authority_n of_o they_o equal_a with_o that_o of_o the_o bible_n for_o as_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v dictate_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n so_o these_o law_n they_o hold_v be_v from_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o those_o scripture_n they_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o inspire_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o book_n of_o mishnaioth_n or_o the_o talmud_n which_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o amassment_n only_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o diverse_a decision_n of_o the_o school_n of_o hillel_n and_o shammai_n of_o the_o different_a determination_n of_o r._n akiba_n and_o r._n eliezer_n of_o r._n simeon_n and_o r._n joshua_n etc._n etc._n bandy_n against_o one_o another_o or_o rather_o if_o we_o speak_v plain_a they_o be_v a_o rhapsody_n of_o idle_a dream_n groundless_a fable_n curse_a error_n superstitious_a rite_n and_o practice_n yea_o if_o we_o shall_v instance_n in_o the_o babylonick_a talmud_n of_o horrid_a blasphemy_n against_o christ_n of_o obloquy_n against_o the_o mosaic_a law_n itself_o and_o of_o contradiction_n even_o to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n these_o be_v part_n of_o the_o book_n so_o high_o prize_v by_o the_o jewish_a master_n these_o go_v along_o with_o their_o oral_a law_n which_o be_v first_o give_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o consequent_o be_v of_o the_o same_o original_a with_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n but_o they_o go_v yet_o high_o for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o equalise_v these_o tradition_n with_o scripture_n but_o they_o prefer_v they_o before_o it_o they_o do_v not_o only_o say_v in_o a_o proverbial_a manner_n that_o traditae_fw-la they_o can_v stand_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o write_a law_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o unwritten_a one_o i_o e._n the_o oral_a law_n which_o they_o talk_v of_o and_o that_o locupletissima_fw-la the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n as_o they_o be_v find_v in_o the_o text_n be_v poor_a and_o want_v but_o as_o they_o be_v expound_v by_o the_o doctor_n have_v great_a riches_n and_o abundance_n in_o they_o and_o again_o that_o pilo_fw-la very_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n depend_v upon_o these_o little_a tradition_n which_o they_o contend_v for_o but_o they_o be_v so_o bold_a and_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o proceed_v further_o and_o give_v a_o far_o great_a deference_n to_o these_o tradition_n and_o doctrine_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n as_o they_o call_v they_o than_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o verbis_fw-la their_o doctor_n have_v do_v more_o good_a viz._n as_o to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v of_o religion_n by_o their_o own_o say_n than_o by_o the_o word_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n itself_o and_o according_o their_o advice_n be_v legis_fw-la my_o son_n attend_v more_o to_o what_o the_o scribe_n say_v than_o to_o what_o be_v say_v by_o the_o law_n though_o i_o know_v this_o may_v admit_v of_o another_o sense_n viz._n that_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v more_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n than_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o it_o but_o that_o in_o the_o talmud_n be_v plain_a and_o can_v have_v no_o other_o mean_v 11._o to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o be_v studious_a in_o search_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v good_a and_o not_o good_a i._n e._n it_o be_v not_o of_o any_o considerable_a advantage_n but_o to_o turn_v over_o the_o mishnah_n night_n and_o day_n be_v a_o virtue_n which_o will_v have_v a_o great_a reward_n hereafter_o and_o to_o learn_v the_o gemara_n be_v a_o incomparable_a virtue_n yea_o the_o jew_n blasphemous_o say_v that_o god_n himself_o study_v in_o the_o talmud_n every_o day_n here_o you_o see_v they_o prefer_v their_o deliver_v law_n before_o the_o write_a one_o they_o make_v the_o infallible_a scripture_n truckle_n to_o the_o fabulous_a tradition_n of_o the_o mishnah_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v a_o note_a say_v of_o the_o hebrew_n rabbi_n that_o the_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v like_a water_n the_o mishnah_n like_o wine_n and_o the_o six_o book_n of_o the_o talmud_n be_v like_o the_o sweet_a honeyed_a wine_n thus_o to_o magnify_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n they_o vilify_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v not_o content_a with_o the_o rite_n and_o injunction_n write_v in_o the_o law_n which_o in_o way_n of_o contempt_n they_o call_v 〈…〉_z the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n but_o they_o admire_v those_o most_o which_o be_v take_v from_o their_o wise_a man_n which_o they_o call_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o rabbin_n and_o which_o be_v summary_o contain_v in_o the_o talmud_n these_o they_o hold_v to_o be_v of_o great_a value_n than_o the_o other_o the_o person_n that_o be_v skilled_a in_o these_o be_v slile_v by_o they_o tannaim_n profound_a master_n and_o doctor_n but_o they_o that_o study_v the_o scripture_n only_o be_v but_o karaim_n poor_a reader_n and_o man_n of_o the_o letter_n all_o this_o show_v how_o these_o man_n depretiate_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o exalt_v above_o it_o their_o oral_a law_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a fiction_n and_o forgery_n as_o to_o the_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v give_v to_o moses_n by_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o own_v by_o the_o karaint_n among_o they_o who_o stick_v close_o to_o the_o text_n nor_o by_o some_o of_o their_o perushim_n their_o sober_a sort_n of_o expositor_n who_o think_v those_o tradition_n be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n second_o papist_n as_o well_n as_o jeâ—s_n disparage_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o deny_v its_o perfection_n nor_o by_o the_o way_n be_v this_o the_o only_a thing_n wherein_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o jew_n a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v no_o other_o than_o jewish_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n these_o modern_a talmudist_n will_v not_o own_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n they_o have_v their_o cabala_n the_o doctrine_n receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n they_o be_v for_o their_o oral_a law_n deliver_v from_o one_o to_o another_o they_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o scripture_n so_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o speak_v with_o their_o tradition_n they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o the_o jew_n that_o jud._n there_o must_v be_v a_o fence_n make_v about_o the_o law_n that_o it_o must_v be_v hedge_v in_o with_o tradition_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n say_v they_o but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v partly_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o partly_o in_o unwritten_a tradition_n a_o very_a absurd_a and_o wild_a doctrine_n because_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o by_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n whatever_o be_v or_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v reveal_v in_o these_o write_n and_o no_o new_a doctrine_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v deliver_v since_o to_o the_o church_n or_o any_o particular_a person_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o tenent_n they_o hold_v it_o fast_o and_o make_v it_o a_o great_a article_n of_o their_o belief_n for_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n as_o they_o repute_v it_o that_o unwritten_a tradition_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v 4._o with_o the_o same_o pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n those_o be_v the_o word_n wherewith_o the_o infallible_a write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v entertain_v and_o consequent_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n equal_a with_o the_o scripture_n but_o they_o rest_v not_o here_o they_o not_o only_o equal_a humane_a and_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n but_o follow_v the_o step_v of_o the_o old_a talmudist_n they_o proceed_v yet_o further_o prefer_v tradition_n before_o scripture_n thus_o a_o renown_a divine_a in_o their_o church_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o 8._o tradition_n be_v exceed_o necessary_a for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v more_o requisite_a than_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o this_o he_o endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a with_o he_o concur_v several_a other_o of_o their_o writer_n who_o we_o find_v extol_v tradition_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n speak_v very_o mean_o and_o slight_o of_o the_o holy_a writ_n hence_o they_o blasphemous_o call_v it_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n and_o a_o leaden_a rule_n and_o many_o such_o vilify_a term_n be_v use_v by_o pighius_fw-la and_o melchior_n canus_n and_o etc._n other_o great_a doctor_n of_o that_o church_n we_o deny_v not_o the_o usefulness_n nay_o even_o the_o necessity_n nay_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o tradition_n viz._n that_o tradition_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v entrust_v in_o the_o
and_o twenty_o after_o the_o number_n of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n and_o 4._o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v these_o express_a word_n read_v these_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n but_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o study_n and_o meditate_v only_o on_o these_o scripture_n which_o we_o confident_o read_v in_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n and_o first_o bishop_n be_v true_a guide_n and_o be_v more_o wise_a and_o religious_a than_o thou_o be_v and_o these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o deliver_v these_o scripture_n to_o we_o thou_o then_o be_v a_o son_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o go_v beyond_o her_o bound_n and_o order_n but_o acknowledge_v and_o study_v only_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n of_o the_o old_a â—â—â—stament_n and_o other_o father_n of_o the_o churâ—â—_n as_o melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n athanasius_n amphiloâ—â—us_n epiphanius_n eusebius_n gregory_n nazianzen_n gâ—â—gory_n the_o great_a basil_n chrysostom_n testify_v that_o 〈◊〉_d book_n and_o no_o other_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o receive_v now_o be_v the_o canonical_a booâ—â—_n of_o old_a and_o receive_v so_o by_o the_o first_o christiâ—â—_n those_o eminent_a light_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n râ—t_n jerom_n hilary_n disow_v as_o uncanonical_a 〈◊〉_d book_n of_o apocrypha_fw-la the_o two_o latter_a especial_o 〈◊〉_d very_o positive_a eustock_n jerom_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o 〈◊〉_d canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d and_o twenty_o just_o the_o number_n of_o the_o hebrew_n alâ—phabet_n and_o no_o more_o and_o he_o enumerate_v the_o particular_a book_n which_o constitute_v the_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d say_v indeed_o that_o some_o make_v they_o four_o and_o twâ—â—ty_a but_o it_o be_v the_o same_o account_n for_o they_o reckâ—â—_n ruth_n and_o lamentation_n separately_z but_o as_o for_o 〈◊〉_d other_o he_o say_v they_o be_v not_o part_v of_o inspire_a scripture_n and_o the_o church_n do_v not_o receive_v theâ—_n among_o the_o canonical_a write_n so_o psalm_n hilary_n giu_v we_o the_o just_a catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o peremptory_o affirm_v that_o there_o 〈◊〉_d but_o two_o and_o twenty_o canonical_a book_n of_o it_o in_o all_o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o thirty_o nine_o according_a to_o the_o reckon_n in_o our_o bibles_n to_o father_n wâ—_n may_v add_v synod_n and_o council_n as_o that_o antieâ—â—_n one_o of_o laodicea_n convened_a a._n d._n 364._o which_o draw_v up_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o make_v mention_v only_o of_o these_o which_o we_o now_o receive_v but_o leave_v out_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o this_o canon_n be_v receive_v afterward_o and_o confirm_v by_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n one_o of_o the_o first_o four_o general_n council_n and_o the_o six_o general_n council_n hold_v at_o constantinople_n a._n d._n 680._o express_o ratify_v the_o decree_n of_o that_o old_a laodicean_n council_n and_o particular_o this_o that_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o two_o and_o twenty_o there_o be_v another_o reason_n also_o beside_o the_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n why_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v eject_v out_o of_o the_o canon_n viz._n because_o some_o thing_n in_o they_o be_v false_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n as_o in_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la 46._o 20._o 2_o esdras_n 6._o 40._o and_o some_o thing_n be_v vicious_a as_o in_o 2_o maccab._n 14._o 42._o after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o answer_v what_o the_o romanist_n say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o quote_v the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n which_o they_o tell_v we_o receive_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n into_o the_o canon_n and_o among_o the_o father_n st._n augustin_n they_o say_v own_v they_o beside_o that_o two_o pope_n viz._n innocent_a the_o first_o and_o gelasius_n take_v those_o book_n which_o we_o style_v apocryphal_a into_o the_o canon_n as_o for_o the_o council_n which_o they_o allege_v it_o be_v but_o a_o provincial_a one_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v set_v against_o those_o more_o authentic_a and_o general_a council_n which_o i_o produce_v nor_o must_v that_o one_o single_a father_n who_o they_o name_n stand_v out_o against_o that_o great_a number_n of_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n who_o i_o mention_v the_o pope_n bear_v a_o great_a name_n among_o our_o adversary_n but_o they_o be_v but_o two_o and_o must_v not_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o council_n and_o that_o multitude_n of_o father_n who_o be_v on_o our_o side_n or_o if_o they_o lie_v such_o great_a stress_n on_o a_o pope_n i_o can_v name_v they_o one_o and_o he_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a they_o ever_o have_v viz._n pope_n gregory_n the_o great_a who_o 17._o declare_v that_o the_o book_n of_o maccabee_n a_o main_a piece_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a writing_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n wâ—_n may_v set_v this_o one_o pope_n for_o he_o be_v great_a enough_o against_o the_o other_o two_n beside_o their_o own_o 〈◊〉_d be_v against_o they_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v 〈◊〉_d receive_v as_o part_v of_o holy_a inspire_a scripture_n by_o iâ—â—dorus_n damascen_n nicephorus_n rabanus_n maurus_n hâ—go_n lyranus_fw-la cajetan_n and_o other_o who_o be_v of_o greâ—â—_n repute_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o regard_v 〈◊〉_d what_o the_o pack_v council_n of_o trent_n have_v decree_v viz._n 4._o that_o beside_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n 〈◊〉_d the_o hebrew_n canon_n those_o also_o of_o tobias_n juditâ—_n the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la maccabeâ—â—â—_n baruch_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o canonical_a and_o thâ—_n they_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o canon_n oâ—_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o general_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a council_n father_n and_o writer_n who_o have_v reject_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n and_o receive_v but_o twenty_o two_o into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n belong_v to_o the_o old_a testament_n you_o see_v what_o ground_n we_o have_v no_o other_o than_o the_o universal_a church_n we_o reject_v some_o book_n as_o apocryphal_a because_o they_o be_v general_o reject_v by_o the_o ancient_a primitive_a church_n and_o we_o receive_v the_o rest_n as_o canonical_a because_o they_o be_v believe_v and_o own_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n see_v this_o admirable_o make_v good_a in_o bishop_n cousins_n history_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n yet_o aâ—ter_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v we_o count_v the_o apocrypha_n write_n worthy_a to_o be_v read_v and_o peruse_v the_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n amiss_o in_o they_o yet_o we_o give_v great_a deference_n and_o respect_n to_o they_o as_o contain_v many_o historical_a truth_n and_o furnish_v we_o witâ—_n matter_n of_o jewish_a antiquity_n as_o likewise_o because_o there_o be_v many_o doctrinal_a and_o moral_a truth_n in_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n and_o ecâ—lesiasticus_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o say_v we_o bear_v great_a respect_n to_o they_o and_o rank_v they_o next_o to_o the_o holy_a canon_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o all_o profane_a author_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o frequent_o allege_v they_o in_o their_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n which_o be_v one_o reason_n i_o question_v not_o why_o these_o apocryphal_a book_n come_v to_o be_v make_v canonical_a by_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n namely_o because_o they_o be_v so_o often_o quote_v by_o the_o father_n and_o in_o some_o church_n read_v public_o but_o this_o be_v no_o proof_n of_o their_o be_v canonical_a but_o only_o let_v we_o know_v that_o these_o book_n be_v in_o their_o kind_a useful_a and_o profitable_a as_o indeed_o they_o be_v therefore_o st._n proverb_n jerom_n say_v the_o church_n receive_v not_o these_o book_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n though_o she_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v read_v and_o concern_v these_o write_n our_o church_n say_v well_o quote_v st._n jerom_n for_o it_o 6._o she_o do_v read_v they_o for_o example_n of_o life_n and_o instruction_n of_o manner_n but_o yet_o do_v not_o apply_v they_o to_o establish_v any_o doctrine_n which_o give_v we_o a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o book_n namely_o that_o they_o contain_v excellent_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o inform_v we_o of_o our_o duty_n as_o to_o several_a weighty_a thing_n but_o they_o be_v not_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v they_o be_v not_o the_o infallible_a standard_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v and_o make_v use_n of_o to_o that_o purpose_n this_o and_o the_o other_o reason_n before_o mention_v may_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o think_v that_o these_o write_n aught_o not_o to_o be_v
number_v among_o the_o book_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v argue_v from_o the_o tradition_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v do_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v it_o be_v valid_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o copy_n the_o canonicalness_n of_o the_o book_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o decidable_a by_o scripture_n itself_o but_o in_o the_o way_n that_o all_o other_o controversy_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v as_o you_o will_v prove_v any_o other_o book_n to_o be_v authentic_a so_o you_o must_v prove_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v viz._n by_o sufficient_a and_o able_a testimony_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o sacred_a history_n that_o there_o be_v to_o believe_v any_o other_o historical_a write_n that_o be_v extant_a nay_o the_o testimony_n on_o behalf_n of_o the_o holy_a scriptureâ—_n be_v more_o pregnant_a than_o any_o that_o be_v bring_v for_o other_o write_n beside_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v for_o the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v for_o other_o write_n i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o this_o above_o aâ—â—_n other_o the_o main_a thing_n we_o have_v insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v faithful_o convey_v to_o we_o and_o that_o they_o be_v vouch_v by_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a tradition_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o these_o book_n and_o no_o other_o be_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n for_o to_o be_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o be_v own_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o divine_o inspire_a write_n the_o church_n witness_v and_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n for_o she_o receive_v they_o as_o divine_a and_o she_o deliver_v they_o to_o we_o as_o such_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o church_n testify_v these_o book_n to_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v a_o absolute_a and_o entire_a authority_n to_o they_o a_o clerk_n in_o the_o parliament_n or_o any_o other_o court_n writes_z down_z and_o testiâ—ies_n that_o such_o a_o act_n or_o decree_n or_o order_n be_v pass_v by_o the_o king_n magistrate_n or_o people_n and_o he_o witness_n that_o he_o have_v faithful_o keep_v these_o by_o he_o and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o at_o such_o a_o time_n be_v make_v by_o the_o foresay_a authority_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o act_n decree_n or_o order_n rest_v not_o in_o the_o clerk_n but_o whole_o in_o the_o king_n magistrate_n or_o people_n so_o the_o church_n record_v and_o keep_v the_o sacred_a write_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o bear_v witness_v that_o they_o have_v be_v faithful_o preserve_v and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o genuine_a write_n of_o those_o person_n who_o name_n be_v presix_v to_o they_o bâ—t_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o church_n but_o on_o the_o book_n and_o author_n themselves_o namely_o their_o be_v inspire_v and_o indeed_o this_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v depend_v on_o the_o church_n because_o the_o church_n itself_o depend_v on_o the_o scripture_n these_o must_v be_v prove_v before_o the_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o church_n we_o can_v know_v the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v know_v before_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o papist_n be_v very_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a in_o make_v the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v into_o the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n this_o we_o disow_v as_o a_o great_a falsity_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o hold_v that_o the_o church_n testimony_n be_v one_o good_a argument_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n according_a to_o that_o know_a say_v of_o st._n augustine_n i_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o move_v i_o not_o that_o he_o find_v the_o gospel_n i._n e._n the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o papist_n be_v wont_a to_o infer_v from_o these_o word_n and_o frequent_o quote_v they_o to_o this_o purpose_n no_o the_o father_n meaning_n be_v this_o that_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n he_o believe_v the_o book_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v very_o that_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o scope_n of_o it_o for_o he_o speak_v there_o of_o the_o copy_n or_o write_n not_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o good_a father_n rely_v on_o this_o that_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o know_v and_o honest_a person_n as_o the_o church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o do_v assert_v the_o evangelical_n write_n to_o be_v the_o write_n of_o such_o as_o be_v real_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a and_o not_o corrupt_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o same_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o of_o those_o that_o immediate_o succeed_v they_o several_a of_o which_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n this_o be_v the_o external_n testimony_n give_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v the_o general_a persuasion_n and_o attestation_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o these_o be_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n immediate_o direct_v by_o the_o spirit_n who_o therefore_o can_v not_o err_v it_o be_v usual_a heretofore_o among_o the_o pagan_a lawgiver_n to_o attribute_v their_o law_n to_o some_o deity_n though_o they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o invention_n intend_v thereby_o to_o conciliate_v reverence_n to_o they_o and_o to_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o people_n but_o here_o be_v no_o such_o cheat_n put_v upon_o we_o god_n himself_o be_v real_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n these_o sacred_a law_n come_v immediate_o from_o he_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v assurance_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o they_o chap._n iii_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n manifest_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n especial_o of_o pagan_n these_o confirm_v what_o the_o old_a testament_n say_v concern_v the_o creation_n the_o production_n of_o adam_n and_o eve_n their_o fall_n with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o it_o enoch_n translation_n the_o longevity_n of_o the_o patriarch_n the_o giant_n in_o those_o time_n the_o universal_a flood_n the_o build_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n i_o have_v propound_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a argument_n which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o will_v now_o choose_v out_o another_o for_o the_o sake_n chief_o of_o the_o learned_a and_o curious_a which_o i_o purpose_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o yea_o to_o make_v the_o subject_a of_o my_o whole_a ensue_a discourse_n i_o consider_v then_o that_o we_o have_v in_o this_o matter_n not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n but_o of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n and_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o vouch_v by_o all_o man_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o enemy_n be_v most_o considerable_a the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o beside_o these_o witness_n there_o be_v other_o there_o be_v the_o attestation_n of_o foreigner_n and_o adversary_n these_o full_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a bible_n we_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o heathen_a writer_n to_o confirm_v many_o of_o the_o thing_n relate_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o both_o profess_a heathen_n and_o jew_n for_o we_o must_v now_o look_v upon_o these_o latter_a as_o profess_a enemy_n when_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_a concern_v attest_v sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o vouch_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o they_o here_o than_o i_o will_v distinct_o proceed_v and_o first_o begin_v with_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o let_v you_o see_v in_o several_a particular_n that_o even_o the_o pagan_a world_n give_v testimony_n to_o this_o sacred_a volume_n
that_o the_o gentile_n relate_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o this_o do_v that_o the_o great_a truth_n and_o notable_a history_n notion_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o profane_a write_n but_o take_v from_o these_o sacred_a one_o the_o heathen_n borrow_v many_o of_o their_o rite_n and_o usage_n from_o tradition_n which_o be_v found_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o derive_v many_o thing_n in_o their_o religion_n and_o manner_n from_o these_o sacred_a fountain_n though_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o they_o have_v labour_v to_o pollute_v they_o but_o i_o will_v make_v it_o clear_a and_o manifest_a that_o they_o fetch_v they_o thence_o and_o i_o will_v abundant_o prove_v that_o most_o of_o the_o chief_a thing_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v attest_v both_o by_o the_o fable_n and_o the_o serious_a history_n of_o the_o pagan_n there_o have_v be_v some_o high-flier_n i_o know_v who_o have_v carry_v on_o this_o notion_n to_o a_o ridiculous_a extravagancy_n thus_o 216._o zimmeranus_fw-la speak_v of_o a_o odd_a christiano_n capuchin_n who_o have_v vent_v very_o wild_a thing_n in_o prosecute_a this_o argument_n viz._n that_o the_o gentile_a mystery_n be_v take_v from_o the_o true_a god_n and_o from_o the_o scripture_n inspire_v by_o he_o and_o one_o jacobâ—_n hugo_n in_o his_o historia_fw-la romana_fw-la be_v quote_v by_o the_o same_o person_n as_o very_o extravagant_a in_o this_o kind_n for_o he_o hold_v that_o the_o roman_a story_n be_v a_o narrative_a of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n pious_a aeneas_n be_v st._n peter_n and_o his_o sail_v from_o troy_n to_o latium_n be_v the_o story_n of_o st._n peter_n leave_v the_o chair_n at_o antioch_n and_o go_v to_o rome_n homer_n and_o virgil_n heroic_a poem_n be_v a_o account_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o shipwreck_n and_o misfortune_n which_o this_o latter_a meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n ilium_n or_o aelia_n be_v jerusalem_n that_o be_v the_o name_n which_o aelius_n adrianus_n give_v it_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o jewish_a war_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v contain_v in_o homer_n iliad_n and_o so_o be_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o whole_a gospel_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o romulus_n and_o remus_n signify_v the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n the_o founder_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o more_o extravagant_o yet_o he_o go_v on_o tell_v we_o that_o diana_n signify_v the_o holy_a trinity_n curtius_n on_o horseback_n swallow_v up_o in_o the_o lake_n be_v the_o virgin_n mary_n who_o temple_n be_v see_v there_o in_o the_o marketplace_n at_o rome_n with_o this_o inscription_n d._n virgin_n templum_fw-la à _fw-la poenis_fw-la inferni_fw-la liberantis_fw-la and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o of_o such_o stuff_n this_o hugo_n have_v which_o no_o man_n of_o consideration_n and_o sense_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v indeed_o such_o wild_a and_o far-fetched_a conceit_n may_v be_v just_o entertain_v with_o laughter_n and_o contempt_n nor_o do_v i_o look_v upon_o some_o thing_n which_o some_o other_o of_o more_o compose_a thought_n mention_v as_o any_o real_a testimony_n give_v to_o the_o scripture_n they_o strange_o fancy_v a_o affinity_n between_o scripture_n and_o paganism_n between_o what_o they_o read_v in_o the_o one_o and_o what_o they_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o other_o though_o there_o be_v no_o cognation_n at_o all_o thus_o the_o greek_a fable_n of_o minerva_n be_v the_o offspring_n of_o jove_n brain_n take_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o eternal_a and_o ineffable_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n say_v a_o generib_o learned_a man_n and_o isis_n the_o egyptian_a goddess_n be_v say_v he_o ishah_n mulier_fw-la or_o virgo_fw-la i._n e._n the_o virgin_n mary_n from_o a_o tradition_n among_o they_o that_o a_o virgin_n shoulâ—_n bring_v forth_o a_o son_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o redeemer_n 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n and_o i_o can_v mention_v other_o whoâ—â—_n name_n be_v better_o know_v who_o have_v be_v too_o extravagant_a in_o this_o kind_n carry_v the_o notion_n on_o toâ—_n far_o and_o strong_o fancy_v every_o thing_n almoâ—â—_n which_o they_o meet_v with_o in_o pagan_a story_n to_o hauâ—_n some_o reference_n to_o and_o be_v take_v from_o the_o holâ—_n scripture_n but_o i_o shall_v very_o industrious_o avoâ—â—_n this_o vanity_n and_o folly_n and_o only_o represent_v to_o the_o curious_a and_o critical_a reader_n those_o passage_n in_o pagâ—â—_n writer_n which_o with_o great_a probability_n and_o reasoâ—_n we_o may_v conclude_v to_o have_v be_v take_v from_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o let_v you_o see_v the_o sacred_a history_n of_o the_o bible_n eveâ—_n through_o the_o fable_n and_o feign_a story_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o thereby_o confirm_v you_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o that_o sacred_a history_n whence_o they_o be_v take_v 1._o to_o begin_v first_o where_o all_o thing_n begin_v the_o creation_n this_o as_o it_o be_v particular_o describe_v iâ—_n the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n be_v plain_o to_o be_v find_v in_o pagan_a author_n who_o without_o doubt_n have_v it_o froâ—_n this_o first_o entrance_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o though_o a_o man_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v know_v that_o the_o world_n have_v a_o beginning_n yet_o this_o particular_a way_n of_o its_o beginning_n as_o it_o be_v there_o set_v down_o can_v not_o be_v attain_v to_o but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n wherefore_o it_o be_v rational_o to_o be_v assert_v that_o the_o pagaâ—â—_n take_v this_o notion_n from_o god_n reveal_v will_n in_o scripture_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o do_v hereby_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n the_o genâ—râ—â—_n opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a gentile_n be_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v out_o of_o a_o precede_a chaos_n which_o they_o represent_v to_o be_v a_o rude_a disorder_a and_o indigested_a mass_n of_o matter_n reduce_v to_o no_o shape_n and_o form_n sanconiathon_n the_o phoenician_n historian_n so_o much_o praise_v by_o porphyrius_n the_o philosopher_n in_o 5._o eusebius_n make_v mention_n of_o this_o chaos_n as_o the_o source_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o his_o fragment_n of_o phoenician_n theology_n the_o ancient_a poet_n orpheus_n hold_v that_o this_o chaos_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o theogon_n hesiod_n agree_v with_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o chaos_n be_v that_o out_o of_o which_o all_o body_n be_v make_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n it_o be_v describe_v by_o 1._o ovid_n after_o this_o manner_n ante_fw-la mare_fw-la &_o terras_fw-la &_o quod_fw-la tegit_fw-la omne_fw-la coelum_fw-la vnus_fw-la erat_fw-la toto_fw-la naturae_fw-la vultus_fw-la in_o orbe_fw-la quem_fw-la dixere_fw-la chaos_n etc._n etc._n where_o in_o forty_o or_o â—ifty_a pair_n of_o good_a smooth_a verse_n he_o most_o excellent_o describe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o thing_n and_o make_v the_o very_a chaos_n beautiful_a this_o be_v the_o same_o with_o hyle_n the_o first_o original_a matter_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o poet_n demogorgon_n which_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o shapeless_a lump_n of_o the_o chaos_n and_o in_o the_o phoenician_n language_n we_o may_v find_v it_o in_o the_o very_a sound_n of_o the_o word_n thoth_v and_o bau_n which_o be_v but_o a_o small_a variation_n from_o tohu_n and_o bohu_n in_o the_o hebrew_n text_n the_o same_o with_o chaos_n among_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n this_o be_v found_v on_o those_o word_n of_o moses_n gen._n 1._o 2._o the_o earth_n be_v without_o form_n and_o void_a and_o darkness_n be_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a this_o dark_a and_o formless_a heap_n of_o water_n and_o earth_n mingle_v together_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o fiâ—_n element_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v afterwards_o hence_o spring_v the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v now_o shape_a 〈◊〉_d model_v from_o this_o account_n which_o moses_n giu_v here_o of_o the_o creation_n the_o old_a pagan_a theologer_n i._o e._n the_o pocts_n make_v the_o ocean_n to_o be_v the_o origin_n of_o all_o generation_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o thâ—_n if_o you_o give_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o it_o that_o thâ—_n moist_a and_o fluid_a matter_n give_v beginning_n to_o all_o bodâ—_n that_o be_v orpheus_n own_a this_o hypothesis_n calliâ—â—_n the_o ocean_n the_o parent_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o one_o of_o 〈◊〉_d hymn_n and_o out_o of_o some_o other_o piece_n of_o 〈◊〉_d work_n the_o same_o may_v be_v prove_v homer_n 〈◊〉_d the_o like_a assert_v the_o ocean_n to_o be_v the_o antiente_a of_o the_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o again_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d iliad_n on_o which_o word_n the_o scholiast_n give_v this_o reason_n
strengthen_v and_o support_v we_o under_o our_o heavy_a cross_n and_o make_v our_o life_n happy_a whatever_o befall_v we_o all_o which_o be_v undeniable_a argument_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n whence_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o believe_v aright_o to_o live_v well_o and_o to_o rejoice_v thus_o these_o holy_a write_n be_v indict_v that_o 17._o we_o may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n and_o thus_o scripture_n must_v needs_o be_v perfect_a because_o its_o design_n be_v to_o make_v we_o so_o but_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o several_a devout_a and_o practical_a writer_n have_v enlarge_v on_o this_o subject_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v say_v no_o more_o of_o it_o because_o my_o present_a discourse_n be_v design_v to_o be_v chief_o critical_a let_v it_o suffice_v that_o i_o have_v brief_o assert_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o to_o the_o three_o forementioned_a particular_n and_o that_o i_o have_v show_v that_o this_o perfection_n be_v not_o communicable_a to_o any_o other_o write_n under_o heaven_n such_o be_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o bible_n wherefore_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o take_v notice_n and_o beware_v of_o those_o man_n who_o oppose_v or_o rather_o deny_v this_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n first_o the_o circumcise_a doctor_n show_v themselves_o great_a oppugner_n of_o it_o whilst_o they_o excessive_o magnify_v their_o tradition_n and_o even_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o sacred_a text._n we_o must_v know_v then_o that_o the_o jew_n talk_v much_o of_o their_o est_fw-la cabala_n or_o as_o that_o word_n signify_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n among_o they_o which_o be_v propagate_v by_o oral_a tradition_n and_o continual_a succession_n this_o their_o cabala_n be_v twofold_a first_o that_o which_o deal_v in_o mysterious_a criticism_n and_o curiosity_n about_o word_n and_o letter_n to_o which_o belong_v the_o masore_v which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o another_o discourse_n be_v serviceable_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o bible_n second_o that_o which_o by_o they_o be_v call_v the_o oral_a law_n or_o the_o law_n deliver_v from_o one_o to_o another_o as_o a_o exposition_n on_o the_o write_a law_n it_o may_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o short_a account_n of_o this_o oral_a law_n which_o they_o so_o much_o boast_v of_o this_o be_v either_o before_o moses_n and_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o patriarch_n propagate_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n before_o the_o law_n be_v commit_v to_o write_v it_o consist_v of_o the_o seven_o precept_n of_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n of_o the_o apothegm_n sentence_n and_o paradox_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o first_o age_n or_o it_o be_v in_o and_o after_o moses_n time_n who_o be_v reckon_v the_o great_a author_n of_o the_o cabala_n because_o he_o deliver_v it_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-la to_o the_o jew_n say_v the_o rabbin_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o give_v they_o the_o decalogue_n and_o the_o other_o write_a law_n this_o torah_n gnal_n peh_fw-it as_o they_o style_v it_o this_o oral_a law_n be_v the_o exposition_n of_o those_o write_a law_n and_o be_v mean_v they_o say_v in_o deut._n 4._o 14._o the_o lord_n command_v i_o at_o that_o time_n to_o teach_v you_o statute_n and_o judgement_n and_o for_o this_o they_o allege_v deut._n 12._o 21._o which_o they_o tell_v we_o refer_v to_o some_o special_a command_n of_o god_n about_o kill_v and_o see_v we_o read_v no_o such_o special_a command_n about_o it_o in_o the_o write_a law_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o oral_a one_o that_o must_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o word_n there_o as_o i_o have_v command_v thou_o that_o moses_n receive_v this_o law_n on_o mount_n sinai_n 34._o rabbi_n bechai_n prove_v by_o the_o same_o token_n that_o he_o know_v by_o this_o law_n how_o long_o time_n he_o be_v upon_o that_o mount_n for_o when_o god_n teach_v he_o the_o write_a law_n than_o he_o know_v it_o be_v day_n because_o he_o can_v not_o write_v in_o the_o dark_a but_o when_o god_n give_v he_o the_o oral_a law_n he_o know_v then_o that_o it_o be_v night_n a_o most_o profound_a answer_n to_o the_o difficulty_n how_o moses_n can_v tell_v that_o he_o be_v 40_o day_n and_o night_n on_o the_o mount_n well_o god_n they_o say_v deliver_v this_o law_n to_o moses_n moses_n deliver_v it_o to_o joshua_n joshua_n to_o the_o seventy_o elder_n they_o to_o ezra_n who_o some_o say_v commit_v it_o to_o writing_n for_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a cabalist_n next_o to_o moses_n but_o the_o book_n which_o he_o compose_v of_o this_o matter_n be_v lose_v and_o so_o it_o go_v on_o after_o the_o old_a way_n again_o viz._n by_o tradition_n and_o come_v to_o the_o prophet_n of_o who_o zechary_n and_o malachi_n be_v the_o last_o and_o from_o they_o the_o great_a sanhedrim_n have_v it_o and_o at_o last_o it_o be_v make_v into_o a_o book_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lose_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o that_o compile_v this_o volume_n or_o book_n be_v rabbi_n judah_n who_o for_o the_o singular_a holiness_n of_o his_o life_n be_v call_v hakkadosh_n the_o saint_n he_o flourish_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n pius_n about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n passion_n the_o title_n which_o he_o give_v to_o it_o be_v mishnah_n i._n e._n the_o repetition_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n or_o a_o large_a explication_n of_o it_o give_v immediate_o to_o moses_n by_o god_n and_o by_o tradition_n derive_v to_o the_o jew_n this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o iterate_a or_o second_a law_n be_v divide_v by_o he_o into_o six_o general_a sedarim_n i._n e._n so_o many_o head_n or_o subject_n of_o which_o it_o treat_v and_o every_o sedar_n be_v divide_v into_o book_n every_o book_n into_o chapter_n or_o pirka_n about_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o this_o famous_a rabbi_n have_v reduce_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o one_o volume_n the_o learned_a doctor_n begin_v to_o comment_v upon_o it_o and_o first_o the_o jerusalem_n talmud_n call_v so_o because_o it_o be_v make_v for_o the_o jew_n that_o live_v in_o judea_n especial_o in_o jerusalem_n be_v finish_v by_o r._n jochanan_n about_o a._n d._n 240._o the_o comment_n which_o he_o and_o the_o other_o rabbi_n make_v on_o the_o mishnah_n be_v call_v the_o gemara_n the_o supplemental_a exposition_n of_o that_o volume_n of_o jewish_a tradition_n next_o the_o babylonick_a talmud_n be_v put_v forth_o by_o the_o learned_a jew_n at_o babylon_n who_o gather_v their_o tradition_n into_o a_o more_o complete_a and_o exact_a body_n as_o they_o think_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o countryman_n in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v compile_v by_o rabbi_n ascanio_n and_o his_o companion_n about_o a._n d._n 500_o and_o consist_v as_o the_o former_a talmud_n of_o the_o mishnaioth_n and_o the_o gemara_n the_o one_o be_v the_o text_n the_o other_o be_v the_o comment_n or_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o doctor_n on_o the_o book_n of_o the_o mishnah_n so_o then_o the_o oral_a law_n which_o the_o jew_n so_o much_o boast_v of_o and_o set_v so_o high_a a_o value_n upon_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o two_o talmud_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o mishnah_n and_o the_o gemara_n the_o mishnah_n be_v that_o which_o r._n judah_n compile_v the_o gemara_n be_v the_o work_n of_o r._n jochanan_n and_o ascanio_n and_o other_o rabbi_n and_o both_o be_v a_o complete_a body_n of_o the_o civil_a and_o canon_n law_n of_o the_o jew_n whoso_o name_v the_o talmud_n name_v all_o judaism_n say_v lightfoot_n these_o as_o he_o add_v be_v the_o jew_n council_n of_o trent_n they_o be_v the_o last_o and_o full_a determination_n which_o they_o have_v about_o all_o their_o religious_a opinion_n rite_n and_o usage_n thus_o i_o have_v exhibit_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a talmudick_n system_n wherein_o the_o oral_a law_n be_v comprise_v explain_v and_o descant_v upon_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o very_a excellent_a use_v make_v of_o this_o collection_n of_o jewish_a tradition_n it_o may_v be_v serviceable_a in_o sundry_a instance_n to_o expound_v the_o mosaic_a law_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o jewish_a antiquity_n to_o illustrate_v several_a place_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o to_o interpret_v many_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a which_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o receive_a practice_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o person_n who_o i_o be_o now_o blame_v make_v very_o ill_a use_n of_o it_o because_o they_o immoderate_o extol_v these_o tradition_n call_v they_o torah_n shebegnal_n peh_n their_o infallible_a oracle_n and_o esteem_v the_o
church_n hand_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n shall_v by_o she_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o her_o child_n to_o the_o world_n end_n which_o way_n of_o transmission_n be_v the_o great_a prop_n of_o our_o religion_n beside_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o 15._o thessalonian_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o by_o word_n or_o his_o epistle_n for_o he_o have_v use_v two_o way_n of_o deliver_v the_o truth_n to_o they_o namely_o preach_v and_o write_v and_o other_o apostle_n commit_v the_o chief_a and_o necessary_a head_n of_o their_o doctrine_n to_o write_v so_o that_o the_o tradition_n mean_v here_o be_v the_o reveal_v truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o christ_n deliver_v to_o they_o according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n cor._n i_o deliver_v to_o you_o that_o which_o also_o i_o receive_v whence_o they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o tradition_n i._n e._n they_o be_v evangelical_n doctrine_n deliver_v to_o we_o from_o those_o that_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o christ._n and_o whether_o they_o be_v impart_v by_o word_n or_o by_o epistle_n by_o preach_v or_o write_v they_o be_v the_o same_o the_o same_z as_o to_o substance_n the_o otherwise_o there_o may_v be_v some_o difference_n but_o that_o which_o we_o condemn_v and_o that_o most_o just_o the_o papist_n for_o be_v this_o that_o they_o magnify_v and_o rely_v upon_o tradition_n which_o have_v no_o affinity_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n yea_o which_o contradict_v it_o in_o many_o thing_n and_o yet_o they_o equalise_v these_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o sometime_o prefer_v they_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n before_o that_o of_o the_o sacred_a write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n thus_o one_o say_v caranza_n the_o church_n sometime_o do_v thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n sometime_o beside_o they_o therefore_o the_o 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some_o thing_n be_v of_o great_a value_n and_o authority_n than_o they_o again_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n oppugn_v or_o rather_o deny_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v evince_v from_o their_o constant_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v translate_v they_o but_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n of_o do_v it_o the_o protestant_n have_v turn_v they_o into_o so_o many_o tongue_n by_o this_o mean_n they_o be_v compel_v as_o it_o werâ—_n to_o let_v some_o of_o their_o people_n see_v what_o the_o bible_n be_v in_o their_o own_o language_n but_o 2._o it_o be_v so_o corrupt_o translate_v that_o it_o be_v make_v to_o patronize_v several_a of_o their_o superstitious_a folly_n and_o error_n and_o yet_o 3._o they_o dare_v not_o commit_v these_o translation_n to_o common_a view_n although_o in_o all_o country_n where_o people_n be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n in_o elder_a time_n the_o scripture_n be_v turn_v into_o their_o language_n and_o every_o one_o be_v permit_v yea_o exhort_v to_o read_v it_o as_o be_v prove_v by_o many_o writer_n 47._o the_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n particular_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n deny_v the_o common_a people_n the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a the_o bible_n as_o some_o bad_a book_n be_v tolerate_v to_o be_v read_v with_o great_a caution_n and_o restriction_n in_o some_o country_n only_o and_o by_o some_o person_n it_o be_v like_o the_o sibyl_n prophecy_n of_o old_a among_o the_o roman_n not_o to_o be_v look_v into_o without_o the_o permission_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o senate_n none_o can_v read_v it_o without_o a_o licence_n from_o their_o superior_n so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n be_v the_o bible_n from_o this_o practice_n the_o people_n general_o imbibe_n a_o strong_a prejudice_n against_o the_o scripture_n and_o believe_v they_o can_v be_v good_a for_o they_o because_o the_o pope_n and_o their_o pastor_n tell_v they_o they_o be_v not_o wherefore_o as_o he_o one_o who_o be_v once_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o â—ome_o have_v well_o observe_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o any_o man_n embrace_v popery_n he_o present_o throw_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n as_o altogether_o useless_a to_o say_v no_o worse_o which_o unreasonable_a and_o wicked_a behaviour_n of_o they_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n or_o motive_n as_o he_o profess_v of_o his_o return_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n again_o for_o what_o considerate_a man_n can_v think_v that_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o teach_v its_o member_n to_o slight_a and_o reject_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o divine_a truth_n and_o without_o which_o we_o can_v neither_o believe_v nor_o practice_v aright_o we_o can_v neither_o have_v comfort_n here_o nor_o arrive_v to_o happiness_n hereafter_o this_o indeed_o be_v not_o only_o to_o null_n â—â—e_v perfection_n of_o scripture_n but_o to_o abolish_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n itself_o a_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v opposer_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n be_v enthusiast_n and_o such_o who_o act_n out_o of_o a_o true_o fanatic_a principle_n such_o be_v the_o familist_n heretofore_o who_o pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n be_v so_o high_a that_o they_o exclude_v and_o renounce_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n which_o according_a to_o their_o style_n paradox_n be_v a_o dark_a lantern_n a_o liveless_a carcase_n a_o book_n shut_v up_o and_o seal_v with_o seven_o seal_n the_o scabbard_n not_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sword_n it_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o antichrist_n wherewith_o he_o kill_v christ._n this_o be_v the_o impious_a jargon_n of_o these_o high-flown_a man_n who_o make_v no_o other_o use_n of_o the_o bible_n than_o to_o allegorise_v it_o and_o to_o turn_v it_o all_o into_o mystery_n these_o have_v be_v follow_v by_o other_o 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of_o the_o most_o considerable_a person_n of_o that_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o fill_v up_o canon_n and_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o no_o more_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v write_v or_o give_v forth_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o who_o agree_v 60._o another_o of_o as_o great_a repute_n among_o that_o tribe_n i_o see_v no_o necessity_n say_v he_o of_o believe_v that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v fill_v up_o and_o again_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o principal_a ground_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o knowledge_n nor_o yet_o the_o adequate_a primary_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n but_o they_o be_v only_o a_o secondary_a rule_n subordinate_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o according_o he_o add_v that_o the_o inward_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n which_o man_n
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