A Complete Christian Dictionary, Dictionary · Part SC
S C.
Scab]
is a sore in the skin of man or beast. It excluded from being a Priest unto God, Lev. 21. 20. and the beast from being offered in Sacrifice, Lev. 22. 22. Its is a great affliction, Job 2. 7. It is threatned as a great judgement upon impenitent sinners, Deut. 28. 27. Isa. 3. 17. It is accompanyed with itching, Job 2. 7, 8.
Scabbard]
A Case or Covering of a Sword, Jer. 47. 6.
Scabbed]
Lev. 21. 20. Hath a …, or …. Aynsw. A … Scall. D. Trans.
Scaffold]
A … or high seat, wherein Solomon stood when he blessed the people, and kneeled in prayer unto God, 2 Chr. 6. 13. It is called a Scaffold, because it was erected higher then the ground, whereon the people stood.
Scales]
belong to fishes, though not to all. They with the fins put a difference between the unclean and the clean, Lev. 11. 9, 10, 11, 12. They arm the fish against injuries, Job 41. 15.
Improperly, they are put for the strength of a people, Ezek. 29. 4. Where the Lord alludeth to the hardnesse of the scales that are upon the Crocodile, called, The great Dragon of the River Nilus, Ib. 3.
2 By similitude, the films or skins that fell from the eyes of Paul are called scales, Act. 9. 18.
There are Scales also to weigh withall, Isa. 40. 12.
To scale]
To climbe up by a Ladder. It is put for to … and overcome, Prov. 21. 22.
…]
Job 41. 15. Heb. strong pieces of shields, marg.
Scalp]
Psal. 68. 22. Hairy scalp. Heb. the crown (or scalp) of hair, meaning, open and inevitable judgements on the chiefest and most fierce enemies. Aynsworth.
Scandall]
;;Every occasion of sin, taken or given. See Offence. Whatsoever hindereth us in our Christian course, is a scandall or stone to stumble at.
;;A scandall is either passive, which is called a scandall taken, (acceptum Scandalum) when one by his own fault stumbleth and is hindered in his Christian course: or it is active, which Divines do call (Scandalum datum) an offence given, when by some evil example in word or deed, or by indiscreet and uncharitable use of things indifferent, a Christian is either quite turned from the Faith, or hath his Conscience troubled, and is much hurt as touching his salvation. Scandalum (saith …) Non est bonae rei, sed rei malae exemplum, aedificans ad delictum, bonae autem res neminem scandalizant praeter malas mentes. Good things offend none but such as have ill mindes; but things which be evill, because they build up and provoke to sin, therefore they give a just offence.
;;Sin when it appears in word or act, is a stumbling block, or an offence. Their wicked imaginations are not scandalous, for they appear not as stones and blocks doe, at which men stumble.
;;They be weak Christians only which properly take hurt by offences, as weak men, which have feeble legs, stumble and slip at stones or blocks. Therefore as care must be had, not to put a stone before such to cause them to fall, and a curse belongs to such as do it by Moses Law, Deut. 27. so there is great respect to be had of weak Christians, not to minister to them an offence; and wo to him who doth it, Mat. 18. Strong Christiaus are not otherwise scandalized and offended, then because they be vexed and grieved with the unrighteous conversation of the wicked.
;;Between Offence and Scandall there may seem to be this difference, that the former signifies a lesser hurt, when one stumbles but falls not, is grieved and troubled, but not utterly discouraged: the latter signifies a greater hurt, when one so stumbleth, as he takes a fall; and halts upon it, being quite discouraged in the way of godlinesse.
Scandall is that whereby one is violently forced forward, and overturned; which cometh to passe divers wayes; as either by striking the foot ignorantly against a stone, or some such thing, or if the foot be taken in a grin, or net; or if it be pierced and thrust through, either with thorn, or sharp instrument; therefore it hath divers words to expresse it: Sometimes it is expressed by foreign, i. e. any thing against which the foot striketh and stumbleth; sometimes it is expressed by foreign, a grin, or snare; sometimes by foreign, which signifieth a stake sharpened at the end: Therefore it is not Scandall wherewith any one is hurt, but hurt ignorantly; and it is twofold.
1. Bodily, when the body is hurt ignorantly by any outward thing.
2. Of the Minde, which is when the minde is dejected through errour, whereinto it is brought: it is twofold.
For 1. either the joy and peace of the minde is hindered, so that the party thus offended, cannot be … in the … of … (whereof the Apostle speaks, Rom. 14. 15. to wit, when the minde is grieved and estranged, which cannot be without sin, therefore it is said that the party thus grieved is destroyed, i. e. as far as in him lay that gave the offence.)
Or, 2. when one is brought to sin through evill example. They …, in that the first sinneth not by imitation, but the other doth.
The errour in every Scandall, proceeds either from his … to whom the … is …, and then it is a scandall …; thus Christ was a scandall to the Jews, who believed … should … an … King in great pomp and glory. Sometime it comes from his fault who objects the scandall, … … … is a scandall given; which cometh to …, by … unto sin, 2 by evill example, 3 by abusing Christian liberty; and this is that whereof the Apostle so much speaks of in his Epistles.
Moreover, Scandall is either in it self so, whether sins follow or not; Or, 2. such as whereupon sin followeth: for the godly have often scandall given, when yet they sin not, but there is hardly any given to the wicked, whereupon they sin not, as Balack by the counsell of Balaam cast a stumbling block before the …, yet Phinehas did not sin upon it, but upon it followed the ruine of many Hypocrites. The scandall whereupon sin followeth, is twofold; for the thing is either in it self necessary, or lawfull but not necessary; the first sort we must not shun, because we must not do evill that good may come of it; and there is nothing in itself necessary, but it is also in it self good, and it is evil to leave a good thing undone; wherefore, although the world should …, yet must we leave nothing undone that may advance Gods glory. But in things lawfull yet not necessary, the case is otherwise; for if by the using of such either the glory of God be impaired, or the peace of the Church or Common-wealth be disturbed, we ought to abstain from them. Cameron Com. 2. 335, 336. 337.
The efficient cause of Scandall in generall is Satan; and in particular, both of scandall taken by the wicked, who take all things in the worst part; and of scandall given, for he occupies the hearts of the wicked, that they will not believe, Gal. 3. 1.
The instrumentall causes are,
1. Men raised up by Satan, who either hinder the piety of others, or are offended at it.
2. Carnall reason, 1 Cor. 18. 23.
3. Private hatred, whereby it cometh to passe, that the wicked will not receive the truth, out of meer hatred to the professors of it. Thus the Pharisees hated Christ.
4. The gain that the wicked get by defending false Doctrine, and opposing the truth, Act. 19. 23, to 29.
5. Vain glory, and an opinion of self-worthiness.
The end is either in respect of Satan, to establish error, and oppose the truth, that his Kingdome may be advanced in the ruine of the wicked; or in respect of God, that the Elect may be tryed, and made manifest, 1 Cor. 11. 19.
Scant]
It is spoken of small measure, Mich. 6. 10.
Scant measure]
Mic. 6. 10. Heb. measure of leanness, marg.
Scape Goat]
;;Christ Jesus, whereof it was a sign. Lev. 16. 8, 10. And the other for the Scape Goat.
Scarce, Scarcely]
signifieth, Hardly, 1 Pet. 4. 18. 2. With much adoe, Act. 14. 18.
Scarcely]
1 Pet. 4. 18. That is, not without much strife, many tribulations, distresses, trialls, and chastisements. Mat. 7. 13, 14. D. Annot.
Scarcenesse]
Thou shalt eat bread without scarcenesse, Deut. 8. 9. Enjoy the fruits of the earth in plenty and abundance; but for their sins it came to passe, that they did eat bread by weight, and with care, Ezek. 4. 16. Aynsw.
Scare]
Job 7. 14. To cast down to the … with affrightments, and break as it were in pieces. Annot.
Scarlet]
is a red colour, of a deep dye, bright and shining, which can hardly be taken out; it is very beautifull, in respect whereof the Church is compared thereunto, Cant. 4. 3. In respect of the rednesse and deepnesse of the colour, resembling bloud, our filthy sins are compared, Isa. 1. 18. comp. with 15. which are so deeply rooted into the soul, that none can take them away but God, by the blood of Christ. It was a sign to the … of Rachabs house, whereby when Jericho was destroyed, she was saved. The Midwife tyed a threed of Scarlet about the hand of Zara, in the travel of Thamar, Gen. 38. 28, 30. It was used for ornament, both in the Tabernacle, Exod. 25. 4. & 26. 1, 31, 36. & 27. 16. Numb. 4. 8. and also in the Temple, 2 Chr. 3. 14. It was worn by great ones, for ornament and beauty, Lam. 4. 5. In which respect the Spouse is compared to it, Cant. 7. 5. It was used in the Priests Cloaths, Exod. 28. 5, 6, 8, 15, 33. and by the Chaldean Men of War, Nah. 2. 3. The Souldiers clothed Christ with it in derision, because he was called a King, Mat. 27. 28. The Whore is cloathed with Searlet, Rev. 17. 3, 4. to set forth her magnificence, but hypocrisie, for Antichrist is specious in the sight of the world, filling the eyes with shews, but deceiving the minde with impostures; or, to signifie her cruelty, who is drunk with the blood of the Saints, Rev. 17. 6.
The use of it is,
1. Common, for ornament.
2. Holy; for it was used in the Priests Robes, Tabernacle, and Temple, in Legall Purifications, Heb. 9. 19. Numb. 19. 6. Lev. 14. 4.
3. Profane, for the ornament of the Whore.
Scarlet]
Prov. 31. 21. or, double garments, marg. Dan. 5. 7. or Purple, marg.
Scarlet coloured beast]
;;The malignant Church, the Roman Synagogue, the Kingdome of Antichrist, persecuting with bloody cruelty (represented by Scarlet colour) the Saints of God. Rev. 17. 3. A woman sate upon the Scarlet coloured beast.
Lips like Scarlet Thread]
;;Small lips, and of red colour, Cant. 4. 3. Thy lips are like a thread of Scarlet.
;;2. Pure and comely words, Cant. 4. 3. See Lips.
Scatter]
is taken properly, Exod. 32. 20. Isa. 28. 25. Thus God scatters the hoar-frost, Psal. 147. 15.
2. It is used by God as a punishment of sin, Lev. 26. 33. Deut. 4. 27. who both threatens it, Deut. 28. 64. 1 King. 14. 15. & 22. 17. and inflicteth it, Gen. 11. 19. 2 Sam. 18. 8.
It is spoken of the faithfull, Act. 8. 1, 4. & 11. 19, 20. and of the Sheep of Christ, Mat. 26. 31. Mat. 14. 27. Joh. 16. 32.
It is put
1. For great judgements, Isa. 30. 30.
2. To dissolve, Job 37. 11.
3. To conquer, overcome, and destroy, Psal. 68. 1. Hab. 3. 14. Psal. 89. 11. & 144. 5.
4. To be liberal to the poor, Psal. 112. 8. Prov. 11. 24. 2 Cor. 9. 9.
5. To confound and bring to nothing the counsels of the proud, Luk. 1. 51.
6. To commit idolatry here and there in sundry places, Jer. 3. 13.
Scatter]
Mal. 2. 3. Spread. Comp. the text with the marg.
Scattering]
Isa. 30. 30. Or, as some, lightning; so termed because it pierceth into, and violently rendeth and breaketh asunder, for the word seemeth to have in it a notion, not so much of dispersion, as of dissipation, … breaking to pieces, as Chap. 27. 9. And hence comes the word for an hammer, that breaketh things to pieces. Jer. 51. 20. Annot.
Scepter]
;;A little Wand or Rod, which Princes were wont to bear in their hands, as a sign of their Government, Est. 5. 2.
;;2. Kingdome or Government. Gen. 49. 10.
Scepter]
;;Administration or Government, Heb. 1. 9.
;;The Scepter shall not depart from Judah. Psal. 45. 9. A Metonymie of the sign put for the thing signified. It signifies cruel and hard Government, Isa. 14. 5. Also chastisement, Job 21. 9.
;;Note. By Scepter in this place of Genesis, two things be implyed: one is the Tribe of Judah, that it shall continue distinct till Christs comming, the other ten being scattered and … by the Captivity, 2 King. 17. The other thing is the power of Government, which should be in this Tribe; ;;for Scepter sometime so meaneth, it is maninifest by the sacred Story, that after the coming of Christ, even till … death, and preaching of him by the Apostles, some power in civil and religious causes remained in Judah, … supreme power in capital matters were taken away, Joh. 18. 31. See Zanch. Orat.
Scepter of his mouth]
;;The preaching of the Gospel, whereby the ungodly are spiritually killed, and the faithful spiritual quickened, and mightily directed. Isa. 11. 4. He shall sinite the earth with the Scepter or Rod of his mouth.
Scepter of righteousness]
;;A just government, full of righteous Ordinances, being duely and rightly executed, Heb. 1. 8. Such is the Government and Kingdom of Christ: wherein be ordained righteous Laws and Statutes, for the well ruling of his people.
…]
Set in order. A Jew. whose 7. Sons were Exorcists, and wounded by Satan, Act. 19. 14.
Schisme]
;;A rent, division, breach or cutting off.
;;2. A division in the Church, or a rent amongst Christians, 1 Cor. 1. 10, 11, 12. That there be no dissensions among you. In the originall Greek text, the word [schisme] is exprest; which imports a separation from the society of the Church, about externall things.
;;Schisme is a dissension or separation, when one or more separate and rent themselves from the outward fellowship of the faithfull, cutting asunder the peace and unity of the Church, upon some dislike of some Rites and Orders therein lawfully received and observed; or else upon different opinons about their Teachers. As Heresie is a departing from the Communion of the Church in respect of Doctrine; so Schisme is a cutting off one self for externall things An example hereof we have, 1 Cor. 1. 10, 11, 12. Every one of you says, I am Paul's, I am Apollo's I am Caiphas, and I am Christs.
Note. Schisme is affirmed of division in Doctrine. See ;;Joh. 7. 43.
Schisme is an un just and rash division made in the Church.
It hath its beginning from Satan, the first Schismatick, Jude v. 6. who by his temptations, often prevails with men to depart from God, as with Adam in Paradise.
2. From the members of Satan, who love to fish in troubled waters, although all be not by the same reasons; for some make rents and divisions in the Church through hatred, as the Donatists; some through ambition and desire of rule, thus the … encreased by great Schismes, the Bishops of Rome threw down them of Alexandria; Jerusalem, and Constantinople; and the Romanists themselves raised many Schismes about the Popedome, as between Gregorie 12. and Benedict: others separate out of ignorance, as the multitude, concerning Christ raise a division, Joh. 7. 43, 52. others out of a vaine admiration of their owne worth, and perswasion of holinesse, as the Anabaptists and ….
Sctolar]
The learner, 1 Chr. 25. 8. Mal. 2. 12. or him that answereth, marg.
School]
The place where Scholars are taught, such places the Jews had different from their Synagoges, Act. 19. 8, 9, 10. & 22. 3. These Schooles were in every City and province, and were built upon hills, Judg. 7. 1. There is mention of the Hill Moreh, i. e. the Hill of the Teacher: when the Masters taught, they were said to give, Prov. 9. 9. The Scholars when they learned any thing were said to receive, Prov. 4. 10. Hence that of the Apostle, 1 Tim. 1. 15. This is a true saying and by all means worthy to be received, (i. e.) learned. Goodwine Moses and Aaron. p. 89.
A School-master]
;;The Ceremonial Law of Moses to be an Instructer of Gods people, teaching by the death of the Sacrifices, their own guilt and desert: Also that their whole Justification did lie in the obedience of Christ unto the death of the Crosse, whereof the Legal Sacrifices were types and signes. Gal. 3. 24. The Law was our Schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. These last words [of bringing to Christ] confirm our signification of Schoolemasters to be good and fit. Ceremoniall Law bringeth to Christ by figure and representation; the Morall Law doth the same by condemnation (known experimentally) even as a disease found and felt driveth to the Physician.
School-master]
;;One that teacheth little children the … … or elements.
Metaphorically,
1. The Ministers of the … are the School-masters and Instructers of the Church, 1 Cor. 4. 15.
2. The Law is our School-master, leading to Christ, Gal. 3. 24, 29.
1. Because it points out and shadows forth unto us Christ, by bodily rudiments of Ceremonies and Sacrifices.
2. Because the Law, especially Moral, urgeth and compelleth us to go to Christ; for it shews us our sins and that without remedy it shews that damnation that is due unto us; and by this means it makes us despair of salvation in respect of our selves, and to seek it in Christ. It is then our School-master not by plain teaching, but by stripes and correction.
Science]
Knowledge in humane learning, Dan. 1. 4.
2. Vain knowledge, opposite to the simplicity of the Gospel, 1 Tim. 6. 20.
Scoffe]
To deride, make a mock of, Hab. 1. 10.
Scoffers]
2 Pet. 3. 3. foreign here, and Jude v. 18. is answerable to the Hebr. foreign, very frequent in the Old Testament, which denotes the highest degree of … from, and renouncing of piety. So Psal. 1. 1. of the three degrees of ungodly men, foreign, irrisores, scoffers, or Scorners are the last. By these therefore are fitly here noted the Christians which at this time in great numbers fell off to the Gnostick heresie, and by so doing, complyed and joyned with the persecuting Jews, and fell into all the villany in the world; exprest here by foreign, walking, i. e. going on habitually, as in a course, according to their own desires; or (as when there was no King in Israel) every one doing that which was right in his own eyes, without any restraint of Law, of Nature, of Christ, &c.
Scorch]
To burn with heat, Mar. 4. 6. Mat. 13. 6. To be cruelly plagued, Rev. 19. 8, 6.
Scorn]
It's in effect the same with, To laugh, to scorn, and shake the head at, 2 King. 19. 21. To deride, and scoffe at, Hab. 1. 10.
A Scorn]
Psal. 79. 4. A mock. D. Transl.
Scorner]
;;One that scoffeth or flouteth at the infirmities and miseries, or at the graces and good acts of others. Such were they which scorned Christ and his Apostles. Luk. 8. 53. And they laughed him to scorn. Mat. 27. 39, 40. Act. 2. 13.
;;2. A contemptuous proud person, presuming of his wit, that by it he will compasse any thing without such means as God hath appointed. Prov. 14. 6. A scorner seeketh wisdome and findeth it not.
;;3. A malicious incorrigible person, which makes a mock of the Word of God, proudly scorning all good counsel: such Christ calleth Dogs and Swine. Psal. 1. 1. Nor sit in the seat of the scornfull. Prov. 9. 8. Rebuke not a scorner. In Psal. 1. 1. there be three gradations to be well marked.
;;1. Of sins; Counsel, Way, and Seat.
;;2. Of actions; Walk, Stand, Sit.
;;3. Of persons; Ungodly, Sinners, Scorners.
;;The word in the Originall importeth, proud mockers, Prov. 3. 34.
The conditions and qualities of such are,
1. To take pleasure in scorning, Prov. 1. 22.
2. To hate them that rebuke him, Prov. 9. 8.
3. Not to indure reproof, Prov. 13. 1.
4. To bring others into snare, Prov. 29. 8.
5. To be proud, Prov. 21. 24.
6. To be contentious and reproachfull, Prov. 22. 10.
7. To make his reprover ashamed, Prov. 9. 8. He is threatned with judgments, Prov. 9. 12. & 19. 29. Isa. 29. 20. and inflicted upon him.
For,
1. though he … wisdome, he shal not finde it, Prov. 14. 6.
2. Men abominate him, Prov. 24. 9.
3. God scorneth him, Prov. 3. 34.
Scornfull]
Psal. 1. 1. Proud rhetoricall mockers, Losels. The word importeth pride, as the Lord scorneth the scorners, Prov. 3. 34. that is, resisteth the proud, Jam. 4. 6. 1 Pet. 5. 5. It implyeth also cloquence, often used in mecks, Job 16. 20. The Gr. translateth them pestilent; they are of the worst sort of sinners, which admit of no reproofe; therefore it is said Rebuke … a scorner lest he hate thee, Prov. 9. 8. Aynsw.
Scorpion]
;;A vile and venemous creature, which hath a mortall and deadly sting. Rev. 9. 5. As the Scorpion when he hath stung a man.
;;2. Hereticks and Hypocrites; especially the Disciples of Antichrist, which (like Scorpions) … and deadly sting and wound mens consciences with the venome of their false poysoned doctrine. Rev. 9. 3. U … them was given power, as the Scorpions of the earth have power.
Scorpion. The place where they breed is under stones, and in the rifts of walls, but especially in the Wildernesse, Deut. 8. 15. called the Scorpions of the earth, Rev. 9. 3. It is a venemous creature, the sting of it is deadly and tormenting. It lyeth in the tail, which alwayes moveth, and suddenly stingeth, when no such thing is suspected, for it hath a flattering countenance.
It is put,
1. For venemous and hurtfull meat, Luk. 11. 12.
2. For great evills and dangers, Luk. 10. 19.
3. For a cruell and Scorpion-like people, Ezek. 2. 6.
4. For oppression and tyranny, 1 King. 12. 11.
It is put also for the Antichristian hereticks, who resemble it.
1. The Scorpion looks as if it would not offend, it flattereth with the face but stingeth with the tail, which is in a continuall motion, ready to hurt. So these hereticks in appearance are courteous and affable, full of humanity, but with fair speeches and flattering lips they deceive the hearts of the simple, Rom. 16. 18.
2. With the tail it licks the dust of the earth, so they minde earthly things, Phil. 3. 19.
3. The sting is not felt at the first. So heresie is not felt at the first, but is plausible, untill the conscience be awaked.
4. It is a figure of their letchery, which the Aegyptians were wont to paint in the form of a Scorpion. Cowp. p. 962. a.
Their torment was as the torment of a Scorpion, Rev. 9. 5. Painful till death, or cure by liberty, vers. 3. Or, … they did not kill them, they kept them from freedom, and from their wives and children, and all worldly comforts, which is a living death. Annot.
Power as the Scorpions, Vers. 3. For they had tails like them, vers. 10. and wounded men like them, vers. 5. with cruel and poisoned wounds, Jer. 8. 17. Strange monsters, that with locusts could devour all, and with Scorpions, poyson and sting besides. So did the Mahometans devour with their armies and poyson with their errours, and that under a colour of pulling down Idols, and serving the only true God. Annot.
Scour]
To rub and cleanse, Lev. 6. 28.
Scourge]
;;Properly a rod or whip to correct or beat … or beast withall but figuratively, any instrument of Gods wrath, as he used an Angel to scourge the Assyrians; of whom in one night were … an hundred fourscore and five thousand, Isa. 10. 26. The Lord shall stir up a scourge. Thus the King of Ashur in this tenth Chapter is tearmed a Rod, Staff, …, and Saw, being an organ of Gods anger against Israel and Judah.
The chastisments and fatherly correction of God, Heb. 12. 6. Prov. 3. 12.
It is put for slandering and back-biting, Job 5. 21. For grievous vexation, Josh. 23. 13.
Scourge]
To beat with rods, whether justly, Lev. 19. 20. or unjustly, Mat. 10. 17. To chastise as God doth his children, Heb. 12. 6.
Touching the scourging of Jesus, mentioned, Mat. 27. 26. Mar. 15. 15. Joh. 19. 1. To what the infliction of this sort of punishment on him belonged is matter of question.
2. That which is ordinarily said, is that flagellation was among the Romans a solemne preparative to crucifixion; but this is not the notion that here we must have of the scourging of Christ, for then it must be part of his sentence of death, which by Joh. 19. 1 — 6, 9, 12-16. it appears it was not.
2. The learned H. Grotius applyes this scourging to that other ordinary use of it, for examination, such as Act. 22. 24. But there is no ground in any of the Gospels for this conjuncture.
3. A third sort of scourging there was for capitall crimes, whipping … leath, with the head fastened to the furca, which was the old Romane punishment; but this belongeth not to this place.
4. That which will … all the difficulty, and it self be subject to none, is that Pilate willing to deliver Jesus from capitall sentence appointed this of scourging to be inflicted on him. He proposed to the Jews the scourging of him, as a lighter punishment, proportionable to his Crimes, and then that he may release him. So that the notion of his scourging was that of a ligther punishment, to release him from a …, though when that was done, he was fain to gratifie them by delivering … up to their fury to be crucified also. Dr. Ham. on Luk. 23. 6. Annot. b.
Scrabble]
The gesture of David when he faigned himself mad, 1 Sam. 21. 13.
Scrabled]
1 Sam. 21. 13. or Made marks, marg.
Scrape]
To rub by reason of itch and …, Job 2. 8. It was used to the walls of the house infected with the plague, Lev. 14. 4. It is put for to despoyl, and make poor, Ezek. 26. 4.
Scribe]
;;One skilful in the Law of Moses, able to interpret it rightly, to the instruction of the Church in godlinesse. Neh. 8. 4. Ezra the Scribe stood on a pulpit of wood.
;;2. One, which pretended much skill and ability to interpret the Law of Moses, yet corrupted it with many glosses, and false interpretations. Matth. 23. 2, 3. The Scribes and Pharisees … in Moses Chair. See Mat. 5. throughout.
;;3. Every one that expoundeth or declareth the will of God; whether Apostle, …, Prophet, &c. Mat. 13. 5, 6. Every Scribe taught to the Kingdome of heaven. The Secretaries of Princes and publick … were of old called Scribes, 2 King. 12. 11.
Scribe is a name of Office, not a Sect, There are divers sorts of them.
1. Such as were occupyed in making contracts, and writing Deeds and Instruments: whereof mention seems to be made, Ezek. 9. 2, 3. Jer. 32. 11. 1 Chr. 2. 55. Whereunto the Psalmist alludeth, Psal. 45. 2.
2. Such as attended the King as his Secretaries, called the Kings Scribes, 2 Sam. 8. 17. & 20. 25. 2 King. 18. 18. & 12. 10. Of these there were two sorts, one daily attending the King, the other took an account of the Army, 2 Chron. 26. 11.
The 3. sort were such as belong to the Church, and were Expounders of the Law, Luk. 7. 30. called Doctors of the Law, Ib. 5. 17. and they might be indifferently of any Tribe; they clave to the written Word, and when they accuse Christ, it is with a breach of the Law, whereas the Pharisces was with a breach of Tradition.
Scribe]
Mat. 13. 52. The foreign, Scribe, here set opposite to foreign, Disciple, signifies him that is skilful in the Mosaical Law (as the Disciple is he that hath thereto super added the knowledge of the Gospel) or any man considered as furnished with sacred instructions and observations out of the Law, and the Prophets, and their foreign, any skill in the mysteries of the Old Testament, or Jewish religion, who when he becomes a Disciple, or turns Christian, he becomes furnisht with the mysteries of the New Testament. Dr. Ham. Annot. g.
The foreign, Scribes, were they that had been taught foreign, Joh. 7. 15. the books or writings of the Law, foreign, 2 Tim. 3 15. the holy writings, or Scriptures, and instructed in the meaning of them; those that had been the Sons of the Prophets, i. e. brought up in their Schools, but having not obtained the spirit or mission of Prophets at Gods hands, were sometimes thought fit to be chosen into the …. These (I say) are called Scribes, and wise men; and accordingly the Jews have an ancient saying, that After the age of the Prophets (i. e. when the spirit of Prophesie was no more given) succeeds the age of the Scribes. Though of these some only did keep schools, and teach the Law; and then are styled simply foreign Scribes; whereas the others that were taken into the great Sanhedrim, are called Scribes of the People, Mat. 2. 4. Idem. on Mar. 5. Annot. c.
Scribe, 2 Sam. …. 17. 1 King. 4. 3. 1 Chr. 27. 32. or Secretary, marg.
…-owle]
Isa. 34. 14. or Night-raven. Our margent, Night-monster. Some of the Jewish Doctors would have it to be a Chamelion, that liveth by the air. Others of them, an evill spirit, that haunteth waste places, Mat. 12. 43. But the doting … tell us that it is the name of Adam's first Wife, made of the same mould with him before
Evah, who because she would not be ruled by him, ran away from him, and became an evill spirit, &c. It seems by the name to be some Night-bird. Annot.
Scrip]
Mat. 10. 10. As the making provision of money for their journey, as they that go on their own business are wont to do, is forbidden the Apostles, who going on Christ's errand, are to expect and confide to be provided for by him; so also for victuals, which sure is here meant by foreign, the …, which was usual for travellers or any to carry victuals in. Thus 2 King. 4. 42. that which we read ears of corn in the husk, the Gr. reads foreign, ears in his scrip or sachel, thus rendring the Heb. foreign, which some taking for a vestment, rendred it there a husk, as a garment of the corn, but surely not rightly, for that was sufficiently said in the ears of corn precedent. The Heb. foreign, is directly our English sachel, and their ears of corn were brought in the sachel, and the bread (the twenty barley leaves) some other way. So Mar. 6. 8. (the place parallel to this here) it's set distinctly, foreign, neither sachel nor bread, neither other kind of victuals in the scrip, nor so much as bread. In Judith, ch. 10. 5. & 13. 10, 17. it notes a portage sor victuals carryed out with them. Dr. Ham. Annot. e. See Wallet.
Scripture]
;;Any written thing, or written book.
;;2. The Word, inspired of God, written for the perfect and perpetual instruction of the Church, in godliness, by the Prophets and Apostles, the Pen men of the holy Ghost. 2. Tim. 3. 16, 17. The whole Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable to teach, &c.
;;1. Doctrine is of all truth pertaining to salvation.
;;2. Reproof is a confutation of errors.
;;3. Correction, is reprehension of vices, and dehortation from them.
;;4. Instruction, is exhortation to all virtues, with the sweet promises of God, the better to allure thereunto.
;;Whatsoever belongs to Faith or Manners, is sufficiently taught in holy Canonical Scripture, where all things be plain which be necessary.
;;Papists do wrongfully charge Scripture with imperfection and darkness, to make way for their unwritten Verities and Traditions, and to drive the people from it. All divine saving truth, is sufficiently taught in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament. I adore the fulness of Scripture, saith one learned Father Scriptures were given the Church, not only for sufficiency unto salvation, but for the fulness of faith, Phil. 3. 1. 1 Joh. 1. 4.
;;3. Some one particular book of Scripture, to wit, the books of Moses. Gal. 3. 22. But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin. A Synecdoche.
;;4. Some one sentence or saying, either prophesie, testimony, or decree of God, cited out of the Scripture. Joh. 10. 35. If he called them Gods, to whom the Word of God was given, and the Scripture cannot be broken. A Synecdoche. Joh. 17. 12.
;;5. Gods speaking in the Scripture. Gal. 3. 8. For the Scripture saith to …. Comp. Gal. 5. 22. Scripture hath concluded all under sin; with Rom. 11. 32. God hath shut up all in unbelief. Gal. 4. 30.
;;6. The Books of the Old Testament, Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms, Joh. 5. 39.
;;Of the Scripture, there is a fourfold use mentioned in behalf of the Christian hearer, Rom. 15. 4. whereof one is contemplative, as a fountain and foundation of the rest, to wit, Doctrine, the mother of Faith; the other three uses be practick, tending to life and manners, to wit,
;;1. Patience.
;;2. Consolation.
;;3. Hope; which is named last, because though it immediately spring out of faith, yet it … last, even till salvation hoped for, be attained. Let all Christians study thus to use Scripture. But in 2 Tim. 3. 16, 17. in behalf of the Christian Teachers there be four other uses reckoned up.
;;1. Teaching the truth of the Word.
;;2. Improving or conviction of heresies.
;;3. Correction of vices.
;;4. Instruction in a righteous life.
;;It doth also belong to a Preacher to strengthen the hope of Gods children, touching happiness in …, by the consolation of Scriptures. Let all Gods Ministers study to put the Scriptures to these uses in their …, as the nature of their Text will bear.
;;Scriptures are necessary … the Church two wayes:
;;1. Absolutely unto the being of the Church, as daily bread, which our life cannot lack; or as Instruments which the Goldsmith must … have.
;;2. They are necessary, that is, profitable and commodious for well-being (as riches to our life) for they are exceedingly behooveful unto faith, Joh. 20. 31. Mat. 22. 29. unto doctrine, Rom. 15. 4. unto patience, comfort, hope, Rom. 15. 5. Also to those other four purposes mentioned, 2 Tim. 16. 17.
Scripture. The Books of the Old and New Testament are so called by an excellency which they have above all other Books: For,
1. They contain the whole Will of God necessary to be known for our salvation.
2. They were inspired by the holy Ghost, 2 Tim. 3. 17. 2 Pet. 1. 21.
3. They contain a wisdom far above all the wisdom of the world, 1 Cor. 6. 7.
4. They were penned by the most excellent of men, for wisdom and holiness, as Moses, David, Solomon, the Prophets, Apostles, and Evangelisls.
5. They are most perfect, pure, deep, and immutable, containing all things necessary for faith and good manners, 2 Tim. 3. 17, 18. Mat. 5. 24. 1 Pet. 1. 23.
6. No Scripture but this brings such glory to God, … can convert a soul, Heb. 4. 12, 13. Psal. 19. 8. only this ministreth solid comfort, Psal. 19. 11. and maketh wise to salvation, Psal. 119. 14, 15, 27.
7. All these books agree in one harmony as if all were written by one man, although they were written by divers men in divers ages. Byfield on Pet. 272.
Scrole]
Isa. 34. 4. Rolled up as a scrole, Heb. as a book; and so Rev. 6. 14. alluding to such Books as were then in use, called rolls, or volumes, so that as it could not be seen what was written in those Books, when they were so rolled up, no more should the stars now, as they might formerly, when the heaven was spread abroad, Psal. 104. 2. Annot. See Book, Volum.
Scull]
The brain-pan, 2 King. 9. 35. Judg. 9. 53. It is the name of a place where Malefactors were punished, and Christ crucified, Luk. 23. 33. Mat. 27. 3. Mar. 15. 22. Joh. 19. 17.
Scum]
The filthy excrement floating upon the top of the water, or of a boyling pot. It signifieth the filthy sins of Jerusalem, Ezek. 24. 6, 11, 12.
Scurvy]
It is a scurf or dry scaul, or mange, very itching, enforcing to scratch. It made a man uncapable to discharge the office of the Priest, or to sacrifice to the Lord, and the beast infected with it unclean, Lev. 21. 19. & 22. 22.
Scythians]
Tanners, or …. A people, Col. 3. 11.