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
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 so_o that_o we_o be_v read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o manner_n whilst_o we_o be_v turn_v over_o pagan_a writer_n in_o these_o we_o meet_v with_o truth_n transplant_v from_o the_o sacred_a book_n we_o find_v many_o passage_n steal_v from_o the_o hebrew_a fountain_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v then_o that_o scholar_n and_o student_n yea_o the_o very_a candidate_n of_o sacred_a theology_n may_v with_o great_a profit_n pry_v into_o these_o write_n of_o the_o pagan_n for_o here_o be_v the_o footstep_n of_o divine_a verity_n profane_a and_o sacred_a learning_n be_v to_o be_v join_v the_o gentile_a monument_n illustrate_v the_o inspire_a one_o we_o may_v notwithstanding_o the_o disguise_n which_o poet_n have_v put_v upon_o the_o story_n see_v the_o foundation_n of_o they_o and_o perceive_v that_o those_o vain_a figmentsâ—_n be_v ground_v on_o some_o solid_a truth_n and_o that_o a_o sacred_a treasure_n lie_v hide_v under_o those_o confuse_a fable_n for_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o palestine_n afford_v greece_n matter_n of_o fancy_n and_o invention_n the_o pagan_a poet_n be_v befriend_v by_o the_o jew_n athens_n be_v indebt_v to_o jerusalem_n parnassus_n be_v behold_v to_o sinai_n and_o helicon_n to_o jordan_n you_o see_v then_o the_o advantage_n we_o may_v reap_v by_o be_v acquaint_v with_o profane_a writer_n whilst_o we_o look_v further_o than_o the_o outward_a shape_n which_o they_o have_v give_v to_o many_o thing_n and_o search_v into_o that_o truth_n which_o lie_v hide_v under_o it_o even_o the_o sacred_a and_o undoubted_a history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n thus_o we_o may_v make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o far_o high_a and_o better_a end_n than_o they_o be_v intend_v this_o be_v the_o best_a improvement_n that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o to_o see_v the_o true_a source_n of_o what_o be_v write_v by_o they_o to_o understand_v whence_o they_o borrow_v their_o matter_n and_o to_o confirm_v ourselves_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n by_o peruse_v these_o which_o be_v profane_a 5th_o and_o last_o then_o see_v the_o authority_n truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n i_o have_v be_v aim_v at_o i_o have_v prove_v this_o before_o by_o several_a argument_n and_o those_o perhaps_o on_o some_o account_v more_o force_v and_o convictive_a than_o this_o but_o i_o think_v good_a to_o add_v this_o to_o they_o as_o no_o contemptible_a way_n of_o prove_v the_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v evidence_v from_o heathen_a writer_n not_o only_o historian_n but_o philosopher_n and_o poet_n a_o man_n may_v by_o compare_v these_o with_o the_o sacred_a volume_n find_v out_o the_o original_a of_o the_o pagan_a tradition_n and_o fiction_n and_o observe_v the_o lineament_n of_o true_a and_o unquestionable_a history_n among_o they_o hence_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n and_o thing_n in_o be_v as_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o the_o passage_n and_o transaction_n there_o mention_v be_v real_a and_o true_a this_o admirable_o serve_v to_o evince_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o write_n this_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o record_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n i._n e._n as_o infallible_a chap._n x._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n confirm_v by_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a writer_n who_o speak_v of_o a_o king_n or_o lord_n that_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o particular_o out_o of_o judaea_n a_o enumeration_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o learned_a concern_v the_o sibylls_n with_o the_o particular_a sentiment_n of_o the_o author_n viz._n that_o the_o content_n of_o their_o verse_n be_v harrow_v from_o the_o old-testament_n and_o that_o those_o woman_n be_v not_o prophetess_n but_o only_o relate_v what_o they_o find_v in_o the_o inspire_a write_n or_o hear_v of_o thence_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o sibylline_a write_n to_o be_v spurious_a next_o i_o be_o to_o show_v how_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v vouch_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o external_n testimony_n i._n e._n how_o profess_a pagansâ—nd_n â—nd_z jew_n enemy_n to_o christianity_n have_v relate_v â—nd_o assert_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o be_v set_v down_o â—n_o those_o evangelical_n write_n first_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a nature_n between_o what_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o before_o and_o what_o â—_o be_o now_o to_o engage_v in_o which_o therefore_o may_v apt_o serve_v as_o a_o transition_n from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o i_o â—ean_v the_o belief_n and_o report_n record_v in_o pagan_a writer_n that_o a_o king_n or_o lord_n shall_v come_v from_o the_o 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
or_o their_o conform_v to_o the_o dialect_n of_o their_o country_n for_o these_o be_v consistent_a with_o that_o isaiah_n be_v a_o courtier_n and_o a_o person_n of_o quality_n have_v a_o neat_a and_o elegant_a style_n and_o yet_o so_o as_o he_o know_v how_o to_o vary_v it_o according_a to_o the_o matter_n he_o treat_v of_o but_o general_o he_o be_v lofty_a and_o eloquent_a his_o style_n be_v raise_v by_o his_o education_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o noble_a extraction_n for_o he_o be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal._n jeremiah_n and_o amos_n be_v use_v to_o the_o country_n be_v mean_a and_o homely_a in_o their_o language_n the_o latter_a especial_o discover_v his_o condition_n and_o way_n of_o life_n in_o his_o low_a and_o rural_a strain_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n st._n luke_n who_o have_v improve_v himself_o by_o art_n and_o study_n be_v very_o observant_a of_o the_o greek_a elegancy_n and_o avoid_v all_o improper_a and_o exotic_a term_n in_o his_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o acts._n indeed_o the_o style_n of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n be_v very_o different_a and_o that_o difference_n be_v a_o excellency_n in_o this_o book_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o i_o say_v be_v this_o the_o writer_n leave_v not_o off_o their_o peculiar_a style_n though_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o this_o furnish_v they_o with_o new_a expression_n so_o it_o let_v they_o make_v use_n of_o their_o own_o usual_a one_o but_o immediate_o direct_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o apply_v of_o they_o so_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o they_o use_v their_o natural_a style_n they_o be_v divine_o help_v to_o make_v it_o serviceable_a to_o that_o purpose_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v hence_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o style_n and_o word_n and_o composure_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n be_v such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v reckon_v divine_a for_o this_o be_v one_o difference_n between_o this_o book_n and_o other_o that_o every_o thing_n of_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o therefore_o those_o person_n who_o dream_v of_o solecisâ—â—_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o great_a soleciser_n themselves_o but_o especial_o those_o who_o assert_v there_o be_v mistake_v and_o literal_a falsity_n in_o the_o holy_a book_n be_v utter_o to_o be_v condemn_v such_o be_v 4._o episcopius_n who_o dare_v affirm_v that_o the_o spirit_n leave_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o their_o own_o humane_a frailty_n in_o deliver_v such_o thing_n as_o belong_v to_o circumstance_n of_o a_o fact_n their_o knowledge_n and_o memory_n be_v deficient_a and_o fallible_a the_o spirit_n do_v not_o tell_v st._n john_n how_o many_o furlong_n christ_n disciple_n go_v chap._n 6._o 19_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v assert_v he_o say_v as_o to_o some_o name_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o before_o this_o you_o be_v tell_v by_o erasmus_n â—â—o_o other_o that_o the_o penman_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d in_o some_o light_a thing_n not_o that_o they_o will_v falsity_n but_o that_o they_o may_v forget_v some_o passage_n melchior_n canus_n be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v some_o considerable_a slip_v in_o scripture_n from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n memory_n yea_o among_o the_o ancient_a father_n there_o be_v 50._o one_o who_o more_o gross_o hold_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n sometime_o abuse_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o they_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o present_a purpose_n although_o they_o be_v nothing_o to_o it_o thus_o st._n paul_n he_o say_v quote_v the_o old_a testament_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n galatian_n and_o ephesian_n only_o to_o serve_v his_o turn_n and_o to_o confute_v the_o jew_n his_o adversary_n read_v say_v he_o these_o epistle_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n be_v whole_o on_o the_o polemic_a part_n and_o rufin_n you_o will_v see_v how_o prudent_o and_o dissemble_o he_o act_v in_o those_o text_n which_o he_o cit_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o at_o other_o time_n this_o bold_a man_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o say_v that_o some_o of_o the_o matter_n and_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v set_v down_o wrong_n this_o be_v no_o less_o than_o profane_a and_o blasphemous_a doctrine_n wherefore_o that_o father_n be_v to_o be_v read_v with_o great_a caution_n in_o such_o place_n as_o these_o we_o on_o the_o contrary_n assert_v that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o the_o author_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o content_n of_o holy_a writ_n but_o also_o of_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n yea_o even_o when_o those_o writer_n express_v their_o sense_n in_o their_o own_o term_n i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o way_n and_o dialect_n which_o they_o be_v master_n of_o and_o which_o be_v most_o familiar_a to_o they_o even_o than_o they_o be_v immediate_o assist_v 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o this_o book_n may_v have_v no_o error_n and_o fail_n in_o it_o of_o any_o kind_n but_o that_o it_o may_v transcend_v all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o if_o you_o do_v not_o hold_v this_o you_o make_v no_o considerable_a difference_n between_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o other_o write_n therefore_o i_o be_o thorough_o convince_v that_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v maintain_v viz._n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n indict_v the_o very_a style_n of_o scripture_n that_o even_o this_o be_v by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o writing_n i_o may_v well_o annex_v its_o harmony_n and_o thence_o also_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a though_o there_o be_v several_a seem_a repugnancy_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o in_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n and_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v they_o up_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o every_o sober_a and_o considerate_a person_n yet_o it_o can_v but_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o this_o book_n do_v entire_o agree_v and_o be_v consistent_a with_o one_o another_o this_o in_o other_o book_n which_o be_v compose_v and_o write_v by_o one_o author_n be_v not_o so_o admirable_a though_o in_o those_o piece_n we_o oftentimes_o meet_v with_o very_o palpable_a disagreement_n and_o contradiction_n but_o here_o we_o be_v able_a to_o remember_v that_o notwithstanding_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o different_a person_n and_o those_o many_o in_o number_n and_o disagree_v in_o quality_n and_o extreme_o distant_a as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n yet_o their_o write_n contradict_v not_o one_o another_o but_o there_o be_v a_o excellent_a harmony_n in_o all_o their_o part_n there_o be_v a_o perfect_a concord_n and_o consent_n among_o they_o all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o author_n in_o the_o world_n though_o of_o the_o same_o sect_n and_o party_n excellent_o to_o this_o purpose_n a_o very_a wise_a and_o judicious_a ourselves_o man_n thus_o speak_v when_o several_a man_n in_o several_a age_n not_o bring_v up_o under_o the_o same_o education_n write_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o find_v unity_n in_o their_o tenant_n or_o position_n because_o their_o spirit_n judgement_n and_o fancy_n be_v different_a but_o where_o so_o many_o several_a author_n speak_v and_o write_v at_o several_a time_n agree_v not_o only_o in_o matter_n dogmatical_a of_o sublime_a and_o difficult_a nature_n but_o also_o in_o prediction_n of_o future_a and_o contingent_a event_n whereof_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o humane_a understanding_n to_o make_v a_o discovery_n without_o a_o superior_a discovery_n make_v to_o it_o i_o must_v needs_o conclude_v one_o and_o the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n declare_v the_o same_o truth_n to_o these_o several_a men._n and_o as_o to_o the_o seem_a contrariety_n of_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n this_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o trouble_n we_o for_o this_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o writer_n do_v not_o combine_v together_o to_o cheat_v and_o delude_v we_o if_o they_o have_v design_v any_o such_o thing_n we_o shall_v not_o have_v meet_v with_o any_o difficult_a and_o seem_o repugnant_a place_n in_o these_o write_n but_o see_v we_o do_v so_o this_o among_o other_o thing_n may_v confirm_v we_o in_o this_o belief_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o contrive_v by_o man_n who_o have_v a_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v have_v such_o a_o design_n they_o will_v have_v so_o order_v it_o that_o not_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o contradiction_n and_o difference_n shall_v have_v be_v find_v but_o true_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o proceed_v thus_o in_o this_o discourse_n for_o to_o a_o unprejudiced_a and_o industrious_a enquirer_n there_o be_v
industry_n to_o preserve_v scripture_n from_o corruption_n we_o may_v gather_v from_o this_o diversity_n of_o readins_n that_o man_n have_v be_v very_o inquisitive_a and_o careful_a in_o their_o compare_v of_o copy_n but_o we_o can_v thence_o argue_v that_o the_o text_n be_v adulterate_v yea_o rather_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o from_o this_o compare_v and_o vie_v of_o copy_n we_o come_v to_o know_v and_o be_v ascertain_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o authentic_a one_o and_o we_o may_v far_o add_v with_o the_o same_o excellent_a author_n that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a since_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o indeed_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o that_o that_o the_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n shall_v have_v be_v corrupt_v for_o the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n be_v then_o such_o have_v be_v since_o much_o more_o such_o and_o so_o far_o disperse_v that_o neither_o one_o man_n nor_o one_o body_n of_o man_n can_v ever_o get_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n to_o corrupt_v they_o and_o if_o some_o few_o or_o mâ—â—â—ny_a copy_n have_v be_v corrupt_v but_o not_o all_o thâ—â—_n sincere_a number_n will_v have_v detect_v the_o corrupt_a again_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o ancient_a orthodox_n writer_n of_o the_o church_n do_v all_o ciâ—â—_n these_o scripture_n as_o we_o now_o have_v they_o in_o everything_o material_a yea_o that_o most_o heretic_n have_v plead_v these_o same_o scripture_n and_o deny_v they_o not_o to_o be_v genuine_a to_o establish_v we_o yet_o further_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o these_o write_n have_v be_v open_o read_v to_o the_o people_n in_o all_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n in_o the_o several_a age_n since_o christianity_n begin_v and_o they_o be_v thus_o constant_o use_v can_v not_o possible_o be_v alter_v and_o corrupt_v beside_o that_o all_o private_a christian_n be_v exhort_v to_o read_v and_o use_v they_o in_o their_o family_n whereby_o they_o become_v so_o know_v and_o familiar_a that_o whenever_o any_o alteration_n be_v make_v they_o can_v present_o observe_v it_o last_o notwithstanding_o the_o author_n of_o a_o theologico-politic_a late_a tractate_n have_v bring_v divers_a objection_n against_o the_o usual_a tradition_n that_o such_o and_o such_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o though_o mr._n hobbs_n before_o he_o have_v do_v the_o same_o yet_o neither_o of_o they_o have_v effect_v it_o with_o any_o success_n this_o be_v all_o they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v only_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o civil_a to_o the_o holy_a write_n as_o they_o be_v to_o the_o profane_a one_o for_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o clear_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n under_o who_o name_n they_o go_v as_o that_o any_o other_o write_n be_v put_v out_o by_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v nor_o can_v these_o man_n vouchsafe_v to_o show_v that_o 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corrupt_v that_o god_n have_v preserve_v the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n from_o all_o considerable_a change_n and_o depravation_n his_o providence_n not_o suffer_v any_o such_o thing_n that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v now_o receive_v be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o and_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o be_v impregnable_a it_o may_v be_v expect_v i_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n which_o i_o have_v not_o reckon_v among_o the_o inspire_a write_n for_o do_v this_o i_o have_v good_a reason_n for_o i_o find_v they_o exclude_v from_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n by_o those_o that_o be_v the_o best_a judge_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o great_a keeper_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o never_o take_v these_o into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o jew_n believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n cease_v among_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o malachi_n have_v do_v prophesy_v they_o own_v no_o divine_a inspiration_n after_o his_o time_n and_o according_o receive_v not_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n i._n e._n book_n divine_o inspire_v 〈◊〉_d be_v write_v after_o malachi_n time_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d last_o prophet_n be_v not_o canonical_a be_v not_o of_o 〈◊〉_d authority_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o emphatical_a call_v scripture_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n inform_v we_o 〈◊〉_d scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o mark_n and_o criterion_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d be_v back_v by_o st._n peter_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o holy_a man_n 〈◊〉_d god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 〈◊〉_d those_o write_n which_o be_v not_o by_o inspiration_n 〈◊〉_d god_n nor_o from_o the_o immediate_a motion_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d ghost_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v as_o holy_a scriptuâ—â—_n and_o such_o be_v the_o apocryphal_a write_n they_o werâ—â—_n write_v after_o the_o cessation_n of_o prophecy_n and_o diviâ—â—_n inspiration_n and_o so_o they_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o can_v be_v esteem_v canonical_a scripture_o second_o the_o jew_n receive_v not_o the_o apocrypha_fw-la 〈◊〉_d to_o their_o canon_n because_o it_o be_v write_v in_o greek_n not_o in_o hebrew_n as_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v for_o god_n will_v not_o they_o say_v give_v they_o scripture_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o oracle_n of_o goâ—_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o authentic_a language_n which_o be_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n the_o apocryphal_a write_n be_v not_o such_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o and_o not_o take_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o sacred_a writ_n and_o as_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v by_o the_o jewiâ—_n church_n so_o not_o by_o the_o christian_a one_o 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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 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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 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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 division_n of_o time_n into_o unknown_a fabulous_a and_o historical_a the_o last_o of_o which_o he_o begin_v not_o till_o the_o greek_a olympiad_n prove_v this_o very_a thing_n the_o most_o ancient_a greek_a historian_n be_v archiloâ—us_a aristeas_n proconnesius_n hecataeus_n milesius_n charon_n lampsacenus_n etc._n etc._n but_o nothing_o of_o their_o write_n be_v preserve_v herodotus_n be_v the_o ancient_a greek_a historian_n we_o have_v extant_a and_o therefore_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o history_n but_o he_o begin_v his_o historical_a relation_n but_o a_o little_a before_o the_o prophetic_a history_n of_o ezra_n nehemiah_n and_o daniel_n make_v a_o end_n you_o will_v find_v this_o argument_n prosecute_v by_o 1._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n who_o show_v that_o the_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v before_o that_o of_o the_o greek_n as_o much_o as_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v before_o the_o seven_o wise_a man_n and_o the_o sacred_a history_n before_o the_o argolick_a he_o show_v that_o thales_n and_o solon_n two_o of_o their_o wise_a man_n live_v about_o the_o forty_o six_o and_o the_o fifty_o olympiad_n and_o pythagoras_n about_o the_o sixty_o second_o than_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v much_o old_a by_o the_o confession_n of_o philo_n pythagoreus_n aristobulus_n peripateticus_n and_o megasthenes_n he_o compare_v the_o age_n of_o moses_n with_o bacchus_n the_o seven_o wise_a man_n and_o some_o of_o the_o grecian_a god_n and_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v above_o six_o hundred_o year_n before_o any_o of_o these_o he_o demonstrate_v from_o chronological_a computation_n that_o hâ—ggai_n aâ—d_v zachary_n be_v elder_a than_o pythagoras_n and_o that_o solomon_n be_v much_o seniour_n to_o the_o wise_a men._n and_o all_o this_o be_v in_o order_n to_o this_o that_o the_o greek_n as_o well_o as_o the_o chaldean_n and_o egyptian_n have_v their_o knowledge_n from_o the_o hebrew_n and_o not_o these_o from_o they_o see_v then_o that_o the_o ancient_a pagan_a writer_n be_v short_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n see_v all_o author_n and_o writer_n be_v after_o moses_n for_o he_o indeed_o be_v before_o all_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o be_v in_o pagan_a history_n 400_o year_n before_o the_o trojan_a war_n which_o be_v the_o first_o start_v of_o history_n with_o the_o greek_a and_o roman_a author_n his_o law_n have_v the_o precedency_n of_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o law_n be_v scarce_o extant_a at_o that_o time_n in_o all_o homer_n you_o can_v find_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o have_v no_o write_a rule_n to_o direct_v their_o manner_n by_o the_o will_n of_o their_o prince_n be_v the_o only_a law_n since_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o the_o transcendent_a antiquity_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v hence_o undeniable_o prove_v these_o be_v the_o ancient_a memorial_n in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o old_a monument_n of_o truth_n and_o consequent_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o first_o people_n that_o have_v these_o thing_n set_v before_o they_o and_o as_o a_o consequent_a of_o that_o all_o other_o take_v from_o they_o from_o this_o compare_v the_o antiquity_n of_o writer_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o moses_n law_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v not_o borrow_v from_o the_o pagan_n as_o some_o have_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o chaldean_n phaenician_o and_o egyptian_n yea_o that_o the_o arabian_n and_o persian_n as_o might_n have_v be_v show_v and_o as_o the_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n now_o a_o worthy_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n have_v prove_v in_o his_o admirable_a discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a and_o that_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n have_v derive_v their_o mystery_n from_o the_o hebrew_n and_o that_o all_o the_o gentile_a theologer_n borrow_v their_o great_a truth_n from_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o these_o be_v the_o ancient_a and_o first_o record_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v 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other_o odd_a passage_n in_o their_o write_n and_o so_o when_o they_o take_v some_o thing_n of_o moment_n from_o scripture_n or_o from_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o those_o sacred_a record_n they_o clothe_v they_o with_o their_o dark_a and_o mystical_a expression_n in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o know_v whence_o they_o have_v they_o 7._o the_o grecian_a humour_n be_v to_o invent_v and_o romance_n their_o poet_n especial_o who_o be_v their_o first_o writer_n be_v famous_a for_o this_o they_o abuse_v mangle_a jumble_a and_o confound_v the_o story_n in_o holy_a writ_n they_o turn_v those_o sacred_a thing_n into_o magical_a prank_n sometime_o and_o from_o the_o name_n of_o holy_a person_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o take_v occasion_n to_o invent_v new_a deity_n and_o shape_n new_a go_n their_o frequent_a practice_n be_v to_o piece_n out_o scripture_n with_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o to_o add_v something_o of_o their_o own_o head_n this_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o greek_a vanity_n it_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o levity_n and_o capriciousness_n of_o these_o fabulous_a man_n who_o very_a genius_n lead_v they_o to_o affect_v banter_n and_o fiction_n the_o poet_n deal_v with_o sacred_a history_n as_o the_o legendary_n do_v with_o the_o life_n of_o saint_n they_o have_v some_o general_a ground_n for_o what_o they_o say_v but_o they_o make_v plentiful_a addition_n to_o it_o there_o be_v perhaps_o something_o of_o truth_n at_o bottom_n but_o than_o you_o have_v their_o own_o invention_n beside_o thus_o the_o grecian_a writer_n counterfeit_v all_o along_o the_o shape_n of_o real_a truth_n in_o most_o of_o their_o fable_n there_o be_v a_o medley_n of_o falsehood_n and_o truth_n together_o 8._o this_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o the_o pagan_a philosopher_n do_v out_o of_o fear_n sometime_o disguise_v the_o notion_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o scripture_n plato_n say_v justin_n the_o martyr_n have_v learn_v in_o egypt_n the_o true_a doctrine_n concern_v god_n one_o only_a god_n with_o several_a other_o sacred_a truth_n but_o lest_o some_o melitus_n or_o anytus_n shall_v accuse_v he_o he_o will_v not_o divulge_v they_o to_o the_o people_n for_o fear_v of_o incur_v socrates_n misfortune_n he_o either_o conceal_v or_o disguise_v all_o he_o dread_v the_o poisonous_a cup_n and_o so_o will_v not_o discover_v those_o sacred_a thing_n but_o rather_o choose_v to_o lap_v they_o up_o in_o poetic_a conceit_n and_o fable_n in_o mystery_n and_o riddle_n which_o his_o write_n be_v full_a of_o and_o this_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v the_o case_n of_o other_o philosopher_n and_o writer_n among_o the_o gentile_n they_o be_v timorous_a and_o dare_v not_o transgress_v the_o public_a law_n and_o incur_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o innovator_n in_o religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o speak_v ambiguous_o and_o obscure_o and_o corrupt_v those_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o holy_a fountain_n 9_o some_o out_o of_o mere_a ignorance_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o affair_n misrepresent_v and_o corrupt_v those_o thing_n this_o be_v see_v plain_o in_o strabo_n and_o diodorus_n the_o sicilian_a who_o as_o be_v hint_v afore_o make_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v egyptian_n and_o 16._o strabo_n particular_o say_v of_o moses_n that_o he_o be_v a_o egyptian_a priest_n so_o herodotus_n because_o the_o hebrew_n have_v live_v among_o the_o egyptian_n say_v those_o thing_n of_o the_o former_a which_o belong_v to_o the_o latter_a and_o so_o perhaps_o vice_fw-la versâ_fw-la i_o remember_v he_o particular_o say_v that_o 104._o circumcision_n be_v first_o of_o all_o use_v among_o the_o ethyopian_o and_o egyptian_n and_o from_o they_o go_v to_o the_o phaenician_o and_o syrian_n and_o thence_o some_o thought_n abraham_n receive_v this_o rite_n and_o commend_v it_o to_o his_o posterity_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o
their_o religious_a rite_n from_o the_o gentile_n that_o from_o what_o have_v be_v premise_v we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o admire_v the_o singular_a providence_n of_o heaven_n that_o we_o be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o antiquity_n reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o write_n of_o profane_a author_n that_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o will_v now_o add_v unto_o reason_n and_o evidence_n the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o wise_a whether_o ancient_n or_o modern_n it_o be_v aver_v long_o since_o by_o demetrius_n phalereus_n that_o great_a historian_n and_o philosopher_n in_o a_o epistle_n of_o he_o to_o king_n ptolomey_n that_o the_o gentile_a philosopher_n take_v many_o thing_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o you_o will_v find_v he_o cite_v by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o evangelical_n preparation_n this_o be_v a_o early_a testimony_n 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be_v steal_v from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o inspire_a prophet_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v in_o a_o great_a part_n take_v from_o they_o be_v the_o ancient_a religion_n christainis_fw-la justin_n the_o christian_a philosopher_n and_o martyr_n speak_v to_o the_o like_a purpose_n and_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o true_a notion_n in_o theology_n among_o the_o pagan_n spring_v from_o moses_n and_o the_o holy_a write_n and_o he_o instance_v in_o and_o enlarge_v on_o many_o particular_n show_v that_o orpheus_n homer_n and_o plato_n have_v several_a of_o their_o word_n phrase_n opinion_n tradition_n description_n from_o the_o prophetic_a write_n he_o maintain_v that_o the_o fable_n of_o bacchus_n hercules_n aesculapius_n etc._n etc._n be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o deprave_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n at_o another_o time_n he_o pursue_v the_o same_o argument_n and_o attempt_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o all_o the_o great_a and_o brave_a thing_n in_o the_o philosopher_n and_o poet_n write_n be_v from_o the_o holy_a book_n clement_n of_o alexandria_n be_v very_o copious_a on_o this_o theme_n the_o scope_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o stromata_n be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v many_o generation_n old_a than_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o he_o endeavour_v to_o evince_v 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n and_o other_o be_v take_v from_o moses_n and_o other_o hebrew_n and_o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o his_o stromata_n he_o far_o insist_v on_o this_o subject_a and_o prove_v that_o the_o greek_n be_v notorious_a 〈◊〉_d plagiaries_n and_o steal_v their_o philosophy_n from_o the_o barbarian_n and_o so_o he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o follow_a book_n to_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o good_a notion_n among_o the_o greek_n come_v from_o the_o hebrew_n that_o whatever_o excellent_a truth_n the_o former_a teach_v thâ—y_o have_v from_o the_o latter_a they_o sacrilegious_o take_v they_o from_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n and_o jew_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o forty_o seven_o chapter_n of_o tertullian_n apologetic_n he_o there_o maintain_v that_o potaverit_fw-la both_o poet_n and_o philosopher_n be_v behold_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o derive_v all_o their_o best_a thing_n from_o they_o yea_o sunt_fw-la those_o very_a argument_n which_o the_o pagan_n bring_v against_o the_o christian_a truth_n be_v fetch_v from_o it_o as_o i_o observe_v from_o he_o before_o i_o have_v mention_v origen_n already_o but_o if_o you_o consult_v his_o four_o book_n against_o celsus_n you_o will_v find_v this_o more_o large_o assert_v viz._n that_o the_o pagan_a rite_n and_o story_n be_v take_v from_o the_o scripture_n eusebius_n likewise_o have_v be_v quote_v before_o but_o if_o the_o reader_n think_v good_a to_o peruse_v the_o author_n he_o will_v see_v this_o argument_n insist_v on_o in_o partim_fw-la four_o or_o five_o book_n together_o where_o he_o prove_v that_o the_o greek_n have_v some_o understanding_n of_o moses_n theology_n and_o follow_v the_o jewish_a writer_n in_o several_a thing_n which_o he_o make_v good_a by_o allege_v several_a passage_n out_o of_o theophrastus_n hecataeus_n porphyrius_n numenius_n megasthenes_n etc._n etc._n and_o afterward_o he_o go_v on_o and_o more_o design_o clear_v this_o proposition_n that_o what_o be_v good_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o gentile_a philosopher_n be_v all_o steal_a from_o the_o hebrew_n and_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o greek_n especial_o come_v from_o the_o jew_n i_o may_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o 2._o st._n augustin_n who_o show_v that_o the_o platonist_n borrow_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o principiis_fw-la theodoret_n who_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o this_o and_o far_o prove_v that_o other_o philosopher_n have_v their_o theologick_n notion_n from_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n thus_o we_o see_v this_o be_v a_o old_a and_o receive_a truth_n nor_o do_v it_o want_v the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a modern_a writer_n some_o of_o who_o without_o any_o order_n of_o time_n i_o will_v brief_o mention_v stuckius_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o peremptory_a and_o speak_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o have_v deliver_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n gent._n the_o whole_a religion_n of_o the_o old_a pagan_n say_v he_o proceed_v from_o a_o deprave_a perverse_a and_o preposterous_a kind_n of_o imitate_v that_o ancient_n and_o true_o divine_a religion_n which_o the_o patriarch_n and_o their_o posterity_n the_o jew_n have_v such_o a_o reverence_n for_o as_o be_v prescribe_v they_o by_o god_n himself_o villalpandus_n on_o the_o pentateuch_n profess_o declare_v that_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o usage_n among_o the_o gentile_n come_v from_o the_o jew_n who_o can_v deny_v say_v ult_n another_o that_o the_o law_n which_o be_v give_v to_o those_o holy_a man_n the_o hebrew_n come_v first_o to_o the_o egyptian_n and_o then_o out_o of_o egypt_n go_v to_o greece_n the_o gentili_n elder_a vossius_fw-la have_v in_o almost_o innumerable_a place_n assort_v this_o that_o the_o gentile_n make_v a_o great_a number_n of_o their_o fable_n out_o of_o the_o history_n which_o be_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n scripturae_fw-la bochart_n have_v with_o great_a wit_n and_o learning_n trace_v and_o discover_v the_o footstep_n of_o scripture-history_n among_o the_o heathen_n in_o their_o mythology_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o noae_n marcus_n marinus_n that_o the_o theological_a sentiment_n concern_v divine_a thing_n be_v the_o same_o among_o all_o the_o ancient_a hebrew_n and_o patriarch_n but_o afterward_o they_o be_v deprave_v by_o the_o greek_n and_o convert_v into_o fable_n jepthâ—_n lewis_n capell_n have_v these_o express_a word_n in_o the_o old_a fable_n of_o the_o greek_n you_o may_v perceive_v some_o shadow_n and_o image_n some_o dark_a and_o fly_a footstep_n as_o it_o be_v of_o several_a of_o the_o history_n in_o the_o bible_n which_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o a_o manifold_a induction_n of_o particular_n it_o be_v the_o declare_a judgement_n of_o test._n another_o that_o the_o gentile_n be_v wont_a to_o transferr_v the_o more_o remarkable_a history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o divine_a miracle_n relate_v therein_o to_o their_o false_a god_n and_o he_o instance_n in_o several_a and_o because_o i_o have_v assert_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n that_o the_o sacred_a mystery_n and_o rite_n of_o god_n own_o appointment_n have_v be_v profane_v and_o abuse_v even_o to_o magical_a purpose_n i_o will_v adjoyn_v here_o the_o testimony_n of_o 5._o petrus_n crinitus_n who_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o egyptian_n and_o other_o make_v and_o invent_v magical_a ceremony_n out_o of_o the_o scacred_a rite_n and_o observance_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o indebt_v to_o these_o for_o they_o kircher_n and_o isaac_n vossius_fw-la have_v do_v their_o part_n in_o this_o subject_a but_o huetius_n in_o his_o evanâ—â—lical_n
reason_n no_o man_n can_v rational_o think_v that_o such_o notable_a concomitant_n of_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n as_o the_o general_n tax_v and_o the_o appear_v of_o the_o star_n can_v be_v record_v by_o this_o historian_n and_o as_o for_o tacitus_n who_o be_v the_o other_o celebrate_a historian_n there_o be_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o expect_v any_o of_o these_o notorious_a matter_n in_o his_o write_n because_o he_o go_v not_o back_o so_o far_o as_o augustus_n his_o annal_n begin_v with_o tiberius_n and_o continue_v to_o the_o death_n of_o nero_n and_o his_o book_n of_o history_n begin_v where_o his_o annal_n leave_v off_o and_o go_v on_o to_o the_o end_n of_o titus_n vespasian_n expedition_n against_o the_o jew_n and_o there_o have_v their_o period_n l._n florus_n be_v but_o a_o abbreviator_n of_o livy_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v look_v for_o nothing_o there_o so_o velleius_n paterculus_n though_o he_o go_v something_o far_a be_v a_o epitomiser_n a_o scantling_n of_o a_o historian_n as_o for_o justin_n who_o flourish_v in_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n pius_n time_n he_o be_v but_o a_o epitomiser_n of_o trogus_n pompeius_n and_o go_v no_o far_a than_o he_o go_v therefore_o we_o can_v expect_v any_o thing_n of_o he_o concern_v the_o christian_a affair_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o boundary_n of_o these_o chief_a historian_n and_o what_o you_o may_v look_v for_o or_o rather_o not_o look_v for_o from_o they_o and_o also_o you_o have_v the_o reason_n give_v you_o why_o but_o few_o thing_n which_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v find_v record_v in_o pagan_a writer_n but_o all_o that_o can_v be_v rational_o look_v for_o be_v record_v as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o by_o the_o best_a historian_n among_o the_o pagan_n these_o be_v the_o several_a consideration_n which_o i_o undertake_v to_o offer_v and_o i_o question_v not_o but_o that_o they_o will_v full_o satisfy_v the_o scruple_n and_o objection_n before_o start_v and_o abundant_o clear_v up_o this_o truth_n to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n from_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a writer_n concern_v the_o gospel-history_n this_o proposition_n be_v evident_a that_o the_o new-testament_n be_v confirm_v by_o profane_a writer_n that_o the_o evangelical_n record_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o authority_n even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v without_o these_o have_v transmit_v to_o we_o many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v register_v by_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n the_o memoir_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o profane_a story_n in_o the_o write_n of_o those_o that_o oppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n thus_o i_o have_v finish_v what_o i_o attempt_v that_o be_v i_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o suffrage_n and_o attestation_n of_o stranger_n i_o have_v let_v you_o see_v that_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o adversary_n agree_v with_o that_o of_o our_o best_a friend_n we_o appeal_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o gentile-world_n even_o these_o bear_n witness_n to_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o their_o witness_n can_v be_v reject_v by_o any_o reasonable_a person_n because_o 45._o a_o testimony_n be_v least_o to_o be_v suspect_v when_o it_o come_v from_o a_o enemy_n yea_o because_o such_o a_o testimony_n be_v repute_v 12._o firm_a and_o solid_a because_o it_o be_v christâ—_n worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v bâ—cause_fw-mi anim._n it_o be_v most_o valid_a for_o the_o commendation_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o then_o render_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v vouch_v by_o profess_v d_o adversary_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v be_v urge_v in_o this_o discourse_n viz._n that_o jew_n and_o pagan_n testify_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o the_o inspire_a writer_n deliver_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o memorable_a passage_n set_v down_o in_o these_o sacred_a write_n be_v leave_v on_o record_n in_o those_o other_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v and_o supposititious_a but_o that_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v real_a and_o certain_a that_o they_o give_v a_o just_a and_o faithful_a account_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o treat_v of_o in_o brief_a that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o thus_o much_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o first_o general_n head_n concern_v the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o they_o finis_fw-la addenda_fw-la refer_v this_o to_o page_n 261._o line_n 15._o the_o english_a jay_n from_o the_o hebrew_n ajaâ—_n pica_fw-la cornix_fw-la to_o abash_v be_v take_v from_o the_o hebrew_n â—ush_n puduit_fw-la and_o from_o the_o greek_a we_o borrow_v many_o word_n with_o the_o omission_n of_o a_o letter_n or_o two_o in_o the_o beginning_n as_o licourice_n for_o glicourice_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d emony_n vulgar_o so_o call_v for_o anemony_n from_o the_o flower_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whence_o the_o latin_a anemone_n sciatica_n for_o ischiatica_n ab_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o hip_n or_o hucklebone_n scarotick_n among_o physician_n for_o escharotick_n scarborow_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d crusta_fw-la cauterio_fw-la in_o carne_fw-la facta_fw-la sol_fw-la from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rice_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d oryza_fw-la star_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d box_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d maurâ—s_o a_o moor_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d obscurus_fw-la tannie_o from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o gaze_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d admiror_n stupeo_fw-la gay_a from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elegans_fw-la and_o perhaps_o trull_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d laena_fw-la and_o i_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o several_a word_n from_o the_o latin_a with_o the_o first_o letter_n or_o more_o cut_v off_o in_o the_o beginning_n as_o uncle_n from_o avunculus_fw-la qu._n avuncle_n till_v as_o they_o be_v call_v in_o some_o country_n from_o lentil_o lenticula_n story_n from_o history_n historia_n bishop_n qu._n pischop_n from_o episcopus_fw-la spain_n from_o hispania_n asparagus_n for_o asparagus_n a_o plaster_n from_o emplastrum_fw-la stum_n from_o mustum_fw-la dropsy_n from_o hydrops_fw-la gipsy_n for_o egypsy_n of_o latin_a original_a pouch_n for_o capouch_n a_o cowl_n or_o hood_n whence_o the_o capuchin_n friar_n have_v their_o name_n from_o caputium_fw-la a_o hood_n wear_v on_o the_o head_n pick_a i._n e._n sharp_a at_o the_o end_n qu._n spike_v from_o spica_fw-la a_o ear_n of_o corn_n or_o if_o it_o come_v from_o a_o pike_n then_o that_o seem_v to_o come_v from_o spiculum_fw-la a_o pike_n or_o spear_n and_o that_o be_v from_o spica_fw-la it_o be_v likely_a side_n man_n corrupt_o for_o assisting-man_n it_o be_v their_o office_n to_o assist_v the_o churchwarden_n unless_o you_o will_v rather_o understand_v by_o they_o testes_fw-la synodales_n synods-man_n who_o be_v ancient_o join_v with_o the_o churchwarden_n there_o be_v other_o english_a word_n derive_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n from_o the_o english_a saxon_a and_o french_a thus_o poppy_n with_o the_o p_o leave_v out_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o middle_n seem_v to_o give_v the_o denomination_n to_o opium_n which_o be_v now_o a_o word_n that_o may_v pass_v for_o english_a and_o signify_v the_o juice_n of_o poppy_n as_o if_o popium_fw-la be_v the_o word_n sterling_n for_o easterling_n bour_o or_o bower_n from_o arbour_n hospital_n or_o spital_n for_o hospital_n valis_n for_o avail_v vantage_n for_o advantage_n say_v for_o essay_n grease_n stair_n for_o degree_n cantle_n in_o heraldry_n quasi_fw-la scantling_n apprentice_n vulgar_o for_o apprentice_n stover_n for_o cattle_n from_o the_o french_a estover_n squire_n for_o esquire_n à _fw-la gall._n esâ—uyer_n equerry_n or_o equerry_n for_o equerry_n a_o place_n a_o stable_a where_o race-horse_n be_v set_v to_o ply_v for_o employ_v instead_o of_o sacristan_n we_o corrupt_o say_v sexton_n for_o god_n be_v with_o you_o we_o say_v good_a by_o for_o koningstable_n or_o kingstable_n we_o say_v constable_z the_o officer_z that_o be_v appoint_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o king_n or_o to_o conserve_v the_o king_n peace_n we_o vulgar_o a_o say_v spice_n for_o a_o specimen_fw-la hogo_n for_o haut-goust_a carfax_n for_o quatre_fw-fr voix_fw-fr the_o place_n be_v four_o way_n meet_v in_o oxford_n some_o have_v think_v that_o elph_n and_o goblin_n with_o which_o they_o fright_v child_n heretofore_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o fame_a and_o so_o â—alked_v of_o feud_n between_o the_o guelph_n and_o guibiline_n saragosa_n in_o spain_n be_v most_o corrupt_o pronounce_v for_o caesar_n augusta_n the_o emperor_n of_o the_o abyssine_n be_v call_v prestor-iohn_n
saviour_n passion_n who_o design_o and_o on_o purpose_n deprave_v the_o greek_a copy_n of_o the_o bible_n they_o be_v the_o author_n of_o several_a interpolation_n addition_n omission_n change_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o word_n and_o wherever_o they_o see_v occasion_n to_o make_v such_o alteration_n as_o they_o think_v will_v be_v to_o their_o purpose_n according_o we_o find_v that_o their_o translation_n be_v deprave_v in_o five_o very_a considerable_a prophecy_n viz._n isa._n 9_o 1._o hos._n 11._o 1._o zech._n 9_o 9_o &_o 12._o 10._o mal._n 4._o 5._o all_o of_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o proof_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n if_o any_o man_n peruse_v these_o text_n and_o compare_v the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o lxx_n version_n together_o he_o will_v easy_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o this_o latter_a have_v be_v corrupt_v by_o some_o jew_n on_o purpose_n to_o serve_v their_o infidelity_n and_o averseness_n to_o jesus_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v urge_v by_o christian_n at_o any_o time_n from_o the_o testimony_n in_o this_o greek_a translation_n object_n but_o if_o the_o present_a version_n of_o the_o lxx_o be_v so_o faulty_a and_o vicious_a why_o be_v it_o quote_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n why_o be_v it_o follow_v by_o they_o general_o as_o be_v before_o acknowledge_v if_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v immediate_o direct_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n quote_v this_o translation_n sure_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a answ._n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n often_o cite_v the_o version_n of_o the_o septuagint_n yea_o and_o i_o will_v grant_v moreover_o that_o they_o follow_v this_o translation_n when_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o hebrew_n thus_o st._n luke_n ch_n 3._o v._n 36._o take_v in_o cainan_n into_o the_o genealogy_n because_o he_o find_v it_o in_o the_o lxx_o st._n luke_n act_v 13._o 41._o or_o rather_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o sermon_n recite_v by_o he_o retain_v the_o corrupt_a version_n of_o hab._n 1._o 5._o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o rom._n 3._o 13._o follow_v this_o version_n though_o it_o take_v in_o four_o or_o five_o verse_n more_o than_o be_v in_o the_o original_a in_o rom._n 9_o 33._o the_o same_o apostle_n allege_v isa._n 28._o 16._o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n but_o the_o greek_a in_o rom._n 11._o 8._o he_o quote_v what_o isaiah_n say_v ch_n 29._o v._n 10._o but_o not_o according_a to_o the_o original_a but_o the_o septuagint_n though_o their_o translation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v disagree_v with_o the_o hebrew_n in_o phil._n 2._o 15._o he_o use_v the_o same_o word_n and_o order_n that_o be_v in_o the_o lxx_o although_o they_o invert_v the_o order_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n which_o be_v this_o in_o deut._n 32._o 5._o a_o perverse_a and_o crooked_a generation_n but_o they_o render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n so_o in_o heb._n 10._o 5._o he_o produce_v that_o place_n abovementioned_a a_o body_n have_v thou_o prepare_v i_o although_o these_o word_n disagree_v with_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o be_v whole_o conformable_a to_o the_o septuagint_n and_o last_o to_o name_n no_o more_o at_o present_a when_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o jacob_n worship_v lean_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o his_o staff_n heb._n 11._o 21._o it_o be_v evident_a as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v that_o he_o follow_v the_o seventy_o who_o in_o their_o unpricked_a bibles_n read_v matteh_n a_o rod_n or_o staff_n for_o mittah_n a_o bed_n thus_o it_o be_v frank_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n make_v use_n of_o the_o greek_a translation_n of_o the_o jewish_a elder_n even_o when_o they_o depart_v from_o the_o original_a text._n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o the_o greek_a version_n be_v at_o that_o time_n general_o receive_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o jew_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o deal_v with_o these_o man_n they_o prudent_o make_v use_v of_o it_o and_o quote_v it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o do_v so_o than_o to_o give_v a_o strict_a and_o exacter_n translation_n of_o their_o own_o because_o this_o may_v be_v liable_a to_o scruple_n and_o controversy_n whereas_o the_o other_o be_v universal_o entertain_v and_o approve_v of_o beside_o as_o a_o hebraic_n christian_a rabbi_n observe_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v to_o read_v this_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o quarrel_v with_o the_o quotation_n because_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o book_n which_o be_v translate_v by_o those_o that_o be_v jew_n and_o those_o very_a eminent_a one_o too_o and_o then_o as_o to_o the_o gentile_n also_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o lxx_n translation_n in_o their_o write_n because_o these_o understand_v not_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n wherefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o take_v their_o quotation_n out_o of_o this_o translation_n lest_o otherwise_o the_o gentile_n in_o who_o hand_n the_o greek_a bibles_n be_v observe_v that_o what_o the_o apostle_n cite_v be_v not_o according_a to_o these_o shall_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n itself_o thus_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n of_o use_v this_o translation_n oftentimes_o but_o this_o be_v no_o proof_n of_o its_o be_v faultless_a and_o void_a of_o all_o mistake_v and_o error_n the_o inspire_a writer_n use_v this_o version_n not_o because_o they_o whole_o approve_v of_o it_o but_o because_o in_o their_o circumstance_n they_o can_v not_o do_v otherwise_o but_o further_a i_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n follow_v this_o translation_n general_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o they_o do_v not_o do_v it_o always_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v here_o several_a place_n draw_v up_o to_o his_o view_n wherein_o this_o be_v apparent_a and_o among_o they_o he_o will_v find_v those_o five_o prophecy_n beforementioned_a and_o see_v that_o the_o evangelist_n follow_v not_o the_o seventy_o in_o their_o translation_n of_o these_o text_n they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o messiah_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a gospel_n the_o evangelist_n differ_v from_o the_o seventy_n version_n in_o these_o follow_a place_n mat._n 1._o 23._o take_v from_o isa._n 7._o 14._o mat._n 2._o 6._o mic._n 5._o 2._o mat._n 2._o 15._o hos._n 11._o 1._o mat._n 4._o 10._o deut._n 6._o 13._o mat._n 4._o 15._o isa._n 9_o 1._o mat._n 8._o 17._o isa._n 53._o 4._o mark_v 1._o 2._o mal._n 3._o 1._o mark_v 10._o 19_o exod._n 20._o 12_o 13_o &_o â—_o luke_n 1._o 16_o 17._o mal._n 4._o 5_o 6._o luke_n 2._o 23._o exod._n 13._o 1._o luke_n 4._o 4._o deut._n 8._o 3._o luke_n 4._o 18._o isa._n 61._o 2._o luke_n 7._o 27._o mal._n 3._o 1._o luke_n 10._o 27._o deut._n 6._o 5._o john_n 1._o 23._o isa._n 40._o 3._o john_n 6._o 45._o isa._n 54._o 13._o john_n 12._o 15._o zech._n 9_o 9_o john_n 12._o 40._o isa._n 6._o 10._o john_n 19_o 36._o exod._n 12._o 36._o john_n 19_o 37._o zech._n 12._o 10._o i_o may_v have_v draw_v up_o the_o like_a catalogue_n of_o place_n in_o the_o epistle_n i_o only_o direct_v your_o eye_n at_o present_a to_o these_o ensue_a one_o rom._n 4._o 17._o gal._n 3._o 8._o gal._n 4._o 30._o take_v from_o gen._n 17._o 4._o &_o 12._o 3._o &_o 21._o 10._o more_o particular_o i_o may_v observe_v to_o you_o in_o pursuance_n of_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v that_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n do_v not_o always_o make_v use_n of_o the_o lxx_n translation_n that_o when_o these_o inspire_a writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v occasion_n to_o quote_v the_o old_a they_o sometime_o keep_v themselves_o to_o the_o hebrew_n text_n exact_o and_o have_v no_o regard_n at_o all_o to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n it_o be_v long_o since_o note_v by_o st._n eccles._n jerom_n that_o when_o either_o st._n matthew_n or_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o gospel_n quote_v the_o old_a testament_n they_o follow_v not_o the_o lxx_o but_o the_o hebrew_n again_o sometime_o the_o apostle_n follow_v neither_o the_o hebrew_n nor_o the_o septuagint_n but_o use_v some_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o their_o own_o and_o paraphrase_n rather_o than_o translate_v this_o they_o do_v to_o bring_v the_o text_n they_o allege_v close_o to_o the_o purpose_n insert_v such_o word_n as_o give_v a_o emphasis_n to_o they_o and_o show_v the_o true_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text_n therefore_o we_o can_v we_o must_v not_o hence_o infer_v that_o either_o the_o hebrew_n original_a or_o the_o seventy_n version_n be_v corrupt_v because_o it_o
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-testament_n with_o a_o continue_a illustration_n of_o several_a difficult_a text_n of_o scripture_n throughout_o the_o whole_a work_n by_o john_n edward_n b._n d._n sometime_o fellow_n of_o st._n john_n college_n in_o cambridge_n london_n print_v and_o sell_v by_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxciii_o imprimatur_fw-la s._n blithe_a procan_n deput_fw-la io._n beaumond_n s._n t._n p._n io._n covell_n s._n t._n p._n c._n roderick_n s._n t._n p._n cantabr_n april_n 13._o 1693._o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n simon_n lord_n bishop_n of_o ely_z my_o lord_n your_o kind_a and_o generous_a acceptance_n of_o my_o former_a undertake_n which_o just_o merit_v my_o most_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n which_o i_o here_o render_v to_o your_o lordship_n have_v encourage_v i_o to_o make_v this_o offer_n of_o another_o little_a treatise_n and_o to_o request_v you_o to_o take_v both_o it_o and_o its_o worthless_a author_n into_o your_o protection_n your_o name_n alone_o be_v a_o sufficient_a amulet_n against_o the_o censure_n which_o these_o paper_n may_v be_v expose_v to_o by_o be_v make_v thus_o public_a none_o will_v venture_v to_o damn_v that_o book_n which_o your_o lordship_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o patronize_v i_o be_o confident_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o i_o have_v espouse_v but_o i_o be_o as_o sensible_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n of_o my_o great_a and_o manifold_a defect_n in_o the_o manage_n it_o however_o i_o entertain_v good_a hope_n of_o find_v my_o reader_n in_o some_o measure_n favourable_a to_o this_o enterprise_n when_o they_o shall_v behold_v your_o lordship_n name_n which_o be_v the_o know_a name_n of_o learning_n and_o piety_n prefix_v to_o it_o by_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n most_o humble_a and_o devote_a servant_n john_n edwards_n the_o preface_n what_o i_o have_v prepare_v for_o the_o public_a view_n concern_v the_o authority_n stile_n and_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n i_o intend_v to_o have_v publish_v together_o in_o one_o volume_n but_o find_v that_o the_o present_a age_n be_v not_o for_o great_a book_n i_o be_o content_a to_o comply_v with_o it_o so_o fâ—r_a especial_o perceive_v the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o my_o undertake_n to_o swell_v into_o a_o moderate_a octavo_fw-la i_o be_o willing_a it_o shall_v go_v into_o the_o world_n alonâ—_n and_o according_o i_o now_o publish_v that_o first_o pâ—rt_n only_o intend_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o style_n and_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n either_o in_o one_o or_o two_o volume_n afterward_o the_o whole_a attempt_n be_v of_o near_a affinity_n with_o my_o foâ—mer_a undertake_n viz._n of_o criticise_v on_o several_a text_n of_o scripture_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v difficult_a and_o give_v the_o resolution_n of_o they_o i_o have_v all_o along_o whilst_o i_o have_v mention_v several_a passage_n of_o holy_a writ_n to_o which_o the_o opinion_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o pagan_n refer_v give_v a_o explication_n general_o of_o they_o so_o that_o i_o be_o still_o in_o pursuit_n of_o my_o former_a design_n and_o i_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o clear_v and_o illustrate_v the_o sacred_a write_n especial_o that_o part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v most_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a but_o the_o more_o particular_a design_n of_o these_o paper_n be_v to_o aâ—â—eâ—t_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o ancient_n and_o divine_a write_n and_o that_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o profess_a adversary_n viz._n pagan_n and_o jew_n it_o be_v folly_n to_o deny_v that_o divers_a of_o these_o thing_n be_v mention_v in_o other_o author_n and_o partly_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o i_o have_v produce_v they_o as_o indeed_o what_o useful_a subject_n be_v there_o that_o have_v escape_v the_o pen_n of_o the_o learned_a but_o than_o it_o will_v be_v fit_v if_o not_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o add_v in_o a_o just_a vindication_n of_o my_o present_a attempt_n that_o so_o far_o as_o i_o have_v converse_v with_o writer_n i_o never_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o trace_v this_o noble_a subject_n both_o through_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o this_o present_a work_n i_o know_v some_o have_v hint_v at_o a_o few_o of_o these_o remark_n and_o most_o common_o without_o insist_v on_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o they_o and_o without_o examine_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n belong_v to_o they_o but_o i_o have_v not_o content_v myself_o with_o this_o superficial_a way_n of_o deliver_v these_o thing_n but_o have_v endeavour_v to_o search_v into_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a original_a of_o they_o which_o have_v occasion_v several_a just_a discourse_n and_o enlarge_v disquisition_n on_o the_o various_a matter_n which_o occur_v under_o those_o head_n in_o brief_a i_o have_v ample_o prosecute_v this_o argument_n by_o offer_v a_o vast_a number_n of_o particular_n from_o my_o own_o enquiry_n and_o observation_n i_o have_v design_o treat_v on_o this_o theme_n which_o scarce_o any_o have_v do_v i_o have_v methodical_o digest_v my_o material_n according_a to_o the_o history_n or_o other_o passage_n in_o the_o bible_n to_o which_o they_o have_v reference_n in_o jewish_a or_o pagan_a writer_n and_o last_o i_o have_v make_v the_o whole_a serviceable_a to_o this_o excellent_a purpose_n viz._n the_o atte_a and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n but_o the_o main_a of_o this_o preface_n shall_v be_v spend_v in_o vindicate_v my_o interpretation_n of_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 29._o in_o my_o former_a enquiry_n into_o that_o text_n where_o i_o maintain_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o our_o translator_n rendeâ—_n baptise_a for_o the_o dead_a be_v according_a to_o the_o truâ—_n and_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o that_o place_n to_o be_v translate_v baptise_a on_o the_o account_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o dead_a which_o interpretation_n i_o perceive_v some_o be_v backward_o to_o entertain_v because_o they_o doubt_v whether_o the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d join_v with_o a_o genitive_a case_n be_v take_v in_o that_o sense_n in_o profane_a author_n they_o grant_v it_o be_v equivalent_a with_o the_o latin_a causâ_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la or_o in_o gratiam_fw-la but_o they_o think_v that_o these_o and_o consequent_o the_o greek_a preposition_n always_o refer_v to_o and_o denote_v some_o advantage_n or_o benefit_n therefore_o according_a to_o these_o person_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v rather_o be_v render_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o dead_a because_o this_o be_v the_o acception_n of_o the_o preposition_n in_o the_o write_n of_o all_o profane_a author_n but_o to_o this_o i_o may_v reply_v and_o that_o with_o most_o justifiable_a reason_n that_o i_o be_o not_o oblige_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o preposition_n be_v use_v in_o pagan_a writer_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o i_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v use_v in_o this_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o know_v not_o that_o some_o author_n have_v a_o particular_a and_o individual_a sense_n of_o some_o word_n appropriate_v to_o themselves_o and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o look_v for_o the_o same_o acception_n of_o they_o in_o other_o writer_n the_o commentator_n on_o homer_n aristophanes_n herodotus_n or_o any_o other_o good_a greek_a or_o latin_a author_n take_v notice_n that_o such_o a_o word_n or_o phrase_n be_v use_v by_o these_o writer_n in_o a_o sense_n different_a from_o what_o be_v find_v in_o other_o and_o this_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o the_o learned_a but_o especial_o if_o they_o find_v that_o one_o of_o these_o author_n use_v the_o same_o word_n more_o than_o once_o in_o this_o peculiar_a sense_n they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o singular_a meaning_n of_o it_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v here_o for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o good_a as_o that_o of_o the_o forementioned_a author_n or_o any_o other_o any_o fair_a critic_n will_v ready_o grant_v that_o if_o i_o produce_v two_o or_o three_o place_n in_o the_o new-testament_n where_o the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v the_o signification_n which_o i_o affix_v to_o it_o i_o perform_v my_o task_n well_o enough_o and_o this_o i_o have_v already_o do_v in_o my_o enquiry_n into_o that_o text_n where_o more_o than_o the_o forenamed_a number_n of_o place_n be_v bring_v to_o confirm_v that_o particular_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o i_o have_v propound_v i_o can_v have_v mention_v gal._n 1._o 4._o and_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 18._o and_o other_o text_n make_v use_v of_o by_o grotius_n where_o he_o think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o be_v render_v
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 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nothing_o in_o scripture_n that_o look_v like_o inconsistent_a and_o contradictory_n upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n we_o shall_v discern_v a_o mutual_a correspondence_n in_o the_o style_n matter_n and_o design_n of_o these_o write_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o happy_a concurrence_n of_o circumstance_n and_o a_o admirable_a consistency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discourse_n in_o so_o much_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o upon_o this_o single_a consideration_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o these_o write_n be_v indict_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n this_o harmony_n then_o of_o the_o scripture_n i_o may_v just_o reckon_v among_o the_o inward_a note_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v adjoin_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o which_o be_v of_o the_o very_a intrinsic_a nature_n of_o it_o what_o justinian_n profess_v and_o promise_v concern_v his_o digest_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o clash_v and_o 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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
reason_n why_o the_o apocryphal_a write_n be_v not_o receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o bible_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n make_v by_o the_o romanist_n second_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o external_n testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v add_v to_o those_o argument_n which_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v true_a in_o themselves_o will_n exceed_o corroborate_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o those_o book_n and_o here_o i_o may_v mention_v the_o testimony_n give_v to_o they_o by_o god_n in_o the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o they_o through_o all_o age_n since_o they_o be_v first_o write_v in_o all_o the_o change_n of_o affair_n and_o the_o overthrow_n of_o so_o many_o city_n and_o kingdom_n that_o incomparable_a treasure_n have_v not_o be_v lose_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v keep_v untouched_a and_o inviolable_a at_o the_o sack_n and_o burn_v of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o of_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o ever_o since_o that_o time_n the_o scripture_n have_v be_v unaltered_a in_o word_n and_o sense_n notwithstanding_o the_o frequent_a endeavour_n of_o satan_n busy_a agent_n to_o corrupt_v they_o yea_o utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o next_o to_o god_n providence_n in_o preserve_v these_o book_n through_o all_o time_n and_o age_n we_o may_v add_v the_o marvellous_a success_n which_o have_v attend_v the_o holy_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o these_o write_n they_o have_v prevail_v against_o the_o power_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n and_o to_o this_o very_a day_n they_o be_v maintain_v and_o uphold_v maugre_o the_o attempt_n of_o both_o of_o they_o to_o root_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o i_o wave_v this_o intend_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o divine_a but_o humane_a testimony_n in_o this_o place_n by_o external_n testimony_n than_o i_o mean_v here_o no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o universal_a tradition_n and_o this_o tradition_n be_v both_o of_o jew_n and_o christian_n and_o what_o will_v a_o man_n desire_v more_o in_o a_o humane_a way_n for_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n from_o the_o joint_a attestation_n of_o these_o witness_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o book_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v the_o true_a copy_n of_o the_o first_o original_n that_o the_o same_o book_n and_o author_n be_v faithful_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o which_o be_v first_o of_o all_o deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o these_o write_n as_o we_o now_o have_v they_o that_o be_v falsify_v or_o corrupt_v first_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o name_n of_o which_o be_v as_o follow_v genesis_n exodus_fw-la leviticus_n number_n deuteronomy_n joshuâ—_n judge_n ruth_n the_o one_a and_o 2d_o book_n of_o samuel_n thâ—_n one_a and_o 2d_o book_n of_o king_n though_o one_a and_o 2d_o book_n 〈◊〉_d chronicle_n ezra_n nehemiah_n esther_n job_n the_o psalm_n proverb_n ecclesiaste_n the_o song_n of_o solomon_n the_o foâ—â—_n great_a prophet_n and_o the_o twelve_o lesser_n these_o and_o none_o but_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o canâ—_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o ancient_a church_n oâ—_n the_o jew_n who_o testimony_n be_v very_a authentics_n here_o yea_o indeed_o we_o can_v have_v a_o better_a they_o acquaint_v we_o that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a writing_n that_o be_v universal_o agree_v by_o they_o to_o be_v extraordinary_o inspire_v and_o they_o further_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o different_a person_n and_o at_o diverse_a time_n be_v first_o compile_v and_o collect_v into_o one_o body_n or_o volume_n by_o ezra_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o doctor_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o time_n be_v not_o constitute_v till_o ezra_n day_n by_o the_o great_a synagogue_n as_o they_o call_v it_o upon_o his_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n he_o undertake_v this_o good_a work_n he_o gather_v together_o all_o those_o disperse_a book_n before_o name_v and_o after_o he_o have_v review_v they_o he_o public_o own_v and_o solemn_o vouch_v the_o authority_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o that_o the_o church_n for_o the_o future_a may_v not_o doubt_v of_o their_o be_v authentic_a and_o true_a but_o some_o add_v here_o by_o way_n of_o objection_n that_o this_o holy_a man_n cause_v these_o book_n to_o be_v write_v over_o in_o a_o new_a character_n because_o the_o jew_n have_v lose_v their_o knowledge_n of_o the_o former_a one_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o consequent_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o eusebius_n and_o jerom_n be_v allege_v for_o this_o especial_o the_o latter_a who_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o the_o samaritan_n character_n be_v the_o old_a hebrew_n character_n in_o which_o the_o bible_n be_v first_o write_v and_o that_o it_o be_v first_o change_v by_o ezrd_n after_o the_o return_n from_o babylon_n he_o write_v â—he_v sacred_a volume_n over_o in_o assyrian_a or_o chaldee_n letter_n and_o neglect_v the_o old_a hebrew_n one_o which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o samaritan_n be_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v they_o say_v because_o the_o jew_n be_v best_o acquaint_v with_o this_o character_n at_o that_o time_n and_o some_o walton_n modern_a writer_n be_v gain_v over_o to_o this_o opinion_n who_o talk_v much_o of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o character_n and_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o first_o and_o old_a letter_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v samaritan_n but_o that_o those_o which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v assyrian_n and_o of_o quite_o another_o sort_n but_o upon_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n i_o find_v little_a or_o no_o foundation_n for_o this_o opinion_n it_o rather_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o invention_n and_o dream_n of_o those_o who_o design_n to_o disparage_v the_o hebrew_n bible_n they_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o original_a be_v impair_v because_o we_o have_v it_o not_o now_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n for_o the_o old_a bible_n be_v in_o samaritan_n letter_n these_o be_v the_o first_o and_o ancient_a hebrew_a character_n this_o be_v like_o the_o story_n of_o the_o hebrew_n point_n be_v invent_v five_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n of_o which_o afterward_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n namely_o to_o discredit_v the_o hebrew_n text_n which_o we_o now_o have_v and_o whole_o to_o take_v away_o its_o authority_n for_o if_o the_o letter_n be_v change_v it_o be_v probable_a some_o word_n and_o consequent_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o place_n be_v alter_v but_o that_o this_o be_v groundless_a and_o that_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o character_n now_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o you_o will_v find_v very_o large_o and_o convince_o prove_v by_o the_o famous_a hebr._n buxtorf_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o talmud_n especial_o the_o gemara_n 〈◊〉_d the_o cabala_n from_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o most_o notâ—_n rabbin_n of_o old_a and_o of_o the_o learned_a modern_a jeâ—â—_n as_o aben_n ezra_n r._n solomon_n r._n ben_n maimon_n &_o â—_o who_o without_o doubt_n be_v very_o competent_a judge_n 〈◊〉_d this_o case_n to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v several_a of_o 〈◊〉_d christian_a persuasion_n as_o picus_n mirandula_n f._n juniâ—_n skikkard_n postellus_n with_o those_o three_o eminent_a person_n of_o our_o own_o country_n nic._n fuller_n broughtâ—â—_n lightfoot_n if_o you_o consult_v these_o they_o will_v satisfy_v you_o that_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n which_o we_o have_v now_o in_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o primitive_a one_o the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v of_o old_a but_o to_o give_v you_o my_o thought_n impartial_o in_o this_o point_n i_o do_v belieuâ—_v from_o what_o i_o find_v assert_v by_o writer_n on_o both_o side_n that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o character_n use_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o cubit_n and_o shekel_n the_o sacred_a and_o common_a and_o i_o gather_v that_o the_o samaritan_n letter_n be_v of_o the_o latter_a sort_n that_o which_o be_v common_o use_v and_o even_o sometime_o in_o transcribe_v the_o bible_n but_o the_o sacred_a character_n in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v this_o which_o we_o now_o have_v and_o in_o which_o the_o bible_n be_v at_o this_o day_n this_o be_v the_o true_a original_a hebrew_n letter_n and_o be_v use_v from_o the_o begin_n by_o they_o this_o i_o think_v may_v reconcile_v the_o dispute_n among_o writer_n for_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v perceive_v the_o quarrel_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o there_o be_v
book_n with_o we_o we_o need_v not_o stay_v to_o attend_v here_o to_o what_o a_o late_a learned_a writer_n before_o name_v have_v with_o much_o confidence_n but_o slender_a reason_n suggest_v viz._n that_o the_o bible_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v a_o abbreviate_v collection_n from_o ancient_a record_n which_o be_v much_o more_o large_a he_o confess_v that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v take_v out_o of_o authentic_a registery_n but_o the_o author_n who_o collect_v it_o add_v and_o diminish_v as_o they_o please_v especial_o he_o assert_v this_o concern_v the_o historical_a book_n that_o they_o be_v abridgement_n of_o large_a record_n and_o summary_n of_o other_o large_a act_n keep_v in_o the_o jewish_a archive_v and_o these_o public_a scribe_n who_o write_v they_o out_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o alter_v word_n as_o they_o see_v occasion_n so_o that_o in_o short_a according_a to_o this_o critic_n here_o be_v only_o some_o break_a piece_n and_o scrap_n take_v out_o of_o the_o first_o authentic_a write_n a_o bold_a and_o dare_a assertion_n and_o found_v on_o no_o other_o bottom_n than_o f._n simon_n be_v brain_n who_o will_v expect_v this_o from_o one_o that_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a sense_n and_o reason_n one_o that_o be_v a_o great_a master_n of_o critical_a learning_n and_o have_v present_v the_o world_n with_o very_a choice_n remark_n on_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n for_o true_o i_o be_o not_o of_o work_n his_o opinion_n who_o say_v he_o see_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o author_n write_n buâ—_n what_o be_v common_a it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v that_o a_o person_n otherwise_o so_o judicious_a and_o observe_v have_v give_v himself_o up_o here_o to_o his_o own_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n he_o invent_v a_o new_a office_n of_o public_a register_n that_o be_v divine_o inspire_v he_o make_v notary_n and_o prophet_n the_o same_o he_o give_v no_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o that_o add_v and_o diminish_v which_o the_o scribe_n he_o talk_v of_o make_v he_o hatâ—_n not_o one_o tolerable_a argument_n to_o evince_v any_o of_o thâ—_n book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v fragment_n of_o great_a one_o indeed_o i_o shall_v mighty_o have_v wonder_v that_o so_o ingenious_a so_o sagacious_a so_o learned_a a_o man_n haâ—_n broach_v such_o groundless_a notion_n if_o i_o do_v noâ—_n consider_v that_o this_o subtle_a romanist_n design_n hereâ—â—_n as_o most_o of_o that_o church_n general_o do_v to_o depreciaâ—â—â—_n the_o bible_n and_o to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o book_n of_o fragment_n and_o shred_n that_o so_o when_o our_o esteem_n 〈◊〉_d the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n be_v weaken_v yea_o take_a away_o we_o may_v whole_o rest_v upon_o tradition_n anâ—_n find_v our_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d that_o alone_o this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o drive_v at_o in_o 〈◊〉_d critical_a history_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o all_o sober_a and_o considerate_a person_n will_v beware_v of_o he_o when_o they_o discover_v this_o design_n theâ—_n will_v easy_o see_v through_o his_o plausible_a story_n foâ—â—_n surmise_n bold_a conjecture_n and_o seem_a argâ—mentations_n and_o they_o will_v have_v the_o great_a reverence_n for_o the_o bible_n because_o he_o and_o other_o hauâ—_n attack_v it_o with_o so_o much_o contempt_n and_o rudeness_n and_o purposely_o bring_v its_o authority_n into_o question_n that_o they_o may_v set_v up_o something_o else_o above_o 〈◊〉_d notwithstanding_o then_o the_o cavil_n and_o objection_n of_o design_v man_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v anâ—_n avouch_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o to_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v that_o the_o book_n be_v entire_o transmit_v to_o we_o without_o any_o corruption_n and_o be_v the_o same_o that_o ever_o they_o be_v without_z and_o diminution_n or_o addition_n we_o have_v they_o as_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o first_o author_n we_o have_v they_o entire_a and_o perfect_a and_o not_o as_o some_o fond_o suggest_v contract_v abbreviate_v curtail_v unto_o the_o jew_n the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v his_o oracle_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o they_o show_v themselves_o conscientious_a and_o diligent_a conservator_n of_o they_o the_o jewish_a nation_n say_v st._n augustin_n have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v 23._o the_o chest-keeper_n for_o the_o christian_n they_o have_v faithful_o preserve_v that_o sacred_a depositum_fw-la for_o they_o they_o have_v safe_o keep_v that_o ark_n wherein_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v lock_v up_o god_n will_v have_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v librarii_fw-la christianorum_fw-la say_v 60._o drusius_n keeper_n of_o those_o sacred_a volume_n for_o we_o christian_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o keep_v they_o with_o great_a care_n the_o like_a whereof_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v to_o have_v be_v take_v in_o preserve_v any_o other_o sort_n of_o write_n under_o heaven_n and_o see_v they_o have_v so_o careful_o hand_v the_o old_a testament_n down_o to_o we_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o receive_v it_o with_o a_o proportionable_a thankfulness_n and_o to_o reckon_v this_o their_o deliver_v of_o those_o write_n down_o to_o we_o as_o no_o mean_a argument_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o certainty_n second_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v confirm_v by_o external_n testimony_n or_o tradition_n no_o less_o than_o that_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v the_o authentic_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n that_o this_o book_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a some_o of_o the_o father_n and_o first_o writer_n give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o those_o which_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n athanasius_n particular_o enumerate_v those_o book_n set_v down_o all_o those_o which_o we_o now_o embrace_v as_o canonical_a and_o no_o other_o and_o many_o of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o first_o age_n after_o christ_n as_o irenaeus_n justin_n martyr_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n origen_n tertullian_n etc._n etc._n quote_v the_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o they_o be_v now_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o in_o the_o father_n sometime_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o exact_o what_o we_o find_v it_o and_o read_v it_o at_o this_o day_n this_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o they_o sometime_o quote_v the_o mean_v not_o the_o very_a word_n at_o other_o time_n their_o memory_n fail_v they_o as_o to_o the_o word_n and_o thence_o they_o change_v they_o into_o other_o and_o instead_o of_o those_o in_o the_o text_n use_v some_o that_o be_v like_o they_o so_o when_o they_o be_v in_o haste_n and_o not_o at_o leisure_n to_o consult_v the_o text_n they_o make_v use_v of_o such_o word_n and_o expression_n as_o they_o think_v come_v near_a to_o it_o sac._n heinsius_n show_v this_o in_o a_o vast_a many_o place_n sometime_o they_o contract_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o give_v only_o the_o brief_a sense_n of_o it_o at_o other_o time_n they_o enlarge_v it_o and_o present_v we_o with_o a_o comment_n upon_o it_o yea_o sometime_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n and_o as_o their_o matter_n lead_v they_o to_o it_o they_o invert_v the_o word_n and_o misplace_v the_o part_n of_o the_o text._n but_o no_o man_n ought_v hence_o to_o infer_v that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n then_o and_o now_o be_v not_o the_o same_o and_o as_o for_o the_o number_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n and_o their_o book_n it_o hatâ—_n be_v always_o the_o same_o i._n e._n the_o same_o catalogue_n and_o canon_n have_v be_v general_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v true_a some_o particular_a book_n have_v be_v question_v but_o by_o a_o few_o only_a and_o for_o a_o time_n but_o the_o church_n be_v at_o last_o full_o satisfy_v about_o they_o the_o generality_n oâ—_n christian_n agree_v to_o own_o all_o those_o book_n which_o be_v now_o own_v by_o we_o all_o the_o eastern_a church_n hold_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n to_o be_v canonical_a though_o the_o latin_n it_o be_v grant_v be_v not_o so_o unanimous_a this_o epistle_n and_o that_o of_o st._n james_n the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o st._n john_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n jude_n and_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v question_v in_o the_o first_o century_n say_v 23._o eusebius_n but_o he_o acquaint_v we_o withal_o that_o they_o be_v afterward_o by_o general_a consent_n receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o doubt_n be_v resolve_v upon_o mature_a deliberation_n so_o that_o the_o question_n of_o those_o book_n be_v now_o a_o conâ—â—rmation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o
and_o twenty_o after_o the_o number_n of_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n and_o 4._o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v these_o express_a word_n read_v these_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n but_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o study_n and_o meditate_v only_o on_o these_o scripture_n which_o we_o confident_o read_v in_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n and_o first_o bishop_n be_v true_a guide_n and_o be_v more_o wise_a and_o religious_a than_o thou_o be_v and_o these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o deliver_v these_o scripture_n to_o we_o thou_o then_o be_v a_o son_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o go_v beyond_o her_o bound_n and_o order_n but_o acknowledge_v and_o study_v only_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n of_o the_o old_a â—â—â—stament_n and_o other_o father_n of_o the_o churâ—â—_n as_o melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n athanasius_n amphiloâ—â—us_n epiphanius_n eusebius_n gregory_n nazianzen_n gâ—â—gory_n the_o great_a basil_n chrysostom_n testify_v that_o 〈◊〉_d book_n and_o no_o other_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o receive_v now_o be_v the_o canonical_a booâ—â—_n of_o old_a and_o receive_v so_o by_o the_o first_o christiâ—â—_n those_o eminent_a light_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n râ—t_n jerom_n hilary_n disow_v as_o uncanonical_a 〈◊〉_d book_n of_o apocrypha_fw-la the_o two_o latter_a especial_o 〈◊〉_d very_o positive_a eustock_n jerom_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o 〈◊〉_d canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d and_o twenty_o just_o the_o number_n of_o the_o hebrew_n alâ—phabet_n and_o no_o more_o and_o he_o enumerate_v the_o particular_a book_n which_o constitute_v the_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d say_v indeed_o that_o some_o make_v they_o four_o and_o twâ—â—ty_a but_o it_o be_v the_o same_o account_n for_o they_o reckâ—â—_n ruth_n and_o lamentation_n separately_z but_o as_o for_o 〈◊〉_d other_o he_o say_v they_o be_v not_o part_v of_o inspire_a scripture_n and_o the_o church_n do_v not_o receive_v theâ—_n among_o the_o canonical_a write_n so_o psalm_n hilary_n giu_v we_o the_o just_a catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o peremptory_o affirm_v that_o there_o 〈◊〉_d but_o two_o and_o twenty_o canonical_a book_n of_o it_o in_o all_o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o thirty_o nine_o according_a to_o the_o reckon_n in_o our_o bibles_n to_o father_n wâ—_n may_v add_v synod_n and_o council_n as_o that_o antieâ—â—_n one_o of_o laodicea_n convened_a a._n d._n 364._o which_o draw_v up_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o make_v mention_v only_o of_o these_o which_o we_o now_o receive_v but_o leave_v out_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o this_o canon_n be_v receive_v afterward_o and_o confirm_v by_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n one_o of_o the_o first_o four_o general_n council_n and_o the_o six_o general_n council_n hold_v at_o constantinople_n a._n d._n 680._o express_o ratify_v the_o decree_n of_o that_o old_a laodicean_n council_n and_o particular_o this_o that_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o two_o and_o twenty_o there_o be_v another_o reason_n also_o beside_o the_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n why_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v eject_v out_o of_o the_o canon_n viz._n because_o some_o thing_n in_o they_o be_v false_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n as_o in_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la 46._o 20._o 2_o esdras_n 6._o 40._o and_o some_o thing_n be_v vicious_a as_o in_o 2_o maccab._n 14._o 42._o after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o answer_v what_o the_o romanist_n say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o quote_v the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n which_o they_o tell_v we_o receive_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n into_o the_o canon_n and_o among_o the_o father_n st._n augustin_n they_o say_v own_v they_o beside_o that_o two_o pope_n viz._n innocent_a the_o first_o and_o gelasius_n take_v those_o book_n which_o we_o style_v apocryphal_a into_o the_o canon_n as_o for_o the_o council_n which_o they_o allege_v it_o be_v but_o a_o provincial_a one_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v set_v against_o those_o more_o authentic_a and_o general_a council_n which_o i_o produce_v nor_o must_v that_o one_o single_a father_n who_o they_o name_n stand_v out_o against_o that_o great_a number_n of_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n who_o i_o mention_v the_o pope_n bear_v a_o great_a name_n among_o our_o adversary_n but_o they_o be_v but_o two_o and_o must_v not_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o council_n and_o that_o multitude_n of_o father_n who_o be_v on_o our_o side_n or_o if_o they_o lie_v such_o great_a stress_n on_o a_o pope_n i_o can_v name_v they_o one_o and_o he_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a they_o ever_o have_v viz._n pope_n gregory_n the_o great_a who_o 17._o declare_v that_o the_o book_n of_o maccabee_n a_o main_a piece_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a writing_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n wâ—_n may_v set_v this_o one_o pope_n for_o he_o be_v great_a enough_o against_o the_o other_o two_n beside_o their_o own_o 〈◊〉_d be_v against_o they_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v 〈◊〉_d receive_v as_o part_v of_o holy_a inspire_a scripture_n by_o iâ—â—dorus_n damascen_n nicephorus_n rabanus_n maurus_n hâ—go_n lyranus_fw-la cajetan_n and_o other_o who_o be_v of_o greâ—â—_n repute_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o regard_v 〈◊〉_d what_o the_o pack_v council_n of_o trent_n have_v decree_v viz._n 4._o that_o beside_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n 〈◊〉_d the_o hebrew_n canon_n those_o also_o of_o tobias_n juditâ—_n the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la maccabeâ—â—â—_n baruch_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o canonical_a and_o thâ—_n they_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o canon_n oâ—_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o general_a suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a council_n father_n and_o writer_n who_o have_v reject_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n and_o receive_v but_o twenty_o two_o into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n belong_v to_o the_o old_a testament_n you_o see_v what_o ground_n we_o have_v no_o other_o than_o the_o universal_a church_n we_o reject_v some_o book_n as_o apocryphal_a because_o they_o be_v general_o reject_v by_o the_o ancient_a primitive_a church_n and_o we_o receive_v the_o rest_n as_o canonical_a because_o they_o be_v believe_v and_o own_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n see_v this_o admirable_o make_v good_a in_o bishop_n cousins_n history_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n yet_o aâ—ter_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v we_o count_v the_o apocrypha_n write_n worthy_a to_o be_v read_v and_o peruse_v the_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n amiss_o in_o they_o yet_o we_o give_v great_a deference_n and_o respect_n to_o they_o as_o contain_v many_o historical_a truth_n and_o furnish_v we_o witâ—_n matter_n of_o jewish_a antiquity_n as_o likewise_o because_o there_o be_v many_o doctrinal_a and_o moral_a truth_n in_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n and_o ecâ—lesiasticus_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o say_v we_o bear_v great_a respect_n to_o they_o and_o rank_v they_o next_o to_o the_o holy_a canon_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o all_o profane_a author_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o frequent_o allege_v they_o in_o their_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n which_o be_v one_o reason_n i_o question_v not_o why_o these_o apocryphal_a book_n come_v to_o be_v make_v canonical_a by_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n namely_o because_o they_o be_v so_o often_o quote_v by_o the_o father_n and_o in_o some_o church_n read_v public_o but_o this_o be_v no_o proof_n of_o their_o be_v canonical_a but_o only_o let_v we_o know_v that_o these_o book_n be_v in_o their_o kind_a useful_a and_o profitable_a as_o indeed_o they_o be_v therefore_o st._n proverb_n jerom_n say_v the_o church_n receive_v not_o these_o book_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n though_o she_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v read_v and_o concern_v these_o write_n our_o church_n say_v well_o quote_v st._n jerom_n for_o it_o 6._o she_o do_v read_v they_o for_o example_n of_o life_n and_o instruction_n of_o manner_n but_o yet_o do_v not_o apply_v they_o to_o establish_v any_o doctrine_n which_o give_v we_o a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o book_n namely_o that_o they_o contain_v excellent_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o inform_v we_o of_o our_o duty_n as_o to_o several_a weighty_a thing_n but_o they_o be_v not_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v they_o be_v not_o the_o infallible_a standard_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v and_o make_v use_n of_o to_o that_o purpose_n this_o and_o the_o other_o reason_n before_o mention_v may_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o think_v that_o these_o write_n aught_o not_o to_o be_v
heavenly_a nature_n be_v not_o corrupt_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o his_o politic_n where_o he_o likewise_o speak_v â—_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a state_n of_o man_n he_o tell_v â—_o that_o in_o those_o first_o time_n man_n get_v his_o live_n with_o â—_o out_o trouble_v and_o labour_n that_o he_o feed_v only_o on_o â—_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o nakedness_n be_v â—_o attendant_n of_o that_o first_o and_o golden_a age_n of_o â—_o world_n allude_v to_o gen._n 2._o 25._o they_o be_v both_o â—_o k_v the_o man_n and_o his_o wife_n so_o a_o 1._o ancient_a wâ—_n ter_z acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o egyptian_n find_v in_o tâ—_n old_a write_n that_o the_o first_o man_n and_o woman_n â—_o naked_a which_o be_v according_a to_o what_o be_v read_v in_o tâ—_n place_n in_o the_o sibylline_a verse_n which_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o scripture_n though_o same_o allegory_n and_o dâ—_n scription_n be_v use_v in_o set_v forth_o the_o happy_a aâ—_n of_o man_n that_o you_o find_v use_v in_o that_o holy_a book_n â—_o the_o happiness_n of_o paradise_n be_v oblique_o describe_v bâ—_n 10._o homer_n and_o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o first_o age_n by_o 8._o vagil_n and_o without_o question_n the_o bless_a state_n â—_o paradise_n be_v refer_v to_o by_o 1._o ovid_n in_o his_o descriptâ—_n on_o of_o the_o golden_a age_n or_o saturn_n reign_n theâ—_n we_o may_v see_v represent_v the_o simplicity_n and_o innocency_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n the_o peace_n and_o tras_n quillity_n the_o contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o state_n of_o integrity_n 〈◊〉_d itself_o the_o seat_n of_o this_o happiness_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v know_v by_o the_o ancient_a pagan_n for_o it_o be_v probable_a their_o writer_n understand_v this_o when_o they_o teâ—_n we_o of_o the_o elysian_a field_n for_o garden_n such_o as_o wâ—_n paradise_n and_o pleasant_a field_n be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o these_o you_o may_v see_v describe_v by_o plato_n â—_o his_o phaedo_fw-la where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v bless_v with_o a_o mild_a and_o gentle_a air_n pleasant_a stream_n a_o constant_a spring_n fragrant_a flower_n and_o fruit_n ever_o grow_v of_o these_o virgil_n speak_v in_o his_o six_o aenead_n and_o they_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o fortunate_a island_n which_o the_o greek_n write_v of_o a_o place_n of_o extraordinary_a delight_n and_o where_o none_o but_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n inhabit_v or_o if_o we_o must_v parallel_v it_o with_o a_o garden_n so_o express_o call_v we_o have_v alcivous_a his_o garden_n or_o orchard_n in_o n._n homer_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o description_n of_o paradise_n say_v justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o oration_n against_o the_o gentile_n or_o the_o garden_n of_o adonis_n which_o be_v so_o celebrate_v may_v refer_v to_o that_o of_o eden_n and_o be_v easy_o derive_v from_o it_o or_o 〈◊〉_d the_o garden_n of_o jupiter_n in_o plato_n symposiack_n may_v enigmatical_o refer_v as_o thaâ—_n learned_a father_n origen_n deem_v to_o that_o of_o paradise_n so_o likewise_o may_v the_o pleasant_a orchard_n of_o the_o hesperide_n in_o which_o be_v tree_n that_o bear_v golden_a apple_n and_o it_o may_v be_v some_o confirmation_n of_o this_o notion_n that_o near_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o river_n tiâ—gris_n on_o which_o paradise_n be_v seat_v we_o read_v of_o a_o place_n that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o hispercitis_n and_o hisperatis_n it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o these_o diverse_a garden_n be_v transplant_v from_o that_o in_o eden_n it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o some_o or_o all_o of_o these_o greek_a fable_n be_v found_v in_o truth_n and_o arise_v from_o what_o the_o inspire_a book_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n place_v man_n in_o a_o garden_n the_o garden_n of_o eden_n which_o signify_v pleasure_n or_o delight_n for_o it_o be_v add_v that_o here_o grow_v every_o tree_n that_o be_v pleasant_a to_o the_o sight_n and_o good_a for_o food_n gen._n 2._o 9_o and_o as_o this_o garden_n be_v the_o platform_n of_o those_o before_o mention_v so_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o this_o garden_n give_v rise_v to_o the_o poet_n nectar_n and_o ambrosia_n brosia_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o food_n and_o repast_n of_o these_o earthly_a god_n these_o divine_a creature_n that_o inhabit_v here_o the_o former_a of_o these_o according_a to_o suidas_n one_o derivation_n of_o it_o make_v the_o drinker_n of_o it_o ever_o youthful_a and_o 〈◊〉_d another_o etymology_n speak_v this_o drink_n to_o be_v such_o as_o suffer_v theâ—_n not_o to_o die_v these_o be_v the_o very_a blessing_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n it_o have_v a_o property_n to_o keep_v off_o old_a age_n and_o to_o preserve_v man_n life_n a_o long_a time_n the_o latter_a namely_o 〈◊〉_d ambrosia_n have_v the_o same_o virtue_n it_o be_v say_v to_o keep_v those_o that_o eat_v it_o free_a from_o mortality_n this_o therefore_o no_o less_o than_o the_o other_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o and_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o shall_v have_v make_v the_o eater_n of_o it_o immortal_a and_o secure_v they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o blessedness_n for_o ever_o thus_o the_o production_n of_o man_n and_o sundry_a thing_n refer_v to_o his_o bless_a state_n in_o innocency_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v take_v from_o the_o sacred_a fountain_n and_o consequent_o the_o write_n of_o these_o heathen_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n attest_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n iii_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n and_o the_o several_a particular_a thing_n relate_v to_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o pagan_a record_n first_o the_o forerunner_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o angel_n be_v plain_o speak_v of_o by_o that_o ancient_a philosopher_n empedocles_n as_o alien_a plutarch_n relate_v for_o who_o else_o can_v he_o mean_v by_o his_o daemon_n to_o who_o he_o give_v the_o name_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heaven-fallen_a creature_n than_o these_o apostate_n spirit_n who_o be_v thrust_v down_o from_o the_o region_n of_o happiness_n above_o and_o become_v devil_n by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a oppose_v of_o god_n and_o decline_v his_o government_n next_o we_o have_v good_a record_n among_o the_o pagan_n of_o the_o fall_v itself_o of_o adam_n and_o eve_n especial_o of_o the_o latter_a because_o she_o be_v first_o and_o most_o eminent_a in_o the_o transgression_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o man_n defection_n from_o his_o duty_n she_o be_v represent_v by_o 1._o homer_n ate_n who_o incense_a jupiter_n thrust_v down_o from_o heaven_n threaten_v that_o she_o shall_v never_o be_v restore_v to_o that_o place_n again_o though_o some_o have_v think_v that_o this_o may_v refer_v to_o the_o apostate_n angel_n of_o who_o before_o because_o it_o be_v common_a with_o the_o poet_n to_o imply_v many_o when_o they_o mention_v but_o one_o person_n and_o 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the_o miserable_a occurrence_n that_o happen_v to_o humane_a kind_a eve_n be_v this_o pandora_n who_o give_v that_o fatal_a gift_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n unto_o her_o husband_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o gen._n 3._o 6._o and_o he_o himself_o afterward_o with_o unspeakable_a regret_n and_o too_o late_a a_o insiâ—â—â—_n into_o his_o condition_n whence_o he_o just_o merit_v 〈◊〉_d title_n of_o epimetheus_n repeat_v the_o same_o she_o 〈◊〉_d i_o of_o it_o ver_fw-la 13._o and_o with_o it_o impart_v all_o evil_a 〈◊〉_d mankind_n wherefore_o from_o that_o unhappy_a 〈◊〉_d and_o from_o her_o general_n bestow_v of_o all_o evil_n on_o 〈◊〉_d world_n she_o have_v the_o name_n of_o pandora_n among_o 〈◊〉_d first_o greek_n poet_n who_o have_v arrive_v to_o some_o not_o 〈…〉_z of_o this_o unfortunate_a woman_n miscarriage_n
it_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v all_o which_o it_o be_v likely_a have_v its_o first_o rise_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_n record_v there_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n among_o some_o pagan_a nation_n whither_o offender_n flee_v for_o protection_n have_v their_o origine_fw-la from_o those_o so_o express_o mention_v in_o numb_a 35._o 13_o 14_o 15._o hence_o we_o read_v that_o cadmus_n when_o he_o build_v thebes_n found_v a_o place_n for_o all_o sort_n of_o criminal_n to_o repair_v to_o and_o romulus_n at_o the_o build_n of_o rome_n erect_v a_o sanctuary_n for_o offender_n to_o fly_v to_o further_o i_o can_v observe_v that_o the_o new-moon_n be_v celebrate_v by_o the_o athenian_n and_o other_o grecian_n concern_v the_o first_o rom._n plutarch_n be_v very_o positive_a and_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n that_o hesych_n proverbial_a say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o use_n among_o they_o show_v that_o they_o solemn_o observe_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o month._n the_o roman_n likewise_o have_v the_o same_o custom_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o that_o of_o 1._o ovid_n vendicat_fw-la ausonias_fw-la junonis_fw-la cura_fw-la calendas_fw-la and_o these_o new-moon_n festival_n be_v refer_v to_o by_o horace_n more_o than_o once_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o 45._o turâ—â—bus_n all_o which_o be_v of_o hebrew_n extraction_n i_o can_v take_v notice_n that_o the_o latin_a jubilare_fw-la and_o jubilatio_fw-la which_o be_v find_v in_o varro_n and_o other_o old_a roman_n which_o signify_v great_a rejoice_v and_o shout_v for_o joy_n be_v from_o the_o old_a jewish_a law_n of_o 11._o jubilee_n a_o time_n of_o exceed_a gladness_n be_v the_o year_n when_o servant_n and_o debtor_n be_v restore_v to_o their_o liberty_n and_o possession_n which_o occasion_v great_a rejoice_v and_o i_o can_v propound_v more_o instance_n yet_o to_o prove_v that_o several_a custom_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v extract_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o heathen_a worshipper_n shape_v new_a strange_a and_o profane_a rite_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n out_o of_o the_o passage_n they_o â—ead_a or_o hear_v of_o there_o and_o that_o most_o of_o the_o heathen_a usage_n be_v corrupt_a imitation_n of_o the_o jew_n i_o will_v add_v to_o the_o several_a particular_n this_o one_o more_o which_o though_o i_o will_v not_o confident_o pronounce_v be_v borrow_v from_o the_o jew_n yet_o i_o propose_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n very_o probable_a it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o hieroglyphic_n of_o the_o egyptian_n be_v in_o imitation_n of_o that_o people_n for_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o under_o shadow_n type_n and_o symbol_n dark_a representation_n and_o mystical_a rite_n which_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o the_o egyptian_n to_o teach_v religion_n and_o morality_n by_o hieroglyphic_n figure_n i_o be_o not_o positive_a here_o nor_o will_v i_o be_v any_o where_o else_o unless_o i_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o go_v on_o because_o i_o be_o not_o altogether_o certain_a that_o the_o hieroglyphic_n learning_n begin_v after_o moses_n but_o there_o be_v great_a probability_n that_o it_o do_v and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o what_o they_o observe_v among_o the_o jew_n this_o be_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o inquisitive_a 7._o kircher_n who_o without_o â—â—y_a hesitation_n aver_v that_o the_o symbolical_a and_o hieroglyphic_n learning_n be_v imbibe_v from_o the_o hebrew_n nay_o to_o go_v yet_o far_o now_o we_o be_v come_v thus_o far_o there_o be_v those_o who_o conjecture_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ancient_a gentile_a philosophy_n be_v collect_v from_o the_o holy_a book_n of_o scripture_n among_o the_o ancient_a persian_n the_o mosaic_a religion_n may_v be_v discover_v in_o many_o instance_n which_o may_v be_v give_v of_o their_o principle_n and_o a_o ingenious_a 4._o french_a author_n have_v late_o prove_v that_o their_o zoroastres_n be_v the_o same_o with_o moses_n and_o as_o for_o the_o pythagâ—rick_n and_o platonic_a philosophy_n which_o consist_v much_o in_o figure_n and_o number_n in_o dark_a and_o symbolical_a precept_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v make_v up_o out_o of_o the_o sacred_a hebrew_n write_n the_o platonist_n book_n concern_v god_n the_o genii_n the_o spirit_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n though_o stuff_v with_o many_o error_n and_o superstition_n discover_v a_o great_a resemblance_n and_o affinity_n with_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o bible_n deliver_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o humane_a soul_n eusebius_n particular_o insist_o on_o this_o and_o derive_v the_o platonic_a doctrine_n from_o the_o scripture_n hence_o both_o he_o and_o clement_n of_o alexandria_n take_v notice_n of_o what_o numenius_n the_o pythagorean_n philosopher_n say_v of_o plato_n namely_o that_o he_o be_v 1._o the_o greek_a moses_n and_o indeed_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a sage_n and_o philosopher_n be_v obscure_a and_o mystic_a in_o their_o style_n and_o way_n of_o deliver_v their_o notion_n as_o the_o sacred_a writer_n be_v observe_v to_o be_v very_o often_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o i_o last_o quote_v that_o 1._o the_o way_n of_o philosophize_v among_o those_o pagan_n be_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o hebrew_n that_o be_v enigmatical_a but_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n as_o well_o as_o style_v the_o chief_a of_o the_o old_a greek_a poet_n and_o philosopher_n as_o orpheus_n homer_n hesiod_n thales_n anaxagoras_n parmenides_n empedocles_n democritus_n socrates_n beside_o pythagoras_n and_o plato_n before_o name_v agree_v with_o moses_n we_o may_v say_v of_o they_o all_o as_o a_o historian_n say_v of_o the_o first_o of_o they_o after_o he_o have_v set_v down_o several_a particular_n of_o sound_a philosophy_n in_o his_o poem_n compend_v they_o have_v pronounce_v many_o thing_n concern_v god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v consonant_a to_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o who_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o holy_a write_n profess_v this_o may_v give_v light_n to_o what_o a_o egyptian_a priest_n tell_v solon_n timâ—â—o_n yoâ—_n grecians_z say_v he_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o and_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o rise_n and_o antiquity_n of_o art_n there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o you_o that_o be_v old_a and_o there_o be_v no_o learning_n among_o you_o that_o be_v antient._n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o all_o their_o knowledge_n be_v borrow_v and_o that_o the_o sacred_a mosaic_a philosophy_n and_o theology_n be_v the_o old_a of_o all_o from_o this_o the_o heathen_n take_v they_o though_o sometime_o they_o express_v it_o in_o different_a term_n thus_o we_o have_v go_v through_o the_o mosaic_a record_n and_o in_o many_o instance_n show_v the_o derivation_n of_o gentile_a philosophy_n principles_n practice_n and_o usage_n from_o those_o sacred_a write_n and_o consequent_o we_o have_v evince_v the_o truth_n and_o antiquity_n of_o these_o record_n before_o i_o leave_v this_o head_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o will_v here_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o pagan_a and_o profane_a author_n concern_v this_o great_a lawgiver_n moses_n the_o first_o penman_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v still_o in_o prosecution_n of_o what_o i_o undertake_v to_o show_v that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o with_o they_o their_o author_n and_o penman_n be_v attest_v by_o profane_a writer_n it_o appear_v first_o from_o what_o these_o have_v say_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n and_o that_o he_o be_v what_o his_o write_n represent_v he_o to_o be_v this_o be_v he_o that_o be_v call_v by_o orpheus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d allude_v to_o his_o name_n mosheh_n exod._n 2._o 10._o which_o be_v give_v he_o because_o he_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o water_n he_o be_v celebrate_v by_o alexander_n polyhistor_n philochorus_n thallus_n appion_n cite_v by_o gent._n justin_n martyr_n by_o manethon_n and_o numenius_n allege_v by_o 4._o origen_n and_o 6._o eusebius_n by_o lysimachus_n and_o molon_n quote_v by_o i._n josephus_n by_o chalcidius_n sanchoniathon_n justin_n pliny_n in_o porphyrius_n moses_n be_v place_v by_o i._n dioâ—orus_n the_o sicilian_a in_o the_o front_n of_o his_o famous_a lawgiver_n only_o a_o little_a disguise_v under_o the_o name_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v there_o say_v to_o have_v receive_v his_o law_n from_o mercury_n and_o why_o from_o mercury_n perhaps_o because_o some_o chronologer_n acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o great_a mercurius_n style_v trismegistus_n the_o ancient_a philosopher_n among_o the_o egyptian_n be_v either_o contemporary_a with_o moses_n or_o be_v think_v to_o have_v live_v about_o his_o time_n but_o st._n augustine_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o note_a book_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la that_o this_o 〈◊〉_d be_v nephew_n to_o another_o mâ—râ—urius_n who_o 〈◊〉_d be_v atlas_n the_o famous_a astrologer_n and_o he_o it_o be_v belike_o that_o flourish_v in_o moses_n time_n whâ—â—â—â—_n if_o i_o
may_v be_v suffer_v to_o give_v my_o conjecture_n 〈◊〉_d poet_n do_v very_o â—itly_o relate_v how_o atlas_n bear_v up_o 〈◊〉_d heavons_fw-fr when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o mean_v 〈◊〉_d moses_n who_o give_v we_o the_o authentic_a record_n 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n creation_n and_o begin_v his_o history_n with_o the_o production_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o tâ—â—â—_n atlas_n that_o support_v the_o sphere_n nay_o he_o may_v be_v right_o say_v not_o only_o to_o bear_v up_o the_o heauâ—â—s_n 〈◊〉_d the_o earth_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o sink_v into_o their_o first_o chaos_n by_o transmit_v the_o account_n and_o memory_n of_o they_o to_o all_o posterity_n i_o question_v 〈◊〉_d but_o that_o moses_n be_v represent_v by_o heâ—â—mes_n trismegistus_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o very_a great_a i._n e._n a_o excellent_a man_n and_o such_o none_o caâ—_n deny_v moses_n to_o have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n interpreter_n be_v appliable_a to_o none_o better_o than_o to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o first_o sacred_a and_o inspire_a interpreter_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o write_v letter_n be_v invent_v by_o this_o hermes_n say_v egypâ—_n jamblichus_a from_o his_o maâ—â—â—â—_n phileb_n plato_n moses_n be_v the_o first_o writer_n may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o letter_n diâ—dorus_n also_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o that_o give_v the_o egyptian_n he_o shall_v have_v say_v jew_n but_o those_o mistake_v be_v common_a with_o he_o and_o other_o pagan_a author_n ibid._n write_v law_n and_o that_o â—e_n be_v ibid._n a_o man_n of_o a_o great_a soul_n and_o very_o powerful_a in_o his_o life_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o say_v he_o be_v eclog._n one_o that_o excel_v in_o wisdom_n and_o valour_n 16._o strabo_n make_v honourable_a mention_n of_o this_o great_a â—â—rsonage_n yea_o speak_v not_o only_o of_o he_o but_o of_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o he_o with_o great_a respect_n he_o rank_n he_o among_o the_o best_a legislator_n and_o high_o praise_v his_o law_n and_o give_v they_o the_o preeminence_n before_o all_o other_o he_o recite_v some_o of_o his_o say_n and_o deed_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o leave_v egypt_n and_o come_v into_o syria_n because_o he_o dislike_v the_o egyptian_n for_o their_o make_n and_o worship_v of_o corporeal_a god_n of_o the_o figure_n and_o proportion_n of_o brute_n and_o that_o moses_n profess_v that_o god_n can_v not_o be_v represent_v by_o any_o image_n or_o likeness_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v 5._o other_o gentile_n who_o speak_v of_o moses_n and_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n and_o they_o will_v have_v be_v more_o favourable_a in_o their_o testimonial_n concern_v he_o if_o their_o heathen_a principle_n have_v not_o biased_a they_o to_o a_o more_o undue_a character_n which_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o philo_n in_o the_o life_n of_o moses_n though_o say_v he_o some_o pagan_a historian_n speak_v of_o he_o yet_o they_o say_v but_o little_a and_o that_o not_o true_o neither_o out_o of_o envy_n it_o be_v likely_a or_o because_o of_o the_o great_a disagreement_n between_o he_o and_o the_o law_n of_o other_o lawgiver_n they_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o remember_v he_o but_o that_o testimony_n which_o we_o have_v be_v sufficient_a and_o we_o may_v thence_o be_v satisfy_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o most_o authentic_a historian_n and_o the_o ancient_a lawgiver_n and_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o what_o they_o say_v that_o his_o law_n be_v the_o first_o and_o give_v beginning_n to_o all_o otherâ—_n the_o famous_a lawgiver_n and_o politician_n among_o the_o grecian_n as_o lycurgus_n and_o solon_n have_v the_o main_a of_o their_o politic_n from_o moses_n law_n whence_o afterward_o the_o roman_n take_v some_o of_o they_o and_o as_o moses_n receive_v his_o law_n immediate_o from_o god_n so_o in_o imitation_n of_o he_o the_o great_a lawgiver_n say_v they_o have_v they_o from_o some_o deity_n as_o numa_n from_o aegeria_n minos_n from_o jupiter_n lycurgus_n from_o apollo_n zabeucus_fw-la from_o minerva_n etc._n etc._n still_o this_o establish_v our_o notion_n that_o the_o write_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n give_v rise_v to_o many_o thing_n among_o the_o pagan_n which_o i_o will_v yet_o far_o pursue_v chap._n vi_o profane_a writer_n testify_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o particular_n mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n viz._n the_o gigantic_a race_n of_o the_o canaanite_n the_o sun_n be_v stand_v still_o jephthah_n sacrifice_a his_o daughter_n sampson_n loss_n of_o his_o hair_n the_o fox_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o against_o the_o philistine_n elias_n rapture_n to_o heaven_n some_o passage_n relate_v to_o king_n solomon_n king_n hiram_n etc._n etc._n the_o sun_n be_v go_v back_o in_o king_n hezekiah_n time_n nebuchadnezzar_n transformation_n into_o a_o beast_n his_o dream_n of_o a_o image_n with_o a_o golden_a head_n etc._n etc._n next_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o heathen_n have_v their_o deity_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n their_o saturn_n be_v adam_n their_o minerva_n be_v eve_n their_o jupiter_n cain_n their_o vulcan_n tubal-cain_n their_o bacchus_n as_o also_o their_o saturn_n and_o janus_n noah_n their_o apis_n joseph_n their_o mercury_n and_o bacchus_n moses_n their_o hercules_n joshua_n and_o samson_n their_o apollo_n jubal_n their_o ganymed_n elias_n etc._n etc._n â—venthly_a some_o other_o thing_n which_o the_o old_a testament_n acquaint_v we_o happen_v after_o 〈◊〉_d give_v the_o law_n by_o moses_n till_o the_o babylonian_a 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o profane_a writer_n we_o read_v in_o numb_a 13._o 33._o of_o the_o gigantic_a race_n of_o canaanites_n who_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o anak_n 〈◊〉_d in_o deut._n 9_o 2._o jos._n 11._o 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v call_v anakim_v be_v there_o not_o some_o prob_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d daridae_fw-la or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o there_o be_v more_o than_o câ—stor_n and_o pollux_n that_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n 3_o tully_n will_v inform_v you_o who_o by_o the_o greek_n wâ—â—_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o theodorâ—t_n several_a author_n acquaint_v 〈◊〉_d have_v their_o name_n from_o those_o great_a man_n who_o wâ—â—â—_n the_o offspring_n of_o anak_n these_o be_v drive_v josuaâ—_n out_o of_o palestine_n when_o he_o overcome_v 〈◊〉_d country_n it_o be_v likely_a go_v into_o greece_n and_o froâ—_n they_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o athens_n and_o sparta_n descend_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o name_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v give_v not_o only_o to_o the_o tyndaridae_n but_o all_o great_a mâ—â—_n and_o prince_n i_o will_v add_v that_o it_o be_v probable_a thâ—_n word_n give_v origination_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signiâ—â—â—_n great_a and_o principal_a man_n such_o as_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v from_o that_o miracle_n in_o jos._n 10._o 13._o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d stand_v still_o perhaps_o the_o poet_n fiction_n arise_v concern_v the_o night_n double_v or_o treble_v by_o jupitâ—â—_n for_o alcmena_n sake_n for_o as_o have_v be_v suggesâ—â—â—_n already_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n when_o they_o get_v a_o story_n by_o the_o end_n make_v what_o they_o please_v of_o it_o and_o turn_v it_o into_o quite_o another_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v at_o first_o the_o rumour_n of_o that_o strange_a accident_n have_v come_v to_o their_o ear_n and_o they_o present_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o fable_n and_o who_o shall_v stop_v the_o course_n of_o the_o suâ—_n but_o jupiter_n the_o supreme_a god_n and_o after_o the_o raâ—â—_n that_o they_o represent_v their_o god_n that_o which_o be_v further_o add_v be_v apposite_a enough_o for_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v lewd_a and_o obscene_a and_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o all_o lustful_a practice_n now_o when_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o in_o one_o hemisphere_n the_o other_o want_v his_o presence_n and_o light_n and_o â—o_o they_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o double_a night_n for_o the_o sun_n be_v â—â—aying_v here_o so_o long_o but_o you_o shall_v have_v another_o fable_n short_o that_o will_v speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n porphyrius_n tell_v we_o that_o sanchoniathon_n have_v his_o historical_a narration_n and_o secret_n from_o one_o jerombaal_n priest_n of_o the_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o show_v that_o that_o historian_n have_v his_o matter_n from_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n the_o hebrew_n fountain_n of_o truth_n though_o he_o oftentimes_o corrupt_v they_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o have_v partly_o learn_v the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n from_o the_o hebrew_n or_o their_o write_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v jehovah_n the_o true_a god_n who_o the_o jew_n worship_v as_o i_o shall_v â—â—â—w_v more_o afterward_o beside_o from_o
man_n and_o woman_n perish_v except_v only_o a_o few_o that_o betake_v themselves_o to_o some_o vessel_n of_o wood_n and_o so_o preserve_v themselves_o those_o of_o mexico_n tell_v goâ—â—_n that_o there_o be_v five_o sun_n heretofore_o that_o give_v light_n to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o first_o and_o old_a of_o they_o perish_v in_o the_o water_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o man_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n be_v drown_v and_o all_o thing_n be_v destroy_v and_o several_a other_o such_o passage_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o newfoundland_n receive_v from_o their_o forefather_n some_o of_o who_o perhaps_o be_v jew_n for_o israelis_fw-la manasseh_n ben_fw-mi israel_n think_v the_o ten_o tribe_n who_o be_v carry_v captive_a come_v into_o the_o west-indies_n as_o well_o as_o into_o some_o part_n of_o china_n and_o tartary_n and_o there_o have_v leave_v footstep_n of_o old_a judaism_n but_o whether_o these_o be_v relic_n or_o only_a apeing_n of_o it_o i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o dispute_v thus_o i_o have_v abundant_o make_v good_a that_o the_o heathen_n borrow_v from_o scripture_n and_o inspire_a men._n their_o priest_n take_v their_o religious_a ceremony_n yea_o their_o very_a god_n their_o poet_n take_v their_o fable_n their_o historian_n their_o more_o serious_a narrative_n their_o philosopher_n their_o notion_n and_o opinion_n their_o common_a people_n their_o word_n and_o phrase_n their_o usage_n and_o custom_n from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o doctrine_n rite_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n therein_o record_v so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o pagan_n bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o content_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o profane_a writer_n attest_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n if_o any_o object_n that_o i_o have_v show_v myself_o arbitrary_a and_o lavish_a in_o some_o of_o the_o derivation_n of_o word_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o etymological_a part_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o brief_o answer_v i_o have_v purposely_o and_o industrious_o all_o along_o take_v care_n to_o avoid_v this_o imputation_n for_o i_o have_v sometime_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o great_a extravagancâ—_n of_o some_o writer_n in_o this_o very_a point_n thus_o calepine_n derive_v canis_fw-la à _fw-la canendo_fw-la as_o if_o barking_n and_o sing_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n origine_fw-la one_o derive_v scribo_fw-la from_o 〈◊〉_d and_o labour_n to_o make_v it_o out_o such_o a_o extravagant_a etymologizer_n be_v avenarius_n in_o his_o hebrew_a lexicon_n who_o fetch_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o mashal_n dominatus_fw-la est_fw-la and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o tsaniph_n and_o scorpio_n from_o gnacrab_n which_o be_v the_o hebrew_n name_n of_o that_o animal_n yea_o he_o deduce_v turk_n from_o kedar_n by_o a_o metathesis_n and_o mounseur_fw-fr bochart_n be_v not_o far_o behind_o he_o for_o he_o be_v oftentimes_o very_o bold_a and_o presume_v in_o his_o etymology_n he_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o fetch_v all_o from_o the_o phaenician_a tongue_n which_o to_o accomplish_v he_o make_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v not_o venture_v to_o etymologize_v after_o the_o rate_n of_o these_o man_n though_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o very_o learned_a head_n but_o i_o have_v with_o singular_a care_n throughout_o my_o whole_a undertake_n endeavour_v to_o preserve_v the_o honour_n of_o grammar_n and_o criticism_n which_o so_o many_o have_v violate_v and_o not_o to_o put_v off_o the_o reader_n with_o far_o fetch_a derivation_n of_o word_n and_o name_n without_o observe_v the_o due_a law_n of_o deduce_v and_o form_v they_o i_o have_v never_o presume_v to_o derive_v one_o word_n from_o another_o where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o fair_a grammatical_a analogy_n between_o they_o and_o some_o agreement_n in_o their_o sound_n and_o some_o considerable_a probability_n of_o their_o be_v near_o ally_v to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o any_o object_n that_o i_o have_v gather_v many_o thing_n from_o the_o mere_a sound_n and_o likeness_n of_o word_n which_o be_v a_o uncertain_a and_o arbitrary_a thing_n and_o there_o be_v no_o conclusion_n to_o be_v make_v thence_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a the_o sole_a affinity_n of_o word_n be_v no_o firm_a and_o undeniable_a argument_n of_o their_o origination_n the_o signification_n of_o word_n in_o different_a language_n may_v sometime_o be_v coincident_a yet_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a thence_o of_o their_o derivation_n this_o i_o be_o most_o ready_a to_o grant_v nay_o far_o that_o it_o be_v folly_n to_o derive_v one_o word_n from_o another_o mere_o because_o of_o the_o likeness_n of_o they_o as_o if_o because_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v divide_v into_o parashah_n therefore_o we_o must_v derive_v parish_n from_o thence_o they_o be_v such_o a_o part_n of_o a_o city_n or_o town_n set_v out_o as_o divide_v and_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n you_o may_v as_o well_o derive_v montgomery_n from_o gomer_n and_o say_v it_o be_v the_o montanous_a country_n where_o gomer_n live_v who_o think_v that_o the_o english_a word_n evil_n come_v from_o the_o hebrew_n evil_n a_o fool_n it_o will_v be_v ridiculous_o quibble_v to_o fetch_v the_o proverbial_a say_v as_o lean_a as_o a_o rake_n from_o the_o hebrew_n raâ—â—_n tenuis_fw-la macer_fw-la gracilis_fw-la fuit_fw-la or_o to_o make_v a_o bad_a one_o in_o english_a to_o have_v assinity_n with_o abaddon_n it_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o intolerable_o ridiculous_a and_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o school-boy's_a pun_v to_o derive_v a_o high-man_n from_o one_o of_o the_o three_o giant_n call_v ahiman_n wherefore_o i_o do_v not_o contend_v that_o all_o accidental_a likeness_n in_o word_n be_v a_o foundation_n to_o ground_n etymology_n and_o derivation_n upon_o i_o know_v some_o be_v very_o foolish_a and_o trifle_a here_o they_o find_v such_o and_o such_o word_n in_o different_a tongue_n agree_v in_o sound_n and_o thence_o they_o infer_v they_o be_v akin_a if_o they_o can_v but_o make_v out_o any_o kind_n of_o resemblance_n in_o their_o signification_n if_o the_o hebrew_n word_n bad_a which_o have_v many_o signification_n have_v one_o like_o the_o english_a bad_a they_o will_v present_o say_v that_o this_o come_v from_o that_o if_o siccus_fw-la have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o signification_n with_o aegrotus_fw-la we_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o english_a word_n sick_a be_v thence_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v signify_v any_o thing_n like_o caelum_fw-la or_o aether_n we_o shall_v have_v derive_v sky_n thence_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v be_v as_o much_o as_o imperare_fw-la gubernare_fw-la some_o will_v conclude_v regnum_fw-la to_o be_v derive_v from_o it_o and*_n several_a other_o word_n i_o can_v instance_n in_o which_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o another_o place_n i_o grant_v then_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o uncertainty_n in_o etymology_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o lay_v any_o huge_a stress_n upon_o they_o but_o though_o this_o be_v true_a yet_o where_o we_o find_v there_o be_v agreat_a probability_n that_o word_n be_v relate_v to_o one_o another_o where_o there_o be_v good_a ground_n for_o it_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o though_o there_o be_v in_o goropius_n bâ—chanâ—â—_n and_o some_o other_o before_o mention_v many_o frivolous_a etymology_n and_o fanciful_a derivation_n yet_o this_o have_v not_o make_v wise_a man_n disregard_n the_o alliance_n and_o cognation_n which_o be_v between_o word_n especial_o between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o other_o word_n thus_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o the_o follow_a greek_a latin_a english_a and_o french_z one_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o hebrew_n greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mysterium_fw-la lat._n uro_fw-mi mensura_fw-la gibbosus_fw-la engl._n fig._n dumb._n cable_n french_a harasser_n and_o english_a harasse_n from._n mister_n idem_fw-la ur_fw-la ignis_fw-la mesurah_n idem_fw-la gibben_n idem_fw-la fag_n ficus_fw-la dum_fw-la siluit_fw-la obmutuit_fw-la chebel_n funis_fw-la haras_n diruit_fw-la destruxit_fw-la i_o can_v peremptory_o aver_v that_o these_o be_v of_o hebrew_n original_a but_o no_o man_n alive_a be_v able_a positive_o to_o assert_v the_o contrary_n yea_o there_o be_v many_o word_n in_o the_o derivation_n of_o which_o all_o general_o agree_v few_o or_o none_o deny_v or_o so_o much_o as_o doubt_v that_o the_o latin_a gubernare_fw-la and_o the_o english_a 〈◊〉_d govern_n be_v from_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o all_o of_o they_o from_o the_o hebrew_n gabar_n gubernavit_fw-la vicit_fw-la tâ—â—er_n from_o turris_n and_o both_o from_o tur_o syriak_n the_o same_o camel_n and_o camelus_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o tornace_n to_o turn_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o from_o tor_n ordo_fw-la
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 relate_v to_o the_o old_a patriarch_n and_o other_o eminent_a man_n in_o former_a day_n on_o which_o i_o have_v assert_v that_o many_o of_o the_o pagan_a story_n and_o fable_n depend_v these_o be_v record_v in_o those_o sacred_a book_n first_o of_o all_o and_o therefore_o these_o book_n be_v the_o fountain_n from_o which_o the_o heathen_n take_v these_o relation_n this_o argument_n i_o take_v to_o be_v unanswerable_a namely_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o first_o and_o ancient_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v extant_a and_o therefore_o when_o the_o pagan_a writer_n mention_v thing_n in_o this_o book_n they_o take_v they_o thence_o or_o from_o those_o person_n who_o have_v they_o out_o of_o these_o write_n here_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o insist_v a_o little_a on_o the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o holy_a volume_n that_o moses_n write_n be_v long_a before_o all_o other_o be_v prove_v by_o several_a of_o the_o africanus_n father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n you_o may_v 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
live_v with_o seleucus_n as_o eusebius_n in_o the_o same_o place_n affirm_v see_v there_o be_v a_o greek_a translation_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n before_o alexander_n the_o great_a be_v time_n as_o 1._o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n testify_v and_o according_o demetrius_z phalereus_n library-keeper_n to_o king_n ptolomeo_n surname_v philadelphus_n in_o a_o epistle_n to_o he_o which_o 3._o eusebius_n cit_v say_v that_o before_o the_o septuagint_n version_n many_o thing_n be_v translate_v out_o of_o the_o bible_n but_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o agree_v to_o by_o all_o that_o upon_o alexander_n the_o great_a his_o conquest_n the_o jew_n and_o greek_n have_v converse_v with_o one_o another_o and_o be_v no_o long_o stranger_n be_v now_o unite_v under_o the_o same_o empire_n and_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o this_o soon_o after_o alexander_n the_o great_a all_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v entire_o translate_v into_o greek_a by_o seventy_o two_o jew_n who_o the_o foresay_a king_n of_o egypt_n appoint_v for_o that_o purpose_n hence_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n can_v not_o but_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o gentile_n 4._o this_o communication_n be_v make_v by_o the_o travel_n of_o philosopher_n and_o inquisitive_a man_n among_o the_o pagan_n of_o pythagoras_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o pythag._n laertius_n that_o when_o he_o be_v young_a and_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o learn_v he_o leave_v his_o country_n and_o be_v initiate_v into_o all_o the_o mystery_n not_o only_o of_o the_o greek_n but_o barbarian_n and_o particular_o he_o testify_v that_o he_o travel_v into_o egypt_n and_o chaldea_n of_o the_o same_o philosopher_n it_o be_v assert_v by_o origen_n clemâ—ns_v the_o alexandrian_a porphyry_n and_o other_o that_o he_o go_v into_o chaldea_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n where_o he_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o converse_v with_o the_o jew_n ludovicus_n vives_n think_v that_o he_o travel_v also_o into_o egypt_n and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o joremiah_n there_o mr._n seldon_n likewise_o hold_v that_o he_o go_v and_o visit_v judea_n and_o there_o converse_v with_o ezekiel_n with_o who_o he_o be_v contemporary_a and_o learn_v the_o tetragrammaton_fw-gr and_o other_o mystery_n of_o he_o concern_v plato_n it_o be_v believe_v by_o many_o say_v 11._o st._n augustin_n that_o he_o take_v a_o journey_n into_o egypt_n and_o be_v there_o the_o prophet_n iereâ—niah's_n auditor_n and_o read_v the_o prophetic_a write_n and_o though_o this_o father_n himself_o be_v not_o incline_v as_o he_o declare_v to_o believe_v this_o because_o he_o think_v that_o philosopher_n be_v bear_v after_o that_o time_n yet_o he_o most_o ready_o assent_v to_o this_o that_o he_o have_v many_o thing_n from_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o 28._o he_o cit_v several_a passage_n out_o of_o that_o heathen_a writer_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a to_o all_o that_o have_v converse_v with_o this_o author_n write_n that_o there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n in_o they_o above_o the_o strain_n of_o common_a philosophy_n as_o concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o formation_n of_o the_o first_o man_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n the_o innocent_a and_o happy_a state_n of_o mankind_n the_o loss_n of_o that_o primitive_a state_n and_o the_o vile_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n with_o many_o other_o particular_n which_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o sacred_a write_n i_o may_v mention_v likewise_o how_o lofty_o he_o speak_v of_o god_n and_o his_o nature_n how_o admirable_o he_o discourse_v of_o the_o soul_n how_o clear_o he_o assert_v a_o future_a life_n and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n how_o feel_o he_o treat_v of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n how_o divine_o he_o write_v concern_v religion_n which_o he_o represent_v as_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a and_o purge_v from_o the_o heathen_a superstition_n this_o sublime_a and_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n the_o ancient_n think_v he_o gain_v by_o travel_v into_o syria_n judea_n and_o egypt_n and_o hold_v converse_n with_o those_o that_o understand_v the_o inspire_v write_n and_o it_o be_v their_o opinion_n that_o though_o he_o converse_v with_o some_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o imbibe_v their_o sentiment_n yet_o he_o careful_o avoid_v mention_v their_o name_n because_o they_o be_v odious_a to_o other_o nation_n and_o consequent_o those_o structure_n of_o true_a theology_n which_o be_v in_o his_o work_n will_v have_v fare_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o but_o though_o he_o will_v not_o speak_v this_o out_o plain_o yet_o he_o seem_v to_o utter_v it_o in_o a_o disguise_a manner_n perhaps_o he_o hint_v that_o he_o receive_v those_o notion_n from_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o mention_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o syrian_n and_o phaenician_o who_o be_v the_o neighbour_a people_n to_o judea_n general_o pass_v for_o jew_n that_o other_o great_a philosopher_n as_o solon_n democritus_n heraclitus_n etc._n etc._n travel_v into_o egypt_n and_o babylon_n be_v testify_v by_o diogenes_n laertius_n in_o their_o life_n the_o same_o be_v attest_v by_o ult_n diodorus_n concern_v orpheus_n musaeus_n homer_n lycurgus_n and_o other_o wise_a grecian_n viz._n that_o they_o go_v and_o visit_v those_o foreign_a part_n and_o thence_o come_v furnish_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v learn_v in_o those_o country_n the_o like_a be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o 1._o christian_a father_n who_o also_o add_v that_o those_o chief_a philosopher_n of_o greece_n when_o they_o sojourn_v among_o the_o egyptian_n learn_v many_o thing_n of_o their_o priest_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v among_o they_o and_o there_o they_o peruse_v the_o mosaic_a write_n which_o be_v of_o great_a account_n among_o some_o of_o they_o hence_o the_o religion_n rite_n and_o practice_n record_v in_o those_o book_n be_v divulge_v and_o spread_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n indeed_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o this_o will_v happen_v for_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o people_n so_o renown_v for_o religion_n and_o their_o fame_n and_o glory_n be_v every_o where_o celebrate_v it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o that_o foreign_a people_n especial_o the_o most_o philosophical_a and_o inquisitive_a among_o they_o shall_v be_v desirous_a to_o confer_v with_o the_o bible_n or_o jewish_a author_n and_o to_o know_v their_o law_n way_n and_o custom_n and_o that_o whole_a nation_n shall_v be_v forward_o to_o imitate_v and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o this_o be_v more_o than_o prophetical_o intimate_v in_o deut._n 4._o 6._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o the_o nation_n shall_v hear_v all_o those_o excellent_a statute_n give_v to_o the_o jew_n they_o shall_v say_v sure_o this_o great_a nation_n be_v a_o wise_a and_o understand_a people_n if_o the_o pagan_n shall_v so_o admire_v and_o value_v the_o jewish_a custom_n and_o ceremony_n they_o will_v as_o the_o consequent_a of_o that_o imitate_v and_o practice_v they_o thus_o you_o have_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o consonancy_n of_o pagan_a write_n and_o custom_n to_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n you_o see_v how_o they_o be_v derive_v from_o these_o fountain_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o be_o to_o inquire_v how_o the_o scriptural_a story_n and_o truth_n come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v mix_v with_o obscurity_n and_o falsity_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o pagan_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o one_o thing_n be_v put_v for_o another_o and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o hard_o oftentimes_o to_o understand_v what_o they_o deliver_v i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o this_o in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o the_o confusion_n of_o language_n do_v not_o a_o little_a 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they_o he_o commend_v those_o thing_n to_o the_o pagan_n which_o be_v religious_o use_v and_o even_o by_o god_n own_o people_n and_o prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o this_o he_o do_v to_o inveigle_v the_o pagan_a world_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o admire_v and_o worship_n he_o wherefore_o a_o answer_n may_v easy_o be_v return_v to_o that_o objection_n of_o a_o late_a learned_a writer_n 1._o what_o advantage_n can_v the_o devil_n have_v by_o his_o imitate_v the_o divine_a worship_n he_o ever_o act_v for_o some_o end_n that_o may_v be_v prositable_a to_o himself_o but_o how_o can_v this_o prove_v so_o see_v it_o will_v be_v more_o advantageous_a to_o he_o to_o institute_v a_o worship_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v diametnical_o contrary_a to_o those_o in_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o by_o those_o as_o by_o so_o many_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a character_n his_o herd_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o flock_n of_o the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n the_o answer_n i_o say_v to_o this_o be_v very_o easy_a and_o obvious_a for_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o advantageous_a to_o that_o evil_a spirit_n than_o his_o emulate_v of_o divine_a worship_n and_o appoint_v ceremony_n suitable_a to_o it_o for_o by_o this_o mean_n his_o kingdom_n be_v most_o sensible_o advance_v and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a artifice_n and_o craft_n imaginable_a because_o this_o vile_a fiend_n be_v adore_v even_o whilst_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n seem_v to_o be_v earry_v on_o it_o be_v the_o subtlety_n of_o this_o great_a mimic_n to_o approach_v as_o near_o to_o god_n and_o true_a religion_n as_o he_o can_v to_o make_v use_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o by_o god_n own_o express_a command_n be_v use_v in_o his_o worship_n this_o be_v a_o cunning_a way_n of_o gain_v proselyte_n and_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o his_o worshipper_n thus_o he_o act_v for_o some_o end_n and_o that_o a_o very_a profitable_a one_o too_o certain_o much_o more_o profitable_a to_o 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spirit_n which_o thirst_v after_o divine_a honour_n even_o such_o as_o be_v give_v to_o the_o only_a true_a god_n thus_o i_o have_v ample_o show_v you_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o rite_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o great_a truth_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v corrupt_v disguise_a misapply_v and_o abuse_v by_o the_o pagan_n i_o have_v give_v you_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n which_o may_v convince_v you_o of_o this_o and_o render_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o chap._n ix_o the_o author_n assertion_n confirm_v by_o the_o ample_a suffrage_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n consectary_n draw_v from_o the_o whole_a viz._n that_o we_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n admit_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o hold_v that_o the_o jew_n borrow_a all_n or_o most_o of_o
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 god_n say_v they_o speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o jew_n concern_v christ_n before_o he_o come_v so_o he_o foretell_v he_o to_o the_o gentile_n by_o the_o sibylls_n and_o the_o same_o prophetic_a spirit_n be_v in_o the_o latter_a that_o be_v in_o the_o former_a baronius_n bellarmine_n and_o the_o roman_a doctor_n general_o think_v the_o same_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o use_v their_o testimony_n as_o very_o sacred_a and_o altogether_o irrefragable_a by_o the_o way_n i_o may_v observe_v that_o they_o be_v sometime_o quote_v by_o these_o and_o other_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o assert_v and_o countenance_v some_o of_o their_o popish_a doctrine_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v popery_n be_v a_o religion_n before_o there_o be_v any_o thought_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o before_o it_o have_v a_o be_v but_o here_o author_n be_v divide_v again_o for_o some_o hold_v these_o gentile_a prophetess_n be_v good_a and_o holy_a person_n other_o that_o they_o be_v not_o 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
if_o these_o have_v be_v prophecy_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n they_o will_v have_v be_v communicate_v by_o god_n to_o his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v his_o oracle_n rather_o than_o to_o common_a pagan_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o be_v too_o choice_a secret_n to_o be_v râ—â—ealed_v to_o they_o wherefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old-testament_n which_o be_v spread_v abroad_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o sibylls_n only_a recite_v those_o prophecy_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n be_v you_o to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v prophecy_n of_o their_o own_o it_o be_v true_a the_o pagan_n hear_v of_o these_o prediction_n and_o not_o know_v the_o rise_n of_o they_o attribute_v they_o to_o their_o prophetess_n the_o sibylls_n and_o so_o they_o pass_v for_o the_o sibylls_n oracle_n as_o if_o those_o woman_n make_v and_o indict_v they_o of_o their_o own_o head_n but_o they_o be_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o not_o of_o any_o person_n among_o the_o pagan_n the_o sibylls_n be_v not_o the_o original_a author_n of_o they_o but_o they_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o sibylls_n write_n and_o by_o this_o we_o be_v rid_v of_o all_o the_o hard_a consequence_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o foregoing_a assertion_n we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o have_v these_o thing_n by_o divine_a aâ—â—lation_n or_o by_o the_o help_n of_o some_o evil_a daemon_n we_o need_v not_o dispute_v whether_o they_o can_v be_v endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o yet_o be_v pagan_n in_o their_o persuasion_n and_o vicious_a in_o their_o life_n or_o whither_o if_o they_o be_v act_v by_o a_o diabolick_a spirit_n they_o can_v foretell_v thing_n of_o this_o sacred_a nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o maintain_v either_o of_o these_o because_o we_o can_v solve_v the_o matter_n before_o we_o without_o suppose_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n viz._n by_o hold_v that_o these_o sibylls_n as_o many_o other_o before_o they_o take_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o dress_v they_o up_o after_o their_o own_o fashion_n all_o thing_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o this_o opinion_n and_o we_o be_v press_v with_o no_o absurdity_n insomuch_o that_o i_o have_v wonder_v sometime_o that_o this_o have_v not_o be_v think_v of_o by_o the_o inquisitive_a this_o be_v yet_o a_o far_a evidence_n of_o what_o i_o so_o large_o pursue_v before_o that_o the_o gentile_n insert_v into_o their_o write_n several_a particularâ—_n of_o the_o old-testament_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o evangelical_n write_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o offer_v second_o then_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o sibylls_n oracle_n and_o verse_n as_o they_o be_v a_o signal_n attestation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new-testament_n behold_v here_o the_o main_a thing_n relate_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n plain_o speak_v of_o by_o these_o pagan_n who_o witness_n in_o this_o case_n be_v very_o considerable_a they_o declare_v in_o these_o write_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a change_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o a_o new_a governor_n or_o king_n shall_v arise_v and_o be_v very_o eminent_a cicâ—ro_n frequent_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o the_o sibylls_n and_o the_o roman_a senate_n be_v mighty_o alarm_v with_o it_o and_o be_v afraid_a their_o commonwealth_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o monarchy_n yea_o lentulus_n begin_v to_o take_v heart_n from_o this_o prophecy_n if_o you_o will_v believe_v tully_n and_o sallust_n and_o fancy_v he_o be_v the_o king_n the_o sibylls_n speak_v of_o and_o other_o afterward_o imagine_v that_o julius_n caesar_n or_o augustus_n or_o as_o some_o thought_n vespasian_n or_o titus_n be_v intend_v whereas_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v that_o the_o sibylls_n have_v only_o divulge_v in_o their_o verse_n the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v find_v by_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v know_v at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o world_n if_o we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o allege_v but_o this_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o sibylls_n write_n they_o tell_v we_o in_o their_o mystic_a verse_n that_o a_o little_a child_n shall_v throw_v down_o idolatry_n with_o his_o hand_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o delphic_a daemon_n this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o blessed_a babe_n jesus_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o transcribe_v particular_a passage_n in_o these_o write_n as_o concern_v christ_n miracle_n 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v only_o a_o paraphrase_n on_o that_o prophecy_n concern_v our_o bless_a lord_n in_o isai._n 35._o 5_o 6._o and_o many_o other_o text_n in_o the_o same_o prophet_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o miraculous_a act_n which_o he_o be_v to_o exert_v here_o upon_o earth_n so_o what_o be_v say_v of_o his_o suffering_n 18._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v borrow_v from_o that_o prediction_n in_o isai._n 5â—_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o description_n of_o the_o messias_n suffering_n and_o that_o passage_n reâ—â—ting_v to_o the_o resurrection_n and_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v found_v on_o some_o peculiar_a text_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o messias_n last_o advent_n and_o glorious_a reign_n certain_o it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n that_o these_o person_n attest_v these_o thing_n the_o very_a same_o which_o be_v predict_v in_o the_o old-testament_n and_o which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n this_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o refute_v the_o objection_n and_o cavil_n of_o the_o most_o profess_a adversary_n of_o christianity_n according_o the_o ancient_a christian_n especial_o the_o father_n make_v use_v of_o these_o heathen_a write_n against_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o beat_v they_o with_o their_o own_o weapon_n peruse_v athenagoras_n and_o theophilus_n of_o antioch_n and_o you_o will_v â—ind_v these_o woman_n verse_n high_o commend_v by_o they_o peruse_v alibi_fw-la justin_n and_o 6._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o you_o will_v see_v that_o they_o frequent_o quote_v those_o write_n and_o rely_v on_o they_o in_o their_o dispute_n against_o the_o pagan_n for_o christianity_n so_o do_v tertullian_n so_o do_v origen_n argue_v out_o of_o these_o pagan_a book_n for_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v espouse_v in_o imitation_n of_o these_o learned_a father_n constantine_n the_o great_a in_o 18._o one_o of_o his_o oration_n speak_v very_o reverent_o of_o the_o sibylls_n prediction_n and_o vindicate_v they_o as_o no_o contemptible_a proof_n of_o christianity_n 18._o lactantius_n and_o arnobius_n allege_v they_o to_o prove_v the_o same_o st._n augustin_n quote_v the_o acrostic_n of_o sibylla_n erythraea_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o latin_n thus_o the_o father_n use_v to_o convince_v the_o gentile_n out_o of_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n and_o the_o old_a christian_n constant_o read_v these_o write_n and_o appeal_v to_o they_o in_o their_o discourse_n with_o the_o heathen_n from_o which_o practice_n of_o they_o the_o gentile_n as_o 13._o origen_n testify_v style_v the_o christian_n sibyllist_n yea_o the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v so_o addict_v to_o the_o read_v these_o book_n of_o the_o sibylls_n that_o they_o be_v strict_o 5._o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o future_a upon_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o gentil_n we_o be_v tell_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o emperor_n prohibit_v the_o read_n of_o these_o book_n namely_o because_o they_o thence_o fetch_v many_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o their_o cause_n these_o write_n of_o heathen_a woman_n be_v in_o those_o day_n reckon_v to_o be_v a_o notable_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v no_o forgery_n for_o the_o ancient_a and_o learnede_a father_n as_o well_o as_o other_o christian_a brethren_n will_v not_o have_v quote_v they_o to_o confirm_v the_o christian_a religion_n if_o they_o have_v be_v such_o but_o we_o see_v they_o do_v frequent_o allege_v they_o to_o that_o end_n and_o especial_o in_o their_o dispute_n with_o the_o gentile_n as_o they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o poet_n for_o attest_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old-testament_n as_o have_v be_v show_v you_o so_o they_o cite_v these_o gentile_a
testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n but_o it_o be_v also_o object_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o sibylline_a book_n be_v unknown_a and_o we_o can_v neither_o tell_v how_o many_o the_o sibylls_n or_o their_o write_n be_v and_o as_o for_o their_o quality_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n these_o be_v uncertain_o deliver_v nor_o do_v we_o well_o know_v their_o name_n as_o appear_v from_o this_o that_o cumaea_n in_o virgil_n be_v put_v for_o cumana_n and_o other_o mistake_v there_o be_v it_o be_v true_a the_o opinion_n be_v various_a concern_v these_o thing_n their_o name_n and_o verse_n be_v often_o confound_v and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o one_o another_o this_o be_v grant_v and_o even_o by_o oâ—â—c_fw-fr those_o who_o have_v with_o great_a eagerness_n maintain_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o sibylls_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v much_o controvert_v what_o and_o how_o many_o these_o prophetic_a person_n be_v and_o in_o what_o time_n they_o live_v and_o in_o what_o country_n they_o weâ—e_v breed_v some_o say_v there_o be_v only_o one_o they_o think_v it_o be_v with_o thâ—_n sibylls_n as_n with_o thâ—_n jupiters_n and_o hercules_n and_o other_o god_n who_o be_v many_o and_o yet_o but_o one._n divinatione_fw-la boisardus_n be_v persuade_v that_o the_o same_o sibyl_n travel_v into_o divers_a country_n and_o take_v her_o name_n from_o the_o different_a place_n she_o leâ—t_v her_o verse_n in_o and_o so_o a_o latâ—_n author_n petit._n tell_v we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sibyl_n there_o be_v two_o of_o these_o prophetess_n say_v martianus_n capella_n three_o say_v 5._o pliny_n four_o say_v aelian_a seven_o say_v exercitat_fw-la salmasiâ—s_n lactamius_fw-la out_o of_o varro_n that_o great_a roman_a antiquary_n conclude_v they_o to_o be_v ten_o and_o name_n they_o thus_o the_o delphic_a who_o be_v the_o elder_a the_o erythraean_a the_o samian_n the_o cumane_a the_o cumaean_a the_o hellespontiack_n or_o trojan_a the_o lesbick_a or_o jabyck_n the_o phrygian_a the_o tiburtine_n the_o persian_a or_o chaldaean_a sibyl_n other_o add_v two_o more_o viz._n epiroâ—iâ—k_n and_o egyptian_a and_o make_v they_o a_o complete_a dozen_o thus_o the_o reckon_a be_v not_o alike_o but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o what_o we_o have_v assert_v it_o be_v not_o material_a how_o many_o the_o sibylls_n or_o their_o write_n be_v it_o be_v frivolous_a to_o insist_v upon_o this_o they_o may_v all_o of_o they_o be_v put_v into_o one_o if_o author_n please_v or_o they_o may_v divide_v they_o into_o more_o as_o the_o way_n at_o some_o coffee_n house_n now_o be_v to_o deal_v out_o pamphlet_n wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o reject_v they_o on_o this_o account_n see_v we_o have_v prove_v that_o their_o book_n be_v they_o more_o or_o few_o be_v own_v as_o to_o the_o main_a by_o the_o father_n and_o primitive_a christian_n to_o be_v true_a and_o see_v they_o be_v frequent_o make_v use_n of_o by_o they_o as_o sufficient_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o as_o for_o those_o modern_n who_o have_v reject_v these_o witness_n we_o may_v with_o reference_n to_o they_o take_v up_o that_o lamentation_n of_o a_o late_a 11._o learned_a writer_n who_o himself_o be_v partly_o guilty_a of_o the_o fault_n he_o complain_v of_o very_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v no_o enemy_n more_o set_v against_o it_o than_o christian_n themselves_o for_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v searce_o any_o prophecy_n or_o testimony_n to_o be_v find_v concern_v christ_n among_o the_o ancient_n which_o many_o even_a of_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n have_v not_o endeavour_v to_o weaken_v yea_o utter_o to_o destroy_v and_o annul_v this_o be_v a_o very_a deplorable_a thing_n but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v it_o most_o true_a in_o several_a instance_n you_o will_v meet_v with_o some_o of_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o testimony_n concern_v christ_n which_o josephus_n give_v but_o this_o which_o be_v now_o before_o we_o be_v as_o signal_n a_o one_o as_o any_o that_o can_v be_v name_v for_o the_o sibylls_n verse_n be_v very_o express_a attestation_n concern_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o great_a undertake_n yet_o how_o strange_o do_v christian_n man_n endeavour_v to_o enfeeble_v yea_o to_o baffle_v and_o subvert_v these_o testimonial_n concern_v our_o lord_n they_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v the_o forgery_n of_o jew_n and_o the_o imposture_n of_o heretical_a christian_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o objection_n they_o invent_v against_o they_o yea_o a_o late_a gallaeus_n writer_n pronounce_v these_o sibylls_n to_o be_v mad_a and_o frentick_a people_n and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o heed_n to_o be_v give_v to_o what_o they_o say_v when_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o afford_v we_o such_o a_o remarkable_a confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o pagan_n be_v it_o not_o unpardonable_a ingratitude_n thus_o to_o vilisie_n and_o reject_v it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o vile_a and_o perverse_a spirit_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n and_o those_o very_a shameful_a one_o too_o to_o disprove_v that_o plain_a evidence_n which_o these_o sibylls_n bring_v and_o to_o shut_v their_o ear_n to_o that_o repeat_v testimony_n which_o they_o give_v to_o christianity_n and_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o it_o in_o short_a the_o pagan_n have_v their_o temple_n and_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n and_o prayer_n and_o they_o have_v also_o their_o scripture_n i._n e._n the_o sibylls_n book_n in_o these_o be_v discover_v the_o council_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sibylls_n according_a to_o the_o import_n of_o their_o name_n be_v interpreter_n of_o god_n will_n to_o the_o heathen_n in_o these_o be_v express_o foretold_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o many_o other_o remarkable_a thing_n relate_v to_o he_o by_o these_o oracle_n the_o gentile_n be_v pre-admonished_n of_o christ_n come_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o god_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o gospel_n by_o these_o forerunner_n and_o messenger_n as_o he_o do_v the_o jew_n by_o their_o extraordinary_a prophet_n and_o they_o be_v useful_a to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o gentile_n we_o may_v be_v fortify_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n by_o what_o they_o deliver_v they_o give_v a_o plain_a and_o clear_a suffrage_n for_o christianity_n and_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o the_o ancient_a christian_n think_v their_o write_n to_o be_v authentic_a record_n though_o now_o some_o be_v please_v to_o slight_a and_o vilify_v they_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o good_a evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o new-testament_n which_o contain_v it_o and_o there_o be_v still_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v esteem_v they_o as_o such_o especial_o since_o the_o objection_n to_o prove_v the_o falsity_n of_o these_o book_n be_v very_o mean_a and_o weak_a therefore_o to_o conclude_v till_o they_o can_v produce_v better_a reason_n against_o these_o testimonial_n i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o and_o reasonable_o make_v use_n of_o they_o chap._n xi_o it_o be_v prove_v from_o particular_a unquestionable_a testimony_n of_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v a_o person_n of_o such_o a_o name_n and_o that_o all_o the_o great_a and_o eminent_a circumstance_n of_o his_o birth_n life_n and_o death_n be_v real_o true_a as_o to_o his_o birth_n they_o attest_v the_o particular_a time_n of_o it_o the_o general_a tax_n or_o enrol_a the_o wonderful_a star_n the_o murder_v of_o the_o infant_n of_o bethlehem_n then_o as_o to_o his_o life_n and_o action_n abgarus_n letter_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o saviour_n answer_n to_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o authentic_a evidence_n what_o the_o emperor_n augustus_n do_v in_o relation_n to_o christ_n be_v consider_v the_o defection_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v light_a and_o the_o earthquake_n at_o our_o saviour_n passion_n be_v not_o whole_o pass_v over_o in_o silence_n by_o heathen_a writer_n have_v thus_o premise_v those_o particular_n which_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a kind_n between_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o this_o i_o will_v now_o whole_o insist_v on_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v more_o appropriate_v to_o the_o subject_a i_o be_o treat_v of_o this_o then_o i_o will_v prove_v from_o witness_n who_o be_v profess_v enemy_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n pagan_n and_o jew_n that_o there_o be_v a_o peâ—son_n of_o such_o a_o name_n and_o that_o all_o the_o great_a and_o â—minent_a circumstance_n of_o this_o person_n birth_n life_n and_o death_n be_v real_o true_a first_o the_o pagan_a historian_n present_v we_o with_o his_o name_n tacitus_n tell_v how_o the_o christian_n suffer_v for_o the_o fire_n of_o
that_o they_o may_v obtain_v by_o it_o the_o love_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o in_o other_o place_n the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v own_v and_o confess_v to_o be_v true_a thus_o even_o this_o great_a impostor_n and_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o bless_a jesus_n thus_o the_o alcoran_n acknowledge_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o true_a chap._n xiii_o the_o testimony_n beforementioned_a brief_o sum_v up_o a_o objection_n viz._n that_o some_o remarkable_a passage_n relate_v to_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v by_o either_o jewish_a or_o gentile_a historian_n full_o answer_v by_o consider_v that_o i._o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n be_v spend_v in_o privacy_n 2._o no_o historian_n either_o jew_n or_o heathen_n take_v notice_n of_o all_o occurrence_n 3._o they_o wilful_o conceal_v or_o misrepresent_v some_o thing_n out_o of_o design_n this_o show_v in_o several_a particular_n 4._o pagan_a historian_n out_o of_o mere_a contempt_n omit_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o gospel_n record_v 5._o yea_o sometime_o out_o of_o mere_a hatred_n and_o spite_n 6._o some_o piece_n of_o pagan_a history_n be_v lose_v 7._o some_o of_o these_o that_o be_v extant_a be_v defective_a these_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o profess_a adversary_n to_o christianity_n whereby_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o follower_n be_v abundant_o confirm_v even_o those_o who_o be_v averse_a to_o the_o gospel_n attest_v and_o sometime_o approve_v of_o the_o chief_a thing_n relate_v in_o those_o holy_a write_n among_o the_o jew_n we_o have_v philo_n a_o excellent_a platonist_n of_o alexandria_n who_o flourish_v soon_o after_o christ_n and_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v josephus_n a_o jewish_a historian_n some_o say_v a_o priest_n who_o write_v about_o forty_o year_n after_o and_o have_v great_a opportunity_n of_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jewish_a affair_n we_o have_v the_o talmudick_n doctor_n and_o writer_n some_o of_o which_o live_v near_o those_o time_n and_o give_v their_o suffrage_n most_o free_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n among_o pagan_n we_o have_v their_o emperor_n augustus_n tiberius_n caius_n caligula_n trajan_n adrian_n alexander_n severus_n we_o have_v their_o deputy_n and_o officer_n lentulus_n pilate_n pliny_n we_o have_v their_o note_a historian_n philosopher_n and_o learned_a writer_n as_o the_o aforesaid_a pliny_n the_o proconsul_n in_o asia_n in_o his_o epistle_n his_o uncle_n of_o the_o same_o name_n who_o flourish_v in_o vespasian_n time_n in_o his_o natural_a history_n cornelius_n tacitus_n a_o famous_a roman_a orator_n and_o historian_n in_o his_o book_n of_o history_n and_o annal_n plutarch_n a_o priest_n of_o apollo_n pythius_n love_v by_o trajan_n and_o make_v consul_n by_o he_o in_o several_a of_o his_o teatise_n lucian_n in_o his_o dialogue_n all_o which_o four_o flourish_v in_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n time_n suetonius_n in_o his_o caesar_n dion_n cassius_n in_o his_o roman_a history_n the_o former_a of_o which_o live_v in_o adrian_n time_n who_o secretary_n he_o be_v the_o latter_a in_o alexander_n severus_n towards_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o century_n we_o have_v beside_o all_o these_o those_o four_o swear_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n julian_n celsus_n porphyrius_n hierocles_n who_o write_n attest_v the_o truth_n of_o many_o thing_n which_o the_o new-testament_n speak_v of_o we_o have_v macrobius_n if_o we_o may_v reckon_v he_o a_o heathen_a author_n in_o his_o saturnalia_fw-la and_o lampridius_n in_o his_o life_n of_o the_o emperor_n we_o have_v their_o woman_n also_o the_o sibylls_n who_o testimony_n concern_v christ_n be_v not_o contemptible_a last_o as_o we_o have_v the_o joint_a assent_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n so_o of_o mâ—â—omet_n himself_o in_o the_o azoara_n of_o his_o law_n which_o give_v suffrage_n to_o the_o evangelical_n write_n thus_o we_o have_v all_o the_o witness_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v and_o expect_v and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n and_o proof_n that_o can_v be_v have_v these_o thing_n need_v not_o to_o have_v be_v insist_v on_o or_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v if_o some_o ill-minded_n man_n who_o pretend_v to_o knowledge_n in_o history_n have_v not_o question_v several_a relation_n in_o the_o new-testament_n because_o they_o say_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o history_n either_o of_o pagan_n or_o jew_n to_o obviate_v the_o cavil_n of_o these_o man_n i_o design_o undertake_v to_o show_v you_o the_o concurrence_n of_o scripture_n and_o heathen_a author_n to_o discover_v the_o harmony_n between_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o jewish_a story_n in_o these_o you_o may_v meet_v with_o the_o most_o considerable_a passage_n which_o you_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n viz._n the_o tax_n in_o augustus_n time_n the_o appear_v of_o the_o star_n herod_n put_v to_o death_n the_o young_a child_n at_o bethlehem_n the_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n person_n life_n action_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o have_v be_v particular_o insist_v upon_o i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o all_o these_o memorable_a thing_n be_v relate_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o have_v so_o great_a love_n of_o it_o but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v object_v thus_o grant_v that_o these_o remarkable_a passage_n relate_v in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v mention_v in_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a historian_n yet_o other_o as_o remarkable_a be_v not_o now_o if_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o be_v public_o know_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o be_v not_o record_v by_o those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o transmit_v such_o occurrence_n to_o posterity_n why_o do_v not_o the_o pagan_a historian_n of_o that_o age_n mention_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n miracle_n and_o all_o the_o great_a and_o notable_a thing_n mention_v in_o the_o new-testament_n this_o very_a thing_n disparage_v the_o evangelical_n record_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v fabulous_a for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o other_o historian_n yea_o all_o the_o historian_n of_o those_o time_n will_v make_v mention_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o evangelist_n do_v i_o will_v stifle_v this_o cavil_v objection_n by_o offer_v these_o follow_a thing_n to_o your_o consideration_n which_o will_v full_o satisfy_v you_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n at_o all_o for_o this_o which_o they_o allege_v i._o this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o from_o the_o time_n soon_o after_o christ_n nativity_n till_o the_o eight_o year_n of_o his_o age_n there_o can_v be_v no_o history_n expect_v concern_v he_o for_o he_o be_v all_o that_o time_n in_o egypt_n therefore_o you_o have_v not_o one_o word_n of_o he_o for_o all_o that_o space_n of_o time_n in_o the_o four_o evangelist_n and_o if_o these_o say_v nothing_o of_o he_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o other_o historian_n shall_v when_o he_o return_v into_o judea_n he_o live_v retire_v from_o that_o time_n till_o he_o be_v thirty_o year_n old_a only_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n with_o his_o parent_n and_o dispute_v in_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o doctor_n and_o then_o present_o he_o come_v home_o to_o nazareth_n and_o there_o live_v obscure_o here_o be_v no_o matter_n for_o history_n thus_o far_o and_o afterward_o he_o be_v but_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a employ_v in_o action_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n the_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a writer_n can_v afford_v to_o say_v but_o little_a of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o do_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o his_o life_n spend_v in_o privacy_n 2._o you_o must_v remember_v this_o that_o there_o be_v many_o considerable_a thing_n and_o person_n beside_o those_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o which_o some_o chief_a historian_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o therefore_o you_o be_v not_o to_o marvel_v that_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n before_o mention_v be_v not_o speak_v of_o by_o they_o that_o obscurity_n of_o the_o sun_n at_o julius_n caesar_n death_n which_o last_v a_o whole_a year_n be_v not_o record_v by_o any_o but_o ovid_n virgil_n and_o pliny_n yet_o ten_o historian_n or_o more_o in_o the_o after_o age_n write_v caesar_n life_n and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o fatal_a end_n and_o of_o several_a thing_n that_o follow_v the_o like_a prodigy_n cedâ—enus_n report_v to_o have_v happen_v in_o iustinian_n time_n but_o there_o be_v almost_o twenty_o considerable_a writer_n from_o iustinian_n time_n till_o cedâ—enus_n that_o mention_n no_o such_o thing_n or_o if_o these_o example_n be_v
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 this_o account_n of_o they_o as_o christian_n but_o as_o jew_n that_o the_o credit_n of_o it_o may_v not_o redound_v to_o christianity_n but_o to_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n then_o for_o pagan_a historian_n they_o also_o out_o of_o design_n omit_v some_o thing_n and_o insert_v other_o that_o be_v very_o false_a thus_o as_o 4._o budaeus_fw-la have_v well_o observe_v pliny_n the_o natural_a historian_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o eclipse_n at_o christ_n passion_n it_o be_v record_v in_o the_o roman_a archive_v and_o he_o be_v a_o diligent_a searcher_n in_o those_o act_n but_o he_o will_v not_o insert_v that_o into_o his_o write_n which_o he_o know_v prince_n be_v desirous_a shall_v be_v conceal_v for_o the_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n of_o jesus_n be_v to_o be_v as_o little_a plausible_a as_o can_v be_v among_o proud_a and_o voluptuous_a man_n who_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o much_o abhor_v and_o condemn_v to_o have_v mention_v that_o 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plain_a truth_n be_v that_o the_o christian_a soldier_n by_o their_o prayer_n procure_v this_o extraordinary_a and_o unexpected_a rain_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o thirst_n and_o bring_v down_o thunder_n and_o storm_n upon_o their_o enemy_n the_o relate_n of_o this_o will_v have_v be_v too_o great_a a_o honour_n to_o the_o christian_n and_o to_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o master_n of_o it_o wherefore_o the_o pagan_a historian_n out_o of_o policy_n will_v not_o ascribe_v this_o wonder_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o christian_n but_o to_o those_o of_o the_o emperor_n and_o tell_v we_o the_o very_a word_n he_o use_v but_o they_o have_v not_o whole_o conceal_v the_o truth_n for_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v they_o impute_v this_o wonderful_a accident_n partly_o to_o the_o enchantment_n of_o the_o jewish_a magician_n we_o know_v how_o common_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v with_o the_o pagan_a writer_n to_o mistake_v jew_n for_o christian_n and_o so_o the_o jewish_a magician_n here_o be_v 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 endeavour_v to_o prove_v be_v true_a viz._n that_o this_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o legion_n in_o augustuâ—'s_n time_n and_o be_v name_v so_o from_o the_o tunderbolt_n which_o it_o carry_v in_o the_o shield_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o â—ee_n any_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v this_o ancient_a author_n for_o why_o may_v not_o a_o name_n be_v give_v on_o different_a account_n why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v call_v the_o thunder_a legion_n for_o this_o reason_n which_o he_o mention_n as_o well_o as_o for_o that_o which_o other_o assign_v i_o do_v perceive_v that_o these_o be_v inconsistent_a eusebius_n go_v on_o and_o add_v that_o the_o emperor_n hereupon_o recall_v his_o edict_n against_o the_o christian_n and_o by_o a_o new_a decree_n appoint_v a_o severe_a punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o accuser_n of_o they_o the_o gentile_a historian_n say_v nothing_o of_o this_o and_o will_v not_o let_v we_o know_v that_o that_o miraculous_a event_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o christian_n a_o 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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 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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
be_v not_o nice_a and_o accurate_a in_o give_v every_o occurrence_n or_o event_n its_o right_a place_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o you_o meet_v with_o some_o thing_n in_o these_o write_n that_o be_v transpose_v and_o out_o of_o order_n and_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o diligent_a and_o inquisitive_a reader_n to_o amend_v and_o reform_v thoâ—e_a dislocation_n those_o who_o will_v see_v far_a reason_n of_o that_o frequent_a metathesis_n and_o misplace_v which_o be_v in_o the_o sacred_a book_n may_v consult_v the_o learned_a dr._n lightfoot_n in_o his_o chronicle_n of_o the_o time_n of_o thâ—_n old_a testament_n chap._n iu._n there_o be_v not_o only_o grammatical_a but_o rhetorical_a figure_n in_o the_o sacred_a volume_n the_o psalmist_n word_n psal._n 120._o 5._o be_v hyperbolical_a though_o not_o general_o interpret_v to_o be_v such_o so_o be_v our_o saviour_n word_n matth._n 13._o 32._o though_o common_o expound_v otherwise_o luke_n 19_o 44._o reject_v form_n be_v hyperbolical_a john_n 21._o 25._o prove_v to_o be_v a_o hyperbole_n this_o way_n of_o speak_v in_o scripture_n be_v no_o lie_n ironies_n be_v frequent_a in_o this_o holy_a book_n of_o which_o several_a example_n be_v produce_v luke_n 22._o 36_o be_v show_v to_o be_v of_o this_o sort_n and_o so_o be_v act_n 23._o 5._o i_o wist_v not_o that_o he_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n this_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n synecdoches_n frequent_a in_o scripture_n prove_v from_o several_a instance_n metaphor_n also_o common_a solomon_n metaphorical_a description_n of_o old_a age_n in_o eccles._n 12._o expound_v in_o all_o its_o part_n there_o be_v not_o only_o grammatical_a but_o rhetorical_a figure_n in_o this_o sacred_a volume_n the_o chief_a of_o which_o i_o will_v brief_o speak_v of_o not_o to_o say_v that_o i_o have_v mention_v some_o of_o they_o already_o and_o though_o as_o i_o say_v of_o the_o former_a they_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o several_a writer_n yet_o one_o 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place_n and_o some_o other_o the_o jew_n find_v that_o say_v of_o they_o the_o law_n sometime_o speak_v hyperbolical_o the_o description_n of_o behemoth_n be_v full_a of_o this_o sort_n of_o language_n he_o move_v his_o tail_n like_o a_o cedar_n his_o bone_n be_v as_o strong_a piece_n of_o brass_n and_o bar_n of_o iron_n he_o drink_v up_o a_o river_n he_o trust_v that_o he_o can_v draw_v up_o jordan_n into_o his_o mouth_n job_n 40._o 17_o etc._n etc._n xerxes_n army_n be_v say_v 10._o to_o drink_v whole_a river_n dry_a in_o that_o hyperbolical_a sense_n in_o which_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o behemoth_n which_o prove_v what_o i_o have_v assert_v that_o the_o scripture_n symbolize_v with_o other_o writer_n or_o rather_o they_o with_o it_o the_o like_a hyperbolical_a description_n you_o have_v of_o the_o leviathan_n job_n 41._o 18_o to_o the_o end_n and_o such_o be_v that_o of_o the_o locust_n joel_n 2._o 2_o 12._o all_o which_o be_v indeed_o one_o continue_a hyperbole_n wherein_o he_o elegant_o and_o pathetical_o describe_v they_o as_o a_o well-formed_a army_n as_o virgil_n in_o his_o georgic_n lofty_o do_v the_o ant_n it_o nigrum_fw-la campis_fw-la agmen_fw-la so_o all_o be_v poetical_a and_o hyperbolical_a in_o psal._n 18._o 7_o 16._o as_o for_o psal._n 120._o 5._o woe_n be_v i_o that_o i_o sojourn_v in_o mesech_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n few_o expositor_n take_v it_o to_o be_v of_o this_o kind_n because_o mesech_n signify_v protract_v or_o prolong_v some_o interpret_v the_o first_o clause_n thus_o i_o have_v a_o long_a time_n dwell_v and_o because_o kedar_n signify_v blackness_n they_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o sadness_n of_o his_o condition_n other_o will_v translate_v the_o pious_a king_n to_o those_o place_n and_o country_n which_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o mesech_n and_o kedar_n think_v that_o he_o be_v for_o some_o time_n confine_v to_o those_o place_n and_o there_o be_v other_o conjecture_n about_o the_o word_n but_o the_o true_a import_n of_o they_o in_o my_o apprehension_n be_v this_o david_n be_v banish_v from_o home_n express_v it_o as_o if_o he_o be_v among_o the_o barbarous_a scythian_n as_o if_o he_o be_v in_o the_o wild_a desert_n of_o arabia_n or_o if_o you_o take_v mesech_n and_o kedar_n to_o be_v both_o of_o they_o in_o arabia_n as_o some_o do_v then_o still_o the_o sense_n be_v the_o same_o i_o sojourn_v i_o dwell_v i_o inhabit_v among_o the_o inhospitable_a people_n of_o arabia_n call_v scenitae_n because_o they_o live_v in_o tent_n or_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o wilderness_n where_o the_o israelite_n pitch_v in_o tent_n when_o they_o travel_v to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n there_o be_v my_o abide_v at_o present_a i_o be_o no_o long_o one_o of_o judea_n this_o be_v a_o hyperbolical_a speech_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o inhuman_a and_o malicious_a people_n into_o who_o hand_n he_o be_v fall_v and_o with_o who_o he_o be_v force_v to_o converse_v at_o that_o time_n to_o this_o sort_n of_o speech_n we_o may_v refer_v psal._n 97._o 5._o the_o hill_n melt_v like_o wax_n isa._n 34._o 3._o the_o mountain_n shall_v be_v melt_v with_o their_o blood_n ezek._n 32._o 6._o i_o will_v water_v with_o thy_o blood_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v makâ—_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o slay_v so_o abundant_a that_o it_o shall_v reach_v upto_o the_o very_a mountain_n and_o all_o the_o river_n shall_v be_v â—illed_v with_o blood_n which_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o hyperbolical_a description_n of_o egypt_n destruction_n so_o ezek._n 39_o 9_o 10._o they_o shall_v burn_v the_o weapon_n with_o â—ire_n seven_o year_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v no_o wood_n out_o of_o the_o field_n nor_o cut_v down_o any_o out_o of_o the_o forest_n be_v a_o elevate_a strain_n of_o speak_v to_o express_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o weapon_n and_o spoil_n take_v from_o the_o enemy_n and_o the_o vast_a slaughter_n of_o they_o at_o the_o first_o view_v those_o word_n in_o obadiaâ—_n ver_fw-la 4._o though_o thou_o set_v thy_o nest_n among_o the_o star_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v high_o hyperbolical_a neither_o be_v the_o new_a testament_n without_o this_o kind_n of_o speak_v as_o to_o instance_n in_o matth._n 13._o 32._o which_o i_o grant_v be_v not_o reckon_v by_o writer_n among_o the_o hyperbole_n of_o scripture_n but_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o learned_a whether_o it_o ought_v not_o of_o the_o mustardseed_n there_o in_o the_o parable_n christ_n say_v it_o be_v indeed_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n for_o though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o greek_a word_n yet_o as_o have_v be_v note_v before_o it_o be_v here_o put_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o be_v plain_a from_o its_o be_v join_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o it_o be_v right_o render_v the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n but_o this_o be_v not_o exact_o true_a for_o the_o power_n seed_n of_o sweet-marjoram_n and_o wild_a poppy_n be_v far_o less_o and_o the_o seed_n of_o tobacco_n be_v so_o small_a that_o a_o thousand_o of_o they_o make_v not_o above_o one_o single_a grain_n in_o weight_n but_o all_o must_v give_v place_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o moon-wort_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o seed_n of_o the_o least_o size_n that_o be_v and_o 100_o another_o reckon_v among_o the_o small_a seed_n of_o plant_n those_o of_o reed-mace_n and_o of_o harts-tongue_n and_o of_o some_o sort_n of_o mosses_n and_o fern_n and_o of_o these_o latter_a i_o have_v read_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o small_a that_o they_o can_v be_v see_v without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o microscope_n but_o our_o saviour_n to_o set_v forth_o and_o magnify_v the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o increase_v and_o spread_v of_o his_o
saviour_n the_o world_n be_v go_v after_o he_o john_n 12._o 19_o which_o only_o express_v the_o vast_a number_n of_o people_n that_o flock_v to_o he_o wheresoever_o he_o go_v such_o be_v the_o style_n here_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v contain_v etc._n etc._n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n must_v in_o a_o manner_n have_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o their_o write_n concern_v christ_n the_o book_n will_v have_v be_v so_o numerous_a that_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v scarce_o have_v hold_v they_o that_o be_v in_o plain_a term_n there_o must_v have_v be_v a_o incredible_a number_n of_o book_n to_o have_v contain_v all_o those_o matter_n there_o be_v many_o other_o instance_n of_o this_o hyperbolical_a manner_n of_o speak_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n but_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o give_v you_o a_o taste_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a figurative_a expression_n in_o order_n to_o your_o being_n better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o corinth_n learned_a modern_a divine_a who_o think_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o hyperbole_n in_o scripture_n he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n grant_v that_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n because_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o lie_n but_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o he_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v any_o other_o account_n of_o some_o of_o the_o forename_a instance_n and_o several_a other_o than_o by_o resolve_v they_o into_o a_o hyperbole_n which_o be_v no_o lie_n nor_o a_o kind_n of_o one_o because_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o speak_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o moderation_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o as_o there_o be_v in_o scripture_n in_o use_v this_o sort_n of_o speak_v you_o meet_v with_o but_o few_o hyperbole_n in_o the_o holy_a writer_n 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man_n in_o thy_o youth_n etc._n etc._n eccles._n 11._o 9_o which_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v more_o particular_o suit_v here_o to_o the_o humour_n and_o genius_n of_o the_o young_a man_n who_o fashion_n be_v immoderate_o to_o scoff_n and_o to_o entertain_v himself_o and_o other_o with_o pleasantry_n and_o drollery_n but_o that_o he_o may_v see_v that_o this_o be_v intend_v as_o a_o rebuke_n to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o solomon_n be_v serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n notwithstanding_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o verse_n know_v that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v thou_o to_o judgement_n and_o he_o that_o consider_v that_o will_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o rejoice_v i._n e._n to_o be_v loose_a and_o inordinate_a in_o his_o mirth_n but_o rather_o to_o be_v sober_a and_o retire_a and_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o judgement_n and_o to_o set_v about_o so_o great_a a_o task_n betimes_o and_o not_o fond_o presume_v on_o health_n and_o length_n of_o day_n no_o man_n need_v question_n whether_o those_o word_n of_o isaiah_n ch_n 8._o 9_o associate_v yourselves_o o_o you_o people_n be_v not_o speak_v ironical_o which_o be_v parallel_v with_o joel_n 3._o 11._o assemble_v yourselves_o and_o come_v all_o you_o heathen_a and_o gather_v yourselves_o round_o about_o etc._n etc._n and_o those_o in_o isa._n 50._o 11._o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o your_o fire_n and_o in_o the_o spark_n that_o you_o have_v kindle_v i._n e._n trust_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o can_v help_v you_o spark_n that_o give_v a_o short_a light_n and_o soon_o vanish_v that_o be_v a_o terrible_a bite_a taunt_n in_o jer._n 22._o 23._o how_o gracious_a shall_v thou_o be_v when_o pang_n come_v upon_o thou_o the_o pain_n as_o of_o a_o woman_n in_o travail_n and_o so_o be_v that_o other_o lam._n 4._o 21_o rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a o_o daughter_n of_o edom_n the_o cup_n viz._n of_o vengeance_n shall_v pass_v through_o to_o thou_o who_o doubt_v whether_o ezek._n 20._o 39_o be_v not_o sarcastical_a thus_o faith_n the_o lord_n god_n go_v you_o serve_v you_o every_o one_o his_o idol_n the_o like_a command_n we_o read_v in_o amos_n 4._o 4_o 5_o come_v to_o bethel_n and_o transgress_v at_o gilgal_n multiply_v transgression_n etc._n etc._n that_o also_o in_o mic._n 5._o 1._o must_v be_v reckon_v as_o speak_v ironical_o now_o gather_v thyself_o in_o troop_n o_o daughter_n of_o troop_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n o_o assyrian_n come_v and_o do_v your_o worst_a with_o your_o joint_a force_n invade_v we_o and_o most_o severe_o treat_v our_o prince_n and_o people_n yea_o by_o all_o mean_n destroy_v extirpate_v and_o even_o annihilate_v the_o church_n
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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 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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
excellency_n preeminence_n and_o authority_n and_o this_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_a from_o our_o saviour_n word_n joh._n 5._o 27._o where_o he_o assign_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o by_o the_o father_n he_o have_v say_v he_o give_v he_o authority_n to_o execute_v judgement_n because_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n because_o he_o be_v head_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n because_o all_o government_n and_o authority_n in_o this_o low_a world_n be_v devolve_v upon_o he_o because_o he_o have_v all_o rule_n and_o dominion_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n as_o i_o conceive_v of_o the_o expression_n this_o title_n be_v attribute_v to_o he_o to_o signify_v his_o authority_n and_o exaltation_n and_o not_o as_o be_v common_o say_v and_o believe_v and_o as_o the_o learned_a 20._o grotius_n defend_v it_o his_o meanness_n condescension_n and_o humility_n though_o i_o will_v not_o exclude_v other_o reason_n which_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o this_o as_o that_o he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o attest_v the_o reality_n of_o his_o manhood_n to_o ascertain_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o suffer_v in_o our_o humane_a nature_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o his_o sympathy_n with_o we_o and_o that_o he_o be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n i_o will_v only_o add_v this_o that_o whereas_o it_o be_v general_o say_v by_o writer_n and_o even_o by_o the_o critical_a 20._o 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o rest_n that_o this_o epithet_n be_v give_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o himself_o only_o and_o not_o by_o any_o other_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o in_o act_n 7._o 56._o he_o be_v call_v by_o st._n stephen_n the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o so_o he_o be_v twice_o by_o st._n john_n rev._n 1._o 13._o chap._n 14._o 14._o the_o original_a of_o which_o must_v be_v fetch_v as_o i_o have_v show_v from_o the_o hebrew_n style_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o so_o must_v that_o expression_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 17._o a_o weight_n of_o glory_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o answer_v to_o the_o hebrew_n cabod_v a_o weight_n and_o yet_o be_v render_v glory_n gen._n 31._o 1._o and_o the_o tongue_n be_v call_v cabod_v glory_n psal._n 57_o 8._o so_o the_o verb_n cabad_v signify_v both_o to_o be_v weighty_a and_o to_o be_v glorious_a or_o honourable_a isa._n 66._o 5._o prov._n 13._o 18._o and_o the_o adjective_n cabed_a approach_n to_o this_o sense_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o gen._n 13._o 2._o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o word_n jakar_n gravis_fw-la fuit_fw-la but_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o treble_a sense_n as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a gravity_n viz._n of_o weight_n price_n and_o honour_n according_o it_o signify_v 1._o to_o be_v heavy_a weighty_a 2._o to_o be_v precious_a isa._n 43._o 4._o 3._o to_o be_v in_o honour_n and_o glory_n job_n 31._o 26._o as_o also_o to_o glorify_v and_o honour_v and_o therefore_o the_o word_n be_v render_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o version_n of_o the_o 70._o thus_o you_o see_v that_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o hebrew_n glory_n or_o greatness_n be_v express_v by_o word_n that_o denote_v weight_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v here_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o denote_v that_o superlative_a glory_n which_o be_v the_o attainment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o thess._n 2._o 6._o be_v to_o be_v understand_v thus_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v render_v to_o be_v burdensome_a but_o syr._n to_o be_v honourable_a or_o erasmus_n to_o be_v in_o authority_n or_o dignity_n which_o our_o english_a translator_n be_v sensible_a of_o when_o they_o render_v it_o in_o the_o margin_n to_o use_v authority_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v of_o hebrew_n extraction_n and_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n sabad_v and_o jakar_n and_o hence_o also_o in_o the_o seventy_n translation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d import_v grandeur_n or_o glory_n and_o be_v apply_v in_o several_a place_n to_o a_o royal_a train_n and_o to_o a_o mighty_a host_n 1_o king_n 10._o 2._o 2_o king_n 6._o 14._o chap._n 18._o 7._o 2_o chron._n 9_o 1._o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o weight_n or_o burden_n be_v equivalent_a with_o honour_n or_o splendour_n in_o 5._o one_o of_o st._n chrysostom_n homily_n i_o can_v remark_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gravis_fw-la and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gloria_fw-la differ_v but_o in_o the_o accent_n and_o among_o the_o latin_n honos_fw-la and_o onus_fw-la be_v not_o unlike_a vir_fw-la gravis_fw-la be_v use_v by_o the_o latin_a orator_n for_o a_o person_n of_o authority_n and_o worth_n and_o graves_n viri_fw-la in_o the_o old_a roman_a way_n of_o speak_v be_v man_n of_o authority_n and_o eminency_n and_o baro_n which_o come_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v by_o 5._o tully_n as_o a_o name_n of_o dignity_n and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o patricius_n a_o nobleman_n though_o i_o know_v some_o critic_n interpret_v the_o word_n in_o another_o sense_n thence_o our_o word_n baron_n a_o lord_n a_o person_n of_o greatness_n and_o authority_n and_o grave_a answer_n to_o baron_n whence_o palsgrave_n landgrave_n margrave_n burgrave_n for_o grave_a among_o the_o german_n signify_v a_o magistrate_n a_o ruler_n and_o we_o in_o england_n heretofore_o use_v the_o word_n grave_a or_o greve_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n thus_o portgreve_n be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n till_o king_n john_n time_n who_o turn_v it_o into_o that_o of_o mayor_n these_o thing_n i_o here_o mention_v only_o to_o intimate_v the_o affinity_n that_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o language_n not_o only_o the_o learned_a one_o as_o they_o be_v call_v but_o other_o and_o to_o show_v you_o the_o particular_a cognation_n betwixt_o gravity_n and_o honour_n or_o authority_n betwixt_o weight_n and_o glory_n which_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v derive_v first_o of_o all_o from_o the_o hebrew_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n sometime_o make_v use_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o the_o hebrew_n use_v the_o word_n gnanah_n respondere_fw-la that_o be_v not_o to_o signify_v a_o person_n be_v answer_v or_o reply_v to_o what_o another_o have_v say_v but_o only_o to_o denote_v his_o go_v on_o with_o his_o speech_n his_o proceed_n in_o what_o he_o have_v say_v before_o person_n be_v say_v to_o answer_n though_o there_o be_v no_o question_n put_v to_o they_o though_o there_o be_v no_o reply_n intend_v as_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v mat._n 11._o 25._o then_o answer_v peter_n and_o say_v mat._n 17._o 4._o the_o angel_n answer_v and_o say_v mat._n 28._o 5._o one_o of_o the_o elder_n answer_v say_v rev._n 7._o 13._o which_o be_v as_o appear_v from_o the_o context_n no_o more_o than_o this_o they_o speak_v and_o say_v for_o this_o oftentimes_o be_v the_o acceptation_n of_o that_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_a write_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 2._o job_n answer_v and_o say_v though_o no_o body_n have_v speak_v to_o he_o or_o ask_v he_o any_o question_n the_o word_n therefore_o import_v no_o more_o than_o this_o job_n speak_v and_o say_v and_o so_o our_o translator_n render_v it_o i_o may_v further_o observe_v that_o the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v by_o a_o hebraism_n the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o preposition_n it_o answer_v to_o the_o hebrew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d last_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o what_o be_v say_v of_o st._n paul_n in_o act_n 9_o 15._o be_v speak_v after_o the_o hebrew_n manner_n for_o the_o hebrew_n call_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v choice_n and_o delectable_a 9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vas_fw-la desiderii_fw-la and_o the_o rabbin_n according_o call_v the_o law_n by_o this_o name_n viz._n a_o desirable_a vessel_n or_o a_o desirable_a instrument_n or_o utensil_n for_o cheli_n be_v of_o a_o vast_a latitude_n and_o signify_v whatever_o be_v for_o the_o use_n of_o man._n answerable_o to_o which_o st._n paul_n be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o choose_a vessel_n or_o instrument_n it_o be_v speak_v after_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o hebrew_n with_o who_o a_o thing_n or_o person_n that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o some_o excellent_a purpose_n be_v not_o only_o style_v a_o vessel_n but_o to_o denote_v yet_o further_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o be_v call_v a_o vessel_n of_o desire_n
for_o a_o fir_n and_o other_o for_o a_o turpentine-tree_n and_o pererius_n that_o he_o may_v say_v something_o singular_a and_o different_a from_o all_o the_o rest_n fancy_v it_o be_v not_o the_o wood_n of_o one_o sort_n of_o tree_n but_o that_o it_o be_v make_v of_o divers_a kind_n but_o the_o translator_n of_o the_o english_a bible_n retain_v the_o hebrew_n word_n itself_o because_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o any_o of_o these_o signification_n eolah_n and_o allah_o and_o allon_n ezek._n 6._o 13._o josh._n 24._o 26._o isa._n 6._o 13._o according_a to_o different_a interpreter_n be_v render_v not_o only_o a_o oak_n but_o a_o elm_n a_o alder-tree_n a_o turpentine_n a_o lime_n or_o teil-tree_n a_o pine_n a_o chestnut_n what_o kind_n of_o tree_n algummim_a or_o almuggim_n 1_o king_n 10._o 11._o 2_o chron._n 2._o 8._o chap._n 9_o 10_o 11._o be_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o tell_v yea_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n think_v coral_n which_o we_o can_v proper_o call_v a_o tree_n be_v mean_v by_o they_o but_o 23._o grotius_n have_v warn_v we_o not_o to_o trust_v to_o the_o rabin_n especial_o the_o latter_a one_o in_o their_o interpretation_n which_o they_o give_v of_o herb_n and_o tree_n what_o particular_a kind_n of_o wood_n that_o be_v which_o be_v call_v shittim_n of_o which_o you_o read_v so_o often_o in_o exoduâ—_fw-la and_o be_v render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d incorruptible_a wood_n by_o the_o lxx_o be_v not_o agree_v among_o the_o learned_a some_o think_v it_o to_o be_v cedar_n other_o the_o pitch-tree_n other_o box_n but_o jerom_n and_o theodotion_n take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o white-thorn_n or_o a_o tree_n very_o like_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o be_v certain_a of_o nothing_o but_o this_o that_o it_o be_v some_o very_a excellent_a and_o choice_a wood_n which_o they_o find_v to_o be_v very_o useful_a in_o building_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o it_o be_v denominate_v from_o the_o place_n where_o it_o grow_v and_o whence_o it_o be_v fetch_v for_o of_o shittim_n we_o read_v in_o numb_a 25._o 1._o josh._n 2._o 1._o and_o in_o other_o place_n but_o what_o kind_n of_o tree_n it_o be_v be_v uncertain_a for_o which_o reason_n both_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a and_o english_a translator_n think_v fit_a to_o retain_v the_o hebrew_n word_n itself_o for_o we_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o these_o thing_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o see_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o they_o have_v tree_n and_o plant_n in_o the_o eastern_a country_n which_o be_v not_o in_o these_o place_n and_o therefore_o we_o know_v they_o not_o so_o for_o animal_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v before_o there_o be_v some_o proper_a to_o those_o region_n and_o because_o these_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v they_o not_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o several_a name_n of_o sensitive_a and_o vegetative_a creature_n mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v unintelligible_a whether_o the_o hebrew_n bedolach_n bdellium_n gen._n 2._o 12._o be_v a_o tree_n or_o a_o stone_n or_o a_o gum_n or_o a_o pearl_n be_v dispute_v pliny_n and_o diascorides_n mention_n bdellium_n as_o wood_n or_o a_o tree_n and_o junius_n upon_o the_o place_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n other_o and_o particular_o 1._o josephus_n understand_v it_o to_o be_v a_o aromatic_a gum_n or_o the_o juice_n of_o some_o odoriferous_a tree_n the_o jew_n general_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v a_o precious_a stone_n but_o some_o of_o they_o think_v it_o be_v a_o crystal_n other_o a_o jasper_n and_o other_o of_o they_o a_o carbuncle_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d so_o render_v by_o the_o septuagint_n bochart_n and_o some_o other_o modern_n tell_v we_o that_o bedolach_n be_v not_o bdellium_n or_o any_o other_o precious_a stone_n but_o a_o margarite_n a_o pearl_n of_o the_o sea_n which_o be_v usual_o fetch_v up_o in_o that_o maritime_a part_n of_o arabia_n which_o be_v call_v havilah_n in_o the_o forementioned_a text._n and_o to_o corroborate_v this_o opinion_n he_o further_o add_v that_o manna_n be_v say_v to_o be_v numb_a 11._o 7._o of_o the_o colour_n of_o bdellium_n i._n e._n white_a which_o be_v the_o singular_a ornament_n and_o beauty_n of_o a_o pearl_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v here_o that_o the_o word_n for_o mineral_n and_o precious_a stone_n be_v very_o ambiguous_a i_o will_v mention_v only_o one_o viz._n nophek_n the_o first_o precious_a stone_n in_o the_o second_o order_n of_o those_o in_o the_o high_a priest_n breastplate_n this_o be_v render_v by_o st._n jerom_n a_o carbuncle_n by_o onkelos_n a_o emerald_n by_o some_o interpreter_n a_o topaz_n and_o by_o other_o a_o ruby_n and_o there_o be_v almost_o the_o like_a difference_n in_o interpret_n some_o of_o the_o other_o word_n whereby_o other_o stone_n be_v signify_v for_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n as_o buxtorf_n and_o other_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o name_n of_o precious_a stone_n in_o scripture_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o there_o be_v such_o a_o discrepancy_n say_v a_o 20._o learned_a hebrician_n about_o these_o among_o all_o interpreter_n whether_o christian_n or_o jew_n that_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o determine_v any_o thing_n certain_a the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o musical_a instrument_n mention_v in_o scripture_n which_o have_v employ_v many_o critic_n and_o grammarian_n but_o with_o little_a satisfaction_n but_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o for_o my_o present_a purpose_n viz._n to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o hebrew_n name_n of_o divers_a thing_n be_v not_o well_o understand_v which_o sometime_o beget_v a_o misunderstanding_n concern_v the_o thing_n themselves_o there_o be_v indeed_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n a_o great_a number_n of_o word_n of_o different_a sense_n but_o the_o number_n be_v far_o great_a in_o hebrew_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o paucity_n of_o word_n in_o this_o tongue_n for_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n but_o few_o word_n to_o express_v they_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o sundry_a of_o they_o must_v be_v of_o various_a signification_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o distinguish_v between_o they_o this_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o septuagint_n have_v insert_v several_a hebrew_a word_n into_o their_o version_n namely_o because_o they_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o to_o express_v they_o in_o greek_a their_o signification_n be_v so_o doubtful_a hence_o also_o some_o proper_a name_n be_v translate_v by_o these_o interpreter_n as_o appellative_n which_o be_v do_v also_o sometime_o by_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a because_o those_o name_n be_v seem_o and_o as_o to_o their_o sound_n no_o other_o than_o appellative_n however_o the_o dubious_a meaning_n of_o they_o prompt_v the_o translator_n to_o take_v they_o as_o such_o nor_o be_v we_o to_o think_v that_o this_o ambiguity_n be_v any_o blemish_n or_o disparagement_n to_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o we_o find_v it_o no_o where_o but_o in_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v indifferent_a and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v not_o indispensable_o require_v of_o we_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a this_o difficulty_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o many_o word_n and_o passage_n in_o these_o holy_a write_n be_v so_o far_o from_o disparage_v they_o that_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o the_o unparalleled_a antiquity_n of_o they_o we_o be_v assure_v hence_o that_o they_o have_v the_o priority_n of_o all_o other_o book_n we_o may_v rational_o gather_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o volume_n at_o least_o be_v compose_v and_o write_v before_o any_o other_o write_n be_v extant_a if_o this_o sacred_a book_n be_v of_o a_o late_a date_n we_o shall_v have_v have_v few_o or_o none_o of_o those_o difficult_a term_n that_o it_o abound_v with_o now_o we_o can_v not_o then_o have_v a_o more_o convince_v argument_n of_o its_o be_v exceed_v ancient_a than_o its_o be_v dark_a in_o some_o place_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o complain_v of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o these_o write_n let_v we_o reverence_n and_o admire_v its_o matchless_a antiquity_n and_o congratulate_v our_o own_o happiness_n that_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v entrust_v we_o with_o the_o first_o and_o old_a record_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n i_o will_v go_v on_o then_o still_o with_o my_o present_a undertake_n and_o show_v in_o other_o particular_n the_o dubious_a import_n of_o some_o word_n in_o these_o sacred_a write_n and_o attempt_v to_o clear_v some_o of_o they_o i_o will_v here_o speak_v of_o the_o measure_n weight_n and_o coin_n mention_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v another_o instance_n of_o the_o difficulty_n which_o arise_v from_o our_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o exact_a signification_n of_o some_o word_n in_o the_o sacred_a volume_n the_o hebrew_n measure_n be_v either_o of_o application_n or_o
have_v study_v to_o impair_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o particular_o of_o moses_n write_n have_v expose_v this_o place_n as_o disagree_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o sacred_a story_n concern_v the_o first_o rise_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v a_o very_a shallow_a and_o vain_a attempt_n and_o ground_v chief_o on_o prejudice_n and_o illwill_a against_o the_o inspire_a volume_n of_o scripture_n i_o have_v make_v it_o clear_a that_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o it_o in_o the_o word_n abovementioned_a and_o i_o defy_v that_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o give_v any_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o particular_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v in_o defence_n of_o they_o again_o it_o be_v say_v that_o none_o save_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n numb_a 14._o 30._o and_o yet_o we_o read_v that_o eleazar_n and_o other_o enter_v into_o that_o land_n jos._n 14._o 1._o chap._n 22._o 13._o this_o be_v object_v by_o some_o as_o a_o passage_n in_o scripture_n derogatory_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o will_v read_v the_o holy_a book_n with_o the_o same_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n wherewith_o we_o read_v other_o author_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v at_o this_o or_o the_o like_a passage_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a in_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o considerate_a writer_n than_o to_o speak_v thing_n by_o way_n of_o restriction_n and_o limitation_n as_o those_o word_n be_v speak_v and_o yet_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v understand_v with_o some_o latitude_n which_o shall_v afterward_o be_v express_v and_o explain_v when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n so_o here_o we_o read_v that_o none_o but_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n enter_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n this_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o chief_a leader_n that_o have_v that_o privilege_n and_o honour_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consult_v other_o place_n where_o this_o thing_n be_v more_o particular_o relate_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o a_o large_a meaning_n be_v not_o exclude_v we_o can_v think_v that_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n be_v deny_v entrance_n into_o that_o bless_a land_n because_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o history_n that_o they_o murmur_v not_o and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v threaten_v to_o the_o murmurer_n only_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o land_n which_o god_n swear_v unto_o their_o father_n numb_a 14._o 22_o 23._o therefore_o eleazar_n and_o phineas_n be_v priest_n be_v except_v again_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o those_o that_o at_o that_o time_n be_v go_v to_o spy_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o they_o be_v none_o of_o the_o murmurer_n and_o therefore_o that_o threaten_v before_o cite_v do_v not_o reach_v they_o and_o consequent_o those_o word_n be_v consistent_a with_o what_o we_o read_v in_o other_o place_n relate_v to_o this_o matter_n but_o that_o in_o 1_o sam._n 16._o 22_o 23._o be_v cry_v out_o against_o as_o a_o unanswerable_a repugnancy_n to_o chap._n 17._o 55._o for_o in_o the_o former_a we_o be_v tell_v that_o david_n come_v to_o court_n and_o stand_v before_o king_n saul_n i._n e._n wait_v continual_o upon_o he_o and_o play_v upon_o the_o hart_n before_o he_o and_o be_v great_o belove_v of_o he_o and_o become_v his_o aymour-bearer_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o latter_a we_o read_v that_o saul_n do_v not_o know_v david_n but_o ask_v who_o he_o be_v who_o son_n be_v this_o youth_n these_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o repugnant_a to_o one_o another_o but_o there_o be_v real_o no_o such_o thing_n all_o be_v clear_a and_o obvious_a for_o in_o chap._n 17._o 15._o it_o be_v say_v david_n go_v and_o return_v from_o saul_n to_o feed_v his_o father_n sheep_n at_o bethlehem_n he_o stay_v not_o long_o at_o court_n either_o because_o he_o like_v not_o that_o manner_n of_o life_n or_o because_o saul_n be_v weary_a of_o he_o david_n then_o have_v be_v absent_a from_o saul_n a_o considerable_a time_n and_o follow_v a_o country-life_n and_o now_o appear_v perhaps_o in_o his_o shepherd_n weed_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o saul_n do_v not_o well_o know_v he_o this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o and_o clear_v the_o text_n of_o all_o contradiction_n though_o i_o know_v there_o be_v other_o solution_n use_v by_o the_o learned_a as_o that_o of_o our_o english_a rabbi_n saul_n say_v he_o ask_v who_o son_n david_n be_v not_o that_o he_o be_v ignorant_a who_o he_o be_v but_o he_o only_o inquire_v who_o that_o be_v that_o have_v such_o a_o son_n the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o david_n person_n but_o parentage_n so_o lightfoot_n other_o be_v more_o curious_a in_o their_o objection_n as_o thus_o whereas_o the_o diameter_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o circumference_n be_v as_o seven_o to_o two_o and_o twenty_o this_o be_v not_o observe_v in_o 2_o chron._n 4._o 2._o speak_v of_o the_o brazen_a laver_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o geometry_n of_o scripture_n be_v faulty_a in_o answer_n to_o these_o man_n who_o be_v such_o well-willer_n to_o the_o mathematics_n i_o say_v first_o that_o the_o proportion_n of_o a_o diameter_n to_o its_o circle_n be_v not_o exact_o as_o seven_o to_o two_o and_o twenty_o therefore_o these_o gentleman_n be_v not_o exact_v themselves_o second_o i_o say_v this_o that_o the_o scripture_n oftentimes_o speak_v after_o the_o vulgar_a manner_n as_o i_o have_v show_v elsewhere_o and_o it_o be_v likely_a it_o do_v so_o here_o and_o then_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v accuracy_n of_o word_n or_o thing_n the_o bible_n be_v not_o calculate_v for_o they_o only_o that_o can_v square_v a_o circle_n or_o that_o understand_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o algebra_n three_o if_o this_o do_v not_o satisfy_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o circumference_n of_o the_o brazen_a sea_n be_v not_o exact_o round_a but_o it_o may_v be_v towards_o a_o oval_a figure_n which_o make_v some_o alteration_n as_o to_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o diameter_n it_o be_v ten_o cubit_n from_o brim_n to_o brim_n and_o a_o line_n of_o thirty_o cubit_n do_v compass_v it_o round_o about_o say_v the_o text_n but_o if_o it_o have_v be_v quite_o orbicular_a the_o circumference_n must_v have_v be_v one_o and_o thirty_o cubit_n or_o perhaps_o in_o this_o place_n as_o in_o several_a other_o a_o round_a number_n be_v express_v and_o the_o remainder_n be_v so_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a be_v omit_v but_o further_o it_o be_v object_v that_o this_o molten_n sea_n or_o laver_n be_v say_v to_o contain_v 2000_o bath_n 1_o king_n 7._o 26._o but_o in_o 1_o chron._n 4._o 5._o we_o read_v that_o it_o receive_v and_o hold_v 3000_o bath_n therefore_o some_o infer_v that_o one_o of_o these_o place_n be_v faulty_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v correct_v i_o answer_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o because_o both_o these_o be_v consistent_a the_o laver_n be_v of_o that_o vast_a dimension_n that_o it_o can_v hold_v 3000_o bath_n of_o water_n but_o it_o general_o and_o usual_o contain_v but_o 2000_o in_o a_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o amsterdam_n there_o be_v one_o of_o these_o laver_n and_o thence_o we_o may_v solve_v the_o seem_a difficulty_n they_o fill_v it_o up_o to_o the_o neck_n but_o not_o high_o but_o if_o they_o will_v fill_v it_o high_o it_o will_v contain_v much_o more_o the_o neck_n be_v large_a and_o of_o another_o figure_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v a_o three_o part_n more_o another_o place_n which_o they_o allege_v can_v they_o will_v tell_v you_o be_v answer_v any_o of_o these_o way_n for_o it_o plain_o contradict_v another_o place_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v of_o asa_n 2_o chron._n 14._o 5._o he_o take_v away_o the_o high_a place_n but_o in_o 1_o king_n 15._o 14._o it_o be_v express_o record_v that_o the_o high_a place_n be_v not_o remove_v by_o he_o i_o answer_v first_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o high_a place_n namely_o some_o where_o they_o worship_v idol_n and_o false_a god_n other_o where_o they_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n the_o former_a be_v take_v away_o as_o be_v intimate_v to_o we_o when_o it_o be_v say_v he_o take_v away_o the_o high_a place_n and_o image_n i._n e._n the_o high_a place_n where_o those_o image_n be_v adore_v but_o the_o latter_a be_v not_o take_v away_o the_o reformation_n which_o he_o have_v set_v on_o foot_n have_v not_o go_v so_o far_o beside_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o take_v away_o the_o high_a place_n out_o of_o all_o the_o city_n of_o judah_n which_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o he_o remove_v they_o out_o of_o all_o the_o chief_a place_n of_o his_o kingdom_n though_o he_o have_v not_o time_n to_o effect_v it_o in_o some_o other_o less_o considerable_a place_n
but_o not_o condemn_v the_o text_n as_o corrupt_v and_o falsify_v nay_o as_o if_o it_o have_v have_v mistake_v and_o error_n in_o it_o at_o the_o first_o this_o latter_a be_v mr._n hobbs_n way_n but_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v that_o he_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o expose_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o book_n fraught_v with_o many_o inconsistency_n and_o falsity_n if_o he_o have_v deal_v thus_o with_o virgil_n or_o some_o other_o writer_n of_o that_o strain_n if_o he_o have_v impeach_v that_o poet_n be_v chronology_n in_o make_v aeneas_n and_o dido_n contemporary_a it_o have_v be_v tolerable_a yea_o laudable_a for_o some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o dido_n be_v not_o in_o be_v till_o above_o a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n after_o aeneas_n death_n it_o be_v high_a poetical_a fiction_n to_o make_v that_o queen_n fall_v in_o love_n with_o the_o fugitive_a trojan_a so_o long_o a_o time_n after_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o in_o the_o sacred_a write_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o look_v like_o such_o defect_n in_o synchronism_n both_o time_n and_o place_n be_v true_o assign_v though_o sometime_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n before_o mention_v we_o can_v present_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o it_o be_v last_o i_o conclude_v all_o with_o those_o genealogical_a difficulty_n in_o mat._n 1._o and_o luke_n 3_o i_o begin_v with_o our_o saviour_n genealogy_n as_o it_o be_v draw_v up_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n here_o some_o heretic_n christian_n of_o old_a as_o the_o ebionite_n and_o manichee_n here_o some_o of_o the_o notable_a pagan_n as_o celsus_n julian_n and_o porphyrius_n find_v matter_n of_o cavil_v and_o some_o of_o late_o have_v think_v that_o here_o be_v such_o knot_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v dissolve_v as_o first_o the_o genealogy_n run_v thus_o in_o ver_fw-la 9_o ozias_n beget_v joatham_n whereas_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o 1_o chron._n 3._o 11_o 12._o that_o joash_n amaziah_n and_o azariah_n be_v between_o ozias_n and_o joatham_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o genealogist_n reckon_v sometime_o per_fw-la saltum_fw-la when_o he_o say_v such_o a_o person_n beget_v another_o it_o be_v not_o always_o mean_v of_o father_n and_o son_n proper_o but_o he_o be_v say_v to_o beget_v another_o from_o who_o that_o person_n or_o other_o proceed_v at_o a_o distance_n a_o immediate_a generation_n such_o as_o the_o father_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o son_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n nor_o indeed_o in_o some_o other_o in_o this_o genealogy_n where_o you_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o sundry_a person_n be_v whole_o omit_v it_o be_v evident_a therefore_o that_o the_o design_n of_o st._n matthew_n be_v not_o to_o be_v strict_a and_o accurate_a in_o this_o pedigree_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o complete_a enumeration_n of_o person_n but_o only_o to_o present_v we_o with_o a_o general_n and_o loose_a draught_n of_o christ_n descent_n and_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o be_v overcurious_a in_o scan_v the_o part_n of_o this_o genealogy_n for_o if_o the_o evangelist_n be_v not_o critical_a and_o exact_a in_o compose_v it_o why_o shall_v we_o show_v ourselves_o so_o in_o examine_v it_o again_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o genealogy_n be_v say_v to_o be_v divide_v into_o three_o fourteen_n and_o yet_o in_o one_o of_o they_o there_o be_v only_o thirteen_o person_n to_o be_v find_v this_o be_v solve_v by_o some_o manuscript_n which_o insert_v jachim_n into_o ver_fw-la 11._o thus_o josias_n beget_v jachim_n and_o jachim_n beget_v jechoniah_n and_o other_o interpose_v abner_n in_o ver_fw-la 13._o as_o thus_o eliakim_n beget_v abner_n and_o abner_n beget_v azor._n but_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o fly_v to_o other_o copy_n in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o plain_a resolution_n of_o the_o difficulty_n be_v this_o that_o in_o ver_fw-la 11_o 12._o under_o one_o name_n viz._n jechonias_n two_o person_n viz._n the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v understand_v for_o that_o jechonias_n mention_v in_o ver_fw-la 11._o have_v two_o name_n and_o be_v call_v jehoiakim_n as_o you_o read_v in_o 1_o chron._n 3._o 15_o 16._o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o that_o jechonias_n mention_v in_o ver_fw-la 12._o the_o first_o jechonias_n be_v the_o son_n of_o josias_n the_o second_o be_v the_o father_n of_o salathiel_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o former_a jechonias_n now_o if_o the_o former_a jechonias_n the_o father_n of_o the_o latter_a be_v number_v in_o the_o second_o tesseradecad_n and_o if_o the_o latter_a jechonias_n the_o father_n of_o salathiel_n be_v insert_v into_o the_o three_o tesseradecad_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n if_o the_o father_n be_v mean_v in_o ver_fw-la 11._o and_o the_o son_n in_o ver_fw-la 12._o the_o difficulty_n vanish_v for_o here_o be_v thrice_o fourteen_o generation_n according_a to_o this_o way_n which_o i_o have_v propound_v and_o the_o way_n be_v obvious_a and_o easy_a and_o can_v seem_v strange_a to_o any_o person_n who_o observe_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o lineage_n in_o this_o genealogy_n which_o be_v not_o set_v down_o with_o accuracy_n but_o something_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o we_o in_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o it_o and_o particular_o in_o this_o which_o i_o last_o mention_v but_o it_o be_v further_o object_v how_o can_v jechonias_n beget_v salathiel_n v._n 12._o when_o it_o be_v say_v concern_v he_o write_v you_o this_o man_n childless_a jer._n 22._o 30_o if_o jechonias_n be_v childless_a salathiel_n can_v not_o be_v his_o son_n but_o i_o answer_v 1_o st_z childless_a may_v import_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v bare_a solitary_a desolate_a distress_a as_o the_o greek_a render_v it_o and_o as_o the_o next_o word_n may_v be_v think_v to_o explain_v it_o a_o man_n that_o shall_v not_o prosper_v in_o his_o day_n or_o two_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o iechonias_n child_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o and_o not_o one_o of_o they_o succeed_v he_o in_o the_o throne_n as_o be_v say_v likewife_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n no_o man_n of_o his_o seed_n shall_v prosper_v sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n and_o rule_v any_o more_o in_o judah_n this_o be_v here_o to_o be_v childless_a and_o so_o though_o jechoniah_n have_v a_o son_n viz._n salathiel_n yet_o this_o son_n be_v not_o his_o successor_n in_o the_o kingdom_n then_o as_o to_o the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n from_o joseph_n upward_o which_o we_o have_v in_o luke_n 3._o it_o be_v object_v that_o cainan_n be_v insert_v between_o arphaxad_n and_o sala_n ver_fw-la 36._o but_o be_v not_o so_o in_o gen._n 11._o 12._o where_o these_o generation_n be_v first_o record_v i_o answer_v cainan_n be_v omit_v by_o moses_n for_o brevity_n sake_n and_o arphaxad_n be_v say_v to_o beget_v salah_n that_o be_v not_o immediate_o but_o cainan_n intervening_a but_o what_o be_v leave_v out_o in_o the_o hebrew_n text_n the_o septuagint_n supply_v 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authority_n of_o they_o equal_a with_o that_o of_o the_o bible_n for_o as_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v dictate_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n so_o these_o law_n they_o hold_v be_v from_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o those_o scripture_n they_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o inspire_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o book_n of_o mishnaioth_n or_o the_o talmud_n which_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o amassment_n only_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o diverse_a decision_n of_o the_o school_n of_o hillel_n and_o shammai_n of_o the_o different_a determination_n of_o r._n akiba_n and_o r._n eliezer_n of_o r._n simeon_n and_o r._n joshua_n etc._n etc._n bandy_n against_o one_o another_o or_o rather_o if_o we_o speak_v plain_a they_o be_v a_o rhapsody_n of_o idle_a dream_n groundless_a fable_n curse_a error_n superstitious_a rite_n and_o practice_n yea_o if_o we_o shall_v instance_n in_o the_o babylonick_a 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alcoran_n on_o the_o ground_n take_v it_o up_o and_o kiss_v it_o and_o deposit_v it_o in_o some_o safe_a place_n affirm_v it_o to_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o suffer_v that_o wherein_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o mahomet_n law_n be_v write_v to_o be_v tread_v under_o foot_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o christian_n high_o value_v and_o reverence_v the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n which_o enrich_v we_o with_o that_o sublime_a and_o supernatural_a learning_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o conduct_n of_o our_o manner_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n chap._n ii_o the_o bible_n be_v furnish_v with_o all_o sort_n ofhumane_a as_o well_o as_o divine_a learning_n hebrew_n wherein_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v be_v the_o primitive_a language_n of_o the_o world_n the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n be_v plain_o record_v in_o no_o other_o write_n but_o these_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n be_v a_o real_a history_n and_o record_v matter_n of_o â—act_n it_o be_v large_o prove_v that_o the_o mosaic_a history_n give_v we_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o the_o several_a nation_n and_o people_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o the_o place_n of_o their_o habitation_n also_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o original_a of_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o increase_v of_o it_o and_o the_o different_a change_n it_o undergo_v be_v derive_v from_o these_o write_n the_o court_n of_o judicature_n and_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o punishment_n among_o the_o jew_n distinct_o treat_v of_o the_o government_n among_o the_o heathen_a nation_n the_o four_o celebrate_a monarchy_n or_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o general_n head_n of_o my_o discourse_n viz._n the_o universal_a vsefulness_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o to_o thing_n that_o be_v temporal_a and_o secular_a not_o only_o all_o religious_a divine_a and_o save_v knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v hence_o but_o that_o likewise_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o humane_a and_o belong_v to_o the_o world_n and_o arts._n many_o believe_v the_o former_a but_o can_v be_v induce_v to_o credit_v the_o latter_a for_o they_o think_v the_o bible_n be_v write_v only_o for_o the_o save_n of_o man_n soul_n but_o that_o all_o other_o knowledge_n and_o discovery_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v whole_o from_o other_o writer_n i_o have_v sometime_o observe_v that_o person_n who_o have_v have_v a_o good_a desire_n to_o learning_n and_o be_v greedy_a devourer_n of_o all_o other_o author_n yet_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o fond_o imagine_v there_o be_v no_o improvement_n of_o man_n notion_n no_o enlarge_n of_o their_o understanding_n no_o ground_n of_o excellent_a literature_n from_o the_o sacred_a writ_n they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o 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five_o first_o book_n of_o it_o in_o vain_a do_v you_o look_v for_o these_o in_o the_o write_n of_o other_o man_n for_o though_o some_o of_o they_o relate_v very_o ancient_a occurrence_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o old_a as_o these_o and_o as_o for_o those_o writer_n who_o pretend_v to_o some_o great_a antiquity_n and_o have_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o think_v that_o they_o can_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n they_o have_v be_v explode_v by_o all_o person_n of_o sobriety_n and_o serious_a thought_n in_o pagan_a writer_n we_o have_v some_o wild_a guess_n at_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n and_o the_o first_o inventor_n of_o art_n but_o he_o that_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v certain_a and_o infallible_a information_n concern_v these_o must_v consult_v the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o these_o alone_a we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o ancient_a usage_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o be_v the_o first_o rise_n and_o original_a of_o they_o wherefore_o i_o may_v safe_o pronounce_v that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v the_o just_a repute_n of_o a_o scholar_n unless_o he_o have_v read_v and_o study_v the_o bible_n for_o in_o this_o one_o book_n there_o be_v more_o humane_a learning_n than_o in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o therefore_o here_o by_o the_o way_n i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o very_a scandalous_a mistake_n that_o the_o knowledge_n and_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v for_o divine_n only_o as_o if_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v skilled_a in_o any_o humane_a learning_n they_o that_o talk_v after_o this_o rate_n understand_v not_o what_o the_o study_n of_o divinity_n and_o true_a scholarship_n be_v for_o there_o be_v no_o complete_a divine_a that_o be_v not_o well_o verse_v in_o humane_a literature_n and_o there_o be_v no_o complete_a scholar_n that_o be_v not_o skilled_a in_o
mention_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n chronicle_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n daniel_n and_o last_o belshazzar_n dan._n 5._o 22._o in_o who_o this_o monarchy_n have_v its_o period_n and_o so_o these_o sacred_a write_n acquaint_v we_o not_o only_o with_o the_o rise_v but_o the_o progress_n duration_n and_o end_n of_o this_o empire_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o last_v from_o nimrod_n to_o the_o close_a of_o belshazzar_n reign_n i._n e._n from_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 1717._o to_o the_o year_n 3419._o which_o be_v in_o all_o 1702_o year_n a_o much_o long_a time_n than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o monarchy_n endure_v again_o in_o these_o write_n be_v record_v the_o original_a of_o the_o next_o viz._n the_o persian_a usual_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o second_o monarchy_n here_o we_o read_v that_o belshazzar_n the_o last_o chaldean_a monarch_n he_o that_o impious_o carouze_v in_o the_o holy_a vessel_n belong_v to_o the_o temple_n be_v slay_v by_o darius_n the_o mcde_v dan._n 5._o 30_o 31._o who_o join_v with_o cyrus_n the_o persian_a in_o the_o expedition_n against_o belshazzar_n and_o they_o both_o have_v right_o to_o the_o babylonian_a monarchy_n on_o that_o account_n and_o according_o joint_o rule_v so_o it_o be_v a_o medo-persian_a monarchy_n darius_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o 6_o and_o 9th_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n but_o be_v age_a before_o he_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n he_o live_v but_o about_o two_o year_n after_o whereupon_o cyrus_n reign_v alone_o and_o be_v general_o repute_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n this_o famous_a cyrus_n surname_v the_o great_a be_v prophesy_v of_o long_a before_o he_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n isa._n 44._o 28._o &_o 45._o 1._o this_o be_v he_o that_o be_v the_o happy_a restorer_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o their_o own_o country_n and_o be_v a_o great_a favourer_n of_o the_o pious_a of_o that_o nation_n ezr._n 1_o and_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o nehemiah_n be_v infallible_o relate_v what_o persian_a king_n hinder_v the_o building_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o who_o they_o be_v that_o promote_v it_o beside_o the_o book_n of_o esther_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o daniel_n be_v a_o narrative_a of_o what_o be_v do_v under_o the_o king_n of_o persia._n next_o it_o may_v be_v add_v that_o alexander_n the_o great_a the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o grecian_a monarchy_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o these_o sacred_a write_n as_o in_o dan._n 2._o 32_o 39_o &_o 7._o 6._o &_o 8._o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o &_o 10._o 20._o &_o 11._o 3_o 4._o whence_o 8._o jaddus_n the_o high_a priest_n show_v the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n to_o that_o great_a monarch_n and_o particular_o turn_v to_o that_o place_n where_o his_o conquer_a of_o the_o persian_n and_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o empire_n to_o he_o be_v foretell_v here_o also_o the_o division_n of_o the_o empire_n among_o his_o captain_n be_v predict_v dan._n 2._o 33._o &_o 7._o 7_o 19_o &_o 8._o 22._o &_o 11._o 5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n last_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n mention_n the_o author_n and_o erecter_n of_o the_o roman_a which_o general_o pass_v for_o the_o four_o monarchy_n and_o some_o of_o his_o action_n and_o decree_n this_o be_v augustus_n for_o if_o we_o speak_v proper_o this_o empire_n begin_v not_o â—_o juliu_o câ—sar_n but_o in_o he_o when_o he_o vanquish_v â—_o anthony_n and_o cleopatra_n in_o the_o battle_n of_o actium_n anâ—_n all_o egypt_n become_v a_o roman_a province_n thus_o niâ—_n rod_n cyrus_n alexander_n augustus_n the_o founder_n â—_o those_o four_o renown_a monarchy_n and_o many_o of_o thâ—_n most_o eminent_a and_o remarkable_a passage_n in_o some_o of_o they_o be_v record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n whereby_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v confirm_v and_o some_o obscure_a place_n in_o pagan_a writer_n be_v enlighten_v and_o some_o mistake_v may_v be_v correct_v indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o gentile_a history_n aright_o in_o sundry_a matter_n relate_v to_o the_o first_o kingdom_n and_o government_n unless_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o bible_n chap._n iii_o in_o these_o sacred_a write_n we_o have_v the_o first_o and_o early_a account_n of_o all_o useful_a employment_n and_o calling_n viz._n garden_v husbandry_n feed_v of_o sheep_n prepare_v of_o food_n the_o ancient_a manner_n of_o thresh_v grind_v of_o corn_n and_o make_v bread_n be_v inquire_v into_o what_o be_v the_o primitive_a drink_n the_o posture_n which_o they_o use_v at_o eat_v and_o drink_v sit_v precede_v discubation_n the_o particular_a manner_n of_o place_v themselves_o on_o their_o bed_n eat_v in_o common_a not_o always_o use_v discalceation_n and_o wash_v the_o foot_n be_v the_o attendants_n of_o eat_v and_o feast_v so_o be_v anoint_v they_o have_v a_o master_n or_o governor_n of_o their_o feast_n who_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o mechanic_n arts._n the_o first_o example_n of_o architecture_n house_n be_v build_v flat_a at_o top_n and_o why_o in_o the_o five_o place_n here_o and_o only_o here_o be_v to_o be_v learn_v the_o original_a of_o all_o employment_n calling_n oecupation_n profession_n mystery_n trade_n and_o of_o all_o art_n and_o invention_n whatsoever_o first_o here_o be_v the_o early_a mention_n of_o garden_v husbandry_n plougb_v keep_v of_o sheep_n which_o be_v of_o ordinary_a use_n and_o for_o the_o necessary_a support_n of_o man_n life_n god_n place_v adam_n in_o paradise_n a_o garden_n of_o delight_n instruct_v he_o how_o to_o dress_v and_o keep_v it_o gen._n 2._o 15._o 〈◊〉_d to_o work_n and_o belabour_v the_o ground_n for_o so_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o lxx_o to_o dig_v and_o delve_v with_o great_a care_n and_o art_n to_o open_v the_o earth_n to_o let_v in_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n to_o prune_v the_o tree_n and_o cherish_v the_o plant_n to_o preserve_v the_o fruit_n from_o the_o beast_n and_o fowl_n which_o have_v admittance_n into_o that_o place_n as_o we_o read_v in_o gen._n 2._o 19_o 20._o and_o to_o keep_v all_o thing_n in_o good_a order_n as_o a_o skilful_a gardener_n and_o husbandman_n for_o both_o these_o make_v up_o the_o first_o employment_n and_o trade_n in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o man_n be_v eject_v out_o of_o paradise_n he_o be_v still_o set_v about_o the_o same_o work_n gen._n 3._o 23._o for_o the_o hebrew_n word_n that_o be_v use_v here_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o in_o ver_fw-la 15._o and_o be_v translate_v there_o to_o dress_v but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o gnamad_a which_o be_v the_o verb_n in_o both_o place_n be_v of_o a_o large_a import_n and_o signify_v all_o husbandly_a manage_n and_o improve_n of_o ground_n and_o true_o there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o exercise_v that_o art_n now_o than_o before_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o a_o little_a endamage_v by_o the_o curse_n which_o god_n denounce_v against_o it_o and_o execute_v upon_o it_o which_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o adam_n bring_v up_o his_o son_n cain_n to_o husbandry_n and_o tilling_n the_o ground_n gen._n 4._o 2._o for_o now_o it_o want_v manure_v and_o cultivate_v and_o as_o this_o his_o elder_a son_n be_v bring_v up_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o his_o next_o be_v breed_v up_o to_o feed_v of_o sheep_n which_o be_v the_o second_o employment_n or_o call_v that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o world_n afterward_o jabal_n advance_v high_a and_o become_v the_o first_o grazier_n for_o so_o i_o understand_v those_o word_n gen._n 4._o 20._o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o such_o as_o have_v cattle_n i._n e._n that_o have_v other_o cattle_n beside_o sheep_n for_o these_o and_o the_o keep_n or_o feed_v of_o they_o have_v be_v mention_v before_o he_o live_v upon_o pasturage_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n be_v the_o father_n of_o such_o as_o dwell_v in_o tent_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n the_o mean_v of_o which_o be_v that_o whereas_o other_o general_o live_v in_o one_o fix_a place_n and_o habitation_n he_o and_o other_o of_o his_o call_v go_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o feed_n they_o travel_v as_o their_o cattle_n do_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o have_v tent_n according_o that_o they_o may_v look_v after_o their_o flock_n and_o herd_n the_o better_a he_o invent_v these_o that_o they_o may_v lie_v out_o in_o the_o field_n all_o night_n under_o this_o shelter_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o primitive_a state_n of_o thing_n adain_n and_o his_o first-born_a son_n be_v husbandman_n and_o his_o second_o son_n a_o shepherd_n and_o other_o of_o his_o race_n be_v busy_v in_o feed_v of_o cattle_n such_o be_v the_o employment_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o first_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o for_o
contain_v and_o here_o be_v those_o choice_a material_n which_o no_o other_o history_n furnish_v we_o with_o but_o i_o shall_v be_v endless_a if_o i_o shall_v enlarge_v here_o by_o particularise_v therefore_o i_o will_v not_o launch_v out_o but_o only_o commend_v to_o the_o reader_n the_o learned_a endeavour_n of_o strigelius_n in_o his_o commentary_n on_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n king_n chronicle_n where_o he_o will_v be_v ample_o convince_v of_o the_o unparalleled_a diversity_n multiplicity_n and_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o historical_a example_n in_o scripture_n the_o ancient_a poetry_n be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o as_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o historian_n so_o he_o be_v the_o first_o poet_n that_o be_v extant_a a_o proof_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o that_o eucharistick_a song_n which_o he_o compose_v upon_o his_o pass_v the_o red_a sea_n and_o be_v record_v in_o exod._n 15._o a_o admirable_a hymn_n it_o be_v and_o in_o hexameter_n verse_n if_o 14._o josephus_n may_v be_v judge_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o if_o a_o christian_a father_n may_v be_v credit_v who_o have_v more_o hebrew_n than_o most_o of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n yea_o more_o than_o all_o of_o they_o except_o origen_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v true_a or_o no_o this_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o piece_n of_o poetry_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v the_o priority_n of_o this_o of_o moses_n for_o orpheus_n who_o be_v reckon_v by_o the_o pagan_n as_o the_o first_o poet_n be_v according_a to_o the_o most_o favourable_a computation_n of_o some_o of_o their_o historian_n three_o hundred_o year_n after_o moses_n and_o homer_n be_v towards_o six_o hundred_o beside_o this_o divine_a hymn_n there_o be_v other_o ancient_a one_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n record_v in_o the_o same_o authentic_a write_n viz._n deborah_n song_n judg._n 5._o which_o have_v many_o noble_a flight_n of_o poetry_n and_o that_o of_o hannah_n the_o mother_n of_o samuel_n 1_o sam._n 2._o 1_o etc._n etc._n which_o have_v excellent_a poetic_a rapture_n and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n i_o will_v offer_v this_o conjecture_n that_o perhaps_o from_o miriam_n bear_n her_o part_n in_o moses_n song_n exod._a 15â—_n 20_o 21._o and_o from_o these_o other_o woman_n poetic_a inspiration_n which_o come_v to_o be_v celebrate_v among_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n the_o poet_n who_o as_o i_o have_v large_o show_v elsewhere_o have_v frequent_a reference_n to_o the_o old_a testament_n take_v occasion_n to_o report_v that_o poetry_n be_v of_o female_a extraction_n and_o that_o calliope_n one_o of_o that_o sex_n be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o faculty_n other_o famous_a instance_n there_o be_v here_o of_o this_o sacred_a art_n as_o david_n incomparable_a elegy_n on_o the_o death_n of_o saul_n and_o jonathan_n 2_o sam._n 1._o 16_o etc._n etc._n that_o gratulatory_a hymn_n in_o the_o 12_o chapter_n of_o isaiah_n hezekiah_n song_n of_o praise_n in_o the_o 38th_o of_o the_o same_o prophet_n habakkuk_n lofty_a description_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o greatness_n in_o poetic_a number_n chap._n 3._o the_o style_n of_o which_o be_v far_o more_o sublime_a and_o majestic_a than_o any_o of_o orpheus_n or_o pindar_n ode_n i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n of_o skill_n and_o that_o have_v a_o right_a poetic_a genius_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o true_a and_o as_o there_o be_v these_o single_a hymn_n and_o song_n so_o there_o be_v just_a poem_n for_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v six_o that_o be_v compose_v and_o write_v in_o verse_n viz._n the_o book_n of_o job_n the_o psalm_n proverb_n ecclesiaste_n canticle_n lamentation_n as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o hebrew_n poesy_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o verse_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n the_o learned_a 21._o mersennus_n and_o other_o have_v give_v we_o some_o account_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v very_o short_a and_o mean_a and_o much_o of_o it_o be_v mere_a surmise_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o it_o a_o late_a writer_n have_v attempt_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o hebrew_n verse_n or_o poetry_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v in_o rhythm_n which_o i_o believe_v be_v true_a in_o many_o place_n and_o if_o the_o pronunciation_n and_o sound_n be_v the_o very_a same_o now_o that_o they_o be_v when_o these_o poetic_a book_n be_v compose_v we_o shall_v observe_v the_o cadence_n in_o they_o more_o frequent_o but_o he_o go_v too_o far_o in_o assert_v that_o all_o the_o hebrew_n poesy_n in_o scripture_n be_v rhythm_v for_o they_o be_v not_o so_o exact_a at_o first_o though_o the_o verse_n end_v with_o the_o same_o sound_v sometime_o yet_o general_o they_o take_v a_o liberty_n upon_o examination_n we_o may_v find_v this_o to_o be_v true_a and_o i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v something_o further_o of_o it_o when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v particular_o of_o the_o psalm_n but_o the_o other_o assertion_n viz._n that_o the_o psalm_n and_o other_o piece_n of_o hebrew_n poetry_n be_v always_o rhythmical_a necessary_o infer_v a_o great_a many_o fault_n and_o mistake_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o suppose_v several_a place_n to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o mangle_a for_o we_o do_v not_o find_v all_o the_o poetry_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o be_v such_o at_o this_o day_n and_o consequent_o subvert_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v allow_v of_o all_o that_o i_o will_v add_v under_o this_o head_n be_v that_o even_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o first_o and_o ancient_a writer_n be_v poet_n 1_o strabo_n undertake_v to_o show_v that_o poetry_n be_v before_o prose_n and_o that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o imitation_n of_o that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o first_o philosopher_n write_v in_o verse_n as_o orpheus_n parmenide_n empedocles_n theognis_n phocylides_n etc._n etc._n and_o thence_o as_o sacr._n one_o of_o the_o learnede_a man_n of_o our_o age_n observe_v the_o moral_a precept_n of_o the_o philosopher_n be_v call_v of_o old_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o carmina_fw-la the_o grecian_a oracle_n be_v deliver_v in_o verse_n concern_v the_o agathyrsi_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o aristotle_n that_o their_o law_n be_v all_o in_o metre_n concern_v the_o old_a german_n tacitus_n relate_v that_o their_o very_a record_n and_o annal_n be_v in_o verse_n and_o all_o this_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v in_o emulation_n of_o the_o first_o sacred_a writer_n the_o penman_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o who_o write_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n dictate_v in_o measure_n and_o some_o entire_a book_n be_v altogether_o metrical_a for_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o delight_n as_o well_o as_o profit_v with_o poetry_n let_v we_o join_v music_n it_o be_v of_o so_o near_a affinity_n with_o it_o and_o the_o first_o inventor_n of_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o from_o the_o scripture_n which_o inform_v we_o that_o jubal_n the_o son_n of_o lamech_v the_o six_o from_o adam_n be_v the_o father_n of_o such_o as_o handle_v the_o harp_n and_o organ_n gen._n 4._o 21._o from_o who_o name_n some_o have_v think_v the_o jubilee_n be_v call_v because_o it_o be_v proclaim_v with_o music_n the_o poet_n tell_v we_o that_o apollo_n and_o mercury_n be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o by_o who_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a they_o mean_v moses_n who_o first_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o original_a of_o this_o art_n and_o may_v well_o be_v represent_v by_o apollo_n because_o of_o his_o singular_a wisdom_n and_o by_o mercury_n because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o interpreter_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o his_o write_n and_o on_o other_o account_n merit_v that_o name_n as_o i_o have_v evidence_v in_o another_o place_n perhaps_o the_o story_n of_o pythagoras_n find_n our_o musical_a note_n from_o the_o stroke_n of_o the_o hammer_n upon_o the_o smith_n anvil_n be_v suggest_v from_o this_o that_o the_o first_o musical_a instrument_n be_v make_v of_o iron_n and_o brass_n the_o metal_n of_o the_o smith_n and_o brasier_n or_o if_o i_o shall_v guess_v it_o a_o downright_a mistake_n of_o tuâ—al_n for_o jubal_n son_n of_o the_o same_o father_n a_o smith_n for_o a_o musician_n or_o that_o it_o be_v suggest_v from_o the_o music_n of_o their_o nameâ—_n tuâ—al_a and_o jubal_n have_v some_o affinity_n in_o the_o sound_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o disprove_v it_o but_o that_o which_o be_v certain_a be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o first_o inventors_n oâ—_n other_o thing_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n so_o particular_o be_v he_o that_o find_v out_o music_n and_o by_o the_o harp_n and_o the_o organ_n all_o other_o musical_a instrument_n be_v mean_v whether_o pulsative_a or_o pneumatick_a and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o the_o
part_n of_o it_o extant_a before_o there_o be_v any_o writer_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o borrow_v from_o other_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o this_o book_n this_o be_v the_o particular_a commendation_n of_o these_o write_n that_o they_o be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o and_o can_v not_o be_v take_v from_o any_o else_o these_o holy_a scripture_n borrow_v from_o none_o unless_o you_o will_v say_v they_o do_v so_o from_o themselves_o as_o the_o 18_o psalm_n be_v take_v out_o of_o 2_o sam._n 22._o or_o this_o out_o of_o that_o the_o evangelist_n borrow_v from_o one_o another_o the_o virgin_n mary_n magnificat_fw-la refer_v in_o several_a place_n of_o it_o to_o hannab_n song_n 1_o sam._n 2_o and_o st._n paul_n take_v some_o thing_n out_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o epbesians_n and_o put_v they_o into_o that_o which_o he_o write_v to_o the_o colossian_n and_o so_o sy_n jude_n may_v be_v say_v to_o borrow_v from_o st._n peter_n but_o 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comprehend_v the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n first_o and_o second_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o first_o and_o second_o of_o the_o king_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n the_o twelve_o small_a prophet_n all_o which_o make_v the_o second_o volume_n then_o the_o chetubim_n the_o holy_a writer_n in_o which_o be_v include_v the_o psalm_n proverb_n job_n canticle_n ruth_n lamentation_n ecclesiaste_n esther_n daniel_n ezra_n nehemiah_n chronicle_n and_o these_o make_v the_o three_o volume_n the_o book_n of_o this_o last_o rank_n be_v write_v say_v the_o jewish_a doctor_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o writer_n be_v not_o admit_v into_o the_o degree_n of_o prophet_n because_o they_o have_v no_o vision_n but_o their_o sense_n remain_v perfect_a and_o entire_a all_o the_o while_n only_o the_o holy_a spirit_n stir_v they_o up_o and_o dictate_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n to_o they_o which_o they_o write_v down_o for_o you_o must_v know_v that_o the_o old_a jew_n think_v nothing_o to_o be_v right_a prophecy_n but_o what_o be_v convey_v in_o dream_n or_o vision_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o rabbinical_a conceit_n and_o hereby_o they_o strike_v david_n and_o some_o other_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o they_o yet_o the_o partition_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o it_o may_v be_v right_o understand_v be_v not_o altogether_o to_o be_v reject_v nay_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o luke_n 24._o 44._o where_o he_o tell_v his_o apostle_n that_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v write_v concern_v he_o in_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n viz._n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n under_o these_o last_o comprise_v all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o hagiographa_n or_o you_o may_v divide_v the_o book_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o their_o order_n in_o the_o
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
as_o this_o of_o the_o pious_a king_n and_o prophet_n here_o be_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o beget_v religion_n and_o piety_n in_o we_o here_o be_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v serviceable_a to_o nourish_v and_o sustain_v all_o our_o virtue_n and_o grace_n and_o that_o in_o the_o utmost_a height_n of_o they_o before_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o next_o book_n i_o will_v add_v a_o few_o word_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o poetry_n here_o use_v this_o be_v to_o be_v say_v with_o great_a truth_n that_o these_o poetical_a measure_n be_v far_o different_a from_o those_o which_o we_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o in_o other_o writer_n but_o than_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v that_o though_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a quality_n of_o these_o poetic_a number_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o melodious_a and_o lofty_a and_o not_o unworthy_a of_o the_o best_a poet_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a artificial_a meter_n observe_v in_o this_o book_n which_o render_v the_o several_a ode_n and_o hymn_n very_o delightful_a the_o euseâ—_n young_a scaliger_n deny_v and_o that_o with_o some_o earnestness_n and_o sharpness_n otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o show_v himself_o his_o father_n own_o son_n that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n like_o this_o in_o this_o book_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o grant_v that_o the_o proverb_n and_o almost_o all_o job_n be_v metrical_a but_o josephus_n and_o philo_n two_o learned_a jew_n and_o who_o may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o be_v competent_a judge_n in_o this_o matter_n attest_v the_o meet_a of_o these_o psalm_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n etc._n etc._n so_o do_v origen_n eusebius_n jerom_n and_o some_o of_o the_o most_o judicious_a critic_n among_o the_o modern_n but_o then_o they_o confess_v that_o the_o meet_a be_v not_o so_o regular_a as_o that_o of_o succeed_a poet_n and_o who_o see_v not_o that_o even_o these_o exceed_o very_o in_o their_o measure_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v that_o sophocles_n and_o euripides_n plautus_n and_o terence_n write_v in_o verse_n but_o they_o can_v scarce_o be_v say_v to_o do_v so_o in_o comparison_n of_o homer_n and_o virgil._n there_o be_v some_o hexameter_n iambic_n sapphic_n and_o other_o know_a kind_n of_o verse_n in_o david_n psalm_n but_o they_o be_v very_o rare_a and_o seldom_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a but_o notwithstanding_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v if_o we_o be_v observant_a and_o attentive_a that_o there_o be_v several_a verse_n together_o that_o be_v matrical_a the_o arabian_a critic_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o alcoran_n be_v write_v in_o a_o sort_n of_o verse_n and_o sometime_o in_o rythme_n but_o every_o reader_n can_v find_v this_o no_o more_o can_v a_o ordinary_a eye_n or_o ear_n discern_v the_o number_n in_o the_o hebrew_n verse_n for_o the_o hebrew_n way_n of_o measure_v their_o foot_n be_v different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a poet_n yet_o so_o as_o we_o may_v oftentimes_o perceive_v a_o certain_a harmony_n of_o syllable_n and_o as_o the_o psalm_n be_v metrical_a so_o some_o of_o they_o be_v rhythmical_a this_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o very_a entrance_n of_o these_o divine_a hymn_n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d again_o in_o psal._n 6._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v evident_a in_o psal._n 8._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v plain_a in_o psal._n 12._o 4._o &_o 51._o 16._o &_o 63._o 3._o &_o 116._o 7._o &_o 148._o 1_o 2._o and_o in_o abundance_n of_o other_o place_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o certain_a orderly_a number_n of_o syllable_n but_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o verse_n end_v alike_o in_o sound_n chap._n ix_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n why_o so_o call_v the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o these_o divine_a and_o inspire_a aphorism_n some_o instance_n of_o the_o different_a application_n of_o the_o similitude_n use_v by_o this_o author_n the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n why_o so_o entitle_v the_o admirable_a subject_n of_o it_o succinct_o display_v the_o particular_a nature_n of_o the_o canticle_n or_o mystical_a song_n of_o solomon_n brief_o set_v forth_o it_o be_v evince_v from_o very_o cogent_a argument_n that_o solomon_n die_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v save_v the_o book_n of_o the_o four_o great_a prophet_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n with_o his_o lamentation_n ezekiel_n daniel_n be_v describe_v so_o be_v those_o of_o the_o twelve_o lesser_a prophet_n hosea_n etc._n etc._n who_o shall_v succeed_v david_n but_o solomon_n as_o in_o the_o throne_n so_o in_o the_o sacred_a canon_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o he_o like_o his_o father_n be_v a_o divine_a poet_n his_o three_o book_n viz._n the_o proverb_n ecclesiaste_n and_o his_o song_n be_v write_v in_o hebrew_a verse_n the_o first_o of_o these_o book_n be_v compose_v of_o excellent_a proverb_n whence_o it_o have_v its_o name_n by_o this_o word_n mishle_n which_o be_v here_o render_v proverb_n sometime_o be_v signify_v i._o parable_n strict_o so_o call_v which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o apologue_n or_o artificial_a fable_n of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v under_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v none_o such_o in_o this_o book_n 2._o by_o this_o word_n be_v mean_v any_o 13._o trite_a and_o common_o receive_v say_v any_o vulgar_a proverbial_a speech_n as_o that_o in_o ch_n 26._o v._n 11._o the_o dog_n return_v to_o his_o vomit_n but_o there_o be_v few_o of_o this_o sort_n here_o 3._o sarcastic_a speech_n gibe_n taunt_n as_o in_o 2_o chron._n 7._o 20._o psal._n 69._o 11._o be_v intend_v by_o this_o expression_n and_o this_o book_n of_o solomon_n be_v not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o these_o 4._o the_o hebrew_n word_n denote_v such_o speech_n as_o be_v by_o way_n of_o similitude_n ezek._n 18._o 2._o of_o which_o kind_n there_o be_v many_o in_o this_o book_n as_o that_o in_o ch_n 11._o 22._o as_o a_o jewel_n of_o gold_n in_o a_o swine_n snout_z so_o be_v a_o fair_a woman_n without_o discretion_n and_o in_o ch_z 25._o 11._o a_o word_n fit_o speak_v be_v like_a apple_n of_o gold_n in_o picture_n of_o silver_n this_o we_o find_v to_o be_v the_o frequent_a manner_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v in_o this_o book_n he_o general_o illustrate_v and_o amplify_v his_o doctrine_n by_o some_o fit_a simile_n or_o comparison_n so_o that_o thereby_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v twice_o deliver_v 5._o saying_n that_o be_v mix_v with_o some_o obscurity_n and_o intricacy_n such_o speech_n as_o require_v sharpness_n of_o wit_n and_o understanding_n both_o for_o propound_v and_o conceive_v they_o be_v denote_v by_o this_o word_n in_o scripture_n thus_o a_o intricate_a question_n or_o problem_n mashal_n be_v set_v down_o in_o psal._n 49._o 4_o 5._o and_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o psalm_n there_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o problem_n a_o resolution_n of_o this_o difficult_a point_n proverbial_a sentence_n be_v sometime_o 〈◊〉_d enigmatical_a and_o have_v a_o mean_v far_o different_a from_o what_o the_o word_n direct_o signify_v thus_o you_o will_v find_v some_o saying_n that_o carry_v a_o mystical_a sense_n with_o they_o in_o this_o book_n as_o that_o in_o ch_n 9_o 17._o steal_v water_n be_v sweet_a and_o in_o ch_z 25._o v._n 27._o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o eat_v much_o honey_n and_o such_o like_a allegorical_a and_o allusive_a speech_n which_o contain_v in_o they_o a_o high_a sense_n than_o the_o bare_a word_n import_v this_o proverbial_a manner_n of_o speak_v and_o write_v be_v in_o great_a use_n and_o esteem_v among_o the_o hebrew_n and_o all_o the_o eastern_a country_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n come_v to_o prove_v solomon_n with_o hard_a question_n 1_o king_n 10._o 1._o parable_n according_a to_o the_o chaldâ—e_n problem_n riddle_n these_o be_v the_o chidoth_n which_o the_o propound_v to_o be_v solve_v by_o he_o yea_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v may_v general_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o write_n of_o most_o of_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o ancient_a time_n pythagoras_n and_o plato_n be_v much_o addict_v to_o this_o abstruse_a way_n and_o all_o their_o follower_n be_v delight_v in_o mystical_a representation_n of_o thing_n 6._o by_o this_o word_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v all_o wise_a and_o excellent_a say_n graviter_fw-la dicta_fw-la as_o the_o latin_n call_v they_o sentence_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n but_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o hebrew_n ancient_o call_v any_o say_v that_o have_v grace_n and_o wit_n in_o it_o mashal_n but_o especial_o any_o eminent_a speech_n or_o smart_n say_v for_o the_o use_v of_o life_n and_o direction_n of_o manner_n go_v under_o that_o name_n a_o moral_a or_o religious_a say_v that_o be_v of_o singular_a
wonderful_a efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o those_o day_n the_o rejection_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o their_o city_n temple_n and_o whole_a nation_n by_o the_o roman_n for_o their_o reject_v and_o crucify_a the_o messiah_n and_o other_o particular_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o none_o of_o the_o lesser_a prophet_n speak_v of_o but_o this_o malachi_n be_v the_o last_o of_o these_o prophet_n yea_o of_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o that_o dispensation_n after_o he_o cease_v vision_n and_o prophecy_n in_o israel_n until_o christ_n appear_v when_o zachary_n simeon_n mary_n elizabeth_n anna_n be_v illuminate_v with_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n he_o prophesy_v about_o 300_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n time_n reprove_v the_o jew_n for_o their_o ungrateful_a and_o wicked_a live_n after_o their_o return_n from_o babylon_n particular_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o rebellion_n sacrilege_n adultery_n profaneness_n infidelity_n but_o especial_o he_o reprehend_v the_o priest_n for_o be_v careless_a and_o scandalous_a in_o their_o ministry_n which_o one_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v authority_n to_o other_o to_o be_v vicious_a at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o forget_v not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o encourage_v the_o pious_a remnant_n in_o that_o corrupt_a age_n who_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o think_v upon_o his_o name_n who_o godly_a converse_n and_o associate_a with_o one_o another_o in_o that_o debauch_a time_n he_o assure_v they_o be_v register_v in_o a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n by_o god_n himself_o this_o prophet_n who_o have_v point_v before_o at_o the_o messiah_n to_o be_v exhibit_v for_o he_o express_o â—aith_n he_o shall_v sudden_o come_v to_o his_o temple_n now_o shut_v up_o his_o prophecy_n and_o indeed_o all_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o remember_v the_o law_n i._n e._n to_o live_v according_a to_o its_o holy_a rule_n and_o injunction_n and_o with_o a_o promise_n of_o the_o come_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v to_o be_v usher_v in_o by_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n i._n e._n by_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o come_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o elias_n luke_n 1._o 17._o and_o so_o this_o close_a of_o the_o old_a testament_n refer_v to_o the_o new_a to_o which_o i_o now_o hasten_v chap._n x._o a_o account_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n the_o peculiar_a time_n order_n stile_n design_n of_o their_o gospel_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n show_v to_o be_v a_o incomparable_a history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n particular_o delineate_v he_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o apostle_n style_n and_o manner_n of_o write_v the_o excellent_a matter_n and_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n st._n peter_n st._n john_n st._n judas_n a_o historical_a series_n or_o order_n be_v not_o observe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n next_o follow_v the_o sacred_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o evangelical_n novel_n the_o new_a law_n of_o christianity_n the_o true_a authentic_o which_o present_v we_o with_o the_o actual_a discovery_n of_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o it_o these_o be_v write_v in_o greek_a for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o joseph_n the_o jew_n choose_v to_o write_v his_o book_n not_o in_o his_o own_o language_n but_o in_o this_o because_o as_o he_o say_v himself_o in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o jewish_a war_n he_o will_v have_v they_o read_v and_o understand_v by_o greek_n and_o roman_n and_o all_o person_n so_o aelian_a be_v a_o roman_a yet_o write_v his_o book_n of_o animal_n and_o various_a history_n etc._n etc._n in_o greek_a because_o this_o be_v the_o universal_a language_n at_o that_o time_n these_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v either_o history_n or_o epistle_n the_o history_n be_v the_o four_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o for_o the_o former_a the_o write_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o extant_a while_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n for_o till_o his_o be_v take_v up_o to_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o consummation_n of_o all_o he_o have_v before_o do_v and_o suffer_v they_o can_v not_o make_v the_o evangelical_n history_n perfect_a but_o afterward_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n resolve_v according_a to_o their_o master_n 8._o order_n to_o go_v and_o preach_v in_o foreign_a region_n and_o to_o disperse_v the_o christian_a religion_n over_o all_o the_o world_n put_v forth_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o write_v before_o they_o go_v about_o this_o great_a work_n st._n matthew_n be_v the_o first_o inspire_a person_n that_o commit_v the_o evangelical_n transaction_n to_o write_v which_o he_o do_v about_o eight_o year_n after_o christ_n passion_n a._n d._n 42._o he_o alone_o of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n say_v st._n evang._n jerom_n 〈…〉_z eusebius_n st._n 1._o augustine_n matlh_n chrysostom_n and_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n write_v his_o gospel_n first_o in_o hebrew_a which_o partly_o appear_v from_o this_o that_o some_o of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n be_v explain_v by_o the_o person_n who_o translate_v it_o into_o greek_a who_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v st._n matthew_n himself_o as_o the_o ancient_n general_o agree_v and_o so_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a copy_n be_v both_o of_o they_o the_o original_n then_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n write_v their_o gospel_n the_o one_o about_o ten_o though_o other_o say_v twenty_o the_o other_o about_o twenty_o some_o say_v thirty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n death_n and_o there_o be_v some_o that_o invert_v the_o order_n and_o give_v the_o priority_n to_o st._n luke_n but_o all_o agree_v that_o st._n john_n be_v the_o last_o of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o write_v towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o first_o century_n but_o as_o for_o the_o punctual_a time_n when_o the_o evangelist_n put_v forth_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v doubtful_a and_o i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o certain_a ground_n whereoâ—_n we_o may_v â—ix_v a_o satisfactory_a resolution_n of_o the_o doubtâ—punc_fw-la this_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o write_v 〈◊〉_d st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n have_v what_o they_o write_v from_o the_o relation_n of_o other_o particular_o st._n mark_n who_o be_v st._n peter_n companion_n compose_v his_o gospel_n by_o his_o order_n and_o direction_n and_o with_o his_o especial_a approbation_n say_v eusebius_n again_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o though_o every_o evangelist_n relate_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n yet_o no_o one_o of_o they_o relate_v the_o whole_a truth_n concern_v christ_n life_n and_o action_n though_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v contain_v in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o writer_n yet_o some_o particular_n be_v find_v in_o one_o that_o do_v not_o occur_v in_o another_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o consult_v they_o all_o and_o to_o compare_v they_o together_o as_o for_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n mark_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o they_o do_v not_o always_o observe_v the_o order_n of_o time_n and_o the_o true_a series_n of_o the_o matter_n especial_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v not_o curious_a in_o this_o particular_a but_o as_o for_o thâ—_n other_o two_o evangelist_n they_o be_v very_o punctual_a and_o inviolable_o observe_v the_o order_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o happen_v except_v only_o that_o parenthesis_n for_o such_o it_o be_v in_o luke_n 3._o 19_o 20._o concern_v herod_n of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n st._n luke_n be_v the_o full_a and_o give_v the_o compleat_a mosâ—_n circumstantial_a and_o orderly_a relation_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o himself_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o gospel_n in_o those_o word_n to_o theophilus_n it_o seâ—med_v good_a to_o i_o have_v have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o very_a first_o to_o write_v unto_o thou_o in_o order_n and_o yet_o though_o his_o gospel_n be_v ample_a and_o more_o methodical_a in_o the_o narrative_a or_o history_n than_o the_o rest_n yet_o he_o be_v but_o brief_a in_o relate_v thing_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v till_o the_o last_o year_n of_o his_o preach_v st._n matthew_n have_v be_v full_a in_o they_o and_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n he_o have_v need_n of_o a_o supply_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o more_o especial_o from_o st._n john_n who_o gospel_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o 14_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 17_o contain_v those_o excellent_a discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o passion_n which_o be_v whole_o
be_v great_a moral_a and_o religious_a qualification_n likewise_o for_o this_o be_v the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v come_v to_o it_o with_o agreeable_a inclination_n will_n and_o affection_n man_n complain_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a contention_n about_o the_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n and_o different_a party_n can_v agree_v whence_o they_o proceed_v to_o blame_v the_o obscurity_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o herein_o these_o person_n themselves_o be_v very_o unblamable_a for_o this_o disagreement_n in_o the_o interpret_n of_o sacred_a writ_n arise_v not_o whole_o from_o the_o obscurity_n of_o it_o nor_o do_v it_o proceed_v from_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o it_o as_o some_o will_v suggest_v but_o from_o man_n deprave_a mind_n and_o passion_n wherefore_o our_o main_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v one_a to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o all_o wilful_a prejudice_n and_o perverseness_n which_o have_v be_v the_o first_o and_o original_a cause_n of_o misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n thus_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n when_o he_o tempt_v our_o saviour_n most_o perverse_o quote_v psal._n 91._o 11._o and_o misapply_v it_o to_o his_o purpose_n and_o from_o he_o heretic_n and_o seducer_n have_v learn_v to_o cite_v and_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n to_o evil_a design_n viz._n to_o uphold_v some_o error_n or_o vice_n what_o a_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n say_v of_o one_o sort_n of_o heretical_a teacher_n that_o 27._o they_o interpret_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n according_a to_o their_o own_o pleasure_n be_v true_a of_o they_o all_o their_o constant_a practice_n be_v to_o strain_v and_o distort_v these_o sacred_a write_n to_o construe_v they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o to_o make_v they_o like_o a_o echo_n speak_v what_o they_o please_v their_o great_a work_n in_o consult_v and_o turn_v over_o this_o volume_n be_v to_o find_v something_o they_o may_v misinterpret_v for_o their_o own_o ends._n their_o affection_n to_o a_o particular_a cause_n make_v they_o believe_v and_o assert_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o improbable_a and_o then_o they_o allege_v scripture_n to_o back_o it_o though_o it_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o purpose_n these_o person_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o depraver_n of_o truth_n who_o as_o hexaâ—m_n one_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n give_v we_o their_o character_n do_v not_o accommodate_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o pervert_v and_o draw_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o wi_n this_o gloss_v and_o expound_v of_o the_o bible_n according_a to_o man_n corrupt_a fancy_n be_v as_o menâ—al_a m._n luther_n have_v express_v it_o like_o strain_v milk_n through_o a_o colesack_n it_o blacken_v and_o defile_v the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n it_o deprave_v and_o falsify_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n those_o man_n be_v to_o be_v abhor_v that_o submit_v not_o their_o thought_n and_o conception_n to_o this_o sacred_a standard_n who_o compel_v the_o scripture_n to_o serve_v their_o private_a opinion_n who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o put_v a_o text_n upon_o the_o rack_n to_o make_v it_o speak_v what_o it_o intend_v not_o of_o miserable_o torture_v it_o that_o they_o may_v force_v it_o to_o confess_v what_o it_o never_o mean_v these_o person_n shall_v be_v reminded_a how_o great_a a_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o distort_v and_o deprave_v the_o holy_a writ_n and_o design_o to_o draw_v it_o to_o another_o sense_n than_o it_o natural_o bear_v and_o the_o penalty_n be_v as_o grievous_a as_o the_o crime_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n inform_v we_o this_o generation_n of_o man_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o wherefore_o let_v none_o presume_v to_o be_v guilty_a in_o this_o nature_n and_o dare_v to_o follow_v their_o own_o sinister_a imagination_n in_o the_o interpret_n of_o the_o inspire_a write_n but_o let_v they_o attend_v to_o that_o advice_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o learned_a author_n diatrib_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o willing_a to_o take_v a_o sense_n from_o scripture_n than_o to_o bring_v one_o to_o it_o let_v we_o strive_v to_o know_v the_o naked_a and_o pure_a mean_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o read_v the_o bible_n with_o a_o unprejudiced_a and_o sincere_a mind_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a interpreter_n whereas_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o perverse_a mind_n will_v pervert_v the_o scripture_n 2_o we_o ought_v to_o read_v these_o divine_a write_n with_o great_a modesty_n and_o humility_n let_v it_o not_o trouble_v we_o that_o some_o part_n of_o they_o be_v not_o level_v to_o our_o understanding_n and_o where_o we_o can_v solve_v some_o thing_n let_v we_o not_o arrogant_o pretend_v to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o confess_v our_o ignorance_n here_o i_o can_v assure_v you_o this_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o learnede_a head_n there_o be_v a_o learned_a ignorance_n as_o 15._o st._n augustin_n term_v it_o and_o we_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v master_n of_o it_o these_o four_o thing_n mention_v in_o eccles_n 12._o 6._o i_o understand_v not_o say_v castellio_n i_o scarce_o understand_v the_o thousand_o part_n of_o this_o book_n say_v he_o concern_v the_o apocalypse_n and_o it_o be_v frequent_a with_o this_o learned_a man_n to_o say_v i_o know_v not_o the_o mean_v of_o this_o place_n that_o man_n be_v impudent_o rash_a who_o dare_v profess_v that_o he_o understand_v one_o single_a book_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o all_o its_o part_n say_v psalmos_fw-la luther_n i_o own_v it_o that_o i_o be_o so_o blind_a that_o i_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o in_o that_o dark_a place_n of_o scripture_n amos_n 5._o 26._o say_v the_o syr._n great_a selden_n but_o the_o contrary_a temper_n and_o spirit_n have_v swell_v some_o with_o proud_a conceit_n of_o their_o understanding_n some_o passage_n of_o this_o book_n when_o they_o have_v no_o true_a apprehension_n of_o they_o in_o the_o least_o and_o according_o they_o have_v endeavour_v in_o a_o supercilious_a manner_n to_o impose_v their_o crude_a sense_n upon_o other_o not_o crave_v but_o command_a assent_n to_o what_o they_o have_v propound_v these_o bold_a man_n forget_v what_o the_o wise_a king_n say_v 1._o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o conceal_v a_o matter_n to_o speak_v sometime_o in_o so_o dark_a and_o hide_a a_o manner_n that_o there_o be_v need_n of_o great_a search_n study_v and_o inquire_v into_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v and_o yet_o at_o last_o they_o remain_v abstruse_a and_o unintelligible_a it_o have_v please_v god_n the_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v have_v difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o as_o socrates_n say_v of_o heraclitus_n write_n what_o he_o understand_v of_o they_o be_v very_o good_a and_o so_o he_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v which_o he_o understand_v not_o the_o like_a may_v we_o with_o more_o reason_n pronounce_v concern_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n the_o matter_n which_o we_o have_v knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v the_o main_a body_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o book_n be_v excellent_a and_o divine_a and_o so_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o those_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n there_o be_v no_o occasion_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o sovereign_a wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v our_o apparent_a duty_n to_o lay_v aside_o pride_n and_o to_o exercise_v humility_n which_o will_v capacitate_v we_o to_o understand_v even_o those_o great_a mystery_n and_o abstrusity_n when_o we_o have_v with_o much_o diligence_n and_o frequent_a study_n search_v into_o they_o 3_o we_o must_v think_v ourselves_o concern_v to_o purge_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n from_o all_o deâ—ilements_n of_o vice_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o quick_a brain_n a_o subtle_a head_n and_o a_o nimble_a wit_n be_v not_o so_o much_o require_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o a_o religious_a practice_n to_o man_n of_o pollute_a conscience_n and_o profane_a manner_n the_o scripture_n seem_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a but_o to_o those_o of_o sanctify_a mind_n and_o holy_a life_n they_o be_v as_o to_o the_o most_o part_n plain_a and_o clear_a these_o qualification_n render_v they_o as_o bright_a as_o a_o sunbeam_n what_o the_o turk_n be_v say_v to_o write_v on_o the_o backside_n of_o the_o alcoran_n let_v none_o touch_v this_o book_n but_o he_o that_o be_v pure_a may_v with_o great_a reason_n and_o justice_n be_v write_v on_o the_o holy_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o only_o for_o a_o pure_a life_n be_v the_o best_a commentator_n on_o these_o write_n a_o wonderful_a measure_n of_o
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
that_o sibyll_n verse_n and_o be_v mean_v of_o christ_n come_v and_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o the_o world_n which_o shall_v accompany_v it_o which_o be_v frequent_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o old-testament_n whence_o the_o sibyl_n borrow_a these_o prophecy_n no_o man_n can_v have_v the_o face_n to_o say_v that_o these_o make_v use_v of_o here_o by_o the_o roman_a poet_n be_v obtrude_v on_o the_o world_n by_o christian_n see_v christianity_n itself_o have_v its_o rise_n afterward_o i_o may_v go_v on_o still_o and_o show_v that_o the_o sibylls_n oracle_n or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o be_v mention_v by_o author_n before_o our_o saviour_n time_n as_o by_o plato_n in_o his_o phaedrus_n by_o auscultationib_fw-la aristotle_n who_o particular_o name_v the_o cuman_a sibyl_n by_o divinatione_fw-la chrysippus_n who_o make_v mention_n of_o she_o of_o delphos_n by_o 4._o diodorus_n the_o sicilian_a historian_n and_o phocaicis_fw-la pausanias_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o same_o dionysius_n halicarnass_n take_v notice_n of_o another_o and_o eratosthenes_n have_v write_v of_o the_o samian_a sibyl_n and_o euripides_n quote_v she_o of_o lybia_n thus_o we_o be_v assure_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o writer_n who_o live_v before_o christ_n nativity_n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n among_o the_o heathen_n note_v for_o their_o enthusiastic_a and_o prophetic_a genius_n as_o they_o suppose_v now_o what_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n dare_v say_v that_o the_o christian_n forge_v the_o verse_n of_o these_o sibylls_n when_o there_o be_v no_o chrstian_n at_o that_o time_n 2._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o signal_o it_o be_v order_v by_o god_n providence_n that_o some_o of_o these_o book_n of_o the_o sibylls_n shall_v be_v evidence_v to_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a beâ—ore_a christ_n come_v the_o verse_n of_o these_o poetic_a woman_n be_v inquire_v into_o by_o the_o gentile_n they_o be_v search_v and_o compare_v with_o other_o copy_n and_o the_o spurious_a one_o be_v reject_v and_o the_o rest_n keep_v and_o safe_o lay_v up_o so_o that_o the_o christian_n may_v allege_v they_o as_o they_o do_v without_o suspicion_n of_o imposture_n these_o book_n be_v first_o offer_v to_o tarquin_n king_n of_o the_o roman_n at_o that_o time_n who_o buy_v some_o of_o they_o and_o deposit_v they_o in_o the_o capitol_n and_o appoint_v officer_n on_o purpose_n to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o as_o be_v relate_v by_o several_a credible_a lactantius_n writer_n in_o that_o place_n the_o book_n continue_v till_o the_o capitol_n be_v burn_v which_o be_v about_o fourscore_o year_n before_o christ_n birth_n and_o after_o it_o be_v rebuilt_a messenger_n be_v dispatch_v by_o the_o senate_n into_o asia_n and_o greece_n to_o search_v for_o these_o sibylls_n verse_n and_o according_o a_o thousand_o of_o be_v bring_v and_o lay_v up_o in_o the_o new_a capitol_n other_o afterward_o that_o be_v careful_o collect_v be_v place_v in_o golden_a box_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o apollo_n and_o when_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o great_a affair_n on_o foot_n these_o oracle_n be_v consult_v as_o appear_v from_o several_a good_a historian_n both_o 5._o tacitus_n and_o 31._o suetonius_n testify_v that_o when_o these_o write_n have_v be_v seek_v out_o and_o fetch_v to_o rome_n they_o be_v by_o augustus_n command_n diligent_o examine_v and_o review_v by_o the_o senate_n and_o by_o the_o quindecemviri_fw-la that_o the_o true_a copy_n may_v be_v know_v from_o the_o false_a wherefore_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o these_o book_n which_o be_v thus_o search_v into_o and_o examine_v so_o strict_o be_v counterfeit_n much_o less_o be_v there_o any_o possibility_n that_o these_o ancient_a write_n can_v be_v figment_n of_o the_o christians_n for_o they_o can_v not_o feign_v they_o before_o they_o be_v in_o be_v 3._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o ground_n to_o think_v that_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o sibylls_n verse_n now_o extant_a as_o to_o the_o 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