nothing_o in_o scripture_n that_o look_v like_o inconsistent_a and_o contradictory_n upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n we_o shall_v discern_v a_o mutual_a correspondence_n in_o the_o style_n matter_n and_o design_n of_o these_o write_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o happy_a concurrence_n of_o circumstance_n and_o a_o admirable_a consistency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discourse_n in_o so_o much_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o upon_o this_o single_a consideration_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o these_o write_n be_v indict_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n this_o harmony_n then_o of_o the_o scripture_n i_o may_v just_o reckon_v among_o the_o inward_a note_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v adjoin_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o which_o be_v of_o the_o very_a intrinsic_a nature_n of_o it_o what_o justinian_n profess_v and_o promise_v concern_v his_o digest_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o clash_v and_o contradictory_n in_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o a_o piece_n be_v true_a only_a of_o the_o sacred_a law_n of_o the_o evangelical_n pandect_v which_o contain_v in_o they_o nothing_o dissonant_n and_o repugnant_a the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v consonant_a to_o themselves_o and_o to_o one_o another_o which_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n opposite_a to_o the_o true_a mean_v which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v reveal_v and_o assert_v in_o another_o the_o content_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n whether_o you_o look_v into_o the_o doctrinal_a or_o historical_a part_n of_o it_o have_v nothing_o contradictory_n in_o they_o all_o the_o author_n of_o it_o agree_v in_o their_o testimony_n and_o assert_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o consent_n among_o themselves_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o lie_n and_o forgery_n that_o they_o hang_v not_o together_o as_o 3._o lactantius_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n have_v observe_v especial_o if_o you_o search_v very_o inquisitive_o and_o narrow_o into_o they_o you_o will_v perceive_v that_o they_o be_v 80._o thin_a and_o slight_a and_o may_v easy_o be_v see_v through_o but_o the_o content_n of_o these_o write_n have_v be_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o and_o with_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n examine_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v every_o way_n consistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o writer_n be_v know_v to_o be_v concurrent_a and_o agree_v all_o wise_a and_o curious_a observer_n must_v needs_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o book_n under_o heaven_n that_o parallel_v the_o scripture_n as_o to_o this_o which_o show_v that_o they_o be_v more_o than_o humane_a write_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o dictate_v and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o assure_v we_o that_o 19_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n they_o be_v from_o god_n they_o be_v not_o of_o private_a interpretation_n they_o be_v not_o from_o man_n invention_n they_o be_v not_o of_o his_o own_o brain_n and_o fancy_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v as_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a oracle_n thus_o 3._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v witness_n to_o itself_o and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o other_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o what_o be_v in_o it_o and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n which_o make_v a_o ancient_a writer_n say_v 7._o we_o have_v complete_a demonstration_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o according_o we_o be_v demonstrative_o assure_v by_o faith_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n therein_o deliver_v which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o humane_a write_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o carry_v no_o such_o native_a mark_n with_o they_o but_o the_o very_a inward_a note_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n create_v in_o we_o a_o certain_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n they_o may_v be_v know_v from_o all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o by_o the_o excellent_a transcendent_a and_o divine_a matter_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o by_o the_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o deliver_v and_o publish_v it_o these_o i_o call_v internal_a proof_n because_o they_o be_v take_v from_o the_o book_n themselves_o because_o they_o be_v something_o that_o we_o find_v there_o these_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v write_v not_o by_o man_n but_o by_o god_n there_o be_v yet_o another_o internal_a testimony_n i_o call_v it_o so_o because_o it_o be_v within_o we_o though_o not_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o now_o i_o add_v that_o this_o spirit_n speak_v in_o we_o and_o work_n in_o our_o heart_n a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o of_o christ_n in_o those_o write_n this_o witness_v power_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v assert_v in_o act_n 5._o 32._o &_o 15._o 7_o 8._o and_o in_o 1_o john_n 5._o 6._o from_o these_o place_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v a_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n join_v with_o our_o conscience_n and_o persuasion_n and_o this_o spirit_n powerful_o convince_v all_o believer_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o testimony_n follow_v immediate_o on_o our_o set_n before_o we_o the_o inward_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v they_o for_o god_n make_v use_v of_o those_o evidence_n and_o argument_n to_o beget_v a_o belief_n in_o we_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n enlighten_v and_o convince_v man_n mind_n by_o those_o mean_n but_o more_o especial_o he_o urge_v these_o evidence_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o religious_a and_o faithful_a and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v no_o enthusiasm_n because_o it_o be_v discover_v to_o we_o by_o proper_a mean_n and_o instrument_n whereas_o that_o be_v without_o any_o and_o be_v general_o accompany_v with_o the_o despise_n of_o they_o but_o the_o evidence_n and_o note_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o reason_n and_o motive_n of_o our_o belief_n only_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v and_o prepare_v and_o sanctify_v our_o mind_n and_o illuminate_v our_o conscience_n and_o cause_v those_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o make_v impression_n upon_o we_o and_o effectual_o to_o prevail_v with_o we_o and_o to_o silence_v all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n witness_v in_o we_o but_o when_o i_o say_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o must_v adjoin_v this_o that_o this_o proof_n serve_v only_o for_o those_o that_o have_v this_o spirit_n it_o may_v establish_v they_o but_o it_o can_v convince_v other_o no_o other_o man_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n by_o the_o spirit_n be_v convince_a i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o beside_o this_o proof_n be_v not_o in_o all_o that_o real_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o book_n some_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o without_o this_o but_o where_o this_o be_v it_o be_v most_o powerful_a and_o convictive_a and_o surpass_v all_o other_o degreâ—_n of_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v no_o such_o câ—tain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o holy_a wâ—_n thing_n as_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d the_o heart_n of_o man_n produce_v there_o in_o a_o ration_n â—_o way_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a 〈◊〉_d our_o faculty_n chap._n ii_o external_n proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scriptureâ—_n viz._n the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o they_o and_o universal_a tradition_n which_o latter_a be_v defend_v against_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o that_o talk_v of_o a_o new_a character_n wherein_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v thâ—_n jewish_a masore_v attest_n the_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v not_o corrupt_v the_o point_n or_o vowel_n be_v coexistent_a with_o the_o letter_n f._n simon_n be_v notion_n of_o abbreviate_a the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n reject_v the_o new_a tement_n vouch_v by_o the_o unanimous_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o
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 to_o be_v common_a and_o rude_a and_o altogether_o ungraceful_a sometime_o i_o say_v for_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o that_o scripture_n be_v not_o destitute_a of_o its_o grace_n of_o speech_n but_o that_o seem_a commonness_n and_o rudeness_n be_v great_a token_n of_o the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n gregory_n the_o great_a excuse_v the_o plainness_n and_o rudeness_n of_o his_o style_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o job_n profess_v that_o leandrum_fw-la he_o think_v it_o unworthy_a of_o and_o unbecoming_a the_o heavenly_a oracle_n to_o restrain_v they_o to_o the_o nice_a rule_n of_o grammar_n sure_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o bible_n may_v say_v so_o with_o more_o reason_n it_o become_v they_o not_o to_o stand_v upon_o those_o nicety_n and_o formality_n of_o speech_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o other_o author_n for_o it_o be_v fit_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o difference_n between_o humane_a write_n and_o divine_a i_o agree_v with_o a_o late_a ingenious_a author_n who_o declare_v that_o scripture_n it_o fit_v not_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o book_n this_o be_v to_o observe_v the_o humane_a law_n of_o method_n and_o niceness_n of_o art_n inspire_a write_n must_v not_o be_v like_o those_o of_o men._n the_o singular_a grace_n of_o these_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o artificial_a and_o study_a but_o simple_a plain_a and_o careless_a and_o that_o their_o whole_a frame_n and_o contexture_n be_v not_o such_o as_o we_o a_o artificial_a method_n be_v below_o the_o majesty_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o dictate_v they_o this_o will_v debase_v the_o scripture_n and_o equal_v they_o with_o the_o write_n of_o men._n wherefore_o the_o often_o i_o look_v into_o that_o sacred_a volume_n and_o the_o more_o i_o observe_v it_o the_o more_o i_o be_o convince_v that_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o writer_n be_v whole_o direct_v by_o a_o divine_a hand_n for_o take_v any_o of_o the_o book_n either_o doctrinal_a
of_o mere_a fiction_n whence_o 10._o eusebius_n complain_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o mere_a fable_n in_o the_o greek_a history_n if_o they_o may_v be_v call_v history_n before_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o olympiad_n that_o famous_a greek_a epoch_n or_o computation_n which_o begin_v from_o the_o instauration_n of_o the_o olympic_a game_n by_o iphitus_n but_o when_o this_o be_v be_v not_o very_o clear_a for_o some_o say_v it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o azariab_n king_n of_o judah_n above_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o solomon_n other_o say_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o vzziah_n king_n of_o judah_n a._n m._n 3173._o other_o fix_v it_o a._n m._n 3189_o eight_o year_n before_o the_o birth_n of_o romulus_n and_o remus_n four_o hundred_o and_o seven_o year_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o troy_n other_o place_n the_o olympiad_n low_a about_o a._n m._n 3228_o other_o a._n m._n 3256_o about_o seven_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n before_o christ._n varro_n 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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 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import_n signify_v a_o dispose_n of_o something_o be_v most_o commoâ—â—ly_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o disposal_n as_o be_v either_o by_o covenâ—â—_n or_o testament_n hence_o it_o be_v sometime_o render_v 〈◊〉_d covenant_n and_o sometime_o a_o testament_n especial_o among_o the_o lawyer_n the_o latter_a sense_n prevail_v and_o according_o you_o will_v find_v that_o a_o last_o will_v and_o testament_n be_v express_v by_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o imperial_a institution_n and_o other_o law-book_n translate_v into_o greek_a we_o may_v here_o join_v both_o sense_n together_o for_o what_o god_n have_v agree_v to_o by_o covenant_n with_o man_n that_o christ_n bequeath_v and_o give_v by_o testament_n now_o we_o must_v prove_v both_o these_o i._n e._n we_o must_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o covenant_n and_o testament_n be_v true_a before_o we_o can_v receive_v any_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n from_o they_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o evidence_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v this_o covenant_n and_o this_o testament_n otherwise_o we_o can_v build_v nothing_o upon_o they_o here_o then_o i._o i_o will_v evince_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o great_a basis_n of_o all_o theology_n ii_o after_o i_o have_v large_o insist_v on_o this_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o style_n and_o phrase_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n iii_o i_o will_v advance_v yet_o far_o and_o demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o they_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o present_a undertake_n be_v the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o handle_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v but_o brief_o and_o concise_o make_v use_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v common_o insist_v upon_o by_o learned_a writer_n till_o i_o come_v to_o fix_v upon_o a_o topick_n which_o be_v not_o common_o yea_o which_o be_v very_o rare_o and_o by_o the_o by_o use_v in_o this_o cause_n and_o this_o i_o will_v pursue_v very_o large_o and_o full_o i_o hope_v with_o some_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o reader_n there_o be_v many_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o embrace_v by_o we_o as_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n some_o of_o these_o argument_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n be_v in_o common_a with_o those_o that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n on_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o insist_v at_o another_o time_n but_o my_o design_n at_o present_a be_v to_o propound_v those_o which_o be_v more_o peculiarly_a and_o proper_o fit_v to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o these_o be_v either_o internal_a or_o external_n the_o internal_a one_o i_o call_v those_o which_o be_v either_o in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o or_o in_o vs._n the_o character_n of_o divinity_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v in_o themselves_o be_v either_o their_o matter_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o write_v they_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o here_o i_o will_v mention_v only_o these_o three_o particular_n 1._o the_o sublime_a doctrine_n and_o verity_n which_o be_v in_o holy_a writ_n in_o read_v this_o book_n we_o meet_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o come_v from_o any_o but_o god_n himself_o in_o other_o write_n which_o be_v most_o applaud_v the_o choice_a thing_n which_o entertain_v our_o mind_n be_v the_o excellent_a moral_a notion_n and_o precept_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o we_o which_o be_v all_o the_o result_n of_o improve_v reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n but_o here_o be_v beside_o these_o notice_n of_o a_o peculiar_a nature_n and_o such_o as_o be_v above_o our_o natural_a capacity_n and_o invention_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o these_o write_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o eternal_a decree_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o blood_n the_o whole_a method_n of_o man_n salvation_n the_o stupendous_a providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n the_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o the_o raise_n of_o all_o man_n out_o of_o their_o ash_n these_o and_o several_a other_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o come_v from_o any_o but_o god_n they_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o character_n of_o divinity_n as_o be_v no_o common_a and_o obvious_a matter_n but_o such_o as_o be_v tower_a and_o lofty_a hide_a and_o abstruse_a and_o not_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n a_o god_n be_v plain_o discover_v in_o they_o for_o the_o most_o improve_v creature_n can_v never_o have_v reach_v to_o this_o pitch_n any_o serious_a and_o think_v man_n can_v but_o discern_v the_o peculiar_a turn_v and_o singular_a contrivance_n of_o these_o mysterious_a doctrine_n which_o argue_v they_o to_o be_v divine_a we_o may_v therefore_o believe_v the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o of_o the_o wonderful_a height_n and_o sublimity_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o 2._o the_o exact_a purity_n and_o holiness_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o be_v enjoin_v in_o these_o write_n be_v another_o testimony_n of_o their_o be_v divine_o inspire_v for_o though_o some_o other_o book_n dictate_v religion_n and_o piety_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o true_a and_o just_a measure_n of_o they_o be_v take_v original_o from_o this_o one_o exact_a standard_n which_o be_v prior_n to_o they_o all_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o beside_o the_o love_n and_o charity_n the_o humility_n meekness_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n which_o the_o scripture_n describe_v to_o we_o far_o exceed_v the_o most_o advantageous_a representation_n the_o most_o exalt_a idea_n which_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n give_v of_o they_o these_o therefore_o be_v emphatical_o and_o eminent_o call_v by_o st._n paul_n the_o holy_a scripture_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o because_o they_o breathe_v the_o most_o consummate_a goodness_n and_o piety_n and_o that_o antecedent_o to_o all_o write_n whatsoever_o because_o every_o thing_n in_o they_o advance_v holiness_n and_o that_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o they_o be_v to_o promote_v protrept_n sanctity_n of_o life_n to_o make_v we_o every_o way_n better_o and_o even_o to_o render_v we_o *_o like_o god_n himself_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v intend_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o display_v the_o heavenly_a purity_n and_o thereby_o to_o commend_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o with_o sincere_a and_o humble_a mind_n we_o peruse_v this_o book_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v this_o bless_a result_n of_o it_o it_o will_v marvellous_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n especial_o of_o god_n unspotted_a holiness_n it_o will_v tincture_n our_o mind_n with_o religion_n it_o will_v pervade_v all_o our_o faculty_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o godliness_n and_o it_o will_v thorough_o cleanse_v and_o sanctify_v both_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n but_o because_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v more_o of_o this_o when_o i_o treat_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o will_v now_o dismiss_v it_o 3._o to_o the_o matter_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v refer_v the_o prophecios_fw-la and_o prediction_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o these_o i_o reckon_v another_o internal_a argument_n because_o they_o be_v draw_v from_o what_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o very_a scripture_n itself_o what_o a_o vast_a number_n be_v there_o of_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o find_v fulfil_v and_o according_o be_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o scripture_n here_o i_o will_v a_o little_a enlarge_v and_o first_o i_o will_v begâ—n_v with_o that_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o noah_n 27._o god_n shall_v enlarge_v japhet_n and_o he_o shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o shem_n and_o canaan_n shall_v be_v his_o servant_n where_o be_v foretell_v thing_n that_o happen_v above_o two_o thousand_o year_n afterward_o for_o the_o posterity_n of_o japheth_n viz._n the_o european_n especial_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n among_o other_o conquest_n gain_v the_o possession_n of_o judea_n and_o other_o eastern_a country_n which_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o shem._n again_o it_o be_v fulfil_v thus_o by_o christ_n come_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o by_o his_o
thus_o among_o the_o pagan_n we_o find_v unquestionable_a monument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o next_o remarkable_a thing_n after_o the_o flood_n be_v the_o attempt_v to_o build_v the_o tower_n of_o babel_n and_o this_o be_v not_o omit_v in_o pagan_a record_n berosus_n chaldee_n history_n mention_n it_o but_o with_o such_o addition_n as_o these_o if_o i_o may_v call_v they_o addition_n see_v they_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o ground_n in_o the_o sacred_a story_n that_o it_o be_v build_v by_o giant_n and_o those_o giant_n be_v 〈◊〉_d terrae_fw-la silij_fw-la out_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o they_o wage_v war_n against_o the_o god_n and_o be_v at_o last_o disperse_v and_o that_o the_o building_n be_v quite_o beat_v down_o by_o a_o great_a wind._n the_o erect_v of_o this_o tower_n of_o babel_n be_v mention_v by_o hestiaeus_n and_o by_o one_o of_o the_o sibyl_n say_v josephus_n in_o his_o 5._o antiquity_n and_o by_o abydenus_n and_o eupolemus_n as_o eusebius_n testifi_v in_o his_o evangelical_n preparation_n it_o be_v likely_a that_o belus_n tower_n mention_v by_o herodotus_n be_v the_o tower_n of_o babel_n that_o it_o be_v make_v of_o brick_n and_o slime_n as_o you_o read_v in_o gen._n 11._o 3._o be_v attest_v by_o justin_n q._n curtius_n vitruvius_n and_o other_o for_o what_o these_o writer_n say_v of_o the_o wall_n of_o babylon_n be_v applicable_a to_o that_o and_o as_o for_o the_o poet_n the_o history_n of_o the_o babel-builder_n be_v turn_v by_o they_o into_o tâ—â—_n fable_n of_o the_o titan_n who_o they_o feign_v to_o haâ—â—_n heap_v mountain_n upon_o mountain_n to_o scale_v heaven_n and_o fight_v the_o god_n and_o by_o name_n they_o mâ—â—â—tion_n ovid._n japheth_n one_o of_o noah_n son_n as_o a_o doughâ—_n giant_n among_o they_o for_o they_o pick_v up_o any_o naâ—â—_n that_o they_o have_v by_o tradition_n and_o clap_v it_o in_o homer_n tell_v we_o they_o cast_v up_o three_o hill_n on_o one_o â—â—nother_n â—_o ossa_n on_o olympus_n and_o shady_a pelion_n 〈◊〉_d ossa_n hope_v thereby_o to_o make_v their_o way_n to_o tâ—â—_n heaven_n but_o this_o prove_v successless_a and_o the_o boâ—â—_n invader_n be_v scatter_v and_o break_v by_o thunder_n from_o jupiter_n all_o this_o grecian_a fable_n of_o the_o theomachy_n of_o the_o giant_n be_v derive_v from_o what_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n relate_v in_o gen._n 11._o 3_o etc._n etc._n that_o nimrod_n a_o great_a hunter_n a_o giantlike_a man_n with_o his_o sturdy_a fellow_n attempt_v to_o build_v a_o city_n and_o tower_n who_o top_n shall_v reach_v up_o to_o heaven_n which_o the_o pagan_n interpret_v to_o be_v defy_v of_o the_o god_n and_o make_v war_n with_o they_o and_o true_o they_o do_v not_o come_v short_a of_o the_o true_a mean_v of_o their_o grand_a design_n which_o be_v to_o defy_v heaven_n and_o to_o exalt_v and_o magnify_v themselves_o though_o i_o grant_v it_o be_v hyperbolical_o speak_v when_o they_o say_v let_v 〈◊〉_d build_v we_o a_o city_n and_o tower_n to_o reach_v up_o to_o heaven_n for_o they_o can_v not_o dream_v of_o perform_v this_o in_o reality_n because_o they_o know_v the_o height_n of_o the_o late_a flood_n which_o lift_v up_o the_o ark_n fifteen_o cubit_n above_o the_o high_a mountain_n be_v short_a of_o heaven_n beside_o they_o will_v not_o have_v build_v on_o the_o plain_a as_o they_o do_v but_o on_o the_o high_a hill_n if_o they_o have_v have_v any_o such_o project_n in_o their_o head_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v a_o refuge_n from_o the_o water_n of_o another_o flood_n for_o they_o have_v god_n word_n for_o it_o that_o no_o such_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v ever_o be_v again_o gen._n 9_o 15._o but_o their_o design_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o chap._n 11._o ver_fw-la 4._o let_v we_o make_v we_o a_o name_n lest_o we_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n i._n e._n let_v we_o go_v about_o this_o work_n that_o we_o may_v have_v here_o a_o place_n to_o six_o in_o that_o by_o erect_v this_o vast_a city_n and_o tower_n we_o may_v have_v room_n enough_o and_o live_v together_o in_o one_o body_n and_o make_v our_o lust_n our_o only_a law_n and_o act_n as_o we_o please_v without_o the_o control_v of_o other_o and_o that_o afterward_o when_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o great_a number_n and_o increase_v we_o must_v be_v force_v to_o remove_v we_o may_v by_o this_o famous_a monument_n be_v know_v and_o when_o we_o leave_v this_o world_n we_o may_v hereby_o purchase_v a_o name_n in_o future_a age_n and_o even_o survive_v after_o death_n thus_o their_o intention_n and_o erterprise_n be_v profane_a and_o impious_a and_o no_o less_o than_o a_o arrogant_a contempt_n of_o god_n but_o some_o of_o the_o poet_n interpret_n the_o aforesaid_a word_n in_o a_o gross_a manner_n as_o if_o those_o dare_a sinner_n do_v actual_o scale_v the_o heaven_n have_v present_v we_o with_o their_o conceit_n upon_o this_o remarkable_a occurrence_n but_o as_o to_o the_o main_a it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a history_n and_o even_o this_o last_o particular_a the_o make_v they_o a_o name_n seem_v to_o be_v transcribe_v into_o the_o fable_n when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o after_o the_o giant_n who_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o earth_n have_v fight_v the_o god_n their_o mother_n earth_n be_v incense_v at_o the_o defeat_n of_o her_o son_n bring_v forth_o fame_n this_o be_v the_o giant_n last_o sister_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o poet_n illam_fw-la terra_fw-la parens_fw-la irâ_fw-la irritata_fw-la deorum_fw-la extremam_fw-la ut_fw-la perhibent_fw-la caeo_n enceladâ—que_n sororem_fw-la progenuit_fw-la we_o read_v that_o when_o these_o builder_n be_v hot_a 〈◊〉_d their_o work_n god_n on_o a_o sudden_a defeat_v their_o project_n by_o confound_v their_o language_n v_o 7._o and_o thereby_o scatter_v they_o abroad_o from_o thence_o upon_o the_o face_n 〈◊〉_d all_o the_o earth_n v_o 8._o of_o which_o confusion_n or_o 〈◊〉_d of_o language_n there_o be_v this_o remembrance_n 〈◊〉_d the_o greek_a tongue_n that_o in_o it_o man_n be_v callâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o epithet_n be_v give_v they_o 〈◊〉_d loc_n eustathius_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o division_n 〈◊〉_d tongue_n which_o the_o world_n suffer_v at_o babel_n 〈◊〉_d this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o common_a opinion_n of_o tâ—â—_n ancient_a christian_n then_o as_o to_o the_o division_n of_o 〈◊〉_d earth_n among_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d chapter_n of_o genesis_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v 〈◊〉_d the_o fiction_n of_o divide_v the_o world_n among_o 〈◊〉_d brethren_n the_o son_n of_o saturn_n be_v take_v from_o 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n and_o foot_n 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o sacred_a truth_n to_o be_v observe_v which_o way_n 〈◊〉_d ever_o you_o look_v this_o i_o may_v further_o show_v in_o tâ—â—_n account_v which_o moses_n history_n give_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d plantation_n upon_o the_o division_n of_o the_o earth_n among_o noah_n son_n as_o in_o the_o posterity_n of_o javan_n wheâ—â—â—_n be_v the_o javan_n or_o greek_n call_v 〈…〉_z but_o because_o i_o shall_v afterward_o have_v a_o occasion_n 〈◊〉_d speak_v of_o this_o namely_o when_o i_o treat_v of_o the_o pâ—â—fection_n of_o scripture_n show_v it_o to_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o complete_a history_n in_o the_o world_n i_o wiâ—â—_n defer_v it_o till_o then_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n let_v you_o 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o mosaic_a history_n give_v we_o the_o best_a account_n of_o those_o first_o planter_n and_o also_o that_o in_o several_a 〈◊〉_d those_o name_n be_v to_o be_v read_v the_o name_n of_o coquetry_n and_o nation_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o pagâ—â—_n author_n chap._n iu._n several_a thing_n relate_v to_o the_o patriarch_n abraham_n the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n the_o oppression_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o egypt_n the_o history_n of_o joseph_n the_o pass-ove_a the_o conduct_v the_o israelite_n through_o the_o red-sea_n their_o travel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n the_o brazen_a serpent_n attest_v by_o heathen_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o report_n concern_v the_o jew_n worship_v a_o ass_n head_n and_o also_o their_o worship_v of_o cloud_n between_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n by_o moses_n there_o be_v many_o observable_a passage_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v also_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o attest_v though_o in_o a_o obscure_a and_o oblique_a manner_n by_o pagan_a writer_n the_o great_a patriarch_n abraham_n be_v mention_v by_o berosus_n heeataeus_fw-la nicolas_n damascenus_n eupolemus_n alex._n polyhistor_n as_o josephus_n and_o eusebius_n acquaint_v we_o in_o their_o write_n before_o name_n the_o wise_a man_n of_o grâ—â—â—â—_n ask_v their_o god_n whence_o the_o knowledge_n of_o art_n come_v receive_v this_o answer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
among_o the_o heathen_n of_o close_v or_o shutâ—_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o die_a person_n and_o this_o by_o one_o â—_o be_v the_o most_o belove_a of_o he_o be_v derive_v 〈◊〉_d gen._n 46._o 4._o joseph_n shall_v put_v his_o hand_n upon_o thy_o eâ—â—â—_n according_o we_o find_v this_o last_o office_n of_o friendâ—â—_n speak_v of_o in_o homer_n and_o other_o ancient_a writâ—_n both_o greek_a and_o latin_n the_o gentile_a story_n of_o busiris_n sacrifice_v of_o 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o very_a solid_a foundation_n for_o we_o 〈◊〉_d easy_o perceive_v that_o this_o arise_v from_o the_o true_a 〈◊〉_d unquestionable_a history_n in_o exodus_fw-la where_o we_o 〈◊〉_d of_o a_o new_a king_n over_o egypt_n who_o set_v over_o the_o isâ—â—lites_n taskmaster_n to_o afflict_v they_o with_o their_o burdâ—â—â—_n and_o who_o make_v their_o life_n bitter_a with_o hard_a bondâ—â—_n exod._n 1._o 11_o 14._o and_o this_o be_v he_o that_o make_v 〈◊〉_d edict_n of_o drown_v the_o hebrew_n child_n ver_fw-la 22â—_n this_o great_a oppressor_n of_o israel_n be_v that_o busâ—â—_n who_o the_o gentile_n speak_v of_o as_o a_o note_a tyrant_n 〈◊〉_d egypt_n and_o several_a agree_v that_o that_o be_v his_o tâ—â—â—_n name_n the_o israelite_n who_o come_v out_o of_o canaâ—_n into_o egypt_n be_v the_o stranger_n and_o be_v true_o call_v so_o the_o sacrifice_v of_o they_o be_v the_o cruel_a aâ—â—_n bloody_a handle_n of_o they_o that_o egyptian_a oppressor_n and_o tyrant_n may_v right_o be_v say_v to_o sacrifice_v his_o stranger_n when_o he_o use_v the_o poor_a hebrâ—â—_n so_o inhumane_o ioseph_n great_a fortune_n and_o noble_a act_n in_o egyâ—_n be_v celebrate_v by_o profess_a historian_n as_o well_o as_o poet_n among_o the_o pagan_n and_o therefore_o i_o need_v not_o mention_v these_o latter_a and_o of_o the_o former_a sâ—â—â—_n be_v sufficient_a to_o name_n justin_n who_o acquaint_v we_o that_o joseph_n be_v the_o young_a of_o his_o brethren_n and_o â—_o his_o excellent_a wit_n and_o part_n be_v dread_v by_o 〈◊〉_d which_o very_a thing_n move_v they_o to_o sell_v he_o â—to_z egypt_n where_o in_o a_o short_a time_n he_o become_v a_o â—at_a favourite_n of_o the_o king_n he_o go_v on_o and_o tell_v that_o this_o brave_a man_n be_v very_o skilful_a in_o do_v wonder_n and_o be_v the_o first_o that_o find_v out_o the_o mean_v and_o interpretation_n of_o dream_n the_o scarcity_n or_o dearth_n which_o happen_v to_o egypt_n he_o foresee_v many_o year_n before_o it_o come_v that_o land_n have_v perish_v if_o the_o king_n have_v not_o by_o his_o advice_n lay_v up_o corn_n in_o store_n he_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o divine_a oracle_n and_o consult_v by_o the_o world_n because_o of_o his_o infinite_a sagacity_n his_o transcendent_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n any_o 〈◊〉_d that_o have_v read_v the_o sacred_a history_n may_v see_v â—â—at_a this_o character_n be_v borrow_v thence_o and_o it_o â—s_v a_o very_a notable_a and_o illustrious_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o mosaic_a history_n and_o in_o that_o of_o the_o whole_a sacred_a scripture_n 2._o next_o i_o will_v mention_v this_o that_o the_o annual_a custom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n which_o nazaraeorum_n epiphanius_n speak_v of_o of_o mark_v their_o tree_n and_o their_o flock_n with_o something_o of_o a_o red_a colour_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o preservative_n against_o any_o harm_n and_o mischief_n that_o may_v befall_v they_o be_v from_o the_o israelite_n practice_n of_o old_a in_o egypt_n when_o they_o sprinkle_v the_o lintel_n and_o posâ—s_n of_o the_o door_n with_o blood_n exod._n 12._o 22._o which_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o last_o and_o worst_a plague_n which_o befall_v the_o egyptian_n in_o remembrance_n of_o this_o oâ—_n rather_o in_o a_o superstitious_a imitation_n of_o it_o the_o people_n of_o egypt_n afterward_o set_v a_o red_a mark_n on_o their_o hoâ—â—_n and_o good_n and_o that_o this_o custom_n be_v borrow_v thence_o will_v appear_v the_o more_o probable_a by_o 〈◊〉_d dere_v that_o this_o be_v do_v by_o they_o at_o the_o entrâ—_n of_o the_o vernal_a equinox_n as_o epiphanius_n relate_v wâ—â—â—â—_n be_v the_o very_a time_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o exod._n 12._o â—_o when_o the_o israelite_n distinguish_v their_o house_n that_o bloody_a token_n again_o i_o may_v offer_v it_o â—_o inquire_v into_o by_o the_o learned_a whether_o the_o â—_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sacrifice_n for_o pass_v which_o weâ—â—_n use_v among_o the_o grecian_n especial_o the_o lacedâ—_n nian_n and_o be_v mention_v by_o xenophon_n thucyâ—â—_n and_o plutarch_n be_v not_o a_o imitation_n of_o or_o a_o a_o 〈◊〉_d sion_fw-la unto_o the_o famous_a jewish_a pesach_n which_o be_v â—_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d transitus_fw-la the_o pass-ove_a viz._n when_o the_o â—_o stroy_n angel_n pass_v over_o the_o israelite_n hoâ—_n and_o do_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o they_o no_o harm_n miâ—â—â—â—_n not_o this_o give_v occasion_n first_o to_o those_o grecian_a â—_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d passover-sacrifice_n especial_o consider_v that_o that_o jewish_a feast_n be_v call_v not_o only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o philo_n cyril_n of_o alexandria_n â—â—_o gory_a nazianzen_n and_o other_o the_o conduct_v of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n â—_o of_o egypt_n and_o their_o miraculous_a pass_v through_o 〈◊〉_d red-sea_n and_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o egyptian_n â—_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v famous_a among_o the_o pagâ—_n though_o they_o endeavour_v to_o stifle_v or_o at_o leastâ—_n mince_v it_o whereof_o 30._o justin_n only_o tell_v we_o that_o tâ—â—_n king_n of_o egypt_n follow_v the_o jew_n when_o they_o 〈◊〉_d egypt_n but_o be_v force_v to_o return_v back_o by_o reason_n â—_o a_o great_a tempest_n which_o arise_v of_o a_o sudden_a tâ—â—_n fame_n of_o moses_n divide_v the_o red-sea_n be_v keep_v â—_o among_o the_o gentile_n as_o 3._o dâ—odorus_n siculus_n witnâ—â—â—seth_v there_o be_v say_v he_o a_o report_n spread_v among_o the_o ichthyophagi_n a_o people_n inhabit_v the_o shore_n near_o the_o arabian_a gulf_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d name_n give_v to_o the_o red-sea_n among_o geographer_n namely_o that_o all_o that_o place_v where_o that_o gulf_n be_v be_v dry_v up_o the_o water_n fly_v back_o but_o after_o the_o bottom_n have_v appear_v for_o some_o time_n the_o place_n by_o a_o reflux_n of_o the_o sea_n be_v â—â—rned_v into_o its_o former_a condition_n so_o he_o and_o â—â—â—â—in_o he_o give_v a_o most_o remarkable_a testimony_n to_o â—_o truth_n of_o those_o word_n in_o exod._n 14._o 21._o the_o 〈◊〉_d cause_v the_o sea_n to_o go_v back_o and_o make_v the_o sea_n dry_a 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o water_n be_v divide_v and_o in_o v_o 27_o â—_o the_o sea_n return_v to_o its_o strength_n and_o the_o water_n â—red_v the_o host_n of_o pharaoh_n it_o seem_v the_o ichthyoid_a hand_v this_o report_n to_o the_o historian_n not_o the_o egyptian_n though_o he_o have_v converse_v with_o these_o a_o long_a time_n and_o they_o have_v correspondence_n with_o the_o â—yophagi_n but_o the_o egyptian_n be_v so_o cunning_a 〈◊〉_d to_o conceal_v their_o disgrace_n and_o misfortune_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v so_o little_o say_v among_o the_o pagan_n concern_v this_o matter_n as_o to_o the_o red-sea_n itself_o mare_fw-la erythrâ—um_fw-la there_o be_v in_o that_o name_n a_o remembrance_n of_o a_o know_a person_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n viz._n esau._n for_o as_o to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v by_o some_o that_o this_o sea_n have_v its_o name_n from_o its_o red_a colour_n prove_v a_o arrant_a falsehood_n coral_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o which_o some_o talk_n of_o be_v not_o red_a enough_o to_o give_v it_o such_o a_o colour_n and_o the_o weed_n which_o grow_v in_o it_o whence_o it_o be_v call_v jam_fw-la suph_n mare_fw-la algosum_fw-la as_o junius_n and_o tremellius_n always_o render_v it_o or_o mare_fw-la junci_fw-la as_o other_o as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o rush_n or_o reed-sea_n can_v give_v it_o the_o denomination_n of_o red_a because_o whatever_o some_o say_v of_o this_o weedy_a stuff_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o the_o water_n of_o this_o sea_n be_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n with_o other_o sea_n as_o all_o traveller_n attest_v yea_o though_o that_o be_v true_a which_o have_v be_v late_o 〈◊〉_d ge_v by_o some_o inquisitive_a person_n that_o this_o wâ—â—â—_n call_v suph_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o saffron_n of_o which_o when_o 〈◊〉_d take_v out_o of_o the_o sea_n be_v make_v a_o red_a colour_n callâ—_n sufo_n by_o the_o ethiopian_n use_v for_o die_a cloth_n 〈◊〉_d india_n and_o ethiopia_n yet_o see_v the_o sea_n itself_o be_v 〈◊〉_d die_v with_o it_o but_o retain_v the_o colour_n of_o other_o sâ—â—â—_n i_o can_v think_v it_o be_v call_v the_o red_a mere_o becaâ—â—_n of_o that_o weed_n or_o sedg_n use_v by_o dyer_n othâ—_n have_v say_v it_o have_v this_o epithet_n because_o the_o stoâ—â—_n cliff_n bank_n
be_v only_o poetic_a flourish_v and_o therefore_o must_v not_o be_v think_v to_o refer_v to_o any_o real_a thing_n the_o fix_v this_o on_o my_o mind_n keep_v i_o from_o run_v into_o those_o extravagancy_n which_o some_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o whilst_o they_o imagine_v that_o the_o poet_n in_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o particular_n with_o which_o their_o fable_n be_v stuff_v allude_v to_o so_o many_o express_a passage_n in_o true_a history_n i_o attend_v to_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o their_o write_n which_o i_o see_v come_v so_o near_o to_o scripture_n the_o rest_n i_o pass_v by_o as_o mere_a poetic_a flash_n and_o foolery_n and_o not_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o short_a i_o have_v always_o tread_v where_o there_o be_v some_o tolerable_a ground_n and_o foot_n and_o i_o have_v omit_v several_a particular_n which_o other_o insist_v upon_o mere_o because_o they_o have_v so_o sandy_a a_o bottom_n so_o little_a reason_n have_v any_o to_o blame_v i_o for_o indulge_v of_o fancy_n in_o this_o present_a undertake_n where_o i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o abundant_a instance_n to_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o pagan_n borrow_v from_o the_o sacred_a write_n chap._n viii_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n assert_v the_o way_n oâ—_n communicate_v scriptural_a truth_n and_o historieâ—_n to_o the_o pagan_n viz._n by_o the_o commerce_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v with_o other_o nation_n by_o their_o be_v disperse_v over_o all_o the_o world_n by_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o greek_a by_o the_o travel_n of_o philosopher_n and_o other_o studious_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_n how_o the_o sacred_a truth_n but_o especial_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n come_v to_o be_v misunderstand_v and_o corrupt_v viz._n by_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n by_o be_v transmit_v to_o barbarous_a people_n by_o length_n of_o time_n by_o pass_v through_o many_o hand_n by_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o receiver_n by_o the_o affectation_n of_o mystery_n and_o abstrusity_n by_o the_o grecian_a humour_n of_o invent_v and_o romance_v by_o man_n be_v timorous_a by_o ignorance_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o affair_n by_o aâ—_n averseness_n and_o hatred_n to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v think_v by_o some_o dangerous_a to_o insert_v the_o holy_a text_n into_o their_o write_n what_o design_n the_o devil_n have_v in_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n and_o mix_v it_o with_o falsity_n iâ—_n the_o book_n of_o the_o pagan_n but_o not_o withstand_v all_o i_o have_v say_v there_o be_v some_o who_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n entertain_v this_o discourse_n but_o with_o great_a earnestness_n and_o violence_n oppose_v it_o i_o be_o oblige_v therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o fortify_v it_o by_o reason_n i_o will_v discover_v to_o you_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o my_o opinion_n be_v build_v and_o give_v you_o a_o rational_a account_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o heathen_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o old_a testament_n this_o i_o will_v do_v first_o by_o show_v you_o how_o they_o come_v by_o these_o tradition_n and_o truth_n second_o whence_o and_o how_o they_o disguise_v and_o corrupt_v they_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o gentile_n can_v light_v on_o these_o thing_n by_o natural_a reason_n for_o those_o discovery_n concern_v the_o creation_n and_o the_o paradisiacal_a state_n of_o man_n and_o the_o particular_a mannâ—r_n of_o his_o fall_n and_o several_a other_o thing_n which_o i_o mention_v be_v beyond_o nature_n ken_n they_o be_v not_o such_o thing_n as_o fall_v within_o the_o cognizance_n of_o man_n as_o they_o be_v rational_a creature_n therefore_o they_o must_v be_v particular_o reveal_v to_o mankind_n and_o the_o authentic_a body_n of_o divine_a reveal_v truth_n be_v the_o bible_n we_o can_v but_o infer_v that_o those_o thing_n be_v borrow_v from_o that_o sacred_a volume_n and_o as_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n 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reckon_v the_o date_n of_o his_o book_n to_o be_v about_o a._n m._n 2460_o which_o be_v above_o 400_o year_n before_o the_o trojan_a war_n before_o which_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v of_o any_o writer_n whatsoever_o yea_o it_o be_v above_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o it_o that_o the_o ancient_a historian_n unless_o you_o will_v reckon_v those_o fabulous_a one_o dare_v phrygius_n and_o dictys_n cretensis_n appear_v without_o controversy_n moses_n be_v the_o old_a historian_n either_o natural_a or_o ecclesiastical_a the_o antiquity_n of_o his_o work_n be_v beyond_o all_o other_o book_n they_o all_o begin_v long_o after_o he_o and_o as_o for_o some_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o be_v before_o the_o write_n of_o any_o heathen_n to_o begin_v first_o with_o the_o ancient_a egyptian_a writer_n some_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o moses_n time_n flourish_v those_o excellent_a philosopher_n zoroastres_n and_o mercurius_n trismegistus_n but_o whâ—n_o yoâ—_n come_v to_o examine_v this_o you_o find_v no_o less_o than_o four_o zoroastres_n and_o to_o which_o of_o these_o the_o write_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v and_o what_o date_n they_o bear_v iâ—_n uncertain_a so_o that_o we_o can_v conclude_v nothing_o there_o there_o be_v also_o great_a dispute_n about_o herâ—os_n or_o trismegistus_n namely_o who_o he_o be_v and_o when_o he_o live_v and_o at_o what_o time_n the_o write_n that_o go_v under_o his_o name_n be_v write_v and_o whether_o they_o be_v genuine_a kircher_n hold_v they_o to_o be_v such_o but_o casaâ—bon_n attempâ—â—_n the_o contrary_a his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v quote_v by_o 〈◊〉_d martyr_n lactantius_n and_o augustin_n and_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d ancient_n but_o his_o antiquity_n can_v be_v prove_v 〈◊〉_d be_v equal_a with_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a writer_n manetho_n or_o manethos_n who_o write_v the_o egyptian_a history_n live_v but_o in_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n time_n then_o for_o the_o phaenician_a antiquity_n which_o sanâ—athon_n write_v in_o the_o phaenician_a tongue_n and_o which_o philo_n biblius_n who_o live_v in_o adrian_n time_n â—â—rned_v into_o greek_a of_o which_o version_n eusebius_n have_v preserve_v we_o a_o famous_a fragment_n though_o scaliâ—â—_n have_v labour_v to_o prove_v they_o supposititious_a 〈◊〉_d some_o other_o reckon_v they_o not_o as_o such_o and_o particular_o the_o learned_a bochart_n have_v commentâ—â—_n upon_o they_o as_o true_a and_o genuine_a write_n 〈◊〉_d as_o for_o the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o phaenician_a historian_n and_o theologer_n though_o it_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v great_a yet_o without_o question_n he_o be_v â—oses's_n junior_a by_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o so_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o babylonian_a or_o chaldean_a 〈◊〉_d for_o berosus_n who_o be_v say_v to_o compile_v â—â—â—m_n live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o manetho_n do_v and_o though_o perhaps_o friar_n annius_n have_v impose_v 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n by_o the_o name_n of_o this_o author_n as_o vâ—lateranus_n some_o think_v and_o according_o bring_v several_a argument_n to_o prove_v this_o new_a berosus_n a_o cheat_n 〈◊〉_d it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o old_a one_o of_o â—hom_n both_o josephus_n and_o eusebius_n have_v preserve_v the_o fragment_n be_v such_o some_o greek_a writer_n plead_v great_a antiquity_n next_o orpheus_n and_o muâ—â—â—s_n the_o ancient_a of_o they_o all_o be_v â—aid_v to_o have_v chronic._n live_v in_o gideon_n day_n which_o be_v about_o 200_o year_n after_o moses_n and_o 200_o year_n after_o this_o live_v dares_n phrygius_n and_o dictys_n cretensis_n who_o write_v the_o trojan_a war._n and_o 100_o year_n after_o this_o homer_n write_v his_o poem_n who_o flourish_v not_o till_o at_o least_o 150_o year_n after_o david_n the_o divine_a poet._n this_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o greek_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v gain_v any_o knowledge_n of_o letter_n and_o art_n fall_v to_o invent_v of_o incredible_a story_n and_o write_v
it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n be_v not_o take_v from_o gentilism_n but_o institute_v by_o god_n himself_o among_o the_o reformist_n you_o will_v see_v this_o more_o plain_o attest_v 89._o all_o that_o consent_n say_v one_o which_o be_v between_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a rite_n arise_v from_o the_o devil_n study_n to_o deprave_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o transfer_v they_o to_o his_o own_o and_o another_o thus_o 8._o it_o be_v a_o wicked_a and_o detestable_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o rite_n command_v in_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v as_o it_o be_v play-game_n and_o sport_n only_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o pagan_n therefore_o that_o those_o rite_n may_v have_v that_o honour_n and_o dignity_n which_o be_v due_a to_o they_o we_o must_v hold_v this_o as_o a_o infallible_a truth_n that_o all_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o jewish_a worship_n be_v according_a to_o the_o spiritual_a pattern_n which_o be_v show_v to_o moses_n in_o the_o mount_n to_o which_o i_o add_v cocceius_n notable_a word_n 30._o i_o admit_v not_o that_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o gentile_a ceremony_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v make_v to_o draw_v off_o the_o israelite_n from_o many_o of_o the_o pagan_a rite_n by_o those_o several_a law_n which_o be_v in_o it_o contrary_a to_o those_o rite_n so_o it_o become_v a_o hedge_n or_o partition_n wall_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o they_o may_v not_o come_v near_o one_o another_o as_o to_o their_o ceremony_n for_o from_o a_o likeness_n in_o these_o there_o will_v have_v follow_v a_o mutual_a converse_n and_o communion_n and_o consequent_o a_o depravation_n as_o to_o particular_a rite_n among_o the_o gentile_n as_o that_o of_o sacrifice_n and_o use_v of_o salt_n in_o they_o spanhemius_fw-la refer_v the_o original_a of_o they_o to_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o god_n people_n add_v that_o 91._o this_o jewish_a custom_n be_v by_o a_o fond_a imitation_n in_o the_o devil_n who_o sometime_o be_v god_n ape_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o impious_a and_o idolatrous_a service_n of_o the_o pagan_n so_o as_o to_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o learned_a dean_n say_v be_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o heathen_n the_o contrary_n be_v express_o vouch_v by_o 4._o another_o worthy_a writer_n in_o such_o plain_a term_n as_o these_o have_v think_v of_o the_o whole_a matter_n viz._n the_o ark_n or_o chest_n which_o he_o have_v say_v before_o be_v use_v in_o the_o religious_a mystery_n of_o the_o pagan_n my_o opinion_n concern_v they_o be_v this_o that_o the_o devil_n as_o he_o be_v ever_o a_o ape_n and_o a_o ludicrous_a imitator_n of_o god_n work_n and_o institution_n so_o here_o particular_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o set_v up_o these_o his_o ark_n against_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v by_o god_n and_o hear_v what_o a_o late_a learned_a author_n often_o commend_v by_o the_o worthy_a dean_n himself_o say_v evang._n chest_n or_o ark_n use_v at_o the_o greek_a and_o egyptian_a feast_n especial_o in_o the_o eleusinian_n solemnity_n with_o the_o toy_n shut_v up_o in_o they_o of_o which_o clement_n of_o alexandria_n speak_v these_o be_v image_n or_o imitation_n of_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n among_o the_o jew_n all_o these_o allegation_n and_o testimony_n together_o with_o those_o before_o be_v absolute_o repugnant_a to_o the_o learned_a doctor_n be_v assertion_n which_o he_o so_o often_o repeat_v that_o many_o of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n about_o religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v take_v from_o the_o rite_n and_o usage_n among_o the_o pagan_a idolater_n but_o this_o author_n be_v so_o considerable_a and_o worthy_a a_o writer_n that_o it_o may_v be_v think_v his_o single_a authority_n be_v able_a to_o counterpoise_v if_o not_o outweigh_v the_o joint_a suffrage_n of_o the_o person_n before_o name_v wherefore_o 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the_o manner_n of_o it_o they_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n 〈◊〉_d the_o true_a god_n as_o the_o nation_n serve_v their_o false_a god_n and_o idol_n the_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v râ—ndâ—ed_v because_o every_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o hate_v be_v do_v by_o they_o to_o their_o go_n the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o they_o use_v in_o worship_v their_o god_n be_v abominable_a to_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n wherefore_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v appoint_v his_o people_n such_o religious_a rite_n and_o service_n as_o be_v abominable_a and_o hateful_a to_o he_o unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o which_o be_v abominable_a in_o the_o heathen_n be_v not_o so_o in_o god_n own_o people_n but_o this_o increase_v the_o absurdity_n rather_o than_o take_v it_o away_o no_o man_n of_o sober_a thought_n can_v talk_v after_o this_o rate_n for_o if_o god_n dislike_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o idolatrous_a worshipper_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o do_v much_o more_o so_o in_o the_o true_a one_o wherefore_o he_o institute_v such_o a_o service_n as_o be_v most_o opposite_a to_o the_o heathen_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o have_v not_o the_o least_o affinity_n with_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v add_v what_o thing_n soever_o i_o command_v you_o observe_v to_o do_v it_o as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v you_o must_v not_o follow_v the_o direction_n or_o example_n of_o those_o pagaus_fw-la in_o your_o worship_v of_o i_o you_o must_v do_v nothing_o in_o my_o service_n but_o what_o i_o express_o command_v you_o neither_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o how_o then_o can_v any_o man_n with_o reason_n assert_v that_o the_o jew_n borrow_v their_o rite_n in_o religious_a worship_n from_o the_o gentile_n a_o person_n of_o so_o bright_a a_o intellect_n as_o our_o learned_a author_n be_v can_v but_o see_v the_o force_n of_o this_o text_n and_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o ruin_v his_o hypothesis_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o take_v up_o it_o may_v be_v only_o to_o give_v proof_n of_o his_o own_o skill_n to_o the_o learned_a world_n and_o to_o try_v that_o of_o his_o opponent_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o corollary_n from_o the_o precede_a discourse_n 2._o from_o the_o premise_n we_o may_v learn_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o religion_n viz._n 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o ancient_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v plain_o see_v the_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o the_o old_a time_n that_o be_v the_o memory_n of_o it_o be_v among_o the_o most_o celebrate_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o age_n yea_o in_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o old_a poet_n in_o the_o rusty_a and_o antique_a fragment_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o see_v the_o reasonableness_n which_o be_v another_o excellency_n of_o our_o religion_n many_o of_o the_o scripture-truths_n be_v receive_v by_o the_o philosopher_n and_o sage_n among_o the_o gentile_n who_o 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renown_a act_n of_o several_a of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o first_o worthy_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o great_a establish_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o those_o pagan_n derive_v so_o many_o thing_n from_o scripture_n the_o gentile_a writer_n vouch_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n wherefore_o we_o must_v needs_o embrace_v it_o when_o it_o be_v attest_v by_o such_o disinterest_v person_n 3._o we_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o wonderful_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n behold_v the_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o those_o who_o never_o own_v its_o authority_n yea_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n ratify_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o they_o the_o heathen_a poet_n whilst_o they_o corrupt_v divine_a truth_n assert_v it_o their_o very_a lie_n and_o fiction_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o sacred_a verity_n their_o fable_n confirm_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v do_v here_o the_o great_a and_o overrule_v wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v see_v here_o his_o almighty_a power_n in_o baâ—â—ing_v satan_n contrivance_n and_o design_n may_v be_v discern_v he_o as_o be_v say_v before_o intend_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o silence_v of_o the_o truth_n the_o exalt_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o advance_v of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o the_o alwise_a and_o powerful_a moderator_n of_o the_o world_n disappoint_v his_o design_n and_o make_v this_o thing_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o serviceable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o religion_n he_o make_v it_o become_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o antiquity_n reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n 4._o henceforth_o we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o write_n of_o profane_a author_n we_o have_v this_o considerable_a advantage_n by_o read_v the_o work_v of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n and_o by_o peruse_v their_o story_n and_o fable_n that_o we_o shall_v find_v some_o great_a thing_n couch_v in_o they_o than_o the_o bare_a narrative_n for_o these_o writer_n borrow_a many_o thing_n from_o the_o holy_a book_n their_o break_a story_n be_v oftentime_o a_o imperfect_a account_n of_o scripture_n relation_n sundry_a thing_n in_o their_o write_n be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o divine_a volume_n but_o be_v strange_o wrest_v pervertrd_n and_o obscure_v by_o have_v new_a name_n and_o â—eigned_a circumstance_n affix_v to_o they_o almost_o all_o the_o gentile_a fable_n and_o theology_n flow_v from_o a_o deprave_a sense_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n the_o poet_n disguise_n true_a story_n with_o many_o fiction_n and_o some_o relic_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v bury_v under_o their_o ingenuous_a fancy_n and_o fabulous_a narration_n ovid_n transcribe_v the_o greek_a theology_n from_o orpheus_n homer_n hesiod_n and_o other_o ancient_a poet_n and_o these_o have_v it_o from_o the_o bible_n the_o very_a poetic_a fiction_n refer_v unto_o real_a story_n and_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o divine_a source_n of_o truth_n 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among_o they_o hence_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n and_o thing_n in_o be_v as_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o the_o passage_n and_o transaction_n there_o mention_v be_v real_a and_o true_a this_o admirable_o serve_v to_o evince_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o write_n this_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o record_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n i._n e._n as_o infallible_a chap._n x._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n confirm_v by_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a writer_n who_o speak_v of_o a_o king_n or_o lord_n that_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o particular_o out_o of_o judaea_n a_o enumeration_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o learned_a concern_v the_o sibylls_n with_o the_o particular_a sentiment_n of_o the_o author_n viz._n that_o the_o content_n of_o their_o verse_n be_v harrow_v from_o the_o 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or_o lord_n shall_v come_v from_o the_o â—ast_n and_o do_v great_a and_o mighty_a thing_n this_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o 〈◊〉_d belong_v to_o the_o former_a discourse_n but_o because_o it_o be_v mention_v by_o historian_n that_o be_v after_o christ_n time_n and_o the_o application_n be_v with_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v make_v to_o he_o i_o right_o bring_v it_o in_o here_o it_o be_v i_o say_v a_o constant_a report_n that_o prevail_v about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n and_o afterward_o that_o some_o eminent_a person_n or_o person_n shall_v rise_v out_o of_o those_o eastern_a nation_n and_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o world_n we_o find_v 5._o tacitus_n assert_v this_o and_o that_o great_a politician_n and_o statesman_n will_v needs_o have_v it_o fulfil_v in_o vespasian_n and_o titus_n because_o they_o be_v call_v out_o of_o judea_n unto_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n suetonius_n
agree_v with_o this_o author_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o 4._o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a and_o constant_a opinion_n among_o the_o eastern_a people_n that_o some_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o judea_n about_o that_o time_n and_o have_v the_o universal_a sway_n and_o reign_v over_o the_o world_n 12._o josephus_n the_o jewish_a historian_n relate_v the_o same_o and_o acquaint_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a rumour_n and_o vogue_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o one_o of_o their_o own_o country_n shall_v be_v a_o universal_a emperor_n which_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o forecited_n author_n apply_v to_o vespasian_n because_o he_o conquer_v the_o jew_n and_o with_o titus_n come_v from_o judea_n in_o triumph_n to_o rome_n other_o jew_n think_v this_o common_a fame_n be_v mean_v of_o herod_n assert_v he_o to_o be_v the_o person_n foretold_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o to_o be_v the_o expect_a messiah_n these_o be_v the_o herodian_o mention_v in_o mat._n 22._o 16._o thus_o though_o through_o ignorance_n they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o fix_v this_o rumour_n aright_o yet_o out_o of_o flattery_n they_o can_v apply_v it_o to_o their_o prince_n but_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o this_o fame_n of_o a_o universal_a monarch_n arise_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o frequent_o speak_v of_o a_o great_a king_n and_o ruler_n that_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o particular_o out_o of_o judea_n out_o of_o thou_o bethlehem_n shall_v he_o come_v forth_o unto_o i_o that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o ruler_n in_o israel_n mic._n 5._o 2._o which_o be_v interpret_v of_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n who_o herod_v gather_v together_o demand_v of_o they_o where_o christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v mat._n 2._o 4_o 5._o that_o prophecy_n of_o micah_n speak_v plain_o of_o a_o jew_n one_o that_o by_o birth_n â—as_v of_o judea_n yea_o of_o bethlehem_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o false_o apply_v to_o those_o roman_a emperor_n beforenamed_n 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shall_v not_o 〈◊〉_d destroy_v dan_o 7._o 14._o which_o be_v express_o apply_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o angel_n from_o heaven_n luke_n 1._o 33._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n this_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v to_o come_v to_o redeem_v and_o save_v mankind_n be_v set_v forth_o as_o a_o king_n or_o great_a lord_n and_o prince_n one_o that_o shall_v â—ear_v sway_n in_o the_o world_n and_o wield_v his_o sceptre_n over_o all_o nation_n hence_o this_o rumour_n be_v spread_v among_o the_o eastern_a people_n and_o especial_o about_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n birth_n that_o a_o great_a lord_n or_o king_n shall_v arise_v in_o those_o part_n and_o spread_v his_o dominion_n over_o the_o world_n hence_o those_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a writer_n beforeâ—_n mention_v speak_v of_o this_o great_a ruler_n and_o monarch_n who_o be_v no_o other_o than_o our_o lord_n christ_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n this_o they_o have_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o bible_n where_o it_o be_v so_o often_o foretold_v that_o a_o king_n shall_v arise_v and_o gain_v a_o universal_a empire_n over_o mankind_n to_o this_o we_o may_v refer_v that_o which_o 94._o suetonius_n report_v and_o he_o quote_v his_o author_n for_o it_o that_o a_o few_o month_n before_o augustus_n be_v bear_v there_o be_v this_o public_a prodigy_n viz._n a_o proclaim_v of_o this_o that_o parturire_fw-la nature_n be_v bring_v forth_o a_o king_n to_o the_o roman_a people_n whereupon_o the_o senate_n be_v alarm_v and_o fright_v make_v a_o strange_a decree_n that_o no_o one_o bear_v that_o year_n shall_v be_v educate_v this_o prodigy_n without_o doubt_n refer_v to_o christ_n who_o birth_n be_v in_o augustus_n reign_n this_o be_v the_o king_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v to_o all_o the_o world_n which_o be_v then_o in_o a_o manner_n subject_a to_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v call_v the_o roman_a people_n so_o the_o sibylls_n oracle_n or_o prophecy_n be_v of_o a_o middle_a nature_n and_o consideration_n and_o therefore_o be_v just_o to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o this_o place_n as_o they_o be_v borrow_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o belong_v indeed_o to_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o as_o they_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o maiâ—_n thing_n in_o the_o new-testament_n they_o be_v reducible_a to_o this_o i_o will_v consider_v they_o first_o as_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old-testament_n this_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v strange_a at_o first_o because_o the_o opinion_n of_o writer_n have_v run_v a_o other_o way_n but_o after_o i_o have_v plain_o lay_v the_o matter_n before_o you_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o offer_v will_v easy_o gain_v your_o assent_n and_o then_o it_o will_v rather_o seem_v strange_a that_o it_o be_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o embrace_v before_o there_o have_v be_v these_o four_o opinion_n among_o the_o learned_a concern_v the_o sibyl_n oracle_n or_o verse_n 1._o some_o say_v they_o be_v counterfeit_v yea_o that_o some_o christian_n but_o heretic_n have_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n in_o this_o matter_n this_o i_o will_v account_v for_o afterward_o because_o it_o will_v more_o pertinent_o be_v handle_v under_o the_o second_o consideration_n viz._n as_o they_o be_v use_v as_o a_o attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o new-testament_n indeed_o this_o opinion_n rude_o take_v away_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o question_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o the_o last_o place_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o suppose_v the_o thing_n speak_v of_o to_o be_v real_a and_o not_o counterfeit_v 2_o then_o some_o have_v assert_v that_o the_o sibylls_n be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o consequent_o that_o their_o verse_n be_v sacred_a and_o divine_a justin_n martyr_n arâ—obius_n lactantius_n and_o some_o other_o ancient_a father_n cry_v they_o up_o as_o equal_a to_o the_o holy_a prophet_n as_o 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the_o former_a opinion_n be_v ground_v on_o that_o tenent_n of_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n that_o never_o any_o vicious_a and_o unhallowed_a person_n be_v honour_v with_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n and_o that_o those_o irradiation_n and_o extraordinary_a impression_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v make_v only_o upon_o man_n of_o holy_a life_n and_o innocent_a behaviour_n beside_o these_o prophetic_a woman_n speak_v of_o one_o only_o true_a god_n and_o they_o inveigh_v against_o the_o false_a god_n and_o their_o altar_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o be_v good_a and_o religious_a people_n other_o have_v a_o contrary_a opinion_n of_o they_o and_o think_v they_o be_v irreligious_a and_o profane_a for_o that_o opinion_n of_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n before_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o always_o true_a though_o it_o be_v general_o so_o we_o read_v of_o baalam_n the_o sorcerer_n
use_n of_o this_o testimony_n especial_o that_o the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n where_o his_o design_n be_v to_o convert_v that_o jew_n to_o christianity_n omit_v it_o whole_o but_o to_o he_o that_o consider_v thing_n aright_o this_o will_v not_o seem_v strange_a for_o if_o he_o look_v into_o these_o father_n he_o will_v find_v that_o their_o grand_a enterprise_n and_o design_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o jew_n out_o of_o the_o old-testament_n which_o they_o profess_a they_o hearty_o believe_v and_o embrace_v and_o therefore_o those_o learned_a and_o pious_a writer_n fix_v here_o and_o be_v not_o solicitous_a to_o go_v any_o far_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o fly_v to_o human_a author_n when_o this_o divine_a and_o inspire_a volume_n furnish_v they_o with_o abundant_a argument_n and_o proof_n against_o judaism_n it_o will_v have_v be_v unnecessary_a and_o superfluous_a to_o allege_v the_o testimony_n of_o this_o person_n though_o never_o so_o 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that_o this_o excellent_a person_n who_o be_v of_o old_a prophesy_v of_o be_v not_o treat_v according_a to_o his_o transcendent_a merit_n but_o be_v barbarous_o put_v to_o death_n by_o his_o countryman_n and_o yet_o that_o in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n he_o be_v revive_v and_o thereby_o give_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n all_o this_o though_o it_o be_v a_o most_o remarkable_a attestation_n of_o our_o saviour_n yet_o may_v have_v be_v say_v as_o real_o it_o be_v by_o a_o jewish_a sacrificer_n by_o a_o strict_a pharisee_fw-mi by_o a_o tenacious_a asserter_n of_o the_o mosaic_a riligion_n the_o whole_a testimony_n be_v but_o the_o result_n of_o a_o unprejudiced_a and_o honest_a mind_n such_o as_o this_o historian_n be_v master_n of_o and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a what_o this_o criticizer_n mention_n and_o attempt_n to_o prove_v out_o of_o origen_n that_o josephus_n have_v before_o this_o writ_n against_o christ_n the_o testimony_n thereby_o become_v 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tell_v we_o that_o 11._o eusebius_n clap_v in_o this_o passage_n mere_o out_o of_o design_n namely_o to_o gratify_v a_o party_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o cause_n and_o that_o we_o may_v give_v credit_n to_o this_o he_o fall_v very_o severe_o on_o this_o worthy_a man_n and_o both_o ignorant_o and_o malicious_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o this_o be_v the_o course_n that_o our_o angry_a critic_n take_v but_o no_o sober_a and_o judicious_a person_n can_v allow_v of_o it_o for_o it_o may_v be_v plain_o discern_v that_o this_o writer_n be_v resolve_v upon_o it_o to_o run_v down_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o jewish_a historian_n by_o any_o kind_n of_o artifice_n whatsoever_o but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o method_n he_o take_v they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n what_o he_o offer_v for_o proof_n be_v groundless_a precarious_a and_o inconsistent_a after_o all_o that_o he_o have_v say_v this_o jewish_a testimony_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o its_o 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sacrifice_n this_o plain_o show_v they_o be_v no_o jew_n as_o to_o their_o religion_n although_o philo_n and_o josephus_n be_v willing_a to_o represent_v they_o as_o such_o in_o honour_n of_o their_o nation_n they_o be_v so_o much_o admire_v for_o the_o piety_n and_o integrity_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o character_n be_v a_o plain_a description_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n as_o have_v for_o a_o time_n all_o thing_n common_a as_o be_v exemplary_a for_o their_o brotherly_a love_n as_o person_n of_o singular_a moderation_n and_o self-denial_n as_o those_o who_o be_v bid_v not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o as_o those_o who_o undergo_v the_o severe_a persecution_n with_o a_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o fortitude_n and_o resist_v even_o unto_o blood_n and_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n now_o the_o jewish_a writer_n for_o politic_a end_n will_v not_o give_v 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no_o other_o than_o the_o christian_n in_o that_o army_n who_o because_o they_o bring_v to_o pass_v such_o a_o wonderful_a and_o astonish_a thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v enchanter_n and_o magician_n these_o religious_a pious_a christian_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o expedition_n against_o the_o german_n and_o sarmatian_n and_o when_o the_o army_n be_v ready_a to_o perish_v with_o thirst_n obtain_v and_o fetch_v down_o by_o their_o effectual_a prayer_n great_a shower_n of_o rain_n for_o themselves_o and_o destructive_a thunder_n and_o lightning_n on_o their_o enemy_n camp_n and_o thereby_o procure_v a_o victory_n over_o they_o whence_o the_o emperor_n get_v the_o name_n of_o germanicus_n and_o sarmaâ—icus_n this_o be_v allege_v and_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n by_o apollinaris_n in_o his_o apology_n to_o the_o emperor_n as_o 26._o eusebius_n restiâ—ies_v and_o this_o be_v mention_v by_o tertullian_n as_o a_o thing_n every_o where_o know_v in_o his_o apology_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o he_o tell_v they_o there_o that_o the_o emperor_n be_v own_o letter_n to_o they_o not_o long_o before_o send_v to_o they_o out_o of_o germany_n acknowledge_v the_o same_o viz_o that_o god_n wrought_v a_o miracle_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v in_o his_o army_n and_o he_o owe_v the_o victory_n whole_o to_o their_o pious_a address_n to_o heaven_n this_o father_n will_v never_o have_v say_v this_o to_o the_o roman_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o possibility_n of_o confute_v it_o yea_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o thing_n certain_o know_v by_o they_o this_o story_n of_o the_o thunder_a legion_n you_o have_v also_o at_o large_a in_o câ—ronico_n eusebius_n who_o assure_v we_o that_o this_o name_n be_v give_v they_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o by_o their_o ardent_a prayer_n they_o procure_v thunder_n to_o fright_v and_o disperse_v their_o enemy_n and_o rain_v to_o refresh_v themselves_o and_o if_o what_o some_o have_v 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victory_n gain_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o christian_n will_v sound_v ill_a this_o will_v have_v be_v too_o signal_n a_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o prevalency_n of_o christianity_n therefore_o it_o be_v suppress_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n you_o may_v reckon_v christ_n mriacle_n be_v omit_v in_o pagan_a historian_n if_o you_o suppose_v they_o come_v to_o their_o ear_n it_o be_v their_o cunning_n to_o write_v nothing_o of_o these_o for_o hereby_o they_o will_v at_o the_o same_o time_n commend_v christianity_n and_o disparage_v their_o own_o way_n beside_o some_o of_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o own_o the_o miraculous_a act_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o follower_n for_o they_o see_v that_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v persecute_v and_o put_v to_o death_n so_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o relate_v the_o wonder_n they_o do_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v suspect_v to_o favour_n christianity_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n become_v liable_a to_o capital_a punishment_n or_o if_o they_o fear_v not_o this_o yet_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o displease_v the_o great_a one_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o they_o know_v any_o thing_n will_v be_v ungrateful_a and_o unacceptable_a to_o their_o master_n they_o pass_v it_o by_o thus_o when_o it_o be_v give_v out_o by_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n in_o the_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v that_o nature_n do_v then_o bring_v forth_o a_o king_n to_o the_o world_n the_o roman_a senate_n thereupon_o order_v that_o no_o child_n bear_v that_o year_n shall_v be_v bring_v up_o as_o appear_v in_o 49._o suetonius_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v check_n to_o the_o roman_a historian_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v as_o the_o sibyl_n learned_a vossius_fw-la observe_v that_o the_o kill_n of_o the_o child_n of_o bethlehem_n by_o herod_n command_n be_v not_o mention_v by_o any_o but_o the_o evangelist_n he_o may_v have_v say_v unless_o by_o
macrobius_n that_o act_n of_o his_o be_v somewhat_o akin_a to_o the_o edict_n of_o the_o roman_a senate_n 4._o i_o adjoin_v this_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v general_o look_v upon_o by_o profane_a writer_n as_o very_o contemptible_a so_o that_o some_o of_o these_o scorn_v to_o record_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n miracle_n and_o other_o thing_n appertain_v to_o christianity_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v they_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o record_v such_o mean_a sorry_a thing_n and_o which_o indeed_o some_o of_o they_o take_v for_o fable_n and_o mere_a falsity_n on_o this_o account_n likewise_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o roman_a history_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n particularize_v the_o christian_a affair_n unless_o when_o war_n and_o tumult_n suppose_v by_o they_o to_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o christian_n invite_v those_o writer_n to_o it_o then_o the_o roman_a glory_n be_v concern_v to_o let_v the_o conquest_n be_v tell_v and_o to_o have_v a_o account_v give_v of_o the_o particular_n but_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o christianity_n be_v deem_v low_a and_o mean_a and_o be_v pass_v over_o in_o filence_n as_o not_o of_o any_o concern_v and_o moment_n the_o pagan_a historian_n do_v purposely_o omit_v the_o act_n of_o the_o christian_n because_o they_o think_v they_o not_o worth_a the_o recite_v 5._o to_o speak_v more_o plain_o prejudice_n hatred_n and_o malice_n may_v be_v assign_v also_o as_o the_o cause_n why_o some_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v not_o mention_v by_o pagan_a or_o jewish_a writer_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o valerius_n maximus_n who_o have_v make_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o memorable_a act_n and_o say_n of_o other_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o rome_n and_o dedicate_v they_o to_o tiberius_n yet_o have_v not_o a_o word_n of_o jewish_a act_n much_o less_o have_v insert_v any_o christian_a one_o his_o averseness_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v solve_v this_o very_a well_o unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o christianity_n be_v but_o just_a rise_v at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o write_v and_o the_o material_n of_o history_n concern_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o bring_v to_o he_o but_o this_o can_v be_v say_v of_o tacitus_n who_o live_v in_o the_o next_o age_n and_o who_o be_v a_o great_a hater_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o be_v very_o 15._o severe_a upon_o they_o in_o his_o write_n on_o which_o account_n he_o can_v be_v think_v to_o have_v relate_v thing_n impartial_o concern_v they_o suetonius_n be_v 16._o bitter_a against_o they_o and_o who_o then_o can_v look_v for_o any_o â—air_a account_n from_o he_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o lucian_n and_o pliny_n who_o though_o they_o deliver_v some_o truth_n and_o not_o inconsiderable_a one_o concern_v the_o christian_n yet_o their_o averseness_n to_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n which_o by_o the_o latter_a of_o they_o be_v call_v 10._o pervicacia_fw-la &_o inflexibilis_fw-la obstinatio_fw-la will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o speak_v what_o they_o know_v of_o they_o plutarch_n of_o all_o that_o live_v and_o write_v about_o that_o time_n be_v the_o civil_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o no_o where_o jeer_n or_o slander_v it_o or_o make_v any_o reflection_n upon_o it_o which_o make_v theodâ—â—â—t_n think_v he_o be_v almost_o a_o christian_n and_o have_v a_o favour_n for_o their_o religion_n but_o the_o rest_n some_o of_o who_o i_o have_v name_v before_o hate_v the_o christian_n yea_o their_o very_a name_n be_v odious_a to_o they_o hence_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o christian_n or_o christianity_n they_o mingle_v calumny_n and_o lie_n with_o what_o they_o say_v christian_n with_o they_o pass_v for_o fond_a and_o superstitious_a people_n nay_o for_o flagitious_a and_o profligate_v nay_o sometime_o for_o diabolical_a impostor_n and_o wizard_n and_o the_o most_o execrable_a sort_n of_o person_n under_o heaven_n i_o may_v here_o mention_v zosimus_n a_o fierce_a pagan_a and_o therefore_o show_v it_o in_o his_o history_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_n be_v a_o great_a hater_n of_o these_o person_n he_o do_v upon_o all_o occasion_n speak_v ill_a of_o they_o and_o particular_o of_o constantine_n the_o great_a because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o emperor_n that_o throw_v off_o heatheanism_n and_o embrace_v christianity_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o murder_v his_o empress_n his_o son_n and_o other_o near_a relation_n and_o that_o he_o be_v smite_v with_o leprosy_n for_o these_o unnatural_a and_o horrid_a crime_n in_o brief_a he_o relate_v the_o particular_n of_o this_o great_a man_n life_n contrary_a to_o all_o ancient_a historian_n that_o have_v write_v concern_v he_o the_o ground_n of_o which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o he_o have_v entertain_v a_o particular_a grudge_n and_o prejudice_n against_o the_o emperor_n and_o bear_v a_o hatred_n to_o christianity_n itself_o so_o that_o whatever_o he_o write_v concern_v they_o â—avored_a of_o ill_a will_n and_o malice_n it_o be_v not_o then_o to_o be_v marvel_v at_o that_o such_o man_n misrepresent_v many_o passage_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n and_o faâ—siâ—ie_v all_o report_n concern_v they_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n speak_v well_o of_o a_o people_n that_o they_o hate_v a_o religion_n that_o they_o so_o abhor_v can_v have_v no_o person_n good_a of_o it_o they_o think_v you_o must_v not_o expect_v they_o will_v relate_v truth_n which_o they_o have_v a_o dislike_n of_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o pagan_n be_v defective_a in_o their_o historical_a narration_n why_o many_o thing_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o evangelist_n be_v not_o mention_v by_o they_o or_o be_v vile_o misrepresent_v this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o few_o of_o christ_n action_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o christian_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o why_o thosâ—_n that_o be_v be_v so_o miserable_o pervert_v prejudice_n and_o envy_n spleen_n and_o malice_n be_v the_o source_n of_o this_o miscarriage_n 6._o i_o add_v this_o that_o many_o piece_n of_o history_n be_v lose_v as_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o complain_v of_o by_o the_o learned_a whence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o occurrence_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o pagan_n we_o have_v but_o a_o few_o of_o these_o leave_v we_o in_o comparison_n of_o their_o number_n at_o first_o and_o those_o that_o we_o have_v be_v but_o relic_n of_o those_o history_n before_o write_v particular_o the_o stupendous_a act_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o monument_n of_o the_o brave_a and_o noble_a thing_n do_v in_o that_o age_n wherein_o he_o be_v bear_v be_v now_o miss_v all_o dio_n history_n from_o the_o consulship_n of_o antistius_n and_o balbus_n unto_o the_o consulship_n of_o messala_n and_o cinna_n that_o be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o ten_o year_n five_o year_n before_o christ_n birth_n and_o five_o after_o it_o be_v quite_o lose_v and_o so_o be_v livy_n history_n of_o that_o time_n in_o vain_a therefore_o do_v any_o man_n think_v to_o find_v the_o remarkable_a passage_n refer_v to_o christ_n birth_n in_o these_o writer_n much_o more_o vain_a be_v it_o to_o look_v for_o these_o thing_n in_o those_o writer_n who_o history_n be_v altogether_o miss_v at_o this_o day_n thus_o to_o instance_n only_o in_o the_o universal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o make_v the_o great_a noise_n with_o the_o objector_n that_o without_o doubt_n be_v set_v down_o by_o some_o roman_a historian_n but_o their_o write_n either_o by_o negligence_n or_o by_o fire_n or_o by_o the_o invasion_n of_o the_o barbarous_a nation_n into_o italy_n or_o by_o age_n and_o length_n of_o time_n be_v lose_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o some_o do_v make_v mention_n of_o it_o otherwise_o whence_o have_v 〈◊〉_d suidas_n all_o that_o which_o he_o relate_v of_o the_o twenty_o person_n that_o be_v send_v to_o make_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n perhaps_o will_v in_o his_o providence_n approve_v the_o loss_n of_o these_o that_o holy_a history_n may_v be_v partly_o embrace_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o owe_v its_o authority_n whole_o to_o human_a testimony_n but_o such_o as_o be_v remain_v i_o have_v produce_v and_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o sober_a any_o confiderate_a person_n last_o i_o remark_n this_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o that_o there_o be_v two_o of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a roman_a historian_n from_o who_o we_o can_v expect_v nothing_o that_o have_v relation_n to_o christ_n birth_n or_o any_o great_a occurrence_n that_o happen_v about_o that_o time_n for_o livy_n write_v but_o to_o augustus_n beginning_n which_o be_v before_o christ_n and_o for_o that_o
appear_v bare-faced_n and_o to_o salute_v the_o public_a beside_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o give_v the_o world_n some_o account_n of_o the_o spend_n of_o my_o time_n and_o to_o let_v it_o be_v see_v that_o i_o have_v not_o whole_o throw_v away_o my_o hour_n moreover_o i_o have_v a_o great_a and_o passionate_a desire_n to_o serve_v the_o church_n to_o vindicate_v our_o holy_a religion_n to_o advance_v the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o transcendent_a worth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o all_o excellent_a notion_n and_o regular_a manner_n and_o to_o promote_v and_o set_v forward_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n i_o be_o sensible_a what_o multitude_n of_o writer_n there_o be_v already_o how_o many_o print_a discourse_n be_v publish_v that_o may_v well_o be_v spare_v to_o say_v no_o worse_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o tully_n office_n wâ—â—_n the_o first_o book_n thâ—t_o be_v print_v in_o europe_n which_o be_v a_o good_a specimen_fw-la of_o that_o new-invented_n art_n it_o have_v be_v a_o happy_a thing_n if_o the_o press_n have_v proceed_v as_o well_o as_o it_o begin_v if_o book_n of_o use_n and_o worth_n only_o have_v be_v hand_v into_o the_o world_n by_o it_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v that_o there_o be_v another_o use_v too_o often_o make_v of_o this_o invention_n whilst_o too_o many_o man_n that_o be_v master_n of_o no_o other_o conception_n than_o those_o that_o be_v flat_a and_o useless_a or_o else_o erroneous_a and_o pernicious_a take_v the_o pain_n to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v as_o much_o in_o print_n other_o scribble_v to_o satisfy_v a_o certain_a itch_n of_o write_v that_o they_o have_v get_v and_o the_o press_n seldom_o cure_v the_o distemper_n but_o rather_o increase_v it_o other_o mercenary_a soul_n make_v their_o pen_n wag_v for_o bread_n and_o they_o may_v general_o be_v know_v by_o this_o property_n that_o the_o front_n belie_v the_o fabric_n the_o title_n do_v not_o tell_v what_o be_v in_o the_o book_n but_o only_o set_v it_o to_o sale_n so_o that_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a pretence_n and_o show_n and_o stand_v as_o r._n b_n sham-name_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v of_o late_a in_o the_o title-page_n but_o none_o of_o these_o miscarriage_n have_v discourage_v i_o from_o appear_v in_o public_a and_o pursue_v those_o good_a end_n i_o before_o mention_v which_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o legitimate_a the_o press_n and_o to_o licence_n the_o author_n undertake_n and_o if_o the_o question_n be_v why_o more_o book_n still_o the_o answer_n be_v make_v by_o another_o question_n why_o more_o man_n still_o as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n increase_v write_v will_v do_v so_o too_o for_o all_o man_n be_v not_o alike_o their_o notion_n and_o conception_n be_v not_o the_o same_o wherefore_o for_o these_o different_a reader_n there_o must_v be_v different_a book_n st._n augustin_n argue_v of_o old_a be_v useful_a and_o seasonable_a at_o this_o day_n 3._o it_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o world_n say_v that_o learned_a father_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v many_o book_n compose_v by_o many_o man_n in_o a_o different_a style_n though_o not_o a_o different_a faith_n about_o the_o same_o question_n and_o subject_n that_o so_o hereby_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o truth_n inquire_v into_o may_v the_o better_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o reader_n to_o some_o of_o they_o in_o one_o manner_n to_o other_o in_o another_o for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o person_n be_v not_o convince_v and_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n wherefore_o there_o be_v liberty_n to_o use_v all_o kind_n of_o topic_n thus_o the_o excellent_a grotius_n acquaint_v we_o that_o he_o pick_v out_o the_o best_a and_o most_o convictive_a argument_n as_o he_o think_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o the_o christian_n and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o as_o signature_n fire_v ordeal_o etc._n etc._n be_v neglect_v by_o other_o learned_a man_n for_o evidence_n work_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o man_n genius_n and_o disposition_n hence_o the_o judicious_a doctor_n jackson_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n before_o his_o first_o volume_n confess_v that_o the_o ground_n anâ—_n motive_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o and_o which_o most_o of_o all_o prevait_v with_o he_o may_v have_v little_a or_o no_o operation_n upon_o other_o whereupon_o be_v found_v the_o vsefulness_n yea_o necessity_n of_o propound_v divers_a sort_n of_o argument_n that_o if_o sâ—me_v of_o they_o prove_v not_o forcible_a and_o persuasive_a other_o may_v so_o be_v it_o in_o illustrate_v and_o comment_v upon_o the_o holy_a text_n the_o diversity_n of_o interpretation_n be_v requisite_a and_o useful_a and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v be_v penetrate_v into_o without_o these_o different_a way_n of_o enquiry_n the_o wise_a man_n be_v a_o physician_n of_o the_o law_n say_v the_o jewish_a doctor_n i._n e._n whereas_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unskilful_a corrupt_v the_o text_n and_o deprave_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o he_o come_v and_o heal_v it_o by_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o genuine_a and_o proper_a meaning_n but_o in_o effect_v this_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v tie_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o method_n and_o art_n of_o cure_n which_o other_o have_v use_v before_o he_o some_o superstitious_o confine_v themselves_o to_o one_o man_n critical_a determination_n on_o the_o place_n as_o bishop_n montague_n say_v of_o mr._n selden_n they_o take_v a_o grammarian_n for_o a_o god_n they_o do_v so_o in_o the_o worst_a sense_n they_o deify_v criticism_n they_o idolize_v a_o expositor_n and_o fall_v down_o to_o his_o particular_a interpretation_n but_o we_o must_v be_v more_o catholic_n and_o generous_n if_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sacred_a text_n and_o if_o we_o will_v be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o divine_a truth_n contain_v in_o it_o this_o justify_v the_o variety_n of_o comment_n and_o critical_a researche_n into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o this_o furnish_v i_o with_o a_o apology_n for_o thrust_v myself_o in_o among_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o age._n and_o be_v now_o of_o that_o number_n i_o have_v this_o 〈◊〉_d say_v far_o to_o the_o reader_n that_o though_o i_o be_o sensible_a of_o my_o own_o defect_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o mistake_v that_o may_v occur_v in_o this_o work_n it_o reach_v to_o so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o text_n and_o diversity_n of_o matter_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v find_v he_o as_o sensible_a of_o the_o arduousness_n of_o the_o undertake_n and_o the_o liableness_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o to_o fall_v short_a in_o so_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a a_o subject_n in_o fine_a in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o my_o endeavour_n which_o i_o shall_v expose_v to_o the_o public_a view_n i_o covet_v only_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o candid_a and_o wise_a and_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o my_o business_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o merit_v but_o to_o purchase_v it_o errata_fw-la page_n 41._o line_n 31._o read_v there_o p._n 54._o l._n 4._o r._n purpose_v p._n 61._o l._n 4._o r._n air_n instead_o of_o fire_n p._n 67._o l._n 3._o after_o counsel_n insert_v so_o theocritus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 69._o l._n 2._o r._n a_o other_o p._n 94._o l._n 12._o after_o as_o in_o insert_v exod._n 20._o 18._o the_o people_n see_v the_o noise_n of_o the_o trumpet_n p._n 145._o l._n 15._o r._n bony_a p._n 155._o l._n 2._o r._n nephritick_n p._n 178._o l._n 15._o deal_n by_o p._n 269._o l._n 32._o r._n have_v no._n p._n 278._o l._n 11._o r._n to_o be_v p._n 280._o l._n 17._o after_o belly_n insert_v as_o it_o iâ—_n general_o think_v p._n 300._o l._n 1._o after_o ordinary_a insert_v or_o profane_v p._n 333._o l._n 8._o after_o more_o insert_v according_a to_o the_o different_a read_n of_o they_o p._n 385._o l._n 1._o r._n it_o as_o p._n 402._o l._n 11._o r._n this_o the_o hâ—brâ—w_n require_v correction_n which_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o learned_a a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v expound_v and_o resolve_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n according_a to_o the_o author_n be_v particular_a judgement_n genesis_n chap._n 15._o ver_fw-la 7._o i_o be_o the_o lord_n that_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o ur_fw-la of_o the_o chaldee_n page_n 371._o number_n ch._n 12._o v._n 1._o he_o have_v marry_v a_o ethiopian_a woman_n p._n 375._o ch._n 23._o v._n 21._o he_o have_v not_o behold_v iniquity_n in_o jacob_n neither_o have_v he_o see_v perverseness_n in_o israel_n p._n 96._o ch._n 25._o v._n 9_o those_o that_o die_v in_o the_o plague_n be_v twenty_o and_o
kingdom_n though_o from_o very_o small_a beginning_n compare_v they_o to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n and_o by_o a_o lessen_v hyperbole_n call_v this_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n though_o in_o exact_a speak_v it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o if_o this_o way_n of_o interpret_n christ_n word_n which_o i_o now_o offer_v be_v not_o approve_v of_o than_o you_o may_v expound_v they_o thus_o that_o this_o seed_n be_v oâ—e_v of_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n or_o you_o may_v understand_v they_o speak_v respective_o that_o be_v it_o be_v the_o least_o of_o all_o such_o seed_n as_o extend_v to_o large_a production_n no_o seed_n so_o little_o send_v forth_o branch_n so_o wide_o or_o bring_v forth_o its_o fruit_n after_o that_o plentiful_a manner_n thus_o you_o may_v understand_v the_o word_n but_o in_o my_o judgement_n the_o resolve_v they_o into_o a_o hyperbole_n be_v the_o best_a way_n though_o it_o be_v not_o make_v use_v â—f_n by_o expositor_n and_o how_o indeed_o can_v it_o when_o they_o take_v the_o seed_n of_o mustard_n to_o be_v absolute_o the_o least_o of_o all_o grain_n whatsoever_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o luke_n 19_o 44._o they_o shall_v not_o leave_v in_o thou_o one_o stone_n upon_o another_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o last_o and_o final_a devastation_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v a_o hyperbolical_a expression_n and_o consequent_o not_o true_a in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n for_o can_v we_o think_v say_v some_o that_o the_o roman_a army_n have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o pick_v out_o all_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o foundation_n and_o throw_v they_o away_o those_o who_o talk_v thus_o do_v not_o remember_v what_o be_v do_v at_o several_a time_n towards_o the_o complete_a and_o total_a destruction_n of_o that_o place_n this_o passage_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n seem_v to_o refer_v particular_o and_o signal_o to_o the_o dig_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o the_o very_o plough_v up_o the_o ground_n by_o titus_n command_n which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o do_v not_o deny_v and_o also_o to_o that_o prodigious_a earthquake_n in_o iulian_n time_n whereby_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o foundation_n be_v whole_o break_v up_o and_o scatter_v abroad_o here_o be_v a_o exact_a fulfil_n of_o christ_n prediction_n without_o any_o hyperbole_n as_o for_o that_o close_a of_o st._n john_n gospel_n even_o the_o woâ—ld_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v chap._n 21_o 25._o 3._o eusâ—bius_n and_o st._n aâ—gustin_n of_o old_a and_o tremellius_n other_o more_o late_o understand_v it_o thus_o the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v that_o be_v conceive_v comprehend_v and_o digest_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v concern_v our_o saviour_n deed_n their_o understanding_n be_v weak_a and_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v oppress_v with_o so_o many_o book_n on_o that_o subject_a so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n here_o use_v be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o matth._n 19_o 11._o all_o man_n can_v receive_v or_o contain_v this_o say_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v by_o philo_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o how_o unsearchable_a it_o be_v sai_z that_o 1._o neither_o heaven_n nor_o earth_n be_v able_a to_o contain_v i._n e._n to_o comprehend_v it_o but_o a_o sacr._n modern_a critic_n think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o signify_v to_o entertain_v and_o approve_v of_o and_o according_o his_o gloss_n on_o the_o word_n be_v this_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v scorn_v reject_v and_o slight_v all_o the_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v of_o christ_n it_o have_v despise_v these_o that_o be_v already_o write_v the_o world_n have_v other_o employment_n it_o will_v not_o read_v and_o peruse_v such_o write_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o verb_n in_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d receive_v entertain_v approve_v of_o we_o and_o 8._o dionys._n halicarn_n use_v the_o word_n thus_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o city_n admit_v not_o of_o i._n e._n scorn_n good_a men._n but_o though_o this_o and_o the_o other_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n sometime_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a and_o unusual_a beside_o that_o it_o be_v improper_a and_o metaphorical_a and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o choose_v and_o embrace_v that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v common_a and_o usual_a as_o also_o genuine_a and_o proper_a and_o then_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o world_n as_o capacious_a and_o wide_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o able_a to_o hold_v oâ—_n contain_v all_o the_o book_n that_o may_v have_v be_v write_v concern_v christ_n and_o his_o work_n but_o this_o can_v be_v the_o sâ—nsâ—_n here_o you_o will_v say_v because_o than_o our_o saviour_n word_n will_v not_o be_v true_a for_o the_o world_n be_v able_a be_v wide_a enough_o to_o contain_v to_o hold_v those_o book_n and_o many_o more_o beside_o i_o answer_v i_o grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o strict_a way_n of_o speak_v but_o the_o evangelist_n st._n john_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o conclude_v his_o book_n with_o some_o great_a word_n concern_v his_o dear_a master_n and_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o express_v himself_o thus_o in_o a_o high_a and_o hyperbolical_a manner_n the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v of_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o i_o and_o otherâ—_n have_v record_v the_o say_n and_o do_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n yet_o this_o be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o what_o may_v be_v say_v on_o this_o vast_a subject_n theâ—e_n be_v unspeakable_o much_o more_o reâ—naining_v than_o have_v be_v tell_v you_o what_o he_o say_v and_o do_v be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o admirable_a that_o innumerable_a volume_n may_v be_v fill_v with_o enlarge_n on_o that_o copious_a matter_n i_o may_v say_v to_o you_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o wide_a and_o ample_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o able_a to_o contain_v those_o immense_a treatise_n those_o infinite_a discourse_n which_o may_v be_v write_v in_o relate_v all_o the_o passage_n that_o concern_v our_o bless_a lord_n and_o in_o commendation_n of_o they_o obseruâ—_v it_o the_o evangelist_n say_v the_o world_n itself_o i._n e._n this_o material_a local_a world_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n as_o those_o of_o the_o former_a opinion_n fancy_v beside_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o speak_v not_o absolute_o here_o but_o in_o a_o qualify_a manner_n i_o suppose_v i_o think_v i_o conceive_v the_o world_n itself_o can_v contain_v etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o word_n can_v be_v mean_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n for_o what_o sense_n can_v you_o make_v of_o this_o i_o suppose_v i_o think_v that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v comprehend_v the_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v or_o i_o suppose_v all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v entertain_v and_o approve_v of_o they_o whether_o he_o suppose_v it_o or_o not_o it_o will_v be_v so_o and_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v suppose_v but_o real_o believe_v and_o direct_o assert_v if_o it_o be_v true_a but_o if_o you_o admit_v of_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v propound_v than_o his_o suppose_n may_v be_v very_o pertinent_a and_o consistent_a here_o for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o supposition_n not_o a_o exact_a and_o strict_a truth_n which_o he_o here_o utter_v it_o be_v a_o lofty_a strain_n or_o hyperbole_n which_o he_o shut_v up_o his_o gospel_n with_o i_o think_v in_o a_o manner_n â—aith_o he_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n itself_o can_v contain_v the_o book_n that_o may_v be_v compose_v and_o write_v on_o this_o glorious_a theme_n which_o be_v so_o various_a so_o voluminous_a thus_o you_o see_v the_o word_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o this_o way_n for_o the_o other_o be_v not_o reconcilable_a to_o good_a sense_n and_o indeed_o this_o manner_n of_o style_n be_v but_o parallel_n with_o other_o passage_n in_o scripture_n as_o gen._n 13._o 6._o the_o land_n be_v not_o able_a â—o_o bear_v they_o viz._n lot_n and_o abraham_n and_o their_o flock_n which_o express_v how_o exceed_v numerous_a they_o be_v so_o some_o understand_v luke_n 2._o 1._o there_o go_v out_o a_o decree_n that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v tax_v which_o set_v forth_o the_o largeness_n and_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o emperor_n dominion_n not_o that_o all_o the_o world_n strict_o speak_v be_v to_o be_v tax_v for_o it_o be_v not_o all_o in_o his_o power_n it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o
suffice_v to_o have_v mention_v the_o forego_v one_o the_o explain_v of_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v figurative_a and_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v gather_v that_o these_o divine_a write_n come_v not_o short_a of_o the_o most_o applaud_v piece_n of_o the_o greek_a or_o latin_a orator_n for_o here_o be_v those_o very_a scheme_n and_o mode_n of_o speech_n which_o embellish_v those_o author_n work_n here_o be_v all_o the_o grace_n and_o elegancy_n which_o enrich_v and_o adorn_v they_o therefore_o in_o that_o place_n beforementioned_a where_o origen_n say_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o write_v polite_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o that_o be_v not_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o those_o write_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v pursue_v general_o there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o high_a design_n yet_o in_o many_o place_n there_o be_v very_o excellent_a strain_n of_o oratory_n there_o be_v very_o artificial_a period_n and_o sentence_n there_o be_v word_n phrase_n and_o expression_n in_o a_o very_a rhetorical_a dress_n but_o where_o you_o find_v other_o that_o be_v as_o you_o think_v inartificial_a uncouth_a and_o no_o way_n graceful_a you_o must_v remember_v this_o to_o take_v off_o your_o prejudice_n against_o the_o sâ—ripture-stile_n that_o the_o eastern_a eloquence_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o we_o in_o the_o west_n the_o mode_n and_o guise_n of_o their_o oratory_n be_v unlike_a that_o of_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n and_o of_o we_o at_o this_o day_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v fit_v to_o it_o it_o be_v certain_a though_o we_o perceive_v it_o not_o that_o their_o style_n be_v graceful_a and_o fashionable_a which_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o consider_v the_o person_n that_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n namely_o moses_n david_n solomon_n isaiah_n daniel_n man_n of_o great_a improvement_n and_o accomplishment_n and_o master_n of_o the_o language_n they_o speak_v neither_o be_v the_o scripture_n in_o some_o part_n of_o they_o defective_a in_o the_o western_a oratory_n they_o abound_v with_o the_o choice_a scheme_n of_o speech_n with_o the_o great_a ornament_n of_o language_n with_o the_o chief_a elegancy_n which_o greece_n or_o rome_n be_v famous_a for_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o there_o be_v those_o who_o have_v vilify_v the_o style_n of_o scripture_n some_o pretender_n to_o criticism_n but_o of_o debauch_a mind_n and_o loose_a life_n have_v endeavour_v to_o render_v it_o very_o mean_a and_o despicable_a you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o florâ—nâ—â—_n who_o prefer_v a_o ode_n of_o pindar_n before_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n though_o he_o can_v not_o deny_v as_o caspar_n peucer_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v excellent_a sentence_n history_n example_n and_o figure_n of_o speech_n in_o this_o divine_a poem_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o sottishness_n of_o politian_n for_o that_o be_v his_o name_n that_o he_o profess_v he_o never_o spend_v his_o time_n worse_o than_o in_o read_v this_o and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o at_o last_o he_o desist_v from_o read_v any_o further_a because_o of_o the_o barbarity_n of_o the_o style_n but_o observe_v what_o character_n 2._o ludovicus_n vives_n a_o man_n of_o his_o own_o religion_n give_v he_o he_o represent_v he_o as_o a_o person_n who_o though_o he_o have_v more_o polite_a learning_n than_o be_v frequent_a in_o those_o day_n make_v but_o ill_a use_n of_o it_o and_o employ_v it_o whole_o in_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o criticism_n and_o play_v with_o word_n it_o be_v this_o busy_a but_o idle_a critic_n that_o speak_v so_o contemptible_o of_o the_o bible_n where_o because_o he_o meet_v with_o some_o thing_n unsuitable_a to_o his_o grammatical_a and_o critical_a genius_n he_o censure_v and_o condemn_v all_o of_o the_o same_o profane_a disposition_n be_v domitius_n calderinus_n who_o advise_v his_o friend_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v youthful_a not_o to_o read_v the_o bible_n for_o it_o will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o they_o but_o what_o it_o be_v that_o these_o two_o person_n be_v employ_v about_o which_o whole_o estrange_v their_o mind_n from_o that_o sacred_a book_n may_v be_v guess_v from_o the_o veneris_fw-la shameful_a epigram_n which_o the_o former_a compose_v and_o the_o priapaea_n obscene_a comment_n which_o the_o latter_a make_v both_o which_o they_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n such_o man_n disrelished_a the_o sacred_a truth_n contain_v in_o the_o inspire_a write_n and_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o language_n and_o style_n of_o they_o this_o proceed_v from_o their_o aversion_n to_o that_o purity_n and_o holiness_n which_o those_o holy_a writer_n urge_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n and_o which_o these_o two_o vile_a italian_n know_v be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o both_o love_v and_o act_v who_o will_v not_o think_v the_o better_a of_o this_o holy_a book_n because_o it_o be_v despise_v and_o vilify_v by_o these_o man_n who_o will_v not_o high_o esteem_v those_o write_n which_o by_o such_o dissolute_a wretch_n as_o these_o be_v scorn_v and_o trample_v under_o foot_n if_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o christianity_n be_v good_a because_o nero_n persecute_v it_o than_o we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n infer_v that_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o excellent_a book_n because_o this_o pair_n of_o lewd_a varlet_n disparage_v it_o this_o certain_o be_v found_v in_o the_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n of_o their_o life_n they_o can_v not_o think_v or_o speak_v well_o of_o those_o write_n which_o contradict_v their_o belove_a lust_n and_o vice_n it_o be_v thus_o with_o jerom_n and_o augustin_n whilst_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o unreclaim_v person_n the_o scripture-language_n seem_v very_o harsh_a and_o unpleasant_a to_o they_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o discern_v any_o elegancy_n in_o it_o the_o former_a of_o these_o tell_v his_o eustochium_fw-la that_o he_o use_v when_o he_o awake_v in_o the_o night_n and_o can_v not_o sleep_v to_o read_v plautus_n and_o if_o after_o that_o he_o read_v the_o prophet_n as_o sometime_o he_o do_v their_o speech_n seem_v to_o be_v eusâ—och_n horrible_o rough_a and_o unpolished_a devoid_a of_o all_o fineness_n and_o eloquence_n and_o the_o 5._o latter_a of_o these_o person_n free_o confess_v that_o before_o his_o conversion_n the_o style_n of_o scripture_n be_v deem_v by_o he_o very_o rude_a and_o unstudy_v and_o as_o have_v nothing_o neat_a and_o delicate_a in_o it_o this_o be_v the_o apprehension_n which_o those_o man_n have_v of_o it_o who_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n and_o they_o be_v not_o so_o not_o because_o they_o have_v not_o understanding_n enough_o but_o because_o they_o have_v a_o inward_a abhorrence_n of_o the_o sacred_a verity_n which_o they_o find_v in_o that_o book_n this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n 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gen._n chrysostom_n when_o i_o read_v the_o bible_n say_v st._n 6._o augustin_n i_o find_v that_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o wise_o say_v so_o nothing_o be_v more_o eloquent_o speak_v than_o there_o and_o particular_o i_o have_v show_v that_o it_o be_v beautify_v and_o enrich_v with_o many_o figure_n thus_o i_o have_v large_o prove_v that_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n be_v general_o of_o the_o strain_n of_o other_o approve_a writer_n as_o to_o its_o phraseology_n or_o manner_n of_o expression_n i_o proceed_v and_o add_v three_o this_o observation_n that_o proverbial_a say_n and_o common_o receive_v adage_n use_v by_o other_o writer_n be_v mention_v also_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o etc._n those_o who_o have_v purposely_o write_v on_o this_o subject_a i_o will_v remit_v you_o to_o they_o and_o at_o present_a only_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o
and_o so_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n the_o high_a place_n be_v not_o remove_v may_v have_v reference_n only_o to_o these_o latter_a and_o show_v that_o he_o have_v not_o expel_v idolatry_n out_o of_o every_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o short_a be_v this_o good_a king_n take_v away_o very_a many_o he_o remove_v most_o of_o the_o high_a place_n but_o not_o all_o where_o now_o be_v the_o contradiction_n but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n perhaps_o they_o will_v bâ—_n more_o successful_a they_o be_v please_v to_o make_v or_o find_v there_o a_o great_a number_n of_o contrariety_n as_o in_o mat._n 27._o 9_o this_o evangelist_n quote_v jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o jeremiah_n but_o zechary_n that_o speak_v the_o word_n which_o be_v there_o quote_v some_o have_v answer_v this_o by_o say_v here_o be_v a_o mistake_n of_o the_o transcriber_n they_o have_v write_v jeremiah_n instead_o of_o zechariah_n but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v see_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o fly_v to_o such_o a_o sorry_a refuge_n as_o this_o a_o learned_a 9_o critic_n of_o our_o own_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o oversight_n in_o the_o evangelist_n it_o be_v a_o slip_n of_o his_o memory_n but_o this_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o the_o former_a and_o if_o we_o shall_v once_o admit_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n be_v endanger_v but_o one_o of_o these_o three_o answer_n may_v remove_v the_o difficulty_n 1._o grotius_n on_o the_o place_n salve_v it_o thus_o many_o of_o the_o old_a prophet_n saying_n be_v not_o write_v down_o but_o preserve_v in_o memory_n and_o deliver_v down_o to_o those_o that_o come_v afterward_o of_o which_o he_o give_v some_o instance_n so_o that_o it_o be_v probable_a zechary_n make_v use_v of_o one_o of_o these_o say_n and_o oracle_n of_o jerâ—my_n but_o when_o our_o saviour_n quote_v this_o passage_n he_o mention_n the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o prophet_n jeremy_n the_o short_a be_v though_o the_o word_n be_v in_o zechary_n yet_o he_o have_v they_o from_o jeremy_n that_o be_v there_o be_v a_o tradition_n it_o be_v likely_a that_o they_o be_v he_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o that_o say_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n rest_v on_o zechary_n for_o this_o reason_n those_o word_n of_o zechary_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o jeremy_n the_o prophet_n 2._o those_o word_n be_v joint_o to_o be_v find_v in_o jeremy_n ad_fw-la zechary_n but_o the_o former_a speak_v only_o of_o buy_v the_o field_n jer._n 32._o 9_o the_o latter_a make_v mention_n of_o the_o price_n zech._n 11._o 12._o but_o neither_o be_v these_o the_o very_a word_n which_o be_v in_o zechary_n prophecy_n but_o be_v recite_v with_o some_o considerable_a alteration_n as_o be_v not_o unusual_a in_o scripture_n as_o you_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o if_o then_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o word_n be_v take_v out_o of_o both_o the_o prophet_n the_o evangelist_n may_v quote_v one_o of_o they_o only_o without_o any_o error_n and_o mistake_v and_o particular_o jeremy_n may_v be_v name_v as_o the_o more_o know_v and_o eminent_a prophet_n 3._o dr._n lightfoot_n reconcile_v it_o another_o way_n assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mistake_n of_o transcriber_n here_o but_o that_o jeremy_n be_v the_o name_n first_o use_v in_o this_o place_n by_o st._n matthew_n and_o yet_o zecharias_n be_v not_o exclude_v but_o intend_v this_o he_o make_v good_a from_o the_o order_n and_o range_v of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o which_o this_o learned_a author_n be_v well_o skilled_a jeremiaâ—_n have_v the_o first_o place_n among_o the_o prophet_n and_o he_o be_v mention_v above_o all_o the_o rest_n because_o he_o stand_v first_o in_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o prophet_n therefore_o when_o st._n matthew_n produce_v a_o text_n of_o zechary_n under_o the_o name_n of_o jeremy_n he_o cite_v the_o word_n out_o of_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o prophet_n under_o his_o name_n who_o stand_v first_o in_o that_o volume_n that_o be_v the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n any_o of_o these_o answer_n may_v satisfy_v a_o man_n who_o mind_n be_v not_o taint_v with_o prejudice_n against_o the_o sacred_a write_n those_o word_n of_o st._n stephen_n act_v 7._o 15._o jacob_n go_v down_o into_o egypt_n and_o die_v he_o and_o our_o father_n and_o be_v carry_v over_o into_o sichem_n and_o lay_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n that_o abraham_n buy_v for_o a_o sum_n of_o money_n of_o the_o son_n of_o emmor_n the_o father_n of_o sichem_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o double_a repugnancy_n in_o they_o to_o what_o be_v record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n for_o first_o we_o read_v there_o that_o not_o jacob_n but_o joseph_n be_v carry_v to_o sichem_n and_o second_o that_o abraham_n buy_v the_o sepulchre_n not_o of_o the_o son_n of_o emmor_n but_o of_o ephron_n the_o hittite_n gen._n 23._o 17._o ch_n 49._o 30._o this_o latter_a be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o inextricable_a because_o it_o be_v so_o positive_o express_v that_o abraham_n purchase_v the_o field_n of_o ephron_n the_o son_n of_o zoar_n and_o that_o jacob_n buy_v the_o field_n of_o the_o child_n of_o emmor_n gen._n 32._o 19_o josh._n 24._o 32._o how_o therefore_o can_v it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o act_n that_o abraham_n buy_v the_o field_n for_o a_o sepulchre_n of_o the_o child_n of_o emmor_n grotius_n take_v away_o this_o repugnancy_n by_o bid_v we_o write_v ephron_n for_o emmor_n but_o this_o way_n of_o answer_v the_o scripture-difficulty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v as_o i_o have_v suggest_v already_o on_o the_o like_a occasion_n beside_o this_o alteration_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v away_o the_o difficulty_n because_o ephron_n be_v not_o the_o father_n of_o sichem_n which_o be_v here_o add_v a_o late_a sagacious_a critic_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o of_o who_o st._n stephen_n here_o speak_v viz._n the_o patriarch_n be_v part_n of_o they_o bury_v in_o sichem_n and_o part_n of_o they_o in_o the_o field_n that_o be_v ephron_n they_o be_v carry_v over_o into_o sichem_n i._n e._n say_v he_o our_o father_n not_o jacob_n be_v carry_v thither_o and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o next_o word_n he_o think_v he_o salve_n by_o a_o parenthesis_n thus_o and_o lay_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n which_o abraham_n have_v buy_v for_o a_o sum_n of_o money_n of_o the_o son_n of_o emmor_n the_o father_n of_o sichem_n so_o that_o this_o place_n do_v not_o say_v the_o father_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n which_o be_v buy_v by_o abraham_n of_o the_o son_n of_o emmor_n no_o for_o that_o contradict_v the_o sacred_a history_n which_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o buy_v it_o of_o ephron_n the_o hittite_n but_o only_o they_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n of_o the_o son_n of_o emmor_n so_o sir_n norton_n knatchbull_n this_o do_v in_o part_n satisfy_v the_o scruple_n but_o in_o my_o judgement_n the_o best_a and_o short_a solution_n of_o it_o be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v before_o suggest_v and_o abundant_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v usual_a for_o person_n in_o scripture_n to_o have_v two_o name_n so_o here_o abraham_n buy_v a_o field_n for_o a_o burial-place_n of_o ephron_n the_o son_n of_o zohar_n gen._n 23._o 8_o 9_o and_o yet_o he_o buy_v it_o of_o the_o son_n 〈◊〉_d son_n of_o emmor_n for_o this_o zohar_n and_o emmor_n be_v the_o same_o man_n only_o with_o two_o different_a name_n which_o he_o be_v call_v by_o as_o be_v very_o common_a among_o the_o hebrew_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a resolve_v of_o the_o doubt_n and_o if_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o repugnancy_n as_o to_o the_o place_n of_o burial_n sichem_n and_o hebron_n i_o offer_v this_o that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o patriarch_n may_v be_v translate_v from_o the_o first_o place_n where_o they_o be_v deposit_v to_o another_o i._n e._n they_o may_v be_v entomb_v at_o sichem_n the_o sepulchre_n of_o the_o son_n of_o emmor_n and_o afterward_o be_v carry_v to_o hebron_n and_o lay_v in_o a_o sepulchre_n there_o if_o we_o admit_v of_o this_o than_o moses_n history_n concern_v their_o burial_n may_v refer_v to_o one_o place_n and_o st._n stephen_n to_o another_o those_o place_n also_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v contradictory_n if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a john_n 5._o 31._o and_o though_o i_o bear_v record_n of_o myself_o yet_o my_o record_n be_v true_a ch_n 8._o 14._o but_o the_o resolution_n be_v easy_a christ_n testimony_n concern_v himself_o be_v not_o true_a i._n e._n valid_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o cavil_v jew_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v because_o
from_o gen._n 2._o 13._o that_o nile_n be_v at_o first_o call_v gibon_n memphis_n have_v the_o title_n of_o noph_n isa._n 19_o 13._o jer._n 46._o 14._o the_o city_n of_o alexandria_n call_v so_o from_o alexander_n the_o great_a who_o build_v it_o after_o it_o have_v be_v lay_v waste_n by_o the_o chaldean_n and_o give_v it_o that_o name_n be_v at_o first_o call_v no_o jer._n 46._o 25._o ezek._n 30._o 15._o nahum_n 3._o 8._o the_o ancient_a name_n of_o mesopotamia_n be_v padan_n aram_n gen._n 25._o 20._o ch_n 28._o 6._o before_o cyrus_n time_n the_o country_n which_o be_v now_o call_v persia_n be_v know_v by_o no_o other_o title_n than_o cuth_o and_o elam_n ifa_n 11._o 11._o oh_o 22._o 6._o but_o afterward_o it_o have_v that_o new_a denomination_n from_o paras_n a_o horse_n because_o the_o persian_n be_v great_a rider_n on_o horseback_n canaan_n and_o the_o holy_a land_n be_v term_n in_o scripture_n for_o that_o know_a country_n which_o be_v style_v syria_n and_o judea_n by_o the_o greek_a and_o roman_a writer_n jerusalem_n be_v first_o call_v salem_n than_o jebus_n then_o by_o put_v both_o together_o 1._o jebusalem_n and_o afterward_o for_o better_a sound_a sake_n jerusalem_n i_o may_v proceed_v and_o observe_v this_o change_n of_o name_n in_o other_o region_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o in_o our_o own_o thus_o albion_n be_v the_o ancient_a name_n of_o this_o isle_n than_o britain_n than_o england_n this_o i_o mention_v to_o remind_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a alteration_n of_o name_n as_o to_o several_a place_n and_o country_n either_o by_o conquest_n or_o otherwise_o it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o former_a one_o by_o which_o they_o be_v know_v be_v wear_v off_o and_o new_a one_o be_v come_v in_o their_o room_n whence_o it_o happen_v sometime_o that_o we_o have_v no_o help_n from_o profane_a historian_n to_o understand_v many_o place_n mention_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o know_v to_o what_o country_n and_o nation_n some_o of_o those_o name_n refer_v which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o these_o ancient_a record_n this_o i_o will_v more_o large_o insist_v upon_o in_o some_o few_o particular_a instance_n and_o first_o that_o in_o 1_o king_n 10._o 1._o do_v partly_o belong_v to_o this_o place_n there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n who_o be_v call_v the_o queen_n of_o the_o south_n by_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 12._o 42._o but_o whether_o she_o come_v from_o arabia_n or_o ethiopia_n both_o which_o country_n be_v south_n of_o judea_n be_v as_o much_o controvert_v as_o whether_o moses_n wife_n be_v a_o arabian_a or_o a_o ethiopian_a mounseur_fw-fr bochart_n and_o some_o other_o say_v she_o be_v the_o former_a for_o there_o be_v a_o saba_n or_o seba_n as_o 16._o strabo_n inform_v we_o in_o that_o country_n some_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o arabia_n felix_n now_o call_v zibet_n whence_o the_o zivet-cat_n have_v its_o name_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o place_n be_v ancient_o call_v 2._o sabaei_n by_o the_o latin_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v think_v that_o this_o be_v the_o country_n whence_o this_o royal_a visitant_n come_v and_o that_o for_o this_o one_o good_a reason_n because_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v inform_v we_o that_o 42._o she_o come_v from_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o she_o if_o she_o come_v from_o arabia_n for_o that_o be_v near_o to_o judea_n 5._o josephus_n say_v he_o find_v the_o ancient_a name_n of_o meroe_n in_o africa_n to_o be_v saba_n and_o thence_o he_o affirm_v that_o she_o be_v a_o african_a viz._n the_o queen_n of_o egypt_n and_o ethiopia_n and_o other_o more_o particular_o vouch_v she_o to_o belong_v to_o the_o upper_a ethiopia_n i._n e._n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o abyssine_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a as_o a_o late_a inquisitive_a ethiop_n writer_n have_v inform_v we_o that_o the_o abassyne_n people_n challenge_v she_o for_o they_o but_o now_o if_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v thing_n and_o to_o make_v someâ—_n proof_n of_o this_o latter_a opinion_n viz._n that_o the_o queen_n who_o take_v a_o long_a journey_n to_o visit_v king_n solomon_n and_o behold_v his_o glory_n be_v a_o ethiopian_a we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o effect_v any_o thing_n for_o we_o can_v trust_v to_o the_o jewish_a historian_n who_o have_v little_a skill_n in_o foreign_a matter_n and_o we_o can_v rely_v upon_o pliny_n 29._o saba_n aethiopica_fw-la or_o gather_v any_o thing_n certain_o thence_o and_o a_o more_o authentic_a writer_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o 10._o sheba_n but_o a_o seba_n so_o that_o that_o saba_n may_v refer_v to_o this_o latter_a rather_o than_o to_o the_o former_a we_o have_v then_o no_o â—ure_a foot_n but_o all_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o say_v be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o nation_n of_o this_o name_n in_o some_o very_a distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o southerly_a position_n from_o judea_n but_o we_o have_v no_o geographer_n to_o acquaint_v we_o what_o particular_a region_n it_o be_v and_o what_o the_o name_n of_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o consequent_o we_o can_v determine_v the_o place_n whence_o that_o brave_a woman_n come_v what_o the_o aforesaid_a 6._o jewish_a historian_n observe_v have_v great_a truth_n in_o it_o that_o the_o name_n of_o nation_n have_v be_v change_v by_o new_a comer_n who_o with_o new_a manner_n bring_v a_o language_n of_o a_o resemble_v quality_n and_o alter_v the_o former_a name_n of_o place_n this_o we_o find_v true_a in_o another_o instance_n viz._n ophir_n the_o place_n that_o king_n solomon_n navy_n go_v to_o and_o form_n whence_o they_o furnish_v he_o with_o plenty_n of_o gold_n 1_o king_n 9_o 26_o etc._n etc._n ch_n 10._o 11._o but_o in_o what_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n this_o ophir_n be_v be_v hot_o dispute_v some_o say_v it_o be_v in_o that_o region_n of_o it_o which_o we_o now_o call_v america_n they_o think_v that_o the_o phoenician_n or_o tyrian_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o hiram_n the_o king_n of_o tyre_n send_v in_o the_o navy_n his_o servant_n shipman_n that_o have_v knowledge_n of_o the_o sea_n with_o the_o servant_n of_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 9_o 27._o they_o think_v i_o say_v that_o these_o tyrian_n who_o be_v famous_a for_o their_o skill_n in_o navigation_n fail_v to_o those_o remote_a part_n in_o solomon_n time_n pass_v through_o the_o mediterranean_a to_o this_o ophir_n which_o some_o imagine_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o pâ—â—eiâ—ick_a sea_n in_o the_o southern_a part_n of_o america_n for_o there_o be_v a_o island_n in_o that_o sea_n which_o the_o spaniard_n call_v the_o isle_n of_o solomon_n because_o they_o think_v that_o be_v the_o place_n which_o solomon_n ship_n be_v send_v to_o for_o gold_n phaleg_n arias_n montanus_n and_o some_o other_o be_v persuade_v that_o ophir_n be_v the_o same_o with_o peru_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v the_o same_o radical_a letter_n in_o both_o only_o with_o a_o metathesis_n and_o from_o peru_n be_v the_o dual_a paâ—vajim_n 2_o cliron_n 3._o 6._o as_o the_o foresay_a author_n think_v which_o be_v a_o very_a ingenious_a and_o learned_a conjecture_n but_o be_v entertain_v but_o by_o few_o because_o it_o be_v think_v that_o columbus_n be_v the_o first_o that_o find_v out_o the_o western_a world_n but_o whether_o that_o be_v true_a or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o they_o have_v skill_n enough_o in_o solomon_n day_n to_o conduct_v a_o navy_n to_o the_o west-indies_n navigation_n be_v not_o so_o perfect_a at_o that_o time_n that_o they_o can_v find_v a_o safe_a passage_n thither_o hercules_n pillar_n which_o be_v now_o the_o cape_n of_o good_a hope_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o limit_n of_o their_o maritime_a travel_n before_o the_o use_v of_o the_o compass_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o havigate_v across_o the_o ocean_n and_o consequent_o solomon_n mariner_n can_v not_o find_v peru_n which_o be_v in_o america_n beside_o some_o think_v that_o the_o quality_n of_o some_o of_o the_o commodity_n viz._n wood_n and_o ivory_n which_o be_v bring_v home_o in_o the_o ship_n argue_v that_o they_o come_v not_o from_o that_o western_a quarter_n of_o the_o world_n again_o it_o be_v add_v by_o some_o that_o if_o solomon_n have_v send_v for_o gold_n to_o the_o west-indies_n he_o will_v have_v set_v out_o his_o fleet_n for_o that_o voyage_n from_o some_o port_n of_o the_o mediterranean_a and_o not_o of_o the_o red_a sea_n as_o we_o read_v he_o do_v 1_o king_n 9_o 26._o other_o therefore_o say_v it_o be_v a_o country_n in_o the_o east-indies_n ophir_n be_v so_o call_v from_o ophir_n the_o son_n of_o 〈◊〉_d gen._n 10._o 29._o who_o as_o 2._o josâ—phus_n say_v inhabit_v in_o the_o east_n wherefore_o it_o be_v likely_a say_v
the_o watch-tower_n eat_v drink_v arise_v you_o prince_n anoint_v the_o shield_n express_v the_o speediness_n of_o the_o preparation_n make_v for_o babylon_n fall_n they_o be_v so_o order_v that_o the_o quickness_n of_o the_o dispatch_n be_v signify_v by_o they_o there_o be_v six_o part_n or_o division_n in_o this_o verse_n without_o a_o copulative_a mere_o to_o signify_v the_o celerity_n of_o the_o undertake_n and_o the_o vision_n wherein_o this_o speedy_a ruin_n of_o that_o nation_n be_v foretell_v be_v thus_o represent_v v_o 7._o he_o see_v a_o chariot_n a_o couple_n of_o horseman_n a_o chariot_n of_o ass_n a_o chariot_n of_o camel_n there_o be_v expedition_n in_o the_o very_a word_n there_o be_v no_o conjunctive_a particle_n to_o retard_v they_o you_o may_v in_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o the_o word_n perceive_v the_o chariot_n run_v speedy_o but_o if_o we_o look_v into_o those_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v strict_o and_o proper_o poetical_a that_o be_v which_o consist_v of_o certain_a measure_n and_o number_n we_o shall_v find_v example_n of_o this_o sort_n very_o frequent_o the_o egyptian_n furious_a pursuit_n after_o the_o israelite_n be_v thus_o express_v in_o moses_n song_n exod._n 15._o 9_o i_o will_v pursue_v i_o will_v overtake_v etc._n etc._n where_o there_o be_v â—ix_v verb_n denote_v action_n and_o expedition_n and_o not_o one_o conjunction_n between_o they_o in_o the_o conciseness_n and_o roundness_n of_o the_o word_n especial_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o original_a which_o be_v more_o emphatic_a we_o may_v discern_v the_o speediness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o speak_v of_o the_o like_a may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o song_n of_o deborah_n judg._n 5._o and_o in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o psalm_n and_o the_o lamentation_n thus_o if_o we_o will_v be_v very_o curious_a we_o may_v parallel_v the_o inspire_a poetry_n with_o that_o of_o the_o best_a master_n in_o that_o art_n among_o the_o gentile_n but_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o mean_a in_o respect_n of_o those_o weighty_a one_o wherein_o the_o bible_n excellency_n do_v appear_v i_o have_v not_o insert_v they_o or_o any_o other_o observation_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n into_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v my_o design_n to_o mention_v only_o those_o particular_n which_o be_v of_o universal_a use_n and_o which_o may_v without_o exception_n be_v acceptable_a to_o all_o person_n who_o have_v a_o due_a esteem_n either_o of_o true_a learning_n or_o piety_n those_o who_o value_v the_o former_a and_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o will_v most_o ready_o give_v their_o suffrage_n here_o and_o proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n that_o scripture-learning_n outvie_v all_o other_o that_o the_o original_a of_o most_o art_n and_o science_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v hence_o that_o a_o library_n without_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o imperfect_a thing_n those_o who_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o latter_a will_v be_v as_o forward_o to_o assert_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o this_o sacred_a volume_n for_o here_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v devout_a and_o pious_a who_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o this_o wherefore_o when_o with_o a_o become_a regret_n i_o see_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n be_v general_o lose_v among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n i_o apprehend_v that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o retrieve_v it_o be_v to_o read_v and_o peruse_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v with_o success_n i_o think_v it_o requisite_a to_o set_v forth_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n that_o thence_o person_n may_v be_v effectual_o invite_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o it_o and_o i_o hope_v how_o mean_o soever_o i_o have_v perform_v this_o task_n some_o who_o light_n upon_o these_o paper_n will_v from_o they_o be_v inspire_v with_o a_o hearty_a regard_n and_o reverence_n a_o entire_a love_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n and_o be_v reminded_a from_o what_o be_v here_o suggest_v to_o converse_v more_o intimate_o with_o it_o themselves_o and_o to_o encourage_v other_o to_o follow_v their_o example_n this_o will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n make_v a_o great_a change_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o bible_n itself_o will_v be_v read_v in_o the_o life_n and_o behaviour_n of_o mankind_n wherefore_o with_o great_a seriousness_n and_o importunity_n i_o request_v the_o reader_n that_o he_o will_v entertain_v such_o thought_n and_o persuasion_n as_o these_o that_o bible-learning_n be_v the_o high_a accomplishment_n that_o this_o book_n be_v the_o most_o valuable_a of_o any_o upon_o earth_n that_o here_o be_v a_o library_n in_o on_o single_a volume_n that_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o though_o all_o the_o library_n and_o book_n in_o the_o world_n be_v destroy_v and_o this_o be_v the_o grand_a truth_n which_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o follow_a paper_n a_o catalogue_n of_o most_o of_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v interpret_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n according_a to_o the_o author_n be_v particular_a judgement_n genesis_n the_o whole_a first_o chapter_n page_z 3_o â—_o chap._n 3._o v._n 7._o they_o make_v themselves_o apron_n what_o the_o word_n câ—agoroth_n signify_v p._n 235_o ver._n 21._o unto_o they_o the_o lord_n god_n make_v coat_n of_o skin_n why_o so_o call_v p._n 237_o ch._n 4._o v._n 20._o jabal_n be_v the_o father_n of_o such_o as_o dwell_v in_o tent_n p._n 112_o ch._n 18._o v._n 7._o he_o take_v the_o calf_n which_o he_o have_v dress_v and_o set_v it_o before_o they_o p._n 117_o ch._n 24._o v._n 22._o the_o man_n take_v a_o golden_a ear-ring_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o nezem_n zahab_n p._n 242_o ch._n 50._o v._n 2._o joseph_n command_v the_o physician_n rophim_n to_o embalm_v his_o father_n the_o large_a extent_n of_o that_o word_n be_v full_o show_v p._n 187_o exodus_fw-la ch._n 21._o v._n 7._o his_o master_n shall_v bore_v his_o ear_n through_o with_o a_o awl_n and_o he_o shall_v serve_v he_o for_o ever_o p._n 247_o number_n ch._n 21._o v._n 14._o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n beside_o several_a other_o text_n from_o which_o some_o endeavour_n to_o infer_v that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o write_n belong_v to_o the_o bible_n be_v lose_v p._n 453_o joshua_n ch._n 2._o v._n 4._o the_o woman_n take_v the_o two_o man_n and_o hide_v they_o p._n 153_o ch._n 7._o v._n 26._o they_o raise_v over_o he_o a_o great_a heap_n of_o stone_n p._n 280_o ch._n 23._o v._n 2._o joshua_n call_v for_o their_o elder_n and_o for_o their_o head_n and_o for_o their_o judge_n and_o their_o officer_n p._n 85_o judge_n ch._n 20._o v._n 16._o there_o be_v seven_o hundred_o choose_a man_n left-handed_a or_o shut_v of_o their_o right_a hand_n p._n 212_o samuel_n book_n i._n ch._n 17._o v._n 6._o he_o have_v a_o target_n cidon_n of_o brass_n between_o his_o shoulder_n p._n 204_o samuel_n book_n ii_o ch._n 1._o v._n 21._o there_o the_o shield_n of_o the_o mighty_a be_v vile_o cast_v away_o the_o shield_n of_o saul_n as_o though_o he_o rather_o it_o have_v not_o be_v anoint_v with_o oil._n p._n 206_o 207_o ch._n 3._o v._n 35._o all_o the_o people_n come_v to_o cause_n david_n to_o eat_v bread_n king_n book_n i._n ch._n 9_o v._n 28._o and_o they_o come_v to_o ophir_n in_o what_o part_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v p._n 194_o chronicle_n book_n ii_o ch._n 21._o v._n 19_o his_o people_n make_v no_o burn_v for_o he_o like_o the_o burn_a of_o his_o father_n p._n 273_o job_n ch._n 1._o v._n 21._o naked_a come_v i_o out_o of_o my_o mother_n womb_n and_o naked_a shall_v i_o return_v thither_o p._n 264_o proverb_n ch._n 1._o v._n 17._o sure_o in_o vain_a be_v the_o net_n spread_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o any_o bird._n p._n 385_o jeremiah_n ch._n 34._o v._n 5._o he_o die_v with_o the_o burn_n of_o his_o father_n p._n 272_o ezekiel_n ch._n 24._o v._n 17._o bind_v the_o tire_n of_o thy_o head_n upon_o thou_o p._n 275_o amos_n ch._n 2._o v._n 8._o they_o lay_v themselves_o down_o upon_o clothes_n p._n 134_o st._n luke_n ch._n 10._o v._n 42._o mary_n have_v choose_v the_o good_a part._n p._n 141_o act_n ch._n 7._o v._n 22._o he_o be_v mighty_a in_o word_n and_o in_o deed_n p._n 312_o etc._n etc._n corinthian_n 1_o epist._n ch._n 5._o v._n 9_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o in_o a_o epistle_n p._n 467_o ch._n 7._o v._n 6._o i_o speak_v this_o of_o permission_n and_o not_o of_o command_n p._n 472_o ver._n 12._o to_o the_o rest_n speak_v i_o not_o the_o lord_n ibid._n corinthian_n 2_o epist._n ch._n 3._o v._n 17._o now_o the_o lord_n be_v that_o spirit_n p._n 434_o ch._n 8._o v._n 8._o i_o speak_v not_o by_o commandment_n p._n 472_o
infallible_a this_o be_v that_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o st._n peter_n prefer_v before_o eye-witness_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 16_o etc._n etc._n yea_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o afterward_o commit_v to_o write_v st._n paul_n pronounce_v he_o accurse_v gal._n 1._o 8._o these_o infallible_a record_n these_o undoubted_a oracle_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n be_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o belief_n to_o all_o christian_n even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n on_o this_o they_o may_v rely_v with_o confidence_n as_o on_o a_o unerring_a guide_n for_o it_o be_v not_o like_o other_o book_n which_o be_v make_v by_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o void_a of_o error_n and_o mistake_v but_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v thus_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o complete_a and_o absolute_a rule_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o of_o all_o supernatural_a truth_n 2._o they_o be_v the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n they_o contain_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v believe_v here_o be_v the_o decalogue_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o the_o necessary_a precept_n of_o life_n comprise_v in_o it_o be_v often_o repeat_v enlarge_v upon_o and_o explain_v through_o the_o whole_a sacred_a book_n to_o these_o be_v add_v the_o evangelical_n duty_n of_o self-denial_n mortification_n poverty_n of_o spirit_n purity_n of_o heart_n brotherly_a love_n heavenly-mindedness_a circumspect_a walk_v redeem_v the_o time_n abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a give_v no_o offence_n to_o any_o and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n the_o write_n of_o the_o gospel_n forbid_v we_o to_o be_v carnal_a sensual_a and_o earthly_a and_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o converse_v with_o spiritual_a and_o celestial_a object_n to_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o and_o to_o work_v our_o mind_n to_o such_o a_o temper_n that_o we_o may_v desire_v to_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o body_n and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a than_o grovel_v here_o below_o and_o christianity_n promote_v this_o heavenly-mindedness_a by_o give_v we_o a_o power_n over_o ourselves_o by_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o government_n of_o our_o bodily_a appetite_n and_o passion_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n thereby_o become_v pure_a and_o defecate_a purge_v from_o all_o mundane_a dross_n and_o filth_n fit_v for_o heavenly_a joy_n and_o therefore_o most_o earnest_o breathe_v and_o belong_v after_o they_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o christianity_n be_v repugnant_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o satan_n kingdom_n and_o design_o promote_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n it_o bid_v we_o not_o seek_v ourselves_o and_o aim_v chief_o at_o worldly_a respect_n but_o it_o enjoin_v we_o to_o humble_a and_o debase_v ourselves_o and_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o all_o to_o advance_v his_o honour_n in_o the_o world_n and_o next_o to_o that_o to_o look_v after_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o immortal_a soul_n these_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o worthy_a design_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o law_n of_o it_o their_o business_n be_v to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o those_o low_a and_o mean_a project_n which_o man_n of_o the_o world_n carry_v on_o and_o to_o set_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o a_o right_a posture_n and_o to_o fix_v it_o on_o right_a ends._n the_o christian_a precept_n reach_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n they_o restrain_v the_o secret_a thought_n and_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n they_o curb_v the_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o wish_n they_o temper_v the_o affection_n and_o passion_n especial_o they_o forbid_v revenge_n malice_n hatred_n and_o they_o direct_v we_o to_o love_n god_n and_o to_o bear_v love_n to_o all_o man_n for_o his_o sake_n the_o christian_a law_n give_v rule_n for_o our_o word_n and_o speech_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v idle_a and_o vain_a much_o less_o profane_a and_o impious_a but_o they_o command_v our_o discourse_n to_o be_v always_o with_o grace_n season_v with_o salt_n to_o favour_v of_o goodness_n and_o piety_n and_o to_o be_v for_o the_o edify_v of_o those_o we_o converse_v with_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v also_o govern_v the_o outward_a action_n of_o our_o life_n and_o bid_v we_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n they_o enjoin_v chastity_n and_o continence_n temperance_n and_o sobriety_n they_o forbid_v lust_n and_o luxury_n pride_n and_o sensuality_n they_o teach_v courtesy_n affability_n meekness_n candour_n gentleness_n towards_o our_o brethren_n they_o bid_v we_o be_v kind_a and_o charitable_a to_o all_o and_o even_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n christianity_n be_v a_o religion_n that_o be_v exact_o just_a and_o give_v the_o strict_a rule_n of_o deal_v honest_o and_o upright_o with_o our_o neighbour_n even_o morality_n which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n and_o groundwork_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v most_o illustrious_a here_o christianity_n have_v the_o impress_n of_o reason_n civility_n and_o all_o acceptable_a quality_n it_o forbid_v nothing_o that_o be_v fit_v and_o decorous_a it_o countenance_n all_o that_o be_v manly_n and_o generous_a it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n in_o these_o sacred_a write_n the_o duty_n of_o christian_n be_v set_v down_o not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v single_a but_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o other_o and_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o community_n there_o be_v peculiar_a lesson_n for_o person_n in_o every_o condition_n for_o husband_n and_o wife_n for_o master_n and_o servant_n for_o parent_n and_o child_n for_o superior_n equal_n and_o inferior_n they_o be_v all_o provide_v here_o with_o instruction_n and_o direction_n proper_a to_o that_o state_n they_o be_v in_o they_o be_v very_o remarkable_a word_n which_o a_o â—_o reverend_n divine_a of_o our_o church_n utter_v will_v man_n apply_v their_o mind_n say_v he_o to_o study_v scripture_n and_o observe_v their_o own_o and_o other_o course_n of_o life_n experience_n will_v teach_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o estate_n on_o earth_n nor_o humane_a business_n in_o christendom_n this_o day_n on_o foot_n but_o have_v a_o rule_v cafe_z in_o scripture_n for_o their_o issue_n and_o success_n this_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n and_o be_v no_o mean_a demonstration_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o here_o be_v also_o the_o most_o notable_a instance_n of_o all_o those_o virtue_n and_o grace_n which_o adorn_v the_o life_n of_o man._n here_o be_v the_o example_n of_o abel_n sincere_a and_o acceptable_a devotion_n of_o enoch_n walk_v with_o god_n of_o noah_n untainted_a faithfulness_n amid_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o corrupt_a world_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o self-denial_n when_o he_o offer_v his_o only_a son_n on_o the_o altar_n of_o ioseph_n resolve_a chastity_n when_o he_o once_o and_o again_o resist_v the_o lustful_a solicitation_n of_o his_o mistress_n here_o be_v the_o example_n of_o moses_n public_a spirit_n who_o desire_v his_o name_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n rather_o than_o that_o nation_n shall_v perish_v here_o you_o read_v of_o aaron_n submissive_a silence_n of_o reuben_n fraternal_a commiseration_n of_o rohab_n seasonable_a wisdom_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o her_o faith_n in_o conceal_v the_o spy_n that_o be_v search_v for_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v phineas_n active_a zeal_n eli_n entire_a submission_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n iob_n invincible_a patience_n iosiah_n early_a piety_n his_o and_o iehosaphat_n care_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n ionathan_n entire_a friendship_n manasses_n and_o peter_n repentance_n john_n baptist_n austerity_n the_o centurion_n faith_n stephen_n charity_n to_o his_o enemy_n at_o his_o death_n brief_o here_o be_v commemorate_a the_o religious_a and_o holy_a demeanour_n of_o all_o rank_n and_o degree_n of_o person_n whether_o in_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n whether_o in_o youth_n manhood_n or_o old_a age_n or_o in_o whatsoever_o condition_n of_o life_n they_o be_v place_v where_o can_v we_o find_v such_o glorious_a achievement_n as_o the_o sacred_a history_n recount_v unto_o we_o where_o be_v there_o such_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o virtue_n where_o do_v you_o meet_v with_o such_o noble_a act_n as_o some_o of_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v celebrate_v for_o the_o great_a hero_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o pagan_n be_v general_o but_o idea_n of_o virtue_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o harmless_a romance_n to_o preach_v goodness_n to_o men._n virgil_n aeneas_n xenophon_n
divine_a architect_n deut._n 22._o 8._o thou_o shall_v make_v a_o battlement_n foâ—_n thy_o roof_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d muruâ—_n per_fw-la circuitum_fw-la as_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a render_v it_o be_v adâ—ded_v that_o thou_o bring_v not_o blood_n upon_o thy_o house_n if_o any_o man_n fall_v from_o thence_o the_o flat_a roof_n of_o their_o house_n be_v rail_v in_o that_o none_o may_v slip_v off_o of_o they_o and_o hazard_v their_o life_n and_o here_o by_o the_o by_o i_o may_v add_v that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a structure_n of_o the_o temple_n it_o be_v flat_a at_o top_n and_o according_o be_v encompass_v round_o with_o a_o peribolus_n a_o â—ett_n of_o rail_n or_o battlement_n and_o this_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n mat._n 4._o 5._o i_o e._n some_o part_n side_n or_o wing_n as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d import_v of_o the_o battlement_n wherewith_o the_o temple_n be_v surround_v at_o top_n lest_o any_o â—hould_v fall_v down_o thence_o and_o to_o confirm_v this_o interpretation_n i_o will_v produce_v that_o passage_n of_o hegeâ—ippus_n quote_v by_o 23._o eusebius_n who_o relate_v that_o some_o of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o other_o of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n come_v and_o request_v james_n the_o just_a the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o preach_v at_o the_o passover_n when_o the_o people_n come_v from_o all_o part_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v both_o see_v and_o hear_v of_o all_o they_o desire_v he_o to_o stand_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o battlement_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o he_o further_o tell_v that_o he_o do_v so_o it_o be_v a_o place_n then_o that_o they_o may_v safe_o stand_v upon_o otherwise_o st._n james_n will_v not_o have_v consent_v to_o their_o request_n dr._n hammâ—nd_n think_v this_o be_v the_o top_n of_o the_o battlement_n and_o add_v that_o it_o be_v broad_a enough_o to_o stand_v upon_o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v unsafe_a to_o trust_v their_o foot_n there_o lest_o they_o shall_v slip_v therefore_o i_o rather_o think_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o st._n matthew_n must_v not_o be_v take_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o forementioned_a story_n in_o the_o one_o it_o signify_v the_o top_n of_o the_o rail_n or_o battlement_n a_o dangerous_a place_n to_o stand_v upon_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n the_o devil_n set_v our_o saviour_n there_o but_o in_o the_o other_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o place_n within_o the_o battlement_n for_o the_o whole_a space_n encompass_v with_o these_o have_v that_o denomination_n however_o we_o be_v hence_o inform_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o a_o pinnacle_n or_o spire_n for_o the_o jewish_a temple_n have_v no_o such_o thing_n though_o some_o of_o our_o church_n have_v but_o the_o exterior_a circuit_n which_o compass_v the_o top_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o be_v make_v to_o be_v a_o ornament_n to_o it_o as_o well_o as_o to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o fall_v down_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o it_o among_o grammarian_n as_o 5._o dr._n hammond_n have_v right_o note_v and_o not_o only_o the_o temple_n but_o every_o house_n have_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o battlement_n about_o it_o this_o be_v the_o short_a account_n which_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o insert_v here_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o as_o the_o latin_n call_v they_o solaria_fw-la because_o they_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o sun_n and_o air_n the_o flat_a roof_n with_o which_o the_o house_n heretofore_o especial_o in_o the_o asiatic_a region_n be_v build_v and_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o early_a a_o account_n in_o any_o writer_n whatsoever_o of_o the_o structure_n of_o the_o ancient_a house_n as_o this_o of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n be_v chap._n iu._n the_o first_o original_n of_o letter_n and_o write_v be_v record_v here_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o material_n they_o write_v upon_o of_o old_a the_o instrument_n with_o which_o they_o form_v their_o letter_n or_o character_n the_o ancient_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a history_n be_v in_o the_o bible_n so_o be_v the_o ancient_a and_o most_o admire_a poetry_n the_o first_o invention_n and_o practice_n of_o music_n and_o on_o what_o occasion_n it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o the_o rise_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o who_o be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o it_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o due_a study_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n the_o first_o instance_n of_o anatomy_n medic_n chirurgery_n embalm_v and_o the_o apothecary_n employment_n be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n here_o be_v the_o first_o example_n of_o ship_n and_o navigation_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o place_n whither_o solomon_n navy_n go_v every_o three_o year_n a_o conjecture_n concern_v ophir_n astronomy_n and_o judiciary_n astrology_n mention_v in_o scripture_n of_o war_n and_o skill_n in_o arms._n the_o nature_n of_o those_o military_a weapon_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n particular_o and_o distinct_o inquire_v into_o the_o antiquity_n of_o martial_a ensign_n and_o standard_n the_o vast_a number_n which_o the_o army_n of_o old_a consist_v of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o silent_a concern_v sportive_a diversion_n and_o exercise_n some_o of_o which_o but_o especial_o dance_v be_v consider_v from_o mechanical_a i_o proceed_v to_o ingenious_a art_n and_o science_n or_o such_o as_o be_v approach_v to_o they_o and_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o the_o sacred_a history_n relate_v the_o first_o rise_n and_o original_a of_o these_o and_o what_o liberal_a art_n shall_v i_o begin_v with_o but_o grammar_n what_o shall_v this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n commence_v with_o but_o letter_n and_o write_v many_o have_v be_v very_o inquisitive_a about_o the_o first_o author_n of_o these_o and_o true_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o enquiry_n it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n the_o 9_o rabbin_n hold_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d write_v and_o consequent_o letter_n be_v create_v among_o other_o thing_n at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o six_o day_n be_v work_v of_o the_o creation_n but_o few_o that_o be_v sober_a will_v give_v credit_n to_o this_o they_o be_v find_v out_o before_o the_o flood_n by_o seth_n â—aith_o the_o jewish_a antiquary_n for_o according_a to_o 3._o he_o there_o be_v two_o pillar_n one_o of_o stone_n another_o of_o brick_n erect_v by_o that_o godly_a patriarch_n on_o which_o he_o cause_v his_o astrological_a notion_n to_o be_v write_v afterward_o for_o we_o may_v suppose_v this_o invention_n lose_v by_o the_o flood_n though_o the_o pillar_n and_o character_n on_o they_o remain_v abraham_n retrieve_v the_o art_n of_o write_v yea_o in_o manner_n invent_v it_o anew_o say_v philo._n but_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n at_o all_o of_o what_o he_o or_o josephus_n say_v concern_v this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v just_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o both_o but_o suppose_v that_o seth_n begin_v this_o art_n and_o that_o abraham_n improve_v it_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o this_o that_o moses_n come_v and_o perfect_v it_o have_v that_o moâ—t_o complete_a copy_n before_o he_o to_o instruct_v and_o direct_v he_o the_o table_n write_v with_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n 31._o 18._o we_o read_v of_o no_o write_n in_o scripture_n till_o this_o writing_n or_o engrave_v the_o law_n on_o the_o two_o table_n which_o be_v call_v in_o another_o place_n the_o write_n of_o god_n deut._n 32._o 16._o there_o be_v no_o mention_n i_o say_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n before_o wherefore_o it_o be_v likely_a god_n be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o letter_n or_o write_v and_o that_o moses_n learn_v it_o of_o he_o and_o communicate_v it_o to_o the_o jew_n from_o who_o other_o eastern_a people_n receive_v it_o and_o so_o letter_n be_v impart_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n eupolemus_n and_o artapanus_n two_o very_a ancient_a historian_n quote_v by_o 1._o clement_n of_o alexandria_n be_v of_o this_o opinion_n and_o assert_v that_o letter_n have_v their_o original_n from_o moses_n this_o be_v favour_v by_o clement_n himself_o by_o 9_o eusebius_n by_o julian_n cyril_n of_o alexandria_n and_o 18._o st._n augustin_n incline_v to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v confirm_v from_o that_o general_a report_n of_o the_o pagan_n that_o from_o the_o phoenician_n all_o letter_n be_v derive_v particular_o concern_v the_o greek_n herodotus_n and_o plutarch_n testify_v that_o they_o record_v the_o letter_n of_o their_o alphabet_n from_o the_o phoenician_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v call_v 3_o the_o phoenician_n letter_n yea_o the_o word_n
have_v see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o inequality_n in_o the_o six_o day_n work_v but_o he_o mistake_v the_o system_fw-la of_o the_o world_n which_o moses_n describe_v and_o thence_o be_v his_o error_n i_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o wilful_a and_o presumptuous_a for_o from_o several_a bold_a stroke_n in_o this_o ingenious_a man_n write_n one_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v he_o incline_v to_o alphonsus_n humour_n who_o declare_v that_o if_o he_o have_v be_v at_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o can_v have_v teach_v god_n to_o have_v form_v the_o system_fw-la of_o it_o better_o but_o i_o will_v retain_v a_o more_o charitable_a opinion_n concern_v this_o author_n and_o i_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v show_v his_o charity_n as_o i_o have_v i_o in_o not_o censure_v this_o my_o free_a descant_n upon_o what_o he_o have_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n for_o i_o have_v as_o great_a a_o regard_n as_o any_o man_n to_o true_a and_o sober_a philosophy_n and_o i_o own_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o but_o i_o must_v needs_o protest_v that_o i_o abhor_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o exclude_v the_o sacred_a write_n while_o they_o adhere_v to_o their_o own_o hypothesis_n who_o set_v up_o such_o philosophical_a principle_n and_o conclusion_n as_o direct_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v the_o reveal_v truth_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o or_o else_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o any_o reflection_n on_o what_o this_o learned_a author_n have_v write_v let_v we_o have_v as_o much_o 〈◊〉_d philosophy_n as_o he_o please_v but_o none_o that_o subvert_v our_o old_a religion_n to_o proceed_v on_o the_o five_o day_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o of_o the_o low_a heaven_n be_v form_v for_o though_o the_o cheer_v and_o warm_v light_n before_o it_o be_v embody_v and_o gather_v together_o into_o certain_a receptacle_n be_v instrumental_a by_o the_o divine_a power_n to_o produce_v vegetable_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o vigorous_a enough_o to_o beget_v the_o animal_n life_n but_o now_o this_o noble_a and_o cherish_n virtue_n be_v mighty_o increase_v by_o immense_a accession_n of_o light_n and_o heat_v make_v to_o it_o and_o be_v more_o advantageous_o place_v and_o fix_v we_o find_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o the_o production_n of_o fish_n and_o feather_a animal_n now_o a_o live_n or_o sensitive_a soul_n be_v first_o make_v ver_fw-la 21._o on_o the_o six_o and_o last_o day_n the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o all_o kind_n of_o beast_n and_o cattle_n i._n e._n all_o terrestrial_a animal_n as_o on_o the_o forego_n day_n all_o animal_n belong_v to_o the_o sea_n and_o rivers_n and_o to_o the_o air_n be_v create_v and_o last_o mun_n the_o top_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o creature_n the_o most_o elaborate_v piece_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v frame_v out_o of_o the_o dust_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o divine_a part_n especial_o make_v according_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n himself_o he_o be_v too_o great_a and_o noble_a a_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o by_o the_o by_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o discourse_v of_o he_o here_o only_o i_o will_v observe_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o archaeologist_n who_o positive_o aver_v that_o this_o last_o day_n be_v performance_n be_v not_o proportionable_a to_o the_o rest_n and_o thence_o condemn_v the_o mosaic_a history_n of_o the_o creation_n but_o this_o disproportion_n be_v either_o in_o respect_n of_o more_o or_o of_o less_o do_v on_o this_o day_n than_o on_o the_o other_o if_o he_o complain_v that_o more_o be_v do_v he_o show_v himself_o inconsiderate_a for_o hereby_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o creation_n rise_n high_a and_o high_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n beside_o that_o he_o confine_v the_o creator_n himself_o but_o if_o he_o complain_v as_o i_o suppose_v he_o do_v that_o less_o be_v do_v he_o show_v what_o low_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n he_o have_v of_o man_n as_o if_o mud_n water_n earth_n cloud_n sea_n plant_n fish_n and_o fowl_n the_o production_n of_o the_o former_a day_n be_v much_o better_a than_o he_o who_o god_n purposely_o reserve_v to_o be_v the_o compliment_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o he_o to_o who_o every_o creature_n pay_v a_o tribute_n he_o for_o who_o use_n and_o benefit_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v make_v these_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o primitive_a work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o several_a day_n in_o which_o they_o be_v make_v for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v as_o literam_fw-la some_o do_v that_o this_o division_n of_o the_o creation_n into_o so_o many_o part_n be_v only_o set_v down_o for_o order_n sake_n but_o that_o real_o all_o be_v do_v at_o once_o and_o in_o a_o moment_n for_o then_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o four_o commandment_n of_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n day_n viz._n because_o in_o six_o day_n the_o lord_n make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o sea_n and_o all_o that_o in_o they_o be_v and_o rest_v on_o the_o seven_o day_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n yea_o it_o be_v absolute_a nonsense_n therefore_o we_o must_v necessary_o own_v the_o gradual_a progress_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o let_v we_o not_o only_o do_v so_o but_o observe_v the_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o infinite_a architect_n in_o the_o order_n and_o method_n which_o he_o use_v he_o in_o create_v begin_v with_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a rank_n of_o being_n and_o so_o ascend_v to_o high_a and_o noble_a simple_n element_n as_o earth_n water_n fire_n or_o light_n air_n be_v produce_v before_o the_o more_o mix_v and_o concrete_a body_n yea_o these_o element_n be_v place_v according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o degree_n of_o gravity_n first_o the_o earth_n subside_v in_o the_o low_a place_n of_o all_o for_o the_o great_a and_o renown_a tycho_n disdain_v not_o this_o hypothesis_n than_o the_o water_n or_o abyss_n place_v immediate_o about_o the_o earth_n next_o the_o air_n or_o expansion_n who_o position_n be_v above_o the_o water_n last_o the_o fire_n call_v light_n which_o comprehend_v all_o the_o ethereal_a and_o heavenly_a body_n which_o be_v surmount_v above_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o for_o the_o planet_n which_o be_v so_o many_o earth_n i_o e._n if_o by_o earth_n we_o mean_v a_o opake_v body_n they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v for_o at_o another_o time_n and_o in_o another_o place_n where_o it_o will_v be_v most_o proper_a to_o speak_v of_o they_o it_o be_v also_o observable_a that_o thing_n that_o be_v inanimate_a be_v first_o bring_v into_o existence_n and_o afterward_o such_o as_o have_v a_o vegetative_a life_n then_o thing_n that_o have_v sense_n and_o spontaneous_a motion_n and_o last_o reasonable_a creature_n man_n be_v the_o conclude_a work_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o his_o soul_n be_v the_o last_o of_o all_o to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o this_o sort_n of_o being_n be_v much_o more_o valuable_a than_o body_n to_o assure_v we_o from_o the_o method_n of_o god_n create_v that_o mind_n or_o spirit_n surpass_v maâ—ter_n final_o when_o i_o say_v that_o the_o creation_n cease_v in_o man_n as_o in_o the_o most_o perfect_a work_n of_o the_o divine_a artificer_n as_o in_o the_o end_n to_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v design_v i_o do_v not_o exclude_v angel_n who_o be_v a_o perfect_a classis_fw-la of_o creature_n and_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o body_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n be_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o moses_n in_o this_o account_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n i_o be_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o these_o glorious_a spirit_n be_v make_v present_o after_o man_n they_o be_v a_o order_n of_o creature_n superior_a to_o he_o the_o order_n of_o the_o creation_n so_o far_o as_o we_o certain_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o invite_v i_o to_o embrace_v this_o persuasion_n for_o according_a to_o this_o those_o excellent_a being_n shall_v have_v the_o last_o place_n according_a to_o the_o step_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o creation_n i_o say_v it_o be_v thus_o exodus_fw-la be_v the_o next_o book_n which_o relate_v the_o tyranny_n of_o pharaoh_n the_o bondage_n of_o the_o israelite_n under_o he_o in_o egypt_n and_o their_o wonderful_a deliverance_n from_o it_o more_o particular_o here_o be_v record_v the_o prodigious_a increase_n and_o multiply_v of_o these_o oppress_a hebrew_n which_o be_v the_o posterity_n of_o jacob_n the_o plague_n inflict_v on_o the_o egyptian_a king_n and_o his_o people_n because_o he_o refuse_v to_o dismiss_v they_o their_o departure_n thence_o without_o his_o leave_n though_o not_o without_o the_o people_n their_o miraculous_a pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n or_o arabian_a gulf_n the_o overthrow_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o
a_o consequent_a of_o they_o the_o many_o disappointment_n and_o cross_n he_o meet_v with_o the_o various_a judgement_n and_o plague_n which_o be_v inflict_v on_o he_o and_o his_o people_n by_o god_n the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n be_v the_o history_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n under_o the_o reign_v of_o their_o several_a king_n the_o first_o contain_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o life_n of_o david_n and_o his_o death_n the_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n of_o that_o nation_n under_o solomon_n who_o succeed_v he_o his_o erect_n and_o consecrate_v of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n his_o scandalous_a defection_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o sudden_a decay_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n after_o his_o death_n when_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o kingdom_n under_o rehoboam_n who_o reign_v over_o the_o two_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n and_o under_o jeroboam_fw-la who_o be_v king_n over_o the_o other_o ten_o tribe_n that_o revolt_v from_o the_o house_n of_o david_n the_o rest_n of_o it_o be_v spend_v in_o relate_v the_o act_n of_o four_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o eight_o of_o israel_n the_o second_o book_n which_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o king_n be_v a_o relation_n of_o the_o memorable_a act_n of_o sixteen_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o twelve_o of_o israel_n and_o the_o end_n of_o both_o kingdom_n by_o the_o carry_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n captive_a into_o assyria_n by_o salmanasser_n and_o the_o other_o two_o into_o babylon_n by_o nabuchadnezzar_n the_o just_a reward_n of_o that_o people_n idolatry_n and_o impenitency_n after_o so_o many_o favour_n show_v to_o they_o this_o and_o the_o former_a book_n together_o comprehend_v the_o history_n of_o about_o four_o hundred_o year_n the_o chronicle_n or_o journals_n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v the_o fill_v up_o of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o history_n which_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o though_o we_o know_v not_o which_o of_o these_o history_n viz._n of_o the_o king_n or_o the_o chronicle_n i_o speak_v as_o to_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o book_n not_o one_o particular_a passage_n as_o that_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o chronicle_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o cyrus_n which_o may_v be_v add_v afterward_o be_v write_v first_o for_o the_o book_n of_o king_n refer_v to_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n and_o this_o again_o send_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o yet_o this_o we_o see_v that_o this_o of_o the_o chronicle_n be_v more_o full_a and_o ample_a sometime_o than_o that_o of_o the_o king_n what_o be_v leave_v out_o or_o not_o so_o full_o set_v down_o in_o the_o one_o be_v supply_v in_o the_o other_o and_o thence_o these_o book_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n remain_n supplement_n addition_n by_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n the_o first_o book_n of_o chronicle_n relate_v the_o rise_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o entire_a subject_n of_o the_o first_o nine_o chapter_n which_o consist_v whole_o of_o genealogy_n and_o then_o afterward_o most_o punctual_o and_o accurate_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o david_n the_o second_o book_n as_o faithful_o set_v down_o the_o progress_n and_o end_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n even_o to_o the_o year_n of_o their_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n these_o book_n of_o chronicle_n together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o king_n and_o samuel_n make_v up_o the_o best_a and_o choice_a history_n in_o the_o world_n here_o we_o be_v abundant_o furnish_v with_o such_o useful_a notice_n truth_n and_o maxim_n as_o these_o all_o confirm_v by_o note_a and_o illustrious_a example_n and_o such_o instance_n as_o be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a crown_a head_n be_v encircle_v with_o care_n and_o seldom_o find_v rest_n and_o repose_v though_o their_o life_n be_v more_o splendid_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o less_o calamitous_a than_o those_o of_o the_o common_a people_n good_a king_n be_v rare_a and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bad._n the_o best_a king_n have_v their_o fault_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o a_o very_a scandalous_a nature_n there_o be_v little_a piety_n in_o prince_n court_n and_o as_o little_a integrity_n and_o honesty_n the_o people_n be_v easy_o induce_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o governor_n and_o religion_n and_o manner_n too_o often_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o superior_n good_a king_n be_v the_o great_a blessing_n and_o wicked_a one_o be_v the_o great_a curse_n to_o a_o nation_n prince_n mistake_v their_o measure_n when_o they_o either_o disobey_v god_n or_o oppress_v their_o people_n tyrannical_a prince_n procure_v their_o own_o ruin_n the_o sin_n and_o vice_n of_o ruler_n prove_v fatal_a to_o their_o subject_n public_a enormity_n be_v punish_v with_o public_a and_o national_a calamity_n king_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o minister_n they_o choose_v and_o make_v use_n of_o those_o counsel_n that_o be_v found_v in_o religion_n be_v most_o successful_a evil_a counselor_n contrive_v their_o own_o destruction_n war_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o fight_v against_o god_n the_o success_n of_o arm_n depend_v upon_o the_o divine_a blessing_n the_o church_n be_v never_o more_o shock_a then_o under_o bad_a prince_n religion_n and_o reformation_n be_v never_o effectual_o promote_v unless_o the_o great_a one_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o they_o division_n and_o rent_n about_o religion_n have_v immediate_a influence_n on_o secular_a affair_n and_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v the_o state_n be_v so_o too_o the_o revolution_n in_o both_o be_v by_o the_o particular_a disposal_n of_o the_o wise_a over-ruler_n of_o the_o world_n true_a religion_n and_o godliness_n be_v attend_v with_o earthly_a reward_n and_o blessing_n and_o the_o contrary_n bring_v down_o the_o great_a plague_n even_o in_o this_o world_n the_o worst_a time_n afford_v some_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o holy_a religious_a and_o zealous_a men._n whatever_o change_n and_o revolution_n happen_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o church_n of_o god_n remain_v secure_a though_o there_o be_v great_a and_o frequent_a defection_n yet_o there_o never_o be_v a_o total_a extinction_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n the_o church_n be_v impregnable_a this_o rock_n be_v immovable_a and_o many_o other_o proposition_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v of_o great_a service_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o these_o excellent_a history_n ezra_n be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n of_o chronicle_n and_o comprise_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o time_n that_o cyrus_n make_v the_o edict_n for_o their_o return_n until_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n 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act_n and_o work_v of_o holiness_n wherefore_o he_o offer_v several_a plain_a mark_n and_o token_n whereby_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v real_a christian_n true_o religious_a and_o the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o he_o propound_v be_v this_o that_o if_o they_o love_v god_n and_o their_o brethren_n and_o demonstrate_v this_o love_n by_o the_o proper_a and_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o it_o than_o they_o may_v conclude_v they_o be_v christian_n indeed_o otherwise_o they_o be_v mere_a stranger_n to_o christianty_n and_o to_o all_o religion_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o they_o this_o the_o belove_a disciple_n and_o divine_a amourist_n inculâ—ates_v with_o that_o spirit_n warmth_n and_o earnestness_n which_o so_o weighty_a a_o subject_n deserve_v his_o second_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o elect_a lady_n and_o her_o child_n that_o be_v say_v st._n agerach_n jerom_n to_o some_o eminent_a select_a church_n in_o asia_n and_o to_o all_o the_o christian_n belong_v to_o it_o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o athenian_n and_o curia_n with_o the_o roman_n be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o assembly_n perhaps_o ephesus_n be_v mean_v say_v a_o loc_n learned_a man_n which_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o asia_n and_o so_o may_v more_o signal_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o it_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n that_o a_o person_n not_o a_o church_n 〈◊〉_d mean_v here_o and_o that_o st._n john_n the_o evangelist_n not_o another_o presbyter_n of_o that_o name_n as_o st._n eccles._n jerom_n think_v write_v to_o a_o virtuous_a lady_n who_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d servant_n of_o christ_n a_o very_a godly_a and_o religion_n woman_n or_o it_o may_v be_v her_o proper_a name_n be_v loc_n elect_a as_o a_o learned_a critic_n have_v conjecture_v which_o may_v seem_v the_o more_o probable_a because_o the_o word_n have_v no_o article_n prefix_v to_o it_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o our_o saviour_n himself_o as_o the_o evangelical_n write_n inform_v we_o to_o make_v his_o application_n to_o those_o of_o this_o sex_n to_o cherish_v and_o commend_v their_o virtue_n it_o be_v particular_o record_v that_o 4._o of_o the_o chief_a woman_n afterward_o call_v 12._o honourable_a woman_n not_o a_o few_o be_v st._n paul_n proselyte_n and_o to_o descend_v low_a we_o read_v that_o st._n jerom_n take_v great_a pain_n in_o instruct_v the_o roman_a lady_n and_o in_o commend_v and_o encourage_v their_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yea_o many_o of_o his_o write_n be_v direct_v and_o dedicate_v to_o noble_a woman_n widow_n and_o virgin_n as_o paula_n eustochium_fw-la salvina_n celantia_n and_o several_a other_o that_o be_v roman_a lady_n and_o of_o noble_a extraction_n such_o be_v our_o elect_n here_o who_o be_v the_o only_a person_n of_o that_o sex_n to_o who_o a_o inspire_a epistle_n be_v write_v she_o be_v commend_v for_o her_o virtuous_a bring_v up_o her_o child_n she_o be_v exhort_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o perservere_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o delusion_n of_o false_a teacher_n but_o chief_o the_o apostle_n beseech_v this_o noble_a matron_n to_o practice_v the_o great_a and_o indispensable_a commandment_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n his_o three_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o gaius_n a_o convert_v jew_n or_o gentile_a as_o other_o think_v because_o he_o have_v a_o roman_a name_n a_o man_n of_o a_o fair_a estate_n and_o who_o have_v be_v very_o bountiful_a and_o hospitable_a to_o the_o saint_n the_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v to_o own_o and_o commend_v his_o hospitality_n especial_o his_o seasonable_a beneficence_n and_o charity_n to_o stranger_n to_o those_o that_o be_v exile_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o charity_n and_o liberality_n to_o the_o distress_a brethren_n demetrius_n be_v propound_v as_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o for_o which_o and_o all_o other_o virtue_n he_o have_v the_o good_a report_n of_o all_o man_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o truth_n itself_o that_o be_v as_o he_o be_v speak_v well_o of_o by_o every_o one_o so_o he_o real_o deserve_v it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o complain_v of_o the_o uncharitable_a insolent_a and_o ambitious_a diotrephes_n a_o prate_a opposer_n not_o only_o of_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o of_o all_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o jesus_n the_o general_a epistle_n of_o jude_n or_o judas_n as_o we_o render_v it_o in_o john_n 14._o 22._o it_o be_v the_o same_o name_n with_o that_o of_o the_o traitor_n for_o it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n to_o have_v the_o same_o name_n as_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n eliab_n jehu_n hananiah_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o new_a testament_n simon_n john_n ananias_n be_v instance_n of_o this_o this_o epistle_n i_o say_v of_o this_o good_a apostle_n with_o a_o bad_a man_n name_n be_v write_v to_o all_o christian_a church_n or_o at_o least_o to_o all_o the_o jewish_a christian_n disperse_v the_o same_o to_o who_o st._n james_n and_o st._n peter_n write_v wherein_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n against_o those_o dream_v heretic_n and_o seducer_n that_o be_v at_o that_o time_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n who_o erroneous_a tenant_n and_o ungodly_a practice_n he_o here_o particular_o decipher_v and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n vengeance_n on_o other_o great_a offender_n infer_v the_o certainty_n of_o these_o man_n ruin_n in_o short_a this_o epistle_n have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a apostolic_a spirit_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o argument_n with_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o epitome_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o need_v not_o be_v very_o particular_a in_o rehearse_v the_o content_n the_o last_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n the_o divine_a which_o epithet_n be_v signal_o give_v to_o he_o here_o because_o of_o the_o divinity_n and_o sublimity_n of_o his_o rapture_n because_o he_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o great_a communication_n of_o divine_a mystery_n it_o may_v be_v refer_v either_o to_o the_o historical_a book_n or_o to_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o former_a because_o it_o be_v a_o prophetic_a history_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o latter_a because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o epistle_n after_o the_o three_o first_o verse_n by_o way_n of_o preface_n viz._n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n at_o first_o plant_v by_o and_o now_o under_o the_o government_n of_o st._n john_n and_o as_o it_o begin_v so_o it_o end_v after_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o conclude_a epistle_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n â—brist_n be_v with_o you_o all_o amm._n concern_v the_o precise_a time_n when_o st._n john_n receive_v and_o when_o he_o write_v this_o revelation_n there_o be_v some_o dispute_n but_o the_o most_o probable_a if_o not_o the_o most_o general_o receive_v opinion_n be_v that_o he_o be_v â—â—nished_v into_o patmos_n a_o isle_n in_o the_o archipelago_n situate_v about_o forty_o mile_n from_o the_o continent_n of_o asia_n by_o domitian_n under_o who_o be_v the_o second_o persecution_n this_o revelation_n be_v deliver_v to_o he_o about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o emperor_n reign_n but_o at_o several_a time_n and_o that_o he_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v about_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o vision_n themselves_o i_o will_v not_o here_o particular_o inâ—ist_v upon_o any_o of_o they_o only_o in_o general_n it_o be_v common_o say_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seal_n set_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o heathen_a 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vouch_v by_o writer_n of_o very_a good_a account_n and_o who_o joint_a authority_n in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v as_o for_o some_o particular_a circustances_n which_o relate_v to_o this_o matter_n as_o the_o place_n where_o they_o meet_v their_o mavellous_a consent_n in_o the_o work_n and_o the_o time_n they_o dispatch_v it_o in_o these_o may_v be_v doubt_v of_o though_o for_o my_o part_n i_o see_v no_o solid_a ground_n of_o deny_v they_o altogether_o the_o whole_a translation_n be_v finish_v in_o 72_o day_n say_v aristaeas_n or_o aristaeus_n for_o his_o name_n be_v write_v both_o way_n one_o that_o be_v a_o great_a favourite_n of_o king_n ptolomee_n and_o write_v the_o history_n of_o this_o greek_a translation_n of_o the_o jewish_a elder_n but_o this_o author_n be_v think_v to_o be_v spurious_a by_o graec._n vossius_fw-la and_o by_o some_o other_o learned_a man_n before_o he_o as_o to_o the_o place_n philo_n the_o jew_n justin_n martyr_n and_o other_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o great_a tower_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o pharos_n which_o be_v set_v up_o to_o direct_v the_o mariner_n in_o the_o dangerous_a sea_n about_o alexandria_n upon_o which_o a_o gregory_n great_a critic_n turn_v devout_a and_o exert_v his_o fancy_n very_o pious_o observe_v this_o to_o be_v a_o proper_a place_n for_o such_o a_o work_n the_o bible_n be_v true_o a_o light_n to_o lighten_v the_o gentile_a world_n a_o light_n hang_v out_o to_o guide_v all_o doubt_v and_o trouble_a soul_n in_o the_o storm_n and_o tempest_n they_o meet_v with_o and_o there_o be_v distinct_a place_n if_o you_o will_v credit_v some_o jewish_a and_o christian_a writer_n wherein_o these_o interpreter_n separately_z perform_v the_o task_n which_o they_o be_v set_v about_o they_o do_v the_o work_n each_o of_o they_o in_o diverse_a room_n say_v the_o talmud_n and_o the_o rabbin_n they_o be_v put_v into_o 70_o distinct_a cell_n when_o they_o translate_v the_o bible_n say_v justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o apology_n to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o moreover_o he_o add_v that_o he_o be_v at_o pharos_n and_o see_v what_o be_v leave_v of_o those_o cell_n and_o with_o he_o agree_v irenaeus_n clemens_n of_o alexandria_n epiphanius_n cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o augustine_n and_o further_o though_o a_o arabic_a commentator_n on_o the_o pentateuch_n who_o mr._n gregory_n cite_v report_v that_o the_o 70_o senior_n disagree_v in_o their_o translation_n the_o first_o time_n and_o so_o be_v set_v to_o it_o again_o yet_o these_o father_n take_v notice_n of_o no_o such_o thing_n but_o tell_v we_o that_o though_o these_o translator_n be_v separate_v into_o distinct_a place_n by_o themselves_o yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o very_a word_n and_o syllable_n which_o they_o borrow_v it_o be_v likely_a from_o 2._o philo_n who_o have_v express_o say_v they_o all_o exact_o agree_v on_o the_o same_o name_n and_o word_n to_o interpret_v the_o chaldee_n by_o for_o he_o call_v it_o the_o chaldee_n instead_o of_o the_o hebrew_n as_o if_o some_o person_n stand_v by_o they_o and_o invisible_o dictate_v to_o they_o although_o the_o chaldee_n may_v be_v translate_v diverse_a way_n the_o greek_a tongue_n be_v so_o copious_a and_o he_o further_o add_v that_o ibid._n there_o be_v a_o feast_n yearly_a in_o the_o pharos_n whither_o the_o jew_n go_v to_o solemnize_v it_o and_o to_o see_v the_o place_n where_o this_o version_n be_v make_v but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o temp._n fast_o appoint_v to_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o jew_n on_o the_o 8_o day_n of_o thâ—bet_n or_o december_n because_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n by_o the_o jew_n of_o alexandria_n in_o ptolomee_n time_n at_o which_o time_n they_o say_v there_o be_v darkness_n three_o day_n together_o over_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o therefore_o which_o philo_n say_v seem_v rather_o to_o be_v say_v on_o purpose_n to_o inhanse_v the_o credit_n of_o this_o translation_n for_o which_o reason_n we_o may_v just_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o josephus_n who_o purposely_o 2._o treat_v of_o the_o turn_v the_o law_n into_o greek_a by_o king_n ptolomee_n order_n say_v nothing_o of_o the_o different_a cell_n nor_o do_v he_o represent_v the_o interpreter_n as_o inspire_a person_n and_o st._n jerom_n who_o be_v a_o search_v man_n be_v the_o first_o of_o the_o father_n that_o oppose_a and_o contradict_v this_o story_n declare_v that_o he_o can_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n concern_v these_o distinct_a room_n and_o apartment_n and_o the_o miraculous_a agreement_n of_o the_o interpreter_n in_o these_o separate_a cell_n give_v pentateuch_n this_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o neither_o aristaea_n nor_o josephus_n speak_v a_o word_n of_o they_o but_o some_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o this_o but_o roundly_o tell_v we_o that_o jerom_o have_v make_v a_o new_a translation_n of_o the_o bible_n out_o of_o the_o hebrew_n himself_o wherein_o he_o very_o much_o differ_v from_o the_o lxx_o and_o so_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o disparage_v the_o cell_n and_o the_o translator_n to_o make_v way_n for_o his_o own_o translation_n this_o be_v the_o uncharitable_a censure_n which_o gregory_n one_o give_v of_o this_o great_a father_n and_o as_o for_o aristâ—as_o he_o come_v off_o thus_o with_o he_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o he_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o cell_n for_o this_o aristaea_n who_o be_v quote_v by_o st._n jerom_n be_v not_o the_o genuine_a author_n but_o a_o spurious_a one_o for_o the_o father_n quote_v many_o thing_n out_o of_o he_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o book_n but_o 2._o another_o tell_v we_o another_o story_n viz._n that_o the_o hellenist_n jew_n who_o read_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o â—0_n in_o their_o synagogue_n be_v the_o inventor_n of_o this_o history_n of_o the_o translator_n and_o put_v it_o out_o in_o one_o aristâ—us's_n name_n and_o the_o same_o person_n moreover_o present_v we_o with_o this_o new_a conceit_n that_o it_o be_v call_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o seventy_o not_o from_o seventy_o translator_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o from_o the_o seventy_o judge_n i._n e._n the_o sanhedrim_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o authorize_v and_o approve_v of_o it_o then_o as_o for_o josephus_n we_o be_v put_v off_o thus_o by_o mr._n gregory_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o comply_v with_o his_o reader_n and_o use_v not_o to_o put_v great_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n on_o their_o belief_n if_o he_o can_v help_v it_o as_o appear_v in_o his_o relation_n of_o the_o israelite_n pass_v the_o red_a sea_n and_o nebuchadnezzar_n go_v to_o grass_n etc._n etc._n so_o here_o he_o omit_v the_o seventy_o seniors_n their_o consent_v in_o that_o wonderful_a manner_n in_o the_o translate_n the_o hebrew_a bible_n because_o it_o will_v have_v be_v incredible_a to_o the_o gentile_n that_o person_n separate_v and_o shut_v up_o from_o one_o another_o shall_v agree_v so_o exact_o to_o this_o effect_n you_o will_v â—ind_v that_o notable_a critic_n speak_v but_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o very_a sorry_a evasion_n as_o those_o of_o the_o other_o person_n before_o mention_v be_v if_o any_o man_n look_v narrow_o into_o it_o for_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o he_o give_v here_o that_o jewish_a historian_n may_v have_v omit_v most_o of_o the_o thing_n he_o relate_v because_o they_o be_v very_o great_a and_o wonderful_a and_o far_o exceed_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o pagan_a we_o be_v not_o then_o to_o attend_v to_o such_o poor_a suggestion_n as_o these_o and_o to_o swallow_v all_o that_o have_v be_v relate_v by_o writer_n concern_v the_o seventy_o interpreter_n neither_o be_v there_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v all_o they_o have_v say_v but_o in_o this_o as_o in_o most_o historical_a relation_n we_o ought_v to_o credit_v what_o be_v most_o probable_a and_o to_o reject_v the_o rest_n we_o need_v not_o with_o epiphanius_n and_o augustine_n hold_v that_o the_o seventy_o interpreter_n be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o that_o their_o translation_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v do_v in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n which_o we_o may_v â—ind_v some_o writer_n aim_v at_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o affirm_v that_o all_o which_o aristaeas_n and_o aristobulus_n say_v concern_v the_o seventy_n version_n be_v fable_n and_o fiction_n as_o the_o pin._n parisian_a professor_n of_o divinity_n pronounce_v but_o very_o rash_o in_o my_o judgement_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v the_o chief_a and_o general_a thing_n which_o be_v relate_v concern_v the_o seventy_o seniors_n who_o be_v employ_v in_o turn_v the_o old_a testament_n into_o greek_a we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v their_o skill_n and_o ability_n as_o to_o the_o main_a to_o perform_v that_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
number_v among_o the_o book_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v argue_v from_o the_o tradition_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v do_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v it_o be_v valid_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o copy_n the_o canonicalness_n of_o the_o book_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o decidable_a by_o scripture_n itself_o but_o in_o the_o way_n that_o all_o other_o controversy_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v as_o you_o will_v prove_v any_o other_o book_n to_o be_v authentic_a so_o you_o must_v prove_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v viz._n by_o sufficient_a and_o able_a testimony_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o sacred_a history_n that_o there_o be_v to_o believe_v any_o other_o historical_a write_n that_o be_v extant_a nay_o the_o testimony_n on_o behalf_n of_o the_o holy_a scriptureâ—_n be_v more_o pregnant_a than_o any_o that_o be_v bring_v for_o other_o write_n beside_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v for_o the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v for_o other_o write_n i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o this_o above_o aâ—â—_n other_o the_o main_a thing_n we_o have_v insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v faithful_o convey_v to_o we_o and_o that_o they_o be_v vouch_v by_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a tradition_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o these_o book_n and_o no_o other_o be_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n for_o to_o be_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o be_v own_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o divine_o inspire_a write_n the_o church_n witness_v and_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n for_o she_o receive_v they_o as_o divine_a and_o she_o deliver_v they_o to_o we_o as_o such_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o church_n testify_v these_o book_n to_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v a_o absolute_a and_o entire_a authority_n to_o they_o a_o clerk_n in_o the_o parliament_n or_o any_o other_o court_n writes_z down_z and_o testiâ—ies_n that_o such_o a_o act_n or_o decree_n or_o order_n be_v pass_v by_o the_o king_n magistrate_n or_o people_n and_o he_o witness_n that_o he_o have_v faithful_o keep_v these_o by_o he_o and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o at_o such_o a_o time_n be_v make_v by_o the_o foresay_a authority_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o act_n decree_n or_o order_n rest_v not_o in_o the_o clerk_n but_o whole_o in_o the_o king_n magistrate_n or_o people_n so_o the_o church_n record_v and_o keep_v the_o sacred_a write_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o bear_v witness_v that_o they_o have_v be_v faithful_o preserve_v and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o genuine_a write_n of_o those_o person_n who_o name_n be_v presix_v to_o they_o bâ—t_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o church_n but_o on_o the_o book_n and_o author_n themselves_o namely_o their_o be_v inspire_v and_o indeed_o this_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v depend_v on_o the_o church_n because_o the_o church_n itself_o depend_v on_o the_o scripture_n these_o must_v be_v prove_v before_o the_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o church_n we_o can_v know_v the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v know_v before_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o papist_n be_v very_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a in_o make_v the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v into_o the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n this_o we_o disow_v as_o a_o great_a falsity_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o hold_v that_o the_o church_n testimony_n be_v one_o good_a argument_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n according_a to_o that_o know_a say_v of_o st._n augustine_n i_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o move_v i_o not_o that_o he_o find_v the_o gospel_n i._n e._n the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o papist_n be_v wont_a to_o infer_v from_o these_o word_n and_o frequent_o quote_v they_o to_o this_o purpose_n no_o the_o father_n meaning_n be_v this_o that_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n he_o believe_v the_o book_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v very_o that_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o scope_n of_o it_o for_o he_o speak_v there_o of_o the_o copy_n or_o write_n not_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o good_a father_n rely_v on_o this_o that_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o know_v and_o honest_a person_n as_o the_o church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o do_v assert_v the_o evangelical_n write_n to_o be_v the_o write_n of_o such_o as_o be_v real_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a and_o not_o corrupt_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o same_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o of_o those_o that_o immediate_o succeed_v they_o several_a of_o which_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n this_o be_v the_o external_n testimony_n give_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v the_o general_a persuasion_n and_o attestation_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o these_o be_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n immediate_o direct_v by_o the_o spirit_n who_o therefore_o can_v not_o err_v it_o be_v usual_a heretofore_o among_o the_o pagan_a lawgiver_n to_o attribute_v their_o law_n to_o some_o deity_n though_o they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o invention_n intend_v thereby_o to_o conciliate_v reverence_n to_o they_o and_o to_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o people_n but_o here_o be_v no_o such_o cheat_n put_v upon_o we_o god_n himself_o be_v real_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n these_o sacred_a law_n come_v immediate_o from_o he_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v assurance_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o they_o chap._n iii_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n manifest_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n especial_o of_o pagan_n these_o confirm_v what_o the_o old_a testament_n say_v concern_v the_o creation_n the_o production_n of_o adam_n and_o eve_n their_o fall_n with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o it_o enoch_n translation_n the_o longevity_n of_o the_o patriarch_n the_o giant_n in_o those_o time_n the_o universal_a flood_n the_o build_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n i_o have_v propound_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a argument_n which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o will_v now_o choose_v out_o another_o for_o the_o sake_n chief_o of_o the_o learned_a and_o curious_a which_o i_o purpose_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o yea_o to_o make_v the_o subject_a of_o my_o whole_a ensue_a discourse_n i_o consider_v then_o that_o we_o have_v in_o this_o matter_n not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n but_o of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n and_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o vouch_v by_o all_o man_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o enemy_n be_v most_o considerable_a the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o beside_o these_o witness_n there_o be_v other_o there_o be_v the_o attestation_n of_o foreigner_n and_o adversary_n these_o full_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a bible_n we_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o heathen_a writer_n to_o confirm_v many_o of_o the_o thing_n relate_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o both_o profess_a heathen_n and_o jew_n for_o we_o must_v now_o look_v upon_o these_o latter_a as_o profess_a enemy_n when_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_a concern_v attest_v sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o vouch_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o they_o here_o than_o i_o will_v distinct_o proceed_v and_o first_o begin_v with_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o let_v you_o see_v in_o several_a particular_n that_o even_o the_o pagan_a world_n give_v testimony_n to_o this_o sacred_a volume_n
that_o the_o gentile_n relate_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o this_o do_v that_o the_o great_a truth_n and_o notable_a history_n notion_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o profane_a write_n but_o take_v from_o these_o sacred_a one_o the_o heathen_n borrow_v many_o of_o their_o rite_n and_o usage_n from_o tradition_n which_o be_v found_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o derive_v many_o thing_n in_o their_o religion_n and_o manner_n from_o these_o sacred_a fountain_n though_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o they_o have_v labour_v to_o pollute_v they_o but_o i_o will_v make_v it_o clear_a and_o manifest_a that_o they_o fetch_v they_o thence_o and_o i_o will_v abundant_o prove_v that_o most_o of_o the_o chief_a thing_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v attest_v both_o by_o the_o fable_n and_o the_o serious_a history_n of_o the_o pagan_n there_o have_v be_v some_o high-flier_n i_o know_v who_o have_v carry_v on_o this_o notion_n to_o a_o ridiculous_a extravagancy_n thus_o 216._o zimmeranus_fw-la speak_v of_o a_o odd_a christiano_n capuchin_n who_o have_v vent_v very_o wild_a thing_n in_o prosecute_a this_o argument_n viz._n that_o the_o gentile_a mystery_n be_v take_v from_o the_o true_a god_n and_o from_o the_o scripture_n inspire_v by_o he_o and_o one_o jacobâ—_n hugo_n in_o his_o historia_fw-la romana_fw-la be_v quote_v by_o the_o same_o person_n as_o very_o extravagant_a in_o this_o kind_n for_o he_o hold_v that_o the_o roman_a story_n be_v a_o narrative_a of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n pious_a aeneas_n be_v st._n peter_n and_o his_o sail_v from_o troy_n to_o latium_n be_v the_o story_n of_o st._n peter_n leave_v the_o chair_n at_o antioch_n and_o go_v to_o rome_n homer_n and_o virgil_n heroic_a poem_n be_v a_o account_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o shipwreck_n and_o misfortune_n which_o this_o latter_a meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n ilium_n or_o aelia_n be_v jerusalem_n that_o be_v the_o name_n which_o aelius_n adrianus_n give_v it_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o jewish_a war_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v contain_v in_o homer_n iliad_n and_o so_o be_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o whole_a gospel_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o romulus_n and_o remus_n signify_v the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n the_o founder_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o more_o extravagant_o yet_o he_o go_v on_o tell_v we_o that_o diana_n signify_v the_o holy_a trinity_n curtius_n on_o horseback_n swallow_v up_o in_o the_o lake_n be_v the_o virgin_n mary_n who_o temple_n be_v see_v there_o in_o the_o marketplace_n at_o rome_n with_o this_o inscription_n d._n virgin_n templum_fw-la à _fw-la poenis_fw-la inferni_fw-la liberantis_fw-la and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o of_o such_o stuff_n this_o hugo_n have_v which_o no_o man_n of_o consideration_n and_o sense_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v indeed_o such_o wild_a and_o far-fetched_a conceit_n may_v be_v just_o entertain_v with_o laughter_n and_o contempt_n nor_o do_v i_o look_v upon_o some_o thing_n which_o some_o other_o of_o more_o compose_a thought_n mention_v as_o any_o real_a testimony_n give_v to_o the_o scripture_n they_o strange_o fancy_v a_o affinity_n between_o scripture_n and_o paganism_n between_o what_o they_o read_v in_o the_o one_o and_o what_o they_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o other_o though_o there_o be_v no_o cognation_n at_o all_o thus_o the_o greek_a fable_n of_o minerva_n be_v the_o offspring_n of_o jove_n brain_n take_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o eternal_a and_o ineffable_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n say_v a_o generib_o learned_a man_n and_o isis_n the_o egyptian_a goddess_n be_v say_v he_o ishah_n mulier_fw-la or_o virgo_fw-la i._n e._n the_o virgin_n mary_n from_o a_o tradition_n among_o they_o that_o a_o virgin_n shoulâ—_n bring_v forth_o a_o son_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o redeemer_n 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n and_o i_o can_v mention_v other_o whoâ—â—_n name_n be_v better_o know_v who_o have_v be_v too_o extravagant_a in_o this_o kind_n carry_v the_o notion_n on_o toâ—_n far_o and_o strong_o fancy_v every_o thing_n almoâ—â—_n which_o they_o meet_v with_o in_o pagan_a story_n to_o hauâ—_n some_o reference_n to_o and_o be_v take_v from_o the_o holâ—_n scripture_n but_o i_o shall_v very_o industrious_o avoâ—â—_n this_o vanity_n and_o folly_n and_o only_o represent_v to_o the_o curious_a and_o critical_a reader_n those_o passage_n in_o pagâ—â—_n writer_n which_o with_o great_a probability_n and_o reasoâ—_n we_o may_v conclude_v to_o have_v be_v take_v from_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o let_v you_o see_v the_o sacred_a history_n of_o the_o bible_n eveâ—_n through_o the_o fable_n and_o feign_a story_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o thereby_o confirm_v you_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o that_o sacred_a history_n whence_o they_o be_v take_v 1._o to_o begin_v first_o where_o all_o thing_n begin_v the_o creation_n this_o as_o it_o be_v particular_o describe_v iâ—_n the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n be_v plain_o to_o be_v find_v in_o pagan_a author_n who_o without_o doubt_n have_v it_o froâ—_n this_o first_o entrance_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o though_o a_o man_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v know_v that_o the_o world_n have_v a_o beginning_n yet_o this_o particular_a way_n of_o its_o beginning_n as_o it_o be_v there_o set_v down_o can_v not_o be_v attain_v to_o but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n wherefore_o it_o be_v rational_o to_o be_v assert_v that_o the_o pagaâ—â—_n take_v this_o notion_n from_o god_n reveal_v will_n in_o scripture_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o do_v hereby_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n the_o genâ—râ—â—_n opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a gentile_n be_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v out_o of_o a_o precede_a chaos_n which_o they_o represent_v to_o be_v a_o rude_a disorder_a and_o indigested_a mass_n of_o matter_n reduce_v to_o no_o shape_n and_o form_n sanconiathon_n the_o phoenician_n historian_n so_o much_o praise_v by_o porphyrius_n the_o philosopher_n in_o 5._o eusebius_n make_v mention_n of_o this_o chaos_n as_o the_o source_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o his_o fragment_n of_o phoenician_n theology_n the_o ancient_a poet_n orpheus_n hold_v that_o this_o chaos_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o theogon_n hesiod_n agree_v with_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o chaos_n be_v that_o out_o of_o which_o all_o body_n be_v make_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n it_o be_v describe_v by_o 1._o ovid_n after_o this_o manner_n ante_fw-la mare_fw-la &_o terras_fw-la &_o quod_fw-la tegit_fw-la omne_fw-la coelum_fw-la vnus_fw-la erat_fw-la toto_fw-la naturae_fw-la vultus_fw-la in_o orbe_fw-la quem_fw-la dixere_fw-la chaos_n etc._n etc._n where_o in_o forty_o or_o â—ifty_a pair_n of_o good_a smooth_a verse_n he_o most_o excellent_o describe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o thing_n and_o make_v the_o very_a chaos_n beautiful_a this_o be_v the_o same_o with_o hyle_n the_o first_o original_a matter_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o poet_n demogorgon_n which_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o shapeless_a lump_n of_o the_o chaos_n and_o in_o the_o phoenician_n language_n we_o may_v find_v it_o in_o the_o very_a sound_n of_o the_o word_n thoth_v and_o bau_n which_o be_v but_o a_o small_a variation_n from_o tohu_n and_o bohu_n in_o the_o hebrew_n text_n the_o same_o with_o chaos_n among_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n this_o be_v found_v on_o those_o word_n of_o moses_n gen._n 1._o 2._o the_o earth_n be_v without_o form_n and_o void_a and_o darkness_n be_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a this_o dark_a and_o formless_a heap_n of_o water_n and_o earth_n mingle_v together_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o fiâ—_n element_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v afterwards_o hence_o spring_v the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v now_o shape_a 〈◊〉_d model_v from_o this_o account_n which_o moses_n giu_v here_o of_o the_o creation_n the_o old_a pagan_a theologer_n i._o e._n the_o pocts_n make_v the_o ocean_n to_o be_v the_o origin_n of_o all_o generation_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o thâ—_n if_o you_o give_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o it_o that_o thâ—_n moist_a and_o fluid_a matter_n give_v beginning_n to_o all_o bodâ—_n that_o be_v orpheus_n own_a this_o hypothesis_n calliâ—â—_n the_o ocean_n the_o parent_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o one_o of_o 〈◊〉_d hymn_n and_o out_o of_o some_o other_o piece_n of_o 〈◊〉_d work_n the_o same_o may_v be_v prove_v homer_n 〈◊〉_d the_o like_a assert_v the_o ocean_n to_o be_v the_o antiente_a of_o the_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o again_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d iliad_n on_o which_o word_n the_o scholiast_n give_v this_o reason_n