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 considerable_a thing_n and_o person_n beside_o those_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o which_o some_o chief_a historian_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o therefore_o you_o be_v not_o to_o marvel_v that_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n before_o mention_v be_v not_o speak_v of_o by_o they_o that_o obscurity_n of_o the_o sun_n at_o julius_n caesar_n death_n which_o last_v a_o whole_a year_n be_v not_o record_v by_o any_o but_o ovid_n virgil_n and_o pliny_n yet_o ten_o historian_n or_o more_o in_o the_o after_o age_n write_v caesar_n life_n and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o fatal_a end_n and_o of_o several_a thing_n that_o follow_v the_o like_a prodigy_n cedâ—enus_n report_v to_o have_v happen_v in_o iustinian_n time_n but_o there_o be_v almost_o twenty_o considerable_a writer_n from_o iustinian_n time_n till_o cedâ—enus_n that_o mention_n no_o such_o thing_n or_o if_o these_o example_n be_v
find_v more_o work_n and_o much_o more_o to_o his_o advantage_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n especial_o of_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n than_o in_o all_o the_o mouldy_a manuscript_n and_o record_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o therefore_o you_o will_v find_v mr._n selden_n as_o great_a a_o antiquary_n as_o this_o last_o age_n afford_v continual_o converse_v with_o these_o sacred_a record_n and_o present_v the_o world_n with_o the_o noble_a and_o most_o useful_a piece_n of_o antiquity_n from_o thence_o here_o we_o learn_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o the_o world_n how_o thing_n go_v before_o and_o immediate_o after_o the_o flood_n the_o scripture_n give_v the_o old_a account_n and_o discovery_n of_o thing_n all_o curious_a observation_n of_o the_o first_o time_n all_o ancient_a notion_n and_o invention_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o here_o so_o that_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o bible_n but_o as_o a_o ancient_a book_n of_o learning_n we_o be_v invite_v to_o study_v it_o we_o be_v furnish_v here_o with_o some_o of_o the_o most_o desirable_a antiquity_n of_o the_o babylonian_n persian_n egyptian_n arabian_n syrian_n canaanite_n phoenician_n jew_n greek_n roman_n and_o several_a other_o nation_n on_o which_o very_a account_n alone_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o best_a book_n that_o a_o true_a lover_n of_o learning_n can_v take_v into_o his_o hand_n brief_o from_o the_o whole_a i_o make_v this_o conclusion_n that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o consummate_v scholar_n without_o read_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o source_n even_o of_o all_o humane_a learning_n but_o as_o the_o antiquity_n and_o the_o universal_a learning_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n so_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o give_v it_o the_o preference_n to_o all_o other_o what_o we_o meet_v with_o here_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v true_a whatever_o be_v relate_v as_o say_v or_o do_v in_o so_o many_o age_n past_a we_o have_v reason_n to_o yield_v a_o full_a assent_n to_o because_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o err_v in_o what_o they_o deliver_v this_o we_o can_v say_v of_o any_o other_o writer_n for_o we_o find_v they_o to_o be_v uncertain_a and_o lubricous_a and_o they_o too_o often_o take_v up_o story_n on_o trust_n or_o invent_v they_o as_o they_o please_v as_o for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o poet_n the_o best_a of_o they_o be_v mere_a fiction_n yea_o one_o that_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o heroic_a poem_n very_o well_o tell_v we_o that_o fable_n be_v the_o chief_a thing_n in_o it_o it_o be_v the_o aristot._n very_a soul_n and_o life_n of_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o homer_n and_o virgil_n poem_n and_o general_o the_o other_o poetic_a writer_n as_o orpheus_n hesiod_n etc._n etc._n be_v fabulous_a rhapsodists_n even_o the_o father_n of_o latin_a poetry_n who_o i_o just_a now_o mention_v bring_v aeneas_n and_o dido_n together_o though_o he_o live_v several_a age_n before_o she_o and_o many_o such_o historical_a incongruity_n and_o fabulous_a inconsistency_n the_o poet_n put_v we_o off_o with_o instead_o of_o true_a relation_n yea_o profess_a historian_n be_v full_a of_o uncertainty_n and_o contradiction_n every_o where_o xenophon_n aver_v that_o cyrus_n the_o first_o persian_a monarch_n die_v peaceable_o in_o his_o bed_n but_o herodotus_n and_o justin_n say_v he_o be_v vanquish_v in_o battle_n by_o tomyâ—is_n queen_n of_o scytâ—ia_n who_o cause_v his_o head_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o throw_v into_o a_o vessel_n full_a of_o blood_n some_o tell_v we_o that_o alexander_n the_o great_a die_v of_o drunkenness_n other_o that_o he_o be_v poison_v hannibal_n poison_v himself_o say_v justin_n he_o be_v kill_v by_o his_o servant_n say_v plutarch_n but_o this_o author_n also_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o drink_v bull_n blood_n and_o thereby_o procure_v his_o dissolution_n the_o same_o writer_n set_v down_o the_o several_a opinion_n concern_v the_o death_n of_o romulus_n and_o scipio_n africanus_n and_o make_v this_o observation_n that_o the_o death_n of_o great_a man_n be_v uncertain_o report_v athenâ—us_o say_v of_o plato_n that_o he_o be_v eat_v up_o of_o louse_n by_o his_o frequent_a eat_n of_o fig_n which_o he_o so_o exceed_o love_v that_o he_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o this_o be_v contradict_v by_o other_o some_o say_v aristotle_n drown_v himself_o in_o euripus_n because_o he_o can_v not_o find_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o its_o ebb_a and_o flow_v other_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o he_o poison_v himself_o but_o some_o affirm_v he_o die_v a_o natural_a death_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o philosopher_n but_o die_v twice_o or_o thrice_o in_o laertius_n nor_o be_v there_o almost_o any_o life_n in_o plutarch_n without_o two_o or_o three_o death_n as_o a_o med._n learned_a man_n have_v observe_v to_o pass_v to_o other_o historian_n from_o who_o we_o may_v think_v to_o have_v better_a and_o certain_a information_n antiochus_n in_o the_o book_n of_o maccabee_n die_v three_o several_a death_n 1_o sy_n in_o his_o bed_n at_o babylon_n 1_o mac._n 6._o 8_o 16._o two_o he_o be_v stone_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o nanea_n 2_o mac._n 1._o 15_o 16._o three_o he_o die_v on_o the_o mountain_n by_o a_o fall_n out_o of_o his_o chariot_n 2_o mac._n 9_o 28._o there_o be_v different_a report_n concern_v iulian_n death_n but_o the_o respective_a historian_n be_v confident_a in_o they_o all_o he_o be_v kill_v by_o one_o of_o his_o own_o soldier_n say_v socrates_n by_o a_o daemon_n say_v callistus_n who_o write_v in_o verse_n of_o the_o war_n at_o that_o time_n with_o the_o persian_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o he_o die_v by_o a_o stroke_n which_o a_o christian_a soldier_n give_v he_o according_a to_o sozomen_n but_o none_o know_v whence_o that_o stroke_n come_v according_a to_o theodoret._n eusebius_n and_o zosimus_n speak_v diverse_o concern_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a procopius_n give_v a_o account_n of_o justinian_n contrary_a to_o what_o all_o other_o historian_n do_v and_o before_o this_o we_o find_v the_o father_n differ_v about_o the_o character_n of_o nicolas_n the_o deacon_n clemens_n of_o alexandria_n and_o theodoret_n say_v he_o live_v a_o chaste_a life_n but_o that_o be_v reprimand_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o his_o jealousy_n towards_o his_o wife_n he_o thereupon_o bring_v she_o out_o and_o expose_v she_o to_o any_o one_o but_o tertullian_n and_o epiphanius_n affirm_v that_o he_o allow_v of_o and_o practise_v all_o obscenity_n and_o lewdness_n and_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o woman_n the_o person_n who_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o st._n george_n be_v a_o cappadocian_n tribune_n a_o great_a hero_n and_o at_o last_o a_o martyr_n say_v some_o he_o be_v a_o heretic_n a_o arian_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n say_v other_o there_o be_v no_o such_o man_n say_v a_o three_o sort_n if_o we_o shall_v look_v into_o our_o own_o british_a concern_v there_o we_o shall_v find_v history_n very_o dark_a and_o uncertain_a nothing_o be_v tolerable_o relate_v of_o this_o country_n till_o julius_n caesar_n time_n and_o then_o and_o afterward_o we_o be_v involve_v in_o great_a uncertainty_n and_o we_o can_v look_v no_o where_o but_o thing_n be_v diverse_o report_v great_a man_n die_v several_a death_n and_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o person_n be_v various_o represent_v king_n edward_n surname_v ironsides_n his_o death_n be_v four_o or_o five_o way_n relate_v in_o our_o chronicle_n and_o so_o be_v king_n john_n some_o writer_n tell_v we_o that_o king_n richard_n the_o second_o die_v of_o famine_n by_o force_n other_o that_o he_o voluntary_o famish_a himself_o some_o say_v he_o be_v kill_v with_o the_o blow_n of_o a_o pole-axe_n on_o his_o head_n other_o that_o he_o escape_v out_o of_o prison_n and_o lead_v a_o solitary_a life_n in_o scotland_n and_o there_o expire_v concern_v king_n henry_n the_o 5_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o that_o he_o be_v poison_v by_o other_o that_o he_o die_v of_o a_o pleurisy_n by_o other_o that_o a_o palsy_n and_o cramp_n take_v away_o his_o life_n and_o there_o be_v other_o that_o confident_o report_v his_o death_n be_v by_o st._n anthony_n fire_n yea_o our_o writer_n be_v often_o gross_o mistake_v about_o matter_n of_o very_a late_a occurrence_n as_o baker_n heylin_n fuâ—â—er_n profess_v historian_n tell_v we_o that_o richard_n sutton_n a_o single_a man_n found_v the_o hospital_n at_o the_o charterhouse_n whereas_o his_o christian_a name_n be_v thomas_n and_o 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o marry_a man._n so_o mr._n hooker_n die_v in_o holy_a celibacy_n say_v gauden_n and_o fuller_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v know_v to_o be_v too_o true_a but_o i_o shall_v be_v infinite_a if_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o set_v before_o you_o the_o palpable_a mistake_v and_o misreport_v in_o
omit_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n beside_o that_o this_o evangelist_n in_o the_o entrance_n into_o his_o gospel_n be_v more_o sublime_a and_o soar_v than_o the_o rest_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v represent_v by_o a_o eagle_n assert_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o bold_a heretic_n of_o that_o time_n who_o open_o confront_v that_o doctrine_n and_o in_o other_o place_n of_o his_o write_n he_o have_v a_o peculiar_a strain_n and_o excellency_n which_o mensal_n luther_n express_v thus_o after_o his_o plain_a way_n every_o word_n in_o john_n weigh_v two_o tun_n concern_v the_o evangelist_n i_o may_v note_v this_o that_o though_o they_o do_v not_o all_o of_o they_o set_v down_o the_o very_a individual_a word_n that_o christ_n or_o other_o speak_v for_o we_o see_v that_o sometime_o one_o represent_v they_o in_o term_n different_a from_o the_o rest_n yet_o those_o that_o do_v not_o so_o deliver_v always_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o be_v say_v and_o even_o that_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v sufficient_a and_o concern_v st._n john_n particular_o i_o remark_n this_o that_o see_v he_o be_v the_o last_o of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n i._n e._n he_o write_v his_o gospel_n last_o it_o be_v rational_a upon_o that_o account_n to_o interpret_v the_o other_o evangelist_n by_o he_o namely_o where_o any_o doubt_n or_o controversy_n arise_v for_o he_o have_v peruse_v the_o other_o evangelist_n and_o observe_v what_o exception_n unbelieving_a man_n have_v make_v against_o any_o passage_n in_o their_o write_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o express_v himself_o with_o great_a plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n where_o those_o matter_n be_v concern_v this_o the_o intelligent_a and_o observant_a reader_n will_v find_v to_o be_v true_a if_o he_o consult_v the_o respective_a place_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o give_v a_o particular_a and_o distinct_a survey_n of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o evangelist_n write_n this_o only_o can_v be_v say_v here_o in_o pursuance_n of_o our_o grand_a undertake_n that_o these_o book_n be_v the_o choice_a history_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v because_o they_o contain_v the_o birth_n the_o life_n the_o action_n the_o doctrine_n the_o miracle_n the_o suffering_n the_o death_n the_o resurrection_n the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o most_o compassionate_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n all_o of_o which_o be_v the_o most_o stupendous_a and_o amaze_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o necessary_a matter_n to_o be_v know_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n if_o this_o brief_a and_o summary_n account_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o study_n and_o meditation_n and_o to_o beget_v in_o we_o the_o utmost_a esteem_n of_o they_o nothing_o more_o large_o say_v will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o to_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n belong_v the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o account_n give_v of_o what_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v concern_v in_o viz._n their_o choose_n mathias_n into_o iudas_n room_n their_o meet_v together_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentâ—cost_n at_o which_o time_n they_o be_v all_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o christ_n promise_n visible_o descend_v upon_o they_o their_o determination_n in_o the_o council_n hold_v at_o jerusalem_n with_o their_o letter_n which_o they_o send_v to_o the_o church_n abroad_o and_o several_a other_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v joint_o interest_v this_o book_n contain_v also_o the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o its_o happy_a progress_n and_o success_n especial_o among_o the_o gentile_n of_o the_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n it_o encounter_v with_o of_o the_o undaunted_a courage_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o course_n of_o their_o ministry_n of_o their_o disputation_n conference_n apology_n prayer_n sermon_n worship_n discipline_n church-government_n miracle_n here_o we_o be_v inform_v what_o be_v the_o usage_n of_o the_o first_o apostolical_a age_n in_o a_o word_n here_o we_o may_v find_v the_o primitive_a church_n and_o religion_n all_o which_o be_v plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o singular_a usefulness_n worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o this_o book_n but_o it_o be_v chief_o confine_v to_o the_o act_n and_o achievement_n of_o those_o most_o eminent_a apostles_n st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n and_o especial_o and_o most_o large_o here_o be_v relate_v the_o conversion_n travel_n preach_v and_o suffering_n of_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o for_o st._n â—uke_n be_v st._n paul_n companion_n all_o along_o and_o well_o acquaint_v with_o whatever_o he_o do_v and_o whatsoever_o happen_v to_o he_o give_v we_o the_o full_a narrative_n of_o this_o apostle_n the_o whole_a book_n be_v a_o history_n of_o about_o forty_o year_n namely_o from_o christ_n ascension_n to_o the_o second_o year_n of_o st._n paul_n imprisonment_n at_o rome_n the_o new_a testament_n consist_v likewise_o of_o several_a epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v pious_a discourse_n occasional_o write_v more_o full_o to_o explain_v and_o apply_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o confute_v some_o grow_a error_n to_o compose_v difference_n and_o schism_n to_o reform_v abuse_n and_o corruption_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o christian_n to_o holiness_n and_o to_o encourage_v they_o against_o persecution_n for_o the_o apostle_n have_v convert_v several_a nation_n to_o the_o faith_n when_o they_o can_v not_o visit_v they_o in_o person_n write_v to_o they_o and_o so_o supply_v their_o presence_n by_o these_o epistle_n to_o begin_v with_o st._n paul_n epistle_n they_o be_v write_v either_o to_o whole_a church_n viz._n of_o believe_a gentile_n i._n e._n the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v such_o though_o some_o of_o jewish_a race_n may_v be_v mix_v among_o they_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n corinthian_n galatian_n ephesian_n philippian_n colossian_n thessalonian_n or_o of_o believe_v jew_n whole_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n or_o they_o be_v write_v to_o particular_a person_n as_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n titus_n philemon_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a profound_a discourse_n on_o such_o subject_n as_o these_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o rejection_n notwithstanding_o those_o prerogative_n the_o wonderful_a dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o gentile_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o law_n justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o election_n and_o free_a grace_n the_o conflict_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n christian_a liberty_n scandal_n the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o chief_a thing_n which_o he_o design_n in_o this_o epistle_n be_v to_o show_v that_o neither_o the_o gentile_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o jew_n by_o that_o of_o moses_n can_v attain_v to_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n and_o consequent_o salvation_n but_o that_o these_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v only_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o who_o merit_n alone_o we_o be_v account_v righteous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o then_o to_o show_v that_o this_o faith_n be_v not_o separate_v from_o good_a work_n he_o add_v exhortation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n obedience_n of_o life_n and_o a_o religious_a conversation_n so_o that_o this_o epistle_n be_v both_o doctrinal_a and_o practical_a it_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o notion_n and_o in_o our_o manner_n it_o decide_v some_o of_o the_o great_a controversy_n and_o withal_o it_o inform_v we_o about_o the_o most_o indispensable_a office_n of_o christianity_n the_o next_o epistle_n be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o chief_a city_n of_o peloponneâ—us_n which_o be_v now_o call_v the_o morea_n and_o cenchrea_n which_o you_o read_v of_o rom._n 16._o 1._o act_n 19_o 18._o be_v the_o station_n of_o ship_n for_o this_o maritime_a city_n but_o be_v a_o distinct_a town_n from_o it_o to_o the_o convert_v inhabitant_n of_o this_o great_a metropolis_n fame_v for_o its_o wealth_n and_o therefore_o surname_v the_o rich_a as_o thucydides_n say_v â—ea_n 1._o to_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o achaia_n the_o apostle_n here_o write_v his_o first_o epistle_n to_o they_o be_v against_o the_o unsound_a persuasion_n and_o vicious_a practice_n which_o he_o observe_v among_o they_o at_o that_o time_n his_o design_n be_v to_o reform_v they_o as_o to_o their_o schism_n and_o dissension_n their_o idolatrous_a communion_n their_o unseemly_a habit_n their_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o their_o assembly_n their_o profane_v the_o lord_n supper_n their_o toleration_n of_o incest_n and_o the_o like_a scandalous_a behaviour_n beside_o there_o be_v other_o considerable_a matter_n which_o he_o treat_v of_o as_o marriage_n divorce_n virginity_n eat_v of_o meat_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n christian_a liberty_n go_v to_o law_n before_o heathen_n
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 cumaean_a the_o hellespontiack_n or_o trojan_a the_o lesbick_a or_o jabyck_n the_o phrygian_a the_o tiburtine_n the_o persian_a or_o chaldaean_a sibyl_n other_o add_v two_o more_o viz._n epiroâ—iâ—k_n and_o egyptian_a and_o make_v they_o a_o complete_a dozen_o thus_o the_o reckon_a be_v not_o alike_o but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o what_o we_o have_v assert_v it_o be_v not_o material_a how_o many_o the_o sibylls_n or_o their_o write_n be_v it_o be_v frivolous_a to_o insist_v upon_o this_o they_o may_v all_o of_o they_o be_v put_v into_o one_o if_o author_n please_v or_o they_o may_v divide_v they_o into_o more_o as_o the_o way_n at_o some_o coffee_n house_n now_o be_v to_o deal_v out_o pamphlet_n wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o reject_v they_o on_o this_o account_n see_v we_o have_v prove_v that_o their_o book_n be_v they_o more_o or_o few_o be_v own_v as_o to_o the_o main_a by_o the_o father_n and_o primitive_a christian_n to_o be_v true_a and_o see_v they_o 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 religion_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o pagan_n be_v it_o not_o unpardonable_a ingratitude_n thus_o to_o vilisie_n and_o reject_v it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o vile_a and_o perverse_a spirit_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n and_o those_o very_a shameful_a one_o too_o to_o disprove_v that_o plain_a evidence_n which_o these_o sibylls_n bring_v and_o to_o shut_v their_o ear_n to_o that_o repeat_v testimony_n which_o they_o give_v to_o christianity_n and_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o it_o in_o short_a the_o pagan_n have_v their_o temple_n and_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n and_o prayer_n and_o they_o have_v also_o their_o scripture_n i._n e._n the_o sibylls_n book_n in_o these_o be_v discover_v the_o council_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sibylls_n according_a to_o the_o import_n of_o their_o name_n be_v interpreter_n of_o god_n will_n to_o the_o heathen_n in_o these_o be_v express_o foretold_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o many_o other_o remarkable_a thing_n relate_v to_o he_o by_o these_o oracle_n the_o gentile_n be_v pre-admonished_n of_o christ_n come_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o god_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o gospel_n by_o these_o forerunner_n and_o messenger_n as_o he_o do_v the_o jew_n by_o their_o extraordinary_a prophet_n and_o they_o be_v useful_a to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o gentile_n we_o may_v be_v fortify_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n by_o what_o they_o deliver_v they_o give_v a_o plain_a and_o clear_a suffrage_n for_o christianity_n and_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o the_o ancient_a christian_n think_v their_o write_n to_o be_v authentic_a record_n though_o now_o some_o be_v please_v to_o slight_a and_o vilify_v they_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o good_a evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o new-testament_n which_o contain_v it_o and_o there_o be_v still_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v esteem_v they_o as_o such_o especial_o since_o the_o objection_n to_o prove_v the_o falsity_n of_o these_o book_n be_v very_o mean_a and_o weak_a therefore_o to_o conclude_v till_o they_o can_v produce_v better_a reason_n against_o these_o testimonial_n i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o and_o reasonable_o make_v use_n of_o they_o chap._n xi_o it_o be_v prove_v from_o particular_a unquestionable_a testimony_n of_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v a_o person_n of_o such_o a_o name_n and_o that_o all_o the_o great_a and_o eminent_a circumstance_n of_o his_o birth_n life_n and_o death_n be_v real_o true_a as_o to_o his_o birth_n they_o attest_v the_o particular_a time_n of_o it_o the_o general_a tax_n or_o enrol_a the_o wonderful_a star_n the_o murder_v of_o the_o infant_n of_o bethlehem_n then_o as_o to_o his_o life_n and_o action_n abgarus_n letter_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o saviour_n answer_n to_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o authentic_a evidence_n what_o the_o emperor_n augustus_n do_v in_o relation_n to_o christ_n be_v 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
i_o find_v it_o be_v yea_o flat_o deny_v by_o aben_n ezra_n and_o pererius_n and_o late_o by_o hobbs_n and_o spinosa_n a_o very_a little_a portion_n of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o say_v monsieur_n simon_n who_o have_v a_o new_a notion_n of_o certain_a public_a scribe_n or_o register_n that_o pen_v this_o and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o sort_n of_o abbreviate_a notary_n he_o borrow_v from_o the_o egyptian_n as_o he_o confess_v himself_o because_o there_o be_v such_o officer_n in_o the_o egyptian_a court_n who_o have_v a_o privilege_n to_o add_v to_o or_o take_v away_o from_o to_o amplify_v or_o abridge_v the_o public_a record_n he_o thence_o groundless_o infer_v there_o be_v such_o among_o the_o jew_n who_o make_v what_o alteration_n they_o please_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n which_o paradox_n of_o his_o i_o have_v consider_v and_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o in_o a_o former_a treatise_n this_o i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v who_o be_v the_o particular_a penman_n of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o but_o on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o indict_v they_o they_o be_v the_o book_n of_o god_n that_o be_v their_o peculiar_a character_n and_o dignity_n and_o that_o alone_o make_v they_o authentic_a after_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o our_o certain_a know_v who_o pen_v they_o yet_o this_o must_v be_v say_v that_o it_o can_v with_o reason_n be_v deny_v that_o the_o author_n of_o some_o of_o these_o sacred_a book_n be_v well_o know_v and_o particular_o there_o be_v very_a convince_a proof_n that_o moses_n write_v the_o book_n which_o i_o have_v be_v give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o may_v be_v evince_v from_o our_o saviour_n word_n luke_n 16._o 31._o &_o 24._o 27._o where_o by_o moses_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a he_o mean_v the_o book_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o consequent_o thereby_o let_v we_o know_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o writer_n of_o they_o and_o more_o express_o the_o book_n of_o exodus_fw-la be_v call_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n by_o our_o same_o infallible_a master_n mark_v 12._o 26._o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o these_o book_n be_v read_v moses_n be_v read_v 2_o cor._n 3._o 19_o and_o both_o our_o saviour_n and_o this_o apostle_n distinguish_v between_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n luke_n 16._o 29._o act_n 26._o 22._o plain_o signify_v that_o as_o those_o book_n which_o pass_v under_o the_o prophet_n name_n be_v they_o so_o these_o that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v moses_n be_v write_v by_o he_o i_o think_v this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o need_v not_o to_o be_v further_o insist_v on_o as_o to_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o man_n before_o name_v against_o this_o i_o forbear_v to_o produce_v they_o and_o to_o return_v particular_a answer_n to_o they_o because_o this_o be_v so_o late_o do_v by_o pentateuchi_fw-la mounseur_fw-fr clerk_n and_o because_o another_o religion_n learned_a frenchman_n have_v laudable_o perform_v this_o task_n especial_o he_o have_v with_o great_a vigour_n and_o as_o great_a success_n attack_v spinosa_n a_o jew_n as_o they_o tell_v we_o by_o birth_n but_o neither_o jew_n nor_o christian_a by_o profession_n but_o a_o derider_n of_o both_o we_o may_v also_o find_v his_o argument_n which_o be_v general_o borrow_a from_o aben_n ezra_n refute_v with_o great_a clearness_n by_o the_o bible_n learned_a professor_n of_o divinity_n at_o paris_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n betake_v himself_o to_o the_o positive_a part_n and_o render_v it_o unquestionable_a that_o moses_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o five_o book_n that_o go_v under_o his_o name_n wherefore_o the_o particular_a fancy_n of_o those_o few_o objector_n and_o those_o no_o friend_n to_o the_o sacred_a text_n be_v not_o to_o be_v heed_v by_o we_o as_o to_o that_o common_a scruple_n which_o be_v so_o much_o insist_v upon_o that_o in_o the_o last_o book_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n there_o be_v mention_n of_o moses_n death_n and_o some_o thing_n that_o happen_v after_o it_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o moses_n write_v not_o those_o book_n or_o at_o least_o not_o the_o last_o of_o they_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n that_o moses_n be_v a_o prophet_n may_v foresee_v and_o have_v reveal_v to_o he_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o his_o own_o death_n and_o so_o he_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n wherefore_o none_o can_v from_o thence_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o penman_n of_o all_o this_o book_n however_o we_o will_v not_o contend_v here_o for_o perhaps_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o book_n be_v affix_v by_o joshua_n or_o afterward_o by_o ezra_n who_o be_v a_o inspire_a person_n likewise_o and_o who_o revise_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o insert_v some_o thing_n into_o they_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indict_v the_o rest_n notwithstanding_o then_o the_o foresay_a objection_n which_o refer_v only_o to_o a_o few_o passage_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n of_o deuteronomy_n wâ—_n have_v reason_n to_o assert_v that_o the_o whole_a five_o book_n except_v that_o little_a addition_n in_o the_o close_a be_v write_v by_o moses_n these_o be_v his_o authentic_a record_n consist_v chief_o of_o history_n which_o comprise_v in_o it_o the_o occurrence_n of_o about_o 2400_o year_n and_o law_n which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o his_o own_o people_n and_o will_v be_v of_o use_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n here_o be_v the_o cabinet_n of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n under_o heaven_n here_o be_v the_o first_o and_o old_a monument_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n viii_o a_o short_a survey_n of_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n which_o be_v a_o supplement_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o judge_n samuel_n the_o king_n chronicle_n ezra_n which_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o chronicle_n nehemiah_n esther_n the_o author_n stile_n composure_n matter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n discuss_v a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o penman_n subject_n kind_n title_n poetic_a meter_n and_o rhythm_n of_o the_o psalm_n next_o unto_o this_o be_v that_o excellent_a history_n write_v by_o joshua_n the_o captain_n general_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o moses_n famous_a successor_n who_o very_a name_n without_o doubt_n be_v as_o terrible_a to_o the_o canaanite_n as_o those_o of_o hunniades_n and_o scanderbag_n be_v afterward_o to_o the_o turk_n here_o he_o admirable_o describe_v the_o holy_a war_n the_o martial_a achievement_n and_o stratagem_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n against_o those_o nation_n who_o land_n they_o be_v to_o possess_v and_o at_o length_n their_o victory_n over_o they_o here_o be_v very_o particular_o set_v down_o their_o conquest_n over_o those_o king_n and_o country_n this_o book_n be_v the_o fulfil_v of_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o they_o concern_v the_o enter_v into_o canaan_n and_o enjoy_v that_o land_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n the_o everlasting_a rest_n which_o remain_v to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n heb._n 4._o 9_o here_o be_v the_o actual_a possession_n of_o that_o promise_a inheritance_n and_o the_o division_n of_o it_o among_o the_o several_a tribe_n by_o lot_n the_o short_a be_v in_o the_o whole_a book_n which_o i_o must_v not_o now_o give_v you_o by_o retail_n there_o be_v abundant_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n repeat_v instance_n of_o the_o infinite_a kindness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o servant_n remarkable_a example_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n on_o his_o enemy_n yea_o and_o visible_a proof_n of_o his_o severe_a deal_n with_o his_o own_o people_n when_o they_o refuse_v to_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o when_o they_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o here_o be_v in_o the_o large_a account_n which_o be_v give_v of_o joshua_n and_o his_o action_n a_o exact_a character_n of_o a_o worthy_a prince_n a_o ruler_n a_o general_n who_o ought_v to_o signalise_v himself_o by_o his_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o zeal_n for_o religion_n by_o his_o constant_a sobriety_n justice_n and_o charity_n by_o his_o undaunted_a courage_n valour_n and_o prowess_n by_o his_o deep_a wisdom_n policy_n and_o conduct_n and_o his_o great_a and_o wonderful_a success_n which_o 6._o be_v so_o much_o require_v in_o a_o general_n crown_v all_o the_o whole_a contain_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o moses_n death_n till_o the_o death_n of_o their_o great_a commander_n joshua_n in_o all_o about_o eighteen_o year_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o the_o age_n death_n and_o burial_n of_o this_o latter_a be_v
record_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n for_o either_o as_o we_o say_v before_o concern_v moses_n they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o through_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n that_o foresee_v these_o thing_n or_o else_o they_o be_v add_v by_o some_o other_o inspire_a writer_n so_o perhaps_o be_v those_o word_n unto_o this_o day_n ch_n 4._o v._n 9_o &_o ch_n 5._o v._n 9_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a at_o all_o to_o believe_v so_o for_o joshua_n relate_v some_o passage_n that_o happen_v a_o good_a while_n before_o he_o write_v this_o book_n which_o be_v a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n may_v speak_v after_o this_o manner_n very_o well_o and_o some_o few_o other_o word_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v insert_v after_o ioshua_n death_n but_o that_o the_o main_n be_v write_v by_o himself_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o question_v the_o history_n of_o the_o judge_n follow_v which_o relate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a people_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n from_o ioshua_n death_n until_o eli_n that_o be_v about_o three_o hundred_o year_n these_o judge_n be_v man_n of_o heroic_a spirit_n raise_v up_o by_o god_n out_o of_o the_o several_a tribe_n to_o govern_v the_o people_n and_o to_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o present_a danger_n they_o be_v supreme_a ruler_n but_o temporary_a and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v type_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o deliverer_n in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o peculiar_a polity_n of_o the_o israelite_n there_o be_v very_o notable_a occurrence_n which_o be_v faithful_o record_v in_o this_o book_n here_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o gross_a impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o that_o new_a generation_n which_o come_v up_o after_o ioshua_n death_n here_o be_v record_v to_o their_o perpetual_a infamy_n their_o intimate_v converse_n with_o those_o idolatrous_a people_n that_o be_v leave_v remain_v in_o that_o land_n their_o approve_v of_o their_o superstitious_a and_o irreligious_a custom_n and_o their_o serve_v their_o go_n here_o be_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o manner_n of_o their_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a practice_n which_o occasion_v the_o very_a heathen_n to_o open_v their_o mouth_n against_o they_o yea_o to_o blaspheme_n god_n who_o name_n they_o be_v call_v by_o here_o also_o we_o have_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o heaven_n towards_o this_o people_n sometime_o relieve_v and_o deliver_v they_o at_o other_o tâ—mes_v most_o severe_o chastise_v they_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o groan_v under_o tyrant_n and_o oppressor_n here_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o history_n most_o admirable_a example_n of_o god_n displeasure_n against_o apostate_n and_o such_o as_o revolt_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o here_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_a as_o memorable_a instance_n of_o his_o reward_v those_o that_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o his_o cause_n and_o hold_v fast_o their_o integrity_n in_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o perilous_a time_n here_o be_v most_o ample_o display_v his_o love_n and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o stir_v up_o so_o many_o eminent_a worthy_n and_o champion_n to_o fight_v for_o she_o and_o to_o push_v they_o on_o by_o no_o less_o than_o a_o extraordinary_a impulse_n of_o spirit_n to_o enterprise_n and_o effect_v such_o mighty_a thing_n for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o choose_a servant_n to_o conclude_v here_o and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n occur_v such_o a_o plenty_n of_o ancient_a rite_n custom_n and_o practice_n relate_v both_o to_o peace_n and_o war_n to_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n as_o be_v able_a to_o stock_n a_o antiquary_n of_o the_o first_o size_n we_o be_v not_o certain_a who_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n it_o be_v write_v by_o samuel_n say_v the_o talmudist_n and_o it_o may_v be_v after_o one_o of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o some_o thing_n be_v here_o mention_v or_o refer_v to_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o there_o other_o say_v it_o be_v not_o compose_v till_o ezrâ—'s_n time_n by_o ezra_n the_o book_n of_o ruth_n be_v a_o appendix_n to_o that_o of_o the_o judge_n in_o who_o time_n the_o thing_n be_v do_v that_o be_v here_o relate_v particular_o a_o little_a before_o eli_n time_n they_o happen_v than_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o famine_n in_o canaan_n elimelech_n and_o his_o wife_n naomi_n and_o their_o son_n go_v into_o the_o land_n of_o moab_n and_o there_o these_o latter_a be_v marry_v one_o to_o ruth_n and_o the_o other_o to_o orphah_n after_o ten_o year_n be_v expire_v elimelech_n and_o his_o son_n die_v whereupon_o naomi_n and_o her_o daughter-in-law_n ruth_n for_o the_o other_o daughter_n stay_v behind_o return_v to_o their_o own_o country_n and_o come_v to_o bethlehem_n be_v kind_o receive_v by_o boaz_n their_o kinsman_n the_o particular_n of_o this_o kind_a reception_n and_o entertainment_n be_v set_v down_o here_o and_o the_o close_a be_v that_o he_o marry_v ruth_n who_o bear_v to_o he_o obed_n who_o be_v the_o grandfather_n of_o david_n it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v but_o a_o private_a history_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v such_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o many_o thing_n worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n viz._n the_o difference_n of_o child_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o regard_v to_o their_o parent_n orphah_n with_o great_a ease_n and_o willingness_n leave_v naomi_n but_o ruth_n cleave_v unto_o she_o the_o prudent_a instruction_n and_o wise_a demeanour_n of_o that_o excellent_a matron_n towards_o her_o daughter_n the_o young_a widow_n though_o i_o must_v needs_o add_v with_o reference_n to_o ruth_n behaviour_n that_o her_o boldness_n and_o almost_o endanger_v of_o her_o chastity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v example_n to_o other_o for_o modesty_n and_o shamefacedness_n be_v the_o proper_a quality_n of_o that_o sex_n wedlock_n be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o by_o they_o with_o such_o peril_n and_o therefore_o this_o dare_a fact_n of_o this_o venturous_a widow_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a instance_n and_o not_o to_o be_v imitate_v by_o other_o female_n here_o be_v remarkable_a the_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o afflict_a the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a the_o reward_n of_o constancy_n and_o obedience_n the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o trust_n in_o he_o beside_o here_o be_v observable_a the_o ancient_n right_o of_o kinsman_n and_o of_o redemption_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o buy_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o decease_a with_o other_o thing_n of_o great_a antiquity_n nay_o this_o be_v more_o than_o private_a history_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o pious_a woman_n ruth_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o obed_n the_o father_n of_o jesse_n the_o father_n of_o david_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o you_o find_v she_o insert_v into_o his_o genealogy_n by_o st._n matthew_n again_o ruth_n a_o moabitish_a woman_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o lot_n be_v a_o type_n or_o rather_o indeed_o a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o private_a concern_v but_o of_o the_o large_a extent_n imaginable_a the_o two_o book_n of_o samuel_n be_v public_a history_n the_o former_a whereof_o contain_v thing_n do_v under_o the_o two_o last_o judge_n eli_n and_o samuel_n and_o under_o the_o first_o king_n who_o be_v saul_n as_o also_o the_o act_n of_o david_n while_o he_o live_v under_o saul_n here_o be_v a_o narrative_a of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o judge_n into_o king_n of_o the_o republic_n or_o aristocracy_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o a_o monarchy_n and_o of_o the_o great_a and_o many_o evil_n which_o they_o suffer_v as_o consequent_a upon_o it_o all_o worthy_a of_o our_o serious_a perusal_n and_o consideration_n here_o be_v a_o account_n of_o their_o new_a king_n be_v be_v depose_v by_o god_n viz._n for_o his_o rash_a and_o profane_a sacrifice_v and_o his_o wilful_a disobey_v the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o total_a destruction_n of_o the_o amalekite_n and_o whatever_o belong_v to_o they_o the_o latter_a book_n â—s_v whole_o spend_v in_o the_o history_n of_o king_n david_n reign_n that_o be_v his_o act_n after_o saul_n death_n these_o â—re_n either_o his_o military_a act_n his_o troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a and_o sometime_o successful_a erterprise_n in_o war_n or_o his_o political_a act_n show_v in_o the_o wise_a administration_n of_o civil_a government_n or_o his_o ecclesiastical_a and_o religious_a undertake_n which_o respect_v 〈◊〉_d church_n of_o god_n in_o those_o day_n with_o these_o be_v mix_v the_o great_a fail_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o that_o king_n which_o be_v as_o particular_o record_v as_o his_o other_o act_n and_o as_o
a_o consequent_a of_o they_o the_o many_o disappointment_n and_o cross_n he_o meet_v with_o the_o various_a judgement_n and_o plague_n which_o be_v inflict_v on_o he_o and_o his_o people_n by_o god_n the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n be_v the_o history_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n under_o the_o reign_v of_o their_o several_a king_n the_o first_o contain_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o life_n of_o david_n and_o his_o death_n the_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n of_o that_o nation_n under_o solomon_n who_o succeed_v he_o his_o erect_n and_o consecrate_v of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n his_o scandalous_a defection_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o sudden_a decay_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n after_o his_o death_n when_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o kingdom_n under_o rehoboam_n who_o reign_v over_o the_o two_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n and_o under_o jeroboam_fw-la who_o be_v king_n over_o the_o other_o ten_o tribe_n that_o revolt_v from_o the_o house_n of_o david_n the_o rest_n of_o it_o be_v spend_v in_o relate_v the_o act_n of_o four_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o eight_o of_o israel_n the_o second_o book_n which_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o king_n be_v a_o relation_n of_o the_o memorable_a act_n of_o sixteen_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o twelve_o of_o israel_n and_o the_o end_n of_o both_o kingdom_n by_o the_o carry_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n captive_a into_o assyria_n by_o salmanasser_n and_o the_o other_o two_o into_o babylon_n by_o nabuchadnezzar_n the_o just_a reward_n of_o that_o people_n idolatry_n and_o impenitency_n after_o so_o many_o favour_n show_v to_o they_o this_o and_o the_o former_a book_n together_o comprehend_v the_o history_n of_o about_o four_o hundred_o year_n the_o chronicle_n or_o journals_n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v the_o fill_v up_o of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o history_n which_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o though_o we_o know_v not_o which_o of_o these_o history_n viz._n of_o the_o king_n or_o the_o chronicle_n i_o speak_v as_o to_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o book_n not_o one_o particular_a passage_n as_o that_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o chronicle_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o cyrus_n which_o may_v be_v add_v afterward_o be_v write_v first_o for_o the_o book_n of_o king_n refer_v to_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n and_o this_o again_o send_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o yet_o this_o we_o see_v that_o this_o of_o the_o chronicle_n be_v more_o full_a and_o ample_a sometime_o than_o that_o of_o the_o king_n what_o be_v leave_v out_o or_o not_o so_o full_o set_v down_o in_o the_o one_o be_v supply_v in_o the_o other_o and_o thence_o these_o book_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n remain_n supplement_n addition_n by_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n the_o first_o book_n of_o chronicle_n relate_v the_o rise_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o entire_a subject_n of_o the_o first_o nine_o chapter_n which_o consist_v whole_o of_o genealogy_n and_o then_o afterward_o most_o punctual_o and_o accurate_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o david_n the_o second_o book_n as_o faithful_o set_v down_o the_o progress_n and_o end_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n even_o to_o the_o year_n of_o their_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n these_o book_n of_o chronicle_n together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o king_n and_o samuel_n make_v up_o the_o best_a and_o choice_a history_n in_o the_o world_n here_o we_o be_v abundant_o furnish_v with_o such_o useful_a notice_n truth_n and_o maxim_n as_o these_o all_o confirm_v by_o note_a and_o illustrious_a example_n and_o such_o instance_n as_o be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a crown_a head_n be_v encircle_v with_o care_n and_o seldom_o find_v rest_n and_o repose_v though_o their_o life_n be_v more_o splendid_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o less_o calamitous_a than_o those_o of_o the_o common_a people_n good_a king_n be_v rare_a and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bad._n the_o best_a king_n have_v their_o fault_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o a_o very_a scandalous_a nature_n there_o be_v little_a piety_n in_o prince_n court_n and_o as_o little_a integrity_n and_o honesty_n the_o people_n be_v easy_o induce_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o governor_n and_o religion_n and_o manner_n too_o often_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o superior_n good_a king_n be_v the_o great_a blessing_n and_o wicked_a one_o be_v the_o great_a curse_n to_o a_o nation_n prince_n mistake_v their_o measure_n when_o they_o either_o disobey_v god_n or_o oppress_v their_o people_n tyrannical_a prince_n procure_v their_o own_o ruin_n the_o sin_n and_o vice_n of_o ruler_n prove_v fatal_a to_o their_o subject_n public_a enormity_n be_v punish_v with_o public_a and_o national_a calamity_n king_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o minister_n they_o choose_v and_o make_v use_n of_o those_o counsel_n that_o be_v found_v in_o religion_n be_v most_o successful_a evil_a counselor_n contrive_v their_o own_o destruction_n war_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o fight_v against_o god_n the_o success_n of_o arm_n depend_v upon_o the_o divine_a blessing_n the_o church_n be_v never_o more_o shock_a then_o under_o bad_a prince_n religion_n and_o reformation_n be_v never_o effectual_o promote_v unless_o the_o great_a one_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o they_o division_n and_o rent_n about_o religion_n have_v immediate_a influence_n on_o secular_a affair_n and_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v the_o state_n be_v so_o too_o the_o revolution_n in_o both_o be_v by_o the_o particular_a disposal_n of_o the_o wise_a over-ruler_n of_o the_o world_n true_a religion_n and_o godliness_n be_v attend_v with_o earthly_a reward_n and_o blessing_n and_o the_o contrary_n bring_v down_o the_o great_a plague_n even_o in_o this_o world_n the_o worst_a time_n afford_v some_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o holy_a religious_a and_o zealous_a men._n whatever_o change_n and_o revolution_n happen_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o church_n of_o god_n remain_v secure_a though_o there_o be_v great_a and_o frequent_a defection_n yet_o there_o never_o be_v a_o total_a extinction_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n the_o church_n be_v impregnable_a this_o rock_n be_v immovable_a and_o many_o other_o proposition_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v of_o great_a service_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o these_o excellent_a history_n ezra_n be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n of_o chronicle_n and_o comprise_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o time_n that_o cyrus_n make_v the_o edict_n for_o their_o return_n until_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n longimanus_fw-la which_o be_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n for_o the_o jew_n return_v from_o babylon_n be_v at_o two_o several_a time_n viz._n first_o in_o the_o day_n of_o cyrus_n the_o first_o perâ—â—an_n monarch_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o zerubbabel_n their_o captain_n and_o jeshua_n their_o high_a priest_n here_o be_v record_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o return_v cyrus_n proclamation_n for_o the_o rebuild_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o lay_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o the_o retard_v of_o the_o work_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o two_o of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n at_o last_o the_o finish_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o darius_n reign_n the_o second_o return_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o artaxerxes_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o ezra_n a_o priest_n who_o have_v be_v a_o courtier_n in_o the_o persian_a court_n and_o be_v send_v into_o judea_n by_o artaxerxes_n in_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n which_o be_v above_o eighty_o year_n after_o the_o first_o return_n in_o cyrus_n time_n to_o expedite_v the_o building_n of_o jerusalem_n this_o pious_a reformer_n observe_v the_o people_n 〈◊〉_d with_o stranger_n and_o infidel_n and_o their_o join_a themselves_o to_o they_o in_o marriage_n proclaim_v a_o solemn_a fast_o and_o pray_v and_o mourn_v and_o lament_v their_o gross_a miscarriage_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n and_o zeal_n exhort_v they_o to_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o way_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o avert_v god_n wrath_n and_o conciliate_v his_o favour_n and_o pardon_n this_o be_v that_o ezra_n who_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n and_o who_o be_v also_o a_o restorer_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o collect_v and_o methodise_v they_o into_o certain_a order_n and_o review_v the_o copy_n and_o amend_v all_o errata_n that_o be_v contract_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n nehemiah_n who_o
reasonable_o think_v that_o st._n paul_n though_o he_o be_v a_o hebrew_n by_o parentage_n be_v well_o skilled_a iâ—_n greek_a it_o be_v his_o native_a tongue_n therefore_o a_o 6._o modern_a critic_n of_o great_a acuteness_n have_v well_o observe_v that_o the_o greek_a tongue_n be_v as_o familiar_a to_o he_o as_o hebrew_n or_o syriac_a shall_v any_o rational_a maâ—_n then_o think_v that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o speak_v proper_o and_o grammatical_o nay_o shall_v we_o not_o conclude_v from_o his_o admirable_a write_n that_o he_o know_v how_o to_o plaâ—e_v his_o word_n and_o to_o speak_v with_o a_o good_a grace_n st._n jerom_n who_o particular_o take_v notice_n that_o st_n pawles_n write_n be_v full_a of_o parenthesis_n transition_n digression_n concise_a and_o abrupt_a say_n yet_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o astonish_a peaker_n and_o â—ov_fw-mi thunder_v as_o often_o as_o he_o speak_v yea_o tho_o on_o the_o 3d_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n he_o hint_n that_o st._n paul_n write_n be_v destitute_a of_o rhetoric_n yet_o at_o pammach_n another_o time_n to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o he_o say_v not_o this_o absolute_o he_o own_v he_o to_o be_v flumen_fw-la eloquentiae_fw-la a_o flood_n or_o rather_o a_o torrent_n of_o true_a eloquence_n eusebius_n who_o be_v a_o good_a judge_n of_o eloquence_n pronounce_v st._n paul_n a_o 18._o most_o powerful_a spokesman_n and_o one_o that_o be_v admirable_o skilled_a in_o the_o whole_a parade_n and_o furniture_n of_o word_n and_o can_v do_v more_o this_o way_n than_o the_o most_o celebrate_a orator_n among_o the_o pagan_n so_o that_o man_n luther_n be_v in_o the_o right_a when_o he_o say_v one_o of_o st._n paul_n '_o s_z word_n contain_v well_o three_o of_o tully_n '_o s_z oration_n in_o fine_a no_o tongue_n can_v express_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o profound_a write_n which_o not_o only_o comprise_v in_o they_o all_o the_o depth_n and_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n and_o astonish_v we_o with_o their_o high_a and_o heavenly_a matter_n but_o moreover_o do_v furnish_v we_o with_o many_o elegancy_n and_o embellishment_n of_o oratory_n with_o many_o florid_n and_o well_o compose_v period_n and_o abound_v every_o where_o with_o a_o most_o win_v eloquence_n with_o the_o charm_n of_o a_o most_o melt_a and_o affectionate_a rhetoric_n insomuch_o that_o in_o some_o of_o his_o epistle_n his_o warm_a blood_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o ink_n he_o write_v with_o and_o every_o leaf_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a membrane_n of_o his_o heart_n beside_o st._n paul_n epistle_n which_o be_v fourteen_o in_o all_o there_o be_v seven_o other_o viz._n one_o of_o st._n james_n two_o of_o st._n peter_n three_o of_o st._n john_n and_o one_o of_o st._n jude_n all_o which_o except_o the_o two_o latter_a of_o st._n john_n be_v call_v catholic_n or_o general_a epistle_n because_o they_o be_v not_o direct_v to_o particular_a church_n in_o one_o place_n but_o to_o the_o disperse_a convert_v through_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n st._n james_n epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o christian_a jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o other_o region_n beside_o judea_n who_o consist_v partly_o of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n carry_v captive_a by_o salmanassar_n king_n of_o assyria_n who_o never_o that_o we_o read_v of_o return_v again_o and_o partly_o of_o the_o two_o tribe_n many_o of_o which_o still_o remain_v in_o exile_n wherefore_o st._n james_n send_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n scatter_v abroad_o the_o two_o main_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v first_o concern_v the_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n which_o be_v to_o be_v undergo_v for_o christ_n sake_n where_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o patience_n under_o those_o great_a trial_n second_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n where_o he_o show_v they_o that_o justify_v faith_n must_v â—e_v know_v and_o manifest_v by_o good_a work_n beside_o many_o excellent_a caveat_n and_o admonition_n be_v intermingle_v touch_v riches_n covetousness_n hear_v the_o word_n swear_v unruliness_n of_o the_o tongue_n envy_n wrath_n pride_n rash_n judge_v of_o other_o self-confidence_n forgetfulness_n of_o god_n sovereignty_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o very_a great_a use_n in_o the_o live_v of_o christian_n especial_o of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n wherefore_o this_o epistle_n be_v chief_o calculate_v for_o such_o st._n peter_n also_o who_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n write_v to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n such_o as_o be_v scatter_v throughout_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n i._n e._n the_o lesser_a and_o bythinia_n five_o province_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n those_o that_o voluntary_o live_v among_o the_o gentile_n ever_o since_o the_o great_a dispersion_n and_o be_v now_o become_v christian_n and_o fare_v the_o worse_a among_o the_o heathen_n and_o obstinate_a jew_n for_o be_v so_o and_o perhaps_o here_o may_v be_v mean_v those_o likewise_o that_o by_o persecution_n be_v drive_v from_o their_o home_n in_o judea_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v stranger_n 1_o epist_n ch_n 1._o v._n 1._o to_o these_o distress_a jew_n or_o of_o what_o kind_n soever_o they_o be_v for_o 89._o st._n augustine_n and_o ribera_n some_o other_o think_v the_o convert_v gentile_n in_o several_a country_n be_v not_o here_o exclude_v he_o write_v his_o first_o epistle_n to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v they_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o they_o have_v hitherto_o make_v and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o great_a proficiency_n in_o it_o and_o to_o comfort_v they_o in_o their_o persecution_n against_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o last_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o duty_n many_o of_o which_o as_o mutual_a love_n patience_z watchfulness_n perseverance_n obedience_n to_o magistrate_n with_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o servant_n to_o their_o master_n of_o husband_n and_o wife_n towards_o one_o another_o of_o spiritual_a pastor_n towards_o their_o flock_n he_o most_o excellent_o though_o brief_o describe_v his_o second_o epistle_n for_o it_o be_v undoubted_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o though_o hugo_n grotius_n or_o he_o that_o publish_v those_o posthumous_n annotation_n labour_n to_o offer_v argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o be_v enervate_v by_o dr._n hammond_n in_o his_o note_n on_o this_o epistle_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o first_o exhort_v the_o believe_a jew_n to_o a_o life_n worthy_a of_o christian_n to_o add_v one_o virtue_n to_o another_o and_o to_o increase_v in_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n he_o assert_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o show_v the_o danger_n of_o backstide_v he_o warn_v they_o against_o heretical_a teacher_n and_o profane_a scoffer_n that_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n of_o who_o he_o give_v a_o very_a lively_a character_n in_o several_a remarkable_a particular_n he_o vouch_v the_o certainty_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n and_o the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thence_o infer_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o that_o last_o catastrophe_n by_o a_o blameless_a life_n and_o conversation_n all_o which_o be_v express_v in_o most_o apt_a and_o choice_a word_n and_o with_o that_o concernedness_n and_o zeal_n which_o become_v so_o eminent_a a_o apostle_n the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n which_o be_v call_v catholic_n or_o general_n as_o be_v write_v to_o all_o the_o christian_a jew_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v be_v partly_o direct_v against_o seducer_n and_o impostor_n who_o he_o call_v antichrist_n rise_v up_o in_o those_o day_n who_o subvert_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n but_o more_o especial_o the_o deity_n and_o humanity_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o simonian_o gnostic_n carpocratian_o cerinthian_o ebioniâ—es_n and_o other_o mention_v by_o panario_n epiphanius_n and_o haeresib_n austin_n whence_o he_o advise_v the_o christian_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o not_o to_o be_v too_o credulous_a and_o hasty_a in_o embrace_v every_o doctrine_n that_o be_v offer_v they_o he_o have_v observable_a notice_n concern_v the_o grand_a privilege_n of_o adoption_n concern_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n but_o the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v to_o urge_v a_o godly_a and_o righteous_a life_n to_o convince_v those_o who_o be_v call_v by_o christ_n name_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o walk_a answerable_o to_o it_o indeed_o this_o apostle_n be_v force_v as_o st._n james_n before_o be_v to_o write_v on_o this_o subject_n to_o press_v good_a work_n and_o outward_a righteousness_n because_o some_o in_o those_o day_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o licentiousness_n make_v faith_n exclude_v all_o external_n
the_o same_o spring_n they_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o that_o eminent_a â—â—dge_n of_o israel_n gideon_n for_o jerombaal_n who_o be_v the_o â—ame_n with_o jerubbaal_n as_o bochart_n have_v prove_v be_v giâ—on_n as_o be_v express_o say_v in_o the_o seven_o of_o judg._n v._o i._n this_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a renown_n and_o the_o fame_n of_o his_o noble_a act_n have_v reach_v to_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o he_o may_v pass_v with_o they_o for_o a_o priest_n as_o well_o as_o a_o great_a warrior_n see_v he_o build_v a_o altar_n â—â—to_fw-mi god_n and_o offer_v a_o burnt-sacrifice_n upon_o it_o and_o â—t_z the_o same_o time_n threâ—_n down_o the_o altar_n of_o baal_n and_o â—_o down_o his_o grove_n judg._n 6._o 25_o 26._o which_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n you_o may_v be_v sure_a among_o the_o heathen_n again_o from_o iephthah_n daughter_n being_n sacrifiâ—â—â—_n which_o can_v not_o but_o be_v fame_v among_o the_o neighbour_a gentile_n and_o afterward_o spread_v itself_o â—â—â—ther_o the_o greek_a poet_n make_v the_o story_n of_o iphiâ—â—â—â—a's_n be_v sacrifice_v by_o her_o father_n agamemnon_n that_o this_o be_v take_v from_o that_o and_o be_v the_o same_o story_n only_o with_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o name_n be_v â—â—â—ar_o from_o this_o follow_a parallel_n 1._o the_o chronoâ—â—â—â—_n of_o jephthah_n and_o agamemnon_n be_v the_o same_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n i._n e._n when_o the_o trojan_a wâ—_n be_v or_o at_o least_o when_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v bâ—â—â—_n for_o dion_n chrysostom_n and_o some_o other_o be_v bold_a 〈◊〉_d say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o trojan_a war_n no_o sack_n and_o burn_v of_o that_o city_n no_o rape_n of_o a_o greâ—â—_n woman_n but_o the_o whole_a tale_n of_o it_o be_v the_o mâ—â—_n invention_n of_o the_o greek_n the_o prime_a fiction_n they_o 〈◊〉_d up_o with_o it_o be_v all_o from_o the_o scripture_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d history_n of_o iephthah_n war_a with_o the_o ammonite_n and_o ephraimite_n but_o this_o be_v too_o high_a a_o flight_n 〈◊〉_d i_o be_o not_o ready_a to_o follow_v it_o the_o war_n of_o tâ—â—â—_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o poet_n be_v too_o 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v make_v out_o of_o so_o little_a a_o story_n notwithstanding_o this_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o the_o story_n 〈◊〉_d agamemnon_n and_o his_o daughter_n be_v the_o same_o relation_n with_o that_o of_o jephthah_n and_o he_o it_o be_v the_o general_a agreement_n of_o chronologer_n that_o these_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n yea_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o trojan_a war_n fall_v exact_o in_o the_o very_a entrance_n oâ—_n iephthah_n government_n say_v a_o late_a noâ—_n writâ—â—_n hence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o mistake_v one_o for_o the_o other_o oâ—_n rather_o one_o give_v occasion_n for_o invent_v the_o other_o 2._o jephthah_n and_o agamemnon_n be_v both_o of_o they_o represent_v to_o be_v great_a captain_n and_o warrior_n and_o so_o agree_v in_o that_o common_a character_n 3._o thâ—â—â—_n daughter_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o only_a daughter_n of_o their_o parent_n 4._o they_o be_v both_o virgin_n 5._o they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o devote_v by_o their_o father_n wheâ—_n they_o be_v warring_n against_o their_o enemy_n 6._o one_o be_v say_v to_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o the_o mountain_n with_o hâ—r_a companion_n the_o other_o be_v feign_v to_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o hind_n by_o diana_n and_o to_o range_v in_o the_o wooâ—s_n and_o mountain_n or_o some_o say_v diana_n pity_v tâ—â—â—_n virgin_n and_o not_o suffer_v she_o to_o be_v sacrifice_v send_v she_o away_o to_o be_v a_o priestess_n of_o she_o this_o be_v poetic_a fiction_n but_o the_o main_a agreement_n here_o be_v in_o the_o reprieve_n grant_v after_o their_o be_v destine_v to_o sacrifice_n seven_o and_o last_o iphigenia_n the_o name_n of_o agamemnon_n daughter_n be_v no_o other_o than_o iphthigenia_n i._n e._n jephthigenia_n or_o in_o plain_a english_a iephthab_n daughter_n so_o that_o the_o very_a name_n hint_v to_o we_o that_o the_o bring_n of_o iphigâ—nia_n daughter_n of_o agamemnon_n a_o king_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o general_n of_o their_o army_n unto_o the_o altar_n to_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o the_o save_n of_o the_o grecian_a fleet_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o sacred_a story_n of_o jephthah_n a_o judge_n or_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o captain_n general_n of_o their_o force_n his_o sacrifice_v his_o daughter_n in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o solemn_a vow_n which_o he_o make_v upon_o his_o return_n after_o his_o conquest_n over_o his_o enemy_n and_o this_o in_o the_o close_o may_v be_v add_v that_o whereas_o humane_a slaughter_v be_v grow_v commendable_a and_o fashionable_a even_o among_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o heathen_n by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v imitation_n of_o this_o great_a and_o notable_a example_n of_o jephthah_n from_o sampson_n be_v shave_v be_v the_o fable_n 〈◊〉_d the_o fatal_a hair_n of_o nisus_n king_n of_o the_o megarâ—nses_n which_o be_v cut_v oâ—_n by_o a_o desperate_a lover_n ruin_n befall_v that_o nisus_n the_o story_n in_o brief_a be_v thus_o nisus_n who_o all_o agree_n reign_v about_o the_o same_o time_n that_o samson_n be_v judge_n of_o israel_n have_v a_o exâ—â—llent_a head_n of_o hair_n 8._o cui_fw-la splendidus_fw-la ostâ—o_fw-la crinis_n inâ—â—reâ—at_fw-la magni_fw-la siducia_fw-la regis_fw-la concern_v which_o it_o be_v tell_v he_o that_o as_o long_o as_o he_o wear_v that_o and_o keep_v it_o entire_a he_o shall_v prâ—â—sper_v and_o be_v victorious_a and_o none_o shall_v be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o expel_v he_o out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o his_o 〈◊〉_d happy_a daughter_n scylla_n fall_v in_o love_n with_o 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v then_o his_o actual_a enemy_n and_o war_v against_o he_o she_o to_o procure_v minos_n love_n take_v 〈◊〉_d course_n the_o poet_n speak_v of_o there_o fatali_fw-la nata_fw-la parentem_fw-la crine_fw-la suum_fw-la spoliat_fw-la she_o cut_v off_o her_o father_n hair_n when_o he_o be_v asleep_a and_o give_v it_o to_o minos_n who_o overcome_v her_o father_n and_o take_v his_o kingdom_n from_o he_o the_o very_a mention_v of_o this_o story_n be_v sufficient_a to_o let_v you_o 〈◊〉_d how_o it_o agree_v with_o that_o of_o samson_n only_o there_o be_v a_o wife_n and_o here_o a_o daughter_n in_o the_o caâ—e_n which_o be_v a_o mistake_v not_o unusual_a among_o the_o poet_n samson_n vex_a and_o injure_v by_o the_o philistine_n tiâ—_n fox_n of_o which_o that_o country_n afford_v store_n 〈◊〉_d the_o tail_n with_o firebrand_n between_o they_o judg._n 15._o 4._o and_o send_v they_o among_o their_o corn_n and_o thereby_o burn_v it_o down_o whence_o seem_v to_o be_v frame_v the_o fable_n of_o the_o carseolan_n fox_n which_o ovid_n speak_v of_o in_o his_o fasti_fw-la book_n 4._o in_o praetus_n send_v letter_n by_o bellephoron_n to_o iâ—batas_n in_o which_o bellephoron_n death_n be_v design_v and_o contrive_v of_o which_o iliad_a homer_n and_o othery_a speak_v there_o be_v perhaps_o to_o be_v see_v the_o footstep_n of_o the_o story_n of_o vriah_n carry_v the_o letter_n of_o 〈◊〉_d death_n to_o jodb_v 2_o sam._n 11._o 14._o there_o be_v but_o little_a difference_n between_o jobatas_fw-la and_o joab_n it_o be_v fame_v that_o elias_n go_v up_o to_o heaven_n iâ—_n a_o fiery_a chariot_n with_o horse_n according_a to_o what_o 〈◊〉_d read_v in_o the_o 11._o sacred_a story_n whence_o the_o greek_n mistake_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o septuagint_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o sun_n and_o its_o course_n through_o the_o heaven_n those_o fiery_a horse_n and_o chariot_n they_o understand_v of_o those_o of_o the_o sun_n and_o according_o they_o fancy_v there_o be_v real_o such_o thing_n and_o their_o poet_n frequent_o talk_v of_o they_o elia._n st._n chrysostom_n be_v the_o first_o mention_v this_o and_o afterward_o 28._o venerable_a bede_n but_o let_v the_o curious_a inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o it_o from_o that_o prophet_n flame_v vehicle_n in_o which_o he_o be_v rapt_v up_o to_o heaven_n with_o pagan_a poet_n let_v we_o all_o along_o mix_v their_o historian_n and_o from_o they_o we_o shall_v be_v satiâ—ied_v that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n in_o be_v and_o such_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v of_o king_n solomon_n and_o king_n hiram_n letter_n to_o one_o another_o of_o who_o correspondence_n you_o read_v in_o â—_o king_n 5._o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o tyrian_a annal_n and_o at_o this_o day_n say_v 1._o josephus_n and_o man_n may_v have_v the_o sight_n of_o they_o from_o the_o keeper_n of_o those_o public_a write_n he_o set_v down_o the_o word_n of_o menander_n who_o translate_v those_o chronicle_n out_o of_o the_o phaenician_a into_o the_o greek_a
if_o these_o have_v be_v prophecy_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n they_o will_v have_v be_v communicate_v by_o god_n to_o his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v his_o oracle_n rather_o than_o to_o common_a pagan_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o be_v too_o choice_a secret_n to_o be_v râ—â—ealed_v to_o they_o wherefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old-testament_n which_o be_v spread_v abroad_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o sibylls_n only_a recite_v those_o prophecy_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n be_v you_o to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v prophecy_n of_o their_o own_o it_o be_v true_a the_o pagan_n hear_v of_o these_o prediction_n and_o not_o know_v the_o rise_n of_o they_o attribute_v they_o to_o their_o prophetess_n the_o sibylls_n and_o so_o they_o pass_v for_o the_o sibylls_n oracle_n as_o if_o those_o woman_n make_v and_o indict_v they_o of_o their_o own_o head_n but_o they_o be_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o not_o of_o any_o person_n among_o the_o pagan_n the_o sibylls_n be_v not_o the_o original_a author_n of_o they_o but_o they_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o sibylls_n write_n and_o by_o this_o we_o be_v rid_v of_o all_o the_o hard_a consequence_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o foregoing_a assertion_n we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o have_v these_o thing_n by_o divine_a aâ—â—lation_n or_o by_o the_o help_n of_o some_o evil_a daemon_n we_o need_v not_o dispute_v whether_o they_o can_v be_v endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o yet_o be_v pagan_n in_o their_o persuasion_n and_o vicious_a in_o their_o life_n or_o whither_o if_o they_o be_v act_v by_o a_o diabolick_a spirit_n they_o can_v foretell_v thing_n of_o this_o sacred_a nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o maintain_v either_o of_o these_o because_o we_o can_v solve_v the_o matter_n before_o we_o without_o suppose_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n viz._n by_o hold_v that_o these_o sibylls_n as_o many_o other_o before_o they_o take_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o dress_v they_o up_o after_o their_o own_o fashion_n all_o thing_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o this_o opinion_n and_o we_o be_v press_v with_o no_o absurdity_n insomuch_o that_o i_o have_v wonder_v sometime_o that_o this_o have_v not_o be_v think_v of_o by_o the_o inquisitive_a this_o be_v yet_o a_o far_a evidence_n of_o what_o i_o so_o large_o pursue_v before_o that_o the_o gentile_n insert_v into_o their_o write_n several_a particularâ—_n of_o the_o old-testament_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o evangelical_n write_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o offer_v second_o then_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o sibylls_n oracle_n and_o verse_n as_o they_o be_v a_o signal_n attestation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new-testament_n behold_v here_o the_o main_a thing_n relate_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n plain_o speak_v of_o by_o these_o pagan_n who_o witness_n in_o this_o case_n be_v very_o considerable_a they_o declare_v in_o these_o write_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a change_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o a_o new_a governor_n or_o king_n shall_v arise_v and_o be_v very_o eminent_a cicâ—ro_n frequent_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o the_o sibylls_n and_o the_o roman_a senate_n be_v mighty_o alarm_v with_o it_o and_o be_v afraid_a their_o commonwealth_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o monarchy_n yea_o lentulus_n begin_v to_o take_v heart_n from_o this_o prophecy_n if_o you_o will_v believe_v tully_n and_o sallust_n and_o fancy_v he_o be_v the_o king_n the_o sibylls_n speak_v of_o and_o other_o afterward_o imagine_v that_o julius_n caesar_n or_o augustus_n or_o as_o some_o thought_n vespasian_n or_o titus_n be_v intend_v whereas_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v that_o the_o sibylls_n have_v only_o divulge_v in_o their_o verse_n the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v find_v by_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v know_v at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o world_n if_o we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o allege_v but_o this_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o sibylls_n write_n they_o tell_v we_o in_o their_o mystic_a verse_n that_o a_o little_a child_n shall_v throw_v down_o idolatry_n with_o his_o hand_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o delphic_a daemon_n this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o blessed_a babe_n jesus_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o transcribe_v particular_a passage_n in_o these_o write_n as_o concern_v christ_n miracle_n 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v only_o a_o paraphrase_n on_o that_o prophecy_n concern_v our_o bless_a lord_n in_o isai._n 35._o 5_o 6._o and_o many_o other_o text_n in_o the_o same_o prophet_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o miraculous_a act_n which_o he_o be_v to_o exert_v here_o upon_o earth_n so_o what_o be_v say_v of_o his_o suffering_n 18._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v borrow_v from_o that_o prediction_n in_o isai._n 5â—_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o description_n of_o the_o messias_n suffering_n and_o that_o passage_n reâ—â—ting_v to_o the_o resurrection_n and_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v found_v on_o some_o peculiar_a text_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o messias_n last_o advent_n and_o glorious_a reign_n certain_o it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n that_o these_o person_n attest_v these_o thing_n the_o very_a same_o which_o be_v predict_v in_o the_o old-testament_n and_o which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n this_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o refute_v the_o objection_n and_o cavil_n of_o the_o most_o profess_a adversary_n of_o christianity_n according_o the_o ancient_a christian_n especial_o the_o father_n make_v use_v of_o these_o heathen_a write_n against_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o beat_v they_o with_o their_o own_o weapon_n peruse_v athenagoras_n and_o theophilus_n of_o antioch_n and_o you_o will_v â—ind_v these_o woman_n verse_n high_o commend_v by_o they_o peruse_v alibi_fw-la justin_n and_o 6._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o you_o will_v see_v that_o they_o frequent_o quote_v those_o write_n and_o rely_v on_o they_o in_o their_o dispute_n against_o the_o pagan_n for_o christianity_n so_o do_v tertullian_n so_o do_v origen_n argue_v out_o of_o these_o pagan_a book_n for_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v espouse_v in_o imitation_n of_o these_o learned_a father_n constantine_n the_o great_a in_o 18._o one_o of_o his_o oration_n speak_v very_o reverent_o of_o the_o sibylls_n prediction_n and_o vindicate_v they_o as_o no_o contemptible_a proof_n of_o christianity_n 18._o lactantius_n and_o arnobius_n allege_v they_o to_o prove_v the_o same_o st._n augustin_n quote_v the_o acrostic_n of_o sibylla_n erythraea_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o latin_n thus_o the_o father_n use_v to_o convince_v the_o gentile_n out_o of_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n and_o the_o old_a christian_n constant_o read_v these_o write_n and_o appeal_v to_o they_o in_o their_o discourse_n with_o the_o heathen_n from_o which_o practice_n of_o they_o the_o gentile_n as_o 13._o origen_n testify_v style_v the_o christian_n sibyllist_n yea_o the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v so_o addict_v to_o the_o read_v these_o book_n of_o the_o sibylls_n that_o they_o be_v strict_o 5._o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o future_a upon_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o gentil_n we_o be_v tell_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o emperor_n prohibit_v the_o read_n of_o these_o book_n namely_o because_o they_o thence_o fetch_v many_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o their_o cause_n these_o write_n of_o heathen_a woman_n be_v in_o those_o day_n reckon_v to_o be_v a_o notable_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v no_o forgery_n for_o the_o ancient_a and_o learnede_a father_n as_o well_o as_o other_o christian_a brethren_n will_v not_o have_v quote_v they_o to_o confirm_v the_o christian_a religion_n if_o they_o have_v be_v such_o but_o we_o see_v they_o do_v frequent_o allege_v they_o to_o that_o end_n and_o especial_o in_o their_o dispute_n with_o the_o gentile_n as_o they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o poet_n for_o attest_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old-testament_n as_o have_v be_v show_v you_o so_o they_o cite_v these_o gentile_a
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 evangelical_n history_n and_o the_o passage_n that_o occur_v there_o but_o suppose_v after_o all_o that_o these_o epistle_n be_v not_o real_o write_v by_o christ_n and_o by_o abgarus_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o they_o be_v no_o mean_a testimony_n for_o we_o if_o we_o shall_v only_o grant_v that_o eusebiusâ—ound_v â—ound_z they_o among_o the_o record_n of_o edessa_n this_o be_v â—ery_o considerable_a though_o i_o think_v there_o be_v good_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o mighty_o concern_v whether_o these_o write_n be_v real_a or_o feign_a that_o be_v whether_o abgarus_n do_v send_v such_o a_o letter_n to_o christ_n and_o whether_o our_o saâ—â—our_n return_v a_o answer_n to_o it_o this_o be_v sufficient_a that_o eusebius_n who_o translate_v they_o out_o of_o syriackâ—nto_n â—nto_z greek_n be_v welâ—_n satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v such_o record_n at_o that_o time_n in_o edessa_n whether_o they_o be_v spurious_a or_o not_o be_v not_o so_o 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
it_o shall_v be_v believe_v as_o a_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o be_v think_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o solid_a proof_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o scripture_n this_o than_o we_o assert_v that_o these_o write_n be_v plain_a and_o perfect_a as_o to_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o according_o be_v able_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o controversy_n which_o relate_v to_o salvation_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o end_v they_o with_o this_o rule_n they_o will_v never_o do_v it_o with_o any_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a perfection_n of_o scripture_n that_o in_o it_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n as_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o necessary_a tendency_n to_o our_o happiness_n and_o consequent_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a thing_n to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v by_o we_o be_v plain_o reveal_v the_o new_a testament_n particular_o be_v the_o last_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o counsel_n and_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v add_v to_o it_o or_o take_v from_o it_o which_o make_v it_o a_o perfect_a standard_n of_o belief_n and_o a_o complete_a rule_n of_o our_o life_n in_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o short_a and_o defective_a nothing_o superfluous_a and_o redundant_fw-la here_o be_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o all_o the_o measure_n of_o holy_a live_n so_o that_o whilst_o we_o proceed_v according_a to_o this_o perfect_a canon_n we_o be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v and_o of_o the_o rectitude_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o we_o act_n on_o this_o sole_a account_n the_o holy_a writ_n excel_v all_o write_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o 3._o we_o be_v to_o adjoin_v this_o that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o light_n to_o our_o understand_n and_o a_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n so_o it_o be_v the_o grand_a procurer_n of_o our_o comfort_n joy_n and_o tranquillity_n alas_o they_o be_v cold_a topic_n of_o consolation_n which_o the_o write_n of_o the_o best_a moralist_n afford_v we_o when_o our_o outward_a distress_n and_o misery_n much_o more_o when_o our_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a malady_n increase_v upon_o we_o epictetus_n and_o seneca_n with_o all_o their_o spangle_a saying_n be_v too_o mean_a physician_n to_o take_v we_o in_o hand_n the_o great_a cicero_n when_o in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o life_n he_o be_v reduce_v to_o marvellous_a difficulty_n declare_v that_o his_o learning_n and_o his_o book_n afford_v he_o not_o any_o considerable_a argument_n of_o comfort_n that_o the_o disease_n of_o his_o mind_n which_o he_o lay_v under_o be_v 10._o too_o great_a and_o too_o strong_a to_o be_v cure_v by_o those_o ordinary_a medicine_n which_o philosophy_n administer_v to_o he_o there_o must_v be_v some_o great_a traumatick_a some_o more_o powerful_a application_n to_o these_o wound_n to_o work_v a_o perfect_a cure_n and_o this_o divine_a book_n be_v able_a to_o furnish_v we_o with_o it_o this_o alone_a can_v remove_v our_o pain_n and_o languor_n and_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o entire_a health_n 50._o this_o faith_n the_o psalmist_n be_v my_o comfort_n in_o my_o affliction_n thy_o word_n have_v quicken_v i_o and_o again_o 92._o unless_o thy_o law_n have_v be_v my_o delight_n i_o shall_v then_o have_v perish_v in_o my_o affliction_n it_o be_v this_o which_o uphold_v and_o cheer_v he_o in_o his_o great_a strait_o and_o yield_v he_o light_a and_o joy_n when_o all_o thing_n about_o he_o look_v black_a and_o dismal_a if_o but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v this_o bless_a effect_n how_o powerful_a and_o successful_a will_v all_o of_o it_o prove_v if_o we_o due_o consult_v it_o serious_o meditate_v upon_o it_o and_o give_v it_o admittance_n into_o our_o heart_n if_o the_o apostle_n can_v say_v 4._o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v asore_a time_n in_o this_o book_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n how_o much_o great_a hope_n must_v needs_o be_v administer_v to_o we_o in_o all_o condition_n of_o life_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n when_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n not_o only_o of_o the_o old_a but_o new_a testament_n to_o repair_v unto_o this_o latter_a especial_o will_v be_v a_o never-falling_a spring_n of_o contentment_n and_o joy_n to_o we_o in_o these_o book_n we_o have_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a landscape_n and_o view_n of_o the_o world_n here_o be_v unmask_v and_o lay_v open_a the_o vanity_n of_o it_o here_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o many_o of_o the_o gay_a thing_n which_o it_o present_v we_o with_o and_o which_o fond_a mind_n so_o dote_v upon_o be_v but_o empty_a bubble_n deceitful_a phantom_n and_o apparition_n mere_a conceit_n and_o castle_n in_o the_o air._n here_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o a_o prosperous_a state_n be_v not_o real_o good_a that_o a_o overplus_n of_o riches_n and_o worldly_a abundance_n do_v frequent_o prove_v a_o clog_n to_o virtuous_a mind_n and_o that_o excess_n of_o pleasure_n be_v too_o fulsome_a and_o luscious_a and_o take_v away_o that_o pure_a relish_n of_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a delight_n yea_o that_o man_n general_o find_v a_o worse_a effect_n of_o they_o for_o when_o they_o be_v gorge_v and_o clog_v with_o they_o they_o revolt_v from_o god_n when_o they_o be_v wax_v fat_a they_o kick_v against_o heaven_n so_o their_o worldly_a plenty_n be_v turn_v into_o the_o worst_a of_o punishment_n and_o this_o plethory_n be_v their_o disease_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o be_v teach_v in_o these_o write_n that_o cross_n and_o affliction_n be_v not_o evil_a in_o themselves_o yea_o that_o they_o be_v good_a and_o medicinal_a and_o advance_v our_o spiritual_a health_n that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o our_o happiness_n that_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o for_o otherwise_o the_o afflict_a will_v not_o be_v so_o often_o pronounce_v 12._o bless_v that_o god_n afflict_v a_o man_n be_v 17._o magnify_v of_o he_o and_o set_v his_o heart_n upon_o he_o it_o show_v that_o god_n be_v great_o concern_v for_o his_o good_a and_o that_o the_o almighty_a have_v more_o care_n of_o he_o than_o he_o have_v of_o himself_o here_o we_o be_v instruct_v that_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o suspect_v our_o condition_n if_o we_o be_v whole_o exempt_v from_o the_o distress_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o not_o to_o be_v chastise_v be_v a_o mark_n of_o bastardy_n here_o we_o learn_v the_o true_a use_n and_o end_n of_o all_o those_o adverse_a dispensation_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v design_v to_o try_v we_o to_o make_v we_o know_v ourselves_o and_o to_o inform_v we_o how_o evil_a and_o bitter_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o offend_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o awaken_v we_o out_o of_o our_o sloth_n and_o security_n to_o hold_v we_o in_o action_n to_o keep_v we_o in_o breath_n and_o exercise_n as_o carthage_n be_v useful_a to_o rouse_v rome_n valour_n to_o abate_v our_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n and_o make_v we_o humble_a and_o submissive_a creature_n to_o check_v our_o immoderate_a passion_n and_o pursuit_n after_o earthly_a thing_n to_o disentangle_v we_o from_o these_o snare_n to_o free_v we_o from_o these_o charm_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o be_v suck_v in_o and_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o powerful_a circle_n and_o eddy_n of_o this_o world_n as_o who_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v true_a philosophy_n that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v up_o of_o vortices_fw-la to_o cause_v we_o to_o look_v after_o better_a thing_n when_o these_o be_v take_v from_o we_o to_o reclaim_v we_o from_o our_o evil_a course_n and_o to_o reduce_v we_o unto_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o a_o renunciation_n of_o all_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o ourselves_o and_o the_o transitory_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o depend_v upon_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v this_o book_n whence_o we_o be_v acquaint_v that_o our_o suffering_n make_v we_o conformable_a to_o christ_n our_o master_n and_o therefore_o be_v honourable_a badge_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o curse_n which_o usual_o attend_v outward_a cross_n be_v take_v away_o by_o our_o saviour_n death_n that_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v chastisement_n rather_o than_o punishment_n that_o no_o adverse_a accident_n can_v do_v we_o any_o hurt_n if_o we_o believe_v in_o jesus_n and_o abandon_v our_o sin_n that_o the_o pressure_n of_o this_o life_n be_v serviceable_a to_o make_v we_o pity_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n to_o know_v and_o relish_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o suffer_v for_o we_o to_o inhanse_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o commend_v
wonderful_a efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o those_o day_n the_o rejection_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o their_o city_n temple_n and_o whole_a nation_n by_o the_o roman_n for_o their_o reject_v and_o crucify_a the_o messiah_n and_o other_o particular_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o none_o of_o the_o lesser_a prophet_n speak_v of_o but_o this_o malachi_n be_v the_o last_o of_o these_o prophet_n yea_o of_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o that_o dispensation_n after_o he_o cease_v vision_n and_o prophecy_n in_o israel_n until_o christ_n appear_v when_o zachary_n simeon_n mary_n elizabeth_n anna_n be_v illuminate_v with_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n he_o prophesy_v about_o 300_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n time_n reprove_v the_o jew_n for_o their_o ungrateful_a and_o wicked_a live_n after_o their_o return_n from_o babylon_n particular_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o rebellion_n sacrilege_n adultery_n profaneness_n infidelity_n but_o especial_o he_o reprehend_v the_o priest_n for_o be_v careless_a and_o scandalous_a in_o their_o ministry_n which_o one_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v authority_n to_o other_o to_o be_v vicious_a at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o forget_v not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o encourage_v the_o pious_a remnant_n in_o that_o corrupt_a age_n who_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o think_v upon_o his_o name_n who_o godly_a converse_n and_o associate_a with_o one_o another_o in_o that_o debauch_a time_n he_o assure_v they_o be_v register_v in_o a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n by_o god_n himself_o this_o prophet_n who_o have_v point_v before_o at_o the_o messiah_n to_o be_v exhibit_v for_o he_o express_o â—aith_n he_o shall_v sudden_o come_v to_o his_o temple_n now_o shut_v up_o his_o prophecy_n and_o indeed_o all_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o remember_v the_o law_n i._n e._n to_o live_v according_a to_o its_o holy_a rule_n and_o injunction_n and_o with_o a_o promise_n of_o the_o come_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v to_o be_v usher_v in_o by_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n i._n e._n by_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o come_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o elias_n luke_n 1._o 17._o and_o so_o this_o close_a of_o the_o old_a testament_n refer_v to_o the_o new_a to_o which_o i_o now_o hasten_v chap._n x._o a_o account_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n the_o peculiar_a time_n order_n stile_n design_n of_o their_o gospel_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n show_v to_o be_v a_o incomparable_a history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n particular_o delineate_v he_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o apostle_n style_n and_o manner_n of_o write_v the_o excellent_a matter_n and_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n st._n peter_n st._n john_n st._n judas_n a_o historical_a series_n or_o order_n be_v not_o observe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n next_o follow_v the_o sacred_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o evangelical_n novel_n the_o new_a law_n of_o christianity_n the_o true_a authentic_o which_o present_v we_o with_o the_o actual_a discovery_n of_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o it_o these_o be_v write_v in_o greek_a for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o joseph_n the_o jew_n choose_v to_o write_v his_o book_n not_o in_o his_o own_o language_n but_o in_o this_o because_o as_o he_o say_v himself_o in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o jewish_a war_n he_o will_v have_v they_o read_v and_o understand_v by_o greek_n and_o roman_n and_o all_o person_n so_o aelian_a be_v a_o roman_a yet_o write_v his_o book_n of_o animal_n and_o various_a history_n etc._n etc._n in_o greek_a because_o this_o be_v the_o universal_a language_n at_o that_o time_n these_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v either_o history_n or_o epistle_n the_o history_n be_v the_o four_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o for_o the_o former_a the_o write_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o extant_a while_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n for_o till_o his_o be_v take_v up_o to_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o consummation_n of_o all_o he_o have_v before_o do_v and_o suffer_v they_o can_v not_o make_v the_o evangelical_n history_n perfect_a but_o afterward_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n resolve_v according_a to_o their_o master_n 8._o order_n to_o go_v and_o preach_v in_o foreign_a region_n and_o to_o disperse_v the_o christian_a religion_n over_o all_o the_o world_n put_v forth_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o write_v before_o they_o go_v about_o this_o great_a work_n st._n matthew_n be_v the_o first_o inspire_a person_n that_o commit_v the_o evangelical_n transaction_n to_o write_v which_o he_o do_v about_o eight_o year_n after_o christ_n passion_n a._n d._n 42._o he_o alone_o of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n say_v st._n evang._n jerom_n 〈…〉_z eusebius_n st._n 1._o augustine_n matlh_n chrysostom_n and_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n write_v his_o gospel_n first_o in_o hebrew_a which_o partly_o appear_v from_o this_o that_o some_o of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n be_v explain_v by_o the_o person_n who_o translate_v it_o into_o greek_a who_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v st._n matthew_n himself_o as_o the_o ancient_n general_o agree_v and_o so_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a copy_n be_v both_o of_o they_o the_o original_n then_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n write_v their_o gospel_n the_o one_o about_o ten_o though_o other_o say_v twenty_o the_o other_o about_o twenty_o some_o say_v thirty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n death_n and_o there_o be_v some_o that_o invert_v the_o order_n and_o give_v the_o priority_n to_o st._n luke_n but_o all_o agree_v that_o st._n john_n be_v the_o last_o of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o write_v towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o first_o century_n but_o as_o for_o the_o punctual_a time_n when_o the_o evangelist_n put_v forth_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v doubtful_a and_o i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o certain_a ground_n whereoâ—_n we_o may_v â—ix_v a_o satisfactory_a resolution_n of_o the_o doubtâ—punc_fw-la this_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o write_v 〈◊〉_d st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n have_v what_o they_o write_v from_o the_o relation_n of_o other_o particular_o st._n mark_n who_o be_v st._n peter_n companion_n compose_v his_o gospel_n by_o his_o order_n and_o direction_n and_o with_o his_o especial_a approbation_n say_v eusebius_n again_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o though_o every_o evangelist_n relate_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n yet_o no_o one_o of_o they_o relate_v the_o whole_a truth_n concern_v christ_n life_n and_o action_n though_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v contain_v in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o writer_n yet_o some_o particular_n be_v find_v in_o one_o that_o do_v not_o occur_v in_o another_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o consult_v they_o all_o and_o to_o compare_v they_o together_o as_o for_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n mark_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o they_o do_v not_o always_o observe_v the_o order_n of_o time_n and_o the_o true_a series_n of_o the_o matter_n especial_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v not_o curious_a in_o this_o particular_a but_o as_o for_o thâ—_n other_o two_o evangelist_n they_o be_v very_o punctual_a and_o inviolable_o observe_v the_o order_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o happen_v except_v only_o that_o parenthesis_n for_o such_o it_o be_v in_o luke_n 3._o 19_o 20._o concern_v herod_n of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n st._n luke_n be_v the_o full_a and_o give_v the_o compleat_a mosâ—_n circumstantial_a and_o orderly_a relation_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o himself_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o gospel_n in_o those_o word_n to_o theophilus_n it_o seâ—med_v good_a to_o i_o have_v have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o very_a first_o to_o write_v unto_o thou_o in_o order_n and_o yet_o though_o his_o gospel_n be_v ample_a and_o more_o methodical_a in_o the_o narrative_a or_o history_n than_o the_o rest_n yet_o he_o be_v but_o brief_a in_o relate_v thing_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v till_o the_o last_o year_n of_o his_o preach_v st._n matthew_n have_v be_v full_a in_o they_o and_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n he_o have_v need_n of_o a_o supply_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o more_o especial_o from_o st._n john_n who_o gospel_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o 14_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 17_o contain_v those_o excellent_a discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o passion_n which_o be_v whole_o
jovin_n st._n jerom_n dau._n ambrose_n 52._o hilary_n 2._o cyril_n let_v we_o then_o forget_v his_o fault_n when_o we_o study_v his_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v no_o errata_n he_o be_v a_o interpreter_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o we_o and_o when_o he_o utter_v these_o thing_n be_v a_o friend_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n but_o suppose_v we_o know_v certain_o which_o we_o do_v not_o and_o can_v but_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o contrary_a that_o he_o be_v at_o last_o cast_v off_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o this_o do_v necessary_o invalidate_v his_o write_n god_n might_n if_o he_o please_v make_v use_n of_o a_o bad_a man_n to_o pen_v some_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o call_v judas_n to_o the_o apostleship_n and_o to_o be_v a_o eminent_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o solomon_n be_v a_o apostate_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o direct_a argument_n against_o the_o validity_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o write_n but_o there_o be_v such_o great_a probability_n not_o to_o say_v reason_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o need_v not_o fly_v to_o this_o answer_n but_o on_o good_a ground_n persuade_v ourselves_o that_o solomon_n who_o be_v once_o 〈◊〉_d with_o sacred_a wisdom_n never_o loâ—t_v it_o whole_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v prejudice_v against_o what_o he_o have_v write_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o gross_a fall_n and_o miscarriage_n next_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o those_o who_o prophesy_v after_o the_o division_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n from_o the_o other_o two_o but_o before_o the_o captivity_n of_o either_o isaiah_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o eminent_a he_o be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal_a his_o father_n amoz_fw-mi being_z brother_n to_o azariah_n king_n of_o judâ—â—_n he_o be_v a_o old_a prophet_n have_v be_v in_o that_o employment_n under_o four_o king_n of_o judah_n as_o 1._o he_o tell_v we_o himself_o and_o all_o this_o time_n which_o be_v about_o threescore_o year_n he_o faithful_o discharge_v the_o part_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n in_o a_o impartial_a reprove_v of_o the_o vice_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o age_n he_o live_v in_o 〈◊〉_d a_o free_a and_o open_o display_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o be_v impendent_a on_o that_o nation_n yet_o not_o forget_v to_o threaten_v and_o denounce_v vengeance_n on_o those_o foreign_a and_o strange_a people_n who_o be_v instrumental_a in_o inâ—â—â—cting_v these_o judgement_n and_o who_o for_o their_o cry_a enormity_n deserve_v to_o be_v destroy_v viz._n aslyrian_o egyptian_n ethiopian_n moabite_n edomite_n tyrian_n arabian_n in_o a_o most_o pathetic_a exhortation_n to_o repentance_n and_o in_o set_v before_o they_o the_o promise_v of_o mercy_n and_o deliverance_n this_o last_o especial_o he_o be_v most_o famous_a for_o clear_o foretell_v the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o cyrus_n king_n of_o persia_n and_o this_o he_o express_o mention_v a_o hundred_o year_n before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o his_o prediction_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v the_o most_o remarkable_a of_o all_o he_o in_o plain_a term_n foretell_v not_o only_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o all_o the_o great_a and_o memorable_a passage_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o he_o speak_v as_o clear_o and_o distinct_o of_o these_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v bless_v the_o world_n with_o his_o presence_n at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o he_o write_v his_o prophecy_n he_o seem_v to_o speak_v say_v st._n isai._n jerom_n rather_o of_o thing_n past_a than_o to_o come_v and_o he_o may_v be_v call_v a_o evangelist_n rather_o than_o â—_o prophet_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n without_o doubt_n of_o the_o so_o frequent_a citation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o this_o book_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o christ_n himself_o his_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n have_v quote_v about_o threescore_o place_n out_o of_o it_o iâ—_n read_v of_o this_o book_n than_o we_o read_v the_o gospel_n itself_o we_o antedate_v the_o new_a testament_n by_o the_o write_n of_o this_o evangelical_n prophet_n i_o have_v intimate_v before_o that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o eloquent_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o be_v the_o hebrew_n demosthenes_n as_o 1._o grotius_n right_o style_v he_o the_o purity_n of_o hebraism_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o he_o as_o in_o the_o other_o that_o of_o atticism_n he_o use_v many_o scheme_n and_o figure_n but_o none_o be_v more_o remarkable_a than_o that_o for_o which_o that_o athenian_a orator_n be_v so_o applaud_v say_v quintilian_n his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o excellent_a art_n of_o add_v gravity_n force_n and_o vehemence_n to_o what_o he_o say_v he_o continual_o exaggerate_v and_o amplify_v the_o matter_n which_o he_o undertake_v he_o have_v above_o other_o prophet_n a_o advantage_n of_o improve_n his_o style_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o noble_a descent_n and_o converse_v with_o man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o elocution_n but_o the_o maiâ—_n thing_n wherein_o he_o excel_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v this_o that_o he_o say_v more_o of_o our_o lord_n christ_n than_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o this_o be_v his_o peculiar_a excellency_n that_o he_o make_v so_o early_a a_o discovery_n of_o the_o advent_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n jeremiah_n be_v another_o ancient_a prophet_n he_o beginning_n to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o thirteen_o year_n of_o king_n josiah_n and_o continue_v in_o that_o sacred_a employment_n till_o the_o last_o year_n of_o king_n zedekiah_n he_o see_v the_o captivity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o samaria_n and_o after_o that_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n and_o of_o the_o temple_n part_v of_o this_o famous_a prophecy_n yea_o most_o of_o it_o be_v after_o the_o captivity_n of_o israel_n and_o before_o that_o of_o judah_n from_o chap._n 1._o to_o ch_z 44._o and_o part_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o latter_a captivity_n this_o prophet_n be_v not_o carry_v captive_a with_o the_o other_o jew_n but_o remain_v in_o judea_n and_o afterward_o carry_v into_o egypt_n from_o chap._n 44_o to_o the_o end_n in_o the_o whole_a be_v comprise_v many_o thing_n of_o great_a worth_n and_o moment_n for_o here_o wefind_v this_o divine_a prophet_n lay_v open_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n with_o a_o unparalleled_a freedom_n and_o boldness_n and_o remind_v they_o of_o the_o severe_a judgement_n which_o have_v befall_v the_o ten_o tribe_n for_o the_o very_a same_o offence_n and_o miscarriage_n here_o this_o weep_v prophet_n this_o jewish_a heraclitus_n most_o passionate_o lament_v the_o miserable_a condition_n which_o they_o be_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o and_o withal_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o prevent_v it_o namely_o by_o a_o speedy_a reform_v of_o their_o life_n but_o at_o last_o he_o more_o peremptory_o proclaim_v god_n wrath_n and_o vengeance_n against_o they_o foresee_v and_o foretell_v the_o grievous_a calamity_n which_o be_v approach_v particular_o the_o seventy_o year_n captivity_n in_o chaldaea_n which_o begin_v as_o some_o think_v with_o the_o carry_v away_o of_o those_o of_o judah_n he_o also_o dissuade_v they_o from_o break_v faith_n with_o the_o chaldean_n after_o they_o be_v conquer_v by_o they_o and_o sheweth_z how_o unsuccessful_a thâ—y_n shall_v be_v in_o their_o revolt_n from_o they_o to_o the_o egyptian_n but_o even_o then_o he_o foretell_v their_o happy_a return_n and_o deliverance_n and_o likewise_o the_o just_a recompense_n which_o babylon_n moab_n the_o philistine_n and_o other_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v meet_v with_o in_o due_a time_n here_o be_v also_o several_a intimation_n concern_v christ_n the_o bless_a messiah_n and_o redeemer_n and_o concern_v his_o kingdom_n and_o government_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n here_o be_v many_o remarkable_a vision_n and_o type_n wherein_o be_v represent_v thing_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o last_o here_o be_v sundry_a historical_a passage_n of_o considerable_a moment_n which_o relate_v to_o those_o time_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v of_o inestimable_a worth_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o sacred_a volume_n his_o lamentation_n which_o be_v in_o hebrew_a verse_n and_o be_v so_o contrive_v that_o in_o the_o four_o first_o chapter_n every_o verse_n except_v one_o begin_v with_o a_o hebrew_n letter_n in_o the_o alphabetick_a order_n be_v write_v on_o the_o death_n of_o that_o religious_a prince_n josiah_n which_o appear_v from_o what_o be_v record_v in_o a_o chron._n 35._o 25._o jeremiah_n lament_v for_o josiah_n and_o all_o the_o sing_a man_n and_o
the_o sing_a woman_n speak_v of_o josiah_n in_o their_o lamentation_n to_o this_o day_n and_o make_v 〈◊〉_d ordinance_n in_o israel_n and_o behold_v they_o be_v write_v iâ—_n the_o lamentation_n even_o those_o which_o this_o prophet_n compose_v which_o be_v also_o confirm_v by_o the_o 6_o jewish_a historian_n who_o vouch_v this_o poem_n to_o be_v a_o funeral_n elegy_n on_o that_o pious_a king_n to_o which_o st._n jerom_n add_v that_o this_o prophet_n lament_v the_o loss_n of_o josias_n as_o the_o begin_n of_o those_o galamity_n which_o afterward_o ensue_v and_o according_o he_o proceed_v to_o bewail_v the_o miserable_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o particular_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v not_o then_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o be_v prophetical_o foretell_v it_o be_v not_o unusual_a with_o the_o prophet_n to_o speak_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o if_o they_o be_v already_o past_a unless_o we_o shall_v say_v as_o some_o have_v that_o part_n of_o this_o mournful_a song_n be_v indict_v after_o the_o take_n and_o sack_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o carry_v the_o people_n captive_a and_o be_v a_o passionate_a bewail_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o horrid_a consequence_n of_o it_o in_o which_o also_o the_o holy_a man_n humble_o confess_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a justice_n in_o all_o that_o beâ—el_v they_o to_o which_o he_o adjoin_v a_o serious_a exhortation_n to_o repentance_n and_o comfort_v they_o with_o hope_n of_o a_o restoration_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v a_o exact_a pattern_n of_o devotion_n in_o time_n of_o great_a and_o national_a calamity_n and_o public_a suffering_n and_o instruct_v we_o how_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o in_o such_o deplorable_a circumstance_n ezekiel_n be_v carry_v captive_a into_o babylon_n with_o those_o that_o go_v thither_o in_o the_o second_o captivity_n which_o be_v in_o the_o 8_o year_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n reign_n about_o ten_o year_n before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o captivity_n he_o prophesy_v here_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o jeremiah_n do_v in_o judaea_n and_o afterward_o in_o egypt_n many_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n he_o foretell_v more_o especial_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o fatal_a issue_n of_o those_o that_o revolt_a from_o babylon_n to_o egypt_n and_o at_o last_o the_o happy_a return_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o their_o own_o land_n he_o distinct_o foretell_v the_o plague_n which_o shall_v certain_o be_v inflict_v on_o other_o nation_n who_o be_v profess_v enemy_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o edomite_n moabite_n ammonite_n egyptian_n tyrian_n and_o last_o the_o assyrian_n and_o babylonian_n in_o figurative_a and_o mystical_a expression_n he_o predict_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o flourish_a estate_n of_o his_o kingdom_n i._n e._n the_o christian_a church_n because_o the_o prophet_n begin_v with_o vision_n and_o type_n and_o end_n with_o the_o measure_v of_o the_o mystical_a temple_n therefore_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o abstrusity_n and_o mystery_n the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o this_o book_n be_v forbid_v ezek._n to_o be_v read_v by_o the_o jew_n before_o they_o come_v to_o thirty_o year_n of_o age._n but_o the_o great_a â—art_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_o intelligible_a it_o have_v reference_n chief_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o degenerate_a age_n wherein_o the_o prophet_n observe_v and_o severe_o animadvert_v upon_o the_o general_n corruption_n which_o have_v invade_v they_o in_o those_o day_n and_o which_o merit_v the_o severe_a judgement_n that_o heaven_n can_v send_v down_o upon_o they_o he_o exâ—ibits_v a_o particular_a catalogue_n of_o the_o notorious_a enormity_n which_o their_o king_n their_o priest_n their_o prophet_n their_o people_n be_v infamous_a for_o he_o labour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o these_o scandalous_a practice_n and_o to_o make_v they_o hearty_o relent_v for_o they_o final_o like_o a_o trne_n watchman_n as_o he_o be_v style_v he_o â—â—â—â—hfully_o warn_v they_o of_o their_o imminent_a danger_n and_o admonish_v they_o to_o prevent_v it_o if_o possible_a by_o abandon_v their_o evil_a way_n this_o be_v the_o inspire_a man_n that_o pen_v this_o book_n and_o this_o be_v the_o â—ook_n which_o contain_v so_o many_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a â—â—ings_n in_o it_o another_o of_o the_o four_o great_a prophet_n be_v daniel_n who_o be_v of_o the_o progeny_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n 〈◊〉_d be_v contemporary_a with_o ezekiol_n and_o be_v a_o capâ—â—â—e_n in_o babylon_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o be_v there_o he_o prophesy_v and_o there_o he_o write_v and_o â—his_v book_n be_v the_o result_n of_o both_o the_o six_o first_o chapâ—â—â—s_n of_o which_o be_v a_o history_n of_o the_o king_n of_o babyâ—â—â—_n and_o of_o what_o beâ—el_v some_o of_o the_o captive_a jew_n under_o they_o here_o we_o have_v nebuchadnezzar_n remarkable_a dream_n interpret_v we_o have_v a_o relation_n of_o the_o singular_a courage_n of_o the_o three_o hebrew_n yoâ—â—â—_n man_n that_o refuse_v to_o fall_v down_o to_o his_o image_n with_o the_o miraculous_a deliverance_n of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o flame_n here_o be_v unfold_v belshazzar_n fatal_a dooâ—_n contain_v in_o the_o mystical_a handwriting_n on_o the_o wall_n with_o his_o death_n that_o soon_o follow_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o succession_n of_o darius_n to_o the_o throne_n and_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o monarchy_n to_o the_o mede_n it_o be_v under_o this_o prince_n that_o our_o noble_a prophet_n be_v advance_v to_o his_o great_a height_n of_o honour_n 〈◊〉_d whereas_o he_o have_v be_v a_o great_a courtier_n and_o favosrrite_n in_o nebuchadnezzar_n time_n and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o belshazzar_n reign_n be_v make_v the_o three_o ruler_n in_o the_o kingdom_n now_o he_o be_v make_v the_o first_o be_v set_v 〈◊〉_d all_o the_o precedent_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o realm_n this_o make_v he_o envy_v and_o hate_v but_o he_o be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v much_o more_o for_o his_o religion_n by_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o even_o by_o a_o decree_n of_o the_o king_n be_v own_o sign_v commit_v to_o the_o den_n of_o lion_n there_o to_o be_v devour_v of_o they_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o omnipotence_n immediate_o interpose_v and_o he_o come_v out_o thence_o safe_a and_o his_o adversary_n and_o accuser_n be_v send_v thither_o in_o his_o room_n who_o fare_v not_o after_o the_o same_o rate_n that_o he_o do_v after_o this_o he_o live_v in_o great_a esteem_n honour_n and_o prosperity_n not_o only_o in_o this_o king_n reign_n but_o under_o cyrus_n 〈◊〉_d monarch_n of_o the_o persian_a race_n but_o as_o our_o author_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o book_n relate_v thing_n pasâ—_n as_o a_o historian_n so_o in_o the_o six_o last_o chapter_n he_o be_v alâ—_n together_o prophetical_a foretell_v what_o shall_v befall_v thâ—_n church_n in_o general_n and_o particular_o the_o jew_n yeâ—â—_n his_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n reach_v to_o future_a event_n wherein_o even_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n arâ—_n concern_v what_o can_v be_v more_o valuable_a than_o hâ—â—_n dream_n or_o vision_n of_o the_o four_o secular_a monarchy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o five_o which_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_a viz._n that_o of_o the_o messiah_n what_o be_v more_o famous_a and_o celebrate_v than_o his_o discovery_n by_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n information_n of_o the_o seventy_o week_n viz._n of_o year_n i._n e._n 490_o year_n upon_o the_o expire_a of_o which_o the_o messias_n kingdom_n be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o what_o plain_a and_o signal_n prophecy_n do_v this_o book_n afford_v concern_v that_o renown_a conqueror_n alexander_n the_o great_a and_o his_o subdue_a the_o persian_a empire_n as_o also_o concern_v the_o fierce_a war_n among_o his_o great_a captain_n and_o commander_n who_o succeed_v he_o particular_o how_o clear_o and_o plain_o be_v the_o action_n of_o antiochus_n the_o great_a and_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n his_o son_n describe_v by_o our_o prophet_n long_o before_o these_o person_n be_v in_o be_v and_o many_o other_o notable_a occurrence_n relate_v to_o the_o most_o public_a and_o fame_a transaction_n on_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n be_v prophetical_o foresignified_n and_o reveal_v by_o this_o divine_a seer_n insomuch_o that_o we_o may_v just_o style_v this_o book_n the_o apocalypse_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o which_o that_o other_o of_o the_o new_a so_o often_o refer_v and_o even_o borrow_v many_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n last_o we_o may_v particular_o note_v concern_v this_o book_n that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o chaldean_a tongue_n viz._n from_o the_o four_o verse_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o seven_o the_o reason_n of_o â—hich_v may_v be_v this_o because_o daniel_n be_v now_o by_o his_o â—â—ng_n abide_v