A Christian Dictionary, Dictionary 1 · Part 109
P. R.
Praise. sig:
A confession and due acknowledgement of the great and manifolde excellencies and perfections that be in God. Ps. 136, 1. Praise the Lord because he is good, for his mercies endure for euer. Psal. 117, 1, 2. 103, 1, 2, 3.
2 Commendation, and speaketh forth the good things that be in other men. Prou. 27, 2. Let another man praise thee.
3 The matter, argument, & occasion of praise. Exod. 15, 2. The Lord is my strength and praise. Psa. 118, 14.
Prayer. sig:
The whole seruice of God, and eueryevery part of it. Math. 21, 13. An house of Prayer.
2 That one part of his worship, called Prayer & Petition. Iam. 5, 15. Prayer of faith.
to Pray. sig:
To desire some lawfull thing of God alone, with trust▪ to hauehave it, for the merit of Christ only. Actes 10, 9. Peter went vp on the house to pray. Math, 6, 9. After this manner pray ye. Actes 12, 12. Marke 11, 24.
2 To craue some-thing with the voice onelyonly, without Faith in Christ. Luke 18, 10. They went vp into the Temple to Pray. Verse 11. This is vocall Prayer onelyonly; and the former, is both Vocall, and Mentall.
3 To worship God. A Sinechdoche of part for the whole. Luke 19, 46. A house of Prayer.
Prayer, what it is?
Prayer, is a worke of the beleeuing soule, desiring of God *Prayer being a chiefe part of Gods seruice, may not be made to any creature.alone, things lawfull and needfull: with confidence to obtaine them, through the alone mediation of Christ, to the praise of the mercy, trueth, and power of God. Prayer, is eyther priuate, or publicke; for our selues, or others; for the hauing of good things, or remoouing thinges euill. Whence ariseth the difference, and diuers kinds of Prayers, mentioned 1. Tim. 2, 2. Let supplications and Prayers, Intercession and giuing of Thankes, be made for all men.
to preach. sig:
To declare the will of God by voice, for the instruction of the Church. Marke 1, 49. He Preached in their Synagogues.
what Preaching is.
Preaching, is an action of the Minister of the word, soundly interpreting and opening the sence of the Scriptures, by the Scriptures; with application of them vntounto the vse of the Church, by Doctrin, Exhortation, reprofe, conuincing & comfort. Mar. 2, 2. He Preached the word to thē. Lu. 4, 18, 19, 20, 21. He tooke vp the booke, and read, and said; this day is this Scripture fulfilled in your eares. Also, 1 Cor. 14, 3. He that professeth (that is, Preacheth) speaketh to men, to edifying, to exhortation, to comfort. Sée Nehe. 8, 8. And he reade in the booke of the Law, *Thus Tremelius translates it out of the Hebrwesand gaue the sence according to Scripture. Acts. 9. 20, 22. Hee Preached Christ *Thus Maister Beza reads, and expounds it according to the greeke.confirming that Iesus was this Christ (that is to say.) Hee compared Scripture with Scripture, conferring them together, as cunning Craftsmen which ioyne all partes together, to make them agree one with another. This is Preaching in the ordinary phrase of the Scriptue. Indeed eueryevery declaration of Gods wil, eyther by afflictions, blessings, readings, and creatures; or otherwise, may generally and improperly be called Preaching.
Predestination. sig:
The fore-appointment of eueryevery thing, to certaine ends. Acts. 4, 28.
2 The fore-ordaining of some persons, to obtaine eternall life by Christ. Rom. 8, 30. Whom he Predestinated them he called.
Predestination what it is.
Predestination, is a most righteous decree of God, freely, according to his own good pleasure (without any respect of forseene faith or works, as mouing causes) ordaining from all eternity out of the whole lumpe of lost mankind, a certaine number, to obtaine eternal life in heauen, by Christ (hauing first called, Iustified, and Sanctified them) vntounto the praise of his glorious grace. Rom. 8. 28, 29, 30. Eph. 1. 5, 6, 7.
Predestination, is the most wise purpose of God,Predestination what it is, according to Peter Martyr. whereby he hath before all eternity, constantly decreed, to call those whom hee hath loued in Christ, to the adoption of his children, to Iustification by Faith, & at the lēgth to glory, thorow good works, that they may bee made like to the Image of the Son of God, and that in them should bee declared, the glory and mercy of the Creatour.
to Predestinate. sig:
To determine and appoint before, most firmely, some persons to be saued by Christ. Rom. 8, 29.
Prepare. sig: pro
To make a thing ready before hand. Math. 26. 17. Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee. 1 Chro. 29, 19. To build the house which I hauehave prepared. Math. 20 23.
2 To fit effectually and mightily, the elect of God, vntounto that blessednesse which they were appointed vntounto, from euerlasting. Rom. 9, 23. Vessels of mercy which hee hath prepared to glory. And to make meete the Reprobates, vntounto that wretchednesse vntounto which they were ordained before. Rom. 9, 22. Vessels of wrath prepared to destruction. Or thus more breifly; to purpose, & make meete heauen for the elect, and the elect for it. Math. 25. 34, 41. Prepared for you, &c. Also Hell for the Reprobate, and them for it. Prepared for the deuill and his Angels. Rom. 9. 22. 23.
3 To make vsus meete or fit, eyther for doing good duties, or for suffering afflictions. 1 Chron. 29. 18. Prepare their hearts vntounto thee.
4 To make ready, eyther some things which belonges eyther to Gods seruice, or to the seruice of the Saints. 2. Cor. 9, 2. Achaia was prepared a yeare ago. Iohn. 19, 42. Because of the Iewes preparation day.
to Preserue sig:
To keepe one free and safe, from taking hurt by any enemies, or dangers. Psal. 16. 6. Preserue me ô Lord, for I trust in thee.
2 To sustaine and vphold all things in their being. Iob O thou preseruer of men. Psal. He Preserueth both man and Beast. Nehe. 9, 6. Thou Preseruest them all. This is generall preseruation.
3 To keepe constantly the faithfull, vntounto the possession of eternall life. 1 Pet. 1, 8. Preserued, or kept through the power of God, by faith, vntounto eternall life. This is speciall preseruation.
to Presume sig:
Either to take too much vponupon vsus, out of a vaine confidence in our selues; or to take too much hart and boldnesse to vsus. Psal. 73, 8. They talke presumptuously. 1 Cor. 4, 6. Let none Presume aboue that is written.
What Presumption is.
It is a vice, whereby many men, in regard of Gods blessings and patience towardes them, hauehave their hearts too much lifted vp in vaine confidence of their owne sufficiency, and Gods goodnesse; waxing secure, haughty, and carelesse, in the course of their liues, without any feare of sin, or Gods iudgments for them.
Presump. tuous sins. sig:
Sinnes of contumacy, which come from a stubborne and malicious heart. Psal. 19, 13. Keepe mee from Presumptuous sinnes. Note, that hee gaue not his body or bloud, but himselfe; that is, his whole man-hood, as the price (the onelyonly al-sufficient.)
Price of redemption. sig:
Satisfaction or paiment, made to the Iustice of God for the hurt doone to it by the sinnes of the elect; that so they may bee redeemed and set free. 1 Tim. 2, 6. He gaue himselfe a price of Redemption. Note, that he gaue not his body or bloud onelyonly, but himselfe; euen the whole man-hood; to be the price; the onelyonly al-sufficient price to God, for sin; adew, to al Popish satisfactions.
Pricke. sig: pro
A sharpe peece of wood, a pole, stake, or sharp thing, which pricketh one, as he goeth thorough bushes, or thicke places.
Pricke in the flesh. sig:
Inbred corruption, or naturall Concupisence, which sticketh fast in vsus, as it were, a pricke molesting and vexing vsus, by euill motions, as the flesh is galled and pained, with a Pricke or sharpe stub sticking in it. 2. Cor. 12. There was giuen vntounto me, a Pricke in the flesh. A Metaphor.
Pricked in heart. sig:
Persons, stricken with great greefe, and soulesorrow, in the sence of Gods displeasure, for sin; as if their hearts had beene pricked through with a sword. Actes 2, 37. And being Pricked in heart, they saide, &c.
Pride. sig:
Haughtinesse or loftinesse of mind, being puft vp and swollen with a high conceit of our owne excellency, to the contempt of God, and the disdaine of men. Pro. 16, 18. Pride goeth before a fall, and an high minde before destruction. 1. Cor. 4, 6. Swell not one against another. Luke 18▪ 9.
Pride of life sig:
Vaine boasting and arrogancy, wherein they please and delight themselues, which doo abound in the things of this life. 1 Iohn 2. 16. And the pride of life.
Pride, as a Chaine. sig:
The arrogancy of wicked men, glorying in their Pride, as one would glory in a Chaine of Golde. Psal. 73, 6.
Priest. sig:
A Sacrificing person, ordained of God, not only to teach the people, and pray for them; but also to offer vp outwarde and bodily Sacrifices for his owne sinnes, and the sinnes of the people. Leuit. 5, 4, 2, 5. Such were the Priests of the Law, and old Testament; Legall and Leuiticall Priests.
2 A Sacrificing person especially ordained of God, that by the Sacrifice of himselfe, once offered by himselfe; and also, by his intercession, he might reconcile vntounto, and keepe in fauour with God, for euer, all beleeuing sinners. Such a Priest is Christ onelyonly, being the alone Priest of the New-Testament, propperly so called. Heb. 7, 17. Thou art a Priest for euer after the order of Melchizedek. Also verse 23. 24, 25, &c. See Chapter 10. from verse 5. vntounto the 15. These two significations of Priest, be proper.
3 EueryEvery faithfull Christian man or woman, of what calling soeuer, enabled by the authoritie and commandement of God, to offer vp themselues & their Good-works, as spirituall Sacrifices, acceptable to God, through Christ. 1 Pet. 2, 5. Reuel. 1, 6, He made vsus Kings and Priests to God. Rom. 12, 1. Heb. 13, 15, 16. This is an improper figuratiue sence of the word, by resemblance and likenesse.
4 A man of great dignity, a cheefe Ruler or officer. Exod. 2, 15. And the Priest of Midian had seuen Daughters. Gen. 41, 45. The Daughter of Potipherah the Priest, or Prince of Onn. Exod. 18, 1. lethro the Priest of Midian.
5 The first borne of the male children, whome God did consecrate and set apart, to do the Office of Priests, in administring holy things, vntil Aaron and his sonnes were sanctified to that end. Exod. 19, 22. And the Priests also be sanctified. Exo. 13, 2. Sanctifie to me the first borne, &c.
high, Priest sig:
The chiefe amongst and ouer the Priests of the Law, who in a speciall manner, was a figure of Christ, both in his garments, publicke workes and actions; and also, in his eminent place, Christ being chiefe among the Pastours, as Aaron was among the Priests. Heb. 5, 1, 2, 3. vntounto the 10. verse. For eueryevery High-Priest is taken from among men. 1 Pet. 2, 25.
The difference, betweene a Priest properly, andNote this. improperly taken, is this. The former hath an externall and bodily Sacrifice, to giuegive and offer vntounto God, as Christ did giuegive his owne body; and the Priest of the Law, the bodies of beasts. The latter, offereth spirituall Sacrifices only; as their Prayers, praise, obedience, almes, and all other Goodworkes and duties of their callings, which euerie Christian (as well as a Minister) is bound to offer. The popish Priest-hood is an immaginary & blasphemous fixion, hauing no grounde, neither any colour and shew of ground and proofe, in the whole Booke of God.
Princes. sig:
The true beleeuers, the children of the Church. Psal. 45, 16. Whom thou maiest make Princes in all Lands.
2 Men of principall giftes, chiefe and choyse persons. Eccles. 10, 7. Princes walking, &c.
Prince of God. sig:
A man singularly loued, and exceedingly blessed of God. Gen. 23, 6. Thou art a Prince of God.
Prince of peace. sig:
Procurer, ground, and cause of Peace, which also causeth his subiects to continue in peace & quietnesse. Such an one is Christ, and he onelyonly. Esay. 9, 6. Prince of Peace.
Profession. sig:
An action of a Christian, plainly and openly declaring and vttering with his mouth, that which he beleeueth and hopeth in his heart, concerning Christ and saluation by him. 1 Tim. 6, 12. And hast professed a good Profession, before many witnesses. There may be a profession made before men, with the mouth, when the truth of it is not to be found in the heart, before God. Tit. 1 16. They Professed to know God, when in their works they denied him.
2 The doctrine of the Gospell, which wee doo professe. Heb. 3, 1. Consider the High-Priest of our Profession, Christ Iesus.
3 A way, or Sect. Math. 23, 15. To make one of your Profession.
Promise. sig:
A worde, passed from man to man, for performance of some lawful thing; as in Contracts, Bargaines, Marriages, and other affaires of common life. This is a ciuill promise: Such Laban made to Iacob for giuing his Daughter: Saul to Dauid: Dauid to Ionathan.
2 Our word passed and giuen vntounto God, for some dutie which wee will doe vntounto his honour. Psalme 66, 13, 14. I will pay thee my vowes which my lippes hauehave promised. Numbers. 30, 3. Hee shall not breake his Promise. This is a religious or holy Promise, called a Vowe in Scripture. Sée Vow.
3 The word of God, giuen or plighted vntounto men, for the performance of some good, or for remouing some euill, spiritually or bodily. Psal. 119. 130. How sweet are thy promises to my mouth? And ver. 49. 50. 38. This is a diuine promise. Which is two fold: Legall and Euangelicall.
Gods Promise is two-folde: first Legall, whenNote this. hee passeth his word for the giuing of eternall life, and other temporall good thinges, vponupon condition of fulfilling the lawe. Leuit. 18, 5. Ephe. 6, 1. This is the first commandement with Promise. Gala. 3. 12. Doe this and liue. Secondly Euangelicall; when he passeth his worde for the giuing of Christ, and together with him, remission of sinnes, righteousnes, and eternal life, as also the blessings of this life, vponupon condition of beleeuing the Gospell. Rom. 1. 2. Which he promised before by his Prophets. And Rom. 4, …6. That the Promise might be sure to all the seed: That is, to such as walke in the steps of Abrahams faith. Galat. 3, 14. That wee might receiue the Promise of the spirit through faith. This latter promise, is called the Promise of grace, because it is freely giuen, and freely performed. Also Galat. 3, 14. It is called the Promise of the spirit, because the spirit is both the authour and applier of it. More ouer the thinges Promised, come from the spirit. This Promise is also called the worde of faith. Rom. 10, 8. Because the worde of this Promise, is made with condition of faith, which is the only instrument to apprehend and receiue it. Lastly, it is termed the Promise of Christ, because he is the terme and end of it.
Prophane. sig:
An vnholy person which refuseth heauenly things, for enioying of earthly. As Esau cast away his Birth-right for a messe of pottage, and therefore in Heb. 12. 16. Hee is called a prophane person for his labour.
2 Common, or something appointed to common vse, as Prophane hands, Prophane authours, prophane meates, put for common, or seruing to common vse. Mark. 7, 2. Acts. 10, 14, 15.
Prophet. sig: pro
One, which telleth or speaketh before what things shal afterward come to passe. This is the generall signification of the word [Prophet.]
2 An extraordinary minister of the old Testament, ordained for the instruction of the Church, by interpreting & applying the law, and foreshewing the sufferings and glory of Christ. Actes. 3, 24. All the Prophets hauehave foretold of these dayes. And 10. 43. To him giuegive all the Prophets witnes. 1. Pet. 1, 10 11. Such Prophets were Esay, Ieremy, &c.
3 A person vnderunder the new Testament, endued with a speciall gift to foretell thinges to come, for the behoofe, either of the whole Church, or some members of it. In this sence, Agabus is called a Prophet, because hee forewarned the Church of a famine. Acts. 11, 27. And Paul of his bonds. Acts. 21. 10. Also the daughters of Philip were such prophets.
4 One that interpreteth the scriptures of the Prophets, with a singuler dexterity and readinesse, besides the praediction or foretelling future euents. Ephe. 4. 11. He gaue some to be Prophets. 1, Cor. 12 28. Hee ordained some Prophets. These were men that not onelyonly signified what things should come, but excelled also in expounding Prophesies concerning Christ. In this sence, is Christ called a Prophet. Acts, 3, 22. And not onelyonly for declaring the wil of God touching things to come.
5 All those holy men of God, who be the penmen of the holy scriptures, for the common vse of the Church to the worldes end. Luke. 13, 28. All the Prophets shall sit downe in the kingdome of God. 2, Pet. 1, 19. Wee hauehave a most sure word of the Prophets.
6 EueryEvery true minister of the gospell, endued with wisedome, to interprete and apply the scriptures. 1. Cor. 14. 32. The spirits of the Prophets, are subiect to the Prophets.
7 The writings, bookes, or sayings of the Prophets. Rom. 3, 21. Hauing witnes from the law, & the Prophets. Luk, 16, 31.
8 A Southsayer or teller of fortunes. Tit. 1, 12. One of your owne Prophets.
sons of the Prophets. sig:
Such as bee trayned vp in the Schooles or Colledges of the Prophets, to the knowledge and study of the Scripture. 2. Kings, 2, 7, Fifty men of the sonnes of the Prophets. Amos, 7, 14. I was no Prophet, nor was I a Prophets son.
children of the Prophets. sig:
Such as were instructed and taught by the Prophets their scholers; being begotten a new by their doctrine. 2. Kin, 2, 3, 5. The children of the Prophets that were at Iericho.
2 The people of the Iewes, for whose instruction the Prophets were specially appointed. Actes. 3, 25. Ye are the children of the Prophets.
to Prophesie. sig:
To fore-shew something that afterward should be fulfild. Acts. 21, 9. He hath foure Daughters Virgines which did Prophesie. Heere the word (Prophesie) is taken in a strict sence; as also else-where very often.
2 To expound and apply the Scripures to the edification of the Church. 1 Thes. 5, 20. Despise not Prophesying. 1 Cor. 14, 3, 24. Heere the word is taken in a larger sence.
3 To bee present at the publicke ministry, and partake in the Doctrine thereof. 1 Cor. 11, 5. She that prayeth or Prophesieth with her head bare. Here it is vsed in the largest signification.
Prophesie. sig:
Prediction, or fore-telling.
2 The word or doctrine written by the Prophets. 2 Pet. 1, 20. 21. No Prophesie is of priuate interpretation, &c.
spirit of Prophesie. sig:
A gift proceeding from the holy Spirite, enabling men to fore-tell thinges to come. 1 Cor. 12. 10. To another Prophesie (by the same spirite.) See verse 8. 9.
Prosperity. sig:
Good successe in the affaires of our soule and body. Psal 1. 3. Whatsoeuer hee doth shall prosper. Pro. 28, 13. He that hideth his sinnes shall not Prosper.
2 Wealth and abundance of earthly benefites. Psal. 73, 3. When I saw the Prosperity of the wicked.
3 Rest and peace. Psal. 30, 9. I said in my Prosperity.
Proselite. sig:
One, conuerted from the Heathenish Religion, vntounto the Iewish Religion. Actes. 2. 10. Actes. 13, 43. Many of the Iewes, and Proselits that feared God.
to Proue. sig:
To examine, search and try himselfe, whether he be in Christ. 2 Cor. 13, 5. Proue your selues. This is our prouing of our selues.
2 To sift vsus by some affliction, that wee may know our owne hearts. Deut. 8, 2. To humble thee, and to Proue thee.
3 To looke neerely into ones cause, and to take knowledge and defence of it. Psal. 26. 2. Proue mee ô Lord and try mee. This is Gods proouing vsus.
to Prouide. sig:
To hauehave a fore-cast in the affayres of this life, as how to maintaine our charge. 2. Timothy 5, 8. If there bee any that prouideth not for his owne.
2 To fore-thinke, what things wee may lawfully and iustly do. Rom. 12, 17. Prouide (or procure) honest things before men.
3 To fore-appoint and giuegive a good issue, in perplexed and troublesome cases. Gen. 22, 8. God will prouide, &c. And verse 14. In the Mount will the Lord Prouide or see.
Prouidence, what?
Prouidence, is not only Gods fore-knowledge of things to come, and his wise appointment before hand, how eueryevery thing in the world shall be: but his powerful and most iust discerning and disposing of all thinges and persons, according to that his eternall and vnchaungeable knowledge and will; whereby all thinges that hauehave beene, hauehave beene; and all thinges that are, are; and all things that shall be, shal be; for such ends as himselfe hath purposed from euerlasting. Mat. 10, 29 Acts 2, 23. Acts 4, 28.
to Prouoke sig:
To giuegive God occasion of anger or punnishment, by some sinne obstinately committed. Ps. 106, 26. They Prouoked him vntounto anger, with their inuentions, Deut. 32, 19.
2 To mooue or to stirre vppe ones care. Rom. 11, 18. If by any meanes I might Prouoke them of my flesh; that is, make the Iewes, my Kins-men, carefull to seeke after Christ in his worde.