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close_a of_o it_o when_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o judgement_n thus_o i_o have_v attempt_v to_o evince_v the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n by_o enumerate_v all_o the_o book_n of_o both_o testament_n and_o give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o they_o these_o excellent_a and_o incomparable_a book_n be_v the_o true_a pandect_n indeed_o the_o book_n that_o comprehend_v all_o that_o treat_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a they_o be_v the_o most_o valuable_a collection_n of_o write_n under_o heaven_n they_o be_v of_o all_o the_o book_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n because_o they_o be_v our_o infallible_a rule_n and_o sure_a guide_n to_o wisdom_n holiness_n and_o blessedness_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o most_o desirable_a thing_n here_o and_o of_o the_o most_o eligible_a hereafter_o if_o this_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v before_o do_v not_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v complete_v and_o perfect_a i_o despair_v of_o ever_o tell_v you_o what_o will_n chap._n xi_o none_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v lose_v not_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n nor_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o the_o book_n of_o jasher_n nor_o the_o act_n of_o vzziah_n a_o account_n of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o seer_n the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n the_o book_n of_o gad_n the_o seer_n the_o book_n of_o iddo_n the_o book_n of_o shemaiah_n jehu_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v to_o be_v think_v concern_v the_o book_n of_o solomon_n mention_v king_n 4._o 32._o 33._o objection_n draw_v from_o jam._n 4._o 5._o from_o luke_n 11._o 49._o from_o act_n 20._o 35._o from_o judeu._n 14._o from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 9_o from_o col._n 4._o 16._o full_o satisfy_v other_o objection_n from_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 6_o 12_o 25_o 2_o cor._n 8._o 8._o &_o 11._o 17._o particular_o answer_v but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o demonstated_a truth_n yet_o it_o be_v question_v and_o doubt_v of_o 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angry_a with_o any_o man_n that_o deny_v that_o there_o any_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n miss_v now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a there_o be_v ground_n to_o complain_v of_o a_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o these_o book_n that_o therefore_o which_o i_o be_o to_o undertake_v here_o be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o book_n mention_v in_o scripture_n as_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o what_o be_v now_o to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o and_o be_v real_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v not_o defective_a that_o the_o body_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v not_o maim_a and_o imperfect_a first_o as_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n mention_v in_o exod._n 24._o 7._o which_o some_o fancy_n be_v lose_v it_o be_v not_o any_o distinct_a book_n from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n if_o we_o impartial_o weigh_v the_o place_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o collection_n or_o volume_n of_o those_o several_a injunction_n and_o institution_n which_o we_o read_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n viz._n 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o which_o god_n deliver_v to_o moses_n on_o the_o mount_n it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n deâ—t_n 31._o 9_o that_o which_o have_v cause_v a_o different_a persuasion_n in_o some_o be_v this_o that_o these_o law_n be_v call_v a_o book_n but_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o evident_a afterward_o that_o this_o appellation_n be_v of_o a_o great_a latitude_n and_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o sort_n of_o write_v by_o the_o hebrew_n second_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n numb_a 21._o 14._o which_o be_v think_v to_o be_v now_o want_v the_o answer_v give_v by_o some_o be_v that_o this_o be_v a_o apocrypbal_a author_n and_o so_o can_v be_v say_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o book_n do_v not_o argue_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o though_o this_o way_n of_o solution_n be_v tolerable_a when_o make_v use_v of_o as_o to_o some_o other_o book_n hereafter_o mention_v yet_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o use_v it_o here_o because_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o test._n learned_a english_a rabbi_n that_o moses_n refer_v here_o to_o himself_o and_o a_o book_n of_o his_o own_o compose_n for_o we_o read_v that_o upon_o the_o discomfiture_n of_o amalek_n god_n command_v moses_n to_o write_v it_o for_o a_o memorial_n in_o a_o book_n exod._n 17._o 14._o and_o as_o it_o follow_v to_o rehearse_v it_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o joshua_n so_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v some_o book_n of_o direction_n write_v by_o moses_n for_o ioshua_n manage_v of_o the_o war_n after_o he_o thus_o this_o learned_a writer_n make_v this_o book_n only_o to_o be_v of_o private_a use_n and_o dictate_v by_o a_o ordinary_a not_o a_o divine_a spirit_n wherefore_o it_o can_v be_v one_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a then_o though_o it_o be_v lose_v yet_o no_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v lose_v hereby_o but_o from_o what_o i_o shall_v propound_v i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v find_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n in_o this_o place_n mention_v be_v one_o of_o the_o receive_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i._n e._n it_o be_v the_o book_n of_o judge_n which_o deserve_o have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o it_o recount_v those_o warlike_a erterprise_n which_o those_o heroic_a spirit_n stir_v up_o by_o god_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n be_v famous_a for_o or_o milchamoth_n jehovah_n the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o great_a wonderful_a and_o renown_a war_n for_o perhaps_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v use_v here_o as_o in_o several_a other_o place_n to_o augment_v the_o sense_n and_o to_o express_v the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n fight_v by_o the_o valiant_a jew_n to_o any_o one_o that_o consult_v the_o text_n together_o with_o the_o 26_o v_o of_o that_o chapter_n it_o will_v plain_o appear_v that_o this_o passage_n particular_o refer_v to_o the_o 11_o chapter_n of_o judge_n v_o 15_o 16_o 17._o but_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o moses_n who_o be_v dead_a long_o before_o can_v write_v this_o i_o answer_v though_o he_o undoubted_o write_v the_o book_n of_o number_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n yet_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o this_o and_o the_o other_o book_n may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v insert_v afterward_o by_o some_o other_o inspire_a person_n as_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o advertise_v before_o ezra_n it_o be_v likely_a revise_v this_o book_n add_v this_o of_o what_o god_n do_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o at_o the_o brook_n of_o arnon_n and_o to_o give_v yet_o more_o ample_a satisfaction_n to_o this_o scruple_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o though_o we_o translate_v the_o text_n thus_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n etc._n etc._n yet_o in_o the_o original_a the_o verb_n be_v in_o the_o future_a tense_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d diceture_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v and_o so_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n he_o here_o foretell_v that_o afterward_o it_o shall_v be_v commemorate_a how_o god_n fight_v for_o his_o people_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v at_o solemn_a time_n a_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o jewish_a war_n than_o this_o passage_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o mind_n and_o make_v mention_n of_o and_o then_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o these_o two_o verse_n not_o as_o cite_v
or_o their_o conform_v to_o the_o dialect_n of_o their_o country_n for_o these_o be_v consistent_a with_o that_o isaiah_n be_v a_o courtier_n and_o a_o person_n of_o quality_n have_v a_o neat_a and_o elegant_a style_n and_o yet_o so_o as_o he_o know_v how_o to_o vary_v it_o according_a to_o the_o matter_n he_o treat_v of_o but_o general_o he_o be_v lofty_a and_o eloquent_a his_o style_n be_v raise_v by_o his_o education_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o noble_a extraction_n for_o he_o be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal._n jeremiah_n and_o amos_n be_v use_v to_o the_o country_n be_v mean_a and_o homely_a in_o their_o language_n the_o latter_a especial_o discover_v his_o condition_n and_o way_n of_o life_n in_o his_o low_a and_o rural_a strain_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n st._n luke_n who_o have_v improve_v himself_o by_o art_n and_o study_n be_v very_o observant_a of_o the_o greek_a elegancy_n and_o avoid_v all_o improper_a and_o exotic_a term_n in_o his_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o acts._n indeed_o the_o style_n of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n be_v very_o different_a and_o that_o difference_n be_v a_o excellency_n in_o this_o book_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o i_o say_v be_v this_o the_o writer_n leave_v not_o off_o their_o peculiar_a style_n though_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o this_o furnish_v they_o with_o new_a expression_n so_o it_o let_v they_o make_v use_n of_o their_o own_o usual_a one_o but_o immediate_o direct_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o apply_v of_o they_o so_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o they_o use_v their_o natural_a style_n they_o be_v divine_o help_v to_o make_v it_o serviceable_a to_o that_o purpose_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v hence_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o style_n and_o word_n and_o composure_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n be_v such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v reckon_v divine_a for_o this_o be_v one_o difference_n between_o this_o book_n and_o other_o that_o every_o thing_n of_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o therefore_o those_o person_n who_o dream_v of_o solecisâ—â—_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o great_a soleciser_n themselves_o but_o especial_o those_o who_o assert_v there_o be_v mistake_v and_o literal_a falsity_n in_o the_o holy_a book_n be_v utter_o to_o be_v condemn_v such_o be_v 4._o episcopius_n who_o dare_v affirm_v that_o the_o spirit_n leave_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o their_o own_o humane_a frailty_n in_o deliver_v such_o thing_n as_o belong_v to_o circumstance_n of_o a_o fact_n their_o knowledge_n and_o memory_n be_v deficient_a and_o fallible_a the_o spirit_n do_v not_o tell_v st._n john_n how_o many_o furlong_n christ_n disciple_n go_v chap._n 6._o 19_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v assert_v he_o say_v as_o to_o some_o name_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o before_o this_o you_o be_v tell_v by_o erasmus_n â—â—o_o other_o that_o the_o penman_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d in_o some_o light_a thing_n not_o that_o they_o will_v falsity_n but_o that_o they_o may_v forget_v some_o passage_n melchior_n canus_n be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v some_o considerable_a slip_v in_o scripture_n from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n memory_n yea_o among_o the_o ancient_a father_n there_o be_v 50._o one_o who_o more_o gross_o hold_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n sometime_o abuse_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o they_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o present_a purpose_n although_o they_o be_v nothing_o to_o it_o thus_o st._n paul_n he_o say_v quote_v the_o old_a testament_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n galatian_n and_o ephesian_n only_o to_o serve_v his_o turn_n and_o to_o confute_v the_o jew_n his_o adversary_n read_v say_v he_o these_o epistle_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n be_v whole_o on_o the_o polemic_a part_n and_o rufin_n you_o will_v see_v how_o prudent_o and_o dissemble_o he_o act_v in_o those_o text_n which_o he_o cit_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o at_o other_o time_n this_o bold_a man_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o say_v that_o some_o of_o the_o matter_n and_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v set_v down_o wrong_n this_o be_v no_o less_o than_o profane_a and_o blasphemous_a doctrine_n wherefore_o that_o father_n be_v to_o be_v read_v with_o great_a caution_n in_o such_o place_n as_o these_o we_o on_o the_o contrary_n assert_v that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o the_o author_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o content_n of_o holy_a writ_n but_o also_o of_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n yea_o even_o when_o those_o writer_n express_v their_o sense_n in_o their_o own_o term_n i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o way_n and_o dialect_n which_o they_o be_v master_n of_o and_o which_o be_v most_o familiar_a to_o they_o even_o than_o they_o be_v immediate_o assist_v 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o this_o book_n may_v have_v no_o error_n and_o fail_n in_o it_o of_o any_o kind_n but_o that_o it_o may_v transcend_v all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o if_o you_o do_v not_o hold_v this_o you_o make_v no_o considerable_a difference_n between_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o other_o write_n therefore_o i_o be_o thorough_o convince_v that_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v maintain_v viz._n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n indict_v the_o very_a style_n of_o scripture_n that_o even_o this_o be_v by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o writing_n i_o may_v well_o annex_v its_o harmony_n and_o thence_o also_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a though_o there_o be_v several_a seem_a repugnancy_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o in_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n and_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v they_o up_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o every_o sober_a and_o considerate_a person_n yet_o it_o can_v but_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o this_o book_n do_v entire_o agree_v and_o be_v consistent_a with_o one_o another_o this_o in_o other_o book_n which_o be_v compose_v and_o write_v by_o one_o author_n be_v not_o so_o admirable_a though_o in_o those_o piece_n we_o oftentimes_o meet_v with_o very_o palpable_a disagreement_n and_o contradiction_n but_o here_o we_o be_v able_a to_o remember_v that_o notwithstanding_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o different_a person_n and_o those_o many_o in_o number_n and_o disagree_v in_o quality_n and_o extreme_o distant_a as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n yet_o their_o write_n contradict_v not_o one_o another_o but_o there_o be_v a_o excellent_a harmony_n in_o all_o their_o part_n there_o be_v a_o perfect_a concord_n and_o consent_n among_o they_o all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o author_n in_o the_o world_n though_o of_o the_o same_o sect_n and_o party_n excellent_o to_o this_o purpose_n a_o very_a wise_a and_o judicious_a ourselves_o man_n thus_o speak_v when_o several_a man_n in_o several_a age_n not_o bring_v up_o under_o the_o same_o education_n write_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o find_v unity_n in_o their_o tenant_n or_o position_n because_o their_o spirit_n judgement_n and_o fancy_n be_v different_a but_o where_o so_o many_o several_a author_n speak_v and_o write_v at_o several_a time_n agree_v not_o only_o in_o matter_n dogmatical_a of_o sublime_a and_o difficult_a nature_n but_o also_o in_o prediction_n of_o future_a and_o contingent_a event_n whereof_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o humane_a understanding_n to_o make_v a_o discovery_n without_o a_o superior_a discovery_n make_v to_o it_o i_o must_v needs_o conclude_v one_o and_o the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n declare_v the_o same_o truth_n to_o these_o several_a men._n and_o as_o to_o the_o seem_a contrariety_n of_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n this_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o trouble_n we_o for_o this_o be_v rather_o a_o 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nothing_o in_o scripture_n that_o look_v like_o inconsistent_a and_o contradictory_n upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n we_o shall_v discern_v a_o mutual_a correspondence_n in_o the_o style_n matter_n and_o design_n of_o these_o write_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o happy_a concurrence_n of_o circumstance_n and_o a_o admirable_a consistency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discourse_n in_o so_o much_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o upon_o this_o single_a consideration_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o these_o write_n be_v indict_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n this_o harmony_n then_o of_o the_o scripture_n i_o may_v just_o reckon_v among_o the_o inward_a note_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v adjoin_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o which_o be_v of_o the_o very_a intrinsic_a nature_n of_o it_o what_o justinian_n profess_v and_o promise_v concern_v his_o digest_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o clash_v and_o contradictory_n in_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o a_o piece_n be_v true_a only_a of_o the_o sacred_a law_n of_o the_o evangelical_n pandect_v which_o contain_v in_o they_o nothing_o dissonant_n and_o repugnant_a the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v consonant_a to_o themselves_o and_o to_o one_o another_o which_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n opposite_a to_o the_o true_a mean_v which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v reveal_v and_o assert_v in_o another_o the_o content_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n whether_o you_o look_v into_o the_o doctrinal_a or_o historical_a part_n of_o it_o have_v nothing_o contradictory_n in_o they_o all_o the_o author_n of_o it_o agree_v in_o their_o testimony_n and_o assert_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o consent_n among_o themselves_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o lie_n and_o forgery_n that_o they_o hang_v not_o together_o as_o 3._o lactantius_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n have_v observe_v especial_o if_o you_o search_v very_o inquisitive_o and_o narrow_o into_o they_o you_o will_v perceive_v that_o they_o be_v 80._o thin_a and_o slight_a and_o may_v easy_o be_v see_v through_o but_o the_o content_n of_o these_o write_n have_v be_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o and_o with_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n examine_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v every_o way_n consistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o writer_n be_v know_v to_o be_v concurrent_a and_o agree_v all_o wise_a and_o curious_a observer_n must_v needs_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o book_n under_o heaven_n that_o parallel_v the_o scripture_n as_o to_o this_o which_o show_v that_o they_o be_v more_o than_o humane_a write_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o dictate_v and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o assure_v we_o that_o 19_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n they_o be_v from_o god_n they_o be_v not_o of_o private_a interpretation_n they_o be_v not_o from_o man_n invention_n they_o be_v not_o of_o his_o own_o brain_n and_o fancy_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v as_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a oracle_n thus_o 3._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v witness_n to_o itself_o and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o other_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o what_o be_v in_o it_o and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n which_o make_v a_o ancient_a writer_n say_v 7._o we_o have_v complete_a demonstration_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o according_o we_o be_v demonstrative_o assure_v by_o faith_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n therein_o deliver_v which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o humane_a write_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o carry_v no_o such_o native_a mark_n with_o they_o but_o the_o very_a inward_a note_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n create_v in_o we_o a_o certain_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n they_o may_v be_v know_v from_o all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o by_o the_o excellent_a transcendent_a and_o divine_a matter_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o by_o the_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o deliver_v and_o publish_v it_o these_o i_o call_v internal_a proof_n because_o they_o be_v take_v from_o the_o book_n themselves_o because_o they_o be_v something_o that_o we_o find_v there_o these_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v write_v not_o by_o man_n but_o by_o god_n there_o be_v yet_o another_o internal_a testimony_n i_o call_v it_o so_o because_o it_o be_v within_o we_o though_o not_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o now_o i_o add_v that_o this_o spirit_n speak_v in_o we_o and_o work_n in_o our_o heart_n a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o of_o christ_n in_o those_o write_n this_o witness_v power_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v assert_v in_o act_n 5._o 32._o &_o 15._o 7_o 8._o and_o in_o 1_o john_n 5._o 6._o from_o these_o place_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v a_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n join_v with_o our_o conscience_n and_o persuasion_n and_o this_o spirit_n powerful_o convince_v all_o believer_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o testimony_n follow_v immediate_o on_o our_o set_n before_o we_o the_o inward_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v they_o for_o god_n make_v use_v of_o those_o evidence_n and_o argument_n to_o beget_v a_o belief_n in_o we_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n enlighten_v and_o convince_v man_n mind_n by_o those_o mean_n but_o more_o especial_o he_o urge_v these_o evidence_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o religious_a and_o faithful_a and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v no_o enthusiasm_n because_o it_o be_v discover_v to_o we_o by_o proper_a mean_n and_o instrument_n whereas_o that_o be_v without_o any_o and_o be_v general_o accompany_v with_o the_o despise_n of_o they_o but_o the_o evidence_n and_o note_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o reason_n and_o motive_n of_o our_o belief_n only_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v and_o prepare_v and_o sanctify_v our_o mind_n and_o illuminate_v our_o conscience_n and_o cause_v those_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o make_v impression_n upon_o we_o and_o effectual_o to_o prevail_v with_o we_o and_o to_o silence_v all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n witness_v in_o we_o but_o when_o i_o say_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o must_v adjoin_v this_o that_o this_o proof_n serve_v only_o for_o those_o that_o have_v this_o spirit_n it_o may_v establish_v they_o but_o it_o can_v convince_v other_o no_o other_o man_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n by_o the_o spirit_n be_v convince_a i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o beside_o this_o proof_n be_v not_o in_o all_o that_o real_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o book_n some_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o without_o this_o but_o where_o this_o be_v it_o be_v most_o powerful_a and_o convictive_a and_o surpass_v all_o other_o degreâ—_n of_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v no_o such_o câ—tain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o holy_a wâ—_n thing_n as_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d the_o heart_n of_o man_n produce_v there_o in_o a_o ration_n â—_o way_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a 〈◊〉_d our_o faculty_n chap._n ii_o external_n proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scriptureâ—_n viz._n the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o they_o and_o universal_a tradition_n which_o latter_a be_v defend_v against_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o that_o talk_v of_o a_o new_a character_n wherein_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v thâ—_n jewish_a masore_v attest_n the_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v not_o corrupt_v the_o point_n or_o vowel_n be_v coexistent_a with_o the_o letter_n f._n simon_n be_v notion_n of_o abbreviate_a the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n reject_v the_o new_a tement_n vouch_v by_o the_o unanimous_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o
industry_n to_o preserve_v scripture_n from_o corruption_n we_o may_v gather_v from_o this_o diversity_n of_o readins_n that_o man_n have_v be_v very_o inquisitive_a and_o careful_a in_o their_o compare_v of_o copy_n but_o we_o can_v thence_o argue_v that_o the_o text_n be_v adulterate_v yea_o rather_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o from_o this_o compare_v and_o vie_v of_o copy_n we_o come_v to_o know_v and_o be_v ascertain_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o authentic_a one_o and_o we_o may_v far_o add_v with_o the_o same_o excellent_a author_n that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a since_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o indeed_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o that_o that_o the_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n shall_v have_v be_v corrupt_v for_o the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n be_v then_o such_o have_v be_v since_o much_o more_o such_o and_o so_o far_o disperse_v that_o neither_o one_o man_n nor_o one_o body_n of_o man_n can_v ever_o get_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n to_o corrupt_v they_o and_o if_o some_o few_o or_o mâ—â—â—ny_a copy_n have_v be_v corrupt_v but_o not_o all_o thâ—â—_n sincere_a number_n will_v have_v detect_v the_o corrupt_a again_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n writer_n of_o the_o church_n do_v all_o ciâ—â—_n these_o scripture_n as_o we_o now_o have_v they_o in_o everything_o material_a yea_o that_o most_o heretic_n have_v plead_v these_o same_o scripture_n and_o deny_v they_o not_o to_o be_v genuine_a to_o establish_v we_o yet_o further_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o these_o write_n have_v be_v open_o read_v to_o the_o people_n in_o all_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n in_o the_o several_a age_n since_o christianity_n begin_v and_o they_o be_v thus_o constant_o use_v can_v not_o possible_o be_v alter_v and_o corrupt_v beside_o that_o all_o private_a christian_n be_v exhort_v to_o read_v and_o use_v they_o in_o their_o family_n whereby_o they_o become_v so_o know_v and_o familiar_a that_o whenever_o any_o alteration_n be_v make_v they_o can_v present_o observe_v it_o last_o notwithstanding_o the_o author_n of_o a_o theologico-politic_a late_a tractate_n have_v bring_v divers_a objection_n against_o the_o usual_a tradition_n that_o such_o and_o such_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o though_o mr._n hobbs_n before_o he_o have_v do_v the_o same_o yet_o neither_o of_o they_o have_v effect_v it_o with_o any_o success_n this_o be_v all_o they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v only_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o civil_a to_o the_o holy_a write_n as_o they_o be_v to_o the_o profane_a one_o for_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o clear_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n under_o who_o name_n they_o go_v as_o that_o any_o other_o write_n be_v put_v out_o by_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v nor_o can_v these_o man_n vouchsafe_v to_o show_v that_o civility_n to_o these_o sacred_a book_n which_o even_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v do_v for_o when_o both_o â—hese_n oppose_v these_o book_n you_o will_v not_o find_v that_o they_o ever_o question_v the_o author_n but_o the_o doctrine_n only_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o look_v upon_o these_o man_n and_o such_o as_o take_v part_n with_o they_o as_o act_v with_o high_a prejudice_n than_o either_o jew_n or_o heathen_n do_v and_o according_o we_o be_v to_o slight_v what_o they_o say_v unless_o it_o be_v thus_o far_o that_o from_o their_o impotent_a and_o malicious_a cavil_n we_o may_v be_v further_o confirm_v in_o this_o persuasion_n that_o these_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v indeed_o write_v by_o those_o author_n under_o who_o name_n they_o be_v now_o receive_v that_o these_o scripture_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o copy_n we_o have_v of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o corrupt_v that_o god_n have_v preserve_v the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n from_o all_o considerable_a change_n and_o depravation_n his_o providence_n not_o suffer_v any_o such_o thing_n that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v now_o receive_v be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o and_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o be_v impregnable_a it_o may_v be_v expect_v i_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n which_o i_o have_v not_o reckon_v among_o the_o inspire_a write_n for_o do_v this_o i_o have_v good_a reason_n for_o i_o find_v they_o exclude_v from_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n by_o those_o that_o be_v the_o best_a judge_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o great_a keeper_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o never_o take_v these_o into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o jew_n believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n cease_v among_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o malachi_n have_v do_v prophesy_v they_o own_v no_o divine_a inspiration_n after_o his_o time_n and_o according_o receive_v not_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n i._n e._n book_n divine_o inspire_v 〈◊〉_d be_v write_v after_o malachi_n time_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d last_o prophet_n be_v not_o canonical_a be_v not_o of_o 〈◊〉_d authority_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o emphatical_a call_v scripture_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n inform_v we_o 〈◊〉_d scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o mark_n and_o criterion_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d be_v back_v by_o st._n peter_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o holy_a man_n 〈◊〉_d god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 〈◊〉_d those_o write_n which_o be_v not_o by_o inspiration_n 〈◊〉_d god_n nor_o from_o the_o immediate_a motion_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d ghost_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v as_o holy_a scriptuâ—â—_n and_o such_o be_v the_o apocryphal_a write_n they_o werâ—â—_n write_v after_o the_o cessation_n of_o prophecy_n and_o diviâ—â—_n inspiration_n and_o so_o they_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o can_v be_v esteem_v canonical_a scripture_o second_o the_o jew_n receive_v not_o the_o apocrypha_fw-la 〈◊〉_d to_o their_o canon_n because_o it_o be_v write_v in_o greek_n not_o in_o hebrew_n as_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v for_o god_n will_v not_o they_o say_v give_v they_o scripture_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o oracle_n of_o goâ—_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o authentic_a language_n which_o be_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n the_o apocryphal_a write_n be_v not_o such_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o and_o not_o take_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o sacred_a writ_n and_o as_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v by_o the_o jewiâ—_n church_n so_o not_o by_o the_o christian_a one_o you_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o frequent_o quote_v the_o canonical_a book_n never_o quoâ—â—_n any_o of_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o which_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v not_o repute_v as_o inspire_a write_n otherwise_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o have_v cite_v some_o one_o passage_n at_o least_o out_o of_o these_o book_n it_o be_v their_o great_a work_n as_o you_o may_v see_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o god_n in_o former_a time_n they_o embrace_v all_o occasion_n of_o establish_v christianity_n upon_o the_o write_n of_o the_o inspire_a prophet_n who_o go_v before_o therefore_o if_o the_o apocryphal_a writer_n have_v be_v of_o that_o number_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v be_v quote_v by_o they_o and_o because_o they_o be_v 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the_o counsel_n and_o direction_n of_o man_n of_o long_a experience_n in_o the_o world_n for_o now_o their_o mind_n and_o judgement_n be_v arrive_v to_o the_o utmost_a maturity_n like_o old_a wine_n they_o be_v the_o more_o generous_a and_o refine_a this_o stage_n of_o life_n of_o all_o other_o be_v most_o calculate_v for_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o goodness_n and_o piety_n and_o the_o very_a height_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o virtue_n when_o it_o be_v season_v with_o divine_a grace_n and_o assist_v by_o the_o supernatural_a aid_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o wise_a man_n here_o speak_v of_o it_o under_o another_o capacity_n and_o as_o this_o part_n of_o a_o man_n life_n be_v general_o and_o most_o common_o incident_a both_o to_o natural_a and_o moral_a defect_n of_o thâ—_n soul_n this_o be_v the_o darken_n of_o this_o glorious_a sun_n these_o be_v the_o unhappy_a cloud_n that_o obscure_v its_o light_n yea_o as_o it_o follow_v the_o cloud_n return_v after_o the_o rain_n for_o this_o belong_v to_o what_o be_v say_v before_o and_o so_o refer_v to_o the_o soul_n which_o so_o frequent_o in_o the_o close_a of_o man_n day_n be_v overwhelm_v with_o ignorance_n dotage_n forgetfulness_n conceitedness_n wilfulness_n self-love_n and_o other_o distemper_n which_o cast_v a_o scum_n over_o this_o sun_n and_o hinder_v it_o from_o shine_v forth_o and_o according_o as_o the_o unhealthful_a and_o sickly_a year_n of_o their_o life_n come_v fast_o upon_o they_o these_o cloud_n increase_v and_o grow_v thick_a and_o dark_a and_o so_o the_o sun_n be_v overspread_v at_o last_o one_o mental_a evil_n succeed_v another_o in_o this_o conclude_v stage_n of_o man_n pilgrimage_n there_o be_v a_o circle_n of_o these_o malady_n as_o cloud_n produce_v rain_n and_o rain_v fall_v on_o the_o earth_n beget_v new_a vapour_n and_o from_o these_o proceed_v cloud_n again_o so_o it_o be_v here_o there_o be_v a_o continue_a succession_n of_o evil_n thus_o the_o cloud_n return_v after_o the_o rain_n hitherto_o you_o have_v the_o character_n of_o old_a age_n as_o it_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o so_o i_o understand_v it_o though_o expositor_n be_v please_v to_o go_v another_o way_n but_o i_o will_v ask_v this_o be_v it_o not_o most_o unlikely_a that_o solomon_n undertake_v here_o the_o description_n of_o old_a age_n will_v give_v so_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a a_o account_n of_o it_o as_o to_o relate_v some_o inconvenience_n and_o defect_n which_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o body_n and_o whole_o to_o pass_v by_o in_o silence_n those_o that_o appertain_v to_o the_o other_o and_o more_o considerable_a part_n of_o man_n again_o i_o will_v ask_v whether_o there_o can_v be_v any_o word_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v fit_a and_o apt_a to_o express_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o noble_a and_o bright_a moiety_n of_o man_n than_o these_o which_o the_o wise_a man_n here_o use_v wherefore_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o first_o part_n of_o his_o character_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o i_o have_v represent_v it_o to_o you_o and_o indeed_o since_o my_o finish_v this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o have_v find_v that_o some_o other_o as_o 20._o glassius_n and_o a_o age._n ingenious_a person_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n interpret_v solomon_n word_n after_o this_o manner_n from_o the_o soul_n he_o pass_v to_o the_o body_n and_o outward_a man_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v the_o better_a that_o this_o be_v a_o distinct_a partition_n from_o what_o go_v before_o he_o insert_v these_o word_n in_o the_o day_n when_o ver_fw-la 3._o and_o do_v not_o repeat_v they_o any_o more_o afterward_o which_o show_v he_o begin_v a_o new_a head_n and_o that_o these_o word_n be_v only_o to_o mark_v out_o here_o to_o we_o this_o division_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o which_o commentator_n not_o attend_v to_o have_v mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o second_o verse_n which_o i_o have_v be_v explain_v and_o hauâ—_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o body_n whereas_o those_o be_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n enter_v upon_o and_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o give_v you_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o they_o first_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o house_n tremble_v ver_fw-la 3._o where_o the_o body_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o house_n and_o what_o more_o fit_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o it_o than_o as_o castalio_n and_o grotius_n expound_v it_o the_o active_a hand_n and_o arm_n which_o be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o guard_v and_o defend_v the_o body_n and_o therefore_o on_o all_o occasion_n officious_o bestir_v themselves_o and_o be_v lift_v up_o or_o stretch_v forth_o to_o preserve_v it_o from_o harm_n to_o keep_v and_o secure_v it_o from_o danger_n but_o even_o these_o nimble_a guard_n these_o stout_a and_o brawny_a keeper_n shake_v at_o the_o arrival_n of_o old_a age_n and_o with_o a_o paralytic_n tremble_v confess_v their_o inability_n to_o discharge_v their_o office_n to_o keep_v and_o defend_v the_o house_n the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o body_n from_o assault_n and_o injury_n yea_o these_o once-trusty_a guardian_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o make_v use_n of_o staff_n and_o other_o weapon_n for_o their_o defence_n now_o use_v the_o former_a only_o for_o a_o support_n with_o this_o they_o knock_v at_o the_o earth_n at_o every_o step_n as_o if_o they_o call_v on_o their_o grave_n or_o as_o the_o spanish_a proverb_n have_v it_o the_o old_a man_n staff_n be_v the_o rapper_n at_o death_n door_n and_o the_o strong_a man_n i._n e._n according_a to_o vatablus_n and_o grotius_n the_o leg_n and_o thigh_n which_o be_v place_v in_o another_o extremity_n of_o the_o house_n to_o be_v its_o security_n and_o which_o be_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o for_o their_o strength_n psal._n 147._o 10._o and_o which_o strong_a man_n so_o much_o glory_n in_o these_o bow_n themselves_o i._n e._n become_v weak_a and_o feeble_a with_o age_n yea_o they_o real_o bend_v and_o give_v way_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o support_v the_o body_n they_o belong_v to_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o sustain_v themselves_o these_o bow_n these_o stoop_n towards_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v short_o to_o take_v their_o râ—st_n next_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o grinner_n cease_v because_o they_o be_v few_o i._n e._n the_o tooth_n with_o which_o we_o grind_v and_o chew_v our_o meat_n fail_v we_o at_o last_o and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v their_o office_n because_o not_o only_o the_o strength_n but_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v diminish_v yea_o sometime_o the_o toothless_a jaw_n as_o well_o as_o other_o defect_n show_v that_o age_a person_n be_v a_o second_o time_n child_n it_o follow_v those_o that_o look_v out_o of_o the_o window_n be_v
church_n hand_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n shall_v by_o she_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o her_o child_n to_o the_o world_n end_n which_o way_n of_o transmission_n be_v the_o great_a prop_n of_o our_o religion_n beside_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o 15._o thessalonian_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o by_o word_n or_o his_o epistle_n for_o he_o have_v use_v two_o way_n of_o deliver_v the_o truth_n to_o they_o namely_o preach_v and_o write_v and_o other_o apostle_n commit_v the_o chief_a and_o necessary_a head_n of_o their_o doctrine_n to_o write_v so_o that_o the_o tradition_n mean_v here_o be_v the_o reveal_v truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o christ_n deliver_v to_o they_o according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n cor._n i_o deliver_v to_o you_o that_o which_o also_o i_o receive_v whence_o they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o tradition_n i._n e._n they_o be_v evangelical_n doctrine_n deliver_v to_o we_o from_o those_o that_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o christ._n and_o whether_o they_o be_v impart_v by_o word_n or_o by_o epistle_n by_o preach_v or_o write_v they_o be_v the_o same_o the_o same_z as_o to_o substance_n the_o otherwise_o there_o may_v be_v some_o difference_n but_o that_o which_o we_o condemn_v and_o that_o most_o just_o the_o papist_n for_o be_v this_o that_o they_o magnify_v and_o rely_v upon_o tradition_n which_o have_v no_o affinity_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n yea_o which_o contradict_v it_o in_o many_o thing_n and_o yet_o they_o equalise_v these_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o sometime_o prefer_v they_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n before_o that_o of_o the_o sacred_a write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n thus_o one_o say_v caranza_n the_o church_n sometime_o do_v thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n sometime_o beside_o they_o therefore_o the_o 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scripture_n be_v turn_v into_o their_o language_n and_o every_o one_o be_v permit_v yea_o exhort_v to_o read_v it_o as_o be_v prove_v by_o many_o writer_n 47._o the_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n particular_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n deny_v the_o common_a people_n the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a the_o bible_n as_o some_o bad_a book_n be_v tolerate_v to_o be_v read_v with_o great_a caution_n and_o restriction_n in_o some_o country_n only_o and_o by_o some_o person_n it_o be_v like_o the_o sibyl_n prophecy_n of_o old_a among_o the_o roman_n not_o to_o be_v look_v into_o without_o the_o permission_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o senate_n none_o can_v read_v it_o without_o a_o licence_n from_o their_o superior_n so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n be_v the_o bible_n from_o this_o practice_n the_o people_n general_o imbibe_n a_o strong_a prejudice_n against_o the_o scripture_n and_o believe_v they_o can_v be_v good_a for_o they_o because_o the_o pope_n and_o their_o pastor_n tell_v they_o they_o be_v not_o wherefore_o as_o he_o one_o who_o be_v once_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o â—ome_o have_v well_o observe_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o any_o man_n embrace_v popery_n he_o present_o throw_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n as_o altogether_o useless_a to_o say_v no_o worse_o which_o unreasonable_a and_o wicked_a behaviour_n of_o they_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n or_o motive_n as_o he_o profess_v of_o his_o return_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n again_o for_o what_o considerate_a man_n can_v think_v that_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o teach_v its_o member_n to_o slight_a and_o reject_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o divine_a truth_n and_o without_o which_o we_o can_v neither_o believe_v nor_o practice_v aright_o we_o can_v neither_o have_v comfort_n here_o nor_o arrive_v to_o happiness_n hereafter_o this_o indeed_o be_v not_o only_o to_o null_n â—â—e_v perfection_n of_o scripture_n but_o to_o abolish_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n itself_o a_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v opposer_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n be_v enthusiast_n and_o such_o who_o act_n out_o of_o a_o true_o fanatic_a principle_n such_o be_v the_o familist_n heretofore_o who_o pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n be_v so_o high_a that_o they_o exclude_v and_o renounce_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n which_o according_a to_o their_o style_n paradox_n be_v a_o dark_a lantern_n a_o liveless_a carcase_n a_o book_n shut_v up_o and_o seal_v with_o seven_o seal_n the_o scabbard_n not_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sword_n it_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o antichrist_n wherewith_o he_o kill_v christ._n this_o be_v the_o impious_a jargon_n of_o these_o high-flown_a man_n who_o make_v no_o other_o use_n of_o the_o bible_n than_o to_o allegorise_v it_o and_o to_o turn_v it_o all_o into_o mystery_n these_o have_v be_v follow_v by_o other_o 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of_o the_o most_o considerable_a person_n of_o that_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o fill_v up_o canon_n and_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o no_o more_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v write_v or_o give_v forth_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o who_o agree_v 60._o another_o of_o as_o great_a repute_n among_o that_o tribe_n i_o see_v no_o necessity_n say_v he_o of_o believe_v that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v fill_v up_o and_o again_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o principal_a ground_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o knowledge_n nor_o yet_o the_o adequate_a primary_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n but_o they_o be_v only_o a_o secondary_a rule_n subordinate_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o according_o he_o add_v that_o the_o inward_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n which_o man_n
i_o find_v it_o be_v yea_o flat_o deny_v by_o aben_n ezra_n and_o pererius_n and_o late_o by_o hobbs_n and_o spinosa_n a_o very_a little_a portion_n of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o say_v monsieur_n simon_n who_o have_v a_o new_a notion_n of_o certain_a public_a scribe_n or_o register_n that_o pen_v this_o and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o sort_n of_o abbreviate_a notary_n he_o borrow_v from_o the_o egyptian_n as_o he_o confess_v himself_o because_o there_o be_v such_o officer_n in_o the_o egyptian_a court_n who_o have_v a_o privilege_n to_o add_v to_o or_o take_v away_o from_o to_o amplify_v or_o abridge_v the_o public_a record_n he_o thence_o groundless_o infer_v there_o be_v such_o among_o the_o jew_n who_o make_v what_o alteration_n they_o please_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n which_o paradox_n of_o his_o i_o have_v consider_v and_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o in_o a_o former_a treatise_n this_o i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v who_o be_v the_o particular_a penman_n of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o but_o on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o indict_v they_o they_o be_v the_o book_n of_o god_n that_o be_v their_o peculiar_a character_n and_o dignity_n and_o that_o alone_o make_v they_o authentic_a after_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o our_o certain_a know_v who_o pen_v they_o yet_o this_o must_v be_v say_v that_o it_o can_v with_o reason_n be_v deny_v that_o the_o author_n of_o some_o of_o these_o sacred_a book_n be_v well_o know_v and_o particular_o there_o be_v very_a convince_a proof_n that_o moses_n write_v the_o book_n which_o i_o have_v be_v give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o may_v be_v evince_v from_o our_o saviour_n word_n luke_n 16._o 31._o &_o 24._o 27._o where_o by_o moses_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a he_o mean_v the_o book_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o consequent_o thereby_o let_v we_o know_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o writer_n of_o they_o and_o more_o express_o the_o book_n of_o exodus_fw-la be_v call_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n by_o our_o same_o infallible_a master_n mark_v 12._o 26._o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o these_o book_n be_v read_v moses_n be_v read_v 2_o cor._n 3._o 19_o and_o both_o our_o saviour_n and_o this_o apostle_n distinguish_v between_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n luke_n 16._o 29._o act_n 26._o 22._o plain_o signify_v that_o as_o those_o book_n which_o pass_v under_o the_o prophet_n name_n be_v they_o so_o these_o that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v moses_n be_v write_v by_o he_o i_o think_v this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o need_v not_o to_o be_v further_o insist_v on_o as_o to_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o man_n before_o name_v against_o this_o i_o forbear_v to_o produce_v they_o and_o to_o return_v particular_a answer_n to_o they_o because_o this_o be_v so_o late_o do_v by_o pentateuchi_fw-la mounseur_fw-fr clerk_n and_o because_o another_o religion_n learned_a frenchman_n have_v laudable_o perform_v this_o task_n especial_o he_o have_v with_o great_a vigour_n and_o as_o great_a success_n attack_v spinosa_n a_o jew_n as_o they_o tell_v we_o by_o birth_n but_o neither_o jew_n nor_o christian_a by_o profession_n but_o a_o derider_n of_o both_o we_o may_v also_o find_v his_o argument_n which_o be_v general_o borrow_a from_o aben_n ezra_n refute_v with_o great_a clearness_n by_o the_o bible_n learned_a professor_n of_o divinity_n at_o paris_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n betake_v himself_o to_o the_o positive_a part_n and_o render_v it_o unquestionable_a that_o moses_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o five_o book_n that_o go_v under_o his_o name_n wherefore_o the_o particular_a fancy_n of_o those_o few_o objector_n and_o those_o no_o friend_n to_o the_o sacred_a text_n be_v not_o to_o be_v heed_v by_o we_o as_o to_o that_o common_a scruple_n which_o be_v so_o much_o insist_v upon_o that_o in_o the_o last_o book_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n there_o be_v mention_n of_o moses_n death_n and_o some_o thing_n that_o happen_v after_o it_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o moses_n write_v not_o those_o book_n or_o at_o least_o not_o the_o last_o of_o they_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n that_o moses_n be_v a_o prophet_n may_v foresee_v and_o have_v reveal_v to_o he_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o his_o own_o death_n and_o so_o he_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n wherefore_o none_o can_v from_o thence_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o penman_n of_o all_o this_o book_n however_o we_o will_v not_o contend_v here_o for_o perhaps_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o book_n be_v affix_v by_o joshua_n or_o afterward_o by_o ezra_n who_o be_v a_o inspire_a person_n likewise_o and_o who_o revise_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o insert_v some_o thing_n into_o they_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indict_v the_o rest_n notwithstanding_o then_o the_o foresay_a objection_n which_o refer_v only_o to_o a_o few_o passage_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n of_o deuteronomy_n wâ—_n have_v reason_n to_o assert_v that_o the_o whole_a five_o book_n except_v that_o little_a addition_n in_o the_o close_a be_v write_v by_o moses_n these_o be_v his_o authentic_a record_n consist_v chief_o of_o history_n which_o comprise_v in_o it_o the_o occurrence_n of_o about_o 2400_o year_n and_o law_n which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o his_o own_o people_n and_o will_v be_v of_o use_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n here_o be_v the_o cabinet_n of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n under_o heaven_n here_o be_v the_o first_o and_o old_a monument_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n viii_o a_o short_a survey_n of_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n which_o be_v a_o supplement_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o judge_n samuel_n the_o king_n chronicle_n ezra_n which_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o chronicle_n nehemiah_n esther_n the_o author_n stile_n composure_n matter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n discuss_v a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o penman_n subject_n kind_n title_n poetic_a meter_n and_o rhythm_n of_o the_o psalm_n next_o unto_o this_o be_v that_o excellent_a history_n write_v by_o joshua_n the_o captain_n general_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o moses_n famous_a successor_n who_o very_a name_n without_o doubt_n be_v as_o terrible_a to_o the_o canaanite_n as_o those_o of_o hunniades_n and_o scanderbag_n be_v afterward_o to_o the_o turk_n here_o he_o admirable_o describe_v the_o holy_a war_n the_o martial_a achievement_n and_o stratagem_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n against_o those_o nation_n who_o land_n they_o be_v to_o possess_v and_o at_o length_n their_o victory_n over_o they_o here_o be_v very_o particular_o set_v down_o their_o conquest_n over_o those_o king_n and_o country_n this_o book_n be_v the_o fulfil_v of_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o they_o concern_v the_o enter_v into_o canaan_n and_o enjoy_v that_o land_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n the_o everlasting_a rest_n which_o remain_v to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n heb._n 4._o 9_o here_o be_v the_o actual_a possession_n of_o that_o promise_a inheritance_n and_o the_o division_n of_o it_o among_o the_o several_a tribe_n by_o lot_n the_o short_a be_v in_o the_o whole_a book_n which_o i_o must_v not_o now_o give_v you_o by_o retail_n there_o be_v abundant_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n repeat_v instance_n of_o the_o infinite_a kindness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o servant_n remarkable_a example_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n on_o his_o enemy_n yea_o and_o visible_a proof_n of_o his_o severe_a deal_n with_o his_o own_o people_n when_o they_o refuse_v to_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o when_o they_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o here_o be_v in_o the_o large_a account_n which_o be_v give_v of_o joshua_n and_o his_o action_n a_o exact_a character_n of_o a_o worthy_a prince_n a_o ruler_n a_o general_n who_o ought_v to_o signalise_v himself_o by_o his_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o zeal_n for_o religion_n by_o his_o constant_a sobriety_n justice_n and_o charity_n by_o his_o undaunted_a courage_n valour_n and_o prowess_n by_o his_o deep_a wisdom_n policy_n and_o conduct_n and_o his_o great_a and_o wonderful_a success_n which_o 6._o be_v so_o much_o require_v in_o a_o general_n crown_v all_o the_o whole_a contain_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o moses_n death_n till_o the_o death_n of_o their_o great_a commander_n joshua_n in_o all_o about_o eighteen_o year_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o the_o age_n death_n and_o burial_n of_o this_o latter_a be_v
record_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n for_o either_o as_o we_o say_v before_o concern_v moses_n they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o through_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n that_o foresee_v these_o thing_n or_o else_o they_o be_v add_v by_o some_o other_o inspire_a writer_n so_o perhaps_o be_v those_o word_n unto_o this_o day_n ch_n 4._o v._n 9_o &_o ch_n 5._o v._n 9_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a at_o all_o to_o believe_v so_o for_o joshua_n relate_v some_o passage_n that_o happen_v a_o good_a while_n before_o he_o write_v this_o book_n which_o be_v a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n may_v speak_v after_o this_o manner_n very_o well_o and_o some_o few_o other_o word_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v insert_v after_o ioshua_n death_n but_o that_o the_o main_n be_v write_v by_o himself_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o question_v the_o history_n of_o the_o judge_n follow_v which_o relate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a people_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n from_o ioshua_n death_n until_o eli_n that_o be_v about_o three_o hundred_o year_n these_o judge_n be_v man_n of_o heroic_a spirit_n raise_v up_o by_o god_n out_o of_o the_o several_a tribe_n to_o govern_v the_o people_n and_o to_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o present_a danger_n they_o be_v supreme_a ruler_n but_o temporary_a and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v type_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o deliverer_n in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o peculiar_a polity_n of_o the_o israelite_n there_o be_v very_o notable_a occurrence_n which_o be_v faithful_o record_v in_o this_o book_n here_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o gross_a impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o that_o new_a generation_n which_o come_v up_o after_o ioshua_n death_n here_o be_v record_v to_o their_o perpetual_a infamy_n their_o intimate_v converse_n with_o those_o idolatrous_a people_n that_o be_v leave_v remain_v in_o that_o land_n their_o approve_v of_o their_o superstitious_a and_o irreligious_a custom_n and_o their_o serve_v their_o go_n here_o be_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o manner_n of_o their_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a practice_n which_o occasion_v the_o very_a heathen_n to_o open_v their_o mouth_n against_o they_o yea_o to_o blaspheme_n god_n who_o name_n they_o be_v call_v by_o here_o also_o we_o have_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o heaven_n towards_o this_o people_n sometime_o relieve_v and_o deliver_v they_o at_o other_o tâ—mes_v most_o severe_o chastise_v they_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o groan_v under_o tyrant_n and_o oppressor_n here_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o history_n most_o admirable_a example_n of_o god_n displeasure_n against_o apostate_n and_o such_o as_o revolt_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o here_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_a as_o memorable_a instance_n of_o his_o reward_v those_o that_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o his_o cause_n and_o hold_v fast_o their_o integrity_n in_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o perilous_a time_n here_o be_v most_o ample_o display_v his_o love_n and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o stir_v up_o so_o many_o eminent_a worthy_n and_o champion_n to_o fight_v for_o she_o and_o to_o push_v they_o on_o by_o no_o less_o than_o a_o extraordinary_a impulse_n of_o spirit_n to_o enterprise_n and_o effect_v such_o mighty_a thing_n for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o choose_a servant_n to_o conclude_v here_o and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n occur_v such_o a_o plenty_n of_o ancient_a rite_n custom_n and_o practice_n relate_v both_o to_o peace_n and_o war_n to_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n as_o be_v able_a to_o stock_n a_o antiquary_n of_o the_o first_o size_n we_o be_v not_o certain_a who_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n it_o be_v write_v by_o samuel_n say_v the_o talmudist_n and_o it_o may_v be_v after_o one_o of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o some_o thing_n be_v here_o mention_v or_o refer_v to_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o there_o other_o say_v it_o be_v not_o compose_v till_o ezrâ—'s_n time_n by_o ezra_n the_o book_n of_o ruth_n be_v a_o appendix_n to_o that_o of_o the_o judge_n in_o who_o time_n the_o thing_n be_v do_v that_o be_v here_o relate_v particular_o a_o little_a before_o eli_n time_n they_o happen_v than_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o famine_n in_o canaan_n elimelech_n and_o his_o wife_n naomi_n and_o their_o son_n go_v into_o the_o land_n of_o moab_n and_o there_o these_o latter_a be_v marry_v one_o to_o ruth_n and_o the_o other_o to_o orphah_n after_o ten_o year_n be_v expire_v elimelech_n and_o his_o son_n die_v whereupon_o naomi_n and_o her_o daughter-in-law_n ruth_n for_o the_o other_o daughter_n stay_v behind_o return_v to_o their_o own_o country_n and_o come_v to_o bethlehem_n be_v kind_o receive_v by_o boaz_n their_o kinsman_n the_o particular_n of_o this_o kind_a reception_n and_o entertainment_n be_v set_v down_o here_o and_o the_o close_a be_v that_o he_o marry_v ruth_n who_o bear_v to_o he_o obed_n who_o be_v the_o grandfather_n of_o david_n it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v but_o a_o private_a history_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v such_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o many_o thing_n worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n viz._n the_o difference_n of_o child_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o regard_v to_o their_o parent_n orphah_n with_o great_a ease_n and_o willingness_n leave_v naomi_n but_o ruth_n cleave_v unto_o she_o the_o prudent_a instruction_n and_o wise_a demeanour_n of_o that_o excellent_a matron_n towards_o her_o daughter_n the_o young_a widow_n though_o i_o must_v needs_o add_v with_o reference_n to_o ruth_n behaviour_n that_o her_o boldness_n and_o almost_o endanger_v of_o her_o chastity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v example_n to_o other_o for_o modesty_n and_o shamefacedness_n be_v the_o proper_a quality_n of_o that_o sex_n wedlock_n be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o by_o they_o with_o such_o peril_n and_o therefore_o this_o dare_a fact_n of_o this_o venturous_a widow_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a instance_n and_o not_o to_o be_v imitate_v by_o other_o female_n here_o be_v remarkable_a the_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o afflict_a the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a the_o reward_n of_o constancy_n and_o obedience_n the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o trust_n in_o he_o beside_o here_o be_v observable_a the_o ancient_n right_o of_o kinsman_n and_o of_o redemption_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o buy_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o decease_a with_o other_o thing_n of_o great_a antiquity_n nay_o this_o be_v more_o than_o private_a history_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o pious_a woman_n ruth_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o obed_n the_o father_n of_o jesse_n the_o father_n of_o david_n of_o who_o our_o lord_n christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o you_o find_v she_o insert_v into_o his_o genealogy_n by_o st._n matthew_n again_o ruth_n a_o moabitish_a woman_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o lot_n be_v a_o type_n or_o rather_o indeed_o a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o private_a concern_v but_o of_o the_o large_a extent_n imaginable_a the_o two_o book_n of_o samuel_n be_v public_a history_n the_o former_a whereof_o contain_v thing_n do_v under_o the_o two_o last_o judge_n eli_n and_o samuel_n and_o under_o the_o first_o king_n who_o be_v saul_n as_o also_o the_o act_n of_o david_n while_o he_o live_v under_o saul_n here_o be_v a_o narrative_a of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o judge_n into_o king_n of_o the_o republic_n or_o aristocracy_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o a_o monarchy_n and_o of_o the_o great_a and_o many_o evil_n which_o they_o suffer_v as_o consequent_a upon_o it_o all_o worthy_a of_o our_o serious_a perusal_n and_o consideration_n here_o be_v a_o account_n of_o their_o new_a king_n be_v be_v depose_v by_o god_n viz._n for_o his_o rash_a and_o profane_a sacrifice_v and_o his_o wilful_a disobey_v the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o total_a destruction_n of_o the_o amalekite_n and_o whatever_o belong_v to_o they_o the_o latter_a book_n â—s_v whole_o spend_v in_o the_o history_n of_o king_n david_n reign_n that_o be_v his_o act_n after_o saul_n death_n these_o â—re_n either_o his_o military_a act_n his_o troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a and_o sometime_o successful_a erterprise_n in_o war_n or_o his_o political_a act_n show_v in_o the_o wise_a administration_n of_o civil_a government_n or_o his_o ecclesiastical_a and_o religious_a undertake_n which_o respect_v 〈◊〉_d church_n of_o god_n in_o those_o day_n with_o these_o be_v mix_v the_o great_a fail_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o that_o king_n which_o be_v as_o particular_o record_v as_o his_o other_o act_n and_o as_o
as_o the_o original_a if_o we_o will_v be_v exact_a in_o render_v it_o express_v it_o and_o if_o we_o interpret_v this_o proverb_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o exact_o comport_v with_o the_o next_o verse_n they_o lay_v wait_v for_o their_o own_o blood_n they_o lurk_v privy_o for_o their_o own_o life_n those_o that_o thus_o design_n mischief_n against_o innocent_a person_n bring_v ruin_n upon_o themselves_o and_o be_v frequent_o take_v in_o that_o net_n which_o they_o spread_v for_o other_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o genuine_a exposition_n of_o the_o word_n but_o every_o one_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o liberty_n to_o choose_v any_o other_o interpretation_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o context_n and_o oppose_v no_o other_o text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o of_o all_o these_o sense_n be_v at_o first_o design_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o can_v certain_o tell_v it_o may_v be_v in_o such_o place_n as_o these_o of_o which_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a number_n in_o this_o book_n there_o be_v a_o latitude_n and_o questionless_a it_o be_v best_o it_o â—â—ould_v be_v so_o that_o we_o may_v with_o the_o great_a freedom_n search_v into_o and_o descant_v upon_o these_o sacred_a write_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o full_a extent_n of_o these_o excellent_a moral_a observation_n and_o remarkable_a say_n of_o this_o wise_a king_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v short_a and_o concise_a and_o therehy_a sometime_o become_v somewhat_o difficult_a but_o if_o 〈◊〉_d imâ—eratoria_n brevital_n as_o tacitus_n call_v it_o be_v commendable_a no_o wise_a man_n sure_o will_v dislike_v it_o in_o solomon_n especial_o when_o such_o divine_a and_o admirable_a truth_n be_v couch_v in_o it_o his_o next_o book_n be_v entitle_v ecclesiaste_n for_o the_o lxx_o by_o who_o the_o worâ—â—_n kabal_n be_v general_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v according_o render_v kobele_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v probable_a he_o pen_v it_o when_o 〈◊〉_d be_v old_a and_o have_v pass_v the_o several_a stage_n of_o vanity_n it_o be_v a_o open_a disow_v of_o his_o former_a folly_n and_o extravagancy_n it_o be_v the_o royal_a preacher_n recantation-sermon_n wherein_o he_o tender_v himself_o a_o public_a penitentiary_n which_o be_v the_o mean_v as_o testâ—minâ—_n one_o think_v of_o that_o title_n of_o this_o book_n in_o the_o hebrew_n kohelâ—th_n or_o the_o gather_v soul_n because_o iâ—_n this_o book_n he_o recollect_n himself_o and_o gather_v and_o râ—duceth_v other_o that_o wander_v after_o vanity_n to_o this_o end_n he_o make_v a_o clear_a and_o ample_a discovery_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n i._n e._n in_o this_o life_n or_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n a_o phrase_n peculiar_a to_o solomon_n and_o in_o this_o book_n only_o where_o it_o be_v often_o use_v here_o the_o wise_a man_n convince_v we_o from_o his_o own_o experience_n that_o none_o of_o the_o acquist_n of_o this_o world_n be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o immortal_a spirit_n of_o man_n that_o the_o great_a wit_n and_o learning_n the_o most_o exquisite_a pleasure_n and_o sensual_a enjoyment_n the_o vast_a confluence_n of_o wealth_n and_o riches_n and_o the_o high_a seat_n of_o honour_n even_o the_o royal_a throne_n itself_o be_v insufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n happy_a and_o consequent_o that_o our_o happiness_n must_v be_v â—ought_v for_o some_o where_o else_o here_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o world_n be_v changeable_n and_o ambient_a to_o vanity_n though_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o in_o it_o yet_o the_o steady_a and_o uner_a providence_n of_o god_n rule_v all_o affair_n and_o event_n here_o below_o and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o god_n will_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n with_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil_a here_o be_v particular_a direction_n give_v we_o how_o we_o be_v to_o discharge_v our_o duty_n first_o with_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o viz._n that_o we_o ought_v very_o strict_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o to_o live_v iâ—_n a_o thankful_a use_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o be_v content_a with_o our_o portion_n and_o allotment_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o banish_v all_o covetous_a desire_n and_o project_n as_o we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v i._n e._n be_v very_o retire_v and_o solemn_a very_o â—â—â—lous_a and_o compose_v and_o banish_v all_o superfluous_a mirth_n and_o gaiety_n so_o we_o must_v eat_v our_o bread_n with_o joy_n i._n e._n live_v in_o a_o comfortable_a fruition_n of_o these_o earthly_a blessing_n and_o delight_n in_o these_o enjoyment_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v lawful_a and_o innocent_a our_o duty_n to_o other_o be_v here_o also_o brief_o prescribe_v we_o viz._n that_o we_o ought_v to_o pay_v a_o profound_a respect_n to_o good_a king_n and_o to_o keep_v their_o commandment_n yea_o that_o our_o very_a thought_n towards_o they_o ought_v to_o he_o reverent_a then_o as_o to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o equal_a level_n with_o we_o or_o inferior_a to_o we_o that_o we_o show_v ourselves_o just_a and_o righteous_a to_o they_o in_o all_o our_o converse_n and_o deal_n and_o that_o when_o we_o see_v any_o of_o they_o reduce_v to_o poverty_n and_o strait_o that_o we_o extend_v our_o charity_n to_o they_o that_o we_o cast_v our_o bread_n upon_o these_o water_n that_o we_o relieve_v their_o want_n and_o necessity_n last_o we_o be_v instruct_v in_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o approach_v he_o with_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n to_o keep_v our_o foot_n when_o we_o go_v to_o his_o house_n to_o pay_v our_o vow_n to_o he_o to_o remember_v he_o our_o creator_n and_o preserver_n to_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n his_o whole_a duty_n and_o his_o whole_a concern_v the_o canticle_n or_o solomon_n song_n be_v another_o piece_n of_o hebrew_n poetry_n which_o he_o write_v when_o he_o be_v young_a and_o in_o a_o amorous_a vein_n and_o yet_o breathe_v most_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a amour_n if_o you_o take_v it_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n only_o it_o be_v king_n solomon_n epithalamium_n or_o wedding-song_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o 45th_o psalm_n which_o be_v a_o song_n on_o his_o nuptial_n with_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n be_v daughter_n but_o in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n it_o set_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v there_o call_v the_o king_n daughter_n such_o be_v this_o dramatic_a poem_n wherein_o be_v bring_v in_o the_o bridegroom_n and_o bride_n and_o the_o friend_n of_o both_o alternate_o speak_v but_o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o gross_a in_o our_o apprehension_n as_o to_o conceive_v this_o to_o be_v bare_o a_o marriage-song_n as_o castellio_n groundless_o fanci_v and_o therefore_o deem_v it_o to_o be_v scripture_n not_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n with_o the_o rest_n beside_o the_o literal_a import_n of_o the_o word_n in_o this_o lovesong_n there_o be_v a_o mystical_a sense_n couch_v in_o they_o carnal_a love_n be_v here_o make_v to_o administer_v to_o religion_n the_o flesh_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o mystery_n in_o this_o love-poem_n the_o jew_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o read_v it_o till_o they_o be_v of_o maturity_n of_o year_n if_o we_o take_v this_o mystical_a wedding_n song_n in_o the_o high_a mean_v of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o allegorical_a description_n of_o the_o spiritual_a marriage_n and_o communion_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n it_o iâ—_n a_o representation_n of_o the_o mystical_a nuptial_n of_o thâ—_n lord_n christ_n jesus_n and_o believer_n their_o mutuâ—â—_n affection_n and_o love_n be_v decipher_v by_o the_o soâ—_n passion_n and_o amour_n of_o solomon_n and_o his_o royal_a spouse_n this_o though_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o it_o make_v it_o a_o most_o divine_a poem_n and_o high_o worthy_a of_o our_o most_o serious_a perusal_n and_o study_n for_o here_o we_o see_v the_o gospel_n anticipate_v and_o the_o most_o glorious_a subject_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n betimes_o insert_v into_o the_o old_a object_n but_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a disparagement_n to_o this_o and_o the_o other_o beforementioned_a book_n of_o solomon_n that_o â—e_n be_v a_o reprobate_n and_o final_o reject_v by_o god_n be_v we_o not_o discourage_v from_o receive_v these_o write_n as_o canonical_a scripture_n when_o we_o know_v that_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v a_o damn_a person_n for_o what_o can_v he_o be_v else_o who_o towards_o his_o latter_a end_n revolt_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n
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 â—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 whereoâ—_n we_o may_v â—ix_v a_o satisfactory_a resolution_n of_o the_o doubtâ—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 thâ—_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 mosâ—_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 seâ—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
understand_v they_o aright_o i_o propound_v these_o ensue_a rule_n and_o direction_n first_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o other_o learning_n to_o make_v ourselves_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o bible_n all_o art_n require_v a_o master_n and_o teacher_n even_o the_o low_a and_o mechanical_a all_o trade_n and_o science_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v none_o presume_v to_o meddle_v with_o they_o till_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o all_o degree_n of_o person_n pretend_v to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n though_o they_o be_v never_o instruct_v never_o prepare_v as_o paulin._n st._n jerom_n complain_v of_o old_a a_o great_a many_o imagine_v that_o the_o weak_a brain_n can_v comprehend_v the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n and_o without_o all_o other_o knowledge_n attain_v to_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n and_o be_v one_o cause_n of_o man_n wrest_v and_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o unlearned_a and_o unwilling_a to_o be_v teach_v for_o so_o the_o word_n import_v they_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n they_o use_v not_o the_o proper_a help_n conduce_v to_o it_o or_o whatever_o they_o be_v in_o st._n peter_n time_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o now_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o humane_a learning_n be_v require_v to_o understand_v these_o write_n for_o though_o they_o surpass_v all_o humane_a wisdom_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o they_o have_v stricture_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n in_o they_o and_o be_v write_v in_o the_o learned_a language_n and_o as_o i_o have_v show_v former_o contain_v in_o they_o all_o sort_n of_o word_n phrase_n and_o idiom_n wherefore_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o art_n and_o tongue_n for_o understand_v this_o book_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n there_o be_v the_o rite_n custom_n manner_n opinion_n say_n proverb_n of_o almost_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o of_o the_o ancient_a hebrew_n wherefore_o a_o knowledge_n of_o their_o write_n and_o ancient_a monument_n a_o converse_n with_o history_n and_o antiquity_n be_v absolute_o requisite_a especial_o for_o explain_v the_o difficult_a place_n and_o to_o have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o several_a passage_n in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n ecclesiastical_a history_n in_o needful_a which_o give_v we_o nitice_n of_o the_o heretic_n of_o that_o time_n or_o of_o those_o concern_v who_o the_o apostle_n prophetical_o speak_v the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v to_o be_v consult_v and_o that_o with_o great_a application_n of_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v the_o interpretation_n which_o those_o learned_a and_o pious_a man_n give_v of_o the_o respective_a place_n of_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v be_v edify_v by_o their_o religious_a comment_n but_o not_o imbibe_n any_o of_o their_o error_n this_o which_o i_o now_o say_v principal_o concern_v the_o guide_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o scholarship_n and_o true_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v more_o especial_o fit_v for_o such_o it_o be_v their_o province_n to_o expound_v and_o teach_v this_o holy_a book_n which_o be_v itself_o a_o library_n and_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o can_v be_v right_o understand_v and_o explain_v without_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n without_o skill_n in_o the_o tongue_n rhetdrick_n logic_n philosophy_n history_n criticism_n for_o as_o it_o be_v furnish_v with_o all_o literature_n so_o it_o require_v all_o to_o unfold_v it_o aright_o as_o for_o the_o apostle_n though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n in_o art_n and_o science_n yet_o that_o defect_n be_v abundant_o recompense_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o most_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n who_o be_v not_o hebrew_n understand_v the_o language_n in_o which_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o their_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o as_o for_o the_o greek_a of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v universal_o know_v and_o so_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o native_a tongue_n both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o of_o that_o time_n but_o man_n be_v not_o now_o instruct_v in_o strange_a language_n by_o the_o spirit_n nor_o be_v they_o bear_v with_o hebrew_n or_o greek_a neither_o be_v they_o inspire_v with_o art_n and_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o consequent_o study_v and_o read_n and_o long_a exercise_n be_v indispensable_o requisite_a 6._o clement_n of_o alexandria_n will_v have_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n his_o perfect_a and_o complete_a theologue_n be_v skilled_a in_o humane_a literature_n and_o philosophy_n inshort_n to_o be_v a_o consummate_v divine_a and_o thorough_o know_v in_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o universal_a learning_n second_o that_o we_o may_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o be_v exceed_o attentive_a observe_v considerate_a that_o we_o be_v very_o inquisitive_a thoughtful_a and_o diligent_a this_o rule_n may_v be_v explain_v in_o several_a particular_n 1._o we_o must_v use_v great_a thoughtfulness_n diligence_n and_o care_n in_o penetrate_v into_o the_o design_n and_o sense_n of_o those_o inspire_a write_n st._n chrysostom_n deliver_v the_o rule_n thus_o galat._n we_o must_v not_o only_o examine_v the_o mere_a naked_a word_n and_o insist_v upon_o they_o simple_o and_o absolute_o consider_v but_o we_o must_v chief_o attend_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o writer_n sometime_o instead_o of_o a_o absolute_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n in_o scripture_n they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v comparative_o or_o with_o limitation_n they_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n as_o to_o instance_n no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1._o cor._n 12._o 3._o i_o e._n no_o man_n can_v say_v so_o from_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v that_o reserve_v imply_v where_o i_o be_o you_o eannot_v come_v john_n 7._o 34._o i_o e._n you_o can_v come_v yet_o but_o afterward_o you_o shall_v all_o that_o come_v before_o i_o be_v thief_n and_o robber_n john_n 1_o o._n 8._o i._n e._n all_o false_a prophet_n for_o he_o mean_v they_o be_v such_o it_o be_v report_v that_o there_o be_v such_o fornication_n among_o you_o as_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v among_o the_o gentile_n that_o one_o shall_v have_v his_o father_n wife_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 1._o this_o sort_n of_o fornication_n be_v not_o only_o name_v but_o practise_v among_o the_o gentile_n for_o there_o be_v several_a example_n in_o pagan_a story_n of_o marry_v the_o father_n wife_n therefore_o here_o must_v be_v mean_v the_o more_o sober_a sort_n of_o gentile_n and_o so_o in_o many_o other_o place_n thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v absolute_o speak_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o restrain_a sense_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o be_v very_o thoughtful_a and_o inquisitive_a about_o the_o context_n the_o dependence_n the_o connection_n of_o those_o place_n which_o we_o search_v into_o we_o be_v to_o be_v exceed_o mindful_a what_o the_o word_n refer_v to_o what_o coherence_n they_o have_v with_o what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v to_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o we_o must_v careful_o observe_v the_o subject-matter_n for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o proposition_n be_v true_a or_o not_o true_a according_a to_o this_o you_o will_v meet_v with_o several_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v forbear_v to_o mention_v any_o here_o only_o i_o offer_v this_o at_o present_a as_o a_o general_n rule_n for_o guide_v we_o to_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n 3._o this_o attentiveness_n and_o care_n must_v be_v exercise_v in_o compare_v one_o place_n with_o another_o or_o with_o divers_a other_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n for_o as_o a_o temple_n intelligent_a person_n right_o suggest_v all_o truth_n be_v consonant_n to_o itself_o and_o all_o be_v pen_v by_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a spirit_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o a_o industrious_a and_o judicious_a compare_v of_o place_n with_o place_n must_v be_v a_o singular_a help_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o one_o rule_n if_o well_o and_o due_o observe_v will_v carry_v we_o through_o most_o of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o bible_n for_o this_o we_o may_v depend_v upon_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n that_o the_o best_a comment_n on_o this_o book_n be_v itself_o wherefore_o let_v
be_v to_o understand_v their_o stomach_n and_o whole_a body_n and_o by_o nourish_v they_o be_v mean_v feed_v and_o pamper_v of_o they_o the_o apostle_n rebuke_n the_o gluttony_n and_o intemperance_n of_o the_o voluptuous_a man_n of_o that_o age_n who_o make_v every_o day_n a_o day_n of_o slaughter_n a_o day_n of_o feast_v and_o revel_v i_o can_v parallel_v this_o with_o a_o passage_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o leb_n have_v the_o same_o ambiguous_a signification_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d comfort_v you_o your_o heart_n gen._n 18._o 5._o which_o be_v speak_v of_o abraham_n entertain_v the_o angel_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o morsel_n of_o bread_n there_o mention_v for_o so_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v his_o generous_a provision_n which_o he_o make_v for_o his_o guest_n stay_v say_v he_o support_n sustain_v for_o so_o the_o word_n sagnad_n signify_v your_o stomach_n and_o thereby_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v your_o heart_n with_o this_o entertainment_n so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v in_o a_o equivocal_a sense_n by_o homer_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o speak_v of_o mercury_n â—_o be_v entertain_v by_o calypso_n he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o sup_v and_o stay_v his_o heart_n or_o his_o stomach_n with_o meat_n thence_o bread_n be_v call_v mishgnan_n fulcrum_fw-la sustentaculum_fw-la iâ—a_fw-la 3._o 1._o a_o stay_v a_o staff_n and_o among_o the_o old_a hebrew_n segnudah_n i_o e._n fulcimentum_fw-la be_v a_o dinner_n and_o so_o food_n among_o we_o be_v know_v by_o the_o vulgar_a name_n of_o sustenance_n i_o hope_v that_o from_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v allege_v the_o critical_a notion_n which_o i_o offer_v be_v make_v very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a and_o in_o several_a other_o instance_n i_o can_v make_v it_o good_a that_o there_o be_v those_o peculiar_a grace_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n which_o the_o most_o exquisite_a translation_n can_v full_o reach_v i_o will_v particular_o instance_n in_o one_o sort_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v paranomasia_n i_o e._n elegant_a allusion_n and_o cadence_n of_o word_n thus_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a allusion_n to_o iapheth_n name_n in_o gen._n 9_o 27._o japht_n lejeph_v there_o be_v no_o less_o than_o three_o of_o these_o in_o one_o verse_n gen._n 11._o 3._o nilbenah_n lebenim_fw-la nisrephah_o lisrephah_o hachemar_n lachomer_n in_o gen._n 49._o there_o be_v several_a of_o these_o verbal_a allusion_n as_o jehudah_n joduka_o v_o 8._o dan_fw-mi jadin_fw-mi v._n 16._o gad_n gedud_n jegudennu_fw-fr v._n 19_o which_o be_v plain_a reference_n to_o the_o name_n of_o judah_n dan_n and_o gad._n there_o be_v a_o paranomasia_fw-la in_o the_o word_n chamor_n judg._n 15._o 16._o which_o signify_v both_o a_o ass_n and_o a_o heap_n but_o this_o be_v quite_o lose_v in_o our_o translation_n heap_n upon_o heap_n with_o the_o jawbone_n of_o a_o ass._n the_o mount_n of_o olive_n be_v in_o way_n of_o contempt_n call_v the_o mount_n of_o corruption_n mashchith_n 2_o king_n 23._o 13._o allude_v to_o mishchah_n anoint_v for_o which_o the_o oil_n of_o olive_n be_v serviceable_a in_o psal._n 39_o 11._o the_o psalmist_n allude_v to_o the_o name_n of_o adam_n and_o abel_n when_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o adam_n be_v abel_n or_o every_o man_n be_v vanity_n and_o selah_n be_v here_o add_v to_o denote_v the_o emphatic_a elegancy_n of_o this_o passage_n and_o again_o psal._n 144._o 4._o adam_n be_v like_o abel_n we_o render_v the_o hebrew_n right_o enough_o man_n be_v like_a vanity_n but_o then_o the_o nominal_a allusion_n be_v not_o express_v there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o paranomasia_n in_o isaiah_n as_o in_o ch_z 1._o v._n 23._o sare_z sorerim_n the_o prince_n be_v rebellious_a ch._n 5._o v._n 7._o he_o look_v for_o mishphat_n judgement_n but_o behold_v mishpah_n oppression_n for_o tzedekah_n righteousness_n but_o behold_v tzegnakah_n a_o cry_n four_o of_o these_o pleasant_a cadence_n you_o meet_v with_o together_o in_o ch_z 24._o v._n 3_o 4._o hibbok_n tibbok_v hibboz_fw-mi tibboz_fw-mi dibber_n dabar_fw-la oblab_v noblah_o ch._n 32._o v._n 7._o chelai_n chelav_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o churl_n some_o observe_v the_o likeness_n of_o sound_n in_o the_o hebrew_n word_n for_o bridegroom_n and_o deck_v himself_o and_o for_o bride_n and_o jewel_n ch_n 61._o v._n 10._o we_o may_v observe_v in_o jer._n 6._o 1._o a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o word_n tekoah_n in_o the_o word_n precede_v it_o a_o remarkable_a cadence_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o mic._n 1._o 14._o the_o house_n of_o aczib_n the_o name_n of_o a_o place_n shall_v be_v aczab_v a_o lie_n and_o the_o learned_a dr._n pocock_n observe_v that_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n have_v allusion_n to_o the_o name_n of_o those_o other_o city_n mareshah_n and_o adullam_n in_o what_o he_o there_o say_v of_o they_o the_o like_v you_o find_v in_o zeph._n 2._o 4._o where_o the_o destruction_n of_o gaza_n and_o ekron_n be_v foretell_v but_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o the_o translation_n the_o last_o place_n i_o will_v mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v zech._n 9_o 3._o tyre_n build_v herself_o a_o strong-hold_a tzor_n build_v herself_o matzor_n this_o way_n of_o speak_v be_v use_v also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o spirit_n john_n 3._o 8._o the_o same_o word_n signify_v wind_n and_o spirit_n christ_n take_v occasion_n thence_o to_o speak_v after_o this_o allusive_a manner_n which_o no_o translation_n can_v express_v so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mat._n 16._o 18._o can_v be_v discern_v in_o the_o english_a translation_n st._n paul_n have_v several_a verbal_a likeness_n in_o his_o epistle_n as_o 1_o cor._n 0._o 21._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o cor._n 5._o 8._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d philein_fw-fr v_o 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o thess._n 3._o 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o henry_n stephens_n have_v express_v by_o the_o like_a paranomasia_n in_o latin_a â—iâ—il_fw-la agentes_fw-la sed_fw-la curiosè_fw-la satagentes_fw-la and_o several_a other_o of_o this_o kind_n there_o be_v in_o this_o apostle_n write_n which_o be_v more_o common_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o therefore_o i_o omit_v they_o grotius_n and_o some_o other_o think_v there_o be_v allusion_n to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o asiatic_a church_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v of_o they_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o they_o rev._n 2d_o and_o 3d_o chapter_n but_o perhaps_o that_o be_v too_o fanciful_a this_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o that_o this_o mode_n of_o speech_n be_v not_o unusual_a among_o the_o oriental_a writer_n and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o it_o occur_v sometime_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n even_o among_o some_o of_o the_o best_a roman_a author_n this_o be_v no_o unfrequent_a thing_n thus_o verres_n the_o avaritious_a and_o extort_v praetor_n of_o sicily_n be_v by_o tully_n call_v verrens_fw-la sweep-all_a and_o many_o such_o verbal_a jest_n this_o grave_a pleader_n have_v in_o his_o oration_n and_o other_o part_n of_o his_o write_n which_o show_v it_o be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o pulchritude_n in_o their_o style_n so_o martial_a play_v upon_o the_o idle_a mariner_n non_fw-la nautas_fw-la puto_fw-la sed_fw-la vos_fw-la argonautas_n horace_n begin_v his_o epistle_n to_o one_o albius_n a_o patron_n of_o he_o thus_o albi_fw-la nostrorum_fw-la sermonum_fw-la candid_a judex_fw-la allude_v in_o that_o epithet_n to_o his_o name_n and_o he_o have_v several_a other_o of_o these_o charientism_n which_o we_o can_v but_o sometime_o observe_v likewise_o in_o other_o ancient_a writer_n of_o good_a account_n but_o that_o which_o i_o remark_n at_o present_a be_v that_o even_o the_o sacred_a and_o inspire_a style_n disdain_v not_o this_o manner_n of_o speak_v which_o none_o be_v capable_a of_o take_v notice_n of_o but_o those_o that_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o original_a language_n in_o which_o the_o sacred_a text_n be_v write_v and_o in_o several_a other_o particular_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v the_o gracefulness_n of_o the_o holy_a style_n and_o that_o singular_a turn_v and_o peculiar_a air_n in_o the_o original_a which_o can_v be_v express_v in_o the_o translation_n there_o be_v many_o word_n phrase_n and_o sentence_n which_o must_v lose_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o their_o native_a weight_n and_o spirit_n by_o be_v do_v into_o another_o language_n therefore_o on_o this_o as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o other_o account_n beforenamed_n we_o must_v be_v very_o considerate_a and_o attentive_a when_o we_o read_v this_o divine_a book_n three_o there_o must_v