A treatise of the necessity of humane learning for a Gospel-preacher shewing the use of I. Languages, II. Rhetoric, III. Logic, IV. Natural philosophy, V. Moral philosophy, VI. History, VII. Chronology, VIII. Arithmetic, IX. Geometry, X. Astronomy, XI. Geography, and the benefits of learning in all ages : also this question is determined, whether grace be essential to a minister of the Gospel? / by Edward Reyner ...

SECT. V. Of Grecian History.

Secondly, THe Scripture hath somthing in it of the customs of other Nations, more remote from the Jews, the Grecians and Romans.

I. Of the Grecians. For we read of di∣verse of their Deities, as Jupiter, Mercu∣ry (Acts 14.12.) Castor and Pollux (Acts 28.11.) and Diana, which were also wor∣shipped by the Romans. We read too of the Athenian Altar, Acts 17.23. and the Ephesian Image, the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, chap. 19.35.

The Grecian Games are frequently al∣luded to in Pauls Epistles, who, planting Churches in Greece, attempers his dis∣course to their usages. One of their four famous Games was the Isthmian, celebra∣ted at Corinth, the customs of which he hath manifest respect to in 1 Cor. 9.24, 25, 26, 27. where you may see in the Greek

several of their exercises (as running and pugilate) and the terms appropriate to them, as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

All which words require explication from those Grecian Solemnities, without knowing of which we cannot reach that great Elegancy, nor the full sense of those Verses. In that last word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the A∣postle alludes to the probation of those who had performed athletical exercises, for it was examined whether they had stri∣ven lawfully, before they were pronoun∣ced Conquerors, and so crowned: which you may see in 2 Tim. 2.5. He that strove as he ought, was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, approved, and so got the prize. Hence Jam. 1.12. its said of him that endureth tentation, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. He that strove or run amiss was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 rejected, and missed of the reward. So that Pauls meaning in 1 Cor. 9.27. is, lest when I have performed the office of a 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Herald (which was to proclaim the prize, and the laws of the Exercises, and to ad∣monish and animate the contenders) when I have shewed others the right way of stri∣ving and getting the Crown, I my self miscarry, and be judged uncapable of it.

There is also an allusion to the Grecian Games in Phil. 3.12, 13, 14, 16. where we meet with more agonistical terms, as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (which is as much as to be crowned) and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which is used to denote his apprehending, or catching of the prize, or reward from the top of the Goal, who was judged the Conqueror.

So in 2 Tim. 4.7, 8. and in Heb. 12.1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12. the Phrase is agonistical.

He that desires an Explication of the Customs of their Games, and so of those Scriptures which refer to them may con∣sult P. Faber, or Lydius in his Agonistica sacra; or Doctor Hammond in his Anno∣tations on the above-mentioned Places, who excellently sets forth the Emphasis of them.

In Acts 19.31. we read of the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (q) 1.1 the Exhibiters and Governors of the Games in Asia, which were at that time celebrated at Ephesus to the honor of Di∣ana. Therefore Ephesus is stiled her 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Sacrist, verse 35. which Title was affected by every City, where their games were celebrated in honor of some of their Deities. See Master Gregorie's Notes, chap. 9.10.

The 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 verse 35. is also said to

have been (r) 1.2 an Officer in those Games.

In 1 Cor. 4.9. and 15.32. the Apostle hath respect to that bloody spectacle, when men, who were 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, devoted to death, were to sight on the Theatre with Beasts, that would rend them to pieces.

I will conclude this Head with the words of Scultetus; (s) 1.3 Graeciam igitur veterem noverit, Paulinas Epistolas qui nosse sata∣git.

Notes

• (q) 1.1

  See Doctor Hammond on that place, and Beza.
• (r) 1.2

  See Master Gregories notes before cited.
• (s) 1.3

  In Orat. pro conjun. Phi∣lolog. cum Theolog.