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〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d such_o as_o defend_v and_o preserve_v ourselves_o and_o also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d such_o whereby_o we_o beat_v off_o the_o enemy_n both_o which_o be_v express_v in_o those_o two_o military_a word_n stand_v and_o withstand_v ver_fw-la 13._o the_o first_o sort_n be_v the_o girdle_n of_o truth_n the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n the_o shoe_n of_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o shield_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n of_o the_o second_o sort_n be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o prayer_n which_o two_o likewise_o be_v both_o for_o defence_n and_o offence_n not_o only_o to_o guard_v ourselves_o but_o to_o oppose_v our_o enemy_n this_o be_v the_o panoply_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o commend_v and_o which_o i_o have_v brief_o descant_v upon_o in_o prosecution_n of_o what_o i_o propound_v viz._n to_o give_v you_o some_o account_n of_o the_o 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achaia_n near_o to_o elis_n on_o the_o plain_n whereof_o these_o exercise_n be_v celebrate_v and_o they_o be_v in_o honour_n of_o jupiter_n olympius_n and_o there_o be_v sport_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n in_o other_o part_n of_o greece_n as_o those_o that_o be_v call_v the_o isthmian_a because_o they_o be_v begin_v in_o the_o corinthian_a isthmus_n and_o as_o the_o olympic_a play_n be_v dedicate_v to_o jupiter_n so_o these_o be_v in_o honour_n of_o melicerta_n other_o say_v of_o palaemon_n the_o like_a exercise_n in_o other_o adjacent_a town_n of_o greece_n be_v call_v pythian_n in_o memory_n of_o apollo_n pythius_n and_o other_o nemaean_a call_v so_o from_o the_o nemaâ—an_a wood_n near_o which_o they_o be_v and_o these_o be_v in_o honour_n of_o archemorus_n the_o son_n of_o lycurgus_n but_o all_o these_o be_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o olympic_a as_o be_v the_o ancient_a
his_o commission_n bold_o lay_v open_a to_o the_o inhabitant_n their_o manifold_a sin_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o proclaim_v their_o sudden_a overthrow_n if_o they_o repent_v not_o upon_o which_o the_o whole_a city_n by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o humble_v themselves_o and_o by_o turn_v from_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n most_o happy_o avert_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n and_o prevent_v their_o ruin_n a_o most_o admirable_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n a_o rare_a example_n of_o universal_a repentance_n and_o that_o even_o in_o a_o pagan_a country_n happy_a have_v the_o ninevite_n be_v if_o they_o have_v not_o relapse_v afterward_o nor_o be_v ionab_n unseasonable_a repine_v at_o this_o dispensation_n of_o heaven_n omit_v here_o by_o he_o or_o by_o whoever_o it_o be_v that_o write_v this_o remarkable_a history_n wherein_o we_o see_v the_o integrity_n of_o the_o inspire_a writer_n which_o be_v such_o that_o they_o be_v not_o backward_o to_o communicate_v to_o the_o world_n their_o own_o great_a fail_n or_o those_o which_o the_o best_a man_n be_v incident_a to_o jonah_n prophesy_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o forego_n prophet_n as_o jerom_n conclude_v and_o he_o be_v back_v by_o other_o father_n as_o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n eusâ—bius_n augustine_n theophylact._n micah_n prophesy_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n before_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n in_o the_o same_o king_n reign_v that_o the_o precede_a prophet_n do_v as_o appear_v from_o the_o first_o verse_n he_o impartial_o reprehend_v the_o great_a and_o rampant_a vice_n both_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o samaria_n and_o be_v terrible_a in_o his_o denuntiation_n of_o judgement_n against_o both_o kingdom_n but_o more_o particular_o he_o foretell_v the_o approach_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n yet_o he_o leave_v not_o the_o church_n without_o comfort_n for_o he_o express_o foretell_v the_o confusion_n of_o her_o enemy_n the_o messias_n bless_a arrival_n and_o with_o he_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n the_o increase_n and_o advancement_n the_o glory_n and_o triumph_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o micah_n seem_v to_o be_v isaiah_n epitomise_v give_v we_o that_o in_o brief_a which_o the_o other_o more_o large_o and_o ample_o insist_v on_o and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o these_o two_o prophet_n be_v alike_o in_o their_o style_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v which_o be_v very_o sublime_a and_o tower_a nahum_n prophesy_v after_o the_o carry_v captive_a of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n a_o little_a before_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n his_o prophecy_n be_v right_o call_v a_o burden_n that_o word_n both_o in_o the_o great_a and_o lesser_a prophet_n import_v the_o denounce_v of_o some_o grievous_a and_o heavy_a judgement_n and_o such_o be_v this_o which_o he_o here_o threaten_v to_o nineuâ—h_n for_o it_o seem_v this_o people_n return_v to_o their_o former_a evil_a way_n after_o ionah_n preach_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n another_o prophet_n be_v send_v to_o foresignify_v their_o overthrow_n by_o the_o chaldean_n upon_o this_o their_o relapse_n into_o their_o former_a sin_n he_o use_v no_o kind_a invitation_n to_o repentance_n as_o the_o former_a messenger_n do_v but_o he_o absolute_o and_o peremptory_o proclaim_v their_o ruin_n and_o with_o a_o most_o passionate_a and_o melt_a eloquence_n such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v parallel_v in_o the_o most_o celebrate_a master_n of_o oratory_n decipher_v the_o horrid_a nature_n of_o it_o habakkuk_n prophesy_v in_o king_n ahaz_n and_o hezekiah_n reign_n as_o theodoret_n epiphanius_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_n probable_o determine_v and_o not_o after_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o two_o tribe_n as_o jerom_n think_v for_o this_o be_v not_o pass_v when_o this_o prophet_n write_v as_o be_v evident_a from_o chap._n 1._o v._n 6._o lo_o i_o raise_v up_o the_o chaldean_n who_o shall_v march_v through_o the_o breadth_n of_o the_o land_n etc._n etc._n he_o complain_v of_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o time_n predict_v the_o invasion_n of_o the_o chaldean_n as_o the_o just_a recompense_n of_o their_o misdoing_n this_o be_v remarkable_a in_o this_o prophecy_n which_o we_o find_v not_o in_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n that_o it_o be_v compose_v in_o way_n of_o a_o dialogue_n first_o the_o prophet_n speak_v chap._n 1._o v._n 1_o to_o the_o four_o then_o god_n answer_v v_o 5_o to_o the_o 11_o the_o prophet_n reply_v v_o 12_o to_o the_o 17_o god_n answer_n be_v in_o chap._n 2_o to_z the_o end_n then_o follow_v the_o prophet_n prayer_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o suffer_v the_o best_a man_n to_o be_v miserable_o treat_v and_o that_o by_o the_o worst_a and_o vile_a be_v here_o vindicate_v and_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o happy_a revolution_n be_v assure_v the_o prophet_n also_o by_o propound_v the_o example_n of_o his_o own_o singular_a faith_n and_o patience_n in_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o extremity_n encourage_v the_o pious_a to_o wait_v on_o god_n to_o rejoice_v in_o he_o and_o to_o expect_v deliverance_n from_o their_o calamity_n and_o revenge_n on_o their_o enemy_n in_o due_a time_n the_o whole_a be_v design_v to_o be_v a_o support_n and_o solace_n to_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o captivity_n zephaniah_n who_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o prophetic_a office_n in_o king_n iosâ—as's_n time_n as_o we_o read_v v_o 1._o a_o little_a after_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n and_o before_o that_o of_o judah_n so_o that_o he_o be_v contemporary_a with_o jeremiah_n free_o and_o plain_o tell_v the_o jew_n what_o it_o be_v that_o incense_a god_n wrath_n against_o they_o viz._n their_o contempt_n of_o his_o service_n their_o apostasy_n their_o treachery_n their_o idolatry_n their_o violence_n and_o rapine_n and_o other_o egregious_a enormity_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o they_o and_o their_o prince_n such_o high_a provocation_n as_o these_o render_v their_o destruction_n terrible_a universal_a 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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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prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n they_o be_v from_o god_n they_o be_v not_o of_o private_a interpretation_n they_o be_v not_o from_o man_n invention_n they_o be_v not_o of_o his_o own_o brain_n and_o fancy_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v as_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a oracle_n thus_o 3._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v witness_n to_o itself_o and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o other_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o what_o be_v in_o it_o and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n which_o make_v a_o ancient_a writer_n say_v 7._o we_o have_v complete_a demonstration_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o according_o we_o be_v demonstrative_o assure_v by_o faith_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n therein_o deliver_v which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o humane_a write_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o carry_v no_o such_o native_a mark_n with_o they_o but_o the_o very_a inward_a note_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n create_v in_o we_o a_o certain_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n they_o may_v be_v know_v from_o all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o by_o the_o excellent_a transcendent_a and_o divine_a matter_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o by_o the_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o deliver_v and_o publish_v it_o these_o i_o call_v internal_a proof_n because_o they_o be_v take_v from_o the_o book_n themselves_o because_o they_o be_v something_o that_o we_o find_v there_o these_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v write_v not_o by_o man_n but_o by_o god_n there_o be_v yet_o another_o internal_a testimony_n i_o call_v it_o so_o because_o it_o be_v within_o we_o though_o not_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o now_o i_o add_v that_o this_o spirit_n speak_v in_o we_o and_o work_n in_o our_o heart_n a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o of_o christ_n in_o those_o write_n this_o witness_v power_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v assert_v in_o act_n 5._o 32._o &_o 15._o 7_o 8._o and_o in_o 1_o john_n 5._o 6._o from_o these_o place_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v a_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n join_v with_o our_o conscience_n and_o persuasion_n and_o this_o spirit_n powerful_o convince_v all_o believer_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o testimony_n follow_v immediate_o on_o our_o set_n before_o we_o the_o inward_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v they_o for_o god_n make_v use_v of_o those_o evidence_n and_o argument_n to_o beget_v a_o belief_n in_o we_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n 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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 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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 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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
of_o the_o put_v john_n the_o baptist_n to_o death_n who_o he_o huge_o extol_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o excellent_a man_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o jew_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n holiness_n and_o purity_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o that_o herod_n cause_v he_o to_o be_v kill_v because_o he_o fear_v his_o authority_n will_v hurt_v he_o and_o occasion_n a_o defection_n among_o the_o people_n he_o also_o relate_v how_o this_o herod_n cast_v off_o his_o own_o wife_n and_o take_v herodias_n who_o be_v his_o brother_n wife_n this_o author_n make_v honourable_a mention_n of_o 8._o st._n james_n who_o he_o call_v the_o brother_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o relate_v his_o martyrdom_n and_o declare_v that_o the_o take_v away_o his_o life_n be_v so_o flagitious_a a_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v in_o revenge_n of_o that_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v destroy_v their_o temple_n and_o city_n burn_v and_o all_o other_o evil_n befall_v that_o nation_n he_o full_o agree_v with_o st._n luke_n in_o mention_v 7._o herod_n speech_n to_o the_o people_n and_o their_o impious_a flattery_n and_o the_o immediate_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o wicked_a man_n by_o who_o command_n that_o holy_a apostle_n be_v put_v to_o death_n it_o be_v true_a josephus_n say_v not_o that_o he_o be_v eat_v up_o of_o worm_n but_o this_o be_v include_v in_o that_o he_o say_v he_o be_v seize_v with_o a_o sudden_a pain_n and_o disease_n and_o die_v in_o great_a torment_n of_o his_o bowel_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v gnaw_v and_o devour_v by_o those_o worm_n st._n luke_n specifi_v because_o this_o writer_n relate_v that_o herod_n the_o great_a the_o infant-slay_a 21._o be_v infest_a and_o plague_v with_o noisome_a vermin_n in_o his_o body_n therefore_o some_o say_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a mistake_n here_o and_o speak_v that_o of_o this_o herod_n which_o st._n suke_n faith_n of_o the_o other_o viz._n herod_n agrippa_n but_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o reason_n for_o this_o imputation_n of_o gild_n because_o herod_n the_o great_a as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o herod_n may_v die_v of_o that_o filthy_a disease_n though_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v by_o st._n matthew_n or_o the_o other_o evangelist_n wherefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v this_o historian_n be_v mistake_v and_o disagree_v with_o the_o holy_a writer_n as_o to_o the_o main_a you_o will_v find_v he_o concur_v with_o they_o not_o only_o in_o this_o but_o in_o other_o matter_n record_v by_o they_o and_o consequent_o you_o will_v find_v he_o attest_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o you_o will_v conclude_v that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a substantial_a witness_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v produce_v these_o testimony_n concern_v st._n john_n and_o st._n james_n i_o may_v add_v somewhat_o relate_v to_o st._n paul_n that_o insurrection_n mention_v in_o act_n 21._o 38._o where_o you_o read_v that_o the_o tribune_n of_o the_o people_n say_v to_o st._n paul_n be_v not_o thou_o that_o egyptian_a who_o before_o these_o day_n do_v raise_v a_o tumult_n and_o lead_v into_o the_o wilderness_n four_o thousand_o man_n that_o insurrection_n i_o say_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o take_a notice_n of_o by_o 12._o josephus_n more_o than_o once_o which_o be_v begin_v by_o a_o egyptian_a who_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n gather_v together_o great_a number_n of_o jew_n the_o attempt_n and_o issue_n of_o which_o be_v record_v by_o this_o historian_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o what_o st._n luke_n here_o record_v with_o reference_n to_o st._n paul_n i_o will_v here_o add_v also_o a_o pagan_a testimony_n concern_v this_o apostle_n viz._n concern_v his_o be_v catch_v up_o to_o the_o three_o heaven_n mention_v by_o himself_o in_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 2._o this_o be_v refer_v to_o in_o one_o of_o philopatr_n lucian_n dialogue_n where_o one_o triphon_n profess_v himself_o to_o be_v paul_n disciple_n and_o will_v make_v critias_n such_o a_o one_o and_o convert_v he_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n paul_n be_v there_o describe_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d that_o baldpate_n that_o hawk-nosed_a galilean_a who_o mount_v up_o through_o the_o sky_n into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o thence_o fetch_v those_o goodly_a notion_n which_o he_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n he_o be_v call_v a_o galilean_a because_o that_o be_v the_o common_a name_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bald_a as_o that_o holy_a man_n be_v hist._n report_v to_o have_v be_v when_o he_o be_v old_a his_o hawk-nose_n allude_v to_o his_o high_a flight_n and_o mount_v up_o into_o the_o air_n like_o a_o hawk_n when_o he_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n and_o this_o ascend_n into_o the_o three_o heaven_n be_v a_o plain_a description_n of_o he_o because_o none_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o christian_n ever_o do_v so_o but_o he_o and_o what_o be_v add_v next_o that_o he_o learn_v there_o all_o his_o fine_a and_o goodly_a notion_n it_o may_v refer_v to_o what_o that_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o 4._o he_o hear_v unspeakable_a word_n which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o utter_v i_o can_v observe_v that_o in_o the_o same_o dialogue_n this_o author_n bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o faith_n receive_v and_o profess_v by_o the_o christian_n whilst_o there_o he_o scoâ—â—ingly_o bring_v in_o a_o catechumen_fw-la ask_v this_o question_n by_o who_o will_v you_o have_v i_o swear_v toâ—_n you_o and_o then_o his_o instructor_n answer_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d by_o that_o god_n who_o reign_v on_o high_a who_o be_v great_a immortal_a celestial_a by_o the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n by_o the_o spirit_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n one_o of_o three_o and_o three_o of_o one_o thus_o from_o this_o pagan_a scoffer_n who_o can_v laugh_v and_o speak_v truth_n together_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n which_o the_o new-testament_n so_o express_o declare_v be_v profess_v by_o the_o 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writer_n because_o of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o 14._o st._n augustin_n also_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o but_o i_o be_o not_o so_o fond_a as_o to_o take_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o testimony_n without_o any_o distinction_n but_o i_o rather_o look_v upon_o those_o epistle_n as_o spurious_a the_o stile_n plain_o show_v that_o one_o of_o they_o at_o least_o that_o to_o seneca_n be_v so_o but_o because_o this_o seneca_n be_v a_o grave_n and_o serious_a philosopher_n and_o be_v against_o the_o superstition_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o be_v far_o better_a than_o the_o pagan_n of_o that_o time_n hence_o some_o thought_n he_o be_v a_o christian_a and_o be_v so_o persuade_v to_o be_v by_o st._n paul_n and_o then_o it_o be_v easy_o believe_v that_o they_o converse_v together_o and_o have_v correspondence_n by_o letter_n concern_v st._n peter_n likewise_o i_o will_v only_o leave_v this_o and_o submit_v it_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o reader_n his_o encounter_v that_o arch-sorcerer_n simon_n of_o samaria_n who_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o act_n 8._o and_o his_o dismount_v he_o by_o his_o prayer_n from_o his_o chariot_n though_o they_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o infallible_a record_n of_o the_o new-testament_n yet_o be_v register_v by_o clemens_n the_o roman_a arnobius_n and_o epiphanius_n for_o it_o seem_v this_o magician_n will_v needs_o be_v fly_v in_o the_o air_n and_o by_o such_o artifices_fw-la bring_v credit_n to_o his_o false_a doctrine_n but_o st._n peter_n by_o the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o ardent_a address_n to_o heaven_n baffle_v this_o soar_a magician_n and_o bring_v he_o down_o from_o his_o heighth_n and_o lay_v he_o prostrate_a and_o dead_a on_o the_o ground_n which_o very_o thing_n i_o conceive_v be_v attest_v by_o suetonius_n in_o who_o write_n
have_v be_v not_o to_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o be_v above_o they_o thus_o these_o bold_a man_n out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n vilify_v the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o bible_n thus_o absurd_o and_o irreligious_o these_o delude_a person_n out_o of_o a_o enthusiastic_a heat_n prefer_v their_o own_o private_a spirit_n before_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o man_n hold_v themselves_o to_o be_v perfect_a but_o the_o scripture_n must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v so_o it_o be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a and_o aught_o to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o inward_a impression_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o according_a to_o they_o be_v that_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o they_o think_v they_o do_v well_o to_o give_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n but_o we_o see_v that_o they_o be_v thereby_o lead_v into_o gross_a error_n and_o darkness_n and_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a persuasion_n concern_v the_o meanness_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o therein_o as_o in_o several_a other_o thing_n symbolize_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whence_o they_o have_v their_o original_a they_o confound_v natural_a light_n or_o reason_n with_o revelation_n they_o hold_v that_o pagan_n be_v in_o as_o good_a a_o condition_n as_o christian_n they_o make_v their_o private_a dictate_v as_o authentic_a as_o the_o bible_n yea_o they_o must_v needs_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v no_o infallible_a rule_n of_o truth_n or_o practice_n but_o their_o own_o notion_n and_o sentiment_n which_o some_o of_o their_o writer_n call_v canonical_a i_o may_v observe_v to_o you_o that_o beside_o jew_n papist_n and_o enthusiast_n there_o be_v other_o that_o deny_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o atheist_n and_o mere_a politician_n who_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o all_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n and_o that_o this_o book_n be_v so_o too_o likewise_o the_o generality_n of_o heretic_n seducer_n and_o impostor_n who_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n debase_v that_o which_o they_o design_v to_o pervert_v but_o the_o bare_a mention_v of_o these_o person_n be_v sufficient_a to_o beget_v a_o dislike_n of_o they_o with_o all_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o sober_a and_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o scripture_n perfection_n from_o those_o topic_n which_o i_o have_v propound_v it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o most_o book_n as_o martial_n say_v of_o his_o mulâ—a_fw-la there_o be_v some_o good_a and_o some_o bad_a thing_n in_o they_o and_o some_o of_o a_o middle_a nature_n but_o in_o this_o divine_a book_n there_o be_v no_o such_o allay_v all_o be_v pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a entire_a and_o unmixed_a there_o be_v no_o defect_n no_o mistake_v in_o this_o infallible_a volume_n give_v we_o from_o heaven_n shall_v the_o turk_n then_o when_o they_o find_v a_o leaf_n or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o 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 bible_n may_v serve_v well_o enough_o for_o the_o use_v of_o those_o that_o study_v divinity_n or_o make_v sermon_n but_o that_o the_o write_n of_o profane_a author_n must_v be_v whole_o consult_v for_o other_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v a_o gross_a surmise_n and_o possess_v the_o unthinking_a head_n of_o those_o only_a that_o consider_v not_o the_o matchless_a antiquity_n of_o the_o bible_n or_o that_o on_o a_o worse_a account_n refuse_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o these_o write_n and_o care_v not_o for_o that_o book_n which_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o check_v the_o disorder_n of_o man_n life_n all_o honest_a industrious_a and_o impartial_a enquirer_n into_o learning_n know_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o great_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n that_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o particular_o that_o the_o first_o and_o early_o invention_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o from_o the_o old_a testament_n especial_o the_o 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
city_n of_o macedony_n and_o convert_v by_o st._n paul_n silas_n and_o timothy_n be_v write_v on_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o persecution_n which_o those_o christian_n feel_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o it_o the_o apostle_n after_o he_o have_v express_v his_o joy_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o sincerity_n of_o faith_n exhort_v they_o to_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o his_o doctrine_n and_o not_o to_o be_v discourage_v by_o their_o suffering_n but_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o encourage_v they_o to_o which_o he_o remind_v they_o of_o his_o boldness_n faithfulness_n sincerity_n affectionateness_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o of_o his_o present_a care_n and_o concernedness_n for_o they_o he_o give_v several_a particular_a precept_n of_o charity_n and_o piety_n and_o warn_v they_o of_o christ_n second_o come_v of_o which_o he_o add_v a_o very_a lively_a description_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n he_o correct_v some_o misinterpretation_n which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o they_o of_o what_o he_o have_v say_v in_o the_o first_o for_o it_o seem_v they_o mistake_v the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o come_v of_o christ_n as_o if_o it_o be_v present_o to_o happen_v whereas_o as_o he_o acquaint_v they_o there_o must_v first_o be_v a_o visible_a departure_n and_o declension_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n who_o he_o brief_o delineate_v must_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n before_o that_o day_n come_v he_o hearten_v and_o encourage_v they_o under_o their_o suffering_n and_o admonish_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o duty_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o christ_n appear_v he_o pray_v most_o ardent_o and_o affectionate_o for_o they_o and_o interchangeable_o crave_v their_o prayer_n for_o he_o these_o be_v the_o choice_n and_o admirable_a content_n of_o these_o epistle_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n there_o be_v many_o remarkable_a thing_n treat_v of_o namely_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o law_n pray_v for_o all_o mankind_n woman_n modest_a apparel_n their_o silence_n in_o the_o church_n the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o latter_a time_n the_o duty_n of_o servant_n the_o gain_n of_o godliness_n the_o mischief_n of_o covetousness_n beside_o several_a other_o head_n that_o be_v only_o glance_v at_o but_o the_o main_a thing_n insist_v and_o enlarge_v upon_o be_v timothy_n duty_n as_o he_o be_v a_o bishop_n where_o we_o have_v a_o excellent_a and_o complete_a character_n of_o a_o faithful_a ruler_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n here_o he_o be_v direct_v how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o that_o high_a call_v how_o to_o discharge_v all_o the_o office_n of_o that_o sacred_a function_n upon_o which_o account_n this_o epistle_n may_v just_o be_v style_v a_o pastoral_a letter_n because_o it_o do_v more_o immediate_o concern_v those_o person_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o christ_n flock_n and_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v guide_n and_o instructer_n of_o soul_n here_o they_o may_v be_v teach_v all_o the_o part_n of_o their_o ministerial_a employment_n here_o they_o may_v furnish_v themselves_o with_o exact_a rule_n of_o their_o duty_n this_o be_v the_o best_a rubric_n and_o canon_n for_o this_o purpose_n nor_o be_v there_o want_v particular_a instruction_n concern_v the_o deacon_n office_n and_o concern_v elder_n and_o such_o be_v the_o second_o epistle_n where_o in_o likewise_o be_v far_a direction_n about_o the_o office_n and_o behaviour_n of_o a_o evangelical_n bishop_n and_o he_o be_v exhort_v to_o all_o vigilancy_n patience_n prudence_n faithfulness_n diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o ministerial_a function_n notwithstanding_o the_o labour_n and_o affliction_n which_o accompany_v it_o notwithstanding_o the_o discouragement_n hardship_n and_o suffering_n which_o attend_v the_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o it_o beside_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n there_o be_v insert_v a_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o impious_a seducer_n that_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n with_o a_o particular_a description_n of_o they_o the_o epistle_n to_o titus_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o former_a one_o especial_o the_o first_o to_o timothy_n wherein_o he_o give_v direction_n how_o he_o ought_v to_o demean_v himself_o as_o a_o true_a evangelical_n bishop_n or_o pastor_n insert_v the_o lively_a portraiture_n of_o such_o a_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n for_o which_o reason_n it_o be_v more_o peculiar_o sit_v for_o the_o use_v of_o those_o who_o be_v invest_v with_o that_o high_a character_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n but_o there_o be_v also_o instruction_n belong_v to_o those_o of_o another_o rank_n and_o to_o all_o christian_n in_o general_a for_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o principality_n and_o power_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o to_o maintain_v good_a work_n to_o avoid_v foolish_a question_n and_o controversy_n and_o in_o brief_a to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o their_o several_a station_n as_o it_o become_v the_o follower_n of_o christ_n so_o full_a so_o large_a so_o pregnant_a be_v this_o short_a epistle_n the_o epistle_n to_o philemon_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n from_o rome_n when_o he_o be_v in_o prison_n upon_o this_o particular_a occasion_n philemon_n one_o of_o st._n paul_n convert_v and_o afterward_o a_o fellow-labourer_n with_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n have_v a_o servant_n who_o defraud_v he_o and_o then_o run_v away_o from_o he_o and_o come_v to_o rome_n when_o st._n paul_n be_v prisoner_n there_o be_v convert_v by_o he_o whereupon_o he_o send_v he_o back_o again_o to_o his_o master_n with_o this_o epistle_n wherein_o he_o desire_v philemon_n to_o forgive_v his_o fugitive_a servant_n and_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o and_o to_o receive_v he_o again_o into_o his_o service_n and_o favour_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o christian_a brother_n rather_o than_o a_o servant_n this_o the_o apostle_n pursue_v with_o expression_n of_o extraordinary_a love_n and_o compassion_n towards_o onesimuâ—_n who_o he_o have_v beget_v in_o his_o bond_n and_o with_o great_a tenderness_n and_o affection_n to_o philemon_n who_o be_v also_o his_o son_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o behaviour_n towards_o both_o he_o show_v the_o authority_n and_o bowel_n of_o a_o spiritual_a father_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n i_o e._n to_o those_o convert_v jew_n who_o st._n paul_n have_v know_v in_o judea_n and_o syria_n or_o who_o be_v disperse_v in_o other_o country_n and_o at_o that_o time_n be_v persecute_v by_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n begin_v to_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v write_v to_o establish_v they_o in_o christianity_n to_o assert_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o christ_n above_o moses_n and_o the_o preference_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o the_o old_a to_o show_v that_o the_o priesthood_n of_o christ_n be_v prefigure_v by_o that_o of_o melchisedec_n and_o that_o it_o far_o surpass_v the_o aaronical_a or_o levitical_a priesthood_n to_o evince_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n above_o that_o of_o the_o law_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o mosaic_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v abolish_v be_v all_o accomplish_a in_o jesus_n our_o high_a priest_n especial_o that_o all_o the_o legal_a sacrifice_n be_v fulfil_v in_o his_o once_o offering_n up_o himself_o upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o and_o that_o this_o offer_n be_v satisfactory_a unto_o god_n the_o father_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v manage_v with_o very_o strong_a reason_v with_o a_o very_a singular_a and_o close_a application_n and_o with_o such_o a_o peculiar_a light_n and_o spirit_n as_o this_o divine_a penman_n be_v master_n of_o this_o i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o this_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v the_o most_o illustrious_a confutation_n of_o the_o socinian_n heresy_n that_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n for_o here_o be_v plain_o and_o full_o assert_v the_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n offering_n himself_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n on_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o expiate_a the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n in_o sundry_a particular_n this_o be_v most_o demonstrative_o prove_v that_o a_o complete_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n be_v make_v unto_o god_n by_o his_o death_n which_o for_o ever_o confound_v that_o impious_a and_o blasphemous_a doctrine_n of_o socinus_n and_o his_o follower_n 4._o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o more_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n in_o they_o than_o the_o suffering_n of_o any_o mere_a man_n whatsoever_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v thus_o maintain_v the_o transcendent_a worth_n and_o virtue_n of_o our_o saviour_n priesthood_n and_o thence_o undeniable_o infer_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o most_o admirable_a and_o excellent_a institution_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o
reasonable_o think_v that_o st._n paul_n though_o he_o be_v a_o hebrew_n by_o parentage_n be_v well_o skilled_a iâ—_n greek_a it_o be_v his_o native_a tongue_n therefore_o a_o 6._o modern_a critic_n of_o great_a acuteness_n have_v well_o observe_v that_o the_o greek_a tongue_n be_v as_o familiar_a to_o he_o as_o hebrew_n or_o syriac_a shall_v any_o rational_a maâ—_n then_o think_v that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o speak_v proper_o and_o grammatical_o nay_o shall_v we_o not_o conclude_v from_o his_o admirable_a write_n that_o he_o know_v how_o to_o plaâ—e_v his_o word_n and_o to_o speak_v with_o a_o good_a grace_n st._n jerom_n who_o particular_o take_v notice_n that_o st_n pawles_n write_n be_v full_a of_o parenthesis_n transition_n digression_n concise_a and_o abrupt_a say_n yet_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o astonish_a peaker_n and_o â—ov_fw-mi thunder_v as_o often_o as_o he_o speak_v yea_o tho_o on_o the_o 3d_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n he_o hint_n that_o st._n paul_n write_n be_v destitute_a of_o rhetoric_n yet_o at_o pammach_n another_o time_n to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o he_o say_v not_o this_o absolute_o he_o own_v he_o to_o be_v flumen_fw-la eloquentiae_fw-la a_o flood_n or_o rather_o a_o torrent_n of_o true_a eloquence_n eusebius_n who_o be_v a_o good_a judge_n of_o eloquence_n pronounce_v st._n paul_n a_o 18._o most_o powerful_a spokesman_n and_o one_o that_o be_v admirable_o skilled_a in_o the_o whole_a parade_n and_o furniture_n of_o word_n and_o can_v do_v more_o this_o way_n than_o the_o most_o celebrate_a orator_n among_o the_o pagan_n so_o that_o man_n luther_n be_v in_o the_o right_a when_o he_o say_v one_o of_o st._n paul_n '_o s_z word_n contain_v well_o three_o of_o tully_n '_o s_z oration_n in_o fine_a no_o tongue_n can_v express_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o profound_a write_n which_o not_o only_o comprise_v in_o they_o all_o the_o depth_n and_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n and_o astonish_v we_o with_o their_o high_a and_o heavenly_a matter_n but_o moreover_o do_v furnish_v we_o with_o many_o elegancy_n and_o embellishment_n of_o oratory_n with_o many_o florid_n and_o well_o compose_v period_n and_o abound_v every_o where_o with_o a_o most_o win_v eloquence_n with_o the_o charm_n of_o a_o most_o melt_a and_o affectionate_a rhetoric_n insomuch_o that_o in_o some_o of_o his_o epistle_n his_o warm_a blood_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o ink_n he_o write_v with_o and_o every_o leaf_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a membrane_n of_o his_o heart_n beside_o st._n paul_n epistle_n which_o be_v fourteen_o in_o all_o there_o be_v seven_o other_o viz._n one_o of_o st._n james_n two_o of_o st._n peter_n three_o of_o st._n john_n and_o one_o of_o st._n jude_n all_o which_o except_o the_o two_o latter_a of_o st._n john_n be_v call_v catholic_n or_o general_a epistle_n because_o they_o be_v not_o direct_v to_o particular_a church_n in_o one_o place_n but_o to_o the_o disperse_a convert_v through_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n st._n james_n epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o christian_a jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o other_o region_n beside_o judea_n who_o consist_v partly_o of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n carry_v captive_a by_o salmanassar_n king_n of_o assyria_n who_o never_o that_o we_o read_v of_o return_v again_o and_o partly_o of_o the_o two_o tribe_n many_o of_o which_o still_o remain_v in_o exile_n wherefore_o st._n james_n send_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n scatter_v abroad_o the_o two_o main_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v first_o concern_v the_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n which_o be_v to_o be_v undergo_v for_o christ_n sake_n where_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o patience_n under_o those_o great_a trial_n second_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n where_o he_o show_v they_o that_o justify_v faith_n must_v â—e_v know_v and_o manifest_v by_o good_a work_n beside_o many_o excellent_a caveat_n and_o admonition_n be_v intermingle_v touch_v riches_n covetousness_n hear_v the_o word_n swear_v unruliness_n of_o the_o tongue_n envy_n wrath_n pride_n rash_n judge_v of_o other_o self-confidence_n forgetfulness_n of_o god_n sovereignty_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o very_a great_a use_n in_o the_o live_v of_o christian_n especial_o of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n wherefore_o this_o epistle_n be_v chief_o calculate_v for_o such_o st._n peter_n also_o who_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n write_v to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n such_o as_o be_v scatter_v throughout_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n i._n e._n the_o lesser_a and_o bythinia_n five_o province_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n those_o that_o voluntary_o live_v among_o the_o gentile_n ever_o since_o the_o great_a dispersion_n and_o be_v now_o become_v christian_n and_o fare_v the_o worse_a among_o the_o heathen_n and_o obstinate_a jew_n for_o be_v so_o and_o perhaps_o here_o may_v be_v mean_v those_o likewise_o that_o by_o persecution_n be_v drive_v from_o their_o home_n in_o judea_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v stranger_n 1_o epist_n ch_n 1._o v._n 1._o to_o these_o distress_a jew_n or_o of_o what_o kind_n soever_o they_o be_v for_o 89._o st._n augustine_n and_o ribera_n some_o other_o think_v the_o convert_v gentile_n in_o several_a country_n be_v not_o here_o exclude_v he_o write_v his_o first_o epistle_n to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v they_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o they_o have_v hitherto_o make_v and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o great_a proficiency_n in_o it_o and_o to_o comfort_v they_o in_o their_o persecution_n against_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o last_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o duty_n many_o of_o which_o as_o mutual_a love_n patience_z watchfulness_n perseverance_n obedience_n to_o magistrate_n with_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o servant_n to_o their_o master_n of_o husband_n and_o wife_n towards_o one_o another_o of_o spiritual_a pastor_n towards_o their_o flock_n he_o most_o excellent_o though_o brief_o describe_v his_o second_o epistle_n for_o it_o be_v undoubted_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o though_o hugo_n grotius_n or_o he_o that_o publish_v those_o posthumous_n annotation_n labour_n to_o offer_v argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o be_v enervate_v by_o dr._n hammond_n in_o his_o note_n on_o this_o epistle_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o first_o exhort_v the_o believe_a jew_n to_o a_o life_n worthy_a of_o christian_n to_o add_v one_o virtue_n to_o another_o and_o to_o increase_v in_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n he_o assert_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o show_v the_o danger_n of_o backstide_v he_o warn_v they_o against_o heretical_a teacher_n and_o profane_a scoffer_n that_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n of_o who_o he_o give_v a_o very_a lively_a character_n in_o several_a remarkable_a particular_n he_o vouch_v the_o certainty_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n and_o the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thence_o infer_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o that_o last_o catastrophe_n by_o a_o blameless_a life_n and_o conversation_n all_o which_o be_v express_v in_o most_o apt_a and_o choice_a word_n and_o with_o that_o concernedness_n and_o zeal_n which_o become_v so_o eminent_a a_o apostle_n the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n which_o be_v call_v catholic_n or_o general_n as_o be_v write_v to_o all_o the_o christian_a jew_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v be_v partly_o direct_v against_o seducer_n and_o impostor_n who_o he_o call_v antichrist_n rise_v up_o in_o those_o day_n who_o subvert_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n but_o more_o especial_o the_o deity_n and_o humanity_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o simonian_o gnostic_n carpocratian_o cerinthian_o ebioniâ—es_n and_o other_o mention_v by_o panario_n epiphanius_n and_o haeresib_n austin_n whence_o he_o advise_v the_o christian_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o not_o to_o be_v too_o credulous_a and_o hasty_a in_o embrace_v every_o doctrine_n that_o be_v offer_v they_o he_o have_v observable_a notice_n concern_v the_o grand_a privilege_n of_o adoption_n concern_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n but_o the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v to_o urge_v a_o godly_a and_o righteous_a life_n to_o convince_v those_o who_o be_v call_v by_o christ_n name_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o walk_a answerable_o to_o it_o indeed_o this_o apostle_n be_v force_v as_o st._n james_n before_o be_v to_o write_v on_o this_o subject_n to_o press_v good_a work_n and_o outward_a righteousness_n because_o some_o in_o those_o day_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o licentiousness_n make_v faith_n exclude_v all_o external_n
ver_fw-la 3._o they_o take_v several_a passage_n out_o of_o scripture_n which_o be_v applicable_a as_o they_o think_v to_o that_o place_n and_o there_o insert_v they_o whence_o instead_o of_o seven_o verse_n in_o this_o psalm_n according_a to_o our_o last_o english_a translation_n which_o follow_v the_o hebrew_n there_o be_v eleven_o it_o it_o according_a to_o the_o old_a one_o use_v in_o our_o service_n which_o follow_v the_o septuagint_n thus_o in_o prov._n 6._o after_o what_o be_v say_v there_o v._n 6_o 7_o 8._o of_o the_o ant_n they_o make_v bold_a to_o add_v something_o concern_v the_o bee_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n so_o in_o isaiah_n and_o jeremiah_n and_o other_o book_n they_o take_v a_o great_a liberty_n there_o be_v several_a whole_a sentence_n add_v that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o many_o be_v leave_v out_o that_o be_v in_o it_o to_o instance_n at_o present_a only_o in_o two_o of_o this_o latter_a sort_n those_o word_n in_o prov._n 22._o 6._o train_z up_o a_o child_n in_o the_o way_n he_o shall_v go_v and_o when_o â—e_n be_v old_a he_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o be_v whole_o omit_v and_o the_o whole_a thirty_o chapter_n of_o the_o proverb_n and_o part_n of_o the_o one_o and_o thirty_o be_v leave_v out_o in_o this_o translation_n this_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n we_o have_v hitherto_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n but_o now_o come_v one_o which_o be_v much_o great_a and_o indeed_o unpardonable_a if_o it_o be_v true_a 9_o then_o it_o be_v think_v by_o some_o that_o in_o many_o place_n they_o have_v wilful_o corrupt_v and_o pervert_v the_o text._n it_o be_v think_v at_o least_o that_o they_o do_v not_o exact_o translate_v some_o place_n because_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o expose_v the_o bible_n to_o the_o gentile_n this_o be_v too_o rich_a and_o precious_a a_o treasure_n to_o be_v impart_v to_o they_o it_o will_v be_v a_o profane_v and_o pollute_v of_o it_o to_o lay_v it_o open_v to_o all_o men._n it_o 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yet_o go_v about_o it_o with_o unwilling_a mind_n they_o do_v it_o slight_o and_o perfunctory_o and_o it_o be_v likely_a false_o in_o some_o place_n and_o this_o be_v long_o ago_o the_o opinion_n of_o st._n iâ—rom_n who_o plain_o declare_v that_o pentateuch_n wherever_o any_o thing_n occur_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o sacred_a trinity_n it_o be_v either_o misinterpret_v or_o whole_o conceal_v by_o these_o 70_o elder_n and_o this_o he_o say_v be_v do_v by_o they_o partly_o to_o please_v king_n ptolomee_o and_o partly_o because_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o divulge_v the_o mystery_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o the_o world_n thus_o as_o genes_n he_o observe_v 〈◊〉_d isa._n 9_o 6._o they_o leave_v out_o five_o or_o 〈◊〉_d name_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v in_o the_o place_n of_o they_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o great_a caunâ—el_n they_o will_v not_o let_v it_o be_v know_v that_o that_o child_n be_v god_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v think_v 10_o worship_v another_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o purposely_o and_o â—allciously_o conceal_v those_o glorious_a title_n attribute_v to_o christ_n and_o more_o especial_o that_o the_o mighty_a god_n but_o this_o author_n be_v more_o candid_a and_o mild_a in_o his_o censure_n of_o these_o 70_o elder_n when_o in_o other_o place_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o many_o of_o those_o copy_n and_o edition_n of_o the_o greek_a translation_n which_o be_v then_o abroad_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o transcriber_n and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o design_n in_o his_o latin_a version_n to_o correct_v they_o again_o he_o impute_v their_o mistake_v to_o their_o ignorance_n say_v pentaâ—euch_n they_o make_v this_o translation_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o know_v not_o what_o they_o render_v in_o many_o place_n and_o therefore_o do_v it_o obscure_o and_o dubious_o wherefore_o he_o profess_v he_o condemn_v not_o the_o seventy_o but_o only_o prefer_v the_o apostle_n before_o they_o their_o write_n be_v near_o to_o the_o hebrew_n original_a and_o true_o i_o be_o not_o thorough_o convince_v that_o the_o interpreter_n themselves_o do_v wilful_o corrupt_v the_o translation_n that_o they_o design_o misinterpret_v the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o falsify_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n and_o several_a other_o for_o the_o messiah_n the_o christ_n be_v not_o come_v then_o and_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n about_o he_o and_o therefore_o according_a to_o my_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v too_o early_a time_n of_o day_n to_o misrepresent_v or_o corrupt_v the_o bible_n where_o it_o speak_v of_o he_o i_o rather_o think_v this_o be_v do_v afterward_o namely_o after_o our_o saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v be_v reject_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o impostor_n then_o these_o place_n before_o mention_v and_o several_a other_o begin_v to_o be_v pervert_v then_o the_o circumcise_a doctor_n attempt_v to_o pare_v off_o some_o passage_n to_o make_v some_o alteration_n in_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o lxx_o which_o they_o get_v into_o their_o hand_n then_o it_o be_v that_o they_o corrupt_v the_o chronology_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o you_o find_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n and_o those_o of_o the_o seventy_o about_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v that_o the_o jew_n make_v a_o alteration_n in_o the_o year_n mention_v in_o the_o pentateuch_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o life_n of_o the_o patriarch_n more_o especial_o those_o before_o the_o flood_n in_o that_o catalogue_n in_o gen._n 5._o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n text_n there_o be_v 1656_o year_n from_o the_o creation_n to_o the_o flood_n but_o according_a to_o the_o greek_a there_o be_v about_o 2250._o the_o young_a sacra_fw-la vossius_fw-la be_v a_o smart_a advocate_n for_o the_o septuagint_n and_o follow_v their_o computation_n tell_v we_o that_o 4000_o want_v â—ive_a or_o six_o year_n be_v expire_v before_o moses_n death_n and_o that_o from_o thence_o to_o our_o saviour_n come_v be_v above_o 2000_o year_n so_o that_o christ_n be_v incarnate_a at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o six_o millenary_a or_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o seven_o the_o sum_n be_v that_o according_a to_o vossius_fw-la and_o the_o lxx_n reckon_v the_o time_n of_o the_o world_n beginning_n anticipate_v the_o vulgar_a aera_fw-la at_o least_o 1400_o year_n this_o lengthen_v of_o the_o account_n in_o the_o greek_a bible_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o jew_n after_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n especial_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o then_o out_o of_o their_o hatred_n to_o christian_n change_v the_o chronology_n of_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n expunge_v the_o contract_a aera_fw-la and_o introduce_v a_o large_a one_o i_o e._n they_o add_v one_o thousand_o four_o hundred_o year_n to_o these_o book_n and_o their_o design_n in_o do_v this_o be_v to_o confute_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o messias_n come_v it_o will_v appear_v hence_o that_o the_o time_n be_v past_a according_a to_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o rabbi_n for_o this_o reason_n they_o make_v this_o alteration_n in_o the_o greek_a translation_n though_o they_o can_v not_o effect_v it_o in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n hence_o arise_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a computation_n but_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o sacred_a chronology_n deliver_v by_o moses_n be_v certain_a and_o the_o calculation_n true_a and_o authentic_a because_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v so_o which_o i_o have_v demonstrate_v in_o another_o place_n and_o consequent_o the_o greek_a version_n be_v to_o be_v correct_v by_o this_o but_o this_o error_n of_o the_o septuagint_n be_v not_o original_o they_o but_o be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o latter_a jew_n i_o mean_v those_o soon_o after_o our_o