Exercitations divine Containing diverse questions and solutions for the right understanding of the Scriptures. Proving the necessitie, majestie, integritie, perspicuitie, and sense thereof. As also shewing the singular prerogatiues wherewith the Lord indued those whom he appointed to bee the pen-men of them. Together with the excellencie and use of divinitie above all humane sciences. All which are cleared out of the Hebrew, and Greeke, the two originall languages in which the Scriptures were first written, by comparing them with the Samaritane, Chaldie, and Syriack copies, and with the Greeke interpretors, and vulgar Latine translation. By Iohn Weemse, of Lathocker in Scotland, preacher of Christs Gospell.

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Exercitations divine Containing diverse questions and solutions for the right understanding of the Scriptures. Proving the necessitie, majestie, integritie, perspicuitie, and sense thereof. As also shewing the singular prerogatiues wherewith the Lord indued those whom he appointed to bee the pen-men of them. Together with the excellencie and use of divinitie above all humane sciences. All which are cleared out of the Hebrew, and Greeke, the two originall languages in which the Scriptures were first written, by comparing them with the Samaritane, Chaldie, and Syriack copies, and with the Greeke interpretors, and vulgar Latine translation. By Iohn Weemse, of Lathocker in Scotland, preacher of Christs Gospell.
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Weemes, John, 1579?-1636.
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London :: Printed by T. Cotes for Iohn Bellamie, and are to be sold at his shoppe at the signe of the three Golden Lyons in Cornehill, neere the Royall Exchange,
1632.
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Theology, Doctrinal -- Early works to 1800.
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"Exercitations divine Containing diverse questions and solutions for the right understanding of the Scriptures. Proving the necessitie, majestie, integritie, perspicuitie, and sense thereof. As also shewing the singular prerogatiues wherewith the Lord indued those whom he appointed to bee the pen-men of them. Together with the excellencie and use of divinitie above all humane sciences. All which are cleared out of the Hebrew, and Greeke, the two originall languages in which the Scriptures were first written, by comparing them with the Samaritane, Chaldie, and Syriack copies, and with the Greeke interpretors, and vulgar Latine translation. By Iohn Weemse, of Lathocker in Scotland, preacher of Christs Gospell." In the digital collection Early English Books Online 2. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A14907.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed April 25, 2025.

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EXERCITATIONS DIVINE.

The first Booke, containing diverse Questions for the understanding of the Scriptures in generall.

Exercitat. Divine. 1.

Of the excellency of DIVINITIE, above all other Sciences.

2 TIMOT. 3. 16.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, &c.

HVmane Sciences and Arts, have * 1.1 beene fitly compared to the dough which the Israelites brought out of Egypt, Exod. 12. 34. which they fed upon untill they got Manna: This dough was prepared by much labour; by plowing, by sowing, by rea∣ping, by grinding, kneading, and baking: So humane Sciences which are the birth of reason, are bred below here: but Divinitie is like unto Manna which was pre∣pared

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or ready to their hand; they neither plowed for it, neither did sow it, nor reaped it. So Divinity is pre∣pared in heaven, and sent downe to teach the Church here below. The dough which they brought out of Egypt, Deut. 16. 3. is called, panis pauperum, the poores * 1.2 bread; it is called the poores bread, because the poore in their necessity could not bee at leasure to ferment it, and it had not so pleasant a relish; therefore it is called the poores bread: but Manna is called the bread of * 1.3 Angels, Psal. 78. 25. It is called the bread of Angels, be∣cause it was brought downe by their ministerie; and it was so pleasant in taste, that if the Angels had eaten bread, it might have served them: So 1 Cor. 13. 1. If I speake with the tongue of Angels, that is, if the Angels had tongues to speake with: And as farre as Manna surpas∣sed the poores bread, as farre and farther doth Divinity surpasse humane Sciences and Arts.

Againe, the world hath beene well compared to E∣gypt, * 1.4 and the Church to Canaan: Egypt was a Land that was watered with the feete of men, Deut. 11, 10. It was said to be watered with the feete of men, as a garden, * 1.5 because they carried water on foote out of Nilus, and watered their Land with it: but Canaan was a Land * 1.6 blessed of God, and his eyes were upon it from the be∣ginning of the yeere to the end, Deut. 11. 12. It was a land of hils and valleyes, and drinketh water of the raine of heaven. The world is but watered with hu∣mane Sciences and Arts, which are drawne out of the troubled reason of man like Nilus: but the Church is watered with these celestiall graces which come from above.

Now that we may see the excellency of Divinity a∣bove * 1.7 all other Sciences and Arts, let us observe where∣in they differ in generall, and then let us make a particu∣lar comparison betwixt Divinity & other Sciences and Arts.

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First, they differ origine, in the originall: humane [Differ. 1] Sciences and Arts proceede from God as hee is God and generall ruler of the world, but Divinity procee∣deth from the Father by the Sonne to the Church, Revel. 22. 1. And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, cleare as cristall, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lambe: but these humane Sciences and Arts, al∣though they proceede from God, yet they proceede not from God and the Lambe like a cristall ri∣ver.

Secondly, these humane Sciences and Arts, are but [Differ. 2] humano-divinae, they are but the broode of reason, which proceedeth from God enlightning every man that commeth into the world, Iohn 1. 9. Some againe are humane and the birth of corrupt man onely, as Sophi∣strie: * 1.8 And thirdly, some are Diabolicae, as necromancie and witch-craft: But Divinity is Divino-divina, that is, it is originally from God and immediately.

And if we shall compare Faith the daughter of Di∣vinity, [Dyffer. 3] with Reason the mother of all other Sciences * 1.9 and Arts, we shall see how farre Divinity excelleth all other Sciences and Arts.

There are in man, sense, reason, and faith; and as farre as reason surpasseth sense, much farther doth faith sur∣passe reason; and by consequent Divinity surpasseth all other Sciences.

Reason differeth much from sense, for sense the far∣ther * 1.10 that the object is from it, it is magis universale & magis confusum, it is the more universall and more con∣fused; and the nearer that the object comes to the sense, it is the lesse universall and more distinct: Example, when we see an object a farre off, we take it up first to be ens somewhat, then we take it up to be a living crea∣ture, then we take it up to be a man, and last to be Peter or Iohn; Here the neerer that the object commeth to

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our sense, it is lesse universall and more distinct; and the farther that it is removed from our sense, it is the more universall and more confused. The knowledge which a [Simile.] young child hath at the first is wonderfull confused, and he will sucke any woman for his nurse, this know∣ledge is very confused: then his knowledge becom∣meth more distinct and more generall, and then he be∣ginneth to know, this is not my nurse, and this is not my nurse, but this is my nurse; here his knowledge begin∣neth to be more distinct, and he will sucke none but his owne nurse: and his knowledge now, resembleth the knowledge which we have by reason, which ascendeth from the particular to the generall, and the farther that it is from sense, it is the more universall and lesse con∣fused. But faith the daughter of Divinity, ascendeth higher than reason or sense, and the further that it goes from sense and reason the more perfect it is, and it go∣eth from minus universale, to the supreame and highest cause, God himselfe; and the neerer that faith commeth to reason or sense, the weaker it is and more indistinct. Thomas his faith was an indistinct faith and weake, and could not beleeve unlesse hee put his fingers in the wounds of Christ, Iohn 20. 28. here his faith leaned too much to sense; but faith the higher that it goes from sense and reason, the more perfect it is; We have a no∣table example of this, Gen. 49. when Ioseph tooke E∣phraim and Manasse, Ephraim in his right hand towards Israels left hand, and brought him neere unto him, and Manasse in his left hand toward Israels right hand, Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it upon Ephraims head, and his left hand upon Manasses head, guiding his hands wittingly, or as Onkelos the Chaldee Para∣phrast hath it, Prudenter egit manibus suis, when he dealt wisely with his hands: But when Ioseph saw that his fa∣ther laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it

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displeased him, and he held up his fathers hand, and he said to his father, not so my father, for this is the first borne, put thy right hand upon his head: and his father refused and said, I know it my sonne, I know it truly, the younger shall be greater than he, Gen. 48. 19. Ioseph thought because his father Iacob was blind that his faith was a confused and weake faith, but Iacob knew that the farther his faith was from sence, and the higher that it ascended from reason, it was the more perfect, and therefore he sayd jadanghti bene jadanghti, I know it my sonne, I know * 1.11 it; that is, certainely I know it. This is then the excel∣lencie of faith, that the higher that it goes from sence and reason the more perfect it is, which sheweth the excellency of Divinity above all other Sciences and Artes; for if faith the daughter of Divinity surpasseth them all, much more doth Divinity it selfe: and it may bee said of faith, as it was said of the vertuous woman, Prov. 30. Many daughters in Israel have done vertuously, but thou surpassest them all.

Last of all, other Sciences and Artes are but hand∣maids [Differ. 4] to Divinity, and as the Nethinims the posterity of the Gibionits were appointed by Iosuah to hew wood and draw water for the Sanctuary, but never to meddle with the Sacrifices, neyther to kill them nor offer them, Iosh. 9. 23. so humane Sciences and Arts are appointed but to attend and serve Divinity, they are but to hew the wood, and draw the water onely to the Sanctua∣rie.

There are three principles from whence Sciences * 1.12 and Arts are derived, the first is contemplation, the se∣cond is action, the third is operation.

For contemplation, the metaphysicks are the most abstract, considering ens ut ens onely: the second are the mathematicks, which considereth the quantity and

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the number of things; geometry the quantity, and arith∣meticke the number. Thirdly, the Physicks consider onely naturall properties of the body.

These who are exercised in actions and morall phi∣losophie, are lawes and such.

Arts which are exercised in operation are rhetoricke and grammer.

Metaphysicke considereth God onely, ut ens vnum, * 1.13 verum et bonum, as he hath a being, as he is one, as hee is truth and goodnesse; but it considereth not God as Creator, Christ as Redeemer, it considereth not God in his attributes as Divinity doth, & therefore they say metaphysica parit scientiam tantum, sed theologia fidem.

Secondly, compare Divinity with physicke and * 1.14 the mathematicks, the mathematician searcheth visible formes in visible things, the Physition invisible formes in visible things; but the Divine invisible formes in vi∣sible things.

Thirdly, let us compare the Divine, the Lawyer and * 1.15 Physitian; the Physitian est minister naturae, the servant of nature, the Lawyer est minister justitiae, but the Di∣vine est minister gratiae: and looke how farre grace ex∣ceedeth nature or justice, so as farre doth Divinity sur∣passe the Physitian or the Lawyer.

Fourthly, let us compare Divinity and morall philo∣sophy, * 1.16 the Philosopher saith, that Iuvenis non est idone∣us auditor moralis Philosophiae, that a young man is not fit to heare morall philosophy, but David saith, Psal. 119 9. Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his wayes. Chry∣sostome hath a good observation to shew the force of Divinity above all morall philosophie, when he com∣pareth Plato the moralist and Paul the Apostle toge∣ther: Plato saith he, that wise Philosopher came three times to Sicilie to convert Dionysius the tyrant to mo∣rall philosophy, yet he went away without any successe:

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but Paul a Tent-maker did not onely convert Sicilie, but ran from Ierusalem to Illyricum, Rom. 15. 19. and conver∣ted thousands of soules by the preaching of the Gospel. See how farre Divinity excelleth morall philosophie. * 1.17 And Augustine observeth how Seneca the most excellent of all the moralists, mocked the Iewes, because they spent (as hee thought) the seventh part of their life in idlenesse, which was the Sabbath day. Iustine Martyr being first a philosopher, and after a martyr, searched thorow all the sects of philosophy, and could never find contentment to his soule till hee came to Di∣vinity. First he came to the sect of the Stoickes and gave himselfe to be a scholler in that schoole, but hearing nothing of God in Stoa in that schoole, he turned to be a Peripatetick: but when he entred with the Peripateticks, he perceived his master nundinantem sapientiam mercede (as he speakes) selling his wisedome for gaine, then hee left that sect also. Thirdly, he came to the sect of the Pythagoreans, but having no skill in geometrie (which knowledge Pythagoras required of his Schollers before he taught them philosophy) he left the Pythagoreans and fell into the society of the Platonickes: at last he met with a Christian Divine Philosopher who perswaded him to cast aside all these circular disciplines, and to stu∣die Divinity which should give him greater content∣ment than all the philosophy in the world, and he re∣nouncing all gave himselfe to the studying of the holy Scriptures, and of a Philosopher became both a Christian and a Martyr. * 1.18

Fiftly; let us compare Divinity and Physicke alone, they say ubi desinit physicus ibi incipit medicus, Where the naturall philosopher leaveth, there the Physitian beginneth, but we may say, ubi desinit Physicus, ibi inci∣pit Theologus, where the Physitian leaveth off, there the Divine beginneth; for when the Physitian hath done

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his last cure and given over the patient, heresignes him into the hands of the Divine, or if he be a religious Physition, hee is glad to play the Divine to him him∣selfe; the Physitian sheweth the patient that his health consisteth in letting of blood, but the Divine sheweth that the health of his patient consisteth by the letting of the blood of Christ.

Sixtly, compare Divinity and the mathematicks, the * 1.19 mathematician considereth the length, the height and the breadth of things, but be never considereth what is the height, the breadth and the length of the love of Christ, Ephes. 3. 8. he never teacheth a man to number his dayes, that he may apply his heart to wisedome, Psal. 90. 12. as the Divine doth. * 1.20

Lastly, compare Divinity with grammer and rheto∣ricke: hearing of others teacheth us to speake; gram∣mer teacheth us to speake congruously, and rhetoricke teacheth us to speake eloquently, but Divinity teach∣eth us to speake the language of Canaan, Esay 19. 18.

Whether commeth Lawes or Physicke nearer to [Quest.] Divinity?

Wee must answer here by distinction, the Law [Answ.] hath two parts in it, the first is that which is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of constituting and making of lawes: the se∣cond is that ligitious part which is exercised about the * 1.21 pleading of causes; the first part commeth nearer to Divinity than physicke doth, because the Physitian is exercised onely about the health of the body, and if he speake any thing to his patient of temperance or re∣straining of his passions, all this he doth but for his patients health. But the nomotheticke or maker of the law, doth all things for the well ordering of the people; and looke how much more excellent it is to live well, than to live in good health: so much more that part of the law excelleth physicke. But physicke againe is to

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be preferred to that part of the Law which is called li∣tigiosa or the litigious part of the law, because that part of the law doth not respect the commonwealth, or the manners of the people, but to give this or that particu∣lar man his right: But to cure this or that particular man, is better than to restore this or that particular man to his goods; for skin for skin, and all that a man hath will he give for his life, Iob. 1. therefore physicke excelleth the litigious part of the Law.

It may be said that Divinity borroweth many things [Object.] of other Sciences, therefore it may seeme not to be so absolute in perfection.

This argueth no want in Divinity, but onely a defect [Ans.] in our understanding; for by these inferiour things we are led to the knowledge of more divine things.

Divinity is not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or a generall summe of all Sciences and Arts, or one universall director to all our actions as they are naturall, civill, or oeconomi∣call.

But Paul biddeth Timothy take a little wine to comfort [Object.] him, 1 Tim. 5. 23. So Moyses setteth downe weights and measures in the Law.

When Paul biddeth Timothy take some wine to com∣fort [Answ.] him, he is not playing the Physition here: so when Moses setteth downe weights and measures, this is not his last end that there may be commutative justice a∣mongst the children of Israel; Pauls last end and cheife consideration is this, that Timothy having a sound body may be able to glorifie God in his ministery. So Mo∣ses considereth weights and measures, that Gods people might doe no wrong, but glorifie God in their calling; And as one thing may belong to the mathematitian in respect of the middest, and to the Physitian in respect of the thing it selfe, as when a Physitian sheweth that a round wound is more hardly cured than a long

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wound, although the Physitian shew this by the prin∣ciples of geometry, yet he cureth not the wound as a Goemetrician but as a Physitian. So when a Divine speaketh of weights and measures, and health of body, although they belong to the politickes or physickes in respect of the midst, yet in respect of the end they belong to Divinity.

Other Sciences are not directly subordinate to Divi∣nity; these sciences which are directly subordinate, the conclusions of the superior Sciences are the principles of the inferior, as the conclusions of arithmeticke are the principles of musicke, and these sciences which are directly subordinate here, have but some new accident added to them, to make a distinction betwixt them and the superior Sciences, as musicke subordinate to arithmeticke hath this accident superadded to it, to be numerus sonorus a number with sound, but Divinity and other Sciences toto genere differunt, they are alto∣gether different.

Other Sciences are not directly subordinate to Di∣vinity but onely in respect of the end, the Apothecary * 1.22 is directly subordinate to the Physitian; therefore hee prescribeth unto him all his ingredients, what hot * 1.23 things he must use and what cold, what drachmes and what scruples: the Taylor againe is not directly subor∣dinate to the Doctor, but onely in respect of the end, therefore the Doctor prescribeth not unto him how much he should make in a gowne; aske the Doctor why he giveth physicke to a man? and he will answere, for the preservation of the body: So aske the Taylor why he maketh cloathes for him? he will answer for the same end; here the inferior, the Taylor, is subordi∣nate to the Doctor, onely in respect of the end: So all Sciences and Arts are but indirectly subordinate to Divinity, and in respect of the end, and therefore

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they have not their particular directions from Divini∣ty.

The conclusion of this is: All Sciences are found out [Conclusio. 1] for the benefit of man, but all of them can doe him but little good, untill Divinity come in and rectifie him.

All Sciences are subordinate to Divinity in respect [Conclusio. 2] of the end; therefore every man should studie to be ho∣ly, what Science soever he professe: but profane men thinke that it becommeth not a Physitian to bee holy, because they understand not that these Sci∣ences are subordinate to Divinity in respect of the end.

EXERCITATI. II.

What use reason hath in Divinity.

2 Cor. 10. 5.
And bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

AS God in the creation set up two lights to guide and to direct the world, Gen. 1. 16. so the Lord hath given two lights to direct man; the light of rea∣son to direct him in things below here, and Divine light to direct him in things above: these two lights the * 1.24 one of them doth not extinguish the other, but onely diminish it, and maketh it fall downe and give place, and then rectifieth and exalteth it. Esa. 42. 15. I will make the rivers ylands, and I will dry up the pooles. The rivers come from the fountaines, but yet when the light of grace commeth in, then the rivers are dimi∣nished and they decrease that the dry land may ap∣peare: reason is not taken away here, but it falleth downe and giveth way to grace; but the pooles shall be

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dryed up, that is, grace taketh away schismes and heri∣sies and drieth them up: but when reason submitteth her selfe to Divinity and is rectified, shee hath good use in Divinity. And even as a Dwarfe set upon a Gyants shoulders seeth much further than hee did before: so doth reason when it is rectified by Divinity; and so grace doth not extinguish reason but perfecteth it: and therefore Iustine Martyr called religion true philosophie, and then he saith, he became a Philosopher when he became a Christian.

Let us consider first what is above the reach of rea∣son * 1.25 in Divinity. First, reason cannot bee a judge in matters Divine, for reason can never judge of the ob∣ject of supernaturall verity. Reason sheweth this much to a man: when it seeth the antecedent and the consequent, that this followeth rightly upon that: but reason never judgeth of the object of supernaturall ve∣rity, but Divinity enlighteneth the mind and maketh the spirituall man to judge of this. A Carpenter when he is working, doth see by his eye when he applieth the [Simile.] square to the wood, whether it be streight or not; but yet his eye (without the which he cannot see) is not the judge to try whether the tree be streight or not, but onely the square is the judge: So reason in man (with∣out the which he could not judge) is not the square to try what is right or what is wrong, but the Word it selfe is onely the rule and square; reason cannot con∣sider how faith justifieth a man, or whether works bee an effect of faith or not, but reason can conclude one∣ly ex concessis, of things granted, if faith be the cause and works the effect, then they must necessarily goe toge∣ther, and reason goeth no higher.

Secondly, no midst taken from philosophy can make up a Divine conclusion, neyther would it beget faith in a man. Example, God is not the efficient cause

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of sinne, the efficient cause is a terme attributed to God: here if a Divine should goe about to prove eyther by logicke or grounds of metaphysicke, this conclusion were not a Divine conclusion, whereupon a mans faith might rest, as if he should reason this wayes, No effici∣ent cause can produce a defect but an effect, God is an efficient cause, and sinne is a defect, therefore God cannot produce sinne; this were but an humane con∣clusion and could not beget faith. So if he should rea∣son from the grounds of metaphysicke this wayes, God is ens entium, and the properties of ens are vnum verum bonum, therefore God who is ens entium cannot produce sinne, because hee is goodnesse it selfe; the conclusion were but an humane conclusion and could not beget faith: but if a Divine should prove the same by a midst taken out of the Scriptures, and should rea∣son thus. 1 Ioh. 2. 16. All that which is in the world, is ey∣ther the concupiscence of the flesh, or the lust of the eye, or the pride of life, not from the Father, this midst will make up a Divine conclusion which will beget faith in a man, and then the Christian man may say to the Philosopher as the Samaritans said unto the woman of Samaria, I beleeve not now for thy reason, but for the authority of God, which is the ground of my faith.

Thirdly, Philosophy doth not inlighten the minde with spirituall knowledge, it inlightneth the minde one∣ly with a generall knowledge whereof Iohn speaketh, Iohn 1. 9. Rom. 1. when he beleeveth, his reason at the first is mere passive; therefore this speech of Clemens Alexandrinus would be very warily taken, Philosophiam * 1.26 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 vocat; as though philosophy made an in∣troduction to saving faith: And this speech of some Divines is harshly spoken, lumen natura accendit lumen gratiae, and Basils comparison must not be stretched o∣ver farre, as Dyers before they bring on the most

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perfect dye, they dye first with the baser colour, to make it the more fitte to receive the more bright co∣lour: So humane learning may be a preparation to grace. But the comparison is too farre stretched here, humane learning is a preparation to make a man under∣stand the axiomes, syllogismes and logical part in Divi∣nity; but a heathen philosopher having the helpe of nature, is no sooner converted to the truth. A learned Philosopher converted to the faith, may have a grea∣ter * 1.27 certainty of evidence than a laicke, and may know the literall sense better, but hee hath no greater cer∣tainety of adherence, as wee see oftentimes when it commeth to the poynt of suffering. But seeing zeale is not alwayes according to knowledge, therefore know∣ledge of humane Sciences is a great helpe to the knowledge of faith once bred, when it is sancti∣fied.

Philosophie must not transcend her bounds and * 1.28 commit Saltum, as they speake in the Schooles, when shee taketh midsts which are mere philosophicall to prove any thing in Divinity; this was the fault of most of the Schoolemen: but when shee doth keepe herselfe within her bounds, then she hath good use in Divinity. Matth. 22. the Sadduces reason this way concerning the resurrection. If there were a resurrection, then there should follow a great absurdity, that seven men should have one wife at the day of judgement: but this is absurd: therefore, &c. But Divinity telleth reason, that here she goeth without her bounds, measuring the estate of the life to come, by the estate of this life, and borroweth midsts which are not Divine to prove this conclusion; for in the life to come wee shall be like Angels, who neyther marry nor give in marriage, and neede not to propagate their kind by generati∣on.

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Another example. Nicodemus reasoned this wayes, He that is borne againe must enter into his mothers womb, Ioh. 3. 4 no man can enter againe into his mo∣thers womb, therefore no man can be borne againe: but Divinity teacheth reason that she transcendeth her bounds here, and useth a midst which is mere naturall to prove a supernaturall conclusion.

A third example, Arrius reasoneth this wayes; hee that is begotten is not eternall, Christ is begotten, therefore he is not eternall: here Divinity telleth rea∣son that shee is out of her bounds, and applyeth her midsts falsly. There is a threefold generation, first a * 1.29 physicall generation, secondly a metaphysicall, and thirdly an hyperphysicall: physicall generation is this, when a mortall man begetteth a sonne, and this is done in time: metaphysicall generation is this, when the mind begetteth a word, and this is alwayes done in time: but hyperphysicall generation is that eternall ge∣neration, and this is done before all time; and Divinity sheweth reason how shee misapplyeth her physicall and metaphysicall generation, to this eternall generation.

Whether is such a proposition true in Divinity, and [Quest.] false in reason, the Sonne of God begotten from all eterni∣ty, true in Divinity, the Sonne of God begotten from all eternity, false in the court of reason: So Mary the Vir∣gin bare a Sonne, true in Divinity: Mary the Virgin bare a Sonne, false in the court of reason?

That which is true in one Science, is not false in ano∣ther. [Answ.] In Israel there was a judicatorie of seventy who judged of matters of greatest weight, and there was an inferior judicatory, consisting of three, and these judged of goods and matters of least moment: that which was truly concluded in the highest judicatory was not false in this inferior judicatory, although they

Page 16

could not judge of a false Prophet as the great Synedri∣on did, yet they held it not false in the lowest judicato∣ry, when the great Synedrion concluded such a one to be a false Prophet: So that which is true in Divinity is not false in reason, but onely above her reach; and if any thing were true in one Science, and false in ano∣ther, then verum non esset reciproca affectio entis, that is, that which hath a being should not bee true, and that which is true should not have a being, these two pro∣positions should not be converted. There is a verity * 1.30 that is above reason, and there is a verity which is agreeable to reason, and there is a verity that is under reason, the first is of things taken up by faith, the se∣cond is of things taken up by reason, the third is of things taken up by sense, but there is no verity con∣trary to reason, it is not against reason to beleeve that a Virgin conceived and bare a Sonne, but it is above reason.

Wee must not seclude reason altogether from Divi∣nity, * 1.31 Christ himselfe used the helpe of reason against the Sadduces, and Paul against the Iewes, Heb. 7. 17. Thou art a Priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek. This is revealed by God himselfe that Christ is the King of peace and righteousnesse, yet to prove this and to make it manifest to the misbeleeving Iewes, he borroweth a helpe of a logicall notation, saying, which is by interpre∣tation, the King of righteousnesse, the King of peace, Heb. 7. 2. So Christ useth reason against the Sadduces: God is the God of Abraham, Isaack and Iacob, hence he infer∣ferreth this consequent, that they must live.

But they say that Christ and Paul were immediatly [Object.] directed by God, that they could not erre in their Midsts, and conclusions as we doe.

If Pauls extraordinary calling had given him power to use reason, then they had spoken to the purpose, but [Ans.]

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he useth reason as common to him and to all other men, whether Apostles or not Apostles.

But they say, that Christs authority and Pauls was [Object.] greater than ours is.

This wee grant, they disputed against those [Answ.] who acknowledged not their authority, but yeelded onely to them, in respect of the force of the argu∣ments, is it not lawfull for us to doe the same against our adversaries? which Christ did against the Sadduces, and Paul against the Iewes.

But whatsoever was pronounced by Christ against [Object.] the Sadduces, or by Paul against the Iewes, it became by and by holy Scripture, which we cannot say of our conclusions.

Although arguments used by Christ and his Apo∣stles [Answ.] became by and by the Word of God, yet it will not follow that we may not use these midsts brought forth by reason, although they become not Scripture; but then that would follow if wee brought forth these principles of reason, to make them the object of our saving faith.

Whether were the Sadduces bound to beleeve this [Quest.] argument of Christs, as an article of their faith, or not?

By the force of this consequence as it were the [Ans.] worke of reason, they were not bound to beleeve it, but as it was proved to them out of the Scriptures they were bound to beleeve it.

Seeing humane midsts have no force to binde of [Quest.] themselves, why are they used in proofe against men?

This is done for the infirmity of man, who is hard [Answ.] to beleeve, and the Divine midsts will not serve to refute the naturall man. These who have good and per∣fect [Simile.] sight need no other midst to see by, but the light; but a man who is of a weake sight and purblind, useth

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Spectacles as a helpe to his sight: so the perverse heri∣ticks make us to bring in these humane midsts, where∣as the midsts taken out of the Word of God should serve by themselves to convince. When Christ rose againe, Thomas doubted of the resurrection and thought that his body had beene but a Spirit, but Christ bea∣ring with his infirmity, by this humane midst proveth that hee is flesh, because hee may bee touched and felt.

Observe againe that in Divinity some propositions are merely Divine, and some are mixtly Divine. These that are merely Divine, reason can doe little thing here, it can but joyne the tearmes together, but it cannot take up these great mysteries; example, if I were disputing against the Monothelites who denyed that there were two natures in Christ, and should reason thus; Where there are two natures, there are two wils; but in Christ there are two natures, therefore two wils. That in Christ there are two wils, this is a proposition merely Divine, rea∣son can never take up this, yet reason sheweth this much, where there are two natures there must bee two wills, and it judgeth onely of the connexion of these two, but it cannot judge of the verity of this, whe∣ther there be two wills in Christ or not.

Yee will say then, what doth reason in the ve∣rity [Quest.] of these propositions which are merely Di∣vine?

Reason in a regenerate man concludeth not that to [Ans.] be false which is above her reach, but onely admireth and resteth in this great mystery; and reformed reason enlightened by the Word of God, goeth this farre on, that she beleeveth these things to be possible with God which shee cannot comprehend; but reason in a corrupt man will scorne and mocke these things which shee cannot comprehend, as the Stoicke called

Page 19

Paul a babler, Act. 17. 18, when hee disputed against them for the resurrection, and called it a new do∣ctrine.

In these propositions againe which are mixtly Di∣vine, reason hath a further hand; example, No naturall body can be in moe places at once, Christs body is a naturall body, therefore it cannot be in moe places at once; this is mixtly Divine, for the properties of a na∣turall body sheweth us that it cannot be in moe pla∣ces at once, and the Scripture also, sheweth us that Christs body is a naturall body.

But is not this a mixture of Divinity and humane [Quest.] reason together, when wee borrow a midst out of the Scriptures, and then confirme the selfesame thing by reason?

This maketh not a mixture of Divinity and philoso∣phie, [Answ.] but maketh onely philosophie to serve Divini∣ty.

When we use reason to helpe our weaknesse, we doe not ground our faith upon reason or upon the light of nature, but upon that supernaturall light; and the light of nature commeth in, but as in the second roome [Simile.] to confirme our weaknesse: and as we ascribe not the price of the Ring, or the worthinesse of it to the Ham∣mer which beateth it out, but to the Gold it selfe, so our faith is not grounded upon humane reason or the light of nature, but upon the Word of God it selfe.

How can reason serve in Divinity seeing the naturall [Quest.] man perceiveth not the things of God, and the greater Philosophers, the greater enemies of grace?

Wee must distinguish inter concretum & abstractum [Ans.] betwixt philosophie and the Philosopher: many of the Philosophers oppugned the mysteries of Divinity by their corrupt and naturall reason: but true philosophie

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impugneth it not, and the greater light extinguisheth not the lesser, and verity doth not contradict it selfe; and truth in philosophie, is but the footestep of that truth which is in God by way of excellency.

The conclusion of this is, contra rationem nemo sobri∣us [Conclusi.] dicit, contra scripturam nemo christianus, & contra ec∣clesiam nemo pacisicus: we must learne then to give eve∣ry one of these their owne place and not to reject rea∣son altogether from Divinity, but to captivate her and make her a handmaid to Divinity.

EXERCITAT. III

That the end of Divinity here consisteth rather in practise than in contemplation.

Luke. 11. 28.
Blessed are they that heare the Word of God, and keepe it.

THe end of our Divinity here consisteth in doing rather than contemplation. If we speake properly, doing is not in the understanding but in the will; when reason divideth, compoundeth, or frameth any propo∣sition within it selfe, then the understanding is not sayd * 1.32 properly to doe, but contenting it selfe within it selfe, then it is speculative: but when the understanding set∣teth the will on worke, then the will doth, & the under∣standing but directeth the will; and when the understan∣ding reasoneth within it selfe, they call this actus elicitus; * 1.33 but when the understanding setteth the will on worke, they call this actus imperatus.

A proposition in Divinity commandeth us eyther * 1.34 virtually to practise, or else formally. Virtually it com∣mandeth us to practise; example, This is life eternall, to know thee to be the onely true God, and whom thou hast sent,

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Christ, Ioh. 17. 3. 11. This is a proposition which vir∣tually includeth in it practise; for as the Hebrewes say, verba notitiae includunt verba affectus, Words of know∣ledge include words of affection: if it be life eternall for us to know God, then it is life eternall also for us to love God.

This proposition againe in Divinity, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soule, and with all thy mind, Matth. 22. 37. and thy neighbour as thy selfe, vers. 39. commandeth practise formal∣ly.

Secondly a proposition in Divinity urgeth practise * 1.35 eyther mediatly or immediately: imediatly, as God is summum bonum the chiefe good; out of this mediate proposition we gather an immediate, therefore we are to love him above all things.

Thirdly, these conclusions in Divinity which con∣clude for practise, the propositions out of which they * 1.36 are drawne, must also be for practise and not for con∣templation, nam nihil agit extra genus suum, as they say in the Schooles; as we cannot gather grapes of thornes, or figgs of thistels, Matth. 7. 16. So new wine cannot be the cause why the Apostles spake with divers tongues; Act. 2. So we cannot gather conclusions of practise from speculative propositions.

Fourthly, these rules which serve to direct men to practise may be called rules of practise, as the Carpen∣ters * 1.37 line in his hand is a line of practise, because it lea∣deth him to practise. So the Word of God is the line by the which wee should walke, therefore it is a rule of practise, Gal. 6. 6. As many as walke according to this rule, peace be unto them: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is to worke by rule or line, * 1.38 the Word is the rule of our working, therefore it tea∣cheth us practise.

But it may be said, that contemplation is the end of [Object.]

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Divinity in heaven to see God face to face, therefore is the end of our Divinity here upon earth.

Contemplation in heaven leadeth us alwayes to pra∣ctise, and they can never be separate; for as below here [Answ.] those Sciences which we call inspectrices; as the mathe∣maticks, physicke, and such (whose end consisteth not in doing) are the parents of morall philosophie and of doing, for by these we take up the nature of things, the goodnesse and the truth of them, and then we begin to esteeme of them, and love them when wee know them; so that contemplation bringeth forth alwayes practise. The glorified Saints in heaven, comming nea∣rer to the first cause, esteeme more highly of him, and therefore they love him more sincerely, and returne all praise to him.

But it may seeme that contemplation is more excel∣lent [Object.] than practise; for Mary is preferred unto Martha, Mary for her contemplation to Martha for her acti∣on.

When Mary and Martha are compared together, they [Answ.] resemble not the contemplative and the active life, but the naturall and spirituall life; Mary careth for the spirituall life, and Martha for the naturall. Did not Mary care for practise as well as Martha? sate shee not at Christs feete that shee might learne practise, that she might wash them with her teares and wipe them with her haire?

And because practise is joyned alwayes with know∣ledge, therefore the wisedome which is proper to the understanding is ascribed sometimes to the will, Iob. 28. 28. to depart from evill is understanding: and there∣fore it is, that justice and judgement are joyned toge∣ther in the Scripture, and they are called fooles who doe not according to their knowledge. And Salomon saith Eccle. 10. 2. The heart of a wise man is at his right

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hand, because his heart teacheth his hand to put things in practise.

The end of our Divinity is more in practise than in contemplation; therefore these onagri or wilde asses, the Heremites who lived without all society of men, for∣get the cheife end wherefore they were set here, living rather like beasts than like men: and if wee shall take a view of the ecclesiasticall history, as out of Theodoret and Zozomen, wee shall see how unprofitablie these men have spent their time, leaving the congregation of the Saints of God. Theodoret writeth of one Mace∣donius * 1.39 qui 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & gubba dict us est; gubba in the Syri∣acke tongue is a Ditch, he was called gubba because he stoode in a Ditch all his time, and he was called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because he eate nothing but Barley pulse: See how unprofitablie this man spent his time, not giving himselfe to reading of the holy Scriptures, for he was altogether ignorant of them; for when Flavianus the Bishop sent for him that hee might make him a Mini∣ster, he was so ignorant of that which the Bishop had done unto him when he ordained him Minister, that being required the next Sabbath day to come againe to the Church, answered him who came for him, that he was affraid to be made Minister the next Sabbath day also, and so refused to come; see how this holy man spent his life for forty yeares in contemplatin and what great progresse he made in Christian Religi∣on. So Theodoret maketh mention of one Styllites who * 1.40 stoode under a pillar all his life time, and never came in∣to a house. So Zozomen in his ecclesiasticall history, * 1.41 writeth of one Pior, who going out of his fathers house into a desert, vowed solemnely that he should never see any of his kinsmen or friends againe, and living fifty yeares there he had a sister who longed to see him be∣fore shee dyed: the Bishop pitying the poore woman,

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granted leave to Pior to come and visit her, and he re∣turning into his countrey, & standing before the doore called out his sister, and shutting his eyes, he said unto her, behold, I am your brother Pior, looke upon mee as much as you please; but shee entreating him earnest∣ly to come to her house, he altogether refusing went backe againe to the Wildernesse: and so wee reade in Theodoret of one Adynus; who lived ninety yeares in the * 1.42 Wildernesse and never spake to any man, as if he had beene possessed with a dumb Divell: this is that holy contemplative life which the Church of Rome com∣mendeth so much, but this is pure Religion, to visite the fatherlesse and widdow in their necessity, Iam. 1. 27. These Heremites living this contemplative life were like Poly∣phemus having but one eye in his head, and looking e∣ver up but never downe.

The Schoolemen differ but little in this poynt, how * 1.43 Divinity teacheth us practise. Thomas and his follow∣ers say, that fides non est recta ratio agendi, sed recta ratio sentiendi; and therefore Contra gentiles hee compareth faith to hearing rather than to sight, but he addeth that practise followeth faith as the fruit of it: but Scotus maketh faith to be habitus practicus. Yee see how both of them insist in this, that Divinity consisteth in pra∣ctise.

The Lord Num. 15. 38. 39. commanded the Israelites * 1.44 to make fringes upon the borders of their garments, that they might remember the Commandements of the Lord and keepe them; the Sadduces gave them∣selves onely to looke upon the fringes, and if they had onely remembred the Law, they thought then they had discharged their duties; but the end of the Pharises was to remember their owne traditions. So the end of * 1.45 the Monkes Divinity now is onely idle contemplation with the Sadduces; and the end of the Iesuites Divinity

Page 25

now is onely to practise mischeefe: and many Christi∣ans when they reade the Scriptures now, they reade them not for practise, but for to passe the time with; they are like little children who seeke Nuts to play, but not to breake them and eate the kernels.

The conclusion of this is, Iam. 1. 22. Be yee doers of the [Conclusi.] word, and not hearers onely, deceiving your selves.

EXERCITAT. IIII.

Of Adams knowledge before his fall.

Gen. 2. 19.
Whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name of it.

FIrst, consider in Adams knowledge, the manner how he got this knowledge, and secondly the measure of his knowledge.

His knowledge was inbred knowledge and not ac∣quired; for as soone as he did behold the creatures, ne∣ver * 1.46 having seene them before, he gave them all names according to their nature. This knowledge being in∣bred it could not be acquired also; nam duplex ejus∣dem scientiae in vno subjecto, non datur causa, there cannot be two causes given of one, & the selfe same knowledge in one subject, although one and the selfe same know∣ledge cannot be said both to be acquired and inbred, * 1.47 yet Adam might have had experimentall knowledge, afterward of his inbred knowledge: His inbred know∣ledge and our acquired knowledge, are not divers sorts of knowledge, for as the sight restored to the blind al∣though it was miraculous, yet when he saw, it was one sort of sight with our sight: so these inbred habites and acquired habites, are but one sort of habits; but

Page 26

these inbred habits in Adam, and infused habits, were more excellent than acquired habits; for these things which God doth, are such that nature cannot produce the like, or so perfect: as that wine which Christ made miraculously at the marriage of Cana in Galilee, Ioh. 2. * 1.48 was more excellent wine than other naturall wine: so when Christ cured the blind, their sight was more per∣fect than our naturall sight; so when he made the lame to goe Act. 3. 16. So the habites of inbred knowledge in Adam, were more perfect than any other sinfull man could ever attaine unto, after him.

The creatures are lesse than the knowledge of God; * 1.49 they were equall with the knowledge of Adam before his fall, but they exceed our knowledge now. When the eye looketh upon the white colour, it scattereth the [Simile.] sight, and the white colour exceedeth it; but when it looketh upon the greene colour, exaequat visum, and it is a proportionable object for the eye: but when it looketh upon a taunie colour, it is lesse than the sight. So the creatures are lesse than Gods sight; they were equall with Adams sight before his fall, like the greene colour, and they exceed our sight since the fall, as the white colour doth exceede our sight; and because the heart since the fall is not so capable and so large to com∣prehend the knowledge of these creatures as it was be∣fore the fal, therefore it is said, 1 King. 4. 29. that the Lord gave Salomon a wise heart as the sand of the Sea shoare, that is, to know an innumerable kind of things like the sand of the sea. When a man is to infuse liquor into a [Simile.] narrow mouthed vessell, that none if it runne by, hee enlargeth the mouth of the vessell: So did the Lord enlarge the heart of Salomon that hee might conceive this heavenly wisedome, and the knowledge of all things; but the minde of Adam before his fall nee∣ded not this extention to rcceive these gifts.

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Secondly, the great measure of this knowledge which Adam had before his fall, may be taken up this wayes. The Hebrewes write that there were foure gates by the which Adam entred to see the Lord: the first * 1.50 was the gate of the visible creatures, the second was by the gate of the Angels, the third was by the gate of majestie, and the fourth was by the gate of glory; and they say that Adam entred three of these gates, but the fourth was shut that hee entred not in at it in this life.

The first gate was opened unto him, for in the crea∣tures below, here he saw the majesty and glory of God. The Scriptures when they express any great thing, they joyne the name of God with it, as Ezek. 13. 9. great * 1.51 haile is called Gods haile or sent by God, el gabbish. So 1 Sam. 26. cecidit sopor domini super eos, that is, a great sleepe fell upon them. So a strong Lyon is called ariel, the Lyon of God, 2 Sam. 23. 10. So Moyses is said to be faire to God, that is, very faire, Act. 7. 20. So Ni∣nive was great to God, that is, very great. The beau∣ty * 1.52 and greatnesse in the creatures led Adam to take up how great the Lord was. Iacob when he saw Esau re∣conciled unto him, sayd, I have seene thy face, as though I had seene the face of God, Gen. 33. 10. This glimpse of goodnesse in the face of Esau, made Iacob take up, how good God was unto him.

The second gate was porta intelligentiarum, the know∣ledge of the Angels, they resembled God more than any visible creature doth, therefore they are called Gods Sonnes, Iob. 1. Chapt. and 38. Chapter, 7. verse, and they see his face continually. Mathew 18. verse 10. As the Kings courtiours are sayd to see his face con∣tinually, 2 King. 25. 25. and the Angels conversing with him, made him to come nearer to the knowledge of God.

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The third gate was porta Majestatis, he saw the ma∣jesty of God more clearely than any other did. Moyses is sayd to see the face of God, and yet it was but the sight of his backe parts, compared with Adams; and we see him but through a grate, Cant. 2. 11. Heb. 11. 26.

The fourth gate was porta gloriae. That gate was reserved to bee opened for him in the hea∣vens.

Let us compare the most excellent men with Adam, and see which of them came nearest unto him; in some things Moyses came nearest to him, in somes things Sa∣lomon came nearest unto him, and in some things Daniel, in some things Ioseph, but Christ the second Adam excel∣led them in all.

In the knowledge and sight of God and his attributes, Moyses came nearest to him. Exod. 33. 13. Teach mee thy * 1.53 wayes, that is, thy attributes. So Psal. 103. 7. He made knowne to Moyses his wayes, that is, his attributes, for hee subjoyneth, the Lord is mercifull and gracious, slow to an∣ger, and full of compassion, and he chideth not for ever; here his wayes are his attributes, Moyses came nearest to Adam in this knowledge.

Salomon in the knowledge of the politickes came nea∣rer to Adams knowledge than Moyses did; Moyses sate * 1.54 all the day long to judge the people, Exod. 18. and hee stoode in need of Iethro's counsell to make choyse of helpers; but Salomon could have found out all these things by himselfe without the helpe of another. Salo∣mon begged wisedome of God, and it was granted unto him, he desired wisedome to be his 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to be pre∣sident of his counsell, and to be his assister or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, * 1.55 & to be his 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to rule happily, Wisedom. 9. 4. Sa∣lomon came nearest to the knowledge of Adam in the Politickes, and he is preferred to the wisest within the Church, as to Heman and Dedan, 1 King. 4. 3. and

Page 29

to the wisest without the Church, as to the Egypti∣ans.

As he came nearest to Adams knowledge in the Po∣litickes, * 1.56 so likewise in the knowledge of naturall things, for as he wrote from the Cedar of Lebanus to the Hyssope that grew out of the Wall, 2 King. 4. 33. that is, as Iosephus explaineth it; he wrote parables and similitudes taken from every one of these kinds: and Tertullian saith well, Familiare est sacris scriptoribus ut sublimiores veritates ex∣plicent per sensibilia; nam idem qui est author naturae, est author gratiae: It is an usuall thing to the holy writers to illustrate heavenly things by earthly comparisons, for he that is the God of nature is also the God of grace. Salomon wrote from the tall Cedar to the small Hyssope that groweth out of the wall, that is, from the greatest to the smallest, then he passeth by none of them: for it is the manner of the Hebrews to marke * 1.57 the two extreames, and to leave the midst for brevi∣ties cause, as Num. 6, 4, from the kernell to the huske, here the Scripture omitteth the wine which is the midst betwixt the kernell and the huske. Another example, Exod. 11. 5. And all the first borne of the land of Egypt shall dye, from the first borne of Pharoah that sitteth upon the throne, unto the first borne of the maidservant that sitteth behind the Mill. The Scripture omitteth the midst here, the rest of the people for shortnesse, and expresseth one∣ly the two extreames, the highest and the lowest. A third example, Iob 24. 20. The wombe shall forget him, and the wormes shall feede sweetly upon him, the birth, and the grave, the two extreames include the whole life. So Psal. 121. 8. The Lord shall keepe thy going in, and going out, that is, all thy wayes: So Salomon writing of the two extreames, the tallest and the least, includeth all the rest. Now if Salomon had such knowledge of these na∣turall things, much more had Adam.

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Adam had such knowledge of the creatures that he * 1.58 gave them fit names in the Hebrew expressing their na∣tures, he was a good nomenclator to give every thing the right name. Plato in Cratillo sheweth that he who giveth the right name to a thing, must know the nature of it very well; but since the fall men impose wrong names to things, as they call light darknesse, and dark∣nesse light.

When hee gave names to the creatures, hee gave * 1.59 not names to these creatures in particular that had not principium individuationis in se, and which differed not something in subsistence from others, as all hearbes of the same kind, and trees and stones of the same kind; he gave not a name to every one of them in particular, but gave one name to them all of the same kind: but these who differed not in essence but in the manner of their subsisting, to these he gave diverse names, as hee called himselfe Adam and his wife Eve. And wee are to observe that there are many names which Adam * 1.60 gave to the creatures in the first imposition, which are not found in the Scriptures now: the Elephant the greatest beast upon the earth, yet it hath no proper name given to it, in the Scripture it is called Behemoth, Iob 40. * 1.61 15. and the teeth of the Elephant are called Shenhab∣bim, the teeth of Ivorie, but not the teeth of the Ele∣phant; and usually the Scripture expresseth onely the word teeth, as 1 King. 10. 18. he made a Throne of teeth, but not of the teeth of the Elephant, because the Ele∣phant was not so knowne to the Iewes; therefore the * 1.62 Scripture doth onely circumscribe this beast and the hornes of it; but Adam gave the greatest beast a pro∣per name when he imposed names to the beasts.

When Adam imposed names to the beasts, he im∣posed proper names to them, not circumscribing them * 1.63 as the Scripture doth now for our capacity; example,

Page 31

Shemamith with the hands of it takes hold on kings houses, * 1.64 because this word is a hard word to be understood, and may signifie eyther a Spyder weaving with her hands; or else 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a Monkie with a long tayle (for kings are delighted in their palaces with such when they see them hung by the hands) because wee cannot take up the nature of this beast by the name alone, therefore the Scriptures by the effects and properties of it, de∣scribeth it more at large for our capacity; but Adam at the first imposed the simple name.

These names which Adam gave to the beasts at the * 1.65 first were most perfect names, therefore yee shall see other languages to keepe some footesteppe still of the first imposition, as 1 King. 10. 22. Tukkijm are called * 1.66 Peacoks, the Talmud calleth it Tabhas, the Arabick cal∣led it Taus, and the Latine Pavo.

David came nearest to Adam in prudencie, for al∣though * 1.67 he was not so wise as Salomon, yet erat prudentior Salomone he was more prudent than Salomon; therefore the woman of Tekoah sayd to him, Thou art wise as an Angell of God, 2 Sam. 14. 20.

The Lord asked the king of Tyrus if he could match * 1.68 Daniel in wisedome, Ezek. 28. 3. Behold thou art wiser than Daniel, there is no secret that they can hide from thee. Daniel exceeded all the Chaldeans in wisedome, and the Chaldeans exceeded the Tyrians, therefore Daniel farre exceeded all the Tyrians: but yet if we will compare Daniels wisedome with the wisedome of Salomon, it will come farre short; for Salomon exceeded all the children of the East in wisedome, and came nearest to Adams knowledge, no sort of wisedome was hid from Salo∣mon, Daniel onely exceeded in interpreting of secrets and heavenly visions.

Ioseph came nearest to him in oeconomie, Psal. 105. 22. * 1.69 he exceeded the Princes of Egypt in wisedome, & taught their senators.

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Iesus Christ the second Adam, the personall wise∣dome * 1.70 of God his Father, farre excelled Salomon; here is a greater than Salomon. Iesus Christ the second Adam as he excelled Salomon farre; so did he the first Adam in wisedome, Psal. 45. 2. Thou art fairer than the Children of men, in the originall it is Iophjaphitha, which the Hebrews doubling, expresse the great beauty that was in him; and * 1.71 sometimes it is put in two words, as Ier. 46. gnegla jephe pija, that is, very faire. Christ the second Adam in out∣ward * 1.72 beauty exceeded not, Non erat decor in facie ejus, He had no forme nor comelinesse: and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. Esay. 53. 2. but in inward wisedome and grace he was fairer than the Sonnes of men, and excelled the first Adam.

The conclusion of this is, Adam having such measure [Conclusion.] of knowledge before his fall, what great presumption was it in him to presume above that which was revealed unto him. Let us be content not to be wise above that which is written, 1 Cor. 4. 6. and let us remember that saying of Augustine, Multi propter arborem scientiae amit∣tunt arborem vitae.

EXERCITAT. V.

How the Law is said to be written in the heart of man after the fall.

Rom. 2. 15.
Which shew the worke of the Law writ∣ten in the hearts.

FIrst, let us enquire how these first Principles which are called primo-prima, are made up in the hearts of man. Secondly, how these secundo-prima principia are

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deduced out of these. And thirdly, how these principia make up this which wee call Conscience: and lastly, we shall shew that man by this naturall knowledge ingraft in his heart, cannot come to the true and saving know∣ledge of God.

These first Principles are made up after this manner: The Lord hath put two faculties into the Soule, one which we call speculative in the understanding, and another which we call a practik facultie in the will, to prosecute these things which the understanding sheweth to her. God hath placed first the speculative in the un∣derstanding, that it might follow that eternall reason that is in Gods Law; for as it is the perfection of Art to imitate nature, so it is the perfection of nature to imitate this eternall reason, which is Gods Law; Then he hath placed the will into the soule of man to prosecute those things, which the understanding the speculative facultie sheweth unto it.

There are some primo-prima principia, in the specu∣lative * 1.73 faculty, and some in the practick facultie; this is a principle in the speculative facultie; Omne totum est majus sua parte, and this is the first principle in the pra∣ctike faculty, the will, Matth. 7. 12. Whatsoever yee would that men should doe to you, doe yee even so to them.

These primo-prima principia are not naturally knowne * 1.74 quoad actum perfectum, but they are in potentia propin∣qua, that is, they may be most easily knowne; for that which is actually perfect in the first degree, is alwayes knowne, and as soone as the creature existeth, so soone they are knowne; as the knowledge of an Angel is not potentiall but ever actuall: but these first principles are made up without any reasoning discourse or foraigne helpe. And as it is naturall for a stone to move downe∣ward, although it be not alwayes moving downeward, yet because it hath that weight within it selfe, and nee∣deth

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no other helpe to make it move downeward, as it needeth of a foraigne helpe to cause it to ascend; there∣fore this motion is said to be naturall to it. So because * 1.75 the mind can make up these principles without any dis∣course; therefore they are sayd to be naturall to it: but when we make up a conclusion in a syllogisme, the knowledge of this conclusion is not so easily knowne to me: but we must borrow some midsts, which are more knowne to us, to make up this conclusion. These first principles are naturally knowne, but the conclu∣sion in the syllogisme is ratíonaliter knowne onely, by way of discourse. These first principles the Divines * 1.76 call rationes eternas, dignitates, immobilia principia, and the Greekes call them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. If the judgement be sound and well disposed, then it agreeth to those first principles; but if it be corrupt it declineth them. It is not necessary that all agree in these first principles, for although some be found who deny them, yet they stand as principles to those who are of sound judge∣ments; children and mad men understand not these first principles, yet those who are of sound judgement, doe acknowledge them.

These first principles are not actually written in the * 1.77 heart of man, but potentially: the mind of man is not like a seminarie, which containeth in it diverse sorts of seedes: neyther is it like the Flintstone which hath the fire lurking within the veynes of it, and being struc∣ken upon the steele, casteth out the sparkels of fire which lurked in the veynes of it before: but it is like unto the eye, which being inlightened by the Sunne, hath that naturall facultie in it to discerne colours: So the mind frameth these principles when the objects are laid before it. * 1.78

And out of these primo-prima principia, the minde frameth, and maketh up secundo-prima principia: the

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difference betwixt these primo-prima principia, and se∣cundo-prima is this: these primo-prima principia, first inbred principles are contained in the conclusions; but these secundo-prima principia, these second inbred principles, are as conclusions contained in the princi∣ples: now to cleare this by example; this is a first in∣bred principle in the mind; whatsoever yee would that men should doe to you, doe yee even so to them: this is a se∣cond imbred principle drawne from the first, yee shall not murther; this conclusion drawne from the first principle, containeth in it this first principle, whatsoever yee would men, &c. So that any man may inferre thus; I may not kill my neighbour, because I will that no man should kill me; here this principle is contained in the conclusion. There are other conclusions drawne from these secundo-prima principia, which may be cal∣led * 1.79 tertiae conclusiones, and these are not so easily made up as the first; here the conclusions are contained in the principles, and not the principles in the conclusions as before; example, honour thy father, and thy mother; this is a second principle; and this; thou shalt rise up be∣fore the hoare head, Livit. 19. 23. is a conclusion of the third sort: for this followeth not so clearely as the former conclusion, Yee shall rise up before the hoare head; therefore yee shall honour your father and your mother: but rather this wayes, yee shall honour your father and your mother; therefore yee shall rise up before the hoare head: heare the conclusion is contained in the principle and not contra.

This law written in the heart of man, maketh up this * 1.80 which we call conscience, which is an inbred light in the mind of man, teaching him to follow that which is good, and to eschew that which is evill: and it is called conscientia, quasi concludens scientia; and it hath a two∣fold * 1.81 Act; the first is to give testimony to things, whe∣ther

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we have done them well or ill; if wee have done them well, then it giveth testimony for us, Rom. 9. 1. my conscience also bearing me witnesse; and if we have done evill, then it testifieth against us. Gregory Nazianzen * 1.82 used to call the conscience paedagogum animae; for as a Pedagogue waiteth upon a child, and commendeth him when he doth well, and whippeth him when he doth evill; so the conscience when a man sinneth, it stingeth him like Hornets, Deut. 7. 20. but when hee doth well, it alloweth him: and that which wee call conscience, the Syriack calleth it Tira, Rom. 2. 15. Which signifieth * 1.83 a paynted thing, for the conscience now is like a table, in which sundry things are paynted; and this sort of writing in the consciences, hath not beene unfitly com∣pared to that writing, which we write with the juice of an Onion; here the letters at the first are not legi∣ble, [Simile.] but hold the paper to the fire, and that maketh the letters legible: So these evill deeds, which sinke first into the conscience, and are not legible, yet when the conscience is put to the fire of Gods wrath, then they begin to appeare legible, and then the Lord set∣teth their sinnes in order before them, Psal. 50. 21. The se∣cond act of the conscience is to binde or loose; for even as a man, when he is bound hand and foote, he can∣not stirre out of the place; so the light which is in the conscience, bindeth the will of man, so to doe a thing; that he cannot doe any other thing unlesse he sinne a∣gainst it. Rom. 14. 23. Whatsoever is not of saith is sinne, that is, whatsoever he doth against his conscience, in that, he sinneth.

This conscience is eyther a good conscience, a bad conscience; a doubting conscience, a probable consci∣ence, or a scrupulous conscience. * 1.84

A good conscience is that, which is well informed, and concludeth rightly.

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A bad conscience is that, which is wrongly informed, and concludeth falsly.

A doubtfull conscience is that, which neyther doth assent nor dissent, and therefore concludeth nothing.

A probable conscience is that, which concludeth as it thinketh, upon probable and good reasons.

And a scrupulous conscience is that, which conclu∣deth, but with some feare or doubting, which troubleth the minde. Let us take but this one example for all in the case of eating of meate: The good conscience * 1.85 saith, To the pure all things are pure, and therefore I may eate of this meate: the bad conscience of the Iew saith, Touch not, taste not, handle not; therefore I will eate none of this, because it is uncleane. The doubt∣full conscience doubteth whether hee may eate of it, Rom. 14. 23. but doth not fully conclude with the Iew, that he may not eate of it. The probable conscience is this, which upon probable grounds, concludeth to eate of it. In Corinth some doubted whether they might eate of flesh sold in the Shambles, 1 Cor. 10. because perhaps they might light upon that in the Market, whereof the other part was sacrificed to Idols; but the probable conscience concludeth to eate of it, be∣cause in the Shambles it hath no relation to the Idoll, and it knoweth, by all probability, that the rest of it was not sacrificed to Idols, but that the Priest got the rest for his portion; he seeth others who are men of a good conscience, eate of such; and upon these probable grounds he eateth of it. The scrupulous conscience is this which inclineth to eate, but with feare and greefe to his minde, when he eateth it.

The light in the conscience since the fall maketh not * 1.86 up this good conscience, but it maketh this ill consci∣ence, and it troubleth the scrupulous conscience, and this doubtfull conscience.

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This bad conscience it excuseth or accuseth: it ex∣cuseth * 1.87 an unregenerat man falsly, when he heareth the curses of the Law, and blesseth himselfe in the meanetime, Deut. 29. 19. Ioh. 16. 2. Secondly, it ex∣cuseth him falsely, when he assenteth to the principles in generall; but when he commeth to the particular ap∣plication; he concludeth not rightly. When the Hus∣bandmen killed the Lord of the Vineyard, Christ asked of the Iewes, what should become of these Husband∣men? Matth. 21. 41. they answered, he will destroy these wicked men: but Luk. 20. 16. when they consider this, that the matter touched them more nearely, then they sayd God forebid. The thing which they assented to in the generall, they shune it in particular, as if they should say, we are no such men, and wee hope that God will not so deale with us. So when it accuseth for the breach of any superstitious ceremonie, as it did the superstitious Philistims; if they did but tread upon the Threshold of the Doore, where Dagon breake his necke, 1 Sam. 4. 5. So a bad conscience accuseth a man truly sometimes, as Eccles. 7. 22. for oftentimes also, thine owne heart knoweth that thou thy selfe hast cursed o∣thers.

The conscience bindeth as the Lords deputie; the * 1.88 conscience may be compared to the Kings Herauld. The Herauld intimateth to the Subjects the Kings lawes; When they are intimated, the Subjects are bound to obedience: but if the Herauld should make intimation, of that which were not the Kings Law, un∣to the Subjects; yet they are to give obedience to it, untill they know the contrary: so a man is bound to obey his conscience, that is, to doe nothing con∣trary to it, although it intimate a falsehood unto him.

How can an evill conscience binde a man to that [Quest.]

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which is evill; it being Gods Deputie, and God can binde no man to doe evill?

It bindeth him not simply to doe the evill, but it bin∣deth [Answ.] him to doe nothing against it: God cannot bind a man so, but he simply bindeth him alwayes, to doe right because he cannot erre; judging that to be done which is not to be done, as the conscience doth.

When a good conscience doth bind a man, and [Quest.] when an evill conscience doth binde a man, what is the difference betweene these two sorts of binding?

A good conscience bindeth a man for ever, but a bad [Answ.] conscience bindeth not for ever, but onely so long as he taketh it to be a good conscience: he is bound to doe nothing against his conscience, albeit it be errone∣ous: but he is bound to search the truth, and then to lay aside this erroneous conscience.

So out of these principles naturally bred in the heart, * 1.89 arise all these lawes which are written in the heart; and they differ from the lawes of nations, or municipall lawes of countries. Esay 24. 5. saith, they have transgres∣sed the lawes, changed the ordinances and broken the ever∣lasting covenant: they have transgressed the Lawes, that is, the municipall Lawes of the common-wealth: they have changed the ordinances: that is, these things where∣in all nations agree; as not to doe wrong to strangers, to embassadours and such: and then he commeth to the greatest of all; they have broken the everlasting cove∣nant; * 1.90 that is, the law of nature: it is lesse to breake a municipall law, than the law of nations; or it is lesse to transgresse the law of nations, than to violate the Law of nature; for this Law is that: light which lightneth eve∣ry man, that commeth into the world, Ioh. 1. 9.

A man by this naturall knowledge, cannot be brought * 1.91 to the knowledge of his salvattion; therefore the Law must be written anew againe in his heart. It is a strange

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position of Clemens Alexandrinus, who holdeth that there was alia justitia secundùm legem naturae, alia secun∣dùm legem Mosis, et alia secundùm Christum; and hee calleth these two first 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or degrees to leade to * 1.92 Christ; and as the Law led the Iewes to Christ, so did philosophy leade the Greekes; and hence he con∣cludeth, that the good men amongst the Heathen were saved, or at least had some steps to salvation.

The conclusion of this is, seeing the conscience is so [Conclusion.] obscured, and corrupted through the fall, we must la∣bour to reduce it to the first estate againe. When a compasse is out of frame, we touch the needle of the compasse with a Loadstone, that the stone may draw it right to the pole againe: So the mind must be tou∣ched with the Loadstone of the Spirit of grace, that it may come backe againe to the Lord, as to the pole.

EXERCITAT. VI.

Of the seven Precepts given to Noah.

Act. 15. 20.
We write unto them that they abstaine from things strangled, and from blood.

BEfore the Law was written, the Hebrewes say, that the Lord gave to Noah seven Precepts, which were delivered of Noah by tradition to his posterity after him; these the Iewes call pirke abhoth, capitula patrum, * 1.93 the traditions of the fathers. The most ancient & first tradition that we reade of, was that, Gen. 32. 32. because Iacob halted upon his thigh, therefore the children of Isra∣el eate not of the sinew wbich shranke, which is upon the hol∣low

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of the thigh unto this day; So were these seven pre∣cepts delivered by tradition.

The first was against strange worship or idolatry, * 1.94 that they should not worship false gods; and this they * 1.95 called gnabhuda zara, strange worship. The second they called it gnal birkath hashem, that is, they should blesse * 1.96 the name of God. The third was gnal shepukoth dan∣mim, that is, he was forbidden to shed innocent blood. * 1.97 The fourth was gnalui gniria, that is, he should not defile * 1.98 himselfe with filthy Insts. The fift was gnad hagazael, de rapina; that he should take nothing by violence or * 1.99 theft. The sixt was, gnal hadinim de judiciis. The se∣venth was, abhar min achai, ne menbrum de vivo; that * 1.100 he should not pull a member from a living creature, and eate of it. This precept they say, was given last to Noah, Gen. 9. 4. but the flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall yee not eate: that is, (as the Iewes * 1.101 interpret it) yee shall not pull a member from a living creature, & eate of it, as the wild beast doth; but to stay untill the beast be killed, and then eate the flesh thereof: neyther shall ye eate the blood while it is hot, as if it were yet in the body: this is cruelty, & against a morall precept; to eate hot blood while the life is in it; for where the reason of the Law is perpetuall, the Law must * 1.102 be perpetuall. The reason of the Law is; ye shall not eate blood because the life is in it; so long as the life is in it, yee must not eate it: and see how this sinne, Ezek. 33. 35. is matched with other great sinnes. Yee eate with the blood, and lift up your eyes towards your Idols, and shed blood, and shall yee possesse the land? The morall trans∣gressions of the Law joyned with it here, sheweth that it is cruelty to eate hot blood. But Levit. 7. 27. was the ceremoniall part of the Law: and the Apostles in the councill, Act. 15. forbiddeth them to eate any thing that was strangled; whereby they meant the ceremoniall part of the Law.

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Whether are we to take these precepts as ceremo∣niall or as morrall? [Quest.]

The most of these are morrall precepts, and the [Answ.] same which are set downe againe in the Law: For when the Apostles biddeth them abstaine from fornication, Act. 15. It is the same that is forbidden in the fourth * 1.103 precept given to Noah, not revelare turpitudinem, and to interpret here, fornication, for eating of things sa∣crificed to Idols, seemeth to be a strained sense: for that is forbidden already by the first precept, to Noah. And to uncover the nakednesse according to the phrase of the Scripture, is meant of bodily pollution and not of spirituall fornication.

Now besides these morrall precepts set downe by * 1.104 the councill; they interlace this ceremoniall precept de suffocato, forbidding to eate things strangled; and they give the reason wherefore the Gentiles should ab∣staine from these, Act. 15. 21. For Moyses is read in their Synagogues every Sabbath, as if Iames should say, they * 1.105 professe not onely the morrall Law, but also the cere∣moniall Law yet; therefore yee Gentiles shall doe well to abstaine, from these things which may give them offence. The Iewes respected these precepts most, because they were kept in the Church even from Noahs dayes.

The Hebrewes adde further; that there was no other precept given untill Abrahams dayes; then God added the precept of circumcision, and afterwards taught them to separate tithes.

The Lord taught his Church in her infancie this * 1.106 wayes by traditions, and not be write: and even as parents teach their children the first elements by word, [Simila.] and afterwards by write; so the Lord taught his Church first by word, and then by write.

The conclusion of this is. The Lord never left his [Conclusion.]

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Church without his word to direct her: before the fall, he spake immediatly to Adam and Eve, & taught them. In the second period, he taught them by these seven pre∣cepts. In the third period, by the Law written, and in the fourth period by the Gospel.

EXERCITAT. VII.

Of the diverse wayes how God revealed himselfe extraordinarily to his Church.

Heb. 1. 1.
God who at sundry times, and in divers manners spake in times past unto the Fathers by the Prophets.

GOd manifested himselfe to his Church; first by prophesie, secondly, by the holy Spirit, thirdly by * 1.107 Vrim and Thummim, and fourthly by the poole Bethes∣da.

First by prophesie. There were sundry sorts of pro∣phecie: * 1.108 the first was lepi face to face, to Moyses one∣ly.

This sort of prophesie was the highest degree of re∣velation; and it drew nearest to that sort of vision, which we shall get of God in the heavens. He mani∣fested himselfe to Moyses face to face, and hee knew * 1.109 him by his name, that is, not onely by the face, as Prin∣ces know many of their Subjects; but he knew him inwardly, and liked him: this was notitia approbationis.

Moyses saw God face to face, yet he saw not the es∣sence of God, for hee dwelleth in a light inaccessable. * 1.110 Iohn saw God three manner of wayes. First, in his incar∣nation, he saw God dwelling amongst men in the flesh

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here. Secondly, in his transfiguration upon the Mount. Thirdly, in the Spirit upon the Lords day, Rev. 1. 10. Although Iohn lay in the bosome of Christ and was his beloved Disciple, yet he saith, No man hath seene God at any time: the onely begotten Sonne, which is in the bosome of the Father he hath declared him. Ioh. 1. 18.

When God spake to Moyses, he spake to his under∣derstanding * 1.111 immediatly. A man hath a right eare, and a left eare; the understanding is like the right eare and the phantasie is like the left eare: hee spake to Moyses [Differ. 1] right eare, to his understanding: but when he spake to the rest of the Prophets, by some shapes and visible formes; he spake first to their left eare. Moyses saw no visible shapes nor formes, except onely in the entry of his calling, when he saw the bush burning, Exod. 3. 6. and the Angell comming to kill him in the Inne, Exod. 4. 24. and when he saw the paterne of the Tabernacle in the Mount, Heb. 9. but usually God manifested him∣selfe to his understanding.

Secondly, the other Prophets were astonished and weakned at the sight of God. Dan. 8. 27. and I Daniel [Differ. 2] fainted and was sicke certaine dayes, and I was astonished at the visions. So Ezekiel fell upon his face when the Lord revealed himselfe unto him. Chap. 3. 27. But Moy∣ses was never affrayd at the sight of God but thrice. First when he was to enter in his calling when he saw the bush burning. Exod. 3. 2. Secondly, at the giving of the Law, Heb. 12. 21. Thirdly, in the Inne.

Thirdly, Moyses needed not such preparations before he prophesied, as some of the other Prophets did. Elisha [Differ. 3] before he prophesied, called for a Minstrell to settle his passions; that he might be the more fit to receive his prophesie. 2 King. 3. 15. But Moyses needed not such a preperation. So Paul when he was ravished to the third heaven, this knowledge which he got, was intellectuall,

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and it was neyther by the sight, nor by the phantasie: and whether the soule was in the body here tanquam in organo, vel tanquam in sede onely, it may be * 1.112 doubted.

The second sort of prophesie, was by vision; as when Moyses saw the bush burning, this was presented to him when he a was awake; this was the meanest sort of revelation, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

The third sort was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, when something * 1.113 was presented to their phantasie in a dreame.

These visions which he shew to the Prophets, some∣times they were of things which really existed; as Zacha∣rie saw Iosuah the high Priest, and Sathan standing at his right hand. Zach. 3. Sometimes of things that might be and was not: as Zacharie saw two women carrying an Ephath, Zach. 5. 5. and sometimes of things that were not, nor never could be: as the monstrous beasts showne to Daniel, and to Iohn in the revelation.

When the Lord revealed himselfe to the Prophets * 1.114 in these visions: sometimes he spake mediatly to them by an Angel. As Exod. 3. 2. God is sayd there to ap∣peare to Moses; but Act. 7. 30. an Angel is sayd to ap∣peare in the burning bush. Sometimes againe in these apparitions, he immediatly appeared to the Prophets. Ioh. 12. 40. Hee blinded their eyes, &c. these things hee sayd when hee saw his glorie, that is, when he saw Christs glory.

When the Angels did appeare to the Prophets in these visions, they appeared in the shapes of men, but * 1.115 they never appeared in the likenesse of women, farre lesse in the likenesse of beasts, as the Divell doth: there∣fore Levit. 17. 7. they shall no more offer their sacrifices un∣to Divels, in the Hebrew it is, leshegnirem, to the hoarie * 1.116 ones; because the Divell appeared in these shapes. When the Cherubims appeared they carie the face of a man,

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the crest of a Lyon, the feete of the Oxe, and the wings of an Eagle; they had not foure faces (as some thinke) but in something they represented man, in someting the Lyon, in something the Oxe, and in something the Eagle: panim here should be translated, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. * 1.117

When the Angels appeared to the Prophets, there was more glory in them, then in other men; although sometimes they concealed this glory for a while, as may be seene Gen. 18. comparing it with Heb. 13. 2. When Paul saw an Angell standing by him in the like∣nesse of a man of Mecadonia; there was more glory in him, than in all the men of Mecadonia, Act. 16. 9, Be∣cause the glory of an Angell did shine in him: and in this sense it is sayd, Act. 6. 15. that they saw the face of Steven as it had beene the face of an Angell, that is, his face did shine above the face of mortall men, as when the Angels appeared in humane shape. But when the Lord appeared in the likenesse of a man, then his glo∣ry farre exceeded the glory of an Angell, Esa. 6. 1. I * 1.118 saw the Lord sitting upon a throne. First, he was set upon a high throne. Secondly, his cloathes reached downe to the ground, which signifieth his glory▪ the hemme of his garment touched the ground, which signyfied the humanity of Christ: and the Seraphims covering their faces, because they could not behold the glory of God. And when the Lord appeared in these visions, he appeared in the likenesse of an old man: as Daniel saw the Ancient of dayes sitting upon a throne, Dan. 7. 9. and Reve. 1. 14. when the Sonne of God appeared, his haire was white as wooll, and white as Snow: but the Angels of the Lord appeared in the likenesse of young men, Mark. 16. 5. and the Cherubims were made like young men.

Which of the Prophets saw the most excellent vi∣sions.

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[Quest.] Ezekiel saw the most excellent visions. Esay saw the * 1.119 Lord sitting upon a throne, Esa. 6. 1. but this was a visi∣on of judgement, to make fat the hearts of the people: but the visions of Ezekiel for the most part were of [Answ.] Christ and the building of the spirituall Temple. These visions were so high, that the Iewes forbad any to reade them ante annum sacerdotalem, that is, before they were thirty yeares of age.

Whether were the revelations by visions, or by [Quest.] dreams, or that which was intellectuall more perfect?

Thomas answereth; that the vision which was to the [Ans.] phantasie, was more agreeable to the nature of man, and to his estate here: But that which was immediatly to the understanding, commeth nearer to our estate in glory.

It is generally to be observed here; that in all these * 1.120 sorts of visions, and apparitions, they understood that which they prophesied: and therefore the Prophets were called videntes, Seers, Iob. 13. 1. mine eyes hath seene all these things, mine eares hath heard them, and I understand them all. Pharoah did not understand these things which he saw; therefore he was not a Prophet: So Belthasser when he saw fingers writing upon the wall, he under∣not that which he saw, and therefore he was not a Pro∣phet: and so Caiphas understood not what he prophe∣sied. Ioh. 11. They were like unto men who are purblind and see not a thing distinctly: and therefore desires o∣thers to tell them more distinctly what it is. The Iewes say of these, that they were 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 non 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, * 1.121 they were stirred up by God, but they sought not the Lord. And of Balaam they say, prophetavit ex voluntate Dei, sed non cepit quod prophetavit. Daniel at the first un∣derstood not the prophesie, but the Angel revealed it unto him, Dan. 8. 17.

So the Lord appeared to them in Dreames as he did

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before to them when they were awake, and sometimes these dreames were 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, dreames in which they saw some shapes and visions; as Iacob saw a ladder in his dreame: so Abraham in his dreame, saw the Car∣kases, and foules lighting upon them. Gen. 15. 8. Da∣niel saw the foure monarchies, represented befoure vi∣sible shapes, Dan. 4. and sometimes he revealed him∣selfe sine symbolo, without any visible shape; as to Ioseph, Matt. 2. and to the wise men, Mat▪ 2. 12.

The Lord was onely author of these dreames, there∣fore. * 1.122 Gen. 37. 7. when Ioseph is called bagnal chalamoth, it is not well translated Lord of dreames, for God him∣selfe is onely Lord of dreames. The Seventie translate it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, infomniator, and it signifieth not simple a * 1.123 dreamer but him who dreameth often, therefore chalamoth is in the plurall number. If the Lord revea∣led himselfe in the forepart of the night as hee did to Abraham, then it was called Tardema, a dead sleepe, 1 Sam. 26. cecidit sopor domini super eos id est magnus. But * 1.124 if in the latter part of the night, then it was called cha∣lam, a dreame. To some hee revealed himselfe in a dreame, but he gave then not the interpretation of it, as to the Butler and Baker. Some had the interpretati∣on of the dreame, but not the dreame, as Ioseph. Nebu∣chdnezzer had the dreame, but Daniel the interpretati∣on of it, but the Prophets of God: had both the dreame and the interpretation of it, as Daniel. The heathen sometimes had both the dreame and the interpretation, * 1.125 as the Midianites had of the Barly cake. Iud. 7. but this was for their destruction: but the comfortable dreames and visions, with their interpretations; were onely revealed to the Prophets, for the good of the Church.

Whether was the revelations by dreames, or by vi∣sions the more perfect revelation? [Quest.]

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Intensive the revelation by vision was the more ex∣cellent, but extensive the revelation by dreames was the * 1.126 more excellent, and that by vision came nearest to that which was intellectuall, for they had no use of their senses in it, & the visions were presented to their under∣standing only. When we take up a thing by sense; first * 1.127 the sense transmiteth it to the phantasie, and then the phantasie sendeth it to the understanding; this is the most imperfect sort of knowledge. Secondly, when the vision is presented to the phantasie onely, and the phantasie sendeth it to the understanding, this is more perfect then the former. And thirdly, when the visi∣on is presented to the understanding onely, this is a higher degree.

In the Knowledge which they got by dreames, first, they had the dreame, and when they were awake they got the understanding of it: but in a vision they pre∣sently understood the thing presented unto them. Be∣cause the revelation by vision was the more perfect sort of knowledge, therefore Ioel saith your young men shall see visions, and then he added, your old men shall dreame dreames, as the more imperfect sort of revelati∣on, Ioel. 2. 28.

It may be asked why God revealed himselfe this way [Quest.] by dreames?

The reasons were these. First these things which [Ans.] we begin to thinke upon when we are awake we begin * 1.128 to try them by reason, and if reason approve them not then we reject them, but in a dreame the mind recei∣veth [Reason 1] things not examining them by reason. In mat∣ters Divine the lesse that reason have a hand in admit∣ting of them the better it is, and here it was better for the Prophets to be ruled by God, and fitter for them to be schollers then judges.

The second reason why he taught his Prophets by [Reason 2]

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dreames was this, to let them see how farre his power exceeded the power of man; for masters cannot teach schollers; but when they are awake and giving heed: but God can teach his Prophets in a deepe sleepe and in a dreame: which gave the Prophets to understand what great commandement, the Lord had over all the faculties of their mindes.

Hee revealed himselfe in dreames to them, to let [Reason. 3] them understand, that death tooke not away all know∣ledge from man, and that there was another way to get knowledge, than by discourse or reason.

The third way, how the Lord revealed himselfe to * 1.129 his Prophets; was by ruah hakkodesh, by the holy spi∣rit: then the Prophets had all the use of their senses; hearing one speaking to them, as we doe every one ano∣ther, and seeing, &c. and the more use that they have of their senses, the more unperfect was their revelation. * 1.130 Others distinguish this sort of revelation which was by the holy Spirit, from that which was properly cal∣led prophecie: they say these who spake by the holy spirit, & were Prophets in that sense, they were not cal∣led to attend still as Prophets; such as was David a King; & Daniel a Courtiour: But Esay and Ieremy were Pro∣phets properly so called: because they waited still, and attended in the schoole of the Prophets.

The fourth way, how God revealed himselfe, was by * 1.131 vrim & thummim, and they are alwayes joyned toge∣ther except in two places of the Scripture, Exod. 17. 21. * 1.132 and 1 Sam. 28. 8. This was a different kind of revela∣tion from the former: for by this the Priest did not pro∣phesie, neyther made songues to the prayse of God: but having put on this breastplate, it was a signe to him that God would answer these doubts, which he asked of him, & it is called the Brestplate of judgement, mishpat * 1.133 signifieth, eyther the administration of publike judge∣ments,

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Esa. 41. 3. or private affaires, Pro. 13. 23. est qui absumitur absqe judicio, that is: because his family is not rightly administrat. It is called then the breastplate of judgement: because the Lord taught his people in their doubtfull cases; what to doe, by this vrim and * 1.134 thummim.

Exod. 28. 30. Thou shalt put in the breastplate Vrim and Thummim. Some hold that the twelve pretious stones set in the brestplate, were called vrim and thummim: as Kimchi; but the Text maketh against that: for the breastplate, and the vrim and the thummim are distin∣guished vers. 30. Some of the Iewes againe incline most to this sense; that these two words vrim and Thummim were set in the breastplate as holinesse to the Lord was written in great letters upon a plate of Gold, * 1.135 and set in the forehead of the highpriest. But it see∣meth rather that they were two pretious stones given by the Lord himselfe, to be set in the brestplate: and an Ancient Iew called Rabbi Bechai marketh, that these * 1.136 two are set downe cum he demonstrativo for their excel∣lencie. Neyther saith the Lord thou shalt make vrim and thummim as hee sayd of the rest of the orna∣ments of the Highpriests, thou shalt make this or that. * 1.137

It is commonly holden that the letters did shine out of the breastplate of Aaron, when the Lord gave his answers to him, that he might read the answer by the letters: but this could not be, as may appeare by the forme of the brestplate following.

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[illustration] woodcut of 12 examples of breastplates
The forme of the Breast-plate.

When David asked of the Lord, 1 Sam. 23. 12. will the men of Keila deliver me and my men into the hands of Saul? * 1.138 the Lord sayd ijsgiru, they will deliver thee: here the letters in the brestplate would have made up this whole answer; Iod from Iehuda, Samech from Ioseph, Gimel from Gad, Iod from Levi, Resh from Reuben, and Vau from Reuben, but Iudges 20. 8. when the Israelites

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asked counsell of the Lord, who shall goe up first to battell against Benjaman? it was answered, Iehuda Batte∣chilla, * 1.139 Iuda shall goe up first, now there was not so ma∣ny letters in the brestplate to expresse this answer, for there wanted foure letters of the Alphabet in the brest∣plate 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. 2 Sam. 5. 23. when David enquired of * 1.140 the Lord, shall I goe up against the Philistimes? the Lord answered, Thou shalt not goe up but fetch a compasse behind them and come upon them over against the Mulberry trees. The letters in the brestplate could not expresse all this, therefore it was not by the letters that the Lord answe∣red the Priest: but when hee had on this brestplate, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or rationale upon him, then the Lord taught * 1.141 him what to answer; and this brestplate was but a signe unto him, that the Lord would answer him, as Sampsons hayre was a signe unto him, that the Lord would continue his strength with him as long as hee kept his haire; how was the strength in Sampsons haire? not as in the cause, or in the subject, but onely as in the signe, so in the Apostles garments and shaddow; they * 1.142 were but a signe of their power which they had in hea∣ling miraculously; and so was vrim and thummim but a signe of this, that the Lord would answer the Priest.

The vrim and thummim were not alwayes with the * 1.143 Arke; for all the time of Saul they asked not counsell of the Arke, 1 Chron. 13. 3. Let us bring againe the Arke of our God unto us: for we enquired not at it, in the dayes of Saul; they went usually to aske counsell in the Taber∣nacle and Sanctuarie of the Lord, Iud. 20. they went up to Silo, where the Tabernacle was, to aske the Lord then the Arke was in the Tabernacle: but when the Arke was separated from the Tabernacle, they might sacrifice in the Tabernacle. So they might aske the Lord here by vrim and thummim although the Arke

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was not there. When the Highpriest asked counsell for David, at Nob: the Arke was not there nor the Taberna∣cle; but onely vrim and thummim: but when the Arke and the vrim and thummim were together, they al∣wayes enquired the Lord before the Arke; and when they were separated; they turned their faces towards the Arke, wheresoever it was, when they asked coun∣sell by the judgement of vrim and thummim. When David was in Ziglaeg, 1 Sam. 30. he asked counsell of the Lord by the Priest: but neyther the Arke nor the Tabernacle was ever in Ziglag a towne of the Phili∣stims.

When any are sayd, to aske counsell of the Lord, * 1.144 who were not Highpriests; as the Israelites are sayd thrice to aske the Lord. Iud. 20. 18. 1 Sam. 14. 37. & 23. 2. 1 Chron. 14. they are understood to have done this by the Highpriest, for Num. 27. 21. Ioshua is commanded to aske counsell at the Lord, by Eleazer the High∣priest.

The manner how he stood who asked counsell of the Lord by the Highpriest, He shall stand before Eleazar * 1.145 the Priest, who shall aske counsell for him after the judgment of Vrim before the Lord. Num. 27. 21. he stood not direct∣ly before the Highpriest, for then he should have stood betwixt him and the Arke: therefore liphne should be translated juxta, a latere, or beside the Priest. Hee stood by the Highpriest when he asked counsell, and hee * 1.146 heard not what tht Lord sayd to the Priest; but the Priest gave him his answer.

When two things are demanded of the Lord, he an∣swered * 1.147 in order to them. As 1 Sam. 23. 9. will they come up? The Lord answered, they will come up. So he an∣swered to the second question, will they deliver me? They will deliver thee.

They asked not counsell of the Lord by Vrim and

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Thummim but in great and weighty matters; as David * 1.148 after the death of Saul, 1 Sam. 2. So 2 Sam. 5. they asked the Lord, for the King, for the common wealth or for a tribe, or for making of warres, but in matters of lesse moment they asked not the Lord, by Vrim and Thum∣mim: as if any thing had beene committed to ones cu∣stodie, and it was lost; they did not aske the Lord for it by Vrim and Thummim, but the oath of the Lord was betwixt them, Exod. 22. 11.

When they got their answers by Vrim and Thummim, * 1.149 the Lord confirmed their answers sometimes by lot. As 1 Sam. 10. 8. he asked first by Vrim and Thummim, who should bee King? and then it was confirmed by lot. So when Ioshua divided the Land, First, he got his answer by Vrim and Thummim, and then hee bid∣deth them cast lots, & as their lots ascended, he distribu∣ted unto them, Num. 26. 55. When the Highpriest con∣sulted, he stretched out his hands unto the Arke of the Lord. 1 Sam. 14. 19. collige manum tuam, draw in thine hand.

The difference betwixt the predictions of the Pro∣phets * 1.150 and the Priest, by Vrim and Thummim was this. The Prophets when they foretold things, vt futura in seipsis, as to fall out in themselves; then they alwayes fell out: but when they foretold things as they were in their causes; then they might fall out, or not fall out. Example, Esay saith to Ezekias, set thy house in order for thou shalt dye, and not live, Esay. 38. 1. looking to the se∣cond * 1.151 causes, and to Ezekias, he shall dye. But looking to the event, he shall not dye. So 1 King. 21. 20. The Lord threatned to bring a judgement upon Achab, and yet upon his humiliation spared him. So the Lord threatned ve, forty dayes and Ninive shall be destroy∣ed, Ionah. 3. 4. and yet when they humbled themselves they were not destroyed. But that which was revealed

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by the Highpriest, when he tooke on Vrim and Thum∣mim, tooke alwayes effect.

But it may be sayd, Iud. 20. 23. shall I goe up to the [Object.] battell against the children of Beniamin our brother? The Lord answered, goe up against him. And yet they were killed.

In this first answer the Lord sheweth, that they had [Answ.] just cause to make warre against Benjamin; but he an swered not to the successe of the battell, because they were not as yet humbled; and they trusted too much to their owne strength. But when Phineas demanded what they should doe, vers. 28. when they were hum∣bled: they got a direct and more distinct answer: goe up, for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand.

Bellermine the Iesuite, that he may prove the infalli∣bility * 1.152 of the Pope in judgeing in matters of faith; al∣ledgeth the Vrim and the Thummim, which were upon the brestplate of the Highpriest; which directed him * 1.153 that he could not erre in judgement. But this reason is faultie many wayes. First, in the derivation of the names; for he deriveth Vrim from the root jara which * 1.154 signifieth, to teach; whereas it is derived from or to give light. So he deriveth thummim from the root A man, which signifieth to beleeve; whereas it com∣meth from tamam, to make a thing perfect. The se∣ventie translate these words, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as yee would say, manifestatio & veritas. And so doth Hie∣rome. But this they doe 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and they respect more the end here, wherefore they were put into the brestplate, than their proper significations. For as Vrim properly signifieth brightnesse, and figuratively 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because that which maketh all things manifest is the light, Ephes. 5. 13. and this Thummim properly signifieth perfection; so figuratively in things spiritu∣all,

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it signifieth verity. The Seventy looking to the fi∣gurative signification, translate them this wayes.

Secondly, put the case that Vrim and Thummim sig∣nified doctrine and verity, yet it will not follow that the Highpriest might not erre: for by these were sig∣nified not what sort of men they were, but what sort of men they ought to be. Prov. 16. 10. A divine sentence is in the lippes of the King, and his mouth transgresseth not in judgement. Here is a clearer place that the King of Spaine cannot erre in judgement, than that the Pope cannot erre in judgement; if yee will take words as they stand. But the meaning of the words is, a divine sentance ought to be in the lippes of the King; and then his mouth will not transgresse in judgement. So these two are set in the brestplate of Aaron, to teach him his dutie: but they were not notes of his infallibility. And if by Vrim, they would inferre his infallibility in judge∣ment: so by Thimmim, they may inferre his holinesse of life: and so none of the Popes were profane and wicked men.

Thirdly, this brestplate served not for a triall of his doctrine, but onely for foretelling of the doubtfull events of things; for their doctrine was to be tryed by the law and by the testimony, Esa. 8.

Fourthly, if Vrim and Thummim signified verity and * 1.155 judgement, then it should follow, that none of the Highpriests could erre: but wee know that Vrijah the Highpriest in the time of Achaz, brought the paterne of the Altar of Damascus, and placed it in Ierusalem. 2 King. 16. 6. And Caaiphas erred, when he condemned Christ to death.

Lastly, let this be granted, that the Highpriest under the law could not erre; therefore that eyther Peter or the Pope his successor (as they alledge) could not erre, it will not follow. For this priviledge, not to erre, be∣longeth

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to none, but to Iesus Christ, of whom the Highpriest was a type; who had both Vrim and Thum∣mim, purity of doctrine and perfection of life.

How long did the gift of prophesie endure in the se∣cond [Quest.] Temple.

The gift of prophesie endured under the old Testa∣ment [Answ.] untill the time of the Macedonian Empire. When * 1.156 Alexander the great did raigne, Nehemiah maketh men∣tion of one Iaddus the Highpriest, Neh. 12. 7. who met Alexander, when he came against Ierusalem. Now * 1.157 if there had beene none, who were infallibly directed by the Spirit of God at this time; who could have put this into the canonicall Scripture it being histo∣ricall? therefore there behoved to be one at this time, who had the spirit of prophesie, and was one of the masters of the great Synagogue, who did this: and then the Sunne went downe upon the Prophets. Micah. 3. and the gift of prophecie ceased.

Thse gift of prophesie was bestowed anew againe, in * 1.158 the second Temple, under the new Testament. Ioel. 2. I will powre out my spirit upon all flesh, and your young men shall see visions, &c.

This gift lasted in the Church, till the second Tem∣ple was destroyed. The Iewes by a certaine kind of Kabbala called gematrja, observe upon Hagg. 1. 8. it is * 1.159 written there ekkabhda, I will be glorified, because the word wanteth the letter 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in the end of it, which let∣ter standeth for five; they say that the want of this 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, sheweth the want of five things in the second Temple, which were in the first. The Arke, the mercy seate, and Cherubims. Secondly, the fire from Heaven. Thirdly, the majesty of Divine presence called shekena. Fourthly, the holy Ghost. And fiftly, Vrim and Thummim. But this rabbinicall observation is most impious, and ser∣veth * 1.160 to overthrow all the whole New Testament, to

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deny Iesus Christ, and to condemne his Apostles and Evangelists; as though they had not the gift of the holy Spirit when they wrote, during the time of the second Temple: and this is contrary to the very scope of the Prophet, Hagg. 1. 8. Goe up into the mountaine, and bring wood to build this house, and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified saith the Lord, and Hagg. 2. 9. The glory of the latter house shall be greater then the former, and in this place will I give peace saith the Lord.

Whether were the Arke, the Vrim and Thummim, and [Quest.] the holy fire in the second Temple or not?

Although there was greater spirituall beauty in the [Answ.] second Temple, than in the first; yet the second Tem∣ple * 1.161 wanted this typicall Arke, the Vrim and Thummim, and the fire; therefore it is but a fable of theirs, who * 1.162 say, that Titus after he had destroyed the second Tem∣ple, brought the Arke to Rome in his triumphes; but the Arke was never seene in the second Temple; and Iosephus, who was an eye witnesse of Titus triumphes sheweth, that it was onely but the table of the shew∣bread which Titus carried away in his triumphes, and is seene yet pictured there.

The Vrim and Thummim were not in the second Tem∣ple, but the graces signified by them.

But it may be sayd. Nehem. 7. 65. and Ezra. 2. 63. That [Object.] they should not eate of the most holy things, untill there stood up a Priest with Vrim and with Thummim.

It is the manner of the Scriptures to expresse the na∣ture [Answ.] of the Church under the New Testament; by fi∣gures * 1.163 and types which were under the Old Testament: so by Vrim and Thummim which were in the first Tem∣ple; to expresse the perfection of the Priests, which should be in the second Temple.

The last way, how God revealed himselfe in the se∣cond * 1.164 Temple, was by the poole Bethesda: when the

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Angel came downe at certaine times to stirre the poole, then whosoever after the first troubling of the water stepped in, he was cured of whatsoever disease. Ioh. 5. 4. It was not the Angell that cured them here: for it is a true Axiome of the Schoolemen, pars natur a non potest super are na∣turam, * 1.165 an Angell is but a part of nature, therefore hee cannot worke a miracle, which is above nature. It was Christ himselfe who wrought the miracle, it was hee * 1.166 who loosed the prisoners, Psal. 146. Mattir, is so to loose the bound, that they have use both of their hands and feete, to leape as freely as the Grashopper doth, which hath legges to leape upon the earth, Levit. 11. 21. So the di∣seased were loosed, that they might leape and goe streight upon their owne feete. By Angell here some understand the power of God, who useth his Angels, as his ministers to worke many things below here; and therefore the Seventy put God in place of the Angell, as Eccles. 5. 6. Say not before the Angell, that it was an er∣rour. But the Seventy translate it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for the Chaldes use to ascribe the worke of God to his ministers, the Angels. But it is better to ascribe this miracle here, to the Angell of the covenant Iesus Christ. Tertullian saith, that the operation of the fish∣poole being now to cease and to loose the vertue of it, our Saviour curing him who had beene long diseased, being at the poole, gave thereby an entrance to all sicke persons to come unto him: as if he should have sayd, he that desires to be whole; let him not come to the poole, or expect the comming downe of the Angell: for when he commeth, he healeth but one; but come unto me, and I shall heale you all.

The conclusion of this is, seeing wee have a more [Conclusion.] cleare manifestation of the will of God by Christ, than they had under the Law; let us beware to offend him now. He that despised Moyses law, Heb. 10. 28. dyed with∣out

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mercy, under two or three witnesses, of how much sorer punishment shall we be thought worthy of, if we treade under foot the Sonne of God.

EXERCITAT. VIII.

Of the necessity of the Word written.

Ioh. 20. 31.
But these are written that yee might beleeve.

GOd thought it necessary, after that he had taught his Church by Word; next to teach her by write. There is a twofold necessity. The first is called an ab∣solute necessity: the second, of expedience. Againe, * 1.167 Gods revealed will was necessary to all men, as a cause; but his written word was necessary as an instrumentall * 1.168 cause; and this word is considered eyther essentially, or accidentally. Essentially for the written word: this written, and unwritten word, differ onely as a man na∣ked, and cloathed; for there is no change in the nature [Simile.] and substance here. And that we may the better under∣derstand the necessity of the writing of the word, wee must distinguish here the states of the Church. First, * 1.169 shee was in a family or oeconomike. Secondly, she was Nationall, dispersed through the countrey of the Iewes. Thirdly, she was Ecomenicall or Catholicke, dispersed through the whole world. So long as shee was in a fa∣mily, and the Patriarches lived long, to record to the posterity, the word and the workes of God; then God taught his Church by his word unwritten. But when his Church began to be enlarged, first through Iudea, & then through the whole world, then he would have his

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word set downe in write; because then the Fathers * 1.170 were not of so long a life, to record to the posterity, the word and the workes of God. Againe he did this to obviat the craft of the Divell, and the counterfeite writings of the false Apostles.

It was necessary then, that the word should be writ∣ten, * 1.171 that the Church might have a greater certainety of their salvation. See how farre the Lord commen∣deth unto us, the certainety which wee have by the Scriptures; above all other sort of revelation. 2 Pet. 1-19. We have also a more sure word of prophesie: here the * 1.172 certainety of the Scriptures, is preferred to the trans∣figuration in the mount. Secondly, the Apostle Gal. 1. 8. preferreth it to the revelation made by Angels, If an Angell should come from heaven and teach any other Gospel, let him be accursed. Thirdly, Christ himselfe pre∣ferred the certainety of it to Moyses and the Prophets. If one should come from the dead and teach us. Luke 16. 31.

The Church of Rome then doth great wrong to Chri∣stians; * 1.173 when they would make the last ground and stay of Christian faith, to be the Church onely; But wee are built upon the foundation of the Prophets, and Apostles, Ephe. 2. 20. the Lord when he dwelt betweene the Che∣rubims, he set the Candlesticke upon his right hand, and the table with the shewbread upon his left hand: to teach us, that the Scriptures are to be preferred still to the testimony of the Church; and that wee must rest upon their testimony primariò.

Whether is it an Article of our faith, to beleeve that [Quest.] the Scriptures are the Word of God or not?

Some things are both de fide, & de verbo fidei; as [Ans.] Christ is Emmanuel. Secondly, somethings are de ver∣bo * 1.174 fidei but not de fide primariò; as Paul left his cloake at Troas. Thirdly, somethings are de fide, but non de verbo

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fidei, which are the conclusions drawne from the cano∣nicall word by consequence. And these are eyther drawne from the word generally; as this, that the Scrip∣tures are the word of God. for this is evident from the whole word generally, and although this be a princi∣ple in it selfe, which ought first to be beleeved; yet in my conception, and manner of taking up, it is a con∣clusion arising from that majesty and Divine character which is in the word it selfe, or the particular conclu∣sions drawne from the word. They are de fide, non de verbo fidei, as when a man concludeth, his owne parti∣cular justification from the word; as I Iames am justi∣fied, est de fide mea, and not a part of the canonicall word, but an application arising from it. Fourthly, something are neyther de fides nor de verbo fidei.

Secondly, we may answer to this: whether the word written be an article of our faith or not. The articles * 1.175 of our faith are eyther taken generally, or specially: ge∣nerally, for all that is contained in the Scriptures, or may be deduced by way of consequence from the Scrip∣tures: then it is not an article of our faith, to beleeve the canon of the Scriptures. Secondly, specially for that which is contained in the Creede; for the Creede is the substance of that which is contained in the Scrip∣tures; and then it is an article of our faith to be∣leeve the Cannon of the Scriptures.

The Scriptures of God, are considered essentially, * 1.176 or accidentally. Essentially, as they proceede from God; accidentally againe, as they were written by such and such men. As they proceede from God, we must beleeve them to be true, and to be the meanes of our salvation; for saving truth is onely from God. But if we consider them but accidentally, as they are written by such and such men, then it is not an article of our faith to beleeve them; for it maketh not to our

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salvation primariò, to know that they were written by such and such men.

When the books in holy Scripture, carry the names of those who wrote them; as the bookes of Moyses carrie his name; if a man should deny these bookes to be writ∣ten by Moses, & then be ignorant altogether of the mat∣ter contained in them; then his ignorance were damnable, and the denyall of them hereticall; they * 1.177 have Moses and the Prophets, Luk. 16.

But if the writer of the booke be not set downe in the Scripture; if a man should deny such a man to write it, he should not be reputed as an hereticke for that; and to be ignorant that such a man wrote it, this * 1.178 were not damnable ignorance. Example, it is holden that Paul wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews; now if a man should deny that Paul wrote this Epistle, he were not to be holden a hereticke for that, neyther were his ignorance damnable. A man may be ignorant of this or that booke, and yet be saved, and many were saved before the bookes were written, and now many are saved who cannot reade the Scriptures.

But when a man doubteth of the order and number * 1.179 of the bookes in the Canon, this argueth but his un∣skilfulnesse and infirmity, and the denyall of the num∣ber and order of these bookes, is but hereticall by acci∣dent, and the ignorance is not damnable.

When we beleeve such a booke to be written by such [Quest.] a man, whether beleeve we this by a justifying faith, or by an historicall faith?

When we beleeve that such a man wrote this booke, [Ans.] this is but an historicall faith, and this we have by the Church: but that which is dogmaticall in this booke, that we must beleeve out of the word it selfe; we being illuminate by the Spirit.

The conclusion of this is. Seeing God hath revealed [Conclusi.]

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his will in his word written to us, and remitted us al∣wayes to the law and to the testimony, Esay 10. 8. Ioh. 5. 49. search the Scriptures: therefore those who leave the Scriptures, and make choyse of traditions; they for∣sake the fonntaine of living waters, and digge Cisternes to themselves that can hold no water, Ier. 2. 13.

EXERCITAT. IX.

Of the singular prerogatives which the secretaries of the holy Ghost had, who wrote the Scriptures.

2 Pet. 1. 21.
And the holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost.

THe holy men of God, who were inspired by the holy Spirit to write the Scriptures: First they [Prorogative. 1] were immediatly called by God. Gal. 1. 12. For the Gospel which I preached, I received it not of man, neyther was I taught but by the revelation of Iesus Christ, they had not their calling from man, but immediatly from God. They had their calling intuitu Ecclesiae, 1 Cor. 3. 2. sed non * 1.180 interventu Ecclesiae: that is, God ordained these offices for the good of the Church, and it was for the Church cause that he appointed them; but they had not their calling from the Church: But Preachers now have their calling both intuitu Ecclesiae, & interventu Ecclesiae. There * 1.181 is immedietas ratione suppositi & immedietas ratione vir∣tutis: the first is, when the person is immediatly sepa∣rated by God to such a calling; the second is, when the graces and calling, are immediatly given by God. When Ministers are called, they have their gifts imme∣diatly

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from God, and so they have their calling; there interveneth no suppositum, or midst betweene God and them: but for the appointing and designing of them to such places; that they have from the Church. But the Apostles were called immediatly, both ratione suppositi & vírtutis; they had their gifts immediatly from God, neyther were they designed to such and such plaees as the Ministers are now.

The Prophets and Apostles were immediatly called by God, and therefore Matthias was chosen by lot to be an Apostle, because the lot is immediatly directed by the hand of God; but Preachers now should not be chosen by lot. Zeno the Emperor tempted God in this case, laying a paper upon the Altar, that God might write in the paper the name of him, who should be Bi∣shop of Constantinople: but Flavitius corrupting the * 1.182 Sexton of the Church, caused him to write in his name, and so was made Bishop of Constantinople.

But Moyses learned from the Egyptians, and Daniel from the Chaldeans: therefore it may seeme that they [Object.] had not their calling immediatly from God.

They had the learning of humane sciences and trades [Answ.] from men; as Paul learned from men to be a Tent ma∣ker: * 1.183 so Moyses learned these humane sciences from the Egyptians, & Daniel from the Chaldeans; but their know∣ledge, as Prophets & Apostles imediatly was frō God. Although they had their divine knowledge immediate∣ly from God, yet they were to entertaine it by reading, [Simile.] As the fyre, that came from heaven upon the Altar * 1.184 was miraculous; yet when it was once kindled, they kept it in with wood, as wee doe our fire: So the Prophets knowledge was preserved by reading, as ours is.

Their second pretogative, was the measure of know∣ledge [Prerogative. 2] they had in matters Divine. Their knowledge far * 1.185 differed frō the knowledge of Christ; this was visio vni∣onis, & this excelled the knowledge of all creatures, even

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of the Angels: this was not called prophesie, as he was comprehensor; but as he was viator here upon the earth, this his illumination is called Prophesie; he is called the great Prophet, Deut. 18. 15. and in this sort of knowledge hee excelled both men and Angels. Secondly, their knowledge differed from the knowledge of Angels, and the glorified Spirits: for prophesie as Peter saith, 2 Pet. 1. 19. is like a light shining in a darke place, but in * 1.186 Heaven there is no darkenesse.

Thirdly, their knowledge differed from the know∣ledge that Paul had, when he was taken up to the third heaven; and this was called visio raptus: their knowledge was farre inferiour to all these sorts of knowledge; but it farre exceeded all the knowledge that we have.

Whether had the Prophets of God, and the Secreta∣ries [Quest.] of the holy Ghost; this their Prophesie, and divine knowledge, by way of habit or no? [Answ.]

They had not this gift of prophesie by way of habit, * 1.187 as the children of God have their faith: and as Bezaliell and Aholiab, although they had their knowledge im∣mediatly from God, to worke all curious workes in the Tabernacle; yet they kept still this their know∣ledge as an ordinary habit; but this gift of prophesie, the Prophets had it not as a habit, but they had neede still of new illumination when they prophesied. Peter compareth prophesie to a light shining in a darke place, 2 Pet. 1. 19. how long continueth light in a darke house? no longer then a candle is there: so this coruscation, [Simile.] or glimpse of the Spirit, continued no longer with them; but when the Spirit was illuminating them, and teaching them: they had the gift of prophesie even as they had the gift of healing; but they could not heale when and where they pleased. Paul saith, I have left Trophimus sicke at Miletum, 2 Tim 4. 20. So they could not prophesie when and where they pleased,

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2 King. 4. 27. The Lord hath hid it from me and hath not told it me, they had not this prophesie as a permanent habit; but as that, which was now and then revealed unto them. Ier. 42. 7. And it came to passe after ten dayes; here the Prophets behoved to attend, untill he got a new revelation from the Lord; and sometimes they waited longer, and sometimes shorter for this revela∣tion.

How differed the Prophets then from other men, [Quest.] when they prophesied not?

First, yee shall see a difference betweene them and [Ans.] others who prophesied. Num. 17. It is sayd of those Prophets, prophetarunt & non addiderunt, that is, they * 1.188 prophesied but that day onely, that the Spirit came upon them, but never after; as the Hebrews expound it: but the Prophets of the Lord, prophesied often. So 2 King. 2. 3. The children of the Prophets came forth: they prophesied, but this gift of prophesie continu∣ed not with them: but these Prophets of the Lord, often prophesied: And although they had not the habit of prophecie, yet they were separated by God for that purpose, to expect still for new illumination.

The third prerogative, which the holy men of God had, was this, that they could not erre in their writing, [Prorogat. 3] * 1.189 2 Pet. 1. 21. The holy men of God spake as they were inspi∣red by the holy Ghost, Matth. 10: 2. Luk. 21. 15. Luk. 1. 17. * 1.190 therefore the Prophets were called, the mouth of God, Luk. 1. 70. Ier. 15. 19. thou shalt be as my mouth. Hee spake not onely by their mouthes, but also they were * 1.191 his mouth. And contrary to this is that lieing Spirit in the mouth of the false Prophets. 1 King. 22. 22.

The secretaries of the holy Ghost, erred sometimes in some of their purposes, and in some circumstances * 1.192 of their calling; but in the doctrine it selfe they never erred. Peter in the transfiguration, knew not what hee

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sayd, Luk. 9. 33. David was minded to build an house to God, he asked of Nathan if he should doe so, 1 Chro. 17. 2. Nathan sayd to him; doe what is in thine heart. So when Eliab stood before Samuel, 1 Sam. 16. 6. Samuel sayd: surely the Lords annointed is before me. So the Di∣sciples erred in their counsell, which they gave to Paul, forbidding him to goe up to Ierusalem, Act. 21. 4. But the spirit of God, taught the contrary by Agabus, vers. 17. David Psal. 116. sayd in his hast, that all men are lyars: he meant, that Samuel the man of God had made a lye to him; because hee thought the promise too long defferred in getting of the kingdome. So when he wrote a letter to Ioab with Vriah, in this he was not Gods secretary, but the Divels. But as they were the secretaries of God, and spake by divine inspiration, they could not erre.

But it may seeme, that all which they wrote in holy [Object.] Scriptures, was not done by divine inspiration: for Paul wrote that he would come to Spaine, Rom. 15. 24. and yet he never came to Spaine.

We must distinguish betweene their purposes exter∣nall, [Answ.] and their doctrine: they might erre in these ex∣ternall purposes, and resolutions; but all which they wrote of Christ, and matters of salvation, was yea and Amen, 2 Cor. 1. 20. He wrote that he was purposed to come to Spaine, and so he was; but he was let, that he could not come.

But Paul repented that he wrote the Epistle to the [Object.] Corinthians to grieve them, 2 Cor. 7. 8. If this was writ∣ten by the inspiration of the holy Ghost, why did he repent of it?

Paul wrote this Epistle to humble them, and when [Answ.] he saw them excessively sorrowfull, that was the thing that greeved him; but it greeved him not simply that he wrote to them to humble them. When a Chyrur∣gian

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commeth to cure a wounded man, he putteth the [Simile.] poore patient to great paine, and maketh him to cry out, that grieveth him; but it greeveth him not when he cureth him: So it repented not Paul, that he had writ∣ten to the Corinthians; but it repented him to see them so swallowed up with greefe.

But if the Scriptures be Divinely inspired, how say [Object.] they, Iud. 16. 17. there were about three thousand upon the roofe of the house. So Act. 2. 40. and that day there were added to the Church, about three thousand soules. Is not the number of all things, certainely knowne to God?

The Scriptures set downe the number that way: be∣cause [Answ.] it is little matter, whether we know the number or not. And secondly, the Lord speaketh to us this way in the Scripture after the manner of men.

Peter erred in a matter of faith, Gal. 2. 14. [Object.]

The error was not in the substance, but in the cir∣cumstance of the fact: and where it is sayd, Gal. 2. 14. [Ans.] * 1.193 That Peter walked not uprightly, according to the Gospel; it is to be understood onely of his conversation; hee erred here onely, in this principle of Christian Religi∣on; not walking according to his knowledge, but hee erred not in his writing.

All men are subject to error, the Prophets and Apo∣stles [Ob.] are men, therefore subject to error.

The Prophets and Apostles are considered as members [Ans.] of the Church, and so they might erre; and they pray * 1.194 as other men, Lord forgive us our sinnes. Secondly, they are considered according to their functions and immediate calling; and then they were above the Church, and could not erre.

What needed Nathan to be sent to David to attend [Quest.] him continually, one Prophet to another?

Although one Prophet stood not in need of another; [Answ.] yet he who was both a King and a Prophet had neede

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of a Prophet to admonish him: for Kings stand in slip∣pery places, and have neede of others to advertise them.

The Prophets, as they were Prophets, could not erre; therefore, that collection of the Iewes, is most impious: they say that David wished to the sonnes of Ioab foure things, 2 Sam. 3. 29. First that some of them might dye by the sword. Secondly, that some of them might dye of the bloody flixe. Thirdly, that some of them might leane upon a staffe. And fourthly, that some of them might begge their bread. And so they say, it befell Davids posterity, for his sinfull wish. One of them leaned upon a staffe, Asa was goutish. One of his posterity was killed by the sword, as Iosias. One of them dyed of the flixe, as Rehoboam. And one of them beg'd his bread, as Iehojachim. But this collection is most impious; for David spake not here by a private spirit of revenge, but as a Prophet of God: and there∣fore when they assigne these to be the causes, why these judgements befell Davids posterity; they assigne that for a cause, which was not a cause.

The fourth prerogative, they were holy men. Holi∣nesse [Prerogat. 4] distinguished them from those Prophets which were profane and unsanctified; who had the gift of * 1.195 illumination, but not of sanctification: the Lord made choyse of none such to be his secretaries, who were not sanctified. The Lords Prophet is called vir spiritus, the man of the Spirit, Hos. 9. 7. because he is ruled, and guided by the holy Spirit, that he become not profaine. If the very women, who spun the curtaines to the Ta∣bernacle were wise hearted, Exod. 35. 25. Much more will the Lord have those, who are to build his house; wise and holy men. Those who translated the Bible into Greeke, yee shall see how often they changed their faith, and were turne-coates: Aquila of a Christian

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he became a Iew. Symmachus was first a Samaritane, and then he became halfe Iew, halfe Christian. Then Theodoton, first he was a fllower of Tatianus the here∣ticke, and then he became a Marcionite, and thirdly he became a Iew. But the Prophets of God, after they were called, continued holy men, and never fell backe againe.

God will have no man, but holy men to be his secreta∣ries, * 1.196 Luk. 1. 70. As he spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets. Therefore Salomon being a Prophet, and one of Gods secretaries, behoved to be a holy man; and being holy he could not be a reprobate: hence he is called Iedidiah, The beloved of God, 2. Sam. 12. 25. and whom God loveth, he loveth to the end.

The holy men of God wrote as they were 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, inspired by God, the Spirit inlightned them, and di∣rected * 1.197 them when they wrote: they were inspired three * 1.198 manner of wayes, first, antecedenter. Secondly, per con∣comitantiam; and thirdly, subsequenter.

First, they were illuminate antecedenter: when the Lord revealed things to come to his Prophets, and made them to write his prophesies; then their tongue, was the pen of a swift writer, Psal. 45. 1. That is, he not onely indited these prophesies unto them; but also ruled them so, and guided them in writing; even as a master guideth the hand of a young child, when he is learning to write.

Secondly, he inspired them in writing the Histories and Actes, after another manner per concomitantiam: for that which was done already, hee assisted them so in writing it downe; that they were able to discerne the re∣lations which they had from others, to be true: as Luke knew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, accurately the truth of these things, which * 1.199 he had from those, who had heard and seene Christ: and he made 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a perfect declaration of them.

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There was a great difference betwixt him and Tertius, who was Pauls Scribe, and wrote out his Epistles, Rom. 16. 22. or betwixt him and Baruch, who was Ieremies Scribe, Ier. 38. they were not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the secretaries of the holy Ghost, but 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 discribebant ab alio, they wrote onely these things which Ieremiah and Paul indi∣ted to them; neyther was sanctification required in them, as they were their Scribes. But the Evangelists who saw not Christ, yet they were the Secretaries of the holy Ghost, and holy men; as they were his Se∣cretaries, and directed by him to write.

Thirdly, he assisted them in writing subsequentèr; the holy Ghost revealed things to the Prophets long be∣fore; but when they were to write these things, the spirit of the Lord brought the same things to their me∣morie againe; and indited these things unto them which they had seene before in vision. Ier. 36. 2. Take thee a roule, and write therein all the words that I have spo∣ken to thee, against Israel and against Iuda, and against all the Nations; from the day that I spake to thee, even from the dayes of Iosias, unto this day. So Ioh. 14. 26. the comfor∣ter which is the holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all thing, and bring all things to your memory which I have told you.

These Secretaries of the holy Ghost, when they wrote, habebant libertatam exercitij, sed non specificationis, * 1.200 as they say in the Schooles, they were not like Blockes or Stones, but the Lord inclined their wills freely to write: which putteth a difference betwixt them, and * 1.201 the Sybils, and other Prophets of the Divell, who were blasted, and distracted in their wits, when they prophesied. When Elisha sent one of the children of the Prophets, to annoynt Iehu; one sayd to him, where∣fore commeth this madde fellow, 2 King. 9. 11? they tooke the Prophets to be madde, like unto the Heathish Pro∣phets,

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but they were inlightened by the Spirit when they prophesied, and the Lord rectified their under∣standing, and tooke not away from them the right use of their will. It is sayd of Saul, when he prophesied, that the evill spirit of Lord came upon him, 1 Sam. 18. 10. And the Chaldie Paraphrast paraphraseth it, caepit furere, he began to be mad: the Divell stopping the pas∣sages of his body, he wrought upon his melancholious humor, which is called Esca diaboli, the Divels baite; and then it is sayd, ijthnabbe, impulit se ad prophetandum, which is never spoken of the true Prophets in this Con∣jugation. * 1.202

Although the Lords Secretaries had libertatem ex∣ercitij, yet they had not libertatem specificationis; that is, they might not leave that subject which they were called to write, and write any other thing, as they plea∣sed; they were necessitated onely to write that, al∣though they wrote it freely.

Againe, these men when they wrote as the holy Ghost enspired them, they did it not with paine and * 1.203 study, as we doe; but it came freely from them with∣out any paine or vexation of their spirit. The Princes when they heard Baruch read the prophesie of Ieremiah, after that it was endited, they asked how did he write all these words at his mouth? and Baruch answered them, He pro∣nounced all these words to me with his mouth, and I wrote them with inke into the Booke, Iere. 36. 17. 18. Salomon saith, Eccles. 12. 12. In making many bookes and in reading there is much wearinesse of the flesh, but this was no wea∣rinesse to them; for they wrote this without any paine or labour: and hence it followeth, that those to whom their writing hath beene troublesome and painfull, have not beene the Secretaries of the holy Ghost; as Mac. 2. 26. He that assayed to abbridge the five Bookes of Iason sayd, that it was not an easie thing, to make this abridge∣ment;

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but it required both sweate and labon.

Seeing all that wrote the holy Scriptures were en∣spired [Quest.] by the holy Ghost; why was this Epithete ap∣propriate * 1.204 to Iohn, to be called a Divine, Revela. 1. 1. For they were all Divines who wrote the holy Scrip∣tures?

The Greeke Fathers, when they spake of Christ, [Answ.] and specially Chrysostome, they distinguish betweene * 1.205 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and they say, Apud caeteros aeco∣nomiae fulmen, sed apud Iohannem theologiae tonitrua ex∣tare. The rest when they discribe the humanity of Christ, they doe it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; but when Iohn discribeth the Divinity of Christ, hee doth it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; and they say Mattheus 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & Iohannes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, incipit

Observe a difference betwixt these speeches. The * 1.206 Word of the Lord came to Esay, to Ieremiah; and this phrase: The Lord came to Balaam, to Abimelech, to Laban. The first signifieth, that the Lord put these holy men in trust with his Word to be his Prophets; but he never concredited his word to these prophaine wretches: therefore it is sayd onely, He came to them, but never the Word of the Lord came to them. Hee concredited his Word to his Prophets, as to Esay, and Ieremiah 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, as a pupill is concredited to the trust of his Tutor; but he never concredited his Word to these wretches.

The Lord spake in his Prophets, Hosea 1. 1. The Spirit * 1.207 of the Lord spake in me, that is, inwardly revealed his se∣crets to me. Marke a difference betwixt these two phrases, Loqui in aliquo, & Loqui in aliquem.

Loqui in aliquo, is when the Spirit of the Lord spea∣keth inwardly to the Prophets; sed Loqui in aliquem est * 1.208 maledicere, to raile against him: thus Num. 12. Miriam loquuta est in Mosem, id est, maledixit Mosi.

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The conclusion of this is, Matth. 10. 20. It is not yee [Conclusion.] that speake, but the Spirit of our Father which speaketh in you. So it was not they who wrote, but the Spirit of the Lord in them. 2 King. 13. When Ioash the King of Israel tooke a Bow in his hand, Elisha laid his hands upon the Kings hands, and Elisha bad him shoote; and he sayd, the Arrow of the Lords deliverance and the Arrow of the deliverance from Syria; it was not the Kings hand that directed the Arrow here, but it was the hand of the Prophet laid upon the Kings hand which gave this mighty blow: so it was the hand of the Lord laid upon the hands of his Secretaries, which directed them to write the holy Word of God.

EXERCITAT. IX.

Arguments proving the Scriptures to bee Divine.

1 Thess. 2. 13.
Yee received it not as the Word of man, but as it is in truth the Word of God.

THe Testimonies which prove the Scriptures to be Divine, are first, the Testimonie of God himselfe when he approved them by his Spirit, and when they were laid before him, by Vrim and Thummim. Se∣condly, arguments drawne out of the Scriptures them∣selves. Thirdly, the Testimonie of the Church. Fourth∣ly, the Testimonie of those who were without the Church, Deus testatur, Scriptura contestatur, & Ecclesia subtestatur.

God beareth witnesse to the Scriptures two wayes, * 1.209 First, by the internall Testimony of his Spirit. Second∣ly, by his externall Testimony.

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When the Spirit testifieth unto us such Bookes to be [Quest.] his Word, whether is this a publike or a private Te∣stimony?

This is a publike Testimony, which the Spirit Testi∣fieth [Ans.] to the whole Church, and to the severall mem∣bers of it, that these Bookes are holy Scripture: for the same Spirit which endited the Scriptures to the Church, testifieth still to the Church, and to the par∣ticular members thereof; that the Scriptures are the Word of God.

The second Testimony which God gave to the Scrip∣tures, was his externall testimony given by Vrim and Thummim, testifying these Bookes of Moyses and the Prophets, to be the holy Scriptures.

What are we to thinke of these Bookes, written and [Quest.] set in order after the captivitie, seeing they had not the approbation of the Lord by Vrim and Thum∣mim?

These Bookes were called Ketubhim, written Bookes, [Answ.] to put a difference betweene them, and these Bookes * 1.210 which were confirmed by Vrim and Thummim: they who wrote these Bookes were inspired by the holy Ghost as well as these who wrote the former; and they were confirmed by the masters of the great Synagogue, * 1.211 such as were Esdras Zacharie and Malachie. The Greekes called these Bookes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: and the Iewes * 1.212 distinguish them still, frō the Apocryphall Bookes cal∣led * 1.213 Gannazim abscinditi, and the Greekes called them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Bookes of whose authority it was still doubted.

Reasons taken out of the Scriptures themselves pro∣ving them to be Divine; the first reason is taken from [Reason. 1] the antiquity of the Scriptures: all this time was tempus * 1.214 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to the heathen, that is, it was an hid or an un∣knowne time to them. After the flood, the Scriptures

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goe on, and they set downe to us the history of the Church: but the Heathen history is Tempus 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or fabulosum; as that which we reade of Hercules, and * 1.215 Prometheus: and nothing is set downe in the Heathen history before the Olympiads of the Graecians, which was but in the dayes of Vzziah. See how farre Gods Word exceedeth humane history, in antiquity; It beginneth with the world and endeth with it, Luk. 1. 70. as he spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets, which have beene since the world began.

Secondly, the matter contained in the Scriptures shew∣eth [Reason 2] them to be Divine. Many histories shew us the hea∣vy wrath of God upon man for sinne; yet the Scriptures only shew us morbum, medicinam, & medicum, it sheweth us both the sicknesse, the physicke, and the Physitian to cure it.

Thirdly, the Scripture setteth downe things necessa∣ry [Reason. 3] onely for our salvation, and nothing for our curio∣sity. * 1.216 It is often repeated in the Bookes of the Kings and Chronicles. The rest are they not written in the Bookes of the Chronicles, of the Kings of Iuda and Israel, So Ester. 10. 2. The rest are they not written in the Bookes of the Kings of Persia. The holy Ghost would meete here with the curious desires of men, who desire still to know more and more, and to reade pleasant discour∣ses, to satisfie their humours: as if the Spirit of God should say; I have sufficiently told you here of the Kings of Iuda and Israel, and of Persia, and so farre as concerneth the Church, and may serve for your edifi∣cation: it is not my manner to satisfie your curiositie, if ye would know more, go to your owne Scrowles and Registers; where yee shall finde matter enough to passe the time with. To bee short, the Scriptures are not given to passe the time with, but to redeeme the time.

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Fourthly, the prophesies set downe in the holy [Reason 4] Scriptures shew them to be Divine, for they distinguish the Lord from all the Idols of the Gentiles, and the Divels themselves, Esa. 41. 22. Let them shew the former things what they be, that we may consider them and set our hearts upon them: and shew us the things that are to * 1.217 come hereafter, that we may know that yee are Gods. Here the Prophet distinguisheth the true God from the false Gods, and true prophesies from false: If they could tell of things by-past, and relate them from the begin∣ning and joyne them with the things to come; then he would confesse that they were Gods, and that their pro∣phesies were true. To tell of things past is not in respect of time; for the Angels and Divels can tell things fal∣len out from the beginning of time: but it is in respect of the things themselves, when they tooke beginning, & this is onely proper to God, Psal. 139. 16. In thy Booke all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there were none of them. Hee can joyne things by-past with things that are to follow; and can tell certainely of things to come. There is a twofold beginning of things. The first is, exordium rei: The second is, exordium temporis. The Angels know ex∣ordium * 1.218 temporis, but not exordium rei; for the Lord one∣ly knoweth things before the foundation of the world was laid, Ephe. 1. 4. He who knoweth certainely the be∣ginning of things, can onely certainely fortell the event of things, as though they were present, Hos. 12. 4. hee wept and made supplication to him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us. Here the thing past, he apply∣eth to the generation which was present, because hee knew exordium rei.

The plaine, and cleare manner of setting downe the Scriptures, sheweth them to be Divine, Esa. 8. 1. Take [Reason 5] a great roule, and write in it with a mans pen, Behheret enosh. * 1.219

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That is cleerely, that the simplest amongst the children of men may understand it, Deut. 30. 11. This commande∣ment which I command thee this day, is not hidden from thee, neyther is it farre off: In the Hebrew it is, Lo niphleeth, non * 1.220 separatum a te, that is, it is not separated from thy know∣ledge, that thou cannot understand it: and it is not farre from thee, for these things which are obscure and doubtfull which we cannot take up, are sayd to be farre from us; these things which wee understand againe are sayd to be neare us, Rom. 10. 8.

But it may be sayd that there are many things hard in [Ob.] the Scriptures, and cannot well be taken up.

We must distinguish these three, the obscurity in the [Ans.] things themselves, the perspicuity in the midsts as they are set downe, and thirdly, the dulnesse of our * 1.221 conception to take them up. There are many matters handled in the Scripture, which are hard to be under∣stood, and we are dull in conception to take up these things; yet they are clearely and plainely set downe in the word. Christ sheweth all these three, Ioh. 3. 12. If I have told you earthly things, and yee beleeve not: how shall yee beleeve if I tell you of heavenly things. If I have told you earthly things, that is, illustrated heavenly things to you by earthly comparisons; here is Christs plaine manner in setting downe his word. And yee beleeve not; here is our dulnesse in taking up these things which are plainely set downe. How shall yee beleeve if I shall tell you of heavenly things, here is the obscurity of the heavenly matters contained in the Scriptures. The Church of Rome confoundeth still these three, Obscuritas rei, & no∣stri conceptus, cum perspicuo modo tradendi, the obscurity in the matter the dulnesse of our conception, with the cleare manner of manifestation of these things in the Scriptures.

The Heavenly consent and agreement, amongst the [Reason 6]

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writers of the holy Scriptures, sheweth them to be Di∣vine. There were in the Church Patriarches Prophets * 1.222 and Apostles: Amongst the Patriarches Abraham was the cheefe; therefore the revelations made to the rest of the Patriarches, as to Isaack and to Iacob, had al∣wayes relation, to the promises made to Abraham. Amongst the Prophets Moyses was the cheefe, and therefore all the Prophets grounded themselves upon Moyses. And upon the revelations made to the Apo∣stles, the faith of the Church is grounded, under the New Testament: and yee shall never finde any contra∣dictions amongst these holy writers; there may seeme some contradiction amongst them, but indeed there is none. Epiphanius useth a good comparison to this purpose: when a man, saith he, is drawing water out [Simile.] of a deepe Well with two Vessels of a different metall; the water at the first seemeth to be of a different colour; but when he draweth up the Vessels nearer to him, this * 1.223 diversity of colours vanisheth, and the waters appeare both of one colour, and when we taste them, they have but one relish. So saith he, although at the first, there seeme some contradiction in the holy Scrip∣tures, yet when we looke nearer and nearer unto them, wee shall finde no contrarietie in them, but a perfect harmonie. When we see the Heathen history, or Apo∣cryphall Bookes contradicting the holy History, wee should stand for the holy Scriptures against them: but when wee see any appearance of contradiction in the Scriptures, we should labour to reconcile them: when Moyses saw an Aegyptian and an Israelite striving toge∣ther; he killed the Aegyptian, and saved the Israelite, Exod. 2. 12. But when be saw two Israelits striving to∣gether, he laboured to reconcile them, saying, yee are brethren why doe yee strive. So when we see the Apo∣cryphall Bookes, or heathen History, to contradict the

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Scriptures, we should kill the Aegyptian and save the Israelite. Example, Iacob cursed Simeon and Levi, for murthering of the Sichemites, Gen. 49. 7. but Iudith bles∣sed Simeon for killing of them, Iudith 9. So Ieremiah saith, they shall returne in the third generation, Ier. 27. 7. but Baruch saith, they shall returne in the seventh ge∣neration Baruch, 6. here let us kill the Aegyptian but save the Israelite: but when wee see any appearance of contradiction in the holy Scriptures, wee should labour to reconcile them, because they are breth∣ren.

The heavenly order set downe in the Scriptures [Reason 7] showeth them to be divine; there is in the Scriptures, Ordo naturae, Ordo conjugalis thori, Ordo historiae, & Ordo dignitatis; all these the Scriptures marke, and for sundry * 1.224 reasons setteth one before another: and although there be not prius & posterius in Scriptura (as the Iewes say) in respect of the particular occasions, yet there is still prius & posterius in respect of the generall end of the history. First, in setting downe the Patriarches, it ob∣serveth ordinem naturae, as they were borne; as Ruben in the first place, because he was the first borne; and then Simeon, thirdly Levi, and fourthly Iudah, &c. Se∣condly, * 1.225 there is Ordo conjugalis thori, according to their birthes, and so the free womens sonnes, are set first in the Brestplate of Aaron, Exod. 28. Thirdly, there is Ordo dignitatis, as Sem is placed before Iaphet for dignitie, although he was younger. So the Scripture else where observeth this order, Matth. 13. He bringeth fourth new and old, & Ephe. 2. Apostles and Prophets. So the Scripture observeth the order of history, Matth. 1. 1. The Booke of the generation of Iesus Christ, the Sonne of David the Sonne of Abraham. why is Abraham put last after Da∣vid? because the history is to begin at him. So 1 Chro. 3. 5. Salomon is placed last amongst his brethren, because

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the history was to begin at him: and if we shall marke the heavenly order that is amongst the Evangelists, they * 1.226 will show us that the Scriptures are divine. Marke be∣ginneth at the workes of Christ. Matthew ascendeth higher, to the birth of Christ. Luke goeth higher, to the conception of Christ, and Iohn goeth highest of all, to the divinity of Christ and his eternall generation. Who would not admire here, the steps of Iacobs hea∣venly ladder, ascended from Ioseph to Adam, and from Adam to God.

The matter contained in the Scriptures, shewes them [Reason. 8] to be divine, and to make a wonderfull change in man, which no other booke can doe, Iam. 4. 6. The spirit in us lusteth after envie, yet the Scriptures offer more grace, * 1.227 that is, the Scriptures offer grace and ability to doe more, then nature can doe: Nature cannot heale a Spirit, that lusteth after envie, or after money or after uncleanesse; but the Scriptures offer more grace to overcome any of these sinnes, be they never so strong. The Law of the Lord is perfect converting the soule, Psal. 19. 17. when it is dead in sinne, it quickneth and reviveth it againe; and when it is decayed in grace, it * 1.228 restoreth it againe, even as Boaz is sayd to be a resto∣rer of the life of Naomi, and a nurisher of her old age, Ruth 4. 15.

The rubukes and threatnings of the holy Ghost in [Reason 9] the Scriptures, fall never to the ground in vaine, but take alwayes effect, when people stand out against them. And as Ionathans bow did never turne backe, and the Sword of Saul never returned empty, 2 Sam. 1. 22. So the Arrowes of the King are sharpe to pierce his ene∣mies, Psal 45. 5.

Ioh. 10. 35. The Scriptures cannot be broken, the argu∣ments [Reason 10] set downe in the Scripture, are so strong; that all the heretickes in the world could never breake them,

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and they stand like a brasen wall against all oppositions; therefore the Lord challengeth men to bring forth their strongest reasons, Esa. 41. 21. produce your cause saith the Lord, bring forth your strong reasons saith the King of Iacob.

The Church is the Pillar of Truth, shee holdeth out * 1.229 the Truth to be seene, shee expoundeth and interpret∣eth the Scriptures; yet her testimony in but an inducing testimony, and not a perswading testimony: shee can teach the Truth, but shee cannot seale up the truth in our hearts, and make us to beleeve the Truth of the Scripture. Her testimony is but in actu exercito, but non * 1.230 signato. Her testimony is informativum, sen directivum, it informeth and directeth us, sed non certificativum & terminativum fidei; that is, shee cannot perswade us of the Truth by her Testimony.

Testimonies of these also, who are without the Church prove the Scriptures to be Divine, and these are of two sorts; eyther Heretickes, or Infi∣dels.

First, the testimonies of Heretickes prove the Scrip∣tures * 1.231 to be Divine; for Heretickes labour alwayes to ground themselves upon the Scriptures. The habite goeth alwayes before the privation, & omne falsum in∣nititur vero, every falshood laboureth to cover it selfe under the Truth. When the Husbandman had sowne his good seede, then came the evill one and did sow his Tares: when Heretickes labour to ground themselves upon the Scriptures; it is, as when a theefe goeth to cover himselfe under the pretence of Law. This argu∣eth the Law to be just and equall. The testimonies also of the Heathen history proveth the Scriptures to be Divine. Observe the discent of the Babylonian and Assyrian Kings, and looke backe againe to the holy Scriptures: yee shall see clearely, how they jumpe with

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the Scriptures: and as those who sayle along the Coast, have a pleasant view of the Land; but those who stand [Simile.] upon the Land, and behold the Shippes sayling along the Coast, have a more setled and pleasant sight of the * 1.232 Shippes: so when we looke from the Heathen history, and marke the discent of the Heathen Kings, wee shall see a pleasant sight: but a farre more delectable and sure sight, when we looke from the Scriptures, to the Heathen history. Marke the discent; Belochus the third called Pul King of Assyria came against Menahem, and tooke his sonne, 2 King. 15. Then Pileser called Tiglath, came against Hoshea, King of Samaria, and tooke him in the sixt yeare of the reigne of King Ezekias: and then Shalmaneser, who caried away the ten Tribes into cap∣tivity, in the ninth yeare of Hoshea, 2 King. 17. and his sonne Sennacherib, 2 King. 18. came against Iuda, in the foureteenth yeare of Zedekias, and Esarhaddon succee∣ded his father Sennacherib, and his sonne Berodach-bala∣don, sent letters and a present to Hezekias, then Be∣rodach, 2 Chro. 33. caried away Iechonias, and then Nebu∣chadnezzer caried away Zedekias; then Nabuchadnezzer the great, burnt Ierusalem, and caried away the people captive. Then Evil Merodach, who succeeded him had three sonnes, Ragasar, Babasar and Belshassar, of whom we reade Dan. 5. and in Belshassers time, the kingdome was translated to the Medes and Persians. Here we see the descent of the Heathen history, agreeing with the holy Scriptures.

There are other testimonies of the Heathen, to prove * 1.233 the Scripture to be Scripture, but not so clearely; when we finde the rubbish of some old monuments, wee ga∣ther that there hath beene some great building there: So when we finde some darke footesteps of holy Scrip∣ture amongst the Heathen, we may gather, that once the holy Scriptures▪ have beene read amongst them,

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although they have depraved and corrupted them.

Example 1. They of the East Indians have this fa∣ble * 1.234 amongst them, that the Gods drowned the world for sinne, and that they tooke some just men, and put them up in the clifts of Rockes, to save them: those men to try whether the waters were abated or not; sent forth some mastive Dogges, and the Dogges returning as cleane as they went out; they gathered by this, that the waters were not yet abated: they sent them forth the second time, then they returned full of mudde, by this they gathered that the waters were abated: then they sent them forth the third time and they returned no more. Here we see how this fable is taken out of the history of the deluge, and from Noahs sending forth the Dove out of the Arke; and that this history was knowne of old amongst the Heathen, we may per∣ceive because the Dove and the Raven are called the messengers of the Gods, by the Heathen Po∣ets.

Example 2. Gen. 36. 24. This is Anah who found out * 1.235 Hajemim mules, in the Wildernesse, others reade it Iamin waters: now because it was hard to finde out the right translation of the word, some translating it Mules, and some translating it Water: the Heathen made up a no∣table lye on the Iewes, saying; when Anah was feeding his Asses in the Wildernesse, because the Mules and Asses found out water in the Wildernesse for them to * 1.236 drinke, therefore the Iewes worshipped the golden head of an Asse: see how some shaddow of holy histo∣story was still amongst the Heathen.

Example 3. When the destroying Angell destroyed the first borne of their children, & beasts in Aegypt, the Lord caused to sprinkle the blood of the paschall Lamb, upon the Lintels of the doores, that so their first borne might be saved, Exod. 12. 13. Epiphanius re∣cordeth * 1.237

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that the Egyptians afterwards, although they had forgotten the history of the worke of God, yet they rub'd over their Cattell with a red sort of Keill, to save them that no evill should befall them that yeare, ignorantly counterfeitting that blood, which saved the Israelites once in Egypt: which fable letteth us to under∣stand, that this Scripture was once taught amongst them.

Example 4. Plato did hold that in the revolution of so many yeares, men should be just in the same estate, wherein they were before; which is drawne obscurely from the resurrection, when we shall be in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as we were in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Matth. 19. 28.

Example 5. Clemens Alexandrinus and Basill note, * 1.238 that the Heathen Philosophers did make their fables, counterfeitting the Scriptures; and founded their false∣hoods upon the truth of God, that men might give cre∣dit to their lies: as upon this, Ionas was swallowed up by the Whale; they made up this fable of Arion, sit∣ting upon a Delphin, and playing upon an harpe, and a thousand such. [Conclusion.]

The Conclusion of this is. Seeing the Scriptures are Divine, we must pray with David, Psal. 119. 18. open thou mine eyes, that I may behold the wondrous things out of thy Law in the originall it is, Devolue ab oculis meis * 1.239 velamen, scilicet, caliginis, and let us be diligent sear∣chers and dwell in them, as Paul biddeth Timothy, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Panormitan writeth of Alphonsus King of Arragon, that in the midst of all his princely affayres, hee read over the Bible fourteene times, with the glosse and commentaries upon it. The Iewes say, let a man divide his life in three parts; a third part for the Scriptures, a third part for mishneth, and a third part for gemara, * 1.240 that is, two for the Talmud, and one for the Scriptures, see how well they were exercised in reading of the Law.

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EXERCITAT. X.

In what languages the Scriptures were written ori∣ginally.

Gen. 11. 1.
And the whole earth was of one language and of one speech.

THe Old Testament was written originally in He∣brew, and the New Testament in Greeke.

The Character, in which the Old Testament was * 1.241 written first, was the Samaritane Character; It was cal∣led the Samaritane Character, not because the Samari∣tans used it first, but because it was left to the Samari∣tans after the Iewes refused it.

This Samaritane Character was the first Character as may be seene by the inscriptions upon their shekels set * 1.242 downe by Arius Montanus, Beza, and Willet upon Ezekiel. And sundry of the Iewes ancient monuments have these letters upon them.

The Character at the first was the Iewes and not the Samaritans, as is proved by the inscriptions of the she∣kels. * 1.243 The inscription is this, Ierusalem hakkodesh; but no Samaritan would have put this inscription upon it: for they hated Ierusalem and the Iewes, therefore this in∣scription must bee the Iewes, and not the Samari∣tans.

Secondly, most of these ancient shekels are found about Ierusalem, therefore the shekel and letters upon it, * 1.244 was at the first the Iewes, and not the Samaritans.

This Samaritane Character the Iewes kept still, in the time of the captivity, when Belshasser saw fingers wri∣ting upon the wall, Mene mene tekel, &c. Dan. 5. 25. These

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Characters were the Samaritan Characters: therefore the Babylonians could not reade them; because they knew not that Character; neyther could the Iewes un∣derstand the matter although they knew the letters: to the Babylonians, it was like a sealed booke; and to the Iewes it was like an open booke, to an unlearned man; because they understood it not, Esa, 29. 11. But Daniel read it and understood it, both because he knew the let∣ters, and also understood the Chaldee tongue.

Esdras changed this Character after the captivity, * 1.245 and left it Idiotis, to the Samaritans: and he set downe this new Character, which before was the Chaldee, Character.

The reason why he changed it, was this, because be∣ing long in the captivitie, they forgot their owne lan∣guage, that they could neyther reade it rightly, nor write it rightly: and therefore he changed the Chara∣cters, in these which we have now.

But the ancient Samaritan Character seemeth to bee * 1.246 kept still in Lamina sacerdotali, in the plate of Gold which was upon the forehead of the Highpriest, after the captivity; for they might change none of the or∣naments of the Highpriest. So neyther that which was written upon the plate of Gold, Kokesh Laihova, ho∣linesse to the Lord: because the Lord commanded these cloathes and ornaments, to be made for him, and his seede after him, Exod. 28. 43.

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[illustration] depiction of an inscription
The Inscription which was upon the Plate of Gold in the forehead of the Highpriest.

The New Testament was written originally in the Greeke Character; and there were two translations of it, Syriacke and Arabicke; the Syriacke was written in the Syriacke Character, which differed much from that, which is called Alphabetum Salomonis, or the Character which Salomon found out. This Character Pineda setteth downe in his booke De rebus Salomonis. These diverse Characters may be seene setdowne here, as followeth.

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    • ...〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
      • Character
        • Antiquier Mo∣sis sive Sama∣ritanorum.
        • Recentior Sa∣maritanorum
        • Hebraeorum sive Merbha Ezrae recen∣tior.
        • Chaldaeorum antiquorum nunc Rabbino∣rum.
        • Antiquorum Arabum, seu Alphabetum Salomonis.
        • Arabum Recentior.
        • Syrorum.
        • Graecorum.
    • ...〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
    • ...〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
    • ...〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
    • ...〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
    • ...〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
    • ...〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
    • ...〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

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    The Old Testament was originally written in the Hebrew tongue, and some of it in the tongues derived from the Hebrew, as Chaldee.

    We may know the Hebrew was the first originall tongue; because it hath fewest Radicall letters: what∣soever tongue is derived from thence, it addeth some letters to the first originall; as from the Hebrew word Galal, commeth Golgotha the Syriacke word. So Gabba∣tha Bethsaida, from Gabha and Chased. Secondly, that language which the Lord spake, to Adam, Abraham and Moyses, and they to him, must be the originall language. But God spake to them in the Hebrew, and he wrote the two Tables with his owne hand in this language. And thirdly, that language which expres∣seth the nature, of things, and their affections most clearely, and in fewest words; that must be the ori∣ginall language: but the Hebrew doth this; therefore it is the first language.

    These tongues which were Propagines and Dialects of * 1.247 the Hebrew, the Iewes understood them, when they heard them spoken, and when they read them, but they understood not the strange tongues, which had but small affinity with the Hebrew. When Laban and Iacob made a covenant; Laban called the heape of stones jegar Sagadutha in the Aramean tongue, which had small affinitie with the Hebrew; but Iacob called it Ga∣leed, Gen. 31. 47.

    But if there was little affinity betwixt the Aramean [Object.] language and the Hebrew, how is it that they say, 2. King. 18. 26. Speake to thy servants in the Syrian language, for we understand it?

    They might understand it, for they were Courtiours and States men; and so learned it, as we learne now the [Answ.] * 1.248 Italians and French language. And Abrahams servant spake to Nachor in the Aramean language, hee being

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    borne in Damascus, which was in Cylo-Syria: and wee may thinke that Nachor and his house, understood the Hebrew tongue, being of the posterity of Heber, and keepe that tongue as Abraham did, who came out of Vr of the Chaldees.

    Assyria or Syria hebraice, Aram, comprehended all Pa∣lestina, * 1.249 Damascus, the Kingdome of Assyria, Chaldea, baby∣lon, Arabia, Cylo-Lyria and Antiochia, Zoba, Adiabena, therefore all the languages which were spoken in these parts, tooke their generall denomination from Syria, as Syro-aramaea the language which Laban spake in Mesopo∣tania: Syro-Chaldaea or Babylonica was that which they spake in Babylon, Syro-Antiochena which they spake in Antioch or Phoenicia: although they were Propagines or Dialects of the Hebrew, yet they understood them not while they were taught: therefore Nabuchadnezzer cau∣sed to instruct the children of the Iewes in the Chaldee tongue, Dan. 1 4. but the Syro-Arabean and the Palestine or Cananitish language they might understand it; be∣cause it came nearer to their owne language.

    The Aegyptian tongue differed much from the He∣brew, * 1.250 Psal. 81. 5. Ioseph heard a language in Aegypt, which he understood not. Ioseph here is put for the whole peo∣ple of the Iewes, because there was no affinity betwixt the Hebrew and the Aegyptian tongue, therefore they understood not this tongue. So Psal. 114. 1. they depar∣ted from a people of a strange language, or a barbarous * 1.251 people: they called them all barbarous whom they understood not: and because the Iewes understood not the Aegyptian tongue, therefore Ioseph made him to speake to his brethren by an Interpreter, Genesis. 42. 23.

    The Cananitish language, was a daughter of the He∣brew * 1.252 tongue, or rather one, with the Hebrew tongue: and this we may perceive by the names of the townes;

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    men and places which were imposed to them by the Cananites; as Iericho, Salem, Kiriath-arba, Kiriath-Sepher, Beth-dagon: so the names of men, Melchizedeck, Adoni∣bezek, Abimelech. And if the Cananitish tongue, had not beene all one with the Hebrew, how could the Patri∣arches have kept conference with those in Canaan, and made their Bargaines and Contracts with them? this is cleare also by the example of Rahab, who could speake to the Spyes, and they understood her; and so Ioshua to the Gibionites. The Lord would have this tongue continued amongst the Cananites, because the Hebrewes were shortly to inhabite that land, and to converse with the Cananites for a while, untill they had rooted them out.

    There is some of the Old Testament written in the * 1.253 Chaldee tongue, which hath great affiance with the Hebrew: and some of it written in the Syrian dialect, as Iob, which the Idumeans used, and it differed little from the Hebrew tongue; but it differed much from the Syrian language now, but more from Arabia Ismae∣litica, which the Turkes speake now, in Asia and Africa.

    There are some words found in the Old Testament which are Egyptian, Gen. 41. 43. Some Phaenitian, as Chabbul, 1 King. 9. 13. Some Persian words as Pur, Esth. 9. 24. and some moabitish.

    There is one verse in Ieremy originally written in the * 1.254 Chaldee tongue, Ier. 10. 11. whereas all the rest of that prophesie, is written in the Hebrew tongue. The gods that have not made the heaven and earth, even they shall pe∣rish from the earth, and from under these heavens. The rea∣son why this verse was written in the Chaldee tongue, was this; because the Iewes now, were to be carried to Babylon, and when they should be sollicitated there to worship their gods, they should answer them in their

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    owne language; cursed be your gods, for they made neyther heaven nor earth.

    That of Daniel and Ezra which is written in the Chal∣dee tongue, was transcribed out of the roules, and re∣gisters * 1.255 of the Chaldeans; and insert in the bookes of God: but that which the holy Ghost indited originally to Daniel and Ezra, was written in the Hebrew tongue; the rest was borrowed but out of their registers, as first, Nebuchad-nezzers dreames, Dan. 2. So Nebuchad-nezzer setteth up a golden image, Cap. 3. So Nebuchad-nezzers dreame, Cap. 4. and Belshassers visions Cap. 5. all these were written in the Chaldee tongue: the se∣venth Chapter is onely excepted; it is written also in the Chaldee tongue although it was originally endited to Daniel: because it is a more cleare exposition of the monarchies revealed before to Nebuchad-nezzer, and Belshasser; and set downe in their owne Registers in the Chaldee tongue, but the eight Chapter and the rest, are wholly written in the Hebrew tongue, which were indited immediatly by God to Daniel, and not transcribed out of their registers as the rest were: So that part of Ezra which is written in the Chaldee tongue, is but transcribed and written out of the decrees, and let∣ters, of the Kings of Media, and Persia; from the eleventh verse of the fourth Chapter, to the seventh Chapter.

    The Chaldeans and Persians used to register, and keepe a Chronicle of all their memorable deedes, and what befell them: and so of their visions and dreames; and they caused to write them, and inter∣pret them; so did the Persians, Esth. 9. 32. and Daniel wrote these visions in the Chaldee tongue, and he set them downe for the good of the Church; that they might understand, that their conditions should be un∣der the Heathish Kings.

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    The holy Ghost borrowed somethings first from * 1.256 the Poets, and secondly, from the history of the Hea∣then; and the Secretaries of the holy Ghost insert them in the Booke of God. From the Poets; as Paul borrowed from Aratus, Menander, Epimenides or Callima∣chus, some verses; and inserted them in his Epistles. So the Scriptures borrow from the history, which were eyther Heathenish, or Iewish. Heathenish againe, were of two sorts; eyther Chaldean or Persian. Daniel borroweth from the Chaldeans: So from the history of the Persians, as that memorable history of the de∣liverance of the Iewes under Haman; was first written in the Persian language, Esth. 9. 32. and he who wrote the Booke of Esther, borrowed the history out of that booke. These things which are borrowed from the * 1.257 Iewish history; as the facts of those registrate in the Bookes of the Maccabees, Heb. 11. So Iude out of the prophesie of Enoch, borrowed the history of the strife, betweene Michael and the Divell about the body of Moyses. So the Apostle Heb. 11. out of the traditions of the Iewes, borroweth, that Esay was cut with a saw under Menasse. So there are sundry proverbiall spee∣ches in the Talmud, as, Cast out the beame which is in thine owne eye, and then thou shalt see chearely to cast out the mote that is in they neighbours eye, Matth. 7. 5. So it is easi∣er for a Camell to goe thorow the eye ef a Needle, Matth. 19. 24. So it is hard to kicke against prickes, Act. 9. 5. Some of our Divines, to prove that the Apocryphall Bookes are not Canonicall Scripture, use this midst; because they are not cited by the Apostles, in the New Testa∣ment: but this is false, for the Apostle citeth them, Heb. 11. And Scaliger in his Eusebianis, proveth out of Geor∣gius * 1.258 Cyncellus that the Apostle citeth many testimonies out of the Apocryphall Bookes, and out of the traditi∣ons of the Iewes. As Matthew, that Salmon maried Ra∣hab.

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    Salmon, his genealogie is set downe, 1 Chro. 2. but not whom he maried, this Matthew had by traditi∣on, Matth. 1. 5.

    Things in the Heathen history, which are not neces∣sary to be knowne to the Church: the Scripture pas∣seth by them, and remitteth us to Heathen History, and saith still; The rest are they not written in the bookes of the Chronicles of Iuda and Israel? and when the knowledge of them is necessary to the Church; it borroweth them out of the Heathen history, and inserteth them in the booke of God.

    These things which were written out of the Iewish, * 1.259 or Heathenish history were not sanctified; untill they were insert in the booke of God: therefore Tertullian writing to his Wife, and citing that verse, Evill speeches corrupt good manners, 1 Cor. 15. 33. saith, Memor illius versiculi sanctificati per Apostolum, the Apostle sanctified this verse when hee borrowed it from the Heathen. And as a woman that was Heathenish, when she became a Proselyte, shee might enter into the con∣gregation, and a Iew might marry her: so these Iewish and Heathenish histories, God sanctified them, that they might enter into the Congregation and become holy Scriptures, and so the holy Spirit sweetned the salt waters of Iericho, that the children of the Prophets might drinke of them, 2 Kings. 2. 21.

    There are many proper names set downe in the * 1.260 Scriptures which are not Hebrew names, but some of them are Chaldee, some Assyrian and some Per∣sicke names, Ier. 39. 3. And all the princes of the King of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, even Nergal-Sharezer, Samger Nebo, Sersechim, Rabsaris, Nergal Sharezer, Rahmag, with all the residue of the Princes of the King of Babylon. And that wee may know

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    what names are Chaldee names, what Syriacke and what Persicke. Marke this Table following, concer∣ning these names, and the composition of them, taken out of Scaliger.

    Nomina propria Chaldaeorum.
    1 Nebo vel lebo
    2 Nego
    3 Mero
    4 Schech chach.
    5 Meschach
    6 Sadrach
    7 Letzar, retzar net∣zar
    8 Shetzar
    9 Metzar
    10 Nergal
    11 Belti
    12 Adan
    13 Hevil
    14 Ochri
    15 Chen
    16 Bel
    17 Shech
    18 Phil
    19 Mit
    20 Dach
    21 Zar
    22 Phal
    23 Pad
    24 Chad
      Exempla
      Nebuchad nezzar ex 1. 24. 7.
      Hevil-mero-dach ex 13. 3. 20.
      Nebo-zar-adan ex 1. 21. 12.

    Nomina propria Assyriorum.
    1 Shadran
    2 Shalman
    3 Teglath
    4 Horib
    5 Haddon
    6 Neschroth
    7 Adar
    8 Etzer vel atzer
    9 Asar
    10 Ballat
    11 Osen, the vel Osu
    12 Chuschan
    13 Sen
    14 Phul
    15 Phar
    16 Shar
      Exempla
      Salman-asser ex 2. 9.
      Assar-haddon ex 9. 5.
      Sen-ballat ex 13. 10.
      Sen-cherib ex. 13. 4.
      Teglath-phul-asor ex 3. 14. 9.

    Nomina propria Persarum.
    1 Ari
    2 Thir
    3 Thiri
    4 Mithri
    5 Pharsam
    6 Pharu
    7 Esther
    8 Zero
    9 Datha
    10 Sai
    11 Manai
    12 Stha the
    13 Dai
    14 Ham
    15 Wai
    16 Va
    17 Zata
    18 Arth atha
    19 Achos ochos
    20 This
    21 Thena
    22 Sethra
    23 Thra
    24 Ku, vel Kau
    25 Ros, vel rus
    26 Kana
      Exempla
      Mithri-dates ex 4. 9.
      Achos-va-rosh. ex 19. 16. 25.

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    How shall we discerne in what language a booke was [Quest.] written?

    There be two speciall notes whereby wee may di∣scerne [Answ.] this; the first is Interpration, and the second is Allusion.

    First is Interpretation, when the Spirit of God inter∣preteth a strange word, into another tongue; then the * 1.261 booke was written in that language, in which the word is interpreted. Example, Esth. 9. Pur this persicke word is interpreted by the Hebrew goral, therefore the booke was written in the Hebrew, and not in the Per∣sicke tongue by Mordecai, or by him who else wrote the booke. Example 2. Abba Pater, Rom. 8. 15. Abba is the Syriack word, and Pater the Greeke word, because Abba is interpreted by Pater, therefore the Apostle hath written this Epistle in Greeke, and not in Syriack. And so Thomas is called Didymus; Ioh. 11. 16. therefore the Gospel of Iohn was written originally in Greeke, and * 1.262 not in Hebrew. So Heb. 7. 2. Melchisedeck the King of * 1.263 Salem, first, by interpretation King of righteousnesse, and after that King of peace. The word Melchesedeck which is one word, for the understanding of the Graecising Iewes he divideth it in two, and showeth in Greeke, that * 1.264 Salem signifieth peace, and Zedek Iustitia, righteous∣nesse; as if yee would say, frugifer, qui fert fructum, cor∣nifer qui fert cornua: here because the interpretation is in Greeke; we may know that this Epistle hath beene written originally in Greeke.

    The second note, to know in what language bookes have beene written, is by the Allusion of words in the Scriptures. for there are many allusions in the He∣brew, and in the Chaldee tongue, when they are tran∣slated in the Greeke or any other language they loose * 1.265 that grace, as Cabhal is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and Cebhel is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Cobal apud Tergumistos est caligare, but Ioh. 1. 5. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

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    And the light shined in darkenesse, and the darkenesse comprehended it not; Here the sweet allusion which is in the Chaldee, perisheth in the Greeke. So Ioh. 10. 1. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. the Syriacke expresseth it by a * 1.266 sweet allusion Min tirghna letira, which is not in the Greeke, where the words fall alike which will not fall * 1.267 out in other languages. There was a question betwixt Origen and Africanus, whether the history of Susanna was written in Hebrew or in Greeke. Africanus de∣nyed that it was written in Hebrew, but in Greeke, and he proved it thus. When Daniel examined the Witnesses who testified against Susanna, he tooke the witnesses a part and enquired at one of them, under what tree hee saw her commit that villanie? he said it was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Lentish tree; then Daniel alluding to this sayd, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, The Angel of God hath received sentence of God to cut thee in * 1.268 peeces. So he inquired at the other, under what tree he saw her; he answered, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Vnder a Prime tree. * 1.269 Then Daniel sayd 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, The Angel of the Lord waited with the sword to cut thee in two. Africanus by this allusion of words gathered, that this history was not originally written in Hebrew, but in Greeke.

    The Conclusion of this is, the Old Testament was first written in Hebrew. This was the first language [Conclusion.] by which the Lord spake to the Patriarches, and in which the Angels spake to men, and it was the lan∣guage which all the world spake before the confusion of Babylon, and it is the mother tongue from whence ma∣ny other tongues are derived, and it is holden by some, to be that tongue, in which we shall speake one to ano∣ther in the life to come. Therefore we should be de∣syrous to understand this holy language.

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    EXERCITAT. XI.

    Of the Stile of the Scriptures.

    Ioh. 7. 46.
    Never man spake like this man.

    VVHen we describe a mans speech, first we de∣scribe it by that which is naturall, as whe∣ther he be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of a weake voyce, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 * 1.270 of a slow tongue. Secondly, in what language hee speaketh. Thirdly, in what Dialect he speaketh. Fourth∣ly, whether it be Soluta oratio or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Fiftly, the Pro∣perty of the speech. Sixtly, the Evidence of the speech. Seventhly, the Fulnesse of the speech. Eighthly, the Shortnesse of the speech. Ninthly, the Coherence, and lastly the Efficacie of the speech.

    First, we describe that which is naturall, and procee∣deth from some defect of the organs, as if he spake with a weake voyce, or be of a stammering tongue, or thicke lippes, which Exod. 6. 12, are called Vncircum∣cised lippes: Contrary to this is a thinne lippe which is a signe of Eloquence, Iob. 12. 20. for these who have thinne lippes, commonly are Eloquent. Moses the Penman of the holy Ghost, although he was defective in speech; yet read his writings, and yee shall see such * 1.271 eloquence in him, that no Heathen could ever match it, and as it is sayd of Paul, when he was present in person he was weake, 2 Cor. 10. 10. and his speech base and con∣temptible yet his letters were weighty and powerfull: so whatsoever want or infirmity was in Moyses per∣son, yet there was no want or defect in his wri∣tings.

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    Secondly, in what language hee speaketh. The holy Ghost spake and wrote in Hebrew in the Old Testa∣ment, * 1.272 and in the New in Greeke. Hee wrote the Old Testament in Hebrew, a language which had this bles∣sing spoken of in the Law, Deut. 28. 12. Thou shalt lend and not borrow, so this language lendeth to many Nations, but borroweth of none. Hee wrote the New Testa∣ment in Greeke, a most copious and fertile tongue, * 1.273 which was then Lingua communis to the Iewes although not vulgaris.

    Thirdly, in what Dialect he speaketh. The Dialects of the Hebrew tongue were sundry, first, Dialectus Hie∣rosolymitana, that Dialect which was spoken in Ierusa∣lem and about it, Ast. 1. 19. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. In their owne * 1.274 Dialect, or proper tongue. So the Dialect of the Ephra∣mites, who sayd, Sibboleth & not Shibboleth, Iud. 12. 6. and the Dialect of the Galileans, as Peter spake in the Gali∣lean Dialect, Matth. 26. 73. So in the new Testament there are sundry Dialects as Ionick, Dorick Attick, &c.

    Fourthly, whether it be in prose or in verse. The Iewes divide the Old Testament according to the style into Charutz; rithmum; Shir carmen, & Halatza, Oratio∣nem solutam, that is prose.

    Charuz is Soluta oratio, but in fiue Rithmo colligata; that * 1.275 is, it beginneth in prose, but endeth as it were in mee∣ter, such is Iob.

    Shir, canticum; writen in meeter, as the Psalmes * 1.276 and Canticles.

    Hallatza, written in prose; such are the Histories and * 1.277 the most of the prophets.

    Fiftly, the property of the speech. The phrase in Hebrew is much to be observed, for in the Hebrew it will signifie one thing, and in other languages, ano∣ther thing.

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    Example, Num. 19. 20. Dies numeri, signifieth A few * 1.278 dayes, so Homines numeri, Gen. 34. 30. A few men, Deut. 4. 27. Ezek. 12. 16. So Esay 10. 19. The rest of the Trees of his Forrest shall be number, that a child may write them, that is, They shall be few. In other languages this phrase would signifie many men, and many trees, &c.

    So some phrases of the Scripture have a contrary * 1.279 signification with the Hebrews, as Zack. 11. 24. Ascendit visio a me, that is, It perished. So Ier. 47. 15. Moab is spoyled and gone up out of her Cities, that is, Shee is destroyed. Sometimes againe it signifieth to waxe and increase, as 1 King. 22. 35. Bellum ascendit, The battell increased. So Psal. 74. 23. The tumult that arise up against thee ascendeth, that is, Increaseth continually.

    So Levare peccatum is to take off the burden of sinne, Exod. 10. 17. and Iohn alludeth to this, 1. 29. Behold the Lambe of God that taketh away the sinnes of the world. * 1.280 And Levare peccatum, Is to take up the burden of sinne, Levit. 5. 1. So Sakal, Lapidare & Elapidare, signifieth ey∣ther to cast stones upon a thing, as Deut. 22. 24. or to take away the stones out of a place, as Esa. 62. 10.

    Another example, I am like a drunken man whom the wine hath gone over, Ier. 23. 9. that is, whom the wine hath overcome, but Matth. 26. 39. Let this cuppe passe over me, that is, let it not touch me; in a contrary significa∣tion. So Gen. 25. 18. Cecidit coram fratribus suis, He dyed in presence of his brethren, but the Seventie translated it * 1.281 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, He dwelt before his brethren.

    The New Testament usually followeth these He∣braismes of the Old Testament as Hos. 8. 8. A vessel in which there is no pleasure, Rom. 9. 21. A vessell of dishonour. So 1 Sam. 21. 5. The vessels of the young men are holy, 1 Thess. 4. 4. That yee may know to possesse your vessels in holinesse. So Exod. 1. 8. there arose a new King in Aegypt who knew not Ioseph, Matth. 11, 11. there arose not a grea∣ter then Iohn the baptist.

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    So in the New Testament there are many peculiar phrases which are found in no other Greeke writers, and here we must distinguish inter Hellenismum & Grae∣cismum. * 1.282 Hellenismus is that sort of phrase which the Se∣venty use, for they translating the Scriptures for the use of the grecizing Iewes, followed the Hebrew Chaldee and Syriacke in many things: so that they have a pecu∣liar stile which is not to be found in other Greeke wri∣ters, * 1.283 example 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in the New Testament signifieth wrath and poyson Reve. 18. 3. Ex vino veneni, that is, poysoned wine. So Iob 4. 6. The reason of this is, be∣cause Hbema in the Hebrew, signifieth both wrath and * 1.284 poyson. Another example, 1 Cor. 5. 45. Death is swallow∣ed up into victory: the Seventy hath it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 In perpetuum, but 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 doth not signifie perpetuum amongst the Hea∣then, why doe they then translate it, For ever? because * 1.285 the word Netzahh, signifieth both Victory and Eternitie. A third example, Gen. 8. 21. Dixit ad cor suum dominus; * 1.286 but the Chaldee saith, Bemeria 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which phrase the Evangelist Iohn followeth; but this is not a * 1.287 phrase used amongst the Greekes. A fourth example, Give us this day, our daily bread, Matth. 6. 11. The Greeks say, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Panem quotidianum, but the Syriacke hath it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Crastinum panem, that bread which may feede us to day and to morrow. So Iam. 4. 6. The Lord exalteth the humble, but according to the Hebrew and Syriacke phrase, to Exalt, is to lift up on the Crosse, Ioh. 8. 28. When yee have lift up the Sonne of man, or exalted the Sonne of man, that is, lifted him up on the Crosse. These parti∣cular phrases used by the Seventy would be marked. And besides these, if we shall looke more nearely to the stile of the Scripture, as to the simplicity of it, then we * 1.288 shall much more admire it, 1 Cor. 2. 4. My preaching was not with inticing words of mans wisedome, but in de∣monstration of the Spirit, and of power.

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    Againe the Evidence of the stile, the judgements of * 1.289 God are set downe, so vively in the Scripture, as if a man were looking on with his eyes, this is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 by the Greekes, as we may see in the deludge, the overthrow of Sodome, and the miracles in the Wilder∣dernesse, set downe so clearely before us, as if we had beene eye witnesses of them. See a notable example, Psal. 7. 12. 13. By a borrowed kind of speech he setteth forth the judgements of God which were to over take the wicked, as if we were looking on. If he turne not he will whet his Sword, he hath bent his bow, and made it rea∣dy, he hath also prepared for him the instruments of death: he hath ordained his arrowes against the persecutors.

    Eightly, the Fulnesse of the speech. The Greekes * 1.290 call this 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 wherein nothing is wanting, neyther in the enumeration of the parts, or explication of the causes, or reciting of the circumstances: for the holy * 1.291 Ghost setteth downe all the circumstances belonging to the purpose. So the Apostle Rom. 1. describeth at large the vanity and impiety of the Gentiles. And Rom. 2. the hypocrisie of the Iewes, and Cap. 3. he ma∣keth a full description of the corruptions of man, recko∣ning up the parts. There is none righteous, no not one, vers. 10. There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God, vers. 11. They are all gone out of the way, they are altogether become unprofitable, there is none that doth good, no not one, Vers. 12. Their throate is an open Sepulcher, with their tongues have they used deceit, the poyson of Aspes is under their lippes, Vers. 13. Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitternesse, Vers. 14. Their feete is swift to shed blood, Vers. 15. Destruction and misery are in their wayes, Vers. 16. And the way of peace they have not knowne, Vers. 17. And there is no feare of the Lord before their eyes, Vers. 18.

    Ninthly, the Shortnesse of the speech: and here we

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    cannot enough admire the fulnesse of the stile and the shortnesse of it, & that which Cicero sayd of Thucycides * 1.292 may here be applyed fitly, Eum esse adeo plenum refer∣tum{que} rebus, ut prope verborum numerum, numero rerum exaequet, That every word carried a weight with it, and therefore we may call it Laconica Scriptura.

    Tenthly, the Coherence: all things in the Scriptures are fitly joyned and coupled together. The Heathen * 1.293 sayd that there were three things unpossible, Eripere, Iovi fulmen, Herculi clavam & Homero versum; to pull Iupiters Thunder-bolt out of his hand, Hercules Club out of his hand, and a verse from Homer: for they thought, that there was such a connexion betweene Homers verses, that not one verse could be taken away without a great breach in the whole worke: but this may bee much more sayd of the Scriptures of God which have such a dependance and connexion, that if yee take away but one verse, the whole shall be mar∣red.

    But it may be sayd that there are sentences which [Ob.] seeme not to cohere or agree fitly together, Gen. 48. 7. And as for me when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the Land of Canaan in the way, when there was but yet a little way to come to Ephrath, and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath, the same is Bethlehem, Vers. 8. And Israel beheld Iosephs sonnes. How doth this cohere with that which goeth before; it would seeme that there is no dependance here.

    They cohere well enough with the words going be∣fore; for Iacob had adopted two of Iosephs children, [Ans.] * 1.294 then hee giveth the reason of this adoption in these words; as if he should say, whereas I might have had moe children by my first wife Rachel, if shee had lived; it is great reason that I supply this defect in her, by placing some in sted of these children, which she might

    Page 107

    have borne to me; and I adopt those thy sonnes since she is dead.

    The second place which seemeth to have no cohe∣rence with things going before, Esa. 39. 21. Take a lumpe of figges, and lay it for a plaister unto the boyle and he shall recover, vers. 22. Ezekias also had sayd what is the signe, that I shall goe up into the house of the Lord. What coherence is betwixt these words, and the words going before?

    There is a right coherence here, and hee setteth downe that last, which was first for brevities cause; which is more at large set downe in the booke of the Kings; and therefore Iunius translateth it well, Vajo¦mer, * 1.295 In plusquam perfecto, Esay had sayd.

    Ier. 40. 1. The word which came to Ieremiah from the [Object.] Lord, &c. The words following seeme not to cohere with the former.

    The beginning of the fortieth Chapter, with the se∣venth [Answ.] Verse of the fortiesecond Chapter, and these things which are insert betweene them, doe containe but the occasion of the prophesie, to wit; when Godo∣liah was killed, the rest of the Iewes would have gone into Aegypt, which Ieremiah forbiddeth them to doe. And it came to passe ten dayes after, Chap. 42. 7, &c. This should be joyned with the first Verse of the fortieth Chapter, and all the rest should be included in a paren∣thesis.

    As we have spoken of the stile of the Scripture in generall, so let us observe the stile of some of the writers in particular. Esayes stile differed much from the stile of Amos, he being a Courtiour, and he but a Neat-herd. So the stile of Ezekiel differed from the stile of the rest of the Prophets: he calleth himselfe The Sonne of man, not because it is a Chaldee phrase, but because of the excellent visions which he saw, therefore

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    he is called the Sonne of man, that is, an excellent man; as Iesus Christ in the New Testament is called The Son of man, that is, an excellent man. So this is peculiar to Iohn the Evangelist, to call Christ the Sonne of God 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for the Chaldees and the Talmud usually call him so: Iohn opposed himselfe to Ebion and Cerinthus two Iewes who denyed the divinity of Christ, wherefore he hath usually the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 1 Ioh. 7. 5. which was frequent in the Chaldee paraphrast, and read often by the Iewes.

    So there are some things peculiar to Paul; for hee useth some words according to the manner of the speech in Tarshish and Cilicia, as Collos. 2. 18. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in their language, signifieth insidiose alteri praeripere pal∣mam. So 1 Cor. 4. 3. Mans day according to the phrase of Tarshish, is put for the time of judgement; because they had some appointed times for judgement.

    The Conclusion of this is, here we may admire the [Conclusion.] wisedome of God, who gave most excellent gifts to his Secretaries for the edification of his Church. Moses was a man of a slow speech, and of a slow tongue, and Aaron * 1.296 must be his spokesman, Exod. 4. Yet Moyses was mighty in words and deeds, Act. 7. 22. It is sayd of Paul that his bo∣dily presence was weake, but his letters were weighty, 2 Cor. 10. 11. By his preaching he converted many, from Ie∣rusalem to Illiricum, Rom. 15. 19. but by his letters hee converted moe, both in Europe Africa and Asia; such * 1.297 was the majesty and grace in his writing, that they ac∣knowledged it to be from the Lord.

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    EXERCITAT. XII.

    That the Hebrew Text is not corrupted.

    Psal. 119. 140.
    Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

    THe Church of Rome, that they may advance the au∣thority of the vulgar Latine translation, which they * 1.298 have made canonicall; doe labour to disgrace the ori∣ginall Text, the Hebrew and Greeke, holding that they are corrupt in many things.

    Master Iames Gordon our Country man, observeth * 1.299 foure distinct periods of time. The first period, he maketh to bee the Iewes Synagogue before Christ came in the flesh; he granteth that all this time, the Hebrew Text was not corrupted by the Iewes. The second period of time he maketh to be from the ascen∣sion of Christ untill the dayes of Hierome and Augu∣stine, and he saith, that in this second period, the Iewes went about to corrupt the translation of the Se∣venty: because the Christians then began to use argu∣ments taken out of that translation against them, as Iustine Martyr testifieth, writing against Tripho. The third period he maketh to be after the death of Saint Hierome, untill the time that the Talmud was compo∣sed and set together, and then he saith, there arose great contention betwixt the Orientall and Occidentall Iewes: (the Orientall Iewes were those who dwelt upon the East side of Euphrates in Babylon Media & Persia, those * 1.300 Peter called the Church at Babylon, 1 Pet. 5. 13. The Occi∣dentall Iewes were those to whom he wrote, Scattered abroad in Pontus Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 1

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    Pet. 1. 1.) because of the diversity of their reading, and corruptions in the Text. He saith that the Iewes met at Tiberias, Anno 508. and there set downe the Points; and made their Masora; to obviat this, that no more corruption should enter into the Text. The fourth pe∣riod he maketh to be after the Iewes had met at Tibe∣rias; they decreed that none should use any copy, but such as were corrected by the Masoreth: and so from this time he freeth the Text from corruption: but hee laboureth much to prove that the Hebrew Text was corrupt before, and that the vulgar Latine is sound and free from corruption, which was translated by Saint Hierome under Pope Damasus; and so continued in the Church of Rome.

    The Iewes to whom The Oracles of God were committed, * 1.301 Rom. 3. 2. (therefore it was called Their Law, Ioh. 8. 17.) would they have corrupted their owne Evidents? Au∣gustine calleth the Iewes Capsarios nostros, who faithful∣ly kept the booke of God, and reserved it unto us without corruption, & he saith, Dispersos esse Iudaeos, infi∣deles ut testarentur Scripturas esse veras. The unbeleeving Iewes were scattered through the world, that they might testifie the Scriptures to be true: and shall wee thinke that the Iewes would have corrupted the Text, * 1.302 who have numbred the words, letters, and verses of the Bible: and R. Zaddias hath numbred the letters words and verses, and summed up all the verses at the end of every booke, and they have observed that all the let∣ters are found in one verse, Zeph. 3. 8. as also foure of the finall letters: they carry such respect to the Law, that if it but fall to the ground, they institute a fast for it.

    The superstitious Iewes at this day, are so carefull to * 1.303 keepe the letters and words of the Law, that they will have neither Chaldee, Syriacke, nor Hebrew

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    words wrirten; but in Hebrew letters: and it greeved them when they saw in Origens Hexupla, Hebrew words * 1.304 written in Greeke Characters, when they saw the co∣pie which was presented to Alexander the Great, having the name Iehova still written in Golden letters, they were much greeved at it, and when they see any thing changed in our copies now, in disdaine they call it, Hhomesh pesul shel gelahhim, that is, Pentateuchus rasorum Monachorum, the Pentateuch of the shaven Monkes.

    The Iewes after the death of Christ were dispersed among many Nations and they never met together againe: and albeit they would have corrupted the Scrip∣ture, how could they have falsified all the Co∣pies?

    Bellarmin maketh this objection to himselfe. Some * 1.305 men will say, that the Hebrew Text was corrupted after the dayes of Saint Hierome and Augustine. Hee answe∣reth, that Augustins reasons serve for all times against the corruption of the Hebrew Text: And Serrarius * 1.306 acknowledgeth, that there is but small or no corrupti∣on in the Hebrew Text, & he maketh a threefold cor∣ruption. The first Physicall, the second Mathematicall, * 1.307 and the third Morall. Physicall corruption he maketh to be this, when it wanteth any member which it should have. Mathematicall corruption hee maketh to bee this, when there are some faults in the print which we call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. And a morall corruption he maketh to be this, when one of purpose goeth about to corrupt the Text, and in effect he commeth to this, that the errours which are found in the Text, are but errours in the print, and not in the matter.

    But now lately there is one risen up, called Morinus, who hath set himselfe to improve the originall Hebrew Text, and to preferre the Samaritan to it as the origi∣nall.

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    We must put a difference betwixt Hebraeo-Samaritana * 1.308 and Hebraeo-samaritano-samaritana. Hebraeo-samaritana is that which Moyses wrote from the Lord and delive∣red to the Iewes, it is called Hebraeo-samaritana; because the Hebrew was written in the Samaritan Character at the first and so kept still till after the captivity, and this wee grant to be the first and originall writing by which the Church should be ruled.

    But that this Hebraeo-samaritano-samaritana should be the first originall; that in no way must we grant, and the reasons are these.

    First, the Samaritans were Idolaters they were * 1.309 brought out of Assyria by Salmanasses, and they erected a false worship in Iudea, for the which they [Reason 1] were hated by the people of God, Ioh. 4. They branded them alwayes with these two letters, Gnaijn Zain, that is, strange worship. The Lord concredited his oracles * 1.310 to his owne people, Deut. 33. 4. The Law is the inheri∣tance of the congregation of Iacob. Therefore the Law was not committed to their custodie, who were not Gods people, they had no right to his inheritance.

    Secondly, if the Samaritan copie were the originall, then it should follow that the Church hath wanted the [Reason. 2] true originall Text untill the yeare of God, 1626. when Petrus de Valle brought it from Damascus.

    The Samaritan Copie differed as much from the ori∣ginall, as the Seventy doe, but none of them hold that [Reason 3] * 1.311 the translation of the Seventy is the originall by which all others should betryed, why then should they give this prerogative to the Samaritan Copie, to be the ori∣ginall? this Samaritan Copie addeth to the originall Text which was The inheritance of the Iewes, Deut. 33. 4. and diminisheth also from it. It addeth to the originall Text, Iosh. 21. two Verses, 36. 37. Verses. So Gen. 4. it addeth a long speech or conference betwixt Cain

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    and Abel which is not in the originall Text. So Targum Hierosolymitanum supplyeth the same 28. verses here, which are not in the originall Hebrew Text, a con∣ference betwixt Gain and Abel, whether there be any providence of God or not? or whether there be any reward for the just, or punishment for the wicked? Abel holdeth the affirmative, and Cain the negative part. But this note of the Masoreth in the margent should not be read this wayes, Pesu pesuki bimtzegno * 1.312 pesuk. Viginti octo versus desiderantur in medio hujus ver∣sus, There are twenty eight Verses wanting in the midst of this verse. But it should be read this wayes, Pesukim pasekin bimtzeghnoth pasuk, that is, There are twenty * 1.313 eight verses whose sense endeth in the midst of the verse: therefore when the Scripture saith that Cain talked with his brother, it was to perswade him to goe out to the field, and not that he had a long conference with him. Both the Samaritan Copie then, and the Targum of Ierusalem wrong the Text as defective, put∣ting in these 28. verses which the Spirit of God never indited.

    As it addeth to the originall Hebrew Text, so it di∣minisheth somethings from it, Hos. 4. 11. I have called my Sonne out of Egypt. These words are not in the Samaritan Copie. So these words, Zach. 12. 10. They shall behold him whom they pierced. [Reason 4]

    If this Samaritan Copie were the originall Copie, what is the reason that Origen setteth it not downe in his Octupla, as hee hath done other translations? and what is the reason that Hierome never citeth it, nor followeth it in his translation, if it be the originall?

    Fiftly, the manner of the Samaritans writing sheweth [Reason. 5] that this was not the originall, wch Moses received from the Lord, and delivered to the people of God after∣wards, as you may perceive in the page following, out of Exod. 31. from vers. 12. to 18.

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    * 1.314 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
    * 1.315 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

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    * 1.316 Et dixit Iehova Mosi dicendo, & tu alloquere filios Israel dicendo, nunc illa Sabbatha mea seruatote: quia signum est inter me & inter vos per generationes vestras ad cognoscēdū quod ego Iehova sanctificans vos. et observate Sabbathum quia sanctum erit illis profanātes illud morte morietur, quia omnis faciens in illa opus utique excindetur anima illa e medio populorum suorum: sex diebus operaberis opus, & in die septimo Sabbathū sabbatulū sanctum Iehovae: omnis faciens opus in die illo sabbathi morte morietur: & observanto filij Israel ipsum sabbathum, celebrando sabbathum per generationes suas faedere aeterno inter me & inter filios Israel signum erit in aeternum: quia sex diebus fecit Iehoua caelum et terram & in die septimo quievit et respiravit
    * 1.317 Exod. 31: 12. And the Lord spake vnto Moses saying 13. Speake thou also unto the Children of Israel, saying, ve∣rily my Sabbaths shall ye keepe: for it is a Signe betweene me & you, throughout your generations, that yee may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctifie you. 14. Ye shall keepe the Sabbath therefore: for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it, shall surely be put to death, for whosoever doth any worke therein, that Soule shall be cut off from amongst his people, 15. Sixe dayes may worke bee done, but in the Se∣venth is the Sabbath of rest, holinesse to the Lord, whosoever doth any worke in the Sabbath day hee shall surely bee put to death. 16. Wherefore the Children of Israel shall keepe the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their genera∣tions, for a perpetuall Covenant. 17. It is a signe betweene me and the children of Israel for ever: for in sixe dayes the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he re∣sted and was refreshed.

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    Observe the forme of this writing of the Samaritans and yee shall finde it to be meere Cabbalisticall, by which they would finde out the diverse readings, in framing the lines, words and letters, and setting them downe after such a curious forme, as the Cabbalists doe, by their Gematrija, notaricon, and temura: that is, by the * 1.318 number of letters, the diverse significations of them, and the diverse situation and placing of them, they make diverse senses in the Scriptures, as by elbham, and ethbhash; sometimes putting the last letters for the first, and the first for the last; sometimes reading up and downe; sometimes crosswayes, and sometimes from the left hand to the right: this we may see in this example of the Samaritan Copie, where they summe up the observation, the breach, and punishment of the Sabbath in a round circle; which curiosity the Spirit of God never used in writing the holy Scriptures.

    Christ speaking of the originall Text, and the per∣petuity of the Law which we have, he saith, One jote, or one title of the Law shall not passe, in the originall it is, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 answerable to the Hebrew Iod; and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which is not properly translated, A tittle, as if it made a diffe∣rence betwixt some letters, as the top of Daleth from Resh: for the Syriacke calleth it Sharat, incisura vel * 1.319 incisio, the small lines which are in ones hand. The meaning is then, that not one part of a letter, neyther the least letter, nor any part of the least letter shall pe∣rish, hence we may reason from Christs words. In that copie whereof the Lord speaketh, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or Iod must be the least letter; but in the Samaritan copie Iod is not the least, but the biggest of all the Letters: therefore the Samaritan copie, is not that copie which Christ spake of, but the Hebrew as we may see by the difference of * 1.320 the Letters in the margent here: hence we may gather that this Samaritan letter was abolished in Christs * 1.321

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    time, and therefore wee ought neyther to imbrace the copie nor the Characters, as authenticke or ori∣ginall.

    The Conclusion of this is, If the light that is in the [Conclusion.] body be darkenesse, how great is that darkenesse, Matth. 6. 23. The Scriptures are the light of the Church, and if the originall Text were corrupted, how great were the darkenesse of the body; God hath Conjuncta instru∣menta, * 1.322 & remota instrumenta gratiae. Remota instrumen∣ta gratiae are the Preachers and their writings, and they may be corrupted. But Conjuncta instrumenta gratiae are the Prophets and Apostles and their writings, these the Lord kept from errour and corruption for the good of his Church.

    EXERCITAT. XIII.

    That no Canonicall booke is perished.

    Matth. 5. 18.
    Heaven and earth shall passe, one jote, or one tittle shall no wayes passe from the Law till all be ful∣filled.

    WHen a thing wanteth an essentiall part, this is the greatest want. Secondly, when it wanteth an integrall part, this is likewise a great defect. And thirdly, when it wanteth accidentall ornaments. When * 1.323 the soule is separated from the body, here is a separati∣on of the essentiall parts. When a man wanteth a hand or a foote, then he wanteth an integrall part. And when hee wanteth his cloathes, hee wanteth some orna∣ments.

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    There is no booke in the Scripture that wanteth any * 1.324 essentiall part; for the Law and the Gospel which are essentiall parts, are found in every booke.

    Secondly, the Scripture wanteth no integrall part * 1.325 since the Canon was sealed, before the Canon was sealed they had as much as served for their infancie: but after that it was sealed the whole Canon was compleate, and none of those Bookes perish∣ed.

    Great was the care which the Lord had to preserve * 1.326 the Scriptures. First, hee commanded the Levites to take the booke of the Law written by Moyses, and to put it in the side of the Arke of the covenant of the Lord, Deut. 31. 26.

    Secondly, the Lord commanded the King, when he should sit upon the Throne of his kingdome to write a Copie of this Law, Deut. 17. 18. and the Iewes adde fur∣ther, that he was bound to write out two copies, one which he should keepe in his treasurie, and another which he should carry about with him; and they say moreover, if Printing had beene found out then, yet hee was bound to write them out with his owne hand.

    Thirdly, the Lord commanded the Prophets to write their visions upon Tables, and to make them plaine, Habak. 2. 2. Esay 8. 1. and the Seventy read it, to be gra∣ven * 1.327 upon the bush tree, which is a sort of wood that corrupteth not, and it will preserve that which is writ∣ten upon it and it were to the worlds end.

    Fourthly, when any booke which was necessary for * 1.328 the use of the Church was lost; the Lord had a care that that booke should be found againe, as the booke of the law found by Hilkiah, 2 King 22. 8. Or the Lord endited it a new againe, when it was lost; as when Iehojakim cut the roule of the lamentations of Iere∣mie,

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    yet the Lord inspired him a new againe to indite this booke to his Scribe Baruch, Iere. 36. 32. because he thought it necessary still for the Church: therefore he would not have it to perish.

    Fiftly, in that generall destruction which the Babylo∣nians made at Ierusalem, burning their houses, and rob∣bing them of their goods; yet as Hierome and Basil ob∣serve well, it was a speciall providence of God that * 1.329 they should leave to those captives, their instruments of Musicke, wherewith they used to serve God in the Temple: that they might preserve some memorie of their former worship, they brought these instruments to Babel with them, Psal. 137. 2. we hung our harpes on willowes. If the Lord had such a care of these instru∣ments to have them preserved for his praise, much more care had he to have the Scriptures preserved; which taught them to worship: and he who had a par∣ticular care of the parts of the Scripture, before it was compleate, and numbreth the haires of our heads, Matth. 10. 30. and the starres of the heavens, Psal. 147. 4. will he not have a speciall care that none of these Bookes should perish which are canonicall?

    That fable of Esdras then is to be rejected, lib. 4. * 1.330 cap. 4. 23. So cap. 14. 21. to the 24. verse, he sheweth how the booke of God was lost in the Captivity, and that Esdras the Scribe, by holy inspiration wrote it all anew againe: but this is false, see we not how Dani∣el read out of the prophesie of Ieremie, how long the captivitie should last, Dan. 2. 9. The booke of God then was not lost in the captivity, and written anew againe by Esdras, but onely he set the bookes in order after * 1.331 the captivity, & nihil ad 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 fecit sed ad 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Hee did nothing in correcting the booke of God, but onely set it downe in order.

    But we reade often times in the Scriptures of many

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    Bookes wanting now, which were extant before; as the Bookes of the battels of the Lord, Num. 21. 14.

    By this it cannot bee inferred that any canonicall [Ans.] booke is perished; for this word Sepher, signifieth a * 1.332 relation, as well by word, as by write. Secondly, although wee grant that it was a written booke, yet it will not follow that it was a holy Booke. Thirdly, although we grant that it was an holy booke, yet it will not follow that it was a canonicall booke. The bookes of the Chronicles of the Kings of Iuda and Israel were but civill records, and belonged nothing to the canon of the Scriptures. * 1.333

    Secondly, some bookes that were written by the Pro∣phets, were not written by them as they were Prophets. Salomon wrote of Hearbes, Trees and Plants, 1 King. 4. 33. But what bookes were these? They were but bookes of things which were under the Moone and of things corruptible, and because they served not for the edification of the Church afterwards, therefore the * 1.334 Lord suffered them to perish. Suidas saith, that the booke which Salomon wrote of Physicke, was affixed upon the gate in the entrie of the Temple; and because the people trusted too much in it, neglecting the Lord (as Asa put his trust in the Physitians, 2 Chro. 13.) therefore Hezekiah caused to pull away this booke, and bury it. And the Talmud saith, that Hezekiah did two * 1.335 memorable things. First, Ganaz Sepher rephuoth. Abscon∣dit librum medicinarum, He hid the bookes of Physicke which Salomon had written. And secondly, Cathath nahhash hannehhushoth shegnashe Moshe, Comminuit aeneum * 1.336 serpentem quem fecerat Moses, He brake the brasen Ser∣pent which Moyses made.

    Salomon spake three thousand Proverbes, 1 King. 4. 32. yet of all these Proverbes scarce eyght hundred are put in the Canon. Some of these Proverbes the servants

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    of Hezekiah King of Iuda copied out, Prov. 25. 1. And as they saw the King their master bury Salomons booke, which he knew was hurtfull to the Church: so those servants copied out these Proverbes which were pro∣fitable * 1.337 for the Church, whereas the rest perished. So Salomon wrote a thousand and five Songes; of all which Songes, the Lord made choyse but of one to be insert in the Canon, which is called the Song of Songes, or can∣ticum * 1.338 canticorum quae Salomonis rather then canticum can∣ticorum quod Salomonis, it was the most excellent Song of all Salomons Songs, rather then the excellentest Song compared with other Songes.

    But all bookes written by thē for the whole Church none of them are perished: as the Prophesies of Nathan Ahija, and Iddo. For Burgensis observeth well upon, 1 Chro. 29. That the first booke of Samuel is holden to be written by Samuel himselfe. So the second Booke of Samuel, and the second booke of the Kings were written by Nathan and Gad, who lived with David and Salomon, and wrote untill the death of Salomon, then Iddo and Ahija wrote the historie following of Ieroboam interlacing somethings of Salomon and Rehoboam.

    1 Chron. 29. 29 Now the acts of David the King, first [Object.] and last behold they are written in the booke of Samuel the Seer, and in the booke of Nathan the Prophet; and in the booke of Gad the Seer, with all his reigne and his might and the times that went over him, and over Israel and all the Kingdomes of the Countries. But these words cannot be understood of the bookes of Samuel; for wee reade not in these bookes, what David did abroad in these Countries: therefore some other bookes must be un∣derstood here, written by Gad and Nathan, which are not extant.

    Not onely the things, which David did in Israel, are [Ans.] set downe in the booke; of Samuels but also the things

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    which he did abroad in other Countries, as against Zoba King of Hadadezzar, against the Moabites, and a∣gainst Tobh King of Hemath. And where it is sayd over * 1.339 all the kingdomes of the countries, it is the manner of the Scripture (as Hierome marketh) by the whole Countries, to understand the next adjacent countries whereof it speaketh; and therefore in the originall it is, Haaratzoth, * 1.340 Of that earth.

    2 Chro. 33 19. The prayer of Manasseh and how God [Ob.] was intreated of him, and all his sinne, and his trespasse and the places wherein he built high places, and set up groves and graven images before he was humbled: behold they are written among the saying of the Seers, or Hosai. But in the whole booke of the Kings there is no mention made of his affliction, or of the cause which mooved him to repent or of his prayers which he made to God in time of his affliction: then this booke of the prophet is not now extant. So the acts of Baasha, Zimri, and Omri are they not written in the Bookes of the Chronicles of Israel, 1 Kings 16. 5. & 27. But nothing concerning their actes are found in the bookes of the Kings, or in the Chroni∣cles: therefore those bookes are perished, when the Scriptures remit us to those bookes, it giveth us to un∣derstand that these bookes are worthy to be trusted, as written by the Seers of God: neyther doth the Scrip∣ture cite them, as it doth some short sentences out of the Heathen Poets. The Apostle saith of those Poets, that they sayd the truth, Tit. 1. 13. But the Spirit of God remitteth us to these bookes, that we may be fully in∣structed by them in the whole truth of the Acts of those Kings.

    First we must know that there were many Prophets [Answ.] who prophesied, whose prophesies were never written; as the prophesies of the children of the Prophets, and the prophesies of those, who prophesied from the * 1.341

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    dayes of Eli, to David, as some of Asaph Heman and Ieduthun. Secondly, all the things which were written by the Seers, were not written by them as Seers: Salo∣mon wrote many things, which he wrote not as a Pro∣phet, and so did David. Thirdly, many things which * 1.342 they wrote then as Seers, and were profitable to the Church for that time, were not profitable for the Church now: and the Spirit of God remitted them then to the civill records and to some prophesies which were then extant, but are perished now; because now they were not necessary for the Church: but all these things which the Lord endited to them by his Spirit and which he thought to be necessary for his Church, to be the Canon and rule of our faith, all those the Lords watchfull eye hath kept and preserved, that none of them are perished.

    The Conclusion of this is: The bookes of Emperours [Conclusion.] and Kings are lost, yet the Lord hath kept the regi∣ster of the little Kings of Iuda and Israel, both in whole and in parts, although they were but Shepherds, and banished men. And the Church would rather spend her best blood, then shee would part with that pretious Iewell or any part of it: therefore they called those who delivered the booke of God to the persecuting Tyrants, Traditores.

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    EXERCITAT. XIIII.

    That the points were not originally with the Letters from the beginning.

    Neh. 8. 8.
    So they read in the Booke, the Law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to vn∣derstand the reading of the Law.

    WE have showne that the Scriptures are not cor∣rupt, and that no essentiall or integrall part is wanting in the holy Scriptures: Now it resteth to show that the Points, the accidentall ornaments were not from the beginning.

    The Iewes who are faithfull keepers, but bad inter∣preters of the Scriptures, interpret these words, Nehe. 8. 8. after this manner, vaijkreu bassepher betorath, They read in the booke of the Law, this they expound, to be * 1.343 the litterall sense, which Ezra gave. Mephorash, distinctly that is, adding the Points and distinctions. Veshom Shecel, Apponentes intellectum, and gave the sense, that is, he ad∣ded * 1.344 the Targum or paraphrase to it. Vajabhinu bammikra and caused them to understand the reading of the Law, * 1.345 that is, he added the Kabbala. But this is a false Glosse, Ezra read the Law to them, & gave them not onely the grammaticall sense, but also the spirituall and true mea∣ning of the words; he neither added points nor Targum, or Kabbala to it. The points were not then from the be∣ginning, as may be seene by these reasons following.

    The first reason is taken from the Samaritan Chara∣cter. The Iewes acknowledge that the letters of the law [Reason. 5] which they have now, are not the ancient Characters in which Moyses wrote the Law. But to these ancient

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    Characters there is no vowell subjoyned as we may see in the forme of the Shekell set downe by Arias Mon∣tanus, Beza, and Villalpand upon Ezekiel.

    The second reason is taken from the first exemplar [Reason 2] of the Iewes, which they kept in their Synagogues; and they have most exactly written and rouled up this * 1.346 booke, which is the cheefe booke in their estimation, and whereof they account more then of any other He∣brew Bible; yet there is neyther Poynt nor Accent in this booke, but onely Consonants. This may be seene also in their ancient billes of divorce wherein are ney∣ther Points nor Accents: Therefore the Points were not from the beginning.

    The third reason is taken from the names of the [Reason 3] Points, and Accents, which are Chaldee names, therefore they were imposed after the captivity.

    But they who maintaine that the Poynts were from [Object.] the beginning, say, that this reason holdeth not; for the names of the Moneths are Chaldee names, imposed after the captivity; and yet the Moneths were from the beginning: So the Points may be from the begin∣ning, although the Chaldee names were given to them after the captivitie.

    As the Moneths were from the beginning, and had [Answ.] Chaldee names given unto them, after the captivity: so the value of the Points were from the beginning; but the figures and the names of the Points, were set downe a long time afterwards.

    The fourth reason is taken from the translation of the [Reason. 4] Seventy: for when the Seventy read the Hebrew Text wanting the Points, they differed very farre from the Hebrew in many things. The difference of their rea∣ding arose from this; because the Hebrew Text wan∣ted * 1.347 the Poynts. Example, Gen. 47. 31. and Israel bowed himselfe, gnal rosh hamitta, upon bis beds head. But the

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    Apostle followeth the translation of the Seventy tran∣slating it, He bowed upon the top of his rod, Heb. 11. 21. So * 1.348 Psal. 40. 7. for Megilla the Seventy read gilgoleth, in ca∣pite libri, for in volumine libri: because they wanted the Points, and the Apostle followed this reading.

    The fift reason is taken from, Ketibh volo keri, when [Reason 5] the words are written one way, and read another. This * 1.349 diversity of reading and writing arose because the let∣ters wanted the Points from the beginning: this made them to reade one way and write another way.

    The Chaldee, Arabian, and Assyrian language, which [Reason 6] are but daughters proceeding from the Hebrew tongue, have no Points: therefore it is not probable that the Hebrew Text had Points from the begin∣ning.

    The seventh reason is taken out of the Talmud. They [Reason. 7] write, that Ioab killed his master, because he taught him to read Zacar Masculus, for Zecer Memoria, and so made * 1.350 him to spare the females of the Amalekites, whereas hee should have blotted out their memorie and killed them all. Now if the points had beene from the begin∣ning, then Ioabs master could not have taught him, to have read Zacar for Zecer.

    The Points were not from the beginning then, but found out afterwards by the Masorath.

    There were three sorts of teachers, amongst the Iewes. The first was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, who gathered the * 1.351 traditions of the Fathers together; such were the Pha∣risees. The second were the Sopherim afterwards cal∣led the Masoreth: these observed the letters and words * 1.352 in the reading. The third sort were the Midroseth, the * 1.353 Cabbalists, who expounded the Scriptures allegorically. The Scribes were from Moyses time, who taught the people to reade the Law, because the Law wanted the

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    Points: and Christ calleth these The learned Scribes, and saith to one of them; How readest thou? Luk. 10. 26. But afterwards Shammai and Hellel were the first of the * 1.354 Scribes and Pharisees, who were the originall of these sects. Shammai was the first of these Scribes who drew out the Cabbalisticall readings, and Hillel was the first who gathered their traditions toge∣ther.

    Because the Text wanted the Vowels before the Ma∣sorets time, hence arose these diverse readings margi∣nall and Textuall; here wee must take heed of two errores. The first is of those who hold, that both the * 1.355 Textuall and Marginall reading were from the begin∣ning, and both authenticke and originall from Moses. The second error which we must shunne, is this, that the marginall reading implyeth some corruption, where as it serveth for illustration of the Text.

    There is but small difference betwixt the Marginall and the line reading. There are three sorts of reading. The first is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, when there is no difference at all in * 1.356 the words. The second is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 when there is some small difference in the reading. And the third is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, when there is a contrarie reading. Now for * 1.357 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, we may see it in the originall Text it selfe, as 2 Sam. 22. and Psal. 18. the same argument is handled almost word by word in both these places, there is some diversitie of words onely: for 2 Sam. 22. 43. It is Adikem, I did stampe them as the myre of the streetes, but * 1.358 Psal. 18. 42. it is Arikem, I did cast them out as the myre in the streets. Here is but small difference, Daleth is onely changed into Resh, the sense is all one. So 2 Sam. 22. 11. and Psal. 18. 11. So 2 Sam. 22. 27. and Psal. 18. 26. So 2 Sam. 22. 8. and Psal. 18. 9. here is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, but * 1.359 not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. So the Marginall reading, and the Text reading makes not a contrary reading, but a diverse rea∣ding:

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    therefore ye shall see that the Translaters follow sometimes the Marginall reading in their first transla∣tions, as Iunius 2 King 8. 10. in his first translation, * 1.360 he saith abi, dic ei, but in this second translation he saith, abi, dic non, So Ezr. 4. 2. In his first edition, sacrificabimus eidem which is the marginall reading, but * 1.361 in his second translation, non sacrificabimus alt eri which is in the Text. Example, 3. 1 King 22. 49. Iehosaphat prepared shipes, Gnasha fecit; but in his second translation * 1.362 Iehosaphat made decem naves which is in the Text. So Prov. 31. 4. Eccles. 3. 4. Ier. 2. 20. and 5. 8. He fol∣loweth Ketibh in his last Edition, that is, as it is written and not read in all these places. And sometimes ye shall see them, joyne both the Marginall and Text rea∣ding together. Psal. 22. 17. They Lyon like digged. So the Chaldee Paraphrast and the Seventie readeth it. So Iunius▪ (Exod. 21. 8. If she please not her Master who hath not betrothed her unto himselfe, non sibi) joyneth * 1.363 lo, lo, both together, both the Text and Margi∣nall reading. So Iosh. 8. 12. The line reading hath gnir, vrbs, and the Marginall reading hath Hai, and hee joyneth them both together vrbs Hai. So Prov. 23. 26. Let thine eyes observe my wayes. Ratza, and Natzar, he joyneth them both together, studiose custodivit. So Eze. 22. 16. They joyne them both together. So 1 King. 22. 18. the Tigurin joyneth them both toge∣ther▪ * 1.364 and the English joyne them both together, Prov. 19. 7. They are wanting to him.

    In these diverse readings set downe by the Masoreth, sometimes the Points are put in the Text and the Con∣sonants in the Margent, as Ier. 31. 39. Behold the day saith the Lord. Here is a blanke in the Text, the vowels are onely set downe and the word Baim, is understood by the Points of it, which are in the Text, and so it is Baim, although it be not expresly written in the Text.

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    The reason why they set the consonants in the Margent and the vowels in the Text, was to signifie, that they enclined rather, to follow the Marginall reading than the Text, and yet not to exclude the Text reading: therefore they set the vowels in the Text.

    Againe, when the Masoreth thinke that some words * 1.365 abound, they set downe the Consonants of the word in the Text, but they point not the word, which they would have to be be omitted, Example, Ier. 51. 3. A∣gainst * 1.366 him that bended, let the Archer bend his bow. El ijddroch ijddroch hadderech. And thus the Masoreth keepe us that we goe not amisse, and their observations are a hedge to the Law: therefore the Iewes say, Se∣jag * 1.367 lahhochma shethea, Silence is the hedge of wisedome, for when a man holdeth his peace he is then thought to be wise. So they say Megnasheroth sejag legnosher, * 1.368 Tythes are the hedge of our riches, and therefore pay thy Tythes and bee rich. So Nedarim sejag liphrishoth, vowes are the hedge of the first fruites. Lastly, they * 1.369 say, Masoreth sejag latora, that the Masoreth is the hedge to the Law. By great paines and wonderfull care those * 1.370 Masoreth, numbred the letters and words of the Scrip∣ture, that none of them might perish: and as in a well * 1.371 constituted family, the master of the family taketh a * 1.372 note of all the things in his house from the greatest to the least: So did these Masoreth of the whole Law: therefore the Hebrewes say, Gnim shimmureth * 1.373 hatorah, that is, the studie of the Masoreth was Cum con∣servatione legis, * 1.374 for the preserving of the Law from cor∣ruption.

    These diverse readings make not up diverse senses but helpe us better to come by the right sense of the Scripture. When it is objected to us by the Church * 1.375 of Rome that we have not the true meaning of the Scrip∣tures, because of our diverse translations: Our Divines

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    answer, that these diverse translations make not diverse senses in the Scriptures; for the sense is still one and the same: but these diverse translations helpe us one∣ly, to come to the true meaning of the Scriptures, and so we must use these marginall and line readings, as we use these interpretations. When we see a blanke left in the the Text, and supplyed in the Margent; this ad∣deth nothing to the Text, as a word added sometime by a translatour, addeth nothing to the Text: So when the Masoreth putteth another word in the Margent, * 1.376 which is not in the Text; that word is set downe onely for explanation, and it addeth nothing to the Text. We take up the meaning of the Text, by the antecedent, * 1.377 and consequent. Example, Prov. 4. 3. Tender and young was I, Liphni, before my Mother; but in the Margent it is, Tender and young was I, Libhni, amongst the Sonnes of my Mother: for Salomon had moe brethren 1 Chron. 3. 6. But these readings may stand, he was tender and young * 1.378 before his Mother, and best beloved of all his Mo∣thers Sonnes.

    The Conclusion of this. A certaine Iew gave God thankes for foure things. First, that hee was a Iew and [Conclusion.] not a Samaritane. Secondly, that he was bred at Ieru∣salem and not at Pambiditha. Thirdly, that he said Shib∣beth and not Sibboleth. Fourthly, that hee needed not * 1.379 the helps of Tiberias, meaning the Points and Accents. But we who are not naturall Iewes should bee thanke∣full to God; because wee have these helpes to further us in the reading.

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    EXERCITAT. XV.

    Of the meanes which God useth to make the Scrip∣ture plaine unto us.

    1 Cor. 14. 11.
    If I know not the meaning of the voyce, I shall be to him that speaketh a Barbarian, &c.

    THere are three speciall meanes by which God maketh the Scriptures plaine unto us. The first is translation of the Scripture. The second is parapra∣sing * 1.380 of the Scripture, and the third is the interpretati∣on of the Scripture.

    In the Translation of the Scripture consider, first, * 1.381 what is a Translation. Secondly, the necessitie of tran∣slation. Thirdly, what things a Translator should ob∣serve, and what things he should shunne. Fourthly, who they were who translated the Scriptures. Fiftly, the authority of the translation of the Seventy. Sixt∣ly, the authority of the vulgar Latine translati∣on.

    First, what is a translation. We translate when we * 1.382 change out of one language into another, and it is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. If the Translator consider the words a part, then it is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, there is great force in the words, and therefore the Translatour must observe them. Plato was wont to call Socrates, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, seu obstetricem; because when he sought out the words, then he brought forth the truth.

    Secondly, let us consider the necessity of Translation * 1.383 without a Translation wee can not understand a strange language, but it is barbarous to us.

    Reasons proving the necessitie of translation.

    First, when the old testament hath words altogether [Reason 1]

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    unknowne to the Iewes, it useth to interpret them. Ex∣ample, * 1.384 Purim was a Persicke word unknowne to the Iewes; therefore the Holy Ghost interpreteth it, cal∣ling it a Lot. So the Evangelists writing, in Greeke, and having sundrie Hebrew and Chaldee words, they expound them in Greeke as Siloe, that is, sent, Ioh. 9. 7. Abba interpreted by Pater, Rom. 8. So Tabitha kumi, by interpretation, Daughter arise, Mark. 5. 21. So Thomas called Didymus. See Mark. 7. 34. and Act. 1. 27. and Revela. 1. 7. amen by nai, So Abaddon be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Reve. * 1.385 9. 11. So Rabboni by Master, Ioh. 20. 16. why doth the holy Ghost interpret these names? but to teach us that he would have the Scriptures translated into knowne tongues, that the people might understand them.

    Why doth the holy Ghost interpret Elymas by Ma∣gus, [Quest.] Act. 13. 8. But Elymas the Sorcerer (for so his name is by interpretation) withstood them, Seeing all translations should be in a more knowne tongue, but Magus, is as obscure as Elymas?

    Magus was first a Persicke word, but afterwards it [Answ.] was well enough knowne to the Iewes, Elymas was but a part of Persia, so called from Elam the sonne of * 1.386 Sem: therefore the Persians are called Elamites, Act. 2. and Luke interpreteth Elymas by Magus, as by that which was well enough knowne to the Iewes, and to us now; for we take Magus commonly for a Magitian: * 1.387 the Arabick▪ translateth Magus, by Hhartom, from Hharat, fingere or formare; because the Magitians draw figures and circles when they conjure.

    Why is the prayer of Christ upon the Crosse set [Quest.] downe in Hebrew by the Evangelists? Eli, Eli, lama sa∣bacthani, Matth. 27. 46.

    The Evangelist doth this, that we may perceive the [Ans.] * 1.388 bitter mocke that the Iewes used against Christ, saying, He calleth upon Elias, for in no other language the mocke will so appeare.

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    Secondly, it was a curse pronounced against the peo∣ple of God, when the Lord should send strangers a∣gainst * 1.389 them who should speake unto them in an un∣knowne tongue, Esa. 28. 11. So it is a curse to the Church, as the Apostle applyeth it, to speake to the people the misteries of their salvation in an unknowne tongue, 1 Cor. 14. 21.

    The Lord at the Pentecost gave the gift of tongues to the Apostles, that they might speake to the people [Reason 3] in a knowne language, Every man heard them speake in his owne language, Act. 2. 6. And to some hee gave the tongues, but not the interpretation of them; but lest the people should not understand these languages, he gave * 1.390 to others the gift of interpretation, 1 Cor. 12. 10. but the Church of Rome studieth of purpose to keepe the Scrip∣tures in an unknowne tongue, and thinketh, that there∣by the mindes of the people are more affected and stir∣red up to devotion.

    The third thing to be considered in a translation is * 1.391 what a Translator should observe and what hee should eschew in his translation. A Translator must observe Ex quo vertit & in quod vertit, or Terminus a quo & ter∣minus ad quem, and he must consider first the sense, and then the words; he must looke first to the sense and see that he carry it with him, and next to the words; and [Simile.] even as Merchants when they sell their wares they * 1.392 looke for the worth of their wares in Money: So should a Translator in his translation see that hee have the worth, or meaning of the sense in his Translation, hee must consider first the aptnesse of the phrase into which he is to translate it, and hee is not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 * 1.393 servilly to follow it. Example, the Hebrew saith, I will multiply thy seede as the sand upon the lippe of the Sea, Gen. 22. 17. But our language saith upon the Sea shoare. So the Hebrew saith we must not eate with common hands,

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    but we say, with unwashen hands: now in this meta∣phrase changing one phrase into another, the Translator must take good heede.

    Secondly, where the sense beareth it a Translator may * 1.394 adde a word without any hurt to the Text. The origi∣nall Text it selfe, affecteth sometime more brevity and in other places supplyeth this brevity. As, 2 Sam. 6. 6. Vzzia put fourth to the Arke, it is expounded more at large, 1 Chron. 13. 9. He put forth his hand to the Arke, So 2 Chron. 10. 9. is expounded by 2 Chron. 13. 9. At more length. The holy Ghost addeth a word for illustation where the sense beareth it, Deut. 27. 26. Cursed be hee that confirmeth not all the words of this Law to doe them; But the Apostle Galat. 3. 10. Cursed is every one that con∣tinueth not in all things which are written in the booke of the Law to doe them. So a Translator may adde a word for illustration when the sense beareth it, Gen. 3. Hast thou eaten of the tree of which I forbad thee to eate? the Seventy adde, Hast thou eaten of the tree which I (onely) forbad thee to eate.

    When Christ Mark. 5. 4. interpreteth tabitha kumi [Quest.] arise daughter, how addeth hee here, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 tibi dico?

    He doth not this as an interpreter, but to show the power and authority of him who speaketh; and there∣fore [Answ.] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, should be in a parenthesis.

    A Translator must adde nothing of his owne in his * 1.395 translation, Exod. 16. 15. The vulgar translation addeth something which is not in the originall: when the chil∣dren of Israel saw it, they sayd one to another, what is this? These words (what is this) are not the words of the holy Ghost: for Man signifieth, prepared or ready, and there∣fore * 1.396 it should be interpreted, this is ready or prepared meate. So Exod. 12. 11. they translate Phase, id est tran∣situs, it should not be translated, id est transitus, but tran∣situs, it is the Lords Passeover.

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    A Translator must not affect 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, new∣nesse * 1.397 of words: those doe contrary to that of Salomon, Prov. 22. 28. Remove not the ancient markes which thy fa∣thers have set. This was the fault of Castalio who transla∣ted Sequester, for Mediator, Genius, for Angelus, Infundere, for Baptizare, Histrio, for Hypocrita, Respublica, for Eccle∣sia, * 1.398 and such. We are not so bound to words, but when the matter requireth, a new word may be used. Nice∣phorus telleth of Spiridion, when hee heard the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, read for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; he rose and went out of the Church in a chafe: so another could not abide Cucur∣bita, for Hedera, Ionas 4. 6. Esa. 45. 9. Woe be to him that striveth with his Maker: let the potsheard strive with the potsheards of the earth. Hierome hath it, testa de Samijs, he translated it terra Samiae; there is not such a word in the originall, neyther were these vasa Samiae, in use, in the dayes of the Prophet; yet because these vessels * 1.399 were in use in his time, hee useth it in his translation: neyther can he be thought to be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a hunter of new words for this. So Nahum 3. 8. Art thou better than No. But Hierome translateth it, art thou better than Alexandria: because in his time No was called Alexandria: being built anew by Alexander.

    A Translatour must not use a great circuite of words, * 1.400 or the floorishing speeches of Rhetoricke in his translation; for as men pouring wine out of one Ves∣sel into another, take heede that the vent bee not too [Simile.] great; for then the wine would corrupt: So the Transla∣tour if he take too much liberty to himselfe he may cor∣rupt the sense.

    Words that are transeunt, passing and received in * 1.401 all languages should not be translated: as Sabbath, Amen, Halleluia, Hosanua. So Iam. 5. 4. and the cryes of them which have reaped, are entred into the eares of the Lord of Sabbath. For as some sort of coine passeth in all countries [Simile.]

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    so doe some words. Secondly, some words which come not originally from the Hebrew but from the Greeke, yet they should be kept still untranslated, as Phylacterie, Tetrach and such.

    There are many Latine words which are made * 1.402 Greeke in the New Testament, and these are to bee translated. For as Daniel borrowed some words from the Ionians who dwelt in Asia minor and made Chaldee words of them, as sabucha from sambucha an instrument which they played upon. Angaria a Persicke word made Greeke, Matth. 5. 41. So Gazophylacium, all these * 1.403 should be translated: So the Latine words which are made Greeke should bee translated, as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Census, Matth. 17. 25. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Centurio, quadrans 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Matth. 5. 26. So Colonia 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Act. 16. 12. So custodia 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Matth. 26. So Legio, linteum, Macellum, membrana, modius, praetorium, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Matth. 27. sudarium, Luk. 19. 20. Spiculator, Matth. 6. 27. Semieinctum, Act. 19. 12. and Sicarius, Act. 21. 38. All these should bee transla∣ted.

    Words appropriate should not be translated to any * 1.404 other use, but unto the use, to which they are appropri∣ated. Example, Rachab received into her house 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. A Translator cannot translate it Angels (because that word is appropriated to the blessed Angels) but Messen∣gers. Example 2. Phil. 2. 25. Epaphroditus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a Translator cannot translate it your Apostle (for that word is appropriated to the the Apostles) but your Messenger. So Act. 19. 23. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a Translator cannot translate it, The Church was confused, because this word Church is appropriated to the meeting of the Saints of God for his worship; but onely, The assembly was confused.

    So words not appropriat should not bee appropriat * 1.405 as the Church of Rome doe appropriat this word Sy∣nagoga

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    to the Old Testament, and Ecclesia to the New Testament; but Synagoga is sayd of the Church of the New Testament, and Synagoga & Ecclesia are promis∣cuusly taken. So this word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 should not be tran∣slated Gods Cleargie, but Gods inheritance, 1 Pet. 5. 3. This word which is common to all Gods people, should not be appropriated to a few.

    Words that are degenerate, we cannot use them in a * 1.406 translation. Example, 1 Cor. 14. 16. He that occupieth the roome 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, it cannot be translated Idiot here (un∣lesse we would begge them for fooles,) but Vnlearned. So the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is a degenerate word in our lan∣guage, and taken in an evill sense, we cannot translate it, the Magitians came from the East, but the Wise men came from the East, Matth. 2. 1, So 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 should not bee * 1.407 translated Priest, for the word Priest now is taken for a sacrifycing Preist: and God himselfe would not be called Baal, but ishi because Baal was a word degene∣rate and given to Idols, Hos. 2. So 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 at the first was he that had the charge of the corne which the La∣tines called Epulo, but now both are degenerate. So should not a degenerate word be used in a translati∣on.

    Words that are proper should not be translated as * 1.408 appellatives or contra, 2 Sam. 23. 8. The Tachmonite that sat in the seate cheefe amongst the Captaines, this same was Hadino the Eznite, but 1 Chro. 11. 11. Iashobeam an Hach∣monite, the cheefe of the Captaines he lift up his Speare against three hundred. It was a proper name of a man, as we may see, 1 Chro. 27. 2. And therefore should not be translated, he sate in judgement. So Adino and Eznite * 1.409 are not proper names, but are to be translated thus, His delight was to lift up his speare against three hundred. So Iosh. 14. 15. The Vulgar translation hath it thus, This is Adam who was buried amongst foure. Adam here is an

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    appellative name and not proper; therefore the article He, is put before it. Secondly, he addeth Situs est, which * 1.410 is not in the originall. Thirdly, he translateth Arba, Four, which is a proper name here▪ and hence came that fable, that foure men and their wives are buried there, Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sara, Isaac and Rebekah, and Iacob and Lea. So Act. 19. 9. Schola Tyranni, cannot be translated, in the Schoole of a Tyrant, but In the Schoole of Tyrannus, because it is not an appellative but a proper name.

    Words that are Mediae significationis, a Translator * 1.411 must take heed how he translateth thē. Example 1. Esa. 3. 2. I will take away your Kosem from you. The Translator cannot translate it here, your Soothsayer but your Prudent. * 1.412 So Ioshu. 13. 22. Balaam also the sonne of Beor the Kosem, did the children of Israel slay. It cannot be translated, Balaam the Prudent, but Balaam the Soothsayer.

    Another example gnarum is called subtile or craftie and also prudent or wise, Gen. 3. 1. the Serpent was gna∣rum, * 1.413 it cannot be translated, More wise than any beast of the field; but More craftie and Prov. 1. 4. It cannot bee sayd to give Subtiltie, but Wisedome to the simple. So Matth. 10. 16. It cannot be sayd, be yee Craftie as Ser∣pents, but Wise as Serpents.

    A third example, Sheol signifieth both the grave and hell; when it is set downe without He locale, then it ever * 1.414 signifieth the grave, but when He locale, is put to it, and the godly, are sayd to goe Lesheolah, then it signifieth the lowest grave, as Psal. 86. 13. But when Sheol hath He * 1.415 locale joyned to it, and the wicked are sayd to go Lesheo∣lah, then it signifieth the Hell, and it should be translated, They went downe to hell, Num. 16. 30.

    A fourth example, Pethi is taken in an evill sense for * 1.416 Foolishnesse, as Prov. 1. 22. and in a good sense for Simpli∣citie, as Psal. 116. 6.

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    Words 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (and as the Iewes say * 1.417 Quae nullum habent fratrem) they should be warily taken heede unto, how they be translated, because there is not another word to cleare them by. Example, Num. 24. * 1.418 3. Hag gebher shethum hagnaijn, Vir apertis oculis. It is not taken in this sense in all the Scriptures but onely here: in other places of the Scripture it is taken in a contrary signification for Shutting of the eyes.

    Another example, Mat. 13. 25. The enemy came and sow∣ed, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, it should not be translated Tares or Fitches, but Evill seede, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is that which we call blasted Corne, or the deafe eares, which grow up with the good Corne, & cannot bee discerned from the good Corne untill the Harvest; and then it proveth naught: for Fitches and * 1.419 Tares may be presently discerned, and pulled up; the one signifieth the Hypocrites and the other Hereticks. And where it is sayd, His enemy came and sowed Tares, The parable must be understood thus, that the enemy cor∣rupted * 1.420 that seede which seemed to be good seede: In a parable wee must not stretch every word, but onely look to the maine scope; for then we may gather that the wicked in Hell have tongues now, and the glorified have bodies now in the Heavens.

    A third example. Mark. 14. 3. She brought a boxe * 1.421 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Of liquid nard, it should be translated Of up∣right and perfect nard: for according to the phrase of the Seventy, that is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which excelleth in the owne kind of it, and so they call the Temple of Salomon * 1.422 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; An excellent Temple. The Syriack hath it Pis from the Greeke word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

    The fourth thing that is to be considered here, are they who translated the Scriptures. Iunius saith that * 1.423 there are twelve translations of the Bible into the Greeke, the first translation of the Ptolemies was Lagi∣ana which Ptolemaeus Lagi caused to be translated. The * 1.424

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    next translation, was the translation of the Seventy, which was translated in the dayes of Ptolomeus Phila∣delpus, the third was Herodiana in the time of Ptolo∣mie the last, the fourth that of Aquila, the fifth of Symmachus, the sixt of Theodosion, the seventh Hieri∣chuntina found in Iericho, the eight Nicapolitana found at Nicapolis, the ninth Origenaria, translated by Origen, the tenth Luciana translated by the martyr Lucian, the eleventh Hesychiana, translated by Hesychius, the twelfth Exhieromineana translated out of Ieromes tran∣slation into Greeke.

    There is such a profunditie in the Scriptures, that it is unpossible for any Interpreter to sownd the depth of them, but as it fareth with the oyle of the widow, 2 King. 4. So long as the children brought vessels, so long there was oyle to fill them: So there is such plen∣ty in the Scriptures, when they have filled the wits and understanding of the best; yet there is sufficient for these who goe about to translate anew againe, to bee drawne out of them.

    And it is no marvell why they differ so in their tran∣slations, for one roote hath so many significations * 1.425 sometimes, that all the Translators cannot agree in one. Let us take but this one example, Iob. 4. 18. Pagninus translateth it, In angelis suis ponit lumen. 2. In angelis suis indidit vesaniam, Tigurin. 3. In Angelis suis ponit lucem exactissimam, vatablus. 4. In angelis suis posuit gloriatio∣nem, Regia. 5. In angelis suis reperit vanitatem, Symma∣chus. 6. Adversus angelos suos pravum quid advertit, Sep∣tuaginta. * 1.426 The diversity of these translations ariseth from the word Halal, which signifieth Laudare, gloriari, fulgere splendere, insanire.

    The first translation which was in any account was * 1.427 that which was in in the dayes of Ptolomeus Philadelpus.

    The second that of Aquila who translated the Old

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    Testament into Greeke, an hundred and twenty yeares after Christ. The third was that of Symmachus who li∣ved in the time of the Emperor Severus, fifty and sixe yeares after the translation of Aquila. The fourth tran∣slation was that of Theodosion who lived under the Em∣peror Commodus (as Symmachus lived under Severus) and hee and Symmachus lived at one time. These foure were joyned together by Origen, and he called them Tetrapla. And then he added the Hebrew Text and his * 1.428 owne translation, and then he called them Hexapla. And lastly he added that translation which was found in Ie∣richo, and at Nicapolis, and then he called them Octupla or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because every Page contained eight Co∣lumnes, as may be seene in this Table following.

    Col. 1. Col. 2. Col. 3. Col. 4. Col. 5. Col. 6. Col. 7. Col. 8.
    heb. heb. lit. heb. grae. lit. Septua. Aquila. Theodosiō. Symma. Hieric. Nicapol.
    〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. desiderat desiderat.

    This was Origens last Edition, but as he set them downe first, he set his Tetrapla in the first place, and next his Hexapla,, and last his Octupla, as Scaliger hath set them downe.

    Pag. 1. Aquila. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
    Pag. 2. Symmachus.
    Pag. 3. LXX Seniores.
    Pag. 4. Theodosion.
    Pag. 5. Editio Hierichuntis. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
    Pag. 6. Editio Nicap.
    Pag. 7. Textus hebrae. Hebrae. lit. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
    Pag. 8. Textus hebrae. Graec. lit.

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    Marke Origens farther diligence in this his worke; * 1.429 for by sundry markes and notes, he distinguished that, which was extant in the Hebrew; from that which was added by the Translators.

    These things which were found in the translations, and not in the Hebrew Text, hee markes them Obelo, thus ⸓ ὀβελίσκος These things againe which were in the Hebrew Text, and not found in the translations; hee marked them Asterisco, with a starre this wayes ܍ ἀστερίσκος Thirdly, the divers readings confirmed by sundry Copies, he mark∣ed them lemnisco this wayes ÷ λημνίσκος And lastly, these things which were found but in few copies, he marked them Hypolemnisco this wayes ܋ ὑπολημνίσκος

    This Edition of Origen was so generally followed afterwards, that Augustine complained that in all the Libraries they could scarcely finde one Copie of the Seventy, wanting these markes of Origen: and * 1.430 when sundry faults, had crept into this his Edition Lucian an Elder at Antioch and afterwards a Martyr, tooke all these Editions and conferred them together; and hee set out a more axact and correct Edition then Origens was.

    Of the Translation of the Seventy.

    IT is commonly holden, that Ptolomaeus Philadelpbus * 1.431 the sonne of Ptolomeus Lagi, King of Egypt gathered a Library, two hundred sixty and seven yeares before the birth of Christ, in the City of Alexandria in Egypt: and having gathered together divers Greeke writers, he gathered also Hebrew, Persian, Syriack, and Romane writers, and caused to translate them into Greeke, and put them in his Library: and when he understood of Demetrius Phalaraus who had the charge of his Library,

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    that there were bookes in Ierusalem written by the Pro∣phets amongst the Iewes, which intreated of God and of the creation of the world, and much hid wisedome was contained in them; King Ptolomie wrote unto Ie∣rusalem, that they might send these bookes unto him: and when they had read his Letters, they sent these bookes written in Golden letters: which Hebrew bookes when they were delivered unto the King, he un∣derstood them not: therefore he wrote to Eleazar the Highpriest the second time, that he would send men unto him, who would translate these Hebrew bookes into Greeke. And Eleazar sent Seventy two, sixe out of each Tribe, who were very skillfull and expert both in the Hebrew and in the Greeke. These men translated the Scripture in the Ile Pharos, being put in severall Cels; yet all of them so agreed, that there was not * 1.432 any difference among them, and they were called the Seventy commonly, although there were seventy and two of them.

    Iosephus writing against Appion, borroweth this histo∣ry or fable rather out of Aristoeas, and afterwards the Christian writers (in whose time this translation of the Seventy was in most request) gave eare willingly to this: for they used most the translation of the Seventy; and they tooke occasion to spread abroad any thing, which might serve for their credit. Iustin Martyr a fa∣mous old writer, with tooth and nayle standeth for the authority of this Translation: he telleth how they were put into severall Cels, and how they were direct∣ed by the holy Spirit, so that they agreed, not onely in the sense; but also in the words. But yet neyther Ari∣staeas, nor Iosephus who borrowed this from him; make mention of these Cels.

    But Scaliger in his animadversions upon Eusebius at the yeare M. CCXXXIV. judgeth that this booke of

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    Aristaeas (out of which this narration was borrowed) * 1.433 was but fained by some grecizing Iewes, that they might conciliat the greater authority to this their tran∣slation which they had procured, and he hath sundry reasons to improve this narration.

    The first reason, we know saith he out of the history of Hermippus (an antient writer of whom Diogenes Laer∣tius [Reason 1] maketh mention) that Dimetrius phalerius whom Aristaas bringeth in as the procurer of this whole busi∣nesse at the hands of Ptolomeus Philadelphus, was in no favour with him, for Ptolomeus so disliked this Dimetrius altogether, that in the beginning of his reigne hee banished him: and through greefe he tooke himselfe to live in the Wildernesse; and one day being heavy with sleepe, layd himselfe downe upon the ground to sleepe, where a Serpent did sting him to the death. The rea∣son * 1.434 wherefore Philadelphus so hated him was this: be∣cause when Ptolomeus Lagi his father had maried a se∣cond wife called Eurice (as he had Bernice the mother of Ptolemeus Philadelphus for his first wife) this Dime∣trius perswaded Ptolomeus Lagi to disinherit the sonne of Bernice, and to give the crowne to the sonne of the second wife Eurice; which when Ptolomeus Philadelphus understood, after his fathers death he presently ba∣nished him. Now seeing Dimetrius was hated so of Ptolomeus Philadelphus, and dyed in the beginning of * 1.435 his raigne, is there any probability that he had the charge of this Library? and Vitruvius saith, that Ari∣stophanes that noble Grammarian had the keeping of this Library; and not Dimetrius Phalerius.

    Secondly, Aristaeas and these who follow him say, [Reason. 2] that there were sixe chosen out of every Tribe and sent to Egypt to translate the Bible; but at that time there dwelt no other Iewes in Iudea, but onely of the Tribe of Iuda and Benjamin, although perhaps some of the other

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    Tribes were scattered amongst them; yet it is certaine that these had no place amongst them, because the most part of them were caried away captive by the Assyrians. This handfull which were yet left in Iudea, had no authority amongst them, and how came it to passe that they sent the whole Synedrion or the great Councill to Egypt? besides, the Synedrion consisted not of the twelve Tribes after the captivity, but one∣ly of the Tribe of Iuda; and is it probable that they would send these Seventy to Egypt? and if it bee true which they say of these severall Cels in which they were placed, when they translated the Bible; then it behooved every one of them, to have such a sufficient measure of knowledge both in Hebrew and Greeke, that they might have finished the whole Worke alone; which no man will beleeve.

    Thirdly, Aristaeas reporteth that Ptolomeus sayd, if [Reason. 3] any man should adde, or take from this booke then hee should be accursed; but this was the curse which God himselfe set downe in the Law, Deut. 4. 2. Rev. 22. 18. This Ptolomeus understood not: and whereas Aristaeas goeth about to prove that these curses were usuall a∣mongst the Greekes and Romans; we must understand that they never used these curses but in extreme necessi∣ty; but what necessity was there here for Ptolomeus to adde this curse, who was but desyrous that these bookes might onely be put amongst the rest of the bookes in the Library?

    Fourthly, if Eleazar the Highpriest and the Synedrion [Reason 4] at Ierusalem had approved this translation, why would the Iewes at Ierusalem have so hated this translation? For yearely in remembrance of this translation they kept a * 1.436 fast the eight day of Tebheth, (which moneth answereth to our December) and the Iewes say, that there was three dayes darkenesse when the Law was translated,

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    these Angaria or fastings which they call Tagnanejoth * 1.437 were appointed eyther propter 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 for the great wrath of God which did hang over them, or for some great plague, or for killing some just man, so the Iewes observed these Angaria in remembrance of this translation, as a day of great heavinesse and not as a day of great joy; and they applyed that place of Solomon, Eccles. 3. 1. There is a time to rent, and a time to sow, they who made this schisme, say they, rent the Law, when they translated it.

    Fiftly, If we shall marke what manner of man this Pto∣lomeus [Reason 5] King of Aegypt was, we shall hardly be induced * 1.438 to thinke that he had such a care in translating of the Bible: or that he would be at such charges to send for such a number of learned men to translate it: for hee was a most vile and wicked man, and hee was called Philadelphus as the Parcae▪ or weerdsisters are called Eumenides, for he killed his two brethren borne of Eu∣rices and committed incest with his owne sister Ar∣cinoe.

    Sixtly, Iosephus writeth that the Law was sent by [Reason. 6] Eleazer the hie Priest to Aegypt, written in Golden Let∣ters; * 1.439 but this is improbable: for the Hebrew Doctors write, that it was not lawfull for any, no not for the King to write the Law, but onely with Inke; and when they saw the copy that was presented to Alexander the great, having the name Iehova still written in Golden Letters, the wise men amongst the * 1.440 Iewes would have them rased out, and to bee written with Inke.

    See how the grecizing Iewes made up this fable of the agreement and consent of the Seventy translating the Bible, this fable arose (as Scaliger observeh well) * 1.441 out of the misapplying of that place, Exod. 24. 9. And Moses ascended and Aaron, vers. 11. And Seventie of the

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    Elders of Israel. And there the Septuagints adde (which is not in the originall) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, Of the chosen men of Israel none of them did disagree, and hence afterward was this uniformity made up of the Seventy translating the Law in Aegypt, whereas there is no such thing in the originall text; but onely this wayes it standeth in the Text. They saw the Lord, and upon the Nobles of Israel, he layd not his hand, that is, although they saw the Lord yet they dyed not; that which was spoken of the Se∣venty in Moyses time, they applyed it to these Seventy who were sent to Aegypt in the dayes of Ptolemeus: and againe, they misinterpret the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 thus, The chosen of Israel none of them did disagree, but in the originall it is, None of them did die. Wherefore Scali∣ger judgeth (and not without cause) that this Translation of the Seventy was not procured thus, and the greci∣zing * 1.442 Iewes doe fable; but he saith, the matter fell out after this manner. When the Scattered Iewes lived under Ptolemeus King of Aegypt, then they were enfor∣ced to write their contracts in Greeke, and to reckon their times by the reigne of the Kings of Aegypt; who redacted them to this necessitie, to speake the Greeke tongue: and these Iewes who lived in Alexandria and through out Aegypt, procured this Translation, and that it might be read, not onely in Aegypt amongst the grecizing Iewes there; but also amongst all the gre∣cizing Iewes abroad: but the Iewes who keepe the ori∣ginall text were very loath to admit the Transla∣tion of the Seventie to be read in their Synagogues; and it was for this Translation (as Scaliger holdeth) * 1.443 that there was such hatred betweene the Hebrewes and the Greekes, Act. 6. 7. The other Iewes who lived still in Iudea hated these grecizing Iewes who fol∣lowed the Translation of the Seventy, they called them

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    hakkore giphthith, reading after the manner of the Egyptians, and Lemiphrang, that is, the wrong reading: * 1.444 because they read from the left hand to the right, and not from the right hand to the left, as the Hebrewes doe.

    By this which hath beene said, wee may perceive that this Translation of the Seventy was not procured by Ptolomeus Philadelphus. This much onely wee must grant, first, that this Translation was translated in the * 1.445 dayes of Ptolomeus Philadelpus. Secondly, that it was translated by seventy Iewes; but that Ptolomeus was the cause why it was translated, or that the Seventy were put in severall Cels when they translated it, or were divinely inspired as the Prophets of God were * 1.446 when they translated it; all these are too bee deny∣ed.

    This Translation of the Seventy which we have now, is not that which the Seventy wrote, Origen never saw it, as may appeare by his Hexapla, for it was burnt by Dioclesian (as some hold) in the Library of Alexandria, or (as others hold) by Iulius Caesar when he burnt Sera∣pion. * 1.447

    The Seventy were not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, inspired by the holy * 1.448 Spirit, and therefore we are not to paralell the Hebrew Text and the translation of the Seventy, but where the holy Ghost hath paralelled them.

    There were other Translations of the Old Testament. First, the Arabicke translation of the Testament. Se∣condly, * 1.449 the Persicke translation upon the five bookes of Moyses which was translated by Iacobus Ta∣vasus. And thirdly, the Ethiopian translation, transla∣ted by Damianus Agoeis. And lastly, the Armenian tran∣slation. Guido fabratius sent to the King of France the Arabicke, Ethiopian, Persian, and Armenian translations, and all in their owne Characters; which if the King

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    had caused print in their owne Characters, and dige∣sted them in Columnes, as Origen did his Octupla; it had beene regium opus, a princely worke.

    The first Latine translation out of the Hebrew was * 1.450 Hieroms translation, foure hundred yeares after Christ in the dayes of Pope Damasus, there were other tran∣slations in Latine, of which Augustine maketh mention, but they were translated out of the Greeke.

    The first translation of the New Testament was into the Syriacke tongue.

    Marcke is holden to be the Author of this translation, * 1.451 hut he was martyred in the eight yeare of Nero, and the Fathers who lived in Egypt, and Palestina make no men∣tion of this Syriack translation, as Origen, Clemens Alex∣andrinus, and Athanasius: and therefore it seemeth to be latter, and not so soone after the Apostles.

    The Syriack translation which was heretofore in our * 1.452 Churches was defective, and wanted many things which were in the originall; as it wanted the last verse of the seventh Chapter of Iohn, and the history of the adulterous woman, Ioh. 8. So the second Epistle of Peter, the second and third Epistle of Iohn, the Epi∣stle of Iude, and the booke of the Revelation; all these were wanting in it. But that Copie which is brought lately from Syria wanteth none of these, as Ludovicus de Deiu▪ testifieth in his Syriack translation which hee hath now published, and the Arabicke translation which Erpeneus had by him, hath all these places which the former translation wanted.

    Wee will subjoyne here the postscripts which are found in the Syriack and Arabick translations, after the Evangelists.

    The postscript of the Evangelist St. Matthew in the * 1.453 Syriack is this, Scriptum est in terra palestinae Hebraice, this Gospel was written in the Hebrew tongue, in Pale∣stina.

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    The Postscript in the Arabick is this. Absolu∣tum est Evangelium Matthaei Apostoli, quod scripsit in terra Palestinae Hebraice, auxilio spiritus sancti, octo annis postquam dominus noster Iesus Christus carne in caelos ascendit, primo anno regni Claudij Caesaris Regis Romani. That is, the Gospel of the Apostle Matthew, which he wrote in Hebrew by the assistance of the holy Spirit, in the land of Palestina, was perfected eight yeares af∣ter Iesus Christ ascended to the Heavens, in the first yeare of the reigne of Claudius Caesar, the King of the Romans.

    Here observe two things, first, that the Syriack and * 1.454 Arabick say that this Gospel was written in He∣brew first, whereas it was written originally in Greeke. Secondly, that the Arabick calleth Matthew an Apo∣stle, whereas he was an Evangelist.

    The Postscript of the Evangelist Marke, in the Sy∣riack * 1.455 is this, Absolutum est Evangelium Sancti Marci qui loquutus est & Evangelizavit Romae, That is, here endeth the Gospel of S. Marke which he spake and preached at Rome. The Arabick hath it thus, Finitum est exemplar Marci, quod scripsit in ditione romana occidentali, in vrbe Romana, anno duodecimo postquā dominus noster Iesus Chri∣stus carne in Caelos ascendit quarto anno Claudij Caesaris, That is, here endeth the exemplar of Marke which hee wrote in the province of westerne Rome in the City of Rome it selfe, twelve yeares after our Lord Iesus Christ ascended into heaven in the flesh, in the fourth yeere of Claudius Caesar.

    But this Postscript is not probable, for Marke lived * 1.456 in the Church of Alexandria in Egypt, therefore it is more probable that he wrote his Gospel there, than at Rome.

    The Postscript of Luke in the Syriack is this, Scrip∣tum * 1.457 est Alexandriae magnae quindecem annis a Christi as∣censione.

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    It was written in the great City of Alexandria fifty yeares after Christs ascention. The Arabick is, Scriptum est graece in civitate Macedonia vigesimo secundo anno post ascensionem Domini in caelum, vigesimo quarto anno Claudij Caesaris. This Gospell was written in Greeke in the City of Macedonia twenty two yeares af∣ter the Lords ascension into the heavens, the twenty fourth yeare of Claudius Caesar.

    Here we may see the difference betwixt these two * 1.458 Postscripts, the Syriack saith, it was written in Alex∣andria in Egypt, and the Arabick saith, it was written in Macedonia in Greece, what credite then should wee give to these Postscripts?

    The Postscript of Iohn; the Syriack is, Iohannes Evan∣gelista hoc Evangelium edidit Graece Ephesi. That is, the * 1.459 Evangelist set forth this Gospel in Greeke at Ephesus, the Arabick is, Iohannes filius Zebedaei vnus ex duodecem Apostolis, scripsit idgraece Incolis Ephesi, anno post ascensio∣nem domini in Caelos tricesimo, imperante Nero. Iohn the son of Zebedaeus one of the twelve Apostles wrote this in Greeke to the inhabitants of Ephesus, thirty yeares af∣ter Christs ascension, in the reigne of Nero.

    The Syriack translation is read in Syria, Mesopotamea, Chaldea, and Egypt; and it was sent first in to Europe by Ignatius Patriarch of Antioche.

    These who translated the Bible in latter times, were * 1.460 eyther Popish, or Orthodoxe.

    Popish, the Latine translation established by the councill of Trent, Vatablus, Arias Montanus, Pagninus, and Isiodorus Clarius.

    By the reformed, as by Munster, Ecolampadius by Leo Iuda who dying before the worke was finished, Bib∣liander, and Conradus Pellicanus finished it, and then they are called Biblia Tigurina. And lastly, by Iunius and Tremellius.

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    Of the Vulgar Latine translation.

    VVHen light arose to them who sate in darkenesse and in the shadow of death, to the Protestants who lived before in Popery, they began to search the originall Text and to looke into the fountaines, the He∣brew and Greeke, and they charged the adversaries to bring their proofes out of the originall Text in their disputations with them.

    The Church of Rome to obviat this, made a decree * 1.461 in the Councill of Trent, Anno. 1546. that the Vulgar Latine should be holden for the originall; which was as base a change, as when Rehoboam changed the golden Sheilds in the Temple, into Sheilds of brasse, 1 King. 14. 27. So have they changed the originall into the Vulgar Latine translation, and made it authenticke; which in many places is corrupted.

    After that they had inacted, that the Vulgar Latine should be onely the touchstone, to try all controversies and that they should use it in their readings and dispu∣tations, then Sixtus Quintus the Pope tooke great paines about the correcting of this Vulgar Latine. Pius the fourth and Pius Quintus had done something be∣fore in the correcting of this Vulgar translation; but it was Sixtus Quintus that finished it, Anno 1590. So * 1.462 that there were forty foure yeares betwixt the Act made in the Councill, and the finishing of the transla∣tion. Bishop Morton saith, that the Canon Law for∣biddeth, that a child shall be baptized before it bee borne; yet they will make this Vulgar translation to be originall and authenticke before it be finished and perfected by the Popes. And what will they say here? wanted the Church an authenticke translation all this

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    while untill it was concluded in the Councill of Trent.

    When Sixtus Quintus had taken all this paines in correcting the vulgar Latine, and had proclamed it as authenticke by his Bull, and cursed them who held otherwise: yet Clemens the eight came afterwards, and * 1.463 corrected many things which were left uncorrected by Sixtus Quintus, and he set out a more perfect Edition than that of Sixtus Quintus: and there was great diffe∣rence betwixt these two Editions, as Docter Iames the Overseer of the Library of Oxford hath marked, in his booke which is intituled, De Bllo antipapali. These were not errors in the Print (as some would salve up the matter) but they are materiall differences, as may bee seene in that booke by conferring their translati∣ons.

    We may demand of the Catholickes, whether did the Councill make this translation Authenticke which was not Authenticke before, or did they onely declare it to be Authenticke? Some of them say, that the Councill * 1.464 promulgated it to be Authenticke, and that the Lord so directed the hand of the first Translator, that he er∣red not in these things that the Councill was to approve afterwards. But Bannes the Iesuite saith, that it is of * 1.465 greater authority that is approved by the Church, than that which was immediatly written by these, who were infallibly directed by the Spirit; but can there be any greater authority than to be infallibly directed by the * 1.466 Spirit? Canus holdeth that they were immediatly and infallibly directed by the Spirit, who translated the Scripture first into the vulgar Latine. And Gretserus go∣eth further, and sticketh not to say, that Theodosion who translated the Bible into Greeke, erred not in his * 1.467 translation, but was assisted by the holy Spirit that hee could not erre; yet hee was a Iew and an enemy to

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    Christ. Serrarius saith, he who translated the Vulgar Latine had but the generall concurse of the Spirit of * 1.468 God, as the rest of the servants of God had; but was not infallibly directed by the Spirit in his translation. And Iohannes Dreido proposit. 3. 4. and Andradius fol. 255. and Bellarmin, Lib. 2. 11. admittimus eum interpre∣tem fuisse, sed non vatem, and yet some of them hold that he erred not in the versions which the Church appro∣ved afterward.

    Againe wee may demande of them, whether will they preferre the Vulgar translation to the Hebrew and Greeke? The grosser of the Papists are not ashamed, to preferre it to them both, and they say, wee have no neede to have recourse to the originall, to try whether it be Authenticke or not, the Vulgar Latine being now established by the Councill. And Ludovicus a Tena saith, although the books in the originall both Hebrew and * 1.469 Greeke were not corrupted, yet seeing they have words of diverse significations, which the Church hath not approved or rejected: therefore wee are to hold that the Vulgar Latine is Authenticke onely; be∣cause the Church hath concluded it to be so. And Osorius saith, if we should grant that the Interpreter * 1.470 might have erred in his versions, yet the Church can∣not erre in approving his Version.

    The Moderne Papists preferre it not simply to the Hebrew and Greeke, as Gretserus saith, Sufficit aequatio, non praelatio: But they say, that they will not have their translation examined and tryed by the Hebrew and Greeke; for how know we (say they) that these Co∣pies which we have now, agree with the first originall Copie? we have the judgement of the Church con∣cerning this translation, but not concerning the Hebrew and Greeke. But if it bee in the Churches power to make a translation or to authorize it, why will they not

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    authorize the Hebrew and Greeke rather than the Vulgar Latine translation?

    And if they inact the Vulgar Latine to be Authen∣ticke and the onely rule to decide controversies, what shall become of all the Churches in the East that un∣derstand not the Latine; shall they under the paine of a curse receive this translation?

    When the Vulgar translation was concluded in the Councill of Trent, onely to be the Authenticke tran∣slation in their Disputations, Sermons, and Conferen∣ces; Some opposed against this, and said, that it was a hard thing for the Church, to judge that onely to bee Authenticke, which one man had done. And Aloysius Catenaas sayd, that no man could know what a Version meant, but by the Originall; and he alledged for him∣selfe Cajetans authority in the Councill, who being Legate for the Pope in Germanie, Anno 1523. was wont to say, that the onely remedy to refell Heretickes, was to understand the literall sense out of the originall tongues, and he sayd now, that the Cardinall would spend the rest of his dayes in studying of the tongues, that hee might bee the more fit to convince the Here∣tickes; which he did, and he gave himselfe to this studie eleven yeares before he dyed.

    Againe there was much contention among them concerning the meaning of this Canon made in the Councill of Trent, whether this translation was the judge in matters of faith or manners onely? or was it so strictly to be taken that it failed not one jote, and that Mathematice it was so perfect and not Moraliter onely? Andreas vega who was present at the Councill of Trent holden under Pope Paul the third, saith; when the Tridentine Fathers call the vulgar Latine translation, the Authenticke translation, they meane no other thing but this, that it was not corrupted with

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    errours, and that it might bee safely read and used to a mans salvation; and he concludeth, that the authority which the Councill gave to this translation, is not to be taken infinitivè, but definitivè with certaine limitations. But if this was the meaning of the Councill, that the faithfull might safely read it, because there was no dan∣ger of errour; then what authority or prerogative had this version by the Councill, above that translation of Pagnine for the Doctors of Lovan by the approbation of the Pope, put the translation of Pagnine with the He∣brew Text. But the former Catholickes say, that hee who translated the Hebrew into the Vulgar Latine, was not an Interpreter, but a Prophet: but how com∣meth it that others say now, that this Interpreter might erre, although not grossely? that he might erre, not in fide & moralibus, but in lesser matters? and so they will have the Councill to be understood; but they of old sayd plainely, that in every thing this translation was Authenticke.

    Lastly, when wee demand of them whether the Church may make a new Version yet or not? or mend that which is alreadie done? Gretserus who taketh the defence of Bellarmine, against Whittaker, denyeth that * 1.471 there can be any thing added to this translation, or be * 1.472 made more perfect. But Serrarius holdeth, that this Version may be yet helped, and that it is not come yet to such a perfection, but that it may grow to a greater; if the Church would condescend.

    The translation of the Seventy although the Apostles themselves followed it in many things, yet it was never holden to be Originall and Divine, by the Church, ney∣ther were the Churches commanded to receive it un∣der the paine of a curse. Hierome marketh in his Pre∣face upon the first of the Chronicles, that the Churches of Alexandria in Egypt, followed the Translation

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    of Hesychius (which was a translation set forth after the Seventies translation) rather then the translation of the Seventy: but frō Constantinople to Antioche, they follow∣ed the translation of Lucian the Martyr, but the Chur∣ches of Palestina (which lay betwixt these two) follow∣ed Origens Hexapla: And so he saith, the whole world was divided into these three; then what great pre∣sumption is it in the Church of Rome, to make the Vul∣gar Latine Authenticke and Originall, and to injoyne it to be read in all the Churches? Franciscus Ximenius Car∣dinal of Toledo, in his Preface before the Bible set out at Complutum in Spaine saith, that he set the Vulgar Latine betwixt the Hebrew and the Greeke, as Christ was set betwixt two Theeves, is not this a fine comparison to preferre the Vulgar Latine to the Hebrew and Greeke?

    The Syriack translation was first translated into La∣tine by Guido Fabricius, and afterwards by Tremellius. Genebrard and Serarius taking occasion upon this tran∣slation, charged Tremellius with great forgerie. First, that he tooke away all the Titles from the Epistles; but this was no forgerie: for neyther the Superscriptions nor the Subscriptions are any part of the Canonicall Scripture, as may be seene before in the postscripts ad∣ded to the Syriacke translation. Secondly, they charge him, that he tooke away the Calender, for the reading of the Gospel upon holy dayes: but neyther the He∣brew Calender, nor the Syriacke Calender, are Divine Scripture; and that use, for which they say this Ca∣lender served, for reading of the Gospel upon holy dayes; was onely used in the westerne Romish Chur∣ches, but not in the Easterne Churches. Thirdly, they say that he committed Plagium in stealing his transla∣tion from Guido Fabricius, and setting it out under his owne name: but what diligence he used in translation of the Syriack, he who wrote his life testifieth. And

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    will any man thinke that he who was a native Iew, borne and trained up in these tongues, was so ignorant, that he had no skill, but that which he did steall from ano∣ther? and Gretserus addeth, that first he was a Iew, and then he became a Monke, thirdly, a Calvanist or Hu∣gonite, and lastly, that hee returned to his vomite againe, and dyed a Iew. But that yee may perceive what a Railer this was, who spared neyther the living nor the dead, I will set downe a memorable proofe of his death; he who wrote Apophthegmata morientium, (the notable sayings which sundry uttered at the last houre of their death,) relateth this of him. When they demanded of him what confession hee would make of his faith? he sayd, Vivat Christus & pereat Barabbas. Whereas the rest of the Iewes cryed, Vivat Barabbas, & pereat Christus, this he sayd to signifie that he renoun∣ced Iudaisme, and tooke him onely to the merites of Christ. Was this to dye like a Iew? the Name of this worthy man should smell to us as the Wine of Leba∣non. Hos. 14. 7.

    Of a Paraphrase.

    THe second way how God maketh the Scripture plaine unto us, is by paraphrasing it, which goeth in a larger circuit of words than a translation doth; and this is called tirgam a Paraphrase. An Ecphrasis is * 1.473 an exposition of this Paraphrase.

    The first Paraphrase, was the Paraphrase of Ionathan the sonne of Vzziel, who paraphrased the great Pro∣phets thirty yeeres before Christ, both plainely and without Allegories: but upon the small Prophets hee runneth out more upon Allegories.

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    The seeond Paraphrase, was the Paraphrase of Onke∣los otherwise called Rabbi Aquila, adding Nun and chan∣ging a into o, as Aquila Onkelos, as Bonarges Bannarges. It was hee who translated the Old Testament into Greeke also, he paraphrased the five bookes of Moyses ninety yeeres after Christ; not long after the destru∣ction of the Temple.

    The third Paraphrase, was Targum Hierosolymitanum upon the five bookes of Moyses, most fabulous and most impure; but because Targum Ionathan was in great request among the Iewes, and not so fabulous as this Targum; the Printers amongst the Iewes put these two letters Tau Iod before that Paraphrase, to make the Reader beleeve, that it was Targum Ionathan, Ionathans * 1.474 Paraphase: for these two letters stand both for Targum Ionathan, and for Targum Hierosolymitanum.

    Lastly, Rabbi Ioseph Caecus paraphrased Cetubhim, or the written bookes.

    All these Paraphrases if yee will respect the lan∣guage, were eyther in the Babylonian or Hierosoly∣mitan tongue; three in the Babylonian, and Tur∣gum Hierosolymitanum in the Hierosolymitan tongue.

    These Paraphrases, where they paraphrase against * 1.475 Christ are to be detested. Exam. 1. Gen. 4. Incaeptum est no∣men domini profanari, but Targum Hierosolymitanum pa∣raphraseth it blaspemously, In diebus illis coeperunt Idola colere, & fecerunt sibi Deos erroneos, quos cognominabant de nomine Sermonis domini. And here he implyeth Christ who is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, sermo dei. This paraphrase is blasphemous against the Sonne of God, and therefore to be detested.

    Example, 2 Can. 4. 5. Thy two breasts are like two young Roes. Targum paraphraseth these two Roes to be two Mes∣siases, the one the sonne of Ioseph, the other the sonne of David, the one Poore and the other mighty, that is a

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    blasphemous Paraphrase, and therefore to bee dete∣sted.

    Example 2. Iob. 23. 9. He paraphraseth it this wayes, Michael is upon his right hand, and Gabriel upon his left hand, Michael is upon his right hand, and he is fire; and Ga∣briel is upon his left hand, and he is water; and the holy crea∣tures are partly fire and partly water. This Paraphrase is blasphemous; because it maketh the Sonne of God but a Creature, and matcheth Gabriel with Mi∣chael.

    Secondly, where these Paraphrases are fabulous, they * 1.476 are to be rejected. Example 1, Gen. 3. 21. The Lord made coates of skin for Adam and Eve. Targum Hierosolymita∣num paraphraseth it this wayes. The Lord made glorious cloathes which he put upon the skin of their flesh, that they might cover themselves.

    Example 2. Gen. 32. 26. Dimitte me quia ascendit aurora. The Paraphrast maketh this to be one of the seven An∣gels who stand before the Lord, singing continually, holy holy Lord of Hoasts, and he maketh this Angell to be cheefe of the Quire.

    Example 3. Exod. 13. 19. And Moyses tooke the bones of Ioseph with him. Targum Hierosolymitanum paraphra∣seth it thus, Ascendere fecit Moses vrnam ossium Iosephi, ex intimo Nili; & abauxit secum. Hence the Talmudists make a great question how they could finde this Chest of Ioseph, being sunke so deepe in the flood Nilus, and they flye to their shift of Shem hamphorash; and R, Be∣chai upon this, saith, that Moyses tooke a plate and wrote * 1.477 upon it, and sayd, ascende Be. (meaning Ioseph who was called Bos Dei, Deut. 33. 17.) & did cast this plate into Nilus saying, O Ioseph, thy brethren which are redeemed are waiting for thee, and the cloud of glory is waiting for thee: if thou wilt not goe up with us now, wee are free of our oath.

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    Example 4. Deut. 28. 18. Decaudicabat debiles, Hee cut off the taile or the weake of the hoast, but Targum Hieroso∣lymitanum paraphraseth it this wayes, sed accepit eos Ama∣lek, & amputavit loca virilitatis corum, projecit{que} sursum versus coelum, dicens, tolle quod elegisti, meaning that part which was commanded by the Lord to be circumcised, they threw it up into the heavens, in contempt and spite against the Lord.

    Example 5. 1 Sam. 15. And he numbred them Battela∣him, but Targum paraphraseth it thus, He numbred them by the lambes. For Telahim is called lambes also, and * 1.478 they say that Saul would not number the people for feare of a plague upon him and his people; as it fell out afterwards upon David and his people: therefore he caused every one of them to bring a lambe, and he numbred all the lambes, and so he knew the number of the people; such Iewish fables as these the Apostle willeth us to take heede of, Tit. 1. 14.

    But where these Paraphrases cleare the Text, then * 1.479 we are to make use of them. Example, Gen. 2. 24. He shall leave father and mother, and cleave unto his wife. On∣kelos paraphraseth it thus, he shall leave Domum cubilis, where the Paraphrast alludeth to the ancient custome of the Iewes, for the children lay in their fathers cham∣ber before they were maried, Luk. 11. 7. My children are with me in bed.

    Example 2. Gen. 12. 5. And Abraham tooke all the soules which he had got in Charan, Onkelos paraphraseth it thus, Omnes animas quas subjecerat legi.

    Example 3. Gen 49. Ruben excellens munere & dignita∣te, Onkelos paraphraseth it thus, Excellens principatu & Sacerdotio; for hee that was the first borne, at the first, was both the Prince and the Priest in the Fami∣ly.

    Example 4. Gen. 49, 27. Beniamin a ravening woolfe,

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    he shall eate the prey in the morning, and shall divide the spoyle at night. The Paraphrast paraphraseth it thus, In his possession shall the Sanctuary bee built, morning and evening shall the Priests offer their offerings; and in the eve∣ning shall they divide the rest of the portion which is left of the sanctified things.

    Of interpretation of Scripture.

    THe third outward meane whereby the Lord ma∣keth the Scripture cleare to his Church, is Interpre∣tation, and this is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

    This Interpretation of the Scriptures maketh the * 1.480 people to understand them, for when the Scriptures are not interpreted, they are like a Nut not broken. * 1.481 When Gideon heard the dreame and the interpretation of of it, Iud. 7. 15. In the Hebrew it is Veshibhro, the brea∣king of it: a speech borrowed from the breaking of a Nut; for as we breake the shell that wee may get the * 1.482 Kernell: So the Scriptures must bee broken for the people, and cut up for their understanding.

    It was the manner of the Iewes in their Synagogues, after that the Law and the Prophets were read, to In∣terpret the scriptures, Act. 13. 15. And after the reading of the Law and Prophets, the rulers of the Synagogue sent un∣to them saying, ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people; say on. And therefore the Synagogue was called Beth midresh▪ Domus expositionis, & we see the practise of this, Nehem. 8. 8. Legerunt cùm * 1.483 appositione intellectus: They read the Law clearely to the peo∣ple, and caused them to understand those things which were read; this was the fruite of their interpretation. So they did 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Act. 16. 10. Conferre places

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    with places. The giving of the sense here, is more than to give the grammaticall interpretation of the words: they gave the sense and the spirituall meaning of them when they preached, Noah was a Preacher of righteous∣nesse, 2 Pet. 2. 5. The Church is not onely the keeper of the Scriptures, but also an Interpreter of them. This word Kara signifieth both to Reade and to Promulgate, Esay. 29. 12. & 61. 12. Zach. 7, 7. Act. 10. 20. So * 1.484 Mikra which signifieth Reading, signifieth also an Assem∣bly or Convocation, to teach us that the holy Scriptures * 1.485 ought to bee read in the congregation, and holy assem∣blies, and ought likewise to be expounded.

    The conclusion of this is; The Lord useth so many meanes to make the Scripture cleare to the people, and yet the Church of Rome goeth about to stoppe these Fountaines of living waters, that the people may not drinke of them. As the Spies raised a slander upon the Land of Canaan, saying that it was unpossible to be won: so doe they slander the Scriptures of God with obscurities, and say, that it is impossible for the people to understand them.

    EXERCITAT. XVI.

    Of the division of the Scriptures.

    They have Moses and the Prophets.
    Luc. 16. 29.

    THe scriptures are divided into the old and New Testament.

    The old Testament againe is divided into Moses and the Prophets, and sometimes the Law is put for the whole old Testament, Rom. 3. So Ioh. 7. 49. Esay. 2. 3.

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    And sometimes the Psalmes are called the Law. Ioh. 15. 25. That the word might be fulfilled which is written in their Law, they hated me without a cause. So the Prophets are called the Law. 1 Cor. 14. 21 In the Law it is writ∣ten.

    Moses is divided into Hammitzua, Commandements, Chukkim, statutes, and Mishpatim, judgements; that * 1.486 is, in Morall Precepts, Ceremoniall, and Iudi∣ciall.

    The Iewes againe divide the old Testament into the Law, the Prophets and Cetubhim, which the Greekes call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, holy writings, all the Scriptures are holy * 1.487 writings; but usually these that were not confirmed by Vrim and Thummim are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

    The Prophets are divided in Rishonim & Acharonim, the former and the Latter: the former Prophets are Ioshua, Iudges, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel. 1 Kings and 2 Kings, They are called the former Prophets because they in∣treat of the historie past, and present. Act. 3. 24. Yea and all the Prophets from Samuel and those that follow after. Samuel is sayd to be the first of the Prophets; therefore, Iere. 15. 1. Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, Sa∣muel is the first of the Prophets; then it is most proba∣ble that he wrote the bookes of Ioshua and Iudges. Ioshua is the first in order of the Prophets, therefore the Hap∣torath which is set upon it, is called Haphtorah laetitiae legis, They were glad when they ended the Law, and began the Prophets. But Samuel seemeth to bee the writer of this booke.

    Others call them the first Prophets, because they saw the first Temple; and they call them the latter Prophets, because they prophesied in the time of the second Temple, as Haggai, Malachi, Zacharie. But they are all rather to bee called Acharonim latter Pro∣phets, because they foretell things to come: and they

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    are divided into the great Prophets and into the small.

    The great Prophets are Isaiah, Ieremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.

    The latter Prophets are called Teresar pro Tere gnasar * 1.488 that is, two and ten, and the Greekes called them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. There is a Testimonie cited by Matthew, cap. 2. 23. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophets. This Testimonie is found but in one of the Small prophets: yet it is said to bee spo∣ken by the Prophets; and they gave this to be the rea∣son, * 1.489 because all these Twelve small Prophets were joyned in one booke.

    The Conclusion of this is. First the Lord hath sum∣med [Conclusion.] up all that he requireth of us in one word, Love. Rom. 13, 10. Love is the fulfilling of the Law. Then hee hath enlarged this word in two Mat. 22. 37. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart: and thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy selfe. Thirdly hee hath enlar∣ged these two into ten words Deut. 10. 4. And hee wrote on the Tables the ten words. Fourthly hee hath enlarged them into Moses and the Prophets. Mat. 22. 40. On these two Commandements hang all the Law and the Pro∣phets, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 pendent, even as wee hang a thing upon a Naile, Esay 22. 23. So the Law and the Prophets hang upon these two.

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    EXERCITAT. XVII

    Of the Division of the Psalmes.

    Act. 13. 33.
    As it is also written in the second Psalme. Thou art my Sonne this day have I begotten thee.

    THe Psalmes are divided in five bookes, as the five Bookes of Moses; and the five Bookes joyned to∣gether called Quinque volumina, as Canticles. Ruth. Lamen∣tations. Ecclesiastes and Esther.

    The first booke of the Psalmes endeth with the, 41. Psalme. The second endeth with the 72 Psalme. The third with the 89. The fourth with the 106. The fift with the 150. Psalme, and these bookes end with the same words, Baruch Iehova Elohe Iisrael mehagnolam * 1.490 vegnad hagnolam, Amen veamen. Blessed bee the Lord God of Israel from Everlasting to Everlasting, Amen, Amen. Psal. 41. 13. so the rest of the bookes, for the most part end thus. And hence wee may gather, that this verse was added by him who set the Psalmes in order, and not by those who wrote the rest of the Psalmes. This may appeare by the conclusion of Davids Psalme of thankesgiving 1 Chro. 16. 36. That they have bor∣rowed their conclusion at the end of every booke from the conclusion of this Psalme.

    The first two bookes were written by David, and they * 1.491 end thus, So end the Prayers of David the Sonne of lesse, Psal. 27. 30. That is, here end the Psalmes which were both written and set in order by David.

    The other three bookes were written by diverse Authors as by David, Asaph, the sonnes of Korah, Ieduthun, Moses, Heman the Ezrite, and when the wri∣ter

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    of the Psalme is not set downe, the Iewes hold, that hee who wrote the former, wrote that Psalme also.

    Asaph wrote thirteene Psalmes, Leasaph, Lamed is * 1.492 somtimes a note of the genitive case, and sometimes of the Dative case, and therefore some have interpre∣ted * 1.493 the word Mizmor leasaph, a Psalme dedicat to Asaph to be sung be him; but it should be Translated a Psalme of Asaph: for Asaph was a Prophet, 2 Chron. 29. 30. More∣over Hezekiah and the Princes commanded the Levites to sing praises unto the Lord, with the words of David and Asaph the Seer. And the style of Asaph is harder then the Style of David.

    The second who wrote these Psalmes were the Sonnes of Korah, and they wrote ten in number; the * 1.494 posteritie of Korah died not in the rebellion with their Father, Num. 26. 11. Some of his posteritie wrote be∣fore the captivitie, and foretold of the captivitie, as the Psal. 73. 74. And some of them when they were in the captivitie.

    So some when they were returning from the captivi∣tie, as 66. Some after they were returned, as 85. and 147.

    So Moses wrote a Psalme of the shortnesse of the life of man, this Psalme was written when they were * 1.495 in the Wildernesse, and yet it was not registred in the Canon till after the captivitie. Thus we see the watch∣full eye of God, that had a care to preserve these bookes which were to bee insert in the Canon, that none of them should perish.

    So these Psalmes which were written by Ieduthun * 1.496 and by Ethan the Ezrite who were of the posterity of the Levites. The Levites dutie was to teach the Peo∣ple, and so the Lord made those Levites teachers of the people by their songs.

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    Of the inscriptions of the Psalmes.

    THe Psalmes generally are intituled Tebilim, praises, because the most of them are songes of prayse; therefore the whole are so called. * 1.497

    The particular Inscriptions of them are eyther easily understood, or hardly to be understood at all.

    The inscriptions easie to bee understood are these. First, Lamnatzeahh, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to the chiefe Musitian. The singers were divided into so many orders, and * 1.498 every one sang according to their courses, and when it befell the chiefe Musitian to sing, then he caused to sing this Psalme committed to him.

    The next title is Maschil a Psalme for instruction. These were Psalmes which David made out of his owne experience. Peter, when thou art converted streng∣then * 1.499 thy brethren, these were called Psalmi didascalici.

    The third was Michtam, Aurei Psalmi, golden * 1.500 Psalmes: all the Word of God is like fine gold, Psal. 119. And yet these Psalmes are called Golden Psalmes, because there is some speciall and choyse matter in * 1.501 them: so all the word of God is faithfull, all to bee trusted, yet Paul saith; Fidus est hic sermo, This is a faith∣full saying, 2 Tim. 1. 15. Having some notable things in it, and as all the Ring is Gold, yet the Diamond is the most excellent: So although all the Word of God be excellent, yet these are most excellent. So some are * 1.502 intituled lehazcir, Ad recordandū to bring to remem∣brance, as 38. 70. because they were made in remēbrance * 1.503 of some notable deliverance or of some great benefit.

    Fourthly, some are called Psalmes of degrees. * 1.504

    When they brought the Arke from Davids house * 1.505 into the Temple, they sang, Psal. 119. by the way, it be∣ginneth with these words, Beai immaculati in via,

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    and intreateth especially of the Law of the Lord, and there is not a verse in it, except onely the 122. verse, * 1.506 which hath not some epithet of the Law of God in it, as his Iudgements, his Word, his Statutes, his Lawes, his Testimonies, his Commandements, his Precepts, his Cove∣nant, &c, And when they entred into the Court of the Gentiles with the Arke, they sang the last part of this, Psal. 119.

    When they went further to the Court of the people, * 1.507 when they stood upon the first degree, they sung Psal. 120. which containeth the history of the deliverance of the people out of Egypt. And when they stood upon the second degree, they sung Psal. 121. My helpe commeth from the Lord. When they were upon the third step they sung Psal. 122. I was glad when they sayd unto mee, let us goe into the house of the Lord. So they sung a Psalme upon every step as they ascended, and upon the eight step when they beheld the excellent buildings of the Courts of the Levites, they sung Psal. 127. Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vaine that build it. When they entred into the Court of the Priests, they sung Psal. 128. And upon the last step they sung Psal. * 1.508 134. Blesse yee the Lord all his servants which watch by night in the house of the Lord. The people might goe no further; then the Priests went forward with the Arke into the Temple, and when they entred into the porch of the Temple, they sung Psal. 118. vers. 19. Open to me the gates of righteousnesse. When they were stan∣ding in the porch they sung these verses following, This * 1.509 is the gate of the Lord into which the righteous shall enter. When they were in the midst of the Temple they sung the 22. verse, I will praise thee, for thou hast heard mee and art become my salvation, and when the Arke entred into the holiest of all, they sung Psal. 24.

    The inscription of the Psalmes which we understand

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    not; are eyther Notes of Musicke, or Instruments of Musicke.

    Notes of Musicke or common Tunes with which * 1.510 the Psalmes were sung are these, Gnal muth-labben, Psal. 9. gnal sheminith, Psal. 6. 12. gnal aijeleth Shahar, Psal. 22. gnal Ionath Elem Rechokim, 56. Altaschith 57. 59. 75. gnal shushan Eduth, 60. gnal shoshannim 45. 69. gnal shoshannim Eduth, 80. gnal Mahalath Leannoth, 88.

    Instruments of Musicke are these, Neginoth. 4. 6. 41. * 1.511 54. 67▪ 76. Nehiloth, 5. gittith, 8. 81. & Mahalath 53.

    The Instruments of musicke set downe Psal. 150. none * 1.512 of the Iewes themselves can distinguish them, and they are ignorant of all these sorts of Musicke now: but wee are to blesse God, that the matter contained in these Psalmes may be understood by the Church.

    The Psalmes againe were divided according to the * 1.513 time when they were sung, some were sung every mor∣ning, as Psal. 22. at the morning sacrifice. So Psal. 92. was sung upon the Sabbath: So at the passeover they sung from Psal. 112. to vers. 19. of Psal. 118. and this was that hymne which Christ and his Apostles sang at the passeover, Matth, 26. 30. And when they had sung an Hymne; they went out into the mount of Olives.

    The Psalmes were divided also according to their * 1.514 subject. The first booke of the Psalmes intreateth of sad matters, the second of glad, the third of sad, the fourth of glad, the fift of glad and sad mat∣ters.

    There are some Psalmes, which concerne Christ in * 1.515 his Natures and Offices. His Natures, as Psal. 110. The Lord sayd to my Lord &c. His kingly authority, as Psal. 2. His priestly office. Psal. 110. Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. So his passion, Psal. 22. So his buriall and resurrection, Psal. 16. and his ascension and glory, Psal. 118. 25. 26. when David was

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    crowned King, the people cryed, Anna Iehova hoshignah na anna, Iehova hatzlihhah na, Save now I beseech thee * 1.516 O Lord, O Lord I beseech thee send now prosperity, that is, * 1.517 we beseech thee O Lord to save the King, and to pro∣sper him. And the Priest sayd, Blessed bee hee that com∣meth * 1.518 in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord. This prayer is applyed to Christ, Matth. 21. 9. Hosanna filio David, they contract these three words Hoshignah na anna in one word Hosanna, and * 1.519 they say Hosanna to the Sonne of David, id est, contingat salus filio David in altissimis, they wished not onely pro∣sperity and safety in the earth here, but all happinesse * 1.520 to him in the highest heavens, Luk. 19. 28.

    There are some Psalmes which concerned Davids particular estate, in his persecution by Saul, by Absolon; &c. In his sickenesse, in his adversity. In his prosperi∣ty * 1.521 how he fell in adulterie, and repented, Psal. 51. how he dedicated his house to the Lord, Psal. 30. how he purged his house of wicked men, Psal. 101. when hee entred to his kingdome, 144. So a Psalme to his Sonne Salomon when hee was to succeed into the kingdome Psal. 72.

    Lastly, some Psalmes are divided according to the Letters of the Alphabet, as Psal. 25. 134. 111. 112. 119. * 1.522 145. These Psalmes were distinguished by the Let∣ters that they might keepe them the better in their me∣mories, and as Matthew summeth up the genealogie of Christ into three foureteene generations for the me∣mories cause: So these Psalmes are set downe after the order of the Alphabet to helpe the memory. Psal. 25, wanteth three Letters 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Psal. 111. every verse hath two letters of the Alphabet, and the two last verses have three letters to make up the Alphabet: So Psal. 112. hath the letters after the same manner. The 119. is distinguished by the letters of the Alphabet, and here

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    yee shall see, that every Section as it beginneth with the letter, so all the verses of that section began with that same letter; as the first Section beginneth with 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, there∣fore all the eight verses in the first Section begin with 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. So Psal. 145. Is set downe after the order of the Alphabet, but it wanteth the Letter 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Here some * 1.523 goe about to prove by this, that the originall Copie is defective, and therefore the Arabicke translation ad∣deth a verse, so doe the Seventy and the Vulgar Latine; but if it be defective here, why doe they not supply a verse likewise in Psal. 34. where 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is defective in the Alphabet? we are not to thinke that there is any de∣fect in the matter because these letters of the Alphabet are wanting: for the Lord fitted these letters to the matter onely, and not the matter to the lerters; and because the holy Ghost hath not set downe the matter here, therefore the Letter 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is left out; but not this wayes, because the Letter 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is wanting here; therefore the matter is wanting.

    The five last Psalmes begin with Halleluia, and end with it, because they are the conclusion and summe of * 1.524 the whole praises of God. So the Church in the reve∣lation concludeth after the victory with the same words, Reve. 19. 1. Alleluia, salvation and glory and ho∣nour and power unto the Lord our God.

    The Conclusion of this is, the Psalmes are generally [Conclusion.] intituled Tehilim praises, from the most excellent part of them: Therefore our chiefe care should bee to praise God here in this life, and then in the life to come we shall sing the song of Moyses the servant of God, and the song of the Lambe, Reve. 15. 3.

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    EXERCITAT. XVIII.

    Of the division of the Law and the Prophets, in parashoth and haphtaroth.

    Act. 15. 21.
    For Moyses of old time had in every City them that preach him, being read in their Synagogues every Sabbath day.

    THe Scriptures were not divided into Chapters, as we have them now divided, therefore the Iewes * 1.525 say, that the whole Law is Instar vnius pesuk, that is, but as one verse.

    The Old Testament was divided into parashoth and Haphtaroth; this division into parashoth was most ancient, Act. 8. 32. The place of Scripture which he read was this, * 1.526 in the Greeke it is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Section, and the Sy∣riacke calleth it pasuka.

    They distinguished not these parashoth and haphtaroth by numbers, as we doe our Chapters; they sayd not the first parashah, the second parashah, but they distin∣guish them by the first words of the Section; as the first parashah is called Bereshith, the second Elle toledoth Noah, &c.

    They used to divide and distinguish these great para∣shoth and haphtaroth three wayes. First, they distinguish∣ed them with three great P P P. Secondly, they di∣stinguished * 1.527 them with three great Samechs, as Gen 20. 10. these Samechs or Semuchoth make not so great a di∣stinction as when they are distinguished by three great P P P: for there is some coherence (when they are di∣stinguished * 1.528 by Samech) with that which goeth before. So in the particular parashoth when yee see them distin∣guished

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    by parashah or by Semuchah; but onely with great letters, as Gen. 32. 2. this word vaijshlahh begin∣neth the parashah in great letters. * 1.529

    Ioh. 7. 37. In the last day, that great day of the feast, Iesus stood and cryed saying, &c. This was the eight day of the feast of the Tabernacles, and it is called the great Sabbath. This day they kept Festum laetitiae legis, The * 1.530 feast of joy, because they ended the reading of the Law that day; and the next Sabbath they called it Sabbath be∣reshith, because they began to reade the booke of Genesis againe. And yee shall see that this day they read three Haphtaroth or Sections, the first was haphtaroth elle pe∣kudi lejom sheni shel Succoth, and it began, 1 King. 7. 51. * 1.531 So was ended all the words which King Salomon made, &c. And that day Salomon stood up and blessed the people; So the true Salomon Iesus Christ blessed the people In that great and last day of the feast. The second haphtarah which was read this day, was Iosh. 1. haphtaroth shim∣hhath torah. Sectio laetitiae legis, because the Law was ended, and Ioshua began the Prophets. The third * 1.532 parashah which they read was, Malac. 3. Haphtaroth sabbath hagadol, and it ended thus, Behold I will send you Eliah the Prophet, and so they joyned the last Secti∣on * 1.533 of the Law, and the last Section of the Prophets both together, and it was in this day that Iesus Christ stood up and spake to them; the true Salomon, the true Ioshua, the end of the Law and the Prophets. And whereas the Iewes on this day delighted themselves much with banqueting, and drinke; Iesus Christ cal∣leth all those to him who thirst, and he promiseth to re∣fresh them; If any man thirst let him come unto me and drinke.

    Scaliger holdeth, that the Apostle, Coloss. 2. 16. Let no man Iudge you 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in part Sabbathi, signi∣fieth that, which the Hebrewes call Parashah, and which * 1.534

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    the Talmud calleth Perek or Chelek, or which the Greekes call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 but the Apostle meaneth onely * 1.535 here, that he would not have the Iewes to condemne the Colossians, for not observing their Iewish Sab∣baths; as he would have the Gentiles to abstaine from things strangled, and blood, Act. 15. 29. That they might not give offence to the weake Iewes.

    The Iewes say, that this division in Parashoth was most ancient, but the division into Haphtaroth was later, and they give this to be the reason why they reade these Haphtaroth, they say, when, Antiochus Epiphanes forbad them under paine of death to reade the Law of Moses 1 Macch. 2. then they made choise of some parts of the Prophets answerable to these parts of the Law. Example, because they durst not reade Petorah beresith. They read Esay. 42. So saith the Lord Creator of heaven and earth. Example, 2. the second Parasha is Elle tole∣doth Noah, now because they durst not read this they read Esay. besiman, that is, at the signe 54. (for that which we call a Chapter they call a signe) Sing yee bar∣ren, * 1.536 &c. But is it likely that Antiochus that great Ty∣rant, forbad them onely the reading of the five bookes of Moses? wherefore the reading of Moses and the Pro∣phets * 1.537 hath beene much more ancient than the time of Antiochus: therefore Act. 15. 21. Moses is read of old. A Phrase which signifieth a great antiquitie.

    When they read Moses Law, they divided it in fifty * 1.538 and two Sections, and they finished it once in the yeere: They had two sorts of yeeres, there was Annus impraegnatus or Embolimaeus, and Annus Aequabilis. An∣nus Impraegnatus was that, which wee call Leape yeare, and it had fifty three weekes; in this yeere they divided one Parashah in two parts, and so they ended the rea∣ding * 1.539 of the Law within the yeare. When it was Annus Aequabilis then it had but fifty two weeks, then they read

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    one Parashah for every Sabbath, and in the last Sabbath of the yeare, which was the twentie third of Tishri, they read that Parashah called Latitia legis, which begin∣neth Ioshu. 1. And the next Sabbath they began bere∣sith againe at the first of Genesis.

    These Parashoth were subdivided into so many parts, and there were sundrie who read these parts upon the Sabbath, hee that read the first, was called Cohen the Preist, hee repeated the first part of the Section; and then rose up Caizan, or Cantor, who did sing the same part which the Priests had read; then there rose up in the third place a Levite, and he read his part; Fourthly, there rose up an Israelite, and hee read his part, and at last it came to Maphtir, and hee read the last part of the Haphtorah; he was called Maphtir, because when * 1.540 that part was read, the people were dismissed, and so the Latine Church said Ite missa est.

    In the weeke dayes, they read upon the second and the fift day of the weeke, some part of those Parashoth, but not the whole: and the Pharisee meant of these two dayes when he said, I fast twise in the weeke Luk. 18. 12.

    The Greeke and Latine Fathers never cite Chap∣ters as we doe now; Augustine in his booke of retracta∣tions, Cap. 24. saith not, I have written to Genesis 3. but this wayes, I have written to the casting out of our parents out of paradise. And Gregorie in his Prologue upon the first of the Kings, saith; I have expounded to you from the beginning of the booke, unto the victory of David.

    Who divided the Scriptures first into Chapters it is not certaine; they were divided of old two manner of wayes; first they divided them into 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 titles, (for so they called the greater parts) and then into Chapters as into lesser parts: others againe divided them into Chap∣ters as into greater parts. It is holden, that Musaeus

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    presbiter Ecclesiae Massiliensis divided them first into ti∣tles; * 1.541 and subdivided them into Chapters. According to this first division Matthew had sixty three titles, and three hundreth and fifty five Chapters. So Luke ac∣cording to the ancient division had forty eight titles, and three hundreth and forty eight chapters.

    He who began this latter division into Chapters, is holden to be Hugo Cardinalis: according to this divisi∣on Matthew hath twenty and eight Chapters, and Luke twenty and foure, &c.

    Lastly, it was divided into verses: this division into Pe∣suchim or verses, the Masoreth found out first amongst the Iewes: The Greekes called them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Scaliger cal∣leth them Commata, and Robertus Stephanus calleth them Sectiunculas, and some hold that it was hee that found them out first amongst us.

    EXERCITAT. XIX.

    Of the sense of the Scriptures.

    THere is but one literall sense in the Scriptures, which is profitable for doctrine, for reproofe, for cor∣rection, for instruction in righteousnesse, 2 Tim. 3. 16.

    To make divers senses in the Scripture, is to make it like that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which Anaxagoras dreamed of, making Quidlibet ex quolibet. Augustine writing to Vincentius, justly derideth the Donatists who constru∣cting * 1.542 these words, Cant. 1. 7. Tell me (o thou whom my soule loveth) where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flocks to rest at noone; They gathered out of them that

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    the Church of Christ was onely in Africa by their allegoricall application. Origen was too much given to these allegories, and therefore he missed often the true sense of the Scriptures.

    These who gathered divers senses out of the Scripture, doe little better with them, than Esope did with an inscription written in a pillar of Marble, in which were written these seven letters 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Esope first read them thus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, id est, abscedens gradus quatuor fodiens inve∣nies thesaurum auri. But Xanthus his master finding, as he had spoken, a great treasure of Gold, and giving no∣thing to Esope for his conjecture, kept all to himselfe, therefore Esope read them another way thus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, id est, qui tollitis dum ahitis, dividite quem invenistis thesaurum auri. But when Esope got nothing, in a rage he read it thus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. id est, redde Regi Dionysio, quem invenisti thesaurum auri.

    The Iewes hold that there is a literall sense in every Scripture, and a mysticall sense; the literall sense they call Dabhar katon, rem parvam, and the mysticall sense they call it Dabhar gadol, rem magnam, the literall * 1.543 sense they call it peshath, sensum nudum, and the mysti∣call sense they call it darash; and most of the Schoole∣men hold that there is a double sense in the Scriptures. Latomus the Papist saith, Theologiam crassam versari circa literalem sensum, theologiam subtiliorem versari circa mysticum & allegoricum sensum, and they call the literall sense panperem & grammaticum, and the allegori∣call Divitem & theologicum, the rich and theologi∣call sense. But we must strive to finde out the literall sense of the Scriptures, or else we shall never come by the true meaning.

    The literall sense is that which the words beare ey∣ther

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    properly or figuratively, therefore he sayd well who sayd, bonus grammaticus, bonus theologus: for we can never come to the true meaning and sense, unlesse the words be unfolded.

    A figurative literall sense is eyther in verbis vel in rebus, eyther in the words or in the matter.

    In verbis, in the words, as Luk. 13. 32. Herod is a Foxe Psal. 22. 12. The princes of Israel are Buls of Basan, in these words there is but one sense. So Let the dead bury the dead, Luk. 9. 50. Dead in soule bury the dead in bo∣dy, here is but one sense; but where the words in one sentence have diverse significations, then they make up divers senses, as judge not that yee be not judged, Mat. 7. 1. the first is, judicium libertatis, the second is, judici∣um * 1.544 potestatis.

    When we search to finde out the literall sense of the Scripture, that cannot be the literall sense of it which is contrary to the analogie of faith, which is eyther in credendis or in faciendis. If it be contrary to the arti∣cles of our faith or any of the commandements, then that cannot be the literall sense, as Rom. 12. 20. If thine enemy be hungry give him meate, if he thirst give him drinke: for in so doing, thou shalt heape coales of fire upon his head. Here to feede the enemy, and to give him drinke, are to be taken literally, because they are commanded in the sixt Commandement: but to heape coales of fire upon his head, must be taken figuratively, because ac∣cording to the letter, it is contrary to the sixt Comman∣dement. Example, 2. Matth. 5. 29. If thy right eye offend thee▪ plucke it out, and cast it from thee, Here the words are not to be taken literally, for this were contrary to the sixt Commandement, but figuratively. So this is my body, is not to be taken literally, for it is contrary to the analogie of faith: because the heavens must containe the bodie of Christ untill he come againe, Act. 3. 21.

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    The second is figurative in rebus, as in the Sacra∣ment of the Supper, when he sate with his Disciples he sayd, This is my body; he pointeth at the thing present, and understandeth the thing that is not present; he had the bread and cup in his hand, and he sayd, This is my body, This is my blood, In these propositions there is the subject and the attribute; the subject is the bread and wine which he doth demonstrate; the attribute is that which is signified by the bread and wine, and these two make up but one sense, propius & remotius; when Peter had made a confession that Christ was the Sonne of the living God, Matth. 16. Christ to confirme this unto him, and to the rest of the Disciples, saith, Tu es Pe∣trus, & super hanc petram, &c. he pointeth at Peter, but he understandeth himselfe, upon whom the Church is [Similie.] built and not Peter. When a man looketh upon a picture, he saith, this picture is my father, here he un∣derstandeth two things, propius & remotius, to wit the picture it selfe, and his father represented by the picture; this picture at which hee pointeth is not his father properly, but onely it representeth his fa∣ther.

    But some will object, when it is sayd, Hic est sanguis meus, that the article hic agreeth with Sanguis, and not [Object.] with Vinum, therefore it may seeme that it is his blood indeed, and not wine that he pointeth at.

    This cannot be, for in the former proposition when [Answ.] he sayd, hoc est corpus meum, he should have sayd, hic est corpus meum; because it repeateth the word panis as it is more cleare in the Greeke, therefore the article hic hath relation to some other thing, than to the bread at which he pointeth, for the article 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 repeateth not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the bread or the wine, but 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, his body and his blood. When Moyses sayd, Exod. 24. 8. Behold the blood of the Covenant, here the word blood

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    is properly to be understood: because their covenants were confirmed with blood, and there was no sacrifice without blood. But when Christ sayd, This is my blood of the New Testament, there was no blood in the Cup here, but he had relation to his owne blood, which was signified by the wine in the Cup.

    When Christ saith, This is my body, This is my blood, [Quest.] how was he present with the bread and the wine there?

    A thing is sayd to be present foure manner of wayes, first, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, secondly, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, thirdly, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, [Answ.] and fourthly, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

    First, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; when a man is bodily present. Se∣condly, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as when a man is present by his pi∣cture. Thirdly, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as the sunne is present by ope∣ration in heating and nourishing things below here. Fourthly, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, when we apprehend a thing in our mind. Christ when he sayd, this is my body, and this is my blood, he was present there 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, but he was not in the bread and the wine 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for then his blood should have beene there before it was shed; then hee should have had two bodies, one visible and another in∣visible: but he was present there in the bread and the wine 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because the bread and the wine repre∣sented his body, and his blood: So hee was present there 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, by his Spirit working in their hearts and he was present to them by faith 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, when they did spiritually eate his body and drinke his blood, and this is the true and literall sense of the words.

    Which is the literall sense in those words, Hoc fa∣cite [Quest.] in mei recordationem, doe this in remembrance of me?

    Although there bee many things implyed in these [Answ.] words, both upon the part of the Minister and upon the part of the People, yet they make up but one sense; as

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    upon the part of the Minister; Take this bread, blesse this bread, breake it and give it to the people. And up∣on the part of the people; take this bread, eate this bread, &c. yet all these looke but to one thing, that is, to the remembrance of Christs death: and therefore the externall action bringeth to minde the internall action, the remembrance of Christs death: so that in these words there is but one sense.

    When the testimonies of the old Testament are cited * 1.545 in the new, the Spirit of God intendeth propinquius & remotius, something nearer and something farther off; yet these two make not up two divers senses, but one full and intire sense. When Ionathan shot three Ar∣rowes to advertise David, 1 Sam. 20. 20. hee had not two meanings in his minde, but one: his meaning was to shew David how Saul his father was minded to∣wards him, and whether he might abide or flye: So the meaning of the holy Ghost is but one in these places. Example, 2 Sam. 7. 1. The Lord maketh a promise to David, I will set up thy seed after thee which shall proceede out of thy bowels. This promise looked both ad propius & remotius, yet it made up but one sense, propius to Salo∣mon, and remotius to Christ: therefore when he looketh * 1.546 to the farthest, to Christ, 2 Sam. 7. 19. he saith, Zoth torath, Haec est delineatio hominis Dei, it should not bee read, is this the Law of the man O Lord God? as if David should say, this is not all that thou hast promised to me O Lord, that I should have a sonne proceeding out of my owne loynes, but in him thou dost prefigure to me a sonne, who shall be both God and man: and hee addeth For a great while to come, thou doest promise to me a sonne presently to succeede in my kingdome, but I see besides him a farre off the blessed Messias. And he applyeth this promise literally to his sonne Salomon, and figuratively to Christ his Sonne; taking the pro∣mise

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    in a larger extent; and the matter may be cleared by this comparison. A father hath a sonne who is farre from him, he biddeth the Tailor shape a coate to him, and to take the measure by another child who is there present, but withall hee biddeth the Taylor make it larger; because his child will waxe taller: So this pro∣mise made to David was first cut out (as it were) for Sa∣lomon his sonne, but yet it had a larger extent: for it is applyed to Christ who is greater than Salomon: and as by a sphere of wood wee take up the celestiall spheres: So by the promises made to David concer∣ning Salomon, we take up him who is greater than Salo∣mon; and these two make but up one sense. When a man fixeth his eye upon one to behold him, another man accidentally commeth in, in the meane time; hee casteth his eyes upon that man also: So the Lords eye was principally upon the Messias, but hee did cast a looke, as it were, also to Salomon.

    When these testimonies are applyed in the New Te∣stament, * 1.547 the literall sense is made up sometimes of the type and the thing typed. Example, Ioh. 19. 36. A bone of him shall not be broken. This is spoken both of the bones of the Paschall Lambe, and of the bones of Christ; and both of them make up but one literall sense.

    Sometimes the literall sense is made up ex historico & allegorico, as Sara and Hagar, the bond woman and the free, signifie the children of the promise begotten by grace, and the bond servants under the Law; and these two make up but one sense.

    Sometimes ex tropologico & literali, as, Ye shall not mussle the mouth of the Oxe that treadeth out the corne, 1 Cor. 8. 9.

    Fourthly, the literall sense is made up ex historico, my∣stico & prophetico. Example, Ier. 31. 15. A voyce was

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    heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for children, refusing to bee comforted for her chil∣dren because they were not. There was a voyce heard in Ramah for Ephraims captivity, that is, for the ten Tribes who came of Ioseph the sonne of Rahel, this mourning was because the ten Tribes should not be brought backe againe from the captivity, this was mysticall and not propheticall, that shee mourned for the ten Tribes who were led away into captivity; but it was propheticall foretelling the cruell murther which Herod commit∣ted in killing the infants not farre from Rahels grave; all these are comprehended in this prophesie, and make up one full sense.

    When a testimony is cited out of the Old Testa∣ment in the new, the Spirit of God intendeth, that this is the proper meaning in both the places, and that they make not up two divers senses. Example, the Lord saith, make fat the hearts of this people, Esa. 6. 9. and Christ saith, Matth. 13. 14. In them is fulfilled this prophesie. This judgement to make fat the hearts, was denounced against the Iewes in Esaias time at the first, Act. 23. 16. Well spakethe holy Ghost by Isaiah the Prophet, it was fulfilled upon the Iewes who lived both in Christs time and in Pauls time. Esay when he denounced this threatning, he meant not onely of the Iewes who lived then, but also of the Iewes who were to come after; and it was lite∣rally fulfilled upon them all.

    Example, 2. Esa. 61. 7. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, be∣cause he hath annointed me to preach the Gospel, this prophe∣sie is cited by Christ, Luk. 4. 18. and it is onely meant of Christ, and literally to be applyed to him.

    Example 3. Esay. 49. 6. I will give thee for a light to the Gentiles, Christ went not in proper person to preach to the Gentiles himselfe, but he went to them by his A∣postles, therefore Act. 31. 47. Paul saith, the Lord hath

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    commanded me to goe and be a light to the Gentiles, this is the proper sense and meaning of the Prophet Esay in this place.

    When the testimonies of the Old Testament are ci∣ted in the new, they are not cited by way of Accom∣modation, but because they are the proper meaning of the places; if they were cited by Christ and his Apo∣stles onely by way of accommodation; then the Iewes might have taken exception, and sayd, that these testi∣monies made nothing against them: because it was not the meaning of the holy Ghost who indited these Scrip∣tures to speake against them. But Christ and his Apostles bring out these testimonies, as properly meant of them, and not by way of accommodation onely.

    We must make a distinction betwixt these two, Desti∣natam applicationem, & per accommodationem, Destinata * 1.548 is this, when the spirit of God intendeth that to bee the meaning of the place. Applicatio per accommadationem is this, when a preacher applieth the Testimonies of the scriptures for comfort or rebuke to his hearers, this is not destinata applicatio; sed per accomodationem. A man maketh a sute of apparrell for one, that is Destinatum [Simile.] to him, yet this suite will serve for another; and this is Per accommodationem. When Nathan said to David, the Lord also hath put away thy sinne, thou shalt not die, 2 Sam. 12. 13. this was destinata applicatio, but when a preacher now applieth this to one of his hearers, this is, but per accommodationem, the scriptures are written for our Admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 1 Cor. 10. 11. And they are profitable for doctrine, for reproofe, for correction, for instruction in righteousnesse, 2 Tim. 3. 16. They serve to rebuke all obstinate sinners, and to comfort all penitent when they are applied right∣ly: but when the Apostles applied their comforts and threatnings, they had a more particular insight to whom

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    they belonged, than Preachers have now, and knew particularly what Scriptures were directed to such and such men. When Esay prophesied, make fat the hearts of this people. Esay. 6. 9. And when Paul applyed it to the Iewes in his time, it was destinata applicatio: but when a Preacher applieth it to his hearers now, it is per accommodationem onely, for hee cannot so par∣ticularly apply it to his hearers, as Paul did to his.

    Where there are two severall testimonies found in the old Testament, and joyned together in the new Testa∣ment, these two make but one literall sense, as Esay 62. 11. Say to the daughter of Sion, behold thy Salvation cometh. So Zach. 9. 9. O Daughter of Sion, O Daughter of Ierusalem, behold thy King commeth riding upon an Asse, and upon an Asse Coalt: Matthew citing these places cap. 23. joyneth them both together, and sheweth that both Esay and Zacharie meant of Christ comming in humilitie and not in glorie, and these two make up but one literall sense.

    This is a speciall note to know the literall sense of the Scripture, when this phrase is added; That the Scripture * 1.549 might be fulfilled: As Ioh. 13. 18. But that the Scripture may be fulfilled, hee that eateth bread with me, hath lift up his heele against me. This place was spoken first by Da∣vid of Achitophel Psal. 41. 10. But it was fulfilled li∣terally in Iudas who betrayed Christ.

    Example 2. Ioh. 17. 12. Those that thou gavest mee I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the sonne of Perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. This place was first spoken of Doeg, Psal. 109. 7. and this Scripture is ful∣filled in Iudas, therefore this is the literall sense of it; the figure was in Doeg, and the thing figured in Iudas.

    Example 3. Ioh. 19. 24. Let us not rent it, but cast lots whose it shall be, that the Scriptures might bee fulfilled which

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    said; They parted my rayment amongst them, and for my Ve∣sture they did cast Lots. Sauls Courtiers rent Davids dignities and honours amongst them, but the Scripture was fulfilled literally here by the Souldiers.

    Example 4. Ioh. 19. 36. For these things were done that the Scripture might be fulfilled, a bone of him shall not be broken. The type was observed in the Paschall Lambe, but the Scripture is fulfilled here literally in Christ. [Object.]

    But it may be said. 1 Cor. 10. 6. 11. All these things happened to them in figures, then they signified some other thing to us than to them.

    They were types to us, that is, examples, they were [Answ.] not types properly taken, for that is properly called a type, which the Spirit of God specially proposeth to sig∣nifie some future thing; as a bone of the Paschall Lambe should not bee broken, was instituted to signifie some future thing, that a bone of Christ should not be broken, here is properly a type, but an example is not a repre∣sentation of any thing to come, but goodnesse or splen∣dor in the men which maketh them to bee followed, as the mildnesse of Moses, the patience of Iob; These were not types properly but examples. So these things which befell the Iewes in the wildernesse for their murmuring and committing whoredome are set downe for exam∣ples to the Corinthians and posteritie to come, they were ad 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 they serve to admonish and instruct us, that we fall not into the like sinnes, 2 Tim. 3. 16.

    It may be alleaged that there are more literall senses in [Object.] one Scripture then one. Example; Caiaphas prophesied that one should die for the people, Ioh. 11. 49. In Christs meaning they had one sense, and in Caiaphas meaning they had another sense.

    This Prophesie must not be considered as one, but as [Ans.]

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    two; the Spirit of God had one meaning and Caiaphas had another, but the Scriptures which were inspired by the holy Spirit had but one sense.

    Where the holy Ghost maketh a mysticall application of the old Testament to the new, that is Destinata appli∣catio; And arguments taken from thence hold firmely. Example, Exod. 16. 18. He that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered lesse had no lake, the Apostle 2 Cor. 8. 15. applyeth this morally to all the faithfull, and reduceth things to a certaine equalitie; that those who are rich in temporarie things, should bestow their almes upon the poorer sort, & the poore, being richer in Spiri∣tuall things, might communicat to the richer, their pray∣ers and Spirituall helpes.

    When we apply the testimonies of the old Testament and borrow comparisons from them, it is not destinata applicatio sed per accommodationem.

    The conclusion of this is. There is but one literall sense and meaning of every scripture: So should men [Conclusion.] have but one sense and meaning in their minds, and not a dowble meaning, as the equivocating Iesuites have.

    Quisquis haec legit, vbi pariter certus est, pergat mecum; * 1.550 vbi pariter haesitat, quaerat mecum; ubi errorem suum cog∣noscit, redeat ad me; ubi meum, revocet me.

    FINIS.

    Notes

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