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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n holy_a spirit_n worship_v 3,077 5 9.0447 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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nothing_o in_o scripture_n that_o look_v like_o inconsistent_a and_o contradictory_n upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n we_o shall_v discern_v a_o mutual_a correspondence_n in_o the_o style_n matter_n and_o design_n of_o these_o write_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o happy_a concurrence_n of_o circumstance_n and_o a_o admirable_a consistency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discourse_n in_o so_o much_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o upon_o this_o single_a consideration_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o these_o write_n be_v indict_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n this_o harmony_n then_o of_o the_o scripture_n i_o may_v just_o reckon_v among_o the_o inward_a note_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v adjoin_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o which_o be_v of_o the_o very_a intrinsic_a nature_n of_o it_o what_o justinian_n profess_v and_o promise_v concern_v his_o digest_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o clash_v and_o contradictory_n in_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o a_o piece_n be_v true_a only_a of_o the_o sacred_a law_n of_o the_o evangelical_n pandect_v which_o contain_v in_o they_o nothing_o dissonant_n and_o repugnant_a the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v consonant_a to_o themselves_o and_o to_o one_o another_o which_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n opposite_a to_o the_o true_a mean_v which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v reveal_v and_o assert_v in_o another_o the_o content_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n whether_o you_o look_v into_o the_o doctrinal_a or_o historical_a part_n of_o it_o have_v nothing_o contradictory_n in_o they_o all_o the_o author_n of_o it_o agree_v in_o their_o testimony_n and_o assert_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o consent_n among_o themselves_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o lie_n and_o forgery_n that_o they_o hang_v not_o together_o as_o 3._o lactantius_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n have_v observe_v especial_o if_o you_o search_v very_o inquisitive_o and_o narrow_o into_o they_o you_o will_v perceive_v that_o they_o be_v 80._o thin_a and_o slight_a and_o may_v easy_o be_v see_v through_o but_o the_o content_n of_o these_o write_n have_v be_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o and_o with_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n examine_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v every_o way_n consistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o writer_n be_v know_v to_o be_v concurrent_a and_o agree_v all_o wise_a and_o curious_a observer_n must_v needs_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o book_n under_o heaven_n that_o parallel_v the_o scripture_n as_o to_o this_o which_o show_v that_o they_o be_v more_o than_o humane_a write_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o dictate_v and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o assure_v we_o that_o 19_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n they_o be_v from_o god_n they_o be_v not_o of_o private_a interpretation_n they_o be_v not_o from_o man_n invention_n they_o be_v not_o of_o his_o own_o brain_n and_o fancy_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v as_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a oracle_n thus_o 3._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v witness_n to_o itself_o and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o other_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o what_o be_v in_o it_o and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n which_o make_v a_o ancient_a writer_n say_v 7._o we_o have_v complete_a demonstration_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o according_o we_o be_v demonstrative_o assure_v by_o faith_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n therein_o deliver_v which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o humane_a write_n in_o the_o 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add_v that_o this_o spirit_n speak_v in_o we_o and_o work_n in_o our_o heart_n a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o of_o christ_n in_o those_o write_n this_o witness_v power_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v assert_v in_o act_n 5._o 32._o &_o 15._o 7_o 8._o and_o in_o 1_o john_n 5._o 6._o from_o these_o place_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v a_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n join_v with_o our_o conscience_n and_o persuasion_n and_o this_o spirit_n powerful_o convince_v all_o believer_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o testimony_n follow_v immediate_o on_o our_o set_n before_o we_o the_o inward_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v they_o for_o god_n make_v use_v of_o those_o evidence_n and_o argument_n to_o beget_v a_o belief_n in_o we_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n enlighten_v and_o convince_v man_n mind_n by_o those_o mean_n but_o more_o especial_o he_o urge_v these_o evidence_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o religious_a and_o faithful_a and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v no_o enthusiasm_n because_o it_o be_v discover_v to_o we_o by_o proper_a mean_n and_o instrument_n whereas_o that_o be_v without_o any_o and_o be_v general_o accompany_v with_o the_o despise_n of_o they_o but_o the_o evidence_n and_o note_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o reason_n and_o motive_n of_o our_o belief_n only_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v and_o prepare_v and_o sanctify_v our_o mind_n and_o illuminate_v our_o conscience_n and_o cause_v those_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o make_v impression_n upon_o we_o and_o effectual_o to_o prevail_v with_o we_o and_o to_o silence_v all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n witness_v in_o we_o but_o when_o i_o say_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o must_v adjoin_v this_o that_o this_o proof_n serve_v only_o for_o those_o that_o have_v this_o spirit_n it_o may_v establish_v they_o but_o it_o can_v convince_v other_o no_o other_o man_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n by_o the_o spirit_n be_v convince_a i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o beside_o this_o proof_n be_v not_o in_o all_o that_o real_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o book_n some_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o without_o this_o but_o where_o this_o be_v it_o be_v most_o powerful_a and_o convictive_a and_o surpass_v all_o other_o degre●_n of_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v no_o such_o c●tain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o holy_a w●_n thing_n as_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o 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〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o by_o the_o chaldean_a it_n be_v not_o unlikely_a be_v mean_v abraham_n who_o be_v the_o great_a father_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o of_o who_o race_n be_v so_o many_o wise_a and_o learned_a person_n in_o the_o name_n of_o this_o great_a man_n the_o heathen_n use_v to_o perform_v their_o conjuration_n and_o magical_a exploit_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n and_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n be_v word_n usual_o pronounce_v in_o their_o charm_n and_o spell_n say_v origen_n nay_o 4._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v so_o frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o pagan_n to_o think_v abraham_n be_v some_o god_n i_o find_v also_o that_o the_o pagan_a write_n make_v mention_v of_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a custom_n that_o this_o patriarch_n use_v ●_o make_o of_o covenant_n viz._n the_o cut_n or_o divide_v of_o one_o or_o more_o animal_n into_o two_o part_n and_o pass_v between_o they_o thus_o in_o gen._n 15._o 9_o when_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o he_o he_o command_v he_o to_o divide_v a_o heifer_n a_o goat_n and_o a_o ram_n into_o piece_n and_o to_o pass_v between_o they_o whence_o afterward_o this_o ceremony_n be_v make_v use_n of_o when_o a_o league_n or_o covenant_n be_v enter_v into_o between_o man_n and_o man_n and_o the_o party_n do_v as_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o that_o action_n that_o they_o wish_v to_o be_v cut_v asunder_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o the_o beast_n be_v if_o they_o break_v the_o covenant_n which_o they_o make_v of_o this_o custo●_n you_o likewise_o read_v in_o 1_o sam._n 11._o 7._o jer._n 34._o 18_o 19_o and_o to_o this_o perhaps_o belong_v what_o be_v record_v in_o gen._n 21._o 28._o abraham_n take_v sheep_n and_o ox●●_n and_o give_v they_o unto_o abimelech_n viz._n to_o be_v dissect_v and_o divide_v according_a to_o the_o foresay_a usage_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o sacrifice_n and_o both_o of_o they_o make_v ●_o covenant_n which_o give_v rise_v to_o the_o like_a practice_n among_o the_o pagan_n when_o they_o be_v to_o make_v solemn_a agreement_n and_o covenant_n 5._o dictys_n cretensis_n relate_v this_o custom_n use_v by_o the_o grecians_n and_o trojan_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o war_n between_o they_o from_o 6._o livy_n and_o 6._o curtius_n we_o learn_v tha●_n the_o people_n of_o macedon_n and_o boeotia_n do_v the_o like_a cut_v a_o dog_n in_o piece_n tox●●i_n lucian_n have_v something_o concern_v the_o scythian_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o suidas_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o federal_n usage_n of_o the_o molo●si_n thus_o these_o gentile_n borrow_a their_o way_n of_o covenant_v from_o the_o old_a patriarch_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o abraham_n feast_v the_o angel_n yea_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o gen._n 18._o 8._o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o poet_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o god_n be_v feast_v by_o mortal_n as_o they_o tell_v we_o of_o philemon_n and_o baucis_n their_o 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beside_o other_o scandalous_a transformation_n yea_o even_o 〈◊〉_d len_v saturn_n become_v a_o prance_a steed_n for_o 〈◊〉_d the_o daughter_n of_o oceanus_n all_o which_o wild_a and_o frolic_a conceit_n of_o the_o poetic_a tribe_n concern_v their_o god_n transfigure_v themselves_o and_o maki●●_n themselves_o visible_a in_o several_a shape_v and_o fashion_n have_v their_o first_o foundation_n in_o those_o forementio●●_n instance_n record_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n wh●●●_n without_o doubt_n be_v know_v to_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n and_o be_v transmit_v as_o wonder●●●_n thing_n to_o other_o that_o be_v next_o to_o they_o we_o be_v not_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o extravagant_a addition_n which_o the_o hothead_n poet_n make_v to_o the_o true_a relation_n but_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v the_o main_a thing_n o●_n which_o these_o fanciful_a superstructure_n be_v build_v they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v found_v on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v borrow_v from_o what_o we_o 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patriarch_n abraham_n and_o his_o only_a son_n be_v isa●●_n and_o phoenicia_n be_v mistake_v for_o palestine_n 〈◊〉_d say_v plutarch_n in_o his_o life_n be_v bid_v in_o a_o vision_n to_o sacrifice_v a_o virgin_n but_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o a_o mare-colt_n come_v run_v through_o the_o camp_n whilst_o they_o be_v dispute_v whether_o the_o vision_n shall_v be_v obey_v and_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o augur_n be_v take_v and_o sacrifice_v instead_o of_o a_o virgin_n i_o only_o propound_v this_o may_v we_o not_o conceive_v that_o this_o be_v do_v in_o imitation_n of_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v by_o tradition_n that_o when_o isaac_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v a_o ram_n come_v in_o the_o way_n and_o be_v sacrifice_v instead_o of_o the_o pious_a youth_n destine_v to_o that_o slaughter_n and_o several_a other_o considerable_a passage_n relate_v to_o the_o patriarch_n may_v be_v collect_v out_o of_o the_o write_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o heathen_n of_o old_a but_o i_o proceed_v to_o 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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
ornament_n of_o the_o soul_n nay_o whatever_o apparel_n be_v light_a and_o vain_a and_o any_o way_n administer_v to_o lust_n or_o pride_n or_o wantonness_n be_v whole_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o as_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a in_o the_o same_o chapter_n of_o the_o forename_a epistle_n to_o timothy_n you_o read_v that_o adam_n be_v not_o deceive_v but_o the_o woman_n ver_fw-la 14._o we_o know_v that_o adam_n be_v deceive_v but_o yet_o in_o a_o comparative_a way_n of_o speak_v he_o be_v not_o that_o be_v his_o deception_n be_v not_o so_o gross_a and_o inexcusable_a as_o that_o of_o the_o woman_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o faithful_a patriarch_n that_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n heb._n 11._o 39_o i_o e._n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o we_o have_v since_o receive_v they_o receive_v it_o not_o in_o the_o full_a extent_n else_o you_o can_v make_v sense_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n god_n ●aving_a provide_v etc._n etc._n in_o the_o foresay_a chapter_n of_o st._n peter_n it_o be_v say_v baptism_n do_v also_o now_o save_v we_o not_o the_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n ver_fw-la 21._o this_n not_o seem_v to_o be_v exclusive_a and_o negative_a and_o thence_o some_o have_v make_v use_n of_o this_o text_n to_o null_a the_o sacred_a ordinance_n of_o baptism_n which_o in_o contempt_n they_o call_v water-baptism_n but_o they_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o particular_o not_o attend_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o place_n where_o not_o be_v no_o absolute_a negative_a but_o a_o comparative_a not_o the_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n not_o the_o outward_a baptism_n simple_o and_o only_o or_o not_o that_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o viz._n the_o inward_a wash_n and_o purify_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o many_o other_o place_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v aright_o unless_o you_o make_v use_v of_o this_o observation_n which_o i_o have_v here_o exemplify_v namely_o that_o a_o comparison_n be_v common_o in_o scripture_n express_v by_o a_o antithesis_fw-la or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o a_o negative_a be_v put_v for_o a_o comparative_a in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o may_v observe_v to_o you_o that_o a_o hendyadis_n be_v very_o usual_a in_o scripture_n that_o be_v two_o thing_n be_v put_v several_o to_o signify_v but_o one_o as_o let_v the_o light_n be_v in_o the_o firmament_n for_o sign_n and_o for_o season_n gen._n 1._o 14._o i_o e._n as_o some_o expositor_n think_v though_o i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v about_o it_o let_v they_o be_v for_o sign_n of_o the_o season_n and_o they_o who_o read_v psal._n 17._o 13_o 14._o thus_o deliver_v my_o soul_n from_o the_o wicked_a by_o thy_o sword_n from_o man_n by_o thy_o hand_n tell_v we_o here_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sword_n and_o the_o hand_n for_o a_o sword_n handle_v or_o draw_v as_o if_o the_o psalmist_n call_v upon_o god_n here_o to_o be_v his_o champion_n and_o to_o deliver_v he_o by_o fight_v for_o he_o that_o in_o mat._n 3._o 11._o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o hendyadis_n for_o baptise_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n be_v the_o same_o with_o baptise_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v as_o fire_n and_o so_o here_o one_o thing_n be_v express_v as_o if_o it_o be_v two_n some_o think_v there_o be_v the_o same_o figure_n in_o john_n 3._o 5._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n water_n and_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n say_v they_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v like_o water_n cleanse_v and_o purify_n the_o soul_n but_o i_o conceive_v it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o this_o and_o the_o former_a way_n of_o speak_v be_v the_o same_o for_o if_o water_n in_o this_o place_n signify_v baptism_n as_o the_o ancient_n interpret_v it_o then_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o the_o spirit_n but_o distinct_a from_o it_o and_o consequent_o here_o be_v not_o two_o thing_n put_v for_o one_o but_o doubtless_o there_o be_v in_o mat._n 24._o 31._o he_o shall_v send_v his_o angel_n with_o a_o trumpet_n and_o a_o great_a sound_n i._n e._n with_o a_o trumpet_n that_o have_v a_o great_a sound_n that_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n or_o as_o our_o translator_n render_v it_o with_o a_o great_a sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n to_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v may_v be_v refer_v john_n 11._o 33._o he_o groan_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v trouble_v i._n e._n he_o groan_v in_o his_o trouble_a spirit_n and_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v act_n 14._o 13._o the_o priest_n of_o jupiter_n bring_v ox_n and_o garland_n i._n e._n ox_n crown_v with_o garland_n as_o be_v usual_a when_o they_o sacrifice_v to_o jupiter_n one_o thing_n be_v here_o intend_a though_o it_o be_v express_v by_o two_o to_o this_o figure_n appertain_v act_n 15._o 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o that_o be_v to_o we_o direct_v move_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o a_o hendyadis_n give_v the_o best_a account_n of_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 4._o my_o preach_n be_v in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n i._n e._n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v powerful_a and_o enable_v i_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o convince_v gainsayer_n and_o who_o also_o enable_v i_o to_o work_v miracle_n for_o the_o confirm_v of_o what_o i_o preach_v this_o be_v the_o same_o with_o rom._n 15._o 19_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o which_o as_o he_o there_o tell_v we_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v effect_v the_o like_a mode_n of_o speech_n be_v observable_a in_o the_o apostle_n word_n in_o 1_o thess._n 1._o 5._o our_o gospel_n come_v unto_o you_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i._n e._n the_o holy_a ghost_n show_v himself_o powerful_a in_o the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o miracle_n last_o under_o this_o head_n may_v be_v rank_v col._n 2._o 8._o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n that_o be_v philosophy_n which_o be_v both_o vain_a and_o deceitful_a to_o proceed_v a_o prolepsis_n be_v another_o usual_a figure_n in_o scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n such_o be_v that_o in_o gen._n 4._o 16._o cain_n go_v and_o dwell_v in_o the_o land_n of_o nod_n where_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v imply_v that_o nod_n be_v the_o name_n of_o that_o place_n which_o he_o go_v to_o and_o that_o it_o be_v name_v so_o before_o he_o go_v to_o it_o whereas_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o that_o place_n be_v not_o call_v by_o that_o name_n at_o that_o time_n for_o it_o have_v its_o name_n of_o nod_n give_v to_o it_o from_o cain_n go_v thither_o who_o be_v a_o errare_fw-la vagabond_n so_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a prolepsis_n or_o anticipation_n in_o gen._n 14._o 7._o they_o smite_v all_o the_o country_n of_o the_o amalekite_n though_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v no_o amalekite_n and_o therefore_o the_o country_n can_v not_o be_v name_v from_o they_o in_o 1_o sam._n 4._o 1._o it_o be_v say_v israel_n pitch_v beside_o eben-eze_a but_o there_o be_v no_o place_n of_o that_o name_n then_o for_o you_o will_v find_v it_o give_v afterward_o those_o word_n in_o gen._n 29._o 20._o jacob_n serve_v seven_o year_n for_o rachel_n be_v speak_v proleptical_o not_o as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o marry_v rachel_n before_o the_o seven_o year_n be_v expire_v we_o read_v in_o gen._n 35._o 19_o and_o ch_n 48._o v._n 7._o that_o rachel_n be_v bury_v in_o bethlchem_n but_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o that_o be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o the_o place_n till_o after_o moses_n so_o hebron_n and_o some_o other_o name_n of_o city_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o yet_o the_o name_n be_v not_o give_v till_o after_o moses_n death_n in_o jos._n 4._o 19_o the_o israelite_n be_v say_v to_o encamp_v in_o gilgal_n but_o that_o place_n be_v call_v so_o by_o anticipation_n for_o it_o have_v that_o name_n afterward_o ch_n 5._o v._n 9_o and_o other_o instance_n there_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o book_n of_o joshuah_n the_o name_n of_o several_a place_n mention_v in_o it_o be_v of_o a_o late_a date_n than_o ioshuah_n time_n the_o jew_n conjecture_n be_v very_o probable_a that_o ezra_n after_o the_o captivity_n when_o he_o collect_v the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o set_v they_o in_o order_n leave_v out_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a name_n of_o place_n and_o insert_v some_o modern_a one_o that_o be_v he_o add_v the_o name_n of_o place_n which_o be_v unknown_a and_o not_o use_v in_o the_o day_n of_o
reasonable_o think_v that_o st._n paul_n though_o he_o be_v a_o hebrew_n by_o parentage_n be_v well_o skilled_a i●_n greek_a it_o be_v his_o native_a tongue_n therefore_o a_o 6._o modern_a critic_n of_o great_a acuteness_n have_v well_o observe_v that_o the_o greek_a tongue_n be_v as_o familiar_a to_o he_o as_o hebrew_n or_o syriac_a shall_v any_o rational_a ma●_n then_o think_v that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o speak_v proper_o and_o grammatical_o nay_o shall_v we_o not_o conclude_v from_o his_o admirable_a write_n that_o he_o know_v how_o to_o pla●e_v his_o word_n and_o to_o speak_v with_o a_o good_a grace_n st._n jerom_n who_o particular_o take_v notice_n that_o st_n pawles_n write_n be_v full_a of_o parenthesis_n transition_n digression_n concise_a and_o abrupt_a say_n yet_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o astonish_a peaker_n and_o ●ov_fw-mi thunder_v as_o often_o as_o he_o speak_v yea_o tho_o on_o the_o 3d_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n he_o hint_n that_o st._n paul_n write_n be_v destitute_a of_o rhetoric_n yet_o at_o pammach_n another_o time_n to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o he_o say_v not_o this_o absolute_o he_o own_v he_o to_o be_v flumen_fw-la eloquentiae_fw-la a_o flood_n or_o rather_o a_o torrent_n of_o true_a eloquence_n eusebius_n who_o be_v a_o good_a judge_n of_o eloquence_n pronounce_v st._n paul_n a_o 18._o most_o powerful_a spokesman_n and_o one_o that_o be_v admirable_o skilled_a in_o the_o whole_a parade_n and_o furniture_n of_o word_n and_o can_v do_v more_o this_o way_n than_o the_o most_o celebrate_a orator_n among_o the_o pagan_n so_o that_o man_n luther_n be_v in_o the_o right_a when_o he_o say_v one_o of_o st._n paul_n '_o s_z word_n contain_v well_o three_o of_o tully_n '_o s_z oration_n in_o fine_a no_o tongue_n can_v express_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o profound_a write_n which_o not_o only_o comprise_v in_o they_o all_o the_o depth_n and_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n and_o astonish_v we_o with_o their_o high_a and_o heavenly_a matter_n but_o moreover_o do_v furnish_v we_o with_o many_o elegancy_n and_o embellishment_n of_o oratory_n with_o many_o florid_n and_o well_o compose_v period_n and_o abound_v every_o where_o with_o a_o most_o win_v eloquence_n with_o the_o charm_n of_o a_o most_o melt_a and_o affectionate_a rhetoric_n insomuch_o that_o in_o some_o of_o his_o epistle_n his_o warm_a blood_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o ink_n he_o write_v with_o and_o every_o leaf_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a membrane_n of_o his_o heart_n beside_o st._n paul_n epistle_n which_o be_v fourteen_o in_o all_o there_o be_v seven_o other_o viz._n one_o of_o st._n james_n two_o of_o st._n peter_n three_o of_o st._n john_n and_o one_o of_o st._n jude_n all_o which_o except_o the_o two_o latter_a of_o st._n john_n be_v call_v catholic_n or_o general_a epistle_n because_o they_o be_v not_o direct_v to_o particular_a church_n in_o one_o place_n but_o to_o the_o disperse_a convert_v through_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n st._n james_n epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o christian_a jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o other_o region_n beside_o judea_n who_o consist_v partly_o of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n carry_v captive_a by_o salmanassar_n king_n of_o assyria_n who_o never_o that_o we_o read_v of_o return_v again_o and_o partly_o of_o the_o two_o tribe_n many_o of_o which_o still_o remain_v in_o exile_n wherefore_o st._n james_n send_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n scatter_v abroad_o the_o two_o main_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v first_o concern_v the_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n which_o be_v to_o be_v undergo_v for_o christ_n sake_n where_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o patience_n under_o those_o great_a trial_n second_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n where_o he_o show_v they_o that_o justify_v faith_n must_v ●e_v know_v and_o manifest_v by_o good_a work_n beside_o many_o excellent_a caveat_n and_o admonition_n be_v intermingle_v touch_v riches_n covetousness_n hear_v the_o word_n swear_v unruliness_n of_o the_o tongue_n envy_n wrath_n pride_n rash_n judge_v of_o other_o self-confidence_n forgetfulness_n of_o god_n sovereignty_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o very_a great_a use_n in_o the_o live_v of_o christian_n especial_o of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n wherefore_o this_o epistle_n be_v chief_o calculate_v for_o such_o st._n peter_n also_o who_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n write_v to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n such_o as_o be_v scatter_v throughout_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n i._n e._n the_o lesser_a and_o bythinia_n five_o province_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n those_o that_o voluntary_o live_v among_o the_o gentile_n ever_o since_o the_o great_a dispersion_n and_o be_v now_o become_v christian_n and_o fare_v the_o worse_a among_o the_o heathen_n and_o obstinate_a jew_n for_o be_v so_o and_o perhaps_o here_o may_v be_v mean_v those_o likewise_o that_o by_o persecution_n be_v drive_v from_o their_o home_n in_o judea_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v stranger_n 1_o epist_n ch_n 1._o v._n 1._o to_o these_o distress_a jew_n or_o of_o what_o kind_n soever_o they_o be_v for_o 89._o st._n augustine_n and_o ribera_n some_o other_o think_v the_o convert_v gentile_n in_o several_a country_n be_v not_o here_o exclude_v he_o write_v his_o first_o epistle_n to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v they_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o they_o have_v hitherto_o make_v and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o great_a proficiency_n in_o it_o and_o to_o comfort_v they_o in_o their_o persecution_n against_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o last_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o duty_n many_o of_o which_o as_o mutual_a love_n patience_z watchfulness_n perseverance_n obedience_n to_o magistrate_n with_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o servant_n to_o their_o master_n of_o husband_n and_o wife_n towards_o one_o another_o of_o spiritual_a pastor_n towards_o their_o flock_n he_o most_o excellent_o though_o brief_o describe_v his_o second_o epistle_n for_o it_o be_v undoubted_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o though_o hugo_n grotius_n or_o he_o that_o publish_v those_o posthumous_n annotation_n labour_n to_o offer_v argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o be_v enervate_v by_o dr._n hammond_n in_o his_o note_n on_o this_o epistle_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o first_o exhort_v the_o believe_a jew_n to_o a_o life_n worthy_a of_o christian_n to_o add_v one_o virtue_n to_o another_o and_o to_o increase_v in_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n he_o assert_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o show_v the_o danger_n of_o backstide_v he_o warn_v they_o against_o heretical_a teacher_n and_o profane_a scoffer_n that_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n of_o who_o he_o give_v a_o very_a lively_a character_n in_o several_a remarkable_a particular_n he_o vouch_v the_o certainty_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n and_o the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thence_o infer_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o that_o last_o catastrophe_n by_o a_o blameless_a life_n and_o conversation_n all_o which_o be_v express_v in_o most_o apt_a and_o choice_a word_n and_o with_o that_o concernedness_n and_o zeal_n which_o become_v so_o eminent_a a_o apostle_n the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n which_o be_v call_v catholic_n or_o general_n as_o be_v write_v to_o all_o the_o christian_a jew_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v be_v partly_o direct_v against_o seducer_n and_o impostor_n who_o he_o call_v antichrist_n rise_v up_o in_o those_o day_n who_o subvert_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n but_o more_o especial_o the_o deity_n and_o humanity_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o simonian_o gnostic_n carpocratian_o cerinthian_o ebioni●es_n and_o other_o mention_v by_o panario_n epiphanius_n and_o haeresib_n austin_n whence_o he_o advise_v the_o christian_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o not_o to_o be_v too_o credulous_a and_o hasty_a in_o embrace_v every_o doctrine_n that_o be_v offer_v they_o he_o have_v observable_a notice_n concern_v the_o grand_a privilege_n of_o adoption_n concern_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n but_o the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v to_o urge_v a_o godly_a and_o righteous_a life_n to_o convince_v those_o who_o be_v call_v by_o christ_n name_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o walk_a answerable_o to_o it_o indeed_o this_o apostle_n be_v force_v as_o st._n james_n before_o be_v to_o write_v on_o this_o subject_n to_o press_v good_a work_n and_o outward_a righteousness_n because_o some_o in_o those_o day_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o licentiousness_n make_v faith_n exclude_v all_o external_n
knowledge_n and_o insight_n into_o these_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v here_o contain_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o observe_v and_o practise_v the_o holy_a precept_n of_o this_o book_n this_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o urge_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o come_v to_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n with_o defecate_n and_o purge_v mind_n with_o love_n to_o what_o it_o dictate_v and_o with_o obedience_n to_o it_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o principal_a care_n to_o live_v well_o and_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o excellent_a rule_n all_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o our_o action_n in_o this_o world_n depend_v upon_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o let_v we_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o infallible_a maxim_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o this_o book_n we_o see_v man_n live_v by_o custom_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o other_o or_o by_o their_o own_o opinion_n which_o oftentimes_o prove_v erroneous_a and_o lead_v they_o into_o unwarrantable_a practice_n but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o misguided_a if_o they_o consult_v these_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n this_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n if_o they_o regulate_v their_o action_n by_o this_o exact_a canon_n and_o hereby_o we_o be_v certain_a to_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n in_o this_o holy_a book_n for_o by_o live_v according_a to_o it_o we_o shall_v the_o better_o understand_v it_o by_o mind_v the_o practical_a content_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o its_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n last_o that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o due_a perception_n of_o the_o mean_v of_o what_o be_v deliver_v here_o let_v we_o most_o earnest_o invoke_v the_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n he_o that_o read_v this_o book_n without_o prayer_n can_v never_o expect_v to_o be_v bless_v with_o a_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a work_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o illuminate_v our_o mind_n effectual_o there_o be_v require_v the_o special_a help_n of_o this_o heavenly_a instructor_n to_o direct_v we_o into_o truth_n wherefore_o he_o be_v call_v 13._o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o 20._o the_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o whereby_o we_o know_v all_o thing_n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indict_v these_o holy_a write_n must_v enlighten_v our_o mind_n to_o understand_v they_o which_o i_o find_v thus_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o church_n scripture_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o we_o in_o truth_n we_o can_v without_o it_o attain_v true_a saving-knowledg_n and_o a_o learned_a and_o pious_a son_n of_o our_o mother_n give_v his_o suffrage_n in_o these_o word_n country-parson_n wicked_a man_n however_o learned_a do_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o feel_v they_o not_o and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o understand_v but_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o write_v they_o see_v then_o a_o spiritual_a illumination_n be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o the_o comprehend_v of_o scripture-truths_n we_o ought_v with_o great_a fervour_n and_o zeal_n to_o request_v it_o we_o ought_v with_o a_o singular_a devotion_n to_o repair_v to_o this_o infallible_a teacher_n and_o with_o mighty_a importunity_n beseech_v he_o to_o 18._o open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o to_o conduct_v our_o reason_n aright_o in_o our_o enquiry_n into_o this_o sacred_a volume_n and_o he_o that_o command_v we_o to_o implore_v his_o help_n will_v certain_o vouchsafe_v it_o to_o all_o sincere_a and_o devout_a supplicant_n the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n shall_v be_v irradiate_v with_o a_o celestial_a beam_n and_o we_o shall_v feel_v a_o internal_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o our_o heart_n communicate_v light_n and_o wisdom_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o this_o bless_a guide_n we_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v in_o our_o search_n and_o endeavour_n this_o divine_a book_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v have_v its_o mystery_n and_o depth_n disclose_v to_o we_o so_o far_o as_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o and_o no_o rational_a man_n ought_v to_o desire_v any_o more_o yea_o as_o it_o be_v with_o some_o of_o those_o that_o have_v study_v for_o the_o philosophic_a elixir_n though_o they_o attain_v not_o to_o it_o yet_o in_o their_o impetuous_a search_n after_o it_o they_o find_v out_o many_o excellent_a thing_n admirable_o useful_a for_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o recompense_n of_o their_o labour_n so_o though_o we_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o some_o grand_a secret_n which_o be_v treasure_v up_o in_o this_o inspire_a volume_n yet_o we_o shall_v not_o fa●l_v of_o some_o choice_a discovery_n that_o will_v make_v we_o amends_o for_o our_o most_o laborious_a inquiry_n we_o shall_v mighty_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n and_o we_o shall_v likewise_o be_v under_o the_o special_a benediction_n of_o heaven_n the_o rabbin_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o r._n jonathan_n write_v his_o targum_fw-la on_o the_o bible_n if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o least_o fly_v light_v upon_o his_o paper_n it_o be_v present_o consume_v with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n but_o though_o this_o be_v romantic_a and_o after_o the_o rate_n of_o the_o rabbin_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o sober_a trutl●_n that_o god_n will_v protect_v we_o in_o read_v and_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n while_o we_o be_v thus_o employ_v nothing_o shall_v disturb_v or_o hurt_v we_o the_o divine_a arm_n will_v defend_v and_o prosper_v we_o and_o we_o shall_v peruse_v this_o book_n with_o that_o happy_a success_n which_o we_o pray_v for_o in_o short_a by_o continual_a converse_v with_o this_o book_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o that_o have_v no_o errata_n we_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o correct_v all_o the_o failure_n of_o our_o notion_n and_o of_o our_o life_n we_o shall_v enrich_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o stock_n of_o excellent_a principle_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n we_o shall_v be_v conduct_v to_o the_o high_a improvement_n of_o knowledge_n and_o sanctity_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o the_o most_o consummate_v happiness_n in_o another_o finis_fw-la book_n write_v by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n john_n edward_n a_fw-la enquiry_n into_o several_a 〈◊〉_d text_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a 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 in_o two_o volume_n in_o 8●_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n i._o with_o a_o continue_a illustration_n of_o several_a difficult_a text_n throughout_o the_o whole_a work_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n ii_o wherein_o the_o author_n be_v former_a undertake_n be_v further_a prosecute_v viz._n a_o enquiry_n into_o several_a remarkable_a text_n which_o contain_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o at_fw-fr discoeurs_fw-fr concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n vol._n iii_o treat_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o illustrate_v several_a difficult_a text_n occur_v in_o this_o undertake_n all_o sell_v by_o jonathan_n robinson_n john_n taylor_n and_o john_n wyat._n wyat._n plataic_n plataic_n panegyr_n &_o plataic_n plataic_n plataic_n plataic_n orat._n 2._o ad_fw-la nicocl_n nicocl_n panegyr_n orat._n orat._n orat._n ad_fw-la philip._n philip._n panegyr_n ad_fw-la philip._n epist._n ad_fw-la philip._n epist._n ad_fw-la mitylen_n mitylen_n panegyr_n orat._n orat._n plataic_n orat._n 1._o 1._o orat._n ad_fw-la philip._n philip._n panegyr_n orat._n plataic_n orat._n bis_fw-la bis_fw-la olynth_n 1._o 1._o philip._n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d clem._n alex._n in_o protrept_n protrept_n gen._n 9_o 27._o 27._o deut._n 28._o 49_o etc._n etc._n etc._n 1_o king_n 13._o 2._o 2._o antiqu._n 1._o 11._o c._n 1._o 1._o dr._n jackson_n jackson_n dan._n 2._o 2._o temporum_fw-la conscius_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la mundi_fw-la polyhistor_n epist._n ad_fw-la paulin._n paulin._n ver._n 2._o 2._o ver._n 20._o 20._o ver._n 5._o 5._o ibid._n ibid._n john_n 21._o 18._o 18._o ver._n 22._o 22._o earum_fw-la rerum_fw-la quae_fw-la fo●●uitae_n putantur_fw-la praedictio_fw-la atque_fw-la praesentio_fw-la de_fw-fr divinat_fw-la l._n 1._o 1._o lib._n 3._o c._n 8._o 8._o colloqu_n mensal_n mensal_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d orig._n cont_n cel●_n l._n 6._o 6._o lib._n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d isid._n pelus_n ep._n l._n 5._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d just._n mart._n dialog_n cum_fw-la tryph._n tryph._n arnob._n lib._n 1._o 1._o sozom._n l._n 1._o c._n 11._o 11._o gr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mark_v 2
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 demonstrate_v that_o the_o foretell_v of_o future_a contingence_n of_o that_o nature_n especial_o so_o long_o before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v can_v be_v from_o god_n only_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o these_o write_n which_o be_v peculiar_a as_o to_o their_o simplicity_n majesty_n and_o their_o be_v immediate_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o their_o harmony_n 4._o the_o particular_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o have_v choose_v a_o very_a noble_a and_o important_a subject_n to_o exercise_v my_o pen_n and_o to_o entertain_v both_o my_o own_o and_o the_o reader_n be_v thought_n and_o contemplation_n with_o for_o no_o book_n under_o heaven_n can_v possible_o be_v the_o rival_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n none_o in_o the_o world_n can_v pretend_v to_o the_o transcendent_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o these_o sacred_a write_n here_o not_o only_o all_o natural_a or_o mor●●_n religion_n but_o that_o also_o which_o be_v supernatural_a be_v ful●ly_o and_o ample_o contain_v 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 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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 need_v no_o fucus_n an●_n artifice_n and_o therefore_o the_o sense_n not_o word_n be_v mind_v in_o scripture_n all_o good_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v please_v with_o this_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n of_o the_o holy_a style_n of_o which_o there_o be_v a_o memorable_a instance_n in_o a_o 11._o ecclesiastical_a historian_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o spiridion_n a_o notable_a confessor_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n reprove_v one_o tryphilius_fw-la a_o eloquent_a man_n and_o convert_v by_o he_o to_o christianity_n some_o time_n before_o because_o speak_v one_o time_n in_o the_o famous_a council_n of_o nice_a he_o do_v instead_o of_o those_o word●_n of_o christ_n 9_o tolle_n grabatum_fw-la tuum_fw-la say_v tolle_o lectum_fw-la tuum_fw-la humilem_fw-la he_o reprove_v he_o i_o say_v and_o that_o very_o sharp_o for_o disdain_v to_o use_v the_o word_n which_o the_o scripture_n itself_o use_v it_o be_v true_a the_o word_n of_o scripture_n seem_v sometime_o to_o be_v common_a and_o rude_a 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 that_o scripture_n it_o fit_v not_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o book_n this_o be_v to_o observe_v the_o humane_a law_n of_o method_n and_o niceness_n of_o art_n inspire_a write_n must_v not_o be_v like_o those_o of_o men._n the_o singular_a grace_n of_o these_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o artificial_a and_o study_a but_o simple_a plain_a and_o careless_a and_o that_o their_o whole_a frame_n and_o contexture_n be_v not_o such_o as_o we_o a_o artificial_a method_n be_v below_o the_o majesty_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o dictate_v they_o this_o will_v debase_v the_o scripture_n and_o equal_v they_o with_o the_o write_n of_o men._n wherefore_o the_o often_o i_o look_v into_o that_o sacred_a volume_n and_o the_o more_o i_o observe_v it_o the_o more_o i_o be_o convince_v that_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o writer_n be_v whole_o direct_v by_o a_o divine_a hand_n for_o take_v any_o of_o the_o book_n either_o doctrinal_a
or_o their_o conform_v to_o the_o dialect_n of_o their_o country_n for_o these_o be_v consistent_a with_o that_o isaiah_n be_v a_o courtier_n and_o a_o person_n of_o quality_n have_v a_o neat_a and_o elegant_a style_n and_o yet_o so_o as_o he_o know_v how_o to_o vary_v it_o according_a to_o the_o matter_n he_o treat_v of_o but_o general_o he_o be_v lofty_a and_o eloquent_a his_o style_n be_v raise_v by_o his_o education_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o noble_a extraction_n for_o he_o be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal._n jeremiah_n and_o amos_n be_v use_v to_o the_o country_n be_v mean_a and_o homely_a in_o their_o language_n the_o latter_a especial_o discover_v his_o condition_n and_o way_n of_o life_n in_o his_o low_a and_o rural_a strain_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n st._n luke_n who_o have_v improve_v himself_o by_o art_n and_o study_n be_v very_o observant_a of_o the_o greek_a elegancy_n and_o avoid_v all_o improper_a and_o exotic_a term_n in_o his_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o 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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
may_v be_v suffer_v to_o give_v my_o conjecture_n 〈◊〉_d poet_n do_v very_o ●itly_o relate_v how_o atlas_n bear_v up_o 〈◊〉_d heavons_fw-fr when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o mean_v 〈◊〉_d moses_n who_o give_v we_o the_o authentic_a record_n 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n creation_n and_o begin_v his_o history_n with_o the_o production_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o t●●●_n atlas_n that_o support_v the_o sphere_n nay_o he_o may_v be_v right_o say_v not_o only_o to_o bear_v up_o the_o heau●●s_n 〈◊〉_d the_o earth_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o sink_v into_o their_o first_o chaos_n by_o transmit_v the_o account_n and_o memory_n of_o they_o to_o all_o posterity_n i_o question_v 〈◊〉_d but_o that_o moses_n be_v represent_v by_o he●●mes_n trismegistus_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o very_a great_a i._n e._n a_o excellent_a man_n and_o such_o none_o ca●_n deny_v moses_n to_o have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n interpreter_n be_v appliable_a to_o none_o better_o than_o to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o first_o sacred_a and_o inspire_a interpreter_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o write_v letter_n be_v invent_v by_o this_o hermes_n say_v egyp●_n jamblichus_a from_o his_o ma●●●●_n phileb_n plato_n moses_n be_v the_o first_o writer_n may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o letter_n di●dorus_n also_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o that_o give_v the_o egyptian_n he_o shall_v have_v say_v jew_n but_o those_o mistake_v be_v common_a with_o he_o and_o other_o pagan_a author_n ibid._n write_v law_n and_o that_o ●e_n be_v ibid._n a_o man_n of_o a_o great_a soul_n and_o very_o powerful_a in_o his_o life_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o say_v he_o be_v eclog._n one_o that_o excel_v in_o wisdom_n and_o valour_n 16._o strabo_n make_v honourable_a mention_n of_o this_o great_a ●●rsonage_n yea_o speak_v not_o only_o of_o he_o but_o of_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o he_o with_o great_a respect_n he_o rank_n he_o among_o the_o best_a legislator_n and_o high_o praise_v his_o law_n and_o give_v they_o the_o preeminence_n before_o all_o other_o he_o recite_v some_o of_o his_o say_n and_o deed_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o leave_v egypt_n and_o come_v into_o syria_n because_o he_o dislike_v the_o egyptian_n for_o their_o make_n and_o worship_v of_o corporeal_a god_n of_o the_o figure_n and_o proportion_n of_o brute_n and_o that_o moses_n profess_v that_o god_n can_v not_o be_v represent_v by_o any_o image_n or_o likeness_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v 5._o other_o gentile_n who_o speak_v of_o moses_n and_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n and_o they_o will_v have_v be_v more_o favourable_a in_o their_o testimonial_n concern_v he_o if_o their_o heathen_a principle_n have_v not_o biased_a they_o to_o a_o more_o undue_a character_n which_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o philo_n in_o the_o life_n of_o moses_n though_o say_v he_o some_o pagan_a historian_n speak_v of_o he_o yet_o they_o say_v but_o little_a and_o that_o not_o true_o neither_o out_o of_o envy_n it_o be_v likely_a or_o because_o of_o the_o great_a disagreement_n between_o he_o and_o the_o law_n of_o other_o lawgiver_n they_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o remember_v he_o but_o that_o testimony_n which_o we_o have_v be_v sufficient_a and_o we_o may_v thence_o be_v satisfy_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o most_o authentic_a historian_n and_o the_o ancient_a lawgiver_n and_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o what_o they_o say_v that_o his_o law_n be_v the_o first_o and_o give_v beginning_n to_o all_o other●_n the_o famous_a lawgiver_n and_o politician_n among_o the_o grecian_n as_o lycurgus_n and_o solon_n have_v the_o main_a of_o their_o politic_n from_o moses_n law_n whence_o afterward_o the_o roman_n take_v some_o of_o they_o and_o as_o moses_n receive_v his_o law_n immediate_o from_o god_n so_o in_o imitation_n of_o he_o the_o great_a lawgiver_n say_v they_o have_v they_o from_o some_o deity_n as_o numa_n from_o aegeria_n minos_n from_o jupiter_n lycurgus_n from_o apollo_n zabeucus_fw-la from_o minerva_n etc._n etc._n still_o this_o establish_v our_o notion_n that_o the_o write_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n give_v rise_v to_o many_o thing_n among_o the_o pagan_n which_o i_o will_v yet_o far_o pursue_v chap._n vi_o profane_a writer_n testify_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o particular_n mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n viz._n the_o gigantic_a race_n of_o the_o canaanite_n the_o sun_n be_v stand_v still_o jephthah_n sacrifice_a his_o daughter_n sampson_n loss_n of_o his_o hair_n the_o fox_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o against_o the_o philistine_n elias_n rapture_n to_o heaven_n some_o passage_n relate_v to_o king_n solomon_n king_n hiram_n etc._n etc._n the_o sun_n be_v go_v back_o in_o king_n hezekiah_n time_n nebuchadnezzar_n transformation_n into_o a_o beast_n his_o dream_n of_o a_o image_n with_o a_o golden_a head_n etc._n etc._n next_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o heathen_n have_v their_o deity_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n their_o saturn_n be_v adam_n their_o minerva_n be_v eve_n their_o jupiter_n cain_n their_o vulcan_n tubal-cain_n their_o bacchus_n as_o also_o their_o saturn_n and_o janus_n noah_n their_o apis_n joseph_n their_o mercury_n and_o bacchus_n moses_n their_o hercules_n joshua_n and_o samson_n their_o apollo_n jubal_n their_o ganymed_n elias_n etc._n etc._n ●venthly_a some_o other_o thing_n which_o the_o old_a testament_n acquaint_v we_o happen_v after_o 〈◊〉_d give_v the_o law_n by_o moses_n till_o the_o babylonian_a 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o profane_a writer_n we_o read_v in_o numb_a 13._o 33._o of_o the_o gigantic_a race_n of_o canaanites_n who_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o anak_n 〈◊〉_d in_o deut._n 9_o 2._o jos._n 11._o 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v call_v anakim_v be_v there_o not_o some_o prob_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d daridae_fw-la or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o there_o be_v more_o than_o c●stor_n and_o pollux_n that_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n 3_o tully_n will_v inform_v you_o who_o by_o the_o greek_n w●●_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o theodor●t_n several_a author_n acquaint_v 〈◊〉_d have_v their_o name_n from_o those_o great_a man_n who_o w●●●_n the_o offspring_n of_o anak_n these_o be_v drive_v josua●_n out_o of_o palestine_n when_o he_o overcome_v 〈◊〉_d country_n it_o be_v likely_a go_v into_o greece_n and_o fro●_n they_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o athens_n and_o sparta_n descend_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o name_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v give_v not_o only_o to_o the_o tyndaridae_n but_o all_o great_a m●●_n and_o prince_n i_o will_v add_v that_o it_o be_v probable_a th●_n word_n give_v origination_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signi●●●_n great_a and_o principal_a man_n such_o as_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v from_o that_o miracle_n in_o jos._n 10._o 13._o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d stand_v still_o perhaps_o the_o poet_n fiction_n arise_v concern_v the_o night_n double_v or_o treble_v by_o jupit●●_n for_o alcmena_n sake_n for_o as_o have_v be_v sugges●●●_n already_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n when_o they_o get_v a_o story_n by_o the_o end_n make_v what_o they_o please_v of_o it_o and_o turn_v it_o into_o quite_o another_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v at_o first_o the_o rumour_n of_o that_o strange_a accident_n have_v come_v to_o their_o ear_n and_o they_o present_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o fable_n and_o who_o shall_v stop_v the_o course_n of_o the_o su●_n but_o jupiter_n the_o supreme_a god_n and_o after_o the_o ra●●_n that_o they_o represent_v their_o god_n that_o which_o be_v further_o add_v be_v apposite_a enough_o for_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v lewd_a and_o obscene_a and_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o all_o lustful_a practice_n now_o when_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o in_o one_o hemisphere_n the_o other_o want_v his_o presence_n and_o light_n and_o ●o_o they_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o double_a night_n for_o the_o sun_n be_v ●●aying_v here_o so_o long_o but_o you_o shall_v have_v another_o fable_n short_o that_o will_v speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n porphyrius_n tell_v we_o that_o sanchoniathon_n have_v his_o historical_a narration_n and_o secret_n from_o one_o jerombaal_n priest_n of_o the_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o show_v that_o that_o historian_n have_v his_o matter_n from_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n the_o hebrew_n fountain_n of_o truth_n though_o he_o oftentimes_o corrupt_v they_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o have_v partly_o learn_v the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n from_o the_o hebrew_n or_o their_o write_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v jehovah_n the_o true_a god_n who_o the_o jew_n worship_v as_o i_o shall_v ●●●w_v more_o afterward_o beside_o from_o
many_o ambiguous_a and_o equivocal_a and_o thence_o the_o phrase_n sentence_n and_o speech_n must_v needs_o be_v so_o too_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o sacred_a truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v corrupt_v when_o they_o come_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o heathen_n the_o eastern_a word_n and_o form_n of_o speak_v be_v misunderstand_v by_o the_o grecian_n the_o hebrew_a dialect_n and_o idiom_n be_v mistake_v by_o the_o people_n of_o another_o language_n and_o country_n the_o oriental_a expression_n be_v misinterpret_v by_o the_o european_n who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o they_o hence_o arise_v fable_n fancy_n and_o groundless_a conceit_n which_o they_o mix_v with_o the_o spiritual_a verity_n and_o almost_o deface_v and_o extinguish_v they_o 2._o the_o sacred_a history_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v easy_o corrupt_v because_o they_o be_v transmit_v to_o ignorant_a and_o barbarous_a people_n god_n be_v please_v not_o to_o vouchsafe_v that_o light_n and_o knowledge_n to_o the_o gentile_n which_o he_o bestow_v on_o his_o own_o people_n but_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o leave_v they_o in_o that_o darkness_n and_o blindness_n which_o their_o gross_a sin_n have_v bring_v they_o to_o and_o which_o be_v now_o become_v the_o just_a punishment_n of_o they_o many_o of_o they_o be_v so_o besot_v that_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o those_o holy_a and_o mysterious_a truth_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v they_o they_o can_v not_o apprehend_v the_o true_a meaning_n and_o import_n of_o they_o but_o because_o some_o of_o they_o who_o be_v the_o most_o contemplative_a will_v be_v exercise_v themselves_o about_o they_o they_o resolve_v to_o make_v something_o of_o they_o or_o out_o of_o they_o and_o according_o when_o they_o commit_v they_o to_o write_v they_o apply_v they_o to_o some_o person_n or_o thing_n which_o be_v know_v and_o famous_a among_o they_o and_o thus_o a_o historical_a passage_n in_o holy_a scripture_n become_v a_o story_n of_o their_o own_o or_o a_o divine_a truth_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o fable_n by_o this_o mean_n the_o thing_n which_o they_o borrow_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n come_v to_o be_v deprave_v and_o disguise_v 3._o the_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n and_o diversity_n of_o year_n have_v partly_o introduce_v this_o corruption_n and_o alteration_n for_o length_n of_o time_n blot_v out_o some_o of_o the_o former_a account_n and_o deface_v the_o memoir_n of_o thing_n the_o ancient_a name_n of_o several_a person_n and_o place_n be_v wear_v out_o and_o other_o quite_o different_a from_o they_o be_v use_v in_o their_o stead_n the_o true_a original_a occasion_n and_o mean_v of_o many_o thing_n be_v forget_v and_o in_o place_n of_o they_o new_a but_o false_a relation_n creep_v in_o then_o come_v to_o pass_v at_o last_o when_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o thing_n be_v wear_v out_o that_o man_n of_o poetry_n and_o invention_n thrust_v upon_o silly_a people_n their_o own_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o most_o unlikely_a story_n for_o truth_n 4._o the_o historical_a passage_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o strange_a event_n which_o happen_v among_o the_o jew_n be_v spread_v abroad_o and_o pass_v through_o many_o hand_n or_o rather_o mouth_n can_v not_o but_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o great_a diversity_n of_o relator_n they_o be_v change_v some_o add_v to_o they_o and_o other_o diminish_v they_o so_o that_o at_o the_o last_o they_o be_v quite_o different_a from_o what_o they_o be_v at_o first_o 5._o as_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n increase_v the_o great_a corruption_n there_o be_v of_o true_a history_n man_n make_v that_o to_o administer_v to_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n so_o that_o in_o those_o country_n especial_o where_o there_o be_v the_o fierce_a bigot_n for_o the_o pagan_a devotion_n there_o be_v always_o a_o more_o plentiful_a coin_v of_o these_o fable_n under_o which_o be_v hide_v very_o useful_a truth_n take_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n 6._o this_o must_v be_v add_v that_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o ancient_a pagan_n to_o wrap_v up_o their_o notion_n in_o obscure_a and_o dark_a term_n and_o to_o represent_v they_o in_o a_o enigmatical_a way_n 4._o origen_n think_v plato_n in_o one_o of_o his_o piece_n have_v something_o of_o that_o paradise_n which_o moses_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o write_n speak_v of_o and_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n why_o he_o think_v so_o viz._n because_o it_o be_v plato_n usual_a way_n to_o describe_v thing_n obscure_o and_o to_o disguise_v the_o great_a and_o most_o excellent_a verity_n under_o the_o vail_n of_o mystery_n and_o fable_n and_o this_o be_v the_o guise_n of_o other_o beside_o plato_n especial_o of_o the_o pagan_a poet_n they_o affect_v obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n of_o style_n whence_o spring_v several_a of_o the_o fabulous_a history_n of_o the_o god_n and_o other_o odd_a passage_n in_o their_o write_n and_o so_o when_o they_o take_v some_o thing_n of_o moment_n from_o scripture_n or_o from_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o those_o sacred_a record_n they_o clothe_v they_o with_o their_o dark_a and_o mystical_a expression_n in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o know_v whence_o they_o have_v they_o 7._o the_o grecian_a humour_n be_v to_o invent_v and_o romance_n their_o poet_n especial_o who_o be_v their_o first_o writer_n be_v famous_a for_o this_o they_o abuse_v mangle_a jumble_a and_o confound_v the_o story_n in_o holy_a writ_n they_o turn_v those_o sacred_a thing_n into_o magical_a prank_n sometime_o and_o from_o the_o name_n of_o holy_a person_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o take_v occasion_n to_o invent_v new_a deity_n and_o shape_n new_a go_n their_o frequent_a practice_n be_v to_o piece_n out_o scripture_n with_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o to_o add_v something_o of_o their_o own_o head_n this_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o greek_a vanity_n it_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o levity_n and_o capriciousness_n of_o these_o fabulous_a man_n who_o very_a genius_n lead_v they_o to_o affect_v banter_n and_o fiction_n the_o poet_n deal_v with_o sacred_a history_n as_o the_o legendary_n do_v with_o the_o life_n of_o saint_n they_o have_v some_o general_a ground_n for_o what_o they_o say_v but_o they_o make_v plentiful_a addition_n to_o it_o there_o be_v perhaps_o something_o of_o truth_n at_o bottom_n but_o than_o you_o have_v their_o own_o invention_n beside_o thus_o the_o grecian_a writer_n counterfeit_v all_o along_o the_o shape_n of_o real_a truth_n in_o most_o of_o their_o fable_n there_o be_v a_o medley_n of_o falsehood_n and_o truth_n together_o 8._o this_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o the_o pagan_a philosopher_n do_v out_o of_o fear_n sometime_o disguise_v the_o notion_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o scripture_n plato_n say_v justin_n the_o martyr_n have_v learn_v in_o egypt_n the_o true_a doctrine_n concern_v god_n one_o only_a god_n with_o several_a other_o sacred_a truth_n but_o lest_o some_o melitus_n or_o anytus_n shall_v accuse_v he_o he_o will_v not_o divulge_v they_o to_o the_o people_n for_o fear_v of_o incur_v socrates_n misfortune_n he_o either_o conceal_v or_o disguise_v all_o he_o dread_v the_o poisonous_a cup_n and_o so_o will_v not_o discover_v those_o sacred_a thing_n but_o rather_o choose_v to_o lap_v they_o up_o in_o poetic_a conceit_n and_o fable_n in_o mystery_n and_o riddle_n which_o his_o write_n be_v full_a of_o and_o this_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v the_o case_n of_o other_o philosopher_n and_o writer_n among_o the_o gentile_n they_o be_v timorous_a and_o dare_v not_o transgress_v the_o public_a law_n and_o incur_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o innovator_n in_o religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o speak_v ambiguous_o and_o obscure_o and_o corrupt_v those_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o holy_a fountain_n 9_o some_o out_o of_o mere_a ignorance_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o affair_n misrepresent_v and_o corrupt_v those_o thing_n this_o be_v see_v plain_o in_o strabo_n and_o diodorus_n the_o sicilian_a who_o as_o be_v hint_v afore_o make_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v egyptian_n and_o 16._o strabo_n particular_o say_v of_o moses_n that_o he_o be_v a_o egyptian_a priest_n so_o herodotus_n because_o the_o hebrew_n have_v live_v among_o the_o egyptian_n say_v those_o thing_n of_o the_o former_a which_o belong_v to_o the_o latter_a and_o so_o perhaps_o vice_fw-la versâ_fw-la i_o remember_v he_o particular_o say_v that_o 104._o circumcision_n be_v first_o of_o all_o use_v among_o the_o ethyopian_o and_o egyptian_n and_o from_o they_o go_v to_o the_o phaenician_o and_o syrian_n and_o thence_o some_o thought_n abraham_n receive_v this_o rite_n and_o commend_v it_o to_o his_o posterity_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o
to_o king_n ptolomee_n by_o the_o foresay_a demetrius_n a_o very_a serious_a man_n and_o it_o be_v assign_v as_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o content_n of_o these_o sacred_a write_n which_o be_v so_o divine_a and_o admirable_a be_v but_o rare_o mention_v by_o the_o historian_n and_o poet_n these_o example_n have_v strike_v a_o terror_n into_o some_o of_o they_o have_v hear_v how_o some_o prophaner_n of_o these_o holy_a thing_n be_v animadvert_v upon_o by_o a_o divine_a hand_n they_o be_v afraid_a to_o record_v any_o passage_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n therefore_o some_o of_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o disguise_v the_o sacred_a story_n and_o to_o stuff_v they_o with_o fabulous_a narration_n that_o they_o may_v scarce_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v borrow_v from_o that_o holy_a book_n last_o the_o devil_n have_v a_o design_n in_o all_o this_o tert●lian's_n 47._o word_n be_v remarkable_a when_o he_o have_v say_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n i._n e._n the_o heathen_a fable_n rite_n and_o usage_n be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n i._n e._n the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o further_o add_v that_o this_o imitate_v of_o the_o truth_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n who_o affect_v sometime_o to_o ape_n god_n and_o what_o he_o do_v this_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o they_o be_v a_o mimical_a fort_n of_o creature_n and_o show_v themselves_o sometime_o diligent_a emulator_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a p●rsons_n and_o thing_n their_o great_a subtlety_n and_o craft_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v here_o for_o when_o they_o bring_v the_o hebre●_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o god_n own_o appointment_n into_o the_o 〈◊〉_d worship_n and_o service_n they_o do_v this_o to_o profane_v they_o and_o ●o_o make_v they_o contemptible_a and_o ridiculous_a they_o do_v it_o that_o those_o divine_a and_o sacred_a thing_n may_v be_v despise_v and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v into_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n so_o likewise_o they_o cunning_o mix_v something_o of_o sacred_a truth_n with_o fable_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v make_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a to_o be_v suspect_v satban_n be_v desirous_a to_o pervert_v and_o even_a erase_n the_o whole_a sacred_a scripture_n and_o ancient_a truth_n but_o because_o he_o see_v he_o can_v effect_v this_o he_o therefore_o contrive_v how_o he_o may_v disguise_v the_o scripture-story_n he_o set_v the_o poet_n to_o work_v to_o make_v they_o into_o fable_n and_o think_v by_o that_o mean_n to_o take_v off_o our_o esteem_n of_o those_o inspire_a write_n and_o to_o diminish_v that_o credit_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v to_o those_o sacred_a truth_n he_o push_v on_o those_o grecian_a wit_n to_o obscure_v and_o deface_v the_o old_a name_n in_o scripture_n that_o the_o original_a of_o they_o may_v not_o be_v know_v he_o out_o of_o direct_a malice_n move_v those_o fanciful_a man_n to_o invent_v fable_n to_o defame_v the_o primitive_a story_n to_o blemish_v the_o sacred_a history_n to_o obscure_v and_o pervert_v the_o truth_n the_o poet_n turn_v the_o scripture_n into_o fabulous_a narration_n be_v the_o way_n to_o invalidate_v the_o testimony_n of_o they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o seem_v a_o mere_a poetic_a fiction_n a_o dream_n a_o fancy_n that_o have_v no_o real_a bottom_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o the_o devil_n imp_v their_o fancy_n and_o assist_v their_o invention_n and_o help_v they_o to_o change_v the_o truth_n into_o a_o lie_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v rob_v god_n and_o the_o scripture_n of_o their_o honour_n this_o i_o say_v may_v be_v a_o device_n of_o that_o evil_a spirit_n as_o he_o have_v device_n and_o wiles_n of_o all_o sort_n to_o elude_v the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a history_n and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o credit_n of_o divine_a truth_n again_o as_o that_o crasty_n spirit_n design_n by_o this_o mean_n to_o disparage_v yea_o to_o null_a the_o truth_n so_o he_o think_v hereby_o to_o gain_v assent_n to_o falsehood_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o great_a impiety_n imaginable_a for_o when_o truth_n be_v mix_v with_o falshood_n he_o hope_v that_o this_o latter_a will_v be_v entertain_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o former_a and_o when_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a practice_n be_v found_v in_o those_o that_o be_v innocent_a and_o religious_a he_o expect_v that_o these_o shall_v justify_v those_o perhaps_o when_o he_o add_v the_o sacred_a ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o profane_a worship_n of_o the_o gentile_n he_o think_v thereby_o to_o take_v away_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o to_o render_v they_o alike_o so_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o true_a and_o false_a way_n of_o worship_n three_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o introduce_v several_a sacred_a rite_n and_o custom_n into_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v to_o conciliate_v to_o himself_o a_o great_a authority_n and_o esteem_n a_o great_a glory_n and_o repute_n among_o they_o he_o commend_v those_o thing_n to_o the_o pagan_n which_o be_v religious_o use_v and_o even_o by_o god_n own_o people_n and_o prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o this_o he_o do_v to_o inveigle_v the_o pagan_a world_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o admire_v and_o worship_n he_o wherefore_o a_o answer_n may_v easy_o be_v return_v to_o that_o objection_n of_o a_o late_a learned_a writer_n 1._o what_o advantage_n can_v the_o devil_n have_v by_o his_o imitate_v the_o divine_a worship_n he_o ever_o act_v for_o some_o end_n that_o may_v be_v prositable_a to_o himself_o but_o how_o can_v this_o prove_v so_o see_v it_o will_v be_v more_o advantageous_a to_o he_o to_o institute_v a_o worship_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v diametnical_o contrary_a to_o those_o in_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o by_o those_o as_o by_o so_o many_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a character_n his_o herd_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o flock_n of_o the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n the_o answer_n i_o say_v to_o 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subject_a but_o huetius_n in_o his_o evan●●lical_n
demonstration_n have_v outdo_v they_o and_o ●ost_o that_o have_v write_v on_o it_o among_o our_o own_o countryman_n these_o deserve_o be_v to_o be_v number_v viz._n sir_n walter_n raleigh_n who_o among_o several_a other_o passage_n have_v these_o remarkable_a ●ords_n 3_o the_o heathen_n do_v great_o enrich_v their_o invention_n by_o vent_v the_o steal_a treasure_n of_o divine_a letter_n alter_v by_o profane_a addition_n and_o disguise_v by_o poetical_a conversion_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v conceive_v out_o of_o their_o own_o speculation_n next_o to_o this_o worthy_a knight_n the_o famous_a proleg_n mr._n sel●●●_n may_v be_v mention_v who_o aver_v that_o the_o ●ost_o impious_a custom_n among_o the_o gentile_n have_v ●●eir_n original_a from_o scripture-history_n which_o 〈◊〉_d confirm_v by_o several_a example_n you_o will_v 〈◊〉_d the_o reverend_a 〈…〉_z bishop_n montague_n though_o ●●is_o author_n adversary_n in_o another_o point_n agree_v with_o he_o in_o this_o the_o heathen_n say_v 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origen_n show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o these_o allegation_n from_o the_o antiquity_n of_o those_o relation_n in_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o thence_o prove_v that_o the_o greek_n have_v these_o from_o the_o jew_n and_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v the_o original_a tradition_n and_o that_o other_o be_v corrupt_v and_o change_v from_o these_o by_o the_o heathen_n this_o pagan_a conceit_n which_o be_v take_v up_o on_o purpose_n as_o a_o evasion_n against_o christianity_n be_v revive_v by_o some_o writer_n of_o late_a but_o by_o none_o more_o design_o and_o industrious_o carry_v on_o and_o improve_v than_o by_o a_o late_a learned_a man_n of_o our_o own_o who_o have_v deliver_v such_o admirable_a and_o choice_a thing_n on_o occasion_n of_o pursue_v this_o subject_n and_o have_v snew_v himself_o so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o literature_n that_o we_o can_v scarce_o be_v displease_v with_o his_o notion_n that_o 〈◊〉_d at_o the_o head_n of_o all_o i_o will_v not_o pretend_v t●enter_n the_o list_n with_o this_o great_a champion_n be_v conscious_a to_o my_o own_o inability_n but_o this_o i_o will_v do_v i_o will_v set_v some_o great_a man_n upon_o he_o though_o i_o have_v partly_o do_v it_o already_o and_o leave_v he_o to_o grapple_v with_o they_o josephus_n the_o learned_a jew_n be_v a_o competent_a judge_n in_o this_o matter_n viz._n whether_o the_o jew_n ●orrowed_v their_o sacred_a and_o religious_a rite_n from_o the_o gentile_n or_o whether_o on_o the_o contrary_a these_o borrow_a from_o they_o let_v we_o bear_v what_o he_o say_v 2._o there_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n say_v he_o among_o most_o nation_n a_o great_a zeal_n and_o emulation_n towards_o our_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n there_o be_v not_o a_o city_n among_o the_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n yea_o not_o any_o nation_n which_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o we_o the_o custom_n of_o rest_a on_o the_o seven_o day_n and_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 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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 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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
rome_n which_o nero_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n say_v the_o emperor_n inflict_v the_o most_o exquisite_a punishment_n on_o those_o ●_z 44._o who_o be_v detestable_a for_o their_o villainy_n be_v common_o call_v christian_n from_o the_o author_n of_o that_o name_n christ._n here_o this_o historian_n express_o set_v down_o the_o name_n that_o these_o person_n be_v know_v by_o and_o his_o name_n f●om_n who_o they_o take_v it_o this_o be_v christ_n though_o as_o we_o lea●n_v from_o 7._o lactantius_n this_o name_n be_v sometime_o a_o little_a alter_v for_o by_o change_v of_o a_o letter_n they_o pronounce_v it_o chre_v thus_o we_o read_v in_o 25._o suetonius_n that_o claudius_n banish_v the_o jew_n from_o rome_n because_o they_o be_v always_o raise_v tumult_n by_o the_o instigation_n of_o one_o chrestus_n the_o 54._o learned_a usher_n indeed_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o here_o be_v not_o mean_v christ_n our_o lord_n but_o some_o other_o who_o true_a and_o right_a name_n be_v chrestus_n but_o with_o honour_n first_o pay_v to_o that_o great_a and_o just_o admire_a antiquary_n it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o christ_n our_o saviour_n be_v here_o mean_v because_o lactantius_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v tell_v we_o he_o be_v call_v chrestus_n and_o because_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o senat._n tertullian_n that_o the_o christian_n be_v call_v chrestiani_n and_o so_o 3._o justin_n martyr_n inform_v we_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yea_o he_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o the_o gentile_n do_v not_o give_v they_o a_o wrong_a name_n when_o they_o call_v they_o so_o for_o they_o be_v true_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d very_o good-natured_a sweet_a and_o benign_a person_n but_o questionless_a it_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o pagan_n and_o the_o historian_n abovementioned_a be_v guilty_a of_o it_o some_o think_v he_o mistake_v not_o only_o our_o lord_n name_n but_o the_o time_n of_o this_o fact_n which_o he_o mention_n imagine_v that_o christ_n live_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o claudius_n but_o this_o be_v too_o gross_a a_o ove●_n sight_n for_o so_o know_v a_o historian_n especial_o he_o live_v so_o near_o our_o saviour_n time_n but_o to_o understand_v this_o author_n a●ight_n we_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v common_a with_o the_o pagan_a writer_n to_o confound_v the_o name_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n and_o to_o say_v that_o of_o one_o which_o appertain_v to_o the_o other_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o wonder_n that_o christian_n for_o a_o time_n be_v call_v jew_n because_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n according_o by_o the_o jew_n here_o who_o he_o say_v be_v expel_v out_o of_o rome_n be_v mean_v christian_n who_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o the_o gentile_n as_o seditious_a and_o tumultuous_a person_n because_o their_o master_n and_o founder_n be_v reckon_v such_o a_o one_o and_o so_o when_o this_o writer_n say_v they_o raise_v tumult_n impulsore_fw-la chresto_fw-la the_o meaning_n be_v they_o be_v set_v on_o by_o his_o example_n he_o though_o dead_a have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o they_o and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o do_v what_o they_o do_v or_o if_o you_o will_v understand_v jew_n here_o in_o the_o strict_a sense_n viz._n such_o as_o profess_v judaism_n than_o it_o may_v refer_v to_o theudas_n insurrection_n who_o though_o he_o be_v a_o egyptian_a as_o some_o gather_v from_o act_n 21._o 38._o yet_o he_o head_v the_o mutinous_a jew_n which_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o the_o emperor_n to_o banish_v all_o of_o that_o nation_n and_o religion_n from_o rome_n and_o because_o as_o i_o have_v say_v the_o name_n of_o jew_n and_o christian_n be_v promiscuous_a among_o the_o gentile_n thence_o chrestus_n i._n e._n christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v their_o ringleader_n and_o impulsor_n pliny_n the_o young_a mention_n the_o christian_n and_o christ_n by_o name_n for_o 10._o he_o tell_v the_o emperor_n that_o some_o that_o be_v bring_v before_o he_o upon_o suspicion_n of_o be_v christian_n be_v find_v to_o be_v person_n of_o another_o persuasion_n for_o upon_o his_o solicitation_n they_o refuse_v not_o to_o curse_v christ._n this_o be_v the_o appellation_n he_o be_v know_v by_o to_o the_o gentile_a historian_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a title_n which_o the_o new-testament_n so_o often_o give_v he_o thus_o far_o then_o the_o pagan_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o gospel_n but_o from_o the_o name_n i_o pass_v to_o the_o person_n and_o his_o action_n and_o most_o of_o the_o great_a and_o notable_a circumstance_n which_o accompany_v his_o birth_n life_n and_o death_n first_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o those_o four_o remarkable_a thing_n which_o attend_v his_o birth_n namely_o the_o particular_a time_n of_o it_o the_o general_n tax_n the_o wonderful_a star_n and_o the_o murder_v of_o the_o infant_n of_o bethlehem_n first_o those_o know_a adversary_n of_o christianity_n the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n testify_v that_o christ_n be_v to_o come_v at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o he_o come_v it_o be_v the_o universal_o receive_v tradition_n of_o elias_n that_o after_o four_o thousand_o year_n the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v bear_v for_o though_o that_o celebrate_v say_v or_o prophecy_n in_o the_o talmud_n of_o two_o thousand_o year_n before_o the_o law_n and_o two_o thousand_o after_o it_o be_v not_o exact_o true_a for_o there_o be_v about_o two_o thousand_o five_o hundred_o year_n from_o the_o creation_n to_o the_o law_n and_o from_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n to_o christ_n there_o be_v not_o above_o sixteen_o or_o seventeen_o hundred_o year_n yet_o the_o prophecy_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o convince_v the_o jew_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v come_v and_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a indication_n of_o the_o time_n when_o he_o be_v expect_v by_o they_o even_o that_o time_n when_o he_o bless_v the_o world_n with_o his_o presence_n on_o earth_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o christ_n be_v bring_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o temple_n as_o soon_o as_o simeon_n behold_v he_o he_o forthwith_o acknowledge_v he_o and_o cry_v out_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n this_o be_v that_o simeon_n to_o who_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n have_v reference_n when_o they_o say_v the_o disciple_n of_o hillel_n shall_v not_o fail_v till_o the_o messiah_n come_v for_o this_o simeon_n call_v the_o just_a be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o those_o disciple_n sanhedrim_n rabbi_n hakiba_n the_o wise_a of_o all_o the_o talmudical_a doctor_n interpret_v those_o word_n of_o haggai_n 7._o the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n shall_v come_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o the_o learned_a jew_n that_o he_o be_v ardent_o desire_v and_o expect_v not_o only_o by_o that_o people_n but_o by_o all_o nation_n just_a at_o that_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n come_v for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v then_o look_v for_o by_o the_o gentile_n out_o of_o the_o east_n this_o be_v that_o universal_a 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world_n shall_v 〈◊〉_d tax_v or_o enrol_v as_o the_o greek_a word_n proper_o denote_v this_o be_v no_o mony-tax_n but_o only_o a_o set_n down_o or_o enrol_v of_o every_o person_n according_a to_o his_o quality_n age_n and_o station_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v it_o be_v a_o take_n in_o write_v the_o name_n of_o every_o individual_a man_n it_o be_v a_o number_v the_o people_n and_o register_n the_o true_a value_n of_o their_o estate_n income_n and_o revenue_n and_o way_n of_o get_v their_o livelihood_n a_o late_a christi_fw-la writer_n 〈◊〉_d of_o opinion_n that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o census_n be_v to_o know_v the_o number_n of_o soldier_n and_o what_o ●ighting_v man_n judaea_n afford_v whence_o it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o profane_a writer_n say_v not_o any_o
in_o they_o to_o all_o their_o posterity_n those_o place_n psal._n 22._o 16._o they_o pierce_v my_o hand_n and_o my_o foot_n and_o ver_fw-la 18._o they_o part_v my_o garment_n among_o they_o and_o cast_v lot_n upon_o my_o vesture_n calvin_n be_v incline_v to_o interpret_v simple_o and_o not_o concern_v christ_n he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v only_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o david_n calamity_n and_o suffering_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v express_o say_v by_o the_o evangelist_n st._n matthew_n that_o those_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o christ_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n matth._n 27._o 35._o and_o by_o the_o evangelist_n st._n john_n this_o be_v do_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v ch_n 19_o 36_o 37._o and_o so_o as_o to_o that_o text_n jer._n 31._o 22._o the_o lord_n have_v create_v a_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o earth_n a_o woman_n shall_v compass_v a_o man._n the_o same_o author_n will_v not_o have_v this_o prophecy_n 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writer_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n allege_v they_o as_o punctual_o fulfil_v in_o he_o and_o in_o what_o he_o suffer_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o renown_a man_n may_v be_v think_v to_o incline_v to_o judaism_n or_o arianism_n as_o much_o as_o erasmus_n be_v think_v by_o some_o for_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o interpret_n place_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o christ_n quite_o to_o another_o sense_n creed_n one_o of_o the_o worthy_n of_o our_o church_n excuse_v the_o former_a of_o these_o person_n after_o this_o manner_n and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o same_o excuse_v serve_v for_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v say_v he_o rather_o fear_v lest_o he_o shall_v give_v offence_n unto_o the_o jew_n than_o any_o desire_n or_o inclination_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o which_o make_v he_o sometime_o give_v the_o same_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o do_v without_o search_n after_o far_a mystery_n than_o the_o letter_n itself_o do_v administer_v it_o be_v the_o candour_n of_o this_o excellent_a divine_a to_o apologise_v thus_o for_o that_o great_a man_n and_o the_o same_o apology_n may_v serve_v for_o the_o other_o yet_o certain_o we_o ought_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o their_o exposition_n on_o those_o place_n by_o add_v the_o secondary_a and_o mystical_a sense_n to_o they_o else_o we_o leave_v those_o text_n maim_v and_o imperfect_a yea_o we_o rob_v they_o of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a and_o precious_a in_o they_o that_o which_o be_v the_o dabar_n gadol_n as_o the_o jewish_a master_n call_v the_o mystical_a sense_n this_o be_v great_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o literal_a one_o which_o be_v call_v by_o they_o dabar_n katon_n little_a and_o inconsiderable_a viz._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o other_o this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o another_o great_a man_n great_a in_o name_n as_o well_o as_o worth_n herein_o he_o disdain_v not_o to_o tread_v in_o the_o step_v of_o mr._n calvin_n though_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n he_o be_v very_o averse_a to_o his_o exposition_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o when_o he_o treat_v of_o the_o text_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o speak_v concern_v christ_n he_o general_o interpret_v they_o in_o the_o first_o and_o literal_a sense_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o apostolical_a and_o ancient_a expositor_n who_o constant_o search_v into_o the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o choice_a treasure_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o gold_n and_o diamond_n and_o the_o rich_a gem_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o rich_a and_o most_o precious_a truth_n of_o heaven_n be_v treasure_v up_o in_o the_o entrail_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n they_o be_v hide_v in_o the_o most_o inward_a recess_n of_o it_o demo●ritus_n can_v say_v truth_n lie_v hide_v in_o a_o deep_a pit_n this_o be_v most_o certain_a of_o divine_a truth_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n beside_o what_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o letter_n and_o surface_n of_o it_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o more_o choice_a discovery_n to_o be_v make_v by_o search_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o it_o and_o by_o discern_v the_o spiritual_a mean_v those_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o lie_v cover_v under_o the_o letter_n and_o history_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o hold_v good_a concern_v the_o divine_a as_o well_o as_o humane_a law_n cortice_fw-la he_o that_o confine_v himself_o to_o the_o letter_n stick_v in_o the_o mere_a bark_n and_o outside_o and_o can_v go_v no_o further_o he_o reach_v not_o to_o the_o inward_a sense_n pith_n and_o mind_n of_o those_o law_n we_o must_v needs_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n that_o sacred_a law_n give_v we_o by_o god_n unless_o we_o endeavour_v to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o both_o these_o not_o only_o the_o historical_a but_o the_o more_o sublime_a and_o mystical_a sense_n of_o it_o both_o these_o joint_o make_v up_o divine_a truth_n therefore_o that_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n which_o be_v practise_v by_o athanasius_n 〈◊〉_d we_o say_v he_o do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o literal_a sense_n to_o bring_v in_o the_o spiritual_a one_o but_o we_o maintain_v the_o more_o powerful_a mean_v of_o the_o spirit_n by_o keep_v up_o the_o literal_a sense_n these_o two_o must_v go_v together_o if_o we_o lie_v aside_o the_o former_a the_o scripture_n be_v no_o long_a scripture_n i._n e._n a_o write_a law_n make_v up_o of_o letter_n and_o if_o we_o lie_v aside_o the_o latter_a we_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n who_o have_v lodge_v a_o far_a mean_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o he_o than_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o letter_n wherefore_o to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n as_o we_o shall_v do_v we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o find_v out_o the_o secondary_a or_o mystical_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o the_o primary_n or_o literal_a and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v when_o the_o sense_n be_v of_o the_o former_a and_o not_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o observe_v these_o follow_a rule_n the_o first_o be_v give_v we_o by_o d●calog_n r._n ben-ezra_n thus_o if_o any_o precept_n in_o scripture_n be_v not_o consonant_a to_o reason_n it_o must_v not_o be_v take_v in_o the_o simple_a or_o literal_a sense_n as_o that_o place_n circumcise_v the_o foreskin_n of_o your_o heart_n deut._n 10._o 16._o we_o can_v suppose_v this_o to_o be_v understand_v literal_o because_o say_v he_o it_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a a_o thing_n yea_o indeed_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o praeputium_fw-la of_o the_o heart_n in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a place_n a_o spiritual_a sense_n must_v be_v search_v for_o otherwise_o we_o must_v assert_v that_o the_o scripture_n enjoin_v we_o the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v do_v beside_o if_o we_o understand_v it_o literal_o i._n e._n of_o the_o circumcise_n or_o pare_n off_o any_o part_n of_o the_o heart_n this_o be_v a_o inhuman_a and_o bloody_a thing_n to_o do_v this_o be_v to_o be_v cruel_a to_o ourselves_o yea_o it_o be_v self-murder_n therefore_o according_a to_o a_o second_o rule_n which_o i_o be_o to_o propound_v this_o can_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n and_o consequent_o the_o literal_a mean_v be_v not_o intend_v here_o the_o rule_n be_v this_o that_o all_o precept_n or_o prohibition_n which_o as_o to_o their_o sound_n be_v whole_o repugnant_a to_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n there_o contain_v in_o they_o some_o mystical_a or_o spiritual_a sense_n by_o this_o you_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o mean_v of_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n prov._n 23._o 2._o put_v a_o
call_v the_o life_n of_o man_n the_o pilgrimage_n or_o sojourn_v of_o a_o stranger_n give_v it_o also_o the_o denomination_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d warfare_n arrianus_n very_o excellent_o descant_v on_o this_o aphorism_n that_o 24._o every_o man_n life_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o militia_n and_o that_o we_o be_v with_o all_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o soldier_n the_o chief_a part_n of_o which_o be_v to_o do_v all_o that_o our_o commander_n bid_v we_o another_o famous_a moralist_n adorn_v this_o subject_a with_o noble_a reflection_n upon_o it_o 3._o reckon_v upon_o this_o say_v he_o that_o god_n be_v our_o commander_n and_o chief_a captain_n that_o this_o life_n be_v a_o military_a expedition_n that_o every_o man_n be_v to_o be_v a_o arm_a soldier_n etc._n etc._n seneca_n have_v the_o same_o conception_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o once_o and_o again_o resemble_v it_o to_o 96._o the_o state_n of_o war_n and_o the_o exploit_n of_o martial_a men._n as_o soon_o as_o we_o come_v into_o the_o world_n we_o open_v the_o campagne_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n after_o we_o draw_v into_o a_o line_n of_o battle_n and_o we_o be_v continual_o make_v use_n of_o our_o ammunition_n and_o artillery_n till_o at_o length_n death_n raise_v the_o camp_n and_o discharge_v we_o from_o our_o warfare_n several_a passage_n may_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o other_o pagan_a writer_n who_o frequent_o fall_v into_o this_o comparison_n and_o use_v this_o excellent_a metaphor_n and_o very_o fine_o illustrate_v it_o but_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v what_o i_o aim_v at_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o phrase_n and_o expression_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o there_o be_v in_o other_o author_n this_o i_o will_v further_o make_v good_a in_o another_o excellent_a notion_n and_o maxim_n viz._n that_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n be_v free_a but_o that_o all_o vicious_a person_n be_v slave_n the_o style_n of_o scripture_n run_v this_o way_n not_o only_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o david_n desire_v to_o be_v 12._o uphold_v by_o the_o free_a spirit_n of_o god_n i._n e._n by_o such_o a_o divine_a and_o generous_a principle_n as_o will_v make_v he_o act_v with_o the_o great_a freedom_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o where_o sinner_n and_o ungodly_a man_n be_v style_v prisoner_n and_o captive_n once_o and_o again_o as_o in_o zech._n 9_o 11._o isa._n 42._o 6_o 7._o ch_z 49._o 8_o 9_o ch_z 61._o 1._o nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v whether_o these_o place_n speak_v of_o such_o person_n see_v our_o saviour_n himself_o allege_v one_o of_o they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o rest_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v his_o office_n to_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o these_o captive_n luke_n 4._o 18._o i_o e._n to_o offer_v pardon_n to_o sinner_n but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n also_o and_o there_o chief_o this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o freedom_n that_o accompany_v holiness_n and_o the_o servitude_n of_o sin_n be_v express_o declare_v in_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a john_n 8._o 32._o whosoever_o commit_v sin_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n ver_fw-la 34._o if_o the_o son_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a you_o shall_v be_v free_a indeed_o ver_fw-la 36._o the_o whole_a six_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n treat_v of_o this_o very_a thing_n the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o freedom_n from_o it_o by_o christ._n the_o servant_n of_o sin_n mention_v here_o by_o st._n paul_n be_v the_o same_o with_o 19_o the_o spirit_n in_o prison_n who_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o another_o place_n and_o have_v show_v the_o inconsistency_n of_o other_o interpretation_n whilst_o man_n continue_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o addict_v themselves_o to_o their_o vice_n their_o spirit_n their_o soul_n be_v deserve_o say_v to_o be_v in_o prison_n their_o person_n be_v in_o custody_n they_o live_v in_o durance_n and_o thraldom_n they_o be_v continual_o in_o bond_n and_o chain_n they_o be_v fetter_v slave_n and_o vassal_n they_o may_v perhaps_o flatter_v themselves_o and_o vaunt_v of_o freedom_n but_o they_o be_v prisoner_n still_o 19_o they_o promise_v liberty_n but_o be_v themselves_o servant_n of_o corruption_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a true_a religion_n enstate_v man_n in_o a_o real_a and_o substantial_a freedom_n christianity_n be_v 25._o the_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n 17._o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v where_o evangelical_n sanctity_n be_v there_o be_v liberty_n in_o short_a no_o man_n that_o love_v to_o be_v vicious_a and_o life_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o sin_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o freeman_n for_o he_o be_v whole_o at_o the_o command_n of_o his_o lust_n there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a slave_n in_o algiers_n or_o tripoli_n than_o such_o a_o one_o this_n not_o only_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n but_o heathen_a writer_n inculcate_v tully_n defend_v that_o maxim_n quòd_fw-la omnes_fw-la sapientes_fw-la liberi_fw-la &_o stulti_fw-la servi_fw-la and_o enlarge_n on_o it_o most_o admirable_o this_o zeno_n and_o all_o the_o stoic_n maintain_v as_o we_o learn_v from_o zenone_n laertius_n and_o isocrates_n more_o than_o once_o in_o his_o oration_n to_o demonicus_n and_o nicocles_n speak_v thus_o so_o do_v 20._o epictetus_n who_o express_o assert_v that_o vice_n and_o immorality_n be_v the_o great_a drudgery_n and_o slavery_n so_o do_v arrianus_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o 1._o he_o be_v a_o freeman_n who_o live_v as_o he_o will_v i._n e._n who_o make_v the_o rational_a dictate_v of_o his_o will_n the_o rule_n of_o his_o life_n which_o none_o but_o a_o good_a man_n do_v horace_n admirable_a character_n of_o a_o freeman_n be_v worth_a the_o consult_v quisnam_fw-la igitur_fw-la libre_fw-la sapiens_fw-la sibique_fw-la imperiosus_fw-la quem_fw-la neque_fw-la pauperies_fw-la neque_fw-la mors_fw-la neque_fw-la vincula_fw-la terrent_fw-la responsare_fw-la cupidinibus_fw-la contemnere_fw-la honores_fw-la fortis_fw-la &_o in_o seipso_fw-la totus_fw-la teres_fw-la atque_fw-la rotundus_fw-la and_o more_o he_o have_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n which_o acquaint_v we_o what_o apprehension_n the_o moralist_n have_v of_o freedom_n etc._n freeman_n say_v euripides_n be_v very_o rare_a in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o man_n to_o be_v find_v who_o be_v not_o a_o slave_n to_o his_o wealth_n or_o fortune_n or_o some_o other_o thing_n a_o man_n that_o extreme_o love_v his_o money_n be_v 22._o a_o golden_a slave_n in_o socrates_n language_n 11._o that_o be_v the_o worst_a kind_n of_o servitude_n say_v boethius_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v give_v up_o to_o vice_n and_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n 82._o there_o be_v no_o man_n say_v seneca_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v free_a that_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o his_o corporeal_a and_o sensual_a part._n 5._o you_o see_v say_v he_o in_o another_o place_n what_o a_o base_a and_o pernicious_a slavery_n that_o man_n have_v bring_v himself_o into_o who_o suffer_v unlawful_a pleasure_n and_o sorrow_n those_o unconstant_a and_o impotent_a mistress_n to_o domineer_v over_o he_o by_o turn_n thus_o it_o be_v the_o style_n of_o the_o pagan_a as_o well_o as_o inspire_a writer_n that_o goodness_n be_v the_o true_a freedom_n and_o that_o vice_n be_v real_a bondage_n and_o slavery_n so_o that_o other_o notion_n that_o good_a man_n be_v only_o wise_a and_o that_o sinner_n be_v fool_n be_v the_o language_n both_o of_o scripture_n and_o profane_a writer_n moses_n assure_v the_o israelite_n that_o to_o keep_v and_o do_v god_n commandment_n be_v their_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n deut._n 4._o 6._o with_o which_o be_v parallel_n job_n 28._o 28._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o true_a and_o save_a knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v a_o fool_n in_o the_o style_n of_o holy_a writ_n 1._o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o the_o follow_a word_n acquaint_v we_o that_o this_o fool_n be_v one_o of_o a_o vicious_a and_o corrupt_a life_n 13._o this_o their_o way_n be_v their_o folly_n say_v the_o same_o pious_a king_n and_o his_o royal_a son_n have_v learn_v to_o speak_v the_o same_o language_n whence_o in_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n wicked_a man_n and_o fool_n be_v synonymous_n they_o be_v such_o 9_o fool_n as_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o man_n that_o study_v nothing_o but_o his_o unlawful_a gain_n and_o pleasure_n be_v pronounce_v a_o 20._o fool_n by_o he_o who_o thorough_o understand_v the_o right_a measure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o folly_n this_o be_v
be_v not_o nice_a and_o accurate_a in_o give_v every_o occurrence_n or_o event_n its_o right_a place_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o you_o meet_v with_o some_o thing_n in_o these_o write_n that_o be_v transpose_v and_o out_o of_o order_n and_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o diligent_a and_o inquisitive_a reader_n to_o amend_v and_o reform_v tho●e_a dislocation_n those_o who_o will_v see_v far_a reason_n of_o that_o frequent_a metathesis_n and_o misplace_v which_o be_v in_o the_o sacred_a book_n may_v consult_v the_o learned_a dr._n lightfoot_n in_o his_o chronicle_n of_o the_o time_n of_o th●_n old_a testament_n chap._n iu._n there_o be_v not_o only_o grammatical_a but_o rhetorical_a figure_n in_o the_o sacred_a volume_n the_o psalmist_n word_n psal._n 120._o 5._o be_v hyperbolical_a though_o not_o general_o interpret_v to_o be_v such_o so_o be_v our_o saviour_n word_n matth._n 13._o 32._o though_o common_o expound_v otherwise_o luke_n 19_o 44._o reject_v form_n be_v hyperbolical_a john_n 21._o 25._o prove_v to_o be_v a_o hyperbole_n this_o way_n of_o speak_v in_o scripture_n be_v no_o lie_n ironies_n be_v frequent_a in_o this_o holy_a book_n of_o which_o several_a example_n be_v produce_v luke_n 22._o 36_o be_v show_v to_o be_v of_o this_o sort_n and_o so_o be_v act_n 23._o 5._o i_o wist_v not_o that_o he_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n this_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n synecdoches_n frequent_a in_o scripture_n prove_v from_o several_a instance_n metaphor_n also_o common_a solomon_n metaphorical_a description_n of_o old_a age_n in_o eccles._n 12._o expound_v in_o all_o its_o part_n there_o be_v not_o only_o grammatical_a but_o rhetorical_a figure_n in_o this_o sacred_a volume_n the_o chief_a of_o which_o i_o will_v brief_o speak_v of_o not_o to_o say_v that_o i_o have_v mention_v some_o of_o they_o already_o and_o though_o as_o i_o say_v of_o the_o former_a they_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o several_a writer_n yet_o one_o 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place_n and_o some_o other_o the_o jew_n find_v that_o say_v of_o they_o the_o law_n sometime_o speak_v hyperbolical_o the_o description_n of_o behemoth_n be_v full_a of_o this_o sort_n of_o language_n he_o move_v his_o tail_n like_o a_o cedar_n his_o bone_n be_v as_o strong_a piece_n of_o brass_n and_o bar_n of_o iron_n he_o drink_v up_o a_o river_n he_o trust_v that_o he_o can_v draw_v up_o jordan_n into_o his_o mouth_n job_n 40._o 17_o etc._n etc._n xerxes_n army_n be_v say_v 10._o to_o drink_v whole_a river_n dry_a in_o that_o hyperbolical_a sense_n in_o which_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o behemoth_n which_o prove_v what_o i_o have_v assert_v that_o the_o scripture_n symbolize_v with_o other_o writer_n or_o rather_o they_o with_o it_o the_o like_a hyperbolical_a description_n you_o have_v of_o the_o leviathan_n job_n 41._o 18_o to_o the_o end_n and_o such_o be_v that_o of_o the_o locust_n joel_n 2._o 2_o 12._o all_o which_o be_v indeed_o one_o continue_a hyperbole_n wherein_o he_o elegant_o and_o pathetical_o describe_v they_o as_o a_o well-formed_a army_n as_o virgil_n in_o his_o georgic_n lofty_o do_v the_o ant_n it_o nigrum_fw-la campis_fw-la agmen_fw-la so_o all_o be_v poetical_a and_o hyperbolical_a in_o psal._n 18._o 7_o 16._o as_o for_o psal._n 120._o 5._o woe_n be_v i_o that_o i_o sojourn_v in_o mesech_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n few_o expositor_n take_v it_o to_o be_v of_o this_o kind_n because_o mesech_n signify_v protract_v or_o prolong_v some_o interpret_v the_o first_o clause_n thus_o i_o have_v a_o long_a time_n dwell_v and_o because_o kedar_n signify_v blackness_n they_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o sadness_n of_o his_o condition_n other_o will_v translate_v the_o pious_a king_n to_o those_o place_n and_o country_n which_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o mesech_n and_o kedar_n think_v that_o he_o be_v for_o some_o time_n confine_v to_o those_o place_n and_o there_o be_v other_o conjecture_n about_o the_o word_n but_o the_o true_a import_n of_o they_o in_o my_o apprehension_n be_v this_o david_n be_v banish_v from_o home_n express_v it_o as_o if_o he_o be_v among_o the_o barbarous_a scythian_n as_o if_o he_o be_v in_o the_o wild_a desert_n of_o arabia_n or_o if_o you_o take_v mesech_n and_o kedar_n to_o be_v both_o of_o they_o in_o arabia_n as_o some_o do_v then_o still_o the_o sense_n be_v the_o same_o i_o sojourn_v i_o dwell_v i_o inhabit_v among_o the_o inhospitable_a people_n of_o arabia_n call_v scenitae_n because_o they_o live_v in_o tent_n or_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o wilderness_n where_o the_o israelite_n pitch_v in_o tent_n when_o they_o travel_v to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n there_o be_v my_o abide_v at_o present_a i_o be_o no_o long_o one_o of_o judea_n this_o be_v a_o hyperbolical_a speech_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o inhuman_a and_o malicious_a people_n into_o who_o hand_n he_o be_v fall_v and_o with_o who_o he_o be_v force_v to_o converse_v at_o that_o time_n to_o this_o sort_n of_o speech_n we_o may_v refer_v psal._n 97._o 5._o the_o hill_n melt_v like_o wax_n isa._n 34._o 3._o the_o mountain_n shall_v be_v melt_v with_o their_o blood_n ezek._n 32._o 6._o i_o will_v water_v with_o thy_o blood_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v mak●_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o slay_v so_o abundant_a that_o it_o shall_v reach_v upto_o the_o very_a mountain_n and_o all_o the_o river_n shall_v be_v ●illed_v with_o blood_n which_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o hyperbolical_a description_n of_o egypt_n destruction_n so_o ezek._n 39_o 9_o 10._o they_o shall_v burn_v the_o weapon_n with_o ●ire_n seven_o year_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v no_o wood_n out_o of_o the_o field_n nor_o cut_v down_o any_o out_o of_o the_o forest_n be_v a_o elevate_a strain_n of_o speak_v to_o express_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o weapon_n and_o spoil_n take_v from_o the_o enemy_n and_o the_o vast_a slaughter_n of_o they_o at_o the_o first_o view_v those_o word_n in_o obadia●_n ver_fw-la 4._o though_o thou_o set_v thy_o nest_n among_o the_o star_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v high_o hyperbolical_a neither_o be_v the_o new_a testament_n without_o this_o kind_n of_o speak_v as_o to_o instance_n in_o matth._n 13._o 32._o which_o i_o grant_v be_v not_o reckon_v by_o writer_n among_o the_o hyperbole_n of_o scripture_n but_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o learned_a whether_o it_o ought_v not_o of_o the_o mustardseed_n there_o in_o the_o parable_n christ_n say_v it_o be_v indeed_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n for_o though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o greek_a word_n yet_o as_o have_v be_v note_v before_o it_o be_v here_o put_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o be_v plain_a from_o its_o be_v join_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o it_o be_v right_o render_v the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n but_o this_o be_v not_o exact_o true_a for_o the_o power_n seed_n of_o sweet-marjoram_n and_o wild_a poppy_n be_v far_o less_o and_o the_o seed_n of_o tobacco_n be_v so_o small_a that_o a_o thousand_o of_o they_o make_v not_o above_o one_o single_a grain_n in_o weight_n but_o all_o must_v give_v place_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o moon-wort_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o seed_n of_o the_o least_o size_n that_o be_v and_o 100_o another_o reckon_v among_o the_o small_a seed_n of_o plant_n those_o of_o reed-mace_n and_o of_o harts-tongue_n and_o of_o some_o sort_n of_o mosses_n and_o fern_n and_o of_o these_o latter_a i_o have_v read_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o small_a that_o they_o can_v be_v see_v without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o microscope_n but_o our_o saviour_n to_o set_v forth_o and_o magnify_v the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o increase_v and_o spread_v of_o his_o
to_o be_v slow_a belly_n because_o they_o be_v give_v to_o idleness_n and_o gluttony_n or_o they_o may_v be_v call_v quick_a belly_n because_o they_o be_v greedy_a and_o fierce_a eater_n other_o greek_a word_n some_o of_o which_o occur_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o which_o have_v both_o a_o good_a and_o a_o bad_a sense_n and_o so_o come_v under_o this_o head_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o remarkable_a word_n begin_v with_o three_o alpha_n be_v valdènoxius_fw-la and_o innoxius_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v inflammatio_fw-la and_o pituita_fw-la a_o cold_a humour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bear_v a_o good_a sense_n in_o its_o primitive_a acception_n and_o be_v no_o more_o than_o any_o likeness_n or_o image_n but_o it_o also_o and_o that_o most_o frequent_o signify_v such_o a_o image_n or_o representation_n to_o which_o be_v give_v religious_a worship_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v at_o first_o use_v to_o signify_v only_a curiosity_n but_o afterwad_v they_o be_v take_v in_o a_o worse_a sense_n by_o some_o author_n and_o particular_o by_o st._n luke_n act_v 19_o 19_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v to_o have_v more_o than_o another_o but_o withal_o to_o have_v more_o than_o one_o ought_v to_o have_v to_o defraud_v and_o circumvent_v yea_o to_o defraud_v and_o injure_v by_o adultery_n as_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o dr._n hammond_n observe_v on_o 1_o thess._n 4._o 6._o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v a_o honest_a word_n be_v apply_v heretofore_o to_o a_o bad_a sort_n of_o woman_n little_o better_o than_o concubine_n yea_o harlot_n as_o we_o read_v in_o 2._o theodoret_n and_o 78._o epiphanius_n and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v abuse_v as_o st._n eustoch_n jerom_n complain_v the_o same_o be_v common_o say_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v a_o good_a word_n at_o first_o and_o signify_v a_o king_n but_o afterward_o a_o tyrant_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o professor_n of_o wisdom_n and_o one_o that_o excel_v in_o any_o useful_a science_n but_o at_o last_o it_o signify_v a_o mere_a pretender_n to_o art_n so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o wholesome_a medicine_n and_o a_o deadly_a poison_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d though_o it_o be_v well_o know_v it_o have_v a_o ill_a sense_n yet_o 10._o sometime_o like_o the_o hebrew_n 34._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v no_o more_o than_o ubertim_fw-la expleri_fw-la so_o among_o the_o latin_n the_o same_o word_n sometime_o have_v a_o contrary_a mean_v thus_o expers_fw-la be_v one_o that_o have_v not_o experience_n or_o skill_n and_o one_o that_o have_v religio_fw-la be_v take_v for_o downright_a superstition_n and_o bigotry_n as_o well_o as_o the_o due_a worship_n of_o god_n sacer_n by_o a_o usual_a antiphrasis_n be_v make_v to_o signify_v that_o person_n or_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v holy_a that_o it_o be_v most_o profane_a and_o desecrate_v most_o curse_a and_o detestable_a most_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a so_o ignis_fw-la sacer_fw-la be_v reckon_v among_o the_o most_o dangerous_a sort_n of_o ulcer_n by_o 5._o celsus_n it_o be_v also_o the_o name_n of_o the_o erysipelas_n call_v by_o 11._o pliny_n zoster_n and_o be_v think_v to_o be_v extreme_o pernicious_a and_o fatal_a when_o it_o encompass_v the_o part._n and_o the_o sacer_fw-la ignis_fw-la in_o the_o close_a of_o virgil_n three_o book_n of_o georgic_n be_v interpret_v to_o be_v the_o same_o by_o some_o commentator_n by_o other_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o call_v sacer_fw-la because_o of_o its_o great_a malignity_n villanus_fw-la be_v once_o a_o honest_a rustic_a as_o budaeus_fw-la observe_v but_o now_o be_v a_o name_n of_o infamy_n so_o missa_fw-la the_o mass_n be_v a_o innocent_a word_n at_o first_o and_o signify_v no_o other_o than_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n but_o afterward_o it_o degenerate_v into_o a_o very_a bad_a one_o and_o be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o enough_o of_o this_o chap._n xi_o some_o difficulty_n in_o scripture_n arise_v from_o the_o matter_n or_o manner_n of_o thing_n deliver_v wherein_o prejudice_v mind_n fancy_v some_o repugnancy_n or_o contradiction_n the_o cavil_n against_o gen._n 4._o 14._o large_o and_o full_o answer_v numb_a 14._o 30._o reconcile_v with_o josh._n 14._o 1._o ch_n 22._o 13._o the_o seem_a repugnancy_n of_o 1_o sam._n 16._o 22_o 23_o to_o chap._n 17._o ver_fw-la 55._o remove_v the_o geometrical_a scruple_n about_o the_o brazen_a laver_n 2_o chron._n 4._o 2._o dispel_v another_o objection_n concern_v it_o found_v on_o 1_o king_n 7._o 26._o compare_v with_o 1_o chron._n 4._o 5._o answer_v the_o contradiction_n which_o some_o fancy_n in_o 2_o chron._n 14._o 5._o compare_v with_o 1_o king_n 15._o 14._o take_v away_o a_o satisfactory_a reply_n to_o the_o cavil_v against_o matth._n 27._o 9_o the_o double_a repugnancy_n conceive_v by_o some_o to_o be_v in_o act_n 7._o 15._o plain_o solve_v john_n 5._o 31._o consider_v with_o ch_z 8._o ver_fw-la 14._o show_v to_o be_v void_a of_o contradiction_n the_o same_o prove_v concern_v our_o saviour_n word_n in_o matth._n 10._o 34._o heb._n 9_o 4._o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o 1_o king_n 8._o 9_o in_o the_o three_o place_n i_o will_v show_v that_o not_o only_o from_o the_o different_a and_o contrary_a signification_n of_o word_n but_o from_o other_o cause_n viz._n relate_v to_o the_o matter_n itself_o or_o the_o manner_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o or_o the_o reference_n of_o one_o text_n to_o another_o or_o the_o duration_n of_o time_n or_o some_o other_o circumstance_n the_o style_n of_o scripture_n become_v dark_a and_o perplexed_n here_o i_o will_v produce_v some_o particular_a scripture-difficulty_n which_o arise_v on_o these_o account_n and_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o resolve_v they_o first_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o very_a matter_n and_o manner_n of_o thing_n deliver_v in_o scripture_n for_o i_o will_v promiscuous_o speak_v of_o they_o both_o very_o great_a absurdity_n repugnance_n and_o contradiction_n there_o seem_v i_o say_v i._n e._n to_o prejudice_v and_o vitiate_a mind_n there_o appear_v to_o be_v such_o but_o no_o man_n of_o deliberate_a thought_n and_o a_o honest_a heart_n will_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o so_o i_o will_v not_o regard_v they_o so_o much_o as_o to_o insist_v long_o upon_o they_o but_o a_o few_o i_o will_v mention_v that_o they_o and_o the_o rest_n may_v not_o be_v think_v insuperable_a difficulty_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o gen._n 4._o 14._o which_o i_o find_v allege_v by_o some_o as_o a_o great_a blemish_n in_o scripture_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o one_o that_o find_v i_o shall_v slay_v i_o i_o begin_v i_o say_v with_o this_o passage_n of_o holy_a writ_n not_o because_o it_o be_v real_o difficult_a but_o because_o it_o be_v represent_v such_o by_o some_o ill-minded_n man_n who_o thereby_o think_v to_o invalidate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a history_n mr._n hobbes_n and_o other_o of_o the_o same_o temper_n have_v take_v notice_n of_o such_o passage_n as_o these_o in_o the_o bible_n and_o endeavour_v by_o the_o expose_v of_o they_o to_o diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o shake_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o inspire_a write_n for_o thus_o they_o vent_v their_o cavil_n against_o that_o place_n how_o can_v cain_n say_v that_o every_o one_o who_o find_v he_o will_v slay_v he_o when_o there_o be_v nobody_o at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o world_n but_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o his_o wife_n have_v the_o world_n be_v people_v then_o indeed_o the_o guilty_a man_n if_o we_o may_v call_v he_o so_o may_v have_v have_v occasion_n to_o fear_v that_o some_o body_n will_v seek_v to_o revenge_v the_o death_n of_o abel_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n of_o fear_n when_o the_o world_n be_v so_o empty_a as_o we_o read_v it_o be_v wherefore_o these_o word_n of_o cain_n contradict_v the_o plain_a history_n of_o moses_n when_o he_o say_v every_o one_o that_o find_v i_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v imply_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o world_n which_o disagree_v with_o what_o the_o same_o history_n deliver_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o adam_n and_o his_o wife_n and_o their_o son_n cain_n and_o his_o wife_n then_o extant_a to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v with_o too_o much_o confidence_n aver_v by_o these_o objector_n that_o there_o be_v but_o four_o person_n at_o that_o time_n in_o be_v for_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v never_o prove_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v
and_o to_o rely_v whole_o on_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o christian_a brethren_n these_o be_v some_o choice_a skin_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v behind_o he_o at_o troas_n when_o he_o wrought_v in_o this_o his_o trade_n there_o and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o troas_n be_v a_o great_a way_n off_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o they_o may_v as_o easy_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o as_o the_o book_n he_o write_v for_o if_o these_o be_v of_o any_o considerable_a number_n and_o bigness_n and_o this_o notion_n be_v yet_o more_o probable_a if_o you_o consider_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v in_o way_n of_o contempt_n call_v by_o the_o pagan_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o coriarius_fw-la because_o he_o cut_v out_o hide_v and_o skin_n in_o order_n to_o the_o make_n of_o tent_n yea_o some_o of_o the_o christian_a writer_n give_v he_o the_o foresay_a title_n thereby_o to_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o he_o be_v often_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o therapeut_fw-fr theodoret_n and_o so_o he_o be_v by_o tim._n chrysostom_n coriarius_fw-la cilix_n be_v the_o epithet_n give_v by_o eply_n jerom._n this_o make_v it_o not_o improbable_a that_o the_o forementioned_a text_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o time_n the_o make_n of_o tent_n or_o the_o cover_n of_o booth_n and_o pavilion_n with_o skin_n these_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d st._n paul_n speak_v of_o as_o he_o send_v for_o his_o cloak_n to_o defend_v himself_o from_o the_o cold_a so_o he_o send_v for_o the_o skin_n which_o he_o leave_v behind_o he_o to_o make_v tent_n to_o shelter_n and_o keep_v other_o warm_v for_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o one_o signification_n of_o membrana_fw-la be_v parchment_n of_o which_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v before_o yet_o it_o also_o signify_v the_o uppermost_a skin_n or_o hide_n of_o any_o creature_n as_o appear_v from_o that_o of_o 4._o lucretius_n membranas_fw-la mittunt_fw-la vituli_fw-la de_fw-la corpore_fw-la summo_fw-la and_o it_o have_v its_o denomination_n from_o membrum_fw-la say_v etymolog_fw-la priscian_n because_o it_o cover_v the_o limb_n and_o other_o external_a part_n nay_o you_o must_v note_v that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n membrana_fw-la in_o tully_n pliny_n and_o other_o author_n whereas_o afterward_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n it_o come_v to_o signify_v parchment_n these_o thing_n may_v render_v my_o interpretation_n of_o this_o place_v not_o improbable_a however_o i_o presume_v to_o offer_v the_o criticism_n on_o the_o word_n and_o let_v the_o learned_a entertain_v it_o as_o they_o please_v but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v that_o the_o not_o attend_v to_o the_o usage_n and_o practice_n of_o old_a in_o the_o country_n to_o which_o some_o thing_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n belong_v be_v one_o reason_n why_o we_o miss_v of_o the_o right_a sense_n of_o some_o place_n 3._o the_o hebrew_n text_n which_o be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v some_o thing_n proper_a to_o itself_o which_o render_v it_o perplex_v and_o obscure_a in_o some_o place_n for_o in_o hebrew_n there_o be_v no_o mood_n in_o the_o verb_n but_o the_o indicative_a and_o insinitive_a no_o tense_n but_o the_o past_a and_o future_a participle_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o express_v the_o present_a time_n which_o oftentimes_o render_v the_o mean_v obscure_a and_o intricate_a instead_o of_o a_o interrogative_n point_v the_o hebrew_n make_v use_n of_o their_o interrogative_n he_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o note_n or_o mark_n of_o interrogation_n which_o be_v another_o cause_n as_o might_n be_v show_v of_o misunderstand_v the_o text_n sometime_o there_o be_v frequent_a parenthesis_n in_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o diligent_o observe_v they_o mar_v the_o sense_n as_o to_o instance_n but_o in_o one_o place_n at_o present_a isa._n 9_o 3_o etc._n etc._n the_o 3d_o four_o and_o 5_o verse_n be_v a_o parenthesis_n you_o must_v join_v the_o 6_o verse_n to_o the_o 2d_o and_o then_o you_o will_v see_v how_o the_o word_n for_o in_o the_o 6_o verse_n come_v in_o not_o otherwise_o but_o there_o be_v no_o mark_n or_o character_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o parenthesis_n which_o can_v but_o trouble_v the_o sense_n very_o much_o and_o confound_v the_o mean_v of_o the_o place_n unless_o it_o be_v with_o extraordinary_a care_n take_v notice_n of_o and_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o pause_n and_o period_n in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n be_v not_o so_o distinct_a as_o may_v be_v wish_v the_o great_a ought_v our_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o be_v in_o peruse_v and_o study_v this_o holy_a book_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o the_o eastern_a writer_n to_o express_v thing_n in_o a_o brief_a and_o concise_a manner_n which_o render_v the_o place_n sometime_o dark_a and_o confuse_a in_o the_o second_o psalm_n several_a person_n be_v introduce_v speak_v but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o intimate_v that_o there_o be_v this_o change_n of_o person_n but_o all_o be_v express_v in_o a_o short_a and_o promiscuous_a way_n the_o whole_a psalm_n be_v a_o dialogue_n wherein_o the_o church_n speak_v ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o then_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n v_o 3._o the_o church_n again_o v._o 4_o 5._o then_o god_n ver_fw-la 6._o then_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o last_o the_o psalmist_n end_v with_o his_o own_o exhortation_n all_o which_o part_n if_o we_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o though_o they_o be_v not_o distinguish_v for_o brevity_n sake_n the_o true_a import_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o psalm_n be_v lose_v it_o be_v common_a to_o recite_v word_n which_o be_v say_v by_o person_n and_o yet_o to_o bring_v they_o in_o abrupt_o and_o not_o to_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v say_v or_o speak_v by_o they_o as_o in_o psal._n 22._o 8._o he_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n i._n e._n they_o say_v so_o but_o this_o be_v not_o here_o express_v thus_o in_o isa._n 33._o 14._o who_o among_o we_o etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o sinner_n in_o zion_n mention_v in_o that_o verse_n say_v those_o word_n in_o v_o 18._o where_o be_v the_o scribe_n etc._n etc._n to_o make_v the_o sense_n perfect_v you_o must_v insert_v thou_o shall_v say_v so_o in_o isa._n 49._o 24._o these_o word_n say_v the_o enemy_n must_v be_v insert_v in_o jer._n 6._o 4._o these_o or_o such_o like_a word_n be_v leave_v out_o the_o enemy_n shall_v say_v the_o like_a be_v observable_a in_o jer._n 22._o 28._o ch_n 31._o 20._o in_o hos._n 5._o 15._o the_o word_n saying_n be_v necessary_o imply_v for_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o next_o chapter_n contain_v the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o be_v say_v sometime_o this_o be_v supply_v by_o the_o translation_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o hebrew_n as_o in_o 2_o sam._n 2._o isa._n 64._o 11._o but_o in_o obadiah_n ver_fw-la 1._o before_o arise_v you_o the_o word_n say_v be_v to_o be_v suppose_v in_o 1_o cor_fw-la 15._o 45._o but_o be_v leave_v out_o otherwise_o you_o can_v understand_v the_o apostle_n and_o many_o other_o word_n be_v omit_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v supply_v by_o the_o diligent_a reader_n who_o on_o that_o account_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v very_o attentive_a when_o he_o read_v these_o sacred_a writig_n for_o their_o short_a and_o contract_a way_n of_o speak_v make_v they_o the_o less_o intelligible_a whereas_o when_o matter_n be_v amplify_v by_o word_n they_o become_v more_o clear_a and_o plain_a 5._o there_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n a_o certain_a peculiar_a idiom_n or_o force_n of_o signification_n which_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v translate_v into_o another_o tongue_n be_v whole_o lose_v at_o least_o a_o great_a part_n of_o its_o vigour_n and_o elegancy_n be_v take_v away_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o understand_v because_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a idiom_n and_o no_o way_n agreeable_a to_o our_o manner_n of_o express_v ourselves_o 6._o order_n and_o time_n be_v not_o always_o observe_v in_o these_o holy_a write_n which_o too_o often_o beget_v mistake_v upon_o these_o several_a account_n and_o other_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v some_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o style_n of_o holy_a writ_n but_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o happen_v through_o the_o alwise_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o great_a and_o momentous_a thing_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o concern_v where_o the_o grand_a truth_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o endanger_v and_o when_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o meet_v
with_o hard_a and_o dark_a passage_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o blame_v and_o disparage_v this_o divine_a book_n because_o of_o these_o that_o we_o shall_v rather_o reckon_v they_o a_o ornament_n to_o it_o the_o dubiousness_n of_o scripture_n in_o some_o thing_n be_v part_n of_o its_o excellency_n it_o be_v a_o great_a commendation_n of_o this_o sacred_a volume_n that_o it_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o abs●rusities_n and_o difficulty_n that_o we_o be_v not_o whole_o tie_v up_o and_o confine_v in_o our_o interpretation_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v a_o freedom_n of_o disquisition_n allow_v we_o that_o in_o several_a place_n every_o man_n be_v at_o his_o liberty_n to_o embrace_v what_o sense_n he_o please_v of_o the_o word_n so_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o this_o inspire_a book_n this_o give_v we_o a_o opportunity_n of_o exciting_a our_o care_n of_o exert_v our_o industry_n of_o improve_n our_o knowledge_n of_o enlarge_a our_o faculty_n by_o continual_a researche_n and_o examination_n thus_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a and_o excellent_a use._n but_o then_o wherever_o the_o indispensible_a and_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n be_v treat_v of_o in_o these_o write_n their_o style_n be_v sufficient_o clear_a and_o plain_a and_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v express_v by_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o brief_a the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a where_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o if_o in_o some_o other_o place_n there_o be_v controversy_n and_o perplexity_n if_o some_o text_n seem_v to_o oppose_v and_o clash_v with_o one_o another_o let_v we_o remember_v this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o real_a opposition_n or_o repugnancy_n in_o they_o because_o truth_n can_v contradict_v itself_o by_o impartial_a study_n and_o enquiry_n let_v we_o dive_v into_o the_o mean_v of_o these_o ancient_a write_n and_o by_o the_o help_n which_o i_o have_v tender_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v those_o place_n which_o seem_v to_o differ_v but_o let_v we_o never_o be_v so_o dare_v as_o to_o accuse_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v indict_v by_o god_n himself_o of_o contradiction_n finis_fw-la finis_fw-la addenda_fw-la refer_v this_o to_o page_n 267._o line_n 19_o hebrew_n verb_n of_o different_a signification_n 1._o those_o of_o two_o signification_n anah_n in_o kal_n to_o grieve_v or_o mourn_v isa._n 3._o 26._o ch_n 19_o 8._o in_o piel_n to_o deliver_v up_o exod._n 21._o 13._o dabar_n in_o kal_a to_o speak_v in_o piel_n to_o reduce_v into_o order_n chalatz_n in_o piel_n to_o save_v in_o hiphil_n to_o arm_v jaal_n in_o hiphil_n to_o will_n or_o desire_n in_o niphal_a to_o be_v foolish_a or_o mad_a pala_n in_o niphal_a to_o be_v admire_v in_o piel_n to_o separate_v alum_n in_o niphal_a to_o be_v silent_a in_o piel_n to_o gather_v mashal_n in_o kal_a to_o rule_v in_o niphal_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o or_o liken_v to_o any_o thing_n or_o person_n sabar_n in_o kal_a to_o consider_v in_o piel_n to_o expect_v to_o hope_v for_o rakah_n in_o kal_a to_o spit_v in_o hiphil_n to_o attenuate_v tanah_n in_o kal_n and_o niphil_n to_o hire_v in_o piel_n to_o discourse_v with_o gaal_n in_o kal_a to_o redeem_v in_o piel_n to_o pollute_v bara_n in_o kal_a to_o create_v in_o hiph_n to_o make_v fat_a cacash_v in_o kal_a to_o be_v lean_a in_o piel_n to_o tell_v a_o lie_n lamad_a in_o kal_a to_o learn_v in_o piel_n to_o teach_v cabad_n in_o kal_a to_o be_v heavy_a in_o piel_n and_o niph_n to_o be_v honour_v puk_n to_o stumble_v to_o produce_v gnarak_fw-mi to_o ordain_v to_o esteem_v saphak_n to_o suffice_v to_o clap_v hand_n shabar_n to_o break_v to_o buy_v kut_fw-mi to_o loath_a or_o abominate_a to_o contend_v katar_n to_o offer_v incense_n to_o bind_v kam_fw-mi or_o kum_n to_o stand_v or_o rise_v to_o be_v dim-sighted_a ragang_n to_o quiet_a to_o break_v or_o cut_v asunder_o ramah_n to_o dart_n to_o deceive_v shaal_n to_o request_n to_o borrow_v panah_n to_o behold_v to_o remove_v naka●_n to_o bore_n or_o make_v a_o hole_n to_o curse_v sama●h_o to_o rejoice_v to_o shine_v pharash_n to_o separate_v to_o interpret_v lutz_n to_o laugh_v to_o argu●_n or_o dispute_n zachah_n to_o be_v innocent_a to_o overcome_v lacham_n to_o eat_v to_o fight_v gnatsam_n to_o strengthen_v to_o shut_v gnatsab_v to_o disturb_v to_o fashion_n or_o form_n gnaraph_n to_o cut_v the_o throat_n to_o distil_v gnathak_n to_o wax_v old_a to_o be_v remove_v 2._o those_o of_o three_o signification_n rab_n or_o rahab_n and_o so_o the_o verb_n rabah_n to_o be_v many_o or_o much_o to_o shoot_v arrow_n to_o educate_v ragal_n to_o search_v to_o calumniate_v to_o walk_v or_o make_v to_o walk_v or_o go_v halal_n to_o praise_n to_o shine_v to_o be_v mad_a shalam_n to_o be_v peaceable_a to_o be_v perfect_a to_o recompense_v gnabar_fw-la to_o pass_v to_o be_v with_o child_n to_o be_v angry_a nasha●_n to_o forget_v to_o let_v out_o money_n upon_o interest_n to_o put_v out_o of_o joint_n gnur_n to_o be_v watchful_a to_o make_v blind_a to_o make_v naked_a alaph_n to_o learn_v to_o teach_v to_o make_v or_o produce_v a_o thousand_o ruang_n to_o do_v evil_a to_o break_v or_o bruise_v to_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n charash_n to_o plough_n to_o think_v to_o be_v silent_a gnara●_n to_o be_v empty_v or_o pour_v out_o to_o make_v naked_a to_o adhere_v mahar_n to_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v liberal_a to_o be_v foolish_a or_o inconsiderate_a gur_z to_o travel_v abroad_o to_o gather_v together_o to_o fear_v damah_n to_o be_v quiet_a to_o be_v like_a to_o one_o to_o consent_v pharang_v to_o be_v open_a or_o naked_a to_o be_v free_a to_o vindicate_v aphah_n to_o boil_v to_o bake_v to_o fry_v zur_n to_o abhor_v to_o sneeze_v to_o compress_v gnana●_n to_o answer_v to_o humble_a to_o commit_v adultery_n shar_n to_o sing_v to_o walk_v to_o observe_v shalah_n to_o be_v quiet_a to_o be_v fortunate_a to_o err_v or_o be_v faulty_a kutz_n to_o rise_v or_o awake_v betimes_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o or_o nauseate_a to_o summer_n or_o spend_v the_o summertime_n kara_n to_o call_v to_o read_v to_o meet_v one_o 3._o verb_n of_o four_o or_o more_o signification_n natzah_n to_o bud_n forth_o to_o fly_v to_o fight_v to_o overcome_v salad_n to_o strengthen_v to_o warm_v or_o heat_n to_o harden_v to_o desire_v or_o beg_v kalal_n to_o be_v light_n or_o vile_a to_o curse_v to_o destroy_v to_o polish_v shagnah_n to_o behold_v to_o be_v astonish_v to_o abstain_v or_o desist_v to_o shut_v pathach_n to_o open_a to_o engrave_v to_o plough_v to_o expose_v to_o loose_v carah_n to_o open_a to_o pierce_v to_o dig_v to_o prepare_v to_o entertain_v one_o with_o a_o feast_n to_o traffic_v or_o merchandise_n chalal_n to_o begin_v to_o profane_v to_o bring_v forth_o young_a to_o wound_v to_o mourn_v or_o grieve_v to_o cut_v or_o bear_v to_o leap_v last_o no_o verb_n in_o the_o holy_a tongue_n have_v so_o many_o different_a signification_n as_o gnarab_n the_o import_n of_o which_o be_v to_o mingle_v to_o negotiate_v to_o be_v sweet_a or_o pleasant_a to_o undertake_v for_o or_o be_v surety_n to_o be_v dusky_a as_o in_o the_o evening_n etc._n etc._n refer_v this_o to_o page_n 274._o line_n 1._o hebrew_n noun_n of_o two_o signification_n ed_n a_o vapour_n calamity_n siach_n a_o shrub_n speech_n tagnar_fw-mi a_o whetstone_n a_o sheath_n goel_n a_o redeemer_n a_o kinsman_n sheber_n corn_n or_o any_o food_n interpret_n or_o unriddle_v racham_n the_o womb_n a_o girl_n so_o mother_n have_v this_o double_a signification_n with_o we_o lahat_fw-la a_o flame_n the_o edge_n of_o a_o sword_n kesil_n a_o fool_n a_o certain_a constellation_n aven_n iniquity_n vanity_n nagnal_n a_o shoe_n a_o glove_n noun_n of_o three_o signification_n nachal_n a_o inheritance_n a_o flood_n or_o torrent_n a_o valley_n alluph_n a_o teacher_n a_o prince_n a_o bull_n or_o ox._n keren_n a_o horn_n strength_n splendour_n gevah_n pride_n excellency_n a_o body_n noun_n of_o four_o or_o more_o signification_n chebel_v corruption_n grief_n a_o rope_n or_o cable_n a_o crowd_n or_o multitude_n beside_o other_o collateral_a one_o as_o a_o inheritance_n etc._n etc._n shebet_fw-la a_o rod_n a_o staff_n a_o sceptre_n a_o tribe_n a_o stroke_n or_o plague_n a_o quill_n a_o writing-pen_n charutz_n cut_v off_o industrious_a gold_n precious_a a_o ditch_n a_o flail_n a_o rake_n refer_v this_o to_o page_n 343._o line_n 7._o hebrew_n word_n that_o have_v contrary_a signification_n nacar_n to_o be_v know_v to_o be_v unknown_a kalas_n in_o piel_n to_o slight_a or_o disesteem_a in_o hithpael_n to_o praise_v or_o extol_v ragang_n to_o move_v and_o roll_v up_o
it_o shall_v be_v believe_v as_o a_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o be_v think_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o solid_a proof_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o scripture_n this_o than_o we_o assert_v that_o these_o write_n be_v plain_a and_o perfect_a as_o to_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o according_o be_v able_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o controversy_n which_o relate_v to_o salvation_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o end_v they_o with_o this_o rule_n they_o will_v never_o do_v it_o with_o any_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a perfection_n of_o scripture_n that_o in_o it_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n as_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o necessary_a tendency_n to_o our_o happiness_n and_o consequent_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a thing_n to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v by_o we_o be_v plain_o reveal_v the_o new_a testament_n particular_o be_v the_o last_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o counsel_n and_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v add_v to_o it_o or_o take_v from_o it_o which_o make_v it_o a_o perfect_a standard_n of_o belief_n and_o a_o complete_a rule_n of_o our_o life_n in_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o short_a and_o defective_a nothing_o superfluous_a and_o redundant_fw-la here_o be_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o all_o the_o measure_n of_o holy_a live_n so_o that_o whilst_o we_o proceed_v according_a to_o this_o perfect_a canon_n we_o be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v and_o of_o the_o rectitude_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o we_o act_n on_o this_o sole_a account_n the_o holy_a writ_n excel_v all_o write_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o 3._o we_o be_v to_o adjoin_v this_o that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o light_n to_o our_o understand_n and_o a_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n so_o it_o be_v the_o grand_a procurer_n of_o our_o comfort_n joy_n and_o tranquillity_n alas_o they_o be_v cold_a topic_n of_o consolation_n which_o the_o write_n of_o the_o best_a moralist_n afford_v we_o when_o our_o outward_a distress_n and_o misery_n much_o more_o when_o our_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a malady_n increase_v upon_o we_o epictetus_n and_o seneca_n with_o all_o their_o spangle_a saying_n be_v too_o mean_a physician_n to_o take_v we_o in_o hand_n the_o great_a cicero_n when_o in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o life_n he_o be_v reduce_v to_o marvellous_a difficulty_n declare_v that_o his_o learning_n and_o his_o book_n afford_v he_o not_o any_o considerable_a argument_n of_o comfort_n that_o the_o disease_n of_o his_o mind_n which_o he_o lay_v under_o be_v 10._o too_o great_a and_o too_o strong_a to_o be_v cure_v by_o those_o ordinary_a medicine_n which_o philosophy_n administer_v to_o he_o there_o must_v be_v some_o great_a traumatick_a some_o more_o powerful_a application_n to_o these_o wound_n to_o work_v a_o perfect_a cure_n and_o this_o divine_a book_n be_v able_a to_o furnish_v we_o with_o it_o this_o alone_a can_v remove_v our_o pain_n and_o languor_n and_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o entire_a health_n 50._o this_o faith_n the_o psalmist_n be_v my_o comfort_n in_o my_o affliction_n thy_o word_n have_v quicken_v i_o and_o again_o 92._o unless_o thy_o law_n have_v be_v my_o delight_n i_o shall_v then_o have_v perish_v in_o my_o affliction_n it_o be_v this_o which_o uphold_v and_o cheer_v he_o in_o his_o great_a strait_o and_o yield_v he_o light_a and_o joy_n when_o all_o thing_n about_o he_o look_v black_a and_o dismal_a if_o but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v this_o bless_a effect_n how_o powerful_a and_o successful_a will_v all_o of_o it_o prove_v if_o we_o due_o consult_v it_o serious_o meditate_v upon_o it_o and_o give_v it_o admittance_n into_o our_o heart_n if_o the_o apostle_n can_v say_v 4._o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v asore_a time_n in_o this_o book_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n how_o much_o great_a hope_n must_v needs_o be_v administer_v to_o we_o in_o all_o condition_n of_o life_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n when_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n not_o only_o of_o the_o old_a but_o new_a testament_n to_o repair_v unto_o this_o latter_a especial_o will_v be_v a_o never-falling_a spring_n of_o contentment_n and_o joy_n to_o we_o in_o these_o book_n we_o have_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a landscape_n and_o view_n of_o the_o world_n here_o be_v unmask_v and_o lay_v open_a the_o vanity_n of_o it_o here_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o many_o of_o the_o gay_a thing_n which_o it_o present_v we_o with_o and_o which_o fond_a mind_n so_o dote_v upon_o be_v but_o empty_a bubble_n deceitful_a phantom_n and_o apparition_n mere_a conceit_n and_o castle_n in_o the_o air._n here_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o a_o prosperous_a state_n be_v not_o real_o good_a that_o a_o overplus_n of_o riches_n and_o worldly_a abundance_n do_v frequent_o prove_v a_o clog_n to_o virtuous_a mind_n and_o that_o excess_n of_o pleasure_n be_v too_o fulsome_a and_o luscious_a and_o take_v away_o that_o pure_a relish_n of_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a delight_n yea_o that_o man_n general_o find_v a_o worse_a effect_n of_o they_o for_o when_o they_o be_v gorge_v and_o clog_v with_o they_o they_o revolt_v from_o god_n when_o they_o be_v wax_v fat_a they_o kick_v against_o heaven_n so_o their_o worldly_a plenty_n be_v turn_v into_o the_o worst_a of_o punishment_n and_o this_o plethory_n be_v their_o disease_n on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o be_v teach_v in_o these_o write_n that_o cross_n and_o affliction_n be_v not_o evil_a in_o themselves_o yea_o that_o they_o be_v good_a and_o medicinal_a and_o advance_v our_o spiritual_a health_n that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o our_o happiness_n that_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o for_o otherwise_o the_o afflict_a will_v not_o be_v so_o often_o pronounce_v 12._o bless_v that_o god_n afflict_v a_o man_n be_v 17._o magnify_v of_o he_o and_o set_v his_o heart_n upon_o he_o it_o show_v that_o god_n be_v great_o concern_v for_o his_o good_a and_o that_o the_o almighty_a have_v more_o care_n of_o he_o than_o he_o have_v of_o himself_o here_o we_o be_v instruct_v that_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o suspect_v our_o condition_n if_o we_o be_v whole_o exempt_v from_o the_o distress_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o not_o to_o be_v chastise_v be_v a_o mark_n of_o bastardy_n here_o we_o learn_v the_o true_a use_n and_o end_n of_o all_o those_o adverse_a dispensation_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v design_v to_o try_v we_o to_o make_v we_o know_v ourselves_o and_o to_o inform_v we_o how_o evil_a and_o bitter_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o offend_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o awaken_v we_o out_o of_o our_o sloth_n and_o security_n to_o hold_v we_o in_o action_n to_o keep_v we_o in_o breath_n and_o exercise_n as_o carthage_n be_v useful_a to_o rouse_v rome_n valour_n to_o abate_v our_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n and_o make_v we_o humble_a and_o submissive_a creature_n to_o check_v our_o immoderate_a passion_n and_o pursuit_n after_o earthly_a thing_n to_o disentangle_v we_o from_o these_o snare_n to_o free_v we_o from_o these_o charm_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o be_v suck_v in_o and_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o powerful_a circle_n and_o eddy_n of_o this_o world_n as_o who_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v true_a philosophy_n that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v up_o of_o vortices_fw-la to_o cause_v we_o to_o look_v after_o better_a thing_n when_o these_o be_v take_v from_o we_o to_o reclaim_v we_o from_o our_o evil_a course_n and_o to_o reduce_v we_o unto_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o a_o renunciation_n of_o all_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o ourselves_o and_o the_o transitory_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o depend_v upon_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v this_o book_n whence_o we_o be_v acquaint_v that_o our_o suffering_n make_v we_o conformable_a to_o christ_n our_o master_n and_o therefore_o be_v honourable_a badge_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o curse_n which_o usual_o attend_v outward_a cross_n be_v take_v away_o by_o our_o saviour_n death_n that_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v chastisement_n rather_o than_o punishment_n that_o no_o adverse_a accident_n can_v do_v we_o any_o hurt_n if_o we_o believe_v in_o jesus_n and_o abandon_v our_o sin_n that_o the_o pressure_n of_o this_o life_n be_v serviceable_a to_o make_v we_o pity_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n to_o know_v and_o relish_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o suffer_v for_o we_o to_o inhanse_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o commend_v
the_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o we_o to_o prepare_v we_o for_o heaven_n and_o to_o increase_v the_o happiness_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o scripture_n reconcile_v our_o mind_n to_o those_o disappointment_n danger_n and_o calamity_n which_o be_v our_o allotment_n in_o this_o world_n thus_o they_o allay_v the_o evil_a spirit_n of_o discontent_n they_o effectual_o cast_v out_o and_o vanquish_v those_o legion_n of_o impatient_a and_o tumultuous_a thought_n which_o be_v the_o frequent_a attendant_n of_o adversity_n they_o assure_v we_o that_o these_o afflictive_a deal_n of_o heaven_n towards_o we_o be_v intend_v for_o our_o real_a advantage_n that_o they_o be_v the_o great_a kindness_n and_o favour_n that_o can_v be_v show_v we_o that_o they_o be_v undeniable_a token_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o in_o brief_a that_o good_a man_n be_v happy_a in_o their_o worst_a circumstance_n than_o other_o be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o their_o great_a worldly_a felicity_n upon_o these_o rational_a ground_n the_o holy_a scripture_n become_v the_o most_o effectual_a anodynes_n to_o take_v away_o or_o at_o least_o to_o mitigate_v all_o our_o pain_n and_o sorrow_n they_o successful_o remove_v all_o those_o murmur_n and_o discontent_n which_o russle_v and_o imbroil_v the_o soul_n they_o quash_n and_o defeat_v all_o those_o troublesome_a passion_n which_o embarass_n and_o plague_n the_o mind_n by_o the_o help_n of_o these_o divine_a instruction_n which_o the_o holy_a writ_n afford_v we_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o encounter_v the_o great_a evil_n with_o courage_n and_o bravery_n to_o receive_v the_o shock_n to_o weather_v the_o storm_n to_o bear_v all_o the_o insolence_n and_o insult_v of_o our_o enemy_n to_o break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n to_o have_v peace_n within_o though_o we_o find_v none_o without_o to_o keep_v a_o sabbath_n in_o our_o own_o breast_n to_o entertain_v ourselves_o with_o the_o serenade_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n this_o be_v the_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o write_n in_o the_o world_n can_v bless_v we_o with_o they_o but_o these_o and_o indeed_o this_o necessary_o follow_v from_o those_o forego_v assertion_n viz_o that_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o also_o of_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v the_o former_a it_o be_v a_o sure_a basis_n for_o we_o to_o rest_v upon_o we_o know_v who_o we_o have_v believe_v and_o so_o we_o be_v fix_v and_o determine_v which_o do_v effectual_o contribute_v towards_o our_o peace_n and_o solace_n as_o it_o be_v the_o latter_a also_o we_o can_v but_o receive_v comfort_n from_o it_o because_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o unerring_a guide_n in_o all_o our_o action_n it_o must_v needs_o administer_v great_a satisfaction_n and_o joy_n to_o we_o through_o our_o whole_a life_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v a_o stable_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o that_o we_o can_v do_v amiss_o if_o we_o follow_v that_o but_o especial_o when_o we_o reflect_v on_o our_o manner_n and_o see_v that_o they_o be_v adjust_v to_o this_o canon_n and_o that_o 12._o we_o have_v in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n this_o will_v be_v our_o rejoice_v and_o exultation_n again_o the_o scripture_n yield_v a_o inconceivable_a joy_n by_o prescribe_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o attain_v peace_n and_o unity_n which_o be_v comfortable_a blessing_n of_o this_o life_n by_o allow_v we_o all_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a delight_n such_o as_o will_v neither_o destroy_v the_o peace_n of_o our_o soul_n nor_o impair_v the_o health_n of_o our_o body_n by_o thorough_o convince_a we_o that_o christianity_n in_o itself_o be_v most_o satisfactory_a to_o our_o mind_n and_o be_v make_v to_o convey_v joy_n and_o peace_n into_o our_o heart_n by_o teach_v we_o contentedness_n in_o all_o condition_n by_o assure_v we_o that_o christianity_n provide_v for_o our_o great_a and_o most_o important_a want_n and_o supply_v our_o most_o urgent_a necessity_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o and_o solace_v ourselves_o with_o it_o thus_o it_o administer_v the_o most_o cheer_v cordial_n and_o so_o it_o do_v by_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o worthy_a end_n by_o set_v before_o we_o the_o strong_a motive_n the_o most_o powerful_a persuasive_n to_o our_o duty_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v not_o only_o to_o undertake_v it_o but_o to_o discharge_v it_o with_o cheerfulness_n and_o delight_n by_o propound_v and_o present_v to_o we_o the_o best_a reward_n viz._n forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o blessedness_n for_o as_o a_o great_a man_n say_v ourselves_o no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n but_o this_o show_v a_o man_n the_o adequate_a end_n of_o his_o be_v his_o supreme_a good_a his_o happiness_n nor_o direct_v the_o mean_n of_o acquire_v it_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o great_a instrument_n as_o it_o be_v emphatical_o call_v by_o the_o father_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n by_o these_o write_n we_o hold_v our_o everlasting_a inheritance_n and_o these_o be_v the_o great_a deed_n and_o evidence_n whereby_o we_o prove_v our_o title_n to_o it_o in_o a_o word_n as_o these_o sustain_v and_o support_v we_o in_o all_o condition_n of_o our_o life_n and_o give_v we_o a_o happy_a prospect_n of_o a_o better_a state_n so_o they_o render_v death_n welcome_a and_o joyful_a to_o we_o they_o enable_v we_o by_o virtue_n of_o those_o sacred_a truth_n contain_v in_o they_o to_o expire_v our_o last_o breath_n with_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n on_o all_o which_o account_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v the_o great_a support_n and_o relief_n of_o our_o soul_n yea_o the_o only_a source_n of_o comfort_n and_o content_a thus_o if_o you_o consider_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o dictate_v the_o best_a principle_n as_o they_o beget_v in_o we_o the_o great_a holiness_n and_o purity_n and_o as_o they_o be_v the_o solace_n of_o our_o life_n we_o must_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o incomparable_a excellency_n these_o three_o particular_n wherein_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o display_v the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v find_v together_o in_o psal._n 19_o 7_o 8._o where_o these_o property_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n namely_o that_o it_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o so_o be_v a_o director_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o it_o convert_v the_o soul_n and_o so_o be_v a_o reformer_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o that_o it_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n and_o so_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o true_a comfort_n you_o find_v all_o these_o in_o conjunction_n in_o that_o other_o remarkable_a place_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o all_o scripture_n whereby_o we_o may_v understand_v not_o only_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o part_n of_o the_o new_a viz._n st._n matthew_n gospel_n which_o be_v extant_a when_o timothy_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v be_v a_o child_n v._o 15._o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o doctrine_n refer_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o belief_n and_o reproof_n and_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n to_o the_o will_n and_o manner_n and_o then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rectify_v restore_a set_v all_o straight_a again_o as_o the_o world_n import_v include_v in_o it_o that_o comfort_v and_o cheer_v which_o i_o speak_v of_o these_o be_v the_o main_a content_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n first_o it_o be_v a_o body_n and_o system_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o consistent_a notion_n it_o regulate_v the_o apprehension_n and_o present_v we_o with_o true_a conception_n of_o thing_n here_o be_v nothing_o deliver_v that_o thwart_v our_o rectify_a understanding_n or_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o most_o refine_a faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n moreover_o it_o most_o successful_o conduct_n we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o perfect_v humane_a nature_n to_o exalt_v man_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n their_o condition_n be_v capable_a of_o both_o by_o moral_a and_o reveal_v truth_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o none_o but_o the_o bless_a redeemer_n be_v able_a to_o communicate_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o noble_a improvement_n and_o exaltation_n of_o virtue_n which_o they_o can_v possible_o arrive_v to_o on_o this_o side_n of_o heaven_n in_o brief_a to_o make_v we_o act_v not_o only_o as_o rational_a but_o as_o divine_a creature_n yea_o even_o to_o render_v we_o like_o god_n himself_o and_o last_o it_o not_o only_o inspire_v we_o with_o excellent_a principle_n and_o promote_v the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n but_o administer_v the_o great_a matter_n of_o joy_n imaginable_a this_o raise_v our_o spirit_n and_o fill_v our_o soul_n with_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n this_o
be_v great_a moral_a and_o religious_a qualification_n likewise_o for_o this_o be_v the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v come_v to_o it_o with_o agreeable_a inclination_n will_n and_o affection_n man_n complain_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a contention_n about_o the_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n and_o different_a party_n can_v agree_v whence_o they_o proceed_v to_o blame_v the_o obscurity_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o herein_o these_o person_n themselves_o be_v very_o unblamable_a for_o this_o disagreement_n in_o the_o interpret_n of_o sacred_a writ_n arise_v not_o whole_o from_o the_o obscurity_n of_o it_o nor_o do_v it_o proceed_v from_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o it_o as_o some_o will_v suggest_v but_o from_o man_n deprave_a mind_n and_o passion_n wherefore_o our_o main_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v one_a to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o all_o wilful_a prejudice_n and_o perverseness_n which_o have_v be_v the_o first_o and_o original_a 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 own_o ends._n their_o affection_n to_o a_o particular_a cause_n make_v they_o believe_v and_o assert_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o improbable_a and_o then_o they_o allege_v scripture_n to_o back_o it_o though_o it_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o purpose_n these_o person_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o depraver_n of_o truth_n who_o as_o hexa●m_n one_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n give_v we_o their_o character_n do_v not_o accommodate_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o pervert_v and_o draw_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o wi_n this_o gloss_v and_o expound_v of_o the_o bible_n according_a to_o man_n corrupt_a fancy_n be_v as_o men●al_a m._n luther_n have_v express_v it_o like_o strain_v milk_n through_o a_o colesack_n it_o blacken_v and_o defile_v the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n it_o deprave_v and_o falsify_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n those_o man_n be_v to_o be_v abhor_v that_o submit_v not_o their_o thought_n and_o 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 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