valiant_a leader_n zorobabel_n who_o stock_n and_o virtue_n be_v ennoble_v by_o the_o genealogy_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n he_o have_v with_o he_o the_o high_a priest_n jeschua_n and_o other_o chief_a priest_n and_o levite_n the_o companion_n of_o zorobabel_n their_o leader_n out_o of_o babylon_n and_o he_o have_v also_o all_o that_o be_v pillar_n of_o piety_n among_o all_o the_o people_n these_o be_v the_o man_n design_v for_o the_o settlement_n of_o religion_n not_o only_o for_o the_o present_a time_n but_o for_o the_o eternal_a benefit_n of_o posterity_n from_o who_o they_o know_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v now_o depart_v cap._n 10._o xxxii_o in_o this_o synod_n they_o think_v it_o not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v deliver_v the_o sacred_a authentic_a book_n unto_o the_o church_n but_o the_o manner_n also_o how_o to_o read_v they_o clear_o and_o expound_v they_o be_v most_o prudent_o prescribe_v it_o appear_v by_o the_o learned_a hebrew_n exposition_n of_o that_o place_n in_o nehemiah_n chap._n 8._o vers_fw-la 8._o so_o they_o read_v in_o the_o book_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o give_v the_o sense_n and_o cause_v they_o tâ—_n understand_v the_o read_n that_o in_o the_o public_a synagogue_n they_o read_v first_o the_o text_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n in_o hebrew_n distinct_o and_o understand_o according_a to_o the_o pause_n and_o then_o explain_v it_o in_o the_o chaldee_n which_o be_v now_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n of_o the_o people_n bring_v from_o babylon_n this_o reformation_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n by_o ezra_n be_v not_o unknown_a to_o tertullian_n a_o most_o grave_a writer_n of_o the_o first_o antiquity_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr hab._n mul._n he_o say_v after_o the_o overthrow_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o babylonian_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o judaic_a literature_n be_v restore_v by_o ezra_n chrysostome_n also_o ascribe_v unto_o ezra_n the_o same_o work_n where_o he_o write_v attend_v and_o learn_v god_n mercy_n to_o we_o of_o old_a he_o inspire_v moses_n and_o he_o write_v the_o table_n of_o stone_n he_o determine_v he_o forty_o day_n in_o the_o mount_n and_o again_o so_o many_o day_n that_o he_o may_v give_v he_o the_o law_n in_o after_o time_n he_o send_v prophet_n who_o suffer_v innumerable_a wrong_n war_n rush_v in_o it_o consume_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n the_o book_n be_v burn_v in_o the_o fire_n but_o again_o he_o inspire_v another_o man_n that_o he_o may_v repair_v those_o admirable_a scripture_n i_o mean_v ezra_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o compose_v the_o law_n anew_o out_o of_o their_o relic_n etc._n etc._n hom._n 8._o in_o epist_n ad_fw-la hebr._n cap._n 11._o xxxiii_o now_o and_o henceforth_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o masora_n lay_v the_o work_n be_v begin_v in_o the_o partition_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n in_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o text_n into_o great_a section_n and_o into_o verse_n and_o in_o the_o dinumeration_n of_o they_o as_o also_o of_o the_o letter_n lest_o one_o prick_v or_o tittle_n may_v afterward_o be_v change_v or_o lose_v for_o first_o have_v constitute_v the_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n and_o reduce_v they_o into_o one_o body_n of_o scripture_n they_o divide_v it_o into_o three_o principal_a part_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o law_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o prophet_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o holy_a write_n or_o hagiographa_n this_o division_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o declare_v in_o that_o say_n of_o he_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n concern_v i_o luc._n 24._o 44._o where_o the_o psalm_n be_v put_v for_o all_o the_o book_n in_o that_o part_n entitle_v hagiographa_n out_o of_o which_o also_o some_o thing_n be_v cite_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o fulfil_v elsewhere_o he_o name_v only_o two_o part_n the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v until_o john_n luc._n 16._o 16._o and_o in_o another_o place_n a_o whole_a part_n of_o scripture_n be_v set_v for_o one_o book_n of_o that_o part_n as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n mark_n 1._o 2._o jo._n 6._o 45._o that_o be_v in_o that_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o prophet_n in_o that_o volume_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o that_o which_o be_v cite_v be_v not_o write_v in_o all_o the_o prophet_n but_o in_o one_o of_o they_o the_o first_o in_o mal._n 3._o 1._o the_o other_o in_o isa_n 54._o 13._o thus_o be_v this_o division_n usual_a in_o the_o most_o ancient_a writing_n of_o the_o hebrew_n in_o the_o masora_n when_o any_o word_n be_v find_v only_o thrice_o and_o that_o in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o scripture_n than_o they_o say_v we_o meet_v with_o it_o three_o time_n once_o in_o the_o law_n once_o in_o the_o prophet_n once_o in_o the_o hagiographia_fw-la in_o the_o talmudist_n one_o bind_v up_o the_o law_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o hagiographa_n into_o one_o book_n again_o they_o bring_v unto_o we_o the_o law_n the_o prophet_n the_o hagiographa_n bind_v into_o one_o barabathra_n fol._n 13._o 2._o elias_n levita_n in_o the_o three_o preface_n to_o his_o masore_v where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n and_o their_o labour_n in_o restore_v of_o the_o scripture_n write_v thus_o for_o all_o the_o twenty_o four_o book_n be_v not_o bind_v up_o together_o but_o they_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n conjoin_v they_o and_o make_v three_o part_n of_o they_o the_o law_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o hagiographa_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cap._n 11._o xxxiv_o these_o three_o part_n be_v afterward_o divide_v into_o other_o the_o law_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o history_n be_v subdivide_v into_o five_o book_n which_o be_v entitle_v by_o we_o genesis_n exodus_fw-la leviticus_n number_n deuternomy_n the_o prophet_n be_v subdivide_v into_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o former_a prophet_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o latter_a prophet_n the_o former_a be_v four_o in_o number_n which_o be_v name_v under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n samuel_n and_o king_n or_o so_o call_v because_o in_o these_o book_n it_o be_v treat_v of_o the_o first_o prophet_n in_o these_o samuel_n be_v reckon_v at_o first_o for_o one_o book_n and_o the_o king_n likewise_o for_o one_o which_o afterward_o be_v distinguish_v into_o two_o hence_o samuel_n be_v call_v a_o prophet_n as_o in_o that_o he_o give_v they_o judge_n until_o samuel_n the_o prophet_n act._n 13._o 20._o the_o latter_a prophet_n be_v also_o four_o isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n daniel_n and_o the_o twelve_o lesser_n these_o last_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o book_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v in_o danger_n by_o their_o smallness_n to_o be_v lose_v hence_o be_v that_o to_o be_v take_v act._n 7._o 42._o as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v of_o the_o lesser_a prophet_n to_o wit_n amos_n 5._o 25._o and_o hence_o also_o we_o read_v in_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n those_o eight_o prophet_n be_v bind_v in_o one_o barabathra_n fol._n 13._o 2._o to_o wit_n the_o four_o former_a and_o so_o many_o latter_a before_o mention_v as_o the_o commentator_n there_o explain_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n be_v the_o hagiographa_n and_o they_o be_v style_v in_o the_o hebrew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d write_n by_o a_o synecdoche_n in_o asmuch_o as_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v by_o immediate_a instinct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n or_o by_o prophecy_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o daniel_n and_o esra_n be_v account_v as_o it_o be_v historical_a compose_v the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a instinct_n whither_o also_o pertain_v the_o paralipomena_fw-la or_o chronicle_n who_o author_n esra_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v david_n and_o solomon_n have_v write_v most_o part_n thing_n belong_v unto_o piety_n and_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n in_o adversity_n and_o prosperity_n albeit_o they_o have_v prophetical_a matter_n david_n eminent_o often_o time_n intermix_v the_o five_o small_a book_n which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v likewise_o judge_v as_o didactical_a and_o historical_a the_o hagiographa_n therefore_o at_o first_o be_v account_v nine_o book_n psalm_n proverb_n job_n canticle_n ecclesiaste_n esther_n daniel_n esra_n chronicle_n where_o esra_n comprehend_v also_o nehemiah_n and_o the_o two_o book_n of_o chronicle_n be_v take_v for_o one_o the_o book_n of_o ruth_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n for_o the_o
masora_n be_v not_o the_o same_o person_n but_o the_o masoreth_n as_o they_o see_v the_o use_n of_o the_o accent_n in_o the_o book_n afore_o point_a so_o write_v the_o masora_n of_o they_o gen._n 30._o 19_o upon_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o six_o son_n the_o masoreth_n note_v every_o ben_n before_o makkaph_n have_v pathach_n the_o little_a i._n saegol_n except_o four_o the_o other_o three_o be_v extant_a 1_o sam._n 22._o 20._o 2_o sam._n 9_o 12._o ezek._n 18._o 20._o again_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o accent_n have_v always_o tzere_n except_o six_o which_o with_o a_o accent_n have_v saegol_n just_a as_o if_o they_o be_v before_o makkaph_n the_o place_n be_v cite_v in_o the_o masora_n psal_n 27._o 4._o be_v write_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o masora_n it_o be_v not_o find_v elsewhere_o with_o pathach_n and_o athnach_n if_o these_o masoreth_n be_v also_o the_o printer_n why_o do_v they_o not_o point_v it_o as_o elsewhere_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d psal_n 104._o 34._o what_o they_o find_v in_o their_o book_n that_o they_o note_v cap._n 9_o xx._n there_o be_v infinite_a example_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n and_o the_o whole_a masora_n show_v that_o the_o masoreth_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o the_o vowel_n and_o accent_n but_o only_o note_v what_o be_v before_o invent_v for_o otherwise_o why_o shall_v they_o bring_v in_o so_o many_o anomaly_n to_o perplex_v the_o reader_n when_o they_o may_v easy_o have_v keep_v the_o analogy_n of_o the_o tongue_n but_o their_o office_n only_o be_v to_o note_v the_o form_n of_o the_o sacred_a text_n in_o the_o verse_n word_n and_o letter_n exact_o as_o they_o have_v it_o in_o their_o copy_n and_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v authentic_a to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v remain_v to_o all_o posterity_n uncorrupted_a and_o unchanged_a or_o if_o any_o diversity_n shall_v happen_v by_o mistake_n or_o negligence_n of_o transcriber_n it_o may_v by_o those_o note_n be_v correct_v and_o restore_v cap._n 9_o p._n 72._o xxi_o neither_o be_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o inventor_n of_o the_o point_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o masora_n live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o than_o may_v they_o have_v inquire_v of_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o more_o notable_a anonymy_n and_o diversity_n and_o set_v it_o down_o in_o writing_n that_o so_o posterity_n may_v not_o have_v be_v perplex_v with_o the_o common_a accident_n of_o grammar_n in_o a_o language_n otherwise_o plain_a but_o see_v we_o have_v great_a evidence_n that_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o masora_n and_o consequent_o the_o first_o masoreth_n be_v before_o the_o jewish_a talmud_n and_o that_o a_o long_a time_n for_o they_o be_v by_o the_o talmudist_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ancient_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o this_o part_n also_o of_o the_o masora_n touch_v the_o word_n array_v with_o vowel-point_n and_o accent_n be_v compose_v by_o those_o antiens_fw-la and_o their_o successor_n before_o the_o talmud_n and_o not_o by_o the_o tyberians_n many_a age_n after_o when_o there_o be_v neither_o the_o same_o vigour_n of_o study_n nor_o the_o same_o felicity_n of_o wit_n nor_o so_o great_a convenience_n and_o frequency_n of_o school_n all_o thing_n be_v disturb_v by_o war_n and_o cruel_a persecution_n cap._n 9_o p._n 73._o xxii_o the_o vowel_n point_v seem_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o one_o single_a prick_n a_o prick_n below_o the_o letter_n be_v chireck_n in_o the_o midst_n schurck_n above_o cholem_n be_v double_v below_o the_o letter_n and_o place_v sidewise_o it_o be_v tzere_n and_o by_o confluence_n pathach_n be_v place_v perpendicular_o one_o above_o the_o other_o sheva_n be_v tripled_a in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o triangle_n saegol_n and_o by_o confluence_n kamets_n &c._n &c._n cap._n 9_o xxiii_o in_o the_o talmudical_a book_n nedarim_n fol._n 37._o the_o doctor_n dispute_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o teach_v the_o law_n for_o a_o reward_n some_o affirm_v other_o deny_v other_o distinguish_v some_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o reward_n of_o observation_n and_o inspection_n of_o child_n that_o they_o may_v keep_v home_o repeat_v their_o lesson_n not_o run_v about_o not_o be_v wanton_a be_v lawful_o receive_v another_o r._n jochanan_n say_v it_o be_v also_o lawful_a to_o take_v reward_n for_o teach_v the_o pause_n of_o the_o accent_n the_o gloss_n of_o r._n solomon_n for_o teach_v the_o punctation_n and_o the_o accent_n but_o how_o can_v they_o teach_v these_o if_o indeed_o no_o punctation_n be_v then_o extant_a cap._n 9_o xxiv_o that_o the_o point_n come_v from_o mount_n sinai_n and_o be_v give_v to_o the_o people_n by_o moses_n not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o rabbin_n and_o those_o of_o no_o vulgar_a authority_n have_v determine_v that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o point_n which_o be_v now_o use_v and_o be_v partly_o mention_v in_o the_o masora_n be_v also_o give_v by_o moses_n from_o the_o mount_n they_o do_v not_o affirm_v but_o most_o of_o the_o rabbin_n say_v these_o name_n have_v their_o beginning_n from_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n who_o have_v good_a skill_n in_o both_o tongue_n the_o chaldee_n and_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o chaldee_n language_n or_o the_o syriac_a very_o many_o word_n also_o and_o name_n come_v new_a with_o they_o out_o of_o babylon_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n make_v use_v of_o the_o chaldee_n in_o the_o tradition_n or_o delivery_n of_o the_o point_n and_o the_o masora_n wherhfore_o what_o elias_n object_v from_o the_o syriac_a and_o babybolonic_a name_n of_o zere_n segol_n etc._n etc._n be_v of_o no_o force_n against_o we_o cap._n 9_o xxv_o and_o as_o to_o what_o elias_n say_v that_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o point_n who_o be_v so_o exercise_v and_o skill_v in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n that_o they_o can_v read_v without_o they_o it_o may_v be_v true_a of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n among_o who_o some_o prophet_n be_v intermix_v but_o of_o the_o jew_n universal_o and_o of_o their_o posterity_n when_o prophecy_n cease_v and_o the_o heavenly_a doctrine_n by_o god_n just_a judgement_n be_v decay_v this_o can_v no_o wise_n be_v grant_v as_o all_o time_n do_v testify_v and_o be_v confirm_v by_o experience_n at_o this_o day_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o by_o the_o tradition_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o prophet_n they_o accurate_o keep_v in_o remembrance_n and_o can_v tell_v where_o a_o pause_n be_v to_o be_v make_v or_o the_o speech_n continue_v it_o may_v be_v grant_v of_o the_o prophet_n immediate_o by_o god_n instruct_v but_o that_o the_o follow_a people_n even_o to_o the_o talmudist_n can_v do_v the_o same_o after_o so_o many_o calamity_n and_o persecution_n be_v altogether_o impossible_a what_o humane_a wit_n what_o memory_n be_v able_a to_o retain_v so_o exact_o the_o distinct_a pause_n of_o many_o thousand_o verse_n the_o distinct_a pronunciation_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o word_n so_o that_o no_o error_n shall_v be_v commit_v in_o any_o member_n in_o any_o voice_n or_o vowel_n until_o elias_n tiberian_a masoreth_n who_o can_v believe_v that_o those_o tiberian_o man_n never_o famous_a never_o mention_v with_o honour_n have_v a_o full_a measure_n and_o great_a efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n then_o the_o man_n who_o counsel_n and_o design_n be_v happy_o conduct_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o prophet_n zachary_n maelachy_n and_o esra_n cap._n 9_o xxvi_o plain_o if_o the_o vowell-point_n and_o distinguish_a accent_n be_v add_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o those_o tiberian_o or_o such_o like_a man_n of_o the_o common_a sort_n than_o that_o sense_n which_o the_o read_n of_o the_o vowell-point_n and_o the_o distinguish_a exhibite_n must_v necessary_o be_v of_o humane_a authority_n and_o consequent_o uncertain_a not_o divine_a and_o prophetical_a and_o so_o authentic_a then_o those_o point_n in_o place_n doubtful_a ambiguous_a and_o difficult_a may_v be_v change_v by_o any_o other_o learned_a man_n and_o other_o substitute_v for_o they_o there_o will_v be_v contention_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o learned_a and_o more_o skilful_a in_o correction_n then_o everywhere_o will_v be_v great_a doubt_n the_o same_o word_n by_o reason_n of_o but_o one_o point_n change_v pass_v into_o another_o sense_n then_o the_o text_n consist_v of_o naked_a letter_n will_v be_v like_o wax_n mutable_a into_o divers_a form_n then_o in_o such_o debate_n will_v be_v no_o supreme_a judge_n and_o so_o no_o canon_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o may_v be_v the_o measure_n and_o the_o end_n of_o controvert_v interpretation_n cap._n 9_o xxvii_o nor_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v the_o text_n
in_o the_o letter_n be_v incorrupt_a and_o unchanged_a and_o that_o may_v be_v judge_n for_o the_o vowel_n be_v the_o soul_n give_v life_n to_o the_o distinct_a word_n and_o the_o word_n write_v with_o bare_a consonant_n can_v be_v read_v nor_o understand_v without_o vowel_n and_o especial_o in_o dark_a and_o difficult_a place_n one_o will_v add_v these_o vowel_n another_o those_o as_o every_o own_o shall_v attempt_v to_o draw_v forth_o the_o meaning_n here_o be_v need_n of_o another_o judge_n the_o word_n write_v with_o naked_a letter_n can_v speak_v for_o itself_o the_o greek_a version_n of_o the_o lxx_o differ_v from_o the_o hebrew_n text_n not_o only_o in_o the_o read_n of_o vowel_n but_o letter_n also_o so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v judge_n where_o will_v you_o seek_v another_o shall_v the_o servant_n give_v sentence_n upon_o the_o lord_n the_o wait_a maid_n upon_o her_o royal_a lady_n or_o shall_v the_o live_n and_o most_o clear_a fountain_n be_v try_v by_o the_o taste_n and_o colour_n of_o the_o trouble_a and_o muddy_a stream_n cap._n 9_o xxviii_o the_o other_o opinion_n of_o the_o hebrew_n touch_v the_o author_n of_o the_o masora_n be_v that_o the_o masora_n be_v write_v by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n who_o they_o style_v in_o their_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v the_o great_a council_n gather_v by_o ezra_n the_o priest_n the_o precedent_n thereof_o after_o the_o babylonian_a captivity_n by_o who_o help_n and_o assistance_n he_o restore_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o all_o the_o jew_n purge_v and_o reform_v it_o from_o many_o corruption_n error_n and_o vice_n contract_v in_o babylon_n for_o this_o office_n when_o he_o depart_v from_o babylon_n to_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o king_n artaxerxes_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o king_n letter_n esr_n 7._o not_o long_o after_o he_o the_o king_n send_v away_o nehemias_n also_o as_o a_o most_o faithful_a colleague_n and_o zealous_a assistant_n who_o be_v arm_v with_o the_o royal_a commission_n and_o public_a authority_n promote_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o church_n with_o great_a fervour_n of_o affection_n as_o the_o book_n of_o nehemiah_n show_v cap._n 10._o xxix_o esra_n and_o nehemiah_n associate_v to_o themselves_o other_o of_o the_o prime_a man_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o wise_a so_o that_o the_o whole_a council_n complete_v the_o number_n of_o 120._o man_n which_o council_n be_v of_o most_o worthy_a memory_n frequent_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o hebrew_n hence_o in_o the_o chronicle_n juchasin_n fol._n 13._o it_o be_v read_v of_o this_o counsel_n when_o constitution_n be_v name_v absolute_o they_o be_v from_o esra_n and_o the_o house_n of_o judgement_n of_o esra_n be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o great_a synagogue_n or_o the_o great_a council_n which_o restore_v the_o crown_n unto_o the_o ancient_a estate_n the_o hebrew_n have_v three_o crown_n of_o the_o law_n the_o priesthood_n and_o the_o kingdom_n the_o crown_n of_o the_o law_n i._n the_o study_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o according_a to_o that_o prov._n 8._o 15._o by_o i_o i._o wisdom_n king_n reign_v this_o crown_n esra_n which_o his_o colleague_n reduce_v to_o the_o primitive_a condition_n i._n e._n he_o reform_v the_o ecclesiastical_a commonwealth_n from_o the_o filth_n and_o pollution_n of_o babylon_n and_o reduce_v it_o to_o the_o old_a integrity_n and_o purge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o the_o deceitful_a book_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o from_o all_o corruption_n therefore_o in_o the_o jerusalem_n talmud_n in_o the_o book_n megilla_n c._n 4._o in_o fine_a when_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n arise_v they_o restore_v magnificence_n i._o the_o crown_n of_o the_o law_n than_o who_o magnificence_n none_o be_v great_a don_n isaac_n abarbinel_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d commemorates_n the_o principal_a man_n of_o this_o council_n most_o of_o who_o come_v from_o babylon_n and_o jerusalem_n with_o zorobabel_n the_o catalogue_n say_v he_o of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a council_n be_v hagaeus_n the_o prophet_n zacharias_n the_o prophet_n malachias_n the_o prophet_n zorobabel_n the_o son_n of_o schealtiel_n mordecai_n bilsohan_n ezra_n the_o priest_n and_o scribe_n jehosua_n the_o son_n of_o johotzedek_n the_o priest_n seraja_n realja_n mispar_fw-la bigaeus_n rachum_n bana_n nehemiah_n the_o son_n of_o chacilja_n these_o be_v the_o twelve_o prime_a man_n etc._n etc._n the_o last_o man_n say_v rabbi_n moses_n be_v mâ—jomen_n in_o who_o the_o council_n end_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d simeon_n the_o just_a he_o who_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v the_o great_a alexander_n in_o bis_fw-la priestly_a habit_n and_o incline_v he_o to_o show_v clemency_n towards_o the_o city_n which_o story_n be_v famous_a among_o the_o hebrew_n it_o happen_v according_a to_o their_o account_n in_o the_o four_o year_n after_o the_o build_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n whence_o we_o gather_v that_o the_o man_n of_o this_o synod_n supervive_v beyond_o forty_o year_n all_o this_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o hebrew_n esteem_v this_o synod_n of_o very_a great_a authority_n cap._n 10._o xxx_o the_o head_n and_o precedent_n of_o this_o synod_n ezra_n be_v above_o all_o the_o rest_n furnish_v with_o singular_a gift_n of_o god_n for_o these_o affair_n chief_o be_v he_o expert_a in_o the_o divine_a law_n in_o the_o interpretation_n and_o description_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n most_o exercise_v for_o which_o he_o be_v commend_v esr_n 7._o 6._o he_o be_v a_o ready_a scribe_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o scribe_n he_o be_v call_v not_o so_o much_o à _fw-la scribendo_fw-la from_o write_v as_o from_o declare_v and_o explain_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o interpreter_n of_o book_n a_o doctor_n a_o scribe_n and_o by_o no_o book_n be_v get_v great_a praise_n then_o by_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n whence_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o lawyer_n who_o teach_v and_o interpret_v the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o be_v sometime_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d scribe_n who_o instruct_v the_o people_n sometime_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d skilful_a of_o the_o law_n yet_o proper_o be_v he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o scribe_n who_o do_v write_v letter_n instrument_n book_n contract_n and_o such_o like_a as_o in_o psa_n 45._o 2._o my_o tongue_n be_v the_o pen_n of_o a_o ready_a scribe_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o esra_n be_v excellent_a both-waye_n be_v at_o once_o a_o learned_a expounder_n of_o the_o law_n and_o a_o ready_a writer_n of_o it_o for_o ezra_n have_v prepare_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o do_v it_o and_o to_o teach_v in_o israel_n statute_n and_o judgement_n ez._n 7._o 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hence_o also_o they_o compare_v he_o to_o moses_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o dignity_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o both_o talmud_n and_o he_o be_v just_o name_v ezra_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v help_v st._n jerom_n render_v it_o adjutor_n a_o helper_n xxxi_o ezra_n therefore_o be_v solicitous_a to_o help_v a_o decay_a church_n and_o to_o reform_v it_o distribute_v office_n ecclesiastical_a institute_v sacrifice_n consecrate_a vessel_n appoint_v for_o divine_a use_n celebrate_v solemn_a feast_n proclaim_v fast_n and_o repentance_n cleanse_v the_o people_n from_o the_o wedlock_n of_o stranger_n and_o endeavour_v to_o order_n and_o compose_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o prescript_n of_o divine_a law_n but_o that_o the_o law_n itself_o and_o the_o whole_a sacred_a scripture_n may_v be_v extant_a among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o genuine_a and_o pure_a integrity_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o write_n of_o many_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o true_a and_o whatsoever_o spot_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o incommodity_n of_o their_o long_a captivity_n have_v blemish_v the_o holy_a letter_n may_v be_v strip_v off_o there_o be_v great_a need_n of_o mature_a advice_n of_o the_o provident_a care_n of_o learned_a man_n exercise_v perfect_o in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o of_o the_o vigorous_a aid_n of_o many_o assistant_n to_o this_o purpose_n he_o have_v with_o he_o divine_a colleague_n endue_v with_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n haggaeus_n malachias_n nehemias_n who_o fervent_a and_o most_o ardent_a affection_n be_v testify_v open_o by_o their_o holy_a sermon_n he_o have_v with_o he_o that_o most_o
nerve_n that_o he_o may_v bring_v into_o order_n what_o be_v pervert_v so_o do_v all_o the_o scribe_n who_o follow_v he_o and_o correct_v these_o book_n with_o all_o possible_a care_n until_o they_o leave_v they_o most_o perfect_a by_o number_v the_o section_n verse_n word_n and_o letter_n the_o full_a and_o defective_a word_n the_o irregular_a and_o regular_a and_o so_o forth_o whence_o they_o be_v also_o style_v sophorim_n numberer_n and_o make_v of_o these_o the_o book_n of_o masora_n cap._n 11._o thirty-nine_o this_o be_v the_o common_a sentence_n of_o the_o hebrew_n that_o the_o masora_n proceed_v from_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n and_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o elias_n as_o in_o his_o foresay_a three_o preface_n he_o acknowledge_v lo_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o many_o that_o ezra_n the_o scribe_n and_o his_o council_n namely_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n make_v the_o masora_n the_o punctation_n and_o accent_n upon_o the_o whole_a bibles_n so_o it_o be_v and_o one_o shall_v scarce_o find_v any_o hebrew_n or_o jew_n give_v his_o voice_n for_o elias_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a his_o reason_n be_v refute_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a rabbin_n thence_o i_o say_v from_o ezra_n have_v the_o masora_n its_o beginning_n and_o rise_v and_o the_o vowel-point_n either_o their_o birth_n or_o renovation_n but_o i_o confess_v the_o masora_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o infinite_a study_n be_v continue_v by_o their_o successor_n many_o age_n until_o it_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o great_a book_n exceed_v for_o its_o quantity_n the_o bibles_n themselves_o as_o elias_n write_v who_o see_v many_o book_n of_o the_o masora_n well_o may_v so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o study_n so_o infinite_a and_o vast_a a_o labour_n require_v both_o a_o long_a time_n and_o many_o hand_n and_o those_o not_o vulgar_o learn_v now_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o the_o holy_a care_n and_o most_o ardent_a zeal_n of_o ezra_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o colleague_n towards_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n favour_v this_o work_n very_o much_o he_o know_v by_o his_o prophetic_a spirit_n that_o the_o last_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n then_o live_v and_o therefore_o nothing_o be_v more_o necessary_a then_o that_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n shall_v be_v conserve_v in_o it_o uncorrupted_a their_o prudence_n and_o care_n it_o be_v to_o prevent_v the_o corruption_n by_o this_o critical_a labour_n whereby_o the_o true_a and_o constant_a writing_n and_o read_v of_o all_o the_o word_n may_v remain_v for_o ever_o and_o indeed_o they_o have_v effect_v it_o as_o none_o can_v deny_v who_o be_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o the_o secret_n of_o this_o study_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o original_a and_o author_n of_o the_o masora_n cap._n 11._o xl._n the_o matter_n of_o the_o masora_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v be_v the_o critical_a or_o censorious_a annotation_n touch_v the_o hebrew_n text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n the_o text_n be_v reckon_v according_a to_o the_o verse_n word_n and_o letter_n the_o verse_n be_v number_v first_o entire_a through_o the_o several_a book_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o in_o the_o pentateuch_n of_o moses_n according_a to_o the_o great_a section_n too_o which_o be_v show_v by_o three_o great_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o withal_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n the_o middle_a verse_n of_o every_o book_n be_v name_v all_o which_o be_v set_v down_o after_o the_o text_n at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o book_n as_o for_o example_n genesis_n have_v 1534_o verse_n and_o the_o middle_a verse_n be_v and_o by_o thy_o sword_n shall_v thou_o live_v chap._n 27._o 40._o exodus_fw-la 1209._o the_o middle_a verse_n speak_v not_o evil_a of_o the_o magistrate_n chap._n 22._o 28._o leviticus_n 859._o the_o middle_a verse_n he_o that_o touch_v the_o flesh_n of_o he_o that_o have_v a_o issue_n chap._n 15._o 7._o number_n 1288._o the_o middle_a verse_n and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o man_n rod_n who_o i_o shall_v choose_v shall_v blossom_v chap._n 17._o 5._o deuteronomy_n 955._o the_o middle_a and_o thou_o shall_v do_v aecord_v to_o the_o sentence_n chap._n 17._o 10._o the_o sum_n of_o the_o verse_n but_o mistake_v in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o whole_a pentateuch_n 5845._o the_o middle_a verse_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n or_o pentateuch_n and_o he_o put_v the_o breastplate_n upon_o he_o levit._n 8._o 8._o the_o verse_n of_o the_o great_a section_n etc._n etc._n this_o hedge_n the_o first_o masoret_n set_v about_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o sacred_a body_n thereof_o may_v not_o be_v maim_v by_o the_o loss_n even_o of_o one_o verse_n cap._n 12._o xli_o again_o the_o verse_n be_v consider_v according_a to_o their_o various_a affection_n in_o the_o word_n and_o letter_n one_o verse_n be_v note_v consist_v of_o two_o and_o forty_o word_n which_o have_v in_o they_o letter_n one_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o it_o be_v read_v jer._n 21._o 7._o two_o verse_n there_o be_v in_o which_o there_o be_v four_o time_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gen._n 22._o 7._o 1_o reg._n 20._o 14._o three_o verse_n there_o be_v which_o have_v each_o eighty_o letter_n one_o be_v num._n 36._o 8._o three_o verse_n in_o every_o one_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d once_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d four_o time_n as_o num._n 11._o 19_o three_o have_v each_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thrice_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d also_o thrice_o as_o exod._n 29._o 5._o three_o begin_v and_o end_v with_o the_o divine_a name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o memorial_n of_o god_n eternal_a essence_n as_o deut._n 31._o 3._o where_o the_o masora_n cite_v the_o other_o two_o there_o be_v four_o verse_n in_o every_o one_o whereof_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v five_o time_n as_o exod._n 40._o 18._o five_o verse_n and_o in_o every_o one_o be_v five_o continue_a word_n of_o two_o letter_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o reg._n 3._o 26._o where_o the_o rest_n be_v cite_v ten_o verse_n wherein_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o 1_o reg._n 7._o 20._o ten_o in_o the_o law_n who_o first_o and_o last_o word_n be_v the_o same_o as_o levit._n 7._o 9_o fourteen_o which_o consist_v only_o of_o three_o word_n as_o gen._n 5._o 6._o exod._n 28._o 13._o where_o the_o rest_n be_v allege_v there_o be_v twenty_o six_o verse_n in_o every_o of_o which_o be_v extant_a all_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o alphabet_n as_o ezek._n 38._o 13._o where_o the_o rest_n be_v quote_v among_o those_o there_o be_v one_o verse_n which_o have_v not_o only_o all_o the_o alphabet_n simple_a but_o be_v enrich_v also_o with_o the_o five_o final_a letter_n and_o that_o be_v soph._n 3._o 8._o but_o let_v they_o beware_v who_o have_v the_o venice_n edition_n lest-they_a weary_a themselves_o too_o much_o in_o seek_v for_o the_o verse_n for_o there_o be_v in_o they_o some_o false_a verse_n cite_v which_o fault_n we_o have_v amend_v in_o our_o edition_n innumerous_a more_o of_o this_o kind_n have_v the_o masoreth_n note_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o verse_n in_o the_o bible_n cap._n 12._o xlii_o in_o the_o word_n the_o masoreth_n note_v first_o the_o genuine_a writing_n and_o read_v of_o they_o where_o any_o diversity_n do_v occur_v 2_o where_o they_o be_v write_v full_o with_o the_o quiescent_a letter_n or_o defective_o without_o they_o three_o their_o seat_n and_o place_n in_o the_o beginning_n middle_a or_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n and_o what_o form_n they_o have_v either_o by_o themselves_o or_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o accent_n four_o their_o structure_n and_o conjunction_n with_o other_o word_n or_o composition_n with_o servile_a letter_n five_o their_o signification_n where_o be_v any_o ambiguity_n six_o they_o often_o note_v word_n different_a in_o vowel_n and_o accent_n where_o any_o peculiar_a observation_n or_o difference_n seem_v to_o require_v it_o and_o to_o all_o these_o they_o add_v both_o the_o number_n how_o often_o and_o the_o place_n where_o every_o one_o be_v exstant_fw-la cap._n 13._o xliii_o the_o write_n and_o read_v be_v call_v by_o the_o masoreth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o a_o word_n be_v otherwise_o write_v in_o the_o text_n by_o letter_n and_o note_v in_o the_o margin_n to_o be_v otherwise_o read_v by_o vowel_n or_o when_o a_o word_n be_v write_v abundant_o in_o the_o text_n and_o omit_v in_o read_v or_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v not_o write_v at_o all_o in_o the_o text_n and_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v read_v whence_o arise_v many_o and_o various_a kind_n of_o this_o head_n as_o sometime_o a_o letter_n be_v want_v in_o a_o