who_o apply_v these_o very_a passage_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n thus_o we_o find_v that_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n 2_o matth._n iii_o 1_o mark_n i._o 2_o mark_v make_v a_o manifest_a allusion_n to_o these_o two_o prophecy_n zachary_n also_o the_o father_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n apply_v that_o of_o isaiah_n to_o his_o son_n and_o his_o authority_n be_v the_o more_o considerable_a because_o he_o be_v a_o priest_n 2._o by_o a_o attentive_a consider_v the_o passage_n themselves_o 3._o by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n who_o by_o a_o general_o receive_v and_o undoubted_a tradition_n that_o elijah_n the_o tishbite_n the_o septuagint_n in_o their_o translation_n of_o that_o place_n of_o malachy_n tell_v we_o as_o much_o be_v to_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o we_o find_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o multitude_n and_o his_o disciple_n suppose_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o the_o jew_n at_o this_o day_n have_v the_o same_o persuasion_n viz._n that_o elias_n be_v to_o come_v before_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o messiah_n from_o which_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o christian_n of_o old_a do_v and_o many_o at_o this_o day_n do_v believe_v that_o elias_n shall_v resume_v the_o function_n of_o his_o ministry_n before_o the_o last_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a 2._o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o character_n of_o the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v that_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v much_o in_o their_o eye_n it_o be_v needful_a for_o it_o to_o be_v as_o notable_a and_o extraordinary_a as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n elias_n who_o ministry_n be_v without_o dispute_v the_o most_o remarkable_a and_o illustrious_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n since_o moses_n which_o give_v the_o prophet_n malachy_n occasion_n to_o call_v he_o elias_n much_o upon_o a_o like_a account_n as_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n call_v the_o messiah_n 24._o ezek._n xxxiv_o 23_o 24._o david_n but_o above_o all_o thing_n we_o must_v careful_o observe_v the_o several_a mark_v the_o prophet_n give_v we_o of_o this_o forerunner_n the_o prophet_n isaiah_n give_v we_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o that_o his_o ministry_n be_v to_o be_v very_a signal_n and_o attend_v with_o general_a respect_n and_o veneration_n 2._o that_o he_o be_v to_o preach_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 3._o that_o he_o be_v to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n 4._o that_o he_o be_v to_o confound_v those_o who_o be_v most_o eminent_a in_o authority_n and_o to_o comfort_v the_o poor_a and_o humble_a 5._o that_o he_o be_v immediate_o to_o precede_v the_o messiah_n 6._o that_o his_o ministry_n be_v to_o usher_v in_o that_o grand_a revelation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o flesh_n i._n e._n before_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o be_v to_o be_v call_v by_o the_o messiah_n to_o his_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o prophet_n malachy_n do_v most_o distinct_o represent_v to_o we_o 1._o that_o the_o mission_n of_o this_o forerunner_n be_v not_o far_o off_o behold_v say_v he_o i_o send_v my_o messenger_n he_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o thing_n at_o the_o door_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o the_o jew_n themselves_o own_o it_o that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o malachy_n there_o be_v never_o a_o prophet_n till_o the_o appearance_n of_o john_n the_o baptist._n 2._o it_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o elias_n be_v to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o prepare_v the_o way_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n 3._o that_o he_o be_v immediate_o to_o precede_v the_o messiah_n this_o he_o express_v by_o say_v and_o the_o lord_n who_o you_o seek_v shall_v sudden_o come_v to_o his_o temple_n even_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o you_o delight_v in_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o messiah_n who_o he_o call_v ii_o psalm_n ii_o not_o only_o the_o angel_n or_o messenger_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o also_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o god_n have_v promise_v he_o as_o a_o king_n to_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o god_n by_o he_o be_v to_o make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o jeremy_n declare_v chap._n xxxi_o chap._n xiii_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v before_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n the_o precede_a mark_n of_o the_o messiah_n lead_v we_o to_o this_o we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o and_o afford_v it_o considerable_a light._n i_o will_v not_o repeat_v here_o what_o i_o have_v already_o set_v down_o concern_v that_o prophecy_n gen._n xlix_o verse_n 10._o concern_v the_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v evident_a at_o first_o sight_n that_o that_o prophecy_n evidence_n three_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o sceptre_n be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n before_o ever_o the_o shiloh_n be_v to_o come_v 2._o that_o the_o sceptre_n be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o a_o inferior_a dignity_n which_o the_o prophet_n set_v forth_o by_o the_o word_n lawgiver_n and_o which_o do_v take_v place_n till_o the_o time_n of_o zerubbabel_n and_o his_o successor_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o this_o last_o dignity_n also_o be_v to_o come_v to_o a_o end_n which_o happen_v not_o till_o the_o advancement_n of_o herod_n the_o great_a to_o the_o throne_n of_o judea_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n by_o other_o oracle_n which_o give_v a_o further_a light_n to_o this_o our_o explication_n we_o have_v several_a that_o be_v very_o remarkable_a upon_o this_o account_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o daniel_n chap._n ii_o verse_n 40_o 41_o 42_o to_o 46._o where_o he_o first_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o several_a monarchy_n until_o that_o of_o the_o messiah_n 2._o the_o time_n in_o which_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o appear_v i_o confess_v he_o do_v not_o determine_v the_o time_n very_o precise_o mention_v only_o the_o monarchy_n during_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v manifest_v but_o to_o make_v amends_o for_o this_o when_o he_o come_v to_o explain_v the_o particular_n of_o this_o prophecy_n which_o before_o he_o have_v propose_v in_o general_a term_n he_o do_v not_o only_a point_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o appearance_n but_o the_o very_a year_n of_o his_o death_n and_o he_o do_v it_o with_o that_o exactness_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v mistake_v about_o it_o see_v what_o he_o say_v in_o the_o ix_o chapter_n of_o his_o revelation_n verse_n 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o seventy_o week_n be_v determine_v upon_o thy_o people_n and_o upon_o thy_o holy_a city_n to_o finish_v the_o transgression_n and_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v reconciliation_n for_o iniquity_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o everlasting_a righteousness_n and_o to_o seal_v up_o the_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n and_o to_o anoint_v the_o most_o holy._n verse_n 25._o know_v therefore_o and_o understand_v that_o from_o the_o go_v forth_o of_o the_o commandment_n to_o restore_v and_o build_v jerusalem_n unto_o the_o messiah_n the_o prince_n shall_v be_v seven_o week_n and_o threescore_o and_o two_o week_n the_o street_n shall_v be_v build_v again_o and_o the_o wall_n even_o in_o troublous_a time_n verse_n 26._o and_o after_o the_o threescore_o and_o two_o week_n shall_v messiah_n be_v cut_v off_o but_o not_o for_o himself_o and_o the_o people_n of_o the_o prince_n that_o shall_v come_v shall_v destroy_v the_o city_n and_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o end_n thereof_o shall_v be_v with_o a_o flood_n and_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o war_n desolation_n be_v determine_v verse_n 27._o and_o he_o shall_v confirm_v the_o covenant_n with_o many_o for_o one_o week_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o week_n he_o shall_v cause_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n to_o cease_v and_o for_o the_o overspreading_a of_o abomination_n he_o shall_v make_v it_o desolate_a even_o until_o the_o consummation_n and_o that_o determine_a shall_v be_v pour_v on_o the_o desolate_a for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o prophecy_n which_o be_v so_o exact_a and_o all_o the_o event_n it_o refer_v to_o so_o particularise_v it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o that_o by_o the_o week_n daniel_n here_o speak_v of_o seven_o year_n be_v design_v according_a to_o the_o style_n of_o the_o law_n levit._n xxv_o 8._o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o year_n of_o jubilee_n so_o that_o seventy_o week_n make_v out_o 490_o year_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a among_o the_o jew_n jachiade_n abarbanel_n and_o manasseh_n
get_v himself_o reputation_n by_o exciting_a a_o curiosity_n in_o people_n for_o his_o book_n this_o will_v not_o have_v be_v become_v the_o gravity_n and_o wisdom_n of_o so_o great_a a_o legislator_n of_o who_o all_o succeed_a age_n have_v borrow_v their_o law_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o his_o end_n in_o the_o record_v of_o these_o matter_n be_v to_o inspire_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n those_o who_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o charge_n this_o be_v that_o which_o in_o general_a we_o may_v observe_v about_o these_o matter_n but_o more_o particular_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o moses_n his_o end_n in_o record_v the_o oracle_n by_o which_o god_n promise_v to_o abraham_n the_o establish_v his_o posterity_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v to_o represent_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o right_a they_o have_v to_o that_o land_n according_a to_o the_o design_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n but_o without_o make_v this_o particular_a reflection_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o law_n take_v its_o beginning_n at_o the_o twelve_o of_o exodus_fw-la where_o god_n prescribe_v to_o his_o people_n the_o manner_n of_o celebrate_v the_o passover_n at_o least_o this_o be_v the_o first_o law_n which_o god_n give_v they_o through_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o moses_n his_o end_n be_v to_o justify_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o people_n the_o design_n he_o have_v to_o make_v they_o leave_v egypt_n as_o well_o as_o their_o pretension_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n whither_o he_o be_v to_o lead_v they_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o he_o to_o lay_v before_o they_o the_o ground_n of_o those_o pretension_n which_o he_o can_v not_o do_v without_o relate_v the_o whole_a series_n of_o the_o history_n until_o the_o time_n of_o their_o bondage_n in_o egypt_n which_o we_o read_v in_o genesis_n the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o only_o concern_v the_o ancestor_n of_o that_o people_n after_o that_o moses_n have_v first_o lay_v down_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o be_v know_v to_o all_o nation_n let_v we_o now_o imagine_v to_o ourselves_o a_o man_n endeavour_v all_o of_o a_o sudden_a to_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n the_o belief_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o distant_a from_o common_a apprehension_n as_o these_o two_o point_n must_v needs_o be_v viz._n that_o of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n in_o case_n we_o suppose_v they_o general_o unknown_a let_v we_o yet_o further_o conceive_v a_o man_n not_o only_o relate_v those_o thing_n but_o make_v they_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o new_a sort_n of_o law_n never_o before_o hear_v of_o be_v there_o any_o wit_n or_o judgement_n in_o such_o a_o undertake_n can_v we_o therefore_o suppose_v that_o moses_n who_o write_n testify_v his_o great_a wisdom_n shall_v ever_o have_v entertain_v such_o unaccountable_a thought_n i_o dare_v aver_v that_o there_o be_v any_o never_a legislator_n so_o stupid_a and_o inconsiderate_a as_o to_o pretend_v to_o engage_v a_o whole_a people_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o yoke_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o receive_v a_o great_a number_n of_o law_n respect_v their_o civil_a government_n and_o religion_n by_o declare_v to_o they_o two_o fiction_n of_o which_o they_o have_v never_o before_o have_v the_o least_o idea_n it_o be_v also_o very_o considerable_a that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o recite_v by_o moses_n as_o a_o preface_n to_o the_o decalogue_n as_o if_o then_o first_o they_o have_v be_v propose_v to_o moses_n or_o the_o people_n by_o god_n but_o moses_n set_v they_o down_o as_o truth_n know_v to_o they_o all_o and_z as_o principle_n universal_o admit_v and_o such_o as_o the_o mere_a mention_v of_o they_o can_v not_o but_o strong_o engage_v the_o jew_n to_o render_v a_o ready_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n which_o god_n give_v to_o moses_n in_o their_o presence_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o which_o their_o very_a sense_n be_v convince_v let_v we_o also_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n the_o relation_n of_o which_o moses_n have_v join_v with_o these_o two_o general_a point_n to_o make_v a_o impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o account_n he_o give_v they_o of_o their_o ancestor_n near_a or_o far_o off_o who_o he_o represent_v as_o equal_o inform_v of_o these_o matter_n as_o have_v several_o deliver_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o to_o their_o child_n and_o have_v join_v to_o these_o first_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o saviour_n many_o other_o notion_n thereon_o depend_v and_o which_o tie_v their_o hope_n and_o expectation_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o now_o judge_v whether_o moses_n be_v not_o to_o be_v accuse_v of_o great_a folly_n and_o senselesness_n if_o he_o have_v proceed_v to_o make_v such_o a_o vast_a people_n all_o of_o the_o sudden_a to_o receive_v for_o truth_n public_o and_o general_o own_v what_o indeed_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o most_o ridiculous_a and_o ill_a cohere_a romance_n that_o ever_o be_v broach_v now_o since_o as_o it_o be_v visible_a take_v in_o the_o circumstance_n i_o have_v hint_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o a_o historian_n and_o lawgiver_n as_o moses_n be_v relate_v such_o importent_fw-la matter_n can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o atheist_n can_v have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o his_o testimony_n with_o the_o least_o shadow_n or_o pretence_n of_o reason_n so_o that_o we_o may_v already_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o better_o attest_v than_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o immovable_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n nevertheless_o for_o a_o more_o evident_a conviction_n we_o be_v willing_a before_o we_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o weak_a and_o inconsiderable_a all_o those_o objection_n be_v which_o atheist_n can_v possible_o frame_v against_o what_o moses_n relate_v concern_v these_o matter_n what_o can_v they_o with_o reason_n object_n perhaps_o they_o will_v say_v that_o moses_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o genesis_n but_o that_o it_o be_v foist_v in_o under_o his_o name_n and_o consequent_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o his_o evidence_n be_v all_o without_o ground_n or_o they_o may_v object_v that_o if_o moses_n be_v indeed_o the_o author_n of_o genesis_n that_o he_o live_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v that_o it_o make_v void_a the_o authority_n of_o his_o write_n they_o may_v moreover_o allege_v that_o moses_n relate_v thing_n impossible_a and_o of_o which_o therefore_o those_o that_o mention_v they_o before_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v so_o long_o since_o past_a and_o do_v can_v not_o be_v full_o inform_v of_o and_o that_o they_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v great_o change_v and_o alter_v by_o a_o tradition_n of_o so_o many_o age_n they_o may_v also_o allege_v that_o according_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n moses_n pen_v not_o these_o thing_n as_o a_o historian_n but_o as_o a_o prophet_n and_o that_o the_o apprehension_n of_o most_o concern_v his_o book_n be_v that_o he_o write_v of_o thing_n whereof_o the_o knowledge_n before_o his_o time_n be_v very_o obscure_a and_o confuse_v or_o rather_o be_v general_o unknown_a they_o may_v object_v against_o these_o relation_n of_o moses_n that_o which_o the_o most_o ancient_a people_n such_o as_o the_o egyptian_n chaldean_n and_o chinese_n allege_v for_o their_o antiquity_n which_o far_o surpass_v the_o date_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o moses_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a way_n to_o assault_v the_o truth_n which_o moses_n relate_v either_o by_o maintain_v with_o the_o atheist_n on_o one_o hand_n that_o the_o thing_n which_o moses_n relate_v be_v indeed_o mention_v by_o other_o author_n but_o that_o they_o forge_v they_o themselves_o or_o that_o moses_n be_v a_o able_a and_o refine_a politician_n design_v by_o create_v a_o belief_n of_o these_o matter_n in_o the_o jew_n to_o make_v they_o more_o submissive_a and_o obedient_a to_o he_o in_o a_o word_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o suppose_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n to_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n for_o he_o to_o dictate_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v to_o a_o people_n who_o be_v under_o a_o law_n that_o make_v it_o capital_a to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o relation_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n this_o certain_o be_v the_o far_a to_o which_o the_o height_n of_o obstinacy_n can_v carry_v this_o matter_n and_o the_o very_a last_o refuge_n of_o the_o strong_a prejudice_n but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o confound_v the_o atheist_n and_o libertine_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o article_n and_o
to_o show_v that_o all_o their_o objection_n do_v in_o effect_n serve_v for_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o make_v a_o more_o lively_a impression_n of_o this_o argument_n take_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o set_v forth_o in_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a light_n chap._n v._n that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o can_v with_o reason_n contest_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o tradition_n which_o have_v those_o character_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o relation_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v question_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v whether_o moses_n the_o great_a captain_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o founder_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v solid_o to_o evince_v though_o it_o seem_v that_o we_o may_v dispense_v with_o this_o trouble_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a event_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v general_o believe_v by_o other_o as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n at_o least_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o these_o matter_n have_v give_v occasion_n to_o most_o of_o their_o fable_n viz._n to_o that_o of_o the_o chaos_n to_o that_o of_o the_o marriage_n of_o peleus_n and_o thetis_n for_o the_o form_n of_o man_n to_o that_o of_o prometheus_n to_o that_o of_o jupiter_n continue_a laughter_n for_o the_o seven_o first_o day_n of_o his_o life_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o original_a of_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o seven_o day_n know_v among_o the_o heathen_n to_o that_o of_o the_o golden_a age_n and_o of_o the_o deluge_n to_o the_o name_n of_o deucalion_n to_o the_o fable_n of_o janus_n to_o that_o of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o world_n among_o saturn_n son_n to_o the_o name_n of_o jupiter_n hammon_n to_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o titan_n and_o of_o the_o change_n of_o woman_n into_o statue_n of_o stone_n to_o the_o story_n of_o the_o incest_n the_o god_n commit_v with_o their_o daughter_n to_o that_o of_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o world_n by_o phaeton_n and_o to_o a_o great_a number_n of_o other_o fiction_n which_o can_v be_v otherwise_o explain_v as_o the_o learned_a have_v show_v at_o large_a whosoever_o be_v the_o author_n of_o genesis_n whether_o moses_n or_o another_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v exact_o inform_v of_o the_o matter_n he_o relate_v and_o that_o he_o live_v soon_o after_o joseph_n first_o then_o i_o say_v that_o it_o appear_v he_o be_v full_o inform_v of_o those_o matter_n of_o which_o he_o treat_v he_o set_v down_o the_o name_n of_o the_o head_n or_o father_n of_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v it_o so_o that_o what_o he_o say_v do_v very_o well_o agree_v with_o what_o the_o most_o ancient_a historian_n have_v leave_v we_o concern_v that_o matter_n he_o speak_v of_o these_o nation_n of_o the_o country_n they_o possess_v and_o their_o king_n as_o of_o thing_n he_o be_v perfect_o inform_v of_o he_o very_o careful_o distinguish_v the_o original_a of_o these_o several_a nation_n and_o the_o same_o be_v at_o that_o time_n common_o know_v no_o historian_n can_v represent_v they_o otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v without_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o laughter_n of_o all_o by_o endeavour_v to_o mix_v fable_n with_o relation_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o say_v that_o this_o book_n be_v write_v by_o a_o man_n that_o live_v soon_o after_o joseph_n he_o speak_v very_o exact_o of_o what_o joseph_n do_v in_o his_o place_n of_o chief_a minister_n to_o pharaoh_n in_o particular_a he_o set_v down_o the_o first_o original_a of_o the_o five_o penny_n which_o the_o egyptian_n so_o many_o age_n after_o continue_v to_o pay_v to_o their_o king_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o not_o egyptian_a can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o last_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o this_o book_n serve_v for_o a_o introduction_n to_o exodus_fw-la and_o the_o follow_a book_n which_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v relate_v to_o we_o there_o and_o do_v throughout_o allude_v and_o refer_v to_o the_o several_a passage_n of_o it_o and_o that_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o we_o find_v in_o genesis_n and_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o other_o succeed_a matter_n of_o fact_n until_o the_o come_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n into_o egypt_n when_o joseph_n be_v chief_a favourite_n and_o minister_n of_o pharaoh_n but_o we_o have_v yet_o a_o more_o easy_a way_n to_o make_v out_o that_o moses_n who_o history_n be_v contain_v in_o exodus_fw-la and_o the_o follow_a book_n be_v the_o author_n of_o genesis_n for_o first_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o have_v acknowledge_v moses_n for_o the_o most_o ancient_a lawgiver_n for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o plato_n polemus_n artapanus_n pythagoras_n theopompus_n and_o diodorus_n siculus_n who_o place_v moses_n in_o the_o front_n of_o six_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a law_n giver_n thus_o moses_n sauchnis_n sesonchosis_n bachoris_n amasis_n and_o darius_n father_n of_o xerxes_n but_o further_a if_o when_o the_o lacedaemonian_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o law_n of_o their_o lawgiver_n lycurgus_n and_o the_o athenian_n of_o those_o of_o their_o solon_n we_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o because_o natural_o every_o nation_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o faithful_a depositary_a of_o the_o law_n of_o he_o who_o first_o found_v their_o government_n yea_o if_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o doubt_n of_o these_o relation_n though_o there_o be_v no_o people_n at_o this_o day_n who_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o lycurgus_n or_o solon_n can_v any_o valuable_a reason_n be_v imagine_v for_o we_o to_o doubt_v whether_o moses_n write_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n when_o a_o entire_a nation_n have_v constant_o aver_v that_o he_o do_v so_o i_o say_v when_o all_o the_o jew_n who_o continue_v at_o this_o day_n do_v in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o be_v scatter_v throughout_o the_o world_n equal_o and_o with_o one_o consent_n maintain_v that_o they_o receive_v this_o book_n from_o he_o together_o with_o the_o law_n and_o worship_n therein_o contain_v nay_o when_o it_o be_v notorious_a that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v suffer_v martyrdom_n in_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n i_o omit_v now_o to_o mention_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o descend_v of_o abraham_n and_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o do_v not_o cease_v high_o to_o defend_v this_o truth_n throughout_o the_o world_n the_o gospel_n in_o their_o sense_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o literal_a accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v bruise_v the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o these_o my_o reflection_n with_o how_o much_o justice_n they_o assent_v to_o this_o truth_n but_o at_o present_a i_o tie_v myself_o only_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o which_o confirm_v the_o authority_n thereof_o chap._n vi_o that_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n can_v not_o be_v forge_v under_o the_o name_n of_o moses_n i_o shall_v never_o have_v do_v shall_v i_o go_v about_o to_o set_v down_o all_o the_o observation_n which_o may_v be_v make_v incompare_v this_o book_n of_o genesis_n with_o other_o history_n common_o know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o who_o faithfulness_n be_v unquestionable_a without_o enter_v upon_o this_o comparison_n we_o may_v bold_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o history_n in_o the_o world_n who_o author_n we_o can_v be_v so_o sure_a of_o as_o that_o moses_n be_v the_o penman_n of_o genesis_n but_o i_o go_v further_o and_o assert_v that_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o testimony_n they_o give_v to_o this_o truth_n which_o i_o prove_v by_o these_o two_o remark_n the_o first_o be_v that_o their_o observation_n both_o civil_a and_o religious_a be_v at_o this_o day_n found_v upon_o no_o other_o principle_n than_o those_o which_o we_o find_v in_o genesis_n as_o for_o instance_n they_o compute_v the_o beginning_n of_o their_o day_n from_o the_o precede_a evening_n they_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n they_o observe_v circumcision_n they_o abstain_v from_o eat_v the_o muscle_n which_o be_v in_o the_o hollow_a of_o the_o thigh_n etc._n etc._n the_o observation_n of_o which_o law_n be_v indeed_o
to_o who_o he_o write_v have_v no_o need_n of_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n quote_v to_o they_o which_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n bless_v the_o seven_o day_n and_o hallow_v it_o that_o be_v he_o consecrate_a the_o same_o to_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n forasmuch_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o public_o and_o universal_o know_v among_o they_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n be_v a_o thing_n general_o receive_v even_o before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law._n and_o indeed_o the_o philo_n the_o jew_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o solemnize_n that_o day_n have_v suffer_v some_o interruption_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n be_v give_v to_o moses_n yet_o it_o be_v well_o know_v first_o of_o all_o 12._o euseb_n praep_v evang._n l._n 13._o c._n 12._o that_o aristobulus_n the_o peripatetic_a in_o a_o treatise_n dedicate_v by_o he_o to_o ptolemy_n surname_v philadelphus_n cite_v several_a passage_n of_o homer_n hesiod_n and_o linus_n heathen_a poet_n which_o mention_v the_o seven_o day_n as_o a_o festival_n and_o solemn_a day_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v finish_v in_o the_o same_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v notorious_a that_o if_o some_o of_o the_o father_n as_o justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n write_v against_o the_o jew_n have_v deny_v that_o the_o patriarch_n observe_v the_o seven_o day_n they_o do_v so_o rather_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o rigour_n of_o that_o law_n which_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o work_n on_o that_o day_n upon_o pain_n of_o death_n which_o be_v superad_v by_o god_n to_o the_o first_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n than_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n as_o it_o be_v a_o day_n appoint_v to_o make_v a_o solemn_a commemoration_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world._n in_o a_o word_n we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o difference_n which_o god_n make_v between_o the_o sabbath_n observe_v by_o the_o patriarch_n and_o that_o which_o he_o appoint_v to_o the_o jew_n do_v consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o that_o god_n do_v impose_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n upon_o the_o jew_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o work_n even_o to_o the_o very_a dress_n of_o meat_n necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o life_n we_o find_v this_o distinction_n clear_o express_v in_o the_o law_n which_o god_n give_v concern_v the_o first_o and_o seven_o day_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o unleavened_a bread_n for_o he_o absolute_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o work_n on_o these_o two_o day_n as_o much_o as_o on_o the_o sabbath_n even_o the_o prepare_n of_o necessary_a food_n which_o he_o permit_v the_o five_o other_o day_n forbid_v only_o servile_a laborious_a work_n second_o in_o that_o the_o work_n on_o that_o day_n by_o the_o law_n be_v make_v punishable_a with_o death_n which_o be_v not_o so_o before_o which_o innovation_n and_o new_a rigour_n of_o the_o law_n establish_v by_o god_n be_v authorize_v by_o the_o punish_n of_o he_o who_o have_v gather_v stick_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n whereas_o we_o find_v that_o before_o the_o law_n be_v give_v upon_o mount_n sinai_n god_n do_v not_o command_v those_o jew_n to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n who_o go_v forth_o the_o seven_o day_n to_o gather_v manna_n according_a to_o their_o ancient_a custom_n of_o dress_v their_o meat_n on_o that_o day_n let_v i_o add_v this_o further_a that_o though_o the_o apostle_n have_v abolish_v the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n concern_v the_o sabbath_n introduce_v by_o moses_n yet_o they_o themselves_o observe_v it_o which_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o all_o probability_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o christian_n for_o almost_o four_o century_n to_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n solemnize_n both_o those_o day_n the_o one_o as_o a_o commemoration_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o other_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n but_o what_o ever_o judgement_n may_v be_v pass_v on_o this_o last_o remark_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o genesis_n and_o exodus_fw-la first_o that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n be_v observe_v before_o moses_n second_o that_o this_o observation_n be_v by_o the_o first_o patriarch_n propagate_v among_o the_o heathen_n also_o as_o well_o as_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o creation_n or_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o sacrifice_v with_o the_o other_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n the_o original_a whereof_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n as_o we_o shall_v make_v appear_v in_o our_o follow_a discourse_n after_o all_o this_o we_o must_v conclude_v against_o the_o atheist_n that_o either_o moses_n must_v imprudent_o have_v lay_v a_o snare_n for_o himself_o in_o forge_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o not_o only_o the_o jew_n but_o all_o the_o world_n be_v able_a to_o convince_v he_o since_o there_o be_v none_o among_o they_o but_o must_v needs_o be_v conscious_a whether_o they_o have_v observe_v the_o sabbath_n in_o commemoration_n of_o the_o creation_n as_o he_o relate_v it_o or_o no_o or_o else_o that_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o general_o know_v and_o the_o memorial_n of_o it_o solemnize_v every_o seven_o day_n by_o all_o those_o who_o precede_v he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o uncontested_a and_o immovable_a truth_n which_o i_o shall_v far_o evince_v by_o those_o observation_n which_o i_o shall_v raise_v from_o the_o dependence_n and_o connexion_n which_o the_o matter_n relate_v by_o moses_n in_o genesis_n have_v with_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n this_o be_v my_o business_n at_o present_a in_o perform_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o rational_a and_o coherent_a than_o the_o relation_n of_o moses_n in_o which_o the_o atheist_n imagine_v that_o they_o discover_v so_o great_a absurdity_n chap._n viii_o that_o adam_n be_v convince_v of_o his_o creation_n by_o reason_n and_o authority_n though_o it_o may_v be_v think_v more_o natural_a in_o these_o our_o disquisition_n about_o the_o history_n of_o genesis_n to_o begin_v with_o those_o matter_n which_o happen_v near_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n and_o from_o they_o to_o pass_v to_o those_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n yet_o i_o have_v choose_v rather_o to_o follow_v the_o thread_n of_o moses_n his_o discourse_n hope_v that_o this_o method_n will_v afford_v more_o light_n to_o these_o our_o reflection_n at_o least_o it_o will_v spare_v i_o the_o trouble_n of_o frequent_a repetition_n which_o in_o the_o other_o way_n i_o shall_v be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o i_o begin_v then_o with_o this_o that_o adam_n be_v convince_v of_o his_o creation_n both_o by_o reason_n and_o authority_n the_o creation_n of_o adam_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o he_o must_v first_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o himself_o before_o he_o can_v persuade_v his_o posterity_n to_o entertain_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o enquiry_n to_o know_v what_o way_n he_o have_v to_o assure_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v indeed_o create_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o moses_n relate_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o tradition_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o adam_n who_o moses_n suppose_v to_o have_v be_v the_o first_o deliverer_n of_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o must_v be_v assure_v that_o adam_n can_v not_o deceive_v himself_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a enough_o that_o he_o will_v not_o deceive_v his_o child_n when_o he_o take_v care_n to_o instruct_v they_o concern_v it_o as_o to_o his_o own_o existence_n he_o can_v not_o but_o be_v as_o strong_o persuade_v of_o it_o as_o we_o be_v of_o we_o all_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o the_o manner_n how_o he_o come_v to_o exist_v now_o there_o be_v two_o way_n by_o which_o adam_n may_v inform_v himself_o of_o this_o viz._n by_o reason_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o authority_n he_o can_v easy_o find_v out_o this_o secret_a by_o a_o rational_a reflection_n or_o he_o may_v also_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o by_o god_n himself_o who_o have_v create_v he_o not_o to_o mention_v now_o any_o information_n which_o he_o may_v have_v from_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o creation_n it_o appear_v that_o adam_n who_o tradition_n moses_n have_v record_v suppose_n that_o he_o have_v learn_v of_o god_n himself_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o own_o formation_n god_n speak_v to_o adam_n and_o sanctify_v the_o seven_o day_n that_o be_v oblige_v adam_n to_o keep_v the_o memorial_n of_o his_o creation_n he_o tie_v he_o by_o a_o law_n to_o commemorate_v his_o creation_n fifty_o two_o time_n a_o year_n and_o to_o render_v he_o continual_a thanks_o for_o the_o be_v he_o have_v receive_v but_o forasmuch_o as_o
of_o take_v to_o wife_n once_o own_o brother_n widow_n to_o raise_v he_o up_o seed_n 2._o the_o sin_n of_o onan_n be_v represent_v so_o odious_a only_o because_o by_o it_o he_o act_v against_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o promise_n 3._o we_o see_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o action_n of_o thamar_n juda_n daughter-in-law_n for_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o judah_n she_o in_o exchange_n surprise_v he_o into_o a_o incest_n the_o commission_n whereof_o according_a to_o the_o observation_n of_o a_o greek_a commentator_n she_o seek_v to_o perpetuate_v i._n theoph._n in_o mat._n c._n i._n only_o because_o she_o have_v a_o vehement_a desire_n to_o get_v child_n out_o of_o a_o family_n which_o she_o look_v upon_o as_o sole_o entrust_v with_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o out_o of_o which_o he_o be_v according_o to_o be_v bear_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v that_o observation_n because_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o remember_v that_o she_o be_v former_o a_o canaanite_n and_o that_o consequent_o she_o leave_v off_o and_o renounce_v the_o impiety_n and_o idolatry_n of_o her_o kindred_n when_o she_o embrace_v the_o religion_n and_o hope_n of_o jacob_n family_n therefore_o we_o see_v that_o particular_a mention_n be_v make_v of_o she_o in_o our_o saviour_n genealogy_n and_o of_o ruth_n who_o likewise_o give_v over_o all_o the_o pretension_n of_o her_o own_o people_n and_o so_o forsake_v her_o religion_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n as_o well_o as_o of_o bathshebah_n who_o be_v wife_n to_o a_o hittite_n whereupon_o a_o ancient_a father_n have_v very_o well_o observe_v 3._o s._n hieronym_n in_o tradit_fw-la heb_fw-mi ad_fw-la 1_o reg._n 3._o according_a to_o the_o jewish_a opinion_n that_o shimei_n revile_n against_o david_n when_o he_o go_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n during_o absalom_n rebellion_n reflect_v upon_o his_o birth_n out_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o ruth_n the_o moabitess_n as_o the_o jew_n even_o to_o this_o very_a day_n do_v understand_v it_o we_o may_v make_v the_o same_o reflection_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o implacable_a jealousy_n which_o joseph_n dream_n raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o brethren_n 1._o we_o may_v reasonable_o conceive_v that_o he_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o rachel_n and_o the_o wife_n which_o jacob_n his_o father_n have_v first_o make_v love_n to_o he_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o with_o hope_n of_o the_o birthright_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n who_o be_v but_o the_o second_o son_n of_o abraham_n but_o 2._o he_o may_v beside_o very_o well_o suppose_v that_o the_o crime_n of_o his_o brethren_n bear_v of_o leah_n who_o in_o all_o likelihood_n he_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o sole_a legitimate_a heir_n the_o other_o be_v bear_v of_o maid-servant_n do_v rank_v they_o with_o esau_n who_o god_n have_v reject_v that_o outrageous_a fury_n which_o joseph_n brethren_n show_v against_o he_o because_o they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o prefer_v of_o god_n by_o those_o dream_n to_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v before_o he_o be_v so_o like_a that_o of_o cain_n of_o lot_n of_o ishmael_n and_o of_o esau_n that_o it_o have_v in_o all_o probability_n the_o same_o cause_n and_o original_a do_v we_o not_o see_v afterward_o another_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o jealousy_n in_o the_o affectation_n that_o jacob_n and_o his_o family_n show_v in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n when_o they_o refuse_v to_o live_v promiscuous_o with_o the_o egyptian_n which_o be_v the_o posterity_n of_o ham_n and_o beg_v of_o they_o a_o country_n where_o they_o may_v live_v by_o themselves_o as_o we_o see_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o egyptian_n show_v a_o extreme_a aversion_n against_o jacob_n and_o his_o family_n which_o be_v of_o sem_n posterity_n certain_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o as_o this_o separation_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o antipathy_n of_o those_o nation_n so_o it_o may_v also_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n the_o consequence_n of_o jacob_n and_o his_o child_n pretension_n upon_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o execution_n and_o accomplishment_n whereof_o they_o stand_v up_o for_o as_o belong_v to_o themselves_o to_o all_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o egyptian_n against_o the_o israelite_n oblige_v they_o to_o make_v particular_a reflection_n upon_o the_o promise_n which_o jacob_n on_o his_o deathbed_n make_v to_o they_o from_o god_n that_o persecution_n be_v chief_o intend_v against_o the_o male_a child_n pharaoh_n command_v the_o extirpation_n of_o they_o because_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o jew_n grow_v too_o strong_a for_o he_o and_o of_o their_o join_n with_o his_o enemy_n and_o perhaps_o also_o because_o the_o jew_n entertain_v a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n come_v and_o so_o boast_v and_o glory_v of_o it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n the_o egyptian_n design_v to_o frustrate_v and_o cut_v off_o their_o hope_n thus_o by_o hinder_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n however_o there_o be_v no_o real_a difficulty_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o distinct_a remembrance_n of_o those_o important_a fact_n jacob_n die_v in_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 2315._o joseph_n die_v in_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 2428._o there_o be_v then_o but_o 58_o year_n between_o joseph_n death_n and_o moses_n birth_n moses_n may_v have_v see_v not_o only_o amram_v his_o own_o â—â—ther_n who_o have_v see_v levi_n but_o also_o kohath_fw-mi his_o grandfather_n who_o have_v see_v jacob._n and_o it_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n 23._o gen._n l._n 23._o that_o moses_n seem_v to_o have_v observe_v that_o joseph_n see_v his_o own_o child_n child_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o three_o generation_n one_o can_v imagine_v any_o circumstance_n more_o conducible_a than_o these_o to_o the_o preserve_v the_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o those_o important_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n chap._n xvii_o that_o the_o tradition_n which_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o persuasion_n which_o the_o ancient_n have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n before_o moses_n can_v be_v suspect_v i_o have_v show_v i_o think_v evident_o enough_o that_o both_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n with_o all_o the_o other_o thing_n depend_v upon_o they_o may_v have_v be_v know_v certain_o by_o adam_n and_o his_o child_n and_o so_o afterward_o be_v hand_v down_o to_o all_o his_o posterity_n till_o moses_n time_n from_o adam_n to_o noah_n there_o be_v but_o one_o man_n viz._n methusalah_n who_o join_v hand_n with_o both_o from_o noah_n to_o abraham_n there_o be_v but_o one_o man_n viz._n sem_fw-mi who_o see_v they_o both_o for_o a_o considerable_a time_n from_o abraham_n to_o joseph_n there_o be_v but_o one_o man_n viz._n isaac_n joseph_n grandfather_n from_o joseph_n to_o moses_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d one_o man_n viz._n amram_n who_o may_v have_v see_v joseph_n long_o enough_o those_o character_n of_o time_n which_o moses_n have_v so_o careful_o observe_v do_v plain_o evidence_n that_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n may_v be_v distinct_o know_v for_o if_o we_o suppose_v a_o continue_a succession_n of_o adam_n offspring_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o that_o matter_n and_o that_o because_o every_o one_o of_o those_o who_o be_v contemporary_n with_o moses_n be_v able_a to_o run_v up_o his_o own_o pedigree_n as_o far_o as_o the_o flood_n nay_o even_o up_o to_o adam_n by_z as_o compendious_a a_o way_n as_o moses_n can_v do_v his_o own_o they_o will_v have_v treat_v those_o with_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o scorn_n who_o shall_v have_v attempt_v to_o forge_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v public_o and_o universal_o know_v and_o so_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a that_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n so_o important_a as_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v shall_v be_v unknown_a beside_o i_o think_v i_o have_v plain_o show_v that_o many_o action_n record_v by_o moses_n though_o very_o strange_a in_o themselves_o and_o which_o the_o atheist_n look_v upon_o as_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a have_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o principle_n than_o from_o the_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n according_a as_o in_o a_o long_a series_n of_o age_n every_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n follow_v his_o own_o humour_n and_o prejudices_fw-la frame_v to_o himself_o a_o particular_a idea_n differ_v from_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v object_v that_o all_o this_o be_v only_o ground_v upon_o the_o uncertain_a authority_n of_o tradition_n for_o though_o i_o grant_v that_o tradition_n as_o to_o fact_n of_o another_o nature_n be_v dubious_a and_o uncertain_a and_o not_o to_o be_v too_o much_o
rely_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o belief_n yet_o this_o have_v such_o very_a particular_a character_n as_o keep_v up_o its_o own_o authority_n first_o it_o suppose_v a_o small_a number_n of_o person_n from_o adam_n to_o moses_n who_o put_v it_o in_o write_v second_o it_o suppose_v that_o those_o who_o have_v preserve_v this_o tradition_n live_v very_o long_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n for_o many_o century_n of_o year_n three_o it_o relate_v to_o such_o fact_n as_o every_o one_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v right_o inform_v of_o and_o which_o he_o be_v particular_o concern_v to_o examine_v as_o relate_v to_o his_o own_o private_a interest_n because_o they_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o his_o action_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o conduct_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n four_o it_o suppose_v such_o real_a mark_n as_o serve_v to_o keep_v it_o up_o such_o as_o the_o pain_n of_o child-bearing_a the_o paradise_n before_o the_o flood_n the_o duration_n of_o the_o ark_n after_o the_o flood_n five_o it_o suppose_v a_o public_a service_n and_o worship_n who_o celebration_n be_v repeat_v fifty_o two_o time_n a_o year_n that_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v preserve_v by_o all_o posterity_n six_o it_o be_v preserve_v entire_a by_o pass_v from_o father_n to_o son_n and_o we_o know_v that_o father_n or_o mother_n do_v not_o natural_o engage_v in_o a_o design_n of_o deceive_v their_o child_n seven_o it_o suppose_v strange_a controversy_n betwixt_o brother_n the_o elder_a have_v almost_o all_o be_v exclude_v and_o the_o young_a as_o abel_n seth_n abraham_n isaac_n jacob_n juda_n choose_v to_o accomplish_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o breed_v great_a jealousy_n and_o tend_v much_o to_o preserve_v those_o idea_n of_o the_o truth_n last_o it_o suppose_v great_a contest_v betwixt_o whole_a nation_n who_o all_o strive_v one_o with_o another_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o depositary_n of_o those_o verity_n as_o the_o moabite_n for_o instance_n the_o ammonite_n the_o ishmaelite_n the_o edomite_n and_o the_o jew_n each_o of_o they_o pretend_v to_o a_o preference_n before_o the_o other_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o so_o make_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o credit_n and_o honour_n to_o themselves_o all_o these_o character_n contribute_v to_o the_o distinct_a preservation_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o truth_n chap._n xviii_o a_o explication_n of_o moses_n be_v way_n of_o write_v where_o it_o be_v show_v that_o in_o write_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n he_o mention_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v then_o general_o know_v this_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o at_o first_o i_o take_v for_o grant_v and_o afterward_o prove_v it_o the_o reason_n whereof_o i_o explain_v particular_o as_o i_o go_v on_o but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v fix_v as_o solid_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v bear_v because_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o those_o who_o do_v not_o foresee_v the_o consequence_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n do_v contradict_v it_o before_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o and_o that_o too_o under_o pretence_n of_o exalt_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o atheist_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o not_o otherwise_o than_o as_o learned_a man_n do_v on_o the_o great_a part_n of_o legend_n the_o prophetical_a spirit_n act_n in_o two_o manner_n the_o first_o be_v by_o way_n of_o revelation_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o thing_n the_o prophet_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o thus_o the_o evangelist_n st._n john_n have_v foretell_v those_o event_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o revelation_n for_o those_o event_n be_v all_o hide_a under_o the_o shadow_n of_o futurity_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o have_v foretell_v they_o unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v immediate_o reveal_v they_o to_o he_o the_o second_o be_v by_o way_n of_o direction_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o thing_n with_o which_o the_o prophet_n be_v himself_o acquaint_v either_o because_o he_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o they_o himself_o or_o because_o he_o learn_v they_o from_o those_o who_o be_v so_o now_o this_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n consist_v in_o the_o guide_n the_o prophet_n so_o as_o that_o he_o may_v write_v of_o his_o subject_n just_a as_o it_o be_v either_o speak_v or_o do_v thus_o the_o evangelist_n st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n draw_v up_o a_o abridgement_n of_o those_o sermon_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o of_o those_o miracle_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o thus_o st._n luke_n and_o st._n mark_n have_v write_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v from_o those_o that_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o as_o st._n luke_n particular_o tell_v we_o now_o i_o affirm_v that_o when_o moses_n write_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n he_o have_v only_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o prophetical_a influence_n and_o not_o the_o first_o although_o in_o our_o dispute_n against_o atheist_n to_o convince_v they_o by_o argument_n from_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o may_v consider_v he_o only_o as_o a_o historian_n who_o may_v have_v write_v his_o book_n without_o any_o other_o particular_a direction_n and_o may_v have_v preserve_v in_o it_o the_o memory_n of_o those_o ancient_a event_n which_o be_v then_o general_o know_v now_o what_o side_n soever_o divine_v may_v take_v in_o their_o dispute_n against_o the_o atheist_n i_o may_v easy_o establish_v my_o assertion_n first_o because_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o suppose_v a_o entire_a revelation_n where_o tradition_n be_v distinct_a enough_o be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v a_o clear_a remembrance_n of_o all_o those_o fact_n now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o tradition_n concern_v the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o little_a extent_n of_o it_o and_o the_o immediate_a succession_n of_o moses_n ancestor_n down_o to_o himself_o second_o if_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n travel_n through_o so_o many_o place_n be_v as_o i_o have_v observe_v already_o very_o useful_a to_o give_v they_o a_o further_a view_n of_o the_o common_a belief_n of_o all_o the_o several_a nation_n descend_v from_o noah_n and_o of_o their_o agreement_n in_o this_o tradition_n it_o be_v unjust_a to_o suppose_v that_o moses_n forty_o year_n sojourn_v in_o the_o country_n of_o midian_a and_o that_o too_o when_o he_o be_v forty_o year_n old_a and_o consequent_o have_v that_o ripeness_n of_o age_n and_o judgement_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o such_o observation_n do_v not_o serve_v to_o acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o several_a passage_n he_o record_v of_o abraham_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o several_a division_n of_o his_o posterity_n three_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n a_o way_n of_o write_v very_o different_a from_o that_o which_o we_o see_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o exodus_fw-la and_o in_o the_o follow_a book_n for_o whereas_o god_n speak_v to_o he_o in_o those_o latter_a book_n which_o he_o always_o do_v viuâ_fw-la voce_fw-la and_o the_o jew_n have_v wise_o observe_v that_o herein_o consist_v moses_n advantage_n above_o the_o other_o prophet_n to_o who_o god_n be_v use_v to_o speak_v only_o in_o dream_n and_o vision_n he_o use_v common_o those_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o i_o he_o mark_v out_o the_o place_n where_o god_n speak_v to_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o time_n and_o occasion_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o he_o which_o he_o do_v not_o in_o his_o book_n of_o genesis_n four_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v not_o divide_v into_o several_a revelation_n as_o all_o prophecy_n be_v wherein_o the_o several_a return_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v all_o exact_o set_v down_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a not_o only_o to_o ease_v the_o reader_n who_o may_v be_v tire_v if_o he_o be_v to_o carry_v a_o long_a series_n of_o prediction_n 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