they_o may_v have_v the_o credit_n of_o give_v we_o the_o apostle_n true_a meaning_n that_o by_o any_o mean_n they_o may_v attain_v to_o this_o resurrection_n and_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o dead_a in_o this_o chapter_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o present_v you_o with_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o their_o several_a endeavour_n and_o different_a deciâ—ions_n in_o the_o case_n with_o a_o free_a and_o impartial_a animadversion_n on_o they_o and_o then_o to_o take_v the_o boldness_n to_o offer_v my_o own_o thought_n in_o the_o controversy_n which_o i_o purpose_v to_o do_v as_o i_o ought_v with_o a_o strict_a veneration_n of_o antiquity_n and_o the_o primitive_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n with_o a_o faithful_a regard_n to_o the_o master_n of_o grammar_n and_o criticism_n with_o a_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o whole_a context_n and_o to_o the_o analogy_n of_o christian_a faith_n i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o rank_v the_o expositor_n on_o this_o place_n after_o this_o method_n they_o understand_v it_o of_o baptism_n either_o proper_o or_o improper_o take_v 1._o proper_o for_o a_o real_a and_o outward_a wash_v with_o water_n 2._o improper_o or_o metaphorical_o for_o the_o baptism_n of_o afflction_n and_o suffer_v as_o sometime_o the_o word_n be_v understand_v but_o the_o proper_a baptise_v or_o wash_v will_v engage_v i_o most_o of_o all_o in_o this_o discourse_n and_o that_o be_v threefold_a 1._o sacramental_a which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n institution_n whereby_o child_n or_o those_o of_o ripe_a year_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o the_o action_n of_o outward_a wash_v or_o sprinkle_v with_o water_n 2._o funeral_n wash_v which_o be_v practise_v in_o order_n to_o the_o bury_n of_o the_o dead_a body_n 3._o legal_a or_o ceremonial_a wash_n use_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v defile_v by_o touch_v the_o dead_a and_o this_o be_v do_v either_o in_o their_o own_o person_n or_o by_o another_o for_o they_o in_o case_n they_o die_v before_o they_o be_v cleanse_v i._o begin_v we_o with_o the_o various_a interpretation_n of_o those_o on_o the_o place_n who_o understand_v it_o of_o sacramental_a baptise_v and_o first_o there_o be_v some_o who_o interpret_v it_o of_o those_o who_o at_o their_o baptism_n profess_v themselves_o dead_a to_o sin_n and_o to_o the_o world_n and_o by_o this_o baptismal_a act_n they_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v thus_o spiritual_o dead_a a_o second_o opinion_n be_v of_o those_o who_o imagine_v the_o word_n speak_v of_o baptism_n as_o it_o represent_v the_o bodily_a death_n other_o understand_v it_o of_o baptism_n as_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a a_o four_o sort_n say_v it_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o clinic_n those_o who_o lie_v on_o their_o sick_a bed_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n five_o other_o understand_v it_o of_o baptise_v over_o the_o dead_a over_o the_o tomb_n of_o the_o decease_a martyr_n six_o there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v it_o be_v mean_v of_o baptise_v in_o the_o place_n and_o stead_n of_o the_o dead_a seven_o there_o be_v a_o learned_a man_n who_o think_v it_o be_v speak_v of_o a_o annual_a baptise_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o dead_a eight_o another_o conceve_v in_o refer_v to_o baptise_v with_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o dead_a last_o there_o be_v a_o learned_a critic_n who_o dissent_v from_o all_o the_o forename_a opinion_n and_o be_v persuade_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v put_v here_o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o plural_a for_o the_o singular_a but_o how_o he_o apply_v it_o you_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o 1._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o imagine_v these_o word_n be_v speak_v of_o baptise_a christian_n who_o by_o this_o very_a sacrament_n profess_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v spiritual_o dead_a so_o that_o to_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o dead_a be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o be_v repute_v as_o dead_a person_n when_o they_o be_v baptize_v or_o at_o their_o baptism_n to_o be_v like_o dead_a man_n viz._n dead_a in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o any_o love_n to_o it_o at_o that_o solemn_a initiate_a themselves_o into_o the_o church_n they_o open_o renounce_v their_o former_a sin_n they_o public_o disown_v their_o past_a vice_n they_o become_v mortify_v person_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o severe_a and_o strict_a course_n of_o life_n thus_o mystical_o and_o spiritual_o speak_v they_o be_v dead_a so_o the_o word_n be_v interpret_v by_o some_o sedulius_n ancient_a father_n with_o who_o agree_v a_o few_o of_o the_o etc._n modern_n among_o who_o a_o 10._o late_a writer_n express_v his_o sense_n thus_o baptise_a for_o the_o dead_a be_v they_o who_o when_o they_o be_v baptize_v declare_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v in_o it_o as_o dead_a man_n and_o to_o live_v a_o new_a life_n and_o if_o occasion_n be_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o cross_n and_o die_v for_o their_o religion_n this_o they_o do_v that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o bless_a resurrection_n but_o this_o interpretation_n will_v be_v far_o from_o gain_v our_o consent_n if_o we_o consider_v beside_o what_o i_o shall_v add_v under_o the_o next_o opinion_n but_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o interpret_v these_o baptize_v for_o the_o dead_a of_o those_o that_o be_v spiritual_o dead_a because_o it_o be_v general_o advise_v by_o all_o sober_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o fly_v to_o a_o improper_a and_o metaphorical_a sense_n when_o the_o literal_a and_o proper_a one_o will_v serve_v our_o turn_n but_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v that_o a_o plain_a and_o literal_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n be_v most_o probable_a and_o reasonable_a second_o the_o context_n itself_o will_v conâ—ute_v this_o interpretation_n for_o if_o the_o spiritual_a death_n be_v here_o meanâ—_n i._n e._n the_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n in_o baptism_n and_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n than_o who_o will_v think_v there_o be_v any_o consequence_n in_o the_o apostle_n reason_v while_o he_o argue_v from_o a_o spiritual_a and_o mystical_a death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o which_o baptism_n be_v a_o sign_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v bodily_a and_o external_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n he_o here_o treat_v of_o through_o out_o the_o whole_a chapter_n the_o inference_n be_v so_o foreign_a that_o i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o will_v ever_o be_v admit_v 2._o other_o be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v of_o baptism_n as_o it_o represent_v the_o bodily_a death_n and_o some_o of_o the_o father_n who_o be_v â—_z of_o the_o first_o interpretation_n be_v please_v also_o to_o espouse_v this_o second_o for_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o join_v both_o these_o together_o viz._n the_o spiritual_a and_o the_o bodily_a death_n assert_v that_o the_o representation_n or_o resemblance_n of_o both_o be_v intend_v here_o by_o the_o apostle_n now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o they_o apply_v these_o word_n to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n they_o hold_v that_o the_o apostle_n argument_n in_o the_o text_n be_v of_o this_o sort_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o rise_n of_o the_o dead_a hereafter_o why_o be_v baptism_n so_o significant_a a_o symbol_n of_o our_o die_a and_o rise_a again_o and_o also_o of_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n for_o those_o that_o be_v proselyte_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v interpret_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o these_o in_o their_o be_v plunge_v into_o the_o baptismal_a water_n and_o in_o be_v there_o overwhelm_v and_o bury_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o consecrate_a element_n the_o immersion_n into_o the_o water_n be_v think_v to_o signify_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o come_v out_o denote_v his_o rise_n again_o and_o do_v no_o less_o represent_v their_o own_o future_a resurrection_n on_o which_o account_n the_o minister_n put_v in_o of_o the_o christian_a convert_v into_o the_o sacred_a water_n and_o his_o take_v they_o out_o thence_o be_v style_v by_o saint_n t_o chrysostom_n cap._n the_o sign_n and_o pledge_v of_o descend_v into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o of_o a_o return_n from_o thence_o and_o thus_o because_o the_o wash_v and_o plunge_v of_o the_o new_o admit_v christian_n be_v a_o visible_a proof_n and_o emblem_n first_o of_o christ_n and_o then_o of_o their_o resurrection_n from_o the_o grave_n the_o forementioned_a father_n have_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o this_o passage_n of_o our_o apostle_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o have_v a_o particular_a respect_n to_o that_o and_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v
comment_n and_o thereby_o give_v you_o a_o perfect_a resolution_n of_o the_o text._n first_o then_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o same_o with_o soul_n and_o soul_n be_v as_o much_o as_o man_n or_o person_n with_o body_n and_o soul_n so_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n eight_o â—souls_n be_v say_v to_o be_v save_v i._n e._n eight_o person_n who_o be_v in_o the_o ark._n this_o be_v a_o usual_a synecdoche_n as_o body_n be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a man_n often_o so_o soul_n or_o spirit_n signify_v the_o same_o spirit_n be_v not_o always_o though_o most_o common_o apply_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o decease_a as_o some_o will_v persuade_v we_o live_v man_n be_v call_v spirit_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 1._o 1_o john_n 4._o 1_o 3._o seduce_v spirit_n be_v seducer_n or_o person_n that_o seduce_v or_o if_o you_o will_v not_o grant_v this_o interpretation_n in_o these_o place_n yet_o you_o must_v needs_o grant_v that_o person_n may_v be_v mean_v by_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o by_o soul_n which_o latter_a you_o can_v deny_v if_o you_o consult_v rom._n 13._o 1._o and_o several_a other_o place_n where_o by_o soul_n be_v mean_v a_o person_n i._n e._n a_o man_n consist_v of_o body_n and_o soul_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n spirit_n or_o if_o spirit_n be_n mean_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o dead_a man_n proper_o then_o also_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o apply_v it_o here_o because_o they_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v destine_v to_o eternal_a death_n those_o who_o be_v spiritual_o dead_a be_v right_o call_v spirit_n these_o spirit_n i._n e._n these_o man_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o gentile_a idolater_n say_v the_o above_o name_v expositor_n who_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o because_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v sometime_o disobedient_a episcopius_n give_v this_o account_n of_o it_o he_o reckon_v all_o the_o gentile_n from_o noah_n time_n as_o one_o and_o the_o same_o people_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o unusual_a with_o the_o holy_a writer_n and_o so_o when_o christ_n preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n of_o his_o time_n and_o the_o apostle_n time_n he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n of_o noah_n time_n who_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o gentile_n so_o that_o if_o you_o ask_v of_o he_o how_o can_v these_o people_n that_o live_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v say_v to_o be_v disobedient_a in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n his_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v consfider_v here_o as_o one_o body_n and_o consequent_o what_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a of_o they_o do_v those_o that_o come_v after_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v these_o wicked_a gentile_n that_o live_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v just_o say_v to_o have_v be_v disobedient_a in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n because_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o include_v in_o the_o main_a body_n of_o sinner_n but_o i_o question_v whether_o this_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o by_o the_o inquisitive_a as_o a_o satisfactory_a resolution_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v prevail_v with_o myself_o to_o think_v it_o such_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v anon_o offer_v another_o interpretation_n moreover_o i_o most_o add_v this_o why_o may_v we_o not_o understand_v these_o word_n who_o be_v sometime_o disobedient_a not_o only_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d but_o of_o the_o jew_n also_o the_o text_n as_o i_o conceive_v speak_v both_o of_o the_o conversion_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o salvation_n offer_v to_o both_o these_o i_o see_v therefore_o no_o reason_n why_o the_o exposition_n shall_v be_v confine_v to_o one_o only_a viz._n to_o the_o pagan_a infidel_n and_o such_o as_o be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n christ_n preach_v to_o both_o jew_n and_o heathen_n who_o be_v heretofore_o or_o sometime_o disobedient_a the_o former_a of_o these_o both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v note_v to_o be_v such_o they_o be_v complain_v of_o as_o a_o 〈◊〉_d people_n that_o forefather_n even_o of_o those_o who_o we_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v disobedient_a and_o therefore_o those_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v sometime_o disobedient_a because_o they_o be_v include_v in_o their_o forefather_n or_o rather_o this_o may_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d live_v and_o manner_n of_o those_o individual_a person_n who_o then_o live_v and_o as_o the_o jew_n have_v live_v in_o superstition_n and_o ignorance_n and_o gross_a rebellion_n against_o god_n so_o the_o gentile_n have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o idolatry_n and_o in_o most_o lewd_a and_o profane_a practice_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n pity_v the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o 〈◊〉_d sinner_n they_o have_v be_v disobedient_a but_o now_o christ_n by_o his_o apostle_n who_o he_o send_v forth_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n effectual_o reminded_a they_o of_o it_o of_o which_o more_o 〈…〉_z which_o we_o have_v hitherto_o suggest_v and_o which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v be_v this_o that_o these_o jewishâ—nd_v â—nd_z pagan_a people_n who_o have_v heretofore_o 〈◊〉_d so_o signal_o disobedient_a be_v the_o spirit_n or_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o who_o be_v also_o say_v to_o be_v in_o prison_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o consistency_n of_o which_o interpretation_n i_o will_v give_v you_o this_o follow_a account_n they_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n 1._o because_o they_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o ignorance_n as_o in_o a_o spiritual_a prison_n they_o refuse_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d wilful_o blind_v themselves_o and_o so_o become_v like_o the_o egyptian_n 2._o prisoner_n of_o darkness_n and_o lay_v fetter_v in_o the_o bondâ—_n of_o nightâ—_n 2._o because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o shut_v up_o in_o the_o dark_a dungeon_n of_o wilful_a ignorance_n but_o be_v as_o our_o church_n expâ—esseth_v it_o tie_v and_o bind_v with_o the_o chain_n of_o their_o other_o grosser_n sin_n whence_o you_o read_v of_o the_o cord_n or_o chain_n of_o sin_n 70._o prov._n 5._o 22._o in_o this_o respect_n very_o bad_a man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v 23._o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n and_o to_o be_v 26._o 〈…〉_z his_o will_n 3_o lie_v this_o express_v the_o misery_n they_o be_v in_o they_o be_v spirit_n in_o prison_n that_o be_v unspeakable_o distress_a and_o wretched_a this_o you_o will_v find_v to_o be_v the_o style_n of_o scripture_n and_o according_o the_o psalmist_n say_v the_o lord_n despise_v not_o his_o prisoner_n i._n e._n those_o that_o be_v in_o distress_n and_o misery_n psal._n 69._o 33._o and_o thus_o that_o in_o ps._n 79._o 11._o may_v be_v understand_v let_v the_o sigh_v of_o the_o prisoner_n come_v before_o thou_o and_o again_o he_o pray_v bring_v my_o soul_n out_o of_o prison_n ps._n 142._o 8._o soul_n be_v to_o be_v take_v here_o for_o the_o person_n and_o prison_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o very_a word_n use_v by_o the_o septuagint_n for_o calamity_n or_o misery_n and_o so_o this_o be_v the_o like_a manner_n of_o speech_n with_o that_o in_o the_o text_n the_o spirit_n or_o soul_n in_o prison_n we_o pity_v those_o poor_a wretch_n who_o be_v in_o durance_n who_o can_v only_o look_v through_o the_o grate_v but_o be_v deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o go_v abroad_o to_o help_v themselves_o we_o reckon_v their_o condition_n very_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o poor_a â—ouls_n who_o be_v imprison_v and_o fetter_v by_o their_o sin_n be_v in_o a_o far_o worse_a case_n because_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a bondage_n they_o like_o samson_n grind_v in_o the_o prisonhouse_n they_o be_v put_v to_o excessive_a drudgery_n and_o slavery_n which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o worse_o because_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o 4._o this_o show_v their_o inability_n to_o relieve_v themselves_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o some_o strâ—ng_n and_o close_a prison_n whence_o there_o be_v no_o delivery_n without_o god_n help_n and_o the_o special_a assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n they_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o their_o dark_a cell_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o free_v themselves_o they_o be_v so_o fast_o in_o prison_n that_o they_o can_v get_v forth_o 5_o lie_n and_o last_o as_o i_o have_v before_o suggest_v hell_n be_v call_v a_o prison_n in_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n thus_o in_o mat._n 5._o 25._o to_o be_v cast_v into_o prison_n be_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n and_o according_o the_o syriack_n version_n of_o the_o word_n be_v sheol_n which_o be_v the_o word_n use_v sometime_o for_o hell_n god_n cast_v the_o angel_n down_o to_o hell_n say_v she_o peter_n and_o immediate_o he_o add_v that_o
force_v to_o quit_v our_o life_n that_o we_o may_v secure_v our_o religion_n and_o our_o conscience_n bless_a be_v god_n we_o can_v enjoy_v these_o here_o and_o carry_v they_o with_o we_o into_o another_o world_n afterward_o but_o if_o ever_o the_o divine_a providence_n shall_v call_v we_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n and_o spend_v our_o blood_n in_o the_o service_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n let_v we_o not_o count_v our_o life_n dear_a unto_o we_o so_o that_o we_o may_v finish_v our_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o testify_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o our_o 24._o apostle_n speak_v let_v we_o like_o the_o primitive_a saint_n 41._o rejoice_v that_o we_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v shame_n and_o even_o death_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n let_v we_o cheerful_o sacrifice_v our_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o let_v we_o drown_v our_o affection_n to_o the_o world_n in_o our_o own_o blood_n thereby_o propagate_a our_o holy_a religion_n and_o therein_o follow_v the_o pattern_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o primitive_a saint_n who_o manful_o and_o undaunt_o die_v for_o the_o faith_n on_o who_o account_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o who_o example_n it_o be_v that_o thousand_o of_o convert_v person_n flock_v to_o the_o water_n of_o baptism_n and_o be_v ambitious_a to_o assert_v that_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o see_v those_o excellent_a christian_n lie_v down_o their_o life_n the_o death_n of_o a_o eminent_a saint_n make_v a_o great_a number_n of_o disciple_n in_o those_o day_n the_o blood_n of_o a_o holy_a martyr_n baptize_v whole_a city_n this_o i_o conceive_v be_v to_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o dead_a this_o i_o offer_v as_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o easie_n the_o most_o natural_a and_o genuine_a mean_v of_o the_o text._n the_o four_o text_n enquire_v into_o viz._n 1_o s_o t_o peter_n iii_o 19_o 20._o by_o which_o also_o he_o go_v and_o preach_v unto_o the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n which_o sometime_o be_v disobedient_a etc._n etc._n this_o be_v another_o difficult_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_v of_o it_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o chapter_n it_o begin_v with_o the_o peculiar_a and_o proper_a duty_n of_o man_n and_o wife_n which_o take_v up_o the_o first_o 7_o verse_n but_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o chapter_n treat_v of_o the_o common_a virtue_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v require_v in_o all_o christian_n as_o meekness_n patience_n mercifulness_n and_o all_o the_o oblige_a and_o indear_v office_n of_o love_n the_o apostle_n chief_o exhort_v to_o patience_n that_o be_v to_o suffer_v with_o submission_n and_o cheerfulness_n what_o ever_o shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o they_o and_o here_o he_o show_v particular_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o persecutor_n they_o must_v not_o be_v revengeful_a and_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n v_o 9_o and_o he_o subjoin_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n again_o they_o must_v not_o be_v afraid_a neither_o be_v trouble_v v_o 14._o they_o must_v take_v courage_n maugre_o all_o their_o distress_n and_o strive_v to_o banish_v all_o fear_n and_o cowardice_n all_o disorder_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n moreover_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v they_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o that_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n v_o 15._o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o disguise_v their_o persuasion_n but_o to_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o their_o religion_n even_o before_o their_o persecutor_n further_o the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o must_v not_o only_o profess_v christianity_n but_o lead_v holy_a life_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v shame_v their_o adversary_n who_o false_o accuse_v they_o as_o evil_a doer_n v_o 16._o last_o therefore_o he_o bid_v they_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o look_v to_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n that_o they_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n not_o for_o evil-doing_a v_o 17._o and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v unwilling_a to_o suffer_v thus_o here_o be_v set_v before_o they_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n who_o suffer_v for_o they_o for_o christ_n also_o have_v once_o suffer_v for_o sin_n the_o just_a for_o the_o unjust_a v_o 18._o this_o high_o commend_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n that_o he_o be_v himself_o a_o innocent_a person_n and_o that_o he_o suffer_v for_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a whereas_o no_o christian_n that_o suffer_v can_v altogether_o plead_v innocency_n they_o all_o in_o some_o measure_n deserve_v what_o they_o suffer_v and_o now_o the_o apostle_n take_v occasion_n to_o expatiate_v on_o christ_n suffering_n and_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o in_o part_n of_o the_o next_o he_o show_v the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n viz._n that_o he_o may_v bring_v we_o to_o god_n v_o 18._o that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o holy_a and_o righteous_a and_o endue_v we_o with_o the_o divine_a and_o godlike_a nature_n and_o that_o he_o may_v at_o last_o lead_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a glory_n and_o this_o he_o be_v effectual_o enable_v to_o do_v because_o though_o he_o suffer_v death_n yet_o he_o soon_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o you_o read_v in_o that_o 18._o v_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o notion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o think_v they_o find_v some_o ground_n here_o for_o their_o aethereal_a or_o spiritual_a vehicles_n understand_v the_o word_n thus_o put_v to_o death_n in_o his_o terrestrial_a body_n but_o quicken_v or_o enliven_v with_o a_o spiritual_a one_o for_o christ_n soul_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n after_o death_n say_v they_o be_v clothe_v with_o subtle_a and_o aetherial_a body_n to_o let_v this_o pass_v the_o plain_a mean_v of_o the_o place_n be_v this_o and_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o several_a of_o the_o oecumenius_n father_n that_o this_o jesus_n though_o he_o suffer_v and_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o we_o in_o the_o flesh_n as_o a_o man_n as_o he_o have_v a_o humane_a body_n yet_o he_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v ever_o with_o he_o or_o thus_o he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n crucify_a in_o his_o humane_a nature_n but_o he_o be_v quicken_v in_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n he_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o his_o divine_a nature_n a_o parallel_n place_n be_v that_o in_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 4._o though_o he_o be_v crucify_v through_o weakness_n his_o body_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o frail_a and_o subject_a to_o death_n as_o all_o humane_a body_n be_v yet_o he_o live_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n he_o reassume_v his_o soul_n and_o live_v again_o and_o still_o live_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n he_o die_v as_o man_n but_o restore_v himself_o to_o life_n as_o he_o be_v god_n it_o be_v by_o christ_n divine_a spirit_n that_o his_o separate_a soul_n and_o body_n be_v reunite_v which_o you_o find_v thus_o assert_v by_o saint_n t_o paul_n rom._n â—_o 4._o he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a the_o humane_a spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v join_v again_o to_o his_o body_n by_o his_o eternal_a spirit_n by_o christ_n divinity_n his_o humanity_n be_v raise_v up_o and_o restore_v and_o now_o our_o apostle_n enlarge_v here_o further_o upon_o this_o quicken_a power_n of_o christ_n spirit_n or_o divinity_n in_o these_o word_n by_o which_o also_o he_o go_v and_o preach_v unto_o the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n which_o sometime_o be_v disobedient_a etc._n etc._n the_o greek_a which_o be_v here_o translate_v by_o which_o be_v render_v by_o other_o wherefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ideò_fw-la say_v oecumenius_n and_o so_o it_o be_v think_v that_o these_o word_n bring_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o what_o be_v say_v before_o but_o there_o be_v few_o that_o follow_v this_o interpretation_n our_o own_o translation_n be_v more_o plain_a and_o more_o probable_a for_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n know_v that_o by_o be_v the_o frequent_a signification_n of_o the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o be_v most_o obvious_a and_o rational_a to_o refer_v the_o article_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o word_n
he_o deliver_v they_o into_o chain_n of_o darkness_n 2_o pet._n 2._o 4._o and_o s_o t_o jude_n v._n 6._o speak_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n hell_n imply_v chain_n and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v in_o that_o place_n be_v bind_v in_o the_o house_n of_o their_o prison_n so_o satan_n be_v say_v to_o be_v bind_v with_o a_o great_a chain_n rev._n 20._o 1_o 2._o i._n e._n he_o be_v confine_v to_o hell_n and_o afterward_o he_o be_v loose_v out_o of_o that_o prison_n v_o 7._o now_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n be_v deserve_o say_v to_o be_v in_o this_o prison_n even_o before_o they_o be_v actual_o cast_v into_o it_o because_o they_o be_v as_o sure_a to_o be_v there_o i._n e._n to_o be_v damn_v as_o if_o they_o be_v actual_o so_o they_o be_v as_o certain_o to_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o the_o prison_n of_o hell_n as_o if_o they_o be_v now_o in_o it_o in_o this_o sense_n infidel_n and_o unbeliever_n be_v say_v to_o be_v condemn_v already_o john_n 3._o 18._o all_o wilful_a sinner_n be_v clap_v up_o in_o the_o prison_n be_v consign_v as_o it_o be_v to_o hell_n unless_o they_o harken_v to_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o repent_v and_o be_v convert_v and_o so_o escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n from_o all_o these_o particular_n you_o may_v be_v satisfy_v how_o fit_a a_o expression_n this_o be_v how_o apposite_o those_o unbeliever_n and_o idolater_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v be_v style_v spirit_n in_o prison_n i_o will_v yet_o further_o observe_v to_o you_o how_o the_o scripture_n delight_v in_o this_o way_n of_o expression_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o from_o thence_o how_o sinner_n be_v imprison_v person_n so_o i_o have_v this_o likewise_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o from_o scripture_n that_o the_o convert_v of_o soul_n by_o christ_n come_v and_o preach_v be_v express_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o by_o free_v they_o from_o prison_n which_o confirm_v this_o notion_n and_o the_o use_v of_o this_o phrase_n that_o â—inners_n whilst_o they_o be_v in_o their_o unregenerate_a state_n whilst_o they_o be_v they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v in_o prison_n for_o they_o can_v be_v take_v out_o thence_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v in_o it_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n word_n ch_n 42._o v._n 7._o where_o describe_v the_o office_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o make_v this_o the_o sum_n of_o it_o to_o bring_v out_o the_o prisoner_n from_o the_o prison_n and_o they_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n out_o of_o the_o prison_n house_n and_o again_o speak_v of_o the_o bless_a design_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o express_v it_o thus_o ch_n 49._o v._n 9_o that_o thou_o may_v say_v to_o the_o prisoner_n go_v forth_o and_o further_o in_o ch_n 61._o v._n 1._o he_o introduce_v the_o messiah_n himself_o declare_v with_o his_o own_o mouth_n that_o he_o be_v send_v to_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o prison_n to_o they_o that_o be_v bind_v which_o as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a passage_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o spiritual_a loose_v of_o man_n from_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o save_a come_v of_o christ_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v when_o he_o read_v these_o word_n of_o isaiah_n this_o day_n say_v he_o be_v this_o scripture_n fulfil_v in_o your_o ear_n luke_n 4._o 21._o as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v this_o be_v the_o grand_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o my_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o my_o undertake_n for_o mankind_n namely_o to_o set_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o save_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n this_o be_v long_o since_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n and_o now_o behold_v it_o be_v accomplish_v in_o i_o at_o this_o time_n who_o speak_v unto_o you_o and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n i_o come_v to_o seek_v and_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v i_o come_v to_o bless_v you_o in_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o iniquity_n i_o come_v to_o rescue_v you_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o open_v the_o prison_n to_o they_o that_o be_v bind_v of_o say_v to_o the_o prisoner_n go_v forth_o of_o bring_v the_o prisoner_n out_o of_o the_o prison_n house_n we_o see_v then_o that_o from_o the_o stile_n of_o this_o evangelical_n prophet_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o s_o t_o peter_n word_n we_o be_v inform_v that_o the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n be_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n jesus_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o his_o apostle_n go_v and_o preach_v to_o these_o prisoner_n he_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o these_o poor_a miserable_a captive_n and_o these_o be_v the_o dead_a to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v 1_o pet._n 4._o 6._o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v mighty_o puzzle_v expositor_n d_o r_o hammond_n and_o other_o understand_v by_o these_o dead_a the_o sinner_n of_o the_o old_a world_n for_o these_o be_v dead_a say_v they_o when_o peter_n write_v this_o epistle_n though_o they_o be_v alive_a when_o they_o be_v preach_v to_o so_o that_o place_n ruth_n 1._o 8._o be_v interpret_v the_o lord_n deal_v kind_o with_o you_o as_o you_o have_v deal_v with_o the_o dead_a i._n e._n my_o son_n and_o your_o husband_n who_o be_v now_o dead_a when_o naomi_n speak_v this_o to_o her_o daughter_n in_o law_n but_o be_v alive_a when_o the_o kindness_n be_v show_v to_o they_o but_o i_o have_v observe_v before_o that_o this_o be_v a_o strain_v sense_n and_o therefore_o where_o a_o more_o natural_a one_o offer_v itself_o we_o ought_v to_o accept_v of_o it_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o proper_a meaning_n of_o the_o dead_n here_o be_v that_o they_o be_v dead_a at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o they_o i_o understand_v it_o of_o spiritual_a death_n which_o bring_v eternal_a death_n with_o it_o without_o repentance_n the_o widow_n that_o live_v in_o pleasure_n be_v dead_a while_o she_o live_v 1_o tim._n 5._o 6._o it_o be_v usual_a to_o call_v sinner_n dead_a man_n because_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n eph._n 2._o 1._o yea_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v be_v not_o unusual_a with_o the_o gentile_a moralist_n so_o the_o dead_a here_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v be_v such_o as_o be_v spiritual_o dead_a otherwise_o you_o can_v make_v sense_n of_o the_o reason_n or_o end_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o they_o viz._n that_o they_o may_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o man_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o live_v according_a to_o god_n in_o the_o spirit_n castalio_n after_o his_o modest_a way_n in_o the_o like_a case_n profess_v that_o intellingâ—_n he_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o these_o word_n some_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o speak_v of_o penitent_a sinner_n involve_v in_o a_o common_a ruin_n that_o though_o they_o be_v judge_v in_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n in_o respect_n of_o their_o body_n as_o far_o as_o man_n can_v see_v yet_o in_o their_o spirit_n or_o soul_n they_o rest_v and_o live_v with_o god_n but_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o refer_v to_o any_o such_o common_a calamity_n and_o therefore_o this_o exposition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v other_o alter_v it_o a_o little_a thus_o these_o word_n say_v they_o be_v add_v to_o remove_v the_o scandal_n lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n by_o infidel_n and_o pagan_n who_o as_o you_o read_v v_o 4._o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o christian_n run_v not_o with_o they_o to_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o they_o on_o that_o account_n they_o censure_v defame_v and_o even_o condemn_v they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o like_o themselves_o but_o though_o they_o be_v condemn_v as_o to_o their_o flesh_n their_o outward_a man_n yet_o their_o spirit_n their_z in_o ward_n man_n obtain_v favour_n and_o even_o eternal_a life_n with_o god_n but_o how_o this_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v here_o for_o for_o this_o cause_n etc._n etc._n no_o man_n can_v discover_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o this_o interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n other_o will_v understand_v it_o thus_o that_o they_o may_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o man_n in_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n that_o those_o who_o live_v carnal_o and_o wicked_o may_v be_v damn_v and_o live_v according_a to_o god_n in_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n that_o those_o who_o live_v godly_o and_o righteous_o may_v be_v save_v but_o this_o be_v a_o manifest_a pervert_n of_o the_o word_n turn_v the_o but_o into_o and_o
do_v here_o and_o thereby_o render_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n full_a and_o entire_a however_o take_v the_o word_n which_o way_n you_o will_v and_o if_o you_o pitch_v upon_o any_o particular_a sense_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v suggest_v that_o which_o will_v give_v light_a to_o it_o i_o here_o adjoyn_v something_o concern_v the_o custom_n of_o cover_v and_o uncover_v the_o head_n among_o the_o different_a people_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o say_v be_v that_o the_o eastern_a people_n go_v always_o with_o their_o head_n cover_v and_o the_o greek_n be_v always_o â—â—covered_v but_o the_o roman_n take_v a_o middle_a way_n for_o they_o think_v they_o be_v bind_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n to_o distnguish_v between_o the_o time_n of_o worship_n and_o of_o common_a conversation_n and_o that_o the_o behaviour_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o other_o according_o they_o always_o cover_v their_o 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as_o the_o old_a roman_n as_o i_o have_v show_v this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o mention_v here_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v mistake_v i_o and_o the_o truth_n itself_o i_o have_v add_v something_o likewise_o concern_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o other_o sex_n and_o there_o you_o will_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o variation_n at_o all_o the_o woman_n of_o all_o nation_n general_o cover_v their_o head_n when_o they_o be_v abroad_o and_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o willing_a they_o shall_v lay_v aside_o so_o landable_a and_o catholic_n a_o usage_n in_o my_o three_o undertake_n which_o be_v a_o interpretation_n of_o those_o so_o much_o controvert_v word_n what_o shall_v they_o do_v that_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o dead_a i_o recite_v the_o various_a opinion_n of_o author_n concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o place_n not_o that_o i_o delight_v to_o muster_v up_o whole_a army_n of_o writer_n some_o ancient_a and_o some_o modern_a some_o at_o home_n other_o abroad_o but_o because_o the_o present_a affair_n require_v it_o there_o be_v several_a exposition_n of_o these_o word_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o they_o before_o i_o offer_v that_o which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n according_o after_o i_o have_v reject_v the_o interpretation_n of_o other_o on_o the_o place_n and_o have_v all_o along_o give_v you_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o do_v so_o i_o at_o last_o expose_v my_o own_o sentiment_n in_o a_o plain_a and_o easy_a interpretation_n such_o as_o every_o one_o may_v see_v be_v the_o genuine_a import_n of_o the_o word_n viz._n that_o to_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o dead_a be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o be_v baptize_v because_o of_o the_o dead_a or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o dead_a i._n e._n of_o those_o holy_a martyr_n who_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o bless_a cause_n the_o courage_n and_o bravery_n which_o these_o show_v at_o their_o death_n do_v effectual_o invite_v great_a number_n of_o infidel_n who_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o christian_a behaviour_n to_o lay_v aside_o their_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a religion_n and_o to_o embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o admirable_a carriage_n of_o those_o die_a martyr_n there_o be_v convert_v daily_o gain_v to_o christianity_n many_o jew_n and_o pagan_n be_v stir_v up_o to_o own_o the_o same_o holy_a religion_n which_o they_o see_v they_o defend_v so_o undaunted_o this_o make_v they_o eager_a of_o be_v baptize_v this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o their_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o dead_a i._n e._n they_o be_v baptize_v and_o become_v christian_n for_o the_o sake_n and_o on_o the_o account_n of_o those_o decease_a saint_n who_o they_o see_v attest_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n with_o their_o blood_n how_o probable_a this_o interpretation_n be_v yea_o how_o preferable_a to_o all_o other_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v convince_v the_o reader_n in_o the_o discourse_n itself_o to_o which_o i_o remit_v he_o in_o my_o last_o effort_n where_o i_o undertake_v to_o show_v who_o be_v the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n to_o who_o christ_n preach_v i_o do_v as_o before_o enumerate_v the_o several_a gloss_n which_o have_v be_v make_v upon_o the_o word_n some_o have_v fetsh_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o from_o heaven_n other_o from_o hell_n and_o some_o from_o a_o middle_a place_n as_o they_o fancy_v between_o both_o and_o many_o other_o have_v present_v we_o with_o their_o conjecture_n on_o this_o text._n but_o when_o i_o have_v discover_v the_o invalidity_n of_o they_o i_o proceed_v to_o let_v you_o see_v what_o other_o more_o true_a account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o word_n and_o that_o be_v this_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o his_o apostle_n and_o minister_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o sinner_n and_o to_o who_o else_o shall_v be_v preach_v it_o to_o vnconvert_v and_o unregenerate_a person_n whither_o jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o hereby_o many_o of_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o be_v save_v this_o be_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o this_o text_n which_o have_v be_v so_o different_o handle_v by_o protestant_n and_o papist_n and_o this_o interpretation_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a but_o the_o reader_n be_v to_o judge_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o context_n suitable_a to_o the_o phrase_n and_o language_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v here_o represent_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o more_o easy_a and_o yet_o a_o more_o significant_a expression_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o man_n in_o their_o fin_n then_o this_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n those_o person_n be_v in_o a_o religious_a and_o spiritual_a way_n of_o speak_v which_o be_v the_o constant_a stile_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n prisoner_n and_o bondman_n shut_v up_o in_o a_o miserable_a durance_n they_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n be_v bind_v in_o affliction_n and_o iron_n as_o the_o psalmist_n describe_v poor_a captive_n psal._n 107._o 10._o this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o obvious_a metaphor_n and_o at_o the_o very_a first_o propound_v of_o it_o we_o be_v able_a to_o apprehend_v its_o meaning_n poor_a distress_a soul_n that_o be_v under_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v spirit_n in_o prison_n but_o the_o bless_a jesus_n come_v and_o preach_v to_o they_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o servant_n and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o break_v their_o bond_n in_o sunder_n as_o the_o same_o divine_a poet_n speak_v in_o that_o place_n certain_o then_o sâ—_n peter_n who_o have_v be_v a_o 16._o prisoner_n and_o bind_v with_o and_o know_v the_o hardship_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n can_v not_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o any_o similitude_n can_v not_o have_v use_v any_o expression_n whereby_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o give_v we_o a_o more_o compendious_a character_n a_o more_o lively_a and_o natural_a idea_n of_o the_o deplorable_a condition_n of_o vnconverted_a sinner_n than_o this_o here_o do_v which_o make_v it_o somewhat_o strange_a that_o such_o multitude_n of_o expositor_n and_o comment_n ator_n have_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o but_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o give_v we_o some_o farfetched_a and_o strain_a interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n this_o be_v the_o short_a account_n which_o i_o think_v good_a to_o premise_v before_o the_o follow_a exercitation_n in_o the_o whole_a i_o hope_v i_o have_v faithful_o
the_o dead_a three_o time_n which_o show_v he_o mean_v it_o in_o the_o true_a proper_a sense_n for_o it_o be_v tolerable_a to_o put_v the_o plural_a for_o the_o singular_a once_o but_o to_o repeat_v it_o be_v unusual_a much_o more_o to_o speak_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n a_o three_o time_n be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v where_o you_o meet_v with_o the_o change_n of_o number_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v by_o the_o by_o and_o not_o frequent_a but_o this_o reiterate_n of_o it_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o the_o dead_n here_o be_v no_o such_o kind_n of_o speech_n but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o way_n of_o speak_v after_o the_o ordinary_a rate_n and_o consequent_o that_o one_o number_n be_v not_o put_v for_o another_o 2._o all_o along_o in_o this_o chapter_n christ_n be_v speak_v of_o and_o represent_v as_o rise_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o character_n be_v here_o alter_v and_o that_o now_o by_o the_o dead_a thrice_o name_v we_o must_v understand_v christ_n 3._o when_o we_o can_v satisfy_v ourselves_o very_o well_o with_o the_o propriety_n of_o speech_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o fancy_v impropriety_n and_o then_o to_o fly_v to_o that_o meaning_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o this_o be_v our_o present_a case_n the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v in_o the_o plural_a and_o we_o can_v very_o well_o understand_v he_o why_o must_v we_o imagine_v that_o he_o intend_v the_o singular_a when_o he_o express_v himself_o plural_o why_o must_v we_o make_v he_o speak_v improper_o when_o we_o can_v apprehend_v he_o as_o well_o nay_o better_o in_o his_o proper_a way_n of_o speak_v thus_o we_o have_v no_o good_a ground_n to_o think_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v put_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v another_o interpretation_n yet_o remain_v even_o of_o those_o who_o take_v baptise_v here_o in_o the_o sacramental_a sense_n but_o that_o be_v the_o interpretation_n which_o i_o shall_v fix_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o probable_a and_o accountable_a i_o will_v therefore_o reserve_v it_o for_o the_o close_a of_o all_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v examine_v those_o exposition_n of_o the_o text_n which_o make_v it_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o sacramental_a wash_v signal_o style_v baptism_n ii_o there_o be_v a_o second_o sort_n of_o expositor_n who_o will_v have_v the_o word_n mean_v of_o the_o wash_v of_o the_o dead_a body_n in_o order_n to_o burial_n and_o of_o this_o opinion_n beza_n be_v the_o chief_a patron_n in_o his_o annotation_n on_o the_o place_n and_o he_o be_v follow_v by_o paraeus_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o ordinary_a practice_n to_o wash_v the_o corpse_n before_o their_o interment_n and_o what_o saint_n to_o luke_n tell_v we_o of_o tabytha_n in_o act_n 9_o 37._o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v likely_a say_v these_o author_n that_o this_o be_v do_v in_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o rise_n again_o of_o those_o body_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v probable_a the_o apostle_n argue_v from_o the_o receive_a rite_n and_o custom_n of_o wash_v the_o body_n of_o the_o dead_a before_o they_o lay_v they_o in_o the_o grave_n for_o this_o cleanse_n and_o anoint_v too_o for_o that_o also_o be_v usual_a be_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a resurrection_n what_o shall_v they_o do_v that_o make_v use_n of_o this_o sepulcral_a wash_v to_o what_o purpose_n do_v they_o observe_v this_o rite_n if_o the_o flesh_n be_v never_o to_o rise_v again_o t_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o do_v this_o action_n of_o they_o signify_v to_o what_o end_n be_v it_o why_o be_v all_o nation_n solicitous_a about_o the_o liveless_a carcase_n to_o what_o tend_v all_o this_o care_n of_o they_o if_o the_o body_n shall_v not_o experience_n the_o happiness_n of_o a_o restauration_n the_o reply_n to_o this_o be_v casie_a 1._o the_o notion_n of_o baptise_v according_a to_o this_o interpretation_n be_v force_v and_o distort_v for_o though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v and_o do_v signify_v wash_v in_o the_o more_o general_a sense_n and_o be_v apply_v to_o common_a wash_n in_o mark_n 7._o 4._o &_o heb._n 9_o 10._o yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o relinquish_v the_o more_o note_a acception_n of_o it_o in_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o here_o to_o restrain_v it_o to_o the_o custom_n of_o funeral_n wash_v be_v very_o odd_a and_o unaccountable_a 2._o though_o the_o christian_n use_v this_o sort_n of_o sepulcral_n wash_v yet_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a durandus_fw-la in_o his_o rationale_n tell_v you_o that_o the_o christian_n wash_v the_o dead_a to_o show_v that_o their_o soul_n be_v cleanse_v from_o sin_n by_o confession_n and_o penance_n 3._o this_o funeral_n wash_v be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o profess_a christianity_n now_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o sadducet_n acknowledge_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o resurrection_n and_o therefore_o their_o wash_v the_o dead_a can_v have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o rise_v again_o of_o the_o dead_a again_o 4_o lyâ—_n the_o ablutio_fw-la 〈◊〉_d as_o plautus_n call_v it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o pagan_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o these_o do_v it_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o resurrection_n you_o may_v learn_v why_o they_o wash_v the_o dead_a body_n from_o 2._o servius_n viz._n that_o if_o the_o vital_a spirit_n in_o those_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a be_v only_o benumb_v they_o may_v be_v revive_v and_o rouse_v by_o the_o warm_a water_n and_o rub_v it_o on_o the_o body_n but_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a in_o my_o opinion_n that_o they_o wash_v the_o dead_a body_n in_o order_n to_o anoint_v they_o for_o the_o roman_n and_o grecian_n and_o other_o nation_n use_v both_o these_o and_o one_o make_v way_n for_o the_o other_o for_o they_o first_o clear_v the_o skin_n of_o its_o pollution_n and_o then_o make_v use_v of_o their_o perfume_a ointment_n virgil_n give_v account_n of_o misenus_n funeral_n obsequy_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o practice_n 6._o post_fw-la calidos_fw-la latices_fw-la &_o ahena_fw-la undantia_fw-la flammis_fw-la expediunt_fw-la corpusque_fw-la lavant_fw-la frigentis_fw-la &_o ungunt_fw-la and_o ennius_n do_v the_o like_a speak_v of_o decease_a tarquin_n tarquinii_n corpus_fw-la bona_fw-la faemina_fw-la lavit_fw-la &_o unxit_fw-la and_o 9_o homer_n describe_v patroclus_n funeral_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o by_o the_o by_o i_o may_v insert_v that_o it_o be_v probable_a they_o wash_v our_o saviour_n body_n see_v we_o read_v that_o 1._o mary_n magdalen_n and_o other_o woman_n anoint_v it_o after_o his_o death_n as_o do_v also_o 40._o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o nicodemus_n johan._n s_o t_o chrysostom_n be_v positive_a that_o christ_n body_n be_v wash_v after_o he_o be_v take_v down_o from_o the_o cross._n thus_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o other_o people_n use_v this_o funeral_n ceremony_n of_o wash_v the_o dead_a body_n it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o anoint_v for_o it_o be_v proper_a first_o to_o wash_v off_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o body_n before_o they_o lay_v on_o their_o sweet_a ointment_n or_o what_o think_v you_o of_o another_o reason_n of_o the_o custom_n which_o i_o have_v frame_v to_o myself_o from_o what_o i_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o pagan_a antiquity_n there_o i_o find_v that_o wash_v the_o infant_n that_o be_v new_o bear_v be_v a_o constant_a practice_n not_o only_o amphitrâ—on_n plautus_n but_o several_a other_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o the_o very_a sacred_a record_n express_o mention_v it_o ezek._n 16._o 4._o and_o thereby_o confirm_v the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o custom_n perhaps_o therefore_o wash_v after_o death_n be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o wash_v at_o the_o birth_n their_o enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o their_o leave_v it_o have_v the_o like_a marcellin_n name_n and_o they_o will_v have_v they_o resemble_v one_o another_o in_o the_o like_a action_n it_o be_v probable_a they_o agree_v upon_o it_o to_o end_n as_o they_o begin_v at_o come_v into_o and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o use_v the_o same_o custom_n but_o if_o this_o conjecture_n be_v not_o admit_v than_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o former_a account_n give_v of_o this_o usage_n or_o we_o may_v yet_o further_o add_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n who_o use_v the_o lustral_a wash_v do_v it_o either_o out_o of_o some_o superstitious_a humour_n or_o bare_o to_o comply_v with_o custom_n take_v it_o in_o any_o of_o these_o aspect_n it_o do_v not_o look_v like_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o apostle_n will_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o resurrection_n 5._o to_o