we_o afterward_o that_o the_o prophet_n explain_v in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n all_o these_o idea_n which_o david_n have_v already_o propose_v isaiah_n speak_v of_o his_o birth_n by_o a_o virgin_n of_o his_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o his_o miracle_n of_o his_o suffering_n of_o his_o resurrection_n of_o his_o call_v of_o all_o nation_n in_o to_o his_o worship_n and_o of_o his_o cast_v off_o the_o jew_n those_o who_o come_v after_o point_n out_o the_o place_n particular_o and_o the_o town_n where_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v they_o describe_v his_o covenant_n and_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n in_o short_a they_o describe_v both_o the_o character_n of_o the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o empire_n under_o which_o he_o be_v to_o appear_v and_o the_o very_a year_n in_o which_o he_o be_v to_o die_v as_o daniel_n particular_o do_v i_o can_v undertake_v to_o relate_v all_o the_o oracle_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o be_v so_o very_o numerous_a but_o i_o hope_v at_o least_o to_o mark_v the_o more_o principal_a and_o the_o most_o illustrious_a one_o and_o to_o explain_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o all_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v i._n that_o god_n design_v to_o give_v infallible_a proof_n to_o his_o church_n of_o his_o design_n in_o send_v the_o messiah_n into_o the_o world_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o continual_a remembrance_n of_o he_o as_o of_o a_o person_n who_o be_v promise_v to_o give_v all_o comfort_n to_o his_o church_n and_o who_o come_v shall_v bring_v salvation_n to_o all_o mankind_n ii_o that_o the_o care_n which_o he_o take_v in_o specify_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n show_v that_o he_o design_v to_o prevent_v the_o scandal_n which_o the_o abject_a life_n and_o death_n of_o a_o messiah_n may_v produce_v and_o the_o false_a judgement_n which_o man_n may_v form_v of_o the_o work_n of_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n when_o they_o only_o judge_v of_o they_o by_o the_o outside_n iii_o that_o he_o design_v to_o give_v a_o infallible_a proof_n that_o this_o send_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o fidelity_n which_o at_o last_o accomplish_v a_o thing_n the_o design_n whereof_o have_v be_v propose_v to_o mankind_n immediate_o after_o the_o fall._n chap._n ix_o of_o those_o oracle_n concern_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n i_o begin_v with_o those_o oracle_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n since_o it_o be_v convenient_a to_o touch_v they_o all_o over_o again_o in_o few_o word_n the_o first_o oracle_n be_v comprise_v in_o these_o term_n gen._n iii_o 15._o i_o will_v put_v enmity_n between_o thou_o and_o the_o woman_n and_o between_o thy_o seed_n and_o her_o seed_n it_o shall_v bruise_v thy_o head_n and_o thou_o shall_v bruise_v his_o heel_n this_o oracle_n have_v considerable_a advantage_n though_o it_o be_v express_v in_o figurative_a term_n god_n utter_v it_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n after_o he_o have_v give_v sentence_n against_o adam_n and_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o serpent_n in_o a_o very_a sensible_a manner_n even_o under_o a_o human_a shape_n if_o we_o may_v dare_v to_o affirm_v it_o he_o utter_v it_o before_o the_o head_n of_o all_o mankind_n which_o ought_v to_o make_v it_o considerable_a to_o all_o his_o posterity_n he_o express_v it_o by_o a_o allusion_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o temptation_n and_o to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o serpent_n which_o the_o tempter_n have_v take_v upon_o he_o he_o preserve_v thereby_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o temptation_n by_o inspire_v all_o mankind_n with_o a_o invincible_a hatred_n against_o all_o serpent_n in_o general_a though_o the_o tempter_n have_v take_v the_o shape_n but_o of_o one_o particular_a kind_n for_o a_o instrument_n to_o accomplish_v his_o design_n in_o short_a this_o oracle_n clear_o show_v i._o that_o it_o shall_v be_v particular_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n adam_n not_o be_v touch_v at_o ii_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o messiah_n shall_v destroy_v the_o power_n of_o the_o serpent_n express_v by_o the_o head_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n iii_o that_o this_o seed_n shall_v however_o receive_v a_o considerable_a wound_n from_o the_o devil_n though_o it_o shall_v only_o touch_v his_o heel_n the_o least_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o messiah_n iv_o that_o all_o the_o blessing_n which_o god_n shall_v give_v to_o mankind_n after_o the_o fall_n shall_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o send_n of_o this_o seed_n into_o the_o world_n this_o be_v more_o clear_o express_v by_o god_n tell_v abraham_n 18._o gen._n xxii_o 18._o that_o in_o thy_o seed_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v that_o this_o oracle_n gen._n iii_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o messiah_n be_v plain_a i._o because_o it_o be_v the_o source_n and_o abridgement_n of_o the_o whole_a revelation_n ii_o because_o all_o the_o ancient_a jew_n in_o effect_n understand_v it_o so_o iii_o because_o the_o apostle_n in_o follow_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o synagogue_n plain_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o messiah_n l._n targum_fw-la in_o h._n l._n by_o the_o allusion_n which_o they_o make_v to_o they_o john_n xii_o roman_n xvi_o two_o cor._n xi_o 1_o john_n iii_o the_o second_o oracle_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n be_v contain_v in_o these_o term_n when_o god_n speak_v to_o abraham_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v this_o oracle_n be_v very_o illustrious_a i._o by_o the_o person_n of_o abraham_n who_o god_n make_v the_o depositary_a of_o it_o and_o who_o make_v himself_o ready_a to_o sacricrifice_v his_o own_o son._n ii_o by_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n which_o god_n make_v to_o this_o patriarch_n use_v in_o effect_n all_o those_o way_n which_o he_o afterward_o follow_v in_o his_o revelation_n to_o the_o patriarch_n for_o fifty_o year_n together_o from_o the_o year_n 2083._o to_o the_o year_n 2133._o of_o the_o world._n iii_o because_o it_o be_v accompany_v by_o the_o circumcision_n so_o that_o though_o it_o foretell_v that_o the_o advantage_n shall_v be_v in_o common_a to_o all_o nation_n yet_o it_o limit_v the_o messiah_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o abraham_n seed_n it_o also_o intimate_v very_o clear_o i._n that_o the_o blessing_n which_o it_o promise_n shall_v be_v in_o common_a to_o all_o nation_n ii_o that_o this_o blessing_n shall_v be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n from_o temporal_a one_o as_o the_o increase_n for_o instance_n and_o the_o power_n of_o abraham_n posterity_n which_o have_v be_v promise_v to_o he_o before_o s._n paul_n reflection_n gal._n iii_o 8._o that_o god_n speak_v of_o seed_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o the_o jew_n make_v a_o like_a observation_n upon_o a_o parallel_a place_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o god_n repeat_v this_o promise_n when_o he_o speak_v to_o isaac_n in_o the_o year_n 2200_o and_o to_o jacob_n in_o the_o year_n 2245._o gen._n xxviii_o 14._o and_o thy_o seed_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o thou_o shall_v spread_v abroad_o to_o the_o west_n and_o to_o the_o east_n and_o to_o the_o north_n and_o to_o the_o south_n and_o in_o thou_o and_o in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v so_o one_o ought_v to_o repeat_v again_o the_o same_o reflection_n this_o ought_v only_o to_o be_v add_v that_o god_n restrain_v the_o honour_n of_o bring_v forth_o the_o messiah_n to_o jacob_n the_o son_n of_o isaac_n that_o the_o edomite_n may_v not_o come_v in_o to_o challenge_v the_o right_n as_o i_o have_v very_o particular_o explain_v in_o my_o reflection_n upon_o genesis_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o oracle_n which_o jacob_n give_v in_o the_o year_n 2315._o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o clear_a prediction_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n and_o it_o be_v express_v in_o these_o term_n judah_n thou_o be_v he_o who_o thy_o brethren_n shall_v praise_v thy_o hand_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o neck_n of_o thy_o enemy_n thy_o father_n child_n shall_v bow_v down_o before_o thou_o judah_n be_v a_o lion_n whelp_n from_o the_o prey_n my_o son_n thou_o be_v go_v up_o he_o stoop_v down_o he_o couch_v as_o a_o lion_n and_o as_o a_o old_a lion_n who_o shall_v rouse_v he_o up_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o a_o law_n giver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n until_o shiloh_n come_v and_o unto_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_n of_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v his_o foal_n unto_o the_o vine_n
examine_v their_o principle_n and_o confute_v they_o which_o be_v the_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o wise_a man_n have_v former_o acknowledge_v as_o they_o also_o own_o to_o this_o very_a day_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god._n and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o philosopher_n do_v own_o a_o plurality_n of_o god_n only_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o people_n which_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o contradict_v and_o as_o for_o the_o jew_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o christian_n and_o mahometan_n about_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n we_o be_v only_o to_o prove_v to_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o their_o prejudices_fw-la one_o may_v prove_v this_o against_o the_o jew_n without_o any_o trouble_n because_o they_o be_v agree_v in_o most_o of_o those_o principle_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n suppose_v so_o likewise_o it_o be_v easy_o establish_v against_o the_o mahometan_n who_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n but_o pretend_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o mahometanism_n as_o the_o law_n ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o gospel_n preach_v by_o jesus_n christ_n my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o prosecute_v every_o one_o of_o these_o way_n in_o particular_a there_o be_v book_n enough_o in_o the_o world_n which_o solid_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o atheist_n as_o well_o those_o who_o be_v so_o through_o ignorance_n as_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o such_o from_o love_n to_o libertinism_n and_o to_o pass_v for_o man_n of_o a_o mighty_a reach_n there_o be_v also_o several_a famous_a author_n who_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o reason_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v all_o pagan_a religion_n whatsoever_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o follow_v a_o more_o compendious_a and_o sure_a method_n that_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consider_v by_o itself_o in_o short_a it_o be_v impossible_a consider_v the_o opposition_n there_o be_v between_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v the_o true_a but_o that_o all_o other_o must_v be_v false_a in_o those_o article_n wherein_o they_o essential_o differ_v from_o it_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n one_o can_v explain_v those_o argument_n which_o clear_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n without_o convict_v all_o other_o religion_n of_o falsehood_n because_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o those_o proof_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v several_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o end_n which_o i_o propose_v man_n that_o think_v much_o wish_v that_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n may_v be_v demonstrate_v from_o reflection_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o it_o which_o to_o they_o will_v be_v a_o convince_a and_o demonstrative_a proof_n other_o apply_v themselves_o to_o a_o speculative_a examination_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o show_v their_o conformity_n with_o the_o notion_n of_o reason_n i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o both_o these_o employ_v themselves_o usual_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o study_n and_o that_o truth_n find_v a_o considerable_a support_n from_o their_o meditation_n but_o how_o useful_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v i_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o follow_v another_o course_n as_o think_v it_o of_o more_o advantage_n solid_o to_o establish_v the_o fact_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n propose_v which_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o persuade_v all_o sort_n of_o reader_n and_o better_o level_v to_o the_o ordinary_a capacity_n of_o those_o who_o new_o enter_v upon_o the_o examination_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n be_v general_o own_a by_o heathen_n and_o by_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n i_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n altogether_o unnecessary_a to_o enter_v upon_o the_o examination_n of_o several_a abstract_a question_n such_o as_o these_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n whether_o man_n be_v natural_o incline_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o the_o like_a when_o i_o shall_v have_v firm_o prove_v that_o god_n reveal_v himself_o that_o he_o prescribe_v a_o service_n to_o the_o first_o man_n who_o leave_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o to_o all_o their_o posterity_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o religion_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n be_v derive_v i_o shall_v have_v prevent_v many_o very_a unprofitable_a dispute_n and_o which_o can_v only_o perplex_v the_o mind_n by_o their_o obscurity_n i_o have_v therefore_o confine_v myself_o to_o certain_a consideration_n which_o do_v so_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o by_o their_o union_n they_o firm_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o hope_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v think_v needful_a for_o i_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o abolish_v the_o christian_n as_o the_o christian_n pretend_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n abrogate_a the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n as_o soon_o as_o a_o understand_a reader_n shall_v make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o god_n never_o frame_v the_o model_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o the_o mahometan_n will_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o first_o volume_n chap._n 1._o concern_v the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n page_n 1_o chap._n 2._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v found_v upon_o proof_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n 5_o chap._n 3._o some_o general_n remark_n in_o order_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o holy_a scripture_n 8_o chap._n 4._o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v unquestionable_a 16_o chap._n 5._o that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n 23_o chap._n 6._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 27_o chap._n 7._o that_o it_o appear_v from_o genesis_n that_o the_o sabbath_n be_v constant_o observe_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n until_o moses_n 34_o chap._n 8._o that_o adam_n be_v convince_v of_o his_o creation_n by_o reason_n and_o authority_n 44_o chap._n 9_o that_o adam_n be_v confirm_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n in_o the_o persuasion_n he_o have_v entertain_v concern_v his_o creation_n 49_o chap._n 10._o that_o the_o child_n of_o adam_n have_v reason_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o creation_n 52_o chap._n 11._o that_o the_o child_n of_o adam_n be_v actual_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n 54_o chap._n 12._o that_o noah_n be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n 61_o chap._n 13._o that_o the_o child_n of_o noah_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n 64_o chap._n 14._o that_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n be_v child_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o first_o promise_n 67_o chap._n 15._o that_o we_o find_v the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n till_o jacob_n full_o persuade_v of_o those_o truth_n 71_o chap._n 16._o that_o this_o very_a persuasion_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v keep_v up_o among_o the_o posterity_n of_o jacob_n until_o moses_n be_v time_n 81_o chap._n 17._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 86_o chap._n 18._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 89_o chap._n 19_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o chaldean_n concern_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o world._n 95_o chap._n 20._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o china_n against_o the_o mosaic_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o newness_n of_o the_o world._n 106_o chap._n 21._o wherein_o the_o
re-establishment_n in_o the_o say_a country_n about_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 3600._o here_o we_o read_v the_o conquest_n of_o palestina_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o joshua_n how_o it_o be_v divide_v among_o the_o tribe_n after_o they_o have_v destroy_v drive_v out_o or_o subdue_v the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o how_o often_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o bondage_n by_o the_o border_a nation_n who_o rise_n and_o pretension_n moses_n set_v down_o here_o we_o have_v record_v the_o several_a name_n and_o action_n of_o the_o judge_n which_o god_n from_o time_n to_o time_n raise_v to_o the_o israelite_n to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o first_o estate_n here_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o kingly_a government_n among_o they_o which_o happen_v about_o the_o year_n 2909_o as_o likewise_o of_o the_o division_n of_o this_o people_n into_o two_o kingdom_n which_o for_o three_o age_n together_o be_v most_o opposite_a in_o their_o interest_n and_o make_v great_a war_n against_o each_o other_o as_o well_o as_o against_o their_o neighbour_a state_n we_o find_v here_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o most_o puissant_a of_o these_o two_o state_n viz._n that_o of_o israel_n by_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n about_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 3283_o and_o after_o that_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o of_o judah_n by_o nebuchadnezar_n king_n of_o the_o chaldean_n anno_fw-la mundi_fw-la 3283._o and_o last_o of_o all_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o jew_n restoration_n by_o cyrus_n king_n of_o persia_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o his_o successor_n the_o three_o thing_n observable_a be_v that_o in_o the_o remain_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o find_v several_a historical_a relation_n relate_v to_o both_o kingdom_n with_o several_a prophecy_n relate_v to_o their_o decay_n and_o restoration_n as_o likewise_o many_o discourse_n of_o morality_n and_o piety_n and_o that_o all_o these_o relation_n and_o prophecy_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v write_v at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o with_o those_o circumstance_n which_o have_v a_o natural_a reference_n to_o what_o the_o other_o book_n recite_v to_o we_o and_o a_o essential_a relation_n to_o the_o book_n and_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o these_o prophecy_n relation_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o we_o find_v there_o concern_v their_o government_n or_o religion_n the_o four_o be_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n contain_v a_o exact_a relation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n of_o the_o establishment_n of_o his_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n together_o with_o some_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n who_o refuse_v to_o own_v he_o for_o the_o messiah_n promise_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o last_o prophecy_n declare_v what_o in_o in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v to_o happen_v both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world._n these_o book_n take_v the_o truth_n of_o moses_n write_n every_o where_n for_o grant_v as_o also_o of_o all_o the_o other_o sacred_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n both_o historical_a prophetical_a and_o moral_a these_o four_o particular_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n give_v we_o a_o entire_a idea_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o we_o shall_v scarce_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o aught_o else_o to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o write_n if_o we_o consider_v those_o undisputable_a matter_n of_o fact_n i_o be_o now_o to_o speak_v of_o and_o will_v but_o make_v some_o very_a natural_a reflection_n upon_o they_o the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o christian_n notwithstanding_o their_o be_v divide_v into_o several_a sect_n and_o party_n present_o after_o our_o saviour_n time_n have_v and_o do_v still_o in_o all_o place_n every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n read_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n translate_v into_o their_o respective_a language_n so_o that_o it_o appear_v absolute_o impossible_a that_o any_o spurious_a write_n shall_v have_v be_v slip_v in_o among_o they_o the_o second_o be_v that_o as_o the_o christian_n have_v have_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n among_o they_o in_o greek_a these_o 1600._o year_n so_o the_o heathen_n have_v they_o in_o that_o language_n 300._o year_n before_o be_v translate_v by_o order_n of_o one_o of_o the_o ptolomy_n king_n of_o egypt_n whither_o a_o considerable_a party_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v carry_v after_o that_o alexander_n the_o great_a have_v conquer_v the_o great_a part_n of_o asia_n have_v overthrow_v the_o empire_n of_o persia_n to_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o subjection_n the_o three_o be_v that_o though_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n they_o that_o follow_v the_o party_n of_o jeroboam_n and_o form_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n have_v only_o have_v the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n among_o they_o yet_o notwithstanding_o their_o irreconcilable_a hatred_n against_o the_o house_n of_o david_n they_o have_v most_o religious_o preserve_v the_o say_v book_n from_o anno_fw-la mundi_fw-la 3030._o in_o which_o the_o division_n of_o the_o two_o kingdom_n happen_v even_o until_o this_o day_n the_o four_o and_o last_o be_v that_o as_o the_o jew_n every_o where_o at_o this_o day_n read_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n each_o sabbath_n day_n which_o be_v also_o observe_v by_o the_o samaritan_n and_o the_o christian_n read_v they_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n so_o the_o jew_n have_v always_o continue_v to_o read_v they_o for_o a_o long_a series_n of_o age_n as_o esteem_v it_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o sabbath_n beside_o which_o they_o also_o solemn_o read_v they_o every_o seven_o year_n in_o obedience_n to_o a_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o say_v that_o the_o sole_a consideration_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v indisputable_a be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v in_o general_a the_o truth_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n first_o then_o i_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v as_o ridiculous_a to_o maintain_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n translate_v into_o so_o many_o language_n cite_v by_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o author_n and_o which_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o various_a dispute_n from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o soon_o after_o shall_v be_v supposititious_a as_o to_o aver_v that_o the_o book_n of_o justinian_n or_o mahomet_n alcoran_n have_v be_v false_o obtrude_v on_o the_o world_n under_o their_o name_n i_o speak_v now_o only_o of_o the_o book_n themselves_o not_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n they_o contain_v second_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v forge_v since_o the_o time_n of_o ptolemy_n philadelphus_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o ever_o since_o that_o time_n three_o it_o be_v as_o inconsistent_a to_o suppose_v they_o contrive_v since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n from_o judah_n because_o we_o find_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n among_o the_o samaritan_n who_o have_v preserve_v they_o ever_o since_o their_o revolt_n without_o any_o other_o change_n but_o what_o be_v incident_a to_o all_o manuscript_n that_o pass_v through_o many_o hand_n i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o samaritan_n have_v none_o of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o only_a as_o a_o effect_n of_o their_o departure_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n it_o can_v in_o the_o least_o shake_v the_o certainty_n we_o have_v of_o those_o book_n for_o first_o the_o three_o other_o tribe_n have_v they_o and_o preserve_v they_o with_o the_o great_a care_n esteem_v they_o of_o divine_a authority_n second_o there_o be_v also_o reason_n of_o state_n which_o make_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n not_o to_o regard_v the_o division_n make_v by_o joshuah_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n nor_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o priesthood_n which_o reason_n of_o state_n hereafter_o mention_v where_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o ten_o tribe_n will_v not_o allow_v the_o same_o authority_n to_o some_o of_o those_o book_n which_o be_v write_v before_o their_o revolt_n as_o those_o of_o samuel_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n which_o they_o do_v to_o the_o pentateuch_n of_o moses_n most_o of_o the_o other_o we_o know_v be_v pen_v since_o the_o division_n of_o the_o two_o kingdom_n and_o so_o do_v more_o particular_o respect_v the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n and_o some_o they_o after_o the_o
carry_v away_o of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n by_o the_o assyrian_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o book_n and_o more_o especial_o those_o of_o moses_n confirm_v till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n and_o confirm_v beyond_o exception_n at_o least_o far_o beyond_o the_o certainty_n we_o can_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world._n it_o remain_v only_o now_o to_o examine_v whether_o as_o to_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n we_o find_v not_o the_o same_o certainty_n when_o we_o look_v back_o from_o the_o departure_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n to_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v to_o say_v whether_o there_o be_v the_o least_o probability_n that_o they_o be_v forge_v in_o any_o part_n of_o that_o interval_n of_o about_o 580_o year_n i_o say_v then_o in_o the_o four_o place_n that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o ridiculous_a to_o suppose_v they_o forge_v during_o that_o period_n first_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o these_o book_n shall_v have_v be_v forge_v in_o the_o form_n we_o now_o see_v they_o but_o that_o the_o forgery_n must_v have_v be_v apparent_a to_o all_o the_o world._n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o notorious_a than_o whether_o the_o jew_n do_v read_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n every_o sabbath_n day_n in_o all_o their_o family_n or_o synagogue_n and_o every_o seven_o year_n beside_o nothing_n be_v of_o more_o easy_a observation_n than_o whether_o they_o do_v keep_v their_o three_o solemn_a feast_n viz._n that_o of_o the_o passover_n pentecost_n and_o of_o tabernacle_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_a than_o whether_o the_o jew_n do_v obey_v the_o law_n contain_v in_o the_o pentateuch_n whether_o relate_v to_o particular_a person_n to_o tribe_n or_o their_o land_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o possess_v of_o they_o indeed_o nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o suppose_v a_o insensible_a change_n wrought_v either_o in_o in_o the_o form_n of_o their_o civil_a government_n or_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o religion_n indeed_o it_o be_v a_o unsufferable_a piece_n of_o boldness_n to_o charge_v the_o jew_n with_o forge_v these_o book_n of_o moses_n or_o adulterate_v of_o they_o in_o this_o period_n of_o time_n when_o it_o appear_v they_o have_v keep_v they_o without_o any_o alteration_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 2700_o year_n as_o have_v be_v show_v already_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o kingdom_n and_o disperse_v into_o distant_a country_n be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o forge_v or_o adulterate_v any_o of_o the_o say_a book_n because_o it_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v discover_v it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o the_o same_o reason_n take_v place_n in_o this_o interval_n of_o 580_o year_n for_o from_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n to_o rehoboam_n they_o be_v not_o only_o great_o divide_v among_o themselves_o but_o almost_o continual_o subject_a to_o neighbour_a state_n who_o subdue_v they_o by_o turn_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n moreover_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n first_o that_o these_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o rise_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o fiction_n which_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o point_n at_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n second_o that_o the_o history_n contain_v in_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v evident_o confirm_v by_o the_o follow_a book_n of_o joshuah_n and_o judge_n which_o have_v a_o essential_a reference_n to_o the_o same_o and_o contain_v a_o relation_n of_o the_o public_a act_n of_o many_o nation_n attest_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o heathen_a author_n who_o be_v the_o mortal_a enemy_n of_o the_o jew_n three_o that_o the_o say_a book_n be_v so_o close_o link_v and_o relate_v to_o those_o public_a and_o know_v action_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o separate_v the_o law_n they_o contain_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n attest_v by_o pagan_a history_n or_o to_o be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o form_n of_o the_o jewish_a government_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n contain_v in_o the_o pentateuch_n which_o equal_o lay_v down_o that_o platform_n of_o their_o policy_n and_o worship_n my_o business_n at_o present_a only_o be_v to_o hint_n these_o general_a reflection_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n though_o the_o sequel_n will_v oblige_v i_o to_o make_v some_o more_o particular_a reflection_n upon_o each_o book_n when_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o consider_v the_o several_a relation_n they_o contain_v i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n begin_v with_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n where_o we_o find_v a_o account_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o form_n of_o man_n the_o fall_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n the_o deluge_n with_o other_o matter_n until_o the_o death_n of_o joseph_n which_o contain_v the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 2369_o year_n chap._n iu._n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v unquestionable_a forasmuch_o as_o among_o those_o matter_n which_o moses_n relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o seven_o day_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v such_o upon_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n do_v depend_v as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o i_o must_v make_v it_o my_o business_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o towards_o the_o confirmation_n of_o which_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o one_o of_o which_o be_v that_o god_n create_v a_o first_o man_n the_o other_o that_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o due_a time_n to_o send_v the_o messiah_n for_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n i_o shall_v propose_v these_o follow_a remark_n moses_n the_o great_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o jew_n lay_v these_o two_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o basis_n of_o the_o law_n he_o be_v to_o publish_v and_o he_o relate_v they_o to_o we_o as_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o only_o know_v to_o he_o and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n but_o to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n and_o particular_o the_o whole_a nation_n among_o who_o he_o live_v to_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n we_o must_v mind_v three_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n themselves_o the_o other_o be_v the_o character_n of_o he_o that_o relate_v they_o and_o the_o three_o the_o use_n moses_n make_v of_o they_o for_o the_o first_o nothing_o be_v more_o needful_a to_o be_v know_v than_o these_o two_o thing_n before_o we_o they_o be_v matter_n which_o concern_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o of_o which_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v inform_v they_o be_v matter_n about_o which_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v deceive_v every_o one_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o they_o and_o of_o which_o consequent_o they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v most_o thorough_o inform_v i_o dare_v maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o fact_n in_o profane_a history_n of_o importance_n comparable_a to_o these_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o moses_n have_v relate_v they_o 2._o and_o as_o for_o the_o author_n who_o relate_v these_o point_n it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o his_o character_n do_v wonderful_o contribute_v to_o the_o make_n of_o his_o book_n famous_a he_o be_v a_o man_n illustrious_a as_o well_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o education_n as_o the_o rank_n he_o hold_v among_o man_n a_o man_n equal_o expose_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o enemy_n and_o friend_n and_o who_o can_v not_o vent_v thelea_v thing_n contrary_a to_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n without_o see_v himself_o immediate_o refute_v or_o rather_o without_o expose_v himself_o to_o public_a scorn_n beside_o i_o aver_v and_o be_o ready_a to_o maintain_v that_o we_o find_v no_o author_n of_o so_o illustrious_a a_o character_n as_o moses_n be_v or_o who_o be_v distinguish_v with_o so_o many_o essential_a mark_n of_o faithfulness_n and_o veracity_n as_o appear_v throughout_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o his_o write_n 3._o this_o will_v appear_v more_o evident_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o use_n to_o which_o moses_n design_v these_o two_o relation_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o a_o word_n his_o design_n be_v not_o in_o furnish_v his_o book_n with_o the_o recital_n of_o these_o important_a fact_n to_o engage_v other_o to_o read_v they_o with_o more_o attention_n or_o to_o
be_v choose_v by_o god_n out_o of_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n because_o the_o author_n of_o it_o decide_v these_o important_a question_n and_o difference_n without_o any_o visible_a partiality_n and_o without_o be_v by_o ass_v by_o the_o pretension_n of_o his_o birth_n now_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o clear_o prove_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v unknown_a to_o moses_n the_o first_o be_v that_o immediate_o after_o this_o prophecy_n which_o be_v as_o public_a and_o well_o know_v among_o the_o moabite_n as_o any_o prophecy_n can_v be_v after_o the_o tedious_a preparation_n and_o the_o many_o difficulty_n which_o balaam_n make_v to_o come_v to_o balac_n after_o the_o many_o ceremony_n and_o mystery_n which_o he_o use_v upon_o that_o occasion_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a and_o panic_n terror_n of_o the_o moabite_n at_o the_o approach_n of_o the_o israelite_n nay_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o express_a threat_n and_o ominous_a prophecy_n of_o balaam_n against_o that_o people_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o i_o say_v we_o see_v the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n imitate_v the_o carnal_a prudence_n of_o lot_n daughter_n and_o court_v the_o alliance_n of_o the_o israelite_n as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v themselves_o amend_v that_o way_n for_o the_o loss_n and_o wrong_n they_o have_v suffer_v by_o the_o sentence_n which_o balaam_n pronounce_v in_o favour_n of_o israel_n we_o see_v i_o say_v that_o moses_n immediate_o after_o he_o have_v relate_v the_o prophecy_n of_o balaam_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n invite_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o their_o god_n and_o that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n accept_v of_o the_o invitation_n and_o according_o feast_v and_o begin_v then_o to_o defile_v themselves_o with_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n now_o that_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v happen_v present_o after_o balaam_n have_v utter_v his_o prophecy_n show_v evident_o that_o there_o be_v some_o relation_n betwixt_o those_o two_o transaction_n and_o this_o may_v be_v further_o make_v out_o from_o the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o punishment_n which_o god_n inflict_v upon_o the_o israelite_n for_o their_o criminal_a commerce_n with_o the_o moabite_n although_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o may_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o design_n which_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n have_v form_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o education_n to_o share_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o their_o conceive_n and_o get_v child_n by_o those_o who_o balaam_n prophecy_n have_v invest_v with_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o accomplish_v that_o promise_n the_o second_o be_v that_o according_o about_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o moses_n we_o see_v that_o ruth_n the_o moabitess_n leave_v she_o own_o country_n to_o settle_v and_o live_v at_o bethlehem_n and_o affect_v beside_o to_o marry_v there_o again_o one_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n no_o doubt_n because_o she_o have_v get_v in_o she_o own_o country_n a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o that_o famous_a oracle_n which_o afterward_o make_v she_o easy_o yield_v to_o the_o counsel_n and_o receive_v instruction_n both_o of_o her_o mother_n in_o law_n and_o of_o her_o own_o husband_n who_o be_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o no_o doubt_n have_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n wherein_o be_v insert_v both_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jacob_n in_o favour_n of_o judah_n and_o that_o of_o balaam_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o israelite_n against_o the_o moabite_n the_o three_o be_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v now_o for_o several_a age_n constant_o maintain_v 8._o i_o king_n ii_o 8._o that_o simei_n curse_n against_o david_n which_o afterward_o he_o call_v maledictionem_fw-la pessimam_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d contain_v a_o upbraid_a reflection_n as_o well_o upon_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o birth_n as_o be_v descend_v from_o a_o moabitess_n as_o upon_o his_o adultery_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v relate_v by_o st._n jerome_n or_o some_o other_o ancient_a author_n who_o write_v that_o discourse_n de_fw-fr traditionibus_fw-la hebraeorum_n upon_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o three_o book_n of_o king_n this_o jewish_a interpretation_n will_v be_v very_o proâ—â—ble_a if_o that_o be_v but_o true_a what_o rabbi_n solomon_n say_v upon_o the_o ii_o chap._n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o king_n v._o 19_o that_o when_o we_o read_v there_o that_o solomon_n cause_v a_o seat_n to_o be_v set_v for_o the_o king_n mother_n we_o ought_v to_o understand_v it_o of_o ruth_n the_o moabitess_n and_o not_o of_o bathsheba_n we_o know_v the_o jew_n ascribe_v a_o much_o long_a life_n to_o zarah_n the_o daughter_n of_o asher_n one_o of_o jacob_n son_n for_o they_o be_v still_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n as_o they_o be_v in_o st._n hierome_n time_n that_o she_o be_v yet_o alive_a in_o david_n time_n no_o body_n can_v condemn_v this_o reflection_n upon_o ruth_n if_o he_o will_v but_o consider_v that_o her_o faith_n have_v be_v so_o reward_v that_o the_o messiah_n come_v our_o of_o her_o posterity_n she_o be_v particular_o make_v mention_n of_o in_o his_o genealogy_n and_o that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n her_o history_n have_v be_v preserve_v among_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o prescription_n not_o only_o against_o the_o moabite_n pretension_n long_o before_o condemn_v by_o balaam_n prophecy_n but_o also_o against_o those_o of_o the_o ismaelite_n and_o edomite_n who_o have_v no_o better_a claim_n to_o the_o promise_n than_o the_o moabite_n have_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o a_o general_a call_n and_o of_o their_o birthright_n before_o jacob_n posterity_n chap._n xii_o that_o one_o may_v see_v also_o in_o moses_n be_v law_n plain_a footstep_n of_o god_n design_n in_o distinguish_v these_o from_o who_o he_o will_v have_v the_o messiah_n to_o be_v born._n it_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a for_o the_o execution_n of_o my_o design_n to_o establish_v well_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n book_n upon_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o make_v some_o reflection_n it_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a to_o show_v as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v do_v sufficient_o that_o moses_n be_v perfect_o acquaint_v with_o god_n promise_n concern_v the_o messiah_n therefore_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v now_o come_v to_o show_v that_o both_o moses_n and_o those_o that_o come_v after_o he_o have_v all_o a_o eye_n upon_o the_o messiah_n in_o their_o chief_a regulation_n but_o to_o give_v a_o great_a insight_n and_o understanding_n into_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o be_o to_o say_v i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o remind_v the_o reader_n and_o to_o lay_v before_o he_o once_o more_o the_o several_a character_n of_o god_n conduct_n in_o that_o matter_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o his_o design_n i_o have_v heretofore_o show_v that_o moses_n intention_n be_v to_o establish_v two_o thing_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n the_o one_o that_o all_o man_n have_v derive_v their_o original_a from_o adam_n who_o god_n create_v the_o other_o that_o man_n have_v sin_v god_n promise_v to_o reinstate_v he_o by_o one_o of_o his_o own_o posterity_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v then_o solid_o prove_v by_o a_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n when_o i_o show_v that_o such_o a_o tradition_n as_o moses_n relate_v about_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n can_v reasonable_o be_v doubt_v of_o as_o for_o what_o concern_v the_o other_o viz._n the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a object_n of_o man_n hope_n and_o comfort_n i_o have_v also_o show_v i_o think_v that_o the_o notion_n and_o expectation_n of_o it_o be_v very_o strong_a and_o lively_a and_o the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o extraordinary_a action_n record_v by_o moses_n but_o as_o this_o promise_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fulfil_v for_o many_o age_n so_o god_n make_v it_o only_o in_o very_o general_a term_n and_o have_v still_o reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o revelation_n for_o after_o age_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a both_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n and_o time_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n it_o be_v therefore_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v consider_v also_o how_o god_n preserve_v all_o along_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o it_o among_o man_n now_o in_o read_v my_o reflection_n upon_o genesis_n one_o must_v needs_o have_v observe_v that_o god_n even_o in_o those_o early_a time_n of_o the_o world_n do_v restrain_v the_o privilege_n of_o accomplish_v that_o promise_n by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o some_o particular_a man_n till_o at_o last_o he_o open_o declare_v that_o he_o have_v settle_v it_o in_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n as_o we_o read_v it_o gen._n xlix_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o god_n in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o world_n restrain_v
own_o tribe_n at_o their_o go_v forth_o out_o of_o egypt_n but_o that_o god_n do_v also_o engage_v every_o man_n to_o know_v his_o tribe_n exact_o nay_o he_o compel_v they_o all_o in_o a_o manner_n to_o study_v their_o own_o pedigree_n that_o every_o one_o may_v claim_v and_o reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o law_n of_o jubilee_n which_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o entail_v in_o respect_n of_o every_o family_n as_o i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o show_v there_o be_v three_o thing_n observable_a in_o that_o matter_n the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o be_v by_o a_o superabundant_a precaution_n that_o god_n will_v engage_v the_o tribe_n to_o continue_v distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o and_o to_o preserve_v and_o study_v their_o several_a pedigree_n namely_o he_o intend_v by_o that_o mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o objection_n which_o may_v otherwise_o have_v be_v make_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o tribe_n and_o a_o family_n in_o that_o tribe_n to_o continue_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o so_o many_o age_n for_o certain_o if_o all_o the_o tribe_n in_o that_o nation_n and_o all_o the_o family_n in_o every_o tribe_n do_v continue_v by_o god_n providence_n so_o long_o distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o he_o can_v preserve_v the_o single_a tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o the_o family_n of_o the_o messiah_n distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o tribe_n and_o family_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n the_o second_o remark_n be_v that_o it_o be_v for_o this_o distinction_n sake_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v fill_v with_o genealogical_a table_n to_o what_o purpose_n else_o have_v book_n of_o that_o importance_n and_o which_o treat_v of_o such_o great_a subject_n be_v fill_v with_o genealogy_n moses_n book_n be_v full_a of_o they_o the_o first_o book_n of_o chronicle_n resume_v those_o genealogy_n with_o all_o possible_a exactness_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o considerable_a in_o the_o book_n of_o ruth_n than_o the_o genealogy_n of_o david_n and_o his_o family_n the_o three_o remark_n be_v that_o if_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o priest_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v better_o know_v than_o that_o of_o other_o family_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o be_v the_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n which_o seem_v to_o give_v the_o advantage_n of_o certainty_n of_o distinction_n to_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n above_o that_o of_o judah_n in_o that_o particular_a yet_o we_o find_v that_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n take_v much_o the_o same_o care_n to_o preserve_v their_o own_o genealogy_n so_o that_o if_o after_o the_o babylonian_a captivity_n some_o particular_a person_n be_v exclude_v from_o the_o priestly_a order_n to_o which_o they_o pretend_v because_o they_o can_v not_o make_v out_o their_o pedigree_n so_o likewise_o all_o be_v throw_v out_o from_o the_o other_o tribe_n that_o can_v not_o justify_v their_o lineal_a descent_n nay_o there_o be_v something_o further_o deserve_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o be_v very_o singular_a in_o that_o of_o judah_n and_o one_o ought_v here_o to_o consider_v a_o mystery_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o conduct_n in_o pursue_v the_o design_n which_o moses_n first_o set_v down_o and_o upon_o which_o one_o see_v that_o the_o whole_a jewish_a state_n be_v form_v for_o when_o god_n resolve_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v descend_v from_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n and_o the_o house_n of_o david_n he_o make_v it_o more_o particular_o know_v and_o distinguish_v than_o any_o other_o family_n in_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n he_o set_v david_n upon_o the_o throne_n every_o one_o know_v that_o in_o every_o kingdom_n the_o genealogy_n of_o a_o king_n and_o of_o the_o royal_a family_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o public_o know_v now_o if_o the_o blood_n royal_a alone_o be_v always_o distinguish_v how_o much_o more_o must_v it_o be_v so_o when_o that_o supreme_a dignity_n be_v confer_v upon_o such_o a_o family_n as_o god_n have_v particular_o choose_v to_o have_v the_o messiah_n who_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o be_v bear_v out_o of_o it_o from_o hence_o i_o will_v bold_o conclude_v that_o the_o only_a end_n for_o which_o god_n raise_v david_n family_n to_o the_o throne_n be_v because_o the_o messiah_n be_v real_o to_o be_v bear_v out_o of_o that_o family_n reduce_v to_o a_o low_a and_o private_a condition_n which_o isaiah_n foretell_v say_v liii_o isa_n xi_o liii_o that_o a_o rod_n shall_v come_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o stem_n of_o jesse_n and_o a_o branch_n grow_v out_o of_o his_o root_n and_o in_o another_o place_n that_o he_o shall_v grow_v up_o as_o a_o root_n out_o of_o a_o dry_a ground_n which_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o character_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o to_o the_o low_a state_n of_o humiliation_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o world._n chap._n xvii_o a_o solution_n of_o some_o difficulty_n in_o these_o genealogy_n indeed_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a natural_a objection_n to_o those_o who_o will_v dispute_v the_o reflection_n which_o i_o have_v already_o make_v upon_o these_o genealogy_n but_o after_o all_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o confirm_v the_o more_o the_o say_a reflection_n and_o we_o may_v say_v that_o the_o entire_a dispersion_n of_o the_o whole_a tribe_n of_o ephraim_n and_o of_o the_o other_o which_o adhere_v to_o it_o in_o jeroboam_n rebellion_n be_v a_o mystery_n of_o providence_n which_o challenge_v our_o admiration_n as_o much_o as_o the_o raise_n up_o that_o family_n to_o the_o throne_n out_o of_o which_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v to_o apprehend_v this_o the_o better_a we_o need_v only_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o pretension_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o ephraim_n this_o ephraim_n be_v the_o young_a brother_n of_o manasseh_n but_o jacob_n have_v give_v he_o the_o birthright_n just_a as_o isaac_n before_o have_v give_v it_o to_o jacob_n though_o it_o do_v of_o right_o belong_v to_o the_o elder_a brother_n jacob_n have_v particular_o bless_v ephraim_n and_o even_o make_v it_o a_o form_n of_o blessing_n for_o after_o age_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o ruth_n that_o there_o be_v one_o make_v for_o pharez_n jacob_n have_v give_v to_o joseph_n two_o portion_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o ephraim_n have_v the_o birthright_n before_o manasseh_n by_o god_n order_n it_o be_v then_o very_o natural_a for_o the_o tribe_n of_o ephraim_n as_o all_o tribe_n do_v apply_v to_o themselves_o the_o several_a privilege_n promise_v to_o their_o respective_a head_n to_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o have_v a_o particular_a right_n to_o god_n blessing_n and_o they_o think_v this_o right_n of_o they_o be_v plain_o make_v out_o as_o by_o joseph_n dream_n so_o especial_o by_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prediction_n which_o jacob_n give_v in_o favour_n of_o ephraim_n the_o word_n of_o which_o run_v so_o very_o high_a that_o after_o such_o a_o prejudice_n there_o may_v very_o well_o be_v a_o fair_a pretence_n for_o the_o hope_n which_o the_o tribe_n of_o ephraim_n have_v once_o to_o see_v a_o messiah_n come_v out_o of_o their_o tribe_n as_o those_o of_o judah_n expect_v one_o out_o of_o they_o if_o to_o all_o this_o we_o add_v that_o jeroboam_n rebellion_n be_v authorise_a by_o a_o prophetical_a inspiration_n and_o by_o a_o special_a sign_n of_o god_n approbation_n and_o that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o desire_v to_o propose_v to_o his_o people_n the_o two_o calf_n which_o he_o set_v up_o in_o dan_n and_o bethel_n as_o symbol_n of_o the_o deity_n only_o to_o pursue_v the_o idea_n of_o pharaoh_n dream_n which_o joseph_n interpret_v the_o representation_n whereof_o do_v clear_o show_v both_o the_o greatness_n of_o joseph_n and_o the_o particular_a care_n of_o god_n providence_n over_o he_o gem._n talm._n in_o succa_n c._n 5._o in_o gem._n it_o be_v then_o natural_a to_o the_o man_n of_o ephraim_n to_o feed_v themselves_o with_o such_o hope_n as_o the_o jew_n teach_v we_o they_o do_v when_o even_o to_o this_o very_a day_n they_o speak_v of_o a_o messiah_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o ephraim_n what_o do_v god_n then_o do_v to_o obviate_v these_o pretension_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o ephraim_n he_o disperse_v they_o together_o with_o the_o other_o nine_o tribe_n that_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o its_o king_n and_o so_o confound_v they_o with_o all_o those_o tribe_n which_o follow_v their_o fortune_n that_o though_o there_o shall_v be_v still_o some_o ephraimite_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o any_o of_o they_o to_o justify_v his_o pedigree_n so_o clear_o as_o
considerable_o shorten_v at_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n so_o one_o may_v judge_v that_o this_o promise_v aught_o to_o be_v more_o frequent_o propose_v and_o more_o clear_o explain_v and_o we_o ought_v to_o suppose_v that_o in_o proportion_n to_o the_o delay_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o shortness_n of_o man_n life_n which_o discourage_v their_o hope_n of_o ever_o see_v a_o promise_v fulfil_v which_o their_o ancestor_n who_o life_n be_v much_o long_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o the_o more_o distinct_a knowledge_n which_o god_n give_v of_o this_o great_a object_n be_v in_o order_n to_o stir_v up_o strong_a desire_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o israelite_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o gentile_n to_o who_o god_n be_v afterward_o to_o renew_v the_o idea_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o we_o find_v that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o oracle_n and_o prophecy_n be_v require_v from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o entertain_v and_o strengthen_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o promise_n the_o accomplishment_n whereof_o be_v so_o considerable_o defer_v and_o indeed_o this_o be_v exact_o the_o method_n which_o god_n follow_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n have_v in_o a_o most_o illustrious_a manner_n be_v employ_v to_o preserve_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o to_o increase_v they_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n itself_o and_o god_n have_v so_o exact_o set_v down_o by_o the_o prophet_n the_o several_a part_n of_o his_o design_n as_o there_o need_v not_o be_v afterward_o any_o difficulty_n in_o discern_v the_o prosecution_n of_o that_o design_n which_o he_o have_v form_v at_o first_o i_o intend_v in_o this_o three_o part_n of_o my_o reflection_n on_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o explain_v this_o method_n which_o god_n have_v follow_v in_o show_v how_o he_o have_v accommodate_v himself_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o he_o have_v make_v the_o depositary_n of_o his_o oracle_n and_o proportion_v they_o to_o their_o understanding_n and_o desire_n for_o the_o more_o happy_a execution_n of_o this_o design_n and_o a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o this_o conduct_n of_o god_n which_o seem_v somewhat_o obscure_v by_o intermix_v these_o prediction_n concern_v the_o messiah_n with_o a_o great_a number_n of_o event_n during_o that_o series_n of_o age_n whereof_o we_o have_v the_o history_n write_v by_o his_o own_o order_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v first_o of_o all_o to_o explain_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n be_v please_v to_o interweave_v the_o oracle_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n with_o other_o matter_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n and_o then_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o rule_n which_o one_o ought_v to_o follow_v in_o apply_v the_o ancient_a prophecy_n to_o the_o messiah_n after_o these_o preliminary_a reflection_n i_o suppose_v that_o in_o order_n to_o a_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o series_n of_o god_n design_n and_o a_o more_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o this_o matter_n that_o i_o ought_v again_o to_o resume_v and_o to_o set_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o reader_n the_o five_o or_o six_o principal_a oracle_n which_o god_n have_v give_v concern_v the_o messiah_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o moses_n together_o with_o that_o oracle_n which_o he_o utter_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o that_o illustrious_a legislator_n one_o will_v easy_o judge_v without_o my_o undertake_n to_o prove_v it_o that_o the_o idea_n of_o these_o oracle_n be_v familiar_a to_o the_o jew_n until_o david_n during_o the_o space_n of_o 400_o year_n after_o which_o god_n begin_v to_o discover_v the_o same_o more_o particular_o in_o choose_v david_n to_o be_v the_o person_n in_o who_o family_n that_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v because_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o his_o seed_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v immediate_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o oracle_n which_o david_n himself_o utter_v on_o this_o subject_a which_o deserve_v so_o much_o the_o more_o attention_n because_o god_n who_o at_o that_o time_n change_v the_o government_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v considerable_o augment_v the_o idea_n which_o the_o ancient_n have_v concern_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n last_o i_o shall_v collect_v under_o certain_a head_n those_o oracle_n which_o be_v utter_v by_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o messiah_n some_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o babylon_n and_o soon_o after_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o light_n concern_v this_o matter_n be_v at_o that_o time_n much_o increase_v and_o the_o oracle_n themselves_o be_v much_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a as_o give_v many_o more_o particular_a character_n of_o the_o messiah_n so_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o brief_o to_o touch_v upon_o they_o in_o follow_v the_o principal_a character_n which_o they_o give_v concern_v the_o messiah_n after_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o of_o the_o prophet_n until_o that_o wherein_o the_o christian_n pretend_v that_o this_o promise_n and_o these_o oracle_n be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n though_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o to_o handle_v and_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o do_v with_o the_o greatness_n briefness_n that_o be_v possible_a may_v seem_v to_o oblige_v i_o to_o omit_v the_o examine_v the_o succession_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o intermix_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o many_o other_o transaction_n with_o these_o prophecy_n it_o oblige_v i_o in_o this_o three_o part_n to_o make_v also_o some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o indeed_o this_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o oracle_n and_o the_o manner_n how_o god_n have_v constant_o follow_v that_o draught_n which_o he_o at_o first_o form_v to_o himself_o as_o also_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o different_a revolution_n of_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n he_o have_v always_o continue_v those_o mean_n which_o he_o choose_v at_o first_o to_o facilitate_v the_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o messiah_n whenever_o he_o shall_v appear_v it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o explain_v this_o series_n of_o the_o design_n of_o god_n to_o make_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o prophecy_n more_o firm_a and_o unmoveable_a those_o law_n the_o observation_n of_o which_o serve_v to_o distinguish_v the_o family_n of_o judah_n and_o that_o of_o the_o messiah_n be_v so_o many_o boundary_n and_o limit_n within_o which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o confine_v himself_o that_o his_o conduct_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o observable_a and_o know_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o my_o reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n i_o have_v begin_v by_o the_o firm_a establishment_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o book_n on_o which_o i_o make_v my_o reflection_n without_o which_o that_o work_n will_v have_v want_v all_o its_o strength_n so_o i_o intend_v also_o in_o this_o part_n to_o follow_v the_o same_o rule_n and_o according_o i_o shall_v at_o first_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o historical_a and_o prophetical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o if_o one_o ought_v to_o prove_v that_o these_o prophecy_n be_v well_o know_v and_o very_o famous_a than_o it_o will_v be_v expect_v from_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v solid_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o book_n in_o which_o those_o oracle_n be_v record_v before_o i_o can_v of_o right_o conclude_v that_o the_o fact_n which_o be_v relate_v by_o other_o author_n be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o these_o prophecy_n this_o design_n will_v natural_o engage_v i_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o every_o one_o of_o these_o book_n in_o order_n particular_o but_o as_o i_o have_v not_o only_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n already_o but_o that_o moreover_o i_o intend_v in_o my_o reflection_n on_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o beyond_o all_o contest_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o historical_a and_o prophetical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v so_o essential_o link_v with_o those_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o one_o without_o own_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o other_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o as_o to_o the_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o every_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o particular_a and_o therefore_o because_o i_o intend_v to_o
be_v very_o short_a i_o will_v confine_v myself_o to_o some_o general_a reflection_n upon_o those_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v write_v since_o moses_n but_o such_o as_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o equitable_a and_o intelligent_a reader_n the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o second_o volume_n chap._n 1._o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o historical_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n a_o uninterrrupted_a series_n of_o event_n which_o have_v a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a dependence_n for_o more_o than_o ten_o age_n page_n 1._o chap._n 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o strict_a connexion_n between_o the_o sacred_a history_n and_o the_o old_a monument_n which_o we_o have_v of_o profane_a history_n 8_o chap._n 3._o that_o there_o be_v a_o uninterrupted_a series_n of_o event_n foretell_v by_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n of_o which_o we_o may_v see_v a_o very_a great_a number_n accomplish_v in_o every_o age._n 15_o chap._n 4._o that_o how_o common_a soever_o oracle_n may_v have_v be_v among_o the_o pagan_n yet_o nothing_o among_o they_o can_v just_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o which_o be_v find_v among_o the_o jew_n 24_o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o book_n in_o which_o we_o may_v find_v these_o oracle_n be_v never_o forge_v 28_o chap._n 6._o that_o the_o manner_n of_o write_v the_o prophetical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n show_v that_o those_o oracle_n can_v not_o have_v be_v forge_v after_o their_o completion_n 35_o chap._n 7._o for_o what_o reason_n the_o oracle_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n be_v interweave_v with_o other_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o wide_o distant_a 45_o chap._n 8._o general_a rule_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o ancient_a oracle_n and_o for_o the_o application_n of_o they_o to_o the_o messiah_n 51_o chap._n 9_o of_o those_o oracle_n concern_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n 60_o chap._n 10._o of_o the_o oracle_n which_o concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n 71_o chap._n 11._o consideration_n upon_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o upon_o his_o glorious_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n foretell_v by_o david_n in_o the_o xxii_o and_o cx_o psalm_n 80_o chap._n 12._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o have_v a_o forerunner_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v his_o character_n 89_o chap._n 13._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 93_o chap._n 14._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n 101_o chap._n 15._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o private_a state_n 107_o chap._n 16._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o work_v great_a miracle_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n 111_o chap._n 17._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o illustrious_a prophet_n 114_o chap._n 18._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o propound_v a_o new_a covenant_n from_o god_n with_o all_o man_n 119_o chap._n 19_o that_o the_o jew_n by_o a_o dreadful_a effect_n of_o their_o blindness_n be_v to_o reject_v the_o messiah_n 125_o chap._n 20._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o die_v and_o a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o his_o death_n 130_o chap._n 21._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v soon_o after_o to_o rise_v again_o 136_o chap._n 22._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o send_v down_o from_o thence_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n language_n etc._n etc._n 140_o chap._n 23._o that_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god._n 144_o chap._n 24._o that_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n 152_o chap._n 25._o of_o the_o time_n which_o succeed_v the_o publish_n of_o these_o prophecy_n till_o the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n 157_o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o second_o volume_n chap._n 1._o that_o there_o appear_v a_o very_a just_a connexion_n between_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o those_o of_o the_o new_a the_o latter_a borrow_a light_n from_o the_o former_a page_n 175_o chap._n 2._o that_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o messiah_n continue_v very_o fresh_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n 183_o chap._n 3._o that_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v still_o subsist_v and_o follow_v the_o model_n which_o god_n have_v form_v in_o order_n to_o the_o certain_a know_v of_o the_o messiah_n 189_o chap._n 4._o that_o all_o the_o distinction_n necessary_a for_o discover_v of_o the_o messiah_n still_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o lord_n 197_o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o time_n point_v out_o by_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o very_a time_n in_o which_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v to_o the_o world._n 202_o chap._n 6._o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v precise_o such_o a_o forerunner_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v describe_v to_o precede_v the_o messiah_n 207_o chap._n 7._o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n then_o reduce_v to_o a_o mean_a condition_n as_o have_v be_v aforetold_v by_o the_o prophet_n 213_o chap._n 8._o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v conceive_v by_o the_o virgin_n mary_n without_o any_o operation_n of_o man._n 222_o chap._n 9_o that_o jesus_n christ_n live_v and_o preach_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v the_o messiah_n shall_v do_v 229_o chap._n 10._o that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n clear_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n 237_o chap._n 11._o that_o the_o prediction_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n clear_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n 242_o chap._n 12._o that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v precise_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v die_v 250_o chap._n 13._o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v raise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n according_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o afterward_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n 258_o chap._n 14._o that_o jesus_n christ_n send_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n 270_o chap._n 15._o that_o according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v call_v the_o gentile_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 277_o chap._n 16._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v found_v on_o proof_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o consequent_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n be_v so_o certain_a as_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 284_o chap._n 17._o that_o it_o can_v be_v question_v whether_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n 292_o chap._n 18._o that_o one_o can_v doubt_v of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v those_o fact_n which_o they_o relate_v 298_o chap._n 19_o more_o reason_n to_o manifest_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o apostle_n 304_o chap._n 20._o that_o the_o whole_a model_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v at_o this_o day_n so_o entire_o destroy_v that_o the_o messiah_n can_v no_o more_o be_v know_v 311_o chap._n 21._o that_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o division_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n can_v be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 317_o reflection_n upon_o the_o historical_a and_o prophetical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chapter_n i._n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o historical_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n a_o uninterrupted_a series_n of_o event_n which_o have_v a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a dependence_n for_o more_o than_o ten_o age_n the_o first_o general_a proof_n which_o i_o make_v use_n of_o to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n after_o moses_n may_v be_v lawful_o draw_v from_o the_o uninterrupted_a series_n of_o event_n which_o be_v relate_v by_o those_o author_n who_o have_v write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o state_n and_o church_n of_o israel_n we_o may_v observe_v several_a considerable_a epocha_n of_o this_o history_n which_o take_v in_o about_o one_o thousand_o and_o forty_o year_n
who_o shall_v become_v their_o king_n be_v likewise_o foretell_v in_o short_a one_o see_v we_o express_v prediction_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a nation_n under_o the_o roman_a empire_n after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n have_v always_o great_a quarrel_n with_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n so_o one_o find_v that_o among_o the_o oracle_n which_o particular_o regard_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o prophet_n have_v interweave_v a_o great_a number_n which_o concern_v those_o strange_a people_n with_o relation_n to_o those_o difference_n which_o be_v keep_v up_o between_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o they_o so_o one_o see_v we_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o canaanite_n punish_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o oracle_n pronounce_v against_o the_o descendant_n of_o cham._n one_o see_v we_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o benhudad_n king_n of_o syria_n and_o of_o his_o house_n foretell_v to_o the_o ten_o generation_n one_o see_v we_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o egypt_n and_o tyre_n which_o happen_v under_o nabuchadnezzar_n one_o see_v we_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o moabite_n which_o be_v under_o the_o same_o nabuchadnezzar_n after_o that_o kingdom_n have_v subsist_v almost_o fourteen_o age_n from_o its_o first_o foundation_n one_o see_v we_o frequent_a oracle_n concern_v the_o ruin_n of_o niniveh_n and_o its_o empire_n one_o see_v we_o oracle_n concern_v the_o ruin_n of_o babylon_n which_o happen_v under_o cyrus_n one_o see_v we_o oracle_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o persian_a empire_n by_o alexander_n one_o see_v we_o oracle_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o prince_n conquer_a the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o his_o leave_v his_o empire_n divide_v into_o four_o kingdom_n one_o see_v we_o frequent_a oracle_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o seleucidae_n and_o the_o ptolemee_n who_o have_v particular_a quarrel_n with_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n one_o see_v we_o the_o alliance_n which_o be_v to_o be_v between_o the_o two_o kingdom_n foretell_v and_o the_o small_a success_n which_o shall_v arise_v thence_o in_o terminate_a their_o difference_n one_o see_v we_o prediction_n of_o the_o treatment_n which_o the_o jew_n shall_v meet_v with_o in_o those_o kingdom_n one_o see_v we_o a_o prediction_n of_o the_o retreat_n which_o egypt_n be_v to_o give_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o temple_n they_o be_v to_o build_v there_o one_o see_v we_o a_o exact_a prediction_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o profanation_n of_o the_o temple_n by_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n for_o three_o year_n together_o one_o see_v we_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o these_o two_o government_n by_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o such_o a_o various_a multitude_n of_o oracle_n i._o that_o there_o be_v no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v form_v like_o those_o which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jew_n one_o find_v there_o a_o history_n exact_o pursue_v and_o in_o a_o natural_a dependence_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n for_o 3500_o year_n one_o find_v there_o a_o series_n of_o oracle_n which_o foretell_v all_o sort_n of_o event_n so_o inseparable_o unite_v with_o the_o history_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v by_o what_o mean_v the_o prophecy_n can_v have_v be_v so_o bring_v to_o support_v the_o history_n and_o the_o history_n to_o support_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophecy_n one_o find_v oracle_n so_o clear_a and_o so_o particular_a especial_o in_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n that_o porphyry_n a_o mortal_a enemy_n to_o the_o christian_n be_v force_v to_o assert_v that_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v forge_v after_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n time_n a_o ridiculous_a imagination_n for_o this_o prophecy_n be_v translate_v into_o greek_n more_o than_o one_o hundred_o year_n before_o and_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n not_o only_o of_o the_o jew_n but_o of_o the_o egyptian_n also_o mortal_a enemy_n to_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n this_o also_o be_v very_o surprise_v that_o since_o the_o jew_n after_o their_o dispersion_n preserve_v these_o history_n wherever_o they_o be_v as_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o oracle_n and_o these_o oracle_n as_o prediction_n of_o those_o event_n of_o which_o their_o history_n be_v very_o full_a they_o shall_v never_o think_v of_o propose_v to_o we_o any_o book_n of_o a_o like_a nature_n consider_v that_o now_o for_o one_o and_o twenty_o age_n they_o have_v have_v no_o parallel_n author_n who_o have_v both_o write_v history_n and_o pronounce_v oracle_n ii_o but_o as_o these_o reflection_n lead_v we_o on_o to_o other_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o enter_v upon_o they_o by_o consider_v what_o the_o most_o unreasonable_a obstinacy_n can_v oppose_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o historical_a and_o prophetical_a book_n of_o scripture_n chap._n iu._n that_o how_o common_a soever_o oracle_n may_v have_v be_v among_o the_o pagan_n yet_o nothing_o among_o they_o can_v just_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o which_o be_v find_v among_o the_o jew_n one_o of_o the_o great_a objection_n which_o can_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v make_v against_o this_o surprise_v series_n of_o oracle_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v take_v from_o that_o great_a number_n of_o oracle_n which_o be_v find_v among_o the_o pagan_n this_o objection_n deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v because_o it_o will_v more_o clear_o demonstrate_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophetical_a book_n which_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jew_n i_o confess_v there_o have_v be_v false_a prophet_n and_o indeed_o since_o god_n have_v give_v we_o mark_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o true_a one_o which_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o there_o have_v be_v some_o false_a prophet_n and_o that_o moreover_o the_o history_n of_o the_o prophet_n discover_v to_o we_o impostor_n frequent_o we_o may_v free_o acknowledge_v that_o among_o the_o pagan_n and_o the_o people_n border_v upon_o judea_n there_o have_v be_v man_n who_o have_v boast_v of_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o well_o as_o among_o the_o jew_n i_o confess_v also_o that_o some_o heathen_a writer_n speak_v of_o certain_a oracle_n which_o in_o all_o appearance_n be_v very_o well_o circumstantiate_v and_o of_o which_o they_o relate_v a_o very_a exact_a accomplishment_n but_o several_a thing_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v upon_o this_o argument_n which_o deserve_v a_o attentive_a consideration_n i._o we_o see_v that_o their_o most_o celebrate_a thing_n have_v be_v only_o a_o imitation_n of_o what_o be_v do_v among_o the_o jew_n the_o egyptian_n imitate_v the_o urim_n and_o the_o thummim_n of_o the_o jewish_a high_a priest_n and_o they_o appropriate_v to_o he_o the_o right_a of_o give_v oracle_n and_o so_o we_o see_v they_o be_v give_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n which_o the_o jew_n see_v be_v grant_v to_o their_o prophet_n we_o may_v see_v it_o in_o the_o history_n of_o socrates_n life_n and_o in_o apuleius_n p._n 339._o ii_o we_o see_v that_o the_o same_o pagan_a historian_n take_v notice_n that_o very_o many_o even_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o oracle_n be_v very_o ambiguous_a and_o false_a the_o philosopher_n and_o tully_n particular_o open_o laugh_v at_o they_o lib._n i._n ii_o de_fw-la divinatione_fw-la they_o think_v it_o a_o ridiculous_a thing_n that_o apollo_n delphicus_fw-la the_o god_n of_o poetry_n shall_v give_v his_o answer_n in_o very_o bad_a verse_n and_o at_o last_o be_v reduce_v to_o prose_n eusebius_n quote_v a_o discourse_n of_o oenomaus_n a_o greek_a philosopher_n who_o write_v against_o oracle_n to_o decry_v they_o as_o imposture_n iii_o we_o see_v that_o those_o oracle_n which_o have_v acquire_v the_o great_a reputation_n by_o their_o accomplishment_n be_v borrow_v from_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o synagogue_n we_o have_v a_o illustrious_a example_n in_o the_o birth_n of_o cyrus_n which_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n have_v foretell_v about_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 3292._o and_o concern_v which_o they_o pretend_v to_o show_v prophecy_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o croesus_n 91._o abydenus_n herodot_n lib._n i._o cap._n 55._o &_o 91._o about_o the_o year_n 3492._o which_o show_v that_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v real_o know_v to_o they_o they_o can_v not_o have_v know_v it_o but_o by_o the_o prophetical_a write_n which_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v conceal_v from_o they_o because_o the_o jew_n read_v they_o with_o care_n to_o comfort_v themselves_o under_o that_o captivity_n to_o which_o they_o be_v reduce_v by_o nabuchadnezzar_n iv_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n prove_v by_o examine_v their_o oracle_n most_o of_o which_o
be_v either_o false_a or_o forge_a this_o eusebius_n have_v clear_o prove_v de_fw-la praepar_n evangelicâ_fw-la lib._n ix_o cap._n 5._o the_o proverb_n of_o the_o sibyll_n or_o delphic_a priestess_n favour_v of_o philip_n be_v common_o know_v it_o be_v easy_a for_o these_o heathen_a prince_n to_o bias_n their_o people_n with_o such_o prediction_n initiò_fw-la lib._n iu._n de_fw-fr praeparat_fw-la evangel_n lib._n iv_o initiò_fw-la but_o what_o eusebius_n say_v put_v the_o thing_n beyond_o all_o question_n for_o he_o express_o show_v that_o when_o the_o priest_n be_v put_v to_o the_o rack_n they_o confess_v the_o whole_a contrivance_n of_o those_o oracle_n which_o they_o pronounce_v to_o abuse_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o people_n v._o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v that_o we_o can_v find_v great_a number_n of_o oracle_n upon_o the_o same_o subject_a whereas_o one_o see_v we_o that_o the_o prophet_n follow_v as_o it_o be_v moses_n model_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o they_o frequent_o concur_v in_o foretell_v the_o same_o fact_n from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o vi_o we_o ought_v to_o remember_v that_o these_o oracle_n be_v not_o keep_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o one_o single_a state_n or_o nation_n vii_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o public_o know_v have_v be_v only_o propose_v in_o private_a place_n before_o a_o very_a few_o and_o in_o short_a that_o they_o be_v not_o actual_o know_v to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o neighbour_a people_n whereas_o one_o see_v we_o that_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n give_v their_o oracle_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o when_o they_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v they_o be_v know_v to_o all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o commerce_n with_o that_o nation_n so_o that_o isaiah_n prophecy_n be_v questionless_a know_v to_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o cyrus_n who_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o design_v by_o god_n to_o restore_v their_o liberty_n to_o the_o jew_n we_o may_v make_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n which_o be_v know_v to_o alexander_n without_o all_o question_n as_o one_o may_v collect_v from_o the_o favourable_a reception_n the_o jew_n find_v from_o he_o viii_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v that_o these_o pretend_a oracle_n be_v give_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o favour_n of_o those_o prince_n who_o can_v satisfy_v the_o greediness_n of_o the_o priest_n whereas_o the_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n live_v in_o the_o most_o disinterested_n manner_n in_o the_o world_n and_o usual_o pronounce_v nothing_o but_o reproach_n and_o menace_n of_o cruel_a calamity_n to_o those_o prince_n who_o have_v the_o government_n in_o their_o hand_n their_o ministry_n consist_v in_o a_o courageous_a opposition_n to_o the_o corruption_n in_o their_o law_n and_o their_o religion_n and_o in_o censure_v their_o prince_n and_o governor_n with_o a_o singular_a intrepidity_n and_o indeed_o we_o see_v that_o most_o of_o they_o meet_v with_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o boldness_n and_o make_v trial_n of_o the_o most_o cruel_a torture_n ix_o last_o of_o all_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o as_o the_o oracle_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o heathen_a author_n be_v only_o of_o fact_n of_o small_a importance_n to_o those_o people_n among_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v pronounce_v so_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o think_v themselves_o much_o concern_v in_o their_o preservation_n whereas_o one_o see_v we_o that_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v so_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o oracle_n with_o which_o they_o be_v entrust_v that_o nothing_o to_o this_o very_a day_n can_v ever_o oblige_v they_o to_o discontinue_v the_o read_n of_o they_o whatever_o dispute_v they_o may_v otherwise_o have_v with_o the_o christian_n who_o make_v use_v of_o they_o to_o establish_v their_o pretension_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o claim_n of_o the_o synagogue_n when_o this_o be_v lay_v down_o it_o will_v seem_v as_o if_o i_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o wonderful_a variety_n of_o oracle_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o jew_n can_v be_v at_o all_o weaken_a by_o those_o oracle_n of_o which_o we_o find_v so_o frequent_a mention_n in_o pagan_a writer_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o go_v further_o in_o explain_v two_o thing_n which_o will_v perfect_o clear_v this_o matter_n one_o be_v that_o the_o historical_a and_o prophetical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n after_o moses_n can_v be_v no_o forgery_n the_o other_o be_v that_o in_o truth_n those_o oracle_n which_o we_o find_v insert_v in_o those_o book_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v forge_v after_o their_o completion_n chap._n v._n that_o the_o book_n in_o which_o we_o may_v find_v these_o oracle_n be_v never_o forge_v i_o have_v observe_v former_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n in_o which_o these_o oracle_n be_v insert_v be_v establish_v before_o we_o can_v build_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o oracle_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o can_v clear_o show_v that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v and_o public_o know_v before_o the_o thing_n happen_v which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v accomplishment_n of_o those_o precede_a oracle_n it_o will_v be_v natural_a to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o authority_n of_o these_o oracle_n but_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o satisfy_v a_o equitable_a reader_n herein_o and_o to_o establish_v in_o general_a or_o several_o the_o existence_n of_o these_o prophetical_a write_n before_o the_o time_n in_o which_o those_o fact_n happen_v which_o we_o propose_v as_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o prophecy_n i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o two_o sort_n of_o reflection_n to_o establish_v my_o proposition_n the_o first_o consist_v in_o general_a consideration_n upon_o the_o book_n themselves_o the_o second_o have_v respect_n to_o particular_a fact_n which_o be_v uncontested_a and_o whence_o the_o same_o truth_n very_o natural_o result_v i._o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v that_o whereas_o in_o genesis_n moses_n make_v use_v of_o no_o other_o epocha_n to_o fix_v the_o time_n of_o any_o event_n but_o the_o year_n of_o the_o life_n of_o some_o famous_a patriarch_n as_o for_o instance_n he_o fix_v the_o flood_n to_o the_o 600_o year_n of_o noah_n age_n 38._o exod._n xix_o numb_a xxxiii_o 38._o in_fw-la exodus_fw-la and_o number_n he_o use_v the_o time_n of_o their_o come_n out_o of_o egypt_n for_o his_o epocha_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o follow_a author_n the_o year_n from_o their_o departure_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v careful_o set_v down_o till_o the_o four_o year_n of_o king_n solomon_n reign_n which_o be_v 480_o year_n after_o their_o departure_n this_o be_v a_o character_n to_o fix_v the_o time_n of_o all_o those_o who_o live_v after_o that_o epochâ—_n ii_o the_o building_n of_o the_o temple_n begin_v a_o new_a epocha_n among_o the_o jew_n as_o appear_v from_o two_o chron._n viii_o 1._o 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babylon_n make_v use_n of_o some_o chaldee_n term_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o forego_n prophet_n for_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o haggai_n 1._o ezech._n xl._n 1._o daniel_n x._o zach_n i._n hagg._n 1._o zechariah_n and_o malachi_n the_o same_o style_n with_o ezra_n nehemiah_n and_o daniel_n 2._o the_o author_n of_o these_o book_n give_v name_n to_o the_o month_n which_o they_o have_v not_o before_o the_o captivity_n the_o jew_n only_o call_v their_o month_n 1._o talm._n rosch_n hassanah_n c._n 1._o first_o and_z second_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o they_o give_v name_n which_o be_v unheard_a of_o before_o 3._o the_o author_n of_o these_o prophecy_n take_v particular_a notice_n of_o any_o new_o institute_v fast_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n mention_v those_o fast_n of_o which_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o law_n but_o which_o be_v
manner_n of_o write_v the_o prophetical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n show_v that_o those_o oracle_n can_v not_o have_v be_v forge_v after_o their_o completion_n i_o have_v several_a thing_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o to_o make_v this_o truth_n more_o sensible_a the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o the_o necessary_a connexion_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o several_a character_n this_o history_n be_v exact_o write_v by_o several_a author_n now_o the_o history_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o their_o oracle_n be_v so_o exact_o frame_v into_o the_o history_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o take_v it_o out_o without_o confound_v the_o whole_a the_o book_n of_o samuel_n which_o be_v write_v by_o samuel_n by_o nathan_n and_o by_o gad_n as_o appear_v by_o i_o chron._n xxix_o 29._o contain_v the_o history_n from_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 2888_o to_o the_o year_n 2987._o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n contain_v the_o history_n of_o the_o king_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n from_o the_o year_n 2989._o to_o the_o year_n 3442._o the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n recapitulate_v the_o history_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o year_n 3468._o ezra_n write_v his_o history_n from_o the_o year_n 3468._o to_o the_o year_n 3538._o nehemiah_n continue_v it_o from_o 3550._o to_o 3563._o here_o be_v therefore_o on_o the_o one_o side_n a_o uninterrupted_a series_n of_o history_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o continue_a succession_n of_o prophecy_n david_n who_o begin_v to_o reign_v in_o the_o year_n 2950._o with_o several_a other_o prophet_n of_o that_o time_n write_v the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o psalm_n which_o be_v full_a of_o oracle_n and_o which_o be_v sing_v by_o the_o people_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a service_n isaiah_n begin_v his_o prophecy_n in_o 3246._o and_o die_v in_o the_o year_n 3306._o hosea_n micah_n and_o nahum_n be_v contemporary_a with_o he_o jeremiah_n begin_v his_o prophecy_n in_o the_o year_n 3375._o and_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o zephaniah_n daniel_n be_v carry_v into_o babylon_n in_o 3401._o and_o prophesy_v until_o 3470._o ezechiel_n prophesy_v at_o babylon_n in_o 3509._o haggai_n and_o zachariah_n prophesy_v in_o 3590._o soon_o after_o ezra_n in_o the_o time_n of_o nehemiah_n malachy_n seem_v to_o have_v live_v until_o the_o year_n 3589._o can_v we_o therefore_o in_o the_o least_o imagine_v that_o a_o history_n shall_v be_v so_o intermix_v with_o prophecy_n and_o oracle_n without_o conceive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o truth_n of_o both_o by_o a_o invincible_a necessity_n but_o we_o may_v make_v a_o second_o reflection_n hereupon_o there_o be_v three_o general_a character_n which_o distinguish_v prophet_n very_o sensible_o from_o the_o generality_n of_o author_n i._o they_o be_v public_a censor_n let_v we_o but_o read_v the_o history_n of_o isaiah_n conduct_n who_o call_v all_o the_o head_n of_o the_o people_n ruler_n of_o sodom_n or_o that_o of_o jeremiah_n chap._n xxxvi_o or_o of_o any_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o general_n ii_o they_o be_v comforter_n of_o the_o people_n when_o they_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n by_o their_o preach_n there_o be_v as_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o as_o there_o be_v prophet_n iii_o they_o foretell_v remarkable_a occurrence_n happy_a or_o unfortunate_a long_o before_o there_o be_v any_o probability_n that_o they_o shall_v happen_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o consider_v these_o character_n without_o see_v that_o the_o state_n of_o affair_n be_v that_o which_o give_v a_o foundation_n for_o their_o sermon_n so_o that_o one_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v frame_v their_o history_n of_o new_a to_o give_v ground_n for_o a_o forgery_n this_o change_n in_o the_o style_n of_o the_o prophet_n follow_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n exact_o all_o that_o isaiah_n or_o jeremiah_n say_v will_v hold_v no_o long_o than_o whilst_o you_o suppose_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v as_o corrupt_v as_o the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n represent_v it_o but_o if_o you_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v as_o the_o history_n do_v distinct_o explain_v it_o nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o forcible_a than_o their_o sermon_n for_o as_o they_o join_v oracle_n with_o promise_n in_o their_o thunder_a sermon_n so_o one_o see_v we_o that_o they_o can_v be_v part_v one_o may_v make_v another_o reflection_n upon_o this_o matter_n by_o show_v that_o these_o oracle_n and_o these_o book_n be_v so_o famous_a among_o the_o jew_n that_o no_o forgery_n can_v be_v suppose_v the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v be_v a_o great_a proof_n for_o they_o appear_v upon_o very_o remarkable_a occasion_n one_o may_v rank_v the_o prophet_n into_o four_o order_n according_a to_o the_o several_a time_n in_o which_o they_o appear_v david_n and_o the_o prophet_n of_o his_o time_n those_o who_o live_v before_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n as_o jonah_n hosea_n joel_n amos_n obadiah_n isaiah_n micah_n nahum_n habakkuk_n zephaniah_n jeremiah_n those_o who_o prophesy_v during_o the_o captivity_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n and_o daniel_n those_o who_o live_v after_o their_o return_n from_o babybylon_n haggai_n zechariah_n and_o malachy_n now_o we_o have_v a_o equal_a assurance_n of_o all_o these_o prophet_n that_o they_o be_v famous_a who_o can_v deny_v the_o oracle_n of_o david_n to_o have_v be_v famous_a when_o they_o be_v preserve_v among_o their_o public_a hymn_n one_o see_v we_o that_o micah_n prediction_n save_v jeremiah_n who_o they_o will_v have_v condemn_v for_o prophesy_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o temple_n under_o jehoiakim_n when_o micah_n have_v prophesy_v the_o same_o thing_n under_o hezekiah_n that_o be_v to_o say_v about_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n before_o this_o prediction_n of_o jeremiah_n here_o be_v a_o event_n which_o assure_v we_o without_o affectation_n that_o this_o prophecy_n be_v very_o well_o know_v be_v not_o therefore_o the_o other_o prophecy_n which_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jew_n very_o well_o know_v by_o the_o whole_a nation_n the_o other_o prophet_n live_v in_o very_o remarkable_a time_n isaiah_n under_o jotham_n ahaz_n and_o manasseh_n impious_a prince_n the_o last_o of_o which_o put_v he_o to_o a_o cruel_a death_n for_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o censure_n and_o prediction_n there_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o every_o prophet_n a_o great_a number_n of_o circumstance_n which_o may_v be_v enlarge_v upon_o and_o which_o will_v further_o prove_v that_o their_o work_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v be_v very_o public_a and_o very_o famous_a among_o the_o jew_n we_o must_v not_o here_o neglect_v what_o do_v more_o particular_o regard_v the_o person_n of_o the_o prophet_n i._o some_o of_o they_o be_v priest_n that_o be_v to_o say_v public_a minister_n of_o their_o religion_n jeremiah_n and_o ezechiel_n be_v of_o that_o number_n this_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o read_v of_o their_o work_n and_o in_o observe_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o revelation_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n accommodate_v by_o god_n to_o those_o idea_n about_o which_o the_o prophet_n be_v most_o employ_v ii_o some_o be_v very_o illustrious_a by_o their_o birth_n thus_o david_n for_o instance_n be_v king_n of_o israel_n isaiah_n be_v a_o prince_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o daniel_n be_v one_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o judah_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o find_v out_o by_o consider_v the_o majesty_n of_o their_o style_n and_o greatness_n of_o their_o expression_n iii_o some_o be_v very_o contemptible_a by_o their_o employment_n and_o by_o their_o birth_n so_o amos_n for_o instance_n and_o those_o other_o prophet_n who_o father_n be_v bare_o name_v without_o join_v to_o it_o any_o honourable_a title_n if_o the_o jew_n observation_n have_v any_o strength_n now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o though_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n make_v he_o who_o have_v it_o sufficient_o famous_a yet_o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n often_o make_v the_o prophecy_n famous_a sometime_o indeed_o the_o meanness_n of_o the_o person_n as_o in_o amos_n make_v the_o work_n to_o be_v more_o regard_v every_o body_n take_v occasion_n from_o the_o ancient_a profession_n or_o the_o prophet_n to_o consider_v the_o prophecy_n which_o he_o publish_v with_o more_o attention_n one_o ought_v to_o observe_v with_o care_n that_o those_o prophet_n who_o write_n be_v preserve_v as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o do_v not_o write_v be_v continual_o strike_v at_o by_o false_a prophet_n who_o oppose_v they_o with_o great_a heat_n since_o than_o we_o have_v no_o prophecy_n preserve_v but_o of_o those_o who_o prediction_n be_v accomplish_v the_o event_n justify_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o prediction_n with_o regard_n to_o particular_a fact_n near_o the_o time_n which_o they_o have_v foretell_v
to_o establish_v their_o authority_n whereas_o the_o prediction_n of_o other_o want_v this_o character_n be_v neglect_v and_o at_o last_o absolute_o lose_v it_o appear_v plain_o that_o those_o which_o remain_n be_v thing_n of_o the_o great_a reputation_n among_o the_o jew_n beside_o i_o may_v add_v that_o one_o needs_o only_o read_v their_o book_n to_o see_v that_o they_o not_o only_o foretell_v obscure_a thing_n or_o what_o particular_o concern_v their_o state_n but_o also_o thing_n of_o a_o more_o splendid_a nature_n the_o overthrow_n of_o kingdom_n of_o city_n the_o destruction_n of_o whole_a nation_n the_o destruction_n of_o their_o own_o city_n with_o its_o re-establishment_n matter_n which_o will_v render_v their_o book_n very_o illustrious_a and_o which_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o be_v read_v not_o only_o by_o the_o jew_n but_o also_o by_o the_o neighbour_n nation_n the_o ammonite_n moabite_n assyrian_n persian_n egyptian_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o this_o therefore_o a_o very_a particular_a thing_n and_o that_o which_o make_v the_o prophet_n very_o illustrious_a that_o the_o great_a lustre_n of_o the_o prophet_n continue_v but_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n there_o have_v be_v none_o since_o the_o year_n 3553._o their_o glory_n appear_v in_o the_o history_n of_o eight_o age_n but_o it_o do_v not_o extend_v itself_o any_o far_o now_o why_o i_o pray_v shall_v there_o be_v no_o impostor_n after_o malachy_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v impostor_n before_o he_o one_o may_v imagine_v perhaps_o that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v immediate_o disperse_v some_o be_v utter_v in_o one_o place_n and_o some_o in_o another_o some_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n and_o other_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n some_o in_o babylon_n other_o in_o egypt_n which_o may_v give_v opportunites_n for_o impostor_n but_o i._o this_o objection_n may_v be_v strong_o retort_v back_o for_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v that_o in_o the_o division_n which_o separate_v the_o israelite_n from_o the_o jew_n those_o of_o judah_n will_v charge_v themselves_o with_o the_o write_n publish_v in_o a_o kingdom_n so_o much_o a_o enemy_n to_o they_o without_o examination_n when_o every_o thing_n which_o come_v from_o thence_o aught_o to_o appear_v suspect_v ii_o they_o be_v all_o collect_v into_o particular_a volume_n but_o the_o prophecy_n of_o hosea_n isaiah_n and_o jeremy_n and_o the_o most_o considerable_a of_o the_o rest_n be_v preserve_v in_o book_n which_o contain_v many_o other_o thing_n iii_o they_o be_v all_o exact_o join_v with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o same_o nation_n each_o one_o in_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o equal_a concern_v to_o preserve_v and_o to_o gather_v they_o together_o but_o beside_o they_o be_v all_o collect_v into_o one_o body_n in_o short_a the_o lxxii_o interpreter_n translate_v they_o into_o greek_a in_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 3727._o and_o so_o submit_v they_o to_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o this_o also_o keep_v we_o from_o doubt_v of_o their_o truth_n this_o translation_n be_v make_v but_o one_o hundred_o thirty_o and_o eight_o year_n after_o malachy_n the_o last_o of_o the_o prophet_n but_o what_o judgement_n soever_o may_v be_v make_v of_o these_o reflection_n the_o design_n whereof_o be_v only_o to_o establish_v the_o reputation_n of_o these_o prophecy_n and_o of_o the_o book_n wherein_o they_o be_v write_v that_o so_o no_o room_n may_v be_v leave_v for_o any_o suspicion_n of_o forgery_n i_o shall_v add_v two_o consideration_n to_o what_o i_o have_v say_v already_o which_o ought_v to_o appear_v convince_a to_o every_o attentive_a man._n i._o one_o can_v suspect_v none_o but_o the_o jew_n as_o forger_n of_o these_o oracle_n now_o not_o to_o say_v any_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o absurdity_n of_o suppose_v that_o a_o whole_a nation_n shall_v have_v subscribe_v to_o such_o a_o imposture_n all_o the_o jew_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v after_o their_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n strong_o prepossess_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v a_o great_a temporal_a king_n and_o they_o have_v the_o same_o belief_n to_o this_o very_a hour_n in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o they_o be_v disperse_v this_o be_v once_o lay_v down_o i_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o jew_n shall_v forge_v oracle_n which_o assert_v express_o that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o so_o very_o odious_a a_o manner_n for_o as_o i_o shall_v afterward_o show_v the_o old_a doctor_n attribute_v to_o the_o messiah_n all_o those_o oracle_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o messiah_n according_a to_o the_o christian_n and_o which_o they_o themselves_o in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v force_v to_o interpret_v of_o two_o messiah_n one_o expose_v to_o a_o world_n of_o misery_n and_o the_o other_o only_o glorious_a or_o at_o least_o i_o may_v say_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o jew_n shall_v consent_v to_o a_o forgery_n which_o thwart_v their_o common_a idea_n and_o pretension_n in_o so_o very_o sensible_a a_o manner_n ii_o the_o second_o consideration_n establish_v the_o same_o truth_n with_o no_o less_o firmness_n which_o be_v that_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n from_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o great_a aversation_n they_o look_v upon_o the_o blessing_n which_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o communicate_v as_o advantage_n entire_o reserve_v for_o those_o of_o their_o own_o nation_n how_o then_o can_v we_o conceive_v that_o the_o jew_n shall_v forge_v so_o many_o oracle_n which_o shall_v thwart_v their_o prejudices_fw-la so_o sensible_o or_o how_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o a_o whole_a people_n will_v authorise_v with_o their_o approbation_n a_o imposture_n so_o contrary_a and_o so_o very_o opposite_a to_o their_o own_o opinion_n but_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o when_o the_o jew_n be_v once_o persuade_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o prophet_n either_o by_o their_o miracle_n or_o by_o the_o ready_a accomplishment_n of_o every_o oracle_n which_o they_o have_v public_o pronounce_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v their_o book_n with_o a_o profound_a submission_n and_o preserve_v they_o with_o the_o utmost_a care_n but_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n for_o a_o people_n to_o receive_v imposture_n contrary_a to_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o imposture_n reiterated_a so_o often_o without_o any_o ground_n but_o what_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o record_n never_o before_o hear_v of_o will_v produce_v but_o i_o suppose_v these_o reflection_n will_v suffice_v to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o historical_a and_o prophetical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o allege_v particular_a proof_n which_o may_v demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o each_o book_n in_o particular_a which_o will_v carry_v i_o out_o to_o too_o great_a a_o length_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o oracle_n themselves_o and_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o light_n of_o this_o revelation_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o this_o progress_n may_v be_v the_o better_o observe_v i_o shall_v do_v three_o thing_n as_o i_o have_v former_o observe_v without_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o wise_a reader_n will_v not_o receive_v satisfaction_n i._o i_o shall_v explain_v in_o a_o few_o word_n the_o reason_n why_o these_o oracle_n be_v interweave_v with_o several_a history_n or_o prophecy_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n ii_o i_o shall_v give_v such_o rule_n as_o will_v serve_v to_o justify_v the_o application_n which_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n have_v equal_o make_v of_o several_a oracle_n only_o to_o the_o messiah_n iii_o i_o shall_v set_v the_o oracle_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o time_n which_o will_v manifest_v the_o advancement_n and_o progress_n of_o that_o light_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o revelation_n itself_o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o conceive_v that_o god_n shall_v explain_v himself_o more_o clear_o in_o this_o matter_n in_o proportion_n as_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v near_o to_o their_o completion_n chap._n vii_o for_o what_o reason_n the_o oracle_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n be_v interweave_v with_o other_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o wide_o distant_a one_o of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v against_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v that_o surprise_v mixture_n which_o one_o see_v we_o of_o those_o oracle_n and_o of_o other_o subject_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v wide_o distant_a from_o any_o idea_n of_o the_o messiah_n there_o be_v none_o
so_o profane_a as_o to_o deny_v that_o if_o in_o the_o same_o author_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n any_o man_n shall_v read_v in_o one_o continue_a series_n prediction_n which_o shall_v explain_v the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n his_o family_n his_o preach_a his_o miracle_n his_o suffering_n his_o resurrection_n his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n the_o send_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n but_o that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v sufficient_o justify_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n but_o they_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v apply_v several_a passage_n in_o ancient_a author_n to_o the_o history_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thou_o the_o whole_a contexture_n of_o their_o book_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o oblige_v we_o to_o make_v any_o such_o interpretation_n they_o therefore_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v several_a fortunate_a allusion_n to_o the_o more_o remarkable_a passage_n in_o those_o ancient_a author_n which_o may_v pass_v for_o prediction_n of_o those_o event_n which_o afterward_o happen_v just_o as_o nonnus_n write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o homer_n verse_n and_o as_o eudoxia_n make_v a_o cento_n out_o of_o virgil_n poem_n which_o contain_v the_o same_o history_n though_o neither_o homer_n nor_o virgil_n have_v any_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n then_o in_o view_n that_o this_o apparent_a difficulty_n may_v be_v solve_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o examine_v three_o thing_n i._n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n itself_o ii_o the_o reason_n which_o give_v occasion_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o iii_o the_o impression_n which_o this_o fact_n have_v produce_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o this_o very_a time_n for_o the_o first_o though_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o common_a use_n do_v not_o allow_v man_n to_o join_v foreign_a idea_n in_o the_o same_o discourse_n yet_o we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v that_o god_n may_v and_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v what_o may_v be_v easy_o collect_v that_o he_o resolve_v to_o send_v the_o messiah_n into_o the_o world_n such_o a_o practice_n be_v the_o more_o natural_a because_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n before_o moses_n and_o moses_n himself_o who_o form_v the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n to_o such_o sort_n of_o expression_n as_o be_v raise_v above_o the_o present_a subject_n and_o certain_o if_o one_o take_v but_o the_o pain_n to_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o author_n who_o write_v these_o prophetical_a book_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o character_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n on_o the_o other_o he_o will_v perceive_v that_o if_o these_o word_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fulfil_v be_v of_o necessity_n to_o be_v change_v into_o these_o as_o one_o may_v perceive_v a_o sort_n of_o completion_n of_o such_o or_o such_o passage_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o those_o quotation_n will_v evince_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n and_o the_o oracle_n which_o they_o allege_v will_v bear_v a_o just_a proportion_n to_o those_o event_n which_o be_v relate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n in_o our_o saviour_n life_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o singular_a than_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o isaiah_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n of_o the_o pierce_a of_o his_o hand_n and_o foot_n psal_n xxii_o of_o the_o mixture_n of_o gall_n which_o be_v offer_v he_o to_o drink_v hint_v at_o psalm_n lx._n 22._o of_o his_o be_v sell_v for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n zechar._n xi_o 3._o or_o then_o several_a other_o of_o a_o like_a nature_n which_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o reckon_v up_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v however_o that_o these_o oracle_n be_v interweave_v for_o the_o most_o part_n with_o matter_n relate_v to_o event_n happen_v in_o the_o time_n when_o each_o prophet_n live_v or_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v applicable_a personal_o to_o the_o prophet_n three_o order_n or_o reason_n may_v be_v conceive_v which_o will_v justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o order_n of_o these_o oracle_n in_o a_o way_n which_o seem_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world._n the_o first_o order_n contain_v reason_n draw_v from_o the_o person_n of_o the_o messiah_n himself_o of_o who_o we_o speak_v the_o second_o order_n contain_v those_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o people_n among_o who_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v the_o three_o contain_v those_o reason_n which_o respect_v other_o nation_n among_o who_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v i_o shall_v examine_v these_o three_o sort_n by_o themselves_o and_o i_o hope_v that_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n preside_v over_o this_o mixture_n of_o these_o oracle_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n with_o other_o idea_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o subject_a in_o short_a it_o may_v be_v urge_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o messiah_n form_v of_o so_o apparent_a contradiction_n can_v easy_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o sudden_a a_o messiah_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n who_o david_n call_v his_o lord_n a_o messiah_n who_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v forsake_v by_o god_n who_o however_o he_o ought_v to_o adore_v a_o messiah_n bear_v with_o the_o weakness_n of_o youth_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v call_v a_o mighty_a god_n and_o the_o father_n of_o eternity_n etc._n etc._n however_o these_o idea_n which_o seem_v so_o opposite_a aught_o of_o necessity_n to_o have_v be_v so_o separate_v by_o the_o prophet_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o chimerical_a description_n and_o incompatible_a in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o subject_a a_o second_o reflection_n which_o may_v be_v make_v upon_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v bind_v not_o only_o to_o preserve_v their_o oracle_n but_o also_o to_o execute_v they_o in_o part_n thus_o for_o instance_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o they_o to_o reject_v the_o messiah_n to_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v crucify_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o their_o punishment_n shall_v be_v as_o signal_n as_o their_o crime_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v disperse_v over_o the_o world_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v clear_o show_v now_o how_o can_v all_o this_o have_v ever_o be_v effect_v if_o the_o description_n of_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v be_v as_o historical_a as_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o evangelist_n who_o give_v we_o only_o a_o narrative_a of_o matter_n of_o fact._n in_o a_o word_n be_v it_o not_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v that_o these_o oracle_n shall_v be_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o write_n of_o these_o ancient_a author_n they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v upon_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n after_o they_o be_v cast_v off_o by_o god_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n and_o these_o oracle_n may_v be_v beyond_o all_o contest_v as_o testimony_n with_o which_o we_o be_v furnish_v by_o the_o adverse_a party_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v place_n until_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v profess_v christianity_n let_v any_o one_o therefore_o judge_v if_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o this_o state_n of_o affair_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o obscurity_n in_o the_o prophetical_a description_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o this_o interweave_v of_o foreign_a idea_n with_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o messiah_n as_o also_o this_o dispersion_n of_o the_o oracle_n through_o different_a place_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o they_o be_v utter_v upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o different_a author_n and_o we_o may_v affirm_v it_o as_o a_o certainty_n that_o according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n this_o obscurity_n do_v not_o hinder_v either_o jew_n or_o pagan_n from_o perceive_v those_o roll_a idea_n of_o a_o messiah_n when_o they_o read_v the_o old_a testament_n neither_o be_v the_o dispersion_n of_o these_o oracle_n through_o so_o many_o different_a place_n any_o great_a hindrance_n to_o their_o application_n since_o the_o jew_n lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o constant_a maxim_n that_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v foretell_v as_o great_a and_o illustrious_a by_o the_o prophet_n aught_o to_o be_v look_v for_o in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o messiah_n when_o the_o
iv_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o pay_v a_o much_o great_a deference_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n than_o of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v sour_v by_o their_o misery_n and_o dispute_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o they_o have_v lose_v that_o principle_n of_o equity_n which_o keep_v man_n from_o deny_v the_o most_o evident_a truth_n and_o which_o have_v be_v the_o most_o universal_o acknowledge_v by_o a_o whole_a nation_n that_o be_v not_o prepossess_v with_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o obstinacy_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v beside_o that_o this_o seem_a confusion_n of_o those_o oracle_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n with_o other_o subject_n treat_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n arise_v from_o several_a cause_n i._o from_o the_o prophet_n often_o join_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o principal_a promise_n the_o send_n of_o the_o messiah_n with_o the_o promise_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n as_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o instance_n so_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o egypt_n and_o their_o departure_n from_o thence_o with_o their_o settle_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v they_o before_o be_v foretell_v as_o necessary_a mean_n in_o the_o order_n of_o providence_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o god._n for_o so_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n and_o their_o deliverance_n there_o from_o which_o be_v both_o foretell_v be_v foretell_v as_o step_n towards_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o send_v the_o messiah_n and_o so_o likewise_o when_o they_o foretell_v the_o persecution_n by_o antiochus_n and_o the_o other_o neighbour_a nation_n they_o also_o foretell_v the_o deliverance_n which_o god_n will_v grant_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o re-establishment_n until_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o great_a promise_n ii_o this_o seem_a confusion_n arise_v from_o the_o write_n of_o these_o book_n piece_n by_o piece_n which_o afterward_o be_v put_v into_o this_o order_n without_o have_v always_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v and_o without_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o occasion_n which_o engage_v the_o prophet_n to_o write_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o prophecy_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n join_v to_o several_a other_o transaction_n and_o to_o several_a other_o prediction_n who_o connexion_n be_v not_o always_o so_o very_o evident_a iii_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophecy_n each_o by_o themselves_o so_o that_o all_o those_o of_o the_o same_o prophet_n be_v put_v together_o as_o they_o come_v out_o make_v only_o a_o new_a chapter_n in_o the_o work_n whereas_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v rather_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o matter_n than_o to_o the_o order_n in_o which_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o book_n as_o we_o have_v it_o at_o the_o present_a for_o the_o prophet_n often_o borrow_v their_o light_n from_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v say_v some_o time_n before_o or_o from_o what_o some_o other_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v particular_o of_o those_o who_o live_v about_o the_o same_o time_n but_o beside_o those_o rule_n which_o i_o propose_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o beside_o those_o observation_n of_o the_o join_v the_o oracle_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n with_o other_o subject_n i_o must_v add_v two_o rule_n more_o which_o may_v be_v useful_a in_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o great_a number_n of_o oracle_n which_o be_v express_v in_o figurative_a term_n the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o conceive_v that_o when_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o when_o they_o be_v intent_n upon_o the_o description_n of_o his_o kingdom_n they_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o expression_n which_o seem_v to_o foretell_v a_o sort_n of_o overturning_a of_o nature_n which_o shall_v happen_v at_o that_o time_n but_o then_o these_o expression_n ought_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o figurative_a sense_n in_o the_o same_o spiritual_a sense_n in_o which_o the_o christian_n understand_v they_o as_o the_o famous_a maimonides_n allow_v in_o that_o passage_n of_o isaiah_n xii_o lib._n de_fw-fr regibus_fw-la cap._n xii_o where_o the_o wolf_n and_o the_o lamb_n be_v say_v to_o feed_v together_o second_o since_o the_o messiah_n be_v describe_v as_o one_o who_o shall_v unite_v in_o his_o own_o person_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o the_o meanness_n of_o the_o human_a nature_n together_o we_o ought_v to_o understand_v those_o oracle_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o what_o be_v great_a in_o those_o prophetical_a description_n shall_v not_o contradict_v the_o more_o contemptible_a part_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o messiah_n as_o clothe_v with_o all_o the_o meanness_n of_o the_o human_a nature_n these_o idea_n which_o be_v often_o join_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o oracle_n aught_o to_o be_v exact_o apply_v to_o the_o different_a consideration_n which_o the_o prophet_n have_v of_o the_o messiah_n or_o to_o those_o various_a state_n through_o which_o they_o themselves_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o pass_v a_o intelligent_a reader_n will_v easy_o judge_v that_o i_o may_v have_v add_v a_o three_o rule_n to_o the_o two_o former_a which_o be_v that_o when_o a_o person_n who_o have_v all_o the_o character_n of_o a_o prophet_n apply_v a_o old_a oracle_n to_o any_o subject_a one_o can_v reasonable_o dispute_v his_o application_n this_o the_o christian_n assure_v we_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o oracle_n but_o because_o this_o suppose_v a_o prophetic_a character_n in_o the_o apostle_n before_o it_o have_v be_v establish_v by_o solid_a proof_n i_o shall_v wave_v the_o proposal_n of_o it_o at_o present_a after_o these_o general_a remark_n i_o shall_v gather_v together_o those_o oracle_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n i_o may_v here_o follow_v the_o order_n of_o the_o matter_n by_o bring_v under_o each_o article_n those_o oracle_n which_o relate_v to_o it_o which_o will_v give_v a_o great_a light_n to_o the_o subject_a as_o eusebius_n have_v right_o observe_v and_o as_o he_o have_v practise_v himself_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr demonstratione_fw-la evangelicâ_fw-la however_o i_o rather_o choose_v to_o follow_v the_o order_n of_o time_n in_o which_o these_o oracle_n be_v utter_v which_o do_v not_o seem_v improper_a to_o explain_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o oracle_n in_o short_a this_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n i._o because_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o consider_v the_o series_n of_o god_n design_n and_o the_o connexion_n which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o those_o idea_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o express_v it_o ii_o because_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o light_n in_o the_o revelation_n proportionable_o as_o the_o time_n draw_v near_o so_o that_o it_o be_v of_o use_n to_o observe_v how_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n follow_v this_o natural_a order_n in_o make_v the_o late_a oracle_n clear_a than_o the_o former_a and_o in_o hint_v by_o little_a and_o little_a a_o great_a number_n of_o circumstance_n by_o which_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o explain_v they_o iii_o because_o this_o serve_v to_o give_v we_o a_o very_a strong_a proof_n that_o god_n intend_v to_o furnish_v we_o from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o with_o that_o which_o shall_v fix_v we_o in_o a_o belief_n of_o this_o capital_a truth_n in_o our_o religion_n in_o short_a when_o the_o truth_n of_o each_o of_o the_o book_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v once_o approve_a and_o their_o age_n set_v down_o it_o appear_v that_o several_a prophet_n do_v agree_v wonderful_o without_o any_o concert_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n at_o several_a time_n and_o in_o several_a place_n and_o circumstance_n which_o hinder_v man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n from_o agree_v in_o the_o most_o common_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o reflection_n i_o have_v already_o consider_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n follow_v rule_n very_o conformable_a to_o the_o condition_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o patriarch_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n we_o may_v see_v the_o same_o conduct_n in_o the_o follow_a time_n so_o since_o god_n have_v promise_v child_n to_o adam_n in_o abel_n stead_n one_o may_v see_v that_o he_o also_o promise_v david_n a_o son_n who_o shall_v set_v upon_o his_o throne_n he_o explain_v almost_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o come_v his_o humiliation_n his_o exaltation_n the_o opposition_n he_o shall_v meet_v with_o the_o victory_n he_o shall_v obtain_v and_o his_o office_n prophetical_a priestly_a and_o royal._n one_o see_v
of_o one_o that_o be_v blind_a and_o another_o that_o be_v lame_a at_o alexandria_n he_o that_o will_v know_v the_o particular_n may_v consult_v tacitus_n his_o history_n and_o last_o of_o all_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o only_o agree_v that_o this_o oracle_n of_o isaiah_n refer_v to_o the_o messiah_n but_o they_o also_o still_o propose_v the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n as_o a_o character_n which_o will_v render_v the_o messiah_n very_o illustrious_a and_o certain_o know_v chap._n xvii_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o illustrious_a prophet_n this_o truth_n i_o have_v already_o assert_v in_o the_o reflection_n i_o make_v on_o the_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n deut._n xviii_o but_o one_o ought_v to_o explain_v this_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n more_o particular_o god_n have_v be_v please_v further_a to_o illustrate_v this_o oracle_n of_o moses_n first_o then_o we_o say_v that_o the_o word_n messiah_n imply_v anoint_v which_o be_v common_a to_o king_n prophet_n and_o priest_n and_o since_o david_n time_n we_o find_v nothing_o more_o common_a than_o this_o title_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o moses_n be_v dignify_v with_o this_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o that_o samuel_n communicate_v the_o same_o to_o saul_n and_o david_n when_o he_o anoint_v they_o to_o be_v king_n yea_o the_o jew_n to_o this_o day_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o elias_n the_o prophet_n shall_v anoint_v the_o messiah_n that_o be_v initiate_v he_o in_o his_o prophetical_a as_o well_o as_o his_o royal_a function_n second_o god_n more_o precise_o signify_v this_o isai_n xi_o verse_n 1_o 2_o &_o 3._o where_o he_o declare_v he_o will_v communicate_v all_o the_o necessary_a gift_n of_o the_o prophetical_a function_n to_o the_o messiah_n there_o shall_v come_v forth_o a_o rod_n out_o of_o the_o stem_n of_o jesse_n and_o a_o branch_n shall_v grow_v out_o of_o his_o root_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v rest_v upon_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n and_o may_v the_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o judge_v after_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o eye_n neither_o reprove_v after_o the_o hear_n of_o his_o ear_n these_o word_n need_v no_o commentary_n for_o the_o jew_n refer_v they_o constant_o to_o the_o messiah_n and_o they_o plain_o import_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a prophet_n forasmuch_o as_o all_o the_o character_n which_o be_v there_o give_v to_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o rest_v on_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o same_o which_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o find_v attribute_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o may_v easy_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o prophet_n especial_o of_o david_n and_o solomon_n and_o much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o passage_n isai_n xlii_o vers_fw-la 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o and_o 7._o behold_v my_o servant_n who_o i_o uphold_v my_o elect_a in_o who_o my_o soul_n delight_v i_o have_v put_v my_o spirit_n upon_o he_o he_o shall_v bring_v forth_o judgement_n to_o the_o gentile_n he_o shall_v not_o cry_v nor_o lift_v up_o nor_o cause_v his_o voice_n to_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o street_n a_o bruise_a reed_n shall_v he_o not_o break_v and_o the_o smoke_a flax_n shall_v he_o not_o quench_v he_o shall_v bring_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o truth_n he_o shall_v not_o fail_v nor_o be_v discourage_v till_o he_o have_v set_v judgement_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o isle_n shall_v wait_v for_o his_o law._n thus_o say_v god_n the_o lord_n he_o that_o create_v the_o heaven_n and_o stretch_v they_o out_o he_o that_o spread_v forth_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o which_o come_v out_o of_o it_o he_o that_o give_v breath_n to_o the_o people_n upon_o it_o and_o spirit_n to_o they_o that_o walk_v therein_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v thou_o in_o righteousness_n and_o will_v hold_v thou_o and_o will_v keep_v thou_o and_o give_v thou_o for_o a_o covenant_n of_o the_o people_n for_o a_o light_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v the_o blind_a eye_n to_o bring_v out_o the_o prisoner_n from_o the_o prison_n and_o they_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n out_o of_o the_o prison_n house_n in_o which_o oracle_n one_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n particular_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o jew_n apply_v to_o the_o messiah_n 1._o that_o god_n propose_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o bestow_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o choice_n he_o have_v make_v of_o he_o 2._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o as_o rule_n for_o reform_v the_o country_n and_o propound_v god_n covenant_n to_o the_o gentile_n which_o clear_o suppose_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n to_o qualify_v he_o for_o such_o great_a undertake_n 3._o that_o contrary_a to_o the_o thunder_a character_n which_o distinguish_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v as_o so_o many_o public_a censor_n the_o messiah_n be_v to_o speak_v with_o all_o meekness_n and_o sweetness_n to_o the_o nation_n which_o shall_v receive_v his_o preach_v one_o see_v we_o that_o isaiah_n repeat_v the_o same_o idea_n chap._n lxi_o vers_fw-la 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o and_o 7._o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n unto_o the_o meek_a he_o have_v send_v i_o to_o bind-up_a the_o break_a heart_a to_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o prison_n to_o they_o that_o be_v bind_v to_o proclaim_v the_o acceptable_a year_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o day_n of_o vengeance_n of_o our_o god_n to_o comfort_v all_o that_o mourn_v to_o appoint_v unto_o they_o that_o mourn_v in_o zion_n to_o give_v unto_o they_o beauty_n for_o ash_n the_o oil_n of_o joy_n for_o mourn_v the_o garment_n of_o praise_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o heaviness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v call_v tree_n of_o righteousness_n the_o plant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v and_o they_o shall_v build_v the_o old_a waste_v they_o shall_v raise_v up_o the_o former_a desolation_n and_o they_o shall_v repair_v the_o waste_a city_n the_o desolation_n of_o many_o generation_n and_o stranger_n shall_v stand_v and_o feed_v your_o flock_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o alien_n shall_v be_v your_o plowman_n and_o your_o vine_n dresser_n but_o you_o shall_v be_v name_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o lord_n man_n shall_v call_v you_o the_o minister_n of_o our_o god_n you_o shall_v eat_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o their_o glory_n shall_v you_o boast_v yourselves_o for_o your_o shame_n you_o shall_v have_v double_a and_o for_o confusion_n they_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o their_o portion_n therefore_o in_o their_o land_n they_o shall_v possess_v the_o double_a everlasting_a joy_n shall_v be_v upon_o they_o in_o short_a he_o represent_v in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a oracle_n the_o gentile_n as_o a_o people_n be_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o prison_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v easy_o infer_v first_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n how_o vile_a and_o abject_a soever_o that_o character_n may_v appear_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o have_v show_v that_o it_o be_v where_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o prophet_n in_o general_n second_o that_o he_o be_v to_o discharge_v these_o function_n during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v his_o chief_a employment_n here_o upon_o earth_n david_n have_v before_o signify_v psalm_n xxii_o verse_n 22._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o declare_v the_o name_n of_o god_n unto_o his_o brethren_n viz._n the_o jew_n by_o exercise_v his_o prophetical_a function_n in_o judea_n but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v something_o more_o when_o he_o seem_v to_o point_v out_o galilee_n as_o the_o place_n where_o this_o sacred_a doctor_n be_v chief_o to_o fix_v his_o abode_n this_o be_v in_o effect_n insinuate_v when_o god_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v to_o begin_v his_o ministerial_a function_n in_o the_o tribe_n of_o naphtali_n and_o zebulon_n isai_n ix_o vers_fw-la 1_o 2_o and_o 3._o nevertheless_o the_o dimness_n shall_v not_o be_v such_o as_o be_v in_o her_o vexation_n when_o at_o the_o first_o he_o light_o afflict_v the_o land_n of_o zebulon_n and_o the_o land_n of_o naphtali_n and_o afterward_o do_v more_o grievous_o afflict_v she_o by_o the_o way_n of_o the_o sea_n beyond_o jordan_n in_o galilee_n of_o the_o nation_n the_o people_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n have_v see_v a_o great_a light_n they_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o land_n
doubt_n whether_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v at_o the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n or_o no_o especial_o since_o the_o apostle_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o particular_a have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o prophet_n so_o plain_o do_v foretell_v this_o truth_n chap._n xxv_o of_o the_o time_n which_o succeed_v the_o publish_n of_o these_o prophecy_n till_o the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n thus_o we_o have_v see_v a_o abridgement_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a oracle_n utter_v either_o by_o god_n himself_o or_o by_o prophet_n who_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o declare_v his_o design_n i_o may_v easy_o have_v allege_v a_o far_o great_a number_n but_o i_o choose_v rather_o to_o content_v myself_o with_o these_o to_o avoid_v the_o confusion_n which_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o citation_n be_v apt_a to_o occasion_n and_o i_o question_v not_o but_o these_o i_o have_v mention_v will_v suffice_v to_o give_v we_o a_o idea_n of_o god_n promise_n concern_v the_o messiah_n sufficient_o great_a and_o enable_v we_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n whether_o that_o which_o the_o christian_n declare_v to_o have_v be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o be_v so_o indeed_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o matter_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o make_v some_o reflection_n on_o the_o whole_a matter_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o deserve_v a_o serious_a attention_n the_o first_o be_v that_o god_n have_v by_o degree_n put_v a_o end_n to_o those_o division_n that_o be_v between_o some_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o jew_n found_v on_o their_o hope_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o the_o time_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n draw_v near_o we_o hear_v little_a now_o of_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o ishmaelite_n against_o the_o jew_n god_n have_v place_v they_o in_o the_o desert_n of_o paran_n they_o have_v indeed_o continue_v there_o in_o a_o manner_n invincible_a but_o also_o without_o any_o great_a communication_n with_o their_o neighbour_n nation_n as_o for_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n they_o have_v their_o kingdom_n on_o the_o border_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n and_o continue_v there_o till_o the_o time_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n since_o which_o we_o find_v little_a mention_n make_v of_o they_o as_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n whole_o confound_v with_o other_o nation_n only_o we_o meet_v with_o some_o few_o memorial_n of_o the_o ammonite_n who_o pretension_n to_o that_o promise_n be_v the_o weak_a of_o the_o two_o as_o be_v the_o posterity_n of_o lot_n young_a daughter_n it_o be_v worth_a our_o observe_n that_o most_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o david_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o follow_a prophet_n which_o thunder_n forth_o such_o terrible_a denunciation_n against_o the_o pride_n of_o those_o people_n threaten_v they_o with_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n and_o final_a destruction_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o old_a quarrel_n and_o jealousy_n their_o state_n quarrel_n which_o happen_v afterward_o succeed_v to_o 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continue_v this_o people_n so_o long_o on_o purpose_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o jealousy_n which_o be_v between_o they_o and_o the_o jew_n may_v preserve_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o promise_a messiah_n more_o fresh_a and_o lively_a and_o to_o engage_v man_n to_o a_o more_o attentive_a consideration_n of_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o same_o and_o that_o god_n by_o confound_v they_o afterward_o with_o other_o nation_n intend_v whole_o to_o take_v away_o their_o pretension_n the_o service_n which_o before_o they_o render_v to_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v no_o long_o needful_a after_o so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a a_o revelation_n this_o reflection_n will_v be_v own_v to_o be_v more_o than_o a_o conjecture_n if_o we_o consider_v god_n deal_v with_o the_o ten_o tribe_n god_n suffer_v they_o to_o be_v carry_v away_o captive_n by_o salmanassar_n leave_v only_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n levi_n and_o benjamin_n to_o be_v afterward_o the_o depositary_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n the_o second_o be_v that_o as_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n have_v keep_v some_o distance_n of_o time_n in_o his_o revelation_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n may_v be_v full_o and_o firm_o establish_v which_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v be_v do_v by_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o some_o prophecy_n respect_v some_o particular_a matter_n of_o fact_n near_o at_o hand_n so_o it_o please_v god_n for_o above_o four_o hundred_o year_n to_o leave_v the_o jew_n without_o the_o light_n of_o prophecy_n because_o that_o which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o till_o malachy_n time_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o know_v the_o messiah_n when_o he_o shall_v appear_v in_o the_o world._n the_o three_o be_v that_o this_o cessation_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v serve_v to_o increase_v their_o desire_n for_o the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n in_o who_o day_n those_o gift_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a glory_n of_o their_o nation_n be_v to_o be_v restore_v in_o far_o great_a abundance_n than_o have_v ever_o be_v grant_v to_o they_o before_o a_o four_o reflection_n which_o be_v well_o worth_a our_o attentive_a consideration_n be_v that_o god_n so_o order_v it_o in_o his_o providence_n that_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a about_o one_o hundred_o year_n after_o malachy_n that_o they_o may_v be_v communicate_v to_o all_o nation_n the_o greek_a tongue_n be_v at_o that_o time_n and_o indeed_o ever_o since_o the_o reign_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a a_o language_n the_o most_o know_a and_o general_o speak_v in_o the_o world_n he_o have_v with_o his_o power_n carry_v it_o into_o the_o south_n and_o east_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n hereby_o design_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o divine_a oracle_n by_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o heathen_a by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n at_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o king_n of_o egypt_n second_o to_o prevent_v cavil_v about_o the_o explication_n of_o those_o oracle_n thus_o for_o instance_n we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v to_o dispute_v the_o translation_n of_o that_o prophecy_n behold_v a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v see_v the_o lxx_o interpreter_n who_o be_v jew_n have_v render_v it_o so_o themselves_o some_o age_n before_o any_o contest_v be_v start_v about_o it_o between_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n the_o three_o be_v to_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v the_o heathen_a for_o receive_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o indeed_o we_o may_v easy_o comprehend_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o prophetical_a write_n shall_v be_v communicate_v to_o the_o heathen_a in_o order_n to_o their_o ready_a submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o they_o know_v by_o those_o character_n which_o have_v be_v give_v of_o he_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_v that_o the_o heathen_a shall_v whole_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o jew_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o same_o divine_a oracle_n do_v express_o affirm_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v conclude_v these_o reflection_n with_o a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n since_o the_o last_o of_o the_o prophet_n first_o one_o find_v that_o this_o government_n subsist_v as_o distinct_a from_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o ever_o it_o do_v before_o we_o see_v the_o honour_n wherewith_o alexander_n the_o great_a treat_v their_o high_a priest_n and_o that_o when_o he_o be_v appoint_v arbitrator_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o samaritan_n he_o determine_v the_o matter_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n one_o see_v we_o
that_o alexander_n preserve_v they_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o right_n and_o liberty_n as_o they_o enjoy_v they_o under_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n and_o in_o particular_a exempt_v they_o from_o pay_v any_o tribute_n every_o seven_o year_n because_o than_o they_o do_v not_o sow_v their_o ground_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o reap_v and_o if_o we_o find_v that_o ptolemy_n take_v jerusalem_n on_o a_o sabbath_n day_n the_o jew_n make_v conscience_n of_o defend_v themselves_o because_o the_o law_n require_v their_o cease_n from_o all_o work_n from_o whence_o agatharcides_n a_o heathen_a author_n take_v occasion_n to_o blame_v their_o law_n if_o we_o find_v he_o carry_v a_o great_a number_n of_o jew_n with_o he_o into_o egypt_n yet_o withal_o we_o find_v he_o treat_v they_o with_o as_o much_o kindness_n as_o the_o macedonian_n themselves_z appoint_v distinct_a place_n in_o egypt_n and_o lybia_n for_o their_o habitation_n if_o we_o find_v that_o powerful_a prince_n such_o as_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n and_o some_o other_o of_o his_o successor_n break_v the_o power_n of_o the_o jew_n profane_v their_o temple_n and_o force_v great_a number_n of_o they_o to_o abjure_v their_o religion_n yet_o we_o see_v they_o also_o at_o the_o same_o time_n give_v the_o high_a instance_n of_o a_o immovable_a constancy_n and_o courage_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o law_n and_o in_o endure_v the_o most_o exquisite_a torture_n we_o see_v other_o of_o they_o encourage_v with_o the_o love_n of_o their_o country_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n put_v themselves_o into_o a_o posture_n of_o defence_n purify_n the_o temple_n and_o celebrate_v a_o festival_n which_o be_v observe_v even_o at_o this_o day_n and_o last_o obtain_v favourable_a treaty_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n and_o in_o the_o twelve_o book_n of_o josephus_n his_o antiquity_n yea_o we_o find_v their_o name_n and_o glory_n at_o that_o time_n spread_v as_o far_o as_o lacedaemon_n with_o which_o commonwealth_n they_o make_v a_o alliance_n during_o the_o high-priesthood_n of_o onias_n one_o see_v we_o they_o after_o this_o so_o considerable_a under_o the_o successor_n of_o antiochus_n their_o persecutor_n that_o even_o those_o king_n sue_v for_o their_o alliance_n with_o great_a present_n one_o see_v we_o that_o ptolemy_n philometor_n grant_v to_o onias_n the_o son_n leave_v to_o build_v a_o temple_n in_o egypt_n for_o the_o convenience_n of_o those_o jew_n who_o ptolemy_n the_o son_n of_o lagus_n have_v carry_v thither_o as_o well_o as_o for_o those_o who_o leave_v their_o country_n for_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o seleucidae_n for_o judea_n be_v situate_a between_o syria_n and_o egypt_n be_v ordinary_o the_o theatre_n of_o war_n between_o those_o two_o state_n it_o be_v here_o worth_a our_o note_n that_o the_o jew_n undertake_v the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o egypt_n as_o think_v themselves_o authorise_a by_o that_o prophecy_n isai_n xix_o 24._o it_o be_v a_o thing_n otherwise_o forbid_v by_o the_o law._n one_o see_v in_o the_o same_o prince_n reign_n a_o great_a contest_v between_o the_o samaritan_n and_o the_o jew_n about_o the_o pre-eminence_n of_o their_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o mount_n garizim_n decide_v by_o he_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n on_o which_o occasion_n the_o jew_n show_v that_o prince_n their_o law_n and_o acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o series_n of_o their_o history_n to_o confute_v the_o samaritan_n pretension_n one_o see_v we_o after_o this_o when_o the_o jew_n have_v confer_v the_o sovereignty_n and_o high-priesthood_n on_o simon_n that_o their_o state_n become_v so_o powerful_a that_o under_o hyrcanus_n his_o successor_n they_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n to_o attack_v their_o enemy_n in_o syria_n and_o compel_v the_o edomite_n to_o admit_v circumcision_n aristobulus_n his_o son_n be_v crown_v his_o brother_n succeed_v he_o in_o the_o royal_a dignity_n and_o leave_v the_o state_n in_o a_o flourish_a condition_n notwithstanding_o the_o civil_a and_o foreign_a war_n he_o be_v engage_v in_o we_o find_v afterward_o that_o the_o intestine_a division_n among_o the_o successor_n of_o those_o jewish_a prince_n do_v by_o degree_n open_v a_o gap_n for_o foreign_a power_n to_o enter_v and_o prevail_v over_o they_o pompey_n side_v with_o hyrcanus_n take_v jerusalem_n and_o make_v the_o jew_n tributary_n to_o the_o roman_n but_o without_o change_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o religion_n julius_n caesar_n a_o while_n after_o bestow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o judaea_n upon_o herod_n the_o edomite_n augustus_n after_o he_o use_v the_o jew_n with_o the_o same_o equity_n as_o pompey_n before_o he_o have_v do_v as_o appear_v from_o one_o of_o his_o declaration_n publish_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o egypt_n and_o asia_n record_v by_o josephus_n this_o herod_n and_o augustus_n be_v the_o same_o under_o who_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n be_v bear_v it_o be_v evident_a therefore_o that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v continue_v distinct_a from_o other_o nation_n and_o sufficient_o know_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n malachy_n until_o herod_n we_o may_v also_o true_o assert_v that_o whatever_o inclination_n the_o jew_n of_o old_a have_v for_o the_o idolatry_n of_o their_o neighbour_n yet_o we_o do_v find_v they_o give_v that_o way_n during_o this_o interval_n between_o the_o last_o of_o their_o prophet_n and_o herod_n as_o if_o the_o charge_n and_o command_v of_o that_o prophet_n malachy_n have_v always_o sound_v in_o their_o ear_n mal._n iu._n verse_n 4._o remember_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n my_o servant_n etc._n etc._n one_o see_v we_o that_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o maccabee_n in_o great_a number_n suffer_v martyrdom_n rather_o than_o abjure_v their_o religion_n and_o that_o they_o observe_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n with_o all_o carefulness_n of_o which_o augustus_n himself_o be_v witness_v one_o see_v we_o that_o under_o stranger_n and_o heathen_a king_n they_o exempt_v themselves_o from_o answer_v any_o suit_n at_o law_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n from_o pay_v tribute_n the_o seven_o year_n and_o preserve_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o their_o temple_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o opposition_n last_o one_o find_v they_o during_o herod_n government_n support_v by_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n in_o refuse_v to_o set_v up_o the_o emperor_n trophy_n for_o fear_v lest_o some_o image_n may_v be_v hide_v under_o they_o which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o crime_n against_o their_o law._n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o since_o malachy_n some_o heresy_n spring_v up_o among_o the_o jew_n their_o commerce_n with_o the_o greek_n who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o philosophical_a speculation_n have_v contribute_v to_o make_v they_o much_o more_o disputacious_a than_o they_o be_v before_o the_o authority_n likewise_o of_o their_o king_n who_o be_v high-priest_n also_o may_v have_v have_v a_o great_a stroke_n in_o blemish_v the_o purity_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o yet_o the_o dispute_n which_o we_o find_v among_o they_o as_o that_o of_o the_o fatality_n of_o event_n do_v not_o at_o all_o touch_n the_o substance_n of_o their_o religion_n they_o no_o soon_o find_v the_o spirit_n of_o epicurism_n to_o creep_v in_o among_o they_o but_o they_o frame_v such_o addition_n to_o their_o public_a liturgy_n as_o they_o think_v most_o proper_a to_o eradicate_v or_o at_o least_o condemn_v that_o corruption_n i_o confess_v also_o that_o the_o pharisee_n and_o doctor_n of_o their_o law_n have_v great_o alter_v their_o morality_n in_o make_v their_o own_o explication_n by_o the_o great_a authority_n which_o they_o have_v among_o the_o people_n to_o pass_v for_o authentic_a but_o yet_o this_o change_n and_o corruption_n in_o their_o moral_n as_o to_o practice_n do_v not_o go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o abolish_v the_o law_n themselves_o which_o be_v only_o wrest_v from_o their_o true_a meaning_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a corruption_n but_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o can_v make_v it_o to_o be_v no_o more_o the_o same_o religion_n so_o that_o we_o may_v bold_o assert_v which_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o important_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o the_o state_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v continue_v sufficient_o entire_a till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o appear_v of_o the_o messiah_n in_o the_o world_n for_o their_o preserve_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a viz._n as_o well_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o oracle_n which_o foretell_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n together_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o principle_n according_a to_o which_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v in_o their_o prediction_n concern_v he_o reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o preface_n i_o have_v show_v in_o my_o
reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o the_o fact_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v truth_n not_o to_o be_v question_v and_o that_o the_o idea_n of_o this_o messiah_n continue_v vigorous_o all_o the_o time_n that_o precede_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v out_o of_o egypt_n we_o have_v see_v afterward_o in_o the_o remark_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o the_o law_n which_o god_n give_v to_o moses_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o the_o expectation_n of_o this_o messiah_n and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v he_o whenever_o he_o shall_v appear_v in_o the_o world._n i_o have_v take_v notice_n in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o these_o reflection_n of_o the_o care_n which_o god_n take_v to_o give_v a_o great_a number_n of_o oracle_n to_o explain_v particular_o all_o the_o character_n of_o this_o messiah_n the_o place_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o birth_n the_o principal_a circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o to_o foretell_v the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o gentile_n their_o call_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o last_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o whole_a model_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o commonwealth_n which_o be_v no_o long_o of_o any_o use_n after_o the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n my_o present_a business_n be_v now_o to_o show_v that_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o may_v find_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o whole_a design_n wherein_o god_n have_v with_o so_o much_o care_n instruct_v the_o world_n so_o long_o before_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_a if_o we_o will_v but_o take_v a_o little_a pain_n to_o read_v these_o book_n attentive_o and_o to_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o model_n which_o god_n himself_o make_v as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o describe_v it_o to_o 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christian_a religion_n chapter_n i._n that_o there_o appear_v a_o very_a just_a connexion_n bètween_n the_o idea_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o those_o of_o the_o new_a the_o latter_a borrow_a light_n from_o the_o former_a as_o it_o be_v not_o much_o the_o character_n of_o romance_n even_o then_o when_o they_o be_v most_o tie_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o probability_n to_o borrow_v either_o the_o style_n or_o idea_n of_o those_o author_n from_o who_o they_o take_v their-subject_a so_o i_o suppose_v that_o in_o this_o my_o undertake_n to_o show_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o old_a it_o be_v very_o important_a to_o make_v out_o that_o at_o the_o first_o read_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o apostolical_a write_n one_o find_v in_o they_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n of_o idea_n with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n one_o may_v to_o this_o purpose_n observe_v in_o general_a that_o the_o gospel_n suppose_v the_o divine_a authority_n 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flatter_a themselves_o that_o god_n will_v one_o day_n re-establish_a they_o in_o judea_n which_o they_o expect_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o god_n at_o first_o promise_v to_o they_o it_o be_v now_o above_o 1600_o year_n that_o they_o have_v be_v scatter_v throughout_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v not_o that_o their_o condition_n have_v make_v they_o change_v their_o measure_n or_o hope_n and_o tho'_o they_o have_v already_o be_v deceive_v by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o false_a messiah_n yet_o do_v not_o they_o for_o all_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n as_o irrecoverable_a now_o if_o during_o so_o long_a a_o series_n of_o age_n they_o have_v keep_v their_o law_n with_o so_o much_o carefulness_n if_o they_o still_o religious_o observe_v all_o those_o law_n which_o can_v be_v keep_v without_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n who_o see_v not_o but_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n they_o must_v have_v keep_v they_o more_o exact_o at_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o before_o his_o come_n when_o they_o can_v keep_v they_o with_o much_o more_o ease_n than_o since_o that_o time_n and_o that_o for_o many_o considerable_a reason_n for_o first_o their_o dispersion_n then_o be_v in_o one_o only_a nation_n whereas_o now_o they_o be_v scatter_v among_o heathen_n christian_n and_o mahometan_n 2._o they_o have_v then_o prophet_n who_o exhort_v they_o to_o the_o observance_n of_o these_o law_n which_o now_o they_o have_v want_v for_o so_o many_o age_n 3._o they_o have_v often_o prince_n that_o be_v very_o favourable_a to_o they_o such_o as_o cyrus_n and_o darius_n who_o order_v that_o sacrifice_n shall_v be_v offer_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o pompey_n afterward_o have_v the_o same_o inclination_n for_o they_o whereas_o since_o the_o time_n of_o their_o dispersion_n they_o have_v scarce_o meet_v with_o any_o one_o prince_n that_o have_v be_v favourable_a to_o they_o if_o 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whereas_o now_o all_o this_o be_v altogether_o cease_v all_o the_o jew_n now_o for_o many_o age_n make_v use_n only_o of_o the_o hebrew_n text._n since_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o they_o without_o prophet_n without_o king_n out_o of_o their_o own_o country_n etc._n etc._n have_v observe_v these_o law_n for_o so_o many_o age_n notwithstanding_o their_o dispersion_n throughout_o all_o place_n and_o among_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n how_o much_o rather_o may_v we_o conceive_v they_o do_v so_o since_o the_o time_n of_o ezra_n who_o place_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o order_n in_o which_o we_o have_v they_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v only_o 542_o year_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o return_n of_o their_o captivity_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o year_n 3468_o to_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n and_o but_o 259_o year_n from_o their_o return_n to_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o 70_o and_o we_o know_v that_o above_o 1600_o year_n be_v pass_v since_o their_o general_a dispersion_n moreover_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o roman_n have_v so_o well_o preserve_v the_o form_n of_o the_o jewish_a government_n from_o pompey_n time_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o their_o religion_n that_o a_o roman_a general_n send_v to_o demand_v a_o kind_n of_o permission_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o let_v he_o pass_v with_o the_o roman_a eagle_n through_o syria_n we_o know_v that_o those_o eagle_n be_v never_o set_v up_o at_o jerusalem_n but_o it_o be_v at_o a_o time_n when_o a_o roman_a commander_n intend_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o jew_n to_o sedition_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o make_v the_o emperor_n their_o enemy_n yea_o we_o find_v that_o though_o the_o roman_n reserve_v to_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n yet_o they_o permitred_a to_o the_o jew_n the_o judgement_n of_o zeal_n against_o those_o who_o they_o call_v heretic_n who_o they_o tear_v to_o piece_n to_o execute_v the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law._n if_o we_o find_v that_o a_o roman_a proconsul_n will_v not_o concern_v himself_o with_o question_n of_o their_o law_n arise_v without_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o country_n how_o much_o rather_o may_v we_o judge_v that_o they_o enjoy_v a_o entire_a liberty_n within_o judea_n and_o indeed_o we_o find_v the_o priest_n send_v their_o 4._o act_n ix_o 4._o commissioner_n to_o damascus_n against_o the_o christian_n without_o doubt_n with_o design_n to_o execute_v the_o law_n against_o impostor_n s._n paul_n be_v beat_v several_a time_n with_o forty_o stripe_n save_o one_o which_o can_v not_o be_v upon_o any_o other_o pretence_n but_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o that_o matter_n these_o proof_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v out_o that_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n subsist_v still_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o god_n institute_v it_o and_o as_o for_o what_o concern_v the_o overthrow_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o god_n have_v interweave_v the_o law_n that_o regulate_v it_o with_o those_o of_o their_o government_n so_o that_o their_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o religious_a policy_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o their_o government_n continue_v at_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o their_o religion_n notwithstanding_o the_o corruption_n which_o the_o pharisee_n and_o traditionary_a jew_n who_o christ_n continual_o censure_v have_v introduce_v do_v still_o continue_v pure_a enough_o to_o answer_v the_o model_n which_o god_n have_v frame_v they_o reject_v the_o samaritan_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o iv_o of_o s._n john_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o heretic_n have_v no_o commerce_n with_o they_o they_o live_v in_o a_o perfect_a alienation_n from_o the_o heathen_a it_o be_v with_o this_o s._n peter_n begin_v his_o discourse_n to_o the_o assembly_n at_o the_o house_n of_o cornelius_n act_v x._o 28._o they_o live_v in_o a_o exact_a observance_n of_o the_o solemn_a feast_n which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v they_o viz._n the_o passover_n pentecost_n the_o feast_n of_o expiation_n and_o of_o tabernacle_n they_o observe_v the_o feast_n which_o their_o ancestor_n have_v join_v to_o these_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n as_o that_o of_o the_o dedication_n that_o of_o lot_n and_o some_o fast_n which_o they_o keep_v then_o as_o they_o do_v to_o this_o day_n this_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o assist_v at_o these_o solemn_a festival_n with_o much_o regularity_n they_o do_v not_o till_o their_o ground_n in_o the_o seven_o year_n according_a to_o god_n command_n which_o make_v the_o heathen_a prince_n which_o be_v over_o they_o to_o release_v they_o from_o pay_v any_o tribute_n that_o year_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o josephus_n and_o other_o author_n they_o teach_v the_o law_n in_o their_o synagogue_n and_o that_o every_o sabbath_n day_n they_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a in_o their_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n that_o they_o accuse_v our_o saviour_n for_o heal_v the_o sick_a on_o that_o day_n it_o appear_v that_o leper_n be_v sequester_v and_o that_o they_o observe_v the_o distinction_n of_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o leprosy_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n we_o find_v by_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gadarenes_n that_o swine_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o unclean_a beast_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o pay_v the_o tribute_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o temple_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o re-establishment_n of_o that_o custom_n which_o we_o find_v two_o chron._n xxiv_o 5._o josephus_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o practice_n be_v continue_v till_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n xii_o antiq._n xviii_o ch._n xii_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o in_o tacitus_n and_o other_o heathen_a author_n of_o that_o time_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o be_v extreme_o corrupt_v in_o their_o
will_v have_v take_v by_o force_n to_o make_v he_o their_o king_n what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o the_o apostle_n a_o company_n of_o poor_a miserable_a jew_n shall_v bring_v over_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v accurse_v by_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o crucify_v like_o a_o slave_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n what_o probability_n be_v there_o of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n whilst_o the_o jew_n accustom_a to_o the_o roman_a yoke_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o avoid_v all_o manner_n of_o occasion_n that_o may_v stir_v up_o the_o indignation_n of_o their_o master_n against_o they_o it_o be_v expedient_a say_v they_o rather_o that_o one_o man_n perish_v meaning_n jesus_n than_o to_o hazard_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n the_o three_o be_v that_o these_o oracle_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o among_o discourse_n of_o another_o nature_n but_o also_o link_v 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he_o have_v repeat_v the_o same_o idea_n by_o the_o prophet_n zechariah_n who_o describe_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o be_v pierce_v which_o have_v a_o natural_a reference_n to_o the_o notion_n of_o crucifixion_n i_o have_v also_o set_v down_o the_o reason_n for_o which_o god_n separate_v the_o several_a part_n of_o those_o prophetical_a description_n of_o so_o surprise_v a_o event_n the_o difficulty_n there_o be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o make_v these_o idea_n to_o be_v receive_v which_o seem_v full_a of_o contradiction_n the_o messiah_n have_v be_v at_o first_o set_v forth_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o blessing_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n their_o seem_a incompatibility_n with_o the_o glory_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o messiah_n and_o by_o he_o to_o the_o israelite_n and_o at_o last_o i_o have_v show_v that_o these_o oracle_n do_v exact_o
the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n they_o relate_v they_o as_o fact_n for_o the_o most_o part_n own_v by_o the_o jew_n from_o which_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n extort_a other_o consequence_n they_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o judgement_n which_o the_o jew_n make_v concern_v the_o miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n upon_o the_o disciple_n gather_v the_o ear_n of_o corn_n of_o the_o answer_n which_o the_o jew_n make_v to_o pilate_n we_o have_v no_o other_o king_n but_o cesar_n the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v a_o general_a expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n when_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a knowledge_n of_o the_o prophecy_n that_o respect_v the_o messiah_n and_o a_o great_a impossibility_n of_o apply_v those_o oracle_n to_o particular_a fact_n if_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n have_v not_o be_v beyond_o 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be_v convince_v of_o which_o one_o needs_o only_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n which_o pass_v under_o their_o name_n the_o other_o be_v that_o their_o faithfulness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v suspect_v by_o we_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v so_o universal_o receive_v that_o nothing_o will_v be_v certain_a in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o this_o be_v question_v the_o four_o evangelist_n have_v publish_v their_o write_n in_o populous_a city_n where_o they_o have_v be_v constant_o read_v every_o lord_n day_n in_o christian_a assembly_n as_o s._n justin_n martyr_n assure_v we_o in_o his_o apology_n which_o be_v write_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o second_o century_n the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n to_o numerous_a church_n to_o who_o their_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o the_o person_n by_o who_o they_o send_v they_o be_v well_o know_v can_v we_o instance_n in_o any_o write_n in_o the_o 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since_o the_o apostle_n there_o have_v be_v christian_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o peruse_v and_o preserve_v their_o write_n as_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o eternal_a life_n one_o may_v upon_o this_o occasion_n take_v notice_n of_o two_o thing_n which_o deserve_v some_o attention_n the_o one_o be_v that_o the_o design_n of_o some_o heretic_n as_o of_o martion_n for_o instance_n to_o corrupt_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o of_o his_o sect_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v in_o short_a we_o find_v all_o the_o world_n oppose_v themselves_o against_o this_o corruption_n and_o confute_v they_o by_o the_o agreement_n of_o all_o the_o other_o copy_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v exempt_a from_o this_o corruption_n the_o other_o be_v that_o if_o there_o be_v some_o book_n who_o authority_n be_v doubtful_a for_o some_o 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strong_a when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o short_a these_o book_n be_v write_v to_o be_v read_v by_o person_n of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n by_o woman_n by_o child_n as_o well_o as_o by_o doctor_n and_o they_o treat_v of_o matter_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v reason_n to_o be_v inform_v if_o some_o jew_n suffer_v martyrdom_n under_o antiochus_n to_o preserve_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v like_o example_n and_o as_o numerous_a of_o those_o who_o have_v do_v as_o much_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testameat_n last_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v look_v upon_o those_o as_o traitor_n and_o apostate_n who_o give_v up_o those_o book_n to_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o persecutor_n the_o christian_n have_v testify_v no_o less_o aversion_n for_o those_o who_o deliver_v the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o fury_n of_o heathen_n even_o to_o the_o subject_n of_o they_o to_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n in_o the_o three_o century_n and_o before_o chap._n xviii_o that_o one_o can_v doubt_v of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v those_o fact_n which_o they_o relate_v neither_o be_v it_o more_o difficult_a to_o establish_v this_o second_o truth_n that_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v reasonable_o question_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o one_o needs_o only_o consider_v the_o character_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o character_n of_o their_o write_n of_o their_o sermon_n of_o their_o suffering_n and_o of_o their_o martyrdom_n and_o last_o of_o all_o the_o character_n of_o those_o among_o who_o they_o write_v these_o thing_n and_o preach_v they_o to_o their_o death_n as_o to_o their_o sermon_n the_o apostle_n be_v contemporary_n with_o jesus_n christ_n they_o speak_v of_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o distinguish_v they_o careful_o from_o those_o which_o they_o have_v learn_v another_o way_n they_o be_v honest_a man_n simple_a and_o without_o learning_n very_o fit_a to_o bear_v witness_n in_o matter_n of_o fact._n they_o be_v person_n that_o preach_v nothing_o but_o love_n and_o the_o study_n of_o truth_n they_o protest_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o suffering_n that_o they_o can_v not_o conceal_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v they_o be_v man_n without_o covetousness_n or_o ambition_n they_o forsake_v all_o that_o they_o possess_v in_o the_o world_n s._n matthew_n leave_v his_o house_n and_o good_n to_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n their_o epistle_n speak_v nothing_o more_o than_o instance_n of_o christian_a poverty_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o good_n and_o of_o mighty_a instance_n of_o their_o charity_n these_o witness_n be_v sufficient_o numerous_a they_o preach_v and_o write_v in_o several_a place_n and_o yet_o they_o agree_v admirable_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o the_o same_o fact_n it_o appear_v they_o have_v such_o lively_a and_o distinct_a impression_n that_o they_o frequent_o make_v use_v of_o the_o very_a same_o word_n the_o difference_n which_o be_v find_v in_o some_o part_n of_o their_o book_n be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n that_o nothing_o but_o the_o force_n of_o the_o matter_n make_v they_o agree_v in_o their_o relation_n and_o indeed_o how_o be_v it_o otherwise_o conceivable_a that_o four_o such_o author_n as_o the_o evangelist_n shall_v agree_v about_o so_o many_o opinion_n so_o many_o miracle_n so_o many_o prophecy_n so_o many_o dispute_n and_o in_o a_o word_n about_o so_o many_o matter_n of_o fact_n shall_v we_o say_v that_o the_o second_o take_v his_o copy_n from_o the_o first_o the_o three_o from_o the_o second_o &_o c._n this_o appear_v to_o be_v evident_o false_a by_o peruse_v of_o their_o work_n and_o by_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o stile_n and_o certain_o there_o appear_v so_o great_a ingenuity_n in_o their_o writing_n that_o we_o can_v accuse_v they_o of_o have_v have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v the_o world_n they_o tell_v you_o plain_o of_o the_o meanness_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o original_n they_o sincere_o discover_v their_o own_o weakness_n their_o ambition_n their_o vanity_n their_o dispute_n their_o heat_n their_o murmur_n s._n matthew_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o publican_n that_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o roman_a power_n who_o the_o jew_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o excommunicate_v person_n and_o as_o a_o enemy_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n he_o relate_v the_o ridiculous_a pretention_n of_o the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n found_v on_o the_o carnal_a notion_n of_o their_o mother_n concern_v the_o temporal_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n they_o set_v down_o s._n peter_n deny_v of_o his_o master_n they_o do_v not_o dissemble_v their_o common_a ignorance_n which_o make_v they_o expect_v a_o temporal_a king_n in_o jesus_n christ_n they_o frank_o publish_v their_o own_o incredulity_n when_o mary_n magdalen_n bring_v they_o the_o news_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n and_o they_o describe_v the_o obstinate_a resistance_n of_o s._n thomas_n about_o this_o matter_n against_o the_o unanimous_a testimony_n of_o all_o his_o companion_n they_o do_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o say_v in_o general_a that_o some_o illustrious_a fact_n have_v happen_v but_o they_o punctual_o set_v down_o all_o the_o circumstance_n so_o that_o it_o clear_o appear_v their_o design_n be_v to_o have_v their_o writing_n examine_v and_o that_o after_o a_o exact_a search_n man_n may_v acquiesce_v in_o the_o conclusion_n which_o they_o draw_v from_o thence_o for_o instance_n they_o do_v not_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n raise_v a_o great_a many_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o only_o tell_v we_o of_o three_o describe_v the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o resurrection_n the_o time_n the_o place_n the_o age_n the_o person_n the_o assistant_n and_o all_o these_o with_o other_o particular_n which_o impostor_n care_v not_o to_o enter_v upon_o lest_o they_o shall_v contradict_v themselves_o or_o be_v easy_o confute_v i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v write_v be_v such_o as_o will_v not_o permit_v we_o to_o accuse_v they_o of_o have_v have_v a_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n they_o be_v fact_n and_o not_o discourse_n which_o be_v leave_v upon_o record_n and_o fact_n relate_v to_o the_o most_o important_a matter_n in_o the_o world_n than_o which_o none_o be_v ever_o more_o thorough_o examine_v they_o be_v fact_n which_o be_v link_v so_o close_o and_o which_o have_v so_o strict_a a_o dependence_n one_o upon_o the_o other_o and_o so_o interweave_v with_o the_o most_o public_a transaction_n either_o in_o civil_a or_o religious_a affair_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o form_v the_o design_n of_o such_o a_o imposture_n in_o short_a it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o these_o fact_n be_v public_o know_v to_o the_o king_n of_o judea_n to_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n to_o the_o principal_a minister_n of_o state_n and_o of_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n assemble_v ten_o several_a time_n at_o their_o solemn_a feast_n to_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n the_o pharisee_n sadducee_n and_o essen_v who_o be_v attack_v censure_v and_o confute_v in_o these_o book_n one_o ought_v to_o consider_v after_o all_o that_o the_o apostle_n at_o first_o preach_v and_o write_v in_o judea_n where_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o they_o relate_v the_o impotent_a the_o blind_a the_o deaf_a which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v restore_v the_o dead_a who_o he_o raise_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o he_o censure_v the_o sadducee_n who_o he_o confute_v the_o auditor_n who_o have_v hear_v he_o preach_v the_o town_n wherein_o he_o have_v converse_v most_o familiar_o the_o same_o people_n that_o follow_v he_o the_o same_o enemy_n that_o conspire_v his_o death_n the_o same_o judge_n and_o the_o same_o authority_n which_o condemn_v he_o to_o death_n s._n luke_n in_o the_o relation_n he_o give_v we_o of_o the_o speech_n and_o apology_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v before_o king_n before_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o synagogue_n bring_v they_o in_o speak_v of_o the_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o of_o matter_n public_o know_v and_o attest_v by_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o witness_n thus_o s._n peter_n speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o ten_o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o other_o sacred_a writer_n speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o their_o epistle_n here_o be_v a_o new_a character_n which_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o observe_v we_o find_v no_o temporal_a interest_n which_o oblige_v the_o disciple_n to_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o we_o find_v yet_o less_o reason_n to_o
who_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n be_v so_o indeed_o so_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o examine_v it_o or_o know_v it_o since_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o model_n if_o we_o suppose_v that_o god_n at_o first_o frame_v it_o for_o the_o determine_n of_o this_o question_n as_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v it_o the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o christian_n exact_o follow_v this_o divine_a model_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n which_o exact_o correspond_v with_o it_o and_o which_o answer_v it_o in_o all_o its_o part_n they_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n in_o short_a if_o we_o consider_v it_o well_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o question_n of_o fact_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n but_o such_o a_o question_n as_o the_o jew_n at_o present_a be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o maintain_v against_o the_o christian_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n agree_v in_o the_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n or_o at_o least_o about_o the_o most_o of_o they_o according_a to_o these_o character_n the_o messiah_n ought_v to_o be_v come_v the_o christian_n maintain_v that_o they_o may_v be_v find_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o they_o prove_v it_o by_o matter_n of_o fact_n wherefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o either_o these_o character_n attribute_v to_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o proper_a character_n to_o know_v he_o by_o and_o so_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v be_v elude_v and_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n equal_o deceive_v in_o take_v that_o for_o a_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v not_o or_o else_o that_o both_o the_o messiah_n be_v certain_o come_v and_o and_o that_o he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o jesus_n who_o we_o worship_v chap._n xxi_o that_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o division_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n can_v be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o come_v now_o to_o examine_v the_o double_a stumble_a block_n which_o the_o jew_n pretend_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o religion_n say_v they_o propound_v doctrine_n that_o be_v inconceivable_a and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n for_o instance_n that_o of_o the_o trinity_n that_o of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o messiah_n these_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o jew_n reject_v as_o absolute_o incompatible_a with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o hand_n but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o answer_v this_o objection_n 1._o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o total_a forgetfulness_n of_o the_o solidity_n of_o those_o proof_n of_o fact_n which_o i_o have_v allege_v jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a this_o be_v a_o fact_n confirm_v by_o several_a witness_n it_o appear_v from_o tacitus_n that_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v death_n under_o tiberius_n pontius_n pilate_n be_v governor_n of_o judea_n it_o be_v know_v that_o claudius_n banish_v the_o christian_n from_o rome_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 54._o it_o be_v evident_a from_o tacitus_n in_o his_o life_n of_o nero_n that_o he_o accuse_v the_o christian_n of_o burn_a the_o city_n of_o rome_n which_o himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_n therefore_o make_v a_o considerable_a body_n in_o the_o capital_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o this_o happen_v in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 64._o suetonius_n say_v the_o same_o thing_n 2._o it_o appear_v that_o pliny_n in_o trajan_n time_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o meeting_n 3._o dion_n cassius_n set_v down_o the_o accusation_n bring_v in_o against_o flavius_n and_o domitilla_n as_o against_o atheist_n which_o be_v the_o title_n julian_n the_o apostate_n give_v to_o constantine_n because_o the_o christian_n reject_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o heathen_a gods._n 4._o it_o appear_v by_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o this_o book_n be_v write_v in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 63_o and_o yet_o this_o book_n suppose_v the_o gospel_n of_o s._n luke_n to_o have_v be_v write_v before_o it_o and_o s._n luke_n gospel_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o some_o of_o the_o other_o gospel_n be_v already_o publish_v 5._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o write_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n that_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v then_o write_v and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o book_n of_o s._n ignatius_n polycarp_n and_o s._n justin._n these_o fact_n which_o be_v certain_a be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o immediate_o after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n as_o eye_n witness_n maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n after_o this_o it_o may_v indeed_o be_v dispute_v by_o what_o power_n he_o be_v raise_v whether_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n or_o by_o his_o own_o but_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o dispute_v the_o fact_n by_o reason_v draw_v from_o preten_v absurdity_n which_o one_o may_v think_v to_o find_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n second_o these_o mystery_n as_o for_o instance_n that_o of_o the_o trinity_n relate_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n if_o a_o idea_n of_o it_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o which_o not_o be_v distinct_o know_v by_o we_o may_v raise_v difficulty_n and_o perplexity_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o i_o will_v discourse_v with_o one_o bear_v blind_a of_o the_o sun_n of_o its_o light_n and_o heat_n and_o shall_v attribute_v to_o the_o sun_n the_o production_n of_o light_n and_o afterward_o of_o heat_n he_o will_v find_v a_o infinite_a trouble_n not_o to_o imagine_v three_o sun_n it_o be_v know_v how_o the_o philosopher_n who_o agree_v about_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v notwithstanding_o be_v oblige_v to_o attribute_v several_a faculty_n to_o it_o which_o the_o common_a people_n look_v upon_o as_o very_o different_a thing_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o oppose_v the_o idea_n of_o its_o unity_n and_o simplicity_n in_o the_o three_o place_n the_o christian_n prove_v very_o solid_o that_o these_o mystery_n have_v be_v clear_o propose_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o receive_v their_o light_n from_o heaven_n as_o to_o these_o truth_n and_o so_o may_v necessary_o be_v believe_v upon_o their_o word_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v former_o believe_v moreover_o they_o assert_v that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v first_o express_v though_o not_o so_o clear_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o mortal_a enemy_n of_o christian_n i_o add_v to_o these_o remark_n that_o most_o of_o those_o fact_n who_o truth_n be_v so_o invincible_o establish_v suppose_v these_o doctrine_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o religion_n do_v so_o necessary_o require_v they_o that_o we_o rob_v it_o of_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o its_o glory_n in_o question_v or_o contest_v any_o of_o they_o these_o reflection_n may_v suffice_v in_o general_a to_o resolve_v this_o difficulty_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o for_o a_o more_o particular_a satisfaction_n we_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o those_o book_n which_o purposely_o treat_v of_o these_o mystery_n desire_v he_o to_o observe_v careful_o that_o common_o the_o most_o difficult_a objection_n of_o heretic_n against_o these_o matter_n do_v rather_o oppose_v the_o term_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o or_o the_o notion_n which_o man_n follow_v in_o speak_v of_o these_o truth_n than_o the_o proposition_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n at_o least_o one_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v constrain_v to_o resolve_v several_a parallel_n objection_n to_o which_o one_o can_v scarce_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n without_o borrow_v some_o distinction_n and_o notion_n from_o the_o christian_n neither_o can_v the_o second_o objection_n of_o the_o jew_n give_v we_o any_o more_o disturbance_n it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o have_v be_v division_n among_o christian_n and_o be_v still_o to_o this_o day_n what_o can_v we_o conclude_v thence_o can_v we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o therefore_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o christianity_n be_v doubtful_a concern_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n which_o be_v the_o support_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a upon_o a_o attentive_a observation_n one_o may_v find_v 1._o that_o heresy_n have_v only_o serve_v to_o render_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o fact_n more_o incontestable_a by_o oblige_v those_o that_o have_v consider_v of_o they_o to_o examine_v their_o certainty_n with_o more_o care_n and_o application_n this_o be_v the_o judgement_n one_o ought_v to_o make_v upon_o all_o those_o heresy_n in_o the_o second_o age_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o about_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o death_n from_o thence_o man_n take_v occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o collect_v with_o great_a care_n all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o both_o these_o fact_n 2._o we_o find_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o contest_v do_v not_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n but_o the_o several_a consequence_n draw_v from_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n continue_v still_o beyond_o dispute_n this_o we_o find_v in_o the_o dispute_v raise_v about_o the_o millennium_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v equal_o believe_v by_o both_o the_o dispute_a party_n but_o different_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o that_o consider_v of_o they_o some_o form_v gross_a and_o sensual_a conception_n concern_v they_o other_o have_v a_o more_o spiritual_a relish_n which_o they_o have_v acquire_v by_o study_v the_o prophecy_n and_o their_o true_a sense_n 3._o we_o find_v that_o this_o division_n which_o have_v spring_v up_o among_o christian_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o solid_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o some_o fool_n have_v endeavour_v to_o decry_v some_o of_o they_o or_o to_o falsify_v some_o particular_a place_n we_o see_v that_o both_o party_n unite_v to_o repel_v that_o violence_n by_o produce_v their_o copy_n and_o beat_v back_o the_o impostor_n with_o their_o unite_a strength_n one_o see_v we_o that_o tertullian_n though_o a_o montanist_n write_v prescription_n against_o heretic_n and_o epiphanius_n take_v notice_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o some_o that_o be_v orthodox_n of_o their_o crime_n in_o blot_v out_o of_o their_o copy_n that_o christ_n have_v weep_v it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o division_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o karaite_n and_o thalmudist_n the_o jealousy_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n and_o the_o division_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o scripture_n and_o hinder_v its_o corruption_n each_o party_n be_v very_o vigilant_a to_o hinder_v their_o adversary_n from_o attempt_v any_o thing_n to_o its_o prejudice_n in_o corrupt_v a_o book_n which_o they_o consider_v as_o common_a to_o they_o all_o i_o may_v observe_v many_o other_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o the_o truth_n from_o these_o human_a fail_n but_o i_o will_v only_o instance_n in_o one_o which_o have_v always_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o considerable_a and_o that_o be_v that_o these_o heretic_n distinct_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n a_o impious_a person_n will_v have_v reason_n to_o accuse_v our_o oracle_n as_o false_a if_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o heresy_n but_o truth_n triumph_v in_o see_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o they_o who_o the_o more_o they_o increase_v the_o more_o she_o see_v we_o herself_o confirm_v and_o establish_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n induce_v god_n to_o permit_v so_o great_a a_o increase_n in_o the_o first_o age_n when_o the_o truth_n meet_v with_o the_o great_a opposition_n by_o persecution_n stand_v in_o the_o great_a need_n of_o sensible_a character_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v know_v i_o conclude_v this_o work_n with_o desire_v my_o reader_n to_o consider_v these_o reflection_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n here_o propound_v with_o a_o serious_a attention_n and_o to_o examine_v the_o coherence_n and_o indissoluble_a connexion_n of_o they_o and_o with_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o it_o may_v please_v he_o to_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n which_o be_v the_o only_a end_n i_o have_v propose_v to_o myself_o in_o the_o write_n of_o they_o finis_fw-la
any_o thing_n to_o they_o as_o we_o see_v it_o deuteronomy_n iu._n 2._o it_o be_v then_o impossible_a see_v that_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v always_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o those_o book_n that_o they_o shall_v ever_o have_v attempt_v the_o alteration_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o they_o nay_o we_o see_v not_o without_o wonder_n that_o after_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n of_o israel_n be_v transport_v into_o assyria_n those_o that_o be_v send_v from_o assyria_n to_o inhabit_v their_o country_n do_v receive_v that_o law_n and_o that_o their_o posterity_n have_v keep_v it_o all_o along_o to_o this_o day_n as_o uncorrupted_a as_o the_o jew_n although_o they_o continue_v their_o mortal_a enemy_n and_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o all_o the_o change_n and_o revolution_n that_o can_v befall_v a_o nation_n during_o the_o long_a interval_n of_o 2400_o year_n the_o three_o observation_n which_o deserve_v a_o singular_a attention_n be_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a and_o many_o corruption_n which_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n fall_v into_o yet_o these_o book_n have_v still_o be_v keep_v up_o in_o the_o same_o form_n that_o we_o have_v they_o now_o it_o appear_v out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o josiah_n relate_v 2_o king_n xxiii_o 21._o that_o after_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n own_o writing_n be_v find_v in_o the_o temple_n the_o king_n command_v all_o the_o people_n to_o keep_v the_o passover_n unto_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o this_o covenant_n now_o we_o have_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o passover_n exod._n xii_o which_o show_v that_o josiah_n by_o the_o book_n of_o this_o covenant_n mean_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n such_o as_o we_o have_v they_o now_o adays_o and_o such_o as_o they_o be_v when_o moses_n deposit_v they_o into_o the_o sanctuary_n it_o be_v important_a to_o consider_v well_o all_o that_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o forementioned_a chapter_n of_o two_o king_n for_o we_o may_v gather_v out_o of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o this_o law_n that_o they_o begin_v to_o reform_v all_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n which_o have_v be_v introduce_v in_o their_o religion_n and_o countenance_v by_o the_o royal_a authority_n from_o solomon_n time_n to_o josiah_n this_o chapter_n relate_v and_o commend_v the_o proceed_n of_o josiah_n only_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o ill_a government_n of_o his_o predecessor_n and_o to_o the_o public_a monument_n of_o their_o superstition_n which_o he_o abolish_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n law_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o impose_v herein_o upon_o posterity_n for_o first_o the_o transaction_n record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n do_v not_o only_o relate_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n but_o also_o to_o most_o of_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n second_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o continue_v so_o lively_a and_o universal_a that_o almost_o 1500_o year_n after_o moses_n the_o name_n of_o those_o magician_n speak_v of_o exod._n vii_o 11._o be_v as_o yet_o know_v not_o only_o among_o the_o jew_n as_o we_o see_v it_o by_o a_o express_a passage_n of_o s._n paul_n who_o speak_v of_o they_o 1._o hist_o nat._n l._n 30._o c._n 1._o and_o mention_v their_o name_n 2_o tim._n iii_o 8._o but_o also_o among_o the_o heathen_n as_o both_o pliny_n and_o numenius_n do_v attest_v it_o i_o point_v only_o at_o those_o general_a proof_n at_o present_a because_o i_o have_v already_o make_v use_n of_o they_o and_o show_v their_o force_n in_o my_o observation_n upon_o genesis_n and_o because_o i_o intend_v to_o repeat_v and_o improve_v some_o of_o they_o hereafter_o in_o this_o treatise_n but_o now_o in_o order_n to_o follow_v my_o present_a design_n i_o must_v come_v to_o the_o more_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o these_o book_n which_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n chap._n ii_o that_o both_o the_o character_n of_o moses_n be_v person_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o relate_v have_v always_o make_v man_n read_v his_o book_n with_o attention_n the_o subject_a of_o some_o book_n be_v such_o as_o that_o alone_o will_v recommend_v they_o to_o the_o attention_n of_o any_o reader_n though_o their_o author_n have_v no_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o when_o beside_o the_o importance_n of_o their_o subject_n the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v famous_a and_o of_o great_a repute_n then_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o never_o fail_v to_o be_v read_v with_o serious_a attention_n and_o preserve_v with_o as_o great_a a_o care_n the_o book_n of_o moses_n have_v both_o these_o advantage_n so_o that_o they_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suspect_v of_o the_o least_o alteration_n or_o forgery_n the_o first_o character_n that_o we_o discover_v in_o these_o book_n at_o the_o first_o view_v of_o they_o be_v the_o great_a singularity_n and_o admirable_a diversity_n of_o their_o style_n and_o of_o the_o matter_n they_o treat_v of_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o other_o legislator_n do_v ever_o affect_v to_o act_v the_o part_n of_o historian_n no_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o their_o absolute_a power_n to_o make_v law_n without_o give_v any_o reason_n for_o the_o sanction_n of_o they_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v common_o nothing_o more_o dry_a and_o sapless_a than_o all_o their_o regulation_n about_o both_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n but_o moses_n we_o see_v have_v follow_v a_o more_o reasonable_a and_o more_o satisfactory_a method_n all_o his_o regulation_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o great_a transaction_n which_o he_o relate_v he_o enact_v no_o law_n of_o any_o consequence_n but_o he_o intimate_v to_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o reason_n which_o challenge_v their_o obedience_n and_o make_v they_o by_o that_o mean_n reflect_v both_o upon_o the_o several_a mercy_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o great_a miracle_n they_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o i_o confess_v indeed_o that_o the_o use_n and_o scope_n of_o some_o of_o his_o regulation_n be_v very_o abstruse_a especial_o now_o that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o several_a heathen_a custom_n which_o god_n design_v to_o abolish_v from_o among_o that_o people_n new_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n where_o during_o their_o captivity_n they_o have_v comply_v and_o accustom_a themselves_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o the_o rite_n and_o religion_n of_o their_o master_n the_o egyptian_n but_o yet_o how_o abstruse_a soever_o the_o design_n of_o some_o of_o those_o law_n may_v now_o appear_v to_o be_v we_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o general_a scope_n of_o they_o all_o be_v to_o keep_v that_o people_n from_o idolatry_n in_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n as_o also_o to_o quicken_v their_o desire_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o promise_n of_o who_o come_v have_v be_v make_v by_o god_n in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o world_n and_o renew_v several_a time_n to_o the_o head_n of_o their_o nation_n however_o we_o see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o those_o law_n religion_n and_o policy_n so_o interweave_v together_o that_o the_o latter_a seem_v to_o subsist_v only_o by_o the_o support_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o former_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o human_a legislator_n who_o do_v not_o so_o much_o regard_v the_o establishment_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o preservation_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o state_n and_o commonwealth_n if_o any_o jew_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v inform_v about_o the_o tradition_n of_o his_o ancestor_n and_o the_o transaction_n of_o old_a moses_n have_v preserve_v it_o with_o such_o care_n with_o so_o many_o mark_n of_o fidelity_n and_o so_o clear_a and_o plain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o history_n beside_o he_o that_o can_v give_v any_o satisfactory_a information_n about_o the_o original_a of_o thing_n all_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o heathen_n which_o yet_o make_v up_o the_o most_o ancient_a tradition_n they_o have_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o the_o several_a truth_n that_o moses_n relate_v in_o his_o history_n if_o any_o jew_n desire_v to_o see_v the_o beginning_n of_o that_o common_a wealth_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n moses_n give_v a_o accurate_a account_n of_o they_o if_o any_o jew_n desire_v to_o know_v the_o original_a of_o mankind_n or_o what_o be_v the_o true_a happiness_n of_o man_n and_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o be_v a_o partaker_n of_o that_o happiness_n moses_n teach_v all_o that_o with_o great_a evidence_n and_o exactness_n if_o any_o jew_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o know_v the_o occasion_n of_o
long_o preserve_v the_o tradition_n of_o 2000_o year_n as_o they_o have_v do_v till_o moses_n time_n god_n be_v of_o necessity_n oblige_v to_o make_v use_n of_o some_o other_o mean_n to_o supply_v that_o defect_n he_o have_v already_o make_v use_n of_o several_a before_o among_o which_o be_v that_o which_o we_o find_v prescribe_v deut._n xxvii_o where_o he_o order_v the_o build_n of_o a_o altar_n with_o rough_a stone_n whereupon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n and_o the_o whole_a law_n be_v to_o be_v ingrave_v he_o afterward_o follow_v other_o method_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o samuel_n follow_v moses_n and_o joshuah_n example_n repeat_v before_o a_o solemn_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n meet_v at_o gilgal_n for_o the_o consecration_n of_o saul_n the_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v during_o the_o government_n of_o bedan_n or_o samson_n of_o jepthah_n and_o his_o own_o but_o yet_o the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o fix_v this_o people_n to_o one_o tabernacle_n wherein_o we_o see_v that_o beside_o the_o monument_n which_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o great_a miracle_n that_o god_n have_v wrought_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n as_o the_o pot_n of_o manna_n aaron_n rod_n that_o blossom_a the_o plate_n of_o the_o altar_n that_o have_v be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o censer_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o their_o confederate_n one_o see_v we_o that_o the_o law_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v deposit_v there_o by_o god_n order_n and_o the_o principal_a transaction_n and_o deliverance_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o god_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o that_o people_n be_v continual_o celebrate_v with_o hymn_n and_o other_o token_n of_o public_a thankfulness_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o he_o cause_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o be_v lay_v up_o there_o with_o many_o ceremony_n and_o expiation_n and_o that_o he_o enjoin_v it_o to_o be_v read_v public_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n every_o seven_o year_n one_o see_v we_o that_o he_o command_v that_o every_o family_n shall_v read_v this_o book_n continual_o and_o that_o all_o shall_v entertain_v their_o wife_n and_o child_n from_o their_o tender_a year_n with_o the_o design_n of_o the_o law_n night_n and_o day_n in_o the_o country_n and_o in_o the_o town_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n one_o see_v we_o that_o god_n engage_v they_o to_o it_o not_o only_o by_o a_o express_a command_n but_o also_o by_o a_o indispensible_a necessity_n because_o he_o make_v it_o death_n for_o any_o man_n to_o violate_v any_o of_o those_o ceremonial_a law_n from_o a_o principle_n of_o obstinacy_n no_o pardon_n can_v be_v obtain_v for_o the_o transgression_n commit_v through_o ignorance_n before_o they_o be_v expiate_v by_o certain_a sacrifice_n the_o form_n whereof_o be_v scrupulous_o prescribe_v in_o the_o law_n and_o which_o can_v be_v violate_v upon_o no_o account_n whatever_o if_o one_o consider_v those_o thing_n he_o may_v say_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v scarce_o one_o moment_n free_a in_o their_o life_n so_o press_v be_v the_o necessity_n which_o lie_v upon_o they_o to_o consult_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o regulation_n of_o which_o be_v so_o very_o exact_a and_o particular_a that_o there_o no_o action_n public_a or_o private_a can_v happen_v but_o what_o be_v regulate_v and_o determine_v by_o those_o constitution_n if_o a_o beast_n be_v bear_v the_o owner_n be_v to_o examine_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o first-born_a or_o no_o whither_o it_o be_v clean_a or_o unclean_a and_o whither_o it_o be_v to_o be_v redeem_a with_o several_a other_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o a_o woman_n be_v big_a with_o child_n there_o be_v many_o question_n to_o be_v ask_v when_o she_o come_v to_o lie-in_a several_a very_a different_a ceremony_n be_v practise_v according_a as_o the_o child_n be_v a_o first-born_a or_o not_o the_o law_n enjoin_v various_a purification_n according_a as_o the_o woman_n bring_v forth_o a_o son_n or_o a_o daughter_n god_n have_v prescribe_v a_o great_a number_n of_o law_n for_o all_o the_o accident_n of_o life_n for_o marriage_n for_o succession_n for_o funeral_n for_o mourn_v for_o unforeseen_a accident_n as_o the_o death_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v kill_v without_o the_o design_n of_o his_o murderer_n for_o the_o several_a crime_n that_o may_v be_v commit_v in_o their_o several_a pollution_n and_o sequestration_n etc._n etc._n it_o seem_v that_o this_o whole_a people_n from_o the_o time_n that_o they_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n to_o the_o time_n of_o their_o death_n be_v still_o continual_o oblige_v to_o keep_v up_o a_o correspondence_n with_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n who_o god_n have_v for_o this_o purpose_n disperse_v among_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o consult_v the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o govern_v themselves_o but_o particular_o they_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n as_o the_o centre_n of_o their_o whole_a religion_n and_o how_o can_v they_o do_v this_o without_o carry_v their_o prospect_n at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o those_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n of_o which_o the_o israelite_n be_v depositary_n i_o say_v upon_o those_o promise_n which_o raise_v up_o so_o many_o jealousy_n betwixt_o their_o forefather_n and_o the_o ancestor_n of_o those_o neighbour_a nation_n with_o who_o they_o have_v always_o some_o controversy_n and_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o glorious_a and_o honourable_a to_o the_o whole_a nation_n chap._n xxii_o that_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n that_o this_o whole_a model_n which_o god_n have_v frame_v be_v to_o last_v but_o until_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o if_o we_o find_v in_o moses_n law_n a_o severe_a restriction_n in_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o show_v that_o god_n intend_v to_o have_v that_o nation_n distingnish_v from_o all_o other_o till_o the_o bless_a seed_n be_v come_v if_o we_o find_v that_o he_o restrain_v that_o promise_n to_o one_o tribe_n one_o town_n one_o family_n one_o particular_a individual_a person_n in_o that_o family_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v to_o seek_v in_o a_o confuse_a crowd_n of_o a_o whole_a people_n make_v up_o of_o several_a million_o of_o person_n or_o in_o a_o whole_a tribe_n or_o even_o in_o a_o city_n fill_v up_o with_o several_a family_n if_o upon_o this_o account_n his_o birth_n be_v restrain_v to_o one_o people_n one_o tribe_n one_o little_a town_n and_o one_o single_a family_n which_o be_v settle_v there_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o but_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v god_n design_n to_o break_v all_o those_o restriction_n and_o to_o follow_v quite_o another_o method_n when_o the_o messiah_n be_v once_o come_v for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o first_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v express_v in_o very_o general_a term_n which_o mention_v a_o common_a benefit_n to_o all_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n this_o promise_n be_v make_v before_o god_n have_v reject_v cain_n posterity_n by_o prefer_v that_o of_o seth_n it_o be_v make_v before_o the_o restriction_n be_v make_v to_o noah_n in_o seth_n family_n and_o to_o shem_n in_o noah_n family_n second_o god_n who_o by_o circumcision_n have_v distinguish_v abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o family_n of_o sem_fw-mi do_v express_o promise_v to_o abraham_n that_o in_o his_o seed_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v bless_v this_o promise_n be_v make_v also_o before_o god_n have_v restrain_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o person_n isaac_n in_o prejudice_n of_o ishmael_n and_o then_o afterward_o to_o the_o person_n of_o jacob_n in_o the_o prejudice_n of_o esau_n three_o one_o see_v we_o this_o same_a truth_n yet_o more_o clear_o explain_v out_o of_o jacob_n oracle_n concern_v judah_n gen._n xlix_o wherein_o jacob_n express_o foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o comfort_n the_o glory_n the_o hope_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o universe_n as_o this_o be_v a_o capital_a truth_n so_o god_n propose_v it_o by_o balaam_n at_o the_o israelite_n enter_v into_o canaan_n that_o they_o may_v thus_o understand_v that_o all_o those_o distinction_n which_o their_o separation_n live_v in_o canaan_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n may_v keep_v up_o be_v not_o always_o to_o last_v but_o this_o particular_o appear_v out_o of_o moses_n law_n which_o allow_v of_o several_a sort_n of_o proselyte_n receive_v some_o without_o tie_v they_o to_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o the_o ceremony_n in_o the_o law_n which_o it_o will_v never_o have_v do_v
of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n upon_o they_o have_v the_o light_n shine_v thou_o have_v multiply_v the_o nation_n thou_o have_v increase_v the_o joy_n they_o joy_v before_o thou_o according_a to_o the_o joy_n in_o harvest_n and_o as_o man_n rejoice_v when_o they_o divide_v the_o spoil_n i_o shall_v afterward_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v by_o a_o incredible_a abundance_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o so_o this_o shall_v suffice_v at_o present_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o very_a great_a prophet_n chap._n xviii_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o propound_v a_o new_a covenant_n from_o god_n with_o all_o man_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o be_v easy_o gather_v 1._o because_o all_o nation_n before_o they_o can_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o messiah_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n make_v to_o abraham_n be_v first_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o covenant_n itself_o of_o which_o moses_n be_v the_o mediator_n the_o end_n of_o which_o be_v to_o separate_v the_o jew_n from_o other_o nation_n some_o of_o which_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v receive_v among_o they_o till_o after_o several_a generation_n whereas_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o blessing_n by_o the_o messiah_n 3._o because_o in_o effect_n all_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v only_o add_v to_o the_o moral_a as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n principal_a intention_n and_o only_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o jew_n worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n as_o st._n 3.19_o gal._n 3.19_o paul_n observe_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n beside_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n at_o divers_a time_n have_v give_v sufficient_a hint_n concern_v this_o 1._o he_o have_v propose_v a_o new_a priesthood_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v to_o abolish_v the_o levitical_a priesthood_n and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a forasmuch_o as_o david_n who_o pronounce_v that_o oracle_n psalm_n cx_o be_v he_o who_o first_o form_v the_o design_n of_o build_v the_o temple_n to_o which_o all_o the_o levitical_a service_n be_v annex_v 2._o we_o find_v he_o reject_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o levitical_a ministry_n after_o he_o have_v despise_v it_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o spiritual_a worship_n psalm_n xl._n vers_fw-la 6._o sacrifice_n and_o offer_v thou_o do_v not_o desire_v my_o ear_n have_v thou_o open_v burnt-offering_a and_o sin-offering_a have_v thou_o not_o require_v and_o psalm_n l._n vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o 10._o i_o will_v not_o reprove_v thou_o for_o thy_o sacrifice_n or_o thy_o burnt-offering_n which_o have_v be_v continual_o before_o i_o i_o will_v take_v no_o bullock_n out_o of_o thy_o house_n nor_o he-goat_n out_o of_o thy_o fold_n for_o every_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n be_v i_o and_o the_o cattle_n upon_o a_o thousand_o hill_n and_o psalm_n li._n verse_n 17._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o the_o law_n prescribe_v and_o to_o signify_v their_o imperfection_n the_o law_n have_v appoint_v none_o for_o the_o expiation_n of_o murder_n or_o adultery_n isaiah_n follow_v david_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o and_o 15._o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o be_o full_a of_o the_o burnt-offering_n of_o ram_n and_o the_o fat_a of_o feed_a beast_n and_o i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o bullock_n or_o of_o lamb_n or_o of_o he-goat_n when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o i_o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n to_o tread_v my_o court_n bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblation_n incense_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o i_o the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n your_o new_a moon_n and_o your_o appoint_a feast_n my_o soul_n hate_v they_o be_v a_o trouble_n unto_o i_o i_o be_o weary_a to_o bear_v they_o and_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o yea_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n and_o jeremiah_n speak_v much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n chap._n vii_o v._o 21_o 22_o &_o 23._o but_o beside_o god_n direct_o promise_v this_o new_a covenant_n by_o isaiah_n chap._n xlii_o vers_fw-la 6_o 7._o i_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v thou_o in_o righteousness_n and_o will_v hold_v thy_o hand_n and_o will_v keep_v thou_o and_o give_v thou_o for_o a_o covenant_n of_o the_o people_n for_o a_o light_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v the_o blind_a eye_n to_o bring_v out_o the_o prisoner_n from_o the_o prison_n and_o they_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n from_o the_o prison_n house_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o observe_v that_o in_o this_o place_n where_o god_n speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o confess_v he_o express_o declare_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v a_o covenant_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v mediate_v a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n 2._o that_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v to_o extend_v to_o the_o gentile_n which_o plain_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o old_a covenant_n forasmuch_o as_o from_o it_o several_a be_v exclude_v the_o same_o covenant_n be_v also_o mention_v chap._n xlix_o vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n in_o a_o acceptable_a time_n have_v i_o hear_v thou_o and_o in_o a_o day_n of_o salvation_n have_v i_o help_v thou_o and_o i_o will_v preserve_v thou_o and_o give_v thou_o for_o a_o covenant_n of_o the_o people_n to_o establish_v the_o earth_n to_o cause_v to_o inherit_v the_o desolate_a heritage_n that_o thou_o may_v say_v to_o the_o prisoner_n go_v forth_o to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o darkness_n show_v yourselves_o they_o shall_v feed_v in_o the_o way_n and_o their_o pasture_n shall_v be_v in_o all_o high-place_n he_o pursue_v the_o same_o notion_n chap._n lv._o vers_fw-la 3_o 4._o incline_v your_o ear_n and_o come_v unto_o i_o hear_v and_o your_o soul_n shall_v live_v and_o i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o you_o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n behold_v i_o have_v give_v he_o for_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o people_n a_o leader_n and_o commander_n to_o the_o people_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o particular_a and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o speak_v chap._n lxi_o vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o for_o i_o the_o lord_n love_v judgement_n i_o hate_v robbery_n for_o burnt-offering_a and_o i_o will_v direct_v their_o work_n in_o truth_n and_o i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v know_v among_o the_o gentile_n and_o their_o offspring_n among_o the_o people_n all_o that_o see_v they_o shall_v acknowledge_v they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o day_n that_o god_n in_o these_o oracle_n promise_v a_o irrevocable_a covenant_n because_o he_o call_v it_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o former_a he_o take_v notice_n also_o in_o the_o same_o book_n that_o the_o say_a covenant_n be_v to_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o that_o then_o that_o blessing_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v know_v according_a to_o the_o ancient_a oracle_n which_o be_v promise_v universal_o to_o all_o nation_n this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n more_o particular_o explain_v afterward_o by_o the_o voice_n and_o pen_n of_o a_o prophet_n who_o be_v of_o the_o order_n of_o priest_n thereby_o to_o prevent_v all_o sort_n of_o exception_n jeremiah_n in_o effect_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n chap._n xxxi_o vers_fw-la 31_o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35_o and_o 36._o behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o with_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n that_o i_o make_v with_o their_o father_n in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o take_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n which_o my_o covenant_n they_o break_v although_o i_o be_v a_o husband_n to_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v
have_v promise_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o only_a design_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v come_v according_a to_o the_o prophet_n the_o first_o speak_v concern_v the_o messiah_n as_o expect_v the_o latter_a as_o already_o come_v but_o we_o must_v proceed_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a view_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o say_v then_o first_o of_o all_o that_o the_o christian_n have_v the_o same_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v this_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o declare_v where_o he_o say_v this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v behold_v here_o the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o jewish_a to_o believe_v one_o only_a god_n to_o own_o a_o messiah_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o the_o jew_n agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o two_o former_a article_n though_o they_o dispute_v the_o last_o i_o say_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o regulate_v religion_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o particular_a person_n in_o that_o society_n be_v exact_o the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n which_o contain_v a_o abridgement_n of_o his_o ethic_n have_v no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o restore_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o those_o law_n god_n have_v give_v upon_o mount_n sinai_n and_o though_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o divorce_n it_o seem_v opposite_a to_o that_o law_n wherein_o god_n have_v before_o permit_v they_o yet_o we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v that_o he_o begin_v to_o abrogate_v those_o order_n and_o dispensation_n which_o be_v only_o give_v to_o make_v the_o messiah_n know_v whenever_o he_o shall_v appear_v the_o prayer_n which_o jesus_n christ_n teach_v his_o apostle_n be_v full_a of_o 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the_o government_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o believer_n it_o be_v also_o very_o remarkable_a that_o the_o promise_n and_o threat_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v express_v in_o term_n borrow_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n these_o word_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o that_o hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o send_v i_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n have_v not_o they_o a_o plain_a relation_n to_o adam_n unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o judgement_n he_o undergo_v and_o the_o punishment_n impose_v on_o he_o be_v it_o not_o from_o this_o spirit_n which_o penetrate_v both_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o oft_o make_v mention_n of_o a_o new_a canaan_n a_o new_a jerusalem_n a_o new_a name_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o glory_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o sometime_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o paradise_n sometime_o of_o a_o feast_n where_o abraham_n who_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a sit_v 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write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o number_n of_o 144000_o be_v the_o product_n of_o 12_o time_n 12_o by_o allusion_n to_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n do_v all_o borrow_v their_o light_n from_o those_o ancient_a history_n throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v nothing_o but_o a_o continual_a allusion_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n all_o those_o idea_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v allude_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o jubilee_n the_o first_o bear_v mention_v there_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o priest_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v but_o by_o cast_v our_o eye_n on_o the_o old_a testament_n if_o jesus_n christ_n be_v call_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n if_o peter_n be_v call_v a_o stone_n or_o rock_n believer_n live_v stone_n and_o the_o apostle_n foundation_n it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o allusion_n to_o
fact_n which_o they_o have_v assert_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o most_o cruel_a torment_n and_o even_o until_o death_n that_o jesus_n christ_n send_v down_o upon_o his_o apostle_n the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o fact_n of_o which_o all_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o witness_n fifty_o day_n after_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n when_o jesus_n christ_n be_v crucify_v it_o be_v as_o remarkable_a a_o fact_n as_o ever_o happen_v twelve_o fisherman_n of_o galilee_n maintain_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n that_o the_o same_o jesus_n who_o the_o whole_a nation_n have_v demand_v to_o be_v crucify_v but_o fifty_o day_n before_o and_o who_o do_v actual_o suffer_v upon_o a_o infamous_a cross_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n after_o he_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o and_o have_v appear_v several_a time_n to_o they_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o that_o he_o have_v give_v they_o the_o power_n 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the_o world_n that_o it_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n that_o the_o convert_a jew_n strong_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n pretend_v as_o the_o jew_n now_o do_v that_o the_o messiah_n with_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v confine_v to_o their_o nation_n be_v a_o fact_n so_o well_o attest_v that_o it_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o first_o dispute_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o first_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o contest_v of_o s._n paul_n with_o those_o of_o his_o own_o nation_n that_o since_o that_o time_n the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n have_v maintain_v by_o their_o write_n and_o dispute_n and_o final_o by_o their_o martyrdom_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n that_o they_o have_v constant_o stand_v to_o this_o claim_n allege_v the_o fact_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v and_o maintain_v that_o the_o matter_n there_o relate_v be_v exact_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n that_o all_o this_o be_v unquestionable_a one_o needs_o only_o read_v their_o sermon_n and_o speech_n set_v down_o by_o s._n luke_n and_o their_o epistle_n one_o needs_o only_o peruse_v the_o heathen_a history_n and_o the_o work_n of_o those_o that_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n who_o follow_v their_o footstep_n in_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o apostle_n discharge_v their_o follower_n from_o the_o ceremony_n which_o moses_n prescribe_v oblige_v they_o only_o to_o the_o essential_o of_o morality_n that_o they_o annul_v the_o law_n which_o permit_v divorce_n without_o sufficient_a cause_n and_o polygamy_n these_o be_v thing_n which_o none_n who_o have_v read_v their_o write_n or_o those_o of_o their_o first_o disciple_n can_v in_o the_o least_o question_n last_o that_o they_o foretell_v many_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o their_o master_n that_o they_o publish_v their_o prediction_n which_o they_o have_v extend_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o return_n of_o jesus_n from_o heaven_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o that_o they_o have_v record_v the_o particular_n of_o many_o considerable_a event_n observe_v by_o the_o christian_n which_o have_v happen_v from_o time_n to_o time_n these_o be_v fact_n as_o well_o know_v and_o as_o incontestable_a as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v in_o the_o world_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n whole_a nation_n be_v witness_n of_o it_o differ_v sect_n interpreter_n who_o have_v several_a opinion_n concern_v these_o prophecy_n the_o contest_v of_o the_o jew_n the_o opposition_n of_o atheist_n the_o cavil_n of_o heretic_n the_o cruelty_n of_o tyrant_n all_o these_o concur_v to_o prove_v clear_o that_o the_o christian_n receive_v these_o prophecy_n from_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o since_o even_o these_o opposition_n be_v foretell_v as_o well_o as_o the_o persecution_n thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o view_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o most_o important_a article_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o i_o think_v that_o they_o be_v so_o solid_o ground_v upon_o proof_n of_o fact_n that_o i_o can_v assert_v with_o reason_n that_o no_o fact_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v produce_v so_o well_o establish_v as_o these_o be_v which_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o our_o religion_n what_o fact_n be_v there_o which_o be_v attest_v by_o whole_a nation_n as_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v what_o fact_n be_v there_o about_o which_o man_n be_v so_o careful_a to_o inform_v themselves_o as_o when_o a_o man_n pretend_v to_o the_o title_n of_o the_o messiah_n what_o thing_n can_v we_o suppose_v that_o require_v a_o strong_a conviction_n because_o of_o the_o difficulty_n it_o involve_v than_o that_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o crucifixion_n that_o be_v who_o have_v see_v he_o punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n the_o horror_n of_o all_o his_o own_o people_n and_o in_o all_o appearance_n forsake_v of_o heaven_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n as_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o fanatical_a folly_n than_o to_o attribute_v to_o twelve_o poor_a fisherman_n who_o master_n be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n by_o public_a order_n and_o by_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n i_o say_v to_o attribute_v to_o they_o the_o design_n of_o persuade_v that_o people_n and_o the_o gentile_n also_o that_o this_o man_n be_v raise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a that_o he_o rule_v in_o heaven_n that_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n if_o this_o jesus_n have_v be_v never_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a nor_o have_v bestow_v such_o gift_n upon_o they_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n not_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o great_a folly_n so_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o conclude_v that_o since_o they_o have_v attest_v this_o fact_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o all_o the_o proof_n which_o may_v convince_v those_o who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o prejudice_v yet_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o fact_n so_o confirm_v as_o we_o pretend_v that_o these_o actual_o be_v chap._n xvii_o that_o it_o can_v be_v question_v whether_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o we_o allege_v those_o argument_n which_o will_v invincible_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o make_v these_o three_o or_o four_o reflection_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o important_a to_o our_o present_a design_n the_o first_o be_v that_o we_o can_v scarce_o conceive_v a_o more_o simple_a and_o strong_a way_n of_o prove_v a_o fact_n than_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o book_n here_o mention_v the_o design_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n for_o instance_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o that_o in_o his_o birth_n his_o life_n his_o doctrine_n his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n we_o meet_v with_o all_o the_o character_n which_o the_o prophet_n attribute_v to_o the_o messiah_n how_o do_v the_o evangelist_n execute_v this_o their_o design_n in_o the_o most_o proper_a way_n imaginable_a to_o convince_v other_o and_o most_o proportionable_a to_o their_o design_n they_o simple_o relate_v the_o fact_n and_o fact_n so_o clear_a that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o we_o can_v doubt_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n they_o relate_v the_o most_o important_a of_o these_o fact_n as_o thing_n that_o happen_v in_o
become_v christian_n it_o be_v also_o of_o great_a importance_n to_o observe_v further_o as_o i_o have_v already_o do_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v pen_v before_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v only_o some_o of_o the_o work_n of_o s._n john_n which_o be_v write_v after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o have_v before_o observe_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n order_v it_o so_o that_o all_o the_o jew_n for_o five_o and_o thirty_o year_n together_o repair_v thrice_o a_o year_n to_o jerusalem_n at_o their_o three_o solemn_a festival_n may_v have_v great_a opportunity_n to_o inform_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o remark_n i_o shall_v now_o add_v two_o weighty_a consideration_n the_o one_o be_v that_o the_o christian_n for_o some_o year_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o repair_v with_o the_o jew_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v engage_v to_o examine_v the_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o be_v that_o after_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v dispense_v with_o as_o to_o that_o custom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o observe_n of_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o set_v the_o christian_n in_o a_o great_a opposition_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o increase_v the_o necessity_n of_o examine_v very_o scrupulous_o on_o both_o side_n whatsoever_o be_v for_o or_o against_o they_o in_o those_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o observation_n lead_v we_o natural_o to_o another_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a that_o a_o imposture_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v not_o be_v discover_v when_o there_o arise_v a_o difference_n between_o those_o who_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o forgery_n and_o those_o who_o after_o they_o endeavour_v to_o gain_v credit_n to_o it_o now_o if_o we_o find_v that_o one_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n betray_v he_o without_o accuse_v he_o of_o the_o least_o crime_n or_o imposture_n if_o we_o have_v see_v the_o christian_n at_o first_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o assembly_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o there_o be_v several_a contest_v and_o dispute_v between_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o first_o christian_n yet_o without_o call_v those_o fact_n which_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o question_n by_o either_o side_n s._n paul_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o contest_v which_o happen_v betwixt_o he_o and_o s._n peter_n s._n luke_n relate_v the_o heat_n between_o s._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n upon_o very_o slight_a occasion_n he_o set_v down_o also_o the_o dispute_n which_o arise_v about_o the_o distribution_n of_o alm_n to_o the_o greek_a and_o jewish_a widow_n one_o see_v we_o that_o there_o arise_v a_o dispute_n among_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o about_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o gospel_n one_o see_v we_o afterward_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o maintain_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o submit_v to_o circumcision_n and_o s._n paul_n opposition_n set_v down_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n we_o need_v no_o more_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o concert_n nor_o collusion_n between_o they_o to_o deceive_v or_o impose_v upon_o those_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n let_v we_o go_v a_o little_a further_o a_o dispute_n happen_v about_o a_o capital_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n about_o the_o resurrection_n insomuch_o that_o s._n paul_n think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o write_v concern_v it_o to_o the_o corinthian_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n again_o now_o we_o find_v that_o s._n paul_n to_o confirm_v this_o doctrine_n in_o general_n chief_o make_v use_v of_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o fact_n itself_o that_o be_v by_o witness_n who_o he_o produce_v whereupon_o i_o make_v this_o considerable_a reflection_n that_o in_o compare_v this_o dispute_n of_o s._n paul_n with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n it_o clear_o appear_v that_o they_o do_v not_o allege_v all_o the_o proof_n they_o may_v have_v do_v none_o of_o they_o relate_v in_o particular_a the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o see_v jesus_n christ_n in_o galilee_n upon_o the_o holy_a mountain_n but_o s._n paul_n who_o have_v examine_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o their_o relation_n and_o know_v the_o witness_n specify_v the_o number_n and_o observe_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v yet_o alive_a if_o perhaps_o any_o of_o they_o be_v already_o dead_a i_o shall_v add_v only_o two_o consideration_n more_o which_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v even_o impossible_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n on_o this_o occasion_n the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n they_o be_v no_o great_a lord_n who_o power_n may_v terrify_v any_o one_o from_o examine_v their_o write_n or_o who_o reputation_n can_v not_o have_v be_v call_v in_o question_n without_o danger_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v man_n of_o mean_a condition_n employ_v in_o base_a profession_n often_o cast_v into_o prison_n and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n oblige_v to_o appear_v before_o magistrate_n for_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o the_o same_o fact_n which_o they_o publish_v to_o the_o world._n let_v we_o consider_v then_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n for_o s._n paul_n for_o instance_n i_o say_v for_o this_o s._n paul_n a_o maker_n of_o tent_n this_o s._n paul_n without_o reputation_n without_o riches_n this_o s._n paul_n who_o be_v seize_v at_o jerusalem_n after_o divers_a persecution_n this_o s._n paul_n who_o be_v send_v a_o prisoner_n to_o rome_n and_o imprison_v there_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n and_o who_o at_o last_o lose_v his_o life_n by_o nero_n order_n to_o make_v those_o blind_o believe_v all_o he_o say_v who_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o examine_v whether_o all_o that_o luke_n relate_v as_o happen_v to_o he_o at_o jerusalem_n at_o maltha_n at_o philippi_n at_o athens_n be_v indeed_o true_a or_o only_o a_o frame_a story_n the_o second_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o observe_v be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v public_o read_v every_o lord_n day_n by_o a_o constant_a law_n of_o which_o we_o have_v most_o authentic_a witness_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o in_o other_o ancient_a book_n which_o be_v still_o extant_a but_o also_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o write_v not_o in_o hebrew_n which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o dead_a tongue_n nor_o in_o syriack_n a_o language_n speak_v in_o a_o very_a few_o place_n but_o in_o greek_a which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v the_o language_n common_o receive_v throughout_o all_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o beside_o be_v the_o language_n into_o which_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v cause_v the_o old_a testament_n to_o be_v translate_v about_o three_o age_n before_o that_o man_n may_v compare_v the_o ancient_a oracle_n and_o their_o accomplishment_n together_o chap._n xx._n that_o the_o whole_a model_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v at_o this_o day_n so_o entire_o destroy_v that_o the_o messiah_n can_v no_o more_o be_v know_v what_o i_o have_v before_o set_v down_o to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n which_o serve_v for_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v certain_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v the_o design_n which_o i_o form_v in_o write_v these_o reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v with_o justice_n conclude_v that_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o contestable_a than_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o book_n and_o of_o the_o fact_n in_o they_o relate_v so_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o now_o i_o have_v only_o two_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o which_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o conclude_v these_o reflection_n the_o one_o be_v to_o show_v the_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o conceive_v any_o other_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o ancient_a oracle_n than_o what_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o be_v that_o concern_v the_o division_n among_o christian_n which_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o especial_o concern_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o stumble_a block_n to_o they_o which_o hinder_v they_o from_o discern_v those_o character_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o by_o
institute_v during_o the_o captivity_n we_o must_v blind_v ourselves_o of_o purpose_n to_o conceive_v that_o any_o impostor_n can_v forge_v book_n which_o have_v so_o exact_a a_o relation_n and_o such_o certain_a characteristic_n to_o fix_v they_o to_o the_o time_n in_o which_o every_o author_n live_v and_o to_o the_o circumstance_n wherein_o he_o write_v we_o must_v of_o necessity_n grant_v that_o before_o such_o a_o impostor_n can_v bring_v about_o such_o a_o design_n he_o must_v have_v make_v himself_o master_n of_o the_o whole_a profane_a history_n to_o fix_v so_o exact_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o of_o those_o oracle_n which_o have_v be_v give_v in_o circumstance_n which_o be_v unintelligible_a without_o the_o help_n of_o profane_a history_n of_o different_a nation_n i_o come_v now_o to_o fact_n which_o can_v be_v contest_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o those_o fact_n be_v acknowledge_v as_o true_a to_o establish_v in_o general_a the_o truth_n of_o those_o book_n whereof_o we_o teach_v i._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o jew_n preserve_v these_o oracle_n to_o this_o day_n with_o great_a fidelity_n ii_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o christian_n who_o preserve_v they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n since_o they_o have_v be_v separate_v from_o they_o that_o be_v for_o almost_o seventeen_o age_n iii_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o these_o prophecy_n have_v be_v exact_o read_v by_o the_o jew_n because_o of_o those_o oracle_n upon_o which_o they_o believe_v to_o this_o day_n that_o the_o whole_a happiness_n of_o their_o nation_n be_v found_v iv_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v read_v these_o book_n exact_o to_o refute_v the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v pretend_v from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o their_o appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n mark_v out_o by_o these_o oracle_n in_o short_a whereas_o the_o christian_n pretend_v to_o prove_v by_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o ancient_a oracle_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o jew_n endeavour_v to_o this_o day_n to_o wrest_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o oracle_n and_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o literal_o accomplish_v and_o which_o by_o consequence_n can_v be_v apply_v to_o jesus_n christ_n v._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o most_o of_o the_o controversy_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o the_o christian_n only_o regard_v the_o application_n of_o the_o text_n of_o the_o prophetical_a author_n the_o christian_n explain_v they_o in_o a_o mystical_a sense_n the_o jew_n maintain_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v explain_v literal_o vi_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o about_o 300_o year_n before_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o prophetical_a book_n be_v translate_v and_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o egyptian_n have_v be_v carry_v to_o and_o translate_v at_o alexandria_n by_o a_o public_a order_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o king_n of_o egypt_n the_o history_n of_o that_o version_n which_o put_v those_o sacred_a book_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o jew_n who_o dwell_v in_o egypt_n be_v the_o most_o famous_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o which_o make_v those_o book_n perfect_o know_v here_o we_o have_v now_o these_o book_n in_o hebrew_n and_o in_o greek_a that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o primitive_a language_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o vulgar_a language_n of_o the_o empire_n which_o alexander_n found_v it_o be_v know_v that_o from_o that_o time_n the_o christian_n take_v care_n to_o make_v great_a number_n of_o translation_n into_o all_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n after_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o they_o preserve_v those_o ancient_a book_n as_o the_o first_o element_n of_o their_o religion_n now_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o acknowledge_v those_o truth_n to_o consider_v that_o those_o oracle_n be_v true_a which_o foretell_v thing_n which_o happen_v almost_o four_o age_n after_o their_o prediction_n thus_o for_o instance_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o syrian_a and_o egyptian_a monarchy_n be_v all_o contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n haggai_n zachariah_n and_o malachi_n now_o there_o be_v not_o more_o difficulty_n to_o conceive_v that_o such_o author_n as_o isaiah_n amos_n joel_n shall_v have_v foretell_v the_o same_o thing_n eight_o or_o nine_o hundred_o year_n before_o than_o there_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v foretell_v by_o those_o who_o live_v but_o little_a above_o four_o age_n before_o they_o actual_o come_v to_o pass_v there_o be_v therefore_o no_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v that_o these_o ancient_a oracle_n be_v propose_v as_o we_o see_v they_o and_o in_o those_o time_n to_o which_o we_o find_v they_o fix_v but_o we_o ought_v to_o go_v further_o into_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o establish_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o i_o confess_v that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o suspicion_n of_o those_o oracle_n which_o be_v not_o relate_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o public_a volume_n as_o for_o instance_n those_o of_o elijah_n elisha_n and_o uriah_n the_o son_n of_o shemaiah_n who_o seem_v never_o to_o have_v publish_v any_o thing_n but_o here_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v 1._o that_o usual_o the_o author_n who_o publish_v the_o oracle_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o those_o who_o tell_v we_o of_o their_o accomplishment_n 2._o that_o the_o oracle_n of_o which_o we_o now_o speak_v be_v upon_o subject_n perfect_o know_v and_o upon_o very_o illustrious_a exigency_n what_o more_o illustrious_a than_o the_o destruction_n of_o ahab_n family_n foretell_v by_o elijah_n what_o more_o extraordinary_a than_o the_o manner_n of_o jezebel_n death_n foretell_v by_o the_o same_o prophet_n in_o short_a we_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n i._o that_o these_o oracle_n be_v write_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o complete_a volume_n we_o have_v sixteen_o prophet_n sufficient_o distinguish_v by_o their_o proper_a volume_n ii_o each_o of_o these_o author_n have_v a_o very_a different_a character_n from_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o some_o as_o daniel_n for_o instance_n write_v in_o a_o peculiar_a language_n one_o part_n of_o his_o book_n be_v in_o chaldee_n iii_o every_o one_o have_v some_o relation_n to_o the_o rest_n so_o those_o who_o live_v together_o often_o treat_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n so_o isaiah_n for_o instance_n joel_n amos_n hosea_n but_o they_o have_v separate_a idea_n and_o particular_a oracle_n and_o a_o turn_n which_o perfect_o distinguish_v they_o one_o from_o another_o iv_o one_o needs_o only_o read_v their_o work_n to_o find_v that_o they_o write_v in_o different_a place_n amos_n be_v of_o juda_n and_o go_v to_o prohecy_v in_o israel_n that_o appear_v plain_o ezechiel_n and_o daniel_n prophesy_v in_o chaldea_n that_o be_v see_v by_o read_v their_o work_n v._o there_o be_v a_o natural_a dependence_n between_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o those_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o general_a for_o the_o prophet_n be_v continual_o reproach_v the_o king_n and_o people_n with_o the_o crime_n which_o they_o commit_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n propose_v by_o moses_n vi_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a dependence_n between_o the_o write_n of_o the_o former_a and_o of_o the_o latter_a prophet_n 2._o dan._n ix_o 2._o so_o jeremiah_n be_v quote_v by_o daniel_n as_o foretell_v the_o time_n when_o the_o desolation_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o have_v a_o end_n this_o he_o propose_v not_o as_o if_o he_o have_v learn_v it_o by_o a_o revelation_n but_o as_o a_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v find_v out_o by_o a_o attentive_a examination_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n vii_o there_o be_v a_o exact_a connexion_n of_o these_o oracle_n with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o time_n which_o be_v often_o interweave_v with_o the_o prophecy_n one_o see_v we_o it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o isaiah_n jeremiah_n and_o daniel_n the_o other_o historical_a book_n not_o be_v altogether_o so_o particular_a as_o these_o prophetical_a book_n be_v viii_o in_o short_a one_o see_v we_o that_o these_o book_n be_v interweave_v with_o oracle_n concern_v ancient_a event_n and_o people_n which_o have_v now_o no_o existence_n so_o thaâ—_n that_o hinder_v we_o from_o suspect_v any_o forgery_n i_o shall_v not_o repeat_v here_o the_o common_a argument_n which_o establish_v the_o credit_n of_o these_o book_n i_o bring_v in_o most_o of_o they_o when_o i_o establish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n i_o shall_v only_o make_v some_o reflection_n here_o to_o establish_v the_o same_o truth_n chap._n vi_o that_o the_o