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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n law_n life_n sin_n 22,698 5 5.7840 4 true
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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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call_v the_o life_n of_o man_n the_o pilgrimage_n or_o sojourn_v of_o a_o stranger_n give_v it_o also_o the_o denomination_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d warfare_n arrianus_n very_o excellent_o descant_v on_o this_o aphorism_n that_o 24._o every_o man_n life_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o militia_n and_o that_o we_o be_v with_o all_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o soldier_n the_o chief_a part_n of_o which_o be_v to_o do_v all_o that_o our_o commander_n bid_v we_o another_o famous_a moralist_n adorn_v this_o subject_a with_o noble_a reflection_n upon_o it_o 3._o reckon_v upon_o this_o say_v he_o that_o god_n be_v our_o commander_n and_o chief_a captain_n that_o this_o life_n be_v a_o military_a expedition_n that_o every_o man_n be_v to_o be_v a_o arm_a soldier_n etc._n etc._n seneca_n have_v the_o same_o conception_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o once_o and_o again_o resemble_v it_o to_o 96._o the_o state_n of_o war_n and_o the_o exploit_n of_o martial_a men._n as_o soon_o as_o we_o come_v into_o the_o world_n we_o open_v the_o campagne_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n after_o we_o draw_v into_o a_o line_n of_o battle_n and_o we_o be_v continual_o make_v use_n of_o our_o ammunition_n and_o artillery_n till_o at_o length_n death_n raise_v the_o camp_n and_o discharge_v we_o from_o our_o warfare_n several_a passage_n may_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o other_o pagan_a writer_n who_o frequent_o fall_v into_o this_o comparison_n and_o use_v this_o excellent_a metaphor_n and_o very_o fine_o illustrate_v it_o but_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v what_o i_o aim_v at_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o phrase_n and_o expression_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o there_o be_v in_o other_o author_n this_o i_o will_v further_o make_v good_a in_o another_o excellent_a notion_n and_o maxim_n viz._n that_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n be_v free_a but_o that_o all_o vicious_a person_n be_v slave_n the_o style_n of_o scripture_n run_v this_o way_n not_o only_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o david_n desire_v to_o be_v 12._o uphold_v by_o the_o free_a spirit_n of_o god_n i._n e._n by_o such_o a_o divine_a and_o generous_a principle_n as_o will_v make_v he_o act_v with_o the_o great_a freedom_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o where_o sinner_n and_o ungodly_a man_n be_v style_v prisoner_n and_o captive_n once_o and_o again_o as_o in_o zech._n 9_o 11._o isa._n 42._o 6_o 7._o ch_z 49._o 8_o 9_o ch_z 61._o 1._o nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v whether_o these_o place_n speak_v of_o such_o person_n see_v our_o saviour_n himself_o allege_v one_o of_o they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o rest_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v his_o office_n to_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o these_o captive_n luke_n 4._o 18._o i_o e._n to_o offer_v pardon_n to_o sinner_n but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n also_o and_o there_o chief_o this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o freedom_n that_o accompany_v holiness_n and_o the_o servitude_n of_o sin_n be_v express_o declare_v in_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a john_n 8._o 32._o whosoever_o commit_v sin_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n ver_fw-la 34._o if_o the_o son_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a you_o shall_v be_v free_a indeed_o ver_fw-la 36._o the_o whole_a six_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n treat_v of_o this_o very_a thing_n the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o freedom_n from_o it_o by_o christ._n the_o servant_n of_o sin_n mention_v here_o by_o st._n paul_n be_v the_o same_o with_o 19_o the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n who_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o another_o place_n and_o have_v show_v the_o inconsistency_n of_o other_o interpretation_n whilst_o man_n continue_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o addict_v themselves_o to_o their_o vice_n their_o spirit_n their_o soul_n be_v deserve_o say_v to_o be_v in_o prison_n their_o person_n be_v in_o custody_n they_o live_v in_o durance_n and_o thraldom_n they_o be_v continual_o in_o bond_n and_o chain_n they_o be_v fetter_v slave_n and_o vassal_n they_o may_v perhaps_o flatter_v themselves_o and_o vaunt_v of_o freedom_n but_o they_o be_v prisoner_n still_o 19_o they_o promise_v liberty_n but_o be_v themselves_o servant_n of_o corruption_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a true_a religion_n enstate_v man_n in_o a_o real_a and_o substantial_a freedom_n christianity_n be_v 25._o the_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n 17._o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v where_o evangelical_n sanctity_n be_v there_o be_v liberty_n in_o short_a no_o man_n that_o love_v to_o be_v vicious_a and_o life_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o sin_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o freeman_n for_o he_o be_v whole_o at_o the_o command_n of_o his_o lust_n there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a slave_n in_o algiers_n or_o tripoli_n than_o such_o a_o one_o this_n not_o only_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n but_o heathen_a writer_n inculcate_v tully_n defend_v that_o maxim_n quòd_fw-la omnes_fw-la sapientes_fw-la liberi_fw-la &_o stulti_fw-la servi_fw-la and_o enlarge_n on_o it_o most_o admirable_o this_o zeno_n and_o all_o the_o stoic_n maintain_v as_o we_o learn_v from_o zenone_n laertius_n and_o isocrates_n more_o than_o once_o in_o his_o oration_n to_o demonicus_n and_o nicocles_n speak_v thus_o so_o do_v 20._o epictetus_n who_o express_o assert_v that_o vice_n and_o immorality_n be_v the_o great_a drudgery_n and_o slavery_n so_o do_v arrianus_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o 1._o he_o be_v a_o freeman_n who_o live_v as_o he_o will_v i._n e._n who_o make_v the_o rational_a dictate_v of_o his_o will_n the_o rule_n of_o his_o life_n which_o none_o but_o a_o good_a man_n do_v horace_n admirable_a character_n of_o a_o freeman_n be_v worth_a the_o consult_v quisnam_fw-la igitur_fw-la libre_fw-la sapiens_fw-la sibique_fw-la imperiosus_fw-la quem_fw-la neque_fw-la pauperies_fw-la neque_fw-la mors_fw-la neque_fw-la vincula_fw-la terrent_fw-la responsare_fw-la cupidinibus_fw-la contemnere_fw-la honores_fw-la fortis_fw-la &_o in_o seipso_fw-la totus_fw-la teres_fw-la atque_fw-la rotundus_fw-la and_o more_o he_o have_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n which_o acquaint_v we_o what_o apprehension_n the_o moralist_n have_v of_o freedom_n etc._n freeman_n say_v euripides_n be_v very_o rare_a in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o man_n to_o be_v find_v who_o be_v not_o a_o slave_n to_o his_o wealth_n or_o fortune_n or_o some_o other_o thing_n a_o man_n that_o extreme_o love_v his_o money_n be_v 22._o a_o golden_a slave_n in_o socrates_n language_n 11._o that_o be_v the_o worst_a kind_n of_o servitude_n say_v boethius_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v give_v up_o to_o vice_n and_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n 82._o there_o be_v no_o man_n say_v seneca_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v free_a that_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o his_o corporeal_a and_o sensual_a part._n 5._o you_o see_v say_v he_o in_o another_o place_n what_o a_o base_a and_o pernicious_a slavery_n that_o man_n have_v bring_v himself_o into_o who_o suffer_v unlawful_a pleasure_n and_o sorrow_n those_o unconstant_a and_o impotent_a mistress_n to_o domineer_v over_o he_o by_o turn_n thus_o it_o be_v the_o style_n of_o the_o pagan_a as_o well_o as_o inspire_a writer_n that_o goodness_n be_v the_o true_a freedom_n and_o that_o vice_n be_v real_a bondage_n and_o slavery_n so_o that_o other_o notion_n that_o good_a man_n be_v only_o wise_a and_o that_o sinner_n be_v fool_n be_v the_o language_n both_o of_o scripture_n and_o profane_a writer_n moses_n assure_v the_o israelite_n that_o to_o keep_v and_o do_v god_n commandment_n be_v their_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n deut._n 4._o 6._o with_o which_o be_v parallel_n job_n 28._o 28._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o true_a and_o save_a knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v a_o fool_n in_o the_o style_n of_o holy_a writ_n 1._o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o the_o follow_a word_n acquaint_v we_o that_o this_o fool_n be_v one_o of_o a_o vicious_a and_o corrupt_a life_n 13._o this_o their_o way_n be_v their_o folly_n say_v the_o same_o pious_a king_n and_o his_o royal_a son_n have_v learn_v to_o speak_v the_o same_o language_n whence_o in_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n wicked_a man_n and_o fool_n be_v synonymous_n they_o be_v such_o 9_o fool_n as_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o man_n that_o study_v nothing_o but_o his_o unlawful_a gain_n and_o pleasure_n be_v pronounce_v a_o 20._o fool_n by_o he_o who_o thorough_o understand_v the_o right_a measure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o folly_n this_o be_v
the_o best_a nard_n come_v this_o be_v 6._o hartungus_n notion_n but_o then_o the_o word_n shall_v have_v be_v opick_a not_o opistick_a thus_o the_o etymology_n of_o the_o word_n have_v be_v dispute_v but_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o thing_n the_o nard_n itself_o or_o rather_o the_o ointment_n which_o be_v make_v of_o it_o which_o be_v very_o precious_a and_o in_o great_a esteem_n of_o old_a it_o be_v make_v of_o several_a ingredient_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o 2._o pliny_n and_o other_o writer_n viz._n the_o sweet_a cane_n or_o rush_n costum_fw-la amomum_fw-la myrrh_n balsam_n and_o other_o simple_n when_o this_o precious_a compound_v this_o excellent_a aromatic_a which_o be_v very_o costly_a and_o use_v only_o by_o rich_a and_o wealthy_a person_n be_v make_v up_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ●ides_v sincere_o and_o faithful_o prepare_v it_o have_v all_o its_o ingredient_n it_o be_v of_o the_o best_a sort_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o eligible_a derivation_n of_o the_o word_n but_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v it_o be_v of_o the_o evangelist_n make_v for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o greek_a word_n in_o any_o other_o author_n and_o as_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v its_o peculiar_a word_n so_o you_o may_v observe_v it_o have_v a_o peculiar_a way_n of_o use_v some_o word_n which_o yet_o be_v common_a in_o other_o writer_n thus_o inward_a holiness_n or_o inherent_a righteousness_n be_v express_v by_o such_o term_n as_o these_o which_o have_v no_o such_o signification_n in_o any_o other_o writer_n circumcision_n col._n 2._o 11._o crucify_a rom._n 6._o 6._o gal._n 6._o 14._o mortify_v rom._n 8._o 13._o col._n 3._o 5._o die_v rom._n 6._o 2_o 8._o col._n 3._o 3_o resurrection_n eph._n 2._o 6._o eph._n 5._o 14._o col._n 2._o 12._o regeneration_n or_o be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3._o 3._o tit._n 3._o 5._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o renovation_n rom._n 12._o 2._o eph._n 4._o 23._o the_o new_a man_n and_o new_a creature_n 2._o cor._n 5._o 17._o gal._n 6._o 15._o eph._n 4._o 24._o wash_v john_n 13._o 8._o 1_o cor._n 6._o 11._o rev._n 7._o 14._o the_o way_n of_o use_v and_o apply_v these_o word_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v other_o peculiar_a way_n of_o speak_v in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o other_o writer_n as_o the_o engraft_a word_n jam._n 1._o 21._o child_n of_o light_n and_o of_o the_o day_n luk._n 16._o 8._o eph._n 5._o 8._o 1_o thess_n 5._o 5._o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n eph._n 6._o 17._o the_o savour_n of_o death_n 2_o cor._n 2._o 16._o the_o body_n of_o sin_n rome_n 6._o 6._o the_o body_n of_o death_n rom._n 7._o 24._o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n rom._n 8._o 2._o a_o law_n in_o the_o member_n rom._n 7._o 23._o who_o over_o meet_v in_o any_o other_o author_n with_o these_o expression_n conscience_n of_o a_o idol_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 7._o the_o earnest_a of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 5._o the_o unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 20_o 27._o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o of_o the_o letter_n rom._n 2._o 29._o a_o jew_n outward_o and_o a_o jew_n inward_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n who_o ever_o read_v of_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 25_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o phrase_n proper_a to_o scripture_n and_o so_o be_v these_o to_o mortify_v the_o member_n on_o earth_n col._n 3._o 5._o to_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n eph._n 4._o 22._o to_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n to_o reap_v of_o the_o flesh_n to_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n to_o reap_v of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5._o 8._o to_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n rom._n 8._o 1_o 4._o who_o ever_o speak_v after_o the_o follow_a rate_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 29._o to_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n rom._n 3._o 28._o gal._n 2._o 16._o to_o be_v clothe_v upon_o with_o a_o house_n from_o heaven_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 2_o and_o what_o strange_a and_o unheard-of_a expression_n be_v those_o to_o be_v baptize_v or_o wash_v with_o fire_n mat._n 3._o 2._o to_o be_v salt_v with_o fire_n mark_v 9_o 49_o thus_o the_o sacred_a penman_n of_o scripture_n differ_v from_o all_o other_o in_o their_o style_n and_o yet_o herein_o also_o they_o agree_v with_o they_o for_o even_o some_o of_o those_o writer_n differ_v from_o the_o rest_n as_o to_o the_o use_n of_o some_o particular_a word_n and_o phrase_n some_o of_o they_o take_v a_o word_n or_o more_o in_o a_o sense_n that_o it_o be_v not_o take_v in_o by_o any_o other_o there_o be_v word_n in_o homer_n that_o be_v not_o in_o aristophanes_n and_o some_o in_o lycophron_n that_o be_v not_o in_o either_o of_o these_o and_o there_o be_v some_o in_o these_o three_o which_o be_v not_o find_v in_o any_o other_o writer_n whatsoever_o plato_n as_o it_o be_v platone_n observe_v of_o he_o use_v word_n in_o a_o way_n different_a from_o other_o author_n as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o simplex_n and_o in_o other_o place_n for_o pulcher_n and_o sometime_o for_o parvus_fw-la and_o as_o the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v by_o he_o to_o denote_v several_a thing_n so_o he_o use_v different_a word_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o meaning_n as_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o other_o nay_o he_o bring_v in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o same_o author_n observe_v to_o express_v contrary_a thing_n sometime_o there_o be_v some_o ecclesiastic_a word_n for_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o difference_v from_o other_o because_o they_o have_v a_o peculiar_a interpretation_n as_o they_o be_v use_v by_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o synaxis_n which_o among_o christian_a writer_n signify_v either_o the_o sacred_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o temple_n among_o the_o same_o writer_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v the_o same_o signification_n sometime_o but_o they_o have_v no_o such_o sense_n in_o other_o author_n so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v a_o towel_n or_o napkin_n be_v use_v in_o some_o of_o the_o greek_a father_n to_o denote_v the_o express_a image_n or_o likeness_n of_o a_o person_n and_o from_o other_o example_n it_o may_v be_v make_v good_a that_o the_o profane_a and_o ecclesiastic_a use_n of_o a_o word_n be_v far_o different_a there_o be_v thousand_o of_o word_n otherwise_o take_v in_o the_o greek_a father_n than_o in_o classic_a writer_n and_o you_o in_o vain_a look_n for_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o in_o hesychius_n phavorinus_n suidas_n in_o scapula_n constantine_n or_o stephens_n yea_o the_o word_n themselves_o which_o occur_v in_o ecclesiastic_a writer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o profane_a one_o many_o of_o they_o be_v omit_v in_o lexicon_n onomasticks_n etymologick_n and_o glossaries_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o inspire_a writer_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n viz._n to_o use_v peculiar_a word_n and_o phrase_n of_o their_o own_o or_o to_o use_v word_n in_o a_o singular_a meaning_n and_o proper_a to_o themselves_o if_o a_o catachresis_n the_o abuse_n of_o word_n be_v reckon_v by_o the_o greek_a orator_n a_o embellishment_n of_o speech_n certain_o we_o must_v account_v it_o no_o disparagement_n but_o rather_o a_o ornament_n to_o the_o language_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n alter_v the_o use_n of_o some_o word_n he_o may_v make_v use_n of_o what_o word_n he_o please_v he_o that_o bestow_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n know_v how_o to_o apply_v they_o hence_o in_o these_o write_n you_o meet_v with_o some_o new_a word_n and_o singular_a way_n of_o expression_n as_o i_o have_v let_v you_o see_v in_o some_o instance_n and_o many_o more_o i_o may_v have_v add_v wherein_o the_o peculiar_a phraseology_n of_o this_o sacred_a book_n be_v observable_a the_o very_a word_n in_o the_o holy_a style_n be_v precious_a antiquary_n and_o critic_n spend_v much_o time_n in_o mere_a phrase_n but_o they_o never_o employ_v it_o so_o well_o as_o when_o they_o be_v search_v into_o these_o there_o be_v several_a other_o thing_n may_v be_v note_v as_o to_o the_o peculiar_a style_n and_o idiom_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o this_o shall_v suffice_v at_o present_a as_o i_o have_v ●hewed_v before_o that_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n be_v like_a that_o of_o other_o writer_n so_o you_o see_v it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o what_o i_o have_v now_o assert_v that_o the_o holy_a style_n be_v not_o like_a that_o of_o other_o
reasonable_o think_v that_o st._n paul_n though_o he_o be_v a_o hebrew_n by_o parentage_n be_v well_o skilled_a i●_n greek_a it_o be_v his_o native_a tongue_n therefore_o a_o 6._o modern_a critic_n of_o great_a acuteness_n have_v well_o observe_v that_o the_o greek_a tongue_n be_v as_o familiar_a to_o he_o as_o hebrew_n or_o syriac_a shall_v any_o rational_a ma●_n then_o think_v that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o speak_v proper_o and_o grammatical_o nay_o shall_v we_o not_o conclude_v from_o his_o admirable_a write_n that_o he_o know_v how_o to_o pla●e_v his_o word_n and_o to_o speak_v with_o a_o good_a grace_n st._n jerom_n who_o particular_o take_v notice_n that_o st_n pawles_n write_n be_v full_a of_o parenthesis_n transition_n digression_n concise_a and_o abrupt_a say_n yet_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o astonish_a peaker_n and_o ●ov_fw-mi thunder_v as_o often_o as_o he_o speak_v yea_o tho_o on_o the_o 3d_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n he_o hint_n that_o st._n paul_n write_n be_v destitute_a of_o rhetoric_n yet_o at_o pammach_n another_o time_n to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o he_o say_v not_o this_o absolute_o he_o own_v he_o to_o be_v flumen_fw-la eloquentiae_fw-la a_o flood_n or_o rather_o a_o torrent_n of_o true_a eloquence_n eusebius_n who_o be_v a_o good_a judge_n of_o eloquence_n pronounce_v st._n paul_n a_o 18._o most_o powerful_a spokesman_n and_o one_o that_o be_v admirable_o skilled_a in_o the_o whole_a parade_n and_o furniture_n of_o word_n and_o can_v do_v more_o this_o way_n than_o the_o most_o celebrate_a orator_n among_o the_o pagan_n so_o that_o man_n luther_n be_v in_o the_o right_a when_o he_o say_v one_o of_o st._n paul_n '_o s_z word_n contain_v well_o three_o of_o tully_n '_o s_z oration_n in_o fine_a no_o tongue_n can_v express_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o profound_a write_n which_o not_o only_o comprise_v in_o they_o all_o the_o depth_n and_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n and_o astonish_v we_o with_o their_o high_a and_o heavenly_a matter_n but_o moreover_o do_v furnish_v we_o with_o many_o elegancy_n and_o embellishment_n of_o oratory_n with_o many_o florid_n and_o well_o compose_v period_n and_o abound_v every_o where_o with_o a_o most_o win_v eloquence_n with_o the_o charm_n of_o a_o most_o melt_a and_o affectionate_a rhetoric_n insomuch_o that_o in_o some_o of_o his_o epistle_n his_o warm_a blood_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o ink_n he_o write_v with_o and_o every_o leaf_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a membrane_n of_o his_o heart_n beside_o st._n paul_n epistle_n which_o be_v fourteen_o in_o all_o there_o be_v seven_o other_o viz._n one_o of_o st._n james_n two_o of_o st._n peter_n three_o of_o st._n john_n and_o one_o of_o st._n jude_n all_o which_o except_o the_o two_o latter_a of_o st._n john_n be_v call_v catholic_n or_o general_a epistle_n because_o they_o be_v not_o direct_v to_o particular_a church_n in_o one_o place_n but_o to_o the_o disperse_a convert_v through_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n st._n james_n epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o christian_a jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o other_o region_n beside_o judea_n who_o consist_v partly_o of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n carry_v captive_a by_o salmanassar_n king_n of_o assyria_n who_o never_o that_o we_o read_v of_o return_v again_o and_o partly_o of_o the_o two_o tribe_n many_o of_o which_o still_o remain_v in_o exile_n wherefore_o st._n james_n send_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n scatter_v abroad_o the_o two_o main_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v first_o concern_v the_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n which_o be_v to_o be_v undergo_v for_o christ_n sake_n where_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o patience_n under_o those_o great_a trial_n second_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n where_o he_o show_v they_o that_o justify_v faith_n must_v ●e_v know_v and_o manifest_v by_o good_a work_n beside_o many_o excellent_a caveat_n and_o admonition_n be_v intermingle_v touch_v riches_n covetousness_n hear_v the_o word_n swear_v unruliness_n of_o the_o tongue_n envy_n wrath_n pride_n rash_n judge_v of_o other_o self-confidence_n forgetfulness_n of_o god_n sovereignty_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o very_a great_a use_n in_o the_o live_v of_o christian_n especial_o of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n wherefore_o this_o epistle_n be_v chief_o calculate_v for_o such_o st._n peter_n also_o who_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n write_v to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n such_o as_o be_v scatter_v throughout_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n i._n e._n the_o lesser_a and_o bythinia_n five_o province_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n those_o that_o voluntary_o live_v among_o the_o gentile_n ever_o since_o the_o great_a dispersion_n and_o be_v now_o become_v christian_n and_o fare_v the_o worse_a among_o the_o heathen_n and_o obstinate_a jew_n for_o be_v so_o and_o perhaps_o here_o may_v be_v mean_v those_o likewise_o that_o by_o persecution_n be_v drive_v from_o their_o home_n in_o judea_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v stranger_n 1_o epist_n ch_n 1._o v._n 1._o to_o these_o distress_a jew_n or_o of_o what_o kind_n soever_o they_o be_v for_o 89._o st._n augustine_n and_o ribera_n some_o other_o think_v the_o convert_v gentile_n in_o several_a country_n be_v not_o here_o exclude_v he_o write_v his_o first_o epistle_n to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v they_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o they_o have_v hitherto_o make_v and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o great_a proficiency_n in_o it_o and_o to_o comfort_v they_o in_o their_o persecution_n against_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o last_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o duty_n many_o of_o which_o as_o mutual_a love_n patience_z watchfulness_n perseverance_n obedience_n to_o magistrate_n with_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o servant_n to_o their_o master_n of_o husband_n and_o wife_n towards_o one_o another_o of_o spiritual_a pastor_n towards_o their_o flock_n he_o most_o excellent_o though_o brief_o describe_v his_o second_o epistle_n for_o it_o be_v undoubted_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o though_o hugo_n grotius_n or_o he_o that_o publish_v those_o posthumous_n annotation_n labour_n to_o offer_v argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o be_v enervate_v by_o dr._n hammond_n in_o his_o note_n on_o this_o epistle_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o first_o exhort_v the_o believe_a jew_n to_o a_o life_n worthy_a of_o christian_n to_o add_v one_o virtue_n to_o another_o and_o to_o increase_v in_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n he_o assert_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o show_v the_o danger_n of_o backstide_v he_o warn_v they_o against_o heretical_a teacher_n and_o profane_a scoffer_n that_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n of_o who_o he_o give_v a_o very_a lively_a character_n in_o several_a remarkable_a particular_n he_o vouch_v the_o certainty_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n and_o the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thence_o infer_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o that_o last_o catastrophe_n by_o a_o blameless_a life_n and_o conversation_n all_o which_o be_v express_v in_o most_o apt_a and_o choice_a word_n and_o with_o that_o concernedness_n and_o zeal_n which_o become_v so_o eminent_a a_o apostle_n the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n which_o be_v call_v catholic_n or_o general_n as_o be_v write_v to_o all_o the_o christian_a jew_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v be_v partly_o direct_v against_o seducer_n and_o impostor_n who_o he_o call_v antichrist_n rise_v up_o in_o those_o day_n who_o subvert_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n but_o more_o especial_o the_o deity_n and_o humanity_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o simonian_o gnostic_n carpocratian_o cerinthian_o ebioni●es_n and_o other_o mention_v by_o panario_n epiphanius_n and_o haeresib_n austin_n whence_o he_o advise_v the_o christian_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o not_o to_o be_v too_o credulous_a and_o hasty_a in_o embrace_v every_o doctrine_n that_o be_v offer_v they_o he_o have_v observable_a notice_n concern_v the_o grand_a privilege_n of_o adoption_n concern_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n but_o the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v to_o urge_v a_o godly_a and_o righteous_a life_n to_o convince_v those_o who_o be_v call_v by_o christ_n name_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o walk_a answerable_o to_o it_o indeed_o this_o apostle_n be_v force_v as_o st._n james_n before_o be_v to_o write_v on_o this_o subject_n to_o press_v good_a work_n and_o outward_a righteousness_n because_o some_o in_o those_o day_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o licentiousness_n make_v faith_n exclude_v all_o external_n
to_o king_n ptolomee_n by_o the_o foresay_a demetrius_n a_o very_a serious_a man_n and_o it_o be_v assign_v as_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o content_n of_o these_o sacred_a write_n which_o be_v so_o divine_a and_o admirable_a be_v but_o rare_o mention_v by_o the_o historian_n and_o poet_n these_o example_n have_v strike_v a_o terror_n into_o some_o of_o they_o have_v hear_v how_o some_o prophaner_n of_o these_o holy_a thing_n be_v animadvert_v upon_o by_o a_o divine_a hand_n they_o be_v afraid_a to_o record_v any_o passage_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n therefore_o some_o of_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o disguise_v the_o sacred_a story_n and_o to_o stuff_v they_o with_o fabulous_a narration_n that_o they_o may_v scarce_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v borrow_v from_o that_o holy_a book_n last_o the_o devil_n have_v a_o design_n in_o all_o this_o tert●lian's_n 47._o word_n be_v remarkable_a when_o he_o have_v say_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n i._n e._n the_o heathen_a fable_n rite_n and_o usage_n be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n i._n e._n the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o further_o add_v that_o this_o imitate_v of_o the_o truth_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n who_o affect_v sometime_o to_o ape_n god_n and_o what_o he_o do_v this_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o they_o be_v a_o mimical_a fort_n of_o creature_n and_o show_v themselves_o sometime_o diligent_a emulator_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a p●rsons_n and_o thing_n their_o great_a subtlety_n and_o craft_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v here_o for_o when_o they_o bring_v the_o hebre●_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o god_n own_o appointment_n into_o the_o 〈◊〉_d worship_n and_o service_n they_o do_v this_o to_o profane_v they_o and_o ●o_o make_v they_o contemptible_a and_o ridiculous_a they_o do_v it_o that_o those_o divine_a and_o sacred_a thing_n may_v be_v despise_v and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v into_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n so_o 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blemish_v the_o sacred_a history_n to_o obscure_v and_o pervert_v the_o truth_n the_o poet_n turn_v the_o scripture_n into_o fabulous_a narration_n be_v the_o way_n to_o invalidate_v the_o testimony_n of_o they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o seem_v a_o mere_a poetic_a fiction_n a_o dream_n a_o fancy_n that_o have_v no_o real_a bottom_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o the_o devil_n imp_v their_o fancy_n and_o assist_v their_o invention_n and_o help_v they_o to_o change_v the_o truth_n into_o a_o lie_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v rob_v god_n and_o the_o scripture_n of_o their_o honour_n this_o i_o say_v may_v be_v a_o device_n of_o that_o evil_a spirit_n as_o he_o have_v device_n and_o wiles_n of_o all_o sort_n to_o elude_v the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a history_n and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o credit_n of_o divine_a truth_n again_o as_o that_o crasty_n spirit_n design_n by_o this_o mean_n to_o disparage_v yea_o to_o null_a the_o truth_n so_o he_o think_v hereby_o to_o gain_v assent_n to_o falsehood_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o great_a impiety_n imaginable_a for_o when_o truth_n be_v mix_v with_o falshood_n he_o hope_v that_o this_o latter_a will_v be_v entertain_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o former_a and_o when_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a practice_n be_v found_v in_o those_o that_o be_v innocent_a and_o religious_a he_o expect_v that_o these_o shall_v justify_v those_o perhaps_o when_o he_o add_v the_o sacred_a ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o profane_a worship_n of_o the_o gentile_n he_o think_v thereby_o to_o take_v away_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o to_o render_v they_o alike_o so_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o true_a and_o false_a way_n of_o worship_n three_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o introduce_v several_a sacred_a rite_n and_o custom_n into_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v to_o conciliate_v to_o himself_o a_o great_a authority_n and_o esteem_n a_o great_a glory_n and_o repute_n among_o they_o he_o commend_v those_o thing_n to_o the_o pagan_n which_o be_v religious_o use_v and_o even_o by_o god_n own_o people_n and_o prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o this_o he_o do_v to_o inveigle_v the_o pagan_a world_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o admire_v and_o worship_n he_o wherefore_o a_o answer_n may_v easy_o be_v return_v to_o that_o objection_n of_o a_o late_a learned_a writer_n 1._o what_o advantage_n can_v the_o devil_n have_v by_o his_o imitate_v the_o divine_a worship_n he_o ever_o act_v for_o some_o end_n that_o may_v be_v prositable_a to_o himself_o but_o how_o can_v this_o prove_v so_o see_v it_o will_v be_v more_o advantageous_a to_o he_o to_o institute_v a_o worship_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v diametnical_o contrary_a to_o those_o in_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o by_o those_o as_o by_o so_o many_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a character_n his_o herd_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o flock_n of_o the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n the_o answer_n i_o say_v to_o this_o be_v very_o easy_a and_o obvious_a for_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o advantageous_a to_o that_o evil_a spirit_n than_o his_o emulate_v of_o divine_a worship_n and_o appoint_v ceremony_n suitable_a to_o it_o for_o by_o this_o mean_n his_o kingdom_n be_v most_o sensible_o advance_v and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a artifice_n and_o craft_n imaginable_a because_o this_o vile_a fiend_n be_v adore_v even_o whilst_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n seem_v to_o be_v earry_v on_o it_o be_v the_o subtlety_n of_o this_o great_a mimic_n to_o approach_v as_o near_o to_o god_n and_o true_a religion_n as_o he_o can_v to_o make_v use_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o by_o god_n own_o express_a command_n be_v use_v in_o his_o worship_n this_o be_v a_o cunning_a way_n of_o gain_v proselyte_n and_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o his_o worshipper_n thus_o he_o act_v for_o some_o end_n and_o that_o a_o very_a profitable_a one_o too_o certain_o much_o more_o profitable_a to_o he_o than_o if_o he_o have_v institute_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a ceremony_n of_o worship_n for_o these_o will_v too_o palpable_o have_v distinguish_v his_o herd_n from_o the_o true_a flock_n whereas_o those_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o kind_n of_o rivalty_n with_o it_o beside_o this_o fond_a emulation_n in_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o gratify_n of_o his_o first_o proud_a inclination_n and_o aspire_v to_o be_v like_o god_n he_o be_v still_o ambitious_a of_o divine_a honour_n otherwise_o certain_o he_o will_v not_o have_v desire_v to_o be_v worship_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o god_n be_v with_o the_o same_o sign_n and_o badge_n of_o adoration_n hence_o most_o of_o those_o sacred_a rite_n enjoin_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o make_v use_v of_o in_o his_o worship_n by_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v transfer_v by_o satan_n to_o his_o idolatrous_a and_o impious_a worship_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o haughty_a spirit_n which_o thirst_v after_o divine_a honour_n even_o such_o as_o be_v give_v to_o the_o only_a true_a god_n thus_o i_o have_v ample_o show_v you_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o rite_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o great_a truth_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v corrupt_v disguise_a misapply_v and_o abuse_v by_o the_o pagan_n i_o have_v give_v you_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n which_o may_v convince_v you_o of_o this_o and_o render_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o chap._n ix_o the_o author_n assertion_n confirm_v by_o the_o ample_a suffrage_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n consectary_n draw_v from_o the_o whole_a viz._n that_o we_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n admit_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o hold_v that_o the_o jew_n borrow_a all_n or_o most_o of_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
in_o the_o next_o clause_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o almighty_a so_o david_n in_o spirit_n mat._n 22._o 43._o be_v david_n inspire_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o of_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n act_v 2._o 17._o take_v from_o joel_n 2._o 28._o i._n e._n i_o will_v bestow_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o reveal_n of_o mystery_n upon_o they_o for_o of_o this_o it_o be_v principal_o understand_v as_o you_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o follow_a word_n your_o son_n and_o your_o daughter_n shall_v prophesy_v and_o ver_fw-la 18._o on_o my_o servant_n and_o on_o my_o handmaid_n i_o will_v pour_v out_o of_o my_o spirit_n and_o they_o shall_v prophesy_v so_o in_o rev._n 1._o 10._o i_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o have_v great_a revelation_n impart_v to_o i_o three_o the_o dispensation_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o law_n and_o as_o it_o contain_v the_o more_o hide_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n in_o it_o be_v style_v the_o spirit_n thus_o the_o evangelical_n preacher_n be_v call_v minister_n not_o of_o the_o letter_n but_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3_o 6._o i_o e._n not_o of_o the_o law_n but_o of_o the_o gospel_n not_o of_o mere_a external_o of_o religion_n but_o of_o the_o inward_a and_o hide_a secret_n of_o it_o four_o the_o spiritual_a meaning_n of_o what_o christ_n speak_v be_v call_v by_o this_o name_n as_o in_o john_n 6._o 63._o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v you_o must_v not_o understand_v i_o in_o a_o gross_a and_o carnal_a sense_n when_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o must_v eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o drink_v my_o blood_n ver_fw-la 53_o 54._o my_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o you_o shall_v turn_v cannibal_n and_o feed_v upon_o man_n flesh._n no_o this_o eat_v and_o drink_v which_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o to_o you_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o in_o no_o other_o my_o word_n have_v a_o abstruse_a and_o mystical_a meaning_n i_o be_o spiritual_o to_o be_v eat_v and_o drink_v that_o be_v by_o a_o lively_a faith_n only_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v that_o enliven_v that_o which_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o spiritual_a import_n of_o my_o word_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o active_a and_o powerful_a in_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o live_v of_o men._n five_o by_o spirit_n be_v mean_v the_o person_n that_o be_v inspire_v 1_o john_n 4._o 2._o every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v of_o god_n nay_o sixthly_a he_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n but_o real_o be_v not_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v thus_o call_v as_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n i._n e._n teacher_n that_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o inspiration_n who_o be_v call_v false_a prophet_n in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o seduce_v spirit_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 1._o therefore_o discern_v of_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 10._o be_v that_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n whereby_o they_o know_v who_o be_v true_o inspire_v and_o who_o not_o who_o be_v true_a and_o who_o false_a prophet_n and_o as_o the_o person_n pretend_v to_o immediate_a discovery_n from_o the_o spirit_n be_v thus_o style_v so_o the_o ●eigned_a discovery_n or_o revelation_n themselves_o which_o they_o boast_v of_o be_v call_v spirit_n 2_o thess._n 2._o 2._o seven_o the_o word_n spirit_n in_o scripture_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o its_o different_a function_n operation_n disposition_n inclination_n and_o in_o short_a the_o whole_a frame_n and_o state_n of_o it_o 1._o i_o say_v that_o distinct_a part_n of_o man_n which_o be_v call_v his_o soul_n have_v the_o denomination_n of_o spirit_n and_o that_o very_o just_o because_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a or_o immaterial_a be_v into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commit_v my_o spirit_n say_v the_o psalmist_n psal._n 31._o 5._o i_o e._n i_o trust_v thou_o with_o my_o soul_n it_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n prov._n 18._o 14._o ch_n 20._o 27._o eccles._n 3._o 21._o this_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o shall_v return_v to_o god_n eccles._n 12._o 7._o wherefore_o this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o our_o die_a saviour_n into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commend_v my_o spirit_n luke_n 23._o 46._o and_o of_o that_o expire_a martyr_n act_v 7._o 59_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v style_v the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a heb._n 12._o 23._o and_o those_o of_o the_o wicked_a the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 19_o and_o hither_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v that_o of_o st._n james_n ch_n 2._o 26._o the_o body_n without_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n without_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a 2._o the_o vital_a principle_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v term_v the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o life_n gen._n 7._o 22._o especial_o the_o more_o active_a and_o vigorous_a operation_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v so_o call_v josh._n 5._o 1._o nor_o be_v there_o spirit_n in_o they_o whence_o you_o read_v of_o the_o revive_n and_o come_v again_o of_o the_o spirit_n gen._n 45._o 27._o judg._n 15._o 19_o and_o of_o the_o spirit_n be_v refresh_v 2_o cor._n 7._o 13._o and_o give_v spirit_n i._n e._n life_n to_o the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n rev._n 13._o 15._o 3._o the_o understanding_n be_v often_o call_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o when_o you_o read_v of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n this_o latter_a general_o denote_v the_o intellectual_a and_o rational_a part_n of_o man_n and_o the_o more_o exalt_v and_o refine_a operation_n of_o it_o as_o it_o respect_v religion_n luke_n 1._o 47._o 1_o thess._n 5._o 23._o heb._n 4._o 12._o 4._o that_o function_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n which_o be_v call_v conscience_n have_v this_o name_n a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v prov._n 18._o 14._o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o be_v with_o our_o conscience_n rom._n 8._o 16._o 5._o the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v common_o set_v forth_o by_o this_o expression_n thus_o you_o read_v of_o rule_v the_o spirit_n prov._n 16._o 32._o that_o be_v subdue_a and_o well-ordering_a those_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n especial_o you_o read_v of_o a_o new_a spirit_n ezek._n 11._o 19_o ch_n 18._o 31._o of_o a_o contrite_a and_o break_a spirit_n psal._n 34._o 18._o psal._n 51._o 17._o a_o right_a spirit_n psal._n 51._o 10._o which_o be_v principal_o mean_v of_o the_o will_n the_o passion_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o another_o spirit_n numb_a 14._o 24._o may_v be_v understand_v in_o this_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o abovementioned_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n our_o saviour_n pronounce_v those_o bless_a that_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n matth._n 5._o 3._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n john_n 4._o 23._o st._n paul_n profess_v that_o he_o serve_v god_n with_o his_o spirit_n rom._n 1._o 9_o and_o exhort_v we_o all_o to_o be_v servant_n in_o spirit_n rom._n 12._o 11._o in_o all_o which_o place_n the_o word_n spirit_n signify_v either_o the_o will_n or_o the_o hearty_a affection_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o both_o of_o they_o 6._o in_o a_o more_o general_a way_n it_o signify_v the_o nature_n and_o temper_n of_o a_o man_n you_o know_v not_o of_o what_o spirit_n you_o be_v luke_n 9_o 55._o and_o this_o large_a and_o general_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o holy_a style_n 7._o more_o particular_o and_o especial_o it_o denote_v a_o effectual_a and_o operative_a inclination_n power_n and_o ability_n to_o some_o particular_a good_a or_o evil_a whence_o you_o read_v of_o the_o 2._o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n 2._o understanding_n 17._o wisdom_n of_o 1._o meekness_n of_o 7._o fear_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a of_o the_o 8._o spirit_n of_o slumber_n of_o 4._o whoredom_n of_o 3._o antichrist_n and_o of_o a_o 14._o perverse_a spirit_n 8._o the_o rational_a and_o regenerate_v part_n of_o man_n be_v emphatical_o style_v the_o spirit_n and_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v the_o sensual_a and_o unregenerate_a part_n of_o man._n the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a matth._n 26._o
wonderful_a efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o those_o day_n the_o rejection_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o their_o city_n temple_n and_o whole_a nation_n by_o the_o roman_n for_o their_o reject_v and_o crucify_a the_o messiah_n and_o other_o particular_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o none_o of_o the_o lesser_a prophet_n speak_v of_o but_o this_o malachi_n be_v the_o last_o of_o these_o prophet_n yea_o of_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o that_o dispensation_n after_o he_o cease_v vision_n and_o prophecy_n in_o israel_n until_o christ_n appear_v when_o zachary_n simeon_n mary_n elizabeth_n anna_n be_v illuminate_v with_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n he_o prophesy_v about_o 300_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n time_n reprove_v the_o jew_n for_o their_o ungrateful_a and_o wicked_a live_n after_o their_o return_n from_o babylon_n particular_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o rebellion_n sacrilege_n adultery_n profaneness_n infidelity_n but_o especial_o he_o reprehend_v the_o priest_n for_o be_v careless_a and_o scandalous_a in_o their_o ministry_n which_o one_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v authority_n to_o other_o to_o be_v vicious_a at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o forget_v not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o encourage_v the_o pious_a remnant_n in_o that_o corrupt_a age_n who_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o think_v upon_o his_o name_n who_o godly_a converse_n and_o associate_a with_o one_o another_o in_o that_o debauch_a time_n he_o assure_v they_o be_v register_v in_o a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n by_o god_n himself_o this_o prophet_n who_o have_v point_v before_o at_o the_o messiah_n to_o be_v exhibit_v for_o he_o express_o ●aith_n he_o shall_v sudden_o come_v to_o his_o temple_n now_o shut_v up_o his_o prophecy_n and_o indeed_o all_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o remember_v the_o law_n i._n e._n to_o live_v according_a to_o its_o holy_a rule_n and_o injunction_n and_o with_o a_o promise_n of_o the_o come_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v to_o be_v usher_v in_o by_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n i._n e._n by_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o come_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o elias_n luke_n 1._o 17._o and_o so_o this_o close_a of_o the_o old_a testament_n refer_v to_o the_o new_a to_o which_o i_o now_o hasten_v chap._n x._o a_o account_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n the_o peculiar_a time_n order_n stile_n design_n of_o their_o gospel_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n show_v to_o be_v a_o incomparable_a history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n particular_o delineate_v he_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o apostle_n style_n and_o manner_n of_o write_v the_o excellent_a matter_n and_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n st._n peter_n st._n john_n st._n judas_n a_o historical_a series_n or_o order_n be_v not_o observe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n next_o follow_v the_o sacred_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o evangelical_n novel_n the_o new_a law_n of_o christianity_n the_o true_a authentic_o which_o present_v we_o with_o the_o actual_a discovery_n of_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o it_o these_o be_v write_v in_o greek_a for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o joseph_n the_o jew_n choose_v to_o write_v his_o book_n not_o in_o his_o own_o language_n but_o in_o this_o because_o as_o he_o say_v himself_o in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o jewish_a war_n he_o will_v have_v they_o read_v and_o understand_v by_o greek_n and_o roman_n and_o all_o person_n so_o aelian_a be_v a_o roman_a yet_o write_v his_o book_n of_o animal_n and_o various_a history_n etc._n etc._n in_o greek_a because_o this_o be_v the_o universal_a language_n at_o that_o time_n these_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v either_o history_n or_o epistle_n the_o history_n be_v the_o four_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o for_o the_o former_a the_o write_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o extant_a while_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n for_o till_o his_o be_v take_v up_o to_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o consummation_n of_o all_o he_o have_v before_o do_v and_o suffer_v they_o can_v not_o make_v the_o evangelical_n history_n perfect_a but_o afterward_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n resolve_v according_a to_o their_o master_n 8._o order_n to_o go_v and_o preach_v in_o foreign_a region_n and_o to_o disperse_v the_o christian_a religion_n over_o all_o the_o world_n put_v forth_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o write_v before_o they_o go_v about_o this_o great_a work_n st._n matthew_n be_v the_o first_o inspire_a person_n that_o commit_v the_o evangelical_n transaction_n to_o write_v which_o he_o do_v about_o eight_o year_n after_o christ_n passion_n a._n d._n 42._o he_o alone_o of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n say_v st._n evang._n jerom_n 〈…〉_z eusebius_n st._n 1._o augustine_n matlh_n chrysostom_n and_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n write_v his_o gospel_n first_o in_o hebrew_a which_o partly_o appear_v from_o this_o that_o some_o of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n be_v explain_v by_o the_o person_n who_o translate_v it_o into_o greek_a who_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v st._n matthew_n himself_o as_o the_o ancient_n general_o agree_v and_o so_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a copy_n be_v both_o of_o they_o the_o original_n then_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n write_v their_o gospel_n the_o one_o about_o ten_o though_o other_o say_v twenty_o the_o other_o about_o twenty_o some_o say_v thirty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n death_n and_o there_o be_v some_o that_o invert_v the_o order_n and_o give_v the_o priority_n to_o st._n luke_n but_o all_o agree_v that_o st._n john_n be_v the_o last_o of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o write_v towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o first_o century_n but_o as_o for_o the_o punctual_a time_n when_o the_o evangelist_n put_v forth_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v doubtful_a and_o i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o certain_a ground_n whereo●_n we_o may_v ●ix_v a_o satisfactory_a resolution_n of_o the_o doubt●punc_fw-la this_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o write_v 〈◊〉_d st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n have_v what_o they_o write_v from_o the_o relation_n of_o other_o particular_o st._n mark_n who_o be_v st._n peter_n companion_n compose_v his_o gospel_n by_o his_o order_n and_o direction_n and_o with_o his_o especial_a approbation_n say_v eusebius_n again_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o though_o every_o evangelist_n relate_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n yet_o no_o one_o of_o they_o relate_v the_o whole_a truth_n concern_v christ_n life_n and_o action_n though_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v contain_v in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o writer_n yet_o some_o particular_n be_v find_v in_o one_o that_o do_v not_o occur_v in_o another_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o consult_v they_o all_o and_o to_o compare_v they_o together_o as_o for_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n mark_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o they_o do_v not_o always_o observe_v the_o order_n of_o time_n and_o the_o true_a series_n of_o the_o matter_n especial_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v not_o curious_a in_o this_o particular_a but_o as_o for_o th●_n other_o two_o evangelist_n they_o be_v very_o punctual_a and_o inviolable_o observe_v the_o order_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o happen_v except_v only_o that_o parenthesis_n for_o such_o it_o be_v in_o luke_n 3._o 19_o 20._o concern_v herod_n of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n st._n luke_n be_v the_o full_a and_o give_v the_o compleat_a mos●_n circumstantial_a and_o orderly_a relation_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o himself_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o gospel_n in_o those_o word_n to_o theophilus_n it_o se●med_v good_a to_o i_o have_v have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o very_a first_o to_o write_v unto_o thou_o in_o order_n and_o yet_o though_o his_o gospel_n be_v ample_a and_o more_o methodical_a in_o the_o narrative_a or_o history_n than_o the_o rest_n yet_o he_o be_v but_o brief_a in_o relate_v thing_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v till_o the_o last_o year_n of_o his_o preach_v st._n matthew_n have_v be_v full_a in_o they_o and_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n he_o have_v need_n of_o a_o supply_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o more_o especial_o from_o st._n john_n who_o gospel_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o 14_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 17_o contain_v those_o excellent_a discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o passion_n which_o be_v whole_o
omit_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n beside_o that_o this_o evangelist_n in_o the_o entrance_n into_o his_o gospel_n be_v more_o sublime_a and_o soar_v than_o the_o rest_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v represent_v by_o a_o eagle_n assert_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o bold_a heretic_n of_o that_o time_n who_o open_o confront_v that_o doctrine_n and_o in_o other_o place_n of_o his_o write_n he_o have_v a_o peculiar_a strain_n and_o excellency_n which_o mensal_n luther_n express_v thus_o after_o his_o plain_a way_n every_o word_n in_o john_n weigh_v two_o tun_n concern_v the_o evangelist_n i_o may_v note_v this_o that_o though_o they_o do_v not_o all_o of_o they_o set_v down_o the_o very_a individual_a word_n that_o christ_n or_o other_o speak_v for_o we_o see_v that_o sometime_o one_o represent_v they_o in_o term_n different_a from_o the_o rest_n yet_o those_o that_o do_v not_o so_o deliver_v always_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o be_v say_v and_o even_o that_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v sufficient_a and_o concern_v st._n john_n particular_o i_o remark_n this_o that_o see_v he_o be_v the_o last_o of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n i._n e._n he_o write_v his_o gospel_n last_o it_o be_v rational_a upon_o that_o account_n to_o interpret_v the_o other_o evangelist_n by_o he_o namely_o where_o any_o doubt_n or_o controversy_n arise_v for_o he_o have_v peruse_v the_o other_o evangelist_n and_o observe_v what_o exception_n unbelieving_a man_n have_v make_v against_o any_o passage_n in_o their_o write_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o express_v himself_o with_o great_a plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n where_o those_o matter_n be_v concern_v this_o the_o intelligent_a and_o observant_a reader_n will_v find_v to_o be_v true_a if_o he_o consult_v the_o respective_a place_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o give_v a_o particular_a and_o distinct_a survey_n of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o evangelist_n write_n this_o only_o can_v be_v say_v here_o in_o pursuance_n of_o our_o grand_a undertake_n that_o these_o book_n be_v the_o choice_a history_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v because_o they_o contain_v the_o birth_n the_o life_n the_o action_n the_o doctrine_n the_o miracle_n the_o suffering_n the_o death_n the_o resurrection_n the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o most_o compassionate_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n all_o of_o which_o be_v the_o most_o stupendous_a and_o amaze_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o necessary_a matter_n to_o be_v know_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n if_o this_o brief_a and_o summary_n account_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o study_n and_o meditation_n and_o to_o beget_v in_o we_o the_o utmost_a esteem_n of_o they_o nothing_o more_o large_o say_v will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o to_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n belong_v the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o account_n give_v of_o what_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v concern_v in_o viz._n their_o choose_n mathias_n into_o iudas_n room_n their_o meet_v together_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pent●cost_n at_o which_o time_n they_o be_v all_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o christ_n promise_n visible_o descend_v upon_o they_o their_o determination_n in_o the_o council_n hold_v at_o jerusalem_n with_o their_o letter_n which_o they_o send_v to_o the_o church_n abroad_o and_o several_a other_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v joint_o interest_v this_o book_n contain_v also_o the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o its_o happy_a progress_n and_o success_n especial_o among_o the_o gentile_n of_o the_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n it_o encounter_v with_o of_o the_o undaunted_a courage_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o course_n of_o their_o ministry_n of_o their_o disputation_n conference_n apology_n prayer_n sermon_n worship_n discipline_n church-government_n miracle_n here_o we_o be_v inform_v what_o be_v the_o usage_n of_o the_o first_o apostolical_a age_n in_o a_o word_n here_o we_o may_v find_v the_o primitive_a church_n and_o religion_n all_o which_o be_v plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o singular_a usefulness_n worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o this_o book_n but_o it_o be_v chief_o confine_v to_o the_o act_n and_o achievement_n of_o those_o most_o eminent_a apostles_n st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n and_o especial_o and_o most_o large_o here_o be_v relate_v the_o conversion_n travel_n preach_v and_o suffering_n of_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o for_o st._n ●uke_n be_v st._n paul_n companion_n all_o along_o and_o well_o acquaint_v with_o whatever_o he_o do_v and_o whatsoever_o happen_v to_o he_o give_v we_o the_o full_a narrative_n of_o this_o apostle_n the_o whole_a book_n be_v a_o history_n of_o about_o forty_o year_n namely_o from_o christ_n ascension_n to_o the_o second_o year_n of_o st._n paul_n imprisonment_n at_o rome_n the_o new_a testament_n consist_v likewise_o of_o several_a epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v pious_a discourse_n occasional_o write_v more_o full_o to_o explain_v and_o apply_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o confute_v some_o grow_a error_n to_o compose_v difference_n and_o schism_n to_o reform_v abuse_n and_o corruption_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o christian_n to_o holiness_n and_o to_o encourage_v they_o against_o persecution_n for_o the_o apostle_n have_v convert_v several_a nation_n to_o the_o faith_n when_o they_o can_v not_o visit_v they_o in_o person_n write_v to_o they_o and_o so_o supply_v their_o presence_n by_o these_o epistle_n to_o begin_v with_o st._n paul_n epistle_n they_o be_v write_v either_o to_o whole_a church_n viz._n of_o believe_a gentile_n i._n e._n the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v such_o though_o some_o of_o jewish_a race_n may_v be_v mix_v among_o they_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n corinthian_n galatian_n ephesian_n philippian_n colossian_n thessalonian_n or_o of_o believe_v jew_n whole_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n or_o they_o be_v write_v to_o particular_a person_n as_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n titus_n philemon_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a profound_a discourse_n on_o such_o subject_n as_o these_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o rejection_n notwithstanding_o those_o prerogative_n the_o wonderful_a dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o gentile_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o law_n justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o election_n and_o free_a grace_n the_o conflict_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n christian_a liberty_n scandal_n the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o chief_a thing_n which_o he_o design_n in_o this_o epistle_n be_v to_o show_v that_o neither_o the_o gentile_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o jew_n by_o that_o of_o moses_n can_v attain_v to_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n and_o consequent_o salvation_n but_o that_o these_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v only_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o who_o merit_n alone_o we_o be_v account_v righteous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o then_o to_o show_v that_o this_o faith_n be_v not_o separate_v from_o good_a work_n he_o add_v exhortation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n obedience_n of_o life_n and_o a_o religious_a conversation_n so_o that_o this_o epistle_n be_v both_o doctrinal_a and_o practical_a it_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o notion_n and_o in_o our_o manner_n it_o decide_v some_o of_o the_o great_a controversy_n and_o withal_o it_o inform_v we_o about_o the_o most_o indispensable_a office_n of_o christianity_n the_o next_o epistle_n be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o chief_a city_n of_o peloponne●us_n which_o be_v now_o call_v the_o morea_n and_o cenchrea_n which_o you_o read_v of_o rom._n 16._o 1._o act_n 19_o 18._o be_v the_o station_n of_o ship_n for_o this_o maritime_a city_n but_o be_v a_o distinct_a town_n from_o it_o to_o the_o convert_v inhabitant_n of_o this_o great_a metropolis_n fame_v for_o its_o wealth_n and_o therefore_o surname_v the_o rich_a as_o thucydides_n say_v ●ea_n 1._o to_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o achaia_n the_o apostle_n here_o write_v his_o first_o epistle_n to_o they_o be_v against_o the_o unsound_a persuasion_n and_o vicious_a practice_n which_o he_o observe_v among_o they_o at_o that_o time_n his_o design_n be_v to_o reform_v they_o as_o to_o their_o schism_n and_o dissension_n their_o idolatrous_a communion_n their_o unseemly_a habit_n their_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o their_o assembly_n their_o profane_v the_o lord_n supper_n their_o toleration_n of_o incest_n and_o the_o like_a scandalous_a behaviour_n beside_o there_o be_v other_o considerable_a matter_n which_o he_o treat_v of_o as_o marriage_n divorce_n virginity_n eat_v of_o meat_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n christian_a liberty_n go_v to_o law_n before_o heathen_n
one_o where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n the_o gospel_n and_o spiritual_a dispensation_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o the_o letter_n i._n e._n the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n the_o word_n than_o i_o interpret_v thus_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v that_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o bless_a author_n and_o instituter_n of_o that_o evangelical_n and_o spiritual_a oeconomy_n which_o we_o be_v now_o under_o and_o which_o bring_v true_a liberty_n with_o it_o as_o he_o add_v many_o expositor_n labour_v to_o tack_n this_o text_n to_o the_o immediate_o forego_v one_o but_o to_o little_a purpose_n for_o they_o thereby_o make_v the_o sense_n harsh_a and_o distort_a there_o be_v nothing_o there_o to_o which_o this_o passage_n refer_v but_o by_o reduce_v these_o word_n to_o the_o 6_o verse_n as_o it_o be_v not_o unusual_a with_o this_o writer_n to_o allude_v to_o some_o certain_a expression_n a●_n a_o considerable_a distance_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n become_v very_o easy_a and_o intelligible_a viz._n that_o christ_n jesus_n our_o bless_a lord_n be_v clear_o exhibit_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o give_v life_n and_o spirit_n with_o this_o evangelical_n administration_n again_o it_o be_v true_a st._n paul_n style_n be_v very_o full_a and_o run_v over_o sometime_o his_o pen_n be_v frequent_o in_o a_o career_n and_o be_v not_o easy_o stop_v all_o that_o he_o say_v from_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n till_o you_o come_v to_o the_o fifteen_o verse_n be_v but_o one_o single_a period_n and_o in_o some_o other_o place_n he_o spin_v out_o his_o subject_n into_o a_o thread_n of_o almost_o the_o same_o length_n from_o this_o fullness_n of_o matter_n it_o proceed_v that_o he_o make_v so_o many_o excursion_n in_o his_o write_n which_o seem_v sometime_o to_o person_n who_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o his_o sudden_a transition_n to_o be_v very_o incoherent_a thus_o when_o he_o be_v prove_v the_o dignity_n of_o christ_n priesthood_n he_o undertake_v to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o priest_n after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedec_n of_o who_o say_v he_o we_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v heb._n 5._o 11._o but_o yet_o he_o say_v nothing_o of_o he_o till_o the_o seven_o chapter_n the_o remainder_n of_o the_o five_o chapter_n and_o the_o whole_a six_o being_n spend_v in_o a_o long_a digression_n but_o you_o may_v observe_v a_o far_o long_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 3._o v._n 1_o 2._o what_o advantage_n have_v the_o jew_n o●_n what_o profit_n be_v there_o in_o circumcision_n much_o every_o way_n chief_o because_o that_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n where_o you_o see_v he_o begin_v to_o reckon_v up_o the_o advantage_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o i_o conceive_v shall_v not_o be_v translate_v chief_o but_o first_o and_o yet_o here_o he_o name_v but_o one_o of_o they_o for_o a_o objection_n which_o he_o undertake_v to_o answer_v and_o enlarge_v upon_o take_v he_o off_o for_o many_o chapter_n together_o and_o he_o return_v not_o again_o till_o ch_n 9_o v._n 4._o where_o he_o enumerate_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o privilege_n and_o several_a other_o instance_n may_v be_v assign_v of_o his_o launch_n out_o into_o discourse_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v foreign_a to_o his_o purpose_n which_o render_v his_o style_n somewhat_o abrupt_a and_o his_o sense_n intricate_a he_o have_v begin_v a_o comparison_n rom._n 5._o 12._o as_o by_o one_o man_n sin_n enter_v etc._n etc._n but_o then_o he_o strike_v in_o with_o a_o parenthesis_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n which_o hinder_v he_o from_o finish_v what_o he_o begin_v till_o the_o 18_o verse_n even_o so_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o one_o etc._n etc._n nay_o rather_o he_o forsake_v the_o comparison_n and_o rise_v above_o it_o find_v the_o grace_n in_o christ_n jesus_n rise_v high_a than_o the_o condemnation_n that_o come_v by_o adam_n whereas_o he_o begin_v with_o a_o as_o and_o shall_v have_v follow_v it_o with_o a_o so_o he_o turn_v this_o into_o a_o much_o more_o v._n 15_o 17._o and_o then_o at_o last_o come_v about_o to_o complete_a the_o comparison_n as_o he_o have_v first_o begin_v it_o v_o 18._o there_o be_v a_o plain_a parenthesis_n from_o the_o one_a verse_n to_o the_o seven_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n there_o be_v another_o somewhat_o long_o in_o 1_o cor._n 11._o which_o begin_v at_o v_o 23._o and_o last_v to_o the_o 33d_o so_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n ch_n 3._o when_o he_o have_v say_v for_o this_o cause_n i_o paul_n the_o prisoner_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o you_o gentile_n v._o 1._o he_o present_o run_v into_o a_o parenthesis_n which_o continue_v till_o the_o 14_o verse_n where_o he_o leave_v off_o his_o digression_n and_o proceed_v for_o this_o cause_n etc._n etc._n thus_o the_o redundancy_n of_o his_o matter_n and_o sense_n make_v he_o interrupt_v himself_o and_o lard_v his_o discourse_n with_o frequent_a digression_n and_o divert_v his_o reader_n oftentimes_o from_o the_o present_a subject_n he_o be_v upon_o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o no_o man_n that_o be_v master_n of_o any_o eloquence_n himself_o or_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o it_o in_o other_o can_v ●asten_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o illiterate_a blunt_a unfashioned_a language_n upon_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v true_a he_o term_v himself_o rude_a in_o speech_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 6._o whence_o scripture_n one_o gather_v that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o bad_a speaker_n for_o we_o can_v think_v say_v he_o that_o he_o tell_v a_o lie_n out_o of_o humility_n but_o i_o reply_v we_o can_v only_o think_v but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o apostle_n debase_v himself_o here_o out_o of_o christian_a modesty_n as_o when_o he_o style_v himself_o the_o least_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 9_o yea_o less_o th●n_v the_o least_o of_o all_o saint_n eph._n 3._o 8._o will_v any_o one_o say_v that_o he_o tell_v a_o lie_n here_o though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a apostle_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a of_o saint_n beside_o he_o may_v not_o unjust_o style_v himself_o rude_a in_o speech_n in_o this_o respect_n that_o he_o so_o frequent_o treat_v of_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a point_n which_o be_v not_o easy_o express_v but_o be_v and_o must_v be_v clothe_v in_o such_o language_n as_o be_v harsh_a uncouth_a and_o unusual_a when_o he_o discourse_v of_o predestination_n of_o faith_n of_o justification_n of_o the_o last_o time_n of_o the_o son_n of_o perdition_n of_o the_o day_n of_o vengeance_n on_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n yea_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o in_o that_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o his_o speech_n be_v obscure_a and_o that_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o mysterious_a and_o profound_a subject_n which_o he_o insist_o upon_o and_o which_o can_v be_v speak_v out_o plain_o cause_v he_o to_o be_v think_v such_o his_o rudeness_n of_o speech_n may_v be_v understand_v as_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v i._n e._n that_o it_o seem_v such_o to_o some_o person_n though_o it_o be_v not_o really●_n so_o in_o itself_o but_o though_o the_o great_a apostle_n be_v please_v to_o diminish_v himself_o and_o to_o speak_v mean_o of_o his_o way_n of_o write_v and_o discourse_n and_o though_o his_o adversary_n or_o pretend_a friend_n be_v wont_a to_o vili●y_v his_o manner_n of_o speak_v yet_o let_v not_o we_o conceal_v or_o disguise_v his_o excellent_a gift_n of_o express_v himself_o in_o his_o write_n he_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a master_n of_o language_n and_o discourse_n and_o indeed_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v no_o other_o from_o his_o education_n which_o furnish_v he_o with_o all_o sort_n of_o learning_n for_o as_o he_o be_v bear_v at_o tarsus_n so_o it_o be_v likely_a he_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o same_o place_n which_o be_v then_o a_o academy_n and_o thence_o send_v to_o jerusalem_n where_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n so_o that_o he_o be_v master_n both_o of_o heathen_a and_o jewish_a learning_n it_o be_v a_o mistake_n of_o some_o learned_a writer_n of_o very_a great_a note_n that_o st._n paul_n write_n be_v full_a of_o solaecism_n he_o be_v a_o hebrew_n and_o understand_v little_a greek_a this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o mistake_n for_o he_o be_v a_o graecian_a by_o birth_n for_o cilicia_n be_v in_o greece_n and_o 1●_n we_o read_v that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o tarsus_n his_o birth-place_n do_v strive_v to_o equal_v the_o athenian_n in_o the_o study_n of_o good_a letter_n and_o humane_a learning_n we_o may_v then_o
heretical_a persuasion_n to_o be_v gird_v about_o with_o truth_n be_v the_o same_o they_o think_v with_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n or_o the_o embrace_v of_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o exposition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v because_o it_o confound_v this_o piece_n of_o armour_n with_o another_o that_o be_v afterward_o mention_v it_o make_v the_o girdle_n and_o the_o sword_n which_o be_v the_o word_n or_o doctrine_n of_o god_n the_o same_o therefore_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o assert_v that_o truth_n here_o be_v synonymous_a with_o faithfulness_n or_o sincerity_n and_o that_o it_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o hypocrisy_n thus_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n be_v equivalent_a term_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 8._o and_o in_o several_a other_o place_n wherefore_o when_o the_o christian_a soldier_n be_v command_v to_o have_v his_o loin_n gird_v about_o with_o truth_n the_o plain_a import_n of_o it_o be_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v establish_v with_o sincerity_n and_o integrity_n of_o conscience_n hypocrisy_n enervate_v and_o dissolve_v the_o mind_n render_v it_o loose_a and_o unsettled_a but_o uprightness_n and_o faithfulness_n keep_v it_o close_o and_o entire_a make_v it_o firm_a and_o steady_a yea_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v all_o the_o other_o grace_n as_o the_o girdle_n of_o war_n be_v use_v to_o fasten_v their_o clothes_n together_o and_o to_o keep_v their_o loin_n firm_a it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o this_o place_n refer_v particular_o to_o isa._n 11._o 5._o faithfulness_n shall_v be_v the_o girdle_n of_o his_o reins_o this_o truth_n also_o imply_v fortitude_n resolution_n and_o constancy_n that_o they_o will_v never_o revolt_v from_o the_o captain_n of_o their_o salvation_n but_o fight_v under_o his_o banner_n even_o unto_o death_n for_o he_o that_o be_v sincere_a and_o faithful_a will_v do_v so_o this_o be_v the_o first_o martial_a accoutrement_n of_o the_o christian_a soldier_n and_o it_o be_v of_o indispensable_a use_n and_o necessity_n in_o the_o holy_a warfare_n as_o among_o the_o ancient_a warrior_n there_o be_v no_o fight_v without_o the_o military_a girdle_n or_o belt_n whence_o cinctus_fw-la simple_o without_o any_o addition_n be_v as_o much_o as_o test._n miles_n and_o we_o read_v that_o it_o be_v a_o octavio_n punishment_n inflict_v on_o delinquent_a soldier_n to_o expose_v they_o without_o their_o girdle_n to_o make_v they_o stand_v ungirt_v in_o some_o public_a place_n this_o piece_n of_o warlike_a furniture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v so_o considerable_a of_o old_a that_o be_v be_v a_o word_n as_o baeotic_a ●ausanias_fw-la testi●ies_fw-la to_o signify_v all_o sort_n of_o weapon_n for_o war._n it_o be_v often_o mention_v by_o homer_n synecdochichally_n for_o the_o whole_a military_a armour_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o be_v complete_o arm_v the_o girdle_n of_o truth_n which_o this_o great_a commander_n here_o enjoin_v we_o be_v as_o requisite_a in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n there_o be_v no_o fight_v without_o it_o because_o this_o fasten_v all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o our_o spiritual_a armour_n a_o sincere_a and_o upright_a heart_n be_v of_o universal_a influence_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian._n 2._o the_o next_o accoutrement_n be_v the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n i._n e._n a_o holy_a and_o pious_a conversation_n impartial_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o guard_v the_o breast_n against_o all_o assault_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o our_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o for_o he_o have_v this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o forego_n piece_n of_o armour_n on_o when_o he_o say_v our_o rejoice_n be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o again_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 7._o and_o in_o other_o place_n he_o defend_v himself_o against_o the_o malicious_a cavil_n of_o other_o by_o appeal_n to_o his_o own_o innocency_n his_o sanctity_n and_o exemplary_a life_n this_o perhaps_o may_v have_v particular_a reference_n to_o isa._n 59_o 17._o he_o put_v on_o righteousness_n as_o a_o breastplate_n but_o this_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n must_v be_v cover_v with_o another_o viz._n that_o of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n which_o be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a and_o will_v ample_o protect_v and_o secure_v we_o from_o all_o danger_n the_o inherent_a righteousness_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v exceed_o defective_a and_o can_v shelter_v they_o from_o the_o divine_a wrath_n this_o breastplate_n be_v too_o narrow_a too_o thin_a too_o little_a too_o mean_a to_o cover_v we_o but_o that_o of_o the_o meritorious_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v great_a and_o large_a enough_o and_o be_v able_a to_o hide_v all_o our_o defect_n and_o perfect_o to_o defend_v we_o from_o the_o anger_n of_o our_o offend_a god_n this_o evangelical_n breastplate_n must_v be_v put_v on_o by_o faith_n of_o which_o afterward_o 3._o the_o shoe_n of_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n be_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o military_a provision_n which_o the_o infantry_n among_o the_o ancient_a warrior_n make_v for_o their_o foot_n to_o defend_v they_o from_o what_o be_v offensive_a in_o their_o way_n for_o the_o army_n heretofore_o as_o appear_v both_o from_o greek_a and_o roman_a author_n be_v wont_a to_o fix_v short_a stake_n or_o cast_v gall-trap_n in_o the_o way_n before_o their_o enemy_n to_o wound_v their_o foot_n and_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v wherefore_o it_o be_v usual_a to_o have_v harness_n for_o their_o leg_n and_o foot_n they_o wear_v a_o particular_a sort_n of_o shoe_n or_o boot_n to_o secure_v they_o from_o be_v hurt_v and_o gall_v so_o the_o christian_a soldier_n ought_v to_o have_v his_o foot_n shod_a and_o that_o with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o goslpel_n i._n e._n he_o must_v be_v sit_v and_o prepare_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o all_o hardship_n and_o distress_n i_o do_v not_o much_o like_o st._n augustin_n way_n of_o prove_v this_o interpretation_n viz._n by_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o shoe_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mean_v when_o the_o psalmist_n say_v over_o edom_n will_v i_o cast_v out_o my_o 30._o shoe_n psal._n 60._o 8._o which_o he_o labour_v to_o confirm_v from_o isa._n 52._o 7._o how_o beautiful_a be_v the_o foot_n of_o he_o that_o bring_v good_a tiding_n and_o this_o pious_a writer_n be_v so_o fanciful_a as_o to_o say_v that_o when_o our_o saviour_n bid_v the_o disciple_n be_v shod_a with_o sandal_n mark_v 6._o 9_o he_o mean_v the_o open_a and_o free_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n but_o wave_v this_o weak_a sort_n of_o proof_n yet_o i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o in_o this_o place_n the_o christian_n military_a shoe_n be_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o he_o be_v then_o shod_a with_o the_o preparation_n of_o it_o when_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o make_v his_o way_n through_o all_o hindrance_n and_o difficulty_n whatsoever_o by_o virtue_n of_o those_o excellent_a principle_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v discover_v to_o he_o by_o virtue_n of_o those_o extraordinary_a help_n which_o this_o afford_v he_o and_o it_o be_v ●itly_o add_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n because_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n which_o the_o gospel_n tender_v through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n mighty_o influence_n upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o give_v courage_n and_o valour_n amid_o all_o the_o hardship_n he_o meet_v with_o in_o his_o christian_a warfare_n 4._o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n be_v another_o necessary_a part_n of_o spiritual_a armour_n and_o it_o be_v signal_o add_v that_o we_o must_v take_v this_o above_o all_o which_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v say_v with_o allusion_n to_o what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o old_a warrior_n viz._n that_o their_o shield_n be_v their_o principal_a armour_n this_o they_o prize_v above_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o be_v most_o careful_a in_o keep_v it_o of_o which_o we_o have_v several_a instance_n in_o ancient_a history_n and_o there_o be_v a_o remarkable_a punishment_n inflict_v on_o those_o say_v pelopid_n plutarch_n who_o lose_v their_o shield_n in_o battle_n much_o more_o valuable_a be_v this_o evangelic_n armour_n our_o faith_n a_o firm_a assent_n to_o all_o reveal_v truth_n a_o steady_a belief_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n through_o the_o bless_a undertake_n of_o our_o lord_n a_o hearty_a compliance_n with_o the_o gracious_a term_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o enjoin_v universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n a_o well-grounded_n trust_v and_o a●●iance_n in_o the_o
mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a dependence_n on_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n this_o be_v that_o harden_a shield_n wherewith_o we_o keep_v off_o and_o beat_v back_o all_o the_o furious_a insult_v of_o the_o evil_a spirit_n that_o implacable_a enemy_n who_o we_o be_v to_o encounter_v with_o in_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n his_o temptation_n be_v here_o call_v dart_n with_o allusion_n still_o to_o the_o antiet_fw-la way_n of_o ●ighting_v which_o be_v with_o dart_n and_o arrow_n and_o they_o be_v call_v fiery_a dart_n with_o reference_n perhaps_o to_o the_o heat_n which_o those_o weapon_n acquire_v by_o their_o swift_a fly_v or_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v fiery_a because_o they_o be_v send_v in_o a_o hostile_a manner_n the_o word_n be_v as_o it_o be_v appropriate_v to_o fight_v as_o among_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v both_o fax_fw-la or_o taeda_fw-la and_o pugna_fw-la and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v both_o arden_n and_o pugnax_fw-la and_o among_o the_o latin_n ardere_fw-la be_v particular_o apply_v to_o war_n and_o battle_n as_o in_o virgil_n ardet_fw-la in_o arma_fw-la magis_fw-la instant_a ardentes_fw-la tyrii_fw-la and_o beside_o these_o dart_n these_o suggestion_n when_o they_o be_v very_o fierce_a and_o rage_a do_v as_o it_o be_v inflame_v the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n they_o set_v the_o distract_a soul_n on_o fire_n but_o by_o faith_n the_o christian_a soldier_n be_v able_a to_o quench_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n excellent_o phrase_v it_o by_o a_o vigorous_a exert_n of_o this_o grace_n he_o defeat_v the_o malicious_a attempt_n of_o satan_n he_o stifle_v all_o his_o hellish_a dart_n allude_v to_o the_o know_a use_n of_o the_o shield_n which_o be_v to_o repel_v the_o arrow_n shoot_v by_o the_o enemy_n and_o these_o be_v sometime_o poison_v and_o thereby_o become_v hot_a and_o inflame_a to_o which_o some_o have_v think_v the_o apostle_n here_o may_v have_v glance_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o fiery_a dart_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o shield_n be_v for_o defence_n and_o such_o be_v our_o faith_n whereby_o we_o defend_v ourselves_o from_o the_o inslame_v dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a which_o he_o fling_v at_o we_o with_o the_o utmost_a indignation_n and_o fury_n we_o quench_v we_o extinguish_v we_o utter_o frustrate_v all_o his_o assault_n by_o a_o firm_a trust_n and_o reliance_n on_o our_o bless_a jesus_n who_o baffle_v he_o himself_o and_o will_v effectual_o teach_v we_o by_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o do_v the_o like_a 4._o this_o be_v our_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o devil_n as_o well_o as_o the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n 5._o we_o be_v to_o take_v the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n i._n e._n as_o st._n paul_n himself_o explain_v it_o 8._o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n the_o certain_a expectation_n of_o the_o everlasting_a reward_n in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o christian_a soldier_n be_v unspeakable_o animate_v by_o this_o he_o have_v the_o triumph_n in_o his_o eye_n this_o make_v he_o sight_n with_o undaunted_a valour_n and_o resolution_n he_o be_v safe_a whilst_o he_o be_v cover_v with_o this_o helmet_n nothing_o can_v hurt_v he_o while_o he_o be_v inspire_v with_o this_o victorious_a hope_n have_v this_o armour_n of_o defence_n he_o de●ies_v his_o insult_a adversary_n he_o fear_v not_o their_o blow_n he_o shrink_v not_o at_o the_o battery_n of_o his_o fierce_a enemy_n this_o also_o seem_v to_o be_v borrow_a from_o isai._n 59_o 17._o he_o put_v on_o a_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n on_o his_o head_n 6._o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v another_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a panoply_n which_o every_o spiritual_a soldier_n ought_v to_o be_v appoint_v with_o this_o be_v the_o two-edged_a sword_n speak_v of_o in_o heb._n 4._o 12._o and_o rev._n 1._o 16._o this_o our_o great_a captain_n dexterous_o make_v use_n of_o when_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n assault_v he_o mat._n 4._o 4_o 7_o 10._o and_o the_o same_o weapon_n be_v brandish_v and_o manage_v by_o the_o whole_a army_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n by_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n by_o this_o they_o have_v do_v great_a execution_n and_o put_v their_o spiritual_a enemy_n to_o flight_n they_o have_v in_o their_o most_o press_a strait_o repair_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o thence_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o those_o divine_a consolation_n and_o apply_v those_o sacred_a promise_n whereby_o they_o soon_o vanquish_v their_o ghostly_a assailant_n and_o this_o be_v that_o weapon_n which_o we_o must_v all_o of_o we_o in_o our_o holy_a war_n learn_v to_o wield_v but_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o faithful_o and_o sincere_o remember_v that_o the_o first_o piece_n of_o armour_n and_o this_o last_o must_v be_v join_v together_o for_o the_o warlike_a girdle_n or_o belt_n be_v in_o order_n to_o wear_v the_o sword_n which_o be_v to_o hang_v at_o it_o the_o last_o weapon_n the_o apostle_n mention_n be_v prayer_n pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v fight_v on_o our_o knee_n we_o must_v constant_o invoke_v the_o divine_a aid_n and_o with_o importunate_a cry_v solicit_v the_o eternal_a father_n that_o he_o will_v teach_v our_o hand_n to_o war_n and_o our_o finger_n to_o fight_n these_o be_v the_o spiritual_a weapon_n which_o be_v call_v here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o whole_a armour_n because_o it_o be_v fit_v for_o every_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a combatant_n he_o be_v here_o arm_v at_o all_o point_n he_o be_v provide_v with_o military_a accoutrement_n for_o all_o assault_n and_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n answer_v to_o the_o bodily_a one_o that_o be_v it_o be_v both_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a our_o weapon_n be_v both_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d such_o as_o defend_v and_o preserve_v ourselves_o and_o also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d such_o whereby_o we_o beat_v off_o the_o enemy_n both_o which_o be_v express_v in_o those_o two_o military_a word_n stand_v and_o withstand_v ver_fw-la 13._o the_o first_o sort_n be_v the_o girdle_n of_o truth_n the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n the_o shoe_n of_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o shield_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n of_o the_o second_o sort_n be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o prayer_n which_o two_o likewise_o be_v both_o for_o defence_n and_o offence_n not_o only_o to_o guard_v ourselves_o but_o to_o oppose_v our_o enemy_n this_o be_v the_o panoply_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o commend_v and_o which_o i_o have_v brief_o descant_v upon_o in_o prosecution_n of_o what_o i_o propound_v viz._n to_o give_v you_o some_o account_n of_o the_o metaphorical_a term_n in_o scripture_n in_o other_o place_n the_o olympic_a game_n and_o prize_n administer_v to_o the_o apostle_n very_o religious_a and_o devout_a metaphor_n those_o grecian_a combat_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o he_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o laborious_a life_n and_o undertake_n of_o a_o christian._n i_o will_v in_o far_a pursuit_n of_o this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n concern_v the_o style_n of_o scripture_n let_v you_o see_v what_o excellent_a and_o divine_a thing_n be_v comprise_v under_o those_o agonistick_a phrase_n we_o must_v know_v then_o that_o the_o olympic_a game_n be_v of_o very_o great_a antiquity_n be_v institute_v as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o hercules_n and_o restore_v by_o iphitus_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n begin_v the_o account_n of_o the_o olympiad_n that_o famous_a epoch_n of_o the_o greek_n which_o commence_v a._n m._n 3173._o in_o the_o time_n of_o vzziah_n king_n of_o judah_n they_o have_v their_o name_n from_o olympia_n a_o city_n of_o achaia_n near_o to_o elis_n on_o the_o plain_n whereof_o these_o exercise_n be_v celebrate_v and_o they_o be_v in_o honour_n of_o jupiter_n olympius_n and_o there_o be_v sport_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n in_o other_o part_n of_o greece_n as_o those_o that_o be_v call_v the_o isthmian_a because_o they_o be_v begin_v in_o the_o corinthian_a isthmus_n and_o as_o the_o olympic_a play_n be_v dedicate_v to_o jupiter_n so_o these_o be_v in_o honour_n of_o melicerta_n other_o say_v of_o palaemon_n the_o like_a exercise_n in_o other_o adjacent_a town_n of_o greece_n be_v call_v pythian_n in_o memory_n of_o apollo_n pythius_n and_o other_o nemaean_a call_v so_o from_o the_o nema●an_a wood_n near_o which_o they_o be_v and_o these_o be_v in_o honour_n of_o archemorus_n the_o son_n of_o lycurgus_n but_o all_o these_o be_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o olympic_a as_o be_v the_o ancient_a