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
import_n signify_v a_o dispose_n of_o something_o be_v most_o commoâ—â—ly_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o disposal_n as_o be_v either_o by_o covenâ—â—_n or_o testament_n hence_o it_o be_v sometime_o render_v 〈◊〉_d covenant_n and_o sometime_o a_o testament_n especial_o among_o the_o lawyer_n the_o latter_a sense_n prevail_v and_o according_o you_o will_v find_v that_o a_o last_o will_v and_o testament_n be_v express_v by_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o imperial_a institution_n and_o other_o law-book_n translate_v into_o greek_a we_o may_v here_o join_v both_o sense_n together_o for_o what_o god_n have_v agree_v to_o by_o covenant_n with_o man_n that_o christ_n bequeath_v and_o give_v by_o testament_n now_o we_o must_v prove_v both_o these_o i._n e._n we_o must_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o covenant_n and_o testament_n be_v true_a before_o we_o can_v receive_v any_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n from_o they_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o evidence_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v this_o covenant_n and_o this_o testament_n otherwise_o we_o can_v build_v nothing_o upon_o they_o here_o then_o i._o i_o will_v evince_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o great_a basis_n of_o all_o theology_n ii_o after_o i_o have_v large_o insist_v on_o this_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o style_n and_o phrase_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n iii_o i_o will_v advance_v yet_o far_o and_o demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o they_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o present_a undertake_n be_v the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o handle_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v but_o brief_o and_o concise_o make_v use_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v common_o insist_v upon_o by_o learned_a writer_n till_o i_o come_v to_o fix_v upon_o a_o topick_n which_o be_v not_o common_o yea_o which_o be_v very_o rare_o and_o by_o the_o by_o use_v in_o this_o cause_n and_o this_o i_o will_v pursue_v very_o large_o and_o full_o i_o hope_v with_o some_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o reader_n there_o be_v many_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o embrace_v by_o we_o as_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n some_o of_o these_o argument_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n be_v in_o common_a with_o those_o that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n on_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o insist_v at_o another_o time_n but_o my_o design_n at_o present_a be_v to_o propound_v those_o which_o be_v more_o peculiarly_a and_o proper_o fit_v to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o these_o be_v either_o internal_a or_o external_n the_o internal_a one_o i_o call_v those_o which_o be_v either_o in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o or_o in_o vs._n the_o character_n of_o divinity_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v in_o themselves_o be_v either_o their_o matter_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o write_v they_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o here_o i_o will_v mention_v only_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o the_o sublime_a doctrine_n and_o verity_n which_o be_v in_o holy_a writ_n in_o read_v this_o book_n we_o meet_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o come_v from_o any_o but_o god_n himself_o in_o other_o write_n which_o be_v most_o applaud_v the_o choice_a thing_n which_o entertain_v our_o mind_n be_v the_o excellent_a moral_a notion_n and_o precept_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o we_o which_o be_v all_o the_o result_n of_o improve_v reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n but_o here_o be_v beside_o these_o notice_n of_o a_o peculiar_a nature_n and_o such_o as_o be_v above_o our_o natural_a capacity_n and_o invention_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o these_o write_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o eternal_a decree_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o blood_n the_o whole_a method_n of_o man_n salvation_n the_o stupendous_a providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n the_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o the_o raise_n of_o all_o man_n out_o of_o their_o ash_n these_o and_o several_a other_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o come_v from_o any_o but_o god_n they_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o character_n of_o divinity_n as_o be_v no_o common_a and_o obvious_a matter_n but_o such_o as_o be_v tower_a and_o lofty_a hide_a and_o abstruse_a and_o not_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n a_o god_n be_v plain_o discover_v in_o they_o for_o the_o most_o improve_v creature_n can_v never_o have_v reach_v to_o this_o pitch_n any_o serious_a and_o think_v man_n can_v but_o discern_v the_o peculiar_a turn_v and_o singular_a contrivance_n of_o these_o mysterious_a doctrine_n which_o argue_v they_o to_o be_v divine_a we_o may_v therefore_o believe_v the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o of_o the_o wonderful_a height_n and_o sublimity_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o 2._o the_o exact_a purity_n and_o holiness_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o be_v enjoin_v in_o these_o write_n be_v another_o testimony_n of_o their_o be_v divine_o inspire_v for_o though_o some_o other_o book_n dictate_v religion_n and_o piety_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o true_a and_o just_a measure_n of_o they_o be_v take_v original_o from_o this_o one_o exact_a standard_n which_o be_v prior_n to_o they_o all_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o beside_o the_o love_n and_o charity_n the_o humility_n meekness_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n which_o the_o scripture_n describe_v to_o we_o far_o exceed_v the_o most_o advantageous_a representation_n the_o most_o exalt_a idea_n which_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n give_v of_o they_o these_o therefore_o be_v emphatical_o and_o eminent_o call_v by_o st._n paul_n the_o holy_a scripture_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o because_o they_o breathe_v the_o most_o consummate_a goodness_n and_o piety_n and_o that_o antecedent_o to_o all_o write_n whatsoever_o because_o every_o thing_n in_o they_o advance_v holiness_n and_o that_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o they_o be_v to_o promote_v protrept_n sanctity_n of_o life_n to_o make_v we_o every_o way_n better_o and_o even_o to_o render_v we_o *_o like_o god_n himself_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v intend_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o display_v the_o heavenly_a purity_n and_o thereby_o to_o commend_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o with_o sincere_a and_o humble_a mind_n we_o peruse_v this_o book_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v this_o bless_a result_n of_o it_o it_o will_v marvellous_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n especial_o of_o god_n unspotted_a holiness_n it_o will_v tincture_n our_o mind_n with_o religion_n it_o will_v pervade_v all_o our_o faculty_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o godliness_n and_o it_o will_v thorough_o cleanse_v and_o sanctify_v both_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n but_o because_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v more_o of_o this_o when_o i_o treat_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o will_v now_o dismiss_v it_o 3._o to_o the_o matter_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v refer_v the_o prophecios_fw-la and_o prediction_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o these_o i_o reckon_v another_o internal_a argument_n because_o they_o be_v draw_v from_o what_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o very_a scripture_n itself_o what_o a_o vast_a number_n be_v there_o of_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o find_v fulfil_v and_o according_o be_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o scripture_n here_o i_o will_v a_o little_a enlarge_v and_o first_o i_o will_v begâ—n_v with_o that_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o noah_n 27._o god_n shall_v enlarge_v japhet_n and_o he_o shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o shem_n and_o canaan_n shall_v be_v his_o servant_n where_o be_v foretell_v thing_n that_o happen_v above_o two_o thousand_o year_n afterward_o for_o the_o posterity_n of_o japheth_n viz._n the_o european_n especial_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n among_o other_o conquest_n gain_v the_o possession_n of_o judea_n and_o other_o eastern_a country_n which_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o shem._n again_o it_o be_v fulfil_v thus_o by_o christ_n come_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o by_o his_o
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n i._n e._n water_n be_v hold_v to_o 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o element_n and_o from_o that_o the_o other_o three_o spring_v which_o opinion_n be_v take_v from_o the_o scripture_n account_n of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o world_n viz._n from_o moses_n make_v the_o dark_a deep_a or_o water_n to_o be_v the_o production_n of_o the_o first_o day_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v frame_v afterward_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o of_o the_o stoic_n hold_v the_o chaos_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o water_n as_o philo_n inform_v we_o incorruptib_n they_o think_v say_v he_o that_o water_n and_o the_o chaos_n be_v the_o same_o this_o latter_a have_v its_o denomination_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signisre_v flow_v â—_o pour_v out_o hence_o 13._o seneâ—a_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d opinion_n of_o this_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n that_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o choliast_n upon_o pindar_n think_v that_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d allude_v to_o this_o ancient_a opinion_n but_o i_o can_v â—y_a any_o thing_n in_o defence_n of_o that_o thalete_fw-la we_o be_v certain_a â—at_a the_o former_a quotation_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o to_o â—he_v purpose_n and_o now_o i_o will_v bring_v another_o as_o conderable_a as_o any_o viz._n of_o thales_n the_o founder_n of_o â—he_n jonick_a philosophy_n and_o one_o of_o the_o first_o that_o â—ade_v disquisition_n on_o nature_n he_o express_o maintain_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v produce_v of_o water_n as_o diogenes_n laertius_n tully_n and_o other_o relate_v of_o â—im_n especial_o the_o word_n of_o this_o latter_a conern_v he_o be_v remarkable_a 25._o thales_n assirm_v say_v he_o that_o water_n be_v the_o beginning_n of_o thing_n â—nd_v that_o god_n be_v that_o mind_n which_o make_v all_o thing_n of_o water_n which_o seem_v more_o particular_o and_o signal_o to_o refer_v to_o what_o moses_n say_v speak_v of_o the_o â—rst_a original_a of_o the_o universe_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n â—oved_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o water_n gen._n 1._o 2._o give_v â—s_n to_o understand_v that_o water_n and_o slime_n be_v the_o material_a cause_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n â—nd_v that_o god_n be_v that_o spirit_n or_o mind_n who_o make_v â—he_n world_n out_o of_o those_o first_o water_n and_o the_o barbaric_a as_o well_o as_o greek_a philosopher_n hold_v this_o â—itness_v the_o brahmin_n among_o the_o indian_n as_o straâ—â—_n â—_z quote_v by_o philo_n say_v and_o the_o mosis_fw-la egyptiansâ—hought_n â—hought_z so_o too_o and_o therefore_o worship_v this_o eâ—ment_n as_o that_o learned_a jew_n observe_v helmont_n as_o well_o as_o thales_n and_o other_o philosophet_n of_o â—_o patronize_v this_o opinion_n maintain_v that_o all_o â—_o die_v be_v from_o one_o element_n they_o be_v materie_a simple_a water_n disguise_v into_o various_a form_n by_o 〈◊〉_d plastic_a virtue_n of_o their_o seed_n and_o a_o esq._n hoâ—_n rabble_n person_n of_o late_a have_v amaze_a several_a thing_n â—_o gether_o for_o the_o maintain_v this_o hypothesis_n and_o let_v the_o world_n see_v what_o may_v be_v say_v for_o it_o thoâ—_n he_o be_v not_o peremptory_a himself_o this_o without_o doâ—_n the_o ancient_n borrow_v from_o the_o moysaicall_a hisâ—_n of_o the_o world_n which_o acquaint_v we_o that_o at_o the_o 〈◊〉_d creation_n 9_o all_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o water_n and_o lay_v brood_v there_o two_o day_n together_o â—_o according_o it_o make_v water_n to_o be_v the_o primitiâ—_fw-la matter_n or_o vehicle_n of_o the_o universe_n to_o the_o chaos_n and_o water_n the_o ancient_n add_v anâ—_n there_o concurrent_a principle_n namely_o night_n thâ—_n the_o world_n have_v its_o beginning_n from_o night_n and_o â—_o os_fw-la be_v a_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o pagan_n no_o only_a poet_n as_o hymn_n orpheus_n linus_n hesiod_n homer_n 〈◊〉_d other_o who_o frequent_o talk_v of_o chaos_n and_o nigâ—_n or_o erebus_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v beget_v by_o they_o but_o philosopher_n also_o if_o we_o must_v distiâ—_n guish_v between_o these_o and_o the_o poet_n who_o be_v philosopher_n too_o as_o epicharmus_n thales_n plato_n and_o â—_o the_o greek_a theologizer_n who_o speak_v of_o those_o tâ—_n as_o the_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n 6._o aâ—_n stotle_n relate_v that_o the_o person_n skilled_a in_o antieâ—_n theology_n believe_v all_o thing_n be_v make_v of_o nigâ—_n which_o questionless_a be_v of_o mosaic_a extraction_n and_o spring_v first_o from_o those_o word_n in_o gen._n 1._o 2._o darkness_n be_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a the_o deep_a be_v their_o chaos_n and_o the_o darkness_n be_v their_o night_n or_o erebus_n for_o the_o know_v and_o usual_a signification_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v caligo_n darkness_n or_o perhaps_o this_o may_v be_v borrow_v from_o ereb_n vespera_fw-la the_o evening_n mention_v in_o gen._n 1._o â—_o as_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o time_n from_o the_o creation_n whence_o the_o old_a notion_n of_o theogon_n aether_n and_o day_n be_v beget_v by_o the_o night_n and_o hence_o the_o pagan_n who_o have_v see_v something_o of_o these_o write_n come_v to_o have_v this_o sentiment_n that_o night_n and_o darkness_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o moses_n here_o deliver_v only_o it_o be_v express_v in_o different_a term_n and_o so_o as_o to_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o mosaic_a history_n concern_v 7._o god_n orderly_a divide_v separate_a and_o digest_v of_o this_o confuse_a chaos_n and_o dark_a mass_n the_o old_a philosopher_n have_v agree_v to_o this_o likewise_o anaxagoras_n be_v reckon_v common_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o ancient_a atheist_n but_o he_o little_o deserve_v that_o name_n for_o as_o plutarch_n say_v of_o he_o etc._n he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o deny_v fortune_n or_o fate_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n or_o principle_n of_o the_o fair_a order_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o first_o set_v up_o a_o pure_a and_o immix_v spirit_n or_o mind_n who_o separate_v the_o homogeneous_a part_n from_o the_o whole_a mass_n and_o confuse_a mixture_n of_o thing_n and_o diogenes_n laertius_n give_v these_o as_o his_o very_a word_n aâ—axag_n all_o thing_n be_v in_o a_o heap_n and_o jumble_v at_o first_o afterward_o come_v the_o eternal_a mind_n and_o dispose_v and_o order_v they_o in_o a_o excellent_a manner_n this_o aristotle_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v that_o 〈◊〉_d in_o infinite_a matter_n a_o mind_n or_o intelligence_n produce_v motion_n and_o separate_v the_o part_n which_o mind_n be_v call_v by_o simplicius_n on_o the_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o 〈◊〉_d mind_n which_o make_v the_o world_n so_o 4._o tully_n 〈◊〉_d that_o those_o particle_n of_o infinite_a matter_n 〈◊〉_d be_v alike_o in_o themselves_o and_o be_v very_o small_a â—_o subtle_a and_o at_o first_o very_o confuse_v be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d ward_v bring_v into_o order_n by_o the_o divine_a 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n 〈◊〉_d i_o ask_v whence_o have_v they_o this_o notion_n concerâ—â—â—â—_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o a_o principâ—â—_n in_o philosophy_n therefore_o they_o have_v it_o somewhâ—â—_n else_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o be_o prove_v 〈◊〉_d speculation_n and_o theory_n concern_v the_o rise_n 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n be_v not_o their_o own_o but_o be_v transitional_a principle_n i._n e._n they_o receive_v they_o 〈◊〉_d the_o ancient_n and_o these_o have_v they_o convey_v 〈◊〉_d they_o from_o the_o bible_n theiâ—_n philosophize_v 〈◊〉_d this_o matter_n be_v from_o that_o divine_a penman_n mosâ—â—_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o god_n first_o of_o 〈◊〉_d produce_v a_o chaos_n i._n e._n the_o rude_a beginning_n 〈◊〉_d earth_n swallow_v up_o and_o even_o overwhelm_v wiâ—â—_n the_o watery_a abyss_n out_o of_o which_o dark_a confuse_a anâ—_n indigested_a material_n he_o make_v all_o thing_n both_o 〈◊〉_d heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o out_o of_o the_o first_o matter_n whicâ—_n by_o a_o divine_a skill_n and_o power_n he_o separate_v and_o divide_v till_o it_o arise_v to_o this_o excellent_a and_o compleâ—â—_n frame_v wherein_o it_o appear_v at_o this_o day_n thus_o the_o ancient_a philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v borrow_v from_o moses_n description_n of_o the_o creation_n thus_o the_o write_n of_o the_o first_o heathen_a philosopher_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o first_o and_o ancient_a penman_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o the_o pagan_n come_v by_o this_o information_n from_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v please_v to_o stay_v but_o till_o we_o come_v towards_o the_o close_a of_o this_o discourse_n and_o then_o i_o hope_v 〈◊〉_d shall_v give_v you_o a_o good_a and_o satisfactory_a account_n
ch._n 11._o v._n 6._o though_o i_o be_v rude_a in_o speech_n p._n 437_o ver._n 17._o i_o speak_v not_o after_o the_o lord_n p._n 472_o st._n james_n ch._n 4._o v._n 5_o 6._o do_v you_o think_v that_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o vain_a the_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o we_o lust_v to_o envy_n but_o he_o give_v more_o grace_n p._n 463_o st._n peter_n 2_o epist._n ch._n 3._o v._n 5._o this_o they_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a of_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o heaven_n be_v of_o old_a and_o the_o earth_n stand_v out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o in_o the_o water_n p._n 62_o st._n john_n 2_o epist._n ver._n 12._o i_o will_v not_o write_v with_o paper_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 167_o beside_o sundry_a text_n mention_v in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n where_o the_o emendation_n of_o the_o present_a english_a version_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v attempt_v errata_fw-la page_n 30._o line_n 1o_o r._n able_a full_o to_o p._n 79._o l._n 29._o r._n who_o be_v p._n 104._o l._n 33._o r._n as_o p._n 11o_o l._n 5._o r._n founder_n p._n 117._o l._n 28._o r._n greek_o p._n 121._o l._n 33._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 139._o l._n 25._o r._n aâ—_n p._n 140._o â—_o 33._o r._n from_o it_o p._n 146._o l._n 27._o r._n require_v either_o of_o p._n 159._o l._n 15._o r._n record_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o their_o alphabet_n be_v p._n 188._o l._n 14_o after_o time_n deal_n l._n 15._o after_o these_o deal_n p._n 196._o in_o the_o margin_n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 206._o l._n 20._o r._n this_o p._n 216._o l._n 1._o r._n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o p._n 230._o l._n 15._o r._n place_n p._n 244._o l._n 27._o r._n which_o we_o and_o include_v the_o follow_a word_n which_o be_v render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n rotulae_fw-la by_o the_o lxx_o in_o a_o parenthesis_n p._n 322._o l._n 33_o 34._o r._n the_o former_a and_o f._n be_v r._n be_v p._n 336._o l._n 30._o r._n might_n p._n 340._o l._n 3._o r._n the_o deadly_a p._n 361._o l._n ult_n r._n live_v p._n 432._o l._n 1._o after_o thus_o insert_v p._n 433._o l._n 3._o before_o but_o leave_v out_o p._n 491._o l._n 13._o r._n that_o p._n 493._o l._n 4._o r._n in_o the._n p._n 504._o l._n antepenult_n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 554._o l._n 32._o delâ—_n all_o p._n 558._o l._n 9_o r._n they_o do_v p._n 562._o l._n 5._o r._n for_o one_o p._n 563._o l._n 30._o r._n mist._n p._n 565._o l._n 15._o r._n be_v the_o fault_n in_o the_o hebrew_n be_v leâ—t_v to_o be_v correct_v by_o the_o learned_a the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n chap._n i._n the_o different_a esteem_n and_o sentiment_n of_o person_n concern_v the_o author_n they_o make_v choice_n of_o to_o read_v no_o write_n can_v equal_v the_o bible_n it_o have_v be_v high_o value_v in_o all_o age_n by_o man_n of_o the_o great_a learning_n wit_n and_o judgement_n a_o scheme_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n brief_o propound_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v the_o best_a conduct_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n they_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o solid_a consolation_n joy_n and_o happiness_n this_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n be_v oppose_v by_o many_o of_o the_o rabbin_n a_o account_n of_o their_o cabala_n and_o oral_n law_n the_o papist_n by_o prefer_v their_o tradition_n before_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v these_o latter_a in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n deny_v the_o perfection_n of_o they_o so_o do_v familist_n quaker_n and_o all_o enthusiast_n pag._n 1_o chap._n ii_o the_o bible_n be_v furnish_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o humane_a as_o well_o as_o divine_a learning_n hebrew_n wherein_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v be_v the_o primitive_a language_n of_o the_o world_n the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n be_v plain_o record_v in_o no_o other_o write_n but_o these_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n be_v a_o real_a history_n and_o record_v matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v large_o prove_v that_o the_o mosaic_a history_n give_v we_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o the_o several_a nation_n and_o people_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o the_o place_n of_o their_o habitation_n also_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o original_a of_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o increase_v of_o it_o and_o the_o different_a change_n it_o undergo_v be_v derive_v from_o these_o write_n the_o court_n of_o judicature_n and_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o punishment_n among_o the_o jew_n distinct_o treat_v of_o the_o government_n among_o the_o heathen_a nation_n the_o four_o celebrate_a monarchy_n or_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 45_o chap._n iii_o in_o these_o sacred_a write_n we_o have_v the_o first_o and_o early_a account_n of_o all_o useful_a employment_n and_o calling_n viz._n garden_v husbandry_n feed_v of_o sheep_n prepare_v of_o food_n the_o ancient_a manner_n of_o thresh_v grind_v of_o corn_n and_o make_v bread_n be_v inquire_v into_o what_o be_v the_o primitive_a drink_n the_o posture_n which_o they_o use_v at_o eat_v and_o drink_v sit_v precede_v discubation_n the_o particular_a manner_n of_o place_v themselves_o on_o their_o bed_n eat_v in_o common_a not_o always_o use_v discalceation_n and_o wash_v the_o foot_n be_v the_o attendant_n of_o eat_v and_o feast_v so_o be_v anoint_v they_o have_v a_o master_n or_o governor_n of_o their_o feast_n who_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o mechanic_n arts._n the_o first_o example_n of_o architecture_n house_n be_v build_v flat_a at_o top_n and_o why_o p._n 111_o chap._n iu_o the_o first_o original_a of_o letter_n and_o write_v be_v record_v here_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o material_n they_o write_v upon_o of_o old_a the_o instrument_n with_o which_o they_o form_v their_o letter_n or_o character_n the_o ancient_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a history_n be_v in_o the_o bible_n so_o be_v the_o ancient_a and_o most_o admire_a poetry_n the_o first_o invention_n and_o practice_n of_o music_n and_o on_o what_o occasion_n it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o the_o rise_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o who_o be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o it_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o due_a study_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n the_o first_o instance_n of_o anatomy_n medic_n chirurgery_n embalm_v and_o the_o apothecary_n employment_n be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n here_o be_v the_o first_o example_n of_o ship_n and_o navigation_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o place_n whither_o solomon_n navy_n go_v every_o three_o year_n a_o conjecture_n concern_v ophir_n astronomy_n and_o judiciary_n astrology_n mention_v in_o scripture_n of_o war_n and_o skill_n in_o arms._n the_o nature_n of_o those_o military_a weapon_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n particular_o and_o distinct_o inquire_v into_o the_o antiquity_n of_o martial_a ensign_n and_o standard_n the_o vast_a number_n which_o the_o army_n of_o old_a consist_v of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o silent_a concern_v sportive_a diversion_n and_o exercise_n some_o of_o which_o but_o especial_o dance_v be_v consider_v p._n 157_o chap._n v._o we_o be_v furnish_v in_o the_o bible_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o first_o usage_n relate_v to_o matrimony_n of_o nuptial_a feast_n and_o other_o ancient_a feast_n we_o have_v here_o the_o first_o notice_n of_o buy_v and_o sell_v and_o the_o ancient_a use_n of_o money_n we_o learn_v hence_o what_o be_v the_o first_o apparel_n and_o what_o addition_n there_o be_v afterward_o the_o chief_a ornament_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n viz._n crown_n mitre_n frontal_n jewel_n earring_n the_o occasion_n of_o wear_v these_o at_o first_o and_o among_o what_o person_n and_o nation_n together_o with_o the_o abuse_n of_o they_o chain_n bracelet_n finger-ring_n and_o signet_n change_n of_o garment_n the_o ancient_a use_n of_o white_a apparel_n fuller_n earth_n looking-glass_n rend_v of_o the_o garment_n p._n 225_o chap._n vi_o here_o we_o be_v inform_v concern_v the_o primitive_a institution_n of_o burying_n grave_n and_o sepulcher_n be_v general_o in_o the_o field_n and_o without_o the_o wall_n of_o city_n they_o usual_o embalm_v the_o dead_a body_n why_o they_o sometime_o burn_v they_o burn_v also_o signify_v embalm_v there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o funeral_n burn_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o heathen_n the_o manner_n and_o time_n of_o mourn_v for_o the_o dead_a both_o vocal_a and_o instrumental_a music_n use_v at_o funeral_n the_o antiquity_n of_o funeral_n monument_n the_o old_a way_n of_o erect_v great_a heap_n of_o stone_n over_o the_o dead_a stone-heng_a be_v a_o sepulchral_v monument_n and_o in_o imitation_n
bold_a man_n that_o asseâ—ts_v the_o primitive_a earth_n to_o have_v be_v without_o sea_n and_o without_o mountain_n and_o the_o airy_a expansion_n to_o be_v without_o cloud_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a contradict_v of_o moses_n who_o say_v the_o water_n be_v gather_v together_o and_o be_v call_v sea_n ver_fw-la 10._o and_o inform_v we_o that_o there_o be_v other_o water_n above_o the_o firmament_n or_o air_n ver_fw-la 7._o and_o in_o another_o place_n let_v we_o know_v that_o all_o the_o high_a hill_n and_o mountain_n be_v cover_v by_o the_o water_n of_o the_o deluge_n gen._n 7._o 19_o 20._o thus_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v ill_o philosophize_v in_o defiance_n of_o moses_n the_o first_o of_o the_o philosophic_a order_n this_o be_v confutation_n enough_o of_o his_o hypothesis_n and_o herein_o i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o the_o excepter_n against_o his_o book_n be_v in_o the_o right_n now_o to_o support_v his_o own_o opinion_n and_o to_o run_v down_o moses_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o instead_o of_o a_o history_n we_o be_v here_o present_v with_o a_o parable_n with_o a_o ethical_a discourse_n in_o a_o obscure_a way_n this_o philosophic_a romancer_n turn_v the_o holy_a scripture_n into_o aesop_n fable_n and_o seem_v with_o his_o friend_n spinosa_n to_o hint_n that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v only_o high_a flight_n of_o imagination_n god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v fasten_v any_o such_o thing_n upon_o he_o or_o any_o the_o like_a imputation_n on_o any_o other_o man_n of_o learning_n or_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v it_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o ground_n for_o it_o i_o appeal_v therefore_o to_o all_o person_n of_o correct_a thought_n whether_o his_o assert_v that_o moses_n the_o prime_n and_o lead_a prophet_n be_v so_o fanciful_a that_o he_o present_v we_o with_o mere_a allegory_n and_o parable_n even_o when_o he_o seem_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o fall_v of_o our_o first_o parent_n whether_o i_o say_v this_o do_v not_o argue_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophetic_a writer_n who_o can_v not_o do_v amiss_o in_o imitate_v so_o great_a a_o guide_n be_v lead_v whole_o by_o imagination_n and_o dictate_v not_o thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v but_o as_o they_o fancy_v they_o to_o be_v nay_o he_o not_o only_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o moses_n write_n but_o he_o blast_v the_o integrity_n of_o the_o penman_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o crafty_a politician_n and_o dissembler_n one_o that_o do_v all_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o people_n one_o that_o cheat_v the_o ignorant_a jew_n with_o a_o thing_n like_o a_o history_n mere_o to_o please_v they_o whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o piece_n of_o morality_n in_o a_o allegorized_a way_n and_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v so_o by_o we_o certain_o moses_n need_v not_o to_o have_v be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o i_o suppose_v most_o grant_v he_o to_o be_v to_o have_v merit_v this_o character_n but_o i_o have_v animadvert_v on_o he_o with_o some_o freedom_n in_o a_o former_a discourse_n and_o therrfore_o i_o will_v not_o say_v any_o more_o here_o nor_o shall_v i_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n then_o or_o now_o if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v very_o persuade_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o consequent_o of_o our_o whole_a religion_n lay_v at_o stake_n for_o if_o this_o one_a chapter_n of_o genesis_n together_o with_o the_o rest_n which_o follow_v which_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o history_n upon_o they_o be_v not_o literal_a and_o historical_a we_o know_v not_o what_o judgement_n to_o make_v of_o any_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o recite_v matter_n of_o fact_n we_o can_v tell_v whether_o any_o text_n bear_v a_o literal_a sense_n or_o no_o and_o so_o we_o throw_v up_o the_o whole_a bible_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o sceptic_n and_o atheist_n after_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v under_o this_o head_n i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o mean_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v design_v for_o philosophy_n no_o there_o be_v noble_a thing_n that_o it_o aim_v at_o yet_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o here_o be_v the_o best_a philosophy_n both_o moral_a and_o natural_a it_o be_v the_o latter_a i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o viz._n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n god_n create_v of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o fâ—rst_a step_n to_o all_o natural_a philosophy_n this_o be_v to_o be_v learn_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n who_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n i_o be_o treat_v of_o here_o the_o birth_n and_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n be_v distinct_o set_v down_o which_o be_v a_o subject_a that_o all_o the_o philosopher_n be_v defective_a in_o i_o grant_v whaâ—_n cyril_n speak_v of_o moses_n say_v julian_n that_o he_o design_v not_o to_o play_v the_o philosopher_n in_o a_o subtle_a and_o curious_a manner_n and_o to_o be_v accurate_a in_o his_o discourse_n of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o thing_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a truth_n that_o no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n teach_v we_o the_o true_a origine_fw-la and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o epoch_n of_o the_o universe_n the_o particular_a order_n and_o method_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o production_n of_o mankind_n but_o this._n by_o this_o alone_a we_o be_v fix_v and_o determine_v in_o these_o point_n and_o we_o have_v no_o long_o any_o reason_n to_o doubt_n and_o waver_v we_o may_v plain_o discern_v from_o these_o sacred_a write_n the_o invalidity_n of_o those_o notion_n which_o some_o philosophic_a head_n have_v entertain_v viz._n the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n the_o production_n of_o it_o by_o chance_n or_o the_o mechanical_a rise_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o mere_a matter_n and_o motion_n all_o these_o fond_a conceit_n be_v silence_v by_o this_o sacred_a author_n a_o happiness_n which_o we_o can_v not_o have_v have_v if_o this_o most_o ancient_a and_o authentic_a book_n be_v not_o extant_a three_o we_o have_v no_o account_n of_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o nation_n and_o people_n in_o the_o world_n but_o â—rom_o the_o mosaic_a history_n here_o and_o only_o here_o we_o have_v a_o exact_a narrative_n of_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o earth_n among_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n and_o their_o posterity_n it_o be_v in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n that_o we_o have_v the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o plantation_n a_o choice_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n and_o to_o be_v prize_v by_o all_o lover_n of_o ancient_a learning_n those_o that_o delight_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o first_o original_n of_o thing_n here_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o japheth_n the_o elder_a son_n of_o noah_n and_o his_o seven_o son_n be_v the_o first_o that_o people_v that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v call_v europe_n with_o a_o part_n of_o asia_n the_o less_o his_o son_n be_v reckon_v up_o in_o this_o manner_n 1._o gomer_n who_o progeny_n seat_v themselves_o in_o the_o north-east_n part_n of_o that_o leâ—â—er_n asia_n which_o contain_v phrygia_n pontus_n bythinia_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o galatia_n these_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v josephus_n call_v by_o the_o latin_n galatae_n among_o who_o be_v the_o city_n comara_n according_a to_o pliny_n and_o 1._o mela_n speak_v of_o the_o comari_n the_o people_n that_o dwell_v in_o this_o tract_n be_v as_o herodotus_n and_o other_o ancient_a historian_n testify_v callâ—d_v cimmerii_n and_o have_v their_o name_n from_o gomer_n if_o we_o may_v give_v credit_n to_o some_o of_o the_o learnede_a critic_n such_o who_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o rest_v in_o fanciful_a derivation_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o gomeri_fw-la comeri_fw-la cumeri_fw-la cimbri_n cimmerii_n be_v the_o same_o the_o old_a german_n be_v think_v by_o they_o to_o have_v be_v a_o colony_n of_o these_o cimmerian_n or_o gomerian_o for_o german_n be_v but_o a_o corruption_n of_o gomerman_n the_o old_a gall_n be_v another_o colony_n of_o the_o gomerian_o who_o by_o the_o grecian_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o contract_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d celtae_n for_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o cimbri_n or_o cimmerii_n be_v the_o ancient_a inhabitant_n of_o old_a gallia_n and_o our_o ancestor_n the_o britain_n be_v of_o the_o same_o stock_n for_o that_o they_o descend_v from_o the_o gall_n or_o celtae_n who_o be_v the_o gomeri_fw-la or_o cimbri_n of_o old_a our_o own_o learned_a antiquary_n mr._n cambden_n attempt_v to_o prove_v from_o their_o religion_n manner_n language_n etc._n etc._n the_o inhabitant_n of_o cumberland_n as_o he_o think_v retain_v the_o name_n still_o
divine_a architect_n deut._n 22._o 8._o thou_o shall_v make_v a_o battlement_n foâ—_n thy_o roof_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d muruâ—_n per_fw-la circuitum_fw-la as_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a render_v it_o be_v adâ—ded_v that_o thou_o bring_v not_o blood_n upon_o thy_o house_n if_o any_o man_n fall_v from_o thence_o the_o flat_a roof_n of_o their_o house_n be_v rail_v in_o that_o none_o may_v slip_v off_o of_o they_o and_o hazard_v their_o life_n and_o here_o by_o the_o by_o i_o may_v add_v that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a structure_n of_o the_o temple_n it_o be_v flat_a at_o top_n and_o according_o be_v encompass_v round_o with_o a_o peribolus_n a_o â—ett_n of_o rail_n or_o battlement_n and_o this_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n mat._n 4._o 5._o i_o e._n some_o part_n side_n or_o wing_n as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d import_v of_o the_o battlement_n wherewith_o the_o temple_n be_v surround_v at_o top_n lest_o any_o â—hould_v fall_v down_o thence_o and_o to_o confirm_v this_o interpretation_n i_o will_v produce_v that_o passage_n of_o hegeâ—ippus_n quote_v by_o 23._o eusebius_n who_o relate_v that_o some_o of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o other_o of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n come_v and_o request_v james_n the_o just_a the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o preach_v at_o the_o passover_n when_o the_o people_n come_v from_o all_o part_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v both_o see_v and_o hear_v of_o all_o they_o desire_v he_o to_o stand_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o battlement_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o he_o further_o tell_v that_o he_o do_v so_o it_o be_v a_o place_n then_o that_o they_o may_v safe_o stand_v upon_o otherwise_o st._n james_n will_v not_o have_v consent_v to_o their_o request_n dr._n hammâ—nd_n think_v this_o be_v the_o top_n of_o the_o battlement_n and_o add_v that_o it_o be_v broad_a enough_o to_o stand_v upon_o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v unsafe_a to_o trust_v their_o foot_n there_o lest_o they_o shall_v slip_v therefore_o i_o rather_o think_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o st._n matthew_n must_v not_o be_v take_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o forementioned_a story_n in_o the_o one_o it_o signify_v the_o top_n of_o the_o rail_n or_o battlement_n a_o dangerous_a place_n to_o stand_v upon_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n the_o devil_n set_v our_o saviour_n there_o but_o in_o the_o other_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o place_n within_o the_o battlement_n for_o the_o whole_a space_n encompass_v with_o these_o have_v that_o denomination_n however_o we_o be_v hence_o inform_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o a_o pinnacle_n or_o spire_n for_o the_o jewish_a temple_n have_v no_o such_o thing_n though_o some_o of_o our_o church_n have_v but_o the_o exterior_a circuit_n which_o compass_v the_o top_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o be_v make_v to_o be_v a_o ornament_n to_o it_o as_o well_o as_o to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o fall_v down_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o it_o among_o grammarian_n as_o 5._o dr._n hammond_n have_v right_o note_v and_o not_o only_o the_o temple_n but_o every_o house_n have_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o battlement_n about_o it_o this_o be_v the_o short_a account_n which_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o insert_v here_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o as_o the_o latin_n call_v they_o solaria_fw-la because_o they_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o sun_n and_o air_n the_o flat_a roof_n with_o which_o the_o house_n heretofore_o especial_o in_o the_o asiatic_a region_n be_v build_v and_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o early_a a_o account_n in_o any_o writer_n whatsoever_o of_o the_o structure_n of_o the_o ancient_a house_n as_o this_o of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n be_v chap._n iu._n the_o first_o original_n of_o letter_n and_o write_v be_v record_v here_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o material_n they_o write_v upon_o of_o old_a the_o instrument_n with_o which_o they_o form_v their_o letter_n or_o character_n the_o ancient_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a history_n be_v in_o the_o bible_n so_o be_v the_o ancient_a and_o most_o admire_a poetry_n the_o first_o invention_n and_o practice_n of_o music_n and_o on_o what_o occasion_n it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o the_o rise_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o who_o be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o it_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o due_a study_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n the_o first_o instance_n of_o anatomy_n medic_n chirurgery_n embalm_v and_o the_o apothecary_n employment_n be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n here_o be_v the_o first_o example_n of_o ship_n and_o navigation_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o place_n whither_o solomon_n navy_n go_v every_o three_o year_n a_o conjecture_n concern_v ophir_n 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it_o and_o so_o letter_n be_v impart_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n eupolemus_n and_o artapanus_n two_o very_a ancient_a historian_n quote_v by_o 1._o clement_n of_o alexandria_n be_v of_o this_o opinion_n and_o assert_v that_o letter_n have_v their_o original_n from_o moses_n this_o be_v favour_v by_o clement_n himself_o by_o 9_o eusebius_n by_o julian_n cyril_n of_o alexandria_n and_o 18._o st._n augustin_n incline_v to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v confirm_v from_o that_o general_a report_n of_o the_o pagan_n that_o from_o the_o phoenician_n all_o letter_n be_v derive_v particular_o concern_v the_o greek_n herodotus_n and_o plutarch_n testify_v that_o they_o record_v the_o letter_n of_o their_o alphabet_n from_o the_o phoenician_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v call_v 3_o the_o phoenician_n letter_n yea_o the_o word_n
septuagint_n and_o latin_a version_n and_o according_a to_o they_o in_o our_o english_a bibles_n into_o these_o three_o sort_n historical_a doctrinal_a and_o prophetical_a the_o historical_a book_n be_v narrative_n of_o thing_n do_v and_o these_o be_v fifteen_o whereof_o genesis_n be_v the_o first_o and_o job_n the_o last_o or_o if_o you_o reckon_v the_o two_o part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o samuel_n and_o the_o king_n and_o those_o likewise_o of_o the_o chronicle_n as_o distinct_a book_n than_o there_o be_v eighteen_o in_o all_o the_o doctrinal_a book_n be_v such_o as_o purposely_o and_o whole_o instruct_v we_o in_o our_o devotion_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n these_o be_v four_o the_o psalm_n the_o proverb_n ecclesiaste_n and_o solomon_n song_n the_o prophetic_a book_n be_v those_o which_o consist_v chief_o in_o prediction_n concern_v the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o church_n the_o punishment_n of_o its_o enemy_n and_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh._n these_o be_v write_v either_o by_o the_o great_a propbet_n as_o isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezâ—kiel_n daniel_n to_o which_o also_o appertain_v the_o lamentation_n of_o jeremiah_n or_o by_o the_o lesser_a whereof_o the_o first_o be_v hosea_n and_o malachi_n the_o last_o have_v thus_o give_v you_o a_o distribution_n of_o the_o several_a book_n i_o come_v now_o to_o a_o particular_a survey_n of_o they_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v genesis_n which_o together_o with_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v write_v by_o moses_n who_o be_v the_o first_o writer_n that_o we_o know_v of_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v every_o way_n so_o remarkable_a and_o admirable_a a_o person_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v before_o i_o proceed_v any_o further_a to_o present_v you_o with_o the_o character_n of_o this_o excellent_a man_n that_o in_o what_o we_o shall_v deliver_v concern_v this_o one_o penman_n of_o scripture_n you_o may_v guess_v how_o large_a we_o may_v be_v in_o commendation_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o because_o we_o can_v have_v leisure_n to_o do_v so_o in_o all_o the_o other_o that_o follow_v i_o will_v offer_v here_o a_o specimen_fw-la of_o it_o in_o this_o first_o inspire_a writer_n who_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v he_o be_v bear_v about_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 2370_o in_o egypt_n of_o hebrew_n parent_n who_o present_o read_v in_o his_o face_n 20._o extraordinary_a mark_n of_o divinity_n and_o therefore_o be_v unwilling_a to_o discover_v his_o birth_n to_o the_o egyptian_n that_o he_o may_v not_o according_a to_o pharaoh_n order_n be_v hurry_v into_o nile_n and_o there_o drown_v however_o in_o this_o river_n they_o resolve_v to_o expose_v he_o in_o a_o ark_n of_o bulrush_n and_o to_o commit_v both_o he_o and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o little_a vessel_n in_o which_o he_o be_v embark_v to_o the_o great_a pilot_n of_o the_o world_n and_o behold_v it_o arrive_v at_o a_o safe_a harbour_n and_o no_o mean_a a_o person_n than_o the_o king_n daughter_n receive_v the_o little_a passenger_n into_o her_o embrace_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o court_n and_o breed_v up_o as_o her_o own_o son_n here_o he_o become_v 22._o learned_a in_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n in_o all_o those_o art_n and_o science_n wherein_o they_o use_v to_o instruct_v their_o youth_n which_o they_o chief_o design_v for_o the_o service_n of_o their_o country_n viz._n in_o arithmetic_n geometry_n music_n astronomy_n for_o these_o be_v science_n that_o they_o think_v be_v natural_a to_o man_n mind_n and_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n teach_v not_o only_o by_o the_o egyptian_n but_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o ancient_n in_o their_o school_n hence_o it_o be_v write_v in_o great_a letter_n over_o the_o entry_n of_o plato_n school_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d none_o must_v be_v admit_v into_o this_o place_n but_o such_o as_o have_v be_v initiate_v into_o geometry_n such_o as_o have_v have_v a_o taste_n of_o it_o at_o least_o therefore_o this_o and_o the_o forename_a art_n be_v term_v mathematics_n i._n e._n learning_n or_o discipline_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n in_o all_o these_o be_v this_o young_a courtier_n bring_v up_o and_o skill_v in_o all_o philosophical_a accomplishment_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n beside_o he_o be_v more_o especial_o instruct_v in_o that_o abstruse_a and_o recondite_v knowledge_n which_o the_o egyptian_n be_v peculiarly_a master_n of_o namely_o their_o hieroglyphic_n cipher_n their_o mystical_a symbol_n and_o figure_n whereby_o they_o represent_v the_o choice_a truth_n to_o man_n mind_n this_o way_n of_o symbolical_a learning_n furnish_v they_o with_o all_o kind_n of_o notion_n that_o be_v serviceable_a in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n they_o be_v teach_v hence_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o morality_n the_o profound_a maxim_n in_o politic_n and_o the_o most_o useful_a sentiment_n in_o theology_n this_o be_v the_o celebrate_a wisdom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n in_o which_o moses_n be_v educate_v be_v send_v by_o pharaoh_n daughter_n to_o the_o best_a academy_n and_o school_n of_o learning_n and_o commit_v to_o the_o best_a tutor_n and_o have_v moreover_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o own_o excellent_a part_n and_o quick_a ingeny_n for_o he_o who_o be_v so_o eminent_a as_o to_o his_o bodily_a feature_n and_o proportion_n have_v without_o doubt_n as_o fair_a a_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v time_n now_o for_o moses_n to_o leave_v the_o court_n and_o to_o add_v to_o all_o his_o other_o accomplishment_n that_o of_o travel_v and_o true_o he_o be_v neceslitated_a to_o this_o for_o the_o court_n can_v not_o bear_v he_o any_o long_o because_o he_o can_v not_o bear_v it_o he_o every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o dislike_v their_o manner_n contemn_v their_o gay_a folly_n laugh_v at_o their_o empty_a title_n and_o 24._o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n he_o be_v now_o resolve_v to_o help_v and_o assist_v his_o oppress_a brethren_n though_o by_o that_o attempt_n he_o shall_v lose_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o royal_a patroness_n and_o with_o that_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v great_a yea_o though_o he_o shall_v incur_v the_o danger_n of_o be_v miserable_a above_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o former_a happiness_n 26._o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n his_o hebrew_a brethren_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n in_o pharaoh_n court_n esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o or_o for_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n in_o egypt_n in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o 23._o he_o visit_v his_o brethren_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n who_o now_o groan_v under_o their_o extreme_a bondage_n and_o slavery_n in_o that_o country_n he_o bold_o 24_o defend_v they_o when_o â—e_n see_v they_o suffer_v wrong_a and_o avenge_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o oppress_a and_o smite_v the_o egyptian_n this_o make_v he_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o egyptian_a lord_n and_o taskmaster_n who_o present_o go_v and_o represent_v his_o carriage_n to_o the_o court_n and_o thereupon_o he_o be_v banish_v thence_o for_o his_o dare_a to_o take_v the_o part_n of_o any_o of_o those_o hebrew_n bondslave_n 29._o then_o flee_v moses_n into_o the_o land_n of_o midian_a and_o be_v a_o shepherd_n there_o 30_o forty_o year_n just_a as_o many_o as_o he_o have_v be_v a_o courtier_n this_o be_v the_o sudden_a change_n of_o his_o condition_n and_o he_o make_v it_o serviceable_a to_o the_o best_a ends._n he_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v to_o come_v into_o it_o with_o the_o great_a vigour_n for_o his_o retire_a life_n fit_v he_o for_o public_a achievement_n afterward_o his_o contemplative_a and_o solitary_a way_n of_o live_v prepare_v he_o for_o action_n his_o low_a and_o mean_a estate_n be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o his_o be_v call_v to_o a_o high_a one_o god_n bestow_v not_o on_o a_o man_n magnificence_n unless_o he_o first_o make_v trial_n of_o he_o in_o some_o small_a thing_n say_v the_o rabbi_n and_o they_o instance_n in_o moses_n and_o david_n who_o keep_v sheep_n king_n be_v ancient_o style_v shepherd_n and_o sometime_o be_v real_o such_o god_n call_v cyrus_n his_o shepherd_n isa._n 44._o 28._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o epithet_n of_o a_o prince_n in_o homer_n which_o '_o plato_n explain_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o feeder_n and_o nourisher_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o mankind_n the_o three_o hebrew_n verb_n nahag_a nahal_fw-mi ragnah_o signify_v to_o lead_v or_o feed_v sheep_n and_o to_o govern_v so_o do_v the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v both_o a_o palace_n luke_n 11._o 21._o john_n 18._o 15._o and_o a_o sheepfold_n john_n 10._o 1._o the_o word_n 4._o shebet_n be_v both_o a_o sceptre_n and_o a_o pastoral_n rod._n the_o shepherd_n employment_n say_v mosis_fw-la
have_v see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o inequality_n in_o the_o six_o day_n work_v but_o he_o mistake_v the_o system_fw-la of_o the_o world_n which_o moses_n describe_v and_o thence_o be_v his_o error_n i_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o wilful_a and_o presumptuous_a for_o from_o several_a bold_a stroke_n in_o this_o ingenious_a man_n write_n one_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v he_o incline_v to_o alphonsus_n humour_n who_o declare_v that_o if_o he_o have_v be_v at_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o can_v have_v teach_v god_n to_o have_v form_v the_o system_fw-la of_o it_o better_o but_o i_o will_v retain_v a_o more_o charitable_a opinion_n concern_v this_o author_n and_o i_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v show_v his_o charity_n as_o i_o have_v i_o in_o not_o censure_v this_o my_o free_a descant_n upon_o what_o he_o have_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n for_o i_o have_v as_o great_a a_o regard_n as_o any_o man_n to_o true_a and_o sober_a philosophy_n and_o i_o own_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o but_o i_o must_v needs_o protest_v that_o i_o abhor_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o exclude_v the_o sacred_a write_n while_o they_o adhere_v to_o their_o own_o hypothesis_n who_o set_v up_o such_o philosophical_a principle_n and_o conclusion_n as_o direct_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v the_o reveal_v truth_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o or_o else_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o any_o reflection_n on_o what_o this_o learned_a author_n have_v write_v let_v we_o have_v as_o much_o 〈◊〉_d philosophy_n as_o he_o please_v but_o none_o that_o subvert_v our_o old_a religion_n to_o proceed_v on_o the_o five_o day_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o of_o the_o low_a heaven_n be_v form_v for_o though_o the_o cheer_v and_o warm_v light_n before_o it_o be_v embody_v and_o gather_v together_o into_o certain_a receptacle_n be_v instrumental_a by_o the_o divine_a power_n to_o produce_v vegetable_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o vigorous_a enough_o to_o beget_v the_o animal_n life_n but_o now_o this_o noble_a and_o cherish_n virtue_n be_v mighty_o increase_v by_o immense_a accession_n of_o light_n and_o heat_v make_v to_o it_o and_o be_v more_o advantageous_o place_v and_o fix_v we_o find_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o the_o production_n of_o fish_n and_o feather_a animal_n now_o a_o live_n or_o sensitive_a soul_n be_v first_o make_v ver_fw-la 21._o on_o the_o six_o and_o last_o day_n the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o all_o kind_n of_o beast_n and_o cattle_n i._n e._n all_o terrestrial_a animal_n as_o on_o the_o forego_n day_n all_o animal_n belong_v to_o the_o sea_n and_o rivers_n and_o to_o the_o air_n be_v create_v and_o last_o mun_n the_o top_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o creature_n the_o most_o elaborate_v piece_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v frame_v out_o of_o the_o dust_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o divine_a part_n especial_o make_v according_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n himself_o he_o be_v too_o great_a and_o noble_a a_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o by_o the_o by_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o discourse_v of_o he_o here_o only_o i_o will_v observe_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o archaeologist_n who_o positive_o aver_v that_o this_o last_o day_n be_v performance_n be_v not_o proportionable_a to_o the_o rest_n and_o thence_o condemn_v the_o mosaic_a history_n of_o the_o creation_n but_o this_o disproportion_n be_v either_o in_o respect_n of_o more_o or_o of_o less_o do_v on_o this_o day_n than_o on_o the_o other_o if_o he_o complain_v that_o more_o be_v do_v he_o show_v himself_o inconsiderate_a for_o hereby_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o creation_n rise_n high_a and_o high_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n beside_o that_o he_o confine_v the_o creator_n himself_o but_o if_o he_o complain_v as_o i_o suppose_v he_o do_v that_o less_o be_v do_v he_o show_v what_o low_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n he_o have_v of_o man_n as_o if_o mud_n water_n earth_n cloud_n sea_n plant_n fish_n and_o fowl_n the_o production_n of_o the_o former_a day_n be_v much_o better_a than_o he_o who_o god_n purposely_o reserve_v to_o be_v the_o compliment_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o he_o to_o who_o every_o creature_n pay_v a_o tribute_n he_o for_o who_o use_n and_o benefit_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v make_v these_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o primitive_a work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o several_a day_n in_o which_o they_o be_v make_v for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v as_o literam_fw-la some_o do_v that_o this_o division_n of_o the_o creation_n into_o so_o many_o part_n be_v only_o set_v down_o for_o order_n sake_n but_o that_o real_o all_o be_v do_v at_o once_o and_o in_o a_o moment_n for_o then_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o four_o commandment_n of_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n day_n viz._n because_o in_o six_o day_n the_o lord_n make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o sea_n and_o all_o that_o in_o they_o be_v and_o rest_v on_o the_o seven_o day_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n yea_o it_o be_v absolute_a nonsense_n therefore_o we_o must_v necessary_o own_v the_o gradual_a progress_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o let_v we_o not_o only_o do_v so_o but_o observe_v the_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o infinite_a architect_n in_o the_o order_n and_o method_n which_o he_o use_v he_o in_o create_v begin_v with_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a rank_n of_o being_n and_o so_o ascend_v to_o high_a and_o noble_a simple_n element_n as_o earth_n water_n fire_n or_o light_n air_n be_v produce_v before_o the_o more_o mix_v and_o concrete_a body_n yea_o these_o element_n be_v place_v according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o degree_n of_o gravity_n first_o the_o earth_n subside_v in_o the_o low_a place_n of_o all_o for_o the_o great_a and_o renown_a tycho_n disdain_v not_o this_o hypothesis_n than_o the_o water_n or_o abyss_n place_v immediate_o about_o the_o earth_n next_o the_o air_n or_o expansion_n who_o position_n be_v above_o the_o water_n last_o the_o fire_n call_v light_n which_o comprehend_v all_o the_o ethereal_a and_o heavenly_a body_n which_o be_v surmount_v above_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o for_o the_o planet_n which_o be_v so_o many_o earth_n i_o e._n if_o by_o earth_n we_o mean_v a_o opake_v body_n they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v for_o at_o another_o time_n and_o in_o another_o place_n where_o it_o will_v be_v most_o proper_a to_o speak_v of_o they_o it_o be_v also_o observable_a that_o thing_n that_o be_v inanimate_a be_v first_o bring_v into_o existence_n and_o afterward_o such_o as_o have_v a_o vegetative_a life_n then_o thing_n that_o have_v sense_n and_o spontaneous_a motion_n and_o last_o reasonable_a creature_n man_n be_v the_o conclude_a work_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o his_o soul_n be_v the_o last_o of_o all_o to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o this_o sort_n of_o being_n be_v much_o more_o valuable_a than_o body_n to_o assure_v we_o from_o the_o method_n of_o god_n create_v that_o mind_n or_o spirit_n surpass_v maâ—ter_n final_o when_o i_o say_v that_o the_o creation_n cease_v in_o man_n as_o in_o the_o most_o perfect_a work_n of_o the_o divine_a artificer_n as_o in_o the_o end_n to_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v design_v i_o do_v not_o exclude_v angel_n who_o be_v a_o perfect_a classis_fw-la of_o creature_n and_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o body_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n be_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o moses_n in_o this_o account_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n i_o be_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o these_o glorious_a spirit_n be_v make_v present_o after_o man_n they_o be_v a_o order_n of_o creature_n superior_a to_o he_o the_o order_n of_o the_o creation_n so_o far_o as_o we_o certain_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o invite_v i_o to_o embrace_v this_o persuasion_n for_o according_a to_o this_o those_o excellent_a being_n shall_v have_v the_o last_o place_n according_a to_o the_o step_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o creation_n i_o say_v it_o be_v thus_o exodus_fw-la be_v the_o next_o book_n which_o relate_v the_o tyranny_n of_o pharaoh_n the_o bondage_n of_o the_o israelite_n under_o he_o in_o egypt_n and_o their_o wonderful_a deliverance_n from_o it_o more_o particular_o here_o be_v record_v the_o prodigious_a increase_n and_o multiply_v of_o these_o oppress_a hebrew_n which_o be_v the_o posterity_n of_o jacob_n the_o plague_n inflict_v on_o the_o egyptian_a king_n and_o his_o people_n because_o he_o refuse_v to_o dismiss_v they_o their_o departure_n thence_o without_o his_o leave_n though_o not_o without_o the_o people_n their_o miraculous_a pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n or_o arabian_a gulf_n the_o overthrow_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o
proceed_v now_o to_o the_o other_o book_n of_o moses_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v brief_a leviticus_n have_v its_o name_n because_o it_o treat_v chief_o of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o levite_n and_o the_o whole_a levitical_a order_n it_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o jewish_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o particular_a employment_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n of_o their_o several_a kind_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n viz._n burnt-offering_n meat-offering_n peace-offering_n sin-offering_n trespass-offering_n of_o the_o consecration_n of_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n to_o the_o priesthood_n of_o law_n about_o clean_n and_o unclean_a thing_n and_o of_o difference_n of_o meat_n here_o they_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v blood_n here_o they_o be_v teach_v how_o to_o discern_v the_o leprosy_n and_o how_o to_o cleanse_v it_o here_o be_v law_n concern_v vow_n and_o thing_n and_o person_n devote_v there_o be_v also_o other_o ordinance_n and_o injunction_n concern_v their_o solemn_a feast_n viz._n the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o seven_o year_n the_o passover_n the_o feast_n of_o first-fruit_n of_o pentecost_n of_o trumpet_n of_o expiation_n of_o tabernacle_n and_o many_o the_o like_a usage_n and_o rite_n which_o be_v strict_o command_v this_o people_n on_o purpose_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a ceremony_n of_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v round_o about_o they_o and_o will_v be_v entice_v they_o to_o imitate_v their_o practice_n beside_o these_o rite_n be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o be_v type_n and_o representative_n of_o thing_n of_o a_o far_o high_a nature_n even_o of_o christ_n himself_o and_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a number_n of_o judicial_a law_n as_o concern_v the_o year_n of_o jubilee_n about_o the_o redemption_n of_o land_n and_o house_n against_o take_v of_o usury_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o also_o concern_v servant_n and_o bondman_n here_o be_v law_n touch_v the_o degree_n of_o affinity_n and_o consanguinity_n and_o consequent_o what_o marriage_n be_v lawful_a and_o what_o unlawful_a may_v thence_o be_v infer_v and_o several_a other_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o jew_n civil_a law_n furthermore_n here_o be_v insert_v several_a moral_a instruction_n and_o excellent_a precept_n of_o natural_a religion_n respect_v both_o god_n and_o men._n last_o towards_o the_o close_a of_o all_o there_o be_v blessing_n and_o curse_n pronounce_v the_o former_a to_o such_o as_o careful_o observe_v these_o law_n the_o latter_a on_o those_o that_o wilful_o break_v they_o these_o aâ—e_v the_o admirable_a thing_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n and_o which_o have_v be_v the_o acceptable_a entertainment_n of_o the_o inquisitive_a and_o religious_a of_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a in_o all_o age_n since_o they_o have_v be_v extant_a the_o book_n of_o number_n have_v its_o denomination_n from_o the_o number_v of_o the_o family_n of_o israel_n as_o we_o may_v collect_v from_o ch_z 1._o v._n 3_o 4._o where_o we_o read_v that_o moses_n and_o aaron_n have_v a_o special_a command_n from_o god_n to_o muster_n the_o tribe_n and_o to_o take_v the_o number_n of_o all_o that_o be_v fit_a for_o war_n and_o to_o order_n and_o marshal_v the_o army_n when_o it_o be_v once_o form_v for_o now_o in_o their_o passage_n through_o the_o wilderness_n they_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o many_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v convenient_a to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o their_o force_n and_o to_o put_v themselves_o into_o a_o posture_n ready_a to_o engage_v a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o book_n be_v historical_a relate_v several_a remarkable_a passage_n in_o the_o israelite_n march_v through_o the_o wilderness_n as_o the_o sedition_n of_o aaron_n and_o miriam_n the_o rebellion_n of_o corah_n and_o his_o companion_n the_o murmur_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n their_o be_v plague_v with_o fiery_a serpent_n baalam_n prophesy_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o israel_n instead_o of_o curse_v they_o the_o miraculous_a bud_a of_o aaron_n rod._n hear_v also_o be_v distinct_o relate_v their_o several_a remove_n from_o place_n to_o place_n their_o two_o and_o forty_o stage_n or_o journey_n through_o the_o wilderness_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n which_o befall_v they_o whereby_o we_o be_v instruct_v and_o confirm_v in_o some_o of_o the_o weighty_a truth_n that_o have_v immediate_a reference_n to_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n be_v spend_v in_o enumerate_v those_o law_n and_o ordinance_n whether_o ceremonial_a or_o civil_a which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n and_o be_v not_o mention_v before_o in_o the_o precede_a book_n as_o some_o particular_n of_o the_o levite_n office_n and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o the_o trial_n of_o jealousy_n the_o rite_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o nazarite_n the_o renew_n of_o the_o passover_n the_o make_n of_o fringe_n on_o the_o border_n of_o their_o garment_n the_o water_n of_o separation_n to_o be_v use_v in_o purify_n the_o unclean_a the_o law_n of_o inheritance_n of_o vow_n of_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n of_o the_o city_n for_o the_o levite_n and_o some_o other_o constitution_n either_o not_o insert_v into_o the_o other_o book_n of_o moses_n or_o not_o so_o distinct_o and_o plain_o set_v down_o thus_o this_o book_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o addition_n of_o law_n not_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o forego_n book_n have_v its_o peculiar_a use_n and_o excellency_n deuteronomy_n which_o signify_v a_o second_o law_n be_v a_o repetition_n of_o the_o law_n before_o deliver_v it_o be_v the_o canonic_a mishnah_n or_o new_a rehearsal_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o be_v necessary_a because_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o before_o die_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o there_o be_v now_o spring_v up_o another_o generation_n of_o man_n the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v promulge_v to_o they_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v live_v at_o that_o time_n have_v not_o hear_v the_o decalogue_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o law_n open_o proclaim_v or_o be_v young_a they_o have_v neglect_v or_o forget_v they_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o moses_n in_o this_o book_n rehearse_v they_o to_o this_o new_a people_n and_o withal_o add_v a_o explication_n of_o they_o in_o many_o place_n yea_o and_o adjoin_v some_o new_a law_n viz._n the_o take_n down_o of_o malefactor_n from_o the_o tree_n in_o the_o evening_n make_v of_o battlement_n on_o the_o roof_n of_o their_o house_n the_o expiation_n of_o a_o unknown_a murder_n the_o punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o a_o rebellious_a son_n the_o distinction_n of_o the_o sex_n by_o apparel_n marry_v the_o brother_n wife_n after_o his_o decease_n also_o order_n and_o injunction_n concern_v divorce_n concern_v manstealer_n concern_v unjust_a weight_n and_o measure_n concern_v the_o marry_v of_o a_o captive_a woman_n concern_v the_o servant_n that_o desert_n his_o master_n service_n and_o several_a other_o law_n not_o only_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a but_o military_a there_o be_v likewise_o insert_v some_o new_a action_n and_o passage_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o last_o year_n of_o their_o travel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n moreover_o moses_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n show_v himself_o a_o true_a father_n pastor_n and_o guide_n to_o that_o people_n a_o hearty_a lover_n of_o they_o and_o their_o welfare_n in_o such_o manifest_a instance_n as_o these_o his_o often_o inculcate_v upon_o they_o the_o many_o obligation_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o from_o god_n the_o innumerable_a favour_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o his_o frequent_a and_o pathetic_a exhortation_n to_o obedience_n and_o live_v answerable_o to_o the_o singular_a mercy_n which_o be_v confer_v upon_o they_o his_o constant_a remind_v they_o of_o their_o former_a miscarriage_n their_o murmur_n and_o rebellion_n against_o heaven_n and_o all_o their_o unworthy_a deportment_n towards_o their_o matchless_a benefactor_n his_o compassionate_a forewarn_n they_o of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n of_o the_o various_a plague_n and_o punishment_n which_o will_v certain_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o their_o persist_v in_o their_o sin_n last_o his_o affectionate_a encourage_v they_o to_o obedience_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o endear_n promise_v which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o they_o and_o which_o he_o will_v assure_o make_v good_a if_o they_o do_v not_o frustrate_v his_o design_n of_o mercy_n towards_o they_o by_o their_o own_o wilful_a obstinacy_n these_o be_v the_o excellent_a subject_n of_o this_o divine_a book_n and_o which_o render_v it_o so_o unvaluable_a a_o treasury_n hitherto_o of_o the_o pentateuch_n or_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o they_o i_o think_v need_v not_o be_v question_v though_o
write_v the_o book_n which_o bear_v his_o name_n be_v a_o jew_n cupbearer_n to_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n and_o return_v into_o judea_n thirteen_o year_n after_o ezra_n there_o be_v another_o nehemiah_n who_o come_v with_o those_o that_o return_v at_o first_o from_o babylon_n ezra_n 2._o 2._o but_o he_o who_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o come_v afterward_o by_o artaxerxes_n leave_n in_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o go_v back_o to_o persia_n again_o twelve_o year_n after_o neh._n 5._o 14._o this_o writer_n begin_v where_o ezra_n leave_v of_o and_o continue_v the_o history_n of_o the_o building_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o deportment_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o time_n from_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o darius_n about_o fifty_o year_n in_o all_o as_o ezra_n chief_o relate_v the_o restore_a of_o religion_n and_o erect_v the_o temple_n so_o this_o author_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o building_n of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v restore_v in_o several_a particular_n he_o show_v what_o be_v the_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o people_n and_o how_o they_o be_v redress_v even_o by_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o tell_v we_o what_o method_n he_o take_v of_o regulate_v both_o their_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a affair_n in_o short_a of_o reform_v both_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v even_o then_o so_o early_o corrupt_v from_o the_o whole_a both_o here_o and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n we_o be_v teach_v many_o useful_a lesson_n but_o this_o above_o all_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v power_n to_o extinguish_v this_o little_a flock_n israel_n be_v not_o always_o a_o captive_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n babylon_n send_v back_o her_o prisoner_n and_o bondman_n her_o very_a enemy_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a direction_n of_o heaven_n promote_v her_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n for_o we_o be_v inform_v from_o this_o part_n of_o sacred_a history_n that_o god_n stir_v up_o even_o the_o persian_a monarch_n to_o restore_v his_o people_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o when_o they_o be_v there_o to_o help_v and_o assist_v they_o and_o to_o baffle_v all_o their_o opposer_n the_o book_n of_o esther_n be_v a_o particular_a history_n of_o what_o happen_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o captivity_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o ahasuerus_n one_o of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n whether_o he_o be_v artaxerxes_n longimanus_fw-la as_o raleigh_n some_o think_v or_o artaxerxes_n mnemon_n as_o most_o author_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a say_v or_o artaxerxes_n ochus_n as_o serarius_n hold_v or_o xerxes_n the_o four_o persian_a monarch_n according_a to_o scaliger_n or_o darius_n the_o son_n of_o hystaspes_n or_o cambyses_n for_o so_o various_a aâ—e_n the_o opinion_n of_o author_n i_o will_v not_o here_o dispute_v only_o we_o know_v that_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o the_o profane_a intend_v the_o same_o person_n sometime_o though_o they_o give_v different_a name_n the_o story_n be_v this_o haman_n a_o great_a favourite_n and_o minion_n of_o the_o king_n and_o advance_v to_o great_a honour_n by_o he_o be_v high_o incense_v against_o mordecai_n one_o of_o the_o captive_a jew_n because_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v he_o reverence_n and_o to_o bow_n to_o he_o whereupon_o he_o resolve_v for_o his_o sake_n to_o compass_v the_o destruction_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o territory_n and_o to_o that_o end_n gain_v a_o decree_n from_o the_o king_n to_o put_v they_o all_o to_o the_o sword_n but_o this_o wicked_a design_n be_v happy_o frustrate_v by_o mean_n of_o esther_n a_o jewish_a captive_a virgin_n who_o for_o her_o transcendent_a beauty_n have_v a_o little_a time_n before_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o throne_n and_o now_o prevail_v with_o her_o royal_a husband_n to_o spare_v the_o life_n of_o her_o dear_a countryman_n in_o this_o manner_n haman_n curse_a conspiracy_n be_v defeat_v he_o himself_o advance_v to_o a_o gibbet_n and_o that_o of_o his_o own_o prepare_v the_o jew_n deliver_v from_o their_o fear_n and_o danger_n mordecai_n who_o discover_v this_o bloody_a design_n to_o queen_n esther_n and_o who_o have_v before_o that_o discover_v another_o conspiracy_n viz._n against_o the_o king_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o chronicle_n and_o about_o this_o time_n read_v to_o he_o and_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n serviceable_a by_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o bring_v about_o this_o happy_a frustration_n of_o haman_n plot_n this_o mordecai_n i_o say_v be_v prefer_v unto_o the_o great_a honour_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o by_o the_o by_o let_v i_o suggest_v that_o perhaps_o from_o his_o ride_v the_o king_n horse_n and_o thereby_o be_v prefer_v to_o kingly_a dignity_n the_o story_n of_o darius_n be_v make_v king_n of_o persia_n by_o the_o neigh_v of_o his_o horse_n have_v its_o rise_n for_o as_o i_o have_v often_o have_v occasion_n in_o another_o place_n to_o prove_v the_o gentile_a historian_n mistake_v one_o person_n for_o another_o the_o heart_n and_o mouth_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o king_n province_n be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o a_o annual_a festival_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o all_o succeed_a generation_n in_o remembrance_n of_o this_o singular_a and_o unexpected_a deliverance_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o this_o short_a history_n in_o which_o there_o be_v many_o admirable_a and_o surprise_v circumstance_n which_o though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v particular_o relate_v here_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o god_n singular_a providence_n and_o goodness_n to_o his_o church_n in_o discover_v and_o defeat_v the_o contrivance_n of_o her_o malicious_a and_o cruel_a enemy_n in_o deliver_v she_o in_o her_o great_a extremity_n and_o in_o bring_v vengeance_n and_o ruin_n on_o the_o head_n of_o those_o who_o plot_n her_o downfall_n as_o to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n there_o be_v no_o agreement_n among_o writer_n though_o one_o will_v be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v mordecai'_v by_o reading_z ch_z 9_o v._n 20._o and_o ch_n 12._o of_o apocryphal_a esther_n v_o 4._o the_o next_o penman_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v job_n who_o book_n may_v have_v be_v place_v next_o to_o the_o pentateuch_n if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o be_v general_o believe_v that_o he_o live_v about_o moses_n time_n though_o selden_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o he_o live_v a_o considerable_a time_n before_o the_o israelite_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o that_o he_o be_v before_o moses_n it_o be_v write_v by_o himself_o say_v origen_n and_o suidas_n but_o the_o rabbin_n general_o pronounce_v moses_n the_o author_n other_o make_v solomon_n the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n discover_v as_o they_o think_v his_o manner_n of_o speak_v in_o it_o the_o most_o probable_a account_n be_v that_o the_o material_n of_o this_o book_n be_v draw_v up_o first_o by_o joâ—_a himself_o or_o one_o or_o all_o of_o his_o pious_a friend_n that_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o here_o and_o that_o they_o come_v to_o moses_n hand_n as_o some_o of_o the_o jewish_a master_n tell_v we_o or_o afterward_o to_o solomon_n be_v make_v up_o into_o hebrew_n verse_n as_o we_o now_o find_v it_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n be_v of_o this_o composure_n and_o indeed_o be_v the_o first_o poetical_a book_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o bible_n whence_o we_o may_v infer_v something_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o as_o mensal_n m._n luther_n well_o observe_v job_n and_o his_o friend_n speak_v not_o all_o the_o very_a word_n which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o this_o book_n for_o man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o speak_v in_o verse_n in_o their_o discourse_n one_o with_o another_o and_o especial_o in_o such_o a_o lofty_a style_n of_o poetry_n as_o we_o read_v here_o sometime_o but_o this_o be_v true_a that_o both_o their_o thought_n and_o word_n be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o what_o be_v here_o write_v and_o thing_n actual_o and_o real_o happen_v as_o they_o be_v here_o represent_v only_o the_o whole_a argument_n be_v clothe_v in_o verse_n the_o individual_a and_o express_a word_n which_o they_o all_o the_o time_n use_v be_v not_o always_o write_v down_o neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v but_o we_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n attend_v to_o the_o talmudick_n doctor_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o book_n be_v not_o a_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o write_v in_o a_o parabolical_a way_n to_o exhibit_v to_o the_o world_n a_o eminent_a example_n of_o patience_n nor_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o parisaan_n patr._n professor_n to_o be_v tolerate_v who_o say_v the_o history_n be_v true_a but_o the_o
not_o always_o observe_v here_o thing_n be_v not_o relate_v constant_o in_o a_o certain_a continue_a method_n and_o series_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v or_o take_v they_o as_o write_v so_o a_o great_a and_o prevail_a mistake_v it_o have_v be_v to_o think_v that_o the_o course_n and_o order_n of_o time_n be_v due_o and_o all_o along_o observe_v in_o these_o write_n whereas_o to_o a_o considerate_a person_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o chapter_n be_v not_o write_v and_o dispose_v in_o any_o method_n this_o because_o it_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o and_o censure_v as_o a_o new_a notion_n i_o will_v make_v good_a thus_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v represent_v and_o describe_v three_o or_o four_o time_n in_o these_o vision_n and_o revelation_n as_o first_o at_o the_o open_n of_o the_o six_o seal_n ch_n 6._o v._n 12_o to_o the_o end_n where_o the_o description_n of_o the_o last_o day_n agree_v exact_o with_o other_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n especial_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o mat._n 24._o and_o therefore_o to_o allegorise_v it_o where_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o signify_v sometime_o temporal_a judgement_n as_o the_o destruction_n of_o babylon_n isa._n 13._o 10._o and_o of_o egypt_n ezek._n 32._o 7._o i_o answer_v that_o though_o it_o do_v so_o yet_o these_o remarkable_a judgement_n and_o devastation_n be_v figure_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o last_o and_o terrible_a one_o and_o be_v so_o design_v by_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v well_o be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o manner_n nay_o the_o darken_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o the_o like_a expression_n be_v but_o metaphorical_a in_o those_o former_a instance_n but_o here_o be_v proper_a natural_a and_o real_a and_o therefore_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n again_o st._n john_n have_v another_o revelation_n of_o this_o great_a day_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 11_o chapter_n from_o ver_fw-la 15_o to_o the_o close_a of_o the_o chapter_n but_o especial_o those_o plain_a word_n in_o ver_fw-la 18._o thy_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v place_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n be_v here_o mean_v again_o the_o seven_o vial_n mention_v rev._n 16._o 17._o which_o contain_v the_o last_o plague_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o indignation_n and_o punishment_n of_o that_o day_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o prodigy_n which_o accompany_v it_o and_o particular_o from_o what_o be_v say_v ver_fw-la 20._o every_o island_n flee_v away_o and_o the_o mountain_n be_v not_o find_v which_o express_v the_o terrible_a dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o precede_a vial_n which_o make_v way_n for_o this_o last_o that_o christ_n say_v i_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n v_o 15._o which_o manner_n of_o expression_n be_v particular_o apply_v and_o make_v use_n of_o when_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v speak_v of_o mat._n 24._o 43._o 1_o thess._n 5._o 2_o 4_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 10._o and_o last_o in_o the_o 20_o chapter_n from_o the_o 11_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n there_o be_v another_o vision_n of_o this_o last_o and_o general_a appearance_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v by_o interpreter_n and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o stand_v to_o clear_v it_o now_o from_o all_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v not_o observe_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o this_o book_n a_o historical_a order_n or_o course_n of_o time_n for_o if_o there_o be_v the_o general_n day_n of_o doom_n which_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n of_o all_o can_v not_o be_v represent_v here_o three_o or_o four_o time_n this_o must_v have_v come_v in_o the_o shut_n up_o of_o all_o when_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v pass_v whereas_o now_o we_o see_v it_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o beginning_n in_o the_o middle_a and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o these_o revelation_n which_o if_o it_o be_v well_o attend_v to_o be_v one_o admirable_a key_n to_o open_v the_o secret_n of_o this_o book_n for_o hence_o we_o understand_v that_o this_o prophecy_n be_v not_o what_o it_o have_v be_v think_v to_o be_v one_o entire_a historical_a narration_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v and_o that_o first_o one_o thing_n be_v foretell_v and_o then_o what_o follow_v that_o in_o time_n be_v next_o set_v down_o and_o so_o on_o in_o order_n no_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v thrice_o at_o least_o insert_v show_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o this_o book_n end_n and_o then_o begin_v again_o and_o then_o have_v a_o period_n and_o commence_v again_o and_o after_o that_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a scene_n be_v open_v and_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v repeat_v which_o be_v a_o most_o evident_a argument_n that_o this_o book_n consist_v of_o three_o or_o four_o grand_a prophecy_n or_o prophetic_a representation_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o christ_n church_n from_o the_o time_n when_o this_o be_v â—â—nned_v to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o be_v represent_v by_o different_a type_n prophetic_a symbol_n and_o vision_n the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n which_o happen_v on_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o theâ—_n be_v these_o three_o the_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n which_o â—befal_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a the_o â—â—liverâ—â—de_n of_o they_o out_o of_o those_o trial_n and_o god_n 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—â—shing_v of_o their_o enemy_n these_o you_o will_v 〈◊〉_d set_v forth_o and_o illustrate_v by_o diverse_a scheme_n and_o apparition_n by_z different_z and_o reiterated_a representation_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o thing_n though_o the_o same_o be_v diverse_o represent_v i._n e._n in_o different_a vision_n over_o and_o over_o again_o and_o why_o they_o be_v express_v in_o different_a term_n and_o word_n the_o â—â—â—son_n i_o say_v why_o they_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v be_v â—â—â—use_v they_o so_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o wise_a disposal_n of_o proviâ—â—noâ—_n these_o prophecy_n have_v be_v and_o they_o â—â—all_v be_v yet_o fulfil_v for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o cruelty_n of_o its_o enemy_n and_o persecutor_n and_o the_o wonderful_a deliverance_n from_o they_o and_o avenge_a their_o cause_n upon_o their_o head_n be_v the_o same_o in_o different_a age_n until_o the_o time_n when_o babyâ—â—â—_n shall_v fall_v and_o never_o rise_v again_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o a_o most_o eminent_a and_o learned_a bishop_n of_o our_o own_o â—_o one_o may_v easy_o see_v say_v he_o that_o rome_n be_v here_o intend_a and_o not_o pagan_a but_o christian_a rome_n which_o be_v degenerate_v into_o a_o idolatrous_a and_o tyrannical_a state_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v doom_v in_o due_a time_n to_o destruction_n you_o see_v then_o how_o useful_a this_o book_n be_v you_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o propheoy_n ch_n 1._o v._n 3._o thâ—_n we_o can_v so_o clear_o descny_v the_o particular_a and_o 〈◊〉_d dividual_a thing_n time_n and_o personâ—_n contain_v in_o tâ—â—_n though_o this_o last_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n the_o obscure_a of_o they_o all_o though_o in_o some_o place_n there_o be_v apocalyps_n as_o many_o mystery_n as_o word_n yet_o thus_o far_o it_o be_v proper_o revelation_n that_o herein_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o particular_a method_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o it_o in_o all_o time_n be_v plain_o reveal_v and_o discover_v to_o we_o plain_o i_o say_v because_o they_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o mistake_v they_o as_o pharaâ—â—'s_n dream_n be_v double_v to_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n represent_v gen._n 41._o 32._o so_o these_o prophecy_n and_o vision_n be_v double_v and_o tribble_v yea_o more_o than_o so_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o certain_a truth_n and_o reality_n of_o these_o event_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o this_o persuasion_n that_o though_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v often_o trouble_v and_o persecute_v yet_o she_o have_v her_o time_n of_o restoration_n and_o revive_v and_o there_o be_v a_o time_n of_o vengeance_n and_o recompense_n to_o her_o enemy_n even_o in_o this_o world_n but_o more_o especial_o at_o the_o
vouch_v by_o writer_n of_o very_a good_a account_n and_o who_o joint_a authority_n in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v as_o for_o some_o particular_a circustances_n which_o relate_v to_o this_o matter_n as_o the_o place_n where_o they_o meet_v their_o mavellous_a consent_n in_o the_o work_n and_o the_o time_n they_o dispatch_v it_o in_o these_o may_v be_v doubt_v of_o though_o for_o my_o part_n i_o see_v no_o solid_a ground_n of_o deny_v they_o altogether_o the_o whole_a translation_n be_v finish_v in_o 72_o day_n say_v aristaeas_n or_o aristaeus_n for_o his_o name_n be_v write_v both_o way_n one_o that_o be_v a_o great_a favourite_n of_o king_n ptolomee_n and_o write_v the_o history_n of_o this_o greek_a translation_n of_o the_o jewish_a elder_n but_o this_o author_n be_v think_v to_o be_v spurious_a by_o graec._n vossius_fw-la and_o by_o some_o other_o learned_a man_n before_o he_o as_o to_o the_o place_n philo_n the_o jew_n justin_n martyr_n and_o other_o 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very_o much_o differ_v from_o the_o lxx_o and_o so_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o disparage_v the_o cell_n and_o the_o translator_n to_o make_v way_n for_o his_o own_o translation_n this_o be_v the_o uncharitable_a censure_n which_o gregory_n one_o give_v of_o this_o great_a father_n and_o as_o for_o aristâ—as_o he_o come_v off_o thus_o with_o he_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o he_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o cell_n for_o this_o aristaea_n who_o be_v quote_v by_o st._n jerom_n be_v not_o the_o genuine_a author_n but_o a_o spurious_a one_o for_o the_o father_n quote_v many_o thing_n out_o of_o he_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o book_n but_o 2._o another_o tell_v we_o another_o story_n viz._n that_o the_o hellenist_n jew_n who_o read_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o â—0_n in_o their_o synagogue_n be_v the_o inventor_n of_o this_o history_n of_o the_o translator_n and_o put_v it_o out_o in_o one_o aristâ—us's_n name_n and_o the_o same_o person_n moreover_o present_v we_o with_o this_o new_a conceit_n that_o it_o be_v call_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o seventy_o not_o from_o seventy_o translator_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o from_o the_o seventy_o judge_n i._n e._n the_o sanhedrim_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o authorize_v and_o approve_v of_o it_o then_o as_o for_o josephus_n we_o be_v put_v off_o thus_o by_o mr._n gregory_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o comply_v with_o his_o reader_n and_o use_v not_o to_o put_v great_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n on_o their_o belief_n if_o he_o can_v help_v it_o as_o appear_v in_o his_o relation_n of_o the_o israelite_n pass_v the_o red_a sea_n and_o nebuchadnezzar_n go_v to_o grass_n etc._n etc._n so_o here_o he_o omit_v the_o seventy_o seniors_n their_o consent_v in_o that_o wonderful_a manner_n in_o the_o translate_n the_o hebrew_a bible_n because_o it_o will_v have_v be_v incredible_a to_o the_o gentile_n that_o person_n separate_v and_o shut_v up_o from_o one_o another_o shall_v agree_v so_o exact_o to_o this_o effect_n you_o will_v â—ind_v that_o notable_a critic_n speak_v but_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o very_a sorry_a evasion_n as_o those_o of_o the_o other_o person_n before_o mention_v be_v if_o any_o man_n look_v narrow_o into_o it_o for_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o he_o give_v here_o that_o jewish_a historian_n may_v have_v omit_v most_o of_o the_o thing_n he_o relate_v because_o they_o be_v very_o great_a and_o wonderful_a and_o far_o exceed_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o pagan_a we_o be_v not_o then_o to_o attend_v to_o such_o poor_a suggestion_n as_o these_o and_o to_o swallow_v all_o that_o have_v be_v relate_v by_o writer_n concern_v the_o seventy_o interpreter_n neither_o be_v there_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v all_o they_o have_v say_v but_o in_o this_o as_o in_o most_o historical_a relation_n we_o ought_v to_o credit_v what_o be_v most_o probable_a and_o to_o reject_v the_o rest_n we_o need_v not_o with_o epiphanius_n and_o augustine_n hold_v that_o the_o seventy_o interpreter_n be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o that_o their_o translation_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v do_v in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n which_o we_o may_v â—ind_v some_o writer_n aim_v at_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o affirm_v that_o all_o which_o aristaeas_n and_o aristobulus_n say_v concern_v the_o seventy_n version_n be_v fable_n and_o fiction_n as_o the_o pin._n parisian_a professor_n of_o divinity_n pronounce_v but_o very_o rash_o in_o my_o judgement_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v the_o chief_a and_o general_a thing_n which_o be_v relate_v concern_v the_o seventy_o seniors_n who_o be_v employ_v in_o turn_v the_o old_a testament_n into_o greek_a we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v their_o skill_n and_o ability_n as_o to_o the_o main_a to_o perform_v that_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 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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