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 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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 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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 ecclesiaâ—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 chrysosâ—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
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 inculâ—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 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he_o when_o they_o discover_v this_o design_n theâ—_n will_v easy_o see_v through_o his_o plausible_a story_n foâ—â—_n surmise_n bold_a conjecture_n and_o seem_a argâ—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 hauâ—_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 anâ—_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 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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 hatâ—_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 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sacrifice_n this_o plain_o show_v they_o be_v no_o jew_n as_o to_o their_o religion_n although_o philo_n and_o josephus_n be_v willing_a to_o represent_v they_o as_o such_o in_o honour_n of_o their_o nation_n they_o be_v so_o much_o admire_v for_o the_o piety_n and_o integrity_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o character_n be_v a_o plain_a description_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n as_o have_v for_o a_o time_n all_o thing_n common_a as_o be_v exemplary_a for_o their_o brotherly_a love_n as_o person_n of_o singular_a moderation_n and_o self-denial_n as_o those_o who_o be_v bid_v not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o as_o those_o who_o undergo_v the_o severe_a persecution_n with_o a_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o fortitude_n and_o resist_v even_o unto_o blood_n and_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n now_o the_o jewish_a writer_n for_o politic_a end_n will_v not_o give_v 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plain_a truth_n be_v that_o the_o christian_a soldier_n by_o their_o prayer_n procure_v this_o extraordinary_a and_o unexpected_a rain_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o thirst_n and_o bring_v down_o thunder_n and_o storm_n upon_o their_o enemy_n the_o relate_n of_o this_o will_v have_v be_v too_o great_a a_o honour_n to_o the_o christian_n and_o to_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o master_n of_o it_o wherefore_o the_o pagan_a historian_n out_o of_o policy_n will_v not_o ascribe_v this_o wonder_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o christian_n but_o to_o those_o of_o the_o emperor_n and_o tell_v we_o the_o very_a word_n he_o use_v but_o they_o have_v not_o whole_o conceal_v the_o truth_n for_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v they_o impute_v this_o wonderful_a accident_n partly_o to_o the_o enchantment_n of_o the_o jewish_a magician_n we_o know_v how_o common_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v with_o the_o pagan_a writer_n to_o mistake_v jew_n for_o christian_n and_o so_o the_o jewish_a magician_n here_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o christian_n in_o that_o army_n who_o because_o they_o bring_v to_o pass_v such_o a_o wonderful_a and_o astonish_a thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v enchanter_n and_o magician_n these_o religious_a pious_a christian_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o expedition_n against_o the_o german_n and_o sarmatian_n and_o when_o the_o army_n be_v ready_a to_o perish_v with_o thirst_n obtain_v and_o fetch_v down_o by_o their_o effectual_a prayer_n great_a shower_n of_o rain_n for_o themselves_o and_o destructive_a thunder_n and_o lightning_n on_o their_o enemy_n camp_n and_o thereby_o procure_v a_o victory_n over_o they_o whence_o the_o emperor_n get_v the_o name_n of_o germanicus_n and_o sarmaâ—icus_n this_o be_v allege_v and_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n by_o apollinaris_n in_o his_o apology_n to_o the_o emperor_n as_o 26._o eusebius_n restiâ—ies_v and_o this_o be_v mention_v by_o tertullian_n as_o a_o thing_n every_o where_o know_v in_o his_o apology_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o he_o tell_v they_o there_o that_o the_o emperor_n be_v own_o letter_n to_o they_o not_o long_o before_o send_v to_o they_o out_o of_o germany_n acknowledge_v the_o same_o viz_o that_o god_n wrought_v a_o miracle_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v in_o his_o army_n and_o he_o owe_v the_o victory_n whole_o to_o their_o pious_a address_n to_o heaven_n this_o father_n will_v never_o have_v say_v this_o to_o the_o roman_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o possibility_n of_o confute_v it_o yea_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o thing_n certain_o know_v by_o they_o this_o story_n of_o the_o thunder_a legion_n you_o have_v also_o at_o large_a in_o câ—ronico_n eusebius_n who_o assure_v we_o that_o this_o name_n be_v give_v they_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o by_o their_o ardent_a prayer_n they_o procure_v thunder_n to_o fright_v and_o disperse_v their_o enemy_n and_o rain_v to_o refresh_v themselves_o and_o if_o what_o some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v be_v true_a viz._n that_o this_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o legion_n in_o augustuâ—'s_n time_n and_o be_v name_v so_o from_o the_o tunderbolt_n which_o it_o carry_v in_o the_o shield_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o â—ee_n any_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v this_o ancient_a author_n for_o why_o may_v not_o a_o name_n be_v give_v on_o different_a account_n why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v call_v the_o thunder_a legion_n for_o this_o reason_n which_o he_o mention_n as_o well_o as_o for_o that_o which_o other_o assign_v i_o do_v perceive_v that_o these_o be_v inconsistent_a eusebius_n go_v on_o and_o add_v that_o the_o emperor_n hereupon_o recall_v his_o edict_n against_o the_o christian_n and_o by_o a_o new_a decree_n appoint_v a_o severe_a punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o accuser_n of_o they_o the_o gentile_a historian_n say_v nothing_o of_o this_o and_o will_v not_o let_v we_o know_v that_o that_o miraculous_a event_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o christian_n a_o 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not_o this_o yet_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o displease_v the_o great_a one_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o they_o know_v any_o thing_n will_v be_v ungrateful_a and_o unacceptable_a to_o their_o master_n they_o pass_v it_o by_o thus_o when_o it_o be_v give_v out_o by_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n in_o the_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v that_o nature_n do_v then_o bring_v forth_o a_o king_n to_o the_o world_n the_o roman_a senate_n thereupon_o order_v that_o no_o child_n bear_v that_o year_n shall_v be_v bring_v up_o as_o appear_v in_o 49._o suetonius_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v check_n to_o the_o roman_a historian_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v as_o the_o sibyl_n learned_a vossius_fw-la observe_v that_o the_o kill_n of_o the_o child_n of_o bethlehem_n by_o herod_n command_n be_v not_o mention_v by_o any_o but_o the_o evangelist_n he_o may_v have_v say_v unless_o by_o
macrobius_n that_o act_n of_o his_o be_v somewhat_o akin_a to_o the_o edict_n of_o the_o roman_a senate_n 4._o i_o adjoin_v this_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v general_o look_v upon_o by_o profane_a writer_n as_o very_o contemptible_a so_o that_o some_o of_o these_o scorn_v to_o record_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n miracle_n and_o other_o thing_n appertain_v to_o christianity_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v they_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o record_v such_o mean_a sorry_a thing_n and_o which_o indeed_o some_o of_o they_o take_v for_o fable_n and_o mere_a falsity_n on_o this_o account_n likewise_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o roman_a history_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n particularize_v the_o christian_a affair_n unless_o when_o war_n and_o tumult_n suppose_v by_o they_o to_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o christian_n invite_v those_o writer_n to_o it_o then_o the_o 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execrable_a sort_n of_o person_n under_o heaven_n i_o may_v here_o mention_v zosimus_n a_o fierce_a pagan_a and_o therefore_o show_v it_o in_o his_o history_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_n be_v a_o great_a hater_n of_o these_o person_n he_o do_v upon_o all_o occasion_n speak_v ill_a of_o they_o and_o particular_o of_o constantine_n the_o great_a because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o emperor_n that_o throw_v off_o heatheanism_n and_o embrace_v christianity_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o murder_v his_o empress_n his_o son_n and_o other_o near_a relation_n and_o that_o he_o be_v smite_v with_o leprosy_n for_o these_o unnatural_a and_o horrid_a crime_n in_o brief_a he_o relate_v the_o particular_n of_o this_o great_a man_n life_n contrary_a to_o all_o ancient_a historian_n that_o have_v write_v concern_v he_o the_o ground_n of_o which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o he_o have_v entertain_v a_o particular_a grudge_n and_o prejudice_n against_o the_o emperor_n and_o bear_v a_o hatred_n to_o christianity_n itself_o so_o that_o whatever_o he_o write_v concern_v they_o â—avored_a of_o ill_a will_n and_o malice_n it_o be_v not_o then_o to_o be_v marvel_v at_o that_o such_o man_n misrepresent_v many_o passage_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n and_o faâ—siâ—ie_v all_o report_n concern_v they_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n speak_v well_o of_o a_o people_n that_o they_o hate_v a_o religion_n that_o they_o so_o abhor_v can_v have_v no_o person_n good_a of_o it_o they_o think_v you_o must_v not_o expect_v they_o will_v relate_v truth_n which_o they_o have_v a_o dislike_n of_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o pagan_n be_v defective_a in_o their_o historical_a narration_n why_o many_o thing_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o evangelist_n be_v not_o mention_v by_o they_o or_o be_v vile_o misrepresent_v this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o few_o of_o christ_n action_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o christian_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o why_o thosâ—_n that_o be_v be_v so_o miserable_o pervert_v prejudice_n and_o envy_n spleen_n and_o malice_n be_v the_o source_n of_o this_o miscarriage_n 6._o i_o add_v this_o that_o many_o piece_n of_o history_n be_v lose_v as_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o complain_v of_o by_o the_o learned_a whence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o occurrence_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o pagan_n we_o have_v but_o a_o few_o of_o these_o leave_v we_o in_o comparison_n of_o their_o number_n at_o first_o and_o those_o that_o we_o have_v be_v but_o relic_n of_o those_o history_n before_o write_v particular_o the_o stupendous_a act_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o monument_n of_o the_o brave_a and_o noble_a thing_n do_v in_o that_o age_n wherein_o he_o be_v bear_v be_v now_o miss_v all_o dio_n history_n from_o the_o consulship_n of_o antistius_n and_o balbus_n unto_o the_o consulship_n of_o messala_n and_o cinna_n that_o be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o ten_o year_n five_o year_n before_o christ_n birth_n and_o five_o after_o it_o be_v quite_o lose_v and_o so_o be_v livy_n history_n of_o that_o time_n in_o vain_a therefore_o do_v any_o man_n think_v to_o find_v the_o remarkable_a passage_n refer_v to_o christ_n birth_n in_o these_o writer_n much_o more_o vain_a be_v it_o to_o look_v for_o these_o thing_n in_o those_o writer_n who_o history_n be_v altogether_o miss_v at_o this_o day_n thus_o to_o instance_n only_o in_o the_o universal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o make_v the_o great_a noise_n with_o the_o objector_n that_o without_o doubt_n be_v set_v down_o by_o some_o roman_a historian_n but_o their_o write_n either_o by_o negligence_n or_o by_o fire_n or_o by_o the_o invasion_n of_o the_o barbarous_a nation_n into_o italy_n or_o by_o age_n and_o length_n of_o time_n be_v lose_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o some_o do_v make_v mention_n of_o it_o otherwise_o whence_o have_v 〈◊〉_d suidas_n all_o that_o which_o he_o relate_v of_o the_o twenty_o person_n that_o be_v send_v to_o make_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n perhaps_o will_v in_o his_o providence_n approve_v the_o loss_n of_o these_o that_o holy_a history_n may_v be_v partly_o embrace_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o owe_v its_o authority_n whole_o to_o human_a testimony_n but_o such_o as_o be_v remain_v i_o have_v produce_v and_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o sober_a any_o confiderate_a person_n last_o i_o remark_n this_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o that_o there_o be_v two_o of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a roman_a historian_n from_o who_o we_o can_v expect_v nothing_o that_o have_v relation_n to_o christ_n birth_n or_o any_o great_a occurrence_n that_o happen_v about_o that_o time_n for_o livy_n write_v but_o to_o augustus_n beginning_n which_o be_v before_o christ_n and_o for_o that_o
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 â—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 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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 aâ—_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 thâ—_n the_o point_n be_v but_o man_n invention_n it_o be_v unsaâ—â—_n and_o dangerous_a to_o assert_v that_o these_o vowel_n werâ—_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 thosâ—_n write_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o write_n oâ—_n the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o those_o be_v so_o ofteâ—_n allege_v be_v shake_v hereby_o for_o no_o man_n of_o sensâ—_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 witâ—oâ—â—_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 oâ—_n scripture_n which_o depend_v on_o the_o word_n as_o theâ—â—_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 beeâ—_n point_v whence_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o jewish_a taâ—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 hâ—â—_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 hauâ—_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
notice_n of_o this_o particular_a reproach_n of_o the_o christian_n for_o you_o must_v know_v to_o a_o heathen_a a_o jew_n and_o a_o christian_a be_v the_o same_o for_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v jew_n by_o birth_n the_o same_o calumny_n be_v fix_v on_o both_o that_o they_o adore_v the_o octavio_n head_n of_o that_o most_o vile_a beast_n which_o also_o petronius_n catalectis_fw-la arbiter_n testify_v in_o those_o word_n judâ—â—us_fw-la licèt_fw-la &_o porcinum_fw-la numen_fw-la adoret_fw-la et_fw-la coeli_fw-la sumâ—ias_fw-la advocet_fw-la auriculas_fw-la from_o the_o first_o verse_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o gentile_n think_v the_o jew_n worship_v swine_n perhaps_o because_o they_o abstain_v from_o eat_v their_o flesh_n for_o among_o the_o gentile_n what_o they_o do_v not_o eat_v be_v general_o worship_v and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n there_o be_v be_v a_o mistake_n of_o coeli_fw-la for_o cilli_fw-la i._n e._n asini_fw-la as_o some_o critic_n have_v well_o observe_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o doric_a word_n for_o a_o ass_n so_o that_o as_o before_o the_o poet_n charge_v the_o jew_n with_o worship_v of_o swine_n so_o here_o he_o allude_v to_o that_o fly_a story_n among_o the_o pagan_n that_o that_o nation_n reverence_v a_o ass_n head_n for_o auriculae_fw-la be_v put_v here_o for_o caput_fw-la which_o can_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o verse_n the_o prominent_a and_o most_o conspicuous_a part_n of_o the_o head_n be_v put_v for_o the_o head_n itself_o and_o if_o they_o worship_v the_o ear_n because_o a_o part_n of_o the_o head_n than_o they_o pay_v the_o same_o honour_n to_o the_o cheek_n to_o the_o jaw_n and_o to_o the_o jawbone_n which_o be_v a_o more_o solid_a part._n none_o of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o forego_n opinion_n have_v attend_v to_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o ass_n not_o a_o ass_n in_o general_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v worship_v by_o the_o jew_n and_o thence_o arise_v their_o mistake_v let_v it_o 〈◊〉_d be_v note_v therefore_o that_o this_o be_v the_o scurrilous_a reflection_n of_o the_o pagan_n on_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o give_v religious_a honour_n to_o the_o head_n of_o a_o ass_n and_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o it_o be_v a_o ass_n head_n which_o samson_n find_v and_o so_o brave_o manage_v though_o it_o be_v one_o particular_a part_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o jawbone_n with_o which_o he_o do_v execution_n on_o his_o enemy_n wherefore_o i_o offer_v it_o as_o a_o probable_a assertion_n that_o the_o report_n concern_v the_o jewish_a people_n reverence_v of_o a_o ass_n head_n take_v its_o rise_n from_o that_o prodigious_a exploit_n of_o samson_n that_o strange_a execution_n which_o he_o do_v with_o the_o jawbone_n of_o a_o ass._n this_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o israelite_n to_o extol_v and_o magnify_v that_o marvellous_a weapon_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o administer_a such_o a_o unexpected_a engine_n to_o he_o and_o enable_v he_o to_o do_v such_o great_a thing_n with_o it_o the_o neighbour_a gentile_n soon_o hear_v of_o this_o and_o spread_v abroad_o this_o rumour_n that_o the_o hebrew_n celebrate_v and_o worship_v the_o ass_n head_n or_o jaw_n and_o it_o be_v likely_a they_o think_v they_o real_o do_v so_o because_o they_o themselves_o use_v to_o make_v any_o thing_n the_o object_n of_o their_o adoration_n or_o because_o a_o ass_n 〈◊〉_d a_o contemptible_a creature_n they_o say_v this_o as_o a_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o if_o you_o remember_v the_o 〈◊〉_d son_n which_o be_v assign_v by_o the_o foresay_a historiâ—_n 〈◊〉_d why_o they_o worship_v a_o ass_n you_o will_v be_v forth_o confirm_v in_o this_o notion_n which_o i_o now_o tendâ—_n the_o reason_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v be_v because_o tâ—_n creature_n as_o they_o say_v be_v instrumental_a in_o 〈◊〉_d out_o a_o fountain_n of_o water_n whereby_o they_o allâ—yâ—_n their_o thirst_n in_o the_o desert_n they_o worship_v a_o 〈◊〉_d say_v sympâ—_n plutarch_n because_o it_o direct_v they_o to_o a_o spâ—_n of_o water_n which_o excellent_o agree_v with_o 〈◊〉_d the_o inspire_a history_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d place_v in_o the_o jaw_n whence_o water_n come_v forth_o 〈◊〉_d therewith_o samson_n quench_v his_o thirst._n this_o 〈◊〉_d the_o pagan_a story_n parallel_n with_o this_o in_o the_o book_n 〈◊〉_d judge_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a they_o 〈◊〉_d borrow_v it_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o 〈◊〉_d the_o forecited_a author_n that_o this_o be_v do_v in_o tâ—â—_n wilderness_n they_o may_v be_v well_o excuse_v herein_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v only_o a_o mistake_n of_o the_o place_n yet_o by_o the_o by_o 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o pagan_a confirmation_n that_o the_o israelite_n 〈◊〉_d once_o in_o the_o wilderness_n according_a as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v yea_o and_o what_o tacitus_n add_v further_o concern_v the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n viz._n 5._o their_o want_n of_o water_n in_o the_o wilderness_n one_o of_o the_o most_o remark-able_a thing_n that_o happen_v to_o that_o people_n in_o their_o travel_n be_v yet_o a_o great_a proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o sacred_a history_n i_o can_v add_v that_o this_o happen_v not_o long_o after_o this_o people_n have_v be_v come_v out_o of_o the_o wilderness_n and_o so_o theâ—_n be_v no_o great_a mis-timing_a of_o the_o story_n thâ—_n whereas_o it_o be_v say_v by_o the_o historian_n last_o name_v 〈◊〉_d thâ—_n jâ—ws_v dedicate_v this_o animal_n to_o their_o temple_n 〈◊〉_d be_v add_v perhaps_o of_o his_o own_o head_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d â—â—common_a practice_n among_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o historian_n as_o poet_n when_o they_o be_v relate_v thing_n concern_v those_o who_o they_o have_v no_o kindâ—â—ss_n for_o this_o be_v the_o best_a account_n i_o be_o able_a to_o give_v of_o this_o gentile_a tradition_n which_o be_v of_o so_o ancient_a â—_o date_fw-la for_o i_o question_v not_o but_o that_o the_o 2._o jewish_a writer_n be_v oversee_v when_o he_o say_v appion_n the_o grammarian_n of_o alexandria_n be_v the_o first_o that_o raise_v this_o lie_n and_o mounseur_fw-fr bochart_n talk_v as_o vain_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o appion_n have_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o fable_n from_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pi_fw-la jao_fw-la the_o mouth_n or_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o 〈◊〉_d asinus_fw-la in_o the_o egyptian_a tongue_n for_o appion_n forsooth_o be_v a_o egyptian_a and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v ancient_o read_v jao._n suppose_v this_o latter_a to_o be_v true_a yet_o â—e_n can_v not_o learn_v hence_o that_o a_o ass_n head_n be_v place_v in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n and_o afterward_o remove_v by_o antiochus_n wherefore_o i_o see_v no_o dependence_n or_o connection_n between_o these_o thing_n and_o consequent_o this_o great_a critic_n notion_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o groundless_a as_o any_o one_o that_o be_v conversant_a in_o that_o ingenious_a man_n write_n know_v there_o be_v many_o such_o the_o short_a be_v we_o must_v take_v this_o old_a obloquy_n against_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o pagan_a writer_n with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v at_o present_a with_o its_o proper_a circumstance_n and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o i_o conceive_v we_o can_v refer_v it_o to_o any_o passage_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o pertinent_o as_o to_o this_o which_o i_o have_v propound_v if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v this_o ancient_a calumny_n be_v derive_v from_o that_o part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o samson_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v which_o show_v the_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o that_o the_o scrâ—â—pture-history_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o most_o of_o the_o globulous_a passage_n and_o report_n in_o the_o write_n of_o 〈◊〉_d heathen_n i_o can_v mention_v here_o also_o that_o the_o jew_n weâ—_n accuse_v of_o pagan_a writer_n to_o have_v worship_v 〈◊〉_d cloud_n and_o the_o heaven_n 14._o nil_fw-la praeter_fw-la nubes_fw-la &_o coeli_fw-la numen_fw-la adorant_fw-la which_o the_o satirist_n speak_v of_o the_o jew_n aâ—_n 16._o strabo_n report_v the_o same_o some_o have_v think_v that_o the_o coelicolae_fw-la the_o heaven-worshipper_n mention_v in_o that_o title_n of_o the_o 5._o codex_fw-la de_fw-fr judaeis_n 〈◊〉_d coelicolis_fw-la have_v relation_n to_o this_o matter_n but_o i_o thinâ—_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o title_n itself_o that_o the_o jeâ—_n and_o coelicolae_fw-la be_v not_o the_o same_o but_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o people_n else_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o coelicolae_fw-la but_o of_o the_o jew_n or_o coelicolae_fw-la moreover_o he_o that_o look_v into_o the_o 8._o theodosian_a code_n from_o whence_o justinian_n take_v this_o will_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o mean_v
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 â—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 â—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 sibyllsâ—y_a â—y_z some_o christians_n who_o be_v fall_v into_o hereâ—â—e_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o use_v a_o kind_n of_o pious_a fraudâ—o_n â—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 â—â—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 â—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 â—nd_o feign_v on_o purpose_n by_o the_o christians_n to_o upâ—old_v their_o religion_n and_o faith_n and_o they_o be_v daâ—â—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 â—â—is_n be_v suspicion_n and_o prejudice_n and_o bold_a affirmaâ—â—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 siâ—â—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 â—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 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those_o word_n to_o the_o sign_n mention_v by_o the_o evangelical_n prophet_n a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n isai._n 7._o 14._o of_o that_o golden_a age_n which_o be_v to_o come_v he_o say_v incipient_fw-la magni_fw-la procedere_fw-la menses_fw-la what_o magnitude_n be_v in_o body_n that_o diuturnity_n or_o length_n be_v in_o time_n and_o so_o here_o be_v intimate_v the_o duration_n of_o christ_n reign_n who_o kingdom_n be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o shall_v stand_v for_o ever_o dan._n 2._o 44._o 7._o 27._o or_o those_o day_n and_o month_n shall_v be_v great_a because_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n to_o who_o whatever_n appertain_v be_v great_a whence_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o its_o kind_n the_o great_a be_v call_v god_n several_a other_o thing_n in_o that_o eclogue_n be_v transcribe_v out_o of_o
that_o sibyll_n verse_n and_o be_v mean_v of_o christ_n come_v and_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o the_o world_n which_o shall_v accompany_v it_o which_o be_v frequent_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o old-testament_n whence_o the_o sibyl_n borrow_a these_o prophecy_n no_o man_n can_v have_v the_o face_n to_o say_v that_o these_o make_v use_v of_o here_o by_o the_o roman_a poet_n be_v obtrude_v on_o the_o world_n by_o christian_n see_v christianity_n itself_o have_v its_o rise_n afterward_o i_o may_v go_v on_o still_o and_o show_v that_o the_o sibylls_n oracle_n or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o be_v mention_v by_o author_n before_o our_o saviour_n time_n as_o by_o plato_n in_o his_o phaedrus_n by_o auscultationib_fw-la aristotle_n who_o particular_o name_v the_o cuman_a sibyl_n by_o divinatione_fw-la chrysippus_n who_o make_v mention_n of_o she_o of_o delphos_n by_o 4._o diodorus_n the_o sicilian_a historian_n and_o phocaicis_fw-la pausanias_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o same_o dionysius_n 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reject_v and_o the_o rest_n keep_v and_o safe_o lay_v up_o so_o that_o the_o christian_n may_v allege_v they_o as_o they_o do_v without_o suspicion_n of_o imposture_n these_o book_n be_v first_o offer_v to_o tarquin_n king_n of_o the_o roman_n at_o that_o time_n who_o buy_v some_o of_o they_o and_o deposit_v they_o in_o the_o capitol_n and_o appoint_v officer_n on_o purpose_n to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o as_o be_v relate_v by_o several_a credible_a lactantius_n writer_n in_o that_o place_n the_o book_n continue_v till_o the_o capitol_n be_v burn_v which_o be_v about_o fourscore_o year_n before_o christ_n birth_n and_o after_o it_o be_v rebuilt_a messenger_n be_v dispatch_v by_o the_o senate_n into_o asia_n and_o greece_n to_o search_v for_o these_o sibylls_n verse_n and_o according_o a_o thousand_o of_o be_v bring_v and_o lay_v up_o in_o the_o new_a capitol_n other_o afterward_o that_o be_v careful_o collect_v be_v place_v in_o golden_a box_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o apollo_n and_o when_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o great_a affair_n on_o foot_n these_o oracle_n be_v consult_v as_o appear_v from_o several_a good_a historian_n both_o 5._o tacitus_n and_o 31._o suetonius_n testify_v that_o when_o these_o write_n have_v be_v seek_v out_o and_o fetch_v to_o rome_n they_o be_v by_o augustus_n command_n diligent_o examine_v and_o review_v by_o the_o senate_n and_o by_o the_o quindecemviri_fw-la that_o the_o true_a copy_n may_v be_v know_v from_o the_o false_a wherefore_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o these_o book_n which_o be_v thus_o search_v into_o and_o examine_v so_o strict_o be_v counterfeit_n much_o less_o be_v there_o any_o possibility_n that_o these_o ancient_a write_n can_v be_v figment_n of_o the_o christians_n for_o they_o can_v not_o feign_v they_o before_o they_o be_v in_o be_v 3._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o ground_n to_o think_v that_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o sibylls_n verse_n now_o extant_a as_o to_o the_o main_a be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v before_o our_o saviour_n day_n or_o that_o heretical_a christian_n corrupt_v it_o and_o add_v to_o it_o for_o first_o if_o they_o do_v so_o why_o be_v it_o not_o show_v what_o heresy_n what_o â—alse_a doctrine_n they_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v by_o these_o addition_n and_o supplement_n of_o they_o i_o see_v nothing_o of_o this_o make_v out_o by_o our_o adversary_n again_o if_o these_o write_n have_v be_v the_o forgery_n of_o christian_n the_o heathen_n will_v have_v certain_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o lay_v open_v this_o cheat_n and_o let_v the_o world_n know_v there_o be_v no_o such_o verse_n but_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o pretend_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n wherefore_o no_o man_n of_o consistent_a thought_n can_v imagine_v that_o these_o write_n be_v the_o mere_a invention_n of_o some_o christian_n nay_o i_o can_v add_v from_o good_a author_n that_o not_o only_a heathen_n but_o jew_n make_v frequent_a use_n of_o these_o celebrate_a book_n and_o several_a of_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o read_v the_o content_n of_o they_o and_o true_o when_o they_o see_v many_o thing_n fulfil_v which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o and_o fore_o tell_v it_o can_v not_o but_o induce_v they_o to_o think_v well_o of_o christianity_n whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o have_v no_o suspicion_n of_o these_o write_n they_o have_v no_o such_o apprehension_n as_o some_o since_o have_v form_v viz._n that_o they_o be_v a_o cheat_n and_o that_o some_o christian_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o then_o as_o for_o use_v of_o pious_a fraud_n to_o vouch_v christianity_n there_o be_v as_o little_a ground_n for_o that_o for_o see_v they_o have_v such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n of_o all_o sort_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v altogether_o superfluous_a and_o unnecessary_a to_o counterfeit_v any_o or_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o grant_v that_o some_o ill-minded_n christian_n insert_v some_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o into_o the_o sibylls_n write_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v thence_o that_o all_o be_v spurious_a and_o counterfeit_n i_o know_v some_o condemn_v all_o and_o other_o allow_v every_o thing_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o sibylls_n oracle_n but_o i_o know_v no_o cause_n for_o either_o but_o the_o usual_a one_o namely_o that_o writer_n must_v run_v direct_o counter_a to_o one_o a_o other_o this_o be_v their_o practice_n general_o but_o it_o be_v no_o good_a one_o and_o i_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o follow_v it_o i_o take_v a_o other_o way_n the_o middle_a one_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o all_o the_o verse_n that_o bear_v their_o name_n be_v they_o and_o genuine_a and_o i_o be_o far_o from_o think_v that_o all_o be_v counterfeit_n what_o if_o we_o grant_v that_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o collection_n of_o the_o sibylls_n writing_n as_o in_o many_o other_o be_v alter_v and_o superadd_v can_v we_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o every_o thing_n in_o they_o be_v change_v and_o corrupt_v no_o sure_o there_o be_v counterfeit_n gospel_n write_v but_o these_o do_v not_o prejudice_v the_o other_o which_o be_v true_a so_o there_o be_v many_o piece_n go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v spurious_a but_o we_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o work_n because_o of_o they_o thus_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v here_o some_o christian_n may_v add_v a_o few_o thing_n they_o may_v insert_v some_o verse_n that_o mention_v those_o individual_a act_n and_o particular_a work_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o some_o circumstance_n which_o be_v no_o where_o mention_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n this_o perhaps_o they_o may_v do_v i_o can_v whole_o deny_v it_o but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o the_o main_a of_o these_o book_n be_v not_o compose_v before_o christ_n time_n and_o be_v genuine_a and_o authentic_a nay_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o date_n of_o they_o be_v long_o before_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o condemn_v the_o whole_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o small_a part_n we_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o thing_n quote_v out_o of_o they_o by_o the_o father_n and_o which_o be_v the_o clear_a attestation_n of_o the_o sacred_a truth_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o supposititious_a and_o forge_v we_o be_v certain_a that_o some_o of_o their_o write_n be_v extant_a before_o there_o be_v any_o christian_n to_o corrupt_v and_o adulterate_a they_o and_o many_o of_o the_o particular_a passage_n quote_v by_o the_o father_n in_o these_o write_n be_v now_o to_o be_v find_v and_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o they_o be_v then_o and_o consequent_o they_o be_v now_o as_o good_a a_o
testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n but_o it_o be_v also_o object_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o sibylline_a book_n be_v unknown_a and_o we_o can_v neither_o tell_v how_o many_o the_o sibylls_n or_o their_o write_n be_v and_o as_o for_o their_o quality_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n these_o be_v uncertain_o deliver_v nor_o do_v we_o well_o know_v their_o name_n as_o appear_v from_o this_o that_o cumaea_n in_o virgil_n be_v put_v for_o cumana_n and_o other_o mistake_v there_o be_v it_o be_v true_a the_o opinion_n be_v various_a concern_v these_o thing_n their_o name_n and_o verse_n be_v often_o confound_v and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o one_o another_o this_o be_v grant_v and_o even_o by_o oâ—â—c_fw-fr those_o who_o have_v with_o great_a eagerness_n maintain_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o sibylls_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v much_o controvert_v what_o and_o how_o many_o these_o prophetic_a person_n be_v and_o in_o what_o time_n they_o live_v and_o in_o what_o country_n they_o weâ—e_v breed_v some_o say_v there_o be_v only_o one_o they_o think_v it_o be_v with_o thâ—_n sibylls_n as_n with_o thâ—_n jupiters_n and_o hercules_n and_o other_o god_n who_o be_v many_o and_o yet_o but_o one._n divinatione_fw-la boisardus_n be_v persuade_v that_o the_o same_o sibyl_n travel_v into_o divers_a country_n and_o take_v her_o name_n from_o the_o different_a place_n she_o leâ—t_v her_o verse_n in_o and_o so_o a_o latâ—_n author_n petit._n tell_v we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sibyl_n there_o be_v two_o of_o these_o prophetess_n say_v martianus_n capella_n three_o say_v 5._o pliny_n four_o say_v aelian_a seven_o say_v exercitat_fw-la salmasiâ—s_n lactamius_fw-la out_o of_o varro_n that_o great_a roman_a antiquary_n conclude_v they_o to_o be_v ten_o and_o name_n they_o thus_o the_o delphic_a who_o be_v the_o elder_a the_o erythraean_a the_o samian_n the_o cumane_a the_o 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be_v frequent_o make_v use_n of_o by_o they_o as_o sufficient_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o as_o for_o those_o modern_n who_o have_v reject_v these_o witness_n we_o may_v with_o reference_n to_o they_o take_v up_o that_o lamentation_n of_o a_o late_a 11._o learned_a writer_n who_o himself_o be_v partly_o guilty_a of_o the_o fault_n he_o complain_v of_o very_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v no_o enemy_n more_o set_v against_o it_o than_o christian_n themselves_o for_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v searce_o any_o prophecy_n or_o testimony_n to_o be_v find_v concern_v christ_n among_o the_o ancient_n which_o many_o even_a of_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n have_v not_o endeavour_v to_o weaken_v yea_o utter_o to_o destroy_v and_o annul_v this_o be_v a_o very_a deplorable_a thing_n but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v it_o most_o true_a in_o several_a instance_n you_o will_v meet_v with_o some_o of_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o testimony_n concern_v christ_n which_o josephus_n give_v but_o this_o which_o be_v now_o before_o we_o be_v as_o signal_n a_o one_o as_o any_o that_o can_v be_v name_v for_o the_o sibylls_n verse_n be_v very_o express_a attestation_n concern_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o great_a undertake_n yet_o how_o strange_o do_v christian_n man_n endeavour_v to_o enfeeble_v yea_o to_o baffle_v and_o subvert_v these_o testimonial_n concern_v our_o lord_n they_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v the_o forgery_n of_o jew_n and_o the_o imposture_n of_o heretical_a christian_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o objection_n they_o invent_v against_o they_o yea_o a_o late_a gallaeus_n writer_n pronounce_v these_o sibylls_n to_o be_v mad_a and_o frentick_a people_n and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o heed_n to_o be_v give_v to_o what_o they_o say_v when_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o afford_v we_o such_o a_o remarkable_a confirmation_n of_o our_o 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consider_v the_o defection_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v light_a and_o the_o earthquake_n at_o our_o saviour_n passion_n be_v not_o whole_o pass_v over_o in_o silence_n by_o heathen_a writer_n have_v thus_o premise_v those_o particular_n which_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a kind_n between_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o this_o i_o will_v now_o whole_o insist_v on_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v more_o appropriate_v to_o the_o subject_a i_o be_o treat_v of_o this_o then_o i_o will_v prove_v from_o witness_n who_o be_v profess_v enemy_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n pagan_n and_o jew_n that_o there_o be_v a_o peâ—son_n of_o such_o a_o name_n and_o that_o all_o the_o great_a and_o â—minent_a circumstance_n of_o this_o person_n birth_n life_n and_o death_n be_v real_o true_a first_o the_o pagan_a historian_n present_v we_o with_o his_o name_n tacitus_n tell_v how_o the_o christian_n suffer_v for_o the_o fire_n of_o
rome_n which_o nero_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n say_v the_o emperor_n inflict_v the_o most_o exquisite_a punishment_n on_o those_o â—_z 44._o who_o be_v detestable_a for_o their_o villainy_n be_v common_o call_v christian_n from_o the_o author_n of_o that_o name_n christ._n here_o this_o historian_n express_o set_v down_o the_o name_n that_o these_o person_n be_v know_v by_o and_o his_o name_n fâ—om_n who_o they_o take_v it_o this_o be_v christ_n though_o as_o we_o leaâ—n_v from_o 7._o lactantius_n this_o name_n be_v sometime_o a_o little_a alter_v for_o by_o change_v of_o a_o letter_n they_o pronounce_v it_o chre_v thus_o we_o read_v in_o 25._o suetonius_n that_o claudius_n banish_v the_o jew_n from_o rome_n because_o they_o be_v always_o raise_v tumult_n by_o the_o instigation_n of_o one_o chrestus_n the_o 54._o learned_a usher_n indeed_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o here_o be_v not_o mean_v christ_n our_o lord_n but_o some_o other_o who_o true_a and_o right_a name_n be_v chrestus_n but_o with_o honour_n first_o pay_v to_o that_o great_a and_o just_o admire_a antiquary_n it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o christ_n our_o saviour_n be_v here_o mean_v because_o lactantius_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v tell_v we_o he_o be_v call_v chrestus_n and_o because_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o senat._n tertullian_n that_o the_o christian_n be_v call_v chrestiani_n and_o so_o 3._o justin_n martyr_n inform_v we_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yea_o he_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o the_o gentile_n do_v not_o give_v they_o a_o wrong_a name_n when_o they_o call_v they_o so_o for_o they_o be_v true_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d very_o good-natured_a sweet_a and_o benign_a person_n but_o questionless_a it_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o pagan_n and_o the_o historian_n abovementioned_a be_v guilty_a of_o it_o some_o think_v he_o mistake_v not_o only_o our_o lord_n name_n but_o the_o time_n of_o this_o fact_n which_o he_o mention_n imagine_v that_o christ_n live_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o claudius_n but_o this_o be_v too_o gross_a a_o oveâ—_n sight_n for_o so_o know_v a_o historian_n especial_o he_o live_v so_o near_o our_o saviour_n time_n but_o to_o understand_v this_o author_n aâ—ight_n we_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v common_a with_o the_o pagan_a writer_n to_o confound_v the_o name_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n and_o to_o say_v that_o of_o one_o which_o appertain_v to_o the_o other_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o wonder_n that_o christian_n for_o a_o time_n be_v call_v jew_n because_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n according_o by_o the_o jew_n here_o who_o he_o say_v be_v expel_v out_o of_o rome_n be_v mean_v christian_n who_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o the_o gentile_n as_o seditious_a and_o tumultuous_a person_n because_o their_o master_n and_o founder_n be_v reckon_v such_o a_o one_o and_o so_o when_o this_o writer_n say_v they_o raise_v tumult_n impulsore_fw-la chresto_fw-la the_o meaning_n be_v 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be_v christian_n be_v find_v to_o be_v person_n of_o another_o persuasion_n for_o upon_o his_o solicitation_n they_o refuse_v not_o to_o curse_v christ._n this_o be_v the_o appellation_n he_o be_v know_v by_o to_o the_o gentile_a historian_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a title_n which_o the_o new-testament_n so_o often_o give_v he_o thus_o far_o then_o the_o pagan_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o gospel_n but_o from_o the_o name_n i_o pass_v to_o the_o person_n and_o his_o action_n and_o most_o of_o the_o great_a and_o notable_a circumstance_n which_o accompany_v his_o birth_n life_n and_o death_n first_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o those_o four_o remarkable_a thing_n which_o attend_v his_o birth_n namely_o the_o particular_a time_n of_o it_o the_o general_n tax_n the_o wonderful_a star_n and_o the_o murder_v of_o the_o infant_n of_o bethlehem_n first_o those_o know_a adversary_n of_o christianity_n the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n testify_v that_o christ_n be_v to_o come_v at_o that_o very_a 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temple_n as_o soon_o as_o simeon_n behold_v he_o he_o forthwith_o acknowledge_v he_o and_o cry_v out_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n this_o be_v that_o simeon_n to_o who_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n have_v reference_n when_o they_o say_v the_o disciple_n of_o hillel_n shall_v not_o fail_v till_o the_o messiah_n come_v for_o this_o simeon_n call_v the_o just_a be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o those_o disciple_n sanhedrim_n rabbi_n hakiba_n the_o wise_a of_o all_o the_o talmudical_a doctor_n interpret_v those_o word_n of_o haggai_n 7._o the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n shall_v come_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o the_o learned_a jew_n that_o he_o be_v ardent_o desire_v and_o expect_v not_o only_o by_o that_o people_n but_o by_o all_o nation_n just_a at_o that_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n come_v for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v then_o look_v for_o by_o the_o gentile_n out_o of_o the_o east_n this_o be_v that_o 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all_o the_o world_n shall_v 〈◊〉_d tax_v or_o enrol_v as_o the_o greek_a word_n proper_o denote_v this_o be_v no_o mony-tax_n but_o only_o a_o set_n down_o or_o enrol_v of_o every_o person_n according_a to_o his_o quality_n age_n and_o station_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v it_o be_v a_o take_n in_o write_v the_o name_n of_o every_o individual_a man_n it_o be_v a_o number_v the_o people_n and_o register_n the_o true_a value_n of_o their_o estate_n income_n and_o revenue_n and_o way_n of_o get_v their_o livelihood_n a_o late_a christi_fw-la writer_n 〈◊〉_d of_o opinion_n that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o census_n be_v to_o know_v the_o number_n of_o soldier_n and_o what_o â—ighting_v man_n judaea_n afford_v whence_o it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o profane_a writer_n say_v not_o any_o
and_o this_o abgarus_n among_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n of_o the_o first_o age_n and_o apostolici_fw-la far_o profess_v that_o upon_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n into_o these_o letter_n he_o can_v discern_v any_o flaw_n or_o falsehood_n in_o they_o he_o can_v find_v any_o appearance_n of_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n he_o see_v nothing_o unworthy_a of_o our_o bless_a lord_n in_o the_o stile_n or_o contexture_n of_o that_o epistle_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o yea_o next_o to_o the_o bible_n he_o think_v these_o be_v the_o most_o remarkable_a and_o venerable_a piece_n of_o antiquity_n that_o respect_v christianity_n as_o to_o those_o objection_n which_o be_v start_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o epistle_n by_o a_o 1._o learned_a divine_a of_o the_o sorbon_n it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v unworthy_a of_o he_o for_o they_o be_v very_o frivolous_a and_o groundless_a and_o he_o may_v have_v use_v the_o same_o argument_n â—gainst_a many_o part_n of_o the_o 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material_a for_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o or_o not_o they_o give_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o person_n who_o we_o speak_v of_o they_o certify_v â—s_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o such_o a_o one_o real_o be_v at_o that_o time_n when_o these_o record_n bear_v date_n for_o suppose_v the_o people_n of_o edessa_n forge_v they_o as_o be_v ambitious_a to_o retain_v the_o memory_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o to_o celebrate_v it_o by_o this_o particular_a memorial_n insert_v into_o their_o record_n yet_o this_o make_v not_o a_o little_a for_o our_o purpose_n for_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v the_o letter_n to_o be_v supposititious_a as_o some_o learned_a man_n have_v conclude_v they_o to_o be_v yet_o the_o register_n of_o such_o may_v be_v true_a though_o they_o â—eigned_v these_o in_o a_o poletick_a remembrance_n of_o one_o who_o name_n they_o intend_v to_o transmit_v to_o posterity_n yet_o the_o record_v of_o they_o be_v thus_o far_o a_o attestation_n give_v to_o christ_n that_o hereby_o his_o person_n and_o worth_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o these_o edessen_v so_o long_o ago_o but_o i_o pass_v this_o by_o i_o can_v relate_v here_o what_o be_v do_v by_o pagan_n in_o testimony_n of_o their_o acknowledge_v and_o approve_v of_o christ._n thus_o the_o emperor_n augustus_n refuse_v the_o title_n of_o lord_n say_v 55._o dio_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o he_o do_v it_o on_o our_o saviour_n account_n 20._o some_o indeed_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v upon_o another_o occasion_n viz._n when_o at_o a_o play_n dominus_fw-la aequus_fw-la &_o bone_fw-la be_v pronounce_v and_o thereupon_o the_o people_n as_o if_o the_o word_n be_v say_v of_o augustus_n with_o great_a sign_n of_o joy_n show_v their_o approbation_n of_o they_o the_o emperor_n labour_v by_o sign_n to_o stifle_v their_o flattery_n and_o the_o day_n after_o put_v forth_o a_o edict_n forbid_v any_o to_o call_v he_o lord_n such_o a_o thing_n as_o this_o may_v happen_v and_o yet_o the_o first_o and_o true_a motive_n to_o his_o refuse_v that_o title_n may_v be_v with_o reference_n to_o our_o lord_n christ_n who_o be_v bear_v not_o long_o before_o the_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v this_o that_o this_o emperor_n be_v much_o change_v after_o christ_n birth_n and_o after_o the_o fame_n of_o he_o be_v spread_v abroad_o he_o become_v a_o great_a favourer_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n as_o philo_n the_o jew_n acquaint_v we_o in_o the_o account_n which_o he_o give_v of_o his_o embassy_n to_o caius_n in_o behalf_n of_o his_o countryman_n of_o alexandria_n he_o there_o relate_v several_a particular_a kindness_n which_o he_o show_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o all_o grant_n that_o philo_n be_v a_o very_a credible_a author_n in_o this_o case_n and_o though_o 93._o suetonius_n give_v a_o instance_n of_o his_o aversion_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o jerusalem_n itself_o yet_o it_o be_v likely_a this_o be_v before_o the_o other_o and_o so_o it_o inhanse_v the_o emperor_n after-esteem_a and_o favour_n for_o that_o nation_n and_o people_n if_o you_o thus_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v now_o much_o alter_v it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o believe_v that_o his_o put_v out_o the_o foresay_a edict_n be_v do_v in_o honour_n to_o christ_n he_o will_v not_o be_v call_v lord_n after_o our_o saviour_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n who_o be_v lord_n of_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o this_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o be_v far_o relate_v of_o augustus_n that_o about_o the_o close_a of_o his_o reign_n he_o inquire_v at_o apollo_n oracle_n who_o be_v to_o adminster_n the_o affair_n of_o the_o empire_n after_o he_o and_o receive_v this_o answer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o hebrew_n babe_n a_o god_n himself_o and_o king_n of_o bless_a subject_n bid_v i_o quit_v this_o place_n and_o trudge_v again_o to_o hell_n wherefore_o great_a sir_n from_o these_o our_o altar_n silent_o be_v go_v whereupon_o the_o emperor_n leave_v off_o sacrifice_v and_o return_v to_o rome_n build_v in_o the_o capitol_n a_o altar_n with_o this_o inscription_n ara_n primogeniti_fw-la dei_fw-la but_o because_o no_o very_a ancient_a historian_n report_v this_o and_o augustus_n those_o that_o do_v be_v think_v to_o be_v sometime_o fabulous_a therefore_o i_o offer_v it_o not_o as_o if_o i_o much_o rely_v upon_o it_o nor_o do_v i_o on_o that_o other_o passage_n in_o jesus_n suidas_n viz._n that_o one_o theodosius_n a_o jew_n ascertain_v a_o christian_n who_o he_o discourse_v with_o that_o christ_n be_v choose_v one_o of_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o temple_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o another_o and_o that_o they_o write_v he_o down_o as_o the_o custom_n be_v to_o register_n the_o name_n of_o those_o that_o be_v elect_v priest_n and_o to_o assign_v also_o their_o parent_n name_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n the_o book_n wherein_o this_o be_v record_v be_v keep_v in_o the_o temple_n till_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n this_o be_v a_o remarkable_a testimony_n but_o because_o it_o want_v evident_a authority_n i_o will_v not_o insist_v on_o it_o that_o which_o i_o have_v say_v already_o may_v suffice_v towards_o the_o prove_v what_o i_o undertake_v that_o christ_n life_n be_v attest_v even_o by_o pagan_a witness_n three_o his_o death_n with_o some_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a attendant_n of_o it_o be_v relate_v by_o person_n of_o the_o same_o character_n thus_o the_o great_a roman_a historian_n express_o vouch_v this_o article_n of_o our_o chri-christian_a belief_n 44._o that_o christ_n suffer_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o that_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n lucian_n who_o be_v fame_v for_o his_o taunt_n and_o scoff_v at_o the_o christian_n call_v their_o great_a master_n and_o founder_n peregrini_fw-la the_o man_n that_o be_v fasten_v to_o a_o gibbet_n and_o hang_v up_o upon_o it_o in_o palestine_n and_o this_o be_v confess_v by_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o pagan_n the_o particular_a manner_n of_o his_o suffer_v namely_o on_o the_o cross_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o talmudick_n writer_n very_o often_o and_o by_o the_o jew_n in_o contempt_n and_o scorn_v our_o saviour_n be_v blasphemous_o call_v talui_fw-la suspensus_fw-la he_o that_o be_v hang_v the_o eclipse_n at_o christ_n passion_n mention_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o that_o as_o a_o only_o universal_a one_o be_v leave_v upon_o record_n also_o by_o heathen_n dionysius_n a_o athenian_a by_o birth_n before_o he_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n when_o he_o be_v a_o student_n in_o egypt_n be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o this_o miraculous_a eclipse_n which_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o in_o a_o 7._o epistle_n that_o he_o
mention_v by_o 45._o three_o of_o the_o evangelist_n the_o 2._o jewish_a historian_n express_o testify_v and_o he_o be_v as_o good_a a_o witness_n as_o we_o can_v desire_v in_o this_o affair_n chap._n xii_o after_o particular_a testimony_n now_o more_o general_a one_o be_v produce_v as_o that_o of_o pontius_n pilate_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o tiberius_n the_o respect_n which_o this_o emperor_n and_o other_o bear_v to_o christ._n josephus_n famous_a testimony_n concern_v he_o as_o also_o concern_v other_o mention_v in_o the_o new-testament_n attestation_n of_o pagan_n concern_v st._n paul_n st._n peter_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o acts._n all_o christ_n prediction_n about_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n confirm_v by_o heathen_n and_o jew_n what_o pliny_n and_o trajan_n relate_v of_o the_o christian_n mahomet_n bear_v witness_n to_o christ._n thus_o you_o have_v particular_a testimony_n as_o to_o those_o three_o great_a thing_n our_o saviour_n birth_n life_n and_o death_n now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o have_v general_a testimony_n to_o produce_v there_o be_v some_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a witness_n that_o confirm_v all_o these_o yea_o and_o more_o than_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o testify_v namely_o christ_n resurrection_n as_o other_o governor_n and_o deputy_n of_o province_n use_v to_o send_v a_o account_n to_o the_o emperor_n and_o senate_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n that_o happen_v in_o their_o province_n so_o pontius_n pilate_n procurator_n of_o judea_n do_v the_o like_a and_o his_o relation_n be_v the_o more_o valuable_a because_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o person_n who_o condemn_v our_o saviour_n to_o death_n his_o letter_n or_o letter_n rather_o there_o be_v two_o of_o they_o to_o the_o emperor_n tiberius_n soon_o after_o christ_n death_n give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o life_n miracle_n crucifixion_n and_o rise_v to_o life_n again_o and_o as_o public_a act_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v transmit_v and_o reserve_v in_o the_o imperial_a archive_v so_o these_o be_v keep_v there_o whence_o the_o christian_a father_n have_v they_o hegesippus_n a_o ancient_a champion_n of_o the_o christian_a cause_n make_v use_v of_o they_o against_o the_o pagan_n as_o we_o be_v inform_v from_o 2._o eusebius_n gentes_fw-la justin_n martyr_n tell_v the_o roman_a emperor_n that_o as_o for_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o act_n of_o or_o under_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o refer_v they_o to_o those_o as_o satisfactory_a and_o undeniable_a tertullian_n with_o great_a boldness_n allege_v the_o same_o record_n as_o a_o sufficient_a confirmation_n of_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o apology_n c._n 5._o &_o 21._o whereupon_o apost_n one_o of_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o age_n conclude_v that_o this_o ancient_a father_n find_v this_o among_o the_o act_n of_o the_o roman_a senate_n where_o all_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v set_v down_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v say_v he_o that_o pontius_n pilate_n send_v this_o account_n to_o tiberius_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o governor_n and_o deputy_n of_o province_n to_o transmit_v the_o relation_n of_o every_o remarkable_a occurrence_n to_o the_o emperor_n by_o who_o they_o be_v place_v in_o those_o station_n for_o this_o purpose_n viz._n to_o inform_v they_o concern_v the_o affair_n of_o those_o particular_a place_n now_o the_o crucify_a of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o rise_n again_o be_v certain_o very_o considerable_a and_o remarkable_a passage_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o pilate_n as_o procurator_n of_o judea_n send_v the_o emperor_n a_o relation_n of_o they_o on_o which_o account_n this_o judicious_a writer_n assert_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o letter_n and_o there_o be_v other_o argument_n which_o he_o use_v to_o enforce_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o which_o be_v worth_a the_o consult_v thus_o it_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o forementioned_a father_n that_o there_o be_v such_o letter_n from_o pilate_n to_o tiberius_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n extant_a at_o that_o time_n otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v make_v their_o appeal_n to_o they_o in_o their_o apology_n otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v call_v upon_o the_o emperor_n to_o consult_v their_o own_o record_n which_o testify_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o action_n wherefore_o i_o look_v upon_o cent._n du_n pin_n judgement_n as_o flat_a here_o who_o say_v that_o though_o this_o relation_n can_v be_v absolute_o charge_v with_o falsehood_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v as_o doubtful_a ibid._n tertullian_n add_v and_o from_o he_o eusebius_n that_o tiberius_n will_v have_v put_v christ_n into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o god_n upon_o pilat_n write_v such_o strange_a thing_n to_o he_o concern_v he_o he_o refer_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o senate_n desire_v they_o to_o rank_v he_o among_o those_o that_o be_v worship_v and_o deify_v but_o the_o senate_n refuse_v it_o because_o they_o themselves_o do_v not_o first_o order_n and_o approve_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o old_a roman_a law_n that_o no_o god_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o by_o the_o emperor_n unless_o first_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o senate_n for_o this_o reason_n only_o they_o reject_v christ_n from_o be_v admit_v among_o the_o go_n however_o the_o emperor_n still_o retain_v the_o same_o reverence_n and_o esteem_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o most_o divine_a person_n and_o in_o honour_n to_o he_o favour_v the_o christian_n and_o by_o tiberii_n edict_n order_v that_o none_o shall_v accuse_v and_o disturb_v they_o mere_o for_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n annex_v a_o severe_a penalty_n on_o such_o as_o dare_v to_o transgress_v this_o edict_n nay_o tertullian_n and_o other_o father_n assure_v we_o that_o he_o have_v so_o great_a a_o reverence_n for_o christ_n that_o he_o intend_v to_o erect_v a_o temple_n to_o he_o this_o be_v from_o that_o information_n which_o pilate_n send_v he_o concern_v our_o saviour_n i_o may_v mention_v the_o kindness_n which_o other_o emperor_n have_v for_o christ_n as_o no_o contemptible_a testimony_n to_o that_o purpose_n which_o i_o design_v this_o discourse_n for_o 51._o lampridius_n report_v that_o alexander_n severus_n worship_v our_o lord_n and_o have_v his_o picture_n in_o great_a veneration_n and_o that_o he_o have_v thought_n of_o erect_v a_o temple_n to_o he_o and_o take_v he_o into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o go_n which_o adrian_n likewise_o he_o say_v intend_v to_o have_v do_v but_o be_v hinder_v from_o it_o by_o be_v tell_v that_o all_o will_v turn_v christian_n and_o the_o temple_n consecrate_a to_o the_o other_o god_n will_v be_v forsake_v these_o be_v ample_a attestation_n of_o pagan_n concern_v christ_n and_o which_o be_v great_a they_o be_v their_o approbation_n of_o he_o next_o i_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o famous_a jew_n who_o i_o have_v so_o often_o make_v mention_n of_o who_o forty_o or_o fifty_o year_n after_o some_o of_o the_o evangelical_n write_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o jew_n affair_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o many_o thing_n relate_v to_o he_o among_o other_o passage_n he_o have_v this_o memorable_a one_o 4._o at_o this_o time_n say_v he_o there_o be_v one_o jesus_n a_o wise_a man_n if_o i_o may_v call_v he_o a_o man_n for_o he_o do_v most_o wonderful_a work_n and_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o thâ—se_a who_o receive_v the_o truth_n with_o delight_n he_o bring_v many_o to_o his_o persuasion_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n this_o be_v christ_n who_o though_o he_o be_v by_o the_o instigation_n of_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o our_o nation_n and_o by_o pilate_n '_o be_v doom_n hang_v on_o the_o cross_n yet_o those_o who_o love_v he_o at_o first_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o do_v so_o for_o he_o come_v to_o life_n again_o the_o three_o day_n and_o appear_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a prophet_n have_v foretold_v these_o and_o infinite_a other_o wonder_n of_o he_o and_o to_o this_o day_n remain_v that_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v from_o he_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n both_o eusebius_n and_o st._n jerom_n allege_v this_o famous_a testimony_n of_o josephus_n concern_v christ_n as_o a_o undeniable_a confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o writer_n place_n this_o jew_n among_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n because_o he_o speak_v of_o our_o saviour_n with_o this_o great_a respect_n a_o 44._o late_a writer_n have_v a_o great_a many_o idle_a foolish_a cavil_n against_o this_o so_o notable_a a_o memorial_n of_o josephus_n concern_v our_o bless_a lord_n he_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n write_v against_o the_o jew_n make_v no_o
that_o they_o may_v obtain_v by_o it_o the_o love_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o in_o other_o place_n the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v own_v and_o confess_v to_o be_v true_a thus_o even_o this_o great_a impostor_n and_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o bless_a jesus_n thus_o the_o alcoran_n acknowledge_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o true_a chap._n xiii_o the_o testimony_n beforementioned_a brief_o sum_v up_o a_o objection_n viz._n that_o some_o remarkable_a passage_n relate_v to_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v by_o either_o jewish_a or_o gentile_a historian_n full_o answer_v by_o consider_v that_o i._o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n be_v spend_v in_o privacy_n 2._o no_o historian_n either_o jew_n or_o heathen_n take_v notice_n of_o all_o occurrence_n 3._o they_o wilful_o conceal_v or_o misrepresent_v some_o thing_n out_o of_o design_n this_o show_v in_o several_a particular_n 4._o pagan_a historian_n out_o of_o mere_a contempt_n omit_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o gospel_n record_v 5._o yea_o sometime_o out_o of_o mere_a hatred_n and_o spite_n 6._o some_o piece_n of_o pagan_a history_n be_v lose_v 7._o some_o of_o these_o that_o be_v extant_a be_v defective_a these_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o profess_a adversary_n to_o christianity_n whereby_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o follower_n be_v abundant_o confirm_v even_o those_o who_o be_v averse_a to_o the_o gospel_n attest_v and_o sometime_o approve_v of_o the_o chief_a thing_n relate_v in_o those_o holy_a write_n among_o the_o jew_n we_o have_v philo_n a_o excellent_a platonist_n of_o alexandria_n who_o flourish_v soon_o after_o christ_n and_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v josephus_n a_o jewish_a historian_n some_o say_v a_o priest_n who_o write_v about_o forty_o year_n after_o and_o have_v great_a opportunity_n of_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jewish_a affair_n we_o have_v the_o talmudick_n doctor_n and_o writer_n some_o of_o which_o live_v near_o those_o time_n and_o give_v their_o suffrage_n most_o free_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n among_o pagan_n we_o have_v their_o emperor_n augustus_n tiberius_n caius_n caligula_n trajan_n adrian_n alexander_n severus_n we_o have_v their_o deputy_n and_o officer_n lentulus_n pilate_n pliny_n we_o have_v their_o note_a historian_n philosopher_n and_o learned_a writer_n as_o the_o aforesaid_a pliny_n the_o proconsul_n in_o asia_n in_o his_o epistle_n his_o uncle_n of_o the_o same_o name_n who_o flourish_v in_o vespasian_n time_n in_o his_o natural_a history_n cornelius_n tacitus_n a_o famous_a roman_a orator_n and_o historian_n in_o his_o book_n of_o history_n and_o annal_n plutarch_n a_o priest_n of_o apollo_n pythius_n love_v by_o trajan_n and_o make_v consul_n by_o he_o in_o several_a of_o his_o teatise_n lucian_n in_o his_o dialogue_n all_o which_o four_o flourish_v in_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n time_n suetonius_n in_o his_o caesar_n dion_n cassius_n in_o his_o roman_a history_n the_o former_a of_o which_o live_v in_o adrian_n time_n who_o secretary_n he_o be_v the_o latter_a in_o alexander_n severus_n towards_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o century_n we_o have_v beside_o all_o these_o those_o four_o swear_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n julian_n celsus_n porphyrius_n hierocles_n who_o write_n attest_v the_o truth_n of_o many_o thing_n which_o the_o new-testament_n speak_v of_o we_o have_v macrobius_n if_o we_o may_v reckon_v he_o a_o heathen_a author_n in_o his_o saturnalia_fw-la and_o lampridius_n in_o his_o life_n of_o the_o emperor_n we_o have_v their_o woman_n also_o the_o sibylls_n who_o testimony_n concern_v christ_n be_v not_o contemptible_a last_o as_o we_o have_v the_o joint_a assent_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n so_o of_o mâ—â—omet_n himself_o in_o the_o azoara_n of_o his_o law_n which_o give_v suffrage_n to_o the_o evangelical_n write_n thus_o we_o have_v all_o the_o witness_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v and_o expect_v and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n and_o proof_n that_o can_v be_v have_v these_o thing_n need_v not_o to_o have_v be_v insist_v on_o or_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v if_o some_o ill-minded_n man_n who_o pretend_v to_o knowledge_n in_o history_n have_v not_o question_v several_a relation_n in_o the_o new-testament_n because_o they_o say_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o history_n either_o of_o pagan_n or_o jew_n to_o obviate_v the_o cavil_n of_o these_o man_n i_o design_o undertake_v to_o show_v you_o the_o concurrence_n of_o scripture_n and_o heathen_a author_n to_o discover_v the_o harmony_n between_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o jewish_a story_n in_o these_o you_o may_v meet_v with_o the_o most_o considerable_a passage_n which_o you_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n viz._n the_o tax_n in_o augustus_n time_n the_o appear_v of_o the_o star_n herod_n put_v to_o death_n the_o young_a child_n at_o bethlehem_n the_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n person_n life_n action_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o have_v be_v particular_o insist_v upon_o i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o all_o these_o memorable_a thing_n be_v relate_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o have_v so_o great_a love_n of_o it_o but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v object_v thus_o grant_v that_o these_o remarkable_a passage_n relate_v in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v mention_v in_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a historian_n yet_o other_o as_o remarkable_a be_v not_o now_o if_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o be_v public_o know_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o be_v not_o record_v by_o those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o transmit_v such_o occurrence_n to_o posterity_n why_o do_v not_o the_o pagan_a historian_n of_o that_o age_n mention_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n miracle_n and_o all_o the_o great_a and_o notable_a thing_n mention_v in_o the_o new-testament_n this_o very_a thing_n disparage_v the_o evangelical_n record_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v fabulous_a for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o other_o historian_n yea_o all_o the_o historian_n of_o those_o time_n will_v make_v mention_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o evangelist_n do_v i_o will_v stifle_v this_o cavil_v objection_n by_o offer_v these_o follow_a thing_n to_o your_o consideration_n which_o will_v full_o satisfy_v you_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n at_o all_o for_o this_o which_o they_o allege_v i._o this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o from_o the_o time_n soon_o after_o christ_n nativity_n till_o the_o eight_o year_n of_o his_o age_n there_o can_v be_v no_o history_n expect_v concern_v he_o for_o he_o be_v all_o that_o time_n in_o egypt_n therefore_o you_o have_v not_o one_o word_n of_o he_o for_o all_o that_o space_n of_o time_n in_o the_o four_o evangelist_n and_o if_o these_o say_v nothing_o of_o he_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o other_o historian_n shall_v when_o he_o return_v into_o judea_n he_o live_v retire_v from_o that_o time_n till_o he_o be_v thirty_o year_n old_a only_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n with_o his_o parent_n and_o dispute_v in_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o doctor_n and_o then_o present_o he_o come_v home_o to_o nazareth_n and_o there_o live_v obscure_o here_o be_v no_o matter_n for_o history_n thus_o far_o and_o afterward_o he_o be_v but_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a employ_v in_o action_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n the_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a writer_n can_v afford_v to_o say_v but_o little_a of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o do_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o his_o life_n spend_v in_o privacy_n 2._o you_o must_v remember_v this_o that_o there_o be_v many_o 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church-discipline_n minister_n maintenance_n spiritual_a gift_n especial_o the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v &_o some_o particular_a case_n concern_v which_o be_v resolve_v with_o great_a plainness_n and_o dexterity_n and_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o determine_v our_o judgement_n in_o all_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n he_o also_o admirable_o descant_v on_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o charity_n and_o he_o by_o multiply_v argument_n assert_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n when_o the_o corinthian_n have_v receive_v this_o first_o epistle_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v inform_v by_o titus_n what_o reformation_n it_o have_v wrought_v in_o they_o he_o write_v a_o second_o to_o they_o in_o defence_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o apostleship_n against_o some_o that_o labour_v to_o bring_v he_o into_o contempt_n among_o they_o he_o threaten_v offender_n he_o encourage_v the_o obedient_a he_o animate_v the_o fainthearted_a he_o confound_v his_o antagonist_n and_o that_o by_o a_o new_a way_n of_o argument_n viz._n by_o boast_v of_o his_o suffering_n and_o give_v a_o full_a inventory_n of_o they_o he_o display_v his_o calamity_n he_o blazon_v his_o cross_n and_o victory_n and_o triumph_n do_v not_o more_o elevate_v other_o than_o these_o do_v he_o he_o excellent_o discover_v the_o hypocritical_a pretence_n of_o false_a prophet_n he_o vindicate_v his_o own_o person_n and_o authority_n he_o answer_v the_o calumny_n and_o aspersion_n of_o erroneous_a teacher_n he_o clear_v himself_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o levity_n pride_n vainglory_n severity_n and_o other_o thing_n lay_v to_o his_o charge_n he_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o laudableness_n of_o his_o action_n and_o exhort_v to_o all_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o life_n but_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v apologetical_a whence_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v not_o unseemly_a or_o unchristian_a to_o enlarge_v on_o one_o own_o action_n and_o suffering_n when_o there_o be_v a_o necessary_a occasion_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n i_o e._n the_o christian_a brethren_n in_o galatia_n a_o region_n in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n call_v also_o gallo-graecia_n because_o it_o be_v of_o old_a inhabit_v by_o gaul_n and_o greek_n be_v direct_v against_o the_o false_a apostle_n among_o they_o who_o mingle_v the_o law_n with_o the_o gospel_n legal_a work_n with_o faith_n and_o make_v the_o former_a necessary_a to_o justification_n whereupon_o he_o again_o assert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n so_o that_o this_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v a_o brief_a summary_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n he_o prove_v that_o these_o gentile_a convert_v need_v not_o become_v proselyte_n of_o the_o jew_n nor_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o circumcision_n or_o any_o other_o mosaic_a rite_n but_o he_o tell_v they_o the_o right_a use_n of_o circumcision_n and_o of_o the_o law_n and_o bid_v they_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o evangelical_n liberty_n and_o be_v careful_a that_o they_o do_v not_o abuse_v it_o but_o walk_v in_o love_n and_o meekness_n humility_n modesty_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o noble_a virtue_n that_o be_v to_o shine_v in_o the_o live_v of_o christian_n it_o be_v easy_o observable_a that_o the_o apostle_n be_v more_o warm_a and_o vehement_a in_o this_o epistle_n than_o in_o any_o of_o his_o other_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v because_o he_o see_v his_o galatian_n so_o great_o endanger_v by_o their_o listen_v to_o the_o perverse_a reason_n of_o the_o gnostic_n as_o some_o think_v or_o other_o judaize_v teacher_n that_o be_v creep_v in_o among_o they_o and_o be_v persuade_v they_o to_o embrace_v another_o gospel_n to_o disow_v and_o reject_v the_o principle_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o and_o to_o come_v off_o from_o christianity_n to_o judaism_n this_o kindle_v a_o holy_a indignation_n in_o his_o breast_n and_o make_v he_o with_o a_o unwonted_a keenness_n and_o severity_n cry_v out_o against_o they_o and_o complain_v of_o their_o gross_a folly_n yea_o their_o wilful_a suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v bewitch_v and_o infatuate_v by_o those_o impostor_n his_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n i._n e._n the_o faithful_a christian_n of_o ephesus_n the_o head-city_n of_o asia_n the_o less_o which_o be_v write_v from_o rome_n when_o he_o be_v a_o prisoner_n there_o divine_o set_v forth_o the_o great_a and_o astonish_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o reconciliation_n the_o freeness_n and_o riches_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o admirable_a benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o marvellous_a dispensation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o gentile_n in_o reveal_v christ_n to_o they_o the_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o apostolic_a charge_n he_o add_v most_o pathetic_a exhortation_n to_o constancy_n in_o the_o faith_n notwithstanding_o the_o calumny_n of_o false_a teacher_n and_o the_o peril_n of_o the_o cross._n he_o propound_v the_o most_o cogent_n motive_n to_o love_n and_o unity_n he_o urge_v the_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o give_v particular_a rule_n and_o precept_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o every_o christian_a office_n so_o admirable_a so_o entire_a so_o comprehensive_a be_v this_o part_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n i._n e._n the_o christian_n of_o philippi_n a_o city_n of_o macedonia_n and_o a_o roman_a colony_n be_v write_v also_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v imprison_v at_o rome_n and_o in_o it_o he_o thank_v they_o for_o their_o liberality_n towards_o he_o in_o his_o bond_n and_o for_o their_o send_v epaphroditus_n their_o minister_n with_o a_o supply_n of_o money_n to_o he_o this_o epistle_n be_v chief_o write_v to_o they_o in_o return_n to_o this_o seasonable_a kindness_n of_o they_o and_o as_o that_o to_o the_o galatian_n be_v the_o sharp_a so_o this_o be_v the_o smooth_a and_o sweet_a the_o most_o endear_v and_o pathetic_a of_o all_o st._n paul_n epistle_n and_o be_v full_a of_o paternal_a affection_n he_o here_o likewise_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o extol_v their_o proficiency_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o labour_v to_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o increase_v and_o persevere_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o bear_v their_o persecution_n with_o patience_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o peaceable_a and_o to_o be_v love_v to_o one_o another_o he_o caution_n they_o against_o seducer_n and_o false_a teacher_n who_o bid_v they_o rely_v on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_n assure_v they_o that_o their_o only_a trust_n and_o dependence_n ought_v to_o be_v on_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o earnest_o beseech_v they_o to_o be_v exemplary_a in_o their_o conversation_n and_o to_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n he_o lovingly_z and_o passionate_o salute_v they_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o he_o be_v every_o where_o oblige_v and_o affectionate_a in_o sum_n the_o whole_a epistle_n be_v write_v with_o a_o pen_n dip_v in_o oil._n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n i._n e._n the_o people_n of_o colosse_n a_o city_n in_o phrygia_n not_o far_o from_o laodieea_n and_o hierapolis_n in_o the_o proconsular_a asia_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o epaphras_n who_o st._n paul_n have_v send_v to_o they_o but_o now_o be_v his_o fellow-prisoner_n at_o rome_n the_o chief_a design_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o reduce_v those_o that_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o false_a teacher_n whither_o jew_n or_o philosopher_n the_o former_a introduce_v the_o mosaic_a ceremony_n and_o observation_n the_o latter_a bring_v in_o unsound_a notion_n and_o speculation_n and_o both_o of_o they_o pervert_v the_o simplicity_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o true_a evangelical_n doctrine_n in_o opposition_n to_o judaism_n and_o the_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n he_o be_v earnest_a with_o they_o to_o adhere_v only_o to_o christianity_n and_o to_o persevere_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o excellent_a precept_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o according_o first_o he_o mention_n some_o general_n and_o then_o some_o particular_a grace_n and_o duty_n this_o epistle_n be_v of_o the_o same_o tenor_n subject_a and_o even_o the_o same_o expression_n general_o with_o that_o to_o the_o ephesian_n for_o the_o apostle_n about_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o write_v to_o the_o ephesian_n do_o so_o likewise_o to_o the_o colossian_n while_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n be_v still_o fresh_a in_o his_o memory_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o use_v the_o same_o word_n often_o to_o both_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n or_o rather_o the_o thessalonicians_n for_o they_o be_v inhabitant_n of_o thessalonica_n the_o chief_a