A Complete Christian Dictionary, To the reader 3 – Editors note
To all that hold fast the form of sound Words, according to the Scriptures, and are desirous to know the minde of God therein; The Saving knowledge of the Truth, with stedfast perseverance therein, even unto the end.
Christian Readers,
SO needful is the knowledge of God, so absolutely conducing unto mans welbeing,That the knowledge of God is needful. as whereby alone true happiness is to be attained, and without which, unspeakable misery. The former is implyed in that of our Saviour, This is life Joh. 17. 3.eternal that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. The latter, in that of the Apostle, The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his 2 Thess. 1. 7, 8.mighty Angels in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God. Both, in that of the Lord by Jeremiah, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man Jer. 9. 23, 24.glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that gloryeth, glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me. Hence it is, that as the Lord doth frequently in Scripture upbraid his people for the want hereof, (as by Isaiah, The Oxe knoweth his Isa. 1. 3.Owner, and the Asse his Masters crib, but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider; by Jeremiah, My people is foolish, they have not known me, they are sottish children, Jer. 4. 22.and they have none understanding; by Hosea, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge)Hos. 4. 6. so he doth as well by his Servants the Prophets and Apostles exhort hereuntoSee Deut. 4. 39. & 7. 9. 1 Chr. 28. 9. Col. 1. 10. (store of such Exhortations might be produced) as propound the means whereby to obtain the same. Those are ordinarily and especially these two; the The means whereby to attain unto the knowledge of God.Book of Gods Works, and the Book of Gods Word; or, the Book of the Creatures, and the Book of the Scriptures; on either of which this Lesson may be read, and by both profitably learn'd.
The former is a very large Volume, or rather containeth foreign, many Volumes, 1. The Book of the Creatures.a whole Library; (which may not unfitly be termed foreign,*Purch. Plig: lib. 6. cap. 1. p. 737. the Medicinary, or Physick-shop of the minde, which was the inscription of Simandius, or Osymandius his Library) Books of all sorts, the print of their several leaves being so great, that it may be seen afar off, and even he that runneth may read therein. Oh! what profitable Lessons may be learned by the consideration of Angels, Devils, Men? What by the Heavens, Earth, Waters, Fire, Air? What by Frost, Snow, Heat, Drought, Moysture, Night, Day? What by Wind, Rain, Seed-time, Harvest, Summer, Winter? What by the Sun, Moon, Stars, Fowls, Fishes, Beasts, Creeping things, Grasse, Corn, Trees, Herbs, Seeds, Stones, Metals, &c? Do not some of them teach us Humility? Others, Patience, Obedience, Diligence, Sobriety, Love, Thankfulness, &c. Do not all of them point out unto us the glorious Majesty of God; his Power, Wisdom, Goodness, Providence, and other attributes? … not something of God be seen in the very meanest Creature? Much may, yea so much, as to leave the greatestPresentemque refert quaelibet herba Deum. part of the World without excuse; but the All of all, that one thing which is necessary, the saving knowledge of God in Christ, is not either taught, or to be learned herein.
The latter, divided into the Old and New Testament (whereof each admitteth severall2. The Book of Gods Word. sub-divisions) though in show of a very small bulk, yet not only teacheth what theSee Zaach. de Sac. Scrip. former teacheth, and to make a profitable use thereof, but plainly (yet briefly) whatsoever is necessary to salvation. Oh the sweetness hereof! oh how precious! The Law Quaest. 1.of thy mouth ( saith David) is better unto me then thousands of gold and silver. And again,Psal. 119. 72, How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter then hony to my mouth. More to be 103.Psal. 19. 10.desired are they then gold, yea then much fine gold: sweeter also then hony, and the hony-combe. What's affirmed of Wisdom, may be fitly applyed hereunto. The merchandise of it, is better Prov. 3. 14, 15.then the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof then fine gold. It is more precious then Rubies, and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto it,
What Arguments might not be alledged in commendation hereof?Arguments commending Gods Word.
Is Antiquity of force? It was for the substance thereof, from the beginning of the world,1. Antiquity. …. de Sac. Scrip. Quaest. 4. first inspired and revealed to Adam, and many other Fathers, and then unto Moses the first Pen-man thereof, who wrote what was before foreign. Whatsoever Orpheus, Homer, Solon, Pythagoras, Plato, and other Grecians, Philosophers, Poets, Historians, have left in record concerning God, and divine things, they took all out of the Books of Moses, yet not without adding and interlacing their own inventions.
Is Authority? It's not only in respect of it self foreign, deserving all credit and respect, but2. Authority. Idem Quaest. 3. for that God is the immediate Author, foreign. All Scripture (saith the Apostle Paul)2 Tim. 3. 16. is given by inspiration of God; for the prophesie came not in old time (or at any time) by the will 2 Pet. 1. 21.of man, (saith the Apostle Peter) but … men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost. Psal. 19. 7.Hence it is tearmed his law, his mouth his wisdom. If the Heathen Cretians, Romans, Lacedemonians, Isa. 30. 2.accepted, received, obeyed the Laws proposed unto them, as injoyned by Jupiter, Luk. 11. 49.Valer. lib. 1. c. 3.the Nymph Aegeria, Apollo, as was pretended; If Pythagoras his Scholars did so highly respect and admire him, that his foreign, he hath said it, was unto them as a Law;Plut. in Lycurg. Erasm. Adag.And if the followers of Aristotle, Galen, Paracelsus, &c. readily yeeld unto their Opinions, Dictates, Conclusions, Determinations; in what esteem should the holy Scriptures be with Christians? Again, Thus saith the Lord, This is the Word of the Lord; Thus and thus is it written by Moses, David, Solomon, the Prophets, Evangelists, Apostles, there must be no contradiction.
Is Necessity? Unless thy Law had been my delights (saith David) I should then have perished 3. Necessity.in mine affliction. Where there is no Vision (is there any other now?) the people perish, saithPsal. 119. 92. Prov. 29. 18.Solomon. To the Law, and to the Testimony, saith Isaiah. Search the Scriptures, saith our Saviour.Isa. 8. 20. It was needful for me (saith the Apostle Jude) to write unto you, and exhort you, that ye Joh. 5. 39.should earnestly contend for the Faith, which was once delivered to the Saints. The Book of the Law Jude v. 3.(saith the Lord unto Joshua) shall not depart … of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day Josh. 1. 8.and night, that thou maist observe to do according to all that is written therein. That was a sad time, wherein for a long season Israel was without the true God, and without a teaching Priest, 2 Chron. 15. 3. Amos 8. 11.and without Law. Oh what a famine, the famine of the Word is!
Is Perfection? The Law of the Lord is perfect, from which, as there is nothing to be taken 4. Perfection.away, so thereunto is nothing to be added Herein there is no error, falshood, imperfection,Psal. 19. 7. contradiction. Herein nothing that needs to be repealed, because of some inconvenience,Rev. 22. 18. Prov. 30. 6.unnecessariness; or added, by reason of any defect. It teacheth not some things only, but all things necessary to be known of God, or our selves, for faith or obedience unto salvation. Is any delighted with History, Poetry, Prophesies, Parables? Any with Arithmetick, Musick, Logick, Rhetorick? Any with Astronomy, Astrology, Chronology, Geography? Any with Natural or Moral Philosophy? with matters of Peace or War, &c. Here's matter for each of them, even the greatest Scholars, how excellently soever qualified for learning, may here find enough (haply in one word, or short sentence) wherein to exercise themselves, and the utmost that is in them.
Is Purity? As the Scripture requireth that neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, 5. Purity.which are not convenient, should be once named amongst us; so there's neither word nor phrase therein which justly can offend any … ear. Let these few instances be as so many witnesses. And … knew his Wife. Ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin. Thou Wentest Gen. 4. 1. & 17. 11. & 45. 4.up to thy Fathers bed then defiledst thou it. Saul went in to cover his feet. After he had gone in 1 Sam. 24. 3.to Bathsheba. Let the Husband render unto the Wise due benevolence, and likewise also the Wife Psal. 50. 1. title.unto the Husband.1 Cor. 7. 3.
It Certainty, Infallibility, Faithfulness, Truth? Such are the holy Scriptures, such the6. Infallibility. Word of the Lord, most certain, infallible, faithful, …. The judgements of the Lord are Psal. 19. 9.true, saith the Psalmist. And, Thy Word is true from … beginning. Thy Word is truth, … Psal. 119. 160.our Saviour. The Word of truth, saith the …. The Scripture … be … God isJoh. 17. 17. 2 Tim. 2. 15.not a man that he should lie, neither the Son of man, that he should …: … he said … … he Mark 14. 49.not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Heave: and earth shall passe away, Numb. 23. 19.but my words shall not passe away, saith our Saviour. As all the … of God are in Christ Mat. 24. 35.Jesus, yea, and in him, Amen; so are also his threatnings. As he is … that …, … 2 Cor. 1. 20.Heb. 10. 23.is he also having threatned. Both have been, are daily, and shall be accomplished, according to the Scriptures.
Is Perspicuity? The commandement of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes, saith David. 7. Perspicuity.And in the foregoing vers. The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the …. And,Psal. 19. …. Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. And, The entrance of thy words Psal. 119. 108; 130.giveth light, it giveth understanding unto the simple. Accordingly Solomon, The commandement Prov. 6. 23.is a lamp, and the Law is light, and reproofs of instruction are the way of life. Accordingly the Apostle Peter, We have a more sure word of prophecie, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place.
Is Efficacy? On whom doth it not work; either for life, as unto the Receivers; 8. Efficacy.Psal. 19. 7. mar.or for death, as unto the Rejectors thereof? Doth it not convert the unregenerate, restore the regenerate? Do not the plagues, judgements, terrors wrath, &c. therein mentioned, serve to humble those, as the promises, comforts, rewards, to refresh these? Not the greatest Sweater, Drunkard, Adulterer; not the oldest Oppressor, Extortioner, Persecute; not the fiercest Lion, proudest Peacock, subtlest Fox; not the most Covetous, Licentious, Rebellious, Injurious, Malicious, Envious, Ambitious, Superstitious, Idolatrous, &c. whose hard hearts this hammar cannot soften, whose corruptions this axe cannot pare away. Not the most dejected, whom it cannot raise up; the most sorrowful, whom it cannot comfort; the most doubtful, whom it cannot confirm; the most weary and laden with sin, whom it cannot ease by sending them to Christ.
Is Utility? This containeth the form of sound words. Is profitable for Doctrine, for 9. Utility.Reproof, for Correction, for Instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, 2 Tim. 1. 13. & 3. 16, 17. V. 15.throughly furnished unto all good works. The holy Scriptures are able to make wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Whatsoever things were written afore Rom. 15. 3.time, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope. These things are written (saith the beloved Disciple) that ye might believe Joh. 20. 31.that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye might have life through his name. By this we are regenerated. Of his own will begat he us, with the Word of Jam. 1. 18.Truth. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God 1 Pet. 1. 23.which liveth and abideth for ever. By it we are delivered from the bondage of sin. If ye continue in my word (saith our Saviour) ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall Joh. 8. 31, 32,make you free. This maketh happy. Blessed is the man that meditateth in the Law of the Psal. 1. 2. & 119. 105.Lord day and night. This is a word of illumination. A word of reconciliation. A word of life. The instrument begetting faith; for faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the 2 Cor. 5. 19.Word of God. A word of salvation; for the Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation, Phil. 2. 16.Rom. 10. 17.to every one that believeth. Receive with meekness (saith the Apostle James)Rom. 1. 16. the ingraffed Word, which is able to save your souls. This containeth in it (saith one)Jam. 1. 22. florem delibatum, The flower and very quintessence of soul-saving wisdome; thatSee Dr. Featly his Advertisement to the Reader, prefixed to Newman's Conc. we may say of it as the Philosopher sometime spake concerning the knowledge of the soul of man; A small and dim knowledge of it, is to be valued far above a greater measure of cleerer insight in any other science. For the inspired Scripture is the infallible rule of faith, the unmovable ground of hope, the perfect guide of life, the souls storehouse of provision, the spiritual Arsenal of munition, the sacred fuel of devotion, the divine subject of contemplation, the everlasting spring of celestial consolation. All that's there taught is Truth; All that's there commanded, is Goodness; Quicquid ibi docetur, est veritas; quicquid praecipitur, bonitas; quicquid …, foelicitas.All that's there promised, is Happiness. This is to the blind, a light; to them that wander, a guide; to them that are in distresse, a comfort; to them that doubt, a counsellour; to the unlearned, a Teacher. This is the only seed whereby we are begotten, the only balm whereby we are refreshed. As the Sun to the World, so is the Word to the Church, the light of our lives, and life of our souls. But for this, we could not but continue in our unregenerate condition, lie under the power of darkness, be dead in trespasses and sins, live without Christ, being aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel, and strangers from the See Eph. 2. …. 12.covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. This is bread to feed us, drink to quench our thirst, fire to purge us, oyl to soften us, a staffe to uphold us, a treasure to enrich us, a lanthorn to direct us, a guide to conduct us, a weapon to defend us, salt to season us, flaggons of wine and apples to comfort us, a key to direct us to Christ, and a rule according to which we are to walk, the treasury of all happiness; meat for men, milk for babes. By it there is no error in judgement, which may not be confuted; no corruption in life, which may not be redressed; whereby as all sound Doctrine may be proved, and good Duties warranted, all of us are directed in the performance of the same.
Finally, the All-seeing, ever watchful, and most gracious providence of God, in the10. Gods providence in continuing and preserving the Scriptures in their purity. preservation and continuance of the holy Scriptures, in their original integrity and purity, notwithstanding all opposition to the contrary, is no small ground for their commendation. It's well known that the Old Testament was first (for the most part) written in Hebrew, as the New Testament in Greek: And that the Jews on the one part, and not a few of the most learned Grecians on the other, were bitter enemies both unto Christians and Christianity; In sob there are some Arabick terms; In … certain Epistles in Syriack; some of Daniel's Visions in Chalace, as one … is in Jeremiah, chap. 10. V. 11. Broughton.yet hath in not been found, that either phrase, word, letter, or so much as one point, hath been by them depraved, cnrrupted. Even yet we have the same Authentick Scriptures, as they were at first inspired by the Holy Ghost. And being the fountains, it must needs be granted of them, that *Dulcius ex ipso fonte … aquae. …. Philol. Sac.their waters when drunk at the spring-head, are both sweeter and purer, then when conveyed unto us through the channel of Translations. But most having been, being still ignorant of the Hebrew and Greek, and knowing no other language but their Mother-tongue, Gods goodness is even herein conspicuous, that the Scriptures have been and are by the Learned daily Translated into all languages, Latine, Dutch, French, Spanish, Italian, Welch, English, &c. that all may make use of them, none pretend ignorance any more, as else they might.
It may seem strange (and so it's indeed) that the Holy Scriptures (being of such Antiquity,The adversaries of the Holy Scriptures both now and heretofore. Authority, Necessity, Perfection, Purity, Infallibility, Perspicuity, Efficacy, Utility) should notwithstanding meet with Adversaries. They have met with such, daily do, and those not a few of all sorts, as may thus appear.
1. The Frantick and giddy-brain'd Libertines, (who tearm themselves Spiritual) denying1. The Libertines. See Polan. Synt. lib. 1. cap. 32. where he consuteth the AntiScripturists. the Scriptures to be Divine or Authentick (which in contempt they call, The written letter) fly unto the private Revelation of the Spirit, whereon (say they) they are to rest, as being all taught of God.
2. The old Anabaptists acknowledged the Books of the New Testament to be necessary,2. The old Anabaptists. but upon … grounds rejected the Books of the Old Testament.
3. The Manicheans, Marcionites, and some others rejected the Books of Moses, (as one3. The Manicheans, with others. Ptolemeus also did) and likewise the Prophets.
4. The Sadduces acknowledged the Books of Moses for Divine, but rejected all the4. The Sadduces. other Prophets (and therefore our Saviovr to prove the Resurrection of the dead, alledged against them only the words of Moses) whom Theodorus Bishop of Mopsuesta denyed to have ever prophesied of Christ.
5. The Jewish Rabbins (for the most part) reject the Book of Job, as if there had never5. The Jewish Rabbins. been any such man.
6. The Nicolaitans and Gnosticks rejected Davids Psalms, as humane, or rather profane6. The Nicolaitans and Gnosticks. Songs, not written by any Divine instinct; And Paulus Samosatenus took such of them as concerned Christ out of the Church, as if they had been newly invented.
7. Some rejected the Book of Ecclesiastes, for that Solomon seemed to have made it in7. Such as rejected the book of Ecclesiastes. his old age, when he was corrupted by the love of women, and placed true happiness in bodily pleasures, thereby making way for the Philosophy of Epicurus and Aristippus.
8. Certain Hereticks rejected the Son of Songs as profane, and not written by the Spirit8. Such as rejected the Song of Songs. of God, but through the instinct of Cupid, and that nothing else is contained therein, but love-speeches of Solomon the King, and the Daughter of Pharaoh his Wife, and that therefore in that whole Book the name of God is not to be found.
9. The Prophesie of Daniel is rejected by Porphyrius, as not written by Daniel, but one9. Such as rejected the prophesie of Dan. in Judea, in the time of Antiochus Epiphanes. And that it doth not so much foretel what was to come, as relate what was past.
10. There were that rejected all the New Testament, as being a spiritual Doctrine,10. Such as rejected all the New Testam. or onelyonly the Epist. to the Hebr. the Epist. of James, &c. only to be written in the heart; and that for being written, it is a killing letter. Others rejected only the Epistle to the Hebrews, the Epistle of James, the second of Peter, the second and third of John, with that of Jude, and the Revelation. Some rejected only some parcels thereof, as the last chap. of Mark, the History of Christs weeping over Jerusalem, Luk. 19. and of his sweating Agony, and the Apparition of the Angel comforting him, Luk. 22. and the History of the Woman taken in adultery, Joh. 8. and the seventh verse of 1 Joh. 5.
11. All Hereticks maintain Opinions contrary to the Scriptures, which yet they pretend11. Hereticks of all sorts. to be agreeable thereunto, and go about to prove thereby.
12. There are who pretend, That the understanding or interpreting the Word of God, or12. Such as … against the ordinary means, &c. knowing of his will, is not imputable to the use of ordinary means (such are the assistance of Gods Spirit, joyned with the use of learning, study, meditation, rational inferences, collation of places, consulting of the Original languages, and ancient Copies, and ExpositionsDr. Hammond in his …. concerning New light, or Divine …. of the Fathers of the Church, analogie of received doctrine, together with unbyassed affections, and sincere desire of finding out the truth; and constant prayer for Gods blessing on, and co-operation with these and the like means) referring the same either to the extraordinary gift of the Spirit in prophesying, preaching, or expounding, or to illumination, not prophetical, or simply extraordinary, but such as is thought to be promised to a new life, the work of the Spirit of God in the heart of every Saint of his, which consequently supersedes the use of all external Ordinantes to such, even of the Word of God it self, contained in the Canon of the Scripture. The Scriptures which they produce in favour of this, are either out of the Old, or out of the New Testament. Out of the Old, Psal. 25. 9, 12, 14. & 111. 10. & 119. 18. Prov. 2. 7. & 3. 32. & 28. 5. Isa. 35. 8. Ezek. 11. 19. Hag. 2. 5. Joel 2. 28. Out of the New, Joh 6. 45. & 7. 17. & 8. 31, 32, 43. 1 Cor. 12. 7. Gal. 3. 14. Eph. 1. 17 1 Joh. 2. 20. & 3. 24. All which are answered by Dr. Hammond.
13. There are, who though they can read, and have the Bible in their houses, yet seldome13. Such as seidome or … read the …. or never read therein, either in private, or for the edification of their families, but spill much precious time upon vile Pamphlets, curious Arts, profane Stories, lascivious Poems, &c. Whereas they should sequester (if God were in all their thoughts) all theirDr. …'s Advertis to the Reader before …. Conc. spare time from the necessary duties of their Calling, to the reading, hearing, and meditating upon the Word, which through the Spirit of grace will inlighten their understanding with the knowledge of God, inflame their affections with the love of God, establish their hearts with the promises of God, moderate their joyes with the fear of God, mitigate their affliction with the comforts of God, and regulate all their thoughts, words, and deeds with the precepts of God.
14. The Pontisicians or Papists, above all others, do most manisest their enmity hereunto.14. The …. Which is proved 1. … their …. They teach, That it was not meet all mysteries should be written in Scripture, … every ordinary person should come to the knowledge of them, and because of the commonness of them, contemn them. That the Vulgar Latine is to be preferred before, at least equalled with the Bellar. lib. 4. de … non scripto. cap. 8.Hebrew and Greek. That it is not meet and expedient, that the Bible should be translated into the known languages of the common people. That the holy Scriptures though truly and Catholickly Caster. Apol.translated, may not be indifferently read of all men, no not of any other then such as have express Mr. Alex. Cook his Yet more work … a Mass-Priest, p. 20.licence thereunto. That the holy Scripture even where it seems most plain, is yet so hard and obscure, that it stands in need of a set interpreter, who may open unto us the meaning of it. That it's an heresie for any to assirm, that the Scriptures should be translated into Vulgar languages. That it's the invention of the Devil, that … people should be permitted to read the Bible. … …. …. contra …. Spalat. p. 61.That that curiosity of reading the Scriptures, is not only not necessary for people, but destructive, whereby rather Babylon then Jerusalem is built up: And the reading of the Bible makes rather Heretical Lutherans, then Roman Catholicks. That the Book of Tobit, Judith, the Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus, the two Books of the Maccabees, the seven Chapters annexed to Histor. Jesuit. p. 428.Esther, the Stories of Bel and the Dragon, of …, and the Song of the three Children,…. de Verb. with the Epistle of Batuch joyned to Jeremiah, are canonical, and of as firm authority …. lib. 4. c. 4.as any part of the Scripture. That though the Scriptures are in themselves perfect, sufficient, authentical, yet (because they appear not so to us) we are not bound to take them for Scripture, …, lib. 9.without the authority of the Church; so that in respect of us, the Church hath absolute authority Doct. princ. c. 1.to determine which is Scripture, which …. That the Scriptures are so hard, doubtful, and uncertain, Rhemist. Annot. on 2 Pet. 3. 16.that like a leaden rule, or nose of wax they may be turned every way. That the Scriptures may have divers senses and meanings in the same place; namely, the Literal, Allegorical, Bellar. de Scrip.Tropological, and Anagogical. That the sense of the Scriptures must be learned of the Fathers …. 3. cap. 3.and Pastors of the Church: If the Fathers agree not, the matter must be referred to a General Rhemists praef.Sect. 18.Councel, and if there it be not determined, recourse must be had to the Pope and his Cardinals. Bellar. ibid.That the Scriptures contain not all things necessary to be known concerning faith and manners, cap. 3, 4.not all things necessary to salvation, not are … without Traditions; yea, that their approved Tilman. de Verb.Traditions are of equal authority with the Scriptures. That all Traditions agreed in Error. 2.Councel, and judged Apostolical (by Traditions, they understand Doctrine, Precept, andBellar. lib. 4. Ceremonies, with other Usages of the Church, which are not written in the Scriptures)cap. 2. & 9. and whatsoever the Church of Rome … as … are not to be … to be Apostolical …. Trid.indeed: And, that all Apostolical Traditions are of equal authority with the writings of …. a. Decret. 2.the Apostles: And are that part of the … … … which is unwritten, as well as the Scriptures are the part which is written. … proceedeth yet …, and is not ashamed…. 53. to prefer Tradition before Scripture; saying, Consider of what force and … Tradition … Motives, …. 6.is seeing that the New Testament is authorized by it; And, the … or foundation of Scripture is Tradition; and herein doth excel it, because Scripture cannot stand without Tradition; but Tradition can stand without Scripture. Answerable unto their Doctrines are2. By their mangling the Scriptures. their Practises, nor is their enmity lesse conspicuous by these then by those. They mangle the Scriptures (Satan-like) in their quoting them, by leaving out some words which makeMat. 4 6. comp. with Ps. 91. 11. against them. Thus Cardinal Hosius, and Bishop Canus, in way of proving that we may believe in Saints, alledge the words of Paul to Philemon (Phil. 4. 5.) Gratias ago Deomeo … …. …. 1. 81.audiens fidem, quam habes in Domino nostro, & in omnes Sanctos: I give thanks to my God, hearing of the faith which thou hast in the Lord Jesus, and in all Saints; leaving out the word charitatem, love, or charity. Thus Cardinal Bellarmine, to prove that inherent righteousness is the formal cause of our justification, alledgeth these as the words of St. Paul, Tit. 3. 5. Cum apparuit benignitas, & humanitas Salvatoris nostri Dei, non ex operibus quae fecimus nos, sed secundum suam misericordiam salvos nos fecit, &c. When the bountifulness and love of God our Saviour appeared, not by the works which we had done, but according to his mercy he saved us, &c. Yet the Apostle saith not barely, not by the works which we had done, but not by the works of righteousness which we had done. So that the Cardinal unrighteously leaves out the word righteousness. They mingle them by3. By mingling them. adding some words of their own, which are not in the Text. Thus Bernaltus a Priest ofMr. Cook his Yet more work for a MassePriest, p. 36. Fulk's Answer to Martin's Preface in the Defence of …. Constance, writing in defence of Gregory the Seventh his prohibition of Priests Marriage, affirms that St. Peter commanded even the Laity (1 Pet. 3. 7.) ut parcant uxoribus suis, they should forbear companying with their Wives, lest their prayers should be interrupted: whereas in St. Peter there are no such words, as ut parcant uxoribus, they should forbear companying with their Wives. Thus Bishop Gardiner to prove the Carnal presence, alledgeth these as the words of Psal. 11. 5. Escam se dedit … eum, He gave himself for meat to them that feared him; adding of himself, se, himself, to the Text. They both mangle and mingle, taking away some word or words in the Text, and placingNumb. 4. 1. some of their own in the room. Thus Cardinal Hosius to prove Satisfaction, alledgeth4. By both mangling and mingling. these as the words of St. Paul, Rom. 6. Exhibeamus membra nostra servire justitiae, in satisfactione, Let us exhibit our members to serve justice unto satisfaction. And Dr. Harding Mr. Cook in his fore-mentioned Book, p. 34, 35.for proof of the same point, alledgeth these as the words of St. Paul, 2 Cor. 7. 1. Let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and Spirit, making perfect our satisfaction in the fear of God. Both of them putting the word satisfaction in place of the word sanctification, used by the Apostle. Thus Bellarmine in way of proving Purgatory out ofIbid. p. 37. Isa. 4. 4. changeth the words abluerit, laverit, and ardoris, which are in the Vulgar Latine, into purgabit, emendabit, and combustionis, those not suiting so well with fire (which the Papists maintain to be sound in Purgatory) as these do. They pervert them, taking some5. By perverting them. passages therein literally, which are figuratively to be understood; as, This is my body; and some figuratively, which are meant literally; as, Here are two swords. They willingly6. By misapplying them. and of set purpose misapply them. Thus where David saith, O Lord my God in thee do I put my trust; and Zacharias, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; Bonaventure thus rendrethPsal. 7. 1. Luk. 1. 68.and applyeth them, O thou good Lady! in thee have I put my trust; and, Blessed be our Lady, the Mother of our Lord God of Israel. They ridiculously abuse and wrest them: Thus7. By abusing and wresting them. they alledge for Peter's Supremacy, Lanch into the deep. Couldst thou not watch one hour with me? Follow me. Peter cut off Malchus his ear. For the Popes omnipotency,Mr. Cook his Abatement of Popish Brags, p. 5, 6, 7. Gen. 1. 1, 16. Jer. 1. 10. Also these, that the spiritual man judgeth all things, and himself is judged of no man. Lo, two swords here. Return thy sword into his place. Know ye not that we shall judge the Angels? Kill and eat. For communicating in one kinde: Give us this day our daily bread. And that our Saviour multiplied loaves, but multiplied no drink. Act. 10.So in the way of proving that Boyes and Wenches may enter into Monasteries against their Joh. 6.Parents mindes. Get thee out of thy Countrey, and from thy kindred, and from thy Fathers house. Gen. 12.Forget thine own people, and thine Fathers house. He that loveth Father or Mother more then Psal. 45. 10.Mat. 10. 37.me, is not worthy of me. Let the dead bury the dead. So in way of proving that ignorant persons Luk. 9. 60.may not read the Scriptures. Give ye not that which is holy to dogs. And that it is lawful for a Mat. 7. 6.man to eat fish in Lent, but not flesh. God for Adams sin cursed the earth, but not the Acts and Mon. Vol. 2. p. 516. Vol. 3. p. 190, &c.water. Not to multiply more (though many more might) they have burned the Bible themselves, have burnt some that were detected to have read therein (as William Hunter and others) and not many years ago, one John Murre a Mercant of Aberdeen, for havingEpise. Eliens. in Resp. ad Apol. Bell. c. 11. but a New Testament in his Ship, was by the cruelty of the merciless Inquisitors deprived both of goods and life.
That those errors and heresies have been by the Orthodox and learned throughoutGods goodness in … up such as have detected and confuted those errors and heresies. all ages detected, discovered, and the light of the truth (which their wicked authors and broachers have every way endevoured to obscure and extinguish) recovered, is no small demonstration of Gods love and care of his people, nor can we express too much thankfulness for the same.
Whence those and the like strange Doctrines, Errors, Heresies, Blasphemies (which have been (and yet are) held, upheld, vented, taught, believed, entertained) have had,The grounds of those errors. have their original, is questionable. That covetousness in some, ambition, pride, vain-glory, self love, discontent in others, have as bitter roots produced those bitter fruits, hath beenSee … Danaei his Prolegom, unto his Commentaries on Aug de …. cap. 6. of old, is even yet experimentally found. Hereunto may be added the perversness, rebellion, blindness, and propensity unto error, which are naturally in all the Sons of Adam. But*ignorance the chief cause. Ignorance, or the not knowing of the Scriptures, may be conceived as the especial and chief ground hereof. What our Saviour said unto the Sadduces, who denyed the Resurrection, may be fitly applyed unto those swervers from the truth, Ye do … not knowing the Scriptures. What the Apostle speaketh of the Crucifiers of Christ, Had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory, may in charity be spoken of many ofMat. 22. 29. 1 Cor. 2. 8.them; were they sensible of the greatness, danger, and nature of their sin; did they know what dishonor doth hereby redound unto God, what offence unto the godly, and what wrong and damage unto … ones, void of judgement, wanting the Spirit of discerning; are unable to try the spirits; they would embrace the truth, forsake their errors, disclaim their …, be as eager to gain souls unto Christ, as now they are in compassing Sea and Land to make Proselytes; but as yet these things are hid from them, they know not what they do.
This is naturally in all, whilest they abide in their natural condition. For the natural This is natural in all.man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. They walk in the vanity of their minde, 1 Cor. 2. 14.having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance Eph. 4. 17, 18.that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart. And yet how many are there, even whilest thus, who are wise in their own eyes, boasting that they are in the right, they have the truth, they only? but the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. He taketh the 1 Cor. 3. 19, 20.wise in their own craftiness. He knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
This is in some voluntary, affected; they are ignorant, and notwithstanding of allVoluntary and affected in …. the endevours that are used, whether by word or deed, for their recovery therefrom, will so abide. Light is come into the world, but they love darkness rather then light. Joh. 3. 18.May it not be said of such, Because they received not the love of the truth, that they 2 Thess. 2. 10, 11, 12.might be saved, even for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie, that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness?
The means whereby to remove, to recover from error, heresie, ignorance, are acknowledgedThe holy Scripture the means to prevent and recover from error. by most to be the holy Scriptures (the Scripture of truth) containing the form of sound words; but not a few have, do, complain of their ….
Herein (say they) there are many places which seem contrary to each other. There are many Words and Phrases very ambiguous and doubtful. There are many WordsDan. 10. 21. whose Significations are not only divers, but contrary.2 Tim. 1. 13.
Unto those it may be answered:See Glass. Phil. …. p. 236. & 241, &c.
1. That (though all things necessary to be known for the attainment of salvation, be plainly and perspicuously laid down in the holy Scriptures, as also such things as pertainAnswer to them that alledge their obscurity. unto true godliness, yet) as in most Arrs and Sciences there are Difficulties, so in Divinity there are Depths. The holy Scriptures have their foreign. In them are dark sayings, Psal. 78. 2. Wonders, Psal. 119. 18. Riddles, Ezek. 17. 2. Great things, Hos. 8.Mr. Greenhill his Expos. of Ezek. the Epist. to all wellwishers of truth. 12. Mysteries, Mat. 13. 11. Parables, Mat. 13. 35. Hidden and manifold wisdom, 1 Cor. 2. 7. Ephes. 3. 10. The deep things of God, 1 Cor. 2. 10. Things hard to be uttered, Heb. 5. 12. Hard to be understood, 2 Pet. 3. 16. But, are we not hereby led up to conceive there be infinite depths in God, which eternity must take us up to study? Do not they convince us of our incapacity of high things, prevent our undervaluing of divine truth?Joh. 16. 12. Hath not God therefore hid some truths under the rocks, laid them deep, that so there might be digging and searching as for treasures? Do not difficulties quicken and whet endevours?Prov. 2. 4. Do not the rocky and knotty things in the Prophets and Apostles, suffice to exercise the greatest abilities and graces which are seated in humane Nature, and keep mens thoughts from swelling into a conceit of Omnisciency, making us long to be where we shall know as we are known; and in the mean time to pray with David, Open thou our 1 Cor. 13. 12.eyes that we may see the wonders of thy Law?Psal. 119. 18.
2. That if the Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost. If some things be hard to 2 Cor. 4. 4.be understood, it's unto them that are unlearned and unstable; that is, unto them that are unskilful2 Pet. 3. 16. in the Scriptures, not taught of God, and such as are not stedfast in the faith, nor persevere in the reading and study of the Scriptures, even such as are without the Spirit of God.
3. That the Scriptures seem obscure unto us through our own default. For if we come…. de Sac. Scrip. Quest, 12. with prejudice to the … and reading of them, as if their meaning must needs be so and so, for that such and such have so expounded them, though erroneously; if with impiety and impenitency, persevering in our sins without any true turning unto God; if rather out of custome, then any regard or love of the truth; if without any resolution to yeeld obedience unto them, or be bettered by them; if we neglect, and without any just cause, intermit the reading of them; if we are ignorant of the Acceptations of Words, Figures of Speeches, and Proprieties of Phrases; if we take no notice of the scope of the Scriptures; if we know not the difference between the Law and the Gospel, and the end of either of them; if we interpret them contrary to the analogy of Faith, nor will take pains to compare Scripture with Scripture; if we do not contain our selves within the bounds and limits of the Scriptures themselves; if we contemn and despise the labours of the learned, who have exercised themselves about the Interpretation of the Scriptures; if we do too much stick unto the bare letter, looking after no more, or neglecting the Literal sense, look after the Allegorical, or Tropological sense; whereas haply in that the Spiritual, in this the Literal is most agreeable to the place; Finally, if we are not unthankful to God for the measure of knowledge which he hath already bestowed upou us, and do not pray unto God for the continuance and increase thereof in the understanding of the Scriptures, it's no wonder that the Scriptures both seem and are indeed obscure unto us.
4. That God of his goodness hath both of old and of late afforded us excellent Helps for our understanding of the Scriptures; such as are the Concordances of the Bible, Hebrew, See Mr. …. his Ecclesiastes, wherein there is a Catalogue of such Books as are of most use for the understanding of the Scriptures.Greek, Latine, English, &c. being of very great use for the unfolding of difficult texts, by referring to Parallel Scriptures, whereby, where, and how often every word in the Bible is set down therein, may be readily found; such many several Treatises wherein all the pertinent Scriptures unto any particular head or common place are summed up; such those Treatises that handle the several acceptations of Words and Phrases in Scriture; such they who explain peculiar Subjects dispersedly contained in the several parts of Scripture; such the Commentators upon the whole Bible, by their Annotations, Expositions, Notes, &c. Such they that have commented upon some particular Books, or Texts; such they who insist on practical Divinity, who unfold and reconcile such Scriptures as seem opposite to one another; who catechetically explain the grounds of Christian Religion, who resolve Cases of Conscience, who confute the Adversaries of the truth, who cleer such doubts as are propounded out of the Scriptures; those (I say) and the like helps are not wanting unto us.
Amongst others, the faithful and painful Labourers in the Lords Vineyard, this ourMr. Tho. Wilson Minister of the Word at St. Georges in Canterbury, and one of the six Preachers here. Author was of special note, eminent in his time, famous in that Generation. Ordinarily, he preached thrice every Week (above an hundred and fifty Sermons yearly) often every day. As he was of a strong constitution, so he was of a good memory, retaining what he had read, and able even on the sudden to make use thereof for the edification of others. As his gifts were more then ordinary, so were his tryals, temptations; he had open enemies, false Teachers and Hereticks, against whom he stood stoutly in defence of the truth, detecting and confuting their errors. There were also certain false Brethren, Information was given me of these particulars, by such as were familiarly acquainted with him, being his next neighbors, and living under his Ministery, and his especial Benofactors.who did privily … his ruine, by articling against him unto the then Archbishop Abbot, for his Non-conformity, &c. but by the means of the Lord Wotton (whose Chaplain he then was) he was not questioned for the same. His words, that till Idolatry were publickly tolerated in this land, publick judgements should not seise thereon, have proved too true. As he endevoured the good of his people by Preaching, Expounding, Catechizing, Writing, even till he begun to cease to be, so on his Death-bed he was not unmindful of them, for on Dr. Jackson then present (who was one of the Patrones of his Place, and had then the sole disposal thereof) he laid this charge, that as he would answer unto God on the dreadful day of Judgement, he should place an able, sufficient Pastour over his people, &c. which the Doctor promised, but withal added, that not one of a thousand could be had, such as he himself was. Besides his diligence and frequency in Preaching, he also wrote many Books; as An Exposition of the Epistle to the Romans, this Christian Dictionary, A Dialogue about Justification, A Receipt against Heresie, Scripture Riddles, &c. (one I have under his own hand on the Ten Commandements, and some Sermons on several Texts, not yet published) In all which, though now dead, he still speaketh.See Heb. 11. 4.
What his aim and end was in writing and publishing this Dictionary, as also the manifold use and utility hereof, he himself sheweth in his General Preface; therein as he professeth himself but to have broken the ice (he hath done much more) so he seemeth to invite others to supply what should be found defective herein. This hath been in part performed by Mr. John Bagwell, but is now in this Edition more fully and largely, by a sixfoldThe Additions in this Impression. Addition, viz.
1. Of above four thousand Words, with their several Acceptations, all wanting in the former Editions: For the Words, I extracted them for the most part out of Newman's Concordance, and what I found not therein, out of the Bible it self, as Altashith, …, Neginoth, Nehiloth, &c. And for the Acceptations, they are taken out of Aynsworth, the Annotations on the Bible, Bernard's Thesaurus Biblicus, Dr. Hammond's Annotations on the New Testament, Leigh's Criticae Sacra, Ravanellus his Bibliotheca Sacra, and divers others; of whom I conceived that I might as well make use, as they have of former Writers, especially Ravanellus of Wigandus, and Flaccius Illyricus, and Mr. Bernard of this Work of Mr. Wilson's, as (if need were) might be instanced in many particulars.
2. Of many more Acceptations of the same Words which are handled by Mr. Wilson and Mr. Bagwell in the former Impressions; for which I also am indebted to the forementioned Authors.
3. Of a great number of hard and difficult Phrases, cleered, and plainly expounded to the capacity and understanding of the meanest Reader: As also Additions unto the Phrases formerly printed, for their further explanation.
4. Of the proper Names of Men, Women, Cities, Countreys, Rivers, &c. mentioned in the holy Scriptures, with their several Interpretations (where also if more were of one name, all are mentioned) for which I am beholding unto Robert F. Herry his first Alphabet of directions to Common places, Buxtorfius his Hebrew Lexicon, Pasor his Etyma Nominum Propriorum, Alstedius his Paratitla Theologica, Chytreus his Onomasticon Theologicum, with some others.
5. Of the Nature and properties of such Beasts, Fowls, Fishes, Trees, Plants, Fruits, Herbs, Seeds, Stones, &c. as are mentioned in the Scriptures; extracted out of Bercorius his Reductorium Morale, Wolf. Franzius his Historia Animalium, &c. Geminianus de Similitud. Hieronymus Lauretus his Sylva Allegoriarum, Levinus Lemnius de Plantis Sacris, Monfetus his Theatrum Insectorum, Symsoni Hieroglyphica Animalium Terrestrium, Volatilium, Natatilium, &c. Topsell his History of Four-footed Beasts, with divers others.
6. Of the divers Readings set down in the Margents of the Bibles of the last Translation, every of which I compared with the Text it self, and finding the same to be of great use, and very helpful for the attaining of the true sense and meaning of the Text, I have hereupon inserted the same. Besides, now and then some words are by other words in other texts expressed, for the better unfolding of the meaning thereof, as some for the same purpose, backt by significant phrases.
Let not any think that hereby any wrong is or can be done to our worthy Author, anyNo wrong hereby done either to the Author or his Work. detriment or prejudice to this his Work; for whatsoever herein is well done will be ascribed unto him as who first laid the foundation; and the Work it self, how useful soever before, will now by such as shall make use of it, be found much more useful. Nor is there any thing of the Authors in the former Impressions, in this willingly either depraved or omitted.
Nor let any take exception, that a greater number of words are here set down whichWhy all Scripture words are set down in this Impression. seem needless, useless, or so plain that they need no explanation; for,
1. Those words may be found in Concordances, Hebrew, Greek, Latine, English, &c.
2. No word is wanting in Complete Dictionaries, of what language soever.
3. Those words are but briefly touched; others more material, handled more at large.
4. What are plain unto some, are obscure unto others, till explained.
5. Some have been puzled to finde out what some such Words meant, what a Nave, a Spoke, a Tenon, a Rudder-band, a Main sail, &c. whereof the meanest Carpenter, Mariner can … give information. If some have been thus puzled, may not others also?
Nor let any be discouraged from making use of this Dictionary, if upon the … ofThe meaning of some phrases may be found by the interpretation of the words, as of some words by the phrases. some particular Words, he receive not full satisfaction; for as the Interpretation of such Phrases as are not set down in particular, may be easily understood by the Interpretation of the Words whereof they consist; so the Expositions of many Words are included in the Phrases expounded.
Nor let any complain of the multiplicity and variety of Interpretations which may be found therein, as if one were enough, and so many did but weary and puzle the Reader: For,
1. If those Interpretations be consonant unto the truth, agreeable to the Scriptures,Variety of Interpretations justified. Store is no sore.
2. All Readers are not of one minde, one approves of this Interpretation, another of that, another of a third.
3. Hereby Gods wisdom appears in the various dispensation of his gifts.
4. Divers places of Scripture are diversly read; one follows the Text, another the Margent, both which are justifiable.
5. Who so is satisfied with any one Interpretation, needs trouble himself no further in the purusal of more.
Nor let any think it strange, if herein he misse some Words, and finde others but brieflySome words included in others, and why some are but briefly handled. touched: For,
1. I have herein followed the last, whereas our Author followeth the Geneva Translation.
2. Many words are included in others, as he, she, they, them, their, &c.
3. The meaning of many Words is apparent by the words prefixed or annexed unto them, or both.
4. Many Words in the Bible are supplyed, not being in the Original, which are therefore printed in a different character.
5. Many Words are alike in signification, and that being set down in any one of them, it may suffice to refer the others thereunto; if any thing be set down more then once, it's more then needs, more then was intended.
I know that there are not a few who would not that such Books as this should be publisnedAgainst such who would not have such Books (as this is) in English. in English, or made so common for the common people: But
1. If such Books be printed and published in other Languages, why may they not also be in ours?
2. If Books of all Arts and Sciences (Logick, Rhetorick, Physick, Arithmetick, Musick, Astronomy, Geometry, Alchumy, &c.) are daily translated and published in English, why not also such as this?
3. Is knowledge, or the means of knowledge to be … only unto the learned? Is there no regard to be had unto the simple? Solomon was of another minde in publishing his Proverbs, his was, To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. Prov. 1. 4.Accordingly he bringeth in Wisdom, thus crying unto the simple, O ye simple, understand Prov. 8. 5.wisdom. And again, Who so is simple, let him turn in hither; &c. Paul also was of anotherProv. 9. 4. mind, I would (saith he) that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied, were indued1 Cor. 14. 5. with such knowledge and understanding, that ye might expound and interpret the Scriptures. And doth not the holy Ghost by the Word (expounded and explained) intendPsal. 19. 7. the making wise the simple, the giving understanding to the simple?Psal. 119. 130.
4. Though even the Learned may be much holpen hereby (if they please) both they who being well stricken in years, finde a decay in their memories, and a disability to study, as they who are but Beginners, and have made no great progress in the study of Divinity; yet this was and is principally intended for the benefit of the unlearned (whether Masters of Families, Private Christians, or others) which may be unto them not only a Dictionary for the understanding of every Scripture-word, but a Concordance, a Commentary, a whole Library. As herein the Notions, Expositions, Interpretations of many learned and worthy Authors are in few words laid open unto the view of all, so hereby there's a remedy provided, as well for such as want money to buy those Authors (if they could understand them) as for such (who though they had them, and could understand them, yet) have little or no time to make use of them; yea, as by this erroneous judgements may be reformed, so (through Gods blessing upon the serious and diligent perusal hereof) errors in judgment may be prevented.
I make no question but that not a few of the surviving brood of (the long since dead)The most elaborate works of the most learned have been sleighted by some. Momus, Zoilus, will carp, kick, spurn at this Work, condemn, contemn, disgrace, and sleight it, casting thereon what aspersions they can (as they have done on the more elaborate Works of others, excelling in Piety, and most eminent for Learning) but I shall not be much either troubled or moved.
It's held, that facile est inventis addere, but such as shall undertake the like Work, will sind it valdè, maximè difficile.
To conclude, seeing there are few Books of any bulk, wherein some faults, some mistakes…; bonus dormit it Homerus: … opere in magno, in quo sas … … … …. Cri. Sac. p. 317. may not be found, either through want of judgement in the Authors, mistake of the Composers, or oversight in the Correctors; Sicubi hallucinati sumus aut aberravimus, vos quicun que estis haec nostra lecturi, candidè foreign nostra nobiscum communicate, & ad placidam emendationem vos nobiscum accingite. Homines sumus; humanis erroribus humana detur venia. This is the earnest desire and request of
March 25. 1655. Your Friend and Servant in the Lord, Andrew Symson.
The Reader may be pleased to take notice,
THat all the lines in this Book markt with a single Comma ['] are the work of Mr. Wilson the first Author.
Those markt with double Comma's ["] are added by Mr. Bagwel.
The rest without Comma's are industriously gathered out of several approved … by Mr. Symson.