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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n church_n government_n worship_n 3,428 5 7.3798 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A37989 A discourse concerning the authority, stile, and perfection of the books of the Old and New-Testament with a continued illustration of several difficult texts of scripture throughout the whole work / by John Edwards. Edwards, John, 1637-1716. 1693 (1693) Wing E202; ESTC R29386 927,516 1,518

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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 hat●_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 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they_o they_o be_v once_o doubt_v of_o that_o for_o the_o future_a they_o may_v be_v unquestionable_a and_o to_o come_v down_o to_o latter_a time_n what_o if_o two_o or_o three_o man_n of_o late_a as_o hemmingius_n baldwin_n eckard_n think_v revelation_n some_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n apocryphal_a and_o what_o if_o luther_n himself_o seem_v to_o say_v as_o much_o what_o do_v this_o signify_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o universal_a and_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o other_o and_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o at_o all_o but_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v first_o write_v in_o greek_a as_o we_o now_o receive_v it_o be_v attest_v by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o ancient_n who_o make_v enquiry_n into_o these_o thing_n only_o two_o book_n be_v except_v by_o some_o for_o though_o many_o of_o the_o lightfoot_n learned_a modern_n maintain_v that_o st._n matthew_n gospel_n be_v write_v original_o in_o greek_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o some_o of_o the_o augustine_n father_n hold_v it_o be_v write_v first_o in_o hebrew_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v st._n ecclesiast_n jerom_n the_o original_a hebrew_n be_v extant_a in_o his_o time_n and_o he_o translate_v the_o gospel_n into_o latin_a from_o that_o copy_n who_o turn_v it_o into_o greek_a be_v not_o certain_a but_o it_o be_v either_o by_o st._n matthew_n himself_o or_o by_o some_o apostolical_a person_n inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o the_o greek_a we_o now_o have_v be_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o the_o other_o the_o father_n likewise_o general_o say_v that_o st._n pa●●_n write_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o their_o own_o tongue_n and_o that_o st._n luke_n or_o st._n clement_n turn_v it_o into_o greek_a the_o contrary_n be_v hold_v by_o some_o modern_n particular_o cajetan_n among_o the_o romanist_n and_o by_o many_o of_o the_o reformed-way_n but_o except_v i_o say_v these_o two_o book_n it_o be_v universal_o agree_v that_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n be_v write_v in_o greek_a and_o one_o reason_n may_v be_v because_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o jew_n live_v among_o the_o greek_n and_o use_v their_o tongue_n and_o therefore_o this_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v sit_o write_v in_o greek_a as_o the_o other_o be_v long_o before_o translate_v into_o that_o tongue_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o these_o disperse_a jew_n therefore_o call_v the_o disperse_v among_o the_o gentile_n or_o according_a to_o the_o original_a the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o greek_n john_n 7._o 35._o who_o understand_v and_o speak_v the_o greek_a language_n the_o new_a testament_n be_v put_v forth_o in_o that_o tongue_n moreover_o this_o be_v the_o most_o general_o receive_v language_n at_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o the_o fit_a for_o the_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n for_o though_o i_o do_v not_o think_v the_o j●ws_n at_o jerusalem_n speak_v no_o other_o than_o the_o greek_a tongue_n among_o themselves_o as_o isaac_n vossius_fw-la confident_o hold_v and_o be_v therein_o right_o blame_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o late_a french_a critic_n yet_o i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o the_o greek_a tongue_n be_v universal_o understand_v and_o be_v with_o the_o latin_a juvenal_n the_o language_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o therefore_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o communicate_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o world_n poet._n tully_n acquaint_v we_o that_o in_o all_o the_o roman_a empire_n greek_n be_v vulgar_o understand_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v in_o that_o tongue_n and_o that_o st._n paul_n write_v not_o only_o to_o the_o galatian_n etc._n etc._n but_o to_o the_o roman_n in_o greek_a for_o they_o all_o understand_v it_o it_o be_v the_o modish_a and_o courtly_a way_n of_o speech_n at_o rome_n as_o the_o french_a be_v now_o with_o we_o their_o very_a woman_n affect_v to_o learn_v and_o speak_v greek_a for_o which_o they_o be_v jeer_v by_o the_o satirist_n who_o call_v rome_n the_o greek_a city_n in_o short_a all_o the_o eastern_a people_n speak_v greek_n more_o or_o less_o from_o the_o time_n that_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o his_o captain_n spread_v their_o dominion_n in_o the_o east_n the_o syrian_n egyptian_n persian_n and_o people_n of_o the_o lesser_a asia_n be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o language_n the_o jew_n of_o any_o considerable_a quality_n understand_v greek_n as_o well_o as_o their_o own_o tongue_n whence_o josephus_n a_o jewish_a priest_n or_o of_o the_o priestly_a stock_n write_v his_o book_n in_o greek_a the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n than_o may_v well_o write_v in_o the_o same_o tongue_n it_o be_v so_o common_a and_o every_o where_o understand_v especial_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n on_o another_o account_n that_o st._n paul_n write_v in_o greek_a for_o it_o be_v his_o native_a tongue_n he_o be_v of_o tarsus_n which_o be_v a_o city_n of_o greece_n we_o may_v then_o very_o just_o look_v upon_o the_o greek_a language_n as_o the_o original_a text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v that_o these_o greek_a copy_n which_o we_o now_o have_v and_o use_v be_v true_a and_o authentic_a though_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o differ_v and_o none_o be_v observe_v to_o oppose_v this_o but_o those_o who_o do_v it_o upon_o some_o interest_n and_o design_n i._n e._n to_o maintain_v some_o peculiar_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v take_v up_o the_o variety_n of_o readins_n shall_v not_o prejudice_v we_o much_o less_o ought_v we_o to_o alter_v the_o readins_n of_o the_o copy_n and_o to_o substitute_v new_a one_o at_o our_o pleasure_n which_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o theodore_n beza_n though_o on_o other_o account_v a_o excellent_a person_n and_o one_o that_o have_v high_o deserve_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v unsufferable_o bold_a in_o coin_v new_a readins_n of_o the_o text._n when_o he_o can_v find_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o place_n he_o present_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o copy_n and_o produce_v a_o new_a read_n which_o have_v bring_v a_o great_a scandal_n upon_o his_o annotation_n on_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o otherwise_o be_v fraught_v with_o admirable_a learning_n and_o discover_v his_o profound_a skill_n in_o divine_a criticism_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a manuscript_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o cheat_n for_o questionless_a they_o will_v have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n therefore_o it_o be_v downright_a imposture_n and_o beza_n be_v gross_o delude_v by_o it_o let_v we_o from_o his_o miscarriage_n learn_v to_o be_v cautious_a and_o not_o to_o venture_v so_o bold_o upon_o alter_v the_o greek_a copy_n this_o be_v a_o very_a rash_a and_o unaccountable_a undertake_n especial_o in_o a_o single_a person_n and_o much_o more_o when_o it_o be_v very_o usual_a and_o frequent_a to_o speak_v next_o both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n together_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o be_v establish_v by_o consider_v this_o that_o though_o bellarmine_n and_o other_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n who_o be_v follow_v by_o lewis_n cappel_n and_o some_o other_o that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o protestant_n cry_v out_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v alter_v and_o corrupt_v by_o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o transcriber_n and_o that_o the_o text_n be_v uncertain_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o different_a readins_n and_o variety_n of_o translation_n which_o be_v do_v out_o of_o design_n viz._n to_o debase_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n and_o to_o make_v man_n fly_v to_o tradition_n and_o rest_v whole_o in_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o i_o wish_v i_o may_v not_o add_v thereby_o to_o undermine_v some_o of_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o various_a readins_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o so_o many_o as_o be_v pretend_v and_o all_o the_o various_a copy_n in_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o nation_n at_o this_o day_n do_v agree_v in_o all_o material_a point_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v translate_v from_o those_o copy_n into_o many_o language_n concur_v in_o the_o same_o substantial_a thing_n again_o as_o to_o those_o various_a readins_n which_o be_v produce_v we_o may_v just_o allege_v the_o word_n of_o a_o scripture_n excellent_a man_n they_o be_v not_o argument_n say_v he_o of_o the_o scripture_n corruption_n but_o of_o god_n providence_n and_o of_o human_a
〈◊〉_d that_o demoniacal_a serpen●_n you_o will_v find_v 6._o origen_n assert_v that_o this_o be_v take_v from_o moses_n relation_n concern_v the_o serpent_n i●_n paradise_n and_o not_o this_o from_o that_o as_o celsus_n mo●●_n egregious_o fail_v in_o antiquity_n and_o chronology_n maintain_v 10._o eusebius_n also_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n affirm_v that_o this_o ophioneus_n refer_v to_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n and_o add_v to_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o pherecydes_n be_v conversant_a with_o the_o phoenician_n who_o worship_v their_o god_n under_o the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n the_o devil_n affect_v to_o be_v adore_v in_o that_o shape_n which_o he_o first_o assume_v and_o not_o only_o in_o phoenjoya_n but_o in_o other_o country_n dragon_n or_o serpent_n or_o snake_n for_o these_o be_v promiscuous_o use_v for_o one_o another_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o secret_a mystery_n of_o the_o gentile_n these_o have_v so_o great_a a_o veneration_n for_o serpent_n or_o dragon_n that_o some_o of_o their_o temple_n have_v their_o denomination_n thence_o and_o be_v style_v draconian_a say_v 14._o strabo_n the_o babylonian_n worship_v a_o dragon_n as_o the_o apocryphal_a write_n relate_v the_o egyptian_n worship_v opbioneus_fw-la as_o u●●_n eusebius_n testify_v and_o in_o their_o hieroglyphic_n they_o ●hewed_v that_o they_o be_v wonderful_a admirer_n of_o serpent_n for_o the_o head_n of_o their_o god_n be_v encircle_v with_o serpent_n and_o basilisk_n say_v horus_n the_o crown_n and_o dia_n 〈◊〉_d of_o their_o king_n be_v set_v with_o asp_n and_o suake_n serpent_n be_v the_o emblem_n of_o dominion_n and_o principality_n yea_o of_o immortality_n and_o divinity_n faith_n the_o same_o author_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o to_o our_o purpose_n eusebius_n observe_v that_o the_o egyptian_n as_o well_o as_o the_o phoenician_n use_v to_o call_v serpent_n 7._o good_a daemon_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a relic_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v assume_v the_o form_n of_o some_o goodly_a serpent_n and_o appear_v like_o a_o good_a daemon_n or_o angel_n of_o light_n when_o he_o accost_v our_o mother_n eve_n and_o lay_v siege_n to_o her_o integrity_n and_o to_o pass_v from_o egypt_n to_o greece_n there_o be_v here_o also_o some_o remembrance_n of_o this_o notable_a thing_n for_o the_o image_n of_o serpent_n be_v set_v over_o the_o gate_n of_o temple_n and_o consecrated_a place_n and_o general_o they_o meite_n paint_a serpent_n or_o dragon_n in_o all_o holy_a place_n as_o the_o ge●●●●_n of_o those_o place_n for_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o place_n appear_v in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o serpent_n among_o these_o grecian_n the_o devil_n be_v common_o worship_v in_o this_o primitive_a figure_n ●ore_o especial_o at_o delphos_n whence_o as_o a_o learned_a critic_n have_v remark_v apollo_n be_v call_v pythius_n and_o pytho_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o serpent_n i_o may_v add_v wh●●_n gent._n clement_n of_o alexandria_n report_n that_o the_o heathe●_n at_o their_o feast_n of_o bacchus_n be_v crown_v with_o se●●pents_n and_o use_v to_o carry_v a_o serpent_n in_o procession_n and_o cry_n with_o a_o loud_a voice_n eva_n eva_n for_o heu●●_n or_o hivia_n say_v he_o in_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v a_o strepent_n this_o latter_a be_v partly_o a_o mistake_n of_o he_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v in_o the_o chaldee_n that_o it_o signify_v so_o and_o be_v 〈◊〉_d word_n use_v by_o the_o chaldee_n translator_n in_o gen._n 〈◊〉_d and_o other_o place_n for_o a_o serpent_n and_o so_o we_o be_v then●_n inform_v what_o a_o reverence_n be_v pay_v to_o serpe●●_n by_o the_o ancient_n or_o what_o if_o i_o shall_v offer_v t●●●_n conjecture_n that_o eva_n or_o evia_n or_o hevia_n be_v plain_a remembrance_n of_o our_o mother_n eve_n or_o h●●●●_n or_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n termination_n he●●●_n or_o havah_n which_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a bec●●●●_n the_o proclaim_n of_o this_o name_n be_v join_v with_o t●●_n carry_v of_o a_o serpent_n which_o we_o know_v that_o unh●●●py_a woman_n be_v too_o well_o acquaint_v with_o a●●_n perhaps_o the_o word_n evante_n which_o be_v use_v by_o 6._o v●●gil_n to_o signify_v those_o mad_a frolic_v have_v its_o or●●ginal_a hence_o thus_o there_o be_v a_o double_a memorial_n i●_n that_o pagan_a festival_n solemnity_n to_o wit_n of_o a_o r●●markable_a person_n and_o as_o remarkable_a a_o thing_n r●●corded_v in_o sacred_a story_n now_o i_o ask_v whence_o ca●_n this_o memorial_n of_o serpent_n to_o be_v observe_v so_o ge●●●rally_o among_o the_o pagan_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o t●●_n old_a heathen_n be_v such_o adorer_n of_o these_o cr●●●tures_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o devil_n 〈◊〉_d worship_v by_o they_o under_o this_o form_n whe●●_n do_v this_o custom_n prevail_v among_o the_o phoenician_n ●●●bylonians_n egyptian_n and_o grecian_n nay_o 17._o s._n ●●●gustin_a acquaint_v we_o that_o some_o heretic_n christi●●_n make_v it_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o worship_v a_o serpent_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v leave_v the_o ancient_n and_o come_v down_o to_o latter_a age_n i_o may_v here_o allege_v what_o mensa●_n luther●aith_n ●aith_z he_o hear_v a_o merchant_n affirm_v namely_o that_o in_o the_o indies_n he_o have_v ●een_n people_n worship_n a_o great_a snake_n with_o the_o high_a reverence_n and_o honour_n imaginable_a of_o all_o this_o there_o can_v be_v a_o better_a account_n give_v than_o that_o which_o i_o have_v already_o offer_v it_o be_v questionless_a a_o remembrance_n of_o what_o happen_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o satan_n who_o have_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o god_n a_o glorious_a angel_n and_o therefore_o pass_v for_o such_o a_o one_o still_o among_o the_o ignorant_a heathen_n appear_v in_o a_o serpentine_a figure_n to_o adam_n and_o eve_n in_o paradise_n and_o this_o remind_v i_o of_o another_o circumstance_n of_o man_n fall_n viz._n the_o place_n which_o be_v paradise_n or_o the_o garden_n of_o eden_n which_o as_o i_o say_v before_o seem_v to_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o famous_a guerdon_n of_o the_o hesperides_n this_o i_o know_v have_v be_v a_o common_o receive_v notion_n this_o poetical_a passage_n have_v be_v usual_o apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o ●et_v we_o not_o think_v it_o the_o less_o true_a because_o of_o the_o commonness_n of_o it●_n if_o any_o man_n serious_o weigh_v what_o be_v report_v of_o this_o garden_n he_o will_v think_v it_o not_o improbable_a that_o the_o fall_v of_o man_n be_v couch_v in_o this_o poetic_a fable_n for_o this_o garden_n yield_v golden_a fruit_n i._n e._n very_a choice_n and_o excellent_a fruit_n and_o such_o as_o be_v as_o tempt_v as_o gold_n be_v afterward_o which_o plain_o point_v to_o the_o forbid_v fruit_n in_o paradise_n which_o be_v so_o desirable_a and_o delightful_a so_o tempt_v and_o charm_v and_o this_o fruit_n these_o golden_a apple_n be_v keep_v and_o watch_v by_o a_o dragon_n or_o serpent_n which_o plain_o refer_v to_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n who_o be_v always_o watch_v about_o the_o tre●_n not_o to_o keep_v the_o man_n and_o woman_n from_o eat_v ●_o it_o but_o to_o solicit_v and_o tempt_v they_o by_o all_o mean_v 〈◊〉_d do_v it_o what_o they_o add_v of_o hercules_n stay_v 〈◊〉_d dragon_n be_v a_o addition_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n 〈◊〉_d must_v always_o be_v expect_v in_o their_o represent_v 〈◊〉_d these_o story_n as_o i_o have_v intimate_v before_o 〈◊〉_d the_o issue_n be_v that_o the_o golden_a fruit_n be_v steal_v a●●●_n that_o be_v in_o plain_a term_n our_o parent_n do_v eat_v of_o 〈◊〉_d forbid_v fruit._n this_o be_v a_o downright_a stea●●_n or_o robbery_n for_o it_o be_v take_v away_o that_o whi●●_n be_v not_o their_o own_o and_o which_o they_o be_v strict●●_n command_v not_o to_o take_v away_o thus_o paradise_n 〈◊〉_d remove_v by_o the_o poet_n out_o of_o asia_n into_o africa_n 〈◊〉_d whatever_o place_v it_o be_v where_o the_o hesperide_n 〈◊〉_d their_o garden_n this_o fiction_n of_o they_o be_v ma●●_n out_o of_o genesis_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o garden_n 〈◊〉_d eden_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o of_o the_o forbid_v fr●●●_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o man_n be_v tempt●●_n and_o deceive_v whence_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d poet_n philosopher_n and_o sage_n among_o the_o heath●●●_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o mo●●●_n the_o inspired_a writer_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o transgression_n of_o man_n and_o the_o orig●●_n of_o it_o the_o depravation_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o ●●●serable_a consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o as_o the_o c●●sing_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o barrenness_n which_o e●s●●●_n upon_o it_o with_o the_o infirmity_n and_o disease_n that_o m●●_n body_n be_v
tolerable_a yea_o more_o credible_a than_o to_o say_v that_o the_o curse_a fiend_n be_v imitate_v by_o god_n himself_o can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o true_a god_n be_v so_o careful_a and_o precise_a in_o follow_v the_o idolatrous_a gentile_n can_v we_o believe_v that_o he_o so_o exact_o emulate_v every_o point_n of_o idolatry_n belong_v to_o moloch_n tabernacle_n sure_o this_o can_v be_v think_v worthy_a of_o that_o alwise_a be_v this_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o what_o we_o read_v of_o he_o wherefore_o let_v we_o consult_v the_o place_n in_o amos_n have_v you_o offer_v unto_o i_o sacrifice_n and_o offering_n in_o the_o wilderness_n forty_o year_n o_o house_n of_o israel_n but_o you_o have_v bear_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o your_o moloch_n and_o chiun_n your_o image_n the_o star_n of_o your_o god_n which_o you_o make_v to_o your_o self_n chap._n 5._o 25_o 26._o here_o god_n reprove_v and_o upbraid_v the_o israelite_n for_o their_o gross_a idolatry_n and_o particular_o for_o bear_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o moloch_n whatever_o dispute_v there_o be_v about_o other_o thing_n in_o these_o word_n this_o be_v undeniable_a and_o beyond_o all_o controversy_n that_o bear_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o moloch_n be_v a_o piece_n of_o idolatrous_a service_n it_o be_v oppose_v here_o to_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o offering_n unto_o god_n with_o this_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o they_o god_n be_v provoke_v and_o incense_v and_o tell_v they_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n they_o shall_v go_v into_o captivity_n for_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v it_o then_o probable_a that_o this_o bear_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o moloch_n be_v the_o original_a of_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o he_o make_v this_o manner_n of_o worship_n his_o own_o and_o institute_v it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o solemn_a religion_n of_o the_o ●ews_n be_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o religious_a service_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n in_o ●●e_z mount_n how_o then_o can_v the_o bear_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o moloch_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v the_o first_o pattern_n as_o that_o learned_a author_n express_o say_v ●f_a tabernacle-worship_n among_o the_o jew_n god_n be_v 10._o grieve_v with_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o wilderness_n as_o he_o say_v himself_o he_o be_v exceed_o displease_v with_o they_o for_o this_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n but_o behold_v he_o soon_o change_v his_o mind_n and_o take_v a_o like_n to_o this_o way_n and_o set_v it_o up_o among_o the_o israelite_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v the_o choice_a and_o most_o sacred_a piece_n of_o divine_a worship_n thus_o god_n worship_n be_v a_o transcript_n from_o moloch_n instead_o of_o be_v the_o first_o original_a pattern_n i_o must_v needs_o confess_v i_o can_v prevail_v with_o myself_o to_o ●ntertain_v such_o thought_n as_o these_o and_o to_o frame_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o god_n i_o rather_o choose_v to_o embrace_v that_o vulgar_a error_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o style_v it_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ceremony_n which_o the_o pagan_n use_v in_o their_o religion_n be_v take_v from_o the_o worship_n prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o particular_o that_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o moloch_n i._n e._n the_o seat_n in_o which_o he_o be_v carry_v up_o and_o down_o to_o be_v worship_v the_o 〈…〉_z 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o that_o idol_n as_o st._n 43._o luke_n call_v that_o of_o the_o god_n remphan_n be_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o jewish_a tabernacle_n or_o portable_a temple_n wherein_o jehovah_n be_v present_a and_o that_o from_o the_o ark_n in_o that_o holy_a place_n the_o gentile_a worshipper_n borrow_v their_o chest_n and_o box_n and_o little_a house_n wherein_o they_o carry_v their_o god_n up_o and_o down_o i_o shall_v afterward_o have_v occasion_n to_o account_v with_o the_o learned_a author_n who_o oppon_o this_o and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o lead_v to_o it_o th●_n fore_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o here_o seven_o the_o heathen_n follow_v the_o u●_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v their_o consecrate_a place_n and_o temple_n it_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d stom_n say_v a_o faelix_fw-la ancient_a writer_n to_o go_v but_o on●_n year_n into_o some_o of_o those_o place_n and_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d unlawful_a to_o visit_v some_o of_o they_o at_o all_o baeoticis_fw-la p●nias_n instance_n in_o particular_a temple_n which_o 〈◊〉_d open_v but_o one_o day_n in_o a_o year_n and_o of_o or●us's_n 〈◊〉_d say_v 2do_fw-la none_o be_v permit_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o 〈◊〉_d the_o priest_n this_o any_o man_n may_v see_v be_v borro●_n from_o the_o divine_a constitution_n among_o god_n people_n that_o the_o high_a priest_n only_o be_v to_o go_v into_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o holies_n and_o that_o but_o once_o in_o a_o whole_a year_n t●_n this_o likewise_o i_o may_v adjoin_v that_o the_o adyta_fw-la a●_n penetralia_fw-la among_o the_o pagan_n be_v take_v from_o t●●_n holy_a of_o holies_n among_o the_o jew_n those_o pla●_n which_o be_v the_o same_o also_o with_o their_o delu●_n be_v as_o 2._o servius_n explain_v they_o secret_a r●cesses_n in_o their_o temple_n they_o be_v hide_v a●●_n remote_a apartment_n that_o be_v inaccessible_a to_o all_o 〈◊〉_d their_o priest_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v the_o name_n 〈◊〉_d adyta_fw-la as_o 3._o caesar_n observe_v this_o be_v a_o pl●_n imitation_n of_o the_o sanctum_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la that_o in●_n part_v of_o the_o sanctuary_n among_o the_o hebrew_n w●●_n there_o as_o have_v be_v say_v the_o chief_a minister_n 〈◊〉_d religion_n only_o can_v have_v access_n eight_o the_o pagan_a sacrifice_n and_o many_o rite_n usage_n and_o circumstance_n about_o they_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o old_a patriarch_n and_o jew_n of_o who_o the_o old_a testament_n give_v we_o the_o rela●ion_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v sacrilegious_a imitation_n of_o the_o hebrew_n say_v 17._o st._n austin_n peremptory_o and_o at_o several_a other_o time_n he_o profess_o declare_v that_o many_o of_o their_o religious_a observance_n be_v from_o the_o jew_n i_o may_v observe_v that_o their_o immolation_n so_o call_v from_o a_o cake_n of_o flower_n which_o the_o priest_n when_o he_o come_v to_o sacrifice_v lay_v on_o the_o head_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o their_o libation_n or_o taste_v the_o wine_n and_o sprinkle_v it_o on_o the_o beast_n head_n and_o likewise_o their_o eat_v and_o drink_v part_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v sacrifice_v make_v merry_a with_o the_o remain_v of_o what_o be_v offer_v be_v plain_a imitation_n of_o what_o the_o hebrew_n priest_n do_v the_o use_v of_o salt_n in_o sacrifice_n be_v another_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v mention_v here_o for_o this_o also_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n hence_o homer_n give_v salt_n the_o epithet_n of_o 1._o divine_a and_o plato_n observe_v that_o salt_n be_v well_o accommodate_v to_o sacred_a thing_n wherefore_o it_o be_v call_v by_o he_o timaeo_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o as_o 5._o plutarch_n transcribe_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d most_o acceptable_a to_o the_o go_n of_o what_o authority_n and_o worth_a salt_n be_v you_o may_v learn_v say_v 7._o pliny_n from_o its_o be_v constant_o use_v in_o holy_a thing_n by_o the_o ancient_n whence_o have_v they_o this_o notion_n and_o practice_n but_o from_o the_o hebrew_n among_o who_o moses_n or_o rather_o god_n order_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n 13._o to_o be_v season_v with_o salt_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v call_v in_o the_o same_o place_n salt_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o they_o be_v bind_v as_o by_o covenant_n to_o use_v it_o in_o all_o sacrifice_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n refer_v ap●plying_v it_o to_o another_o sense_n 49._o every_o sacrifice_n 〈◊〉_d be_v salt_v with_o salt_n to_o pass_v to_o some_o other_o ci●●cumstances_n relate_v to_o the_o gentile_a sacrifice_n 〈◊〉_d which_o spring_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o i●tation_n of_o the_o perpetual_a fire_n on_o the_o altar_n among_o 〈◊〉_d jew_n the_o assyrian_n and_o chaldean_n keep_v a_o fire_n 〈◊〉_d way_n burn_v and_o account_v it_o a_o very_a sacred_a 〈◊〉_d choice_a treasure_n this_o be_v nergal_o which_o we_o 〈◊〉_d mention_v in_o 2_o king_n 17._o 30._o according_a to_o the_o o●_n pinion_v of_o a_o very_a ●_o excellent_a man._n and_o so●_n think_v this_o sacred_a fire_n be_v keep_v in_o that_o city_n whi●●_n they_o call_v ur_fw-la from_fw-la ur_fw-la ignis_fw-la the_o persian_n 〈◊〉_d have_v their_o perpetual_a fire_n which_o they_o religious_o 〈◊〉_d keep_v as_o 15._o strabo_n relate_v so_o it_o be_v order_v 〈◊〉_d the_o greek_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v keep_v 〈◊〉_d the_o temple_n of_o
to_o king_n ptolomee_n by_o the_o foresay_a demetrius_n a_o very_a serious_a man_n and_o it_o be_v assign_v as_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o content_n of_o these_o sacred_a write_n which_o be_v so_o divine_a and_o admirable_a be_v but_o rare_o mention_v by_o the_o historian_n and_o poet_n these_o example_n have_v strike_v a_o terror_n into_o some_o of_o they_o have_v hear_v how_o some_o prophaner_n of_o these_o holy_a thing_n be_v animadvert_v upon_o by_o a_o divine_a hand_n they_o be_v afraid_a to_o record_v any_o passage_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n therefore_o some_o of_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o disguise_v the_o sacred_a story_n and_o to_o stuff_v they_o with_o fabulous_a narration_n that_o they_o may_v scarce_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v borrow_v from_o that_o holy_a book_n last_o the_o devil_n have_v a_o design_n in_o all_o this_o tert●lian's_n 47._o word_n be_v remarkable_a when_o he_o have_v say_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n i._n e._n the_o heathen_a fable_n rite_n and_o usage_n be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n i._n e._n the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o further_o add_v that_o this_o imitate_v of_o the_o truth_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n who_o affect_v sometime_o to_o ape_n god_n and_o what_o he_o do_v this_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o they_o be_v a_o mimical_a fort_n of_o creature_n and_o show_v themselves_o sometime_o diligent_a emulator_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a p●rsons_n and_o thing_n their_o great_a subtlety_n and_o craft_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v here_o for_o when_o they_o bring_v the_o hebre●_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o god_n own_o appointment_n into_o the_o 〈◊〉_d worship_n and_o service_n they_o do_v this_o to_o profane_v they_o and_o ●o_o make_v they_o contemptible_a and_o ridiculous_a they_o do_v it_o that_o those_o divine_a and_o sacred_a thing_n may_v be_v despise_v and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v into_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n so_o likewise_o they_o cunning_o mix_v something_o of_o sacred_a truth_n with_o fable_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v make_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a to_o be_v suspect_v satban_n be_v desirous_a to_o pervert_v and_o even_a erase_n the_o whole_a sacred_a scripture_n and_o ancient_a truth_n but_o because_o he_o see_v he_o can_v effect_v this_o he_o therefore_o contrive_v how_o he_o may_v disguise_v the_o scripture-story_n he_o set_v the_o poet_n to_o work_v to_o make_v they_o into_o fable_n and_o think_v by_o that_o mean_n to_o take_v off_o our_o esteem_n of_o those_o inspire_a write_n and_o to_o diminish_v that_o credit_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v to_o those_o sacred_a truth_n he_o push_v on_o those_o grecian_a wit_n to_o obscure_v and_o deface_v the_o old_a name_n in_o scripture_n that_o the_o original_a of_o they_o may_v not_o be_v know_v he_o out_o of_o direct_a malice_n move_v those_o fanciful_a man_n to_o invent_v fable_n to_o defame_v the_o primitive_a story_n to_o blemish_v the_o sacred_a history_n to_o obscure_v and_o pervert_v the_o truth_n the_o poet_n turn_v the_o scripture_n into_o fabulous_a narration_n be_v the_o way_n to_o invalidate_v the_o testimony_n of_o they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o seem_v a_o mere_a poetic_a fiction_n a_o dream_n a_o fancy_n that_o have_v no_o real_a bottom_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o the_o devil_n imp_v their_o fancy_n and_o assist_v their_o invention_n and_o help_v they_o to_o change_v the_o truth_n into_o a_o lie_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v rob_v god_n and_o the_o scripture_n of_o their_o honour_n this_o i_o say_v may_v be_v a_o device_n of_o that_o evil_a spirit_n as_o he_o have_v device_n and_o wiles_n of_o all_o sort_n to_o elude_v the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a history_n and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o credit_n of_o divine_a truth_n again_o as_o that_o crasty_n spirit_n design_n by_o this_o mean_n to_o disparage_v yea_o to_o null_a the_o truth_n so_o he_o think_v hereby_o to_o gain_v assent_n to_o falsehood_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o great_a impiety_n imaginable_a for_o when_o truth_n be_v mix_v with_o falshood_n he_o hope_v that_o this_o latter_a will_v be_v entertain_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o former_a and_o when_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a practice_n be_v found_v in_o those_o that_o be_v innocent_a and_o religious_a he_o expect_v that_o these_o shall_v justify_v those_o perhaps_o when_o he_o add_v the_o sacred_a ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o profane_a worship_n of_o the_o gentile_n he_o think_v thereby_o to_o take_v away_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o to_o render_v they_o alike_o so_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o true_a and_o false_a way_n of_o worship_n three_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o introduce_v several_a sacred_a rite_n and_o custom_n into_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v to_o conciliate_v to_o himself_o a_o great_a authority_n and_o esteem_n a_o great_a glory_n and_o repute_n among_o 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origen_n show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o these_o allegation_n from_o the_o antiquity_n of_o those_o relation_n in_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o thence_o prove_v that_o the_o greek_n have_v these_o from_o the_o jew_n and_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v the_o original_a tradition_n and_o that_o other_o be_v corrupt_v and_o change_v from_o these_o by_o the_o heathen_n this_o pagan_a conceit_n which_o be_v take_v up_o on_o purpose_n as_o a_o evasion_n against_o christianity_n be_v revive_v by_o some_o writer_n of_o late_a but_o by_o none_o more_o design_o and_o industrious_o carry_v on_o and_o improve_v than_o by_o a_o late_a learned_a man_n of_o our_o own_o who_o have_v deliver_v such_o admirable_a and_o choice_a thing_n on_o occasion_n of_o pursue_v this_o subject_n and_o have_v snew_v himself_o so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o literature_n that_o we_o can_v scarce_o be_v displease_v with_o his_o notion_n that_o 〈◊〉_d at_o the_o head_n of_o all_o i_o will_v not_o pretend_v t●enter_n the_o list_n with_o this_o great_a champion_n be_v conscious_a to_o my_o own_o inability_n but_o this_o i_o will_v do_v i_o will_v set_v some_o great_a man_n upon_o he_o though_o i_o have_v partly_o do_v it_o already_o and_o leave_v he_o to_o grapple_v with_o they_o josephus_n the_o learned_a jew_n be_v a_o competent_a judge_n in_o this_o matter_n viz._n whether_o the_o jew_n ●orrowed_v their_o sacred_a and_o religious_a rite_n from_o the_o gentile_n or_o whether_o on_o the_o contrary_a these_o borrow_a from_o they_o let_v we_o bear_v what_o he_o say_v 2._o there_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n say_v he_o among_o most_o nation_n a_o great_a zeal_n and_o emulation_n towards_o our_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n there_o be_v not_o a_o city_n among_o the_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n yea_o not_o any_o nation_n which_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o we_o the_o custom_n of_o rest_a on_o the_o seven_o day_n and_o 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his_o dialogue_n with_o a_o jew_n express_o declare_v that_o as_o circumcision_n have_v its_o original_a from_o abraham_n so_o the_o sabbath_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o offering_n and_o feast_n have_v they_o from_o moses_n and_o not_o from_o the_o gentile_n and_o tertullian_n speak_v of_o the_o devil_n be_v seduce_v and_o pervert_v of_o heretic_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o do_v the_o like_a also_o among_o the_o pagan_n for_o prescript_n he_o ape_n the_o most_o sacred_a and_o divine_a thing_n even_o in_o the_o idolatrous_a and_o mysterious_a worship_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o make_v use_v of_o they_o therein_o to_o profane_v and_o impious_a purpose_n this_o have_v be_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whether_o papist_n or_o protestant_n upon_o those_o word_n in_o deut._n 12._o 30._o estius_n conclude_v and_o all_o understanding_n man_n may_v do_v so_o too_o that_o institutas_fw-la from_o thence_o
agree_v with_o this_o author_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o 4._o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a and_o constant_a opinion_n among_o the_o eastern_a people_n that_o some_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o judea_n about_o that_o time_n and_o have_v the_o universal_a sway_n and_o reign_v over_o the_o world_n 12._o josephus_n the_o jewish_a historian_n relate_v the_o same_o and_o acquaint_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a rumour_n and_o vogue_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o one_o of_o their_o own_o country_n shall_v be_v a_o universal_a emperor_n which_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o forecited_n author_n apply_v to_o vespasian_n because_o he_o conquer_v the_o jew_n and_o with_o titus_n come_v from_o judea_n in_o triumph_n to_o rome_n other_o jew_n think_v this_o common_a fame_n be_v mean_v of_o herod_n assert_v he_o to_o be_v the_o person_n foretold_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o to_o be_v the_o expect_a messiah_n these_o be_v the_o herodian_o mention_v in_o mat._n 22._o 16._o thus_o though_o through_o 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who_o come_v not_o out_o of_o judea_n but_o ●ut_v of_o italy_n not_o from_o bethlehem_n but_o from_o rome_n and_o as_o for_o herod_n he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n but_o a_o idu●ean_n he_o be_v not_o bear_v in_o bethlehem_n but_o in_o ascalon_n ●ut_v in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n this_o remarkable_a prophe●y_n be_v exact_o accomplish_v he_o be_v a_o jew_n by_o ●●rth_n and_o of_o the_o city_n of_o david_n and_o constitute_v ●y_a god_n a_o matchless_a king_n and_o governor_n over_o his_o people_n behold_v a_o king_n shall_v reign_v in_o righteousness_n 〈◊〉_d 32._o 1._o and_o in_o several_a other_o place_n of_o this_o prophecy_n christ_n be_v represent_v as_o a_o king_n and_o his_o come_v be_v express_v after_o that_o manner_n there_o be_v ●iven_v he_o dominion_n and_o glory_n and_o a_o kingdom_n that_o ●ll_a people_n nation_n and_o language_n shall_v serve_v he_o his_o dominion_n be_v a_o everlasting_a dominion_n which_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d pass_v away_o and_o his_o kingdom_n that_o which_o shall_v not_o 〈◊〉_d destroy_v dan_o 7._o 14._o which_o be_v express_o apply_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o angel_n from_o heaven_n luke_n 1._o 33._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n this_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v to_o come_v to_o redeem_v and_o save_v mankind_n be_v set_v forth_o as_o a_o king_n or_o great_a lord_n and_o prince_n one_o that_o shall_v ●ear_v sway_n in_o the_o world_n and_o wield_v his_o sceptre_n over_o all_o nation_n hence_o this_o rumour_n be_v spread_v among_o the_o eastern_a people_n and_o especial_o about_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n birth_n that_o a_o great_a lord_n or_o king_n shall_v arise_v in_o those_o part_n and_o spread_v his_o dominion_n over_o the_o world_n hence_o those_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a writer_n before●_n mention_v speak_v of_o this_o great_a ruler_n and_o monarch_n who_o be_v no_o other_o than_o our_o lord_n christ_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n this_o they_o have_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o bible_n 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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 ●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 sibylls●y_a ●y_z some_o christians_n who_o be_v fall_v into_o here●●e_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o use_v a_o kind_n of_o pious_a fraud●o_n ●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 ●●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 ●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 ●nd_o feign_v on_o purpose_n by_o the_o christians_n to_o up●old_v their_o religion_n and_o faith_n and_o they_o be_v da●●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 ●●is_n be_v suspicion_n and_o prejudice_n and_o bold_a affirma●●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 si●●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 ●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 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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
the_o uppermost_a part_n of_o the_o foundation_n which_o they_o can_v convenient_o come_v at_o and_o then_o tear_v up_o the_o ground_n with_o a_o plough_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n among_o the_o roman_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o plough_n when_o they_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o city_n so_o they_o dig_v up_o the_o ground_n in_o the_o like_a manner_n when_o they_o destroy_v it_o the_o jew_n themselves_o record_v this_o we_o find_v both_o in_o the_o talmudick_n chronicle_n and_o in_o r._n ma●monides_n as_o dr._n matth._n lightfoot_n assure_v we_o that_o jerusalem_n be_v plough_v up_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o at_o which_o time_n there_o be_v a_o literal_a accomplishment_n of_o that_o prophecy_n of_o mica●_n c._n 3._o v._n 12._o zion_n shall_v be_v plough_v as_o a_o field_n afterward_o in_o adrian_n reign_n the_o jew_n rebel_a under_o the_o conduct_n of_o barchoc●ab_n as_o have_v be_v say_v the_o emperor_n cause_v all_o the_o remain_a footstep_n of_o the_o 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to_o prove_v be_v true_a viz._n that_o this_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o legion_n in_o augustu●'s_n time_n and_o be_v name_v so_o from_o the_o tunderbolt_n which_o it_o carry_v in_o the_o shield_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o ●ee_n any_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v this_o ancient_a author_n for_o why_o may_v not_o a_o name_n be_v give_v on_o different_a account_n why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v call_v the_o thunder_a legion_n for_o this_o reason_n which_o he_o mention_n as_o well_o as_o for_o that_o which_o other_o assign_v i_o do_v perceive_v that_o these_o be_v inconsistent_a eusebius_n go_v on_o and_o add_v that_o the_o emperor_n hereupon_o recall_v his_o edict_n against_o the_o christian_n and_o by_o a_o new_a decree_n appoint_v a_o severe_a punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o accuser_n of_o they_o the_o gentile_a historian_n say_v nothing_o of_o this_o and_o will_v not_o let_v we_o know_v that_o that_o miraculous_a event_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o christian_n a_o victory_n gain_v 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yet_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o displease_v the_o great_a one_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o they_o know_v any_o thing_n will_v be_v ungrateful_a and_o unacceptable_a to_o their_o master_n they_o pass_v it_o by_o thus_o when_o it_o be_v give_v out_o by_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n in_o the_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v that_o nature_n do_v then_o bring_v forth_o a_o king_n to_o the_o world_n the_o roman_a senate_n thereupon_o order_v that_o no_o child_n bear_v that_o year_n shall_v be_v bring_v up_o as_o appear_v in_o 49._o suetonius_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v check_n to_o the_o roman_a historian_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v as_o the_o sibyl_n learned_a vossius_fw-la observe_v that_o the_o kill_n of_o the_o child_n of_o bethlehem_n by_o herod_n command_n be_v not_o mention_v by_o any_o but_o the_o evangelist_n he_o may_v have_v say_v unless_o by_o
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 w●●_n the_o first_o book_n th●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 an●_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 s●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 i●_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 h●br●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
combat_n and_o because_o they_o be_v so_o like_o they_o they_o sometime_o go_v by_o that_o name_n great_a number_n of_o people_n flock_v from_o all_o part_n in_o greece_n to_o these_o solemn_a diversion_n either_o to_o try_v their_o skill_n or_o to_o be_v spectator_n and_o i_o question_v not_o but_o st._n paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n have_v be_v present_a at_o these_o exercise_n and_o observe_v their_o custom_n and_o practice_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o so_o often_o in_o his_o write_n make_v use_v of_o they_o and_o these_o game_n be_v very_o well_o know_v to_o the_o corinthian_n particular_o as_o be_v celebrate_v in_o their_o isthmus_n not_o far_o from_o corinth_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o these_o people_n say_v emphatical_o know_v you_o not_o that_o they_o which_o run_v in_o a_o race_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 9_o 24._o and_o therefore_o the_o frequent_a metaphor_n take_v from_o they_o by_o st._n paul_n be_v the_o better_o understand_v by_o they_o there_o be_v five_o sort_n of_o these_o gymnastick_a entertainment_n in_o use_n among_o the_o grecian_n which_o ψ._n eustathius_n reckon_v up_o in_o this_o order_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 30._o simonides_n comprehend_v they_o in_o this_o verse_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o epigram_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v 1._o leap_v or_o exercise_v the_o leg_n and_o arm_n by_o jump_v 2._o run_v or_o race_v 3._o coyt_v or_o hurl_v the_o bar._n 4._o cast_v the_o dart_n or_o throw_v the_o spear_n 5._o wrestle_a to_o which_o afterward_o be_v add_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pugilatus_fw-la fisticuff_n and_o after_o that_o they_o strike_v with_o battoon_n and_o leaden_a pellet_n these_o five_o grecian_a exercise_n be_v call_v by_o one_o name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o he_o that_o be_v skilled_a in_o they_o all_o or_o win_v the_o prize_n at_o they_o all_o be_v style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d though_o the_o epithet_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o another_o sense_n as_o when_o it_o be_v give_v to_o democritus_n because_o he_o be_v the_o master_n of_o five_o noble_a accomplishment_n of_o these_o several_a olympic_a conflict_n the_o chief_a and_o most_o renowned_a be_v their_o run_v or_o race_v for_o which_o the_o grecian_n be_v so_o famous_a and_o eminent_a above_o all_o other_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n who_o have_v be_v a_o spectator_n of_o their_o race_n principal_o borrow_v his_o metaphor_n from_o this_o manly_a as_o well_o as_o applaud_v kind_a of_o sport_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o his_o epistle_n which_o abound_v with_o expression_n take_v from_o this_o athletic_a exercise_n but_o he_o sometime_o allude_v to_o wrestle_a and_o the_o other_o agonistick_a erterprise_n which_o the_o grecian_n in_o those_o day_n be_v celebrate_v for_o he_o frequent_o use_v the_o term_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o these_o undertake_n as_o when_o he_o say_v 16._o he_o herein_o exercise_v himself_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n where_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v from_o those_o combat_n among_o the_o gentile_n and_o be_v apply_v to_o sacred_a thing_n the_o same_o may_v be_v observe_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o tim._n 2._o 5._o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 10._o 32._o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o tim._n 6._o 12._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 7._o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v another_o olympic_a word_n and_o be_v use_v in_o very_a many_o place_n by_o our_o apostle_n so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 12._o 11._o be_v a_o athletic_a word_n and_o proper_o signify_v that_o exercise_n which_o wrestler_n or_o the_o like_a combatant_n be_v train_v up_o to_o by_o long_a use_n and_o discipline_n and_o this_o occur_v again_o in_o 1_o tim._n 4_o 7._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d exercise_v thyself_o unto_o godliness_n i._n e._n be_v as_o eager_a in_o pursuit_n of_o piety_n as_o those_o who_o be_v train_v up_o to_o the_o olympic_a exercise_n be_v in_o their_o wrestle_a and_o other_o strive_n for_o victory_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o those_o next_o word_n bodily_a exercise_n profit_v little_a be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o olympic_a game_n which_o i_o find_v expositor_n do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o but_o interpret_v they_o of_o external_n and_o bodily_a religion_n some_o outward_a austerity_n and_o act_n of_o superstitious_a worship_n but_o the_o apostle_n as_o i_o conceive_v refer_v here_o to_o the_o immediate_o forego_v expression_n which_o he_o have_v use_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o he_o be_v apprehensive_a be_v take_v from_o the_o olympic_a combat_n and_o according_o he_o add_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bodily_a exercise_n profit_v a_o little_a for_o so_o i_o will_v translate_v it_o i._n e._n as_o i_o apprehend_v the_o word_n that_o athletic_a exercise_n of_o their_o body_n be_v useful_a to_o some_o end_n they_o have_v some_o small_a advantage_n and_o 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cor._n 9_o 24_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o in_o phil._n 3._o 12_o to_o the_o 17._o v._n which_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o metaphor_n of_o the_o grecian_a exercise_n so_o much_o in_o use_n at_o that_o time_n by_o these_o the_o apostle_n set_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o a_o evangelical_n life_n by_o which_o all_o the_o follower_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o direct_v themselves_o this_o than_o be_v be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a law_n observe_v in_o the_o agonistick_n there_o be_v peculiar_a rule_n and_o order_n which_o they_o tie_v themselves_o to_o which_o the_o apostle_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v if_o any_o man_n strive_v for_o mastery_n he_o be_v not_o crown_v except_o he_o strive_v lawful_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 5._o i_o e._n as_o s._n chrysostom_n right_o explain_v it_o except_o tim._n he_o observe_v all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o strive_v and_o omit_v nothing_o require_v of_o he_o this_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 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bear_v the_o insolence_n and_o insult_v of_o the_o enemy_n with_o a_o unimitable_a bravery_n you_o withstand_v their_o boldness_n with_o a_o confidence_n become_v the_o goodness_n of_o your_o cause_n you_o obviate_v their_o folly_n and_o madness_n with_o a_o profound_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n you_o defeat_v their_o diligence_n by_o a_o more_o unwearied_a industry_n and_o in_o brief_a you_o be_v the_o successful_a maul_n and_o scourge_n of_o the_o hector_a jesuit_n that_o lift_v up_o their_o head_n in_o that_o day_n for_o this_o you_o be_v hate_v and_o defame_v and_o be_v so_o at_o this_o hour_n by_o all_o the_o swear_a friend_n to_o the_o pontifician_n interest_n who_o look_v upon_o you_o and_o that_o just_o as_o their_o most_o dreadful_a enemy_n but_o this_o very_a thing_n deserve_o make_v your_o grace_n to_o be_v love_v admire_a and_o honour_v by_o all_o sincere_a protestant_n and_o true_a english_a man_n i_o be_o one_o that_o glory_n in_o be_v of_o that_o number_n and_o according_o i_o now_o attempt_v to_o express_v my_o infinite_a regard_v and_o veneration_n of_o your_o grace_n transcendent_a undertake_n in_o behalf_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o our_o church_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o my_o resentment_n and_o duty_n i_o here_o offer_v to_o your_o grace_n a_o discourse_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v design_v to_o be_v present_v to_o your_o lordship_n before_o you_o be_v advance_v to_o this_o supreme_a see_v to_o which_o your_o merit_n have_v call_v you._n wherefore_o i_o have_v then_o consecrate_v it_o to_o your_o name_n i_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a now_o to_o alienate_v it_o especial_o it_o be_v the_o choice_a and_o noble_a subject_n that_o i_o have_v yet_o treat_v of_o and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v not_o unworthy_a of_o your_o grace_n patronage_n i_o submit_v the_o work_n whole_o to_o your_o grace_n judgement_n and_o beg_v leave_v to_o have_v the_o honour_n of_o profess_v myself_o to_o be_v your_o grace_n most_o humble_a and_o obedient_a son_n and_o servant_n john_n edwards_n the_o preface_n i_o now_o present_a the_o reader_n with_o that_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n concern_v the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o i_o have_v attempt_v to_o display_v the_o matchless_a worth_n and_o perfection_n of_o those_o divine_a record_n beside_o the_o great_a and_o important_a remark_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v i_o can_v have_v mention_v other_o thing_n bare_o critical_a and_o which_o though_o they_o be_v of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o which_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o be_v deem_v to_o be_v excellency_n and_o embellishment_n in_o other_o author_n of_o good_a rank_n thus_o some_o critic_n have_v observe_v concern_v that_o of_o virgil_n aen._n 8._o quadrupedante_fw-la putrem_fw-la sonitu_fw-la quatit_fw-la ungula_fw-la campum_fw-la that_o in_o the_o very_a sound_n of_o the_o word_n the_o swift_a career_n of_o the_o horse_n beat_v and_o shake_v the_o ground_n with_o their_o hoof_n seem_v to_o s●rike_v the_o ear._n the_o poetic_a foot_n be_v so_o form_v that_o they_o express_v those_o of_o the_o steed_n and_o so_o in_o the_o same_o writer_n aen._n 5._o procumbit_fw-la humi_fw-la bos_fw-la be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o great_a elegancy_n and_o pulchritude_n as_o if_o it_o represent_v in_o a_o lively_a manner_n the_o dull_a and_o heavy_a f●ll_n of_o that_o creature_n both_o in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a instance_n the_o very_a noise_n of_o the_o word_n the_o very_a composure_n of_o the_o syllable_n be_v just_o applaud_v by_o the_o admirer_n of_o that_o poet._n the_o like_a i_o can_v have_v observe_v in_o the_o inspire_a write_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v poetical_a among_o which_o i_o reckon_v the_o book_n of_o isaiah_n to_o be_v one_o for_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o verse_n yet_o a_o poetic_a genius_n and_o strain_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o most_o part_n of_o it_o those_o word_n ch_n 21._o v._n 5._o prepare_v the_o table_n watch_v in_o
30_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o he_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n psal._n 115._o 3._o but_o more_o especial_o the_o divine_a oracle_n acquaint_v we_o that_o this_o divine_a and_o benign_a author_n give_v existence_n unto_o man_n the_o choice_a of_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o this_o low_a world_n who_o he_o create_v in_o his_o own_o image_n after_o his_o likeness_n gen._n 1._o 26_o 27._o that_o be_v in_o knowledge_n righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n col._n 3._o 10._o eph._n 4._o 24._o and_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o these_o sacred_a write_n how_o man_n lose_v this_o image_n and_o miferable_o deface_v and_o corrupt_v his_o nature_n viz._n by_o listen_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o by_o wilful_a disobey_v the_o divine_a command_n here_o also_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o all_o flesh_n be_v desile_v and_o pollute_v by_o this_o transgression_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o paradise_n and_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v become_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o mankind_n rom._n 5._o 12._o hence_o we_o learn_v moreover_o that_o the_o merciful_a creator_n out_o of_o his_o infinite_a and_o boundless_a philanthropy_n vouchsafe_v to_o promise_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n shall_v bruise_v satan_n head_n gen._n 3._o 15._o and_o save_v and_o redeem_v lose_v mankind_n and_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o former_a state_n of_o happiness_n here_o be_v teach_v the_o rise_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n which_o begin_v with_o our_o pe●tent_n first_o parent_n and_o their_o child_n of_o who_o abol_n be_v the_o chief_a their_o first_o and_o early_a way_n of_o express_v their_o devotion_n and_o religion_n be_v by_o offering_n and_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n gen._n 4._o 4._o to_o which_o end_n without_o doubt_n they_o erect_v altar_n though_o these_o be_v not_o mention_v till_o after_o the_o flood_n gen._n 8._o 20._o we_o be_v tell_v at_o what_o time_n there_o be_v establish_v a_o open_a and_o more_o solemn_a worship_v of_o god_n viz._n in_o seth_n day_n than_o it_o be_v that_o man_n begin_v to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o form_v a_o visible_a church_n gen._n 4._o 26._o i_o e._n a_o orderly_a and_o solemn_a society_n of_o man_n gather_v and_o choose_v out_o as_o a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o serve_v god_n for_o as_o man_n increase_v they_o begin_v to_o embody_n themselves_o into_o communion_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n more_o signal_o and_o open_o and_o with_o a_o joint_a consent_n here_o and_o no_o where_o else_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o church_n progress_n and_o increase_n under_o the_o good_a patriarch_n noah_n abraham_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o be_v inform_v what_o be_v the_o several_a defection_n and_o restoration_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o first_o age_n here_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o erection_n of_o the_o levitical_a or_o mosaic_a service_n the_o whole_a system_n of_o religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n unto_o which_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v oblige_v this_o yield_v abundant_a matter_n of_o contemplation_n and_o enquiry_n to_o the_o studious_a who_o will_v find_v that_o these_o observance_n be_v institute_v after_o the_o israelite_n have_v be_v a_o while_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o have_v show_v themselves_o inclinable_a to_o commit_v idolatry_n then_o it_o be_v that_o god_n by_o moses_n give_v they_o these_o law_n and_o prescribe_v they_o these_o usage_n which_o he_o know_v will_v be_v the_o best_a antidote_n against_o the_o idolatrous_a practice_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v round_o about_o they_o and_o withal_o if_o we_o look_v into_o these_o ceremony_n with_o a_o discern_a eye_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o they_o have_v a_o far_a end_n and_o be_v presignification_n of_o the_o great_a and_o wonderful_a transaction_n of_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n that_o they_o obscure_o point_v unto_o the_o messiah_n and_o his_o bless_a undertake_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n they_o be_v forerunner_n and_o harbinger_n of_o the_o bless_a child_n jesus_n that_o child_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v that_o son_n who_o be_v to_o be_v give_v and_o on_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n be_v to_o be_v settle_v isa._n 9_o 6._o and_o we_o be_v ascertain_v that_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n god_n actual_o send_v forth_o this_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n gal._n 4._o 4._o that_o he_o so_o love_v th●_n world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n john_n 3._o 16._o all_o ●e_n like_o sheep_n have_v gon●_n astr●y_n we_o have_v turn_v every_o one_o to_o his_o own_o way_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v lay_v on_o he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o we_o all_o isa._n 53._o 6._o he_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n 1_o pe●_n 2._o 4._o he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n he_o be_v ●ruised_v for_o our_o iniquity_n the_o chastisement_n of_o our_o peace_n be_v upon_o he_o and_o with_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v isa._n 53._o 5._o the_o true_a nature_n the_o admirable_a method_n and_o the_o inestimable_a worth_n of_o this_o heal_n and_o save_v we_o be_v the_o main_a subject_n of_o these_o inspire_a write_n where_o we_o be_v teach_v likewise_o that_o this_o salvation_n be_v free_a and_o undeserved_a and_o found_v on_o the_o mere_a grace_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o the_o acquist_n of_o any_o merit_n and_o worth_n in_o we_o we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o his_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o god_n ●ath_v set_v forth_o to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n rom._n 3._o 24._o and_o in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o this_o bless_a redeemer_n who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o take_v it_o up_o again_o rise_v from_o the_o grave_a by_o the_o irresistible_a power_n of_o his_o godhead_n and_o after_o a_o few_o day_n ascend_v glorious_o into_o heaven_n from_o whence_o he_o shall_v come_v at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o call_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o a_o account_n for_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n then_o all_o the_o dead_a shall_v hasten_v out_o of_o their_o dormitory_n and_o stand_v before_o that_o great_a tribunal_n and_o receive_v sentence_n according_a to_o their_o past_a behaviour_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o grand_a principle_n of_o our_o faith_n these_o be_v the_o fundamental_a verity_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o they_o be_v original_o fetch_v from_o this_o sacred_a volume_n and_o be_v establish_v and_o confirm_v there_o by_o unanswerable_a argument_n and_o demonstration_n behold_v here_o the_o eminency_n of_o scripture-notion_n see_v the_o transcendency_n of_o these_o excellent_a truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o bible_n here_o be_v thing_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o any_o moral_a write_n afford_v we_o these_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o gracious_a oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o satisfaction_n make_v for_o sin_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n of_o justification_n by_o his_o righteousness_n and_o other_o the_o like_o unparalleled_a discovery_n which_o be_v to_o be_v learn_v out_o of_o scripture_n only_o in_o short_a the_o bible_n be_v the_o standard_n of_o all_o notion_n proposition_n and_o article_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o square_n of_o all_o our_o opinion_n discourse_n and_o argument_n relate_v to_o christianity_n and_o all_o our_o conception_n though_o they_o seem_v never_o so_o sine_fw-la and_o plausible_a be_v of_o little_a worth_n and_o nse_n unless_o they_o be_v regulate_v according_a to_o this._n if_o there_o arise_v any_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n concern_v matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n this_o be_v the_o judge_n that_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o or_o rather_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_n for_o every_o man_n be_v to_o judge_n and_o choose_v and_o the_o rule_n whereby_o he_o be_v to_o guide_v his_o judgement_n and_o choice_n be_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a reason_n or_o conscience_n be_v our_o immediate_a guide_n or_o rule_n but_o then_o we_o must_v have_v a_o mediate_v rule_n that_o be_v a_o guide_n or_o rule_n for_o our_o reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o that_o in_o all_o sacred_a and_o religious_a thing_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o this_o and_o this_o alone_a all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v decide_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v decide_v and_o it_o be_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o this_o rule_n that_o it_o be_v
church_n hand_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n shall_v by_o she_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o her_o child_n to_o the_o world_n end_n which_o way_n of_o transmission_n be_v the_o great_a prop_n of_o our_o religion_n beside_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o 15._o thessalonian_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o by_o word_n or_o his_o epistle_n for_o he_o have_v use_v two_o way_n of_o deliver_v the_o truth_n to_o they_o namely_o preach_v and_o write_v and_o other_o apostle_n commit_v the_o chief_a and_o necessary_a head_n of_o their_o doctrine_n to_o write_v so_o that_o the_o tradition_n mean_v here_o be_v the_o reveal_v truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o christ_n deliver_v to_o they_o according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n cor._n i_o deliver_v to_o you_o that_o which_o also_o i_o receive_v whence_o they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o tradition_n i._n e._n they_o be_v evangelical_n doctrine_n deliver_v to_o we_o from_o those_o that_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o christ._n and_o whether_o they_o be_v impart_v by_o word_n or_o by_o epistle_n by_o preach_v or_o write_v they_o be_v the_o same_o the_o same_z as_o to_o substance_n the_o otherwise_o there_o may_v be_v some_o difference_n but_o that_o which_o we_o condemn_v and_o that_o most_o just_o the_o papist_n for_o be_v this_o that_o they_o magnify_v and_o rely_v upon_o tradition_n which_o have_v no_o affinity_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n yea_o which_o contradict_v it_o in_o many_o thing_n and_o yet_o they_o equalise_v these_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o sometime_o prefer_v they_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n before_o that_o of_o the_o sacred_a write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n thus_o one_o say_v caranza_n the_o church_n sometime_o do_v thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n sometime_o beside_o they_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v the_o church_n though_o she_o act_v counter_a to_o the_o formal_a decision_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o 1._o other_o famous_a doctor_n give_v it_o for_o good_a divinity_n that_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n of_o a_o council_n be_v bind_v though_o they_o be_v not_o confirm_v by_o any_o probable_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n nay_o though_o they_o be_v beyond_o and_o above_o the_o determination_n of_o scripture_n thus_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v most_o impious_o disparage_v and_o vilisy_v by_o the_o pontifician_n whereas_o there_o be_v nothing_o defective_a or_o redundant_fw-la nothing_o want_v or_o superfluous_a in_o these_o write_n they_o assert_v in_o the_o open_a face_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v short_a and_o imperfect_a and_o therefore_o have_v need_n of_o be_v supply_v by_o tradition_n which_o in_o some_o thing_n be_v of_o great_a value_n and_o authority_n than_o they_o again_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n oppugn_v or_o rather_o deny_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v evince_v from_o their_o constant_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v translate_v they_o but_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n of_o do_v it_o the_o protestant_n have_v turn_v they_o into_o so_o many_o tongue_n by_o this_o mean_n they_o be_v compel_v as_o it_o wer●_n to_o let_v some_o of_o their_o people_n see_v what_o the_o bible_n be_v in_o their_o own_o language_n but_o 2._o it_o be_v so_o corrupt_o translate_v that_o it_o be_v make_v to_o patronize_v several_a of_o their_o superstitious_a folly_n and_o error_n and_o yet_o 3._o they_o dare_v not_o commit_v these_o translation_n to_o common_a view_n although_o in_o all_o country_n where_o people_n be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n in_o elder_a time_n the_o scripture_n be_v turn_v into_o their_o language_n and_o every_o one_o be_v permit_v yea_o exhort_v to_o read_v it_o as_o be_v prove_v by_o many_o writer_n 47._o the_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n particular_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n deny_v the_o common_a people_n the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a the_o bible_n as_o some_o bad_a book_n be_v tolerate_v to_o be_v read_v with_o great_a caution_n and_o restriction_n in_o some_o country_n only_o and_o by_o some_o person_n it_o be_v like_o the_o sibyl_n prophecy_n of_o old_a among_o the_o roman_n not_o to_o be_v look_v into_o without_o the_o permission_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o senate_n none_o can_v read_v it_o without_o a_o licence_n from_o their_o superior_n so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n be_v the_o bible_n from_o this_o practice_n the_o people_n general_o imbibe_n a_o strong_a prejudice_n against_o the_o scripture_n and_o believe_v they_o can_v be_v good_a for_o they_o because_o the_o pope_n and_o their_o pastor_n tell_v they_o they_o be_v not_o wherefore_o as_o he_o one_o who_o be_v once_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ●ome_o have_v well_o observe_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o any_o man_n embrace_v popery_n he_o present_o throw_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n as_o altogether_o useless_a to_o say_v no_o worse_o which_o unreasonable_a and_o wicked_a behaviour_n of_o they_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n or_o motive_n as_o he_o profess_v of_o his_o return_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n again_o for_o what_o considerate_a man_n can_v think_v that_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o teach_v its_o member_n to_o slight_a and_o reject_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o divine_a truth_n and_o without_o which_o we_o can_v neither_o believe_v nor_o practice_v aright_o we_o can_v neither_o have_v comfort_n here_o nor_o arrive_v to_o happiness_n hereafter_o this_o indeed_o be_v not_o only_o to_o null_n ●●e_v perfection_n of_o scripture_n but_o to_o abolish_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n itself_o a_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v opposer_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n be_v enthusiast_n and_o such_o who_o act_n out_o of_o a_o true_o fanatic_a principle_n such_o be_v the_o familist_n heretofore_o who_o pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n be_v so_o high_a that_o they_o exclude_v and_o renounce_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n which_o according_a to_o their_o style_n paradox_n be_v a_o dark_a lantern_n a_o liveless_a carcase_n a_o book_n shut_v up_o and_o seal_v with_o seven_o seal_n the_o scabbard_n not_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sword_n it_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o antichrist_n wherewith_o he_o kill_v christ._n this_o be_v the_o impious_a jargon_n of_o these_o high-flown_a man_n who_o make_v no_o other_o use_n of_o the_o bible_n than_o to_o allegorise_v it_o and_o to_o turn_v it_o all_o into_o mystery_n these_o have_v be_v follow_v by_o other_o of_o a_o like_a fanatic_a spirit_n who_o have_v make_v it_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o despise_v and_o reproach_v the_o sacred_a writ_n a_o th●ologico-poll●icus_a late_a enthusiast_n or_o rather_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v such_o but_o design_n the_o overthrow_n of_o all_o religion_n tell_v the_o world_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v found_v in_o imagination_n that_o god_n revelation_n in_o scripture_n be_v ever_o according_a to_o the_o fancy_n of_o the_o prophet_n or_o other_o person_n he_o speak_v to_o and_o that_o all_o the_o phrase_n and_o speech_n all_o the_o discovery_n and_o manifestation_n yea_o all_o the_o historical_a passage_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v adapt_v to_o these_o the_o quaker_n come_v next_o and_o refuse_v to_o own_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfect_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o direct_v our_o life_n it_o be_v a_o great_a error_n and_o falsity_n say_v r●●●lation_n one_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a person_n of_o that_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o fill_v up_o canon_n and_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o no_o more_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v write_v or_o give_v forth_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o who_o agree_v 60._o another_o of_o as_o great_a repute_n among_o that_o tribe_n i_o see_v no_o necessity_n say_v he_o of_o believe_v that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v fill_v up_o and_o again_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o principal_a ground_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o knowledge_n nor_o yet_o the_o adequate_a primary_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n but_o they_o be_v only_o a_o secondary_a rule_n subordinate_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o according_o he_o add_v that_o the_o inward_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n which_o man_n
native_a language_n of_o those_o that_o possess_v that_o land_n to_o prove_v which_o he_o produce_v the_o name_n of_o person_n and_o place_n among_o they_o as_o melchisedek_n abimelek_n kirjath-seph_a jericho_n etc._n etc._n and_o thence_o infer_v that_o hebrew_n be_v the_o native_a tongue_n of_o the_o canaanite_n or_o philistine_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o the_o great_a selden_n and_o with_o he_o many_o other_o be_v mistake_v who_o affirm_v that_o 2._o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n remain_v pure_a in_o the_o family_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n only_o and_o that_o abraham_n bring_v that_o tongue_n first_o into_o canaan_n the_o contrary_n appear_v viz._n that_o this_o tongue_n be_v preserve_v even_o in_o canaan_n but_o mounseur_fw-fr bochart_n go_v too_o far_o when_o he_o add_v that_o hebrew_n be_v not_o retain_v in_o the_o family_n of_o heber_n and_o abraham_n but_o that_o this_o latter_a learn_v this_o tongue_n of_o the_o canaanite_n when_o he_o live_v with_o they_o in_o canaan_n i_o do_v not_o see_v this_o clear_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v both_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o among_o the_o canaanite_n though_o abraham_n be_v a_o chaldean_a and_o chaldee_n be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o country_n yet_o by_o the_o singular_a providence_n of_o god_n the_o hebrew_n may_v be_v keep_v up_o and_o speak_v by_o he_o nor_o do_v this_o hinder_v his_o converse_n with_o the_o chaldean_n because_o the_o chaldee_n be_v a_o dialect_n of_o the_o hebrew_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o canaan_n and_o consequent_o the_o canaanites_n be_v from_o cham_n who_o be_v a_o ●abel-builder_n and_o how_o then_o be_v the_o primitive_a hebrew_n among_o they_o it_o may_v be_v hard_a to_o resolve_v this_o and_o perhaps_o it_o be_v the_o only_a considerable_a objection_n against_o bochart_n opinion_n i_o be_o not_o now_o oblige_v to_o show_v why_o it_o be_v so_o but_o i_o be_o only_o concern_v to_o attend_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o the_o canaanite_n speak_v hebrew_n and_o consequent_o keep_v their_o tongue_n notwithstanding_o the_o confusion_n at_o babel_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o whole_o dismiss_v it_o without_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o it_o this_o may_v very_o well_o be_v because_o the_o canaanite_n speak_v hebrew_a be_v as_o much_o a_o barbarian_a and_o as_o little_o understand_v by_o another_o family_n or_o plantation_n as_o if_o god_n have_v infuse_v a_o new_a language_n or_o idiom_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v that_o hebrew_n be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o ungodly_a canaanites_n though_o true_o if_o i_o may_v speak_v free_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o this_o be_v firm_o build_v on_o that_o text_n in_o isaiah_n before_o cite_v for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o that_o be_v a_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o particular_o the_o egyptian_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o worship_n viz._n that_o of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v then_o in_o be_v and_o consequent_o this_o and_o not_o the_o ancient_a speech_n and_o dialect_n of_o canaan_n be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o language_n of_o canaan_n or_o suppose_v the_o very_a speech_n of_o that_o country_n to_o be_v mean_v yet_o we_o can_v thence_o absolute_o infer_v that_o the_o canaanite_n speak_v hebrew_n but_o only_o that_o hebrew_n be_v call_v the_o language_n of_o canaan_n which_o may_v be_v for_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o israelite_n who_o speak_v hebrew_n have_v possess_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n about_o eight_o hundred_o year_n when_o this_o be_v say_v by_o isaiah_n but_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o language_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o old_a canaanites_n to_o be_v the_o same_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o from_o what_o have_v be_v before_o allege_v we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o conclude_v as_o several_a bochart_n learned_a writer_n have_v do_v that_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o language_n of_o canaan_n i._n e._n the_o language_n which_o the_o canaanite_n speak_v from_o all_o which_o lay_v together_o and_o compare_v with_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o be_v confirm_v in_o this_o assertion_n that_o hebrew_n be_v the_o only_a language_n that_o be_v in_o use_n before_o the_o confusion_n of_o babel_n and_o so_o be_v the_o first_o tongue_n and_o the_o mother_n of_o all_o other_o eastern_a tongue_n this_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o universal_a belief_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v very_o positive_a here_o and_o it_o have_v be_v hold_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o learnede_a pagnin_n christians_o who_o have_v treat_v on_o this_o subject_a this_o be_v the_o language_n which_o god_n himself_o speak_v as_o be_v manifest_a from_o abundant_a instance_n some_o of_o which_o have_v be_v refer_v to_o and_o there_o be_v many_o other_o as_o god_n change_v of_o the_o name_n of_o abram_n sarai_n jacob_n etc._n etc._n and_o several_a name_n and_o memorial_n in_o the_o forty_o year_n abide_v of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n testify_v this_o this_o be_v the_o ancient_n and_o holy_a tongue_n that_o be_v use_v by_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o without_o doubt_v it_o be_v immediate_o teach_v they_o by_o god_n for_o he_o that_o bestow_v upon_o they_o other_o excellent_a benefit_n deny_v they_o not_o speech_n therefore_o this_o be_v a_o special_a gift_n of_o the_o creator_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o donative_n confer_v on_o adam_n and_o eve_n and_o it_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o and_o by_o all_o the_o antediluvian_o yea_o all_o noah_n posterity_n till_o the_o confusion_n at_o babel_n in_o this_o first_o and_o ancient_a language_n be_v the_o pentateuch_n and_o even_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n write_v and_o that_o in_o those_o very_a hebrew_n letter_n which_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n for_o the_o samaritan_n one_o which_o by_o some_o be_v cry_v up_o for_o the_o ancient_a be_v but_o a_o corrupt_a imitation_n of_o these_o in_o this_o holy_a language_n and_o character_n both_o of_o his_o own_o institution_n god_n will_v have_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n express_v and_o record_v in_o this_o book_n alone_o be_v the_o first_o name_n of_o man_n and_o beast_n in_o that_o tongue_n denote_v their_o particular_a nature_n and_o quality_n which_o i_o may_v have_v mention_v before_o to_o show_v the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o tongue_n nay_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v this_o that_o this_o first_o way_n of_o speak_v among_o mankind_n be_v no_o where_o preserve_v but_o in_o these_o write_n for_o after_o the_o babylonian_a captivity_n which_o be_v about_o three_o thousand_o and_o four_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o creation_n this_o original_a speech_n be_v no_o long_o the_o language_n of_o any_o particular_a nation_n for_o the_o captive_a jew_n lose_v this_o tongue_n at_o babylon_n a_o place_n fatal_a to_o hebrew_a at_o first_o in_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n and_o afterward_o in_o this_o people_n forget_v their_o language_n there_o insomuch_o that_o at_o their_o return_n home_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v the_o book_n of_o their_o own_o law_n but_o by_o a_o interpreter_n neh._n 8._o 7_o 8._o for_o they_o have_v change_v their_o hebrew_a into_o a_o mix_v language_n compound_v partly_o of_o hebrew_n and_o partly_o of_o chaldee_n which_o be_v afterward_o call_v syriack_n but_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o pure_a hebrew_n be_v keep_v entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a and_o be_v extant_a at_o this_o day_n in_o no_o write_n but_o these_o if_o any_o grammarian_n and_o critic_n can_v say_v the_o like_o concern_v the_o greek_a or_o latin_a tongue_n that_o there_o be_v one_o book_n wherein_o either_o of_o these_o in_o its_o first_o purity_n be_v whole_o contain_v they_o will_v be_v very_o lavish_a in_o their_o encomium_n of_o that_o volume_n and_o the_o prelation_n of_o it_o to_o all_o other_o shall_v not_o want_v set_v forth_o behold_v here_o the_o whole_a hebrew_n tongue_n and_o that_o in_o its_o native_a lustre_n comprise_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o no_o one_o book_n upon_o earth_n beside_o this_o be_v there_o lodge_v a_o whole_a language_n which_o shall_v invite_v all_o admirer_n and_o lover_n of_o ancient_a literature_n to_o prize_v it_o and_o the_o book_n write_v in_o it_o certain_o this_o be_v a_o high_a commendation_n of_o these_o sacred_a write_n and_o give_v they_o the_o preference_n to_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o second_o they_o right_o claim_v this_o because_o they_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o find_v record_v in_o no_o other_o write_n for_o though_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o some_o circumstance_n which_o appertain_v to_o it_o be_v obscure_o intimate_v in_o some_o pagan_a historian_n and_o poet_n and_o thereby_o as_o i_o have_v late_o show_v on_o another_o occasion_n testimony_n be_v give_v
same_o person_n be_v the_o author_n of_o vocal_a music_n it_o be_v so_o natural_a and_o usual_a to_o join_v this_o with_o the_o other_o these_o inspire_a write_n be_v the_o first_o that_o te●●_n we_o on_o what_o occasion_n these_o several_a fort_n of_o mu●●●_n be_v use_v of_o old_a as_o namely_o first_o in_o a_o religious_a way_n harmony_n both_o vocal_a and_o instrumental_a be_v primitive_o consecrate_v to_o god_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o exod._n 15._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o not_o only_o sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n v_o 1._o and_o that_o alternate_o for_o miriam_n ans●ored_v they_o viz._n the_o person_n that_o ●ung_v before_o she_o repeat_v their_o song_n ●_o 21._o which_o s●ews_v the_o antiquity_n of_o that_o alternate_a way_n of_o sing_v but_o they_o make_v use_v of_o timbrel_n v_o 20._o and_o afterward_o in_o david_n reign_n it_o more_o solemn_o become_v a_o religious_a exercise_n he_o so_o often_o make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o personal_a and_o private_a devotion_n for_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o excellent_a poet_n and_o compose_v psalm_n and_o hymn_n which_o by_o the_o by_o show_v that_o poetry_n be_v a_o accomplishment_n worthy_a of_o a_o prince_n yea_o of_o a_o saint_n but_o he_o play_v with_o great_a skill_n on_o musical_a instrument_n hence_o he_o mention_n his_o harp_n and_o other_o instrument_n often_o in_o his_o book_n of_o psalm_n and_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o we_o read_v in_o 1_o sam._n 16._o 19_o that_o he_o be_v initiate_v into_o this_o art_n betimes_o and_o be_v very_o eminent_a in_o it_o when_o he_o be_v a_o young_a man_n otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o have_v be_v send_v for_o to_o court_n but_o he_o not_o only_o make_v and_o play_v his_o psalm_n but_o he_o sing_v they_o and_o be_v so_o famous_a for_o it_o that_o he_o be_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n style_v 1._o the_o sweet_a psalmist_n or_o singer_n of_o israel_n nor_o be_v music_n his_o own_o entertainment_n only_o but_o it_o be_v by_o he_o constitute_v a_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n he_o be_v poetical_a and_o musical_a indict_v hymn_n and_o his_o skilful_a musician_n 25._o set_v they_o to_o grave_n and_o serious_a tune_n and_o then_o they_o be_v devote_v to_o the_o church_n and_o do_v still_o remain_v pattern_n of_o devotion_n and_o so_o shall_v to_o all_o age_n to_o the_o religious_a use_n of_o music_n both_o of_o voice_n and_o instrument_n those_o word_n in_o psal._n 68_o 25._o refer_v the_o singer_n sharim_n the_o prince_n or_o chief_a master_n of_o sing_v ●ent_v before_o the_o nogenim_n the_o player_n on_o instrument_n follow_v after_o among_o they_o or_o in_o the_o middle_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n viz._n between_o the_o singing-man_n and_o player_n be_v the_o damsel_n play_v with_o timbrel_n so_o that_o both_o sex_n be_v wont_a to_o join_v in_o consort_n at_o the_o joyful_a bring_v forth_o and_o procession_n of_o the_o ark_n which_o be_v here_o mean_v and_o call_v the_o go_n of_o god_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n v_o 24._o to_o this_o belong_v 13._o sam._n 6._o 5._o david_n and_o all_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n play_v before_o the_o lord_n on_o all_o manner_n of_o instrument_n viz._n at_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o ark._n and_o those_o musical_a instrument_n be_v particular_o and_o distinct_o mention_v in_o the_o next_o word_n harp_n psaltery_n timbrel_n cornet_n cymbal_n afterward_o in_o solomon_n time_n when_o the_o temple_n be_v erect_v and_o singing-man_n and_o diverse_a order_n and_o degree_n of_o musician_n be_v appoint_v some_o be_v master_n other_o scholar_n and_o candidate_n as_o we_o may_v inform_v ourselves_o from_o 1_o chron._n 15._o 22._o &_o 25._o 7._o ne●_n 12._o 46._o music_n be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o there_o be_v not_o only_o sing_v of_o psalm_n but_o play_v upon_o instrument_n of_o which_o some_o be_v 1._o neginoth_n such_o as_o yield_v a_o sound_n by_o touch_n or_o stroke_n other_o be_v 1._o nechiloth_n wind-instrument_n this_o be_v the_o pompous_a service_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n this_o be_v the_o temple-musick_n which_o begin_v not_o as_o dr._n lightfoot_n think_v till_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o drink-offering_a when_o the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n as_o the_o psalmist_n call_v it_o go_v about_o and_o here_o also_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o religious_a and_o prophetic_a rapture_n of_o holy_a man_n be_v attend_v with_o and_o promote_v by_o music_n thus_o a_o company_n of_o prophet_n come_v down_o from_o the_o high_a place_n where_o they_o have_v be_v worship_v with_o a_o psaltery_a and_o a_o tabret_n and_o a_o pipe_n and_o harp_n before_o they_o 1_o sam._n 10._o 5._o praise_a god_n with_o song_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dictate_v to_o they_o thus_o the_o famous_a prophet_n elisha_n call_v for_o a_o minstrel_n and_o when_o the_o minstrel_n play_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v upon_o he_o 2_o king_n 3._o 15._o i_o e._n he_o be_v stir_v up_o thereby_o to_o undertake_v and_o accomplish_v great_a thing_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n of_o which_o you_o read_v in_o the_o ensue_a verse_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o music_n be_v think_v to_o be_v divine_a that_o it_o be_v as_o plato_n faith_n of_o it_o the_o invention_n 2d_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o though_o he_o speak_v this_o of_o the_o egyptian_a music_n yet_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v that_o the_o pagan_a writer_n common_o call_v that_o egyptian_a which_o be_v hebrew_n for_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o take_v the_o jew_n for_o native_n of_o egypt_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o sacred_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o music_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v refer_v to_o by_o this_o philosopher_n thus_o music_n be_v first_o dedicate_v to_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n but_o we_o read_v that_o upon_o other_o occasion_n also_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o viz._n at_o all_o solemn_a time_n of_o rejoice_v hence_o laban_n compliment_v jacob_n after_o this_o manner_n that_o if_o he_o have_v know_v of_o his_o intention_n of_o go_v away_o from_o he_o he_o will_v have_v send_v he_o away_o with_o mirth_n and_o with_o song_n with_o tabret_n and_o with_o harp_n gen._n 31._o 27._o it_o seem_v this_o be_v the_o ancient_a entertainment_n at_o their_o farewell_n and_o the_o same_o be_v use_v at_o all_o great_a festival_n the_o harp_n and_o the_o viol_n the_o tabret_n and_o pipe_n as_o well_o as_o wine_n be_v in_o their_o feast_n isa._n 5._o 12._o they_o chant_v to_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o viol_n am._n 6._o 5._o and_o therefore_o to_o express_v the_o cessation_n of_o these_o feast_n it_o be_v say_v the_o mirth_n of_o tabret_o cease_v the_o joy_n of_o the_o harp_n cease_v isa._n 24._o 8._o yea_o at_o the_o most_o innocent_a festival_n this_o be_v not_o think_v unlawful_a as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o luk._n 15._o 25._o where_o at_o the_o solemn_a eat_v and_o drink_v which_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o prodigal_a son_n return_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o consort_n of_o many_o voice_n and_o instrument_n as_o the_o word_n proper_o import_v this_o as_o multitude_n of_o author_n acquaint_v we_o be_v the_o general_a usage_n among_o the_o old_a greek_n and_o roman_n and_o what_o if_o i_o shall_v ●ay_n that_o this_o be_v mean_v by_o r._n homer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whence_o perhaps_o the_o word_n anthem_n for_o music_n be_v on●_n of_o the_o constant_a attendant_n at_o their_o feast_n this_o likewise_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o express_v their_o mirth_n at_o tiding_n of_o victory_n and_o the_o triumphal_a return_n of_o general_n and_o captain_n thus_o iephthah_n daughter_n come_v out_o to_o meet_v he_o with_o timbrel_n judg._n 11._o 34._o when_o david_n and_o saul_n return_v from_o the_o slaughter_n of_o the_o philistine_n the_o woman_n come_v out_o of_o all_o city_n of_o israel_n sing_v and_o dance_v to_o meet_v they_o with_o tabret_o with_o joy_n and_o with_o instrument_n of_o music●_n 1_o sam._n 18._o 6._o and_o it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n the_o woman_n answer_v one_o another_o as_o they_o play_v which_o be_v another_o instance_n of_o alternate_a sing_v this_o be_v the_o custom_n at_o the_o coronation_n of_o king_n 2_o chron._n 23._o 13._o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n rejoice_v and_o ●ounded_v with_o trumpet_n also_o the_o singer_n with_o instrument_n of_o music_n and_o at_o all_o other_o season_n of_o mirth_n this_o be_v the_o wont_a diversion_n and_o entertainment_n yea_o it_o be_v use_v on_o special_a occasion_n to_o expel_v melancholy_a and_o to_o free_a man_n of_o their_o distemper_n both_o of_o body_n and_o mind_n otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v seek_v out_o a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o cunning_a player_n on_o
a_o consequent_a of_o they_o the_o many_o disappointment_n and_o cross_n he_o meet_v with_o the_o various_a judgement_n and_o plague_n which_o be_v inflict_v on_o he_o and_o his_o people_n by_o god_n the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n be_v the_o history_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n under_o the_o reign_v of_o their_o several_a king_n the_o first_o contain_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o life_n of_o david_n and_o his_o death_n the_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n of_o that_o nation_n under_o solomon_n who_o succeed_v he_o his_o erect_n and_o consecrate_v of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n his_o scandalous_a defection_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o sudden_a decay_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n after_o his_o death_n when_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o kingdom_n under_o rehoboam_n who_o reign_v over_o the_o two_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n and_o under_o jeroboam_fw-la who_o be_v king_n over_o the_o other_o ten_o tribe_n that_o revolt_v from_o the_o house_n of_o david_n the_o rest_n of_o it_o be_v spend_v in_o relate_v the_o act_n of_o four_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o eight_o of_o israel_n the_o second_o book_n which_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o king_n be_v a_o relation_n of_o the_o memorable_a act_n of_o sixteen_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o twelve_o of_o israel_n and_o the_o end_n of_o both_o kingdom_n by_o the_o carry_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n captive_a into_o assyria_n by_o salmanasser_n and_o the_o other_o two_o into_o babylon_n by_o nabuchadnezzar_n the_o just_a reward_n of_o that_o people_n idolatry_n and_o impenitency_n after_o so_o many_o favour_n show_v to_o they_o this_o and_o the_o former_a book_n together_o comprehend_v the_o history_n of_o about_o four_o hundred_o year_n the_o chronicle_n or_o journals_n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v the_o fill_v up_o of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o history_n which_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o though_o we_o know_v not_o which_o of_o these_o history_n viz._n of_o the_o king_n or_o the_o chronicle_n i_o speak_v as_o to_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o book_n not_o one_o particular_a passage_n as_o that_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o chronicle_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o cyrus_n which_o may_v be_v add_v afterward_o be_v write_v first_o for_o the_o book_n of_o king_n refer_v to_o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n and_o this_o again_o send_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o yet_o this_o we_o see_v that_o this_o of_o the_o chronicle_n be_v more_o full_a and_o ample_a sometime_o than_o that_o of_o the_o king_n what_o be_v leave_v out_o or_o not_o so_o full_o set_v down_o in_o the_o one_o be_v supply_v in_o the_o other_o and_o thence_o these_o book_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n remain_n supplement_n addition_n by_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n the_o first_o book_n of_o chronicle_n relate_v the_o rise_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o entire_a subject_n of_o the_o first_o nine_o chapter_n which_o consist_v whole_o of_o genealogy_n and_o then_o afterward_o most_o punctual_o and_o accurate_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o david_n the_o second_o book_n as_o faithful_o set_v down_o the_o progress_n and_o end_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n even_o to_o the_o year_n of_o their_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n these_o book_n of_o chronicle_n together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o king_n and_o samuel_n make_v up_o the_o best_a and_o choice_a history_n in_o the_o world_n here_o we_o be_v abundant_o furnish_v with_o such_o useful_a notice_n truth_n and_o maxim_n as_o these_o all_o confirm_v by_o note_a and_o illustrious_a example_n and_o such_o instance_n as_o be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a crown_a head_n be_v encircle_v with_o care_n and_o seldom_o find_v rest_n and_o repose_v though_o their_o life_n be_v more_o splendid_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o less_o calamitous_a than_o those_o of_o the_o common_a people_n good_a king_n be_v rare_a and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bad._n the_o best_a king_n have_v their_o fault_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o a_o very_a scandalous_a nature_n there_o be_v little_a piety_n in_o prince_n court_n and_o as_o little_a integrity_n and_o honesty_n the_o people_n be_v easy_o induce_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o governor_n and_o religion_n and_o manner_n too_o often_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o superior_n good_a king_n be_v the_o great_a blessing_n and_o wicked_a one_o be_v the_o great_a curse_n to_o a_o nation_n prince_n mistake_v their_o measure_n when_o they_o either_o disobey_v god_n or_o oppress_v their_o people_n tyrannical_a prince_n procure_v their_o own_o ruin_n the_o sin_n and_o vice_n of_o ruler_n prove_v fatal_a to_o their_o subject_n public_a enormity_n be_v punish_v with_o public_a and_o national_a calamity_n king_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o minister_n they_o choose_v and_o make_v use_n of_o those_o counsel_n that_o be_v found_v in_o religion_n be_v most_o successful_a evil_a counselor_n contrive_v their_o own_o destruction_n war_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o fight_v against_o god_n the_o success_n of_o arm_n depend_v upon_o the_o divine_a blessing_n the_o church_n be_v never_o more_o shock_a then_o under_o bad_a prince_n religion_n and_o reformation_n be_v never_o effectual_o promote_v unless_o the_o great_a one_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o they_o division_n and_o rent_n about_o religion_n have_v immediate_a influence_n on_o secular_a affair_n and_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v the_o state_n be_v so_o too_o the_o revolution_n in_o both_o be_v by_o the_o particular_a disposal_n of_o the_o wise_a over-ruler_n of_o the_o world_n true_a religion_n and_o godliness_n be_v attend_v with_o earthly_a reward_n and_o blessing_n and_o the_o contrary_n bring_v down_o the_o great_a plague_n even_o in_o this_o world_n the_o worst_a time_n afford_v some_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o holy_a religious_a and_o zealous_a men._n whatever_o change_n and_o revolution_n happen_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o church_n of_o god_n remain_v secure_a though_o there_o be_v great_a and_o frequent_a defection_n yet_o there_o never_o be_v a_o total_a extinction_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n the_o church_n be_v impregnable_a this_o rock_n be_v immovable_a and_o many_o other_o proposition_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v of_o great_a service_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o these_o excellent_a history_n ezra_n be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a book_n of_o chronicle_n and_o comprise_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o time_n that_o cyrus_n make_v the_o edict_n for_o their_o return_n until_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n longimanus_fw-la which_o be_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n for_o the_o jew_n return_v from_o babylon_n be_v at_o two_o several_a time_n viz._n first_o in_o the_o day_n of_o cyrus_n the_o first_o per●●an_n monarch_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o zerubbabel_n their_o captain_n and_o jeshua_n their_o high_a priest_n here_o be_v record_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o return_v cyrus_n proclamation_n for_o the_o rebuild_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o lay_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o the_o retard_v of_o the_o work_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o two_o of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n at_o last_o the_o finish_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o darius_n reign_n the_o second_o return_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o artaxerxes_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o ezra_n a_o priest_n who_o have_v be_v a_o courtier_n in_o the_o persian_a court_n and_o be_v send_v into_o judea_n by_o artaxerxes_n in_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n which_o be_v above_o eighty_o year_n after_o the_o first_o return_n in_o cyrus_n time_n to_o expedite_v the_o building_n of_o jerusalem_n this_o pious_a reformer_n observe_v the_o people_n 〈◊〉_d with_o stranger_n and_o infidel_n and_o their_o join_a themselves_o to_o they_o in_o marriage_n proclaim_v a_o solemn_a fast_o and_o pray_v and_o mourn_v and_o lament_v their_o gross_a miscarriage_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n and_o zeal_n exhort_v they_o to_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o way_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o avert_v god_n wrath_n and_o conciliate_v his_o favour_n and_o pardon_n this_o be_v that_o ezra_n who_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o this_o book_n and_o who_o be_v also_o a_o restorer_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o collect_v and_o methodise_v they_o into_o certain_a order_n and_o review_v the_o copy_n and_o amend_v all_o errata_n that_o be_v contract_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n nehemiah_n who_o
act_n and_o work_v of_o holiness_n wherefore_o he_o offer_v several_a plain_a mark_n and_o token_n whereby_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v real_a christian_n true_o religious_a and_o the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o he_o propound_v be_v this_o that_o if_o they_o love_v god_n and_o their_o brethren_n and_o demonstrate_v this_o love_n by_o the_o proper_a and_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o it_o than_o they_o may_v conclude_v they_o be_v christian_n indeed_o otherwise_o they_o be_v mere_a stranger_n to_o christianty_n and_o to_o all_o religion_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o they_o this_o the_o belove_a disciple_n and_o divine_a amourist_n incul●ates_v with_o that_o spirit_n warmth_n and_o earnestness_n which_o so_o weighty_a a_o subject_n deserve_v his_o second_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o elect_a lady_n and_o her_o child_n that_o be_v say_v st._n agerach_n jerom_n to_o some_o eminent_a select_a church_n in_o asia_n and_o to_o all_o the_o christian_n belong_v to_o it_o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o athenian_n and_o curia_n with_o the_o roman_n be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o assembly_n perhaps_o ephesus_n be_v mean_v say_v a_o loc_n learned_a man_n which_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o asia_n and_o so_o may_v more_o signal_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o it_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n that_o a_o person_n not_o a_o church_n 〈◊〉_d mean_v here_o and_o that_o st._n john_n the_o evangelist_n not_o another_o presbyter_n of_o that_o name_n as_o st._n eccles._n jerom_n think_v write_v to_o a_o virtuous_a lady_n who_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d servant_n of_o christ_n a_o very_a godly_a and_o religion_n woman_n or_o it_o may_v be_v her_o proper_a name_n be_v loc_n elect_a as_o a_o learned_a critic_n have_v conjecture_v which_o may_v seem_v the_o more_o probable_a because_o the_o word_n have_v no_o article_n prefix_v to_o it_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o our_o saviour_n himself_o as_o the_o evangelical_n write_n inform_v we_o to_o make_v his_o application_n to_o those_o of_o this_o sex_n to_o cherish_v and_o commend_v their_o virtue_n it_o be_v particular_o record_v that_o 4._o of_o the_o chief_a woman_n afterward_o call_v 12._o honourable_a woman_n not_o a_o few_o be_v st._n paul_n proselyte_n and_o to_o descend_v low_a we_o read_v that_o st._n jerom_n take_v great_a pain_n in_o instruct_v the_o roman_a lady_n and_o in_o commend_v and_o encourage_v their_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yea_o many_o of_o his_o write_n be_v direct_v and_o dedicate_v to_o noble_a woman_n widow_n and_o virgin_n as_o paula_n eustochium_fw-la salvina_n celantia_n and_o several_a other_o that_o be_v roman_a lady_n and_o of_o noble_a extraction_n such_o be_v our_o elect_n here_o who_o be_v the_o only_a person_n of_o that_o sex_n to_o who_o a_o inspire_a epistle_n be_v write_v she_o be_v commend_v for_o her_o virtuous_a bring_v up_o her_o child_n she_o be_v exhort_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o perservere_a in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o delusion_n of_o false_a teacher_n but_o chief_o the_o apostle_n beseech_v this_o noble_a matron_n to_o practice_v the_o great_a and_o indispensable_a commandment_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n his_o three_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o gaius_n a_o convert_v jew_n or_o gentile_a as_o other_o think_v because_o he_o have_v a_o roman_a name_n a_o man_n of_o a_o fair_a estate_n and_o who_o have_v be_v very_o bountiful_a and_o hospitable_a to_o the_o saint_n the_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v to_o own_o and_o commend_v his_o hospitality_n especial_o his_o seasonable_a beneficence_n and_o charity_n to_o stranger_n to_o those_o that_o be_v exile_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o charity_n and_o liberality_n to_o the_o distress_a brethren_n demetrius_n be_v propound_v as_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o for_o which_o and_o all_o other_o virtue_n he_o have_v the_o good_a report_n of_o all_o man_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o truth_n itself_o that_o be_v as_o he_o be_v speak_v well_o of_o by_o every_o one_o so_o he_o real_o deserve_v it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o complain_v of_o the_o uncharitable_a insolent_a and_o ambitious_a diotrephes_n a_o prate_a opposer_n not_o only_o of_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o of_o all_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o jesus_n the_o general_a epistle_n of_o jude_n or_o judas_n as_o we_o render_v it_o in_o john_n 14._o 22._o it_o be_v the_o same_o name_n with_o that_o of_o the_o traitor_n for_o it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n to_o have_v the_o same_o name_n as_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n eliab_n jehu_n hananiah_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o new_a testament_n simon_n john_n ananias_n be_v instance_n of_o this_o this_o epistle_n i_o say_v of_o this_o good_a apostle_n with_o a_o bad_a man_n name_n be_v write_v to_o all_o christian_a church_n or_o at_o least_o to_o all_o the_o jewish_a christian_n disperse_v the_o same_o to_o who_o st._n james_n and_o st._n peter_n write_v wherein_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n against_o those_o dream_v heretic_n and_o seducer_n that_o be_v at_o that_o time_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n who_o erroneous_a tenant_n and_o ungodly_a practice_n he_o here_o particular_o decipher_v and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n vengeance_n on_o other_o great_a offender_n infer_v the_o certainty_n of_o these_o man_n ruin_n in_o short_a this_o epistle_n have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a apostolic_a spirit_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o argument_n with_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o epitome_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o need_v not_o be_v very_o particular_a in_o rehearse_v the_o content_n the_o last_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n the_o divine_a which_o epithet_n be_v signal_o give_v to_o he_o here_o because_o of_o the_o divinity_n and_o sublimity_n of_o his_o rapture_n because_o he_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o great_a communication_n of_o divine_a mystery_n it_o may_v be_v refer_v either_o to_o the_o historical_a book_n or_o to_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o former_a because_o it_o be_v a_o prophetic_a history_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o latter_a because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o epistle_n after_o the_o three_o first_o verse_n by_o way_n of_o preface_n viz._n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n at_o first_o plant_v by_o and_o now_o under_o the_o government_n of_o st._n john_n and_o as_o it_o begin_v so_o it_o end_v after_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o conclude_a epistle_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n ●brist_n be_v with_o you_o all_o amm._n concern_v the_o precise_a time_n when_o st._n john_n receive_v and_o when_o he_o write_v this_o revelation_n there_o be_v some_o dispute_n but_o the_o most_o probable_a if_o not_o the_o most_o general_o receive_v opinion_n be_v that_o he_o be_v ●●nished_v into_o patmos_n a_o isle_n in_o the_o archipelago_n situate_v about_o forty_o mile_n from_o the_o continent_n of_o asia_n by_o domitian_n under_o who_o be_v the_o second_o persecution_n this_o revelation_n be_v deliver_v to_o he_o about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o emperor_n reign_n but_o at_o several_a time_n and_o that_o he_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v about_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o vision_n themselves_o i_o will_v not_o here_o particular_o in●ist_v upon_o any_o of_o they_o only_o in_o general_n it_o be_v common_o say_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seal_n set_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o heathen_a persecution_n from_o nero_n to_o the_o end_n of_o dioclesian_n persecution_n the_o vision_n of_o the_o trumpet_n which_o follow_v that_o show_v the_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o heresy_n schism_n and_o persecution_n afterward_o in_o the_o time_n succeed_v the_o pagan_a roman_a emperor_n viz._n under_o papacy_n and_o then_o the_o vial_n tell_v what_o vengeance_n befall_v the_o papal_a antichrist_n and_o all_o the_o church_n enemy_n so_o that_o the_o seal_n trumpet_n and_o vial_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o three_o grand_a period_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v great_a probability_n of_o this_o but_o i_o must_v add_v and_o i_o will_v offer_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n as_o a_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o order_n to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o book_n that_o the_o order_n of_o time_n and_o history_n be_v