and_o a_o playday_n for_o schoolboy_n from_o these_o and_o several_a other_o instance_n which_o we_o may_v find_v in_o 5._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o evang._n eusebius_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o more_o solemn_a service_n of_o religion_n among_o the_o gentile_n and_o their_o cessation_n from_o work_n be_v on_o the_o seven_o day_n of_o the_o week_n now_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v assert_v that_o this_o custom_n be_v found_v on_o nature_n for_o no_o light_n of_o reason_n can_v dictate_v this_o division_n of_o day_n into_o just_a seven_o and_o no_o more_o therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o general_a agreement_n of_o the_o world_n in_o this_o arithmetic_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v particular_o signalise_v by_o their_o observation_n of_o the_o seventh-day_n which_o be_v enjoin_v they_o by_o god_n himself_o as_o in_o exod._n 20._o 9_o six_o day_n shall_v thou_o labour_v and_o do_v all_o thy_o work_n but_o the_o seven_o day_n be_v the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o it_o thou_o shall_v not_o do_v any_o work_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o other_o place_n the_o institution_n and_o observation_n of_o this_o particular_a day_n be_v mention_v or_o i_o may_v have_v trace_v the_o original_a of_o this_o yet_o high_o and_o find_v it_o date_v from_o the_o very_a creation_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o we_o read_v of_o god_n rest_v on_o the_o seven_o day_n gen._n 2._o 2._o and_o his_o blessing_n the_o seven_o day_n and_o sanctify_v it_o v_o 3._o from_o whence_o without_o doubt_n the_o custom_n among_o several_a gentile_n of_o observe_v some_o seven_o day_n in_o the_o week_n have_v its_o first_o rise_n again_o the_o gentile_n take_v their_o several_a 〈◊〉_d lustration_n and_o purification_n from_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o which_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n treat_v when_o 〈◊〉_d content_v of_o these_o write_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o 〈◊〉_d jewish_a people_n come_v to_o be_v know_v to_o the_o paâ—_n they_o present_o set_v themselves_o to_o imitate_v they_o 〈◊〉_d most_o of_o the_o wash_n and_o purifying_n use_v by_o 〈◊〉_d jew_n come_v to_o be_v part_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o jew_n priest_n wash_v their_o hand_n and_o foot_n before_o thâ—_n go_v about_o their_o sacred_a office_n before_o they_o saâ—â—ficed_v and_o touch_v holy_a thing_n and_o they_o have_v 〈◊〉_d the_o temple_n laver_n for_o that_o very_a purpose_n likewise_o they_o use_v aspersion_n towards_o other_o and_o weâ—_n enjoin_v to_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v they_o from_o thâ—_n defilement_n which_o they_o have_v contract_v in_o a_o woâ—_n every_o thing_n and_o person_n belong_v to_o the_o jew_n service_n and_o worship_n be_v hallow_a and_o clean_n 〈◊〉_d by_o certain_a way_n of_o purification_n prescribe_v by_o 〈◊〉_d law_n hence_o we_o read_v of_o frequent_a wash_n 〈◊〉_d sprinkling_n among_o the_o pagan_n 6._o idem_n ter_z socios_fw-la purâ_fw-la circumtulit_fw-la undâ_fw-la spargens_fw-la roar_n levi_fw-la &_o ramo_fw-la felicis_fw-la olivae_fw-la lustravitque_fw-la viros_fw-la and_o 1._o macrobius_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o gentile_a deâ—tionists_n when_o ever_o they_o address_v themselves_o 〈◊〉_d their_o god_n whether_o celestial_a or_o infernal_a prepare_v themselves_o beforehand_o by_o use_v of_o watâ—â—_n more_o or_o less_o hence_o it_o become_v a_o maxim_n amoâ—_n they_o that_o 7._o all_o sacred_a thing_n must_v be_v sprinkle_v wiâ—â—_n pure_a water_n and_o they_o have_v vessel_n for_o this_o purpose_n which_o contain_v that_o consecrate_a element_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o good_a author_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o learned_a dr._n spencer_n that_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n sprinkle_v the_o worshipper_n as_o they_o go_v into_o their_o temple_n the_o truth_n be_v these_o rite_n of_o wash_v and_o purify_n which_o be_v use_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v so_o like_o one_o another_o that_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v either_o the_o gentile_n take_v they_o from_o the_o jew_n or_o these_o from_o they_o the_o latter_a be_v in_o no_o wise_a probable_a because_o it_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n which_o he_o institute_v among_o the_o jew_n to_o imagine_v that_o he_o will_v take_v example_n from_o the_o pagan_n and_o make_v their_o religion_n the_o standard_n of_o that_o which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o own_o people_n though_o it_o be_v true_a the_o jew_n often_o imitate_v the_o pagan_n in_o their_o custom_n and_o rite_n but_o neâ—er_v by_o the_o command_n and_o order_n of_o god_n but_o absolute_o against_o it_o therefore_o the_o former_a be_v most_o likely_a and_o reasonable_a viz._n that_o the_o pagan_n in_o way_n of_o imitation_n take_v their_o ceremony_n of_o wash_v and_o lustration_n from_o the_o jew_n the_o same_o argument_n may_v be_v use_v in_o all_o the_o particular_n which_o we_o shall_v mention_v afterward_o under_o this_o head_n by_o this_o we_o may_v prove_v that_o those_o ceremonious_a observance_n command_v the_o jew_n be_v not_o original_o from_o the_o gentile_n but_o first_o of_o all_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o true_a god_n but_o concern_v these_o purification_n which_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o see_v what_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o justin_n martyr_n of_o old_a who_o produce_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n word_n wash_v you_o make_v you_o â—â—an_z chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 16._o and_o comment_v upon_o â—hem_o add_v this_o 2._o when_o the_o devil_n hear_v of_o this_o wash_v speak_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n they_o cause_v this_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o namely_o whenever_o they_o go_v into_o their_o temple_n or_o approach_v near_o they_o or_o be_v about_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o offering_n they_o sprinkle_v water_n 〈◊〉_d themselves_o this_o learned_a father_n be_v clear_o of_o the_o opinion_n that_o this_o rite_n of_o aspersion_n whicâ—_n the_o gentile_n use_v be_v steal_v from_o the_o jewiâ—â—_n church_n and_o not_o that_o this_o steal_v they_o from_o the_o heathen_n with_o who_o agree_v a_o late_a learned_a antiquary_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o particular_a mosaic_a lustration_n or_o purgation_n use_v by_o the_o jewiâ—â—_n priest_n viz._n of_o wash_v themselves_o before_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n say_v thus_o 2d_o this_o kind_n of_o purgation_n be_v take_v from_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o people_n of_o other_o nation_n who_o when_o they_o entry_n into_o their_o temple_n have_v their_o lustration_n and_o rite_n of_o wash_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o jew_n three_o the_o gentile_a custom_n of_o offer_v firstâ—fruits_n and_o ten_o be_v borrow_a from_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o it_o be_v a_o general_a usage_n among_o the_o pagan_a worshipper_n to_o offer_v their_o first-fruit_n to_o some_o of_o their_o deity_n be_v ample_o testify_v by_o 〈◊〉_d censorinus_n and_o that_o the_o custom_n of_o pay_v tithe_n be_v as_o general_a and_o ancient_a may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o respective_a history_n which_o speak_v of_o this_o matter_n this_o be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o old_a roman_n religion_n who_o as_o plutarch_n write_v be_v wont_a to_o bestow_v a_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n which_o the_o earth_n yield_v they_o and_o of_o other_o good_n and_o profit_n on_o their_o sacred_a feast_n sacrifice_n and_o temple_n in_o honour_n of_o the_o god_n but_o this_o be_v not_o every_o year_n or_o by_o any_o compulsive_a law_n but_o free_o and_o out_o of_o gratitude_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o camilâ—_n faithful_o pay_v to_o apollo_n the_o ten_o of_o his_o bootâ—_n and_o spoil_n take_v from_o the_o enemy_n and_o that_o luculluâ—_n grow_v rich_a because_o he_o religious_o practise_v that_o laudable_a custom_n of_o pay_v tithe_n to_o hercules_n that_o the_o greek_n also_o pay_v tithe_n appear_v from_o that_o dictate_v of_o the_o oracle_n to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o from_o that_o delphic_a inscription_n 8_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o whence_o apollo_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o persian_n also_o this_o custom_n prevail_v for_o cyrus_n as_o herodotus_n say_v offer_v tithe_n to_o jupiter_n after_o a_o victory_n obtain_v and_o this_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v of_o other_o nation_n it_o be_v grow_v into_o a_o universal_a and_o fix_a custom_n to_o offer_v the_o ten_o to_o some_o god_n or_o goddess_n post_fw-la rem_fw-la bene_fw-la gestam_fw-la as_o 8_o servius_n speak_v after_o any_o considerable_a success_n either_o at_o home_n or_o abroad_o insomuch_o that_o at_o last_o it_o come_v to_o be_v a_o indispensible_a part_n of_o the_o gentile_a religion_n and_o thence_o as_o suidas_n observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o greek_n be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d consecrare_fw-la now_o this_o sacred_a and_o religious_a rite_n of_o dedicate_a just_a a_o ten_o part_n to_o their_o god_n be_v no_o law_n of_o nature_n
demosthenes_n more_o especial_o who_o no_o less_o than_o three_o time_n in_o 1._o one_o oration_n use_v the_o word_n in_o this_o manner_n and_o in_o 1._o another_o place_n once_o or_o twice_o but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o establish_v my_o notion_n already_o by_o what_o i_o have_v produce_v you_o see_v plain_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v not_o absolute_o a_o reference_n to_o a_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o large_a import_n and_o signify_v in_o general_a on_o the_o account_n or_o for_o the_o sake_n and_o more_o especial_o that_o it_o denote_v a_o impulsive_a cause_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o be_v use_v to_o express_v those_o thing_n or_o person_n that_o put_v man_n upon_o action_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o i_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o disprove_v it_o i_o have_v defend_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o classical_a author_n that_o i_o may_v thereby_o obviate_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o inquisitive_a person_n and_o give_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o curious_a and_o make_v my_o exposition_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d more_o clear_a and_o demonstrative_a when_o it_o be_v see_v that_o it_o be_v found_v on_o the_o acception_n of_o that_o preposition_n not_o only_o in_o the_o new-testament_n but_o in_o profane_a author_n and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o i_o may_v render_v my_o whole_a undertake_n on_o that_o text_n the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o the_o learned_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o this_o rank_n of_o person_n i_o devote_v all_o my_o endeavour_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o that_o which_o i_o now_o offer_v to_o the_o world_n be_v more_o especial_o design_v for_o the_o use_v of_o young_a student_n in_o sacred_a learning_n such_o as_o be_v beginner_n and_o candidate_n in_o theology_n though_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v that_o these_o critical_a researche_n will_v â—ot_n be_v useless_a to_o those_o of_o a_o high_a character_n a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o difficult_a chapter_n and_o verse_n in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v explain_v in_o this_o book_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o same_o order_n that_o they_o be_v there_o mention_v ii_o chap._n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o image_n who_o head_n be_v of_o gold_n etc._n etc._n page_n 9_o vii_o chap._n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o four_o beast_n p._n 10_o viii_o chap._n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o ram_n and_o he-goat_n p._n 13_o xi_o gen._n 4._o let_v we_o make_v we_o a_o name_n lest_o we_o scatter_v abroad_o etc._n etc._n p._n 127_o xxxvi_o gen._n 24._o this_o be_v that_o anah_n that_o find_v the_o mule_n in_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n p._n 147_o xv._n judg._n 15_o 16_o 17_o etc._n etc._n concern_v the_o jawbone_n of_o the_o ass_n wherewith_o samson_n slay_v a_o thousand_o men._n p._n 149_o xxxviii_o isai._n 8._o the_o sun_n return_v ten_o degree_n by_o which_o degree_n it_o be_v go_v down_o p._n 200_o xxxiii_o deut._n 17._o where_o joseph_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o ox_n or_o bullock_n and_o why_o p._n 214_o ii_o luke_n 1_o 2._o there_o go_v out_o a_o decree_n from_o caesar_n augustus_n that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v tax_v p._n 352_o ii_o matth._n 2._o we_o have_v see_v his_o star_n in_o the_o east_n vers._n 7._o herod_n inquire_v of_o they_o diligent_o what_o time_n the_o star_n appear_v vers._n 9_o the_o star_n which_o they_o see_v in_o the_o east_n go_v before_o they_o etc._n etc._n vers._n 16._o herod_n slay_v all_o the_o child_n that_o be_v in_o bethlehem_n from_o two_o year_n old_a and_o under_o according_a to_o the_o time_n which_o he_o have_v diligent_o inquire_v of_o the_o wise_a men._n p._n 360_o xxiv_o matth._n the_o former_a part_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o parallel_a chapter_n of_o st._n luke_n viz._n the_o xxi_o p._n 394_o the_o author_n vindication_n of_o his_o interpretation_n of_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 29._o praef._n errata_fw-la page_n 18._o l._n 28._o for_o ahaz_n read_v hezekiah_n p._n 37._o l._n 15._o for_o end_n r._n err_v p._n 99_o l._n 8._o deal_n not_o p._n 151._o l._n 15._o deal_n not_o p._n 212._o l._n 30._o r._n with_o ham._n and_o l._n 26_o 27._o correct_v the_o hebrew_n word_n and_o do_v the_o same_o in_o other_o place_n p._n 227._o l._n 21._o r._n unutterable_a p._n 238._o l._n 11._o r._n on_o p._n 241._o l._n 9_o r._n deus_fw-la be_v p._n 248._o l._n 18._o r._n ex_fw-la aetheris_fw-la l._n ult_n for_o that_o r._n at_o other_o time_n p._n 250._o l._n 17._o r._n martinius_n p._n 255._o l._n 26._o r._n tornare_fw-la p._n 334._o marg._n quotation_n misplace_v p._n 349._o marg._n 3_o last_o line_n put_v apolog._n 2._o add_v senator_n after_o the_o quotation_n sed_fw-la cum_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o put_v b_o before_o adu._n gent._n p._n 363._o l._n 33._o r._n other_o pagan_n p._n 364._o l._n 26._o r._n silver_n lock_n p._n 376._o l._n 11._o deal_n cit_v the_o same_o testimony_n and._n p._n 411._o l._n 7_o &_o 10._o r._n cedrenus_n what_o other_o fault_n have_v escape_v the_o reader_n be_v desire_v to_o correct_v advertisement_n a_fw-la enquiry_n into_o several_a remarkable_a text_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o with_o a_o probable_a resolution_n of_o they_o by_o john_n edward_n b._n d._n in_o two_o volume_n in_o octavo_n sell_v by_o i._o robinson_n i._o everingham_n and_o i._o wyatt_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o ludgate-street_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._n the_o internal_a testimony_n or_o argument_n to_o evince_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n 1._o the_o matter_n of_o they_o that_o be_v the_o sublime_a verity_n the_o holy_a rule_n the_o accomplish_v prophecy_n contain_v in_o they_o under_o which_o last_n topick_n several_a particular_a prediction_n chief_o in_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v explain_v and_o show_v to_o be_v fulfil_v further_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o foretell_v of_o future_a contingence_n of_o that_o nature_n especial_o so_o long_o before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v can_v be_v from_o god_n only_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o these_o write_n which_o be_v peculiar_a as_o to_o their_o simplicity_n majesty_n and_o their_o be_v immediate_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o their_o harmony_n 4._o the_o particular_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o have_v choose_v a_o very_a noble_a and_o important_a subject_n to_o exercise_v my_o pen_n and_o to_o entertain_v both_o my_o own_o and_o the_o reader_n be_v thought_n and_o contemplation_n with_o for_o no_o book_n under_o heaven_n can_v possible_o be_v the_o rival_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n none_o in_o the_o world_n can_v pretend_v to_o the_o transcendent_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o these_o sacred_a write_n here_o not_o only_o all_o natural_a or_o morâ—â—_n religion_n but_o that_o also_o which_o be_v supernatural_a be_v fulâ—ly_o and_o ample_o contain_v here_o be_v the_o decalogue_n write_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o transcribe_v out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v frequent_o intersperse_v in_o these_o write_n other_o choice_n rulâ—â—_n and_o precept_n of_o morality_n but_o supernatural_a religion_n be_v the_o chief_a this_o be_v the_o main_a subject_n of_o thâ—â—_n sacred_a volume_n and_o this_o you_o will_v find_v partly_o deâ—livered_v by_o the_o inspire_a prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o partly_o by_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o in_o perâ—son_n and_o by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o these_o holy_a scripture_n i_o be_o tâ—_n treat_v which_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o truth_n the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o the_o ground_n work_v of_o all_o divinity_n for_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deliver'â—_n in_o sacred_a writ_n we_o must_v necessary_o be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o and_o know_v in_o the_o â—irst_n place_n that_o it_o iâ—_n true_a and_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v so_o if_o aâ—â—_n estate_n be_v give_v a_o person_n by_o will_n he_o must_v firâ—â—_n prove_v that_o instrument_n to_o be_v true_a and_o authenticâ—â—_n before_o he_o can_v challenge_v any_o right_n to_o what_o be_v demise_v he_o in_o it_o so_o it_o be_v here_o god_n bequeath_v we_o aâ—_n inheritance_n i._n e._n life_n and_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o testament_n wherein_o this_o be_v plain_o express_v and_o whereby_o it_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o especial_o thâ—_n write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n deseruâ—_v that_o name_n and_o thence_o be_v style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o greek_a word_n which_o in_o its_o original_a
live_v with_o seleucus_n as_o eusebius_n in_o the_o same_o place_n affirm_v see_v there_o be_v a_o greek_a translation_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n before_o alexander_n the_o great_a be_v time_n as_o 1._o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n testify_v and_o according_o demetrius_z phalereus_n library-keeper_n to_o king_n ptolomeo_n surname_v philadelphus_n in_o a_o epistle_n to_o he_o which_o 3._o eusebius_n cit_v say_v that_o before_o the_o septuagint_n version_n many_o thing_n be_v translate_v out_o of_o the_o bible_n but_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o agree_v to_o by_o all_o that_o upon_o alexander_n the_o great_a his_o conquest_n the_o jew_n and_o greek_n have_v converse_v with_o one_o another_o and_o be_v no_o long_o stranger_n be_v now_o unite_v under_o the_o same_o empire_n and_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o this_o soon_o after_o alexander_n the_o great_a all_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v entire_o translate_v into_o greek_a by_o seventy_o two_o jew_n 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and_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n the_o ancient_n think_v he_o gain_v by_o travel_v into_o syria_n judea_n and_o egypt_n and_o hold_v converse_n with_o those_o that_o understand_v the_o inspire_v write_n and_o it_o be_v their_o opinion_n that_o though_o he_o converse_v with_o some_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o imbibe_v their_o sentiment_n yet_o he_o careful_o avoid_v mention_v their_o name_n because_o they_o be_v odious_a to_o other_o nation_n and_o consequent_o those_o structure_n of_o true_a theology_n which_o be_v in_o his_o work_n will_v have_v fare_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o but_o though_o he_o will_v not_o speak_v this_o out_o plain_o yet_o he_o seem_v to_o utter_v it_o in_o a_o disguise_a manner_n perhaps_o he_o hint_v that_o he_o receive_v those_o notion_n from_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o mention_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o syrian_n and_o phaenician_o who_o be_v the_o neighbour_a people_n to_o judea_n general_o pass_v for_o jew_n that_o other_o great_a philosopher_n as_o solon_n democritus_n heraclitus_n etc._n etc._n travel_v into_o egypt_n and_o babylon_n be_v testify_v by_o diogenes_n laertius_n in_o their_o life_n the_o same_o be_v attest_v by_o ult_n diodorus_n concern_v orpheus_n musaeus_n homer_n lycurgus_n and_o other_o wise_a grecian_n viz._n that_o they_o go_v and_o visit_v those_o foreign_a part_n and_o thence_o come_v furnish_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v learn_v in_o those_o country_n the_o like_a be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o 1._o christian_a father_n who_o also_o add_v that_o those_o chief_a philosopher_n of_o greece_n when_o they_o sojourn_v among_o the_o egyptian_n learn_v many_o thing_n of_o their_o priest_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v among_o they_o and_o there_o they_o peruse_v the_o mosaic_a write_n which_o be_v of_o great_a account_n among_o some_o of_o they_o hence_o the_o religion_n rite_n and_o practice_n record_v in_o those_o book_n be_v divulge_v and_o spread_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n indeed_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o this_o will_v happen_v for_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o people_n so_o renown_v for_o religion_n and_o their_o fame_n and_o glory_n be_v every_o where_o celebrate_v it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o that_o foreign_a people_n especial_o the_o most_o philosophical_a and_o inquisitive_a among_o they_o shall_v be_v desirous_a to_o confer_v with_o the_o bible_n or_o jewish_a author_n and_o to_o know_v their_o law_n way_n and_o custom_n and_o that_o whole_a nation_n shall_v be_v forward_o to_o imitate_v and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o this_o be_v more_o than_o prophetical_o intimate_v in_o deut._n 4._o 6._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o the_o nation_n shall_v hear_v all_o those_o excellent_a statute_n give_v to_o the_o jew_n they_o shall_v say_v sure_o this_o great_a 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contribute_v to_o these_o mistake_v corruption_n and_o falsity_n when_o the_o world_n be_v of_o one_o tongue_n the_o notice_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v impart_v by_o speech_n be_v very_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a when_o they_o all_o join_v in_o one_o language_n they_o can_v easy_o apprehend_v one_o another_o and_o there_o can_v arise_v no_o mistake_n by_o ambiguity_n in_o the_o variety_n of_o word_n but_o upon_o confound_v the_o first_o i_o anguage_n and_o divide_v it_o into_o many_o there_o follow_v a_o great_a disorder_n among_o mankind_n for_o than_o it_o become_v difficult_a to_o understand_v one_o another_o the_o word_n be_v confuse_v the_o conception_n and_o thing_n which_o be_v convey_v to_o man_n by_o those_o word_n be_v also_o confuse_v obscure_a and_o uncertain_a the_o variety_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o word_n beget_v mistake_n and_o confusion_n among_o so_o many_o million_o of_o word_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a
their_o religious_a rite_n from_o the_o gentile_n that_o from_o what_o have_v be_v premise_v we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o admire_v the_o singular_a providence_n of_o heaven_n that_o we_o be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o antiquity_n reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o write_n of_o profane_a author_n that_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o will_v now_o add_v unto_o reason_n and_o evidence_n the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o wise_a whether_o ancient_n or_o modern_n it_o be_v aver_v long_o since_o by_o demetrius_n phalereus_n that_o great_a historian_n and_o philosopher_n in_o a_o epistle_n of_o he_o to_o king_n ptolomey_n that_o the_o gentile_a philosopher_n take_v many_o thing_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o you_o will_v find_v he_o cite_v by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o evangelical_n preparation_n this_o be_v a_o early_a testimony_n 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be_v steal_v from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o inspire_a prophet_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v in_o a_o great_a part_n take_v from_o they_o be_v the_o ancient_a religion_n christainis_fw-la justin_n the_o christian_a philosopher_n and_o martyr_n speak_v to_o the_o like_a purpose_n and_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o true_a notion_n in_o theology_n among_o the_o pagan_n spring_v from_o moses_n and_o the_o holy_a write_n and_o he_o instance_v in_o and_o enlarge_v on_o many_o particular_n show_v that_o orpheus_n homer_n and_o plato_n have_v several_a of_o their_o word_n phrase_n opinion_n tradition_n description_n from_o the_o prophetic_a write_n he_o maintain_v that_o the_o fable_n of_o bacchus_n hercules_n aesculapius_n etc._n etc._n be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o deprave_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n at_o another_o time_n he_o pursue_v the_o same_o argument_n and_o attempt_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o all_o the_o great_a and_o brave_a thing_n 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the_o latter_a they_o sacrilegious_o take_v they_o from_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n and_o jew_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o forty_o seven_o chapter_n of_o tertullian_n apologetic_n he_o there_o maintain_v that_o potaverit_fw-la both_o poet_n and_o philosopher_n be_v behold_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o derive_v all_o their_o best_a thing_n from_o they_o yea_o sunt_fw-la those_o very_a argument_n which_o the_o pagan_n bring_v against_o the_o christian_a truth_n be_v fetch_v from_o it_o as_o i_o observe_v from_o he_o before_o i_o have_v mention_v origen_n already_o but_o if_o you_o consult_v his_o four_o book_n against_o celsus_n you_o will_v find_v this_o more_o large_o assert_v viz._n that_o the_o pagan_a rite_n and_o story_n be_v take_v from_o the_o scripture_n eusebius_n likewise_o have_v be_v quote_v before_o but_o if_o the_o reader_n think_v good_a to_o peruse_v the_o author_n he_o will_v see_v this_o argument_n insist_v on_o in_o partim_fw-la four_o or_o five_o book_n together_o where_o he_o prove_v that_o the_o greek_n have_v some_o understanding_n of_o moses_n theology_n and_o follow_v the_o jewish_a writer_n in_o several_a thing_n which_o he_o make_v good_a by_o allege_v several_a passage_n out_o of_o theophrastus_n hecataeus_n porphyrius_n numenius_n megasthenes_n etc._n etc._n and_o afterward_o he_o go_v on_o and_o more_o design_o clear_v this_o proposition_n that_o what_o be_v good_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o gentile_a philosopher_n be_v all_o steal_a from_o the_o hebrew_n and_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o greek_n especial_o come_v from_o the_o jew_n i_o may_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o 2._o st._n augustin_n who_o show_v that_o the_o platonist_n borrow_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o principiis_fw-la theodoret_n who_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o this_o and_o far_o prove_v that_o other_o philosopher_n have_v their_o theologick_n notion_n from_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n thus_o we_o see_v this_o be_v a_o old_a and_o receive_a truth_n nor_o do_v it_o want_v the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a modern_a writer_n some_o of_o who_o without_o any_o order_n of_o time_n i_o will_v brief_o mention_v stuckius_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o peremptory_a and_o speak_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o have_v deliver_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n gent._n the_o whole_a religion_n of_o the_o old_a pagan_n say_v he_o proceed_v from_o a_o deprave_a perverse_a and_o preposterous_a kind_n of_o imitate_v that_o ancient_n and_o true_o divine_a religion_n which_o the_o patriarch_n and_o their_o posterity_n the_o jew_n have_v such_o a_o reverence_n for_o as_o be_v prescribe_v they_o by_o god_n himself_o villalpandus_n on_o the_o pentateuch_n profess_o declare_v that_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o usage_n among_o the_o gentile_n come_v from_o the_o jew_n who_o can_v deny_v say_v ult_n another_o that_o the_o law_n which_o be_v give_v to_o those_o holy_a man_n the_o hebrew_n come_v first_o to_o the_o egyptian_n and_o then_o 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subject_a but_o huetius_n in_o his_o evanâ—â—lical_n
the_o uppermost_a part_n of_o the_o foundation_n which_o they_o can_v convenient_o come_v at_o and_o then_o tear_v up_o the_o ground_n with_o a_o plough_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n among_o the_o roman_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o plough_n when_o they_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o city_n so_o they_o dig_v up_o the_o ground_n in_o the_o like_a manner_n when_o they_o destroy_v it_o the_o jew_n themselves_o record_v this_o we_o find_v both_o in_o the_o talmudick_n chronicle_n and_o in_o r._n maâ—monides_n as_o dr._n matth._n lightfoot_n assure_v we_o that_o jerusalem_n be_v plough_v up_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o at_o which_o time_n there_o be_v a_o literal_a accomplishment_n of_o that_o prophecy_n of_o micaâ—_n c._n 3._o v._n 12._o zion_n shall_v be_v plough_v as_o a_o field_n afterward_o in_o adrian_n reign_n the_o jew_n rebel_a under_o the_o conduct_n of_o barchocâ—ab_n as_o have_v be_v say_v the_o emperor_n cause_v all_o the_o remain_a footstep_n of_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n to_o be_v deface_v and_o demolish_v and_o command_v the_o three_o tower_n which_o by_o titus_n order_n be_v leave_v stand_v to_o be_v pull_v down_o and_o then_o strew_v the_o city_n with_o salt_n nay_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o city_n be_v extinguish_v for_o adrian_n after_o this_o total_a desolation_n cause_v the_o city_n to_o be_v build_v anew_o but_o much_o more_o contract_v than_o before_o call_v it_o by_o his_o own_o name_n aelia_n and_o here_o he_o set_v up_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o in_o deâ—iance_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o judaism_n erect_v the_o image_n of_o a_o sow_n over_o one_o of_o the_o great_a gate_n of_o the_o city_n and_o after_o this_o when_o julian_n out_o of_o that_o hatred_n and_o malice_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o the_o christian_n and_o their_o religion_n set_v the_o jew_n on_o work_n to_o rebuild_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n 3._o lo_o a_o terrible_a earthquake_n spoil_v all_o and_o those_o stone_n of_o the_o foundation_n 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exceed_o bright_a and_o glister_a and_o that_o the_o temple_n seem_v to_o be_v all_o of_o a_o light_n by_o the_o continual_a flashing_n of_o the_o cloud_n and_o he_o proceed_v to_o enumerate_v other_o prodigious_a accident_n which_o be_v the_o presage_n of_o jerusalem_n destruction_n thus_o the_o twenty-fourth_a of_o st._n matthew_n and_o the_o other_o parallel_a chapter_n in_o st._n luke_n which_o treat_v of_o the_o forerunner_n of_o jerusalem_n destruction_n and_o the_o destruction_n itself_o may_v be_v particular_o make_v good_a out_o of_o mere_a heathen_a writer_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o christ_n prediction_n concern_v it_o but_o not_o only_o of_o these_o but_o of_o all_o the_o other_o strange_a apparition_n voices_z and_o portentous_a event_n 12._o josephus_n give_v we_o a_o particular_a account_n in_o a_o entire_a chapter_n on_o this_o subject_a there_o you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o prognostic_n of_o jerusalem_n destruction_n the_o sign_n and_o token_n in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n which_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o be_v faithful_o record_v by_o that_o jewish_a historian_n i_o have_v yet_o another_o evidence_n to_o exhibit_v and_o that_o be_v concern_v christ_n follower_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o age_n next_o after_o he_o whence_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o relation_n give_v by_o a_o profess_a heathen_a what_o the_o christian_n be_v and_o by_o a_o fair_a and_o rational_a deduction_n we_o may_v gather_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o be_v at_o the_o very_a first_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o evangelical_n history_n represent_v they_o aright_o 97._o pliny_n the_o young_a write_v to_o trajan_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o practice_n of_o these_o person_n for_o he_o be_v proconsul_n of_o bythinia_n in_o that_o emperor_n time_n and_o appoint_v by_o he_o to_o inspect_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o christian_n he_o be_v careful_a to_o inform_v himself_o of_o that_o matter_n thereby_o to_o gratify_v his_o master_n who_o have_v employ_v he_o according_o he_o tell_v how_o strange_o that_o religion_n increase_v and_o gather_v strength_n every_o day_n in_o that_o province_n and_o that_o not_o only_o great_a city_n but_o town_n and_o village_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o in_o proportion_n to_o this_o that_o the_o pagan_a worship_n daily_o decrease_v he_o testify_v how_o resolute_a and_o constant_a they_o be_v in_o their_o profession_n for_o he_o say_v he_o have_v some_o person_n before_o he_o under_o examination_n who_o be_v accuse_v of_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n but_o he_o present_o find_v they_o to_o be_v no_o christian_n because_o they_o be_v so_o ready_a upon_o his_o suggestion_n to_o adore_v the_o emperor_n image_n and_o even_o to_o curse_v christ_n himself_o which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n to_o he_o he_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o christiani_n christian_n indeed_o for_o he_o have_v be_v imform_v he_o tell_v the_o emperor_n that_o person_n of_o that_o character_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v force_v to_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n but_o that_o they_o be_v immovable_a and_o unshaken_a in_o their_o religion_n last_o he_o give_v some_o account_n from_o their_o own_o mouth_n and_o confession_n of_o their_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o devout_o they_o serve_v god_n and_o that_o they_o worship_v christ_n as_o such_o then_o there_o be_v also_o trajan_n rescript_n to_o pliny_n concern_v the_o christian_n wherein_o he_o express_v it_o to_o be_v his_o pleasure_n that_o these_o person_n shall_v no_o long_o be_v under_o the_o inquisition_n i._n e._n they_o shall_v not_o be_v seek_v for_o to_o be_v punish_v notwithstanding_o their_o steadfastness_n and_o pervicaciousness_n as_o pliny_n have_v represent_v it_o in_o their_o religion_n for_o he_o be_v satisfy_v of_o their_o good_a moral_a quality_n and_o that_o they_o be_v neither_o perjure_a person_n nor_o sacrilegious_a nor_o adulterer_n nor_o homicide_n nor_o malefactor_n of_o any_o sort_n this_o character_n and_o account_n which_o be_v give_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o second_o century_n by_o the_o emperor_n himself_o and_o by_o pliny_n who_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_n may_v create_v a_o persuasion_n in_o we_o that_o they_o be_v at_o first_o the_o same_o holy_a and_o innocent_a person_n and_o that_o their_o religion_n wonderful_o increase_v and_o flourish_v and_o that_o all_o the_o severity_n which_o be_v use_v towards_o they_o be_v not_o able_a either_o to_o stifle_v they_o or_o their_o religion_n and_o consequent_o may_v assure_v we_o that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new-testament_n right_o and_o true_o describe_v they_o and_o give_v a_o faithful_a account_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o after_o this_o ample_a testimony_n it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o insist_v on_o what_o 7._o arrianus_n and_o 3._o galen_n and_o several_a other_o credible_a writer_n have_v deliver_v concern_v the_o manisold_a suffering_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o that_o invincible_a patience_n resolution_n and_o constancy_n wherewith_o they_o undergo_v they_o after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o will_v conclude_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o that_o arch_a infidel_n mahomet_n who_o have_v these_o express_a word_n in_o the_o alcoran_n 1._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v give_v testimony_n to_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n a_o divine_a soul_n be_v put_v into_o he_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o doctrine_n be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n and_o again_o 12._o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o light_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o testament_n and_o the_o right_a way_n to_o fear_v god_n and_o moreover_o 67._o he_o bring_v in_o god_n speak_v and_o declare_v thus_o that_o he_o have_v send_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n and_o that_o he_o have_v give_v the_o gospel_n to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o
macrobius_n that_o act_n of_o his_o be_v somewhat_o akin_a to_o the_o edict_n of_o the_o roman_a senate_n 4._o i_o adjoin_v this_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v general_o look_v upon_o by_o profane_a writer_n as_o very_o contemptible_a so_o that_o some_o of_o these_o scorn_v to_o record_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n miracle_n and_o other_o thing_n appertain_v to_o christianity_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v they_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o record_v such_o mean_a sorry_a thing_n and_o which_o indeed_o some_o of_o they_o take_v for_o fable_n and_o mere_a falsity_n on_o this_o account_n likewise_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o roman_a history_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n particularize_v the_o christian_a affair_n unless_o when_o war_n and_o tumult_n suppose_v by_o they_o to_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o christian_n invite_v those_o writer_n to_o it_o then_o the_o roman_a glory_n be_v concern_v to_o let_v the_o conquest_n be_v tell_v and_o to_o have_v a_o account_v give_v of_o the_o particular_n but_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o christianity_n be_v deem_v low_a and_o mean_a and_o be_v pass_v over_o in_o filence_n as_o not_o of_o any_o concern_v and_o moment_n the_o pagan_a historian_n do_v purposely_o omit_v the_o act_n of_o the_o christian_n because_o they_o think_v they_o not_o worth_a the_o recite_v 5._o to_o speak_v more_o plain_o prejudice_n hatred_n and_o malice_n may_v be_v assign_v also_o as_o the_o cause_n why_o some_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v not_o mention_v by_o pagan_a or_o jewish_a writer_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o valerius_n maximus_n who_o have_v make_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o memorable_a act_n and_o say_n of_o other_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o rome_n and_o dedicate_v they_o to_o tiberius_n yet_o have_v not_o a_o word_n of_o jewish_a act_n much_o less_o have_v insert_v any_o christian_a one_o his_o averseness_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v solve_v this_o very_a well_o unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o christianity_n be_v but_o just_a rise_v at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o write_v and_o the_o material_n of_o history_n concern_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o bring_v to_o he_o but_o this_o can_v be_v say_v of_o tacitus_n who_o live_v in_o the_o next_o age_n and_o who_o be_v a_o great_a hater_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o be_v very_o 15._o severe_a upon_o they_o in_o his_o write_n on_o which_o account_n he_o can_v be_v think_v to_o have_v relate_v thing_n impartial_o concern_v they_o suetonius_n be_v 16._o bitter_a against_o they_o and_o who_o then_o can_v look_v for_o any_o â—air_a account_n from_o he_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o lucian_n and_o pliny_n who_o though_o they_o deliver_v some_o truth_n and_o not_o inconsiderable_a one_o concern_v the_o christian_n yet_o their_o averseness_n to_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n which_o by_o the_o latter_a of_o they_o be_v call_v 10._o pervicacia_fw-la &_o inflexibilis_fw-la obstinatio_fw-la will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o speak_v what_o they_o know_v of_o they_o plutarch_n of_o all_o that_o live_v and_o write_v about_o that_o time_n be_v the_o civil_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o no_o where_o jeer_n or_o slander_v it_o or_o make_v any_o reflection_n upon_o it_o which_o make_v theodâ—â—â—t_n think_v he_o be_v almost_o a_o christian_n and_o have_v a_o favour_n for_o their_o religion_n but_o the_o rest_n some_o of_o who_o i_o have_v name_v before_o hate_v the_o christian_n yea_o their_o very_a name_n be_v odious_a to_o they_o hence_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o christian_n or_o christianity_n they_o mingle_v calumny_n and_o lie_n with_o what_o they_o say_v christian_n with_o they_o pass_v for_o fond_a and_o superstitious_a people_n nay_o for_o flagitious_a and_o profligate_v nay_o sometime_o for_o diabolical_a impostor_n and_o wizard_n and_o the_o most_o execrable_a sort_n of_o person_n under_o heaven_n i_o may_v here_o mention_v zosimus_n a_o fierce_a pagan_a and_o therefore_o show_v it_o in_o his_o history_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_n be_v a_o great_a hater_n of_o these_o person_n he_o do_v upon_o all_o occasion_n speak_v ill_a of_o they_o and_o particular_o of_o constantine_n the_o great_a because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o emperor_n that_o throw_v off_o heatheanism_n and_o embrace_v christianity_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o murder_v his_o empress_n his_o son_n and_o other_o near_a relation_n and_o that_o he_o be_v smite_v with_o leprosy_n for_o these_o unnatural_a and_o horrid_a crime_n in_o brief_a he_o relate_v the_o particular_n of_o this_o great_a man_n life_n contrary_a to_o all_o ancient_a historian_n that_o have_v write_v concern_v he_o the_o ground_n of_o which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o he_o have_v entertain_v a_o particular_a grudge_n and_o prejudice_n against_o the_o emperor_n and_o bear_v a_o hatred_n to_o christianity_n itself_o so_o that_o whatever_o he_o write_v concern_v they_o â—avored_a of_o ill_a will_n and_o malice_n it_o be_v not_o then_o to_o be_v marvel_v at_o that_o such_o man_n misrepresent_v many_o passage_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n and_o faâ—siâ—ie_v all_o report_n concern_v they_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n speak_v well_o of_o a_o people_n that_o they_o hate_v a_o religion_n that_o they_o so_o abhor_v can_v have_v no_o person_n good_a of_o it_o they_o think_v you_o must_v not_o expect_v they_o will_v relate_v truth_n which_o they_o have_v a_o dislike_n of_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o pagan_n be_v defective_a in_o their_o historical_a narration_n why_o many_o thing_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o evangelist_n be_v not_o mention_v by_o they_o or_o be_v vile_o misrepresent_v this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o few_o of_o christ_n action_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o christian_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o why_o thosâ—_n that_o be_v be_v so_o miserable_o pervert_v prejudice_n and_o envy_n spleen_n and_o malice_n be_v the_o source_n of_o this_o miscarriage_n 6._o i_o add_v this_o that_o many_o piece_n of_o history_n be_v lose_v as_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o complain_v of_o by_o the_o learned_a whence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o occurrence_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o pagan_n we_o have_v but_o a_o few_o of_o these_o leave_v we_o in_o comparison_n of_o their_o number_n at_o first_o and_o those_o that_o we_o have_v be_v but_o relic_n of_o those_o history_n before_o write_v particular_o the_o stupendous_a act_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o monument_n of_o the_o brave_a and_o noble_a thing_n do_v in_o that_o age_n wherein_o he_o be_v bear_v be_v now_o miss_v all_o dio_n history_n from_o the_o consulship_n of_o antistius_n and_o balbus_n unto_o the_o consulship_n of_o messala_n and_o cinna_n that_o be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o ten_o year_n five_o year_n before_o christ_n birth_n and_o five_o after_o it_o be_v quite_o lose_v and_o so_o be_v livy_n history_n of_o that_o time_n in_o vain_a therefore_o do_v any_o man_n think_v to_o find_v the_o remarkable_a passage_n refer_v to_o christ_n birth_n in_o these_o writer_n much_o more_o vain_a be_v it_o to_o look_v for_o these_o thing_n in_o those_o writer_n who_o history_n be_v altogether_o miss_v at_o this_o day_n thus_o to_o instance_n only_o in_o the_o universal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o make_v the_o great_a noise_n with_o the_o objector_n that_o without_o doubt_n be_v set_v down_o by_o some_o roman_a historian_n but_o their_o write_n either_o by_o negligence_n or_o by_o fire_n or_o by_o the_o invasion_n of_o the_o barbarous_a nation_n into_o italy_n or_o by_o age_n and_o length_n of_o time_n be_v lose_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o some_o do_v make_v mention_n of_o it_o otherwise_o whence_o have_v 〈◊〉_d suidas_n all_o that_o which_o he_o relate_v of_o the_o twenty_o person_n that_o be_v send_v to_o make_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n perhaps_o will_v in_o his_o providence_n approve_v the_o loss_n of_o these_o that_o holy_a history_n may_v be_v partly_o embrace_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o owe_v its_o authority_n whole_o to_o human_a testimony_n but_o such_o as_o be_v remain_v i_o have_v produce_v and_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o sober_a any_o confiderate_a person_n last_o i_o remark_n this_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o that_o there_o be_v two_o of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a roman_a historian_n from_o who_o we_o can_v expect_v nothing_o that_o have_v relation_n to_o christ_n birth_n or_o any_o great_a occurrence_n that_o happen_v about_o that_o time_n for_o livy_n write_v but_o to_o augustus_n beginning_n which_o be_v before_o christ_n and_o for_o that_o
30_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o he_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n psal._n 115._o 3._o but_o more_o especial_o the_o divine_a oracle_n acquaint_v we_o that_o this_o divine_a and_o benign_a author_n give_v existence_n unto_o man_n the_o choice_a of_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o this_o low_a world_n who_o he_o create_v in_o his_o own_o image_n after_o his_o likeness_n gen._n 1._o 26_o 27._o that_o be_v in_o knowledge_n righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n col._n 3._o 10._o eph._n 4._o 24._o and_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o these_o sacred_a write_n how_o man_n lose_v this_o image_n and_o miferable_o deface_v and_o corrupt_v his_o nature_n viz._n by_o listen_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o by_o wilful_a disobey_v the_o divine_a command_n here_o also_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o all_o flesh_n be_v desile_v and_o pollute_v by_o this_o transgression_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o paradise_n and_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v become_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o mankind_n rom._n 5._o 12._o hence_o we_o learn_v moreover_o that_o the_o merciful_a creator_n out_o of_o his_o infinite_a and_o boundless_a philanthropy_n vouchsafe_v to_o promise_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n shall_v bruise_v satan_n head_n gen._n 3._o 15._o and_o save_v and_o redeem_v lose_v mankind_n and_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o former_a state_n of_o happiness_n here_o be_v teach_v the_o rise_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n which_o begin_v with_o our_o peâ—tent_n first_o parent_n and_o their_o child_n of_o who_o abol_n be_v the_o chief_a their_o first_o and_o early_a way_n of_o express_v their_o devotion_n and_o religion_n be_v by_o offering_n and_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n gen._n 4._o 4._o to_o which_o end_n without_o doubt_n they_o erect_v altar_n though_o these_o be_v not_o mention_v till_o after_o the_o flood_n gen._n 8._o 20._o we_o be_v tell_v at_o what_o time_n there_o be_v establish_v a_o open_a and_o more_o solemn_a worship_v of_o god_n viz._n in_o seth_n day_n than_o it_o be_v that_o man_n begin_v to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o form_v a_o visible_a church_n gen._n 4._o 26._o i_o e._n a_o orderly_a and_o solemn_a society_n of_o man_n gather_v and_o choose_v out_o as_o a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o serve_v god_n for_o as_o man_n increase_v they_o begin_v to_o embody_n themselves_o into_o communion_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n more_o signal_o and_o open_o and_o with_o a_o joint_a consent_n here_o and_o no_o where_o else_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o church_n progress_n and_o increase_n under_o the_o good_a patriarch_n noah_n abraham_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o be_v inform_v what_o be_v the_o several_a defection_n and_o restoration_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o first_o age_n here_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o erection_n of_o the_o levitical_a or_o mosaic_a service_n the_o whole_a system_n of_o religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n unto_o which_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v oblige_v this_o yield_v abundant_a matter_n of_o contemplation_n and_o enquiry_n to_o the_o studious_a who_o will_v find_v that_o these_o observance_n be_v institute_v after_o the_o israelite_n have_v be_v a_o while_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o have_v show_v themselves_o inclinable_a to_o commit_v idolatry_n then_o it_o be_v that_o god_n by_o moses_n give_v they_o these_o law_n and_o prescribe_v they_o these_o usage_n which_o he_o know_v will_v be_v the_o best_a antidote_n against_o the_o idolatrous_a practice_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v round_o about_o they_o and_o withal_o if_o we_o look_v into_o these_o ceremony_n with_o a_o discern_a eye_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o they_o have_v a_o far_a end_n and_o be_v presignification_n of_o the_o great_a and_o wonderful_a transaction_n of_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n that_o they_o obscure_o point_v unto_o the_o messiah_n and_o his_o bless_a undertake_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n they_o be_v forerunner_n and_o harbinger_n of_o the_o bless_a child_n jesus_n that_o child_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v that_o son_n who_o be_v to_o be_v give_v and_o on_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n be_v to_o be_v settle_v isa._n 9_o 6._o and_o we_o be_v ascertain_v that_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n god_n actual_o send_v forth_o this_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n gal._n 4._o 4._o that_o he_o so_o love_v thâ—_n world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n john_n 3._o 16._o all_o â—e_n like_o sheep_n have_v gonâ—_n astrâ—y_n we_o have_v turn_v every_o one_o to_o his_o own_o way_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v lay_v on_o he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o we_o all_o isa._n 53._o 6._o he_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n 1_o peâ—_n 2._o 4._o he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n he_o be_v â—ruised_v for_o our_o iniquity_n the_o chastisement_n of_o our_o peace_n be_v upon_o he_o and_o with_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v isa._n 53._o 5._o the_o true_a nature_n the_o admirable_a method_n and_o the_o inestimable_a worth_n of_o this_o heal_n and_o save_v we_o be_v the_o main_a subject_n of_o these_o inspire_a write_n where_o we_o be_v teach_v likewise_o that_o this_o salvation_n be_v free_a and_o undeserved_a and_o found_v on_o the_o mere_a grace_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o the_o acquist_n of_o any_o merit_n and_o worth_n in_o we_o we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o his_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o god_n â—ath_v set_v forth_o to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n rom._n 3._o 24._o and_o in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o this_o bless_a redeemer_n who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o take_v it_o up_o again_o rise_v from_o the_o grave_a by_o the_o irresistible_a power_n of_o his_o godhead_n and_o after_o a_o few_o day_n ascend_v glorious_o into_o heaven_n from_o whence_o he_o shall_v come_v at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o call_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o a_o account_n for_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n then_o all_o the_o dead_a shall_v hasten_v out_o of_o their_o dormitory_n and_o stand_v before_o that_o great_a tribunal_n and_o receive_v sentence_n according_a to_o their_o past_a behaviour_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o grand_a principle_n of_o our_o faith_n these_o be_v the_o fundamental_a verity_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o they_o be_v original_o fetch_v from_o this_o sacred_a volume_n and_o be_v establish_v and_o confirm_v there_o by_o unanswerable_a argument_n and_o demonstration_n behold_v here_o the_o eminency_n of_o scripture-notion_n see_v the_o transcendency_n of_o these_o excellent_a truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o bible_n here_o be_v thing_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o any_o moral_a write_n afford_v we_o these_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o gracious_a oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o satisfaction_n make_v for_o sin_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n of_o justification_n by_o his_o righteousness_n and_o other_o the_o like_o unparalleled_a discovery_n which_o be_v to_o be_v learn_v out_o of_o scripture_n only_o in_o short_a the_o bible_n be_v the_o standard_n of_o all_o notion_n proposition_n and_o article_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o square_n of_o all_o our_o opinion_n discourse_n and_o argument_n relate_v to_o christianity_n and_o all_o our_o conception_n though_o they_o seem_v never_o so_o sine_fw-la and_o plausible_a be_v of_o little_a worth_n and_o nse_n unless_o they_o be_v regulate_v according_a to_o this._n if_o there_o arise_v any_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n concern_v matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n this_o be_v the_o judge_n that_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o or_o rather_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_n for_o every_o man_n be_v to_o judge_n and_o choose_v and_o the_o rule_n whereby_o he_o be_v to_o guide_v his_o judgement_n and_o choice_n be_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a reason_n or_o conscience_n be_v our_o immediate_a guide_n or_o rule_n but_o then_o we_o must_v have_v a_o mediate_v rule_n that_o be_v a_o guide_n or_o rule_n for_o our_o reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o that_o in_o all_o sacred_a and_o religious_a thing_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o this_o and_o this_o alone_a all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v decide_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v decide_v and_o it_o be_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o this_o rule_n that_o it_o be_v
true_a philosopher_n there_o be_v notable_a example_n of_o this_o in_o athens_n where_o aristides_n themistocles_n miltiades_n pericles_n photion_n alcibiades_n and_o several_a other_o be_v as_o celebrate_v philospher_n as_o commander_n and_o captain_n they_o be_v renown_v for_o their_o great_a wit_n and_o judgement_n and_o for_o as_o great_a valour_n and_o conduct_n as_o wife_n man_n they_o know_v how_o to_o regulate_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o manner_n as_o skilful_a ruler_n and_o governor_n they_o know_v how_o to_o rectify_v the_o behaviour_n of_o other_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o moses_n want_v not_o this_o double_a advantage_n be_v verse_v both_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o best_a philosophy_n and_o the_o wise_a government_n and_o be_v able_a to_o act_v according_a to_o both_o his_o learning_n and_o contemplation_n be_v reduce_v into_o exercise_n he_o by_o they_o not_o only_o understand_v but_o practise_v the_o art_n of_o war_n and_o well_o govern_v he_o know_v how_o to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o people_n and_o know_v how_o to_o lead_v they_o into_o the_o field_n like_o caesar_n afterward_o who_o be_v both_o scholar_n and_o soldier_n the_o master_n of_o eloquence_n and_o of_o arms._n the_o great_a variety_n of_o life_n which_o he_o have_v go_v through_o make_v he_o universal_o know_v and_o sit_v he_o for_o all_o sort_n of_o action_n david_n be_v a_o like_a instance_n in_o scripture_n and_o i_o know_v not_o another_o he_o be_v like_o moses_n a_o shepherd_n a_o courtier_n a_o king_n favourite_n and_o afterward_o out_o of_o favour_n a_o fugitive_n a_o warrior_n a_o ruler_n a_o prophet_n a_o writer_n this_o difference_n of_o scene_n render_v both_o of_o they_o complete_a actor_n this_o diversity_n of_o state_n furnish_v they_o with_o political_a wisdom_n which_o be_v add_v to_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a enable_v they_o to_o act_v so_o laudable_o in_o those_o public_a station_n to_o which_o they_o be_v advance_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n our_o moses_n be_v the_o more_o acceptable_a historian_n because_o he_o be_v one_o of_o such_o vast_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o have_v pass_v through_o so_o many_o and_o various_a stage_n of_o life_n and_o especial_o because_o he_o be_v personal_o engage_v in_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n he_o write_v we_o count_v it_o a_o good_a qualification_n in_o those_o that_o pen_n history_n that_o they_o write_v thing_n do_v in_o their_o own_o time_n and_o that_o they_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o what_o they_o describe_v thus_o dictys_n cretensis_n if_o we_o may_v begin_v with_o he_o write_v the_o trojan_a war_n wherein_o he_o himself_o have_v serve_v thucydides_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o history_n be_v present_a at_o the_o thing_n he_o write_v concern_v the_o peloponnesian_a war_n and_o see_v and_o know_v much_o of_o it_o xenophon_n be_v both_o historian_n and_o captain_n and_o know_v many_o of_o the_o thing_n he_o transmits_n to_o posterity_n diodorus_n siculus_n as_o he_o acquaint_v we_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o his_o history_n travel_v a_o great_a part_n of_o asia_n and_o europe_n to_o inform_v himself_o of_o the_o thing_n he_o relate_v and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o most_o of_o they_o and_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o that_o he_o go_v into_o africa_n julius_n caesar_n commentary_n which_o name_n he_o be_v please_v out_o of_o modesty_n to_o apply_v to_o the_o best_a history_n in_o the_o world_n of_o that_o sort_n be_v a_o account_n of_o the_o military_a act_n of_o his_o own_o army_n he_o fight_v and_o write_v his_o battle_n be_v transcribe_v into_o his_o book_n his_o blood_n and_o his_o ink_n be_v equal_o free_a his_o sword_n and_o his_o pen_n be_v alike_o famous_a josephus_n accompany_v titus_n to_o the_o siege_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o know_v himself_o the_o act_n do_v in_o the_o war_n he_o write_v polybius_n travel_v to_o most_o of_o the_o part_n which_o he_o describe_v and_o see_v those_o very_a thing_n which_o he_o write_v of_o procopius_n set_v down_o what_o he_o know_v for_o he_o be_v present_a with_o belisarius_n at_o the_o war_n which_o he_o treat_v of_o and_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v herodian_a writ_n the_o history_n of_o the_o emperor_n of_o his_o own_o time_n and_o so_o have_v the_o exacter_n knowledge_n of_o their_o action_n suetonius_n be_v contemporary_a with_o the_o three_o last_o emperor_n who_o life_n he_o write_v among_o the_o modern_a historian_n comines_n guicciardine_n sleidan_n thuanus_n be_v commendable_a on_o this_o account_n they_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o record_v be_v do_v and_o they_o be_v themselves_o actual_o concern_v in_o many_o of_o they_o now_o if_o these_o who_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o matter_n they_o deliver_v be_v think_v to_o be_v well_o qualify_v on_o that_o account_n for_o historian_n than_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o great_a regard_n to_o our_o divina_fw-la writer_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o commit_v to_o write_v he_o describe_v those_o battle_n at_o which_o he_o be_v present_a and_o record_v those_o passage_n in_o which_o he_o have_v a_o share_n and_o that_o a_o very_a considerable_a one_o so_o that_o have_v the_o relation_n of_o these_o thing_n from_o his_o mouth_n we_o do_v not_o only_o read_v they_o but_o as_o it_o be_v see_v they_o and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v see_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o man_n cavil_n who_o think_v it_o a_o diminish_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n write_n that_o he_o so_o often_o record_v his_o own_o action_n and_o deportment_n as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o sound_v well_o nay_o can_v not_o be_v true_a from_o his_o own_o mouth_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o very_a thing_n commend_v his_o write_n and_o strengthen_v the_o authority_n of_o they_o especial_o when_o we_o know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o integrity_n and_o will_v not_o tell_v a_o lie_n we_o think_v not_o the_o worse_a of_o iosephus_n life_n because_o it_o be_v write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n nor_o of_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n 〈◊〉_d book_n concern_v himself_o nor_o of_o st._n augustine_n confession_n wherein_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o own_o action_n nor_o of_o cardan_n or_o junius_n or_o bp._n hall_n who_o write_v their_o own_o life_n nor_o of_o montaign_n who_o in_o one_o book_n more_o especial_o make_v himself_o the_o subject_a and_o relate_v his_o own_o temper_n study_n fortune_n etc._n etc._n and_o shall_v we_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o moses_n because_o he_o set_v down_o the_o passage_n of_o his_o own_o life_n in_o the_o book_n which_o he_o have_v write_v no_o this_o rather_o advance_v their_o credit_n among_o wise_a and_o understand_a man_n who_o be_v satisfy_v that_o none_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o own_o action_n as_o this_o author_n himself_o both_o because_o he_o know_v they_o better_o than_o any_o man_n and_o because_o he_o be_v of_o that_o entire_a faithfulness_n that_o he_o will_v relate_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v exact_o true_a and_o that_o he_o be_v thus_o faithful_a and_o impartial_a be_v evident_a from_o those_o passage_n which_o relate_v to_o himself_o which_o be_v frequent_a in_o these_o write_n where_o his_o own_o infirmity_n imperfection_n and_o folly_n be_v register_v where_o his_o unseemly_a wrath_n and_o passion_n where_o his_o gross_a unbelief_n and_o distrust_v of_o god_n as_o at_o the_o water_n of_o meribah_n especial_o and_o several_a other_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o life_n be_v set_v down_o this_o show_v that_o he_o spare_v not_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o partiality_n this_o show_v that_o he_o be_v devote_v to_o truth_n and_o not_o lead_v by_o applause_n and_o vain_a glory_n whereas_o he_o may_v have_v compose_v his_o own_o panegyric_n and_o transmit_v it_o to_o future_a age_n you_o see_v he_o choose_v the_o contrary_a and_o record_v his_o own_o fault_n and_o misdemeanour_n whence_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o falsify_v in_o the_o least_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o his_o write_n and_o as_o for_o that_o aphorism_n of_o machiavelli_n he_o that_o write_v a_o history_n must_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n it_o be_v here_o disprove_v and_o consute_v moses_n be_v the_o most_o absolute_a historian_n and_o yet_o the_o most_o religious_a and_o his_o be_v the_o latter_a capacitate_v he_o to_o be_v the_o former_a for_o no_o man_n can_v so_o impartial_o deliver_v the_o truth_n as_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o from_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o especial_o as_o in_o the_o present_a case_n have_v a_o practical_a sense_n of_o those_o divine_a thing_n which_o he_o deliver_v this_o be_v that_o person_n who_o be_v the_o author_n
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
reasonable_o think_v that_o st._n paul_n though_o he_o be_v a_o hebrew_n by_o parentage_n be_v well_o skilled_a iâ—_n greek_a it_o be_v his_o native_a tongue_n therefore_o a_o 6._o modern_a critic_n of_o great_a acuteness_n have_v well_o observe_v that_o the_o greek_a tongue_n be_v as_o familiar_a to_o he_o as_o hebrew_n or_o syriac_a shall_v any_o rational_a maâ—_n then_o think_v that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o speak_v proper_o and_o grammatical_o nay_o shall_v we_o not_o conclude_v from_o his_o admirable_a write_n that_o he_o know_v how_o to_o plaâ—e_v his_o word_n and_o to_o speak_v with_o a_o good_a grace_n st._n jerom_n who_o particular_o take_v notice_n that_o st_n pawles_n write_n be_v full_a of_o parenthesis_n transition_n digression_n concise_a and_o abrupt_a say_n yet_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o astonish_a peaker_n and_o â—ov_fw-mi thunder_v as_o often_o as_o he_o speak_v yea_o tho_o on_o the_o 3d_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n he_o hint_n that_o st._n paul_n write_n be_v destitute_a of_o rhetoric_n yet_o at_o pammach_n another_o time_n to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o he_o say_v not_o this_o absolute_o he_o own_v he_o to_o be_v flumen_fw-la eloquentiae_fw-la a_o flood_n or_o rather_o a_o torrent_n of_o true_a eloquence_n eusebius_n who_o be_v a_o good_a judge_n of_o eloquence_n pronounce_v st._n paul_n a_o 18._o most_o powerful_a spokesman_n and_o one_o that_o be_v admirable_o skilled_a in_o the_o whole_a parade_n and_o furniture_n of_o word_n and_o can_v do_v more_o this_o way_n than_o the_o most_o celebrate_a orator_n among_o the_o pagan_n so_o that_o man_n luther_n be_v in_o the_o right_a when_o he_o say_v one_o of_o st._n paul_n '_o s_z word_n contain_v well_o three_o of_o tully_n '_o s_z oration_n in_o fine_a no_o tongue_n can_v express_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o profound_a write_n which_o not_o only_o comprise_v in_o they_o all_o the_o depth_n and_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n and_o astonish_v we_o with_o their_o high_a and_o heavenly_a matter_n but_o moreover_o do_v furnish_v we_o with_o many_o elegancy_n and_o embellishment_n of_o oratory_n with_o many_o florid_n and_o well_o compose_v period_n and_o abound_v every_o where_o with_o a_o most_o win_v eloquence_n with_o the_o charm_n of_o a_o most_o melt_a and_o affectionate_a rhetoric_n insomuch_o that_o in_o some_o of_o his_o epistle_n his_o warm_a blood_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o ink_n he_o write_v with_o and_o every_o leaf_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a membrane_n of_o his_o heart_n beside_o st._n paul_n epistle_n which_o be_v fourteen_o in_o all_o there_o be_v seven_o other_o viz._n one_o of_o st._n james_n two_o of_o st._n peter_n three_o of_o st._n john_n and_o one_o of_o st._n jude_n all_o which_o except_o the_o two_o latter_a of_o st._n john_n be_v call_v catholic_n or_o general_a epistle_n because_o they_o be_v not_o direct_v to_o particular_a church_n in_o one_o place_n but_o to_o the_o disperse_a convert_v through_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n st._n james_n epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o christian_a jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o other_o region_n beside_o judea_n who_o consist_v partly_o of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n carry_v captive_a by_o salmanassar_n king_n of_o assyria_n who_o never_o that_o we_o read_v of_o return_v again_o and_o partly_o of_o the_o two_o tribe_n many_o of_o which_o still_o remain_v in_o exile_n wherefore_o st._n james_n send_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n scatter_v abroad_o the_o two_o main_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v first_o concern_v the_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n which_o be_v to_o be_v undergo_v for_o christ_n sake_n where_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o patience_n under_o those_o great_a trial_n second_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n where_o he_o show_v they_o that_o justify_v faith_n must_v â—e_v know_v and_o manifest_v by_o good_a work_n beside_o many_o excellent_a caveat_n and_o admonition_n be_v intermingle_v touch_v riches_n covetousness_n hear_v the_o word_n swear_v unruliness_n of_o the_o tongue_n envy_n wrath_n pride_n rash_n judge_v of_o other_o self-confidence_n forgetfulness_n of_o god_n sovereignty_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o very_a great_a use_n in_o the_o live_v of_o christian_n especial_o of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n wherefore_o this_o epistle_n be_v chief_o calculate_v for_o such_o st._n peter_n also_o who_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n write_v to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n such_o as_o be_v scatter_v throughout_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n i._n e._n the_o lesser_a and_o bythinia_n five_o province_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n those_o that_o voluntary_o live_v among_o the_o gentile_n ever_o since_o the_o great_a dispersion_n and_o be_v now_o become_v christian_n and_o fare_v the_o worse_a among_o the_o heathen_n and_o obstinate_a jew_n for_o be_v so_o and_o perhaps_o here_o may_v be_v mean_v those_o likewise_o that_o by_o persecution_n be_v drive_v from_o their_o home_n in_o judea_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v stranger_n 1_o epist_n ch_n 1._o v._n 1._o to_o these_o distress_a jew_n or_o of_o what_o kind_n soever_o they_o be_v for_o 89._o st._n augustine_n and_o ribera_n some_o other_o think_v the_o convert_v gentile_n in_o several_a country_n be_v not_o here_o exclude_v he_o write_v his_o first_o epistle_n to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v they_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o they_o have_v hitherto_o make_v and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o great_a proficiency_n in_o it_o and_o to_o comfort_v they_o in_o their_o persecution_n against_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o last_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o duty_n many_o of_o which_o as_o mutual_a love_n patience_z watchfulness_n perseverance_n obedience_n to_o magistrate_n with_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o servant_n to_o their_o master_n of_o husband_n and_o wife_n towards_o one_o another_o of_o spiritual_a pastor_n towards_o their_o flock_n he_o most_o excellent_o though_o brief_o describe_v his_o second_o epistle_n for_o it_o be_v undoubted_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o though_o hugo_n grotius_n or_o he_o that_o publish_v those_o posthumous_n annotation_n labour_n to_o offer_v argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o be_v enervate_v by_o dr._n hammond_n in_o his_o note_n on_o this_o epistle_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o first_o exhort_v the_o believe_a jew_n to_o a_o life_n worthy_a of_o christian_n to_o add_v one_o virtue_n to_o another_o and_o to_o increase_v in_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n he_o assert_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o show_v the_o danger_n of_o backstide_v he_o warn_v they_o against_o heretical_a teacher_n and_o profane_a scoffer_n that_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n of_o who_o he_o give_v a_o very_a lively_a character_n in_o several_a remarkable_a particular_n he_o vouch_v the_o certainty_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n and_o the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thence_o infer_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o that_o last_o catastrophe_n by_o a_o blameless_a life_n and_o conversation_n all_o which_o be_v express_v in_o most_o apt_a and_o choice_a word_n and_o with_o that_o concernedness_n and_o zeal_n which_o become_v so_o eminent_a a_o apostle_n the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n which_o be_v call_v catholic_n or_o general_n as_o be_v write_v to_o all_o the_o christian_a jew_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v be_v partly_o direct_v against_o seducer_n and_o impostor_n who_o he_o call_v antichrist_n rise_v up_o in_o those_o day_n who_o subvert_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n but_o more_o especial_o the_o deity_n and_o humanity_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o simonian_o gnostic_n carpocratian_o cerinthian_o ebioniâ—es_n and_o other_o mention_v by_o panario_n epiphanius_n and_o haeresib_n austin_n whence_o he_o advise_v the_o christian_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o not_o to_o be_v too_o credulous_a and_o hasty_a in_o embrace_v every_o doctrine_n that_o be_v offer_v they_o he_o have_v observable_a notice_n concern_v the_o grand_a privilege_n of_o adoption_n concern_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n but_o the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v to_o urge_v a_o godly_a and_o righteous_a life_n to_o convince_v those_o who_o be_v call_v by_o christ_n name_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o walk_a answerable_o to_o it_o indeed_o this_o apostle_n be_v force_v as_o st._n james_n before_o be_v to_o write_v on_o this_o subject_n to_o press_v good_a work_n and_o outward_a righteousness_n because_o some_o in_o those_o day_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o licentiousness_n make_v faith_n exclude_v all_o external_n
act_n and_o work_v of_o holiness_n wherefore_o he_o offer_v several_a plain_a mark_n and_o token_n whereby_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v real_a christian_n true_o religious_a and_o the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o he_o propound_v be_v this_o that_o if_o they_o love_v god_n and_o their_o brethren_n and_o demonstrate_v this_o love_n by_o the_o proper_a and_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o it_o than_o they_o may_v conclude_v they_o be_v christian_n indeed_o otherwise_o they_o be_v mere_a stranger_n to_o christianty_n and_o to_o all_o religion_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o they_o this_o the_o belove_a disciple_n and_o divine_a amourist_n inculâ—ates_v with_o that_o spirit_n warmth_n and_o earnestness_n which_o so_o weighty_a a_o subject_n deserve_v his_o second_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o elect_a lady_n and_o her_o child_n that_o be_v say_v st._n agerach_n jerom_n to_o some_o eminent_a select_a church_n in_o asia_n and_o to_o all_o the_o christian_n belong_v to_o it_o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o athenian_n and_o curia_n with_o the_o roman_n be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o assembly_n perhaps_o ephesus_n be_v mean_v say_v a_o loc_n learned_a man_n which_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o asia_n and_o so_o may_v more_o signal_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o it_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n that_o a_o person_n not_o a_o church_n 〈◊〉_d mean_v here_o and_o that_o st._n john_n the_o evangelist_n not_o another_o presbyter_n of_o that_o name_n as_o st._n eccles._n jerom_n think_v write_v to_o a_o virtuous_a lady_n who_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d servant_n of_o christ_n a_o very_a godly_a and_o religion_n woman_n or_o it_o may_v be_v her_o proper_a name_n be_v loc_n elect_a as_o a_o learned_a critic_n have_v conjecture_v which_o may_v seem_v the_o more_o probable_a because_o the_o word_n have_v no_o article_n prefix_v to_o it_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o our_o saviour_n himself_o as_o the_o evangelical_n write_n inform_v we_o to_o make_v his_o application_n to_o those_o of_o this_o sex_n to_o cherish_v and_o commend_v their_o virtue_n it_o be_v particular_o record_v that_o 4._o of_o the_o chief_a woman_n afterward_o call_v 12._o honourable_a woman_n not_o a_o few_o be_v st._n paul_n proselyte_n and_o to_o descend_v low_a we_o read_v that_o st._n jerom_n take_v great_a pain_n in_o instruct_v the_o roman_a lady_n and_o in_o commend_v and_o encourage_v their_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yea_o many_o of_o his_o write_n be_v direct_v and_o dedicate_v to_o noble_a woman_n widow_n and_o virgin_n as_o paula_n eustochium_fw-la salvina_n celantia_n and_o several_a other_o that_o be_v roman_a lady_n and_o of_o noble_a extraction_n such_o be_v our_o elect_n here_o who_o be_v the_o only_a person_n of_o that_o sex_n to_o who_o a_o inspire_a epistle_n be_v write_v she_o be_v commend_v for_o her_o virtuous_a bring_v up_o her_o child_n she_o be_v exhort_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o perservere_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o delusion_n of_o false_a teacher_n but_o chief_o the_o apostle_n beseech_v this_o noble_a matron_n to_o practice_v the_o great_a and_o indispensable_a commandment_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n his_o three_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o gaius_n a_o convert_v jew_n or_o gentile_a as_o other_o think_v because_o he_o have_v a_o roman_a name_n a_o man_n of_o a_o fair_a estate_n and_o who_o have_v be_v very_o bountiful_a and_o hospitable_a to_o the_o saint_n the_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v to_o own_o and_o commend_v his_o hospitality_n especial_o his_o seasonable_a beneficence_n and_o charity_n to_o stranger_n to_o those_o that_o be_v exile_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o charity_n and_o liberality_n to_o the_o distress_a brethren_n demetrius_n be_v propound_v as_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o for_o which_o and_o all_o other_o virtue_n he_o have_v the_o good_a report_n of_o all_o man_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o truth_n itself_o that_o be_v as_o he_o be_v speak_v well_o of_o by_o every_o one_o so_o he_o real_o deserve_v it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o complain_v of_o the_o uncharitable_a insolent_a and_o ambitious_a diotrephes_n a_o prate_a opposer_n not_o only_o of_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o of_o all_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o jesus_n the_o general_a epistle_n of_o jude_n or_o judas_n as_o we_o render_v it_o in_o john_n 14._o 22._o it_o be_v the_o same_o name_n with_o that_o of_o the_o traitor_n for_o it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n to_o have_v the_o same_o name_n as_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n eliab_n jehu_n hananiah_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o new_a testament_n simon_n john_n ananias_n be_v instance_n of_o this_o this_o epistle_n i_o say_v of_o this_o good_a apostle_n with_o a_o bad_a man_n name_n be_v write_v to_o all_o christian_a church_n or_o at_o least_o to_o all_o the_o jewish_a christian_n disperse_v the_o same_o to_o who_o st._n james_n and_o st._n peter_n write_v wherein_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n against_o those_o dream_v heretic_n and_o seducer_n that_o be_v at_o that_o time_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n who_o erroneous_a tenant_n and_o ungodly_a practice_n he_o here_o particular_o decipher_v and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n vengeance_n on_o other_o great_a offender_n infer_v the_o certainty_n of_o these_o man_n ruin_n in_o short_a this_o epistle_n have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a apostolic_a spirit_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o argument_n with_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o epitome_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o need_v not_o be_v very_o particular_a in_o rehearse_v the_o content_n the_o last_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n the_o divine_a which_o epithet_n be_v signal_o give_v to_o he_o here_o because_o of_o the_o divinity_n and_o sublimity_n of_o his_o rapture_n because_o he_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o great_a communication_n of_o divine_a mystery_n it_o may_v be_v refer_v either_o to_o the_o historical_a book_n or_o to_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o former_a because_o it_o be_v a_o prophetic_a history_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o latter_a because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o epistle_n after_o the_o three_o first_o verse_n by_o way_n of_o preface_n viz._n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n at_o first_o plant_v by_o and_o now_o under_o the_o government_n of_o st._n john_n and_o as_o it_o begin_v so_o it_o end_v after_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o conclude_a epistle_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n â—brist_n be_v with_o you_o all_o amm._n concern_v the_o precise_a time_n when_o st._n john_n receive_v and_o when_o he_o write_v this_o revelation_n there_o be_v some_o dispute_n but_o the_o most_o probable_a if_o not_o the_o most_o general_o receive_v opinion_n be_v that_o he_o be_v â—â—nished_v into_o patmos_n a_o isle_n in_o the_o archipelago_n situate_v about_o forty_o mile_n from_o the_o continent_n of_o asia_n by_o domitian_n under_o who_o be_v the_o second_o persecution_n this_o revelation_n be_v deliver_v to_o he_o about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o emperor_n reign_n but_o at_o several_a time_n and_o that_o he_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v about_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o vision_n themselves_o i_o will_v not_o here_o particular_o inâ—ist_v upon_o any_o of_o they_o only_o in_o general_n it_o be_v common_o say_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seal_n set_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o heathen_a persecution_n from_o nero_n to_o the_o end_n of_o dioclesian_n persecution_n the_o vision_n of_o the_o trumpet_n which_o follow_v that_o show_v the_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o heresy_n schism_n and_o persecution_n afterward_o in_o the_o time_n succeed_v the_o pagan_a roman_a emperor_n viz._n under_o papacy_n and_o then_o the_o vial_n tell_v what_o vengeance_n befall_v the_o papal_a antichrist_n and_o all_o the_o church_n enemy_n so_o that_o the_o seal_n trumpet_n and_o vial_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o three_o grand_a period_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v great_a probability_n of_o this_o but_o i_o must_v add_v and_o i_o will_v offer_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n as_o a_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o order_n to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o book_n that_o the_o order_n of_o time_n and_o history_n be_v