may_v be_v suffer_v to_o give_v my_o conjecture_n 〈◊〉_d poet_n do_v very_o â—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 tâ—â—â—_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 heauâ—â—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 heâ—â—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 caâ—_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 egypâ—_n jamblichus_a from_o his_o maâ—â—â—â—_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 diâ—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 â—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 â—â—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 otherâ—_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 â—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 câ—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 wâ—â—_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o theodorâ—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 wâ—â—â—_n the_o offspring_n of_o anak_n these_o be_v drive_v josuaâ—_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 froâ—_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 mâ—â—_n and_o prince_n i_o will_v add_v that_o it_o be_v probable_a thâ—_n word_n give_v origination_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signiâ—â—â—_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 jupitâ—â—_n for_o alcmena_n sake_n for_o as_o have_v be_v suggesâ—â—â—_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 suâ—_n but_o jupiter_n the_o supreme_a god_n and_o after_o the_o raâ—â—_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 â—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 â—â—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 â—â—â—w_v more_o afterward_o beside_o from_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 tertâ—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 pâ—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 hebreâ—_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 â—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 this_o be_v very_o easy_a and_o obvious_a for_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o advantageous_a to_o that_o evil_a spirit_n than_o his_o emulate_v of_o divine_a worship_n and_o appoint_v ceremony_n suitable_a to_o it_o for_o by_o this_o mean_n his_o kingdom_n be_v most_o sensible_o advance_v and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a artifice_n and_o craft_n imaginable_a because_o this_o vile_a fiend_n be_v adore_v even_o whilst_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n seem_v to_o be_v earry_v on_o it_o be_v the_o subtlety_n of_o this_o great_a mimic_n to_o approach_v as_o near_o to_o god_n and_o true_a religion_n as_o he_o can_v to_o make_v use_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o by_o god_n own_o express_a command_n be_v use_v in_o his_o worship_n this_o be_v a_o cunning_a way_n of_o gain_v proselyte_n and_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o his_o worshipper_n thus_o he_o act_v for_o some_o end_n and_o that_o a_o very_a profitable_a one_o too_o certain_o much_o more_o profitable_a to_o he_o than_o if_o he_o have_v institute_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a ceremony_n of_o worship_n for_o these_o will_v too_o palpable_o have_v distinguish_v his_o herd_n from_o the_o true_a flock_n whereas_o those_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o kind_n of_o rivalty_n with_o it_o beside_o this_o fond_a emulation_n in_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o gratify_n of_o his_o first_o proud_a inclination_n and_o aspire_v to_o be_v like_o god_n he_o be_v still_o ambitious_a of_o divine_a honour_n otherwise_o certain_o he_o will_v not_o have_v desire_v to_o be_v worship_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o god_n be_v with_o the_o same_o sign_n and_o badge_n of_o adoration_n hence_o most_o of_o those_o sacred_a rite_n enjoin_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o make_v use_v of_o in_o his_o worship_n by_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v transfer_v by_o satan_n to_o his_o idolatrous_a and_o impious_a worship_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o haughty_a spirit_n which_o thirst_v after_o divine_a honour_n even_o such_o as_o be_v give_v to_o the_o only_a true_a god_n thus_o i_o have_v ample_o show_v you_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o rite_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o great_a truth_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v corrupt_v disguise_a misapply_v and_o abuse_v by_o the_o pagan_n i_o have_v give_v you_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n which_o may_v convince_v you_o of_o this_o and_o render_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o chap._n ix_o the_o author_n assertion_n confirm_v by_o the_o ample_a suffrage_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n consectary_n draw_v from_o the_o whole_a viz._n that_o we_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n admit_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o hold_v that_o the_o jew_n borrow_a all_n or_o most_o of_o
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 faâ—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 trutlâ—_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 8â—_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 foâ—â—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 celâ—_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
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 aâ—_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 thiâ—_n that_o which_o a_o ancient_a father_n long_o since_o deliverâ—_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 aboâ—â—_n humane_a nature_n and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o 〈◊〉_d only_o â—e_v effect_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o divine_a â—â—â—rit_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o impregnaâ—_n maxim_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o fâ—_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 grouâ—_n to_o we_o of_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o goâ—_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 aâ—_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 theâ—_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 raâ—â—â—_n of_o other_o writer_n how_o admirable_a be_v the_o simplâ—_n city_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o these_o man_n all_o along_o theâ—_n do_v not_o hide_v their_o own_o or_o other_o fail_n yea_o eveâ—_n when_o they_o be_v very_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a thuâ—_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 â—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 anâ—el_n to_o worship_v he_o thomas_z his_o infidelity_n johnâ—nd_n â—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 â—hey_n be_v not_o the_o write_n of_o men._n a_o man_n may_v â—ee_n that_o there_o be_v no_o worldly_a and_o sinister_a design_n â—â—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 â—he_n truth_n which_o be_v long_o since_o take_v notice_n of_o â—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 â—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 thâ—_n write_n by_o be_v elaborate_v and_o exact_v hâ—_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 yâ—â—_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 wonâ—_n here_o be_v no_o quaint_a and_o curious_a method_n no_o formâ—_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 oâ—_n christian_n say_v right_o truth_n need_v no_o fucus_n anâ—_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 wordâ—_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 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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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and_o therefore_o those_o person_n who_o dream_v of_o solecisâ—â—_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o great_a soleciser_n themselves_o but_o especial_o those_o who_o assert_v there_o be_v mistake_v and_o literal_a falsity_n in_o the_o holy_a book_n be_v utter_o to_o be_v condemn_v such_o be_v 4._o episcopius_n who_o dare_v affirm_v that_o the_o spirit_n leave_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o their_o own_o humane_a frailty_n in_o deliver_v such_o thing_n as_o belong_v to_o circumstance_n of_o a_o fact_n their_o knowledge_n and_o memory_n be_v deficient_a and_o fallible_a the_o spirit_n do_v not_o tell_v st._n john_n how_o many_o furlong_n christ_n disciple_n go_v chap._n 6._o 19_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v assert_v he_o say_v as_o to_o some_o name_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o before_o this_o you_o be_v tell_v by_o erasmus_n â—â—o_o other_o that_o the_o penman_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d in_o some_o light_a thing_n not_o that_o they_o will_v falsity_n but_o that_o they_o may_v forget_v some_o passage_n melchior_n canus_n be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v some_o considerable_a slip_v in_o scripture_n from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n memory_n yea_o among_o the_o ancient_a father_n there_o be_v 50._o one_o who_o more_o gross_o hold_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n sometime_o abuse_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o they_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o present_a purpose_n although_o they_o be_v nothing_o to_o it_o thus_o st._n paul_n he_o say_v quote_v the_o old_a testament_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n galatian_n and_o ephesian_n only_o to_o serve_v his_o turn_n and_o to_o confute_v the_o jew_n his_o adversary_n read_v say_v he_o these_o epistle_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n be_v whole_o on_o the_o polemic_a part_n and_o rufin_n you_o will_v see_v how_o prudent_o and_o dissemble_o he_o act_v in_o those_o text_n which_o he_o cit_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o at_o other_o time_n this_o bold_a man_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o say_v that_o some_o of_o the_o matter_n and_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v set_v down_o wrong_n this_o be_v no_o less_o than_o profane_a and_o blasphemous_a doctrine_n wherefore_o that_o father_n be_v to_o be_v read_v with_o great_a caution_n in_o such_o place_n as_o these_o we_o on_o the_o contrary_n assert_v that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o the_o author_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o content_n of_o holy_a writ_n but_o also_o of_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n yea_o even_o when_o those_o writer_n express_v their_o sense_n in_o their_o own_o term_n i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o way_n and_o dialect_n which_o they_o be_v master_n of_o and_o which_o be_v most_o familiar_a to_o they_o even_o than_o they_o be_v immediate_o assist_v 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a 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and_o judicious_a ourselves_o man_n thus_o speak_v when_o several_a man_n in_o several_a age_n not_o bring_v up_o under_o the_o same_o education_n write_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o find_v unity_n in_o their_o tenant_n or_o position_n because_o their_o spirit_n judgement_n and_o fancy_n be_v different_a but_o where_o so_o many_o several_a author_n speak_v and_o write_v at_o several_a time_n agree_v not_o only_o in_o matter_n dogmatical_a of_o sublime_a and_o difficult_a nature_n but_o also_o in_o prediction_n of_o future_a and_o contingent_a event_n whereof_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o humane_a understanding_n to_o make_v a_o discovery_n without_o a_o superior_a discovery_n make_v to_o it_o i_o must_v needs_o conclude_v one_o and_o the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n declare_v the_o same_o truth_n to_o these_o several_a men._n and_o as_o to_o the_o seem_a contrariety_n of_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n this_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o trouble_n we_o for_o this_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o writer_n do_v not_o combine_v together_o to_o cheat_v and_o delude_v we_o if_o they_o have_v design_v any_o such_o thing_n we_o shall_v not_o have_v meet_v with_o any_o difficult_a and_o seem_o repugnant_a place_n in_o these_o write_n but_o see_v we_o do_v so_o this_o among_o other_o thing_n may_v confirm_v we_o in_o this_o belief_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o contrive_v by_o man_n who_o have_v a_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v have_v such_o a_o design_n they_o will_v have_v so_o order_v it_o that_o not_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o contradiction_n and_o difference_n shall_v have_v be_v find_v but_o true_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o proceed_v thus_o in_o this_o discourse_n for_o to_o a_o unprejudiced_a and_o industrious_a enquirer_n there_o be_v
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 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lactantius_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n have_v observe_v especial_o if_o you_o search_v very_o inquisitive_o and_o narrow_o into_o they_o you_o will_v perceive_v that_o they_o be_v 80._o thin_a and_o slight_a and_o may_v easy_o be_v see_v through_o but_o the_o content_n of_o these_o write_n have_v be_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o and_o with_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n examine_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v every_o way_n consistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o writer_n be_v know_v to_o be_v concurrent_a and_o agree_v all_o wise_a and_o curious_a observer_n must_v needs_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o book_n under_o heaven_n that_o parallel_v the_o scripture_n as_o to_o this_o which_o show_v that_o they_o be_v more_o than_o humane_a write_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o dictate_v and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o assure_v we_o that_o 19_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n they_o be_v from_o god_n they_o be_v not_o of_o private_a interpretation_n they_o be_v not_o from_o man_n invention_n they_o be_v not_o of_o his_o own_o brain_n and_o fancy_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v as_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a oracle_n thus_o 3._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v witness_n to_o itself_o and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o other_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o what_o be_v in_o it_o and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n which_o make_v a_o ancient_a writer_n say_v 7._o we_o have_v complete_a demonstration_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o according_o we_o be_v demonstrative_o assure_v by_o faith_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n therein_o deliver_v which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o humane_a write_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o carry_v no_o such_o native_a mark_n with_o they_o but_o the_o very_a inward_a note_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n create_v in_o we_o a_o certain_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n they_o may_v be_v know_v from_o all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o by_o the_o excellent_a transcendent_a and_o divine_a matter_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o by_o the_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o deliver_v and_o publish_v it_o these_o i_o call_v internal_a proof_n because_o they_o be_v take_v from_o the_o book_n themselves_o because_o they_o be_v something_o that_o we_o find_v there_o these_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v write_v not_o by_o man_n but_o by_o god_n there_o be_v yet_o another_o internal_a testimony_n i_o call_v it_o so_o because_o it_o be_v within_o we_o though_o not_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o now_o i_o add_v that_o this_o spirit_n speak_v in_o we_o and_o work_n in_o our_o heart_n a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o of_o christ_n in_o those_o write_n this_o witness_v power_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v assert_v in_o act_n 5._o 32._o &_o 15._o 7_o 8._o and_o in_o 1_o john_n 5._o 6._o from_o these_o place_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v a_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n join_v with_o our_o conscience_n and_o persuasion_n and_o this_o spirit_n powerful_o convince_v all_o believer_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o testimony_n follow_v immediate_o on_o our_o set_n before_o we_o the_o inward_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v they_o for_o god_n make_v use_v of_o those_o evidence_n and_o argument_n to_o beget_v a_o belief_n in_o we_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n enlighten_v and_o convince_v man_n mind_n by_o those_o mean_n but_o more_o especial_o he_o urge_v these_o evidence_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o religious_a and_o faithful_a and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v no_o enthusiasm_n because_o it_o be_v discover_v to_o we_o by_o proper_a mean_n and_o instrument_n whereas_o that_o be_v without_o any_o and_o be_v general_o accompany_v with_o the_o despise_n of_o they_o but_o the_o evidence_n and_o note_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o reason_n and_o motive_n of_o our_o belief_n only_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v and_o prepare_v and_o sanctify_v our_o mind_n and_o illuminate_v our_o conscience_n and_o cause_v those_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o make_v impression_n upon_o we_o and_o effectual_o to_o prevail_v with_o we_o and_o to_o silence_v all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n witness_v in_o we_o but_o when_o i_o say_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o must_v adjoin_v this_o that_o this_o proof_n serve_v only_o for_o those_o that_o have_v this_o spirit_n it_o may_v establish_v they_o but_o it_o can_v convince_v other_o no_o other_o man_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n by_o the_o spirit_n be_v convince_a i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o beside_o this_o proof_n be_v not_o in_o all_o that_o real_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o book_n some_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o without_o this_o but_o where_o this_o be_v it_o be_v most_o powerful_a and_o convictive_a and_o surpass_v all_o other_o degreâ—_n of_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v no_o such_o câ—tain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o holy_a wâ—_n thing_n as_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d the_o heart_n of_o man_n produce_v there_o in_o a_o ration_n â—_o way_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a 〈◊〉_d our_o faculty_n chap._n ii_o external_n proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scriptureâ—_n viz._n the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o they_o and_o universal_a tradition_n which_o latter_a be_v defend_v against_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o that_o talk_v of_o a_o new_a character_n wherein_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v thâ—_n jewish_a masore_v attest_n the_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v not_o corrupt_v the_o point_n or_o vowel_n be_v coexistent_a with_o the_o letter_n f._n simon_n be_v notion_n of_o abbreviate_a the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n reject_v the_o new_a tement_n vouch_v by_o the_o unanimous_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o
〈◊〉_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 â—_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 custoâ—_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 oxâ—â—_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 â—_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 thaâ—_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 toxâ—â—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 moloâ—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 entertain_v of_o jupiter_n and_o mercury_n which_o be_v but_o a_o corrupt_a representation_n of_o abraham_n and_o sarah_n treat_v their_o heavenly_a guest_n and_o here_o i_o may_v add_v that_o from_o this_o and_o other_o instance_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o the_o frequent_a and_o visible_a appear_v of_o god_n and_o angel_n unto_o man_n as_o to_o isaac_n jacob_n moses_n gideon_n manoah_n and_o several_a other_o and_o from_o their_o assume_v of_o body_n of_o humane_a shape_n in_o order_n to_o that_o there_o arise_v a_o notion_n among_o the_o pagan_n that_o their_o god_n forsooth_o vouchsafe_a sometime_o to_o come_v down_o and_o visit_v they_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o mortal_n thence_o homer_n and_o other_o poet_n so_o common_o talk_v of_o the_o apparition_n of_o the_o god_n in_o sensible_a shape_v and_o bring_v they_o in_o after_o that_o manner_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o people_n of_o lystra_n in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n cry_v out_o that_o the_o god_n be_v come_v down_o to_o they_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n act_n 14._o 12._o and_o upon_o this_o apprehension_n they_o be_v prepare_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o they_o and_o have_v get_v the_o priest_n ready_a with_o their_o ox_n and_o garland_n for_o that_o end_n nay_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o of_o the_o poet_n make_v those_o mad_a fable_n of_o the_o strange_a metamorphosis_n of_o their_o god_n as_o how_o apollo_n take_v on_o he_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o hawk_n of_o a_o lion_n and_o of_o a_o shepherd_n how_o bacchus_n appear_v like_o a_o grape_n for_o erigone_n sake_n how_o neptune_n change_v himself_o into_o a_o fly_a horse_n for_o medusa_n love_n and_o into_o a_o steer_v a_o ram_n a_o dolphin_n for_o other_o how_o jupiter_n turn_v himself_o into_o a_o shower_n of_o gold_n the_o most_o powerful_a courtship_n for_o danae_n into_o a_o bull_n for_o europa_n into_o a_o swan_n for_o leda_n into_o a_o eagle_n for_o ganymede_n into_o a_o satyr_n for_o antiope_n into_o a_o flame_n for_o aegina_n 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 makiâ—â—_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 forementioâ—â—_n instance_n record_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n whâ—â—â—_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 wonderâ—â—â—_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 oâ—_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 râ—â—â—_n there_o viz._n that_o angel_n those_o godlike_a spirit_n transform_v themselves_o into_o humane_a likeness_n and_o frequent_o visit_v and_o converse_v with_o mâ—â—_n here_o on_o earth_n this_o sacred_a truth_n lie_v veil_v 〈◊〉_d those_o fabulous_a history_n and_o though_o they_o 〈◊〉_d add_v many_o thing_n to_o it_o viz._n new_a and_o incredible_a circumstance_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o history_n because_o of_o tâ—â—â—â—_n addition_n again_o sacrifice_v of_o man_n especial_o of_o 〈◊〉_d son_n which_o some_o pagan_a story_n relate_v may_v hâ—â—â—_n its_o original_n from_o abraham_n it_o be_v record_v by_o 〈◊〉_d phyrius_n say_v 9_o eusebius_n that_o saturnus_n a_o antiâ—â—â—_n king_n of_o phoenicia_n that_o he_o may_v appease_v the_o gâ—â—â—_n and_o save_v his_o kingdom_n from_o imminent_a danger_n 〈◊〉_d divert_v evil_a and_o ruin_n from_o his_o country_n offer_v his_o 〈◊〉_d only_a son_n on_o a_o altar_n this_o saturn_n be_v the_o ancient_a patriarch_n abraham_n and_o his_o only_a son_n be_v isaâ—â—_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 other_o matter_n the_o history_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n be_v express_o attest_v by_o abydenus_n and_o nic._n damascenus_n as_o you_o will_v find_v in_o relig._n grotius_n for_o that_o learned_a man_n disdain_v not_o their_o testimony_n and_o by_o more_o authentic_a author_n as_o diodoâ—us_a siculus_n strabo_n solinus_n tacitus_n pliny_n who_o have_v preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o this_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n on_o those_o city_n all_o these_o profane_a writer_n testify_v that_o those_o place_n be_v destroy_v by_o fire_n but_o solinus_n and_o tacitus_n say_v it_o be_v particular_o by_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n and_o strabo_n insinuate_v they_o be_v swallow_v up_o by_o subterraneous_a fire_n break_v forth_o and_o cause_v a_o earthquake_n at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o may_v be_v destroy_v by_o
of_o mesopotamia_n that_o he_o prophesy_v concern_v the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o concern_v the_o come_v of_o christ._n saul_n be_v a_o very_a bad_a man_n yet_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n caiphas_n one_o of_o christ_n judge_n be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o prophesy_v concern_v our_o saviour_n death_n and_o why_o may_v not_o god_n inspire_v heathen_a woman_n though_o they_o be_v wicked_a with_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o seem_v to_o appear_v from_o their_o verse_n wherein_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n very_o fond_a and_o superstitious_a and_o so_o indeed_o they_o may_v be_v quote_v by_o the_o roman_a catholic_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o cause_n this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o possessor_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n but_o then_o i_o ask_v this_o can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o choice_a mystery_n of_o religion_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o profane_a will_v god_n vouchsafe_v so_o great_a and_o peculiar_a a_o privilege_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o person_n 3_o therefore_o some_o hold_n that_o these_o pagan_a prophetess_n speak_v not_o by_o a_o good_a but_o evil_a spirit_n the_o devil_n reveal_v these_o thing_n to_o they_o say_v cap._n st._n ambrose_n and_o help_v they_o to_o foretell_v these_o future_a event_n and_o some_o have_v turn_v those_o foresay_a instance_n this_o way_n tell_v we_o that_o baalam_n saul_n and_o caiphas_n prophesy_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o some_o evil_a daemon_n so_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n speak_v truth_n oftentimes_o though_o their_o answer_n come_v from_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n that_o these_o sibylls_n receive_v their_o skill_n from_o satan_n may_v be_v discern_v say_v some_o in_o the_o error_n and_o superstition_n which_o be_v in_o their_o book_n yea_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v countenance_v by_o they_o in_o some_o passage_n which_o occur_v in_o their_o prediction_n but_o then_o this_o may_v be_v say_v to_o baffle_v this_o opinion_n that_o the_o foretell_v of_o such_o future_a contingency_n be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o that_o evil_a spirit_n moreover_o it_o be_v unlikely_a that_o these_o gentile_n be_v they_o inform_v by_o a_o divine_a intelligencer_n but_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v act_v by_o a_o diabolick_a one_o shall_v have_v as_o clear_v nay_o a_o clear_a foresight_n and_o discovery_n of_o christ_n to_o come_v than_o the_o jew_n god_n own_o people_n and_o the_o holy_a man_n among_o they_o have_v 4_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o siâ—yl_n the_o learned_a isaac_n vossius_fw-la that_o the_o sibylline_a verse_n so_o call_v be_v make_v and_o collect_v by_o the_o jew_n this_o he_o assert_v only_o concern_v those_o write_n of_o they_o which_o be_v extant_a before_o christ_n come_n for_o the_o jew_n be_v disperse_v over_o the_o world_n and_o know_v that_o daniel_n seventy_o week_n be_v expire_a be_v stir_v up_o by_o god_n to_o compose_v these_o verse_n 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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 christâ—_n worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v bâ—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 ajaâ—_n pica_fw-la cornix_fw-la to_o abash_v be_v take_v from_o the_o hebrew_n â—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 maurâ—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 esâ—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 â—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 â—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
hunter_n before_o the_o lord_n where_o say_v 2._o one_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v add_v to_o heighten_v the_o sense_n as_o be_v frequent_a in_o the_o hebrew_n style_n but_o two_o thing_n i_o here_o urge_v to_o enervate_v this_o interpretation_n first_o it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a name_n of_o god_n or_o lord_n that_o be_v here_o add_v as_o in_o other_o text_n the_o exact_a render_v of_o lipni_n jehovah_n which_o be_v the_o word_n here_o be_v ad_fw-la facies_fw-la ad_fw-la conspectum_fw-la domini_fw-la and_o be_v well_o translate_v before_o the_o lord_n which_o signify_v the_o bold_a and_o impudent_a usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n of_o this_o first_o monarch_n this_o harden_a oppressor_n have_v no_o regard_n either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n yea_o he_o commit_v his_o violence_n and_o ravages_n in_o defiance_n of_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o hunter_n a_o persecutor_n a_o tyrant_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o you_o see_v it_o be_v not_o that_o hebraism_n we_o be_v now_o to_o treat_v of_o second_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o that_o way_n of_o speech_n here_o for_o the_o greatn_a and_o heighten_v of_o the_o sense_n be_v before_o express_v by_o the_o term_n gibbor_n mighty_a wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n to_o add_v the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o a_o mark_n of_o intention_n if_o you_o observe_v the_o instance_n which_o i_o shall_v afterward_o produce_v you_o will_v find_v that_o god_n name_n be_v use_v when_o there_o be_v no_o word_n to_o express_v greatness_n or_o eminency_n in_o the_o precede_a word_n for_o these_o reason_n i_o expunge_v this_o first_o text_n out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o instance_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v mention_v here_o and_o after_o the_o same_o rate_n i_o must_v deal_v with_o that_o other_o prov._n 20._o 27._o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n where_o the_o last_o word_n be_v assert_v by_o a_o late_a 10._o learned_a critic_n to_o be_v add_v in_o which_o he_o follow_v drusius_n in_o his_o hebrew_a proverb_n as_o a_o auxesis_n that_o be_v only_o to_o augment_v the_o sense_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o most_o excellent_a candle_n or_o light_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o word_n aright_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v such_o a_o hebraism_n in_o they_o the_o text_n be_v easy_a and_o plain_a without_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n for_o the_o wise_a man_n here_o acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n his_o noble_a and_o divine_a part_n the_o intellect_n especial_o that_o bright_a and_o glorious_a faculty_n be_v give_v to_o he_o by_o god_n on_o purpose_n to_o be_v a_o light_n and_o guide_n to_o he_o to_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o and_o attain_v a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o profound_a truth_n the_o most_o remote_a and_o recondite_v mystery_n either_o in_o nature_n or_o religion_n that_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o search_v all_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o belly_n thus_o the_o sagacious_a mind_n of_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n or_o lamp_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o word_n lord_n here_o signify_v to_o we_o the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o this_o noble_a faculty_n and_o therefore_o i_o something_a wonder_n at_o what_o this_o learned_a writer_n add_v in_o the_o same_o place_n viz._n that_o our_o english_a translation_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o odd_a expression_n and_o somewhat_o difficult_a sure_o to_o make_v a_o good_a sense_n of_o whereas_o the_o same_o expression_n be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o other_o place_n and_o bear_v a_o very_a good_a sense_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v some_o have_v think_v that_o musical_a instrument_n of_o god_n 1_o chron._n 16._o 42._o and_o instrument_n of_o music_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o chron._n 7._o 6._o denote_v the_o loudness_n or_o excellency_n of_o the_o temple-musick_n but_o this_o fancy_n arise_v from_o their_o not_o attend_v to_o the_o true_a reason_n which_o be_v give_v in_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o place_n where_o after_o instrument_n of_o music_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v immediate_o add_v which_o david_n the_o king_n have_v make_v to_o praise_n the_o lord_n therefore_o they_o be_v so_o call_v nor_o can_v i_o be_v persuade_v that_o a_o man_n of_o god_n which_o we_o often_o read_v of_o import_v only_o a_o excellent_a man_n as_o some_o have_v suggest_v but_o it_o speak_v his_o more_o particular_a and_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n as_o a_o prophet_n i_o come_v now_o to_o offer_v some_o example_n where_o the_o hebrew_n way_n of_o speak_v by_o mention_v god_n to_o signify_v the_o greatness_n or_o excellency_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v very_o apparent_a and_o unquestionable_a as_o gen._n 30._o 8._o wrestle_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n i._n e._n great_a strong_a and_o vehement_a wrestle_n 1_o sam._n 14._o 15._o a_o tremble_v of_o god_n which_o we_o right_o translate_v a_o very_a great_a tremble_v 1_o sam._n 10._o 5._o the_o hill_n of_o god_n psal._n 36._o 6._o the_o mountain_n of_o god_n i._n e._n the_o great_a hill_n and_o mountain_n cedar_n of_o god_n psal._n 80._o 10._o render_v goodly_a the_o tree_n of_o the_o lord_n psal._n 104._o 16._o i_o e._n exceed_o great_a or_o high_a tree_n to_o which_o text_n that_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o bear_v this_o sense_n i_o will_v presume_v to_o add_v another_o viz._n psal._n 65._o 9_o the_o river_n of_o god_n i._n e._n a_o vast_a great_a river_n and_o what_o be_v that_o the_o cloud_n or_o rain_n which_o be_v pour_v down_o upon_o the_o earth_n in_o great_a abundance_n for_o if_o you_o read_v that_o part_n of_o the_o psalm_n you_o will_v see_v it_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a blessing_n of_o rain_n thou_o visite_a the_o earth_n and_o water_n it_o thou_o great_o enrich_a it_n with_o the_o river_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o psalm_n this_o vast_a mass_n of_o water_n be_v according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n style_v a_o river_n of_o god_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a excellent_a river_n flow_v down_o from_o heaven_n though_o i_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o other_o sense_n contain_v in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o singular_a argument_n and_o token_n of_o god_n care_n and_o providence_n cant._n 8._o 6._o be_v a_o place_n little_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o flame_n of_o the_o lord_n i._n e._n as_o we_o true_o translate_v it_o a_o most_o vehement_a flame_n so_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n ezek._n 1._o 24._o &_o 10._o 5._o that_o be_v a_o very_a loud_a and_o terrible_a voice_n the_o breath_n of_o god_n job_n 37._o 10._o i_o e._n a_o vehement_a sharp_a wind._n and_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o isa._n 59_o 19_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v thus_o ruach_n jehovah_n not_o as_o we_o translate_v it_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o the_o wind_n of_o the_o lord_n i._n e._n a_o great_a tempestuous_a wind._n i_o gather_v this_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n from_o what_o go_v before_o when_o the_o enemy_n shall_v come_v in_o like_o a_o flood_n than_o say_v the_o prophet_n the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n like_o some_o great_a and_o vehement_a wind_n shall_v drive_v it_o back_o shall_v put_v it_o to_o flight_n as_o we_o see_v great_a water_n and_o flood_n be_v oftentimes_o beat_v back_o as_o well_o as_o violent_o thrust_v forward_o by_o mighty_a wind_n another_o place_n which_o have_v not_o be_v observe_v be_v job_n 15._o 11._o be_v the_o consolation_n of_o god_n small_a with_o thou_o which_o be_v eliphaz'_v word_n wherewith_o he_o reprove_v job_n for_o undervalue_v the_o consolatory_a argument_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o he_o by_o himself_o and_o his_o other_o friend_n and_o these_o topic_n of_o comfort_n be_v not_o mean_a and_o ordinary_a but_o of_o a_o very_a peculiar_a nature_n iob_n fault_n be_v aggravate_v from_o this_o that_o he_o despise_v and_o slight_v so_o great_a comfort_n when_o they_o be_v tender_v to_o he_o and_o great_a they_o be_v as_o you_o read_v in_o the_o 9th_o and_o 10_o verse_n because_o they_o be_v offer_v by_o person_n of_o great_a understanding_n age_n and_o experience_n and_o the_o antithesis_fw-la which_o be_v here_o do_v show_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n be_v these_o great_a consolation_n say_v he_o small_a with_o thou_o do_v thou_o look_v for_o great_a and_o strong_a argument_n to_o support_v and_o cheer_v thou_o than_o these_o be_v i_o be_o of_o opinion_n therefore_o that_o tanchumoth_a el_fw-es the_o consolation_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o with_o great_a consolation_n jon._n 3._o 3._o be_v a_o know_a text_n where_o it_o be_v say_v nineâ—eh_n be_v a_o exceed_v great_a city_n hebr._n
church_n hand_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n shall_v by_o she_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o her_o child_n to_o the_o world_n end_n which_o way_n of_o transmission_n be_v the_o great_a prop_n of_o our_o religion_n beside_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o 15._o thessalonian_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o by_o word_n or_o his_o epistle_n for_o he_o have_v use_v two_o way_n of_o deliver_v the_o truth_n to_o they_o namely_o preach_v and_o write_v and_o other_o apostle_n commit_v the_o chief_a and_o necessary_a head_n of_o their_o doctrine_n to_o write_v so_o that_o the_o tradition_n mean_v here_o be_v the_o reveal_v truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o christ_n deliver_v to_o they_o according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n cor._n i_o deliver_v to_o you_o that_o which_o also_o i_o receive_v whence_o they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o tradition_n i._n e._n they_o be_v evangelical_n doctrine_n deliver_v to_o we_o from_o those_o that_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o christ._n and_o whether_o they_o be_v impart_v by_o word_n or_o by_o epistle_n by_o preach_v or_o write_v they_o be_v the_o same_o the_o same_z as_o to_o substance_n the_o otherwise_o there_o may_v be_v some_o difference_n but_o that_o which_o we_o condemn_v and_o that_o most_o just_o the_o papist_n for_o be_v this_o that_o they_o magnify_v and_o rely_v upon_o tradition_n which_o have_v no_o affinity_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n yea_o which_o contradict_v it_o in_o many_o thing_n and_o yet_o they_o equalise_v these_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o sometime_o prefer_v they_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n before_o that_o of_o the_o sacred_a write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n thus_o one_o say_v caranza_n the_o church_n sometime_o do_v thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n sometime_o beside_o they_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v the_o church_n though_o she_o act_v counter_a to_o the_o formal_a decision_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o 1._o other_o famous_a doctor_n give_v it_o for_o good_a divinity_n that_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n of_o a_o council_n be_v bind_v though_o they_o be_v not_o confirm_v by_o any_o probable_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n nay_o though_o they_o be_v beyond_o and_o above_o the_o determination_n of_o scripture_n thus_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v most_o impious_o disparage_v and_o vilisy_v by_o the_o pontifician_n whereas_o there_o be_v nothing_o defective_a or_o redundant_fw-la nothing_o want_v or_o superfluous_a in_o these_o write_n they_o assert_v in_o the_o open_a face_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v short_a and_o imperfect_a and_o therefore_o have_v need_n of_o be_v supply_v by_o tradition_n which_o in_o some_o thing_n be_v of_o great_a value_n and_o authority_n than_o they_o again_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n oppugn_v or_o rather_o deny_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v evince_v from_o their_o constant_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v translate_v they_o but_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n of_o do_v it_o the_o protestant_n have_v turn_v they_o into_o so_o many_o tongue_n by_o this_o mean_n they_o be_v compel_v as_o it_o werâ—_n to_o let_v some_o of_o their_o people_n see_v what_o the_o bible_n be_v in_o their_o own_o language_n but_o 2._o it_o be_v so_o corrupt_o translate_v that_o it_o be_v make_v to_o patronize_v several_a of_o their_o superstitious_a folly_n and_o error_n and_o yet_o 3._o they_o dare_v not_o commit_v these_o translation_n to_o common_a view_n although_o in_o all_o country_n where_o people_n be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n in_o elder_a time_n the_o scripture_n be_v turn_v into_o their_o language_n and_o every_o one_o be_v permit_v yea_o exhort_v to_o read_v it_o as_o be_v prove_v by_o many_o writer_n 47._o the_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n particular_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n deny_v the_o common_a people_n the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a the_o bible_n as_o some_o bad_a book_n be_v tolerate_v to_o be_v read_v with_o great_a caution_n and_o restriction_n in_o some_o country_n only_o and_o by_o some_o person_n it_o be_v like_o the_o sibyl_n prophecy_n of_o old_a among_o the_o roman_n not_o to_o be_v look_v into_o without_o the_o permission_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o senate_n none_o can_v read_v it_o without_o a_o licence_n from_o their_o superior_n so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n be_v the_o bible_n from_o this_o practice_n the_o people_n general_o imbibe_n a_o strong_a prejudice_n against_o the_o scripture_n and_o believe_v they_o can_v be_v good_a for_o they_o because_o the_o pope_n and_o their_o pastor_n tell_v they_o they_o be_v not_o wherefore_o as_o he_o one_o who_o be_v once_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o â—ome_o have_v well_o observe_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o any_o man_n embrace_v popery_n he_o present_o throw_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n as_o altogether_o useless_a to_o say_v no_o worse_o which_o unreasonable_a and_o wicked_a behaviour_n of_o they_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n or_o motive_n as_o he_o profess_v of_o his_o return_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n again_o for_o what_o considerate_a man_n can_v think_v that_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o teach_v its_o member_n to_o slight_a and_o reject_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o divine_a truth_n and_o without_o which_o we_o can_v neither_o believe_v nor_o practice_v aright_o we_o can_v neither_o have_v comfort_n here_o nor_o arrive_v to_o happiness_n hereafter_o this_o indeed_o be_v not_o only_o to_o null_n â—â—e_v perfection_n of_o scripture_n but_o to_o abolish_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n itself_o a_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v opposer_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n be_v enthusiast_n and_o such_o who_o act_n out_o of_o a_o true_o fanatic_a principle_n such_o be_v the_o familist_n heretofore_o who_o pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n be_v so_o high_a that_o they_o exclude_v and_o renounce_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n which_o according_a to_o their_o style_n paradox_n be_v a_o dark_a lantern_n a_o liveless_a carcase_n a_o book_n shut_v up_o and_o seal_v with_o seven_o seal_n the_o scabbard_n not_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sword_n it_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o antichrist_n wherewith_o he_o kill_v christ._n this_o be_v the_o impious_a jargon_n of_o these_o high-flown_a man_n who_o make_v no_o other_o use_n of_o the_o bible_n than_o to_o allegorise_v it_o and_o to_o turn_v it_o all_o into_o mystery_n these_o have_v be_v follow_v by_o other_o of_o a_o like_a fanatic_a spirit_n who_o have_v make_v it_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o despise_v and_o reproach_v the_o sacred_a writ_n a_o thâ—ologico-pollâ—icus_a late_a enthusiast_n or_o rather_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v such_o but_o design_n the_o overthrow_n of_o all_o religion_n tell_v the_o world_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v found_v in_o imagination_n that_o god_n revelation_n in_o scripture_n be_v ever_o according_a to_o the_o fancy_n of_o the_o prophet_n or_o other_o person_n he_o speak_v to_o and_o that_o all_o the_o phrase_n and_o speech_n all_o the_o discovery_n and_o manifestation_n yea_o all_o the_o historical_a passage_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v adapt_v to_o these_o the_o quaker_n come_v next_o and_o refuse_v to_o own_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfect_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o direct_v our_o life_n it_o be_v a_o great_a error_n and_o falsity_n say_v râ—â—â—lation_n one_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a person_n of_o that_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o fill_v up_o canon_n and_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o no_o more_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v write_v or_o give_v forth_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o who_o agree_v 60._o another_o of_o as_o great_a repute_n among_o that_o tribe_n i_o see_v no_o necessity_n say_v he_o of_o believe_v that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v fill_v up_o and_o again_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o principal_a ground_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o knowledge_n nor_o yet_o the_o adequate_a primary_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n but_o they_o be_v only_o a_o secondary_a rule_n subordinate_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o according_o he_o add_v that_o the_o inward_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n which_o man_n
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 iâ—_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 maâ—_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 plaâ—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 â—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 â—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 ebioniâ—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
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 hexaâ—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 menâ—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 they_o attend_v to_o that_o advice_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o learned_a author_n diatrib_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o willing_a to_o take_v a_o sense_n from_o scripture_n than_o to_o bring_v one_o to_o it_o let_v we_o strive_v to_o know_v the_o naked_a and_o pure_a mean_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o read_v the_o bible_n with_o a_o unprejudiced_a and_o sincere_a mind_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a interpreter_n whereas_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o perverse_a mind_n will_v pervert_v the_o scripture_n 2_o we_o ought_v to_o read_v these_o divine_a write_n with_o great_a modesty_n and_o humility_n let_v it_o not_o trouble_v we_o that_o some_o part_n of_o they_o be_v not_o level_v to_o our_o understanding_n and_o where_o we_o can_v solve_v some_o thing_n let_v we_o not_o arrogant_o pretend_v to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o confess_v our_o ignorance_n here_o i_o can_v assure_v you_o this_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o learnede_a head_n there_o be_v a_o learned_a ignorance_n as_o 15._o st._n augustin_n term_v it_o and_o we_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v master_n of_o it_o these_o four_o thing_n mention_v in_o eccles_n 12._o 6._o i_o understand_v not_o say_v castellio_n i_o scarce_o understand_v the_o thousand_o part_n of_o this_o book_n say_v he_o concern_v the_o apocalypse_n and_o it_o be_v frequent_a with_o this_o learned_a man_n to_o say_v i_o know_v not_o the_o mean_v of_o this_o place_n that_o man_n be_v impudent_o rash_a who_o dare_v profess_v that_o he_o understand_v one_o single_a book_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o all_o its_o part_n say_v psalmos_fw-la luther_n i_o own_v it_o that_o i_o be_o so_o blind_a that_o i_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o in_o that_o dark_a place_n of_o scripture_n amos_n 5._o 26._o say_v the_o syr._n great_a selden_n but_o the_o contrary_a temper_n and_o spirit_n have_v swell_v some_o with_o proud_a conceit_n of_o their_o understanding_n some_o passage_n of_o this_o book_n when_o they_o have_v no_o true_a apprehension_n of_o they_o in_o the_o least_o and_o according_o they_o have_v endeavour_v in_o a_o supercilious_a manner_n to_o impose_v their_o crude_a sense_n upon_o other_o not_o crave_v but_o command_a assent_n to_o what_o they_o have_v propound_v these_o bold_a man_n forget_v what_o the_o wise_a king_n say_v 1._o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o conceal_v a_o matter_n to_o speak_v sometime_o in_o so_o dark_a and_o hide_a a_o manner_n that_o there_o be_v need_n of_o great_a search_n study_v and_o inquire_v into_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v and_o yet_o at_o last_o they_o remain_v abstruse_a and_o unintelligible_a it_o have_v please_v god_n the_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v have_v difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o as_o socrates_n say_v of_o heraclitus_n write_n what_o he_o understand_v of_o they_o be_v very_o good_a and_o so_o he_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v which_o he_o understand_v not_o the_o like_a may_v we_o with_o more_o reason_n pronounce_v concern_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n the_o matter_n which_o we_o have_v knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v the_o main_a body_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o book_n be_v excellent_a and_o divine_a and_o so_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o those_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n there_o be_v no_o occasion_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o sovereign_a wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v our_o apparent_a duty_n to_o lay_v aside_o pride_n and_o to_o exercise_v humility_n which_o will_v capacitate_v we_o to_o understand_v even_o those_o great_a mystery_n and_o abstrusity_n when_o we_o have_v with_o much_o diligence_n and_o frequent_a study_n search_v into_o they_o 3_o we_o must_v think_v ourselves_o concern_v to_o purge_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n from_o all_o deâ—ilements_n of_o vice_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o quick_a brain_n a_o subtle_a head_n and_o a_o nimble_a wit_n be_v not_o so_o much_o require_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o a_o religious_a practice_n to_o man_n of_o pollute_a conscience_n and_o profane_a manner_n the_o scripture_n seem_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a but_o to_o those_o of_o sanctify_a mind_n and_o holy_a life_n they_o be_v as_o to_o the_o most_o part_n plain_a and_o clear_a these_o qualification_n render_v they_o as_o bright_a as_o a_o sunbeam_n what_o the_o turk_n be_v say_v to_o write_v on_o the_o backside_n of_o the_o alcoran_n let_v none_o touch_v this_o book_n but_o he_o that_o be_v pure_a may_v with_o great_a reason_n and_o justice_n be_v write_v on_o the_o holy_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o only_o for_o a_o pure_a life_n be_v the_o best_a commentator_n on_o these_o write_n a_o wonderful_a measure_n of_o
which_o a_o inspire_a writer_n have_v give_v of_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o cain_n be_v of_o that_o wicked_a one_o viz._n satan_n and_o therefore_o slay_v his_o brother_n because_o his_o own_o work_n be_v evil_a and_o his_o brother_n be_v righteous_a 1_o john_n 3._o 12._o the_o grand_a aggravation_n of_o his_o murder_n be_v that_o he_o kill_v his_o own_o brother_n and_o that_o he_o kill_v he_o because_o he_o be_v good_a and_o righteous_a now_o we_o may_v reasonable_o think_v that_o this_o guilty_a wretch_n when_o he_o come_v to_o entertain_v serious_a thought_n and_o to_o reflect_v on_o his_o execrable_a parricide_n grow_v very_o black_a and_o melancholic_a though_o god_n reprieve_v this_o malefactor_n as_o to_o his_o life_n yet_o he_o severe_o animadvert_v upon_o he_o by_o that_o terror_n and_o distraction_n of_o mind_n by_o that_o horror_n of_o conscience_n which_o he_o inflict_v on_o he_o he_o have_v pashur_n doom_n of_o magor_n missabib_fw-la i._n e._n fear_v round_o about_o jer._n 20._o 3._o but_o especial_o as_o it_o follow_v there_o he_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o himself_o that_o this_o have_v be_v the_o fate_n of_o murderer_n be_v evident_a from_o such_o instance_n as_o these_o herod_n who_o command_v john_n baptist_n to_o be_v behead_v be_v afterward_o miserable_o torment_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o and_o fancy_v that_o holy_a man_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o mark_v 6._o 16._o tacitus_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o emperor_n tiberius_n who_o be_v a_o man_n of_o blood_n and_o under_o who_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v crucify_v that_o he_o be_v so_o trouble_v and_o haunt_v â—_o that_o neither_o his_o great_a fortune_n nor_o the_o retirement_n which_o he_o sometime_o make_v trial_n of_o can_v silence_v those_o torture_n which_o he_o feel_v in_o his_o breast_n nero_n that_o bloody_a villain_n after_o he_o have_v put_v to_o death_n his_o cousin_n german_n his_o mother_n his_o wife_n his_o tutor_n know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v with_o himself_o 34._o he_o be_v affright_v with_o spectre_n beat_v by_o fury_n and_o burn_a torch_n be_v fling_v at_o he_o especial_o he_o be_v molest_v and_o plague_v with_o the_o apparition_n of_o his_o mother_n ghost_n who_o he_o have_v inhumane_o and_o unnatural_o murder_v theodorick_n the_o king_n of_o goth_n be_v constant_o haunt_v after_o the_o murder_n of_o symmachus_n and_o boethius_n and_o so_o end_v his_o day_n in_o that_o torment_n of_o mind_n charles_n the_o nine_o of_o france_n as_o a_o thuanuâ—_n faithful_a historian_n acquaint_v we_o after_o the_o parisian_a massacre_n be_v a_o continual_a terror_n to_o himself_o though_o he_o use_v all_o art_n to_o divert_v his_o thought_n and_o when_o he_o awake_v in_o the_o night_n labour_v to_o chase_v away_o his_o affrightment_n by_o music_n which_o he_o constant_o call_v for_o these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o transcript_n which_o history_n afford_v we_o of_o that_o first_o murderer_n inward_a terror_n and_o disquietude_n my_o iniquity_n say_v he_o be_v great_a than_o can_v be_v forgive_v ver_fw-la 13._o for_o so_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v the_o gild_n of_o that_o horrid_a crime_n which_o i_o have_v commit_v be_v unpardonable_a i_o utter_o despair_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o this_o despair_n be_v not_o only_o his_o sin_n but_o his_o punishment_n wherefore_o some_o read_v it_o my_o punishment_n be_v great_a than_o i_o can_v bear_v so_o that_o he_o anticipate_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o damn_a of_o who_o he_o be_v the_o first_o of_o humane_a kind_a and_o be_v in_o hell_n while_o he_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n now_o it_o be_v that_o dreadful_a mormo_n and_o phantom_n possess_v his_o restless_a brain_n and_o he_o increase_v his_o terror_n by_o imagination_n he_o be_v afraid_a of_o his_o own_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o of_o his_o female-self_n and_o his_o disorder_a fancy_n represent_v many_o more_o person_n to_o he_o for_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v it_o fear_v man_n where_o there_o be_v none_o in_o be_v whence_o such_o language_n as_o this_o be_v very_o accountable_a every_o one_o that_o find_v i_o shall_v slay_v i_o this_o be_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n upon_o supposal_n for_o i_o proceed_v only_o on_o that_o here_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o man_n in_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n than_o be_v express_o mention_v in_o genesis_n a_o disturb_a mind_n have_v a_o create_a power_n and_o can_v make_v more_o inhabitant_n on_o the_o earth_n than_o god_n have_v make_v three_o suppose_v still_o that_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v not_o great_a than_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o sacred_a record_n yet_o this_o speech_n of_o cain_n be_v very_o accountable_a for_o we_o may_v understand_v it_o of_o people_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o bear_v but_o to_o come_v afterward_o observe_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o future_a tense_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o onâ—_n that_o find_v i_o shall_v slay_v i_o cain_n be_v reprieve_v and_o suffer_v to_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o and_o consequent_o to_o live_v some_o year_n afterward_o it_o may_v be_v rational_a to_o think_v that_o he_o refer_v in_o these_o word_n to_o what_o shall_v be_v in_o those_o day_n when_o mankind_n shall_v be_v propagate_v and_o the_o world_n be_v people_v thâ—n_o i_o shall_v go_v in_o fear_n of_o my_o life_n than_o every_o one_o that_o find_v i_o will_v slay_v i_o and_o unto_o this_o the_o nexâ—_n word_n may_v have_v relation_n whosoever_o slay_v câ—in_o vengeance_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o he_o sevenfold_a and_o moreover_o the_o lord_n set_v a_o mark_n upon_o cain_n lest_o any_o find_v he_o shall_v kill_v he_o ver_fw-la 15._o lest_o in_o aftertime_n any_o one_o hear_v of_o this_o bloody_a and_o curse_a fact_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v excite_v to_o revenge_v it_o on_o his_o own_o head_n there_o be_v a_o mark_n set_v upon_o this_o vile_a wanderer_n to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n but_o what_o it_o be_v we_o know_v not_o though_o the_o jew_n have_v many_o idle_a and_o foolish_a conjecture_n about_o it_o and_o a_o penalty_n be_v threaten_v to_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o person_n who_o shall_v dare_v to_o kill_v he_o he_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v sevenfold_a ver_fw-la 15._o or_o in_o the_o seven_o generation_n as_o munster_n and_o some_o other_o interpret_v it_o which_o imply_v that_o cain_n be_v to_o be_v a_o long-liver_n to_o continue_v seven_o i_o e._n many_o generation_n so_o that_o we_o may_v look_v on_o these_o word_n as_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o time_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o not_o to_o the_o present_a season_n wherein_o they_o be_v speak_v it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v say_v he_o that_o in_o future_a time_n when_o the_o world_n be_v increase_v every_o one_o who_o find_v i_o shall_v be_v greedy_a to_o take_v away_o my_o life_n because_o i_o most_o inhumane_o bereave_v my_o brother_n of_o he_o thus_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n or_o inconsistency_n in_o the_o word_n when_o it_o be_v say_v every_o one_o that_o find_v i_o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o the_o four_o and_o last_o place_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v if_o what_o i_o have_v say_v already_o be_v not_o satisfactory_a that_o this_o word_n kol_n every_o one_o have_v not_o reference_n to_o man_n but_o to_o beast_n every_o one_o be_v every_o wild_a beast_n he_o be_v afraid_a say_v 3._o josephus_n lest_o while_o he_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v part_n of_o his_o punishment_n he_o shall_v fall_v among_o some_o beast_n and_o be_v slay_v by_o they_o god_n bid_v he_o not_o fear_v any_o such_o thing_n for_o he_o will_v set_v such_o a_o mark_n on_o he_o that_o the_o very_a irrational_a animal_n shall_v be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o discern_v it_o every_o one_o be_v not_o necessary_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o man_n or_o woman_n but_o may_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o brute_n which_o be_v then_o upon_o earth_n and_o may_v be_v executioner_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n on_o he_o who_o be_v so_o savage_a and_o brutish_a it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o any_o man_n to_o disprove_v this_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v off_o and_o null_a the_o cavil_v of_o the_o objector_n but_o i_o confess_v i_o rather_o think_v it_o be_v speak_v not_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o creature_n but_o of_o those_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v intelligent_a thus_o you_o see_v there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n or_o inconsistency_n in_o those_o word_n which_o cain_n utter_v and_o which_o be_v set_v down_o by_o the_o sacred_a historian_n whether_o you_o understand_v they_o of_o the_o then_o instant_a time_n or_o of_o that_o which_o be_v afterward_o some_o man_n of_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a spirit_n and_o who_o
have_v study_v to_o impair_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o particular_o of_o moses_n write_n have_v expose_v this_o place_n as_o disagree_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o sacred_a story_n concern_v the_o first_o rise_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v a_o very_a shallow_a and_o vain_a attempt_n and_o ground_v chief_o on_o prejudice_n and_o illwill_a against_o the_o inspire_a volume_n of_o scripture_n i_o have_v make_v it_o clear_a that_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o it_o in_o the_o word_n abovementioned_a and_o i_o defy_v that_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o give_v any_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o particular_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v in_o defence_n of_o they_o again_o it_o be_v say_v that_o none_o save_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n numb_a 14._o 30._o and_o yet_o we_o read_v that_o eleazar_n and_o other_o enter_v into_o that_o land_n jos._n 14._o 1._o chap._n 22._o 13._o this_o be_v object_v by_o some_o as_o a_o passage_n in_o scripture_n derogatory_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o will_v read_v the_o holy_a book_n with_o the_o same_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n wherewith_o we_o read_v other_o author_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v at_o this_o or_o the_o like_a passage_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a in_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o considerate_a writer_n than_o to_o speak_v thing_n by_o way_n of_o restriction_n and_o limitation_n as_o those_o word_n be_v speak_v and_o yet_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v understand_v with_o some_o latitude_n which_o shall_v afterward_o be_v express_v and_o explain_v when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n so_o here_o we_o read_v that_o none_o but_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n enter_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n this_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o chief_a leader_n that_o have_v that_o privilege_n and_o honour_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consult_v other_o place_n where_o this_o thing_n be_v more_o particular_o relate_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o a_o large_a meaning_n be_v not_o exclude_v we_o can_v think_v that_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n be_v deny_v entrance_n into_o that_o bless_a land_n because_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o history_n that_o they_o murmur_v not_o and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v threaten_v to_o the_o murmurer_n only_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o land_n which_o god_n swear_v unto_o their_o father_n numb_a 14._o 22_o 23._o therefore_o eleazar_n and_o phineas_n be_v priest_n be_v except_v again_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o those_o that_o at_o that_o time_n be_v go_v to_o spy_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o they_o be_v none_o of_o the_o murmurer_n and_o therefore_o that_o threaten_v before_o cite_v do_v not_o reach_v they_o and_o consequent_o those_o word_n be_v consistent_a with_o what_o we_o read_v in_o other_o place_n relate_v to_o this_o matter_n but_o that_o in_o 1_o sam._n 16._o 22_o 23._o be_v cry_v out_o against_o as_o a_o unanswerable_a repugnancy_n to_o chap._n 17._o 55._o for_o in_o the_o former_a we_o be_v tell_v that_o david_n come_v to_o court_n and_o stand_v before_o king_n saul_n i._n e._n wait_v continual_o upon_o he_o and_o play_v upon_o the_o hart_n before_o he_o and_o be_v great_o belove_v of_o he_o and_o become_v his_o aymour-bearer_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o latter_a we_o read_v that_o saul_n do_v not_o know_v david_n but_o ask_v who_o he_o be_v who_o son_n be_v this_o youth_n these_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o repugnant_a to_o one_o another_o but_o there_o be_v real_o no_o such_o thing_n all_o be_v clear_a and_o obvious_a for_o in_o chap._n 17._o 15._o it_o be_v say_v david_n go_v and_o return_v from_o saul_n to_o feed_v his_o father_n sheep_n at_o bethlehem_n he_o stay_v not_o long_o at_o court_n either_o because_o he_o like_v not_o that_o manner_n of_o life_n or_o because_o saul_n be_v weary_a of_o he_o david_n then_o have_v be_v absent_a from_o saul_n a_o considerable_a time_n and_o follow_v a_o country-life_n and_o now_o appear_v perhaps_o in_o his_o shepherd_n weed_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o saul_n do_v not_o well_o know_v he_o this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o and_o clear_v the_o text_n of_o all_o contradiction_n though_o i_o know_v there_o be_v other_o solution_n use_v by_o the_o learned_a as_o that_o of_o our_o english_a rabbi_n saul_n say_v he_o ask_v who_o son_n david_n be_v not_o that_o he_o be_v ignorant_a who_o he_o be_v but_o he_o only_o inquire_v who_o that_o be_v that_o have_v such_o a_o son_n the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o david_n person_n but_o parentage_n so_o lightfoot_n other_o be_v more_o curious_a in_o their_o objection_n as_o thus_o whereas_o the_o diameter_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o circumference_n be_v as_o seven_o to_o two_o and_o twenty_o this_o be_v not_o observe_v in_o 2_o chron._n 4._o 2._o speak_v of_o the_o brazen_a laver_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o geometry_n of_o scripture_n be_v faulty_a in_o answer_n to_o these_o man_n who_o be_v such_o well-willer_n to_o the_o mathematics_n i_o say_v first_o that_o the_o proportion_n of_o a_o diameter_n to_o its_o circle_n be_v not_o exact_o as_o seven_o to_o two_o and_o twenty_o therefore_o these_o gentleman_n be_v not_o exact_v themselves_o second_o i_o say_v this_o that_o the_o scripture_n oftentimes_o speak_v after_o the_o vulgar_a manner_n as_o i_o have_v show_v elsewhere_o and_o it_o be_v likely_a it_o do_v so_o here_o and_o then_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v accuracy_n of_o word_n or_o thing_n the_o bible_n be_v not_o calculate_v for_o they_o only_o that_o can_v square_v a_o circle_n or_o that_o understand_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o algebra_n three_o if_o this_o do_v not_o satisfy_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o circumference_n of_o the_o brazen_a sea_n be_v not_o exact_o round_a but_o it_o may_v be_v towards_o a_o oval_a figure_n which_o make_v some_o alteration_n as_o to_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o diameter_n it_o be_v ten_o cubit_n from_o brim_n to_o brim_n and_o a_o line_n of_o thirty_o cubit_n do_v compass_v it_o round_o about_o say_v the_o text_n but_o if_o it_o have_v be_v quite_o orbicular_a the_o circumference_n must_v have_v be_v one_o and_o thirty_o cubit_n or_o perhaps_o in_o this_o place_n as_o in_o several_a other_o a_o round_a number_n be_v express_v and_o the_o remainder_n be_v so_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a be_v omit_v but_o further_o it_o be_v object_v that_o this_o molten_n sea_n or_o laver_n be_v say_v to_o contain_v 2000_o bath_n 1_o king_n 7._o 26._o but_o in_o 1_o chron._n 4._o 5._o we_o read_v that_o it_o receive_v and_o hold_v 3000_o bath_n therefore_o some_o infer_v that_o one_o of_o these_o place_n be_v faulty_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v correct_v i_o answer_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o because_o both_o these_o be_v consistent_a the_o laver_n be_v of_o that_o vast_a dimension_n that_o it_o can_v hold_v 3000_o bath_n of_o water_n but_o it_o 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