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scripture_n rule_n tradition_n unwritten_a 2,845 5 12.5918 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A37989 A discourse concerning the authority, stile, and perfection of the books of the Old and New-Testament with a continued illustration of several difficult texts of scripture throughout the whole work / by John Edwards. Edwards, John, 1637-1716. 1693 (1693) Wing E202; ESTC R29386 927,516 1,518

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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 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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 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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 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and_o twenty_o after_o the_o number_n of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n and_o 4._o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v these_o express_a word_n read_v these_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n but_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o study_n and_o meditate_v only_o on_o these_o scripture_n which_o we_o confident_o read_v in_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n and_o first_o bishop_n be_v true_a guide_n and_o be_v more_o wise_a and_o religious_a than_o thou_o be_v and_o these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o deliver_v these_o scripture_n to_o we_o thou_o then_o be_v a_o son_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o go_v beyond_o her_o bound_n and_o order_n but_o acknowledge_v and_o study_v only_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n of_o the_o old_a ●●●stament_n and_o other_o father_n of_o the_o chur●●_n as_o melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n athanasius_n amphilo●●us_n epiphanius_n eusebius_n gregory_n nazianzen_n g●●gory_n the_o great_a basil_n chrysostom_n testify_v that_o 〈◊〉_d book_n and_o no_o 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which_o they_o allege_v it_o be_v but_o a_o provincial_a one_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v set_v against_o those_o more_o authentic_a and_o general_a council_n which_o i_o produce_v nor_o must_v that_o one_o single_a father_n who_o they_o name_n stand_v out_o against_o that_o great_a number_n of_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n who_o i_o mention_v the_o pope_n bear_v a_o great_a name_n among_o our_o adversary_n but_o they_o be_v but_o two_o and_o must_v not_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o council_n and_o that_o multitude_n of_o father_n who_o be_v on_o our_o side_n or_o if_o they_o lie_v such_o great_a stress_n on_o a_o pope_n i_o can_v name_v they_o one_o and_o he_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a they_o ever_o have_v viz._n pope_n gregory_n the_o great_a who_o 17._o declare_v that_o the_o book_n of_o maccabee_n a_o main_a piece_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a writing_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n w●_n may_v set_v this_o one_o pope_n for_o he_o be_v 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be_v read_v and_o concern_v these_o write_n our_o church_n say_v well_o quote_v st._n jerom_n for_o it_o 6._o she_o do_v read_v they_o for_o example_n of_o life_n and_o instruction_n of_o manner_n but_o yet_o do_v not_o apply_v they_o to_o establish_v any_o doctrine_n which_o give_v we_o a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o book_n namely_o that_o they_o contain_v excellent_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o inform_v we_o of_o our_o duty_n as_o to_o several_a weighty_a thing_n but_o they_o be_v not_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v they_o be_v not_o the_o infallible_a standard_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v and_o make_v use_n of_o to_o that_o purpose_n this_o and_o the_o other_o reason_n before_o mention_v may_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o think_v that_o these_o write_n aught_o not_o to_o be_v
master_n clothe_v his_o divine_a doctrine_n in_o he_o choose_v this_o way_n of_o deliver_v thing_n to_o they_o on_o purpose_n to_o work_v the_o more_o powerful_o on_o their_o affection_n a_o fit_a parable_n move_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o wonderful_a force_n and_o efficacy_n it_o represent_v matter_n to_o we_o in_o their_o lively_a colour_n and_o mo●t_o natural_a shape_v and_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n we_o be_v in_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o say_v in_o the_o final_a close_o of_o it_o as_o that_o parabolical_a prophet_n to_o david_n t●ou_fw-mi be_v the_o man._n it_o come_v up_o close_o to_o we_o and_o with_o great_a plainness_n and_o freedom_n tell_v we_o our_o case_n and_o affect_v we_o proportionable_o to_o have_v dominion_n or_o authority_n and_o to_o speak_v in_o a_o parabolical_a way_n be_v express_v by_o the_o mashal_n same_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n reduce_v this_o criticism_n into_o practice_n and_o by_o this_o move_a way_n of_o preach_v let_v the_o world_n see_v that_o 22._o he_o teach_v as_o one_o that_o have_v authority_n thus_o i_o have_v brief_o show_v you_o the_o nature_n of_o parable_n and_o give_v some_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o frequent_o use_v they_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o useful_a rule_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o if_o we_o will_v right_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o mystical_a way_n of_o express_v itself_o etc._n we_o must_v not_o say_v he_o over-curious_o five_o every_o word_n and_o passage_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o parable_n but_o our_o main_a business_n must_v be_v to_o understand_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n at_o which_o they_o aim_v and_o for_o which_o this_o sort_n of_o discourse_n be_v compose_v and_o have_v gather_v this_o out_o we_o ought_v to_o inquire_v no_o further_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o busy_v ourselves_o any_o long_o and_o that_o of_o maldonate_fw-it be_v a_o very_o good_a rule_n for_o the_o right_a interpret_n of_o parable_n we_o m●st_v know_v this_o 16._o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o observe_v any_o accuracy_n in_o compare_v person_n with_o person_n and_o to_o be_v curious_a in_o suit_v particular_a thing_n to_o thing_n but_o we_o be_v to_o look_v at_o the_o grand_a matter_n and_o as_o it_o lie_v before_o we_o in_o gross_a so_o he_o for_o this_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v several_a circumstance_n insert_v into_o parable_n mere_o to_o adorn_v and_o set_v off_o the_o matter_n and_o to_o make_v the_o representation_n and_o similitude_n more_o graceful_a therefore_o we_o must_v not_o insist_v on_o every_o particular_a and_o think_v that_o a_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o all_o the_o circumstance_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o such_o discourse_n no_o the_o main_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o design_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o a_o parable_n if_o we_o observe_v this_o rule_n we_o shall_v gain_v a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o our_o saviour_n mean_v in_o his_o parable_n but_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v busy_v our_o head_n to_o little_a purpose_n and_o mistake_v the_o true_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o kind_n of_o instruction_n there_o be_v other_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o a_o secondary_a or_o mystical_a sense_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v as_o the_o 24_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n one_o part_n of_o which_o according_a to_o most_o expositor_n speak_v of_o the_o forerunner_n of_o ierusalem_n destruction_n and_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n but_o if_o you_o look_v narrow_o into_o the_o whole_a chapter_n you_o will_v observe_v that_o these_o forerunner_n and_o sign_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v intermix_v and_o so_o promiscuous_o place_v that_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o tell_v precise_o which_o precede_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o which_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n which_o give_v i_o this_o hint_n first_o of_o all_o that_o this_o whole_a chapter_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o those_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n beforementioned_a in_o a_o double_a sense_n viz._n a_o primary_n and_o a_o secondary_a in_o the_o former_a you_o must_v understand_v our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o those_o prodigy_n and_o calamity_n which_o shall_v befall_v the_o jew_n before_o the_o final_a overthrow_n of_o their_o city_n and_o temple_n in_o the_o latter_a you_o must_v conceive_v he_o foretell_v the_o dreadful_a sign_n and_o concomitant_n of_o the_o last_o day_n wherein_o not_o only_a jew_n but_o all_o the_o world_n be_v concern_v here_o be_v a_o twofold_a mean_v of_o chri●t's_n word_n here_o be_v a_o double_a literal_a or_o historical_a sense_n and_o the_o latter_a of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o obvious_a and_o evident_a as_o the_o other_o and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o have_v not_o be_v find_v out_o may_v be_v call_v the_o mystical_a sense_n for_o it_o be_v so_o indeed_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o whereas_o then_o expositor_n be_v divide_v in_o interpret_n this_o chapter_n some_o refer_v some_o passage_n in_o it_o to_o the_o devastation_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o other_o interpret_n other_o part_n whole_o of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n we_o may_v compromise_v the_o matter_n and_o reconcile_v the_o different_a interpreter_n by_o assert_v that_o both_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o last_o day_n be_v understand_v by_o both_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n except_v only_o one_o or_o two_o particular_a expression_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o refer_v altogether_o to_o one_o of_o these_o in_o short_a the_o forerunner_n and_o harbinger_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o last_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o same_o so_o that_o while_o he_o speak_v of_o one_o he_o also_o foretell_v the_o other_o this_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o double_a meaning_n a_o simple_a and_o a_o compound_n one_o in_o the_o very_a same_o word_n of_o this_o chapter_n when_o the_o apostle_n in_o eph._n 5._o have_v speak_v of_o the_o marry_a state_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o husband_n and_o wife_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o submission_n of_o the_o other_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o close_a that_o this_o part_n of_o his_o epistle_n have_v a_o high_a mean_v than_o every_o ordinary_a reader_n of_o it_o will_v find_v out_o for_o beside_o the_o literal_a import_n of_o the_o word_n there_o ●s_v a_o more_o sublime_a and_o spiritual_a one_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n say_v he_o and_o i_o speak_v concern_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n v_o 32._o those_o word_n in_o gen._n 2._o 24._o mention_v immediate_o before_o have_v a_o mystical_a as_o well_o as_o a_o literal_a mean_v they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o sacred_a union_n of_o chri●●_n and_o his_o church_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o conjugal_a union_n of_o man_n and_o wife_n for_o marriage_n be_v a_o emblem_n of_o the_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a tie_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n and_o according_o whilst_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n concern_v the_o love_n and_o submission_n of_o husband_n and_o wife_n he_o let_v we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o his_o church_n and_o of_o the_o church_n subjection_n unto_o christ._n and_o divers_a other_o passage_n in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n have_v beside_o their_o literal_a a_o spiritual_a inward_a and_o mysterious_a acception_n even_o as_o to_o this_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v true_a viz._n that_o he_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n i_o cor._n 2._o 7._o thus_o i_o have_v abundant_o prove_v the_o double_a sense_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o evince_v it_o from_o many_o more_o instance_n if_o it_o be_v requisite_a i_o will_v only_o here_o in_o the_o close_o produce_v the_o word_n of_o a_o very_a profound_a and_o judicious_a man_n a_o worthy_a light_n of_o our_o church_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o be_v ●ingular_a in_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v under_o this_o head_n i._n many_o passage_n say_v he_o as_o well_o in_o the_o prophet_n as_o other_o sacred_a oracle_n admit_v of_o amphibology_n and_o ambiguous_a sense_n and_o the_o same_o prophecy_n be_v oftentimes_o fulfil_v according_a to_o both_o sense_n and_o he_o instance_n in_o several_a again_o a_o little_a after_o he_o have_v these_o admirable_a word_n 2._o see_v our_o sacred_a oracle_n be_v give_v many_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o the_o event_n foretell_v by_o they_o and_o since_o exhibit_v
which_o deride_v the_o 3d_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n and_o who_o commit_v it_o to_o the_o press_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o of_o the_o witty_a folk_n of_o the_o town_n and_o to_o please_v the_o atheistical_a rabble_n this_o signal_n act_n of_o avenge_a providence_n be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o i_o wish_v the_o ingenious_a theorist_n will_v serious_o reflect_v upon_o it_o and_o learn_v thence_o to_o make_v sport_n with_o the_o bible_n no_o more_o and_o i_o request_v he_o not_o to_o be_v offend_v at_o my_o plain_a deal_v with_o he_o for_o i_o assure_v he_o that_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o out_o of_o any_o disrespect_n or_o ill_a will_n to_o his_o person_n but_o whole_o from_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o great_a mischief_n which_o be_v like_a to_o ensue_v upon_o this_o late_a attempt_n of_o he_o i_o abhor_v the_o treat_v of_o any_o learned_a man_n write_n with_o contempt_n yea_o on_o the_o contrary_n i_o have_v always_o pay_v a_o due_a respect_n and_o deference_n to_o they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o adjust_v to_o the_o notion_n which_o i_o have_v of_o thing_n but_o when_o i_o see_v the_o holy_a scripture_n strike_v at_o and_o religion_n itself_o shock_a and_o extreme_o hazard_v i_o can_v forbear_v from_o utter_v my_o sentiment_n and_o chew_v my_o just_a indignation_n on_o such_o a_o occasion_n christian_n charity_n which_o bear_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n can_v by_o any_o mean_n brook_v this_o and_o i_o must_v free_o tell_v this_o learned_a writer_n that_o let_v his_o character_n otherwise_o be_v never_o so_o fair_a and_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o disow_v it_o or_o blemish_v it_o in_o the_o least_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o better_a this_o be_v the_o worse_a be_v his_o enterprise_n for_o he_o seem_v to_o come_v sober_a and_o demure_a to_o undermine_v the_o bible_n and_o destroy_v christianity_n as_o many_o a_o cracovian_a reasoner_n have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o true_o there_o be_v little_a sobriety_n in_o jest_v and_o buffoon_v in_o jeer_a and_o droll_v away_o our_o religion_n and_o that_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o philosophic_a antiquity_n nay_o let_v i_o tell_v he_o and_o i_o hope_v by_o this_o time_n his_o own_o thought_n do_v so_o too_o that_o to_o trifle_n and_o droll_n after_o the_o rate_n that_o he_o do_v on_o the_o inspire_a history_n concern_v adam_n and_o eve_n be_v a_o near_o approach_v to_o blasphemy_n i_o hearty_o wish_v he_o may_v be_v apprehensive_a of_o his_o delinquency_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o that_o for_o the_o future_a he_o may_v guide_v himself_o by_o that_o wholesome_a rule_n viz._n that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o quit_v the_o literal_a interpretation_n in_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o do_v so_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o present_a case_n nay_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o acknowledge_v the_o literal_a and_o historical_a mean_v unless_o we_o will_v subvert_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o religion_n he_o that_o make_v this_o first_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o be_v whole_o mystical_a do_v not_o observe_v the_o distance_n between_o genesis_n and_o some_o part_n of_o the_o revelation_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a that_o we_o follow_v not_o the_o master_n of_o abstruse_a divinity_n so_o far_o that_o we_o exclude_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o this_o will_v prove_v fatal_a to_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o to_o all_o religion_n especial_o christianity_n if_o we_o dote_v upon_o allegory_n and_o defy_v the_o letter_n and_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o quite_o null_a these_o sacred_a write_n because_o we_o thereby_o render_v they_o ambiguous_a and_o precarious_a we_o authorize_v any_o wild_a interpretation_n that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o if_o we_o may_v leave_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n when_o we_o please_v and_o fly_v to_o metaphorical_a and_o mystical_a one_o than_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v soon_o vanish_v for_o than_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o be_v true_a or_o what_o be_v false_a or_o if_o we_o know_v it_o we_o can_v never_o confute_v any_o error_n or_o maintain_v any_o truth_n from_o the_o holy_a writ_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n the●●will_v be_v innumerable_a explication_n of_o scripture_n and_o who_o can_v possible_o determine_v which_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v choice_n of_o if_o you_o offer_v any_o text_n to_o prove_v ●uch_n or_o such_o a_o doctrine_n it_o will_v easy_o be_v evade_v if_o the_o letter_n may_v not_o be_v our_o guide_n for_o it_o be_v but_o say_v the_o place_n be_v not_o mean_v as_o the_o word_n sound_v but_o must_v be_v take_v figurative_o and_o mystical_o thus_o scripture_n itself_o be_v destroy_v by_o cashier_v the_o literal_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n yea_o we_o destroy_v the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o pluck_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n we_o deny_v christ_n and_o all_o his_o bless_a undertake_n for_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n for_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o literal_a account_n we_o have_v of_o they_o upon_o the_o historical_a relation_n of_o they_o which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n thus_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a it_o be_v to_o let_v go_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o catch_v at_o a_o mystical_a one_o only_a by_o this_o wild_a practice_n man_n attempt_v to_o thrust_v religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o present_v we_o with_o a_o metaphorical_a and_o allegorical_a religion_n instead_o of_o a_o true_a and_o real_a one_o therefore_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o quit_v the_o literal_a construction_n of_o scripture_n second_o the_o other_o extreme_o which_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v by_o we_o be_v the_o 31._o rest_v altogether_o in_o the_o outside_n the_o look_v no_o far_o than_o the_o literal_a mean_v of_o scripture_n there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o mystical_a or_o symbolical_a divinity_n however_o some_o have_v mistake_v and_o abuse_v it_o and_o this_o if_o it_o be_v right_o use_v be_v exceed_v profitable_a yea_o necessary_a for_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o result_n of_o the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o he_o be_v true_o a_o divine_a he_o may_v deserve_o be_v say_v to_o have_v skill_n in_o christian_a theology_n who_o content_v not_o himself_o with_o the_o primary_n or_o literal_a import_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n but_o dive_v into_o the_o secondary_a but_o more_o abstruse_a mean_v of_o they_o who_o penetrate_v into_o the_o hide_a mind_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o there_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d sense_n in_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o several_a instance_n it_o must_v be_v reckon_v a_o great_a oversight_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o in_o the_o expositor_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o interpretation_n but_o to_o acquiesce_v whole_o in_o the_o literal_a mean_v this_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o exposition_n which_o some_o of_o the_o rabbin_n give_v of_o the_o bible_n for_o as_o the_o jewish_a cabalist_n be_v too_o allegorical_a as_o we_o take_v notice_n before_o so_o another_o set_a of_o their_o doctor_n be_v too_o much_o devote_v to_o a_o literal_a interpretation_n this_o they_o stick_v to_o when_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o yea_o when_o the_o word_n be_v plain_o figurative_a and_o must_v needs_o be_v take_v so_o yet_o even_o then_o they_o interpret_v they_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o thence_o be_v produce_v some_o of_o those_o foolish_a proposition_n and_o childish_a assertion_n those_o groundless_a fable_n and_o legend_n yea_o those_o gross_a lie_n and_o forgery_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o rabbin_n erasmus_n be_v faulty_a in_o this_o kind_n his_o reader_n may_v observe_v that_o he_o neglect_v the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o resolute_o adhere_v to_o the_o bare_a letter_n in_o which_o he_o be_v follow_v by_o calvin_n who_o general_o leave_v out_o the_o secondary_a and_o more_o sublime_a sense_n of_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o the_o literal_a one_o only_a this_o he_o do_v in_o his_o comment_n on_o gen._n 3._o 15._o i_o will_v put_v enmity_n between_o etc._n etc._n which_o he_o interpret_v simple_o of_o the_o antipathy_n between_o man_n and_o serpent_n which_o be_v the_o poor_a and_o lank_a interpretation_n which_o josephus_n the_o jew_n give_v of_o it_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v whereas_o those_o word_n in_o the_o high_a mean_v of_o they_o as_o the_o ancient_a and_o learnede_a father_n have_v suggest_v be_v the_o first_o and_o grand_a promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n make_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o
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 demo●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 d●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
knife_n to_o thy_o throat_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o man_n give_v to_o appetite_n and_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 5._o 29_o 30._o if_o the_o right_a eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o if_o the_o right_a hand_n offend_v thou_o cut_v it_o off_o to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v prov._n 25._o 21._o rom._n 12._o 20._o heap_v up_o coal_n on_o your_o enemy_n head_n when_o a_o person_n be_v thus_o command_v in_o scripture_n to_o do_v some_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o command_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o secondary_a or_o mystical_a sense_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n so_o when_o god_n bid_v hosea_n take_v a_o wife_n of_o whoredom_n and_o child_n of_o whoredom_n ch_n 1._o 2._o and_o when_o it_o be_v add_v that_o he_o go_v and_o take_v such_o a_o one_o ver_fw-la 3._o we_o must_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o parable_n a_o mystical_a say_v it_o be_v a_o vision_n say_v st._n hos._n jerom._n so_o say_v jonathan_n the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v and_o 46._o maimonides_n agree_v with_o he_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o be_v do_v only_o in_o show_n and_o representation_n but_o not_o actual_o and_o real_o because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o direct_a prohibition_n in_o the_o law_n leu._n 21._o 7._o thou_o shall_v not_o take_v a_o wife_n that_o be_v a_o whore_n the_o mean_v then_o of_o the_o forego_n word_n be_v this_o that_o see_v this_o people_n brag_v that_o they_o be_v my_o people_n my_o spouse_n my_o child_n go_v and_o represent_v the_o true_a state_n they_o be_v in_o by_o a_o parable_n and_o let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o my_o wife_n and_o my_o child_n and_o no_o more_o than_o if_o you_o shall_v take_v a_o profess_a whore_n with_o her_o spurious_a brat_n and_o say_v that_o she_o be_v your_o lawful_a wife_n and_o they_o be_v your_o lawful_a child_n which_o be_v absolute_o false_a this_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o plain_a mean_v of_o the_o word_n but_o that_o command_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n gen._n 22._o 2._o take_v thy_o son_n the_o only_a son_n isaac_n and_o offer_v he_o for_o a_o burnt-offering_a be_v of_o another_o kind_n for_o that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v mystical_o but_o literal_o we_o can_v prove_v from_o the_o history_n itself_o which_o be_v so_o relate_v that_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o it_o be_v insert_v among_o other_o historical_a passage_n concern_v that_o patriarch_n whereas_o the_o prophetical_a book_n such_o as_o that_o of_o hosea_n contain_v in_o they_o vision_n and_o representation_n of_o thing_n speak_v of_o as_o real_o do_v although_o they_o be_v not_o beside_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o abraham_n offering_n his_o son_n isaac_n i._n e._n his_o bind_v he_o and_o lay_v he_o upon_o the_o altar_n and_o undertake_v to_o kill_v he_o be_v real_a thing_n and_o actual_o perform_v because_o we_o be_v ●old_a by_o the_o infallible_a penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o they_o be_v so_o for_o they_o allege_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o prove_v and_o demonstrate_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v heb._n 11._o 17._o jam._n 2._o 21._o wherefore_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v a_o reality_n and_o consequent_o the_o word_n in_o genesis_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o plain_a literal_a sense_n a_o three_o rule_n and_o the_o most_o useful_a be_v this_o see_v what_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v already_o interpret_v in_o a_o mystical_a sense_n by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o observe_v the_o nature_n occasion_n and_o circumstance_n of_o those_o place_n and_o thereby_o you_o will_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v what_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o according_o you_o must_v interpret_v they_o not_o after_o the_o bare_a letter_n or_o history_n but_o in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o order_n to_o our_o have_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o place_n in_o it_o that_o have_v a_o double_a sense_n chap._n ii_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n speak_v not_o accurate_o but_o according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a opinion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o men._n several_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o phrase_n expression_n and_o mode_n of_o speak_v use_v by_o the_o inspire_a writer_n be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o best_a classic_a author_n this_o large_o prove_v from_o the_o phraseology_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n more_o particular_o the_o similitude_n and_o comparison_n in_o both_o be_v alike_o the_o correspondence_n of_o scripture-phrase_n with_o the_o profane_a style_n show_v by_o grotius_n pricaeus_n gataker_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n the_o same_o moral_a notion_n and_o express_v in_o the_o very_a same_o style_n that_o there_o be_v in_o pagan_a writer_n in_o both_o man_n life_n be_v a_o way_n a_o pilgrimage_n a_o warfare_n other_o ethick_n notion_n viz._n that_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n be_v free_a and_o that_o all_o vicious_a person_n be_v slave_n that_o good_a man_n be_v wife_n and_o all_o other_o be_v fool_n to_o which_o latter_o the_o author_n reduce_v john_n 20._o 10._o though_o general_o interpret_v otherwise_o and_o comment_n upon_o it_o that_o good_a man_n be_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n that_o vicious_a man_n be_v dead_a that_o death_n be_v a_o sleep_n all_o which_o occur_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n as_o well_o as_o in_o pagan_a moralist_n the_o second_o proposition_n be_v this_o that_o the_o style_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v many_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o usual_a strain_n of_o other_o writer_n and_o author_n take_v this_o in_o these_o particular_n ●_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n speak_v not_o accurate_o but_o 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to_o our_o sight_n to_o be_v the_o big_a light_n that_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o the_o heaven_n wherefore_o they_o be_v emphatical_o and_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n call_v in_o the_o hebrew_n the_o great_a light_n though_o the_o least_o of_o the_o star_n be_v a_o great_a light_n than_o the_o sun_n or_o moon_n so_o though_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o almighty_a creator_n and_o preserver_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o hang_v the_o earth_n upon_o nothing_o job_n 26._o 7._o which_o be_v exact_o and_o philosophical_o true_a yet_o in_o another_o place_n of_o this_o book_n we_o read_v of_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o earth_n job_n 9_o 6._o which_o be_v a_o manner_n of_o speech_n adapt_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o can_v conceive_v how_o so_o great_a and_o massy_a a_o body_n as_o this_o ball_n of_o earth_n can_v hang_v hover_v in_o the_o air_n and_o be_v uphold_v without_o some_o prop_n and_o several_a other_o such_o expression_n there_o be_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v speak_v according_a to_o the_o popular_a apprehension_n and_o the_o seem_a appearance_n of_o thing_n not_o the_o exactness_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o therefore_o their_o attempt_n have_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n who_o will_v force_v a_o philosophy_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o present_v we_o with_o a_o body_n of_o philosophy_n jure_fw-la divino_fw-la as_o some_o grammarian_n and_o critic_n pretend_v to_o find_v all_o art_n and_o science_n whatsoever_o in_o homer_n poem_n so_o these_o fond_a man_n undertake_v to_o discover_v a_o complete_a system_fw-la of_o natural_a philosophy_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n but_o this_o be_v a_o very_a vain_a enterprise_n because_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o
use_v instead_o of_o that_o as_o in_o exod._n 3._o 14._o ehjeh_fw-it ero_fw-la be_v instead_o of_o sum_n and_o according_o the_o 70_o interpreter_n render_v that_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o after_o they_o i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o the_o like_a enallage_n you_o will_v find_v in_o isa._n 30._o 32._o and_o sometime_o the_o praeterit_fw-la be_v use_v where_o the_o present_a time_n be_v understand_v as_o in_o rev._n 3._o 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v stand_v which_o therefore_o we_o right_o translate_v i_o stand_v nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n insomuch_o that_o i_o need_v not_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o so_o frequent_a a_o thing_n unless_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o give_v a_o short_a specimen_fw-la of_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o observables_n relate_v to_o the_o scripture-stile_n and_o as_o one_o person_n number_n and_o tense_n be_v put_v for_o another_o in_o the_o holy_a write_n so_o it_o may_v be_v remark_v that_o one_o bodily_a sense_n be_v mention_v instead_o of_o another_o especial_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sight_n be_v frequent_o put_v for_o hear_v as_o in_o isa._n 2._o 1._o the_o word_n that_o isaiah_n the_o son_n of_o amos_n sa●_n i._n e._n the_o prophecy_n which_o he_o immediate_o hear_v from_o god_n month_n and_o which_o he_o deliver_v in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n to_o see_v the_o voice_n rev._n 1._o 12._o be_v to_o hear_v it_o unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o see_v of_o the_o person_n who_o voice_n it_o be_v be_v mean_v other_o place_n may_v be_v produce_v where_o these_o two_o sense_n be_v exchange_v but_o i_o will_v only_o here_o note_n that_o this_o be_v common_a among_o profane_a writer_n 4._o sex_n etiam_fw-la &_o septem_fw-la loca_fw-la vidi_fw-la reddere_fw-la voces_fw-la unam_fw-la cum_fw-la jaceres_fw-la and_o another_o 3._o nec_fw-la quae_fw-la sonitum_fw-la det_fw-la causa_fw-la videm●●_n and_o visa_fw-la loqui_fw-la be_v instead_o of_o audita_fw-la loqui_fw-la in_o rufin_n claudian_n sometime_o you_o will_v find_v a_o change_n of_o the_o comparative_a for_o the_o positive_a as_o in_o matth._n 18._o 8._o according_a to_o the_o greek_a it_o be_v good_a for_o thou_o i._n e._n it_o be_v better_a thou_o to_o enter_v into_o life_n h●lt_n and_o maim_v than_o have_v t●o_fw-la hand_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o mark_n 14._o 21._o good_a i._n e._n better_a be_v it_o for_o that_o man_n if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v so_o in_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 13._o they_o that_o have_v use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n well_o purchase_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n i._n e._n a_o better_a or_o great_a degree_n viz._n of_o a_o fresbyter_n or_o bishop_n sometime_o the_o positive_a or_o comparative_a be_v mention_v when_o the_o superlative_a be_v understand_v as_o in_o matth._n 22._o 36_o 38._o the_o great_a commandment_n i._n e._n the_o great_a and_o be_v explain_v there_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o those_o word_n in_o luke_n 7._o 28._o be_v general_o reduce_v by_o expositor_n to_o this_o head_n and_o therefore_o our_o english_a version_n be_v he_o that_o be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v great_a than_o he_o but_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o bring_v it_o under_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v for_o according_a to_o the_o greek_a it_o shall_v be_v he_o that_o be_v lesser_a and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o natural_a translation_n the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n be_v this_o i_o be_o lesser_a i._n e._n in_o age_n i_o be_o young_a than_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o be_o lesser_a in_o the_o estimation_n of_o the_o people_n than_o he_o be_v but_o yet_o i_o be_o far_o great_a than_o he_o for_o he_o be_v but_o my_o forerunner_n my_o messenger_n as_o he_o say_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n so_o theophyla●●_n interpret_v the_o word_n and_o our_o own_o translator_n in_o another_o place_n favour_n this_o exposition_n when_o those_o word_n in_o rom._n 9_o 12._o which_o according_a to_o the_o greek_a be_v the_o great_a shall_v serve_v the_o lesser_a be_v rendr●d_n by_o they_o thus_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a so_o that_o you_o see_v the_o lesser_a be_v interpret_v the_o young_a and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v good_a ground_n to_o understand_v it_o so_o in_o this_o place_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v according_a to_o the_o style_n of_o the_o best_a latin_a author_n among_o who_o major_a and_o minor_fw-la natu_fw-la be_v the_o elder_a and_o young_a nay_o eunuch_n minor_a absolute_o and_o without_o any_o addition_n be_v as_o much_o as_o junior_a but_o in_o phil._n 1_o 23._o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v i_o think_v that_o the_o superlative_a be_v change_v for_o the_o comparative_a far_o better_a be_v instead_o of_o best_a of_o all_o and_o so_o in_o matth._n 13._o 32._o the_o lesser_a of_o all_o seed_n according_a to_o the_o greek_a for_o the_o least_o and_o according_o we_o translate_v it_o so_o other_o example_n of_o this_o you_o have_v in_o luke_n 9_o 46._o john_n 10._o 29._o these_o be_v the_o grammatical_a change_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o holy_a book_n and_o any_o one_o that_o have_v peruse_v the_o write_n of_o other_o author_n especial_o of_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a poet_n be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o very_a same_o occur_v in_o they_o and_o that_o very_a often_o so_o that_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o present_v you_o with_o parallel_n out_o of_o those_o writer_n but_o among_o the_o several_a enallage_n i._n e._n change_n of_o one_o thing_n for_o another_o in_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v in_o the_o last_o place_n mention_v this_o viz._n that_o a_o negative_a oftentimes_o be_v put_v for_o a_o comparative_a the_o due_a observe_v of_o this_o will_v help_v we_o to_o reconcile_v many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o jar_v with_o some_o other_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o numb_a 23._o 21._o he_o have_v not_o behold_v iniquity_n in_o jacob_n neither_o have_v he_o see_v perverseness_n in_o israel_n which_o be_v a_o text_n that_o the_o antinomian_a party_n lie_v great_a stress_n upon_o for_o hence_o they_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n see_v not_o any_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o people_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o be_v not_o displease_v with_o they_o for_o it_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o need_v not_o be_v displease_v neither_o their_o sin_n be_v they_o never_o so_o great_a and_o flagitious_a be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o sorrow_n see_v god_n be_v not_o offend_v with_o they_o which_o doctrine_n soon_o open_v a_o door_n to_o all_o licentiousness_n and_o profaneness_n but_o it_o be_v easy_o shut_v again_o by_o apply_v this_o rule_n that_o scripture_n oftentimes_o and_o here_o particular_o speak_v absolute_o but_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o comparative_a or_o limit_a sense_n god_n behold_v not_o iniquity_n in_o jacob_n in_o his_o choose_a as_o he_o do_v in_o profligate_v person_n and_o such_o as_o be_v give_v up_o to_o their_o lust_n i_o e._n he_o behold_v it_o not_o so_o in_o they_o as_o to_o reject_v they_o utter_o and_o to_o punish_v they_o eternal_o for_o their_o misdoing_n thus_o if_o we_o compare_v god_n behold_v sin_n in_o the_o one_o with_o his_o behold_v it_o in_o the_o other_o he_o may_v be_v say_v not_o to_o behold_v it_o in_o the_o former_a i._n e._n in_o his_o own_o people_n and_o servant_n but_o god_n hate_v and_o punish_v sin_n in_o both_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o more_o particular_o in_o those_o that_o be_v he_o according_a to_o what_o he_o declare_v in_o amos_n 3._o 2._o you_o only_o have_v i_o know_v of_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n therefore_o i_o will_v punish_v you_o for_o all_o your_o iniquity_n thus_o god_n do_v not_o behold_v iniquity_n do_v not_o see_v perverseness_n in_o israel_n for_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o prophet_n 1●_n habakkuk_n that_o he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v evil_a and_o can_v look_v on_o iniquity_n he_o can_v look_v on_o it_o long_o without_o punish_v it_o as_o well_o as_o he_o hate_v it_o always_o why_o then_o do_v some_o confident_o aver_v that_o god_n neither_o punish_v nor_o hate_v sin_n in_o his_o people_n nor_o be_v displease_v with_o they_o for_o it_o thus_o by_o make_v use_n of_o the_o forego_n rule_n we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o natural_a mean_v of_o the_o word_n in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n not_o in_o a_o absolute_a and_o unrestrained_a one_o it_o be_v say_v he_o behold_v not_o iniquity_n in_o jacob_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o favour_v the_o antinomian_a
sometime_o very_o emphatical_a the_o repetition_n which_o some_o think_v to_o be_v needless_a tautology_n be_v very_o useful_a as_o well_o as_o elegant_a what_o be_v more_o frequent_a in_o homer_n the_o father_n of_o poet_n there_o you_o meet_v with_o verse_n and_o half-verse_n over_o and_o over_o again_o and_o the_o commentator_n on_o those_o place_n tell_v we_o that_o his_o frequent_a use_v the_o same_o word_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o his_o style_n be_v natural_a and_o genuine_a as_o in_o common_a discourse_n we_o be_v wont_n to_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n again_o and_o again_o and_o that_o it_o show_v the_o intenseness_n and_o earnestness_n of_o the_o speaker_n that_o it_o argue_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o matter_n as_o well_o as_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v to_o conciliate_v attention_n and_o that_o sometime_o it_o be_v a_o great_a ornament_n and_o elegancy_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v the_o mode_n of_o speak_v then_o in_o use_n and_o according_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o good_a author_n more_o or_o less_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o satisfy_v ourselves_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n when_o we_o find_v the_o same_o thing_n repeat_v in_o the_o bible_n especial_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n which_o far_o exceed_v homer_n in_o antiquity_n that_o reiteration_n of_o the_o word_n in_o gen._n 1._o 27._o god_n create_v man_n in_o his_o own_o image_n in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n create_v he_o he_o shall_v not_o offend_v we_o nor_o that_o in_o moses_n song_n in_o exod._n 15._o 16._o till_o thy_o people_n pass_v over_o o_o lord_n till_o thy_o people_n pass_v over_o nor_o those_o many_o reduplication_n in_o the_o song_n of_o deborah_n and_o barak_n i_o will_v sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n judg._n 5._o 3._o the_o mountain_n melt_v from_o before_o the_o lord_n from_o before_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n ver_fw-la 5._o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o village_n cease_v they_o cease_v in_o israel_n until_o that_o i_o deborah_n arise_v that_o i_o arise_v a_o mother_n in_o israel_n ver_fw-la 7._o awake_v awake_a deborah_n awake_v awake_a ver_fw-la 12._o the_o king_n come_v and_o fight_v then_o fight_v the_o king_n ver_fw-la 19_o the_o river_n of_o kishon_n sweep_v they_o away_o that_o ancient_a river_n the_o river_n kishon_n v_o 21._o at_o her_o foot_n he_o bow_v he_o fall_v and_o lie_v down_o at_o her_o foot_n he_o bow_v he_o fall_v where_o he_o bow_v there_o he_o fall_v down_o dead_a ver_fw-la 27._o to_o sisera_n a_o prey_n of_o divers_a colour_n a_o prey_n of_o divers_a colour_n of_o needlework_n of_o divers_a colour_n of_o needlework_n of_o both_o side_n ver_fw-la 30._o this_o repeat_v and_o reduplicate_v the_o word_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o blemish_n to_o this_o ancient_a song_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o great_a elegancy_n and_o a_o singular_a grace_n to_o it_o this_o anadiplosis_fw-la be_v deem_v a_o very_a become_a figure_n and_o may_v have_v be_v mention_v with_o those_o before_o in_o the_o best_a classical_a writer_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o here_o if_o the_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v in_o they_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o naturalness_n of_o the_o style_n and_o of_o the_o seriousness_n and_o fervour_n of_o the_o speaker_n of_o the_o weightiness_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o like_a we_o can_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o these_o ancient_a write_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o as_o in_o the_o sacred_a history_n of_o this_o book_n so_o in_o homer_n the_o messenger_n whether_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n or_o man_n relate_v his_o errand_n verbatim_o in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o syllable_n usual_o that_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o so_o that_o he_o alter_v it_o not_o in_o the_o least_o in_o this_o as_o in_o several_a other_o thing_n that_o ancient_a poet_n come_v near_o to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n i_o can_v remark_n unto_o you_o also_o that_o that_o excellent_a emperor_n antoninus_n have_v many_o thing_n in_o his_o book_n which_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o style_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n and_o seem_v to_o resemble_v it_o his_o way_n of_o write_v be_v like_o a_o emperor_n short_a but_o pithy_a and_o sententious_a many_o thing_n be_v not_o express_v which_o must_v be_v supply_v and_o understand_v he_o sometime_o use_v word_n and_o phrase_n as_o he_o please_v not_o as_o other_o writer_n be_v wont_a he_o have_v unusual_a way_n of_o express_v himself_o and_o sometime_o he_o coin_v word_n as_o it_o be_v his_o royal_a prerogative_n to_o do_v so_o with_o money_n he_o have_v several_a abrupt_a and_o incoherent_a period_n he_o be_v general_o neglectful_a and_o not_o study_v this_o be_v some_o resemblance_n of_o the_o style_n of_o holy_a scripture_n where_o there_o be_v a_o princely_a brevity_n wherein_o more_o be_v 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it_o have_v in_o it_o the_o same_o phrase_n and_o mode_n of_o speak_v and_o manner_n of_o use_v they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o best_a greek_n and_o latin_a write_n let_v we_o come_v then_o to_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n as_o we_o see_v man_n do_v to_o homer_n and_o virgil._n this_o be_v a_o fair_a request_n any_o man_n will_v say_v and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v now_o you_o see_v that_o if_o any_o thing_n less_o grammatical_a or_o elegant_a occur_v in_o those_o writer_n the_o course_n which_o be_v take_v be_v this_o lexicon_n and_o dictionary_n be_v consult_v the_o master_n of_o grammar_n and_o rhetoric_n be_v advise_v with_o interpreter_n be_v search_v into_o other_o author_n be_v compare_v with_o these_o and_o their_o business_n be_v to_o reconcile_v they_o and_o to_o make_v sense_n of_o these_o poet_n and_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o make_v they_o speak_v well_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o do_v thus_o with_o the_o sacred_a write_n shall_v we_o not_o endeavour_v by_o all_o 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that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o other_o writer_n in_o those_o time_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o old_a way_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o book_n of_o religion_n and_o moral_n be_v not_o orderly_o dispose_v but_o general_o make_v up_o of_o historical_a passage_n and_o wise_a aphorism_n and_o sentence_n and_o as_o for_o the_o gentile_n most_o of_o their_o learning_n be_v not_o more_o accurate_a and_o reduce_v you_o can_v descry_v nothing_o in_o their_o write_n of_o that_o method_n and_o order_n which_o have_v since_o be_v observe_v but_o my_o business_n here_o chief_o be_v not_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v methodise_v but_o to_o defend_v the_o propriety_n of_o its_o language_n or_o rather_o it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n now_o because_o i_o have_v
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 pe●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 th●_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 ●e_n like_o sheep_n have_v gon●_n astr●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 pe●_n 2._o 4._o he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n he_o be_v ●ruised_v for_o our_o iniquity_n the_o chastisement_n of_o our_o peace_n be_v upon_o he_o and_o with_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v isa._n 53._o 5._o the_o true_a nature_n the_o admirable_a method_n and_o the_o inestimable_a worth_n of_o this_o heal_n and_o save_v we_o be_v the_o main_a subject_n of_o these_o inspire_a write_n where_o we_o be_v teach_v likewise_o that_o this_o salvation_n be_v free_a and_o undeserved_a and_o found_v on_o the_o mere_a grace_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o the_o acquist_n of_o any_o merit_n and_o worth_n in_o we_o we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o his_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o god_n ●ath_v set_v forth_o to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n rom._n 3._o 24._o and_o in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o this_o bless_a redeemer_n who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o take_v it_o up_o again_o rise_v from_o the_o grave_a by_o the_o irresistible_a power_n of_o his_o godhead_n and_o after_o a_o few_o day_n ascend_v glorious_o into_o heaven_n from_o whence_o he_o shall_v come_v at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o call_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o a_o account_n for_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n then_o all_o the_o dead_a shall_v hasten_v out_o of_o their_o dormitory_n and_o stand_v before_o that_o great_a tribunal_n and_o receive_v sentence_n according_a to_o their_o past_a behaviour_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o grand_a principle_n of_o our_o faith_n these_o be_v the_o fundamental_a verity_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o they_o be_v original_o fetch_v from_o this_o sacred_a volume_n and_o be_v establish_v and_o confirm_v there_o by_o unanswerable_a argument_n and_o demonstration_n behold_v here_o the_o eminency_n of_o scripture-notion_n see_v the_o transcendency_n of_o these_o excellent_a truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o bible_n here_o be_v thing_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o any_o moral_a write_n afford_v we_o these_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o gracious_a oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o satisfaction_n make_v for_o sin_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n of_o justification_n by_o his_o righteousness_n and_o other_o the_o like_o unparalleled_a discovery_n which_o be_v to_o be_v learn_v out_o of_o scripture_n only_o in_o short_a the_o bible_n be_v the_o standard_n of_o all_o notion_n proposition_n and_o article_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o square_n of_o all_o our_o opinion_n discourse_n and_o argument_n relate_v to_o christianity_n and_o all_o our_o conception_n though_o they_o seem_v never_o so_o sine_fw-la and_o plausible_a be_v of_o little_a worth_n and_o nse_n unless_o they_o be_v regulate_v according_a to_o this._n if_o there_o arise_v any_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n concern_v matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n this_o be_v the_o judge_n that_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o or_o rather_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_n for_o every_o man_n be_v to_o judge_n and_o choose_v and_o the_o rule_n whereby_o he_o be_v to_o guide_v his_o judgement_n and_o choice_n be_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a reason_n or_o conscience_n be_v our_o immediate_a guide_n or_o rule_n but_o then_o we_o must_v have_v a_o mediate_v rule_n that_o be_v a_o guide_n or_o rule_n for_o our_o reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o that_o in_o all_o sacred_a and_o religious_a thing_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o this_o and_o this_o alone_a all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v decide_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v decide_v and_o it_o be_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o this_o rule_n that_o it_o be_v
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 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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 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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
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sober_a sort_n of_o gentile_n and_o so_o in_o many_o other_o place_n thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v absolute_o speak_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o restrain_a sense_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o be_v very_o thoughtful_a and_o inquisitive_a about_o the_o context_n the_o dependence_n the_o connection_n of_o those_o place_n which_o we_o search_v into_o we_o be_v to_o be_v exceed_o mindful_a what_o the_o word_n refer_v to_o what_o coherence_n they_o have_v with_o what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v to_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o we_o must_v careful_o observe_v the_o subject-matter_n for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o proposition_n be_v true_a or_o not_o true_a according_a to_o this_o you_o will_v meet_v with_o several_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v forbear_v to_o mention_v any_o here_o only_o i_o offer_v this_o at_o present_a as_o a_o general_n rule_n for_o guide_v we_o to_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n 3._o this_o attentiveness_n and_o care_n must_v be_v exercise_v in_o compare_v one_o place_n with_o another_o or_o with_o divers_a other_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n for_o as_o a_o temple_n intelligent_a person_n right_o suggest_v all_o truth_n be_v consonant_n to_o itself_o and_o all_o be_v pen_v by_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a spirit_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o a_o industrious_a and_o judicious_a compare_v of_o place_n with_o place_n must_v be_v a_o singular_a help_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o one_o rule_n if_o well_o and_o due_o observe_v will_v carry_v we_o through_o most_o of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o bible_n for_o this_o we_o may_v depend_v upon_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n that_o the_o best_a comment_n on_o this_o book_n be_v itself_o wherefore_o let_v
knowledge_n and_o insight_n into_o these_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v here_o contain_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o observe_v and_o practise_v the_o holy_a precept_n of_o this_o book_n this_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o urge_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o come_v to_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n with_o defecate_n and_o purge_v mind_n with_o love_n to_o what_o it_o dictate_v and_o with_o obedience_n to_o it_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o principal_a care_n to_o live_v well_o and_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o excellent_a rule_n all_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o our_o action_n in_o this_o world_n depend_v upon_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o let_v we_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o infallible_a maxim_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o this_o book_n we_o see_v man_n live_v by_o custom_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o other_o or_o by_o their_o own_o opinion_n which_o oftentimes_o prove_v erroneous_a and_o lead_v they_o into_o unwarrantable_a practice_n but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o misguided_a if_o they_o consult_v these_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n this_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n if_o they_o regulate_v their_o action_n by_o this_o exact_a canon_n and_o hereby_o we_o be_v certain_a to_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n in_o this_o holy_a book_n for_o by_o live_v according_a to_o it_o we_o shall_v the_o better_o understand_v it_o by_o mind_v the_o practical_a content_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o its_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n last_o that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o due_a perception_n of_o the_o mean_v of_o what_o be_v deliver_v here_o let_v we_o most_o earnest_o invoke_v the_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n he_o that_o read_v this_o book_n without_o prayer_n can_v never_o expect_v to_o be_v bless_v with_o a_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a work_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o illuminate_v our_o mind_n effectual_o there_o be_v require_v the_o special_a help_n of_o this_o heavenly_a instructor_n to_o direct_v we_o into_o truth_n wherefore_o he_o be_v call_v 13._o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o 20._o the_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o whereby_o we_o know_v all_o thing_n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indict_v these_o holy_a write_n must_v enlighten_v our_o mind_n to_o understand_v they_o which_o i_o find_v thus_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o church_n scripture_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o we_o in_o truth_n we_o can_v without_o it_o attain_v true_a saving-knowledg_n and_o a_o learned_a and_o pious_a son_n of_o our_o mother_n give_v his_o suffrage_n in_o these_o word_n country-parson_n wicked_a man_n however_o learned_a do_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o feel_v they_o not_o and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o understand_v but_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o write_v they_o see_v then_o a_o spiritual_a illumination_n be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o the_o comprehend_v of_o scripture-truths_n we_o ought_v with_o great_a fervour_n and_o zeal_n to_o request_v it_o we_o ought_v with_o a_o singular_a devotion_n to_o repair_v to_o this_o infallible_a teacher_n and_o with_o mighty_a importunity_n beseech_v he_o to_o 18._o open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o to_o conduct_v our_o reason_n aright_o in_o our_o enquiry_n into_o this_o sacred_a volume_n and_o he_o that_o command_v we_o to_o implore_v his_o help_n will_v certain_o vouchsafe_v it_o to_o all_o sincere_a and_o devout_a supplicant_n the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n shall_v be_v irradiate_v with_o a_o celestial_a beam_n and_o we_o shall_v feel_v a_o internal_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o our_o heart_n communicate_v light_n and_o wisdom_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o this_o bless_a guide_n we_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v in_o our_o search_n and_o endeavour_n this_o divine_a book_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v have_v its_o mystery_n and_o depth_n disclose_v to_o we_o so_o far_o as_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o and_o no_o rational_a man_n ought_v to_o desire_v any_o more_o yea_o as_o it_o be_v with_o some_o of_o those_o that_o have_v study_v for_o the_o philosophic_a elixir_n though_o they_o attain_v not_o to_o it_o yet_o in_o their_o impetuous_a search_n after_o it_o they_o find_v out_o many_o excellent_a thing_n admirable_o useful_a for_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o recompense_n of_o their_o labour_n so_o though_o we_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o some_o grand_a secret_n which_o be_v treasure_v up_o in_o this_o inspire_a volume_n yet_o we_o shall_v not_o fa●l_v of_o some_o choice_a discovery_n that_o will_v make_v we_o amends_o for_o our_o most_o laborious_a inquiry_n we_o shall_v mighty_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n and_o we_o shall_v likewise_o be_v under_o the_o special_a benediction_n of_o heaven_n the_o rabbin_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o r._n jonathan_n write_v his_o targum_fw-la on_o the_o bible_n if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o least_o fly_v light_v upon_o his_o paper_n it_o be_v present_o consume_v with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n but_o though_o this_o be_v romantic_a and_o after_o the_o rate_n of_o the_o rabbin_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o sober_a trutl●_n that_o god_n will_v protect_v we_o in_o read_v and_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n while_o we_o be_v thus_o employ_v nothing_o shall_v disturb_v or_o hurt_v we_o the_o divine_a arm_n will_v defend_v and_o prosper_v we_o and_o we_o shall_v peruse_v this_o book_n with_o that_o happy_a success_n which_o we_o pray_v for_o in_o short_a by_o continual_a converse_v with_o this_o book_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o that_o have_v no_o errata_n we_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o correct_v all_o the_o failure_n of_o our_o notion_n and_o of_o our_o life_n we_o shall_v enrich_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o stock_n of_o excellent_a principle_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n we_o shall_v be_v conduct_v to_o the_o high_a improvement_n of_o knowledge_n and_o sanctity_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o the_o most_o consummate_v happiness_n in_o another_o finis_fw-la book_n write_v by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n john_n edward_n a_fw-la enquiry_n into_o several_a 〈◊〉_d text_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o with_o a_o probable_a resolution_n of_o they_o in_o two_o volume_n in_o 8●_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n i._o with_o a_o continue_a illustration_n of_o several_a difficult_a text_n throughout_o the_o whole_a work_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n ii_o wherein_o the_o author_n be_v former_a undertake_n be_v further_a prosecute_v viz._n a_o enquiry_n into_o several_a remarkable_a text_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o at_fw-fr discoeurs_fw-fr concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n iii_o treat_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o illustrate_v several_a difficult_a text_n occur_v in_o this_o undertake_n all_o sell_v by_o jonathan_n robinson_n john_n taylor_n and_o john_n wyat._n wyat._n plataic_n plataic_n panegyr_n &_o plataic_n plataic_n plataic_n plataic_n orat._n 2._o ad_fw-la nicocl_n nicocl_n panegyr_n orat._n orat._n orat._n ad_fw-la philip._n philip._n panegyr_n ad_fw-la philip._n epist._n ad_fw-la philip._n epist._n ad_fw-la mitylen_n mitylen_n panegyr_n orat._n orat._n plataic_n orat._n 1._o 1._o orat._n ad_fw-la philip._n philip._n panegyr_n orat._n plataic_n orat._n bis_fw-la bis_fw-la olynth_n 1._o 1._o philip._n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d clem._n alex._n in_o protrept_n protrept_n gen._n 9_o 27._o 27._o deut._n 28._o 49_o etc._n etc._n etc._n 1_o king_n 13._o 2._o 2._o antiqu._n 1._o 11._o c._n 1._o 1._o dr._n jackson_n jackson_n dan._n 2._o 2._o temporum_fw-la conscius_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la mundi_fw-la polyhistor_n epist._n ad_fw-la paulin._n paulin._n ver._n 2._o 2._o ver._n 20._o 20._o ver._n 5._o 5._o ibid._n ibid._n john_n 21._o 18._o 18._o ver._n 22._o 22._o earum_fw-la rerum_fw-la quae_fw-la fo●●uitae_n putantur_fw-la praedictio_fw-la atque_fw-la praesentio_fw-la de_fw-fr divinat_fw-la l._n 1._o 1._o lib._n 3._o c._n 8._o 8._o colloqu_n mensal_n mensal_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d orig._n cont_n cel●_n l._n 6._o 6._o lib._n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d isid._n pelus_n ep._n l._n 5._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d just._n mart._n dialog_n cum_fw-la tryph._n tryph._n arnob._n lib._n 1._o 1._o sozom._n l._n 1._o c._n 11._o 11._o gr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mark_v 2
be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o jew_n we●●_n very_o careful_a and_o studious_a very_o exact_a and_o curio●●_n in_o scripture_n by_o which_o mean_v it_o happen_v that_o the●_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 re●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 r●●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 the●_n critical_a note_n and_o remark_n of_o the_o old_a jew_n hau●_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 hen●_n gather_v that_o we_o have_v in_o our_o hand_n the_o same_o he●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 b●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 record●●_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 bein●_n lose_v it_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o ●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 a●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 b●_n reckon_v as_o fabulous_a and_o supposititious_a and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d credit●_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 ma●t●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 jerus●●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 va●●●_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 th●_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 th●_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 hau●_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 ●end●_n his_o auditor_n to_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o read_v it_o and_o ●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 caution●●_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 ●●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 hi●_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 chri●●_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 o●_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 difference_n in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n as_o to_o any_o thing_n considerable_a and_o of_o moment_n it_o touch_v not_o any_o necessary_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o know_v and_o practice_v in_o the_o several_a copy_n the_o same_o historical_a passage_n be_v relate_v the_o same_o miracle_n record_v the_o same_o prophecy_n and_o prediction_n the_o same_o doctrine_n law_n and_o precept_n set_v down_o and_o that_o without_o any_o vary_a so_o that_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_a we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v the_o true_a authentic_a copy_n of_o the_o first_o original_a write_n and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v and_o be_v still_o in_o