FIRST, Primus. This word does not always signify a priority of rank or order, but is used sometimes for Before that. For example, Hæc descriptio prima facta est a Præside Syriæ Cyrino. Literally, This was the first enrolment made by Cyrenius Governor of Syria. But as we know certainly that Cyrenius, Cyrinus or Quirinus, was not Governor of Syria in the reign of Herod, we are obliged to explain it thus, This enrolment was made before Cyrenius was Governor of Syria. In the same manner, Ante me factus est, quia prior me erat. In the Greek literally, He was first of me; He was before me. And John i. 15, 30. Ib. xv. 18. Matth. vi. 33. 1 Tim. i. 15, 16.again, Si mundus vos odit, scitote quia me priorem vobis odio habuit; If the world hateth you, ye know that it hated me before you, &c. Our Saviour required his Disciples to seek first the Kingdom of God, to seek it before all things; and St. Paul says, that God displayed his mercy towards him, who was the first of sinners, and that in him first he shewed forth all long-suffering, in him he manifested his extreme patience, before he shewed it forth in them to whom he preached the Gospel.
Gen. xxx. 41. Ex. xxx. 23. Lament. iv. 2. Ezek. xxvii. 17. Id. vf. 22. Hag. ii. 4.Primum tempus, the first season, the Spring. Prima myrrha, the most excellent myrrh. Primus inter servos Saul, the most in esteem of Saul’s Servants. Amicti auro primo, the most precious Gold. Frumentum primum, & aromata prima, the best wheat, and the best spices. Quis ex vobis vidit domum istam in gloriâ suâ primâ? Who of you hath seen the Temple in its antient splendor?