authority_n of_o they_o equal_a with_o that_o of_o the_o bible_n for_o as_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v dictate_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n so_o these_o law_n they_o hold_v be_v from_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o those_o scripture_n they_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o inspire_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o book_n of_o mishnaioth_n or_o the_o talmud_n which_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o amassment_n only_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o diverse_a decision_n of_o the_o school_n of_o hillel_n and_o shammai_n of_o the_o different_a determination_n of_o r._n akiba_n and_o r._n eliezer_n of_o r._n simeon_n and_o r._n joshua_n etc._n etc._n bandy_n against_o one_o another_o or_o rather_o if_o we_o speak_v plain_a they_o be_v a_o rhapsody_n of_o idle_a dream_n groundless_a fable_n curse_a error_n superstitious_a rite_n and_o practice_n yea_o if_o we_o shall_v instance_n in_o the_o babylonick_a talmud_n of_o horrid_a blasphemy_n against_o christ_n of_o obloquy_n against_o the_o mosaic_a law_n itself_o and_o of_o contradiction_n even_o to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n these_o be_v part_n of_o the_o book_n so_o high_o prize_v by_o the_o jewish_a master_n these_o go_v along_o with_o their_o oral_a law_n which_o be_v first_o give_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o consequent_o be_v of_o the_o same_o original_a with_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n but_o they_o go_v yet_o high_o for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o equalise_v these_o tradition_n with_o scripture_n but_o they_o prefer_v they_o before_o it_o they_o do_v not_o only_o say_v in_o a_o proverbial_a manner_n that_o traditae_fw-la they_o can_v stand_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o write_a law_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o unwritten_a one_o i_o e._n the_o oral_a law_n which_o they_o talk_v of_o and_o that_o locupletissima_fw-la the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n as_o they_o be_v find_v in_o the_o text_n be_v poor_a and_o want_v but_o as_o they_o be_v expound_v by_o the_o doctor_n have_v great_a riches_n and_o abundance_n in_o they_o and_o again_o that_o pilo_fw-la very_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n depend_v upon_o these_o little_a tradition_n which_o they_o contend_v for_o but_o they_o be_v so_o bold_a and_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o proceed_v further_o and_o give_v a_o far_o great_a deference_n to_o these_o tradition_n and_o doctrine_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n as_o they_o call_v they_o than_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o verbis_fw-la their_o doctor_n have_v do_v more_o good_a viz._n as_o to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v of_o religion_n by_o their_o own_o say_n than_o by_o the_o word_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n itself_o and_o according_o their_o advice_n be_v legis_fw-la my_o son_n attend_v more_o to_o what_o the_o scribe_n say_v than_o to_o what_o be_v say_v by_o the_o law_n though_o i_o know_v this_o may_v admit_v of_o another_o sense_n viz._n that_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v more_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n than_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o it_o but_o that_o in_o the_o talmud_n be_v plain_a and_o can_v have_v no_o other_o mean_v 11._o to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o be_v studious_a in_o search_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v good_a and_o not_o good_a i._n e._n it_o be_v not_o of_o any_o considerable_a advantage_n but_o to_o turn_v over_o the_o mishnah_n night_n and_o day_n be_v a_o virtue_n which_o will_v have_v a_o great_a reward_n hereafter_o and_o to_o learn_v the_o gemara_n be_v a_o incomparable_a virtue_n yea_o the_o jew_n blasphemous_o say_v that_o god_n himself_o study_v in_o the_o talmud_n every_o day_n here_o you_o see_v they_o prefer_v their_o deliver_v law_n before_o the_o write_a one_o they_o make_v the_o infallible_a scripture_n truckle_n to_o the_o fabulous_a tradition_n of_o the_o mishnah_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v a_o note_a say_v of_o the_o hebrew_n rabbi_n that_o the_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v like_a water_n the_o mishnah_n like_o wine_n and_o the_o six_o book_n of_o the_o talmud_n be_v like_o the_o sweet_a honeyed_a wine_n thus_o to_o magnify_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n they_o vilify_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v not_o content_a with_o the_o rite_n and_o injunction_n write_v in_o the_o law_n which_o in_o way_n of_o contempt_n they_o call_v 〈…〉_z the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n but_o they_o admire_v those_o most_o which_o be_v take_v from_o their_o wise_a man_n which_o they_o call_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o rabbin_n and_o which_o be_v summary_o contain_v in_o the_o talmud_n these_o they_o hold_v to_o be_v of_o great_a value_n than_o the_o other_o the_o person_n that_o be_v skilled_a in_o these_o be_v slile_v by_o they_o tannaim_n profound_a master_n and_o doctor_n but_o they_o that_o study_v the_o scripture_n only_o be_v but_o karaim_n poor_a reader_n and_o man_n of_o the_o letter_n all_o this_o show_v how_o these_o man_n depretiate_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o exalt_v above_o it_o their_o oral_a law_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a fiction_n and_o forgery_n as_o to_o the_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v give_v to_o moses_n by_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o own_v by_o the_o karaint_n among_o they_o who_o stick_v close_o to_o the_o text_n nor_o by_o some_o of_o their_o perushim_n their_o sober_a sort_n of_o expositor_n who_o think_v those_o tradition_n be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n second_o papist_n as_o well_n as_o jeâ—s_n disparage_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o deny_v its_o perfection_n nor_o by_o the_o way_n be_v this_o the_o only_a thing_n wherein_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o jew_n a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v no_o other_o than_o jewish_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n these_o modern_a talmudist_n will_v not_o own_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n they_o have_v their_o cabala_n the_o doctrine_n receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n they_o be_v for_o their_o oral_a law_n deliver_v from_o one_o to_o another_o they_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o scripture_n so_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o speak_v with_o their_o tradition_n they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o the_o jew_n that_o jud._n there_o must_v be_v a_o fence_n make_v about_o the_o law_n that_o it_o must_v be_v hedge_v in_o with_o tradition_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n say_v they_o but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v partly_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o partly_o in_o unwritten_a tradition_n a_o very_a absurd_a and_o wild_a doctrine_n because_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o by_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n whatever_o be_v or_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v reveal_v in_o these_o write_n and_o no_o new_a doctrine_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v deliver_v since_o to_o the_o church_n or_o any_o particular_a person_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o tenent_n they_o hold_v it_o fast_o and_o make_v it_o a_o great_a article_n of_o their_o belief_n for_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n as_o they_o repute_v it_o that_o unwritten_a tradition_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v 4._o with_o the_o same_o pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n those_o be_v the_o word_n wherewith_o the_o infallible_a write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v entertain_v and_o consequent_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n equal_a with_o the_o scripture_n but_o they_o rest_v not_o here_o they_o not_o only_o equal_a humane_a and_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n but_o follow_v the_o step_v of_o the_o old_a talmudist_n they_o proceed_v yet_o further_o prefer_v tradition_n before_o scripture_n thus_o a_o renown_a divine_a in_o their_o church_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o 8._o tradition_n be_v exceed_o necessary_a for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v more_o requisite_a than_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o this_o he_o endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a with_o he_o concur_v several_a other_o of_o their_o writer_n who_o we_o find_v extol_v tradition_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n speak_v very_o mean_o and_o slight_o of_o the_o holy_a writ_n hence_o they_o blasphemous_o call_v it_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n and_o a_o leaden_a rule_n and_o many_o such_o vilify_a term_n be_v use_v by_o pighius_fw-la and_o melchior_n canus_n and_o etc._n other_o great_a doctor_n of_o that_o church_n we_o deny_v not_o the_o usefulness_n nay_o even_o the_o necessity_n nay_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o tradition_n viz._n that_o tradition_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v entrust_v in_o the_o
proposition_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v gain_v the_o assent_n of_o any_o intelligent_a and_o sober_a person_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o prophecy_n and_o what_o they_o aim_v at_o we_o must_v needs_o own_v they_o to_o be_v from_o he_o to_o who_o all_o future_a thing_n be_v present_a and_o who_o be_v the_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o the_o foreseer_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o holy_a scripture_n have_v deliver_v be_v actual_o come_v to_o pass_v we_o may_v with_o reason_n conclude_v that_o their_o write_n be_v not_o forgery_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o penman_n of_o they_o be_v inspire_a person_n that_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n which_o be_v a_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o their_o authority_n these_o thing_n be_v thus_o foretell_v so_o long_o before_o and_o be_v exact_o verify_v since_o it_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o the_o book_n which_o contain_v these_o prediction_n and_o be_v found_v on_o they_o be_v true_a and_o certain_a these_o prediction_n come_v from_o god_n be_v a_o aâ—_n red_a proof_n that_o these_o write_n be_v indict_v he_o they_o be_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o they_o thiâ—_n that_o which_o a_o ancient_a father_n long_o since_o deliverâ—_n 6._o the_o foretell_v of_o future_a thing_n say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d characteristic_a note_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n 〈◊〉_d the_o scripture_n for_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v aboâ—â—_n humane_a nature_n and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o 〈◊〉_d only_o â—e_v effect_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o divine_a â—â—â—rit_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o impregnaâ—_n maxim_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o fâ—_n fill_v of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o divine_a proof_n of_o 〈◊〉_d truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v a_o sufficient_a grouâ—_n to_o we_o of_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o goâ—_n thus_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 〈◊〉_d have_v undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o authority_n aâ—_n truth_n of_o they_o again_o the_o manner_n of_o these_o write_n be_v another_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o they_o theâ—_n be_v not_o write_v as_o other_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o these_o sacred_a book_n do_v not_o speak_v after_o the_o raâ—â—â—_n of_o other_o writer_n how_o admirable_a be_v the_o simplâ—_n city_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o these_o man_n all_o along_o theâ—_n do_v not_o hide_v their_o own_o or_o other_o fail_n yea_o eveâ—_n when_o they_o be_v very_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a thuâ—_n moses_n record_v not_o only_a noah_n drunkenness_n and_o lot_n incest_n but_o his_o own_o rash_a anger_n and_o unbelief_n and_o david_n register_n in_o the_o 51st_o psalm_n his_o own_o murder_n and_o adultery_n jeremiah_n relate_v his_o own_o unbecoming_a fear_n discontent_n and_o murmur_n chap._n 20._o 7_o 8_o 14._o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n conceal_v not_o the_o infirmity_n and_o defect_n 〈◊〉_d the_o gross_a miscarriage_n of_o themselves_o and_o of_o â—heir_a brethren_n as_o their_o cowardly_a leave_v of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d his_o passion_n john_n fall_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o a_o anâ—el_n to_o worship_v he_o thomas_z his_o infidelity_n johnâ—nd_n â—nd_z james_n the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n their_o unseasonable_a ambition_n peter_n deny_v of_o christ_n even_o with_o perjury_n this_o free_a and_o plain_a deal_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n show_v that_o â—hey_n be_v not_o the_o write_n of_o men._n a_o man_n may_v â—ee_n that_o there_o be_v no_o worldly_a and_o sinister_a design_n â—â—rried_v on_o in_o they_o but_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v whole_o intend_v by_o their_o impartial_a discovery_n of_o â—he_n truth_n which_o be_v long_o since_o take_v notice_n of_o â—y_a 1._o arnobius_n in_o answer_n to_o that_o cavil_v of_o the_o pagan_n hat_n the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v by_o poor_a 〈◊〉_d people_n and_o in_o a_o simple_a manner_n therefore_o â—aith_o he_o it_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v credit_v because_o they_o write_v so_o indifferent_o and_o impartial_o and_o out_o of_o simplicity_n this_o impartiality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o they_o be_v a_o irrefragable_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o write_n and_o here_o also_o you_o will_v find_v a_o excellent_a and_o admirable_a composition_n of_o simplicity_n and_o majesty_n together_o though_o the_o strain_n be_v high_a and_o lofty_a yet_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v humble_a and_o condescend_v to_o which_o purpose_n a_o learned_a father_n say_v well_o 5._o the_o language_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v low_a but_o the_o sense_n be_v sublime_a and_o heavenly_a whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o phrase_n of_o heathen_a writer_n be_v splendid_a but_o the_o thing_n couch_v in_o they_o be_v poor_a and_o mean_n the_o scripture-writer_n make_v it_o not_o their_o work_n to_o set_v off_o and_o commend_v thâ—_n write_n by_o be_v elaborate_v and_o exact_v hâ—_n be_v no_o set_a discourse_n no_o point_a argument_n 〈◊〉_d affect_a strain_n of_o logic_n tryph._n the_o writer_n 〈◊〉_d the_o bible_n say_v another_o ancient_a father_n do_v 〈◊〉_d make_v their_o write_n in_o a_o way_n of_o demonstration_n these_o unquestionable_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v above_o all_o demonstration_n nor_o shall_v yâ—â—_n find_v here_o that_o the_o writer_n strain_v for_o elegancy_n and_o florid_n expression_n as_o other_o author_n be_v wonâ—_n here_o be_v no_o quaint_a and_o curious_a method_n no_o formâ—_n transition_n no_o court_v of_o the_o reader_n no_o unnecessary_a pageantry_n of_o rhetoric_n to_o gain_v admiration_n and_o attention_n especial_o the_o style_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n be_v not_o tumid_a and_o affect_v but_o plain_a and_o simple_a and_o scorn_v the_o ornament_n and_o embellishment_n of_o fancy_n for_o as_o a_o 1._o oâ—_n christian_n say_v right_o truth_n need_v no_o fucus_n anâ—_n artifice_n and_o therefore_o the_o sense_n not_o word_n be_v mind_v in_o scripture_n all_o good_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v please_v with_o this_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n of_o the_o holy_a style_n of_o which_o there_o be_v a_o memorable_a instance_n in_o a_o 11._o ecclesiastical_a historian_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o spiridion_n a_o notable_a confessor_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n reprove_v one_o tryphilius_fw-la a_o eloquent_a man_n and_o convert_v by_o he_o to_o christianity_n some_o time_n before_o because_o speak_v one_o time_n in_o the_o famous_a council_n of_o nice_a he_o do_v instead_o of_o those_o wordâ—_n of_o christ_n 9_o tolle_n grabatum_fw-la tuum_fw-la say_v tolle_o lectum_fw-la tuum_fw-la humilem_fw-la he_o reprove_v he_o i_o say_v and_o that_o very_o sharp_o for_o disdain_v to_o use_v the_o word_n which_o the_o scripture_n itself_o use_v it_o be_v true_a the_o word_n of_o scripture_n seem_v sometime_o to_o be_v common_a and_o rude_a and_o altogether_o ungraceful_a sometime_o i_o say_v for_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o that_o scripture_n be_v not_o destitute_a of_o its_o grace_n of_o speech_n but_o that_o seem_a commonness_n and_o rudeness_n be_v great_a token_n of_o the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n gregory_n the_o great_a excuse_v the_o plainness_n and_o rudeness_n of_o his_o style_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o job_n profess_v that_o leandrum_fw-la he_o think_v it_o unworthy_a of_o and_o unbecoming_a the_o heavenly_a oracle_n to_o restrain_v they_o to_o the_o nice_a rule_n of_o grammar_n sure_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o bible_n may_v say_v so_o with_o more_o reason_n it_o become_v they_o not_o to_o stand_v upon_o those_o nicety_n and_o formality_n of_o speech_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o other_o author_n for_o it_o be_v fit_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o difference_n between_o humane_a write_n and_o divine_a i_o agree_v with_o a_o late_a ingenious_a author_n who_o declare_v that_o scripture_n it_o fit_v not_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o book_n this_o be_v to_o observe_v the_o humane_a law_n of_o method_n and_o niceness_n of_o art_n inspire_a write_n must_v not_o be_v like_o those_o of_o men._n the_o singular_a grace_n of_o these_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o artificial_a and_o study_a but_o simple_a plain_a and_o careless_a and_o that_o their_o whole_a frame_n and_o contexture_n be_v not_o such_o as_o we_o a_o artificial_a method_n be_v below_o the_o majesty_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o dictate_v they_o this_o will_v debase_v the_o scripture_n and_o equal_v they_o with_o the_o write_n of_o men._n wherefore_o the_o often_o i_o look_v into_o that_o sacred_a volume_n and_o the_o more_o i_o observe_v it_o the_o more_o i_o be_o convince_v that_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o writer_n be_v whole_o direct_v by_o a_o divine_a hand_n for_o take_v any_o of_o the_o book_n either_o doctrinal_a
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world_n for_o they_o carry_v no_o such_o native_a mark_n with_o they_o but_o the_o very_a inward_a note_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n create_v in_o we_o a_o certain_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n they_o may_v be_v know_v from_o all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o by_o the_o excellent_a transcendent_a and_o divine_a matter_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o by_o the_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o deliver_v and_o publish_v it_o these_o i_o call_v internal_a proof_n because_o they_o be_v take_v from_o the_o book_n themselves_o because_o they_o be_v something_o that_o we_o find_v there_o these_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v write_v not_o by_o man_n but_o by_o god_n there_o be_v yet_o another_o internal_a testimony_n i_o call_v it_o so_o because_o it_o be_v within_o we_o though_o not_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o now_o i_o add_v that_o this_o spirit_n speak_v in_o we_o and_o work_n in_o our_o heart_n a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o of_o christ_n in_o those_o write_n this_o witness_v power_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v assert_v in_o act_n 5._o 32._o &_o 15._o 7_o 8._o and_o in_o 1_o john_n 5._o 6._o from_o these_o place_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v a_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n join_v with_o our_o conscience_n and_o persuasion_n and_o this_o spirit_n powerful_o convince_v all_o believer_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o testimony_n follow_v immediate_o on_o our_o set_n before_o we_o the_o inward_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v they_o for_o god_n make_v use_v of_o those_o evidence_n and_o argument_n to_o beget_v a_o belief_n in_o we_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n enlighten_v and_o convince_v man_n mind_n by_o those_o mean_n but_o more_o especial_o he_o urge_v these_o evidence_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o religious_a and_o faithful_a and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v no_o enthusiasm_n because_o it_o be_v discover_v to_o we_o by_o proper_a mean_n and_o instrument_n whereas_o that_o be_v without_o any_o and_o be_v general_o accompany_v with_o the_o despise_n of_o they_o but_o the_o evidence_n and_o note_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o reason_n and_o motive_n of_o our_o belief_n only_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v and_o prepare_v and_o sanctify_v our_o mind_n and_o illuminate_v our_o conscience_n and_o cause_v those_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o make_v impression_n upon_o we_o and_o effectual_o to_o prevail_v with_o we_o and_o to_o silence_v all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n witness_v in_o we_o but_o when_o i_o say_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o must_v adjoin_v this_o that_o this_o proof_n serve_v only_o for_o those_o that_o have_v this_o spirit_n it_o may_v establish_v they_o but_o it_o can_v convince_v other_o no_o other_o man_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n by_o the_o spirit_n be_v convince_a i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o beside_o this_o proof_n be_v not_o in_o all_o that_o real_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o book_n some_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o without_o this_o but_o where_o this_o be_v it_o be_v most_o powerful_a and_o convictive_a and_o surpass_v all_o other_o degreâ—_n of_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v no_o such_o câ—tain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o holy_a wâ—_n thing_n as_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d the_o heart_n of_o man_n produce_v there_o in_o a_o ration_n â—_o way_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a 〈◊〉_d our_o faculty_n chap._n ii_o external_n proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scriptureâ—_n viz._n the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o they_o and_o universal_a tradition_n which_o latter_a be_v defend_v against_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o that_o talk_v of_o a_o new_a character_n wherein_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v thâ—_n jewish_a masore_v attest_n the_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v not_o corrupt_v the_o point_n or_o vowel_n be_v coexistent_a with_o the_o letter_n f._n simon_n be_v notion_n of_o abbreviate_a the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n reject_v the_o new_a tement_n vouch_v by_o the_o unanimous_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o
number_v among_o the_o book_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v argue_v from_o the_o tradition_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v do_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v it_o be_v valid_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o copy_n the_o canonicalness_n of_o the_o book_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o decidable_a by_o scripture_n itself_o but_o in_o the_o way_n that_o all_o other_o controversy_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v as_o you_o will_v prove_v any_o other_o book_n to_o be_v authentic_a so_o you_o must_v prove_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v viz._n by_o sufficient_a and_o able_a testimony_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o sacred_a history_n that_o there_o be_v to_o believe_v any_o other_o historical_a write_n that_o be_v extant_a nay_o the_o testimony_n on_o behalf_n of_o the_o holy_a scriptureâ—_n be_v more_o pregnant_a than_o any_o that_o be_v bring_v for_o other_o write_n beside_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v for_o the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v for_o other_o write_n i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o this_o above_o aâ—â—_n other_o the_o main_a thing_n we_o have_v insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v faithful_o convey_v to_o we_o and_o that_o they_o be_v vouch_v by_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a tradition_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o these_o book_n and_o no_o other_o be_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n for_o to_o be_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o be_v own_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o divine_o inspire_a write_n the_o church_n witness_v and_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n for_o she_o receive_v they_o as_o divine_a and_o she_o deliver_v they_o to_o we_o as_o such_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o church_n testify_v these_o book_n to_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v a_o absolute_a and_o entire_a authority_n to_o they_o a_o clerk_n in_o the_o parliament_n or_o any_o other_o court_n writes_z down_z and_o testiâ—ies_n that_o such_o a_o act_n or_o decree_n or_o order_n be_v pass_v by_o the_o king_n magistrate_n or_o people_n and_o he_o witness_n that_o he_o have_v faithful_o keep_v these_o by_o he_o and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o at_o such_o a_o time_n be_v make_v by_o the_o foresay_a authority_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o act_n decree_n or_o order_n rest_v not_o in_o the_o clerk_n but_o whole_o in_o the_o king_n magistrate_n or_o people_n so_o the_o church_n record_v and_o keep_v the_o sacred_a write_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o bear_v witness_v that_o they_o have_v be_v faithful_o preserve_v and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o genuine_a write_n of_o those_o person_n who_o name_n be_v presix_v to_o they_o bâ—t_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o church_n but_o on_o the_o book_n and_o author_n themselves_o namely_o their_o be_v inspire_v and_o indeed_o this_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v depend_v on_o the_o church_n because_o the_o church_n itself_o depend_v on_o the_o scripture_n these_o must_v be_v prove_v before_o the_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o church_n we_o can_v know_v the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v know_v before_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o papist_n be_v very_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a in_o make_v the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v into_o the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n this_o we_o disow_v as_o a_o great_a falsity_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o hold_v that_o the_o church_n testimony_n be_v one_o good_a argument_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n according_a to_o that_o know_a say_v of_o st._n augustine_n i_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o move_v i_o not_o that_o he_o find_v the_o gospel_n i._n e._n the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o papist_n be_v wont_a to_o infer_v from_o these_o word_n and_o frequent_o quote_v they_o to_o this_o purpose_n no_o the_o father_n meaning_n be_v this_o that_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n he_o believe_v the_o book_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v very_o that_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o scope_n of_o it_o for_o he_o speak_v there_o of_o the_o copy_n or_o write_n not_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o good_a father_n rely_v on_o this_o that_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o know_v and_o honest_a person_n as_o the_o church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o do_v assert_v the_o evangelical_n write_n to_o be_v the_o write_n of_o such_o as_o be_v real_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a and_o not_o corrupt_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o same_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o of_o those_o that_o immediate_o succeed_v they_o several_a of_o which_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n this_o be_v the_o external_n testimony_n give_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v the_o general_a persuasion_n and_o attestation_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o these_o be_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n immediate_o direct_v by_o the_o spirit_n who_o therefore_o can_v not_o err_v it_o be_v usual_a heretofore_o among_o the_o pagan_a lawgiver_n to_o attribute_v their_o law_n to_o some_o deity_n though_o they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o invention_n intend_v thereby_o to_o conciliate_v reverence_n to_o they_o and_o to_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o people_n but_o here_o be_v no_o such_o cheat_n put_v upon_o we_o god_n himself_o be_v real_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n these_o sacred_a law_n come_v immediate_o from_o he_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v assurance_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o they_o chap._n iii_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n manifest_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n especial_o of_o pagan_n these_o confirm_v what_o the_o old_a testament_n say_v concern_v the_o creation_n the_o production_n of_o adam_n and_o eve_n their_o fall_n with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o it_o enoch_n translation_n the_o longevity_n of_o the_o patriarch_n the_o giant_n in_o those_o time_n the_o universal_a flood_n the_o build_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n i_o have_v propound_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a argument_n which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o will_v now_o choose_v out_o another_o for_o the_o sake_n chief_o of_o the_o learned_a and_o curious_a which_o i_o purpose_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o yea_o to_o make_v the_o subject_a of_o my_o whole_a ensue_a discourse_n i_o consider_v then_o that_o we_o have_v in_o this_o matter_n not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n but_o of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n and_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o vouch_v by_o all_o man_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o enemy_n be_v most_o considerable_a the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o beside_o these_o witness_n there_o be_v other_o there_o be_v the_o attestation_n of_o foreigner_n and_o adversary_n these_o full_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a bible_n we_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o heathen_a writer_n to_o confirm_v many_o of_o the_o thing_n relate_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o both_o profess_a heathen_n and_o jew_n for_o we_o must_v now_o look_v upon_o these_o latter_a as_o profess_a enemy_n when_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_a concern_v attest_v sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o vouch_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o they_o here_o than_o i_o will_v distinct_o proceed_v and_o first_o begin_v with_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o let_v you_o see_v in_o several_a particular_n that_o even_o the_o pagan_a world_n give_v testimony_n to_o this_o sacred_a volume_n
renown_a act_n of_o several_a of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o first_o worthy_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o great_a establish_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o those_o pagan_n derive_v so_o many_o thing_n from_o scripture_n the_o gentile_a writer_n vouch_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n wherefore_o we_o must_v needs_o embrace_v it_o when_o it_o be_v attest_v by_o such_o disinterest_v person_n 3._o we_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o wonderful_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n behold_v the_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o those_o who_o never_o own_v its_o authority_n yea_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n ratify_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o they_o the_o heathen_a poet_n whilst_o they_o corrupt_v divine_a truth_n assert_v it_o their_o very_a lie_n and_o fiction_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o sacred_a verity_n their_o fable_n confirm_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v do_v here_o the_o great_a and_o overrule_v wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v see_v here_o his_o almighty_a power_n in_o baâ—â—ing_v satan_n contrivance_n and_o design_n may_v be_v discern_v he_o as_o be_v say_v before_o intend_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o silence_v of_o the_o truth_n the_o exalt_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o advance_v of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o the_o alwise_a and_o powerful_a moderator_n of_o the_o world_n disappoint_v his_o design_n and_o make_v this_o thing_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o serviceable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o religion_n he_o make_v it_o become_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o antiquity_n reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n 4._o henceforth_o we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o write_n of_o profane_a author_n we_o have_v this_o considerable_a advantage_n by_o read_v the_o work_v of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n and_o by_o peruse_v their_o story_n and_o fable_n that_o we_o shall_v find_v some_o great_a thing_n couch_v in_o they_o than_o the_o bare_a narrative_n for_o these_o writer_n borrow_a many_o thing_n from_o the_o holy_a book_n their_o break_a story_n be_v oftentime_o a_o imperfect_a account_n of_o scripture_n relation_n sundry_a thing_n in_o their_o write_n be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o divine_a volume_n but_o be_v strange_o wrest_v pervertrd_n and_o obscure_v by_o have_v new_a name_n and_o â—eigned_a circumstance_n affix_v to_o they_o almost_o all_o the_o gentile_a fable_n and_o theology_n flow_v from_o a_o deprave_a sense_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n the_o poet_n disguise_n true_a story_n with_o many_o fiction_n and_o some_o relic_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v bury_v under_o their_o ingenuous_a fancy_n and_o fabulous_a narration_n ovid_n transcribe_v the_o greek_a theology_n from_o orpheus_n homer_n hesiod_n and_o other_o ancient_a poet_n and_o these_o have_v it_o from_o the_o bible_n the_o very_a poetic_a fiction_n refer_v unto_o real_a story_n and_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o divine_a source_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o we_o be_v read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o manner_n whilst_o we_o be_v turn_v over_o pagan_a writer_n in_o these_o we_o meet_v with_o truth_n transplant_v from_o the_o sacred_a book_n we_o find_v many_o passage_n steal_v from_o the_o hebrew_a fountain_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v then_o that_o scholar_n and_o student_n yea_o the_o very_a candidate_n of_o sacred_a theology_n may_v with_o great_a profit_n pry_v into_o these_o write_n of_o the_o pagan_n for_o here_o be_v the_o footstep_n of_o divine_a verity_n profane_a and_o sacred_a learning_n be_v to_o be_v join_v the_o gentile_a monument_n illustrate_v the_o inspire_a one_o we_o may_v notwithstanding_o the_o disguise_n which_o poet_n have_v put_v upon_o the_o story_n see_v the_o foundation_n of_o they_o and_o perceive_v that_o those_o vain_a figmentsâ—_n be_v ground_v on_o some_o solid_a truth_n and_o that_o a_o sacred_a treasure_n lie_v hide_v under_o those_o confuse_a fable_n for_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o palestine_n afford_v greece_n matter_n of_o fancy_n and_o invention_n the_o pagan_a poet_n be_v befriend_v by_o the_o jew_n athens_n be_v indebt_v to_o jerusalem_n parnassus_n be_v behold_v to_o sinai_n and_o helicon_n to_o jordan_n you_o see_v then_o the_o advantage_n we_o may_v reap_v by_o be_v acquaint_v with_o profane_a writer_n whilst_o we_o look_v further_o than_o the_o outward_a shape_n which_o they_o have_v give_v to_o many_o thing_n and_o search_v into_o that_o truth_n which_o lie_v hide_v under_o it_o even_o the_o sacred_a and_o undoubted_a history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n thus_o we_o may_v make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o far_o high_a and_o better_a end_n than_o they_o be_v intend_v this_o be_v the_o best_a improvement_n that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o to_o see_v the_o true_a source_n of_o what_o be_v write_v by_o they_o to_o understand_v whence_o they_o borrow_v their_o matter_n and_o to_o confirm_v ourselves_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n by_o peruse_v these_o which_o be_v profane_a 5th_o and_o last_o then_o see_v the_o authority_n truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n i_o have_v be_v aim_v at_o i_o have_v prove_v this_o before_o by_o several_a argument_n and_o those_o perhaps_o on_o some_o account_v more_o force_v and_o convictive_a than_o this_o but_o i_o think_v good_a to_o add_v this_o to_o they_o as_o no_o contemptible_a way_n of_o prove_v the_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v evidence_v from_o heathen_a writer_n not_o only_o historian_n but_o philosopher_n and_o poet_n a_o man_n may_v by_o compare_v these_o with_o the_o sacred_a volume_n find_v out_o the_o original_a of_o the_o pagan_a tradition_n and_o fiction_n and_o observe_v the_o lineament_n of_o true_a and_o unquestionable_a history_n among_o they_o hence_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n and_o thing_n in_o be_v as_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o the_o passage_n and_o transaction_n there_o mention_v be_v real_a and_o true_a this_o admirable_o serve_v to_o evince_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o write_n this_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o record_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n i._n e._n as_o infallible_a chap._n x._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n confirm_v by_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a writer_n who_o speak_v of_o a_o king_n or_o lord_n that_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o particular_o out_o of_o judaea_n a_o enumeration_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o learned_a concern_v the_o sibylls_n with_o the_o particular_a sentiment_n of_o the_o author_n viz._n that_o the_o content_n of_o their_o verse_n be_v harrow_v from_o the_o old-testament_n and_o that_o those_o woman_n be_v not_o prophetess_n but_o only_o relate_v what_o they_o find_v in_o the_o inspire_a write_n or_o hear_v of_o thence_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o sibylline_a write_n to_o be_v spurious_a next_o i_o be_o to_o show_v how_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v vouch_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o external_n testimony_n i._n e._n how_o profess_a pagansâ—nd_n â—nd_z jew_n enemy_n to_o christianity_n have_v relate_v â—nd_o assert_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o be_v set_v down_o â—n_o those_o evangelical_n write_n first_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a nature_n between_o what_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o before_o and_o what_o â—_o be_o now_o to_o engage_v in_o which_o therefore_o may_v apt_o serve_v as_o a_o transition_n from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o i_o â—ean_v the_o belief_n and_o report_n record_v in_o pagan_a writer_n that_o a_o king_n or_o lord_n shall_v come_v from_o the_o â—ast_n and_o do_v great_a and_o mighty_a thing_n this_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o 〈◊〉_d belong_v to_o the_o former_a discourse_n but_o because_o it_o be_v mention_v by_o historian_n that_o be_v after_o christ_n time_n and_o the_o application_n be_v with_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v make_v to_o he_o i_o right_o bring_v it_o in_o here_o it_o be_v i_o say_v a_o constant_a report_n that_o prevail_v about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n and_o afterward_o that_o some_o eminent_a person_n or_o person_n shall_v rise_v out_o of_o those_o eastern_a nation_n and_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o world_n we_o find_v 5._o tacitus_n assert_v this_o and_o that_o great_a politician_n and_o statesman_n will_v needs_o have_v it_o fulfil_v in_o vespasian_n and_o titus_n because_o they_o be_v call_v out_o of_o judea_n unto_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n suetonius_n
in_o they_o to_o all_o their_o posterity_n those_o place_n psal._n 22._o 16._o they_o pierce_v my_o hand_n and_o my_o foot_n and_o ver_fw-la 18._o they_o part_v my_o garment_n among_o they_o and_o cast_v lot_n upon_o my_o vesture_n calvin_n be_v incline_v to_o interpret_v simple_o and_o not_o concern_v christ_n he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v only_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o david_n calamity_n and_o suffering_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v express_o say_v by_o the_o evangelist_n st._n matthew_n that_o those_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o christ_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n matth._n 27._o 35._o and_o by_o the_o evangelist_n st._n john_n this_o be_v do_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v ch_n 19_o 36_o 37._o and_o so_o as_o to_o that_o text_n jer._n 31._o 22._o the_o lord_n have_v create_v a_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o earth_n a_o woman_n shall_v compass_v a_o man._n the_o same_o author_n will_v not_o have_v this_o prophecy_n for_o such_o it_o be_v though_o it_o seem_v to_o speak_v of_o a_o thing_n past_a it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o prophetic_a writer_n to_o signify_v the_o future_a time_n by_o the_o past_a as_o you_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o he_o will_v not_o i_o say_v have_v this_o prediction_n refer_v in_o the_o least_o to_o christ_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a he_o say_v to_o understand_v it_o so_o and_o some_o other_o prophecy_n which_o be_v mean_v of_o christ_n he_o understand_v otherwise_o confine_v himself_o to_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o the_o word_n thus_o this_o excellent_a person_n out_o of_o a_o affectation_n of_o novelty_n pervert_v those_o scripture_n which_o the_o ancient_a father_n quote_v as_o speak_v of_o christ_n and_o he_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o father_n abuse_v those_o place_n but_o which_o be_v far_o worse_o he_o refuse_v to_o expound_v some_o of_o those_o text_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v christ_n notwithstanding_o the_o evangelical_n writer_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n allege_v they_o as_o punctual_o fulfil_v in_o he_o and_o in_o what_o he_o suffer_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o renown_a man_n may_v be_v think_v to_o incline_v to_o judaism_n or_o arianism_n as_o much_o as_o erasmus_n be_v think_v by_o some_o for_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o interpret_n place_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o christ_n quite_o to_o another_o sense_n creed_n one_o of_o the_o worthy_n of_o our_o church_n excuse_v the_o former_a of_o these_o person_n after_o this_o manner_n and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o same_o excuse_v serve_v for_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v say_v he_o rather_o fear_v lest_o he_o shall_v give_v offence_n unto_o the_o jew_n than_o any_o desire_n or_o inclination_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o which_o make_v he_o sometime_o give_v the_o same_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o do_v without_o search_n after_o far_a mystery_n than_o the_o letter_n itself_o do_v administer_v it_o be_v the_o candour_n of_o this_o excellent_a divine_a to_o apologise_v thus_o for_o that_o great_a man_n and_o the_o same_o apology_n may_v serve_v for_o the_o other_o yet_o certain_o we_o ought_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o their_o exposition_n on_o those_o place_n by_o add_v the_o secondary_a and_o mystical_a sense_n to_o they_o else_o we_o leave_v those_o text_n maim_v and_o imperfect_a yea_o we_o rob_v they_o of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a and_o precious_a in_o they_o that_o which_o be_v the_o dabar_n gadol_n as_o the_o jewish_a master_n call_v the_o mystical_a sense_n this_o be_v great_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o literal_a one_o which_o be_v call_v by_o they_o dabar_n katon_n little_a and_o inconsiderable_a viz._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o other_o this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o another_o great_a man_n great_a in_o name_n as_o well_o as_o worth_n herein_o he_o disdain_v not_o to_o tread_v in_o the_o step_v of_o mr._n calvin_n though_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n he_o be_v very_o averse_a to_o his_o exposition_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o when_o he_o treat_v of_o the_o text_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o speak_v concern_v christ_n he_o general_o interpret_v they_o in_o the_o first_o and_o literal_a sense_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o apostolical_a and_o ancient_a expositor_n who_o constant_o search_v into_o the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o choice_a treasure_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o gold_n and_o diamond_n and_o the_o rich_a gem_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o rich_a and_o most_o precious_a truth_n of_o heaven_n be_v treasure_v up_o in_o the_o entrail_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n they_o be_v hide_v in_o the_o most_o inward_a recess_n of_o it_o demoâ—ritus_n can_v say_v truth_n lie_v hide_v in_o a_o deep_a pit_n this_o be_v most_o certain_a of_o divine_a truth_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n beside_o what_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o letter_n and_o surface_n of_o it_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o more_o choice_a discovery_n to_o be_v make_v by_o search_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o it_o and_o by_o discern_v the_o spiritual_a mean_v those_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o lie_v cover_v under_o the_o letter_n and_o history_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o hold_v good_a concern_v the_o divine_a as_o well_o as_o humane_a law_n cortice_fw-la he_o that_o confine_v himself_o to_o the_o letter_n stick_v in_o the_o mere_a bark_n and_o outside_o and_o can_v go_v no_o further_o he_o reach_v not_o to_o the_o inward_a sense_n pith_n and_o mind_n of_o those_o law_n we_o must_v needs_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n that_o sacred_a law_n give_v we_o by_o god_n unless_o we_o endeavour_v to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o both_o these_o not_o only_o the_o historical_a but_o the_o more_o sublime_a and_o mystical_a sense_n of_o it_o both_o these_o joint_o make_v up_o divine_a truth_n therefore_o that_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n which_o be_v practise_v by_o athanasius_n 〈◊〉_d we_o say_v he_o do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o literal_a sense_n to_o bring_v in_o the_o spiritual_a one_o but_o we_o maintain_v the_o more_o powerful_a mean_v of_o the_o spirit_n by_o keep_v up_o the_o literal_a sense_n these_o two_o must_v go_v together_o if_o we_o lie_v aside_o the_o former_a the_o scripture_n be_v no_o long_a scripture_n i._n e._n a_o write_a law_n make_v up_o of_o letter_n and_o if_o we_o lie_v aside_o the_o latter_a we_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n who_o have_v lodge_v a_o far_a mean_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o he_o than_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o letter_n wherefore_o to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n as_o we_o shall_v do_v we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o find_v out_o the_o secondary_a or_o mystical_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o the_o primary_n or_o literal_a and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v when_o the_o sense_n be_v of_o the_o former_a and_o not_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o observe_v these_o follow_a rule_n the_o first_o be_v give_v we_o by_o dâ—calog_n r._n ben-ezra_n thus_o if_o any_o precept_n in_o scripture_n be_v not_o consonant_a to_o reason_n it_o must_v not_o be_v take_v in_o the_o simple_a or_o literal_a sense_n as_o that_o place_n circumcise_v the_o foreskin_n of_o your_o heart_n deut._n 10._o 16._o we_o can_v suppose_v this_o to_o be_v understand_v literal_o because_o say_v he_o it_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a a_o thing_n yea_o indeed_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o praeputium_fw-la of_o the_o heart_n in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a place_n a_o spiritual_a sense_n must_v be_v search_v for_o otherwise_o we_o must_v assert_v that_o the_o scripture_n enjoin_v we_o the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v do_v beside_o if_o we_o understand_v it_o literal_o i._n e._n of_o the_o circumcise_n or_o pare_n off_o any_o part_n of_o the_o heart_n this_o be_v a_o inhuman_a and_o bloody_a thing_n to_o do_v this_o be_v to_o be_v cruel_a to_o ourselves_o yea_o it_o be_v self-murder_n therefore_o according_a to_o a_o second_o rule_n which_o i_o be_o to_o propound_v this_o can_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n and_o consequent_o the_o literal_a mean_v be_v not_o intend_v here_o the_o rule_n be_v this_o that_o all_o precept_n or_o prohibition_n which_o as_o to_o their_o sound_n be_v whole_o repugnant_a to_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n there_o contain_v in_o they_o some_o mystical_a or_o spiritual_a sense_n by_o this_o you_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o mean_v of_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n prov._n 23._o 2._o put_v a_o
with_o hard_a and_o dark_a passage_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o blame_v and_o disparage_v this_o divine_a book_n because_o of_o these_o that_o we_o shall_v rather_o reckon_v they_o a_o ornament_n to_o it_o the_o dubiousness_n of_o scripture_n in_o some_o thing_n be_v part_n of_o its_o excellency_n it_o be_v a_o great_a commendation_n of_o this_o sacred_a volume_n that_o it_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o absâ—rusities_n and_o difficulty_n that_o we_o be_v not_o whole_o tie_v up_o and_o confine_v in_o our_o interpretation_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v a_o freedom_n of_o disquisition_n allow_v we_o that_o in_o several_a place_n every_o man_n be_v at_o his_o liberty_n to_o embrace_v what_o sense_n he_o please_v of_o the_o word_n so_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o this_o inspire_a book_n this_o give_v we_o a_o opportunity_n of_o exciting_a our_o care_n of_o exert_v our_o industry_n of_o improve_n our_o knowledge_n of_o enlarge_a our_o faculty_n by_o continual_a researche_n and_o examination_n thus_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a and_o excellent_a use._n but_o then_o wherever_o the_o indispensible_a and_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n be_v treat_v of_o in_o these_o write_n their_o style_n be_v sufficient_o clear_a and_o plain_a and_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v express_v by_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o brief_a the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a where_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o if_o in_o some_o other_o place_n there_o be_v controversy_n and_o perplexity_n if_o some_o text_n seem_v to_o oppose_v and_o clash_v with_o one_o another_o let_v we_o remember_v this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o real_a opposition_n or_o repugnancy_n in_o they_o because_o truth_n can_v contradict_v itself_o by_o impartial_a study_n and_o enquiry_n let_v we_o dive_v into_o the_o mean_v of_o these_o ancient_a write_n and_o by_o the_o help_n which_o i_o have_v tender_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v those_o place_n which_o seem_v to_o differ_v but_o let_v we_o never_o be_v so_o dare_v as_o to_o accuse_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v indict_v by_o god_n himself_o of_o contradiction_n finis_fw-la finis_fw-la addenda_fw-la refer_v this_o to_o page_n 267._o line_n 19_o hebrew_n verb_n of_o different_a signification_n 1._o those_o of_o two_o signification_n anah_n in_o kal_n to_o grieve_v or_o mourn_v isa._n 3._o 26._o ch_n 19_o 8._o in_o piel_n to_o deliver_v up_o exod._n 21._o 13._o dabar_n in_o kal_a to_o speak_v in_o piel_n to_o reduce_v into_o order_n chalatz_n in_o piel_n to_o save_v in_o hiphil_n to_o arm_v jaal_n in_o hiphil_n to_o will_n or_o desire_n in_o niphal_a to_o be_v foolish_a or_o mad_a pala_n in_o niphal_a to_o be_v admire_v in_o piel_n to_o separate_v alum_n in_o niphal_a to_o be_v silent_a in_o piel_n to_o gather_v mashal_n in_o kal_a to_o rule_v in_o niphal_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o or_o liken_v to_o any_o thing_n or_o person_n sabar_n in_o kal_a to_o consider_v in_o piel_n to_o expect_v to_o hope_v for_o rakah_n in_o kal_a to_o spit_v in_o hiphil_n to_o attenuate_v tanah_n in_o kal_n and_o niphil_n to_o hire_v in_o piel_n to_o discourse_v with_o gaal_n in_o kal_a to_o redeem_v in_o piel_n to_o pollute_v bara_n in_o kal_a to_o create_v in_o hiph_n to_o make_v fat_a cacash_v in_o kal_a to_o be_v lean_a in_o piel_n to_o tell_v a_o lie_n lamad_a in_o kal_a to_o learn_v in_o piel_n to_o teach_v cabad_n in_o kal_a to_o be_v heavy_a in_o piel_n and_o niph_n to_o be_v honour_v puk_n to_o stumble_v to_o produce_v gnarak_fw-mi to_o ordain_v to_o esteem_v saphak_n to_o suffice_v to_o clap_v hand_n shabar_n to_o break_v to_o buy_v kut_fw-mi to_o loath_a or_o abominate_a to_o contend_v katar_n to_o offer_v incense_n to_o bind_v kam_fw-mi or_o kum_n to_o stand_v or_o rise_v to_o be_v dim-sighted_a ragang_n to_o quiet_a to_o break_v or_o cut_v asunder_o ramah_n to_o dart_n to_o deceive_v shaal_n to_o request_n to_o borrow_v panah_n to_o behold_v to_o remove_v nakaâ—_n to_o bore_n or_o make_v a_o hole_n to_o curse_v samaâ—h_o to_o rejoice_v to_o shine_v pharash_n to_o separate_v to_o interpret_v lutz_n to_o laugh_v to_o arguâ—_n or_o dispute_n zachah_n to_o be_v innocent_a to_o overcome_v lacham_n to_o eat_v to_o fight_v gnatsam_n to_o strengthen_v to_o shut_v gnatsab_v to_o disturb_v to_o fashion_n or_o form_n gnaraph_n to_o cut_v the_o throat_n to_o distil_v gnathak_n to_o wax_v old_a to_o be_v remove_v 2._o those_o of_o three_o signification_n rab_n or_o rahab_n and_o so_o the_o verb_n rabah_n to_o be_v many_o or_o much_o to_o shoot_v arrow_n to_o educate_v ragal_n to_o search_v to_o calumniate_v to_o walk_v or_o make_v to_o walk_v or_o go_v halal_n to_o praise_n to_o shine_v to_o be_v mad_a shalam_n to_o be_v peaceable_a to_o be_v perfect_a to_o recompense_v gnabar_fw-la to_o pass_v to_o be_v with_o child_n to_o be_v angry_a nashaâ—_n to_o forget_v to_o let_v out_o money_n upon_o interest_n to_o put_v out_o of_o joint_n gnur_n to_o be_v watchful_a to_o make_v blind_a to_o make_v naked_a alaph_n to_o learn_v to_o teach_v to_o make_v or_o produce_v a_o thousand_o ruang_n to_o do_v evil_a to_o break_v or_o bruise_v to_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n charash_n to_o plough_n to_o think_v to_o be_v silent_a gnaraâ—_n to_o be_v empty_v or_o pour_v out_o to_o make_v naked_a to_o adhere_v mahar_n to_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v liberal_a to_o be_v foolish_a or_o inconsiderate_a gur_z to_o travel_v abroad_o to_o gather_v together_o to_o fear_v damah_n to_o be_v quiet_a to_o be_v like_a to_o one_o to_o consent_v pharang_v to_o be_v open_a or_o naked_a to_o be_v free_a to_o vindicate_v aphah_n to_o boil_v to_o bake_v to_o fry_v zur_n to_o abhor_v to_o sneeze_v to_o compress_v gnanaâ—_n to_o answer_v to_o humble_a to_o commit_v adultery_n shar_n to_o sing_v to_o walk_v to_o observe_v shalah_n to_o be_v quiet_a to_o be_v fortunate_a to_o err_v or_o be_v faulty_a kutz_n to_o rise_v or_o awake_v betimes_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o or_o nauseate_a to_o summer_n or_o spend_v the_o summertime_n kara_n to_o call_v to_o read_v to_o meet_v one_o 3._o verb_n of_o four_o or_o more_o signification_n natzah_n to_o bud_n forth_o to_o fly_v to_o fight_v to_o overcome_v salad_n to_o strengthen_v to_o warm_v or_o heat_n to_o harden_v to_o desire_v or_o beg_v kalal_n to_o be_v light_n or_o vile_a to_o curse_v to_o destroy_v to_o polish_v shagnah_n to_o behold_v to_o be_v astonish_v to_o abstain_v or_o desist_v to_o shut_v pathach_n to_o open_a to_o engrave_v to_o plough_v to_o expose_v to_o loose_v carah_n to_o open_a to_o pierce_v to_o dig_v to_o prepare_v to_o entertain_v one_o with_o a_o feast_n to_o traffic_v or_o merchandise_n chalal_n to_o begin_v to_o profane_v to_o bring_v forth_o young_a to_o wound_v to_o mourn_v or_o grieve_v to_o cut_v or_o bear_v to_o leap_v last_o no_o verb_n in_o the_o holy_a tongue_n have_v so_o many_o different_a signification_n as_o gnarab_n the_o import_n of_o which_o be_v to_o mingle_v to_o negotiate_v to_o be_v sweet_a or_o pleasant_a to_o undertake_v for_o or_o be_v surety_n to_o be_v dusky_a as_o in_o the_o evening_n etc._n etc._n refer_v this_o to_o page_n 274._o line_n 1._o hebrew_n noun_n of_o two_o signification_n ed_n a_o vapour_n calamity_n siach_n a_o shrub_n speech_n tagnar_fw-mi a_o whetstone_n a_o sheath_n goel_n a_o redeemer_n a_o kinsman_n sheber_n corn_n or_o any_o food_n interpret_n or_o unriddle_v racham_n the_o womb_n a_o girl_n so_o mother_n have_v this_o double_a signification_n with_o we_o lahat_fw-la a_o flame_n the_o edge_n of_o a_o sword_n kesil_n a_o fool_n a_o certain_a constellation_n aven_n iniquity_n vanity_n nagnal_n a_o shoe_n a_o glove_n noun_n of_o three_o signification_n nachal_n a_o inheritance_n a_o flood_n or_o torrent_n a_o valley_n alluph_n a_o teacher_n a_o prince_n a_o bull_n or_o ox._n keren_n a_o horn_n strength_n splendour_n gevah_n pride_n excellency_n a_o body_n noun_n of_o four_o or_o more_o signification_n chebel_v corruption_n grief_n a_o rope_n or_o cable_n a_o crowd_n or_o multitude_n beside_o other_o collateral_a one_o as_o a_o inheritance_n etc._n etc._n shebet_fw-la a_o rod_n a_o staff_n a_o sceptre_n a_o tribe_n a_o stroke_n or_o plague_n a_o quill_n a_o writing-pen_n charutz_n cut_v off_o industrious_a gold_n precious_a a_o ditch_n a_o flail_n a_o rake_n refer_v this_o to_o page_n 343._o line_n 7._o hebrew_n word_n that_o have_v contrary_a signification_n nacar_n to_o be_v know_v to_o be_v unknown_a kalas_n in_o piel_n to_o slight_a or_o disesteem_a in_o hithpael_n to_o praise_v or_o extol_v ragang_n to_o move_v and_o roll_v up_o
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
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 it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n have_v be_v different_o dispose_v as_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o author_n they_o will_v read_v and_o their_o esteem_n and_o value_v of_o they_o have_v be_v as_o various_a it_o have_v be_v usual_a for_o person_n to_o express_v a_o particular_a kindness_n for_o one_o writer_n above_o another_o thus_o homer_n of_o old_a be_v excessive_o magnify_v by_o those_o famous_a warrior_n agesilaus_n and_o alexander_n the_o great_a the_o former_a read_v he_o continual_o at_o home_n and_o in_o the_o camp_n and_o whenever_o he_o have_v any_o time_n to_o spare_v for_o read_v the_o latter_a can_v not_o sleep_v without_o his_o iliad_n under_o his_o pillow_n scipio_n surname_v the_o african_a have_v a_o great_a opinion_n of_o xenophon_n institution_n of_o cyrus_n and_o be_v always_o consult_v it_o and_o value_v it_o at_o a_o high_a rate_n so_o among_o christian_n st._n cyprian_n be_v a_o great_a admirer_n of_o tertullian_n and_o when_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o read_v he_o his_o usual_a say_v be_v give_v i_o my_o master_n charles_n the_o great_a be_v huge_o take_v with_o st._n augustine_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la and_o have_v it_o constant_o read_v to_o he_o yea_o even_o at_o supper_n king_n alphonsus_n in_o all_o his_o expedition_n and_o at_o all_o other_o time_n carry_v julius_n caesar_n commentary_n other_o say_v livy_n history_n with_o he_o theodore_n gaza_n give_v his_o vote_n for_o plutarch_n work_n and_o be_v so_o please_v with_o they_o that_o he_o protest_v if_o he_o can_v have_v but_o one_o man_n write_n he_o will_v certain_o choose_v his_o before_o all_o other_o thomas_n aquinas_n be_v no_o less_o in_o love_n with_o st._n chrysostom_n on_o st._n matthew_n and_o express_v his_o high_a esteem_n of_o he_o by_o say_v he_o prefer_v he_o before_o the_o goodly_a city_n of_o paris_n charles_n the_o v._o the_o give_v a_o great_a deference_n to_o comines_n than_o to_o any_o other_o writer_n and_o perpetual_o converse_v with_o he_o scaliger_n will_v rather_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o nine_o ode_n of_o horace_n than_o be_v emperor_n of_o germany_n and_o to_o come_v down_o yet_o low_o grotius_n give_v cujacius_n the_o preference_n to_o all_o the_o other_o commâ—ntators_n on_o the_o imperial_a law_n salmasius_n admire_v no_o divine_a so_o much_o as_o calvin_n and_o particular_o prefer_v his_o institution_n and_o the_o reverend_n mr._n b._n oley_n tell_v we_o if_o he_o be_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o one_o author_n he_o will_v choose_v dr._n iackson_n work_n thus_o have_v man_n sentiment_n and_o esteem_n be_v various_a about_o book_n â—ome_v prefer_v one_o writer_n and_o some_o another_o according_a as_o their_o genius_n or_o study_n lead_v they_o â—ut_v when_o we_o mention_v the_o bible_n i._n e._n the_o book_n of_o book_n we_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o this_o and_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o this_o sacred_a volume_n be_v emphatical_o and_o by_o way_n of_o eminence_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o if_o other_o book_n in_o respect_n of_o this_o deserve_v not_o the_o name_n for_o in_o what_o other_o write_n can_v we_o descry_v thoâ—e_a excellency_n which_o we_o find_v in_o this_o none_o of_o they_o can_v equal_v it_o in_o antiquity_n for_o the_o first_o penman_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n who_o relate_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o write_n contain_v the_o act_n and_o monument_n of_o the_o patriarch_n have_v the_o start_n of_o all_o philosopher_n poet_n and_o historian_n and_o be_v absolute_o the_o ancient_a writer_n extant_a in_o the_o world_n no_o write_n be_v equal_a to_o these_o of_o the_o bible_n if_o we_o mention_v only_o the_o stock_n of_o humane_a learning_n contain_v in_o they_o here_o linguist_n and_o philologist_n may_v find_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v no_o where_o else_o here_o rhetorician_n and_o orator_n may_v be_v entertain_v with_o a_o more_o lofty_a eloquence_n with_o a_o choice_a composure_n of_o word_n and_o with_o great_a variety_n of_o style_n than_o any_o other_o writer_n can_v afford_v they_o here_o be_v a_o book_n where_o more_o be_v understand_v than_o express_v where_o word_n be_v few_o but_o the_o sense_n be_v full_a and_o redundant_fw-la no_o book_n equal_v this_o in_o authority_n because_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o dictate_v by_o a_o unerring_a spirit_n it_o excel_v all_o other_o write_n in_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o matter_n which_o be_v the_o high_a noble_a and_o worthy_a and_o of_o the_o great_a concern_v to_o mankind_n last_o to_o name_n no_o more_o at_o present_a that_o i_o may_v not_o anticipate_v what_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n the_o scripture_n transcend_v all_o other_o write_n in_o their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n this_o 8._o word_n of_o god_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n irradiate_a man_n mind_n with_o supernatural_a truth_n affect_v their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n subdue_a the_o refracotriness_n of_o their_o will_n transform_v their_o life_n and_o change_v they_o into_o other_o person_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o all_o man_n of_o well-disposed_a soul_n find_v a_o plain_a differene_a between_o their_o read_v this_o and_o other_o book_n when_o they_o read_v those_o it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v something_o affect_v and_o please_v the_o style_n or_o the_o matter_n give_v they_o some_o satisfaction_n but_o if_o they_o read_v they_o often_o and_o confine_v themselves_o to_o they_o their_o former_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n abate_v and_o the_o author_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v so_o entertain_v and_o acceptable_a as_o they_o be_v before_o and_o at_o length_n they_o become_v burdensome_a and_o nauseous_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o writer_n grow_v out_o of_o fashion_n and_o other_o new_a one_o be_v call_v for_o but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o this_o holy_a book_n the_o affection_n and_o pleasure_n which_o you_o feel_v in_o the_o read_n it_o be_v last_a and_o durable_a because_o this_o bless_a word_n sink_v down_o into_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v always_o present_a with_o it_o though_o you_o lay_v this_o book_n aside_o and_o afterward_o take_v it_o up_o and_o do_v so_o again_o and_o again_o yea_o never_o so_o often_o you_o will_v not_o â—ind_v it_o grow_v worse_o but_o much_o better_a i._n e._n it_o will_v yield_v you_o great_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o the_o often_o you_o converse_v with_o it_o the_o more_o you_o will_v discern_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o yea_o the_o more_o please_a will_n the_o very_a word_n and_o syllable_n of_o these_o divine_a write_n be_v to_o you_o for_o what_o the_o great_a critic_n observe_v of_o homer_n poem_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o peculiar_a easiness_n and_o slide_v in_o his_o verse_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o poet_n be_v eminent_o true_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o compare_v with_o other_o author_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a sweetness_n a_o matchless_a softness_n and_o pleasantness_n in_o the_o style_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n be_v winning_n and_o ravish_v and_o all_o pure_a and_o sanctify_a mind_n have_v a_o clear_a perception_n of_o this_o yea_o the_o clear_a because_o they_o so_o frequent_o converse_v with_o these_o inspire_a writer_n we_o may_v then_o on_o this_o account_n as_o well_o as_o on_o other_o challenge_v the_o world_n to_o show_v we_o where_o there_o be_v any_o book_n like_o this_o where_o there_o be_v any_o author_n comparable_a to_o it_o in_o all_o humane_a writer_n there_o be_v something_o want_v something_o imperfect_a but_o in_o this_o sacred_a volume_n there_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o every_o thing_n here_o be_v complete_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n therefore_o all_o other_o write_n must_v vail_v to_o this_o best_a of_o book_n they_o must_v all_o submit_v and_o acknowledge_v their_o meanness_n and_o inferiority_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a man_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v do_v always_o extol_v the_o scripture_n hermogenem_fw-la i_o adore_v the_o plenitude_n
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 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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
cyrus_n curtius_n alexander_n plinty_n trajan_n be_v rather_o ingenious_a portraiture_n and_o image_n of_o worthy_a prince_n than_o real_a character_n of_o they_o they_o represent_v rather_o what_o they_o shall_v be_v than_o what_o they_o be_v they_o imitate_v some_o limner_n who_o study_v not_o to_o draw_v the_o face_n exact_o like_o that_o of_o the_o person_n they_o be_v to_o portray_v so_o they_o make_v it_o fair_a they_o think_v it_o be_v enough_o but_o the_o sacred_a writer_n have_v not_o do_v so_o they_o have_v no_o way_n flatter_v or_o misrepresent_v the_o original_n they_o draw_v they_o have_v set_v they_o before_o we_o in_o their_o proper_a feature_n native_a lineament_n and_o genuine_a colour_n what_o we_o read_v of_o the_o worthy_n mention_v in_o the_o bible_n be_v certain_o true_a and_o real_a matter_n of_o fact_n such_o be_v their_o incomparable_a spirit_n that_o they_o do_v brave_a and_o great_a action_n than_o other_o ever_o think_v of_o witness_v the_o matchless_a valour_n fortitude_n and_o conduct_n of_o joshua_n jephthah_n gideon_n yea_o of_o those_o masculine_a woman_n deborah_n and_o jael_n witness_v all_o the_o other_o eminent_a instance_n of_o heroic_a undertake_n in_o the_o sacred_a record_n witness_v those_o exact_a pattern_n those_o accurate_a example_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o virtue_n which_o we_o read_v of_o these_o and_o to_o illustrate_v and_o set_v off_o these_o there_o be_v add_v very_a signal_n and_o memorable_a example_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o vice_n as_o of_o cain_n perfidious_a murder_v his_o brother_n laban_n fraud_n and_o ingratitude_n esau_n unruly_a appetite_n reuben_n and_o iudah_n incest_n pharaoh_n impious_a obstinacy_n abimelech_n unnatural_a cruelty_n to_o his_o brethren_n dinah_n wanton_a gad_v amnon_n rape_n achitophel_n evil_a policy_n shimei_n rail_a haman_n revengeful_a pride_n rabshakeh_n blasphemy_n belshazzar_n sacrilegious_a debauchery_n potiphar_n wife_n be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o impudence_n and_o 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love_n and_o kindness_n towards_o those_o that_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n here_o be_v set_v before_o we_o the_o most_o conspicuous_a act_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o reference_n both_o to_o bad_a man_n and_o good_a that_o by_o the_o former_a we_o may_v be_v discourage_v yea_o deter_v from_o continue_v in_o the_o way_n of_o vice_n and_o that_o by_o the_o latter_a we_o may_v be_v encourage_v yea_o as_o it_o be_v bribe_v to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o good_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v and_o admire_v god_n wonderful_a care_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o here_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o variety_n of_o those_o evil_n and_o misery_n which_o he_o inflict_v on_o those_o who_o wilful_o decline_v his_o service_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o their_o lusts._n there_o be_v no_o where_o such_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o be_v find_v as_o these_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o bible_n no_o other_o write_n can_v produce_v such_o remarkable_a discovery_n of_o god_n will_n towards_o man_n and_o of_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o wherefore_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o best_a conduct_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n the_o best_a reformer_n of_o our_o way_n and_o manner_n which_o be_v the_o mean_v of_o the_o psalmist_n in_o psaâ—_n 1_o 19_o 9_o wherewith_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n cleanse_v his_o way_n by_o take_v heed_n thereto_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n i._n e._n by_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n his_o rule_n and_o by_o adjust_v all_o his_o action_n to_o it_o if_o the_o youthful_a and_o passionate_a sinner_n may_v be_v reclaim_v and_o reform_v by_o attend_v to_o god_n word_n and_o that_o only_o the_o pentateuch_n or_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o this_o be_v all_o the_o inspire_a scripture_n extant_a at_o that_o time_n which_o we_o certain_o know_v of_o than_o we_o can_v despair_v of_o the_o success_n and_o happy_a influence_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o other_o it_o will_v thorough_o change_v and_o amend_v their_o life_n by_o make_v a_o full_a discovery_n to_o they_o of_o all_o their_o lust_n and_o evil_a affection_n by_o represent_v sin_n to_o they_o in_o its_o own_o native_a desormity_n and_o by_o set_v before_o they_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n by_o be_v a_o faithful_a monitor_n and_o guide_n to_o they_o whenever_o they_o undertake_v any_o thing_n by_o show_v they_o the_o true_a boundary_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o by_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o accomplish_v the_o one_o and_o to_o avoid_v the_o other_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v that_o these_o inspire_a write_n acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n whether_o it_o refer_v to_o our_o belief_n or_o to_o our_o practice_n and_o consequent_o that_o not_o only_o our_o faith_n but_o our_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o this_o holy_a book_n especial_o by_o the_o principle_n and_o law_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o will_v more_o conspicuous_o be_v exalt_v and_o all_o righteousness_n and_o godliness_n more_o visible_o promote_v in_o our_o life_n for_o here_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a and_o consummate_v exemplar_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o evangelical_n write_n the_o bless_v jesus_n still_o speak_v and_o live_v in_o these_o you_o may_v hear_v what_o he_o say_v and_o see_v what_o he_o do_v and_o know_v how_o you_o be_v to_o conform_v your_o life_n according_a to_o his._n whence_o you_o have_v reason_n to_o infer_v that_o as_o these_o write_n be_v the_o complete_a canon_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o they_o be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o our_o action_n nay_o although_o we_o shall_v suppose_v some_o mistake_v in_o they_o by_o the_o fault_n of_o transcriber_n which_o yet_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o prove_v nay_o it_o be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o be_v allow_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o most_o culpable_a thing_n in_o sir_n n._n knatchbull_n that_o he_o be_v several_a time_n find_v fault_n in_o the_o transcriber_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o if_o we_o once_o grant_v we_o bid_v farewell_n to_o the_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v i_o say_v suppose_v some_o slip_v in_o the_o copy_n out_o of_o the_o book_n yet_o still_o they_o retain_v the_o same_o character_n because_o those_o suppose_a mistake_v be_v not_o of_o moment_n and_o belong_v not_o to_o faith_n or_o manner_n neither_o do_v the_o obscurity_n or_o difficulty_n of_o scripture_n hinder_v it_o from_o be_v our_o rule_n because_o all_o the_o matter_n in_o it_o which_o relate_v to_o our_o salvation_n be_v clear_a and_o easy_a for_o when_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n the_o mean_v be_v that_o it_o be_v so_o as_o to_o such_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v by_o we_o now_o nothing_o be_v necessary_a but_o what_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a to_o our_o salvation_n this_o then_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o maintain_v that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v in_o they_o either_o in_o express_a term_n or_o by_o just_a consequence_n all_o thing_n to_o be_v assert_v and_o do_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v save_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v evident_a namely_o because_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v be_v this_o to_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o be_v save_v this_o be_v the_o grand_a design_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v in_o it_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o this_o great_a end_n and_o design_n which_o be_v express_v thus_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o church_n salvation_n holy_a scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o read_v therein_o nor_o may_v be_v prove_v thereby_o be_v not_o to_o be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n that_o
it_o shall_v be_v believe_v as_o a_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o be_v think_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o solid_a proof_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o scripture_n this_o than_o we_o assert_v that_o these_o write_n be_v plain_a and_o perfect_a as_o to_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o according_o be_v able_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o controversy_n which_o relate_v to_o salvation_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o end_v they_o with_o this_o rule_n they_o will_v never_o do_v it_o with_o any_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a perfection_n of_o scripture_n that_o in_o it_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n as_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o necessary_a tendency_n to_o our_o happiness_n and_o consequent_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a thing_n to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v by_o we_o be_v plain_o reveal_v the_o new_a testament_n particular_o be_v the_o last_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o counsel_n and_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v add_v to_o it_o or_o take_v from_o it_o which_o make_v it_o a_o perfect_a standard_n of_o belief_n and_o a_o complete_a rule_n of_o our_o life_n in_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o short_a and_o defective_a nothing_o superfluous_a and_o redundant_fw-la here_o be_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o all_o the_o measure_n of_o holy_a live_n so_o that_o whilst_o we_o proceed_v according_a to_o this_o perfect_a canon_n we_o be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v and_o of_o the_o rectitude_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o we_o act_n on_o this_o sole_a account_n the_o holy_a writ_n excel_v all_o write_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o 3._o we_o be_v to_o adjoin_v this_o that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o light_n to_o our_o understand_n and_o a_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n so_o it_o be_v the_o grand_a procurer_n of_o our_o comfort_n joy_n and_o tranquillity_n alas_o they_o be_v cold_a topic_n of_o consolation_n which_o the_o write_n of_o the_o best_a moralist_n afford_v we_o when_o our_o outward_a distress_n and_o misery_n much_o more_o when_o our_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a malady_n increase_v upon_o we_o epictetus_n and_o seneca_n with_o all_o their_o spangle_a saying_n be_v too_o mean_a physician_n to_o take_v we_o in_o hand_n the_o great_a cicero_n when_o in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o life_n he_o be_v reduce_v to_o marvellous_a difficulty_n declare_v that_o his_o learning_n and_o his_o book_n afford_v he_o not_o any_o considerable_a argument_n of_o comfort_n that_o the_o disease_n of_o his_o mind_n which_o he_o lay_v under_o be_v 10._o too_o great_a and_o too_o strong_a to_o be_v cure_v by_o those_o ordinary_a medicine_n which_o philosophy_n administer_v to_o he_o there_o must_v be_v some_o great_a traumatick_a some_o more_o powerful_a application_n to_o these_o wound_n to_o work_v a_o perfect_a cure_n and_o this_o divine_a book_n be_v able_a to_o furnish_v we_o with_o it_o this_o alone_a can_v remove_v our_o pain_n and_o languor_n and_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o entire_a health_n 50._o this_o faith_n the_o psalmist_n be_v my_o comfort_n in_o my_o affliction_n thy_o word_n have_v quicken_v i_o and_o again_o 92._o unless_o thy_o law_n have_v be_v my_o delight_n i_o shall_v then_o have_v perish_v in_o my_o affliction_n it_o be_v this_o which_o uphold_v and_o cheer_v he_o in_o his_o great_a strait_o and_o yield_v he_o light_a and_o joy_n when_o all_o thing_n about_o he_o look_v black_a and_o dismal_a if_o but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v this_o bless_a effect_n how_o powerful_a and_o successful_a will_v all_o of_o it_o prove_v if_o we_o due_o consult_v it_o serious_o meditate_v upon_o it_o and_o give_v it_o admittance_n into_o our_o heart_n if_o the_o apostle_n can_v say_v 4._o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v asore_a time_n in_o this_o book_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n how_o much_o great_a hope_n must_v needs_o be_v administer_v to_o we_o in_o all_o condition_n of_o life_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n when_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n not_o only_o of_o the_o old_a but_o new_a testament_n to_o repair_v unto_o this_o latter_a especial_o will_v be_v a_o never-falling_a spring_n of_o contentment_n and_o joy_n to_o we_o in_o these_o book_n we_o have_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a landscape_n and_o view_n of_o the_o world_n here_o be_v unmask_v and_o lay_v open_a the_o vanity_n of_o it_o here_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o many_o of_o the_o gay_a thing_n which_o it_o present_v we_o with_o and_o which_o fond_a mind_n so_o dote_v upon_o be_v but_o empty_a bubble_n deceitful_a phantom_n and_o apparition_n mere_a conceit_n and_o castle_n in_o the_o air._n here_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o a_o prosperous_a state_n be_v not_o real_o good_a that_o a_o overplus_n of_o riches_n and_o worldly_a abundance_n do_v frequent_o prove_v a_o clog_n to_o virtuous_a mind_n and_o that_o excess_n of_o pleasure_n be_v too_o fulsome_a and_o luscious_a and_o take_v away_o that_o pure_a relish_n of_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a delight_n yea_o that_o man_n general_o find_v a_o worse_a effect_n of_o they_o for_o when_o they_o be_v gorge_v and_o clog_v with_o they_o they_o revolt_v from_o god_n when_o they_o be_v wax_v fat_a they_o kick_v against_o heaven_n so_o their_o worldly_a plenty_n be_v turn_v into_o the_o worst_a of_o punishment_n and_o this_o plethory_n be_v their_o disease_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o be_v teach_v in_o these_o write_n that_o cross_n and_o affliction_n be_v not_o evil_a in_o themselves_o yea_o that_o they_o be_v good_a and_o medicinal_a and_o advance_v our_o spiritual_a health_n that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o our_o happiness_n that_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o for_o otherwise_o the_o afflict_a will_v not_o be_v so_o often_o pronounce_v 12._o bless_v that_o god_n afflict_v a_o man_n be_v 17._o magnify_v of_o he_o and_o set_v his_o heart_n upon_o he_o it_o show_v that_o god_n be_v great_o concern_v for_o his_o good_a and_o that_o the_o almighty_a have_v more_o care_n of_o he_o than_o he_o have_v of_o himself_o here_o we_o be_v instruct_v that_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o suspect_v our_o condition_n if_o we_o be_v whole_o exempt_v from_o the_o distress_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o not_o to_o be_v chastise_v be_v a_o mark_n of_o bastardy_n here_o we_o learn_v the_o true_a use_n and_o end_n of_o all_o those_o adverse_a dispensation_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v design_v to_o try_v we_o to_o make_v we_o know_v ourselves_o and_o to_o inform_v we_o how_o evil_a and_o bitter_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o offend_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o awaken_v we_o out_o of_o our_o sloth_n and_o security_n to_o hold_v we_o in_o action_n to_o keep_v we_o in_o breath_n and_o exercise_n as_o carthage_n be_v useful_a to_o rouse_v rome_n valour_n to_o abate_v our_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n and_o make_v we_o humble_a and_o submissive_a creature_n to_o check_v our_o immoderate_a passion_n and_o pursuit_n after_o earthly_a thing_n to_o disentangle_v we_o from_o these_o snare_n to_o free_v we_o from_o these_o charm_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o be_v suck_v in_o and_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o powerful_a circle_n and_o eddy_n of_o this_o world_n as_o who_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v true_a philosophy_n that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v up_o of_o vortices_fw-la to_o cause_v we_o to_o look_v after_o better_a thing_n when_o these_o be_v take_v from_o we_o to_o reclaim_v we_o from_o our_o evil_a course_n and_o to_o reduce_v we_o unto_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o a_o renunciation_n of_o all_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o ourselves_o and_o the_o transitory_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o depend_v upon_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v this_o book_n whence_o we_o be_v acquaint_v that_o our_o suffering_n make_v we_o conformable_a to_o christ_n our_o master_n and_o therefore_o be_v honourable_a badge_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o curse_n which_o usual_o attend_v outward_a cross_n be_v take_v away_o by_o our_o saviour_n death_n that_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v chastisement_n rather_o than_o punishment_n that_o no_o adverse_a accident_n can_v do_v we_o any_o hurt_n if_o we_o believe_v in_o jesus_n and_o abandon_v our_o sin_n that_o the_o pressure_n of_o this_o life_n be_v serviceable_a to_o make_v we_o pity_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n to_o know_v and_o relish_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o suffer_v for_o we_o to_o inhanse_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o commend_v
the_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o we_o to_o prepare_v we_o for_o heaven_n and_o to_o increase_v the_o happiness_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o scripture_n reconcile_v our_o mind_n to_o those_o disappointment_n danger_n and_o calamity_n which_o be_v our_o allotment_n in_o this_o world_n thus_o they_o allay_v the_o evil_a spirit_n of_o discontent_n they_o effectual_o cast_v out_o and_o vanquish_v those_o legion_n of_o impatient_a and_o tumultuous_a thought_n which_o be_v the_o frequent_a attendant_n of_o adversity_n they_o assure_v we_o that_o these_o afflictive_a deal_n of_o heaven_n towards_o we_o be_v intend_v for_o our_o real_a advantage_n that_o they_o be_v the_o great_a kindness_n and_o favour_n that_o can_v be_v show_v we_o that_o they_o be_v undeniable_a token_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o in_o brief_a that_o good_a man_n be_v happy_a in_o their_o worst_a circumstance_n than_o other_o be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o their_o great_a worldly_a felicity_n upon_o these_o rational_a ground_n the_o holy_a scripture_n become_v the_o most_o effectual_a anodynes_n to_o take_v away_o or_o at_o least_o to_o mitigate_v all_o our_o pain_n and_o sorrow_n they_o successful_o remove_v all_o those_o murmur_n and_o discontent_n which_o russle_v and_o imbroil_v the_o soul_n they_o quash_n and_o defeat_v all_o those_o troublesome_a passion_n which_o embarass_n and_o plague_n the_o mind_n by_o the_o help_n of_o these_o divine_a instruction_n which_o the_o holy_a writ_n afford_v we_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o encounter_v the_o great_a evil_n with_o courage_n and_o bravery_n to_o receive_v the_o shock_n to_o weather_v the_o storm_n to_o bear_v all_o the_o insolence_n and_o insult_v of_o our_o enemy_n to_o break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n to_o have_v peace_n within_o though_o we_o find_v none_o without_o to_o keep_v a_o sabbath_n in_o our_o own_o breast_n to_o entertain_v ourselves_o with_o the_o serenade_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n this_o be_v the_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o write_n in_o the_o world_n can_v bless_v we_o with_o they_o but_o these_o and_o indeed_o this_o necessary_o follow_v from_o those_o forego_v assertion_n viz_o that_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o also_o of_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v the_o former_a it_o be_v a_o sure_a basis_n for_o we_o to_o rest_v upon_o we_o know_v who_o we_o have_v believe_v and_o so_o we_o be_v fix_v and_o determine_v which_o do_v effectual_o contribute_v towards_o our_o peace_n and_o solace_n as_o it_o be_v the_o latter_a also_o we_o can_v but_o receive_v comfort_n from_o it_o because_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o unerring_a guide_n in_o all_o our_o action_n it_o must_v needs_o administer_v great_a satisfaction_n and_o joy_n to_o we_o through_o our_o whole_a life_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v a_o stable_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o that_o we_o can_v do_v amiss_o if_o we_o follow_v that_o but_o especial_o when_o we_o reflect_v on_o our_o manner_n and_o see_v that_o they_o be_v adjust_v to_o this_o canon_n and_o that_o 12._o we_o have_v in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n this_o will_v be_v our_o rejoice_v and_o exultation_n again_o the_o scripture_n yield_v a_o inconceivable_a joy_n by_o prescribe_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o attain_v peace_n and_o unity_n which_o be_v comfortable_a blessing_n of_o this_o life_n by_o allow_v we_o all_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a delight_n such_o as_o will_v neither_o destroy_v the_o peace_n of_o our_o soul_n nor_o impair_v the_o health_n of_o our_o body_n by_o thorough_o convince_a we_o that_o christianity_n in_o itself_o be_v most_o satisfactory_a to_o our_o mind_n and_o be_v make_v to_o convey_v joy_n and_o peace_n into_o our_o heart_n by_o teach_v we_o contentedness_n in_o all_o condition_n by_o assure_v we_o that_o christianity_n provide_v for_o our_o great_a and_o most_o important_a want_n and_o supply_v our_o most_o urgent_a necessity_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o and_o solace_v ourselves_o with_o it_o thus_o it_o administer_v the_o most_o cheer_v cordial_n and_o so_o it_o do_v by_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o worthy_a end_n by_o set_v before_o we_o the_o strong_a motive_n the_o most_o powerful_a persuasive_n to_o our_o duty_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v not_o only_o to_o undertake_v it_o but_o to_o discharge_v it_o with_o cheerfulness_n and_o delight_n by_o propound_v and_o present_v to_o we_o the_o best_a reward_n viz._n forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o blessedness_n for_o as_o a_o great_a man_n say_v ourselves_o no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n but_o this_o show_v a_o man_n the_o adequate_a end_n of_o his_o be_v his_o supreme_a good_a his_o happiness_n nor_o direct_v the_o mean_n of_o acquire_v it_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o great_a instrument_n as_o it_o be_v emphatical_o call_v by_o the_o father_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n by_o these_o write_n we_o hold_v our_o everlasting_a inheritance_n and_o these_o be_v the_o great_a deed_n and_o evidence_n whereby_o we_o prove_v our_o title_n to_o it_o in_o a_o word_n as_o these_o sustain_v and_o support_v we_o in_o all_o condition_n of_o our_o life_n and_o give_v we_o a_o happy_a prospect_n of_o a_o better_a state_n so_o they_o render_v death_n welcome_a and_o joyful_a to_o we_o they_o enable_v we_o by_o virtue_n of_o those_o sacred_a truth_n contain_v in_o they_o to_o expire_v our_o last_o breath_n with_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n on_o all_o which_o account_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v the_o great_a support_n and_o relief_n of_o our_o soul_n yea_o the_o only_a source_n of_o comfort_n and_o content_a thus_o if_o you_o consider_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o dictate_v the_o best_a principle_n as_o they_o beget_v in_o we_o the_o great_a holiness_n and_o purity_n and_o as_o they_o be_v the_o solace_n of_o our_o life_n we_o must_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o incomparable_a excellency_n these_o three_o particular_n wherein_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o display_v the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v find_v together_o in_o psal._n 19_o 7_o 8._o where_o these_o property_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n namely_o that_o it_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o so_o be_v a_o director_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o it_o convert_v the_o soul_n and_o so_o be_v a_o reformer_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o that_o it_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n and_o so_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o true_a comfort_n you_o find_v all_o these_o in_o conjunction_n in_o that_o other_o remarkable_a place_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o all_o scripture_n whereby_o we_o may_v understand_v not_o only_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o part_n of_o the_o new_a viz._n st._n matthew_n gospel_n which_o be_v extant_a when_o timothy_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v be_v a_o child_n v._o 15._o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o doctrine_n refer_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o belief_n and_o reproof_n and_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n to_o the_o will_n and_o manner_n and_o then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rectify_v restore_a set_v all_o straight_a again_o as_o the_o world_n import_v include_v in_o it_o that_o comfort_v and_o cheer_v which_o i_o speak_v of_o these_o be_v the_o main_a content_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n first_o it_o be_v a_o body_n and_o system_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o consistent_a notion_n it_o regulate_v the_o apprehension_n and_o present_v we_o with_o true_a conception_n of_o thing_n here_o be_v nothing_o deliver_v that_o thwart_v our_o rectify_a understanding_n or_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o most_o refine_a faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n moreover_o it_o most_o successful_o conduct_n we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o perfect_v humane_a nature_n to_o exalt_v man_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n their_o condition_n be_v capable_a of_o both_o by_o moral_a and_o reveal_v truth_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o none_o but_o the_o bless_a redeemer_n be_v able_a to_o communicate_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o noble_a improvement_n and_o exaltation_n of_o virtue_n which_o they_o can_v possible_o arrive_v to_o on_o this_o side_n of_o heaven_n in_o brief_a to_o make_v we_o act_v not_o only_o as_o rational_a but_o as_o divine_a creature_n yea_o even_o to_o render_v we_o like_o god_n himself_o and_o last_o it_o not_o only_o inspire_v we_o with_o excellent_a principle_n and_o promote_v the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n but_o administer_v the_o great_a matter_n of_o joy_n imaginable_a this_o raise_v our_o spirit_n and_o fill_v our_o soul_n with_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n this_o
church_n hand_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n shall_v by_o she_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o her_o child_n to_o the_o world_n end_n which_o way_n of_o transmission_n be_v the_o great_a prop_n of_o our_o religion_n beside_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o 15._o thessalonian_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o by_o word_n or_o his_o epistle_n for_o he_o have_v use_v two_o way_n of_o deliver_v the_o truth_n to_o they_o namely_o preach_v and_o write_v and_o other_o apostle_n commit_v the_o chief_a and_o necessary_a head_n of_o their_o doctrine_n to_o write_v so_o that_o the_o tradition_n mean_v here_o be_v the_o reveal_v truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o christ_n deliver_v to_o they_o according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n cor._n i_o deliver_v to_o you_o that_o which_o also_o i_o receive_v whence_o they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o tradition_n i._n e._n they_o be_v evangelical_n doctrine_n deliver_v to_o we_o from_o those_o that_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o christ._n and_o whether_o they_o be_v impart_v by_o word_n or_o by_o epistle_n by_o preach_v or_o write_v they_o be_v the_o same_o the_o same_z as_o to_o substance_n the_o otherwise_o there_o may_v be_v some_o difference_n but_o that_o which_o we_o condemn_v and_o that_o most_o just_o the_o papist_n for_o be_v this_o that_o they_o magnify_v and_o rely_v upon_o tradition_n which_o have_v no_o affinity_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n yea_o which_o contradict_v it_o in_o many_o thing_n and_o yet_o they_o equalise_v these_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o sometime_o prefer_v they_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n before_o that_o of_o the_o sacred_a write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n thus_o one_o say_v caranza_n the_o church_n sometime_o do_v thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n sometime_o beside_o they_o therefore_o the_o 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well_o consider_v nor_o distinguish_v between_o those_o time_n and_o these_o which_o be_v exceed_o different_a and_o moreover_o if_o they_o suspend_v their_o belief_n of_o some_o thing_n which_o they_o read_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n because_o they_o see_v other_o thing_n now_o thing_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n they_o may_v as_o well_o disbelieve_v all_o the_o other_o history_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o be_v extant_a which_o yet_o we_o see_v they_o be_v very_o backward_o to_o do_v and_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n on_o their_o side_n because_o the_o world_n be_v not_o now_o as_o it_o be_v then_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o those_o time_n shall_v be_v full_o conformable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o what_o occur_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n for_o this_o reason_n a_o very_a 11._o solid_a and_o judicious_a writer_n have_v defend_v the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n whereof_o whatever_n be_v strange_a be_v in_o herodotus_n and_o pliny_n show_v that_o though_o some_o fabulous_a narration_n and_o many_o gross_a mistake_v and_o error_n be_v intermingle_v the_o strangeness_n of_o some_o passage_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o diversity_n of_o time_n the_o posture_n of_o the_o world_n have_v much_o change_v since_o those_o thing_n happen_v let_v we_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o reason_v in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o when_o we_o find_v several_a strange_a unusual_a and_o surprise_v matter_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n impute_v this_o to_o the_o antientness_n of_o they_o and_o the_o great_a discrepancy_n between_o those_o day_n and_o these_o we_o now_o live_v in_o if_o we_o do_v so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o impediment_n to_o our_o steady_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o nay_o if_o we_o weigh_v thing_n well_o we_o shall_v see_v it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o expect_v that_o the_o guise_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o now_o that_o they_o be_v 4_o or_o 5000_o year_n ago_o for_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v new_a thing_n when_o the_o number_n of_o person_n be_v so_o vast_o increase_v when_o the_o difference_n of_o clime_n produce_v such_o diversity_n of_o disposition_n when_o casualty_n necessity_n industry_n wit_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o so_o many_o new_a occurrence_n let_v this_o be_v remember_v and_o serious_o think_v of_o and_o it_o will_v dispel_v our_o vain_a scruple_n and_o disbelief_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o remain_v the_o former_a consideration_n will_v thorough_o extirpate_v they_o i._n e._n if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v its_o peculiar_a prerogative_n and_o excellency_n chap._n vii_o a_o particular_a distribution_n of_o the_o several_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n genesis_n the_o first_o of_o they_o together_o with_o the_o four_o follow_v one_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n his_o ample_a character_n or_o panegyric_n be_v attompt_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o full_a account_n of_o his_o birth_n education_n flight_n from_o court_n retire_a life_n his_o return_n to_o egypt_n his_o conduct_v of_o the_o israelite_n thence_o his_o immediate_a converse_n with_o god_n in_o the_o mount_n his_o deliver_v the_o law_n his_o divine_a eloquence_n his_o humility_n and_o meekness_n his_o suffering_n his_o miracle_n and_o his_o particular_a fitness_n to_o write_v these_o book_n a_o summary_n of_o the_o several_a head_n contain_v in_o genesis_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o brief_a but_o distinct_a view_n of_o the_o six_o day_n work_n wherein_o be_v explain_v the_o mosaic_a draught_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o thing_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o bold_a hypothesis_n of_o a_o late_a writer_n design_v to_o confront_v the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v expose_v and_o refute_v the_o content_n of_o the_o book_n of_o exodus_fw-la to_o which_o be_v adjoin_v a_o short_a comment_n on_o the_o ten_o plague_n of_o egypt_n a_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o remarkable_a particular_n treat_v of_o in_o leviticus_n number_n deuteronomy_n that_o moses_n be_v the_o penman_n and_o author_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n notwithstanding_o what_o some_o have_v late_o object_v against_o it_o to_o demonstrate_v yet_o further_o the_o excellency_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n i_o will_v enter_v upon_o the_o three_o way_n of_o proof_n which_o i_o propose_v that_o be_v i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o several_a book_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o i_o will_v show_v all_o along_o the_o particular_a usefulness_n and_o excellency_n of_o they_o i_o begin_v first_o with_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v divide_v by_o the_o jew_n into_o three_o general_a part_n first_o torah_n the_o law_n which_o contain_v the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n then_o nebiim_v the_o prophet_n which_o comprehend_v the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n first_o and_o second_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o first_o and_o second_o of_o the_o king_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n the_o twelve_o small_a prophet_n all_o which_o make_v the_o second_o volume_n then_o the_o chetubim_n the_o holy_a writer_n in_o which_o be_v include_v the_o psalm_n proverb_n job_n canticle_n ruth_n lamentation_n ecclesiaste_n esther_n daniel_n ezra_n nehemiah_n chronicle_n and_o these_o make_v the_o three_o volume_n the_o book_n of_o this_o last_o rank_n be_v write_v say_v the_o jewish_a doctor_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o writer_n be_v not_o admit_v into_o the_o degree_n of_o prophet_n because_o they_o have_v no_o vision_n but_o their_o sense_n remain_v perfect_a and_o entire_a all_o the_o while_n only_o the_o holy_a spirit_n stir_v they_o up_o and_o dictate_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n to_o they_o which_o they_o write_v down_o for_o you_o must_v know_v that_o the_o old_a jew_n think_v nothing_o to_o be_v right_a prophecy_n but_o what_o be_v convey_v in_o dream_n or_o vision_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o rabbinical_a conceit_n and_o hereby_o they_o strike_v david_n and_o some_o other_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o they_o yet_o the_o partition_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o it_o may_v be_v right_o understand_v be_v not_o altogether_o to_o be_v reject_v nay_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o luke_n 24._o 44._o where_o he_o tell_v his_o apostle_n that_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v write_v concern_v he_o in_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n viz._n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n under_o these_o last_o comprise_v all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o hagiographa_n or_o you_o may_v divide_v the_o book_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o their_o order_n in_o the_o
be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o jew_n weâ—â—_n very_o careful_a and_o studious_a very_o exact_a and_o curioâ—â—_n in_o scripture_n by_o which_o mean_v it_o happen_v that_o theâ—_n be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o make_v any_o alteration_n in_o 〈◊〉_d without_o be_v discover_v that_o be_v the_o only_a reâ—son_n of_o my_o allege_v here_o the_o masoretic_n note_n 〈◊〉_d i_o undertake_v not_o to_o defend_v the_o superstitious_a râ—â—marks_n and_o criticism_n of_o the_o masorite_n i_o applaud_v not_o their_o laborious_a nicety_n their_o childish_a transmutation_n and_o shufl_v of_o letter_n and_o syllable_n their_o trifle_a annotation_n on_o the_o figure_n and_o make_v of_o some_o hebrew_n letter_n but_o i_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o make_v these_o critical_a man_n to_o be_v very_o serviceable_a towards_o the_o preserve_a the_o bible_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o its_o purity_n the_o observation_n of_o these_o masoretic_n doctor_n who_o be_v person_n of_o great_a skill_n in_o the_o language_n and_o well_o acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o ancient_a copy_n and_o manuscript_n and_o who_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o exact_o number_v all_o the_o verse_n word_n letter_n and_o even_o the_o minute_a part_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n have_v be_v a_o great_a security_n and_o preservative_n to_o it_o they_o have_v keep_v it_o undeprave_v and_o uncorrupt_a and_o have_v make_v the_o read_n of_o it_o certain_a and_o unalterable_a this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o that_o excellent_a and_o noble_a personage_n the_o learned_a picus_n mirandula_n so_o high_o extol_v the_o hebrew_n cabala_n without_o doubt_n he_o see_v this_o usefulness_n and_o excellency_n in_o it_o nay_o before_o these_o doctor_n of_o tiberias_n draw_v up_o their_o masoretic_n note_n there_o be_v it_o be_v probable_a extant_a something_o of_o this_o nature_n they_o have_v before_o this_o time_n some_o account_n not_o only_o of_o all_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o of_o all_o the_o apices_fw-la of_o they_o for_o to_o this_o our_o saviour_n allude_v in_o mat._n 5._o 18._o not_o one_o jot_n or_o one_o 〈◊〉_d tittle_n which_o latter_a be_v mean_v of_o those_o little_a horn_n prick_n and_o dot_n belong_v to_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n not_o only_o the_o small_a letter_n as_o jod_n but_o the_o cut_n of_o those_o letter_n be_v diligent_o observe_v by_o the_o masoretic_n jew_n and_o this_o their_o nice_a and_o almost_o fond_a criticism_n be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n entire_a and_o unchanged_a thus_o the_o masore_v as_o they_o express_v it_o be_v a_o hedge_n or_o fence_n to_o the_o law_n theâ—_n critical_a note_n and_o remark_n of_o the_o old_a jew_n hauâ—_n preserve_v the_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n from_o be_v corrupt_v and_o abuse_v so_o that_o we_o may_v from_o henâ—_n gather_v that_o we_o have_v in_o our_o hand_n the_o same_o heâ—brew_n text_n which_o be_v at_o first_o give_v by_o god_n to_o 〈◊〉_d people_n but_o some_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n 〈◊〉_d bâ—rnt_v at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o the_o temple_n be_v 〈◊〉_d that_o ezra_n after_o the_o captivity_n dictate_v and_o write_v 〈◊〉_d over_o again_o according_a to_o what_o we_o find_v recordâ—â—_n in_o 2_o esdras_n 14._o 21_o 23_o 24._o so_o there_o be_v some_o recovery_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o original_a book_n beinâ—_n lose_v it_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o â—aults_n and_o mistake_v in_o this_o which_o we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d present_a i_o answer_v either_o this_o passage_n in_o the_o aâ—pocryphal_a writer_n speak_v of_o some_o other_o book_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n or_o it_o be_v to_o bâ—_n reckon_v as_o fabulous_a and_o supposititious_a and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d creditâ—_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o for_o in_o nehem._n 8._o 2_o 3._o there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v bring_v before_o the_o congregation_n and_o its_o be_v read_v before_o 〈◊〉_d man_n and_o the_o woman_n but_o not_o a_o syllable_n of_o the_o maâ—tâ—r_n mention_v in_o esdras_n be_v hero_n to_o be_v find_v yes_o it_o be_v imply_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v still_o the_o same_o for_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o what_o the_o chaldean_n destroy_v and_o burn_v and_o carry_v away_o at_o the_o take_n of_o jerusâ—â—em_n but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n which_o most_o certain_o will_v have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o they_o be_v of_o so_o inestimable_a a_o vaâ—â—â—_n morcover_v if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v the_o law_n be_v burn_v in_o the_o temple_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o copy_n of_o it_o among_o the_o jew_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v preserve_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n therefore_o to_o suspect_v that_o the_o hebrew_n original_a of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v corrupt_v but_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o well_o as_o some_o learned_a modern_n have_v assert_v that_o the_o hebrew_n be_v corrupt_v i_o answer_v first_o as_o to_o the_o father_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o justin_n martyr_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n he_o confident_o assirm_v that_o the_o jew_n erase_v many_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o he_o assign_v particular_a instance_n in_o the_o psalm_n isaiah_n and_o jeremiah_n and_o this_o they_o do_v say_v he_o because_o they_o hate_v christ_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o think_v some_o of_o those_o place_n favour_v the_o christian_a cause_n too_o much_o here_o by_o the_o by_o you_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o great_a mistake_n and_o oversight_n in_o bishop_n ward_n be_v 3_o essay_n where_o he_o peremptory_o assert_n that_o never_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n have_v in_o their_o great_a heat_n of_o zeal_n against_o the_o jew_n accuse_v they_o of_o such_o corruption_n i._n e._n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o first_o time_n that_o justin_n martyr_n have_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o historical_a truth_n this_o among_o other_o be_v questionless_a a_o gross_a mistake_n of_o that_o good_a man_n and_o his_o strong_a averseness_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o his_o belief_n of_o their_o willingness_n and_o readiness_n to_o deprave_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o own_o end_n betray_v he_o to_o it_o as_o for_o other_o father_n as_o tertullian_n irenaecus_fw-la origen_n eusebius_n who_o it_o be_v true_a sometime_o complain_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o jew_n they_o speak_v of_o their_o adulterate_v the_o text_n rather_o as_o to_o the_o sense_n than_o as_o to_o the_o word_n they_o mean_v that_o the_o translation_n which_o the_o jew_n use_v be_v false_a for_o they_o general_o adhere_v to_o aquila_n and_o theodotion_n version_n and_o prefer_v it_o before_o that_o of_o the_o seventy_o whence_o their_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v unsound_a and_o erroneous_a and_o thereby_o they_o sometime_o set_v up_o judaisme_n against_o christianity_n but_o this_o be_v do_v without_o corrupt_a thâ—_n hebrew_n copy_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v express_o assert_v and_o maintain_v by_o jerom_n and_o 11._o augustine_n two_o ancient_a father_n of_o a_o great_a fame_n for_o learning_n and_o piety_n as_o those_o before_o name_v these_o worthy_a person_n refute_v that_o suspicion_n and_o rumour_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v then_o rise_v namely_o that_o thâ—_n jew_n have_v adulterate_v the_o hebrew_n text._n these_o father_n not_o only_o declare_v that_o they_o do_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o they_o praise_v they_o for_o their_o faithfulness_n in_o preserve_v the_o bible_n pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a then_o as_o to_o some_o of_o the_o modern_n who_o have_v assert_v the_o hebrew_a copy_n to_o be_v faulty_a and_o deprave_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v what_o it_o be_v that_o prompt_v they_o to_o it_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v corrupt_v and_o so_o be_v that_o of_o the_o septuagint_n say_v the_o romanist_n but_o the_o old_a vulgar_a latin_a be_v uncorrupt_a and_o infallible_a so_o determine_v the_o tridentine_a council_n huntlaeus_n several_a of_o that_o communion_n have_v write_v against_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n and_o labour_v to_o prove_v they_o corrupt_v but_o diatribe_n morinus_n have_v show_v himself_o more_o zealous_a than_o all_o of_o they_o in_o this_o point_n and_o he_o frank_o confess_v this_o be_v his_o main_a design_n in_o it_o viz._n to_o baffle_v the_o protestant_n who_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o manner_n if_o the_o original_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v lose_v and_o the_o transcript_n be_v defective_a and_o erroneous_a how_o can_v the_o bible_n be_v a_o certain_a rule_n what_o will_v become_v then_o of_o the_o
religion_n of_o the_o protestant_n who_o find_v it_o sole_o on_o scripture_n this_o be_v uncertain_a that_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o too_o wherefore_o the_o best_a and_o only_o way_n be_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o tradition_n and_o to_o the_o church_n these_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v thus_o you_o see_v what_o the_o romish_a writer_n who_o cry_v down_o the_o hebrew_n text_n aim_v at_o but_o most_o of_o the_o learn_a man_n of_o that_o church_n have_v not_o prosecute_v their_o aim_n and_o design_n this_o way_n it_o be_v well_o know_v they_o have_v general_o hold_v the_o hebrew_n text_n to_o be_v uncorrupted_a and_o the_o same_o be_v defend_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o home_n learned_a protestant_n who_o hauâ—_n handle_v this_o subject_a isaac_n vossius_fw-la be_v the_o only_a man_n of_o note_n that_o hold_v the_o contrary_a i._n e._n that_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n as_o it_o be_v now_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o jew_n but_o against_o he_o and_o all_o other_o either_o ancient_a or_o modern_a who_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n i_o offer_v these_o follow_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v if_o the_o jew_n corrupt_v the_o hebrew_n text_n they_o do_v it_o either_o before_o or_o after_o christ_n time_n that_o they_o do_v it_o not_o before_o be_v evident_a because_o first_o our_o saviour_n never_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n which_o certain_o he_o will_v not_o have_v omit_v at_o such_o time_n as_o he_o reprove_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n for_o their_o know_a fault_n and_o offence_n especial_o relate_v to_o the_o law_n as_o when_o he_o tax_v they_o for_o make_v the_o law_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o their_o tradition_n certain_o he_o will_v have_v rebuke_v they_o for_o so_o gross_a a_o fault_n when_o he_o correct_v they_o for_o some_o that_o be_v lesser_a nay_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o only_o not_o reprove_v for_o corrupt_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a their_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o preserve_v it_o whole_a and_o entire_a be_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o luke_n 4._o 16_o 17._o act_n 13._o 27._o &_o 15._o 21._o and_o commend_v rom._n 3._o 2._o beside_o christ_n â—endâ—_n his_o auditor_n to_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o read_v it_o and_o â—earch_v it_o john_n 5._o 39_o whereas_o if_o they_o have_v corrupt_v it_o he_o will_v without_o doubt_n have_v cautionâ—â—_n they_o against_o it_o again_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n constant_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n and_o confute_v the_o jew_n out_o of_o those_o very_a write_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n those_o book_n be_v not_o corrupt_v else_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v so_o frequent_o quote_v they_o and_o â—â—ed_v the_o testimony_n of_o almost_o every_o particular_a book_n as_o authentical_a and_o of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v not_o corrupt_v by_o the_o jew_n after_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v as_o manifest_v because_o the_o testimony_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o those_o that_o succeed_v christ_n and_o hiâ—_n apostle_n be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o those_o write_n now_o without_o the_o least_o alteration_n likewise_o it_o can_v be_v show_v at_o what_o time_n after_o chriâ—â—_n the_o corruption_n or_o alteration_n of_o the_o text_n begin_v though_o the_o young_a vossius_fw-la be_v please_v to_o say_v it_o be_v present_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o yet_o he_o have_v no_o where_o prove_v far_o if_o you_o observe_v those_o place_n in_o the_o hebrew_n text_n which_o some_o allege_v as_o corrupt_v by_o the_o jew_n you_o will_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n or_o ground_n for_o so_o corrupt_v they_o if_o they_o change_v the_o text_n it_o be_v questionless_a for_o their_o own_o end_n and_o to_o maintain_v some_o error_n of_o they_o the_o alteration_n will_v especial_o have_v be_v in_o those_o place_n which_o speak_v of_o christ_n the_o true_a messiah_n but_o you_o will_v not_o discover_v any_o such_o thing_n if_o any_o object_n psal._n 22._o 16._o they_o pierce_v my_o hand_n and_o my_o foot_n and_o say_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v there_o purposely_o change_v caaru_n into_o caari_n i_o ask_v why_o do_v the_o masorite_n restore_v it_o to_o its_o right_a read_n if_o it_o have_v be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o circumcise_a doctor_n on_o purpose_n it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o here_o by_o man_n of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n but_o they_o will_v have_v let_v it_o remain_v without_o any_o marginal_a correction_n but_o see_v they_o do_v not_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n there_o be_v no_o intention_n to_o corrupt_v the_o text._n this_o indeed_o they_o do_v they_o add_v a_o keri_n to_o the_o ketib_n i._n e._n instead_o of_o carri_n sicut_fw-la leo_fw-la in_o the_o text_n they_o write_v in_o the_o margin_n caaru_n foderunt_fw-la as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o caaru_n be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a read_n this_o the_o masoretic_n note_v here_o testify_v beside_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o seventy_o do_v read_v it_o so_o and_o according_o translate_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o thus_o it_o be_v render_v in_o the_o syriack_n arabic_a ethiopick_n and_o latin_n but_o the_o place_n be_v by_o chance_n corrupt_v because_o of_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o two_o vowel_n jod_n and_o vaughan_n and_o not_o out_o of_o design_n for_o then_o the_o masorite_n jew_n will_v not_o have_v supply_v it_o in_o the_o margin_n with_o that_o other_o word_n caaru_n they_o pierce_v which_o agree_v with_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n suffering_n yea_o this_o word_n be_v in_o some_o ancient_a copy_n in_o the_o text_n itself_o which_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o learned_a father_n of_o the_o oratory_n who_o have_v it_o from_o rabbi_n ben_fw-mi hajim_v the_o great_a restorer_n of_o the_o masora_n who_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o some_o of_o the_o hebrew_n manuscript_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o he_o have_v see_v caaru_n they_o pierce_v or_o dig_v be_v in_o the_o text._n or_o why_o may_v we_o not_o take_v in_o both_o the_o word_n into_o the_o text_n and_o so_o reconcile_v the_o textual_a and_o marginal_a read_n this_o we_o find_v do_v by_o the_o chaldee_n version_n which_o render_v the_o place_n thus_o they_o do_v bite_v or_o pierce_v like_o a_o lion_n as_o if_o the_o original_a run_v thus_o caaru_n caari_fw-la foderunt_fw-la sicut_fw-la leo._n this_o in_o my_o opinion_n may_v be_v a_o safe_a way_n of_o compose_v the_o difference_n about_o this_o text._n however_o not_o only_o from_o this_o but_o what_o have_v be_v say_v before_o i_o think_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o adulterate_a this_o text._n and_o among_o all_o those_o other_o text_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v change_v and_o adulterate_v you_o will_v scarce_o find_v one_o that_o have_v reference_n to_o that_o great_a concern_v oâ—_n the_o jew_n whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o old_a testament_n remain_v altogether_o unaltered_a i_o may_v far_o add_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n be_v great_a everywhere_o both_o before_o and_o after_o christ_n time_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o corrupt_v they_o all_o i_o know_v some_o have_v infer_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o original_a hebrew_n from_o the_o great_a difference_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v between_o that_o and_o the_o version_n of_o the_o seventy_o but_o i_o shall_v afterward_o when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n give_v a_o large_a and_o full_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o difference_n whence_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o plain_a that_o this_o difference_n proceed_v not_o at_o all_o from_o the_o depravation_n of_o the_o original_a hebrew_n the_o short_a then_o be_v that_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n be_v pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a and_o after_o all_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o various_a readins_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o 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have_v be_v not_o to_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o be_v above_o they_o thus_o these_o bold_a man_n out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n vilify_v the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o bible_n thus_o absurd_o and_o irreligious_o these_o delude_a person_n out_o of_o a_o enthusiastic_a heat_n prefer_v their_o own_o private_a spirit_n before_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o man_n hold_v themselves_o to_o be_v perfect_a but_o the_o scripture_n must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v so_o it_o be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a and_o aught_o to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o inward_a impression_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o according_a to_o they_o be_v that_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o they_o think_v they_o do_v well_o to_o give_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n but_o we_o see_v that_o they_o be_v thereby_o lead_v into_o gross_a error_n and_o 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five_o first_o book_n of_o it_o in_o vain_a do_v you_o look_v for_o these_o in_o the_o write_n of_o other_o man_n for_o though_o some_o of_o they_o relate_v very_o ancient_a occurrence_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o old_a as_o these_o and_o as_o for_o those_o writer_n who_o pretend_v to_o some_o great_a antiquity_n and_o have_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o think_v that_o they_o can_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n they_o have_v be_v explode_v by_o all_o person_n of_o sobriety_n and_o serious_a thought_n in_o pagan_a writer_n we_o have_v some_o wild_a guess_n at_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n and_o the_o first_o inventor_n of_o art_n but_o he_o that_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v certain_a and_o infallible_a information_n concern_v these_o must_v consult_v the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o these_o alone_a we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o ancient_a usage_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o be_v the_o first_o rise_n and_o original_a of_o 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