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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n believe_v church_n infallible_a 2,836 5 9.7883 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A37989 A discourse concerning the authority, stile, and perfection of the books of the Old and New-Testament with a continued illustration of several difficult texts of scripture throughout the whole work / by John Edwards. Edwards, John, 1637-1716. 1693 (1693) Wing E202; ESTC R29386 927,516 1,518

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number_v among_o the_o book_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v argue_v from_o the_o tradition_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v do_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v it_o be_v valid_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o copy_n the_o canonicalness_n of_o the_o book_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o decidable_a by_o scripture_n itself_o but_o in_o the_o way_n that_o all_o other_o controversy_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v as_o you_o will_v prove_v any_o other_o book_n to_o be_v authentic_a so_o you_o must_v prove_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v viz._n by_o sufficient_a and_o able_a testimony_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o sacred_a history_n that_o there_o be_v to_o believe_v any_o other_o historical_a write_n that_o be_v extant_a nay_o the_o testimony_n on_o behalf_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture●_n be_v more_o pregnant_a than_o any_o that_o be_v bring_v for_o other_o write_n beside_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v for_o the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v for_o other_o write_n i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o this_o above_o a●●_n other_o the_o main_a thing_n we_o have_v insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v faithful_o convey_v to_o we_o and_o that_o they_o be_v vouch_v by_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a tradition_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o these_o book_n and_o no_o other_o be_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n for_o to_o be_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o be_v own_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o divine_o inspire_a write_n the_o church_n witness_v and_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n for_o she_o receive_v they_o as_o divine_a and_o she_o deliver_v they_o to_o we_o as_o such_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o church_n testify_v 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not_o on_o the_o church_n but_o on_o the_o book_n and_o author_n themselves_o namely_o their_o be_v inspire_v and_o indeed_o this_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v depend_v on_o the_o church_n because_o the_o church_n itself_o depend_v on_o the_o scripture_n these_o must_v be_v prove_v before_o the_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o church_n we_o can_v know_v the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v know_v before_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o papist_n be_v very_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a in_o make_v the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v into_o the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n this_o we_o disow_v as_o a_o great_a falsity_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o hold_v that_o the_o church_n testimony_n be_v one_o good_a argument_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n according_a to_o that_o know_a say_v of_o st._n augustine_n i_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o move_v i_o not_o that_o he_o find_v the_o gospel_n i._n e._n the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o papist_n be_v wont_a to_o infer_v from_o these_o word_n and_o frequent_o quote_v they_o to_o this_o purpose_n no_o the_o father_n meaning_n be_v this_o that_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n he_o believe_v the_o book_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v very_o that_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o scope_n of_o it_o for_o he_o speak_v there_o of_o the_o copy_n or_o write_n not_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o good_a father_n rely_v on_o this_o that_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o know_v and_o honest_a person_n as_o the_o church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o do_v assert_v the_o evangelical_n write_n to_o be_v the_o write_n of_o such_o as_o be_v real_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a and_o not_o corrupt_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o same_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o of_o those_o that_o immediate_o succeed_v they_o several_a of_o which_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n this_o be_v the_o external_n testimony_n give_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v the_o general_a persuasion_n and_o attestation_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o these_o be_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n immediate_o direct_v by_o the_o spirit_n who_o therefore_o can_v not_o err_v it_o be_v usual_a heretofore_o among_o the_o pagan_a lawgiver_n to_o attribute_v their_o law_n to_o some_o deity_n though_o they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o invention_n intend_v thereby_o to_o conciliate_v reverence_n to_o they_o and_o to_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o people_n but_o here_o be_v no_o such_o cheat_n put_v upon_o we_o god_n himself_o be_v real_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n these_o sacred_a law_n come_v immediate_o from_o he_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v assurance_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o they_o chap._n iii_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n manifest_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n especial_o of_o pagan_n these_o confirm_v what_o the_o old_a testament_n say_v concern_v the_o creation_n the_o production_n of_o adam_n and_o eve_n their_o fall_n with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o it_o enoch_n translation_n the_o longevity_n of_o the_o patriarch_n the_o giant_n in_o those_o time_n the_o universal_a flood_n the_o build_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n i_o have_v propound_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a argument_n which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o will_v now_o choose_v out_o another_o for_o the_o sake_n chief_o of_o the_o learned_a and_o curious_a which_o i_o purpose_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o yea_o to_o make_v the_o subject_a of_o my_o whole_a ensue_a discourse_n i_o consider_v then_o that_o we_o have_v in_o this_o matter_n not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n but_o of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n and_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o vouch_v by_o all_o man_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o enemy_n be_v most_o considerable_a the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o beside_o these_o witness_n there_o be_v other_o there_o be_v the_o attestation_n of_o foreigner_n and_o adversary_n these_o full_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a bible_n we_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o heathen_a writer_n to_o confirm_v many_o of_o the_o thing_n relate_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o both_o profess_a heathen_n and_o jew_n for_o we_o must_v now_o look_v upon_o these_o latter_a as_o profess_a enemy_n when_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_a concern_v attest_v sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o vouch_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o they_o here_o than_o i_o will_v distinct_o proceed_v and_o first_o begin_v with_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o let_v you_o see_v in_o several_a particular_n that_o even_o the_o pagan_a world_n give_v testimony_n to_o this_o sacred_a volume_n
demosthenes_n more_o especial_o who_o no_o less_o than_o three_o time_n in_o 1._o one_o oration_n use_v the_o word_n in_o this_o manner_n and_o in_o 1._o another_o place_n once_o or_o twice_o but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o establish_v my_o notion_n already_o by_o what_o i_o have_v produce_v you_o see_v plain_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v not_o absolute_o a_o reference_n to_o a_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o large_a import_n and_o signify_v in_o general_a on_o the_o account_n or_o for_o the_o sake_n and_o more_o especial_o that_o it_o denote_v a_o impulsive_a cause_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o be_v use_v to_o express_v those_o thing_n or_o person_n that_o put_v man_n upon_o action_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o i_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o disprove_v it_o i_o have_v defend_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o classical_a author_n that_o i_o may_v thereby_o obviate_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o inquisitive_a person_n and_o give_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o curious_a and_o make_v my_o exposition_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d more_o clear_a and_o demonstrative_a when_o it_o be_v see_v that_o it_o be_v found_v on_o the_o acception_n of_o that_o preposition_n not_o only_o in_o the_o new-testament_n but_o in_o profane_a author_n and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o i_o may_v render_v my_o whole_a undertake_n on_o that_o text_n the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o the_o learned_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o this_o rank_n of_o person_n i_o devote_v all_o my_o endeavour_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o that_o which_o i_o now_o offer_v to_o the_o world_n be_v more_o especial_o design_v for_o the_o use_v of_o young_a student_n in_o sacred_a learning_n such_o as_o be_v beginner_n and_o candidate_n in_o theology_n though_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v that_o these_o critical_a researche_n will_v ●ot_n be_v useless_a to_o those_o of_o a_o high_a character_n a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o difficult_a chapter_n and_o verse_n in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v explain_v in_o this_o book_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o same_o order_n that_o they_o be_v there_o mention_v ii_o chap._n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o image_n who_o head_n be_v of_o gold_n etc._n etc._n page_n 9_o vii_o chap._n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o four_o beast_n p._n 10_o viii_o chap._n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o ram_n and_o he-goat_n p._n 13_o xi_o gen._n 4._o let_v we_o make_v we_o a_o name_n lest_o we_o scatter_v abroad_o etc._n etc._n p._n 127_o xxxvi_o gen._n 24._o this_o be_v that_o anah_n that_o find_v the_o mule_n in_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n p._n 147_o xv._n judg._n 15_o 16_o 17_o etc._n etc._n concern_v the_o jawbone_n of_o the_o ass_n wherewith_o samson_n slay_v a_o thousand_o men._n p._n 149_o xxxviii_o isai._n 8._o the_o sun_n return_v ten_o degree_n by_o which_o degree_n it_o be_v go_v down_o p._n 200_o xxxiii_o deut._n 17._o where_o joseph_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o ox_n or_o bullock_n and_o why_o p._n 214_o ii_o luke_n 1_o 2._o there_o go_v out_o a_o decree_n from_o caesar_n augustus_n that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v tax_v p._n 352_o ii_o matth._n 2._o we_o have_v see_v his_o star_n in_o the_o east_n vers._n 7._o herod_n inquire_v of_o they_o diligent_o what_o time_n the_o star_n appear_v vers._n 9_o the_o star_n which_o they_o see_v in_o the_o east_n go_v before_o they_o etc._n etc._n vers._n 16._o herod_n slay_v all_o the_o child_n that_o be_v in_o bethlehem_n from_o two_o year_n old_a and_o under_o according_a to_o the_o time_n which_o he_o have_v diligent_o inquire_v of_o the_o wise_a men._n p._n 360_o xxiv_o matth._n the_o former_a part_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o parallel_a chapter_n of_o st._n luke_n viz._n the_o xxi_o p._n 394_o the_o author_n vindication_n of_o his_o interpretation_n of_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 29._o praef._n errata_fw-la page_n 18._o l._n 28._o for_o ahaz_n read_v hezekiah_n p._n 37._o l._n 15._o for_o end_n r._n err_v p._n 99_o l._n 8._o deal_n not_o p._n 151._o l._n 15._o deal_n not_o p._n 212._o l._n 30._o r._n with_o ham._n and_o l._n 26_o 27._o correct_v the_o hebrew_n word_n and_o do_v the_o same_o in_o other_o place_n p._n 227._o l._n 21._o r._n unutterable_a p._n 238._o l._n 11._o r._n on_o p._n 241._o l._n 9_o r._n deus_fw-la be_v p._n 248._o l._n 18._o r._n ex_fw-la aetheris_fw-la l._n ult_n for_o that_o r._n at_o other_o time_n p._n 250._o l._n 17._o r._n martinius_n p._n 255._o l._n 26._o r._n tornare_fw-la p._n 334._o marg._n quotation_n misplace_v p._n 349._o marg._n 3_o last_o line_n put_v apolog._n 2._o add_v senator_n after_o the_o quotation_n sed_fw-la cum_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o put_v b_o before_o adu._n gent._n p._n 363._o l._n 33._o r._n other_o pagan_n p._n 364._o l._n 26._o r._n silver_n lock_n p._n 376._o l._n 11._o deal_n cit_v the_o same_o testimony_n and._n p._n 411._o l._n 7_o &_o 10._o r._n cedrenus_n what_o other_o fault_n have_v escape_v the_o reader_n be_v desire_v to_o correct_v advertisement_n a_fw-la enquiry_n into_o several_a remarkable_a text_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o with_o a_o probable_a resolution_n of_o they_o by_o john_n edward_n b._n d._n in_o two_o volume_n in_o octavo_n sell_v by_o i._o robinson_n i._o everingham_n and_o i._o wyatt_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o ludgate-street_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._n the_o internal_a testimony_n or_o argument_n to_o evince_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n 1._o the_o matter_n of_o they_o that_o be_v the_o sublime_a verity_n the_o holy_a rule_n the_o accomplish_v prophecy_n contain_v in_o they_o under_o which_o last_n topick_n several_a particular_a prediction_n chief_o in_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v explain_v and_o show_v to_o be_v fulfil_v further_o it_o be_v 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here_o be_v the_o decalogue_n write_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o transcribe_v out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v frequent_o intersperse_v in_o these_o write_n other_o choice_n rul●●_n and_o precept_n of_o morality_n but_o supernatural_a religion_n be_v the_o chief_a this_o be_v the_o main_a subject_n of_o th●●_n sacred_a volume_n and_o this_o you_o will_v find_v partly_o de●livered_v by_o the_o inspire_a prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o partly_o by_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o in_o per●son_n and_o by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o these_o holy_a scripture_n i_o be_o t●_n treat_v which_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o truth_n the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o the_o ground_n work_v of_o all_o divinity_n for_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deliver'●_n in_o sacred_a writ_n we_o must_v necessary_o be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o and_o know_v in_o the_o ●irst_n place_n that_o it_o i●_n true_a and_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v so_o if_o a●●_n estate_n be_v give_v a_o person_n by_o will_n he_o must_v fir●●_n prove_v that_o instrument_n to_o be_v true_a and_o authentic●●_n before_o he_o can_v challenge_v any_o right_n to_o what_o be_v demise_v he_o in_o it_o so_o it_o be_v here_o god_n bequeath_v we_o a●_n inheritance_n i._n e._n life_n and_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o testament_n wherein_o this_o be_v plain_o express_v and_o whereby_o it_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o especial_o th●_n write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n deseru●_v that_o name_n and_o thence_o be_v style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o greek_a word_n which_o in_o its_o original_a
import_n signify_v a_o dispose_n of_o something_o be_v most_o commo●●ly_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o disposal_n as_o be_v either_o by_o coven●●_n or_o testament_n hence_o it_o be_v sometime_o render_v 〈◊〉_d covenant_n and_o sometime_o a_o testament_n especial_o among_o the_o lawyer_n the_o latter_a sense_n prevail_v and_o according_o you_o will_v find_v that_o a_o last_o will_v and_o testament_n be_v express_v by_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o imperial_a institution_n and_o other_o law-book_n translate_v into_o greek_a we_o may_v here_o join_v both_o sense_n together_o for_o what_o god_n have_v agree_v to_o by_o covenant_n with_o man_n that_o christ_n bequeath_v and_o give_v by_o testament_n now_o we_o must_v prove_v both_o these_o i._n e._n we_o must_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o covenant_n and_o testament_n be_v true_a before_o we_o can_v receive_v any_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n from_o they_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o evidence_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v this_o covenant_n and_o this_o testament_n otherwise_o we_o can_v build_v nothing_o upon_o they_o here_o then_o i._o i_o will_v evince_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o great_a basis_n of_o all_o theology_n ii_o after_o i_o have_v large_o insist_v on_o this_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o style_n and_o phrase_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n iii_o i_o will_v advance_v yet_o far_o and_o demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o they_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o present_a undertake_n be_v the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o handle_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v but_o brief_o and_o concise_o make_v use_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v common_o insist_v upon_o by_o learned_a writer_n till_o i_o come_v to_o fix_v upon_o a_o topick_n which_o be_v not_o common_o yea_o which_o be_v very_o rare_o and_o by_o the_o by_o use_v in_o this_o cause_n and_o this_o i_o will_v pursue_v very_o large_o and_o full_o i_o hope_v with_o some_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o reader_n there_o be_v many_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o embrace_v by_o we_o as_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n some_o of_o these_o argument_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n be_v in_o common_a with_o those_o that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n on_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o insist_v at_o another_o time_n but_o my_o design_n at_o present_a be_v to_o propound_v those_o which_o be_v more_o peculiarly_a and_o proper_o fit_v to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o these_o be_v either_o internal_a or_o external_n the_o internal_a one_o i_o call_v those_o which_o be_v either_o in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o or_o in_o vs._n the_o character_n of_o divinity_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v in_o themselves_o be_v either_o their_o matter_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o write_v they_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o here_o i_o will_v mention_v only_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o the_o sublime_a doctrine_n and_o verity_n which_o be_v in_o holy_a writ_n in_o read_v this_o book_n we_o meet_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o come_v from_o any_o but_o god_n himself_o in_o other_o write_n which_o be_v most_o applaud_v the_o choice_a thing_n which_o entertain_v our_o mind_n be_v the_o excellent_a moral_a notion_n and_o precept_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o we_o which_o be_v all_o the_o result_n of_o improve_v reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n but_o here_o be_v beside_o these_o notice_n of_o a_o peculiar_a nature_n and_o such_o as_o be_v above_o our_o natural_a capacity_n and_o invention_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o 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and_o think_v man_n can_v but_o discern_v the_o peculiar_a turn_v and_o singular_a contrivance_n of_o these_o mysterious_a doctrine_n which_o argue_v they_o to_o be_v divine_a we_o may_v therefore_o believe_v the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o of_o the_o wonderful_a height_n and_o sublimity_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o 2._o the_o exact_a purity_n and_o holiness_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o be_v enjoin_v in_o these_o write_n be_v another_o testimony_n of_o their_o be_v divine_o inspire_v for_o though_o some_o other_o book_n dictate_v religion_n and_o piety_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o true_a and_o just_a measure_n of_o they_o be_v take_v original_o from_o this_o one_o exact_a standard_n which_o be_v prior_n to_o they_o all_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o beside_o the_o love_n and_o charity_n the_o humility_n meekness_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n which_o the_o scripture_n describe_v to_o we_o far_o exceed_v the_o most_o advantageous_a representation_n the_o most_o exalt_a idea_n which_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n give_v of_o they_o these_o therefore_o be_v emphatical_o and_o eminent_o call_v by_o st._n paul_n the_o holy_a scripture_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o because_o they_o breathe_v the_o most_o consummate_a goodness_n and_o piety_n and_o that_o antecedent_o to_o all_o write_n whatsoever_o because_o every_o thing_n in_o they_o advance_v holiness_n and_o that_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o they_o be_v to_o promote_v protrept_n sanctity_n of_o life_n to_o make_v we_o every_o way_n better_o and_o even_o to_o render_v we_o *_o like_o god_n himself_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v intend_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o display_v the_o heavenly_a purity_n and_o thereby_o to_o commend_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o with_o sincere_a and_o humble_a mind_n we_o peruse_v this_o book_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v this_o bless_a result_n of_o it_o it_o will_v marvellous_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n especial_o of_o god_n unspotted_a holiness_n it_o will_v tincture_n our_o mind_n with_o religion_n it_o will_v pervade_v all_o our_o faculty_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o godliness_n and_o it_o will_v thorough_o cleanse_v and_o sanctify_v both_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n but_o because_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v more_o of_o this_o when_o i_o treat_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o will_v now_o dismiss_v it_o 3._o to_o the_o matter_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v refer_v the_o prophecios_fw-la and_o prediction_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o these_o i_o reckon_v another_o internal_a argument_n because_o they_o be_v draw_v from_o what_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o very_a scripture_n itself_o what_o a_o vast_a number_n be_v there_o of_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o find_v fulfil_v and_o according_o be_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o scripture_n here_o i_o will_v a_o little_a enlarge_v and_o first_o i_o will_v beg●n_v with_o that_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o noah_n 27._o god_n shall_v enlarge_v japhet_n and_o he_o shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o shem_n and_o canaan_n shall_v be_v his_o servant_n where_o be_v foretell_v thing_n that_o happen_v above_o two_o thousand_o year_n afterward_o for_o the_o posterity_n of_o japheth_n viz._n the_o european_n especial_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n among_o other_o conquest_n gain_v the_o possession_n of_o judea_n and_o other_o eastern_a country_n which_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o shem._n again_o it_o be_v fulfil_v thus_o by_o christ_n come_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o by_o his_o
proposition_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v gain_v the_o assent_n of_o any_o intelligent_a and_o sober_a person_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o prophecy_n and_o what_o they_o aim_v at_o we_o must_v needs_o own_v they_o to_o be_v from_o he_o to_o who_o all_o future_a thing_n be_v present_a and_o who_o be_v the_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o the_o foreseer_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o holy_a scripture_n have_v deliver_v be_v actual_o come_v to_o pass_v we_o may_v with_o reason_n conclude_v that_o their_o write_n be_v not_o forgery_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o penman_n of_o they_o be_v inspire_a person_n that_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n which_o be_v a_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o their_o authority_n these_o thing_n be_v thus_o foretell_v so_o long_o before_o and_o be_v exact_o verify_v since_o it_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o the_o book_n which_o contain_v these_o prediction_n and_o be_v found_v on_o they_o be_v true_a and_o certain_a these_o prediction_n come_v from_o god_n be_v a_o a●_n red_a proof_n that_o these_o write_n be_v indict_v he_o they_o be_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o they_o thi●_n that_o which_o a_o ancient_a father_n long_o since_o deliver●_n 6._o the_o foretell_v of_o future_a thing_n say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d characteristic_a note_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n 〈◊〉_d the_o scripture_n for_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v abo●●_n humane_a nature_n and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o 〈◊〉_d only_o ●e_v effect_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o divine_a ●●●rit_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o impregna●_n maxim_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o f●_n fill_v of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o divine_a proof_n of_o 〈◊〉_d truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v a_o sufficient_a grou●_n to_o we_o of_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o go●_n thus_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 〈◊〉_d have_v undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o authority_n a●_n truth_n of_o they_o again_o the_o manner_n of_o these_o write_n be_v another_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o they_o the●_n be_v not_o write_v as_o other_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o these_o sacred_a book_n do_v not_o speak_v after_o the_o ra●●●_n of_o other_o writer_n how_o admirable_a be_v the_o simpl●_n city_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o these_o man_n all_o along_o the●_n do_v not_o hide_v their_o own_o or_o other_o fail_n yea_o eve●_n when_o they_o be_v very_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a thu●_n moses_n record_v not_o only_a noah_n drunkenness_n and_o lot_n incest_n but_o his_o own_o rash_a anger_n and_o unbelief_n and_o david_n register_n in_o the_o 51st_o psalm_n his_o own_o murder_n and_o adultery_n jeremiah_n relate_v his_o own_o unbecoming_a fear_n discontent_n and_o murmur_n chap._n 20._o 7_o 8_o 14._o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n conceal_v not_o the_o infirmity_n and_o defect_n 〈◊〉_d the_o gross_a miscarriage_n of_o themselves_o and_o of_o ●heir_a brethren_n as_o their_o cowardly_a leave_v of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d his_o passion_n john_n fall_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o a_o an●el_n to_o worship_v he_o thomas_z his_o infidelity_n john●nd_n ●nd_z james_n the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n their_o unseasonable_a ambition_n peter_n deny_v of_o christ_n even_o with_o perjury_n this_o free_a and_o plain_a deal_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n show_v that_o ●hey_n be_v not_o the_o write_n of_o men._n a_o man_n may_v ●ee_n that_o there_o be_v no_o worldly_a and_o sinister_a design_n ●●rried_v on_o in_o they_o but_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v whole_o intend_v by_o their_o impartial_a discovery_n of_o ●he_n truth_n which_o be_v long_o since_o take_v notice_n of_o ●y_a 1._o arnobius_n in_o answer_n to_o that_o cavil_v of_o the_o pagan_n hat_n the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v by_o poor_a 〈◊〉_d people_n and_o in_o a_o simple_a manner_n therefore_o ●aith_o he_o it_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v credit_v because_o they_o write_v so_o indifferent_o and_o impartial_o and_o out_o of_o simplicity_n this_o impartiality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o they_o be_v a_o irrefragable_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o write_n and_o here_o also_o you_o will_v find_v a_o excellent_a and_o admirable_a composition_n of_o simplicity_n and_o majesty_n together_o though_o the_o strain_n be_v high_a and_o lofty_a yet_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v humble_a and_o condescend_v to_o which_o purpose_n a_o learned_a father_n say_v well_o 5._o the_o language_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v low_a but_o the_o sense_n be_v sublime_a and_o heavenly_a whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o phrase_n of_o heathen_a writer_n be_v splendid_a but_o the_o thing_n couch_v in_o they_o be_v poor_a and_o mean_n the_o scripture-writer_n make_v it_o not_o their_o work_n to_o set_v off_o and_o commend_v th●_n write_n by_o be_v elaborate_v and_o exact_v h●_n be_v no_o set_a discourse_n no_o point_a argument_n 〈◊〉_d affect_a strain_n of_o logic_n tryph._n the_o writer_n 〈◊〉_d the_o bible_n say_v another_o ancient_a father_n do_v 〈◊〉_d make_v their_o write_n in_o a_o way_n of_o demonstration_n these_o unquestionable_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v above_o all_o demonstration_n nor_o shall_v y●●_n find_v here_o that_o the_o writer_n strain_v for_o elegancy_n and_o florid_n expression_n as_o other_o author_n be_v won●_n here_o be_v no_o quaint_a and_o curious_a method_n no_o form●_n transition_n no_o court_v of_o the_o reader_n no_o unnecessary_a pageantry_n of_o rhetoric_n to_o gain_v admiration_n and_o attention_n especial_o the_o style_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n be_v not_o tumid_a and_o affect_v but_o plain_a and_o simple_a and_o scorn_v the_o ornament_n and_o embellishment_n of_o fancy_n for_o as_o a_o 1._o o●_n christian_n say_v right_o truth_n 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and_o altogether_o ungraceful_a sometime_o i_o say_v for_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o that_o scripture_n be_v not_o destitute_a of_o its_o grace_n of_o speech_n but_o that_o seem_a commonness_n and_o rudeness_n be_v great_a token_n of_o the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n gregory_n the_o great_a excuse_v the_o plainness_n and_o rudeness_n of_o his_o style_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o job_n profess_v that_o leandrum_fw-la he_o think_v it_o unworthy_a of_o and_o unbecoming_a the_o heavenly_a oracle_n to_o restrain_v they_o to_o the_o nice_a rule_n of_o grammar_n sure_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o bible_n may_v say_v so_o with_o more_o reason_n it_o become_v they_o not_o to_o stand_v upon_o those_o nicety_n and_o formality_n of_o speech_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o other_o author_n for_o it_o be_v fit_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o difference_n between_o humane_a write_n and_o divine_a i_o agree_v with_o a_o late_a ingenious_a author_n who_o declare_v 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that_o those_o that_o come_v after_o they_o take_v from_o they_o and_o that_o these_o sacred_a write_n yield_v matter_n to_o those_o other_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o pagan_a historian_n philosopher_n and_o poet_n be_v behold_v to_o the_o scripture_n second_o i_o will_v prove_v it_o from_o the_o way_n of_o communicate_v those_o scriptural_a truth_n and_o history_n to_o they_o 1._o this_o happen_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o commerce_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v with_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n chaldean_n phaenician_o egyptian_n and_o other_o especial_o in_o king_n solomon_n time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a commerce_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o these_o latter_a and_o then_o it_o be_v probable_a the_o egyptian_n learn_v many_o thing_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o solomon_n marry_v a_o wife_n thence_o so_o it_o be_v likely_a they_o affect_v some_o of_o the_o rite_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o people_n and_o espouse_v their_o custom_n and_o usage_n together_o 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renown_a act_n of_o several_a of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o first_o worthy_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o great_a establish_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o those_o pagan_n derive_v so_o many_o thing_n from_o scripture_n the_o gentile_a writer_n vouch_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n wherefore_o we_o must_v needs_o embrace_v it_o when_o it_o be_v attest_v by_o such_o disinterest_v person_n 3._o we_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o wonderful_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n behold_v the_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o those_o who_o never_o own_v its_o authority_n yea_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n ratify_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o they_o the_o heathen_a poet_n whilst_o they_o corrupt_v divine_a truth_n assert_v it_o their_o very_a lie_n and_o fiction_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o sacred_a verity_n their_o fable_n confirm_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v do_v here_o the_o great_a and_o overrule_v wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v see_v here_o his_o almighty_a power_n in_o ba●●ing_v satan_n contrivance_n and_o design_n may_v be_v discern_v he_o as_o be_v say_v before_o intend_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o silence_v of_o the_o truth_n the_o exalt_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o advance_v of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o the_o alwise_a and_o powerful_a moderator_n of_o the_o world_n disappoint_v his_o design_n and_o make_v this_o thing_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o serviceable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o religion_n he_o make_v it_o become_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o antiquity_n reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n 4._o henceforth_o we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o write_n of_o profane_a author_n we_o have_v this_o considerable_a advantage_n by_o read_v the_o work_v of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n and_o by_o peruse_v their_o story_n and_o fable_n that_o we_o shall_v find_v some_o great_a thing_n couch_v in_o they_o than_o the_o bare_a narrative_n for_o these_o writer_n borrow_a many_o thing_n from_o the_o holy_a book_n their_o break_a story_n be_v oftentime_o a_o imperfect_a account_n of_o scripture_n relation_n sundry_a thing_n in_o their_o write_n be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o divine_a volume_n but_o be_v strange_o wrest_v pervertrd_n and_o obscure_v by_o have_v new_a name_n and_o ●eigned_a circumstance_n affix_v to_o they_o almost_o all_o the_o gentile_a fable_n and_o theology_n flow_v from_o a_o deprave_a sense_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n the_o poet_n disguise_n true_a story_n with_o many_o fiction_n and_o some_o relic_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v bury_v under_o their_o ingenuous_a fancy_n and_o fabulous_a narration_n ovid_n transcribe_v the_o greek_a theology_n from_o orpheus_n homer_n hesiod_n and_o other_o ancient_a poet_n and_o these_o have_v it_o from_o the_o bible_n the_o very_a poetic_a fiction_n refer_v unto_o real_a story_n and_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o divine_a source_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o we_o be_v read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o manner_n whilst_o we_o be_v turn_v over_o pagan_a writer_n in_o these_o we_o meet_v with_o truth_n transplant_v from_o the_o sacred_a book_n we_o find_v many_o passage_n steal_v from_o the_o hebrew_a fountain_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v then_o that_o scholar_n and_o student_n yea_o the_o very_a candidate_n of_o sacred_a theology_n may_v with_o great_a profit_n pry_v into_o these_o write_n of_o the_o pagan_n for_o here_o be_v the_o footstep_n of_o divine_a verity_n profane_a and_o sacred_a learning_n be_v to_o be_v join_v the_o gentile_a monument_n illustrate_v the_o inspire_a one_o we_o may_v notwithstanding_o the_o disguise_n which_o poet_n have_v put_v upon_o the_o story_n see_v the_o foundation_n of_o they_o and_o perceive_v that_o those_o vain_a figments●_n be_v ground_v on_o some_o solid_a truth_n and_o that_o a_o sacred_a treasure_n lie_v hide_v under_o those_o confuse_a fable_n for_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o palestine_n afford_v greece_n matter_n of_o fancy_n and_o invention_n the_o pagan_a poet_n be_v befriend_v by_o the_o jew_n athens_n be_v indebt_v to_o jerusalem_n parnassus_n be_v behold_v to_o sinai_n and_o helicon_n to_o jordan_n you_o see_v then_o the_o advantage_n we_o may_v reap_v by_o be_v acquaint_v with_o profane_a writer_n whilst_o we_o look_v further_o than_o the_o outward_a shape_n which_o they_o have_v give_v to_o many_o thing_n and_o search_v into_o that_o truth_n which_o lie_v hide_v under_o it_o even_o the_o sacred_a and_o undoubted_a history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n thus_o we_o may_v make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o far_o high_a and_o better_a end_n than_o they_o be_v intend_v this_o be_v the_o best_a improvement_n that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o to_o see_v the_o true_a source_n of_o what_o be_v write_v by_o they_o to_o understand_v whence_o they_o borrow_v their_o matter_n and_o to_o confirm_v ourselves_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n by_o peruse_v these_o which_o be_v profane_a 5th_o and_o last_o then_o see_v the_o authority_n truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n i_o have_v be_v aim_v at_o i_o have_v prove_v this_o before_o by_o several_a argument_n and_o those_o perhaps_o on_o some_o account_v more_o force_v and_o convictive_a than_o this_o but_o i_o think_v good_a to_o add_v this_o to_o they_o as_o no_o contemptible_a way_n of_o prove_v the_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v evidence_v from_o heathen_a writer_n not_o only_o historian_n but_o philosopher_n and_o poet_n a_o man_n may_v by_o compare_v these_o with_o the_o sacred_a volume_n find_v out_o the_o original_a of_o the_o pagan_a tradition_n and_o fiction_n and_o observe_v the_o lineament_n of_o true_a and_o unquestionable_a history_n among_o they_o hence_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n and_o thing_n in_o be_v as_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o the_o passage_n and_o transaction_n there_o mention_v be_v real_a and_o true_a this_o admirable_o serve_v to_o evince_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o write_n this_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o record_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n i._n e._n as_o infallible_a chap._n x._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n confirm_v by_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a writer_n who_o speak_v of_o a_o king_n or_o lord_n that_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o particular_o out_o of_o judaea_n a_o enumeration_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o learned_a concern_v the_o sibylls_n with_o the_o particular_a sentiment_n of_o the_o author_n viz._n that_o the_o content_n of_o their_o verse_n be_v harrow_v from_o the_o old-testament_n and_o that_o those_o woman_n be_v not_o prophetess_n but_o only_o relate_v what_o they_o find_v in_o the_o inspire_a write_n or_o hear_v of_o thence_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o sibylline_a write_n to_o be_v spurious_a next_o i_o be_o to_o show_v how_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v vouch_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o external_n testimony_n i._n e._n how_o profess_a pagans●nd_n ●nd_z jew_n enemy_n to_o christianity_n have_v relate_v ●nd_o assert_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o be_v set_v down_o ●n_o those_o evangelical_n write_n first_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a nature_n between_o what_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o before_o and_o what_o ●_o be_o now_o to_o engage_v in_o which_o therefore_o may_v apt_o serve_v as_o a_o transition_n from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o i_o ●ean_v the_o belief_n and_o report_n record_v in_o pagan_a writer_n that_o a_o king_n or_o lord_n shall_v come_v from_o the_o ●ast_n and_o do_v great_a and_o mighty_a thing_n this_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o 〈◊〉_d belong_v to_o the_o former_a discourse_n but_o because_o it_o be_v mention_v by_o historian_n that_o be_v after_o christ_n time_n and_o the_o application_n be_v with_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v make_v to_o he_o i_o right_o bring_v it_o in_o here_o it_o be_v i_o say_v a_o constant_a report_n that_o prevail_v about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n and_o afterward_o that_o some_o eminent_a person_n or_o person_n shall_v rise_v out_o of_o those_o eastern_a nation_n and_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o world_n we_o find_v 5._o tacitus_n assert_v this_o and_o that_o great_a politician_n and_o statesman_n will_v needs_o have_v it_o fulfil_v in_o vespasian_n and_o titus_n because_o they_o be_v call_v out_o of_o judea_n unto_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n suetonius_n
if_o these_o have_v be_v prophecy_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n they_o will_v have_v be_v communicate_v by_o god_n to_o his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v his_o oracle_n rather_o than_o to_o common_a pagan_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o be_v too_o choice_a secret_n to_o be_v r●●ealed_v to_o they_o wherefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old-testament_n which_o be_v spread_v abroad_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o sibylls_n only_a recite_v those_o prophecy_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n be_v you_o to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v prophecy_n of_o their_o own_o it_o be_v true_a the_o pagan_n hear_v of_o these_o prediction_n and_o not_o know_v the_o rise_n of_o they_o attribute_v they_o to_o their_o prophetess_n the_o sibylls_n and_o so_o they_o pass_v for_o the_o sibylls_n oracle_n as_o if_o those_o woman_n make_v and_o indict_v they_o of_o their_o own_o head_n but_o they_o be_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o not_o of_o any_o person_n among_o the_o pagan_n the_o sibylls_n be_v not_o the_o original_a author_n of_o they_o but_o they_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o sibylls_n write_n and_o by_o this_o we_o be_v rid_v of_o all_o the_o hard_a consequence_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o foregoing_a assertion_n we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o have_v these_o thing_n by_o divine_a a●●lation_n or_o by_o the_o help_n of_o some_o evil_a daemon_n we_o need_v not_o dispute_v whether_o they_o can_v be_v endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o yet_o be_v pagan_n in_o their_o persuasion_n and_o vicious_a in_o their_o life_n or_o whither_o if_o they_o be_v act_v by_o a_o diabolick_a spirit_n they_o can_v foretell_v thing_n of_o this_o sacred_a nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o maintain_v either_o of_o these_o because_o we_o can_v solve_v the_o matter_n before_o we_o without_o suppose_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n viz._n by_o hold_v that_o these_o sibylls_n as_o many_o other_o before_o they_o take_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o dress_v they_o up_o after_o their_o own_o fashion_n all_o thing_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o this_o opinion_n and_o we_o be_v press_v with_o no_o absurdity_n insomuch_o that_o i_o have_v wonder_v sometime_o that_o this_o have_v not_o be_v think_v of_o by_o the_o inquisitive_a this_o be_v yet_o a_o far_a evidence_n of_o what_o i_o so_o large_o pursue_v before_o that_o the_o gentile_n insert_v into_o their_o write_n several_a particular●_n of_o the_o old-testament_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o evangelical_n write_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o offer_v second_o then_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o sibylls_n oracle_n and_o verse_n as_o they_o be_v a_o signal_n attestation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new-testament_n behold_v here_o the_o main_a thing_n relate_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n plain_o speak_v of_o by_o these_o pagan_n who_o witness_n in_o this_o case_n be_v very_o considerable_a they_o declare_v in_o these_o write_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a change_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o a_o new_a governor_n or_o king_n shall_v arise_v and_o be_v very_o eminent_a cic●ro_n frequent_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o the_o sibylls_n and_o the_o roman_a senate_n be_v mighty_o alarm_v with_o it_o and_o be_v afraid_a their_o commonwealth_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o monarchy_n yea_o lentulus_n begin_v to_o take_v heart_n from_o this_o prophecy_n if_o you_o will_v believe_v tully_n and_o sallust_n and_o fancy_v he_o be_v the_o king_n the_o sibylls_n speak_v of_o and_o other_o afterward_o imagine_v that_o julius_n caesar_n or_o augustus_n or_o as_o some_o thought_n vespasian_n or_o titus_n be_v intend_v whereas_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v that_o the_o sibylls_n have_v only_o divulge_v in_o their_o verse_n the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v find_v by_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v know_v at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o world_n if_o we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o allege_v but_o this_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o sibylls_n write_n they_o tell_v we_o in_o their_o mystic_a verse_n that_o a_o little_a child_n shall_v throw_v down_o idolatry_n with_o his_o hand_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o delphic_a daemon_n this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o blessed_a babe_n jesus_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o transcribe_v particular_a passage_n in_o these_o write_n as_o concern_v christ_n miracle_n 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v only_o a_o paraphrase_n on_o that_o prophecy_n concern_v our_o bless_a lord_n in_o isai._n 35._o 5_o 6._o and_o many_o other_o text_n in_o the_o same_o prophet_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o miraculous_a act_n which_o he_o be_v to_o exert_v here_o upon_o earth_n so_o what_o be_v say_v of_o his_o suffering_n 18._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v borrow_v from_o that_o prediction_n in_o isai._n 5●_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o description_n of_o the_o messias_n suffering_n and_o that_o passage_n re●●ting_v to_o the_o resurrection_n and_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v found_v on_o some_o peculiar_a text_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o messias_n last_o advent_n and_o glorious_a reign_n certain_o it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n that_o these_o person_n attest_v these_o thing_n the_o very_a same_o which_o be_v predict_v in_o the_o old-testament_n and_o which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n this_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o refute_v the_o objection_n and_o cavil_n of_o the_o most_o profess_a adversary_n of_o christianity_n according_o the_o ancient_a christian_n especial_o the_o father_n make_v use_v of_o these_o heathen_a write_n against_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o beat_v they_o with_o their_o own_o weapon_n peruse_v athenagoras_n and_o theophilus_n of_o antioch_n and_o you_o will_v ●ind_v these_o woman_n verse_n high_o commend_v by_o they_o peruse_v alibi_fw-la justin_n and_o 6._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o you_o will_v see_v that_o they_o frequent_o quote_v those_o write_n and_o rely_v on_o they_o in_o their_o dispute_n against_o the_o pagan_n for_o christianity_n so_o do_v tertullian_n so_o do_v origen_n argue_v out_o of_o these_o pagan_a book_n for_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v espouse_v in_o imitation_n of_o these_o learned_a father_n constantine_n the_o great_a in_o 18._o one_o of_o his_o oration_n speak_v very_o reverent_o of_o the_o sibylls_n prediction_n and_o vindicate_v they_o as_o no_o contemptible_a proof_n of_o christianity_n 18._o lactantius_n and_o arnobius_n allege_v they_o to_o prove_v the_o same_o st._n augustin_n quote_v the_o acrostic_n of_o sibylla_n erythraea_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o latin_n thus_o the_o father_n use_v to_o convince_v the_o gentile_n out_o of_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n and_o the_o old_a christian_n constant_o read_v these_o write_n and_o appeal_v to_o they_o in_o their_o discourse_n with_o the_o heathen_n from_o which_o practice_n of_o they_o the_o gentile_n as_o 13._o origen_n testify_v style_v the_o christian_n sibyllist_n yea_o the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v so_o addict_v to_o the_o read_v these_o book_n of_o the_o sibylls_n that_o they_o be_v strict_o 5._o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o future_a upon_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o gentil_n we_o be_v tell_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o emperor_n prohibit_v the_o read_n of_o these_o book_n namely_o because_o they_o thence_o fetch_v many_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o their_o cause_n these_o write_n of_o heathen_a woman_n be_v in_o those_o day_n reckon_v to_o be_v a_o notable_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v no_o forgery_n for_o the_o ancient_a and_o learnede_a father_n as_o well_o as_o other_o christian_a brethren_n will_v not_o have_v quote_v they_o to_o confirm_v the_o christian_a religion_n if_o they_o have_v be_v such_o but_o we_o see_v they_o do_v frequent_o allege_v they_o to_o that_o end_n and_o especial_o in_o their_o dispute_n with_o the_o gentile_n as_o they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o poet_n for_o attest_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old-testament_n as_o have_v be_v show_v you_o so_o they_o cite_v these_o gentile_a
reason_n no_o man_n can_v rational_o think_v that_o such_o notable_a concomitant_n of_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n as_o the_o general_n tax_v and_o the_o appear_v of_o the_o star_n can_v be_v record_v by_o this_o historian_n and_o as_o for_o tacitus_n who_o be_v the_o other_o celebrate_a historian_n there_o be_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o expect_v any_o of_o these_o notorious_a matter_n in_o his_o write_n because_o he_o go_v not_o back_o so_o far_o as_o augustus_n his_o annal_n begin_v with_o tiberius_n and_o continue_v to_o the_o death_n of_o nero_n and_o his_o book_n of_o history_n begin_v where_o his_o annal_n leave_v off_o and_o go_v on_o to_o the_o end_n of_o titus_n vespasian_n expedition_n against_o the_o jew_n and_o there_o have_v their_o period_n l._n florus_n be_v but_o a_o abbreviator_n of_o livy_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v look_v for_o nothing_o there_o so_o velleius_n paterculus_n though_o he_o go_v something_o far_a be_v a_o epitomiser_n a_o scantling_n of_o a_o historian_n as_o for_o justin_n who_o flourish_v in_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n pius_n time_n he_o be_v but_o a_o epitomiser_n of_o trogus_n pompeius_n and_o go_v no_o far_a than_o he_o go_v therefore_o we_o can_v expect_v any_o thing_n of_o he_o concern_v the_o christian_a affair_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o boundary_n of_o these_o chief_a historian_n and_o what_o you_o may_v look_v for_o or_o rather_o not_o look_v for_o from_o they_o and_o also_o you_o have_v the_o reason_n give_v you_o why_o but_o few_o thing_n which_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v find_v record_v in_o pagan_a writer_n but_o all_o that_o can_v be_v rational_o look_v for_o be_v record_v as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o by_o the_o best_a historian_n among_o the_o pagan_n these_o be_v the_o several_a consideration_n which_o i_o undertake_v to_o offer_v and_o i_o question_v not_o but_o that_o they_o will_v full_o satisfy_v the_o scruple_n and_o objection_n before_o start_v and_o abundant_o clear_v up_o this_o truth_n to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n from_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a writer_n concern_v the_o gospel-history_n this_o proposition_n be_v evident_a that_o the_o new-testament_n be_v confirm_v by_o profane_a writer_n that_o the_o evangelical_n record_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o authority_n even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v without_o these_o have_v transmit_v to_o we_o many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v register_v by_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n the_o memoir_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o profane_a story_n in_o the_o write_n of_o those_o that_o oppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n thus_o i_o have_v finish_v what_o i_o attempt_v that_o be_v i_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o suffrage_n and_o attestation_n of_o stranger_n i_o have_v let_v you_o see_v that_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o adversary_n agree_v with_o that_o of_o our_o best_a friend_n we_o appeal_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o gentile-world_n even_o these_o bear_n witness_n to_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o their_o witness_n can_v be_v reject_v by_o any_o reasonable_a person_n because_o 45._o a_o testimony_n be_v least_o to_o be_v suspect_v when_o it_o come_v from_o a_o enemy_n yea_o because_o such_o a_o testimony_n be_v repute_v 12._o firm_a and_o solid_a because_o it_o be_v christ●_n worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v b●cause_fw-mi anim._n it_o be_v most_o valid_a for_o the_o commendation_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o then_o render_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v vouch_v by_o profess_v d_o adversary_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v be_v urge_v in_o this_o discourse_n viz._n that_o jew_n and_o pagan_n testify_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o the_o inspire_a writer_n deliver_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o memorable_a passage_n set_v down_o in_o these_o sacred_a write_n be_v leave_v on_o record_n in_o those_o other_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v and_o supposititious_a but_o that_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v real_a and_o certain_a that_o they_o give_v a_o just_a and_o faithful_a account_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o treat_v of_o in_o brief_a that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o thus_o much_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o first_o general_n head_n concern_v the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o they_o finis_fw-la addenda_fw-la refer_v this_o to_o page_n 261._o line_n 15._o the_o english_a jay_n from_o the_o hebrew_n aja●_n pica_fw-la cornix_fw-la to_o abash_v be_v take_v from_o the_o hebrew_n ●ush_n puduit_fw-la and_o from_o the_o greek_a we_o borrow_v many_o word_n with_o the_o omission_n of_o a_o letter_n or_o two_o in_o the_o beginning_n as_o licourice_n for_o glicourice_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d emony_n vulgar_o so_o call_v for_o anemony_n from_o the_o flower_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whence_o the_o latin_a anemone_n sciatica_n for_o ischiatica_n ab_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o hip_n or_o hucklebone_n scarotick_n among_o physician_n for_o escharotick_n scarborow_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d crusta_fw-la cauterio_fw-la in_o carne_fw-la facta_fw-la sol_fw-la from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rice_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d oryza_fw-la star_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d box_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d maur●s_o a_o moor_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d obscurus_fw-la tannie_o from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o gaze_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d admiror_n stupeo_fw-la gay_a from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elegans_fw-la and_o perhaps_o trull_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d laena_fw-la and_o i_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o several_a word_n from_o the_o latin_a with_o the_o first_o letter_n or_o more_o cut_v off_o in_o the_o beginning_n as_o uncle_n from_o avunculus_fw-la qu._n avuncle_n till_v as_o they_o be_v call_v in_o some_o country_n from_o lentil_o lenticula_n story_n from_o history_n historia_n bishop_n qu._n pischop_n from_o episcopus_fw-la spain_n from_o hispania_n asparagus_n for_o asparagus_n a_o plaster_n from_o emplastrum_fw-la stum_n from_o mustum_fw-la dropsy_n from_o hydrops_fw-la gipsy_n for_o egypsy_n of_o latin_a original_a pouch_n for_o capouch_n a_o cowl_n or_o hood_n whence_o the_o capuchin_n friar_n have_v their_o name_n from_o caputium_fw-la a_o hood_n wear_v on_o the_o head_n pick_a i._n e._n sharp_a at_o the_o end_n qu._n spike_v from_o spica_fw-la a_o ear_n of_o corn_n or_o if_o it_o come_v from_o a_o pike_n then_o that_o seem_v to_o come_v from_o spiculum_fw-la a_o pike_n or_o spear_n and_o that_o be_v from_o spica_fw-la it_o be_v likely_a side_n man_n corrupt_o for_o assisting-man_n it_o be_v their_o office_n to_o assist_v the_o churchwarden_n unless_o you_o will_v rather_o understand_v by_o they_o testes_fw-la synodales_n synods-man_n who_o be_v ancient_o join_v with_o the_o churchwarden_n there_o be_v other_o english_a word_n derive_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n from_o the_o english_a saxon_a and_o french_a thus_o poppy_n with_o the_o p_o leave_v out_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o middle_n seem_v to_o give_v the_o denomination_n to_o opium_n which_o be_v now_o a_o word_n that_o may_v pass_v for_o english_a and_o signify_v the_o juice_n of_o poppy_n as_o if_o popium_fw-la be_v the_o word_n sterling_n for_o easterling_n bour_o or_o bower_n from_o arbour_n hospital_n or_o spital_n for_o hospital_n valis_n for_o avail_v vantage_n for_o advantage_n say_v for_o essay_n grease_n stair_n for_o degree_n cantle_n in_o heraldry_n quasi_fw-la scantling_n apprentice_n vulgar_o for_o apprentice_n stover_n for_o cattle_n from_o the_o french_a estover_n squire_n for_o esquire_n à_fw-la gall._n es●uyer_n equerry_n or_o equerry_n for_o equerry_n a_o place_n a_o stable_a where_o race-horse_n be_v set_v to_o ply_v for_o employ_v instead_o of_o sacristan_n we_o corrupt_o say_v sexton_n for_o god_n be_v with_o you_o we_o say_v good_a by_o for_o koningstable_n or_o kingstable_n we_o say_v constable_z the_o officer_z that_o be_v appoint_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o king_n or_o to_o conserve_v the_o king_n peace_n we_o vulgar_o a_o say_v spice_n for_o a_o specimen_fw-la hogo_n for_o haut-goust_a carfax_n for_o quatre_fw-fr voix_fw-fr the_o place_n be_v four_o way_n meet_v in_o oxford_n some_o have_v think_v that_o elph_n and_o goblin_n with_o which_o they_o fright_v child_n heretofore_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o fame_a and_o so_o ●alked_v of_o feud_n between_o the_o guelph_n and_o guibiline_n saragosa_n in_o spain_n be_v most_o corrupt_o pronounce_v for_o caesar_n augusta_n the_o emperor_n of_o the_o abyssine_n be_v call_v prestor-iohn_n
kingdom_n though_o from_o very_o small_a beginning_n compare_v they_o to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n and_o by_o a_o lessen_v hyperbole_n call_v this_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n though_o in_o exact_a speak_v it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o if_o this_o way_n of_o interpret_n christ_n word_n which_o i_o now_o offer_v be_v not_o approve_v of_o than_o you_o may_v expound_v they_o thus_o that_o this_o seed_n be_v o●e_v of_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n or_o you_o may_v understand_v they_o speak_v respective_o that_o be_v it_o be_v the_o least_o of_o all_o such_o seed_n as_o extend_v to_o large_a production_n no_o seed_n so_o little_o send_v forth_o branch_n so_o wide_o or_o bring_v forth_o its_o fruit_n after_o that_o plentiful_a manner_n thus_o you_o may_v understand_v the_o word_n but_o in_o my_o judgement_n the_o resolve_v they_o into_o a_o hyperbole_n be_v the_o best_a way_n though_o it_o be_v not_o make_v use_v ●f_n by_o expositor_n and_o how_o indeed_o can_v it_o when_o they_o take_v the_o seed_n of_o mustard_n to_o be_v absolute_o the_o least_o of_o all_o grain_n whatsoever_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o luke_n 19_o 44._o they_o shall_v not_o leave_v in_o thou_o one_o stone_n upon_o another_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o last_o and_o final_a devastation_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v a_o hyperbolical_a expression_n and_o consequent_o not_o true_a in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n for_o can_v we_o think_v say_v some_o that_o the_o roman_a army_n have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o pick_v out_o all_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o foundation_n and_o throw_v they_o away_o those_o who_o talk_v thus_o do_v not_o remember_v what_o be_v do_v at_o several_a time_n towards_o the_o complete_a and_o total_a destruction_n of_o that_o place_n this_o passage_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n seem_v to_o refer_v particular_o and_o signal_o to_o the_o dig_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o the_o very_o plough_v up_o the_o ground_n by_o titus_n command_n which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o do_v not_o deny_v and_o also_o to_o that_o prodigious_a earthquake_n in_o iulian_n time_n whereby_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o foundation_n be_v whole_o break_v up_o and_o scatter_v abroad_o here_o be_v a_o exact_a fulfil_n of_o christ_n prediction_n without_o any_o hyperbole_n as_o for_o that_o close_a of_o st._n john_n gospel_n even_o the_o wo●ld_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v chap._n 21_o 25._o 3._o eus●bius_n and_o st._n a●gustin_n of_o old_a and_o tremellius_n other_o more_o late_o understand_v it_o thus_o the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v that_o be_v conceive_v comprehend_v and_o digest_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v concern_v our_o saviour_n deed_n their_o understanding_n be_v weak_a and_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v oppress_v with_o so_o many_o book_n on_o that_o subject_a so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n here_o use_v be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o matth._n 19_o 11._o all_o man_n can_v receive_v or_o contain_v this_o say_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v by_o philo_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o how_o unsearchable_a it_o be_v sai_z that_o 1._o neither_o heaven_n nor_o earth_n be_v able_a to_o contain_v i._n e._n to_o comprehend_v it_o but_o a_o sacr._n modern_a critic_n think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o signify_v to_o entertain_v and_o approve_v of_o and_o according_o his_o gloss_n on_o the_o word_n be_v this_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v scorn_v reject_v and_o slight_v all_o the_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v of_o christ_n it_o have_v despise_v these_o that_o be_v already_o write_v the_o world_n have_v other_o employment_n it_o will_v not_o read_v and_o peruse_v such_o write_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o verb_n in_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d receive_v entertain_v approve_v of_o we_o and_o 8._o dionys._n halicarn_n use_v the_o word_n thus_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o city_n admit_v not_o of_o i._n e._n scorn_n good_a men._n but_o though_o this_o and_o the_o other_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n sometime_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a and_o unusual_a beside_o that_o it_o be_v improper_a and_o metaphorical_a and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o choose_v and_o embrace_v that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v common_a and_o usual_a as_o also_o genuine_a and_o proper_a and_o then_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o world_n as_o capacious_a and_o wide_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o able_a to_o hold_v o●_n contain_v all_o the_o book_n that_o may_v have_v be_v write_v concern_v christ_n and_o his_o work_n but_o this_o can_v be_v the_o s●ns●_n here_o you_o will_v say_v because_o than_o our_o saviour_n word_n will_v not_o be_v true_a for_o the_o world_n be_v able_a be_v wide_a enough_o to_o contain_v to_o hold_v those_o book_n and_o many_o more_o beside_o i_o answer_v i_o grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o strict_a way_n of_o speak_v but_o the_o evangelist_n st._n john_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o conclude_v his_o book_n with_o some_o great_a word_n concern_v his_o dear_a master_n and_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o express_v himself_o thus_o in_o a_o high_a and_o hyperbolical_a manner_n the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v of_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o i_o and_o other●_n have_v record_v the_o say_n and_o do_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n yet_o this_o be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o what_o may_v be_v say_v on_o this_o vast_a subject_n the●e_n be_v unspeakable_o much_o more_o re●naining_v than_o have_v be_v tell_v you_o what_o he_o say_v and_o do_v be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o admirable_a that_o innumerable_a volume_n may_v be_v fill_v with_o enlarge_n on_o that_o copious_a matter_n i_o may_v say_v to_o you_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o wide_a and_o ample_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o able_a to_o contain_v those_o immense_a treatise_n those_o infinite_a discourse_n which_o may_v be_v write_v in_o relate_v all_o the_o passage_n that_o concern_v our_o bless_a lord_n and_o in_o commendation_n of_o they_o obseru●_v it_o the_o evangelist_n say_v the_o world_n itself_o i._n e._n this_o material_a local_a world_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n as_o those_o of_o the_o former_a opinion_n fancy_v beside_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o speak_v not_o absolute_o here_o but_o in_o a_o qualify_a manner_n i_o suppose_v i_o think_v i_o conceive_v the_o world_n itself_o can_v contain_v etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o word_n can_v be_v mean_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n for_o what_o sense_n can_v you_o make_v of_o this_o i_o suppose_v i_o think_v that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v comprehend_v the_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v or_o i_o suppose_v all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v entertain_v and_o approve_v of_o they_o whether_o he_o suppose_v it_o or_o not_o it_o will_v be_v so_o and_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v suppose_v but_o real_o believe_v and_o direct_o assert_v if_o it_o be_v true_a but_o if_o you_o admit_v of_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v propound_v than_o his_o suppose_n may_v be_v very_o pertinent_a and_o consistent_a here_o for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o supposition_n not_o a_o exact_a and_o strict_a truth_n which_o he_o here_o utter_v it_o be_v a_o lofty_a strain_n or_o hyperbole_n which_o he_o shut_v up_o his_o gospel_n with_o i_o think_v in_o a_o manner_n ●aith_o he_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n itself_o can_v contain_v the_o book_n that_o may_v be_v compose_v and_o write_v on_o this_o glorious_a theme_n which_o be_v so_o various_a so_o voluminous_a thus_o you_o see_v the_o word_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o this_o way_n for_o the_o other_o be_v not_o reconcilable_a to_o good_a sense_n and_o indeed_o this_o manner_n of_o style_n be_v but_o parallel_n with_o other_o passage_n in_o scripture_n as_o gen._n 13._o 6._o the_o land_n be_v not_o able_a ●o_o bear_v they_o viz._n lot_n and_o abraham_n and_o their_o flock_n which_o express_v how_o exceed_v numerous_a they_o be_v so_o some_o understand_v luke_n 2._o 1._o there_o go_v out_o a_o decree_n that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v tax_v which_o set_v forth_o the_o largeness_n and_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o emperor_n dominion_n not_o that_o all_o the_o world_n strict_o speak_v be_v to_o be_v tax_v for_o it_o be_v not_o all_o in_o his_o power_n it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o
excellency_n preeminence_n and_o authority_n and_o this_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_a from_o our_o saviour_n word_n joh._n 5._o 27._o where_o he_o assign_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o by_o the_o father_n he_o have_v say_v he_o give_v he_o authority_n to_o execute_v judgement_n because_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n because_o he_o be_v head_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n because_o all_o government_n and_o authority_n in_o this_o low_a world_n be_v devolve_v upon_o he_o because_o he_o have_v all_o rule_n and_o dominion_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n as_o i_o conceive_v of_o the_o expression_n this_o title_n be_v attribute_v to_o he_o to_o signify_v his_o authority_n and_o exaltation_n and_o not_o as_o be_v common_o say_v and_o believe_v and_o as_o the_o learned_a 20._o grotius_n defend_v it_o his_o meanness_n condescension_n and_o humility_n though_o i_o will_v not_o exclude_v other_o reason_n which_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o this_o as_o that_o he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o attest_v the_o reality_n of_o his_o manhood_n to_o ascertain_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o suffer_v in_o our_o humane_a nature_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o his_o sympathy_n with_o we_o and_o that_o he_o be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n i_o will_v only_o add_v this_o that_o whereas_o it_o be_v general_o say_v by_o writer_n and_o even_o by_o the_o critical_a 20._o 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o rest_n that_o this_o epithet_n be_v give_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o himself_o only_o and_o not_o by_o any_o other_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o in_o act_n 7._o 56._o he_o be_v call_v by_o st._n stephen_n the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o so_o he_o be_v twice_o by_o st._n john_n rev._n 1._o 13._o chap._n 14._o 14._o the_o original_a of_o which_o must_v be_v fetch_v as_o i_o have_v show_v from_o the_o hebrew_n style_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o so_o must_v that_o expression_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 17._o a_o weight_n of_o glory_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o answer_v to_o the_o hebrew_n cabod_v a_o weight_n and_o yet_o be_v render_v glory_n gen._n 31._o 1._o and_o the_o tongue_n be_v call_v cabod_v glory_n psal._n 57_o 8._o so_o the_o verb_n cabad_v signify_v both_o to_o be_v weighty_a and_o to_o be_v glorious_a or_o honourable_a isa._n 66._o 5._o prov._n 13._o 18._o and_o the_o adjective_n cabed_a approach_n to_o this_o sense_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o gen._n 13._o 2._o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o word_n jakar_n gravis_fw-la fuit_fw-la but_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o treble_a sense_n as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a gravity_n viz._n of_o weight_n price_n and_o honour_n according_o it_o signify_v 1._o to_o be_v heavy_a weighty_a 2._o to_o be_v precious_a isa._n 43._o 4._o 3._o to_o be_v in_o honour_n and_o glory_n job_n 31._o 26._o as_o also_o to_o glorify_v and_o honour_v and_o therefore_o the_o word_n be_v render_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o version_n of_o the_o 70._o thus_o you_o see_v that_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o hebrew_n glory_n or_o greatness_n be_v express_v by_o word_n that_o denote_v weight_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v here_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o denote_v that_o superlative_a glory_n which_o be_v the_o attainment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o thess._n 2._o 6._o be_v to_o be_v understand_v thus_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v render_v to_o be_v burdensome_a but_o syr._n to_o be_v honourable_a or_o erasmus_n to_o be_v in_o authority_n or_o dignity_n which_o our_o english_a translator_n be_v sensible_a of_o when_o they_o render_v it_o in_o the_o margin_n to_o use_v authority_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v of_o hebrew_n extraction_n and_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n sabad_v and_o jakar_n and_o hence_o also_o in_o the_o seventy_n translation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d import_v grandeur_n or_o glory_n and_o be_v apply_v in_o several_a place_n to_o a_o royal_a train_n and_o to_o a_o mighty_a host_n 1_o king_n 10._o 2._o 2_o king_n 6._o 14._o chap._n 18._o 7._o 2_o chron._n 9_o 1._o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o weight_n or_o burden_n be_v equivalent_a with_o honour_n or_o splendour_n in_o 5._o one_o of_o st._n chrysostom_n homily_n i_o can_v remark_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gravis_fw-la and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gloria_fw-la differ_v but_o in_o the_o accent_n and_o among_o the_o latin_n honos_fw-la and_o onus_fw-la be_v not_o unlike_a vir_fw-la gravis_fw-la be_v use_v by_o the_o latin_a orator_n for_o a_o person_n of_o authority_n and_o worth_n and_o graves_n viri_fw-la in_o the_o old_a roman_a way_n of_o speak_v be_v man_n of_o authority_n and_o eminency_n and_o baro_n which_o come_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v by_o 5._o tully_n as_o a_o name_n of_o dignity_n and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o patricius_n a_o nobleman_n though_o i_o know_v some_o critic_n interpret_v the_o word_n in_o another_o sense_n thence_o our_o word_n baron_n a_o lord_n a_o person_n of_o greatness_n and_o authority_n and_o grave_a answer_n to_o baron_n whence_o palsgrave_n landgrave_n margrave_n burgrave_n for_o grave_a among_o the_o german_n signify_v a_o magistrate_n a_o ruler_n and_o we_o in_o england_n heretofore_o use_v the_o word_n grave_a or_o greve_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n thus_o portgreve_n be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n till_o king_n john_n time_n who_o turn_v it_o into_o that_o of_o mayor_n these_o thing_n i_o here_o mention_v only_o to_o intimate_v the_o affinity_n that_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o language_n not_o only_o the_o learned_a one_o as_o they_o be_v call_v but_o other_o and_o to_o show_v you_o the_o particular_a cognation_n betwixt_o gravity_n and_o honour_n or_o authority_n betwixt_o weight_n and_o glory_n which_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v derive_v first_o of_o all_o from_o the_o hebrew_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n sometime_o make_v use_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o the_o hebrew_n use_v the_o word_n gnanah_n respondere_fw-la that_o be_v not_o to_o signify_v a_o person_n be_v answer_v or_o reply_v to_o what_o another_o have_v say_v but_o only_o to_o denote_v his_o go_v on_o with_o his_o speech_n his_o proceed_n in_o what_o he_o have_v say_v before_o person_n be_v say_v to_o answer_n though_o there_o be_v no_o question_n put_v to_o they_o though_o there_o be_v no_o reply_n intend_v as_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v mat._n 11._o 25._o then_o answer_v peter_n and_o say_v mat._n 17._o 4._o the_o angel_n answer_v and_o say_v mat._n 28._o 5._o one_o of_o the_o elder_n answer_v say_v rev._n 7._o 13._o which_o be_v as_o appear_v from_o the_o context_n no_o more_o than_o this_o they_o speak_v and_o say_v for_o this_o oftentimes_o be_v the_o acceptation_n of_o that_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_a write_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 2._o job_n answer_v and_o say_v though_o no_o body_n have_v speak_v to_o he_o or_o ask_v he_o any_o question_n the_o word_n therefore_o import_v no_o more_o than_o this_o job_n speak_v and_o say_v and_o so_o our_o translator_n render_v it_o i_o may_v further_o observe_v that_o the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v by_o a_o hebraism_n the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o preposition_n it_o answer_v to_o the_o hebrew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d last_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o what_o be_v say_v of_o st._n paul_n in_o act_n 9_o 15._o be_v speak_v after_o the_o hebrew_n manner_n for_o the_o hebrew_n call_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v choice_n and_o delectable_a 9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vas_fw-la desiderii_fw-la and_o the_o rabbin_n according_o call_v the_o law_n by_o this_o name_n viz._n a_o desirable_a vessel_n or_o a_o desirable_a instrument_n or_o utensil_n for_o cheli_n be_v of_o a_o vast_a latitude_n and_o signify_v whatever_o be_v for_o the_o use_n of_o man._n answerable_o to_o which_o st._n paul_n be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o choose_a vessel_n or_o instrument_n it_o be_v speak_v after_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o hebrew_n with_o who_o a_o thing_n or_o person_n that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o some_o excellent_a purpose_n be_v not_o only_o style_v a_o vessel_n but_o to_o denote_v yet_o further_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o be_v call_v a_o vessel_n of_o desire_n
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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some_o thing_n be_v of_o great_a value_n and_o authority_n than_o they_o again_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n oppugn_v or_o rather_o deny_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v evince_v from_o their_o constant_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v translate_v they_o but_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n of_o do_v it_o the_o protestant_n have_v turn_v they_o into_o so_o many_o tongue_n by_o this_o mean_n they_o be_v compel_v as_o it_o wer●_n to_o let_v some_o of_o their_o people_n see_v what_o the_o bible_n be_v in_o their_o own_o language_n but_o 2._o it_o be_v so_o corrupt_o translate_v that_o it_o be_v make_v to_o patronize_v several_a of_o their_o superstitious_a folly_n and_o error_n and_o yet_o 3._o they_o dare_v not_o commit_v these_o translation_n to_o common_a view_n although_o in_o all_o country_n where_o people_n be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n in_o elder_a time_n the_o 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 ●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 ●●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 of_o a_o like_a fanatic_a spirit_n who_o have_v make_v it_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o despise_v and_o reproach_v the_o sacred_a writ_n a_o th●ologico-poll●icus_a late_a enthusiast_n or_o rather_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v such_o but_o design_n the_o overthrow_n of_o all_o religion_n tell_v the_o world_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v found_v in_o imagination_n that_o god_n revelation_n in_o scripture_n be_v ever_o according_a to_o the_o fancy_n of_o the_o prophet_n or_o other_o person_n he_o speak_v to_o and_o that_o all_o the_o phrase_n and_o speech_n all_o the_o discovery_n and_o manifestation_n yea_o all_o the_o historical_a passage_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v adapt_v to_o these_o the_o quaker_n come_v next_o and_o refuse_v to_o own_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfect_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o direct_v our_o life_n it_o be_v a_o great_a error_n and_o falsity_n say_v r●●●lation_n one_o 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
a_o long_a time_n after_o in_o the_o first_o and_o most_o uncorrupted_a age_n this_o be_v the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o great_a person_n in_o those_o more_o innocent_a time_n of_o the_o world_n the_o wealthy_a man_n embrace_v this_o kind_n of_o life_n as_o mean_a as_o it_o be_v account_v now_o some_o of_o the_o old_a patriarch_n be_v plain_a honest_a grazier_n and_o the_o rich_a of_o they_o as_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n be_v busy_v in_o look_v to_o their_o ground_n and_o their_o flock_n moses_n the_o great_a lawgiver_n be_v a_o shepherd_n nabal_n and_o absdlom_n be_v sheep-master_n elisah_n when_o he_o be_v busy_a at_o the_o psough_a with_o twelve_o yoke_n of_o ox_n be_v call_v thence_o to_o the_o prophetic_a dignity_n and_o office_n and_o amos_n of_o a_o herdsman_n become_v a_o divine_a messenger_n and_o preacher_n shamgar_o be_v take_v from_o the_o herd_n to_o be_v a_o judge_n in_o israet_n and_o with_o the_o same_o goad_n that_o he_o drive_v his_o ox_n slay_v six_o hundred_o men._n gideon_n seat_n of_o state_n and_o justice_n be_v a_o threshing-floor_n and_o he_o have_v no_o other_o mace_n than_o a_o flail_n judg._n 6._o 14._o the_o renown_a jair_n and_o jephthah_n keep_v sheep_n and_o be_v fetch_v from_o that_o employment_n to_o be_v judge_n david_n the_o son_n of_o jesse_n a_o worthy_a parent_n in_o israel_n be_v take_v from_o the_o sheepfold_n from_o follow_v the_o ewe_n great_a with_o young_a to_o feed_v jacob_n to_o rule_v israel_n psal._n 78._o 71._o thus_o the_o pastoral_n art_n have_v be_v a_o pre●●d●●_n to_o empire_n and_o government_n the_o take_a care_n of_o these_o tame_a creature_n have_v make_v way_n for_o the_o preside_a over_o the_o stubborn_a flock_n of_o mankind_n we_o read_v that_o crown_v head_n have_v not_o disdain_v this_o art_n king_n vzziah_n or_o as_o he_o be_v call_v elsewhere_o azariah_n for_o i_o have_v show_v in_o another_o place_n that_o it_o be_v common_a with_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v two_o name_n be_v a_o lover_n of_o husbandry_n 2_o chron._n 26._o 10._o and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a king_n that_o ever_o sway_v a_o sceptre_n acknowledge_v that_o as_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o earth_n i._n e._n of_o agriculture_n 〈◊〉_d for_o all_o be_v of_o universal_a advantage_n so_o more_o especial_o the_o king_n himself_o be_v a_o servant_n to_o the_o field_n eccles._n 5._o 9_o for_o so_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n it_o be_v worthy_a of_o his_o royal_a care_n and_o study_n to_o support_v tillage_n and_o husbandry_n which_o be_v heretofore_o the_o employment_n of_o those_o of_o the_o high_a rank_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v also_o among_o the_o profane_a nation_n of_o old_a knowledge_n and_o skill_n in_o rustic_a affair_n usher_v in_o rule_n and_o command_n the_o gordian_a knot_n be_v but_o plough-tackling_a hamper_v in_o a_o knot_n and_o he_o that_o untie_v it_o be_v to_o be_v monarch_n of_o the_o world_n araunah_n king_n of_o jebus_n condescend_v to_o be_v a_o thresher_n 2_o sam._n 24._o 18._o 1_o chron._n 21._o 20._o and_o which_o be_v a●_n unparalleled_a exaltation_n of_o this_o primitive_a husbandry_n his_o threshing-floor_n be_v the_o spot_n of_o ground_n which_o king_n david_n make_v choice_n of_o to_o build_v a_o altar_n to_o god_n upon_o 2_o sam._n 24._o 25._o and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a place_n where_o solomon_n temple_n be_v afterward_o erect_v 2_o chron._n 3._o 1._o mesha_fw-mi king_n of_o moab_n be_v a_o sheep-master_n 2_o king_n 3._o 4._o noked_z be_v the_o hebrew_n word_n and_o it_o be_v simple_o and_o bare_o use_v for_o a_o shepherd_n amos_n 1._o 1._o spartacus_n the_o dread_a enemy_n of_o the_o roman_n be_v of_o the_o same_o call_v vict_v dioclesian_n the_o emperor_n leave_v his_o throne_n and_o turn_v gardener_n after_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o the_o empire_n he_o take_v up_o husbandry_n 6_o attalus_n abdicate_v his_o kingly_a government_n and_o apply_v himself_o whole_o to_o the_o same_o employment_n the_o great_a scipio_n leave_v his_o command_n to_o exercise_v and_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o agriculture_n in_o the_o old_a roman_a history_n we_o read_v that_o the_o chief_a man_n among_o they_o study_v and_o practise_v this_o by_o the_o same_o token_n that_o several_a of_o they_o be_v fetch_v from_o their_o tillage_n to_o arm_n from_o their_o country_n cart_n to_o triumph_n from_o harvest-work_n to_o the_o senate_n from_o the_o field_n to_o the_o camp_n from_o the_o plough_n to_o bear_v the_o high_a office_n of_o consul_n and_o dictator_n they_o that_o be_v send_v from_o the_o roman_a senate_n to_o desire_n attilius_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o government_n panpertate_fw-la find_v he_o sow_v in_o his_o ground_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o romulus_n the_o founder_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v breed_v up_o first_o to_o the_o sheephook_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o ancient_a roman_n be_v plenty_n of_o cattle_n from_o the_o country-exercise_n of_o feed_v of_o beast_n come_v the_o surname_n of_o the_o family_n of_o the_o vituli_fw-la porcii_fw-la tauri_n caprae_fw-la and_o other_o and_o here_o by_o the_o by_o let_v i_o insert_v that_o it_o may_v be_v eglon_n the_o name_n of_o a_o man_n and_o so_o rachel_n and_o dorcas_n the_o name_n of_o woman_n in_o scripture_n which_o sighnify_v a_o calf_n a_o sheep_n a_o deer_n be_v give_v at_o first_o on_o the_o like_a account_n woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n be_v employ_v of_o old_a in_o look_v after_o cattle_n from_o their_o sow_v of_o bean_n pease_n etc._n etc._n arise_v the_o name_n of_o the_o fabii_n pisone_n cicerone_n lentuli_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o husbandry_n have_v be_v treat_v of_o and_o applaud_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n as_o cato_z varro_z cicero_n pliny_n columella_n virgil._n and_o when_o among_o the_o pagan_n their_o very_a eclogue_n deity_n be_v represent_v as_o lover_n of_o a_o country-life_n when_o pan_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o shepherd_n and_o mercury_n and_o apol●●_n feed_v sheep_n and_o the_o last_o of_o these_o be_v cry_v up_o for_o the_o chief_a patron_n of_o this_o call_v they_o intend_v to_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o this_o and_o the_o like_a country-employment_n be_v princely_a and_o divine_a which_o very_o thing_n we_o be_v assure_v of_o from_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o infallible_a record_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o be_v the_o early_a business_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a men._n the_o great_a prince_n heretofore_o be_v esteem_v according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o their_o cattle_n among_o the_o first_o and_o necessary_a employment_n and_o advantage_n of_o humane_a life_n may_v be_v just_o reckon_v the_o prepare_v of_o food_n and_o the_o scripture_n alone_o can_v furnish_v we_o with_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o this_o it_o be_v undeniable_a from_o those_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n in_o gen._n 1._o 29._o that_o there_o be_v no_o food_n allow_v at_o 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and_o that_o be_v not_o all_o they_o be_v so_o skilful_a as_o to_o make_v it_o afford_v they_o cheese_n and_o butter_n neither_o of_o which_o we_o read_v of_o before_o the_o deluge_n and_o questionless_a they_o that_o feed_v not_o on_o milk_n know_v not_o the_o use_n of_o these_o but_o among_o the_o post-diluvians_a charitze_n hachalab_v 1_o sam._n 17._o 18._o cheese_n of_o milk_n be_v a_o common_a food_n which_o be_v without_o doubt_n mean_v by_o shephoth_a bakar_n 2_o sam._n 17._o 29._o coagulationes_fw-la bovis_fw-la as_o pagnine_n render_v it_o cheese_n of_o the_o milk_n of_o cow_n according_a to_o the_o targum_fw-la and_o they_o be_v call_v by_o the_o hebrew_n in_o their_o peculiar_a way_n of_o speak_v the_o son_n of_o milk_n and_o in_o job_n 10._o 10._o gebinah_n be_v the_o word_n for_o
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cause_n of_o misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n thus_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n when_o he_o tempt_v our_o saviour_n most_o perverse_o quote_v psal._n 91._o 11._o and_o misapply_v it_o to_o his_o purpose_n and_o from_o he_o heretic_n and_o seducer_n have_v learn_v to_o cite_v and_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n to_o evil_a design_n viz._n to_o uphold_v some_o error_n or_o vice_n what_o a_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n say_v of_o one_o sort_n of_o heretical_a teacher_n that_o 27._o they_o interpret_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n according_a to_o their_o own_o pleasure_n be_v true_a of_o they_o all_o their_o constant_a practice_n be_v to_o strain_v and_o distort_v these_o sacred_a write_n to_o construe_v they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o to_o make_v they_o like_o a_o echo_n speak_v what_o they_o please_v their_o great_a work_n in_o consult_v and_o turn_v over_o this_o volume_n be_v to_o find_v something_o they_o may_v misinterpret_v for_o their_o 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conception_n to_o this_o sacred_a standard_n who_o compel_v the_o scripture_n to_o serve_v their_o private_a opinion_n who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o put_v a_o text_n upon_o the_o rack_n to_o make_v it_o speak_v what_o it_o intend_v not_o of_o miserable_o torture_v it_o that_o they_o may_v force_v it_o to_o confess_v what_o it_o never_o mean_v these_o person_n shall_v be_v reminded_a how_o great_a a_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o distort_v and_o deprave_v the_o holy_a writ_n and_o design_o to_o draw_v it_o to_o another_o sense_n than_o it_o natural_o bear_v and_o the_o penalty_n be_v as_o grievous_a as_o the_o crime_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n inform_v we_o this_o generation_n of_o man_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o wherefore_o let_v none_o presume_v to_o be_v guilty_a in_o this_o nature_n and_o dare_v to_o follow_v their_o own_o sinister_a imagination_n in_o the_o interpret_n of_o the_o inspire_a write_n but_o let_v they_o attend_v to_o that_o advice_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o learned_a author_n diatrib_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o willing_a to_o take_v a_o sense_n from_o scripture_n than_o to_o bring_v one_o to_o it_o let_v we_o strive_v to_o know_v the_o naked_a and_o pure_a mean_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o read_v the_o bible_n with_o a_o unprejudiced_a and_o sincere_a mind_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a interpreter_n whereas_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o perverse_a mind_n will_v pervert_v the_o scripture_n 2_o we_o ought_v to_o read_v these_o divine_a write_n with_o great_a modesty_n and_o humility_n let_v it_o not_o trouble_v we_o that_o some_o part_n of_o they_o be_v not_o level_v to_o our_o understanding_n and_o where_o we_o can_v solve_v some_o thing_n let_v we_o not_o arrogant_o pretend_v to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o confess_v our_o ignorance_n here_o i_o can_v assure_v you_o this_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o learnede_a head_n there_o be_v a_o learned_a ignorance_n as_o 15._o st._n augustin_n term_v it_o and_o we_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v master_n of_o it_o these_o four_o thing_n mention_v in_o eccles_n 12._o 6._o i_o understand_v not_o say_v castellio_n i_o scarce_o understand_v the_o thousand_o part_n of_o this_o book_n say_v he_o concern_v the_o apocalypse_n and_o it_o be_v frequent_a with_o this_o learned_a man_n to_o say_v i_o know_v not_o the_o mean_v of_o this_o place_n that_o man_n be_v impudent_o rash_a who_o dare_v profess_v that_o he_o understand_v one_o single_a book_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o all_o its_o part_n say_v psalmos_fw-la luther_n i_o own_v it_o that_o i_o be_o so_o blind_a that_o i_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o in_o that_o dark_a place_n of_o scripture_n amos_n 5._o 26._o say_v the_o syr._n great_a selden_n but_o the_o contrary_a temper_n and_o spirit_n have_v swell_v some_o with_o proud_a conceit_n of_o their_o understanding_n some_o passage_n of_o this_o book_n when_o they_o 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he_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v which_o he_o understand_v not_o the_o like_a may_v we_o with_o more_o reason_n pronounce_v concern_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n the_o matter_n which_o we_o have_v knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v the_o main_a body_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o book_n be_v excellent_a and_o divine_a and_o so_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o those_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n there_o be_v no_o occasion_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o sovereign_a wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v our_o apparent_a duty_n to_o lay_v aside_o pride_n and_o to_o exercise_v humility_n which_o will_v capacitate_v we_o to_o understand_v even_o those_o great_a mystery_n and_o abstrusity_n when_o we_o have_v with_o much_o diligence_n and_o frequent_a study_n search_v into_o they_o 3_o we_o must_v think_v ourselves_o concern_v to_o purge_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n from_o all_o de●ilements_n of_o vice_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o quick_a brain_n a_o subtle_a head_n and_o a_o nimble_a wit_n be_v not_o so_o much_o require_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o a_o religious_a practice_n to_o man_n of_o pollute_a conscience_n and_o profane_a manner_n the_o scripture_n seem_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a but_o to_o those_o of_o sanctify_a mind_n and_o holy_a life_n they_o be_v as_o to_o the_o most_o part_n plain_a and_o clear_a these_o qualification_n render_v they_o as_o bright_a as_o a_o sunbeam_n what_o the_o turk_n be_v say_v to_o write_v on_o the_o backside_n of_o the_o alcoran_n let_v none_o touch_v this_o book_n but_o he_o that_o be_v pure_a may_v with_o great_a reason_n and_o justice_n be_v write_v on_o the_o holy_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o only_o for_o a_o pure_a life_n be_v the_o best_a commentator_n on_o these_o write_n a_o wonderful_a measure_n of_o