_o render_v proverb_n sometime_o be_v signify_v i._o parable_n strict_o so_o call_v which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o apologue_n or_o artificial_a fable_n of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v under_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v none_o such_o in_o this_o book_n 2._o by_o this_o word_n be_v mean_v any_o 13._o trite_a and_o common_o receive_v say_v any_o vulgar_a proverbial_a speech_n as_o that_o in_o ch_n 26._o v._n 11._o the_o dog_n return_v to_o his_o vomit_n but_o there_o be_v few_o of_o this_o sort_n here_o 3._o sarcastic_a speech_n gibe_n taunt_n as_o in_o 2_o chron._n 7._o 20._o psal._n 69._o 11._o be_v intend_v by_o this_o expression_n and_o this_o book_n of_o solomon_n be_v not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o these_o 4._o the_o hebrew_n word_n denote_v such_o speech_n as_o be_v by_o way_n of_o similitude_n ezek._n 18._o 2._o of_o which_o kind_n there_o be_v many_o in_o this_o book_n as_o that_o in_o ch_n 11._o 22._o as_o a_o jewel_n of_o gold_n in_o a_o swine_n snout_z so_o be_v a_o fair_a woman_n without_o discretion_n and_o in_o ch_z 25._o 11._o a_o word_n fit_o speak_v be_v like_a apple_n of_o gold_n in_o picture_n of_o silver_n this_o we_o find_v to_o be_v the_o frequent_a manner_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v in_o this_o book_n he_o general_o illustrate_v and_o amplify_v his_o doctrine_n by_o some_o fit_a simile_n or_o comparison_n so_o that_o thereby_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v twice_o deliver_v 5._o saying_n that_o be_v mix_v with_o some_o obscurity_n and_o intricacy_n such_o speech_n as_o require_v sharpness_n of_o wit_n and_o understanding_n both_o for_o propound_v and_o conceive_v they_o be_v denote_v by_o this_o word_n in_o scripture_n thus_o a_o intricate_a question_n or_o problem_n mashal_n be_v set_v down_o in_o psal._n 49._o 4_o 5._o and_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o psalm_n there_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o problem_n a_o resolution_n of_o this_o difficult_a point_n proverbial_a sentence_n be_v sometime_o 〈◊〉_d enigmatical_a and_o have_v a_o mean_v far_o different_a from_o what_o the_o word_n direct_o signify_v thus_o you_o will_v find_v some_o saying_n that_o carry_v a_o mystical_a sense_n with_o they_o in_o this_o book_n as_o that_o in_o ch_n 9_o 17._o steal_v water_n be_v sweet_a and_o in_o ch_z 25._o v._n 27._o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o eat_v much_o honey_n and_o such_o like_a allegorical_a and_o allusive_a speech_n which_o contain_v in_o they_o a_o high_a sense_n than_o the_o bare_a word_n import_v this_o proverbial_a manner_n of_o speak_v and_o write_v be_v in_o great_a use_n and_o esteem_v among_o the_o hebrew_n and_o all_o the_o eastern_a country_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n come_v to_o prove_v solomon_n with_o hard_a question_n 1_o king_n 10._o 1._o parable_n according_a to_o the_o chald●e_n problem_n riddle_n these_o be_v the_o chidoth_n which_o the_o propound_v to_o be_v solve_v by_o he_o yea_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v may_v general_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o write_n of_o most_o of_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o ancient_a time_n pythagoras_n and_o plato_n be_v much_o addict_v to_o this_o abstruse_a way_n and_o all_o their_o follower_n be_v delight_v in_o mystical_a representation_n of_o thing_n 6._o by_o this_o word_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v all_o wise_a and_o excellent_a say_n graviter_fw-la dicta_fw-la as_o the_o latin_n call_v they_o sentence_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n but_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o hebrew_n ancient_o call_v any_o say_v that_o have_v grace_n and_o wit_n in_o it_o mashal_n but_o especial_o any_o eminent_a speech_n or_o smart_n say_v for_o the_o use_v of_o life_n and_o direction_n of_o manner_n go_v under_o that_o name_n a_o moral_a or_o religious_a say_v that_o be_v of_o singular_a
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 old_a and_o have_v pass_v the_o several_a stage_n of_o vanity_n it_o be_v a_o open_a disow_v of_o his_o former_a folly_n and_o extravagancy_n it_o be_v the_o royal_a preacher_n recantation-sermon_n wherein_o he_o tender_v himself_o a_o public_a penitentiary_n which_o be_v the_o mean_v as_o test●min●_n one_o think_v of_o that_o title_n of_o this_o book_n in_o the_o hebrew_n kohel●th_n or_o the_o gather_v soul_n because_o i●_n this_o book_n he_o recollect_n himself_o and_o gather_v and_o r●duceth_v other_o that_o wander_v after_o vanity_n to_o this_o end_n he_o make_v a_o clear_a and_o ample_a discovery_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n i._n e._n in_o this_o life_n or_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n a_o phrase_n peculiar_a to_o solomon_n and_o in_o this_o book_n only_o where_o it_o be_v often_o use_v here_o the_o wise_a man_n convince_v we_o from_o his_o own_o experience_n that_o none_o of_o the_o acquist_n of_o this_o world_n be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o 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
in_o that_o country_n become_v as_o it_o be_v a_o chaldean_a and_o moreover_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o write_v ●_o the_o chaldean_a language_n because_o he_o relate_v those_o ●●ings_n here_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o king_n of_o baby●●●_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o that_o place_n which_o can_v not_o 〈◊〉_d better_o express_v than_o in_o this_o tongue_n the_o twelve_o lesser_a prophet_n so_o call_v because_o ●heir_v write_n be_v of_o a_o smaller_n bulk_n be_v account_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o 18._o one_o book_n and_o according_o st._n stephen_n quote_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o amos_n say_v it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n amos_n 7._o 42._o the_o first_o of_o these_o holy_a seer_n be_v hosea_n who_o flourish_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o day_n of_o vzziah_n jotham_n ahaz_n and_o hezekiah_n king_n of_o judah_n and_o of_o jaroboam_n king_n of_o israel_n so_o that_o he_o be_v contemporary_a with_o isaiah_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o both_o prophecy_n he_o direct_v his_o prophecy_n whole_o against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n but_o be_v by_o he_o peculiar_o style_v sometime_o joseph_n sometime_o ephraim_n at_o other_o time_n samaria_n bethel_n jacob_n and_o israel_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n be_v call_v by_o he_o benjamin_n and_o sometime_o jerusalem_n his_o main_a design_n and_o business_n through_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o gross_a idolatry_n and_o other_o flagitious_a practice_n of_o that_o degenerate_a people_n and_o to_o denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o they_o and_o particular_o to_o foretell_v their_o captivity_n in_o assyria_n and_o withal_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o a_o due_a apprehension_n of_o this_o severity_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o and_o thereby_o to_o beget_v a_o unfeigned_a remorse_n and_o penitence_n in_o they_o that_o they_o may_v obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o favour_n all_o which_o be_v do_v with_o a_o most_o ravish_a ardency_n affection_n and_o zeal_n as_o to_o the_o stil●_n indeed_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o as_o ezekiel_n be_v the_o obscure_a of_o the_o great_a prophet_n so_o hosea_n be_v of_o these_o minour_n one_o but_o this_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n be_v countervail_v by_o that_o rich_a treasure_n which_o be_v hide_v under_o they_o and_o which_o will_v prove_v a_o ample_a reward_n to_o those_o who_o search_v into_o it_o and_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o transcendent_a excellency_n both_o of_o the_o style_n and_o matter_n of_o this_o writer_n joel_n prophesy_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n though_o the_o particular_a time_n be_v not_o as_o in_o most_o of_o the_o other_o prophet_n mention_v but_o it_o be_v probable_a he_o prophesy_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o hosea_n who_o be_v set_v immediate_o before_o he_o so_o st._n jerom_n theodoret_n augustine_n and_o other_o father_n think_v he_o foretell_v the_o come_n up_o of_o a_o northern_a army_n viz._n from_o babylon_n which_o be_v north_n of_o judea_n though_o some_o interpret_v it_o of_o a_o army_n of_o locust_n and_o caterpillar_n and_o other_o such_o mischievous_a and_o devour_a infect_v mention_v ch_n 1._o v._n 4_o etc._n etc._n and_o consequent_o the_o prophet_n predict_v the_o horrid_a devastation_n dearth_n and_o famine_n in_o judea_n which_o shall_v be_v cause_v by_o they_o i_o be_o for_o join_v both_o these_o interpretation_n together_o for_o i_o see_v it_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n especial_o the_o prophetic_a one_o to_o express_v two_o different_a thing_n and_o occurrence_n by_o the_o same_o word_n here_o be_v then_o a_o double_a army_n speak_v of_o viz._n that_o of_o the_o chaldean_n which_o in_o a_o short_a time_n afterward_o invade_v judea_n and_o lay_v it_o waste_v and_o also_o that_o of_o noxious_a vermin_n which_o be_v to_o be_v send_v as_o a_o just_a penalty_n and_o infliction_n for_o their_o abuse_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a plenty_n which_o they_o have_v enjoy_v whereupon_o he_o most_o warm_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n enjoin_v a_o fast_a and_o urge_v they_o to_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o it_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o m●rcy_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o those_o judgement_n which_o they_o labour_v under_o yea_o from_o the_o expectation_n or_o rather_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o be_v brief_o but_o most_o admirable_o set_v forth_o by_o this_o man_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o refer_v to_o that_o direful_a judgement_n of_o famine_n and_o destroy_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o seasonable_a form_n and_o rule_n of_o devotion_n and_o behaviour_n in_o the_o time_n of_o such_o a_o calamity_n amos_n who_o in_o his_o youth_n have_v be_v a_o herdsman_n in_o tekoa_n a_o little_a country-town_n a_o mile_n and_o a_o half_a off_o of_o jerusalem_n be_v now_o send_v to_o the_o cow_n of_o bashan_n the_o people_n of_o samaria_n the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n to_o reduce_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n to_o which_o end_n he_o bold_o remonstrate_v against_o the_o cry_v sin_n which_o be_v visible_a among_o they_o but_o especial_o against_o idolatry_n oppression_n wantonness_n and_o incorrigibleness_n he_o spare_v not_o those_o of_o judah_n but_o frank_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o carnal_a security_n sensuality_n injustice_n confident_a boast_v and_o he_o scare_n both_o of_o they_o with_o frequent_a threaten_n and_o menace_n and_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o tell_v they_o that_o their_o persist_v in_o their_o sin_n will_v end_v at_o last_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n which_o he_o confirm_v and_o illustrate_v by_o the_o vision_n of_o a_o plumb-line_n and_o of_o a_o basket_n of_o summer-fruit_n it_o be_v further_a observable_a in_o this_o prophecy_n that_o as_o it_o begin_v with_o denuntiation_n of_o judgement_n and_o destruction_n against_o the_o syrian_n the_o philistine_n the_o tyrian_n and_o other_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o conclude_v with_o comfortable_a promise_n of_o restore_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o david_n and_o erect_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n he_o prophesy_v in_o the_o day_n of_o vzziah_n king_n of_o judah_n and_o jeroboam_fw-la the_o son_n of_o joash_n to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o the_o other_o of_o that_o name_n who_o be_v son_n of_o nebat_fw-la so_o that_o he_o flourish_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o hosea_n and_o joel._n but_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n as_o to_o the_o time_n for_o it_o be_v add_v two_o year_n before_o the_o earthquake_n v._n 1._o that_o be_v towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o king_n vzziah_n reign_n obadiah_n prophecy_n be_v contain_v in_o one_o single_a chapter_n and_o be_v partly_o a_o divine_a invective_n against_o the_o merciless_a edomite_n who_o mock_v and_o deride_v the_o captive_a israelite_n as_o they_o pass_v to_o babylon_n and_o who_o with_o other_o enemy_n their_o confederate_n invade_v and_o wrong_v these_o poor_a stranger_n and_o make_v a_o great_a ravage_n and_o divide_v the_o spoil_n among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v partly_o a_o prediction_n of_o the_o deliverance_n and_o salvation_n of_o israel_n and_o of_o the_o victory_n and_o triumph_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n over_o all_o her_o enemy_n some_o think_v this_o obadiah_n be_v he_o that_o be_v king_n ahab_n steward_n who_o hide_v the_o prophet_n then_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v before_o these_o other_o prophet_n but_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o this_o we_o may_v rather_o adhere_v to_o st._n ierom_n opinion_n who_o go_v upon_o this_o rule_n that_o when_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophecy_n be_v not_o mention_v it_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o same_o time_n that_o the_o precede_a prophecy_n be_v write_v in_o ionah_n prophecy_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o ninevite_n as_o obadiah_n to_o the_o edomite_n and_o relate_v how_o that_o prophet_n be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o go_v to_o nineveh_n but_o disobedient_o travel_v another_o way_n be_v discover_v by_o a_o sudden_a tempest_n arise_v and_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o swallow_v by_o a_o whale_n which_o after_o it_o have_v lodge_v he_o three_o night_n and_o three_o day_n in_o its_o belly_n disgorge_v he_o upon_o the_o dry_a land_n whereupon_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o his_o past_a danger_n and_o of_o his_o miraculous_a deliverance_n from_o it_o he_o betake_v himself_o to_o that_o journey_n and_o embassy_n which_o be_v first_o appoint_v he_o and_o arrive_v at_o that_o great_a city_n the_o metropolis_n of_o all_o assyria_n he_o according_a to_o
wonderful_a efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o those_o day_n the_o rejection_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o their_o city_n temple_n and_o whole_a nation_n by_o the_o roman_n for_o their_o reject_v and_o crucify_a the_o messiah_n and_o other_o particular_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o none_o of_o the_o lesser_a prophet_n speak_v of_o but_o this_o malachi_n be_v the_o last_o of_o these_o prophet_n yea_o of_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o that_o dispensation_n after_o he_o cease_v vision_n and_o prophecy_n in_o israel_n until_o christ_n appear_v when_o zachary_n simeon_n mary_n elizabeth_n anna_n be_v illuminate_v with_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n he_o prophesy_v about_o 300_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n time_n reprove_v the_o jew_n for_o their_o ungrateful_a and_o wicked_a live_n after_o their_o return_n from_o babylon_n particular_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o rebellion_n sacrilege_n adultery_n profaneness_n infidelity_n but_o especial_o he_o reprehend_v the_o priest_n for_o be_v careless_a and_o scandalous_a in_o their_o ministry_n which_o one_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v authority_n to_o other_o to_o be_v vicious_a at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o forget_v not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o encourage_v the_o pious_a remnant_n in_o that_o corrupt_a age_n who_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o think_v upon_o his_o name_n who_o godly_a converse_n and_o associate_a with_o one_o another_o in_o that_o debauch_a time_n he_o assure_v they_o be_v register_v in_o a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n by_o god_n himself_o this_o prophet_n who_o have_v point_v before_o at_o the_o messiah_n to_o be_v exhibit_v for_o he_o express_o ●aith_n he_o shall_v sudden_o come_v to_o his_o temple_n now_o shut_v up_o his_o prophecy_n and_o indeed_o all_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o remember_v the_o law_n i._n e._n to_o live_v according_a to_o its_o holy_a rule_n and_o injunction_n and_o with_o a_o promise_n of_o the_o come_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v to_o be_v usher_v in_o by_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n i._n e._n by_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o come_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o elias_n luke_n 1._o 17._o and_o so_o this_o close_a of_o the_o old_a testament_n refer_v to_o the_o new_a to_o which_o i_o now_o hasten_v 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 next_o follow_v the_o sacred_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o evangelical_n novel_n the_o new_a law_n of_o christianity_n the_o true_a authentic_o which_o present_v we_o with_o the_o actual_a discovery_n of_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o it_o these_o be_v write_v in_o greek_a for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o joseph_n the_o jew_n choose_v to_o write_v his_o book_n not_o in_o his_o own_o language_n but_o in_o this_o because_o as_o he_o say_v himself_o in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o jewish_a war_n he_o will_v have_v they_o read_v and_o understand_v by_o greek_n and_o roman_n and_o all_o person_n so_o aelian_a be_v a_o roman_a yet_o write_v his_o book_n of_o animal_n and_o various_a history_n etc._n etc._n in_o greek_a because_o this_o be_v the_o universal_a language_n at_o that_o time_n these_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v either_o history_n or_o epistle_n the_o history_n be_v the_o four_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o for_o the_o former_a the_o write_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o extant_a while_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n for_o till_o his_o be_v take_v up_o to_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o consummation_n of_o all_o he_o have_v before_o do_v and_o suffer_v they_o can_v not_o make_v the_o evangelical_n history_n perfect_a but_o afterward_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n resolve_v according_a to_o their_o master_n 8._o order_n to_o go_v and_o preach_v in_o foreign_a region_n and_o to_o disperse_v the_o christian_a religion_n over_o all_o the_o world_n put_v forth_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o write_v before_o they_o go_v about_o this_o great_a work_n st._n matthew_n be_v the_o first_o inspire_a person_n that_o commit_v the_o evangelical_n transaction_n to_o write_v which_o he_o do_v about_o eight_o year_n after_o christ_n passion_n a._n d._n 42._o he_o alone_o of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n say_v st._n evang._n jerom_n 〈…〉_z eusebius_n st._n 1._o augustine_n matlh_n chrysostom_n and_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n write_v his_o gospel_n first_o in_o hebrew_a which_o partly_o appear_v from_o this_o that_o some_o of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n be_v explain_v by_o the_o person_n who_o translate_v it_o into_o greek_a who_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v st._n matthew_n himself_o as_o the_o ancient_n general_o agree_v and_o so_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a copy_n be_v both_o of_o they_o the_o original_n then_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n write_v their_o gospel_n the_o one_o about_o ten_o though_o other_o say_v twenty_o the_o other_o about_o twenty_o some_o say_v thirty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n death_n and_o there_o be_v some_o that_o invert_v the_o order_n and_o give_v the_o priority_n to_o st._n luke_n but_o all_o agree_v that_o st._n john_n be_v the_o last_o of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o write_v towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o first_o century_n but_o as_o for_o the_o punctual_a time_n when_o the_o evangelist_n put_v forth_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v doubtful_a and_o i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o certain_a ground_n whereo●_n we_o may_v ●ix_v a_o satisfactory_a resolution_n of_o the_o doubt●punc_fw-la this_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o write_v 〈◊〉_d st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n have_v what_o they_o write_v from_o the_o relation_n of_o other_o particular_o st._n mark_n who_o be_v st._n peter_n companion_n compose_v his_o gospel_n by_o his_o order_n and_o direction_n and_o with_o his_o especial_a approbation_n say_v eusebius_n again_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o though_o every_o evangelist_n relate_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n yet_o no_o one_o of_o they_o relate_v the_o whole_a truth_n concern_v christ_n life_n and_o action_n though_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v contain_v in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o writer_n yet_o some_o particular_n be_v find_v in_o one_o that_o do_v not_o occur_v in_o another_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o consult_v they_o all_o and_o to_o compare_v they_o together_o as_o for_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n mark_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o they_o do_v not_o always_o observe_v the_o order_n of_o time_n and_o the_o true_a series_n of_o the_o matter_n especial_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v not_o curious_a in_o this_o particular_a but_o as_o for_o th●_n other_o two_o evangelist_n they_o be_v very_o punctual_a and_o inviolable_o observe_v the_o order_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o happen_v except_v only_o that_o parenthesis_n for_o such_o it_o be_v in_o luke_n 3._o 19_o 20._o concern_v herod_n of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n st._n luke_n be_v the_o full_a and_o give_v the_o compleat_a mos●_n circumstantial_a and_o orderly_a relation_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o himself_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o gospel_n in_o those_o word_n to_o theophilus_n it_o se●med_v good_a to_o i_o have_v have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o very_a first_o to_o write_v unto_o thou_o in_o order_n and_o yet_o though_o his_o gospel_n be_v ample_a and_o more_o methodical_a in_o the_o narrative_a or_o history_n than_o the_o rest_n yet_o he_o be_v but_o brief_a in_o relate_v thing_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v till_o the_o last_o year_n of_o his_o preach_v st._n matthew_n have_v be_v full_a in_o they_o and_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n he_o have_v need_n of_o a_o supply_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o more_o especial_o from_o st._n john_n who_o gospel_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o 14_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 17_o contain_v those_o excellent_a discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o passion_n which_o be_v whole_o
omit_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n beside_o that_o this_o evangelist_n in_o the_o entrance_n into_o his_o gospel_n be_v more_o sublime_a and_o soar_v than_o the_o rest_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v represent_v by_o a_o eagle_n assert_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o bold_a heretic_n of_o that_o time_n who_o open_o confront_v that_o doctrine_n and_o in_o other_o place_n of_o his_o write_n he_o have_v a_o peculiar_a strain_n and_o excellency_n which_o mensal_n luther_n express_v thus_o after_o his_o plain_a way_n every_o word_n in_o john_n weigh_v two_o tun_n concern_v the_o evangelist_n i_o may_v note_v this_o that_o though_o they_o do_v not_o all_o of_o they_o set_v down_o the_o very_a individual_a word_n that_o christ_n or_o other_o speak_v for_o we_o see_v that_o sometime_o one_o represent_v they_o in_o term_n different_a from_o the_o rest_n yet_o those_o that_o do_v not_o so_o deliver_v always_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o be_v say_v and_o even_o that_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v sufficient_a and_o concern_v st._n john_n particular_o i_o remark_n this_o that_o see_v he_o be_v the_o last_o of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n i._n e._n he_o write_v his_o gospel_n last_o it_o be_v rational_a upon_o that_o account_n to_o interpret_v the_o other_o evangelist_n by_o he_o namely_o where_o any_o doubt_n or_o controversy_n arise_v for_o he_o have_v peruse_v the_o other_o evangelist_n and_o observe_v what_o exception_n unbelieving_a man_n have_v make_v against_o any_o passage_n in_o their_o write_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o express_v himself_o with_o great_a plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n where_o those_o matter_n be_v concern_v this_o the_o intelligent_a and_o observant_a reader_n will_v find_v to_o be_v true_a if_o he_o consult_v the_o respective_a place_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o give_v a_o particular_a and_o distinct_a survey_n of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o evangelist_n write_n this_o only_o can_v be_v say_v here_o in_o pursuance_n of_o our_o grand_a undertake_n that_o these_o book_n be_v the_o choice_a history_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v because_o they_o contain_v the_o birth_n the_o life_n the_o action_n the_o doctrine_n the_o miracle_n the_o suffering_n the_o death_n the_o resurrection_n the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o most_o compassionate_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n all_o of_o which_o be_v the_o most_o stupendous_a and_o amaze_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o necessary_a matter_n to_o be_v know_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n if_o this_o brief_a and_o summary_n account_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o study_n and_o meditation_n and_o to_o beget_v in_o we_o the_o utmost_a esteem_n of_o they_o nothing_o more_o large_o say_v will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o to_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n belong_v the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o account_n give_v of_o what_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v concern_v in_o viz._n their_o choose_n mathias_n into_o iudas_n room_n their_o meet_v together_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pent●cost_n at_o which_o time_n they_o be_v all_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o christ_n promise_n visible_o descend_v upon_o they_o their_o determination_n in_o the_o council_n hold_v at_o jerusalem_n with_o their_o letter_n which_o they_o send_v to_o the_o church_n abroad_o and_o several_a other_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v joint_o interest_v this_o book_n contain_v also_o the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o its_o happy_a progress_n and_o success_n especial_o among_o the_o gentile_n of_o the_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n it_o encounter_v with_o of_o the_o undaunted_a courage_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o course_n of_o their_o ministry_n of_o their_o disputation_n conference_n apology_n prayer_n sermon_n worship_n discipline_n church-government_n miracle_n here_o we_o be_v inform_v what_o be_v the_o usage_n of_o the_o first_o apostolical_a age_n in_o a_o word_n here_o we_o may_v find_v the_o primitive_a church_n and_o religion_n all_o which_o be_v plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o singular_a usefulness_n worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o this_o book_n but_o it_o be_v chief_o confine_v to_o the_o act_n and_o achievement_n of_o those_o most_o eminent_a apostles_n st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n and_o especial_o and_o most_o large_o here_o be_v relate_v the_o conversion_n travel_n preach_v and_o suffering_n of_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o for_o st._n ●uke_n be_v st._n paul_n companion_n all_o along_o and_o well_o acquaint_v with_o whatever_o he_o do_v and_o whatsoever_o happen_v to_o he_o give_v we_o the_o full_a narrative_n of_o this_o apostle_n the_o whole_a book_n be_v a_o history_n of_o about_o forty_o year_n namely_o from_o christ_n ascension_n to_o the_o second_o year_n of_o st._n paul_n imprisonment_n at_o rome_n the_o new_a testament_n consist_v likewise_o of_o several_a epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v pious_a discourse_n occasional_o write_v more_o full_o to_o explain_v and_o apply_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o confute_v some_o grow_a error_n to_o compose_v difference_n and_o schism_n to_o reform_v abuse_n and_o corruption_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o christian_n to_o holiness_n and_o to_o encourage_v they_o against_o persecution_n for_o the_o apostle_n have_v convert_v several_a nation_n to_o the_o faith_n when_o they_o can_v not_o visit_v they_o in_o person_n write_v to_o they_o and_o so_o supply_v their_o presence_n by_o these_o epistle_n to_o begin_v with_o st._n paul_n epistle_n they_o be_v write_v either_o to_o whole_a church_n viz._n of_o believe_a gentile_n i._n e._n the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v such_o though_o some_o of_o jewish_a race_n may_v be_v mix_v among_o they_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n corinthian_n galatian_n ephesian_n philippian_n colossian_n thessalonian_n or_o of_o believe_v jew_n whole_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n or_o they_o be_v write_v to_o particular_a person_n as_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n titus_n philemon_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a profound_a discourse_n on_o such_o subject_n as_o these_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o rejection_n notwithstanding_o those_o prerogative_n the_o wonderful_a dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o gentile_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o law_n justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o election_n and_o free_a grace_n the_o conflict_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n christian_a liberty_n scandal_n the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o chief_a thing_n which_o he_o design_n in_o this_o epistle_n be_v to_o show_v that_o neither_o the_o gentile_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o jew_n by_o that_o of_o moses_n can_v attain_v to_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n and_o consequent_o salvation_n but_o that_o these_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v only_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o who_o merit_n alone_o we_o be_v account_v righteous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o then_o to_o show_v that_o this_o faith_n be_v not_o separate_v from_o good_a work_n he_o add_v exhortation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n obedience_n of_o life_n and_o a_o religious_a conversation_n so_o that_o this_o epistle_n be_v both_o doctrinal_a and_o practical_a it_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o notion_n and_o in_o our_o manner_n it_o decide_v some_o of_o the_o great_a controversy_n and_o withal_o it_o inform_v we_o about_o the_o most_o indispensable_a office_n of_o christianity_n the_o next_o epistle_n be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o chief_a city_n of_o peloponne●us_n which_o be_v now_o call_v the_o morea_n and_o cenchrea_n which_o you_o read_v of_o rom._n 16._o 1._o act_n 19_o 18._o be_v the_o station_n of_o ship_n for_o this_o maritime_a city_n but_o be_v a_o distinct_a town_n from_o it_o to_o the_o convert_v inhabitant_n of_o this_o great_a metropolis_n fame_v for_o its_o wealth_n and_o therefore_o surname_v the_o rich_a as_o thucydides_n say_v ●ea_n 1._o to_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o achaia_n the_o apostle_n here_o write_v his_o first_o epistle_n to_o they_o be_v against_o the_o unsound_a persuasion_n and_o vicious_a practice_n which_o he_o observe_v among_o they_o at_o that_o time_n his_o design_n be_v to_o reform_v they_o as_o to_o their_o schism_n and_o dissension_n their_o idolatrous_a communion_n their_o unseemly_a habit_n their_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o their_o assembly_n their_o profane_v the_o lord_n supper_n their_o toleration_n of_o incest_n and_o the_o like_a scandalous_a behaviour_n beside_o there_o be_v other_o considerable_a matter_n which_o he_o treat_v of_o as_o marriage_n divorce_n virginity_n eat_v of_o meat_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n christian_a liberty_n go_v to_o law_n before_o heathen_n
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 tell_v you_o what_o will_n 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 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 judeu._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 but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o demonstated_a truth_n yet_o it_o be_v question_v and_o doubt_v of_o by_o some_o wherefore_o the_o four_o general_n undertake_v which_o i_o propound_v be_v this_o to_o clear_v the_o point_n of_o those_o objection_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v bring_v against_o it_o and_o to_o show_v that_o notwithstanding_o these_o the_o prefection_n of_o scripture_n be_v unshaken_a first_o some_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a number_n of_o book_n mention_v or_o quote_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o book_n of_o jasher_n etc._n etc._n which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v once_o a_o part_n of_o this_o holy_a volume_n but_o now_o be_v lose_v among_o the_o father_n corinth_n st._n chrysostom_n who_o be_v follow_v by_o theophilact_fw-mi be_v of_o this_o opinion_n bellarmine_n and_o several_a of_o the_o papist_n hold_v it_o yea_o some_o protestant_n acknowledge_v as_o much_o calvin_n and_o musculus_fw-la and_o our_o whitaker_n incline_v this_o way_n and_o drusius_n be_v very_o 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 greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n fight_v by_o the_o valiant_a jew_n to_o any_o one_o that_o consult_v the_o text_n together_o with_o the_o 26_o v_o of_o that_o chapter_n it_o will_v plain_o appear_v that_o this_o passage_n particular_o refer_v to_o the_o 11_o chapter_n of_o judge_n v_o 15_o 16_o 17._o but_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o moses_n who_o be_v dead_a long_o before_o can_v write_v this_o i_o answer_v though_o he_o undoubted_o write_v the_o book_n of_o number_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n yet_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o this_o and_o the_o other_o book_n may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v insert_v afterward_o by_o some_o other_o inspire_a person_n as_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o advertise_v before_o ezra_n it_o be_v likely_a revise_v this_o book_n add_v this_o of_o what_o god_n do_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o at_o the_o brook_n of_o arnon_n and_o to_o give_v yet_o more_o ample_a satisfaction_n to_o this_o scruple_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o though_o we_o translate_v the_o text_n thus_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n etc._n etc._n yet_o in_o the_o original_a the_o verb_n be_v in_o the_o future_a tense_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d diceture_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v and_o so_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n he_o here_o foretell_v that_o afterward_o it_o shall_v be_v commemorate_a how_o god_n fight_v for_o his_o people_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v at_o solemn_a time_n a_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o jewish_a war_n than_o this_o passage_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o mind_n and_o make_v mention_n of_o and_o then_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o these_o two_o verse_n not_o as_o cite_v
out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n but_o propose_v to_o be_v insert_v there_o afterward_o the_o plain_a answer_n then_o be_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o book_n of_o judge_n together_o with_o that_o of_o joshua_n where_o be_v relate_v the_o particular_n of_o the_o holy_a war_n i._n e._n the_o war_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o the_o infidel_n and_o that_o in_o one_o of_o these_o it_o shall_v be_v particular_o remember_v and_o record_v what_o god_n do_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o in_o the_o brook_n of_o arnon_n etc._n etc._n and_o according_o we_o find_v it_o insert_v in_o the_o forecited_a place_n in_o judge_n thus_o you_o see_v it_o can_v be_v prove_v hence_o that_o the_o church_n have_v lose_v any_o part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n another_o book_n say_v by_o some_o to_o be_v lose_v be_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n mention_v in_o josh._n 10._o 13._o &_o 2_o sam._n 1._o 18._o but_o some_o of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a hebrew_a doctor_n say_v they_o have_v find_v it_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o act_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n jacob_n and_o other_o patriarch_n who_o be_v by_o way_n of_o excellence_n call_v jasherim_n recti_fw-la justi._n but_o sure_o that_o man_n be_v easy_o satisfy_v who_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o this_o dr._n lightfoot_n hold_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o i_o assert_v the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o god_n to_o be_v but_o there_o be_v little_a foundation_n for_o it_o for_o though_o the_o particular_a narrative_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v stand_v still_o be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o jasher_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o text_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o intimation_n that_o all_o ioshua_n war_n or_o the_o war_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v register_v there_o this_o book_n be_v according_a to_o the_o excellent_a 18._o grotius_n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o triumphal_a poem_n in_o which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v for_o the_o verse_n sake_n contract_v into_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o though_o this_o be_v very_o ingenious_a yet_o it_o want_v solidity_n and_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o the_o word_n will_v be_v twice_o mention_v i._n e._n both_o in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n and_o in_o the_o 2d_o book_n of_o samuel_n in_o its_o abbreviate_v form_n the_o learned_a ●_o jewish_a historian_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o bid_v fair_a for_o truth_n who_o ●aith_v by_o this_o book_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v certain_a record_n keep_v in_o some_o safe_a place_n on_o purpose_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o temple_n give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o happen_v among_o the_o jew_n from_o year_n to_o year_n and_o particular_o the_o prodigy_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v stand_v still_o and_o the_o direction_n and_o law_n about_o the_o use_n of_o the_o bow_n i._n e._n set_v up_o of_o archery_n and_o maintain_v military_a exercise_n and_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o the_o title_n give_v to_o these_o jewish_a annal_n be_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n i._n e._n rect_v this_o may_v be_v render_v as_o a_o probable_a reason_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v by_o all_o person_n reckon_v as_o a_o very_a faithful_a and_o authentic_a account_n of_o all_o those_o event_n and_o occurrence_n which_o it_o record_v it_o be_v compose_v with_o great_a uprightness_n and_o truth_n thence_o it_o be_v common_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o iasher_n book_n or_o chronicle_n and_o if_o you_o remember_v that_o jasher_n be_v translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o th●_n seventy_o in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o book_n of_o jo●_a it_o will_v ●urther_o confirm_v what_o i_o say_v and_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o iasher_n book_n be_v as_o much_o as_o a_o true_a book_n a_o book_n that_o be_v not_o counterfeit_v it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o any_o inspire_a person_n but_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o common_a civil_a annal_n and_o consequent_o we_o can_v infer_v hence_o that_o any_o book_n proper_o belong_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i._n e._n that_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v at_o this_o day_n miss_v again_o some_o reckon_v the_o act_n of_o uzziah_n write_v by_o isaiah_n the_o prophet_n 2_o chron._n 26._o 22._o in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o such_o book_n of_o scripture_n as_o be_v lose_v but_o they_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o do_v so_o for_o by_o tho●●_n word_n be_v plain_o mean_v that_o part_n of_o the_o life_n and_o history_n of_o that_o king_n which_o we_o now_o have_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n for_o the_o first_o six_o chapter_n be_v ●_o relation_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o his_o day_n they_o give_v a_o account_n of_o several_a passage_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o state_n in_o that_o king_n reign_n and_o isaiah_n be_v true_o say_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n in_o the_o chronicle_n to_o have_v write_v his_o act_n first_o and_o last_o because_o you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n begin_v at_o the_o day_n of_o uzziah_n v_o 1._o and_o the_o six_o chapter_n relate_v what_o happen_v in_o the_o year_n that_o king_n uzziah_n die_v v_o 1._o so_o that_o something_o of_o what_o be_v first_o and_o last_o in_o his_o time_n be_v here_o record_v this_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o very_a substantial_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o scruple_n about_o that_o place_n also_o some_o will_v infer_v from_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 29._o that_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o extant_a at_o this_o day_n b●cause_fw-mi there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o seer_n and_o the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o book_n of_o gad_n the_o seer_n in_o which_o it_o be_v say_v all_o david_n '_o s_z act_n be_v write_v but_o no_o such_o inference_n can_v rational_o be_v make_v only_o this_o we_o gather_v which_o be_v the_o solution_n of_o the_o difficulty_n that_o nathan_n and_o gad_n as_o well_o as_o samuel_n compile_v the_o history_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o this_o last_o and_o because_o it_o be_v make_v by_o they_o all_o three_o therefore_o it_o be_v represent_v here_o as_o three_o different_a book_n but_o the_o true_a account_n be_v that_o those_o two_o book_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o samuel_n be_v write_v partly_o by_o he_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o first_o book_n relate_v thing_n that_o happen_v in_o his_o time_n and_o partly_o by_o nathan_n and_o partly_o by_o gad_n two_o eminent_a prophet_n in_o those_o day_n and_o who_o survive_v samuel_n then_o as_o to_o 2_o chron._n 9_o 29._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o solomon_n act_n be_v write_v not_o only_o in_o the_o book_n hebr._n dibrim_n the_o word_n as_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o day_n of_o nathan_n of_o which_o before_o but_o in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o ahijah_n the_o shilonite_n and_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o iddo_n the_o seer_n which_o last_o be_v call_v midrash_n the_o story_n or_o commentary_n of_o the_o prophet_n iddo_n chap._n 13._o v._n 22._o and_o as_o to_o 2_o chron._n 12._o 15._o where_o we_o read_v also_o of_o this_o book_n of_o iddo_n the_o seer_n and_o of_o shemaiah_n the_o prophet_n in_o which_o it_o be_v say_v rehoboam_n act_n be_v write_v the_o answer_n which_o i_o give_v relate_v to_o these_o book_n in_o brief_a be_v this_o that_o few_o of_o they_o if_o any_o be_v different_a from_o those_o of_o the_o king_n but_o be_v only_o a_o part_n of_o they_o though_o they_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o as_o distinct_a book_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o that_o individual_a part_n of_o the_o story_n viz._n concern_v solomon_n and_o rehoboam_n be_v quote_v which_o these_o particular_a person_n here_o name_v write_v you_o must_v know_v then_o that_o this_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o work_n of_o several_a person_n it_o be_v a_o collection_n make_v by_o sundry_a prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n as_o samuel_n nathan_n gad_n ahijah_n iddo_n shemaiah_n and_o the_o book_n which_o they_o write_v be_v call_v the_o book_n of_o samuel_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o be_v general_o know_v by_o these_o name_n but_o when_o those_o part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v particucular_o insert_v and_o write_v by_o samuel_n himself_o or_o nathan_n etc._n etc._n be_v quote_v or_o refer_v to_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n they_o be_v mention_v as_o distinct_a book_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v distinct_a part_n of_o such_o a_o history_n and_o write_v by_o such_o particular_a person_n who_o altogether_o make_v up_o that_o
historical_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n those_o book_n then_o for_o so_o the_o hebrew_n call_v any_o write_n which_o those_o author_n abovenamed_a write_v be_v not_o lose_v as_o some_o imagine_n ●●t_n be_v still_o extant_a in_o the_o bible_n for_o they_o be_v par●_n of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n and_o the_o king_n this_o answer_n be_v ground_v on_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 29._o the_o act_n of_o david_n the_o king_n first_o and_o last_o behold_v they_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n or_o history_n of_o samuel_n and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n which_o show_v that_o the_o foresay_a book_n be_v a_o collection_n make_v by_o several_a prophet_n viz._n samuel_n nathan_n gad_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o think_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o the_o foresay_a objection_n be_v whole_o remove_v by_o it_o then_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o book_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lose_v as_o the_o say_n of_o the_o seer_n 2_o chron._n 33._o 19_o and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n of_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 11._o 41._o and_o the_o book_n of_o jehu_n the_o son_n of_o hanani_n 2_o chron._n 20._o 34._o or_o any_o other_o which_o the_o objector_n mention_v it_o be_v grant_v by_o some_o very_a sober_a writer_n not_o only_o foreigner_n but_o of_o our_o own_o country_n that_o these_o book_n be_v real_o lose_v but_o they_o deny_v that_o this_o be_v any_o argument_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o scripture_n because_o these_o book_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a neither_o be_v we_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v divine_o indict_v and_o this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n as_o well_o as_o the_o modern_n yea_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o father_n who_o speak_v of_o these_o book_n say_v positive_o that_o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o inspiration_n from_o heaven_n to_o this_o purpose_n st._n augustine_n have_v this_o useful_a distinction_n 38._o the_o penman_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n say_v he_o write_v some_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v man_n with_o historical_a care_n and_o diligence_n other_o thing_n they_o write_v as_o prophet_n by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n this_o then_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o all_o that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o even_o by_o those_o holy_a man_n who_o be_v author_n of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o canonical_a and_o divine_a because_o they_o write_v some_o thing_n not_o as_o inspire_a person_n but_o as_o mere_a historian_n some_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o write_n be_v refer_v to_o in_o the_o forecited_a place_n and_o though_o they_o be_v not_o extant_a now_o yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o hereby_o render_v imperfect_a because_o these_o be_v not_o such_o part_n of_o it_o as_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o or_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v when_o in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n there_o be_v frequent_a reference_n to_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n those_o of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o always_o mean_v be_v not_o then_o pen_v beside_o that_o many_o thing_n that_o be_v refer_v unto_o there_o be_v not_o find_v in_o these_o book_n wherefore_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o these_o be_v additional_a write_n not_o belong_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n nor_o write_v by_o person_n that_o be_v inspire_v and_o consequent_o though_o they_o be_v lose_v yet_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o impair_v and_o indeed_o we_o find_v that_o those_o of_o the_o protestant_a persuasion_n as_o whitaker_n willet_n etc._n etc._n and_o among_o foreigner_n calvin_n beza_n etc._n etc._n who_o acknowledge_v the_o loss_n of_o these_o book_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n strong_o assert_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o very_o consistent_o may_v do_v because_o they_o hold_v these_o book_n to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o bible_n again_o if_o what_o we_o have_v say_v be_v not_o full_o satisfactory_a this_o may_v be_v further_o add_v that_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o some_o book_n of_o holy_a writ_n proceed_v from_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o word_n sepher_n which_o be_v translate_v a_o book_n but_o among_o the_o hebrew_n be_v oftentimes_o no_o more_o than_o a_o rehearsal_n or_o commemoration_n of_o something_o a_o brief_a narrative_n or_o memoir_n a_o set_n down_o any_o thing_n in_o write_v as_o you_o will_v find_v in_o these_o follow_a place_n num._n 5._o 23._o josh._n ●8_o 9_o 1_o sam._n 10._o 25._o esth._n 9_o 20._o isa._n 30._o 8._o jer._n 32._o 12_o 14._o and_o sometime_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o mere_a genealogy_n as_o gen._n 5._o 1._o the_o book_n of_o the_o generation_n of_o adam_n so_o st._n matthew_n begin_v his_o gospel_n the_o book_n of_o the_o generation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n mat._n 1._o 1._o i_o e._n his_o genealogy_n or_o pedigree_n a_o brief_a enumeration_n of_o the_o person_n he_o descend_v from_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a denotation_n of_o the_o word_n sepher_n from_o saphar_n numerare_fw-la recensere_fw-la whence_o siphra_n or_o ciphra_n a_o word_n that_o be_v use_v in_o most_o language_n some_z not_o attend_v to_o this_o have_v fancy_v that_o a_o great_a many_o book_n of_o the_o sacred_a writ_n be_v embezzle_v because_o they_o do_v not_o find_v such_o formal_a book_n as_o those_o of_o jehu_n or_o of_o the_o act_n of_o solomon_n etc._n etc._n now_o belong_v to_o the_o bible_n this_o arise_v from_o a_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n which_o signify_v general_o any_o short_a kind_n of_o write_v or_o memorandum_n this_o with_o the_o answer_n before_o give_v will_v solve_v all_o doubt_n concern_v the_o place_n afore_o allege_a as_o to_o the_o common_a objection_n concern_v the_o loss_n of_o solomon_n book_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v mention_v in_o 1_o king_n 4._o 32_o 33._o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o when_o some_o call_v they_o book_n it_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v prove_v it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o solomon_n write_v but_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o tree_n and_o speak_v of_o beast_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n he_o learned_o discourse_v of_o these_o several_a subject_n upon_o occasion_n and_o speak_v such_o a_o number_n of_o proverb_n here_o can_v be_v no_o loss_n of_o book_n then_o but_o 2._o suppose_v he_o commit_v these_o disquisition_n and_o discourse_n to_o write_v and_o they_o be_v now_o lose_v it_o may_v be_v consume_v when_o nabuchadnezzar_n burn_v jerusalem_n or_o by_o some_o other_o mean_v imbezzle_v afterward_o yet_o still_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n because_o they_o be_v no_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n his_o universal_a history_n of_o vegetable_n from_o the_o cedar_n even_o to_o the_o hyssop_n that_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o wall_n and_o his_o book_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o animal_n in_o the_o sea_n on_o the_o land_n and_o in_o the_o air_n appertain_v to_o philosophy_n and_o may_v indeed_o have_v serve_v to_o have_v set_v up_o a_o royal_a society_n and_o have_v be_v advantageous_a to_o the_o man_n who_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o study_n of_o nature_n for_o these_o questionless_a be_v full_a of_o admirable_a philosophy_n according_a to_o that_o great_a and_o matchless_a measure_n of_o wisdom_n which_o god_n have_v endue_v he_o with_o thus_o far_o the_o loss_n of_o those_o write_n be_v great_o but_o none_o but_o philosopher_n ought_v to_o bewail_v it_o though_o i_o must_v suggest_v this_o by_o the_o way_n that_o perhaps_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o complain_v for_o they_o neither_o for_o it_o may_v be_v these_o book_n of_o plant_n and_o animal_n be_v extant_a till_o alexander_n the_o great_a be_v day_n and_o be_v peruse_v and_o understand_v by_o aristotle_n and_o theophrastus_n by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o interpreter_n they_o be_v transcribe_v by_o they_o and_o so_o set_v down_o as_o we_o find_v they_o in_o their_o write_n which_o have_v gain_v they_o so_o great_a fame_n and_o renown_n this_o may_v be_v the_o more_o credible_a especial_o as_o to_o aristotle_n because_o we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v a_o great_a plagiary_n and_o burn_v or_o otherwise_o make_v away_o those_o write_n from_o whence_o he_o borrow_v his_o notion_n if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v likely_a we_o have_v these_o book_n of_o solomon_n extant_a still_o in_o those_o forename_a author_n we_o read_v his_o natural_a history_n concern_v vegetable_n and_o animal_n but_o as_o touch_v the_o three_o thousand_o proverb_n which_o he_o speak_v it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v only_o speak_v not_o write_v down_o and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v pen_v we_o have_v they_o at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n there_o we_o have_v those_o proverb_n which_o the_o holy_a
ghost_n see_v to_o be_v most_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o church_n that_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v content_v we_o so_o as_o to_o his_o song_n which_o be_v a_o thousand_o and_o five_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n there_o be_v but_o one_o of_o they_o that_o have_v arrive_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o be_v think_v worthy_a to_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o sacred_a write_n unless_o we_o reckon_v the_o forty_o five_o psalm_n to_o be_v a_o song_n of_o he_o this_o then_o add_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o these_o write_n of_o solomon_n which_o we_o have_v that_o they_o be_v choice_a piece_n select_v even_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v the_o prime_a author_n of_o they_o this_o sure_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o book_n or_o write_n of_o this_o wise_a prince_n which_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o which_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v transmit_v to_o we_o and_o be_v part_n of_o the_o bible_n thus_o there_o be_v nothing_o lose_v that_o belong_v to_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o place_n be_v quote_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o take_v out_o of_o the_o old_a and_o yet_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v there_o as_o mat._n 2._o 23._o james_n 4._o 5._o jude_n v_o 14._o i_o answer_v as_o to_o the_o first_o that_o from_o those_o word_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n he_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o nazarene_n no_o man_n can_v gather_v that_o some_o of_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n be_v miss_v because_o if_o you_o take_v the_o prophet_n here_o for_o prophetic_a man_n who_o speak_v only_o and_o do_v not_o write_v than_o there_o be_v no_o book_n of_o they_o to_o be_v lose_v or_o if_o by_o prophet_n you_o understand_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o may_v be_v show_v that_o what_o they_o foretell_v be_v still_o extant_a in_o their_o write_n for_o though_o those_o individual_a word_n he_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o nazarene_n be_v not_o find_v among_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o the_o purport_n and_o sense_n of_o they_o be_v there_o and_o the_o place_n to_o which_o they_o have_v reference_n be_v very_o obvious_a as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o that_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v to_o the_o public_a in_o my_o enquiry_n into_o some_o remarkable_a text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n thence_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o objector_n have_v no_o ground_n for_o what_o they_o allege_v and_o also_o that_o the_o jew_n cavil_v against_o this_o place_n of_o st._n matthew_n where_o they_o say_v he_o quote_v a_o text_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o they_o be_v void_a of_o all_o reason_n another_o place_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v mention_v on_o this_o occasion_n be_v jam._n 4._o 5._o do_v you_o think_v that_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o vain_a the_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o we_o lust_v to_o envy_n which_o word_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n therefore_o say_v they_o some_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v lose_v and_o sir_n n._n knatchbull_n seem_v to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v passage_n take_v out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o ●re_n miss_v at_o this_o day_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o hammond_n some_o say_v that_o gen._n 6._o 3._o be_v the_o place_n of_o scripture_n here_o refer_v to_o but_o after_o they_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal●of_n pain_n to_o make_v this_o out_o their_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a for_o sure_o no_o man_n of_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a thought_n will_v be_v persuade_v that_o those_o word●_n my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man_n be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o these_o the_o spirit_n that_o dwelle●●_n in_o we_o lust_v to_o envy_n this_o exposition_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o mistake_a notion_n of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d contendet_fw-la which_o our_o translator_n true_o rend●●_n shall_v strive_v some_o fancy_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deriu●●_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o sheath_n and_o then_o forsooth_o the_o soul_n or_o spirit_n be_v a_o sword_n lowis_n chappel_n and_o some_o other_o as_o groundless_o make_v these_o word_n a_o interrogation_n do_v the_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o we_o lust_n to_o envy_n and_o think_v they_o refer_v to_o numb_a 11._o 29._o envy_v thou_o for_o my_o sake_n the_o question_n say_v they_o be_v a_o negation_n and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v do_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n teach_v you_o to_o contend_v to_o be_v envious_a and_o quarrelsome_a no._n but_o this_o likewise_o be_v force_v and_o strain_v and_o a_o impartial_a eye_n can_v possible_o see_v any_o affinity_n between_o the_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v one_o interrogation_n to_o introduce_v another_o which_o confound_v the_o style_n the_o plain_a and_o unforced_a answer_n be_v this_o that_o st._n james_n do_v not_o here_o quote_v any_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n as_o if_o there_o be_v such_o express_a word_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o be_v here_o set_v down_o by_o he_o he_o only_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v general_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n viz._n that_o man_n nature_n be_v deprave_v and_o corrupt_v that_o it_o be_v incline_v to_o envy_n as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o lust_n and_o unlawful_a affection_n or_o if_o any_o ●ne_a particular_a place_n be_v refer_v to_o more_o than_o another_o it_o be_v probable_a it_o be_v that_o of_o gen._n 6._o 5._o or_o ch_z 8._o v._n 21._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o imagination_n or_o the_o purpose_n and_o desire_v of_o man_n heart_n be_v evil_a from_o their_o youth_n yea_o they_o be_v only_o evil_a and_o that_o continual_o the_o word_n than_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n but_o of_o that_o corrupt_a spirit_n which_o be_v in_o man_n not_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n ●●t_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n distinguish_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 12._o this_o spirit_n lust_v to_o envy_n and_o prompt_v man_n to_o all_o other_o vice_n and_o 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o next_o word_n he_o give_v more_o grace_n they_o refer_v not_o to_o the_o spirit_n here_o speak_v of_o but_o to_o god_n who_o though_o he_o be_v not_o name_v in_o this_o verse_n be_v twice_o in_o the_o immediate_o forego_v one_o he_o give_v 〈◊〉_d grace_n he_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n restrain_v man_n lust_n and_o envious_a desire_n and_o te●cheth_v they_o humility_n submission_n and_o all_o other_o divine_a virtue_n or_o according_a to_o a_o k●atchbull_n late_a worthy_a critic_n it_o i._n e._n the_o scripture_n give_v more_o grace_n for_o that_o it_o say_v etc._n etc._n in_o this_o holy_a book_n there_o be_v example_n of_o some_o person_n in_o who_o this_o spirit_n of_o envy_n be_v restrain_v when_o the_o apostle_n then_o here_o say_v do_v you_o think_v that_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o vain_a etc._n etc._n we_o must_v not_o wonder_v that_o those_o very_a word_n be_v not_o find_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o apostle_n only_o speak_v here_o of_o what_o may_v be_v deduce_v from_o these_o sacred_a write_n or_o what_o be_v say_v in_o they_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n though_o in_o other_o word_n there_o be_v many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o lust_n of_o that_o corrupt_a spirit_n which_o be_v in_o we_o whereby_o we_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o envy_n and_o strife_n from_o several_a text_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o man_n nature_n be_v prone_a to_o these_o and_o the_o like_a passion_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v lu●●_n 11._o 49._o therefore_o say_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n i_o will_v send_v they_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o particular_a text_n that_o have_v these_o word_n but_o there_o be_v several_a prophecy_n to_o this_o purpose_n so_o ephes._n 5._o 14._o he_o say_v awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o christ_n shall_v give_v the_o light_n be_v not_o mean●●_n of_o any_o such_o particular_a and_o individual_a word_n 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o spirit_n be_v speak_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o that_o effect_n though_o i_o know_v dr._n hammond_n and_o other_o refer_v i●_n 〈◊〉_d isa._n 60._o 1._o and_o some_o interpreter_n to_o isa._n 51._o 9_o 〈◊〉_d you_o will_v not_o find_v these_o or_o such_o word_n in_o either_o of_o those_o place_n that_o passage_n in_o
act_n 20._o 35._o it_o 〈◊〉_d more_o bless_v to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v be_v recite_v as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n yet_o we_o find_v they_o not_o record_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o our_o bless_a master_n frequent_o utter_v word_n that_o be_v of_o the_o like_a import_n as_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v or_o rather_o i_o conceive_v we_o may_v true_o say_v that_o he_o speak_v this_o very_a sentence_n for_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o what_o be_v here_o quote_v be_v not_o only_o call_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o this_o be_v add_v how_o he_o say_v to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o he_o say_v these_o very_a word_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o many_o the_o like_a excellent_a say_n and_o aphorism_n he_o prenounce_v which_o as_o well_o as_o innumerable_a action_n that_o he_o do_v be_v keep_v in_o remembrance_n by_o the_o apostle_n but_o be_v not_o write_v down_o of_o which_o st._n john_n speak_v ch_n 20._o v._n 30._o &_o 21._o 25._o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v hence_o that_o any_o book_n belong_v to_o the_o sacred_a canon_n be_v lose_v as_o for_o the_o objection_n ground_v on_o st._n jude_n v_o 14._o viz._n that_o e●och's_n book_n which_o be_v quote_v by_o this_o apostle_n and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v canonical_a it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v quote_v by_o he_o be_v lose_v some_o as_o origen_n jerom_n augustine_n grant_v it_o to_o be_v so_o but_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v canonical_a it_o be_v their_o judgement_n that_o st._n jude_n may_v if_o he_o think_v ●it_a allege_v a_o apocryphal_a writer_n but_o according_a to_o my_o apprehension_n the_o brief_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n there_o of_o any_o book_n or_o write_v of_o ●●och_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v infer_v thence_o that_o ●ny_n book_n or_o write_v of_o his_o be_v lose_v it_o be_v only_o say_v he_o prophesy_v say_v etc._n etc._n which_o he_o may_v do_v and_o questionless_a do_v without_o pen_v down_o any_o of_o hi●_n prophetical_a say_n but_o they_o be_v transmit_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n jude_n insert_v this_o into_o his_o epistle_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o be_v concern_v that_o a_o book_n of_o enooh_o be_v mention_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o have_v several_a spurious_a author_n among_o they_o and_o as_o a_o pin_n learned_a doctor_n of_o the_o sorbon_n observe_v all_o the_o father_n ex●●pt_a ter●ullian_n reckon_v this_o that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o enoch_n as_o such_o but_o be_v not_o some_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n want_v see_v there_o be_v a_o three_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o order_n the_o first_o i_o ●rote_v unto_o you_o in_o a_o epistle_n not_o to_o keep_v company_n with_o ●ornicators_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 9_o therefore_o it_o appear_v hence_o that_o there_o be_v another_o before_o this_o which_o pass_v common_o for_o the_o first_o but_o this_o be_v not_o extant_a for_o we_o have_v now_o but_o two_o that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o that_o ●lessed_a apostle_n answ._n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o more_o for_o when_o he_o say_v he_o write_v to_o they_o in_o a_o epistle_n he_o mean_v this_o very_o first_o epistle_n he_o be_v now_o write_v he_o refer_v to_o what_o he_o have_v say_v b●fore_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o that_o chapter_n and_o the_o meaning_n be_v when_o i_o even_o now_o write_v unto_o you_o in_o this_o epistle_n ver_fw-la 2._o not_o to_o keep_v company_n with_o fornicator_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v the_o fornicator_n of_o this_o world_n thus_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o theophylact_fw-mi interpret_v the_o place_n but_o if_o i_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o vary_v from_o those_o excellent_a father_n i_o will_v propound_v one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n of_o understand_v the_o apostle_n word_n first_o it_o may_v be_v he_o have_v reference_n here_o to_o what_o he_o say_v afterward_o in_o this_o epistle_n ch_n 6_o v._n 13._o and_o again_o v_o 18._o &_o ch_n 7._o v._n 2._o where_o he_o write_v to_o they_o to_o avoid_v fornication_n wherefore_o upon_o read_v over_o this_o epistle_n after_o he_o have_v finish_v it_o he_o think_v good_a to_o insert_v this_o and_o to_o take_v notice_n here_o of_o what_o he_o say_v afterward_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v say_v he_o write_v to_o y●●_n in_o this_o epistle_n viz._n in_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n against_o fornication_n and_o join_v yourselves_o to_o person_n that_o be_v note_v for_o that_o vice_n or_o else_o i_o conceive_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v put_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o preterite_n for_o the_o present_a tense_n of_o which_o there_o be_v very_o near_o a_o hundred_o instance_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o all_o man_n verse_v in_o criticism_n know_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v in_o this_o very_a epistle_n ch_n 9_o v._n 15._o neither_o have_v i_o write_v these_o thing_n i._n e._n at_o this_o time_n in_o this_o epistle_n that_o i_o be_o now_o write_v this_o any_o man_n that_o consult_v the_o context_n will_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o place_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v equivalent_a with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o you_o will_v find_v the_o word_n must_v be_v take_v in_o the_o one_a epistle_n of_o st._n john_n 2d_o chapter_n you_o will_v see_v and_o be_v thorough_o convince_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v_o 12_o 13._o be_v express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v_o 14_o 21._o and_o thus_o in_o the_o text_n that_o be_v before_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v no_o other_o than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n i_o write_v unto_o you_o in_o this_o epistle_n not_o to_o etc._n etc._n which_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v render_v so_o be_v evident_a from_o ver_fw-la 11._o which_o be_v but_o a_o repetition_n or_o reassumption_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o the_o adverb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d show_v that_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o present_a instant_a time_n though_o the_o greek_a verb_n be_v in_o the_o praeterit_fw-la this_o than_o i_o offer_v as_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o text_n and_o context_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o o_o corinthian_n in_o this_o my_o letter_n not_o to_o be_v mingle_v so_o the_o word_n proper_o denote_v with_o fornicator_n or_o with_o the_o covetous_a or_o extortioner_n or_o idolater_n for_o than_o you_o must_v needs_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o mean_v that_o you_o shall_v avoid_v the_o company_n of_o a_o brother_n i._n e._n a_o profess_a christian_n if_o he_o be_v give_v to_o fornication_n covetousness_n extortion_n or_o idolatry_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o at_o this_o time_n write_v and_o signify_v to_o you_o so_o that_o you_o see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v instead_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o simple_a and_o plain_a tenor_n of_o the_o word_n may_v convince_v any_o man_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a translation_n both_o of_o the_o former_a and_o latter_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v i_o write_v which_o make_v the_o apostle_n sense_n clear_a and_o perspicuous_a i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n of_o judgement_n and_o sagacity_n whether_o this_o account_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o exact_o adjust_v to_o grammar_n and_o criticism_n to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o design_n of_o the_o context_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n viz._n utter_o to_o overthrow_v the_o surmise_n of_o a_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n before_o this_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v here_o write_v if_o the_o learned_a drusius_n or_o the_o excellent_a grotius_n have_v weigh_v these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v suggest_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o will_v have_v change_v their_o mind_n they_o will_v not_o have_v cry_v out_o that_o this_o epistle_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v lose_v but_o it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n write_v 〈◊〉_d epistle_n to_o the_o laodiceans_n as_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o c●l_n 4._o 16._o which_o be_v want_v at_o this_o day_n that_o be_v although_o i●_n be_v extant_a and_o allow_v of_o by_o som●_n author_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o put_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherefore_o the_o canon_n be_v
jonathan_n the_o rabbi_n before_o mention_v on_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o targum_fw-la of_o joseph_n the_o blind_a on_o the_o psalm_n job_n proverb_n esther_n canticle_n and_o there_o be_v other_o version_n of_o some_o other_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v make_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o disperse_a jew_n in_o chaldea_n and_o be_v likewise_o call_v targumim_n all_o which_o be_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o learnede_a of_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n to_o be_v faithful_a translation_n of_o the_o original_a and_o none_o but_o prepossess_v mind_n can_v find_v any_o disagreement_n between_o they_o as_o to_o the_o main_a it_o be_v true_a these_o be_v paraphrast_n rather_o than_o translator_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o these_o targumist_n shall_v render_v the_o hebrew_n word_n for_o word_n it_o can_v rational_o be_v think_v that_o in_o this_o free_a way_n of_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o original_a they_o shall_v be_v exact_a they_o intend_v a_o comment_n only_o in_o some_o place_n and_o not_o a_o exact_a version_n to_o pass_v then_o from_o the_o translation_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o oriental_a tongue_n to_o some_o other_o i_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o greek_a version_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o more_o especial_o of_o that_o of_o the_o septuagint_n the_o greek_a translation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v either_o those_o that_o be_v make_v since_o our_o saviour_n time_n or_o that_o celebrate_a one_o make_v before_o it_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v make_v since_o christ_n time_n the_o author_n of_o the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v aquila_n who_o live_v under_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n and_o be_v convert_v from_o gentilism_n to_o christianity_n and_o then_o forsake_v christianity_n and_o turn_v jew_n and_o translate_v the_o old_a testament_n out_o of_o hebrew_n into_o greek_a he_o be_v a_o very_a morose_n interpreter_n even_o to_o superstition_n adhere_v to_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n and_o altogether_o averse_a from_o the_o seventy_n translation_n the_o next_o greek_n version_n be_v that_o of_o theodotion_n in_o the_o emperor_n commodus_n time_n who_o be_v a_o ebionite_n or_o judaize_v christian._n a_o three_o be_v put_v out_o in_o the_o emperor_n severus_n reign_n by_o symmachus_n who_o be_v first_o a_o jew_n of_o the_o samaritan_n sect_n and_o afterward_o a_o christian_a but_o a_o ebionite_n or_o judaize_v heretic_n wherefore_o he_o be_v call_v semi-christianus_a by_o st._n jerom._n these_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o three_o first_o interpretation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o be_v compose_v after_o our_o saviour_n day_n and_o you_o hear_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n they_o be_v one_o of_o these_o translation_n be_v whole_o literal_a the_o other_o take_v a_o liberty_n and_o follow_v the_o sense_n and_o the_o three_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a nature_n but_o none_o of_o they_o be_v ever_o public_o receive_v and_o read_v by_o the_o church_n wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o to_o accuse_v it_o of_o corruption_n if_o we_o find_v that_o these_o vary_v from_o it_o though_o to_o speak_v impartial_o the_o translation_n of_o these_o foresay_a man_n notwithstanding_o that_o they_o bear_v the_o character_n of_o apostate_n and_o heretic_n dissent_v not_o from_o the_o hebrew_n in_o any_o thing_n of_o considerable_a moment_n there_o be_v two_o other_o translation_n mention_v but_o we_o know_v not_o the_o author_n of_o they_o these_o five_o with_o the_o lxx_n version_n make_v up_o origen_n hexapla_n as_o for_o the_o other_o greek_a interpretation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v publish_v afterward_o viz._n that_o of_o lucian_n the_o martyr_n and_o the_o other_o of_o hesychius_n they_o be_v not_o proper_o speak_v new_a version_n but_o only_o new_a and_o correct_a edition_n of_o the_o septuagint_a translation_n which_o be_v purge_v from_o its_o error_n and_o fault_n by_o these_o worthy_a undertaker_n so_o much_o concern_v the_o greek_a translation_n since_o christ._n our_o main_a business_n be_v with_o that_o which_o be_v before_o our_o saviour_n day_n that_o first_o translation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o bible_n by_o the_o jew_n that_o most_o famous_a work_n of_o the_o seventy_o elder_n about_o 250_o other_o say_v about_o 260_o year_n before_o christ_n birth_n it_o be_v true_a before_o the_o lxx_o set_v about_o the_o version_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n some_o part_n of_o it_o be_v translate_v into_o greek_a viz._n moses_n write_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v megasthenes_n who_o be_v quote_v by_o 3._o eusebius_n and_o 1._o clement_n of_o alexandria_n atte_v that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v turn_v into_o greek_a a_o little_a before_o alexander_n the_o great_a be_v time_n which_o be_v not_o improbable_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o from_o about_o the_o time_n that_o alexander_n the_o great_a transfer_v the_o persian_a monarchy_n to_o the_o greek_n the_o greek_a tongue_n spread_v itself_o and_o become_v the_o universal_a language_n insomuch_o that_o the_o jew_n in_o asia_n egypt_n and_o greece_n forget_v their_o hebrew_a and_o understand_v the_o greek_a only_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o version_n which_o i_o be_o now_o to_o speak_v of_o which_o be_v the_o celebrate_a translation_n of_o the_o seventy_o jew_n who_o render_v the_o whole_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n into_o greek_a and_o it_o seem_v according_a to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n for_o it_o because_o in_o the_o east_n the_o hebrew_n be_v grow_v to_o be_v a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o the_o very_a jew_n general_o understand_v nothing_o but_o greek_a some_o have_v observe_v a_o considerable_a disagreement_n between_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o this_o greek_a version_n and_o hereupon_o they_o undertake_v to_o form_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o they_o argue_v thus_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o translation_n and_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a which_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v make_v the_o hebrew_n text_n to_o be_v suspect_v nay_o it_o will_v follow_v thence_o that_o it_o be_v faulty_a and_o defective_a because_o there_o be_v so_o vast_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o if_o this_o of_o the_o seventy_o be_v a_o true_a version_n than_o the_o hebrew_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o we_o have_v be_v not_o the_o true_a original_a but_o be_v corrupt_v and_o deprave_a and_o consequent_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a prooof_n of_o the_o scripture_n imperfection_n now_o because_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v something_o of_o reason_n in_o it_o and_o because_o the_o great_a controversy_n be_v about_o this_o translation_n i_o will_v insist_v much_o large_a on_o this_o than_o on_o any_o of_o the_o other_o and_o endeavour_v from_o the_o whole_a to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v not_o at_o all_o faulty_a but_o that_o it_o remain_v still_o in_o its_o original_a purity_n and_o perfection_n here_o first_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o occasion_n and_o into_o the_o author_n of_o this_o famous_a greek_a version_n and_o also_o into_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o perform_v it_o and_o from_o these_o to_o gather_v of_o what_o authority_n it_o be_v ptolomee_o surname_v philadelphus_n king_n of_o egypt_n about_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 3730._o erect_v a_o vast_a library_n at_o alexandria_n and_o furnish_v it_o with_o all_o the_o choice_a book_n he_o can_v procure_v but_o notwithstanding_o this_o he_o think_v it_o imperfect_a till_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n be_v add_v to_o it_o according_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o demetrius_n phalereus_n who_o be_v the_o library-keeper_n he_o cause_v this_o excellent_a monument_n of_o learning_n to_o be_v deposit_v in_o it_o but_o because_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o language_n in_o which_o it_o be_v write_v he_o by_o letter_n importune_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o ruler_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o send_v he_o some_o person_n to_o translate_v it_o out_o of_o the_o hebrew_n into_o the_o greek_a whereupon_o they_o send_v he_o seventy_o or_o seventy_o two_o interpreter_n in_o imitation_n perhaps_o of_o that_o number_n of_o elder_n which_o moses_n be_v command_v to_o take_v with_o he_o when_o he_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mount_n to_o receive_v the_o law_n and_o these_o select_a person_n betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o employment_n which_o the_o king_n set_v they_o about_o and_o first_o translate_v the_o pentateuch_n and_o a_o while_n after_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n into_o greek_a this_o be_v general_o allow_v by_o the_o most_o exact_a searcher_n into_o history_n to_o be_v real_a matter_n of_o fact_n as_o be_v
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 hexa●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 men●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 de●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
22._o 12._o 68_o 30._o 30._o dion_n orat._n 2._o 2._o prov._n 14._o 4._o 4._o hist._n eccles._n l._n 2._o c._n 23._o 23._o huetius_n in_o demonstr_n evang._n evang._n de_fw-fr theolog._n gent._n gent._n candida_fw-la formosi_fw-la venerabimur_fw-la ora_fw-la lyaei_fw-la sen._n in_o ●●dip_n ●●dip_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joseph_n antiq._n l._n 4._o c._n 5._o 5._o quem_fw-la tormae_fw-la pulchritudo_fw-la commenda●●r_fw-la ju●tin_n l._n 36._o c._n 2._o 2._o in_o bacchis_n bacchis_n jos._n 10._o 11._o 11._o antiq._n l._n 9_o c._n 11._o 11._o gen._n 4._o 21._o 21._o 1_o mac._n 3._o 48._o 48._o dr._n bright_a bright_a incerti_fw-la judaea_n d●i_fw-la lucan_n ph●rsal_a lib._n 2._o inc●rtum_fw-la n●●en_n trebel_n pol._n in_o vitâ_fw-la claudiani_n claudiani_n inn●mi●atus_fw-la deus_fw-la in_o vitâ_fw-la caligulae_fw-la caligulae_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d apolog._n 1_o 1_o n●_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i●_n p●ilopat_o p●ilopat_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dion_n hist._n l._n 36._o 36._o s●tur●●_n l._n 3._o ●_o 9_o 9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d roman_n quaest_n quaest_n saturnal_a i._o 1._o c._n 18._o 18._o rous's_n archaelog_n attic._n i._n 2._o c_o 2._o 2._o irenaeus_n clem._n al●xandr_n eusebius_n etc._n etc._n etc._n p●aep_v evang._n i._n 1._o c._n 5._o 5._o l._n 5._o c._n 5._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d d●●●_n &_o osiris_n osiris_n deum_fw-la judaeorum_fw-la jupiter_fw-la putavit_fw-la de_fw-fr consens_fw-la evans_n lib._n 1._o 1._o hierocl_n hierocl_n selden_n de_fw-fr dis._n syr._n syr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gen._n 9_o 9_o 9_o gen._n 17._o 9_o 9_o ex._n 34._o 27._o 27._o aristophan_v in_o avib_n diodor._n sic._n lib._n 36._o lucian_n council_n d●or_n d●or_n sympos_fw-la 4._o 4._o in_o vesp._n vesp._n ch._n 48._o v._n 2._o 51._o 15._o 54._o 5._o 5._o chap._n 10._o 16._o 31._o 35._o 50._o 34._o 34._o epist._n 136._o ad_fw-la marcellam_fw-la marcellam_fw-la lord_n of_o sabaoth_o ●●m_fw-la 9_o 29._o jam._n 5._o 4._o 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dionys._n long._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lib._n 4._o 4._o magistra●●m_fw-la pot●stas_fw-la proximè_fw-la addeorum_fw-la immortalium_fw-la numen_fw-la accedit_fw-la ●ro_fw-la rabirio_n rabirio_n non_fw-la alio_fw-la nomine_fw-la populus_fw-la rectorem_fw-la 〈…〉_z quam_fw-la si_fw-la dii_fw-la immortales_fw-la porestatem_fw-la visendi_fw-la svi_fw-la patient_n senec._n de_fw-fr clement_n l._n 1._o 1._o in_o verpum_fw-la lib._n 11._o epigr._fw-la 94._o 94._o de_fw-fr emendat_fw-la temp._n in_o prolegom_n prolegom_n petit._n var._n lection_n l._n 1._o 1._o seldeq_fw-fr de_fw-fr ●ur_n hire_v hebr._n hebr._n tunc_fw-la pauper_fw-la cornua_fw-la sumit_fw-la horat._n horat._n s●●●t_fw-la corniger_fw-la illis_fw-la jupiter_n ●ucan_n l._n 9_o 9_o scaliger_n de_fw-fr emendat_fw-la temp._n ho●●inger_n l'empereur_n l'empereur_n ammian_n marcellin_n l._n 19_o 19_o lib._n 5._o 5._o mr._n gataker_n in_o anto●in_n dr._n duport_n in_o homer_n homer_n in_o cantic_a solo●_n solo●_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d herodot_n l._n 1._o c._n 32._o laert._n in_o solone_a solone_a aeschil_n in_o prometh_n prometh_n prov._n 31._o and_o the_o four_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o lamentation_n lamentation_n psalm_n 25._o 34_o 37_o 111_o 112_o 119_o 145._o 145._o horn._n arca_n noae_n noae_n demonst._n evang._n prop._n 4._o 4._o ursin._n analect_n lib._n 4._o 4._o avenarius_n in_o verbo_fw-la jarek_n jarek_n de_fw-fr orig._n americ_n americ_n aug._n cara._n cara._n 〈◊〉_d go●●_n go●●_n spes_fw-la israelis_fw-la israelis_fw-la herm._n hugo_n de_fw-fr scribendi_fw-la origine_fw-la origine_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d incubare_fw-la incubare_fw-la abraha_n roger._n janua_n etc._n etc._n etc._n m._n mart._n hist._n sinens_fw-la sinens_fw-la nieuhof_n leg._n bat._n bat._n dr._n brown_n vulg._n error_n error_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d judg._n 3._o 31._o 31._o de_fw-fr sa●r_fw-fr animal_n pa●s_fw-la prio_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 39_o 39_o huet_n prepar_fw-la evang._n evang._n tatianus_n tertullian_n clem._n alexandr_n just._n 〈◊〉_d euseb._n praep._n evan._n lib._n 8._o &_o 10._o cyril_n alexandr_n 〈◊〉_d julianum_fw-la jul._n africanus_n africanus_n ludovicus_n vive●_n melchior_n can●s_v raphael_n v●lateranus_n v●lateranus_n euseb._n chronic._n chronic._n praep._n evang._n l._n 10._o 10._o strom._n lib._n 1._o 1._o praep._n evang._n lib._n 9_o c._n 3._o 3._o strom._n lib._n 1._o 1._o praep._n evang._n lib._n 8._o c._n 3._o 3._o in_o vit_fw-mi pythag._n pythag._n de_fw-fr civ_o dei_fw-la 1._o 8._o c._n 11._o 11._o de_fw-fr doctrine_n christ._n 1._o 2._o c._n 28._o 28._o lib._n 2._o cap._n ult_n ult_n euseb._n praep._n evang._n l._n 10._o cyril_n alexand._n contra_fw-la juliarum_fw-la 1._o 1._o contr._n cels._n lib._n 4._o 4._o lib._n 16._o 16._o lib_fw-la 2._o cap._n 36._o &_o 104._o 104._o hist._n lib._n 5._o 5._o contr._n apionem_fw-la l._n 1._o 1._o hist._n lib._n 36._o 36._o hist._n lib._n 5._o 5._o nat._n hist._n 1._o 30._o c._n 1._o 1._o lib._n 16._o 16._o justin._n hist._n 1._o 36._o c._n 2._o 2._o joseph_n antiq._n jud._n 1._o 12._o c._n 2._o 2._o cmnia_fw-la adversùs_fw-la veritatem_fw-la de_fw-la ipsâ_fw-la veritate_fw-la construct_v sunt_fw-la operan●ibus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d mulalionem_fw-la istam_fw-la spiritibus_fw-la erroris_fw-la apolog_fw-la cap._n 47._o 47._o dr._n spencer_n de_fw-fr legib._n hebreorum_fw-la lib._n 3._o cap._n 12._o dissert_n 1._o 1._o contra_fw-la apionem_fw-la apionem_fw-la ad_fw-la gentiles_n gentiles_n ad_fw-la autolyc_a lib._n 2._o 2._o paraene_n ad_fw-la graco_n apolog._n 2._o pro._n christainis_fw-la christainis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quis_fw-la poetarum_fw-la q●s_fw-la sophistarum_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la omnino_fw-la de_fw-fr prophetarum_fw-la foute_z potaverit_fw-la potaverit_fw-la omnia_fw-la adversùs_fw-la veritatem_fw-la de_fw-la ipsâ_fw-la veritate_fw-la constructa_fw-la sunt_fw-la sunt_fw-la praep_v evang._n lib._n 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o &_o 13._o partim_fw-la partim_fw-la de_fw-fr doctr._n christian._n lib._n 2._o 2._o de_fw-fr cur._n graec._n affect_v serm._n 2._o de_fw-fr principiis_fw-la principiis_fw-la tota_n gentium_fw-la antiquarum_fw-la religio_fw-la profecta_fw-la ●uit_fw-la ex_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n de_fw-fr sacrif_n gent._n gent._n natal_n come_v mytholog_fw-la lib._n ult_n ult_n de_fw-fr theolog._n gentili_n gentili_n geograph_n sacra_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr animal_n s._n scripturae_fw-la scripturae_fw-la arca_n noae_n noae_n diatribo_n de_fw-fr voto_fw-la jepth●_n jepth●_n jacob_n tirinus_n in_o vet._n &_o n._n test._n test._n de_fw-fr honesty_n disciplin●_n 9_o 5._o 5._o history_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n ●_o sect._n 3_o 3_o de_fw-fr dis_n syr._n proleg_n proleg_n diatrib_o anti-bellar_a 〈…〉_z 〈…〉_z vol._n 1._o book_n 1._o chap._n 10._o 10._o con._n cels._n l._n 4._o 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n cont._n apion_n l._n 2._o 2._o r._n himman_n and_o r._n so●●●●_n so●●●●_n qui_fw-la ipsas_fw-la quoque_fw-la res_fw-la sacramentorum_fw-la divinorum_fw-la in_o idolorum_fw-la mysteriis_fw-la aemulatur_fw-la de_fw-fr prescript_n prescript_n exit_fw-la eo_fw-la ●●xtu_fw-la manifestum_fw-la est_fw-la ●●rem●nias_fw-la judaicas_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la petitas_fw-la ex_fw-la gentilitate_fw-la sed_fw-la ab_fw-la ipso_fw-la deo_fw-la institutas_fw-la institutas_fw-la consensus_fw-la omnis_fw-la inter_fw-la judaeorum_fw-la &_o gentilium_fw-la ritus_fw-la ortus_fw-la est_fw-la ex_fw-la diaboli_fw-la study_v qui_fw-la pleraque_fw-la depravavit_fw-la &_o in_o svam_fw-la venerationem_fw-la transtulit_fw-la p._n fag_n in_o num._n 7._o 89._o 89._o calvin_n in_o ex._n 25._o 8._o 8._o in_o john_n 9_o 30._o 30._o per_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d à_fw-fr daemone_n dei_fw-la simi●_fw-la id_fw-la ipsum_fw-la ad_fw-la impios_fw-la &_o idolololatricos_fw-la cultus_fw-la traductum_fw-la videtur_fw-la du●_n evang._n pars_fw-la 3._o du●_n 91._o 91._o riter_n ●●●_o in_o oppian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d c._n 4._o 4._o ●uet_n demonstr_n evang._n evang._n pluribus_n persuasio_fw-la inerat_fw-la antiquis_fw-la sacerdotum_fw-la literal_a contineri_fw-la eo_fw-la ipso_fw-la tempore_fw-la fore_fw-la ut_fw-la valesceret_fw-la oriens_fw-la profectique_fw-la judaea_n rerum_fw-la potirentur_fw-la quae_fw-la ambage_n vespasianum_n &_o titum_fw-la praedixerant_fw-la hist._n l._n 5._o 5._o percrebuerat_fw-la oriente_fw-la toto_fw-la vetus_fw-la &_o constans_fw-la opinio_fw-la ess●_n in_o fatis_fw-la ut_fw-la eo_fw-la tempore_fw-la judaea_n profecti_fw-la rerum_fw-la potirentur_fw-la i●_n vespas_fw-la c._n 4._o 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d de_fw-fr bello_fw-la jud._n l._n 7._o c._n 12._o 12._o in_o augusto_n cap._n 94._o 94._o regem_fw-la populo_fw-la romano_n naturam_fw-la parturire_fw-la parturire_fw-la comment_fw-fr in_o 1._o epist._n ad_fw-la corinth_n 11._o cap._n cap._n de_fw-fr orac._n si●yl_n si●yl_n lactant._n instit._n l._n 4._o c._n 15._o 15._o idem_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 18._o 18._o idem_fw-la l._n 7._o c._n 20._o 20._o orat._n ad_fw-la gent._n &_o alibi_fw-la alibi_fw-la stromat_n l._n 6._o 6._o ad_fw-la sanct._n caet_fw-la c._n 18._o 18._o instit._fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 15._o 18._o 18._o de_fw-fr civ_o dei_fw-la l._n 18._o c._n 23._o cont._n faust._n l._n 13._o 13._o cont._n cel●_n l._n 5._o 5._o justin_n mart._n orat._n ad_fw-la gentil_n gentil_n exercitat_fw-la 1._o ad_fw-la apparat._n
its_o original_a purity_n but_o here_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n of_o the_o bible_n may_v easy_o be_v corrupt_v and_o alter_v because_o they_o have_v no_o point_n or_o vowel_n at_o first_o this_o can_v not_o but_o make_v the_o read_n very_o uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a and_o almost_o arbitrary_a especial_o in_o some_o place_n whence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o great_a alteration_n and_o consequent_o great_a corruption_n may_v creep_v into_o the_o text._n in_o answer_n to_o this_o you_o must_v know_v that_o those_o only_o who_o be_v against_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n as_o morinus_n vossius_fw-la simon_n etc._n etc._n hold_v that_o the_o point_n be_v of_o late_a invention_n and_o this_o they_o have_v pick_v up_o out_o of_o elias_n levita_n who_o live_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o and_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o vowel_n be_v invent_v by_o the_o jewish_a and_o masoretic_n doctor_n of_o tiberias_n a_o famous_a school_n for_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n so_o that_o it_o be_v about_o ●ive_a hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n when_o the_o hebrew_n point_n be_v find_v out_o and_o the_o rabbin_n and_o masorite_n of_o tiberias_n be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o elias_n the_o levite_n and_o he_o be_v the_o only_a jew_n of_o this_o opinion_n nor_o be_v he_o follow_v by_o any_o christian_n but_o those_o who_o have_v a_o design_n to_o vilify_v the_o hebrew_n bible_n and_o to_o prefer_v and_o magnify_v the_o lxx_o or_o some_o other_o translation_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o writer_n before_o mention_v who_o large_o inveigh_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o hebrew_n edition_n and_o to_o promote_v a_o disesteem_a of_o it_o test_n one_o of_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o masorite_n of_o tiberias_n who_o as_o he_o say_v be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n point_n and_o tittle_n borrow_v they_o from_o the_o turk_n the_o bible_n according_a to_o he_o have_v these_o from_o the_o alcoran_n and_o interpretib_n another_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o moses_n be_v alive_a he_o will_v not_o know_v one_o apex_n in_o the_o jewish_a book_n for_o they_o have_v their_o letter_n from_o the_o chaldee_n and_o their_o point_n from_o the_o m●●soreths_n nay_o he_o venture_v to_o say_v that_o if_o ki●●_n david_n be_v alive_a again_o and_o hear_v his_o psalm_n read_v or_o sing_v in_o the_o jew_n synagogue_n he_o woul●_n ask_v what_o tongue_n they_o use_v for_o the_o right_a sou●●_n and_o pronunciation_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v quite_o lo●_n and_o no_o man_n understand_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v th●●_n writer_n himself_o all_o this_o be_v romance_n and_o s●●_n on_o foot_n only_o to_o disparage_v the_o bible_n and_o to_o mak●_n we_o believe_v that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v not_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v to_o which_o end_n also_o the_o hebrew_a point_n or_o vowel_n be_v condemn_v for_o their_o novelty_n and_o be_v say_v to_o be_v invent_v by_o the_o talmudick_n doctor_n and_o masorites_n whereas_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v in_o several_a punct_a jewish_a writer_n of_o the_o point_n and_o vowel_n long_o before_o the_o doctor_n of_o tiberias_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 500_o and_o from_o what_o we_o have_v observe_v already_o concern_v the_o masoretic_n note_n on_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n be_v before_o that_o time_n for_o if_o the_o masorite_n criticize_v on_o the_o vowel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o letter_n and_o accent_n a●_n be_v say_v before_o then_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a in_o the_o least_o that_o they_o invent_v they_o we_o find_v that_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o irregularity_n of_o these_o point_n in_o several_a place_n whereas_o if_o they_o have_v make_v they_o themselves_o they_o will_v have_v be_v all_o regular_a it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o think_v that_o they_o that_o make_v the_o one_o viz._n the_o critical_a note_n make_v the_o other_o namely_o the_o vowel_n and_o point_n hear_v likewise_o what_o the_o learned_a pocock_n say_v 10._o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o the_o vowel_n be_v ancient_a than_o the_o masoretic_n note_n in_o regard_n that_o they_o seem_v thereby_o to_o be_v govern_v in_o judge_v of_o the_o consonant_n and_o in_o some_o other_o place_n in_o his_o commentary_n he_o deliver_v his_o judgement_n that_o the_o vowel_n be_v not_o invent_v by_o the_o masorite_n but_o be_v long_o before_o they_o yea_o be_v of_o the_o same_o antiquity_n with_o the_o letter_n or_o consonant_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o all_o the_o jew_n but_o he_o before_o name_v hold_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o hebrew_n point_n yea_o some_o of_o they_o carry_v they_o back_o as_o far_o as_o adam_n and_o vouch_v they_o be_v find_v out_o by_o he_o other_o learned_a man_n among_o they_o assert_v that_o these_o vowel_n be_v give_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o deliver_v the_o law_n on_o mount_n sinai_n than_o it_o be_v that_o god_n write_v the_o decalogue_n with_o point_n and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n and_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o write_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v that_o ezra_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o vowel_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o they_o and_o that_o he_o and_o the_o great_a synagogue_n of_o which_o he_o be_v precedent_n first_o invent_v they_o after_o the_o captivity_n thus_o whether_o they_o commence_v from_o adam_n or_o from_o moses_n or_o ezra_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v very_o ancient_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n coeval_fw-fr with_o the_o letter_n and_o word_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v part_n of_o the_o text_n and_o of_o divine_a authority_n this_o be_v so_o old_a and_o so_o recent_a a_o opinion_n it_o have_v gain_v the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o learn_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n you_o may_v particular_o find_v it_o maintain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o munster_n pagninus_n buxtorf_n usher_n cappellus_n broughton_n lightfoot_n walton_n all_o of_o they_o singular_o well_o skilled_a in_o jewish_a antiquity_n and_o therefore_o fit_a judge_n in_o this_o cause_n they_o have_v prove_v by_o undeniable_a argument_n that_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n have_v vowel_n or_o prick_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o it_o be_v never_o without_o they_o the_o opinion_n then_o which_o the_o objector_n have_v espouse_v be_v just_o to_o be_v explode_v it_o be_v against_o the_o unanimous_a testimony_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n th●_n the_o point_n be_v but_o man_n invention_n it_o be_v unsa●●_n and_o dangerous_a to_o assert_v that_o these_o vowel_n wer●_n add_v since_o the_o first_o writing_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o thos●_n write_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o write_n o●_n the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o those_o be_v so_o ofte●_n allege_v be_v shake_v hereby_o for_o no_o man_n of_o sens●_n can_v believe_v that_o the_o right_a read_n of_o the_o text_n can_v continue_v some_o thousand_o of_o year_n wit●o●●_n the_o point_n this_o be_v a_o incredible_a fiction_n and_o then_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o the_o genuine_a sense_n o●_n scripture_n which_o depend_v on_o the_o word_n as_o the●●_n upon_o the_o vowel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o consonant_n can_v have_v be_v preserve_v unless_o the_o bible_n have_v bee●_n point_v whence_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o jewish_a ta●mud_n that_o 1._o letter_n without_o point_n be_v like_o a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n hence_o be_v that_o say_v midrash_n h●●_n that_o read_v without_o point_n be_v like_o a_o man_n that_o ride_v without_o a_o bridle_n we_o therefore_o firm_o maintain_v and_o that_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o antiquity_n that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n have_v point_n add_v to_o they_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o these_o point_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o here_o appeal_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v bear_v witness_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o receive_v answer_v exact_o to_o the_o point_a text_n which_o they_o hau●_n receive_v and_o always_o do_v nay_o we_o may_v end_v the_o controversy_n without_o a_o appeal_n for_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o ear_n will_v satisfy_v we_o if_o we_o compare_v our_o english_a or_o latin_a or_o other_o bibles_n with_o the_o hebrew_n one_o which_o be_v use_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v daily_o put_v forth_o by_o the_o present_a rabbi_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o agree_v and_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o they_o own_o the_o same_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
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