philo_n speak_v of_o this_o very_a matter_n be_v a_o prelude_n to_o empire_n and_o government_n yea_o he_o run_v this_o too_o far_o add_v that_o he_o be_v clear_o of_o the_o opinion_n though_o he_o may_v be_v laugh_v at_o for_o it_o that_o 〈◊〉_d he_o only_o can_v be_v a_o perfect_a complete_a king_n who_o be_v well_o skill_a in_o the_o shepherd_n art_n and_o by_o take_v care_n of_o lesser_a animal_n have_v learn_v how_o to_o preside_v over_o great_a one_o but_o though_o this_o be_v extravagant_a and_o not_o become_v that_o learned_a man_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o sober_a truth_n that_o a_o retire_v contemplative_a life_n such_o as_o the_o pastoral_n be_v in_o those_o day_n be_v a_o good_a preparative_a to_o public_a action_n and_o business_n according_o moses_n when_o he_o have_v be_v forty_o year_n a_o shepherd_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o feed_v israel_n and_o to_o spend_v the_o remain_v forty_o year_n in_o that_o employment_n to_o which_o purpose_n he_o be_v send_v back_o by_o god_n into_o egypt_n to_o be_v a_o deliverer_n to_o that_o oppress_a people_n and_o to_o conduct_v they_o into_o the_o promised_n land_n be_v arrive_v there_o he_o deliver_v his_o message_n to_o pharaoh_n and_o earnest_o solicit_v he_o to_o attend_v to_o it_o and_o to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o the_o king_n of_o king_n which_o when_o he_o after_o several_a offer_v of_o compliance_n at_o last_o refuse_v moses_n with_o the_o israelite_n 27._o forsake_v egypt_n not_o fear_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o king_n who_o they_o know_v will_v soon_o pursue_v they_o and_o this_o their_o valiant_a and_o undaunted_a captain_n by_o a_o miraculous_a hand_n lead_v they_o safe_a over_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o place_v they_o out_o of_o all_o danger_n of_o the_o egyptian_n who_o present_o after_o they_o see_v lie_v dead_a upon_o the_o shore_n and_o this_o be_v the_o man_n who_o be_v their_o constant_a leader_n in_o the_o wilderness_n here_o he_o be_v their_o only_a guide_n their_o counsellor_n their_o oracle_n 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of_o st._n augustine_n i_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o move_v i_o not_o that_o he_o find_v the_o gospel_n i._n e._n the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o papist_n be_v wont_a to_o infer_v from_o these_o word_n and_o frequent_o quote_v they_o to_o this_o purpose_n no_o the_o father_n meaning_n be_v this_o that_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n he_o believe_v the_o book_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v very_o that_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o scope_n of_o it_o for_o he_o speak_v there_o of_o the_o copy_n or_o write_n not_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o good_a father_n rely_v on_o this_o that_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o know_v and_o honest_a person_n as_o the_o church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o do_v assert_v the_o evangelical_n write_n to_o be_v the_o write_n of_o such_o as_o be_v real_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a and_o not_o corrupt_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o same_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o of_o those_o that_o immediate_o succeed_v they_o several_a of_o which_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n this_o be_v the_o external_n testimony_n give_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v the_o general_a persuasion_n and_o attestation_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o these_o be_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n immediate_o direct_v by_o the_o spirit_n who_o therefore_o can_v not_o err_v it_o be_v usual_a heretofore_o among_o the_o pagan_a lawgiver_n 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the_o giant_n in_o those_o time_n the_o universal_a flood_n the_o build_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n i_o have_v propound_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a argument_n which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o will_v now_o choose_v out_o another_o for_o the_o sake_n chief_o of_o the_o learned_a and_o curious_a which_o i_o purpose_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o yea_o to_o make_v the_o subject_a of_o my_o whole_a ensue_a discourse_n i_o consider_v then_o that_o we_o have_v in_o this_o matter_n not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n but_o of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n and_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o vouch_v by_o all_o man_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o enemy_n be_v most_o considerable_a the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o beside_o these_o witness_n there_o be_v other_o there_o be_v the_o attestation_n of_o foreigner_n and_o adversary_n these_o full_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a bible_n we_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o heathen_a writer_n to_o confirm_v many_o of_o the_o thing_n relate_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o both_o profess_a heathen_n and_o jew_n for_o we_o must_v now_o look_v upon_o these_o latter_a as_o profess_a enemy_n when_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_a concern_v attest_v sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o vouch_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o they_o here_o than_o i_o will_v distinct_o proceed_v and_o first_o begin_v with_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o let_v you_o see_v in_o several_a particular_n that_o even_o the_o pagan_a world_n give_v testimony_n to_o this_o sacred_a volume_n
agree_v with_o this_o author_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o 4._o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a and_o constant_a opinion_n among_o the_o eastern_a people_n that_o some_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o judea_n about_o that_o time_n and_o have_v the_o universal_a sway_n and_o reign_v over_o the_o world_n 12._o josephus_n the_o jewish_a historian_n relate_v the_o same_o and_o acquaint_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a rumour_n and_o vogue_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o one_o of_o their_o own_o country_n shall_v be_v a_o universal_a emperor_n which_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o forecited_n author_n apply_v to_o vespasian_n because_o he_o conquer_v the_o jew_n and_o with_o titus_n come_v from_o judea_n in_o triumph_n to_o rome_n other_o jew_n think_v this_o common_a fame_n be_v mean_v of_o herod_n assert_v he_o to_o be_v the_o person_n foretold_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o to_o be_v the_o expect_a messiah_n these_o be_v the_o herodian_o mention_v in_o mat._n 22._o 16._o thus_o though_o through_o 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shall_v not_o 〈◊〉_d destroy_v dan_o 7._o 14._o which_o be_v express_o apply_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o angel_n from_o heaven_n luke_n 1._o 33._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n this_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v to_o come_v to_o redeem_v and_o save_v mankind_n be_v set_v forth_o as_o a_o king_n or_o great_a lord_n and_o prince_n one_o that_o shall_v â—ear_v sway_n in_o the_o world_n and_o wield_v his_o sceptre_n over_o all_o nation_n hence_o this_o rumour_n be_v spread_v among_o the_o eastern_a people_n and_o especial_o about_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n birth_n that_o a_o great_a lord_n or_o king_n shall_v arise_v in_o those_o part_n and_o spread_v his_o dominion_n over_o the_o world_n hence_o those_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a writer_n beforeâ—_n mention_v speak_v of_o this_o great_a ruler_n and_o monarch_n who_o be_v no_o other_o than_o our_o lord_n christ_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n this_o they_o have_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o bible_n where_o it_o be_v so_o often_o foretold_v that_o a_o king_n shall_v arise_v and_o gain_v a_o universal_a empire_n over_o mankind_n to_o this_o we_o may_v refer_v that_o which_o 94._o suetonius_n report_v and_o he_o quote_v his_o author_n for_o it_o that_o a_o few_o month_n before_o augustus_n be_v bear_v there_o be_v this_o public_a prodigy_n viz._n a_o proclaim_v of_o this_o that_o parturire_fw-la nature_n be_v bring_v forth_o a_o king_n to_o the_o roman_a people_n whereupon_o the_o senate_n be_v alarm_v and_o fright_v make_v a_o strange_a decree_n that_o no_o one_o bear_v that_o year_n shall_v be_v educate_v this_o prodigy_n without_o doubt_n refer_v to_o christ_n who_o birth_n be_v in_o augustus_n reign_n this_o be_v the_o king_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v to_o all_o the_o world_n which_o be_v then_o in_o a_o manner_n subject_a to_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v call_v the_o roman_a people_n so_o the_o sibylls_n oracle_n or_o prophecy_n be_v of_o a_o middle_a nature_n and_o consideration_n and_o therefore_o be_v just_o to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o this_o place_n as_o they_o be_v borrow_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o belong_v indeed_o to_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o as_o they_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o maiâ—_n thing_n in_o the_o new-testament_n they_o be_v reducible_a to_o this_o i_o will_v consider_v they_o first_o as_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old-testament_n this_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v strange_a at_o first_o because_o the_o opinion_n of_o writer_n have_v run_v a_o other_o way_n but_o after_o i_o have_v plain_o lay_v the_o matter_n before_o you_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o offer_v will_v easy_o gain_v your_o assent_n and_o then_o it_o will_v rather_o seem_v strange_a that_o it_o be_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o embrace_v before_o there_o have_v be_v these_o four_o opinion_n among_o the_o learned_a 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thereby_o to_o signify_v to_o the_o gentile_n the_o approach_n of_o christ._n but_o of_o the_o other_o work_v of_o the_o sibylls_n viz._n those_o that_o be_v afterward_o quote_v by_o some_o of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v not_o the_o same_o opinion_n and_o esteem_n but_o think_v they_o be_v make_v and_o compile_v or_o in_o plain_a term_n forge_v by_o some_o christian_n particular_o the_o gnostic_n this_o be_v a_o very_a odd_a account_n of_o the_o sibylls_n and_o show_v that_o the_o learned_a author_n of_o it_o be_v in_o a_o great_a straight_o he_o be_v first_o willing_a to_o reject_v the_o christian_n from_o be_v the_o composer_n of_o those_o write_n which_o some_o have_v assert_v and_o yet_o it_o seem_v afterward_o he_o retract_v that_o sentiment_n and_o be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o christian_n themselves_o forge_v and_o counterfeit_v these_o sibylline_a oracle_n but_o if_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o author_n of_o some_o part_n of_o these_o write_n than_o i_o ask_v how_o come_v they_o to_o insert_v thing_n savour_v of_o heathen_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o if_o the_o christian_n be_v compiler_n of_o a_o other_o part_n of_o these_o verse_n how_o come_v they_o to_o insist_v in_o the_o step_n of_o the_o former_a and_o to_o add_v some_o thing_n as_o be_v say_v in_o favour_n of_o those_o pagan_a corruption_n but_o i_o dismiss_v this_o as_o a_o divide_a and_o distracted_a opinion_n beside_o that_o i_o can_v see_v why_o the_o jew_n may_v not_o as_o well_o have_v produce_v the_o bible_n to_o the_o gentile_n for_o it_o have_v be_v translate_v into_o greek_a a_o tongue_n intelligible_a to_o the_o pagan_a world_n a_o long_a time_n before_o our_o saviour_n come_v that_o have_v be_v more_o authentic_a than_o any_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o of_o their_o own_o compose_v in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n i_o take_v leave_n to_o propound_v a_o other_o opinion_n which_o be_v this_o i_o hold_v that_o these_o ancient_a write_n or_o oracle_n be_v 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prophecy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n which_o they_o derive_v from_o the_o old-testament_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v female_a poet_n among_o the_o pagan_n as_o sappho_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o scruple_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o sibylls_n writ_n in_o verse_n indeed_o the_o looseness_n and_o neglectfulness_n of_o the_o style_n show_v that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o some_o easy_a poet_n that_o they_o be_v pagan_a woman_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o frequent_a allegation_n of_o the_o father_n who_o represent_v they_o always_o as_o such_o and_o produce_v the_o write_n of_o these_o pagan_n as_o a_o proper_a confutation_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o they_o dispute_v against_o and_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v such_o and_o no_o other_o as_o be_v apparent_a from_o what_o you_o shall_v hâ—ar_v afterward_o concern_v erythraea_n and_o the_o cumaean_a sibyl_n now_o concern_v these_o poetic_a pagan_a woman_n i_o assert_v that_o they_o be_v no_o prophetess_n no_o more_o than_o hesiod_n and_o ovid_n and_o other_o pagan_a writer_n beforementioned_a and_o that_o they_o like_o these_o take_v some_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o old-testament_n which_o also_o be_v much_o fame_v and_o talk_v of_o and_o digest_v they_o into_o number_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o in_o their_o verse_n there_o be_v very_o notable_a testimony_n concern_v our_o saviour_n there_o be_v mention_v many_o considerable_a circumstance_n of_o his_o birth_n life_n miracle_n passion_n death_n resurrection_n ascension_n and_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n but_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o these_o be_v speak_v by_o they_o from_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n than_o to_o believe_v that_o orpheus_n and_o homer_n be_v inspire_v when_o they_o refer_v to_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n
josephus_n who_o be_v kill_v a_o little_a before_o the_o final_a overthrow_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n relate_v not_o to_o any_o one_o who_o have_v be_v slay_v already_o but_o they_o be_v a_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o last_o of_o all_o the_o martyr_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o last_o temple_n and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o that_o nation_n such_o a_o zachary_n the_o son_n of_o baruch_n be_v kill_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o temple_n as_o the_o jewish_a historian_n assure_v we_o but_o first_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o christ_n speak_v of_o something_o that_o have_v already_o happen_v not_o of_o something_o that_o be_v to_o come_v it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o a_o future_a but_o a_o aorist_n and_o so_o denote_v what_o have_v be_v do_v before_o not_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v afterward_o therefore_o christ_n word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o one_o that_o have_v be_v in_o time_n pass_v kill_v by_o the_o jew_n second_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o christ_n speak_v of_o some_o very_a holy_a man_n who_o violent_a death_n be_v record_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o you_o find_v this_o zacharias_n join_v with_o abel_n of_o who_o you_o read_v in_o gen._n 4._o 8._o and_o for_o that_o reason_n we_o may_v infer_v that_o this_o baruch_n be_v not_o mean_v here_o three_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o the_o blood_n of_o this_o person_n who_o josephus_n speak_v of_o may_v be_v call_v righteous_a blood_n as_o this_o be_v here_o for_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o civil_a account_n that_o that_o son_n of_o baruch_n be_v put_v to_o death_n viz._n because_o he_o be_v think_v to_o take_v part_n with_o the_o roman_n and_o so_o he_o can_v be_v well_o parallel_v with_o abel_n you_o see_v how_o improbable_a the_o foresay_a opinion_n be_v therefore_o i_o choose_v to_o embrace_v that_o of_o st._n jerom_n and_o some_o lightfoot_n learned_a man_n of_o late_a who_o conceive_v that_o this_o zacharias_n be_v he_o who_o be_v mention_v in_o 2_o chron._n 24._o 20._o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o zechariah_n the_o son_n of_o jehoiada_n the_o priest_n who_o stand_v above_o the_o people_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n why_o etc._n etc._n and_o they_o conspire_v against_o he_o and_o stone_v he_o with_o stone_n at_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o king_n in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o joash_n the_o king_n remember_v not_o the_o kindness_n which_o jehoiada_n his_o father_n have_v do_v to_o he_o but_o slay_v his_o son_n this_o be_v the_o person_n who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o and_o the_o shed_n of_o who_o righteous_a blood_n he_o impute_v to_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o age._n he_o you_o slay_v say_v he_o for_o though_o it_o be_v say_v the_o king_n slay_v he_o because_o he_o command_v he_o to_o be_v slay_v yet_o it_o be_v say_v likewise_o the_o people_n slay_v he_o because_o they_o not_o only_o conspire_v against_o he_o as_o you_o read_v but_o actual_o stone_v he_o and_o this_o they_o do_v in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v between_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o his_o blood_n may_v just_o deserve_v the_o epithet_n of_o righteous_a and_o he_o may_v just_o be_v reckon_v with_o righteous_a abel_n because_o he_o lose_v his_o life_n in_o a_o righteous_a cause_n because_o with_o great_a boldness_n and_o zeal_n he_o reprove_v the_o people_n for_o their_o sin_n but_o especial_o for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o foretell_v they_o what_o misery_n these_o will_v certain_o bring_v upon_o they_o for_o this_o zealous_a freedom_n of_o his_o they_o take_v away_o his_o life_n this_o be_v a_o very_a eminent_a man_n among_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v in_o their_o write_n remarkable_a story_n concern_v he_o not_o only_o relate_v to_o his_o life_n but_o his_o death_n they_o kill_v he_o be_v both_o a_o priest_n and_o a_o prophet_n and_o before_o the_o temple_n and_o on_o the_o day_n of_o expiation_n and_o from_o several_a other_o circumstance_n his_o murder_n be_v aggravate_v in_o the_o talmud_n this_o be_v zachâ—riaâ—_n the_o son_n of_o jehoiada_n but_o call_v here_o the_o son_n of_o barachias_n because_o it_o be_v common_a to_o have_v two_o name_n among_o the_o jew_n his_o father_n name_n be_v both_o jehoiada_n and_o barachias_n he_o be_v call_v in_o the_o chronicle_n the_o son_n of_o jehoiada_n and_o by_o our_o saviour_n the_o son_n of_o barachias_n but_o in_o this_o it_o be_v likely_a christ_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o word_n of_o isaiah_n chap._n 8._o 2._o zachariah_n the_o son_n of_o jereberechiah_n or_o barachiah_o as_o the_o septuagint_n and_o vulgar_a latin_a give_v it_o we_o it_o appear_v hence_o that_o barachiah_n as_o well_o as_o jehoiadâ—_n be_v his_o father_n name_n as_o our_o christian_a rabbi_n make_v it_o clear_a thus_o our_o saviour_n word_n be_v reconcile_v with_o those_o in_o the_o chronicle_n by_o attend_v to_o what_o i_o before_o observe_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o scripture_n to_o affix_v two_o name_n to_o the_o same_o person_n one_o be_v give_v he_o in_o one_o place_n and_o another_o in_o the_o other_o so_o that_o in_o mark_n 2._o 25_o 26._o may_v be_v understand_v have_v you_o never_o read_v what_o david_n do_v when_o he_o have_v need_v and_o be_v a_o hunger_a how_o he_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o abiathar_n the_o highpriest_n and_o do_v eat_v the_o shewbread_n if_o you_o look_v into_o 1_o sam._n 21._o you_o will_v see_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o ahimelech_n the_o highpriest_n which_o ahimelech_n it_o seem_v be_v call_v also_o abiathar_n otherwise_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o have_v use_v that_o name_n which_o i_o will_v yet_o further_o confirm_v to_o you_o by_o some_o other_o instance_n jerubbaal_n and_o gideon_n be_v the_o same_o man_n judg._n 6._o 32._o ch._n 7._o 1._o achish_n and_o abimelech_n be_v one_o person_n 1_o sam._n 21._o 11._o and_o the_o title_n of_o the_o 34th_o psalm_n so_o be_v araunah_n and_o ornan_n 2_o sam._n 24._o 1_o chron._n 21._o caleb_n and_o carmi_n be_v the_o same_o 1_o chron._n 2._o 18._o ch._n 4._o 1._o so_o be_v joah_n and_o etham_n 1_o chron._n 6._o 21_o 41._o amminadab_n and_o izhar_n 1_o chron._n 6._o 2_o 22._o joel_n and_o vashni_n 1_o sam._n 8._o 2._o 1_o chron._n 6._o 28._o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o daniel_n and_o chileab_n 1_o chron._n 3._o 1._o 2._o sam._n 3._o 3_o of_o ammiel_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 2_o sam._n 11._o 3._o 1._o chron._n 3._o 5._o thus_o jeâ—oiakim_n &_o eliakim_n 2_o king_n 23._o 34._o 1_o chron._n 3._o 15._o ahaziah_n and_o azariah_n be_v name_n of_o the_o same_o king_n 1_o chron_n 3._o 11._o and_o 2_o chron._n 22._o 6._o 〈◊〉_d and_o ishboshetâ—_n be_v the_o same_o son_n of_o saul_n 2_o sam._n 2._o 8._o 1_o chron_n 8._o 33._o mephibosheth_n and_o meribbaal_a be_v the_o same_o son_n of_o jonathan_n 2._o sam._n 4._o 4._o 1_o chron._n 8._o 34._o zimri_n and_o zabdi_n be_v one_o man_n 1_o chron._n 2._o 6._o jos._n 7._o 1._o esarhaddon_a and_o asnappar_n be_v the_o same_o ezr._n 4._o 2_o 10._o so_o be_v salmanassar_n and_o shalman_n 2_o king_n 18._o 34._o hos._n 10._o 14._o zerubbabel_n and_o sheshbazzar_a be_v the_o same_o person_n ezra_n 1._o 8._o compare_v with_o ezra_n 5._o 14._o jehoahaz_n and_o shallum_n be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o same_o king_n as_o appear_v from_o compare_v 2_o king_n 23._o 30._o with_o jer._n 22._o 11._o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n who_o be_v call_v sennacherib_n 2_o king_n 18._o 13._o be_v call_v sargon_n isa._n 20._o 1._o yea_o we_o find_v three_o or_o four_o name_n give_v to_o one_o as_o moses_n father-in-law_n be_v call_v jethro_n exod._n 3._o 1._o ch._n 4._o 18._o jothor_n by_o the_o septuagint_n exod._n 3._o 1._o raguel_n by_o the_o same_o interpreter_n exod._n 2._o 18._o revel_v in_o the_o same_o place_n according_a to_o the_o original_a hobab_v numb_a 10._o 29._o and_o i_o remember_v 5._o josephus_n say_v his_o name_n be_v jethlegé_fw-fr of_o solomon_n the_o same_o be_v observable_a beside_o that_o name_n he_o have_v three_o other_o give_v he_o for_o we_o find_v that_o he_o be_v call_v jedidiah_n 2_o sam._n 12._o 25._o lemuel_n prov._n 31._o 1._o coheleth_fw-he eccl._n 1._o 1._o which_o last_o be_v render_v ecclesiaste_n and_o preacher_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o dispute_n there_o be_v why_o solomon_n be_v call_v so_o especial_o in_o the_o feminine_a gender_n but_o if_o we_o take_v it_o to_o be_v his_o proper_a name_n than_o all_o question_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v at_o
record_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n for_o either_o as_o we_o say_v before_o concern_v moses_n they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o through_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n that_o foresee_v these_o thing_n or_o else_o they_o be_v add_v by_o some_o other_o inspire_a writer_n so_o perhaps_o be_v those_o word_n unto_o this_o day_n ch_n 4._o v._n 9_o &_o ch_n 5._o v._n 9_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a at_o all_o to_o believe_v so_o for_o joshua_n relate_v some_o passage_n that_o happen_v a_o good_a while_n before_o he_o write_v this_o book_n which_o be_v a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n may_v speak_v after_o this_o manner_n very_o well_o and_o some_o few_o other_o word_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v insert_v after_o ioshua_n death_n but_o that_o the_o main_n be_v write_v by_o himself_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o question_v the_o history_n of_o the_o judge_n follow_v which_o relate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a people_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n from_o ioshua_n death_n until_o eli_n that_o be_v about_o three_o hundred_o year_n these_o judge_n be_v man_n of_o heroic_a spirit_n raise_v up_o by_o god_n out_o of_o the_o several_a tribe_n to_o govern_v the_o people_n and_o to_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o present_a danger_n they_o be_v supreme_a ruler_n but_o temporary_a and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v type_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o deliverer_n in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o peculiar_a polity_n of_o the_o israelite_n there_o be_v very_o notable_a occurrence_n which_o be_v faithful_o record_v in_o this_o book_n here_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o gross_a impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o that_o new_a generation_n which_o come_v up_o after_o ioshua_n death_n here_o be_v record_v to_o their_o perpetual_a infamy_n their_o intimate_v converse_n with_o those_o idolatrous_a people_n that_o be_v leave_v remain_v in_o that_o land_n their_o approve_v of_o their_o superstitious_a and_o irreligious_a custom_n and_o their_o serve_v their_o go_n here_o be_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o manner_n of_o their_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a practice_n which_o occasion_v the_o very_a heathen_n to_o open_v their_o mouth_n against_o they_o yea_o to_o blaspheme_n god_n who_o name_n they_o be_v call_v by_o here_o also_o we_o have_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o heaven_n towards_o this_o people_n sometime_o relieve_v and_o deliver_v they_o at_o other_o tâ—mes_v most_o severe_o chastise_v they_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o groan_v under_o tyrant_n and_o oppressor_n here_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o history_n most_o admirable_a example_n of_o god_n displeasure_n against_o apostate_n and_o such_o as_o revolt_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o here_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_a as_o memorable_a instance_n of_o his_o reward_v those_o that_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o his_o cause_n and_o hold_v fast_o their_o integrity_n in_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o perilous_a time_n here_o be_v most_o ample_o display_v his_o love_n and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o stir_v up_o so_o many_o eminent_a worthy_n and_o champion_n to_o fight_v for_o she_o and_o to_o push_v they_o on_o by_o no_o less_o than_o a_o extraordinary_a impulse_n of_o spirit_n to_o enterprise_n and_o effect_v such_o mighty_a thing_n for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o choose_a servant_n to_o conclude_v here_o and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n occur_v such_o a_o plenty_n of_o ancient_a rite_n custom_n and_o practice_n relate_v both_o to_o peace_n and_o war_n to_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n as_o be_v able_a to_o stock_n a_o antiquary_n of_o the_o first_o size_n we_o be_v not_o certain_a who_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n it_o be_v write_v by_o samuel_n say_v the_o talmudist_n and_o it_o may_v be_v after_o one_o of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o some_o thing_n be_v here_o mention_v or_o refer_v to_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o there_o other_o say_v it_o be_v not_o compose_v till_o ezrâ—'s_n time_n by_o ezra_n the_o book_n of_o ruth_n be_v a_o appendix_n to_o that_o of_o the_o judge_n in_o who_o time_n the_o thing_n be_v do_v that_o be_v here_o relate_v particular_o a_o little_a before_o eli_n time_n they_o happen_v than_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o famine_n in_o canaan_n elimelech_n and_o his_o wife_n naomi_n and_o their_o son_n go_v into_o the_o land_n of_o moab_n and_o there_o these_o latter_a be_v marry_v one_o to_o ruth_n and_o the_o other_o to_o orphah_n after_o ten_o year_n be_v expire_v elimelech_n and_o his_o son_n die_v whereupon_o naomi_n and_o her_o daughter-in-law_n ruth_n for_o the_o other_o daughter_n stay_v behind_o return_v to_o their_o own_o country_n and_o come_v to_o bethlehem_n be_v kind_o receive_v by_o boaz_n their_o kinsman_n the_o particular_n of_o this_o kind_a reception_n and_o entertainment_n be_v set_v down_o here_o and_o the_o close_a be_v that_o he_o marry_v ruth_n who_o bear_v to_o he_o obed_n who_o be_v the_o grandfather_n of_o david_n it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v but_o a_o private_a history_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v such_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o many_o thing_n worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n viz._n the_o difference_n of_o child_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o regard_v to_o their_o parent_n orphah_n with_o great_a ease_n and_o willingness_n leave_v naomi_n but_o ruth_n cleave_v unto_o she_o the_o prudent_a instruction_n and_o wise_a demeanour_n of_o that_o excellent_a matron_n towards_o her_o daughter_n the_o young_a widow_n though_o i_o must_v needs_o add_v with_o reference_n to_o ruth_n behaviour_n that_o her_o boldness_n and_o almost_o endanger_v of_o her_o chastity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v example_n to_o other_o for_o modesty_n and_o shamefacedness_n be_v the_o proper_a quality_n of_o that_o sex_n wedlock_n be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o by_o they_o with_o such_o peril_n and_o therefore_o this_o dare_a fact_n of_o this_o venturous_a widow_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a instance_n and_o not_o to_o be_v imitate_v by_o other_o female_n here_o be_v remarkable_a the_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o afflict_a the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a the_o reward_n of_o constancy_n and_o obedience_n the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o trust_n in_o he_o beside_o here_o be_v observable_a the_o ancient_n right_o of_o kinsman_n and_o of_o redemption_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o buy_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o decease_a with_o other_o thing_n of_o great_a antiquity_n nay_o this_o be_v more_o than_o private_a history_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o pious_a woman_n ruth_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o obed_n the_o father_n of_o jesse_n the_o father_n of_o david_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o you_o find_v she_o insert_v into_o his_o genealogy_n by_o st._n matthew_n again_o ruth_n a_o moabitish_a woman_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o lot_n be_v a_o type_n or_o rather_o indeed_o a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o private_a concern_v but_o of_o the_o large_a extent_n imaginable_a the_o two_o book_n of_o samuel_n be_v public_a history_n the_o former_a whereof_o contain_v thing_n do_v under_o the_o two_o last_o judge_n eli_n and_o samuel_n and_o under_o the_o first_o king_n who_o be_v saul_n as_o also_o the_o act_n of_o david_n while_o he_o live_v under_o saul_n here_o be_v a_o narrative_a of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o judge_n into_o king_n of_o the_o republic_n or_o aristocracy_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o a_o monarchy_n and_o of_o the_o great_a and_o many_o evil_n which_o they_o suffer_v as_o consequent_a upon_o it_o all_o worthy_a of_o our_o serious_a perusal_n and_o consideration_n here_o be_v a_o account_n of_o their_o new_a king_n be_v be_v depose_v by_o god_n viz._n for_o his_o rash_a and_o profane_a sacrifice_v and_o his_o wilful_a disobey_v the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o total_a destruction_n of_o the_o amalekite_n and_o whatever_o belong_v to_o they_o the_o latter_a book_n â—s_v whole_o spend_v in_o the_o history_n of_o king_n david_n reign_n that_o be_v his_o act_n after_o saul_n death_n these_o â—re_n either_o his_o military_a act_n his_o troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a and_o sometime_o successful_a erterprise_n in_o war_n or_o his_o political_a act_n show_v in_o the_o wise_a administration_n of_o civil_a government_n or_o his_o ecclesiastical_a and_o religious_a undertake_n which_o respect_v 〈◊〉_d church_n of_o god_n in_o those_o day_n with_o these_o be_v mix_v the_o great_a fail_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o that_o king_n which_o be_v as_o particular_o record_v as_o his_o other_o act_n and_o as_o
if_o these_o have_v be_v prophecy_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n they_o will_v have_v be_v communicate_v by_o god_n to_o his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v his_o oracle_n rather_o than_o to_o common_a pagan_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o be_v too_o choice_a secret_n to_o be_v râ—â—ealed_v to_o they_o wherefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old-testament_n which_o be_v spread_v abroad_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o sibylls_n only_a recite_v those_o prophecy_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n be_v you_o to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v prophecy_n of_o their_o own_o it_o be_v true_a the_o pagan_n hear_v of_o these_o prediction_n and_o not_o know_v the_o rise_n of_o they_o attribute_v they_o to_o their_o prophetess_n the_o sibylls_n and_o so_o they_o pass_v for_o the_o sibylls_n oracle_n as_o if_o those_o woman_n make_v and_o indict_v they_o of_o their_o own_o head_n but_o they_o be_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o not_o of_o any_o person_n among_o the_o pagan_n the_o sibylls_n be_v not_o the_o original_a author_n of_o they_o but_o they_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o sibylls_n write_n and_o by_o this_o we_o be_v rid_v of_o all_o the_o hard_a consequence_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o foregoing_a assertion_n we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o have_v these_o thing_n by_o divine_a aâ—â—lation_n or_o by_o the_o help_n of_o some_o evil_a daemon_n we_o need_v not_o dispute_v whether_o they_o can_v be_v endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o yet_o be_v pagan_n in_o their_o persuasion_n and_o vicious_a in_o their_o life_n or_o whither_o if_o they_o be_v act_v by_o a_o diabolick_a spirit_n they_o can_v foretell_v thing_n of_o this_o sacred_a nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o maintain_v either_o of_o these_o because_o we_o can_v solve_v the_o matter_n before_o we_o without_o suppose_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n viz._n by_o hold_v that_o these_o sibylls_n as_o many_o other_o before_o they_o take_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o dress_v they_o up_o after_o their_o own_o fashion_n all_o thing_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o this_o opinion_n and_o we_o be_v press_v with_o no_o absurdity_n insomuch_o that_o i_o have_v wonder_v sometime_o that_o this_o have_v not_o be_v think_v of_o by_o the_o inquisitive_a this_o be_v yet_o a_o far_a evidence_n of_o what_o i_o so_o large_o pursue_v before_o that_o the_o gentile_n insert_v into_o their_o write_n several_a particularâ—_n of_o the_o old-testament_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o evangelical_n write_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o offer_v second_o then_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o sibylls_n oracle_n and_o verse_n as_o they_o be_v a_o signal_n attestation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new-testament_n behold_v here_o the_o main_a thing_n relate_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n plain_o speak_v of_o by_o these_o pagan_n who_o witness_n in_o this_o case_n be_v very_o considerable_a they_o declare_v in_o these_o write_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a change_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o a_o new_a governor_n or_o king_n shall_v arise_v and_o be_v very_o eminent_a cicâ—ro_n frequent_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o the_o sibylls_n and_o the_o roman_a senate_n be_v mighty_o alarm_v with_o it_o and_o be_v afraid_a their_o commonwealth_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o monarchy_n yea_o lentulus_n begin_v to_o take_v heart_n from_o this_o prophecy_n if_o you_o will_v believe_v tully_n and_o sallust_n and_o fancy_v he_o be_v the_o king_n the_o sibylls_n speak_v of_o and_o other_o afterward_o imagine_v that_o julius_n caesar_n or_o augustus_n or_o as_o some_o thought_n vespasian_n or_o titus_n be_v intend_v whereas_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v that_o the_o sibylls_n have_v only_o divulge_v in_o their_o verse_n the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v find_v by_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v know_v at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o world_n if_o we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o allege_v but_o this_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o sibylls_n write_n they_o tell_v we_o in_o their_o mystic_a verse_n that_o a_o little_a child_n shall_v throw_v down_o idolatry_n with_o his_o hand_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o delphic_a daemon_n this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o blessed_a babe_n jesus_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o transcribe_v particular_a passage_n in_o these_o write_n as_o concern_v christ_n miracle_n 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v only_o a_o paraphrase_n on_o that_o prophecy_n concern_v our_o bless_a lord_n in_o isai._n 35._o 5_o 6._o and_o many_o other_o text_n in_o the_o same_o prophet_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o miraculous_a act_n which_o he_o be_v to_o exert_v here_o upon_o earth_n so_o what_o be_v say_v of_o his_o suffering_n 18._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v borrow_v from_o that_o prediction_n in_o isai._n 5â—_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o description_n of_o the_o messias_n suffering_n and_o that_o passage_n reâ—â—ting_v to_o the_o resurrection_n and_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v found_v on_o some_o peculiar_a text_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o messias_n last_o advent_n and_o glorious_a reign_n certain_o it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n that_o these_o person_n attest_v these_o thing_n the_o very_a same_o which_o be_v predict_v in_o the_o old-testament_n and_o which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n this_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o refute_v the_o objection_n and_o cavil_n of_o the_o most_o profess_a adversary_n of_o christianity_n according_o the_o ancient_a christian_n especial_o the_o father_n make_v use_v of_o these_o heathen_a write_n against_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o beat_v they_o with_o their_o own_o weapon_n peruse_v athenagoras_n and_o theophilus_n of_o antioch_n and_o you_o will_v â—ind_v these_o woman_n verse_n high_o commend_v by_o they_o peruse_v alibi_fw-la justin_n and_o 6._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o you_o will_v see_v that_o they_o frequent_o quote_v those_o write_n and_o rely_v on_o they_o in_o their_o dispute_n against_o the_o pagan_n for_o christianity_n so_o do_v tertullian_n so_o do_v origen_n argue_v out_o of_o these_o pagan_a book_n for_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v espouse_v in_o imitation_n of_o these_o learned_a father_n constantine_n the_o great_a in_o 18._o one_o of_o his_o oration_n speak_v very_o reverent_o of_o the_o sibylls_n prediction_n and_o vindicate_v they_o as_o no_o contemptible_a proof_n of_o christianity_n 18._o lactantius_n and_o arnobius_n allege_v they_o to_o prove_v the_o same_o st._n augustin_n quote_v the_o acrostic_n of_o sibylla_n erythraea_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o latin_n thus_o the_o father_n use_v to_o convince_v the_o gentile_n out_o of_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n and_o the_o old_a christian_n constant_o read_v these_o write_n and_o appeal_v to_o they_o in_o their_o discourse_n with_o the_o heathen_n from_o which_o practice_n of_o they_o the_o gentile_n as_o 13._o origen_n testify_v style_v the_o christian_n sibyllist_n yea_o the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v so_o addict_v to_o the_o read_v these_o book_n of_o the_o sibylls_n that_o they_o be_v strict_o 5._o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o future_a upon_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o gentil_n we_o be_v tell_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o emperor_n prohibit_v the_o read_n of_o these_o book_n namely_o because_o they_o thence_o fetch_v many_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o their_o cause_n these_o write_n of_o heathen_a woman_n be_v in_o those_o day_n reckon_v to_o be_v a_o notable_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v no_o forgery_n for_o the_o ancient_a and_o learnede_a father_n as_o well_o as_o other_o christian_a brethren_n will_v not_o have_v quote_v they_o to_o confirm_v the_o christian_a religion_n if_o they_o have_v be_v such_o but_o we_o see_v they_o do_v frequent_o allege_v they_o to_o that_o end_n and_o especial_o in_o their_o dispute_n with_o the_o gentile_n as_o they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o poet_n for_o attest_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old-testament_n as_o have_v be_v show_v you_o so_o they_o cite_v these_o gentile_a