be_v their_o rightful_a governor_n they_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o depose_v he_o and_o to_o choose_v a_o king_n in_o his_o room_n and_o therefore_o samuel_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o their_o true_a and_o lawful_a governor_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v yet_o this_o time_n of_o his_o rule_n be_v make_v here_o a_o part_n of_o saul_n reign_n because_o he_o be_v force_v at_o last_o to_o anoint_v he_o king_n and_o because_o he_o suffer_v his_o own_o government_n to_o be_v swallow_v of_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o forty_o year_n assign_v to_o he_o by_o st._n paul_n do_v include_v samuel_n judicature_n that_o be_v samuel_n and_o saul_n reign_v forty_o year_n together_o this_o also_o will_v salve_v many_o chronological_a difference_n that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n do_v often_o make_v their_o son_n king_n in_o their_o own_o reign_n to_o settle_v they_o in_o the_o kingdom_n before_o their_o death_n and_o so_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reign_n be_v sometime_o set_v down_o as_o 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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
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 civility_n to_o these_o sacred_a book_n which_o even_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v do_v for_o when_o both_o â—hese_n oppose_v these_o book_n you_o will_v not_o find_v that_o they_o ever_o question_v the_o author_n but_o the_o doctrine_n only_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o look_v upon_o these_o man_n and_o such_o as_o take_v part_n with_o they_o as_o act_v with_o high_a prejudice_n than_o either_o jew_n or_o heathen_n do_v and_o according_o we_o be_v to_o slight_v what_o they_o say_v unless_o it_o be_v thus_o far_o that_o from_o their_o impotent_a and_o malicious_a cavil_n we_o may_v be_v further_o confirm_v in_o this_o persuasion_n that_o these_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v indeed_o write_v by_o those_o author_n under_o who_o name_n they_o be_v now_o receive_v that_o these_o scripture_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o copy_n we_o have_v of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o 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 you_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o frequent_o quote_v the_o canonical_a book_n never_o quoâ—â—_n any_o of_o the_o apocryphal_a one_o which_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v not_o repute_v as_o inspire_a write_n otherwise_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o have_v cite_v some_o one_o passage_n at_o least_o out_o of_o these_o book_n it_o be_v their_o great_a work_n as_o you_o may_v see_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o god_n in_o former_a time_n they_o embrace_v all_o occasion_n of_o establish_v christianity_n upon_o the_o write_n of_o the_o inspire_a prophet_n who_o go_v before_o therefore_o if_o the_o apocryphal_a writer_n have_v be_v of_o that_o number_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v be_v quote_v by_o they_o and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o inspire_a writer_n again_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o immediate_o succeed_v that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o these_o write_n as_o divine_o inspire_v and_o therefore_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n look_v into_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n who_o without_o doubt_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o search_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v which_o be_v the_o divine_o inspire_a book_n and_o there_o you_o will_v see_v that_o those_o of_o the_o eastern_a church_n receive_v only_o the_o jew_n canon_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o old_a testament_n thus_o 19_o origen_n recite_v the_o canonical_a book_n of_o it_o as_o they_o be_v now_o reckon_v viz._n two_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
number_v among_o the_o book_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v argue_v from_o the_o tradition_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v do_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v it_o be_v valid_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o copy_n the_o canonicalness_n of_o the_o book_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o decidable_a by_o scripture_n itself_o but_o in_o the_o way_n that_o all_o other_o controversy_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v as_o you_o will_v prove_v any_o other_o book_n to_o be_v authentic_a so_o you_o must_v prove_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v viz._n by_o sufficient_a and_o able_a testimony_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o sacred_a history_n that_o there_o be_v to_o believe_v any_o other_o historical_a write_n that_o be_v extant_a nay_o the_o testimony_n on_o behalf_n of_o the_o holy_a scriptureâ—_n be_v more_o pregnant_a than_o any_o that_o be_v bring_v for_o other_o write_n beside_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v for_o the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v for_o other_o write_n i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o this_o above_o aâ—â—_n other_o the_o main_a thing_n we_o have_v insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v faithful_o convey_v to_o we_o and_o that_o they_o be_v vouch_v by_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a tradition_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o these_o book_n and_o no_o other_o be_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n for_o to_o be_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o be_v own_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o divine_o inspire_a write_n the_o church_n witness_v and_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n for_o she_o receive_v they_o as_o divine_a and_o she_o deliver_v they_o to_o we_o as_o such_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o church_n testify_v these_o book_n to_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v a_o absolute_a and_o entire_a authority_n to_o they_o a_o clerk_n in_o the_o parliament_n or_o any_o other_o court_n writes_z down_z and_o testiâ—ies_n that_o such_o a_o act_n or_o decree_n or_o order_n be_v pass_v by_o the_o king_n magistrate_n or_o people_n and_o he_o witness_n that_o he_o have_v faithful_o keep_v these_o by_o he_o and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o at_o such_o a_o time_n be_v make_v by_o the_o foresay_a authority_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o act_n decree_n or_o order_n rest_v not_o in_o the_o clerk_n but_o whole_o in_o the_o king_n magistrate_n or_o people_n so_o the_o church_n record_v and_o keep_v the_o sacred_a write_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o bear_v witness_v that_o they_o have_v be_v faithful_o preserve_v and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o genuine_a write_n of_o those_o person_n who_o name_n be_v presix_v to_o they_o bâ—t_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o church_n but_o on_o the_o book_n and_o author_n themselves_o namely_o their_o be_v inspire_v and_o indeed_o this_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v depend_v on_o the_o church_n because_o the_o church_n itself_o depend_v on_o the_o scripture_n these_o must_v be_v prove_v before_o the_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o church_n we_o can_v know_v the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v know_v before_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o papist_n be_v very_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a in_o make_v the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v into_o the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n this_o we_o disow_v as_o a_o great_a falsity_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o hold_v that_o the_o church_n testimony_n be_v one_o good_a argument_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n according_a to_o that_o know_a say_v of_o st._n augustine_n i_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o move_v i_o not_o that_o he_o find_v the_o gospel_n i._n e._n the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o papist_n be_v wont_a to_o infer_v from_o these_o word_n and_o frequent_o quote_v they_o to_o this_o purpose_n no_o the_o father_n meaning_n be_v this_o that_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n he_o believe_v the_o book_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v very_o that_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o scope_n of_o it_o for_o he_o speak_v there_o of_o the_o copy_n or_o write_n not_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o good_a father_n rely_v on_o this_o that_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o know_v and_o honest_a person_n as_o the_o church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o do_v assert_v the_o evangelical_n write_n to_o be_v the_o write_n of_o such_o as_o be_v real_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a and_o not_o corrupt_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o same_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o of_o those_o that_o immediate_o succeed_v they_o several_a of_o which_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n this_o be_v the_o external_n testimony_n give_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v the_o general_a persuasion_n and_o attestation_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o these_o be_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n immediate_o direct_v by_o the_o spirit_n who_o therefore_o can_v not_o err_v it_o be_v usual_a heretofore_o among_o the_o pagan_a lawgiver_n to_o attribute_v their_o law_n to_o some_o deity_n though_o they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o invention_n intend_v thereby_o to_o conciliate_v reverence_n to_o they_o and_o to_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o people_n but_o here_o be_v no_o such_o cheat_n put_v upon_o we_o god_n himself_o be_v real_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n these_o sacred_a law_n come_v immediate_o from_o he_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v assurance_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o they_o chap._n iii_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n manifest_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n especial_o of_o pagan_n these_o confirm_v what_o the_o old_a testament_n say_v concern_v the_o creation_n the_o production_n of_o adam_n and_o eve_n their_o fall_n with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o it_o enoch_n translation_n the_o longevity_n of_o the_o patriarch_n the_o giant_n in_o those_o time_n the_o universal_a flood_n the_o build_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n i_o have_v propound_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a argument_n which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o will_v now_o choose_v out_o another_o for_o the_o sake_n chief_o of_o the_o learned_a and_o curious_a which_o i_o purpose_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o yea_o to_o make_v the_o subject_a of_o my_o whole_a ensue_a discourse_n i_o consider_v then_o that_o we_o have_v in_o this_o matter_n not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n but_o of_o enemy_n and_o stranger_n and_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o vouch_v by_o all_o man_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o enemy_n be_v most_o considerable_a the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o beside_o these_o witness_n there_o be_v other_o there_o be_v the_o attestation_n of_o foreigner_n and_o adversary_n these_o full_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a bible_n we_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o heathen_a writer_n to_o confirm_v many_o of_o the_o thing_n relate_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o both_o profess_a heathen_n and_o jew_n for_o we_o must_v now_o look_v upon_o these_o latter_a as_o profess_a enemy_n when_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_a concern_v attest_v sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o vouch_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o they_o here_o than_o i_o will_v distinct_o proceed_v and_o first_o begin_v with_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o let_v you_o see_v in_o several_a particular_n that_o even_o the_o pagan_a world_n give_v testimony_n to_o this_o sacred_a volume_n
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 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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 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contribute_v to_o these_o mistake_v corruption_n and_o falsity_n when_o the_o world_n be_v of_o one_o tongue_n the_o notice_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v impart_v by_o speech_n be_v very_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a when_o they_o all_o join_v in_o one_o language_n they_o can_v easy_o apprehend_v one_o another_o and_o there_o can_v arise_v no_o mistake_n by_o ambiguity_n in_o the_o variety_n of_o word_n but_o upon_o confound_v the_o first_o i_o anguage_n and_o divide_v it_o into_o many_o there_o follow_v a_o great_a disorder_n among_o mankind_n for_o than_o it_o become_v difficult_a to_o understand_v one_o another_o the_o word_n be_v confuse_v the_o conception_n and_o thing_n which_o be_v convey_v to_o man_n by_o those_o word_n be_v also_o confuse_v obscure_a and_o uncertain_a the_o variety_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o word_n beget_v mistake_n and_o confusion_n among_o so_o many_o million_o of_o word_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a
prophetess_n for_o such_o they_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v to_o assert_v the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o absolute_o and_o necessary_o follow_v that_o because_o the_o father_n use_v the_o sibylls_n verse_n to_o confute_v the_o pagan_n therefore_o they_o be_v true_a for_o they_o may_v suppose_v they_o to_o be_v such_o though_o they_o do_v not_o express_o declare_v it_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o return_v that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a probability_n of_o these_o sibylline_a write_n be_v true_a because_o they_o be_v quote_v by_o the_o father_n for_o 1._o many_o of_o these_o know_a person_n use_v their_o testimony_n if_o one_o or_o two_o only_o do_v so_o we_o can_v make_v no_o conclusion_n from_o thence_o but_o since_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o great_a number_n of_o they_o not_o only_o those_o before_o name_v but_o other_o express_o appeal_v to_o those_o book_n we_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n slight_a their_o allegation_n 2._o if_o these_o book_n be_v quote_v by_o the_o father_n but_o seldom_o and_o rare_o there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o great_a a_o motive_n to_o attend_v to_o they_o but_o see_v we_o find_v they_o not_o only_o once_o or_o twice_o but_o very_o often_o make_v use_n of_o by_o they_o it_o argue_v that_o they_o deliberate_o do_v it_o and_o it_o invite_v we_o to_o give_v the_o great_a attention_n and_o credit_n to_o they_o 3._o they_o quote_v they_o not_o as_o on_o supposition_n only_o but_o as_o true_a and_o genuine_a and_o such_o as_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v depend_v on_o 4._o the_o father_n be_v person_n that_o be_v competent_a judge_n in_o this_o case_n many_o of_o they_o be_v man_n of_o sagacity_n and_o of_o a_o critical_a genius_n and_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o have_v also_o time_n and_o leisure_n to_o examine_v these_o write_n and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o no_o and_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v their_o concern_v to_o do_v it_o for_o their_o religion_n depend_v much_o upon_o it_o wherefore_o those_o who_o blast_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n in_o this_o point_n have_v little_a reason_n to_o do_v so_o they_o be_v no_o credulous_a fool_n and_o such_o who_o take_v up_o any_o thing_n on_o trust_n they_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v these_o write_n to_o be_v counterfeit_n if_o they_o have_v be_v such_o as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o person_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o there_o have_v be_v of_o old_a and_o be_v of_o late_a several_a man_n that_o reject_v the_o sibylls_n write_n as_o spurious_a and_o counterfeit_n and_o who_o shall_v forge_v they_o but_o christian_n here_o than_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o answer_v that_o cavil_v that_o the_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o sibylls_n be_v â—orged_v by_o christian_a heretic_n this_o it_o seem_v be_v a_o old_a objection_n for_o origen_n acquaint_v we_o that_o it_o be_v make_v by_o the_o arch_a pagan_a celsus_n and_o lactantius_n after_o he_o say_v that_o this_o objection_n be_v renew_v against_o the_o sibylls_n book_n by_o some_o other_o pagan_a adversary_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v forge_v by_o some_o christian_n themselves_o behold_v also_o the_o modern_n concur_v with_o the_o pagan_n to_o defame_v the_o sibylls_n scaliger_n be_v very_o warm_a against_o they_o and_o hold_v that_o the_o father_n be_v much_o deceive_v about_o they_o 10._o isaac_n casaubon_n against_o baronius_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o sibylls_n to_o be_v suspect_v becman_n photin_n be_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n and_o say_v they_o be_v supposititious_a david_n blondel_n use_v all_o way_n to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v forgery_n and_o imposture_n and_o he_o hold_v they_o be_v the_o fiction_n of_o some_o busy_a christian_n who_o have_v the_o boldness_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o these_o cheat_n and_o romance_n as_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n and_o father_n say_v he_o receive_v counterfeit_a gospel_n act_n and_o epistle_n so_o they_o be_v cheat_v and_o abuse_v by_o â—hese_n spurious_a piece_n of_o the_o sibylls_n the_o learned_a dallé_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o prediction_n concern_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o kingdom_n be_v put_v out_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o sibyllsâ—y_a â—y_z some_o christians_n who_o be_v fall_v into_o hereâ—â—e_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o use_v a_o kind_n of_o pious_a fraudâ—o_n â—o_z establish_v some_o part_n of_o religion_n they_o think_v it_o to_o cheat_v the_o world_n for_o their_o good_a and_o so_o they_o â—â—blished_v these_o write_n under_o the_o name_n of_o those_o prophetess_n 34_o the_o learned_a dr._n cave_n who_o be_v â—ot_n wont_a to_o dote_v on_o these_o modern_n follow_v they_o 〈◊〉_d this_o opinion_n very_o close_o and_o leave_v the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o sake_n he_o peremptory_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o sibylls_n verse_n be_v make_v â—nd_o feign_v on_o purpose_n by_o the_o christians_n to_o upâ—old_v their_o religion_n and_o faith_n and_o they_o be_v daâ—â—d_v by_o he_o from_o the_o year_n 130_o in_o adrian_n reign_n 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o first_o flight_n of_o they_o he_o say_v but_o all_o â—â—is_n be_v suspicion_n and_o prejudice_n and_o bold_a affirmaâ—â—ves_n but_o no_o proof_n which_o will_v evident_o appear_v 〈◊〉_d you_o consider_v beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o these_o follow_a thing_n 1._o some_o of_o the_o siâ—â—lls_n verse_n be_v extant_a before_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o be_v confess_v by_o ancient_a christian_n â—nd_v pagan_n and_o by_o all_o the_o learned_a antiquary_n the_o acrostic_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o last_o judgement_n and_o the_o consummation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v before_o which_o consist_v of_o so_o many_o verse_n as_o there_o be_v letter_n in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o verse_n begin_v with_o ι_n the_o second_o with_o η_n etc._n etc._n these_o i_o say_v be_v mention_v by_o tully_n in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o divination_n and_o be_v in_o a_o other_o place_n insert_v into_o his_o work_n as_o eusebius_n testify_v in_o the_o life_n of_o constantine_n and_o say_v they_o be_v translate_v into_o latin_a verse_n by_o he_o where_o he_o add_v that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o poem_n of_o a_o mad_a and_o frentick_a person_n for_o the_o composure_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o verse_n argue_v the_o contrary_a and_o show_v attention_n of_o mind_n skill_n and_o diligence_n these_o sibylline_a verse_n the_o initial_a letter_n of_o which_o point_n at_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v mention_v not_o only_o by_o tully_n but_o by_o 5._o varro_n who_o also_o live_v before_o our_o saviour_n time_n if_o then_o they_o be_v extant_a and_o famous_a before_o christ_n birth_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v be_v invent_v by_o the_o christian_n whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o sibylls_n be_v not_o obtrude_v by_o christian_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v there_o be_v any_o such_o before_o christ._n again_o virgil_n four_o eclogue_n be_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v the_o same_o now_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o and_o yet_o there_o he_o comment_n on_o the_o cumaean_a sibyll_n oracle_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a prediction_n of_o christ._n according_o in_o constantine_n oration_n regna_fw-la part_n of_o this_o poem_n be_v apply_v to_o christ_n and_o look_v on_o as_o a_o prophecy_n of_o he_o although_o the_o poet_n make_v use_v of_o it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o panegyric_n to_o the_o emperor_n augustus_n and_o to_o asinius_n pollio_n his_o good_a patron_n yea_o he_o ridiculous_o apply_v it_o to_o pollio_n son_n who_o be_v bear_v that_o year_n he_o understand_v those_o word_n borrow_a from_o the_o sibylls_n oracle_n jam_fw-la redit_fw-la &_o virgo_fw-la concern_v astraea_n but_o the_o sense_n be_v much_o high_a there_o be_v a_o reference_n in_o those_o word_n to_o the_o sign_n mention_v by_o the_o evangelical_n prophet_n a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n isai._n 7._o 14._o of_o that_o golden_a age_n which_o be_v to_o come_v he_o say_v incipient_fw-la magni_fw-la procedere_fw-la menses_fw-la what_o magnitude_n be_v in_o body_n that_o diuturnity_n or_o length_n be_v in_o time_n and_o so_o here_o be_v intimate_v the_o duration_n of_o christ_n reign_n who_o kingdom_n be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o shall_v stand_v for_o ever_o dan._n 2._o 44._o 7._o 27._o or_o those_o day_n and_o month_n shall_v be_v great_a because_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n to_o who_o whatever_n appertain_v be_v great_a whence_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o its_o kind_n the_o great_a be_v call_v god_n several_a other_o thing_n in_o that_o eclogue_n be_v transcribe_v out_o of_o
appear_v bare-faced_n and_o to_o salute_v the_o public_a beside_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o give_v the_o world_n some_o account_n of_o the_o spend_n of_o my_o time_n and_o to_o let_v it_o be_v see_v that_o i_o have_v not_o whole_o throw_v away_o my_o hour_n moreover_o i_o have_v a_o great_a and_o passionate_a desire_n to_o serve_v the_o church_n to_o vindicate_v our_o holy_a religion_n to_o advance_v the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o transcendent_a worth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o all_o excellent_a notion_n and_o regular_a manner_n and_o to_o promote_v and_o set_v forward_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n i_o be_o sensible_a what_o multitude_n of_o writer_n there_o be_v already_o how_o many_o print_a discourse_n be_v publish_v that_o may_v well_o be_v spare_v to_o say_v no_o worse_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o tully_n office_n wâ—â—_n the_o first_o book_n thâ—t_o be_v print_v in_o europe_n which_o be_v a_o good_a specimen_fw-la of_o that_o new-invented_n art_n it_o have_v be_v a_o happy_a thing_n if_o the_o press_n have_v proceed_v as_o well_o as_o it_o begin_v if_o book_n of_o use_n and_o worth_n only_o have_v be_v hand_v into_o the_o world_n by_o it_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v that_o there_o be_v another_o use_v too_o often_o make_v of_o this_o invention_n whilst_o too_o many_o man_n that_o be_v master_n of_o no_o other_o conception_n than_o those_o that_o be_v flat_a and_o useless_a or_o else_o erroneous_a and_o pernicious_a take_v the_o pain_n to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v as_o much_o in_o print_n other_o scribble_v to_o satisfy_v a_o certain_a itch_n of_o write_v that_o they_o have_v get_v and_o the_o press_n seldom_o cure_v the_o distemper_n but_o rather_o increase_v it_o other_o mercenary_a soul_n make_v their_o pen_n wag_v for_o bread_n and_o they_o may_v general_o be_v know_v by_o this_o property_n that_o the_o front_n belie_v the_o fabric_n the_o title_n do_v not_o tell_v what_o be_v in_o the_o book_n but_o only_o set_v it_o to_o sale_n so_o that_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a pretence_n and_o show_n and_o stand_v as_o r._n b_n sham-name_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v of_o late_a in_o the_o title-page_n but_o none_o of_o these_o miscarriage_n have_v discourage_v i_o from_o appear_v in_o public_a and_o pursue_v those_o good_a end_n i_o before_o mention_v which_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o legitimate_a the_o press_n and_o to_o licence_n the_o author_n undertake_n and_o if_o the_o question_n be_v why_o more_o book_n still_o the_o answer_n be_v make_v by_o another_o question_n why_o more_o man_n still_o as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n increase_v write_v will_v do_v so_o too_o for_o all_o man_n be_v not_o alike_o their_o notion_n and_o conception_n be_v not_o the_o same_o wherefore_o for_o these_o different_a reader_n there_o must_v be_v different_a book_n st._n augustin_n argue_v of_o old_a be_v useful_a and_o seasonable_a at_o this_o day_n 3._o it_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o world_n say_v that_o learned_a father_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v many_o book_n compose_v by_o many_o man_n in_o a_o different_a style_n though_o not_o a_o different_a faith_n about_o the_o same_o question_n and_o subject_n that_o so_o hereby_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o truth_n inquire_v into_o may_v the_o better_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o reader_n to_o some_o of_o they_o in_o one_o manner_n to_o other_o in_o another_o for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o person_n be_v not_o convince_v and_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n wherefore_o there_o be_v liberty_n to_o use_v all_o kind_n of_o topic_n thus_o the_o excellent_a grotius_n acquaint_v we_o that_o he_o pick_v out_o the_o best_a and_o most_o convictive_a argument_n as_o he_o think_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o the_o christian_n and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o as_o signature_n fire_v ordeal_o etc._n etc._n be_v neglect_v by_o other_o learned_a man_n for_o evidence_n work_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o man_n genius_n and_o disposition_n hence_o the_o judicious_a doctor_n jackson_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n before_o his_o first_o volume_n confess_v that_o the_o ground_n anâ—_n motive_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o and_o which_o most_o of_o all_o prevait_v with_o he_o may_v have_v little_a or_o no_o operation_n upon_o other_o whereupon_o be_v found_v the_o vsefulness_n yea_o necessity_n of_o propound_v divers_a sort_n of_o argument_n that_o if_o sâ—me_v of_o they_o prove_v not_o forcible_a and_o persuasive_a other_o may_v so_o be_v it_o in_o illustrate_v and_o comment_v upon_o the_o holy_a text_n the_o diversity_n of_o interpretation_n be_v requisite_a and_o useful_a and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v be_v penetrate_v into_o without_o these_o different_a way_n of_o enquiry_n the_o wise_a man_n be_v a_o physician_n of_o the_o law_n say_v the_o jewish_a doctor_n i._n e._n whereas_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unskilful_a corrupt_v the_o text_n and_o deprave_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o he_o come_v and_o heal_v it_o by_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o genuine_a and_o proper_a meaning_n but_o in_o effect_v this_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v tie_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o method_n and_o art_n of_o cure_n which_o other_o have_v use_v before_o he_o some_o superstitious_o confine_v themselves_o to_o one_o man_n critical_a determination_n on_o the_o place_n as_o bishop_n montague_n say_v of_o mr._n selden_n they_o take_v a_o grammarian_n for_o a_o god_n they_o do_v so_o in_o the_o worst_a sense_n they_o deify_v criticism_n they_o idolize_v a_o expositor_n and_o fall_v down_o to_o his_o particular_a interpretation_n but_o we_o must_v be_v more_o catholic_n and_o generous_n if_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sacred_a text_n and_o if_o we_o will_v be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o divine_a truth_n contain_v in_o it_o this_o justify_v the_o variety_n of_o comment_n and_o critical_a researche_n into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o this_o furnish_v i_o with_o a_o apology_n for_o thrust_v myself_o in_o among_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o age._n and_o be_v now_o of_o that_o number_n i_o have_v this_o 〈◊〉_d say_v far_o to_o the_o reader_n that_o though_o i_o be_o sensible_a of_o my_o own_o defect_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o mistake_v that_o may_v occur_v in_o this_o work_n it_o reach_v to_o so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o text_n and_o diversity_n of_o matter_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v find_v he_o as_o sensible_a of_o the_o arduousness_n of_o the_o undertake_n and_o the_o liableness_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o to_o fall_v short_a in_o so_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a a_o subject_n in_o fine_a in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o my_o endeavour_n which_o i_o shall_v expose_v to_o the_o public_a view_n i_o covet_v only_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o candid_a and_o wise_a and_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o my_o business_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o merit_v but_o to_o purchase_v it_o errata_fw-la page_n 41._o line_n 31._o read_v there_o p._n 54._o l._n 4._o r._n purpose_v p._n 61._o l._n 4._o r._n air_n instead_o of_o fire_n p._n 67._o l._n 3._o after_o counsel_n insert_v so_o theocritus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 69._o l._n 2._o r._n a_o other_o p._n 94._o l._n 12._o after_o as_o in_o insert_v exod._n 20._o 18._o the_o people_n see_v the_o noise_n of_o the_o trumpet_n p._n 145._o l._n 15._o r._n bony_a p._n 155._o l._n 2._o r._n nephritick_n p._n 178._o l._n 15._o deal_n by_o p._n 269._o l._n 32._o r._n have_v no._n p._n 278._o l._n 11._o r._n to_o be_v p._n 280._o l._n 17._o after_o belly_n insert_v as_o it_o iâ—_n general_o think_v p._n 300._o l._n 1._o after_o ordinary_a insert_v or_o profane_v p._n 333._o l._n 8._o after_o more_o insert_v according_a to_o the_o different_a read_n of_o they_o p._n 385._o l._n 1._o r._n it_o as_o p._n 402._o l._n 11._o r._n this_o the_o hâ—brâ—w_n require_v correction_n which_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o learned_a a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v expound_v and_o resolve_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n according_a to_o the_o author_n be_v particular_a judgement_n genesis_n chap._n 15._o ver_fw-la 7._o i_o be_o the_o lord_n that_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o ur_fw-la of_o the_o chaldee_n page_n 371._o number_n ch._n 12._o v._n 1._o he_o have_v marry_v a_o ethiopian_a woman_n p._n 375._o ch._n 23._o v._n 21._o he_o have_v not_o behold_v iniquity_n in_o jacob_n neither_o have_v he_o see_v perverseness_n in_o israel_n p._n 96._o ch._n 25._o v._n 9_o those_o that_o die_v in_o the_o plague_n be_v twenty_o and_o
same_o import_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o somniis_fw-la philo._n i_o conceive_v this_o may_v be_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o evangelist_n word_n however_o i_o propound_v it_o only_o by_o way_n of_o conjecture_n and_o be_o willing_a in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o arbitration_n of_o the_o wise._n i_o will_v mention_v another_o instance_n of_o this_o agreement_n of_o the_o style_n of_o pagan_a and_o inspire_a writer_n it_o be_v usual_o among_o the_o former_a to_o honour_v a_o good_a man_n with_o the_o title_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v usual_a in_o homer_n and_o among_o the_o philosopher_n plato_n especial_o it_o be_v very_o frequent_a who_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n be_v excellent_o discourse_v of_o by_o this_o brave_a man_n in_o his_o four_o book_n of_o law_n a_o religious_a man_n be_v a_o friend_n of_o god_n say_v 4._o max._n tyrius_n with_o who_o concur_v another_o epicur_fw-fr eminent_a moralist_n direct_o assert_v that_o good_a man_n be_v the_o friend_n of_o the_o deity_n epictetus_n and_o arrianus_n speak_v of_o god_n as_o a_o friend_n and_o the_o best_a friend_n caâ—byses's_n advice_n to_o his_o son_n cyrus_n be_v be_v thou_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n as_o 8._o xenophon_n relate_v in_o short_a it_o be_v the_o common_a style_n and_o language_n of_o the_o best_a moralist_n as_o socrates_n antoninus_n seneca_n plotinus_n beside_o those_o before_o name_v to_o call_v a_o virtuous_a person_n a_o friâ—nd_n or_o one_o belove_v of_o god_n especial_o this_o epithet_n be_v give_v he_o if_o he_o prosper_v in_o his_o virtuous_a erterprise_n if_o he_o find_v success_n in_o his_o laudable_a endeavour_n yea_o epictetus_n that_o excellent_a stoic_a philosopher_n and_o great_a master_n of_o ethic_n be_v honour_v with_o this_o 〈◊〉_d title_n as_o the_o high_a that_o can_v be_v when_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o his_o epitaph_n the_o same_o expression_n we_o meet_v with_o often_o in_o scripture_n the_o same_o honourable_a epithet_n be_v vouchsafe_v there_o to_o holy_a men._n abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v particular_o signalise_v by_o it_o and_o that_o no_o less_o than_o thrice_o 2_o chron._n 20._o 7._o isa._n 41._o 8._o jam._n 2._o 23._o of_o moses_n it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n speak_v to_o he_o as_o to_o his_o friend_n exod._n 33._o 11._o solomon_n be_v name_v jedidiah_n i._n e._n the_o belove_a of_o the_o lord_n 2_o sam._n 13._o 25._o in_o that_o mystical_a book_n of_o the_o canticle_n this_o name_n be_v attribute_v to_o both_o those_o entire_a lover_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n 1._o eat_v o_o you_o friend_n drink_z o_o beloved_n say_v the_o former_a 16._o this_o be_v my_o belove_a this_o be_v my_o friend_n say_v the_o latter_a in_o which_o place_n ring_v and_o dod_n be_v the_o like_a endear_n title_n with_o obâ—b_n which_o be_v the_o word_n use_v in_o the_o text_n beforementioned_a and_o this_o further_o i_o can_v observe_v to_o you_o that_o the_o word_n obeb_fw-mi and_o obebim_n which_o be_v translate_v friend_n and_o friend_n in_o those_o place_n may_v be_v render_v so_o in_o many_o 4._o other_o where_o our_o translator_n english_a they_o he_o or_o those_o that_o love_n god_n in_o the_o evangelical_n write_n the_o same_o style_n be_v observable_a thus_o those_o word_n in_o lâ—ke_n 12._o 4._o be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n particular_o to_o his_o dear_a companion_n and_o disciple_n where_o he_o call_v they_o his_o friend_n and_o in_o three_o verse_n together_o these_o his_o faithful_a follower_n and_o associate_n and_o with_o they_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o holy_a man_n be_v style_v his_o friend_n joh._n 15._o 13_o 14_o 15._o and_o hear_v what_o a_o honourable_a epitaph_n our_o saviour_n bestow_v on_o laâ—arus_n john_n 11._o 11._o our_o friend_n lazarus_n sleep_v what_o be_v more_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o to_o say_v a_o wicked_a man_n be_v dead_a this_o my_o son_n be_v dead_a say_v the_o father_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n luke_n 15._o 24._o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o profligate_v and_o debauch_v be_v moral_o dead_a and_o so_o some_o think_v this_o term_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o those_o word_n let_v the_o dead_a bury_v their_o dead_a mat._n 8._o 22._o of_o the_o widow_n giâ—en_o to_o luxury_n it_o be_v say_v she_o be_v dead_a while_o she_o live_v i_o tim._n 5._o 6._o and_o to_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n be_v in_o scripture-phraseology_a apply_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n ephes._n 2._o 1_o 5._o col._n 2._o 13._o and_o in_o several_a other_o place_n the_o like_a mode_n of_o speech_n be_v observable_a to_o which_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n be_v no_o stranger_n in_o who_o account_n vicious_a man_n be_v repute_v as_o dead_a hence_o a_o alex._n ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n observe_v that_o even_o in_o the_o barbaric_a philosophy_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o call_v those_o dead_a who_o abandon_v the_o right_a sentiment_n of_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v and_o make_v their_o soul_n slave_n to_o the_o animal_n passion_n not_o only_o pythagoras_n himself_o be_v wont_a to_o place_v a_o coffin_n in_o the_o room_n of_o his_o outcast_a scholar_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v dead_a but_o his_o follower_n and_o the_o platonist_n in_o imitation_n of_o he_o have_v the_o same_o practice_n among_o they_o for_o it_o be_v a_o acknowledge_a notion_n that_o virtue_n make_v we_o live_v and_o consequent_o that_o wicked_a man_n do_v not_o proper_o live_v but_o that_o in_o true_a morality_n they_o be_v right_o say_v to_o be_v dead_a plut._n there_o be_v want_v in_o they_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n as_o the_o spartan_a say_v after_o all_o his_o trial_n of_o erect_v a_o dead_a body_n into_o a_o live_a posture_n hence_o vice_n be_v deserve_o style_v hierocl_n the_o death_n of_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o man_n and_o epictet_n the_o mortality_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o relation_n to_o which_o guise_n of_o speech_n intermortui_fw-la mores_fw-la be_v in_o plautus_n corrupt_a and_o vicious_a manner_n and_o the_o like_a phrase_n be_v use_v by_o the_o jew_n the_o wicked_a say_v they_o be_v dead_a while_o they_o live_v and_o again_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o â—ab_n a_o dead_a carcase_n be_v better_a than_o a_o disciple_n that_o be_v void_a of_o knowledge_n and_o true_a wisdom_n and_o other_o such_o like_a expression_n there_o be_v not_o only_o among_o the_o hebrew_n but_o the_o arabian_n once_o more_o i_o will_v observe_v how_o the_o scripture_n speak_v as_o the_o best_a moralist_n do_v viz._n when_o it_o call_v death_n a_o sleep_n the_o hebrew_n verb_n shacab_n signify_v to_o lie_v down_o to_o sleep_v gen._n 19_o 4._o and_o likewise_o to_o die_v â—_o sam._n 7._o 12._o isa._n 14._o 8._o whence_o to_o sleep_n with_o their_o father_n be_v a_o usual_a phrase_n in_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n thence_o the_o grave_n be_v call_v a_o bed_n isa._n 57_o 2._o gneres_n be_v both_o lectus_fw-la and_o feretrum_fw-la the_o bed_n of_o those_o that_o sleep_n and_o the_o bed_n or_o bier_n of_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a as_o perhaps_o our_o saxon_a word_n grave_n or_o grab_n as_o other_o german_n write_v it_o be_v from_o grabatus_fw-la the_o psalmist_n mention_n the_o sleep_n of_o death_n psal._n 13._o 3._o and_o it_o seem_v this_o be_v the_o style_n of_o the_o ancient_a arab_n as_o appear_v from_o job_n 7._o 21._o i_o shall_v sleep_v in_o the_o dust._n if_o we_o descend_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o shall_v read_v there_o that_o lazarus_n sleep_v joh._n 11._o 11._o and_o of_o st._n stephen_n it_o be_v say_v that_o 60._o he_o fall_v asleep_a and_o of_o other_o holy_a man_n that_o 14._o they_o sleep_v in_o jesus_n and_o 18._o be_v fall_v asleep_a in_o christ._n when_o a_o good_a man_n die_v he_o lay_v himself_o down_o to_o rest_n he_o betake_v himself_o to_o his_o repose_n bid_v the_o world_n good_a night_n he_o shut_v his_o eye_n and_o open_v they_o no_o more_o till_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o resurrection_n the_o like_a expression_n be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o pagan_n to_o sleep_v and_o to_o die_v be_v synonymous_a term_n with_o they_o with_o the_o prince_n of_o poet_n sleep_v be_v not_o only_o 14._o the_o brother_n of_o death_n but_o it_o be_v the_o very_a word_n to_o express_v 7._o death_n itself_o nox_fw-la est_fw-la perpetuò_fw-la una_fw-la dormienda_fw-la say_v catullus_n perpetuus_n sopor_fw-la be_v horace_n language_n nox_fw-la perpetua_fw-la be_v propertius_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o virgil_n nox_fw-la aeterna_fw-la allude_v to_o which_o phrase_n be_v that_o of_o 1._o tully_n and_o other_o good_a author_n decumbere_fw-la to_o lie_v down_o to_o betake_v himself_o to_o sleep_v i._n e._n
moses_n or_o of_o other_o who_o write_v those_o book_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o now_o read_v of_o the_o name_n of_o place_n which_o be_v not_o give_v at_o that_o time_n when_o they_o be_v mention_v but_o be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n insert_v into_o the_o history_n near_o of_o kin_n to_o this_o be_v hysterosis_n another_o usual_a figure_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v when_o the_o proper_a and_o genuine_a order_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o keep_v and_o this_o be_v observable_a either_o in_o some_o single_a word_n and_o verse_n or_o in_o some_o chapter_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v gen._n 10._o 1._o where_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n be_v reckon_v in_o this_o order_n shem_fw-mi ham_n and_o japheth_n yet_o japheth_n be_v the_o elder_a brother_n it_o be_v true_a scaliger_n hold_v the_o very_a order_n of_o the_o generation_n which_o this_o verse_n set_v down_o and_o say_v shem_n be_v noah_n first-born_a and_o japheth_n his_o young_a but_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v 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else_o two_o bed_n hold_v five_o apiece_o and_o one_o of_o they_o only_o three_o who_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v our_o saviour_n st._n john_n and_o st._n peter_n for_o as_o next_o to_o john_n he_o intimate_v that_o he_o shall_v ask_v of_o christ_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o traitor_n this_o bed_n whereon_o our_o bless_a master_n and_o these_o two_o apostle_n lay_v be_v the_o middle_a bed_n viz._n that_o which_o be_v set_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o table_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o bed_n which_o be_v place_v on_o the_o two_o side_n be_v the_o middle_a one_o for_o this_o be_v reckon_v as_o the_o uppermost_a and_o most_o honourable_a christ_n lay_v at_o thâ—_n head_n or_o upper_a end_n of_o this_o bed_n for_o this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o chief_a place_n of_o recumbency_n and_o be_v always_o reserve_v for_o the_o worthy_a person_n though_o i_o confess_v there_o be_v some_o variation_n as_o to_o this_o among_o the_o roman_n and_o so_o may_v be_v among_o the_o 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〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o lxx_o particular_a portion_n unto_o they_o from_o before_o he_o gen._n 43._o 34._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o egyptian_n â—ight_a not_o eat_v bread_n with_o the_o hebrew_n for_o that_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o egyptian_n ver_fw-la 32._o and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o have_v particular_a part_n or_o mess_n allot_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v thence_o that_o this_o be_v a_o custom_n either_o among_o the_o hebrew_n or_o egyptian_n when_o they_o feast_v asunder_o i_o answer_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o hebrew_n and_o egyptian_n do_v not_o sit_v and_o eat_v together_o at_o the_o same_o table_n be_v because_o the_o one_o eat_v flesh_n and_o the_o other_o do_v not_o and_o on_o that_o account_v their_o different_a custom_n be_v abominable_a to_o one_o another_o but_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o meat_n and_o distribute_v a_o particular_a portion_n to_o every_o one_o have_v no_o reference_n at_o all_o to_o this_o but_o be_v a_o general_a custom_n in_o those_o time_n and_o be_v i_o conceive_v partly_o found_v upon_o this_o that_o hereby_o they_o have_v no_o opportunity_n of_o show_v their_o particular_a respect_n to_o the_o guest_n according_a to_o their_o different_a quality_n for_o the_o great_a and_o choice_a portion_n of_o viand_n be_v allot_v to_o those_o who_o place_n and_o dignity_n require_v more_o than_o ordinary_a deference_n or_o for_o who_o they_o have_v the_o great_a kindness_n and_o love_n thus_o in_o the_o relation_n here_o give_v we_o benjamin_n mess_n be_v five_o time_n so_o much_o as_o any_o of_o his_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o singular_a favour_n and_o affection_n for_o joseph_n be_v more_o near_o relate_v to_o benjamin_n than_o to_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n who_o indeed_o be_v but_o his_o half-brethren_n but_o benjamin_n be_v his_o brother_n both_o by_o the_o father_n and_o the_o mother_n side_n hence_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o this_o practice_n be_v not_o ground_v on_o the_o difference_n of_o meat_n on_o which_o the_o hebrew_n and_o egyptian_n feed_v and_o indeed_o from_o other_o instance_n in_o this_o divine_a book_n it_o appear_v that_o though_o person_n sit_v at_o the_o same_o table_n and_o differ_v not_o about_o the_o sort_n of_o food_n yet_o they_o have_v particular_a mess_n or_o portion_n distribute_v to_o they_o so_o when_o elkanah_n and_o his_o family_n and_o friend_n feast_v together_o on_o a_o solemn_a occasion_n to_o show_v his_o more_o especial_a love_n and_o regard_v to_o hannah_n he_o give_v to_o her_o a_o worthy_a portion_n 1_o sam._n 1._o 5._o manah_n aphajim_n where_o aphajim_n be_v the_o same_o with_o panim_fw-la as_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o holy_a style_n a_o distribution_n of_o face_n such_o a_o liberal_a share_n of_o meat_n as_o show_v a_o favourable_a countenance_n a_o particular_a respect_n and_o love_n such_o a_o portion_n as_o be_v usual_o give_v to_o the_o best_a and_o most_o belove_a sort_n of_o guest_n another_o remarkable_a example_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o 1_o sam._n 9_o 23_o 24._o where_o we_o read_v that_o samuel_n invite_v saul_n to_o a_o feast_n and_o make_v he_o sit_v in_o the_o chief_a place_n among_o they_o that_o be_v bid_v for_o there_o be_v a_o precedency_n in_o those_o time_n according_a to_o the_o rank_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v invite_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o the_o cook_n who_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o before_o to_o prepare_v this_o entertainment_n bring_v the_o portion_n which_o i_o give_v thou_o of_o which_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o set_v it_o by_o thou_o which_o i_o order_v thou_o to_o have_v in_o readiness_n against_o the_o time_n that_o i_o call_v for_o it_o and_o the_o cook_n take_v up_o the_o shoulder_n for_o that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a joint_n of_o meat_n which_o be_v design_v for_o his_o portion_n and_o indeed_o it_o appear_v from_o be_v the_o priest_n particular_a portion_n leu._n 7._o 32._o that_o it_o be_v account_v the_o choice_a part_n and_o that_o which_o be_v upon_o it_o it_o may_v be_v some_o lesser_a and_o dainty_a morsel_n which_o be_v serve_v up_o in_o the_o same_o dish_n and_o set_v it_o before_o saul_n whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o old_a time_n they_o have_v a_o certain_a measure_n and_o quantity_n of_o meat_n appoint_v they_o at_o feast_n by_o the_o governor_n and_o master_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o appoint_a portion_n render_v by_o our_o translator_n necessary_a food_n job_n 23._o 12._o and_o this_o be_v the_o food_n of_o allowance_n or_o appointment_n prov._n 30._o 8._o which_o we_o render_v food_n convenient_a attend_v to_o the_o sense_n rather_o than_o the_o original_a word_n the_o set_a portion_n of_o meat_n be_v call_v by_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o servant_n or_o waiter_n that_o distribute_v they_o to_o the_o guest_n according_a to_o the_o order_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o we_o may_v satisfy_v ourselves_o in_o lucian_n and_o other_o good_a writer_n and_o in_o this_o very_a sense_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v in_o mat._n 20._o 28._o mark_v 10._o 45._o luke_n 12._o 37._o we_o read_v of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o household_n who_o office_n be_v to_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n of_o meat_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d luke_n 12._o 12._o where_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o which_o that_o word_n be_v compound_v be_v a_o general_a term_n for_o all_o food_n and_o so_o the_o word_n signify_v a_o certain_a demensum_fw-la a_o set_a portion_n or_o dividend_n of_o meat_n that_o be_v allot_v to_o every_o one_o at_o meal_n and_o
find_v more_o work_n and_o much_o more_o to_o his_o advantage_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n especial_o of_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n than_o in_o all_o the_o mouldy_a manuscript_n and_o record_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o therefore_o you_o will_v find_v mr._n selden_n as_o great_a a_o antiquary_n as_o this_o last_o age_n afford_v continual_o converse_v with_o these_o sacred_a record_n and_o present_v the_o world_n with_o the_o noble_a and_o most_o useful_a piece_n of_o antiquity_n from_o thence_o here_o we_o learn_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o the_o world_n how_o thing_n go_v before_o and_o immediate_o after_o the_o flood_n the_o scripture_n give_v the_o old_a account_n and_o discovery_n of_o thing_n all_o curious_a observation_n of_o the_o first_o time_n all_o ancient_a notion_n and_o invention_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o here_o so_o that_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o bible_n but_o as_o a_o ancient_a book_n of_o learning_n we_o be_v invite_v to_o study_v it_o we_o be_v furnish_v here_o with_o some_o of_o the_o most_o desirable_a antiquity_n of_o the_o babylonian_n persian_n egyptian_n arabian_n syrian_n canaanite_n phoenician_n jew_n greek_n roman_n and_o several_a other_o nation_n on_o which_o very_a account_n alone_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o best_a book_n that_o a_o true_a lover_n of_o learning_n can_v take_v into_o his_o hand_n brief_o from_o the_o whole_a i_o make_v this_o conclusion_n that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o consummate_v scholar_n without_o read_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o source_n even_o of_o all_o humane_a learning_n but_o as_o the_o antiquity_n and_o the_o universal_a learning_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n so_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o give_v it_o the_o preference_n to_o all_o other_o what_o we_o meet_v with_o here_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v true_a whatever_o be_v relate_v as_o say_v or_o do_v in_o so_o many_o age_n past_a we_o have_v reason_n to_o yield_v a_o 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before_o she_o and_o many_o such_o historical_a incongruity_n and_o fabulous_a inconsistency_n the_o poet_n put_v we_o off_o with_o instead_o of_o true_a relation_n yea_o profess_a historian_n be_v full_a of_o uncertainty_n and_o contradiction_n every_o where_o xenophon_n aver_v that_o cyrus_n the_o first_o persian_a monarch_n die_v peaceable_o in_o his_o bed_n but_o herodotus_n and_o justin_n say_v he_o be_v vanquish_v in_o battle_n by_o tomyâ—is_n queen_n of_o scytâ—ia_n who_o cause_v his_o head_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o throw_v into_o a_o vessel_n full_a of_o blood_n some_o tell_v we_o that_o alexander_n the_o great_a die_v of_o drunkenness_n other_o that_o he_o be_v poison_v hannibal_n poison_v himself_o say_v justin_n he_o be_v kill_v by_o his_o servant_n say_v plutarch_n but_o this_o author_n also_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o drink_v bull_n blood_n and_o thereby_o procure_v his_o dissolution_n the_o same_o writer_n set_v down_o the_o several_a opinion_n concern_v the_o death_n 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antiochus_n in_o the_o book_n of_o maccabee_n die_v three_o several_a death_n 1_o sy_n in_o his_o bed_n at_o babylon_n 1_o mac._n 6._o 8_o 16._o two_o he_o be_v stone_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o nanea_n 2_o mac._n 1._o 15_o 16._o three_o he_o die_v on_o the_o mountain_n by_o a_o fall_n out_o of_o his_o chariot_n 2_o mac._n 9_o 28._o there_o be_v different_a report_n concern_v iulian_n death_n but_o the_o respective_a historian_n be_v confident_a in_o they_o all_o he_o be_v kill_v by_o one_o of_o his_o own_o soldier_n say_v socrates_n by_o a_o daemon_n say_v callistus_n who_o write_v in_o verse_n of_o the_o war_n at_o that_o time_n with_o the_o persian_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o he_o die_v by_o a_o stroke_n which_o a_o christian_a soldier_n give_v he_o according_a to_o sozomen_n but_o none_o know_v whence_o that_o stroke_n come_v according_a to_o theodoret._n eusebius_n and_o zosimus_n speak_v diverse_o concern_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a procopius_n give_v a_o account_n of_o justinian_n contrary_a to_o what_o all_o other_o historian_n do_v and_o before_o this_o we_o find_v the_o father_n differ_v about_o the_o character_n of_o nicolas_n the_o deacon_n clemens_n of_o alexandria_n and_o theodoret_n say_v he_o live_v a_o chaste_a life_n but_o that_o be_v reprimand_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o his_o jealousy_n towards_o his_o wife_n he_o thereupon_o bring_v she_o out_o and_o expose_v she_o to_o any_o one_o but_o tertullian_n and_o epiphanius_n affirm_v that_o he_o allow_v of_o and_o practise_v all_o obscenity_n and_o lewdness_n and_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o woman_n the_o person_n who_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o st._n george_n be_v a_o cappadocian_n tribune_n a_o great_a hero_n and_o at_o last_o a_o martyr_n say_v some_o he_o be_v a_o heretic_n a_o arian_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n say_v other_o there_o be_v no_o such_o man_n say_v a_o three_o sort_n if_o we_o shall_v look_v into_o our_o own_o british_a concern_v there_o we_o shall_v find_v history_n very_o dark_a and_o uncertain_a nothing_o be_v tolerable_o relate_v of_o this_o country_n till_o julius_n caesar_n time_n and_o then_o and_o afterward_o we_o be_v involve_v in_o great_a uncertainty_n and_o we_o can_v look_v no_o where_o but_o thing_n be_v diverse_o report_v great_a man_n die_v several_a death_n and_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o person_n be_v various_o represent_v king_n edward_n surname_v ironsides_n his_o death_n be_v four_o or_o five_o way_n relate_v in_o our_o chronicle_n and_o so_o be_v king_n john_n some_o writer_n tell_v we_o that_o king_n richard_n the_o second_o die_v of_o famine_n by_o force_n other_o that_o he_o voluntary_o famish_a himself_o some_o say_v he_o be_v kill_v with_o the_o blow_n of_o a_o pole-axe_n on_o his_o head_n other_o that_o he_o escape_v out_o of_o prison_n and_o lead_v a_o solitary_a life_n in_o scotland_n and_o there_o expire_v concern_v king_n henry_n the_o 5_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o that_o he_o be_v poison_v by_o other_o that_o he_o die_v of_o a_o pleurisy_n by_o other_o that_o a_o palsy_n and_o cramp_n take_v away_o his_o life_n and_o there_o be_v other_o that_o confident_o report_v his_o death_n be_v by_o st._n anthony_n fire_n yea_o our_o writer_n be_v often_o gross_o mistake_v about_o matter_n of_o very_a late_a occurrence_n as_o baker_n heylin_n fuâ—â—er_n profess_v historian_n tell_v we_o that_o richard_n sutton_n a_o single_a man_n found_v the_o hospital_n at_o the_o charterhouse_n whereas_o his_o christian_a name_n be_v thomas_n and_o 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o marry_a man._n so_o mr._n hooker_n die_v in_o holy_a celibacy_n say_v gauden_n and_o fuller_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v know_v to_o be_v too_o true_a but_o i_o shall_v be_v infinite_a if_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o set_v before_o you_o the_o palpable_a mistake_v and_o misreport_v in_o
of_o the_o pentateuch_n that_o excellent_a philosopher_n lawgiver_n historian_n that_o captain_n that_o prince_n that_o prophet_n that_o man_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o inspire_a writer_n of_o the_o five_o first_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o first_o of_o which_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v genesis_n which_o begin_v with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o i_o call_v it_o a_o history_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o fond_a conceit_n of_o those_o man_n who_o read_v the_o beginning_n of_o this_o book_n with_o cabalistick_a spectacle_n only_o and_o think_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o allegory_n and_o mystery_n in_o the_o whole_a text._n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v very_o evident_a to_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o so_o i_o have_v propound_v argument_n in_o another_o place_n viz._n when_o i_o treat_v of_o the_o literal_a and_o mystical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o take_v off_o their_o prejudce_n and_o mistake_v this_o i_o do_v because_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o what_o we_o meet_v with_o here_o in_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v indispensable_o requisite_a that_o we_o believe_v moses_n to_o have_v deliver_v these_o thing_n as_o a_o historian_n and_o that_o he_o speak_v real_a matter_n of_o fact_n when_o he_o give_v we_o a_o narrative_a of_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o original_a of_o man_n his_o innocency_n and_o happiness_n and_o after_o that_o his_o fall_n which_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o sin_n of_o the_o devil_n tyranny_n of_o death_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o all_o evil_n whatsoever_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o this_o be_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o that_o perhaps_o be_v the_o mean_v of_o mensal_n luther_n say_v that_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a scripture_n wherefore_o this_o be_v with_o great_a wisdom_n premise_v in_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o sacred_a volume_n to_o which_o afterward_o be_v adjoin_v the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n the_o rise_v of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o invention_n of_o art_n the_o general_n defection_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n the_o universal_a delâ—ge_n which_o drown_v all_o mankind_n but_o noah_n and_o his_o family_n the_o restoration_n of_o the_o world_n the_o certain_a distinction_n of_o time_n before_o the_o flood_n and_o partly_o after_o it_o the_o confusion_n of_o â—_z and_o thereupon_o the_o division_n of_o the_o earth_n among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o plantation_n of_o family_n the_o original_a of_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n as_o the_o assyrian_a monarchy_n begin_v in_o nimrod_n or_o belus_n and_o the_o egyptian_a dynasty_n the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o patriarch_n not_o only_o before_o but_o after_o the_o general_n deluge_n as_o of_o noab_n the_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n of_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a of_o isaac_n the_o seed_n in_o which_o all_o nation_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v of_o jacob_n the_o father_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o joseph_n who_o memorable_a action_n be_v here_o full_o record_v and_o with_o which_o this_o first_o book_n of_o mosesâ—nds_n â—nds_z unless_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n may_v be_v say_v to_o reach_v as_o far_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o of_o that_o promise_v contain_v in_o it_o concern_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n viz._n christ_n the_o redeemer_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n and_o send_v to_o subdue_v the_o devil_n and_o to_o destroy_v sin_n and_o death_n but_o because_o this_o first_o book_n begin_v with_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v therefore_o by_o the_o rabbin_n call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o creation_n i_o will_v here_o annex_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o several_a distinct_a step_n of_o this_o great_a work_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o this_o inspire_a writer_n and_o divine_a philosopher_n who_o acquaint_v we_o that_o there_o be_v six_o day_n spend_v in_o erect_v this_o glorious_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o far_a proof_n of_o what_o i_o say_v before_o viz._n that_o in_o scripture_n be_v the_o true_a philosophy_n when_o moses_n say_v in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n ver._n 1._o he_o do_v in_o these_o word_n give_v we_o a_o summary_n account_v of_o all_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o say_v afterward_o in_o this_o chapter_n for_o heaven_n and_o earth_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a creation_n this_o first_o verse_n than_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o general_n draught_n of_o the_o production_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o particular_n of_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n where_o the_o several_a day_n work_n be_v distinct_o set_v down_o the_o product_n of_o the_o first_o day_n be_v twofold_a viz._n the_o terraqueous_a mass_n call_v here_o the_o earth_n and_o light_n there_o be_v first_o of_o all_o create_v a_o rude_a confuse_a heap_n by_o profane_a writer_n call_v the_o chaos_n a_o indigested_a mass_n of_o earth_n and_o water_n mix_v together_o out_o of_o which_o god_n afterward_o make_v all_o corporeal_a thing_n which_o belong_v to_o this_o low_a world_n for_o we_o must_v not_o as_o some_o imagine_v that_o the_o celestial_a body_n be_v compose_v out_o of_o the_o earthly_a chaos_n that_o all_o the_o vast_a space_n of_o the_o heavenly_a mansion_n owe_v their_o rise_n to_o this_o mass_n below_o and_o that_o the_o very_a star_n be_v the_o offspring_n of_o the_o earth_n no_o moses_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o this_o confuse_a lump_n be_v the_o original_a only_o of_o the_o low_a world_n for_o the_o earth_n in_o this_o first_o verse_n be_v mention_v as_o one_o part_n of_o the_o new-created_a world_n as_o distinct_a from_o light_a the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n as_o light_v then_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v next_o be_v the_o primordial_a matter_n of_o the_o ethereal_a celestial_a and_o shine_v body_n so_o this_o gross_a and_o lumpish_a heap_n be_v that_o of_o which_o all_o dark_a and_o heavy_a body_n be_v compound_v this_o unshape_a mass_n without_o form_n and_o void_a be_v here_o by_o a_o general_a name_n call_v the_o earth_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n such_o for_o the_o earth_n as_o a_o distinct_a body_n from_o all_o other_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o three_o day_n in_o this_o place_n therefore_o by_o earth_n be_v mean_v earth_n and_o water_n blend_v together_o which_o make_v one_o great_a bog_n or_o universal_a quagmire_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o true_a conception_n we_o can_v have_v of_o the_o primitive_a state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o hence_o without_o doubt_n be_v derive_v the_o opinion_n of_o thales_n and_o some_o other_o ancient_a philosopher_n that_o water_n or_o slime_n or_o mud_n for_o they_o express_v it_o various_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o being_n whatsoever_o and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o this_o terraqueous_a matter_n be_v the_o first_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o those_o material_a being_n beforementioned_a according_o sir_n w._n raleigh_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o history_n of_o the_o world_n determine_v that_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o water_n as_o mix_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v by_o moses_n understand_v in_o the_o word_n earth_n hitherto_o according_a to_o the_o mosaic_a history_n nature_n be_v in_o her_o night-clothes_n the_o world_n be_v overspread_v with_o darkness_n which_o be_v especial_o say_v to_o be_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a by_o which_o be_v mean_v either_o the_o whole_a disorder_v mass_n which_o be_v a_o abyss_n or_o else_o as_o be_v most_o probable_a the_o watery_a part_n of_o it_o for_o though_o this_o and_o the_o earthy_a part_n be_v mix_v together_o yet_o these_o latter_a being_n light_a be_v general_o uppermost_a and_o float_v above_o all_o and_o appear_v on_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n therefore_o that_o learned_a knight_n before_o mention_v observe_v that_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o only_o mix_v but_o cover_v with_o the_o water_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n proceed_v to_o tell_v we_o mave_v or_o hover_v over_o this_o dark_a abyss_n this_o mix_v chaos_n especial_o the_o water_n as_o it_o be_v particular_o say_v because_o these_o be_v uppermost_a and_o hereby_o the_o rude_a matter_n be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v its_o several_a form_n and_o then_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o throw_v off_o its_o dark_a and_o sable_a mantle_n and_o to_o appear_v in_o a_o bright_a dress_n for_o the_o other_o product_n of_o this_o first_o day_n and_o which_o indeed_o make_v it_o day_n be_v light_a i._n e._n some_o lucid_a body_n or_o body_n which_o yet_o cast_v but_o a_o glimmer_a splendour_n a_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
close_a of_o it_o when_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o judgement_n thus_o i_o have_v attempt_v to_o evince_v the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n by_o enumerate_v all_o the_o book_n of_o both_o testament_n and_o give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o they_o these_o excellent_a and_o incomparable_a book_n be_v the_o true_a pandect_n indeed_o the_o book_n that_o comprehend_v all_o that_o treat_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a they_o be_v the_o most_o valuable_a collection_n of_o write_n under_o heaven_n they_o be_v of_o all_o the_o book_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n because_o they_o be_v our_o infallible_a rule_n and_o sure_a guide_n to_o wisdom_n holiness_n and_o blessedness_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o most_o desirable_a thing_n here_o and_o of_o the_o most_o eligible_a hereafter_o if_o this_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v before_o do_v not_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v complete_v and_o perfect_a i_o despair_v of_o ever_o tell_v you_o what_o will_n chap._n xi_o none_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v lose_v not_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n nor_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o the_o book_n of_o jasher_n nor_o the_o act_n of_o vzziah_n a_o account_n of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o seer_n the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n the_o book_n of_o gad_n the_o seer_n the_o book_n of_o iddo_n the_o book_n of_o shemaiah_n jehu_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v to_o be_v think_v concern_v the_o book_n of_o solomon_n mention_v king_n 4._o 32._o 33._o objection_n draw_v from_o jam._n 4._o 5._o from_o luke_n 11._o 49._o from_o act_n 20._o 35._o from_o judeu._n 14._o from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 9_o from_o col._n 4._o 16._o full_o satisfy_v other_o objection_n from_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 6_o 12_o 25_o 2_o cor._n 8._o 8._o &_o 11._o 17._o particular_o answer_v but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o demonstated_a truth_n yet_o it_o be_v question_v and_o doubt_v of_o 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angry_a with_o any_o man_n that_o deny_v that_o there_o any_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n miss_v now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a there_o be_v ground_n to_o complain_v of_o a_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o these_o book_n that_o therefore_o which_o i_o be_o to_o undertake_v here_o be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o book_n mention_v in_o scripture_n as_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o what_o be_v now_o to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o and_o be_v real_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v not_o defective_a that_o the_o body_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v not_o maim_a and_o imperfect_a first_o as_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n mention_v in_o exod._n 24._o 7._o which_o some_o fancy_n be_v lose_v it_o be_v not_o any_o distinct_a book_n from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n if_o we_o impartial_o weigh_v the_o place_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o collection_n or_o volume_n of_o those_o several_a injunction_n and_o institution_n which_o we_o read_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n viz._n 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o which_o god_n deliver_v to_o moses_n on_o the_o mount_n it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n deâ—t_n 31._o 9_o that_o which_o have_v cause_v a_o different_a persuasion_n in_o some_o be_v this_o that_o these_o law_n be_v call_v a_o book_n but_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o evident_a afterward_o that_o this_o appellation_n be_v of_o a_o great_a latitude_n and_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o sort_n of_o write_v by_o the_o hebrew_n second_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n numb_a 21._o 14._o which_o be_v think_v to_o be_v now_o want_v the_o answer_v give_v by_o some_o be_v that_o this_o be_v a_o apocrypbal_a author_n and_o so_o can_v be_v say_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o book_n do_v not_o argue_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o though_o this_o way_n of_o solution_n be_v tolerable_a when_o make_v use_v of_o as_o to_o some_o other_o book_n hereafter_o mention_v yet_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o use_v it_o here_o because_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o test._n learned_a english_a rabbi_n that_o moses_n refer_v here_o to_o himself_o and_o a_o book_n of_o his_o own_o compose_n for_o we_o read_v that_o upon_o the_o discomfiture_n of_o amalek_n god_n command_v moses_n to_o write_v it_o for_o a_o memorial_n in_o a_o book_n exod._n 17._o 14._o and_o as_o it_o follow_v to_o rehearse_v it_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o joshua_n so_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v some_o book_n of_o direction_n write_v by_o moses_n for_o ioshua_n manage_v of_o the_o war_n after_o he_o thus_o this_o learned_a writer_n make_v this_o book_n only_o to_o be_v of_o private_a use_n and_o dictate_v by_o a_o ordinary_a not_o a_o divine_a spirit_n wherefore_o it_o can_v be_v one_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a then_o though_o it_o be_v lose_v yet_o no_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v lose_v hereby_o but_o from_o what_o i_o shall_v propound_v i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v find_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n in_o this_o place_n mention_v be_v one_o of_o the_o receive_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i._n e._n it_o be_v the_o book_n of_o judge_n which_o deserve_o have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o it_o recount_v those_o warlike_a erterprise_n which_o those_o heroic_a spirit_n stir_v up_o by_o god_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n be_v famous_a for_o or_o milchamoth_n jehovah_n the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o great_a wonderful_a and_o renown_a war_n for_o perhaps_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v use_v here_o as_o in_o several_a other_o place_n to_o augment_v the_o sense_n and_o to_o express_v the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n fight_v by_o the_o valiant_a jew_n to_o any_o one_o that_o consult_v the_o text_n together_o with_o the_o 26_o v_o of_o that_o chapter_n it_o will_v plain_o appear_v that_o this_o passage_n particular_o refer_v to_o the_o 11_o chapter_n of_o judge_n v_o 15_o 16_o 17._o but_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o moses_n who_o be_v dead_a long_o before_o can_v write_v this_o i_o answer_v though_o he_o undoubted_o write_v the_o book_n of_o number_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n yet_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o this_o and_o the_o other_o book_n may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v insert_v afterward_o by_o some_o other_o inspire_a person_n as_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o advertise_v before_o ezra_n it_o be_v likely_a revise_v this_o book_n add_v this_o of_o what_o god_n do_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o at_o the_o brook_n of_o arnon_n and_o to_o give_v yet_o more_o ample_a satisfaction_n to_o this_o scruple_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o though_o we_o translate_v the_o text_n thus_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n etc._n etc._n yet_o in_o the_o original_a the_o verb_n be_v in_o the_o future_a tense_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d diceture_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v and_o so_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n he_o here_o foretell_v that_o afterward_o it_o shall_v be_v commemorate_a how_o god_n fight_v for_o his_o people_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v at_o solemn_a time_n a_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o jewish_a war_n than_o this_o passage_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o mind_n and_o make_v mention_n of_o and_o then_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o these_o two_o verse_n not_o as_o cite_v
historical_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n those_o book_n then_o for_o so_o the_o hebrew_n call_v any_o write_n which_o those_o author_n abovenamed_a write_v be_v not_o lose_v as_o some_o imagine_n â—â—t_n be_v still_o extant_a in_o the_o bible_n for_o they_o be_v parâ—_n of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n and_o the_o king_n this_o answer_n be_v ground_v on_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 29._o the_o act_n of_o david_n the_o king_n first_o and_o last_o behold_v they_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n or_o history_n of_o samuel_n and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n which_o show_v that_o the_o foresay_a book_n be_v a_o collection_n make_v by_o several_a prophet_n viz._n samuel_n nathan_n gad_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o think_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o the_o foresay_a objection_n be_v whole_o remove_v by_o it_o then_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o book_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lose_v as_o the_o say_n of_o the_o seer_n 2_o chron._n 33._o 19_o and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n of_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 11._o 41._o and_o the_o book_n of_o jehu_n the_o son_n of_o hanani_n 2_o chron._n 20._o 34._o or_o any_o other_o which_o the_o objector_n mention_v it_o be_v grant_v by_o some_o very_a sober_a writer_n not_o only_o foreigner_n but_o of_o our_o own_o country_n that_o these_o book_n be_v real_o lose_v but_o they_o deny_v that_o this_o be_v any_o argument_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o scripture_n because_o these_o book_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a neither_o be_v we_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v divine_o indict_v and_o this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n as_o well_o as_o the_o modern_n yea_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o father_n who_o speak_v of_o these_o book_n say_v positive_o that_o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o inspiration_n from_o heaven_n to_o this_o purpose_n st._n augustine_n have_v this_o useful_a distinction_n 38._o the_o penman_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n say_v he_o write_v some_o thing_n 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vouch_v by_o writer_n of_o very_a good_a account_n and_o who_o joint_a authority_n in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v as_o for_o some_o particular_a circustances_n which_o relate_v to_o this_o matter_n as_o the_o place_n where_o they_o meet_v their_o mavellous_a consent_n in_o the_o work_n and_o the_o time_n they_o dispatch_v it_o in_o these_o may_v be_v doubt_v of_o though_o for_o my_o part_n i_o see_v no_o solid_a ground_n of_o deny_v they_o altogether_o the_o whole_a translation_n be_v finish_v in_o 72_o day_n say_v aristaeas_n or_o aristaeus_n for_o his_o name_n be_v write_v both_o way_n one_o that_o be_v a_o great_a favourite_n of_o king_n ptolomee_n and_o write_v the_o history_n of_o this_o greek_a translation_n of_o the_o jewish_a elder_n but_o this_o author_n be_v think_v to_o be_v spurious_a by_o graec._n vossius_fw-la and_o by_o some_o other_o learned_a man_n before_o he_o as_o to_o the_o place_n philo_n the_o jew_n justin_n martyr_n and_o other_o 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that_o the_o seventy_o interpreter_n be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o that_o their_o translation_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v do_v in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n which_o we_o may_v â—ind_v some_o writer_n aim_v at_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o affirm_v that_o all_o which_o aristaeas_n and_o aristobulus_n say_v concern_v the_o seventy_n version_n be_v fable_n and_o fiction_n as_o the_o pin._n parisian_a professor_n of_o divinity_n pronounce_v but_o very_o rash_o in_o my_o judgement_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v the_o chief_a and_o general_a thing_n which_o be_v relate_v concern_v the_o seventy_o seniors_n who_o be_v employ_v in_o turn_v the_o old_a testament_n into_o greek_a we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v their_o skill_n and_o ability_n as_o to_o the_o main_a to_o perform_v that_o
before_o it_o it_o be_v not_o sit_v that_o the_o same_o word_n shall_v have_v two_o diverse_a readins_n in_o the_o same_o verse_n in_o v_o 6_o 8_o 9_o let_v live_v creature_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o margin_n and_o be_v set_v in_o the_o text_n itself_o in_o the_o place_n of_o beast_n which_o be_v not_o a_o sit_v word_n for_o those_o that_o be_v represent_v by_o that_o vision_n especial_o when_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n here_o be_v the_o word_n which_o be_v right_o translate_v the_o beast_n in_o this_o book_n in_o ch_z 11._o v._n 17._o those_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o right_o render_v which_o art_n and_o waste_v and_o be_v to_o come_v but_o thus_o who_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v in_o ch_z 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o v_o 13._o be_v translate_v wonder_v in_o the_o 14_o miracle_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v correct_v for_o the_o reason_n so_o often_o give_v viz._n because_o the_o same_o greek_a word_n shall_v be_v render_v by_o the_o same_o english_a one_o if_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a cause_n for_o the_o contrary_n in_o ch_z 14._o v._n 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v render_v with_o they_o their_o work_v follow_v with_o they_o in_o ch_z 16._o v._n 12._o the_o way_n of_o the_o king_n who_o be_v from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o true_a and_o literal_a version_n of_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o in_o our_o present_a english_a translation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v absorp_v these_o be_v the_o several_a place_n which_o i_o conceive_v aught_o to_o be_v alter_v and_o translate_v more_o exact_o i_o say_v not_o this_o to_o impair_v or_o derogate_v from_o the_o credit_n and_o honour_n of_o our_o english_a translation_n much_o less_o to_o condemn_v the_o present_a edition_n or_o to_o expose_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o but_o my_o design_n be_v to_o represent_v they_o in_o their_o native_a excellency_n and_o purity_n and_o to_o contribute_v by_o this_o critical_a essay_n towards_o so_o worthy_a a_o end_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o can_v more_o commend_v the_o holy_a writ_n than_o a_o exact_a translation_n i._n e._n such_o a_o one_o as_o faithful_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o express_a text_n of_o scripture_n wherefore_o i_o humble_o offer_v the_o forementioned_a place_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a and_o leave_v the_o whole_a or_o part_n to_o be_v approve_v or_o reject_v as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a perhaps_o when_o our_o church-affair_n be_v settle_v this_o will_v not_o seem_v unworthy_a of_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o convocation_n who_o i_o question_v not_o will_v see_v that_o the_o revise_v and_o correct_v of_o our_o english_a translation_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o all_o or_o in_o most_o of_o those_o place_n and_o in_o several_a other_o which_o i_o have_v not_o here_o propound_v be_v very_o requisite_a it_o be_v my_o judgement_n that_o as_o out_o of_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a and_o the_o modern_a latin_a version_n one_o entire_a one_o may_v be_v make_v in_o that_o language_n that_o shall_v be_v general_o use_v in_o quotation_n among_o the_o orthodox_n learned_a so_o a_o new_a english_a translation_n may_v be_v compose_v out_o of_o this_o last_o edition_n as_o to_o the_o main_a but_o with_o such_o new_a alteration_n and_o amendment_n as_o shall_v render_v the_o style_n and_o sense_n in_o many_o place_n more_o accurate_a and_o shall_v make_v it_o acceptable_a to_o the_o most_o curious_a english_a reader_n and_o here_o i_o advise_v that_o the_o marginal_a note_n of_o the_o present_a english_a bible_n be_v often_o consult_v because_o the_o best_a and_o most_o genuine_a translation_n of_o word_n be_v frequent_o put_v there_o but_o in_o the_o forego_n animadversion_n i_o have_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o those_o different_a signification_n of_o word_n which_o be_v place_v there_o i_o have_v only_o offer_v those_o that_o have_v not_o hitherto_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o may_v add_v something_o concern_v the_o division_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o chapter_n and_o verse_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o moses_n the_o prophet_n evangelist_n and_o apostle_n write_v their_o book_n without_o any_o such_o partition_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o all_o other_o writer_n of_o old_a but_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v divide_v afterward_o into_o parashes_n before_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o this_o distribution_n of_o they_o be_v often_o mention_v in_o the_o talmud_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o more_o methodical_a read_n of_o they_o in_o the_o synagogue_n some_o of_o the_o 3._o greek_a father_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o distribution_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v make_v before_o their_o time_n for_o they_o mention_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o daniel_n jerom_n speak_v of_o a_o pericope_n of_o jeremiah_n yea_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o this_o sort_n of_o section_n or_o parashes_n be_v mention_v in_o act_n 8._o 32._o and_o be_v call_v there_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o book_n of_o the_o evanglist_n and_o apostle_n be_v afterward_o divide_v into_o certain_a section_n by_o some_o of_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n for_o the_o more_o convenient_a read_n of_o they_o herein_o imitate_v the_o jew_n who_o have_v do_v the_o same_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n these_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o lazaro_n eastern_a father_n and_o lectiones_fw-la by_o the_o latin_a one_o they_o be_v the_o same_o that_o we_o call_v chapter_n verse_n be_v also_o ancient_a but_o not_o the_o same_o that_o be_v at_o present_a nor_o be_v all_o the_o book_n so_o divide_v st._n jerom_n tell_v we_o he_o distribute_v the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n and_o that_o of_o ezekiel_n into_o verse_n and_o some_o of_o thâ—_n book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v thus_o divide_v particular_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n be_v part_v into_o these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o origen_n as_o galat._n jerom_n inform_v we_o but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o these_o partition_n whether_o into_o chapter_n or_o verse_n wâ—re_v very_o much_o different_a from_o what_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a as_o heinsius_n and_o some_o other_o critic_n out_o of_o suidas_n relate_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v divide_v into_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v gather_v from_o the_o account_n which_o they_o give_v of_o these_o two_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v the_o division_n of_o a_o book_n into_o chapter_n and_o the_o latter_a into_o verse_n or_o some_o such_o small_a portion_n though_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v a_o quite_o different_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o great_a division_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lesser_a as_o to_o the_o division_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n consist_v of_o 39_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o 27_o of_o the_o new_a into_o distinct_a chapter_n as_o they_o be_v now_o among_o we_o viz._n 779_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o 260_o in_o the_o new_a it_o be_v make_v by_o lanfrank_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n about_o the_o year_n 1060_o other_o say_v by_o stephen_n langton_n who_o be_v archbishop_n of_o the_o same_o see_v in_o k._n john_n time_n about_o the_o year_n 1200._o it_o be_v say_v by_o other_o that_o cardinal_n hugo_n twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n afterward_o be_v the_o first_o that_o contrive_v the_o distinction_n of_o chapter_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o fit_v the_o hebrew_n text_n to_o the_o concordance_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o he_o be_v author_n of_o the_o divide_v of_o chapter_n into_o verse_n be_v more_o late_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o industrious_a and_o learned_a robert_n stephens_n about_o eightscore_o year_n since_o but_o whoever_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o this_o division_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o chapter_n and_o verse_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o right_o make_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o 10_o chap._n of_o isaiah_n shall_v not_o be_v cut_v of_o from_o the_o 9th_o chapter_n for_o it_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o 5_o v_o of_o the_o 10_o chap._n which_o be_v so_o now_o the_o 9th_o shall_v end_v and_o many_o other_o chapter_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v ill_o divide_v but_o especial_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n one_o may_v see_v that_o the_o distinction_n of_o chapter_n and_o verse_n now_o in_o
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 main_a be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v before_o our_o saviour_n day_n or_o that_o heretical_a christian_n corrupt_v it_o and_o add_v to_o it_o for_o first_o if_o they_o do_v so_o why_o be_v it_o not_o show_v what_o heresy_n what_o â—alse_a doctrine_n they_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v by_o these_o addition_n and_o supplement_n of_o they_o i_o see_v nothing_o of_o this_o make_v out_o by_o our_o adversary_n again_o if_o these_o write_n have_v be_v the_o forgery_n of_o christian_n the_o heathen_n will_v have_v certain_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o lay_v open_v this_o cheat_n and_o let_v the_o world_n know_v there_o be_v no_o such_o verse_n but_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o pretend_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n wherefore_o no_o man_n of_o consistent_a thought_n can_v imagine_v that_o these_o write_n be_v the_o mere_a invention_n of_o some_o christian_n nay_o i_o can_v add_v from_o good_a author_n that_o not_o only_a heathen_n but_o jew_n make_v frequent_a use_n of_o these_o celebrate_a book_n and_o several_a of_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o read_v the_o content_n of_o they_o and_o true_o when_o they_o see_v many_o thing_n fulfil_v which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o and_o fore_o tell_v it_o can_v not_o but_o induce_v they_o to_o think_v well_o of_o christianity_n whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o have_v no_o suspicion_n of_o these_o write_n they_o have_v no_o such_o apprehension_n as_o some_o since_o have_v form_v viz._n that_o they_o be_v a_o cheat_n and_o that_o some_o christian_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o then_o as_o for_o use_v of_o pious_a fraud_n to_o vouch_v christianity_n there_o be_v as_o little_a ground_n for_o that_o for_o see_v they_o have_v such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n of_o all_o sort_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v altogether_o superfluous_a and_o unnecessary_a to_o counterfeit_v any_o or_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o grant_v that_o some_o ill-minded_n christian_n insert_v some_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o into_o the_o sibylls_n write_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v thence_o that_o all_o be_v spurious_a and_o counterfeit_n i_o know_v some_o condemn_v all_o and_o other_o allow_v every_o thing_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o sibylls_n oracle_n but_o i_o know_v no_o cause_n for_o either_o but_o the_o usual_a one_o namely_o that_o writer_n must_v run_v direct_o counter_a to_o one_o a_o other_o this_o be_v their_o practice_n general_o but_o it_o be_v no_o good_a one_o and_o i_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o follow_v it_o i_o take_v a_o other_o way_n the_o middle_a one_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o all_o the_o verse_n that_o bear_v their_o name_n be_v they_o and_o genuine_a and_o i_o be_o far_o from_o think_v that_o all_o be_v counterfeit_n what_o if_o we_o grant_v that_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o collection_n of_o the_o sibylls_n writing_n as_o in_o many_o other_o be_v alter_v and_o superadd_v can_v we_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o every_o thing_n in_o they_o be_v change_v and_o corrupt_v no_o sure_o there_o be_v counterfeit_n gospel_n write_v but_o these_o do_v not_o prejudice_v the_o other_o which_o be_v true_a so_o there_o be_v many_o piece_n go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v spurious_a but_o we_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o work_n because_o of_o they_o thus_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v here_o some_o christian_n may_v add_v a_o few_o thing_n they_o may_v insert_v some_o verse_n that_o mention_v those_o individual_a act_n and_o particular_a work_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o some_o circumstance_n which_o be_v no_o where_o mention_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n this_o perhaps_o they_o may_v do_v i_o can_v whole_o deny_v it_o but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o the_o main_a of_o these_o book_n be_v not_o compose_v before_o christ_n time_n and_o be_v genuine_a and_o authentic_a nay_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o date_n of_o they_o be_v long_o before_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o condemn_v the_o whole_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o small_a part_n we_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o thing_n quote_v out_o of_o they_o by_o the_o father_n and_o which_o be_v the_o clear_a attestation_n of_o the_o sacred_a truth_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o supposititious_a and_o forge_v we_o be_v certain_a that_o some_o of_o their_o write_n be_v extant_a before_o there_o be_v any_o christian_n to_o corrupt_v and_o adulterate_a they_o and_o many_o of_o the_o particular_a passage_n quote_v by_o the_o father_n in_o these_o write_n be_v now_o to_o be_v find_v and_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o they_o be_v then_o and_o consequent_o they_o be_v now_o as_o good_a a_o
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 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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