reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o two_o volume_n volume_n i._n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxxviii_o imprimatur_fw-la libre_fw-la cvi_fw-la titulus_fw-la est_fw-la reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n in_o ii_o vol._n the_o 12_o of_o january_n 1687_o 1687_o 8._o h._n maurice_n r_n mo_z in_o christo_n p.d._n willielmo_n archiep._n cant._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la to_o the_o king_n great_a sir_n the_o gracious_a acceptance_n which_o your_o majesty_n be_v please_v to_o allow_v the_o first_o volume_n of_o my_o reflection_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n encourage_v and_o almost_o necessitate_v i_o to_o the_o further_a presumption_n of_o lay_v these_o two_o volume_n at_o this_o time_n at_o your_o majesty_n foot_n your_o majesty_n do_v i_o the_o honour_n to_o say_v that_o you_o be_v please_v to_o see_v divine_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o subject_n so_o important_a and_o after_o this_o judgement_n give_v by_o so_o great_a a_o prince_n which_o be_v so_o evident_a a_o demonstration_n of_o your_o zeal_n for_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o have_v be_v unpardonable_a in_o i_o not_o to_o have_v go_v on_o with_o the_o work_n and_o i_o have_v reason_n then_o to_o consecrate_v it_o whole_o to_o your_o majesty_n who_o i_o be_v assure_v will_v approve_v of_o my_o intention_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n will_v pardon_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o performance_n as_o your_o majesty_n continue_v still_o to_o give_v such_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o your_o clemency_n and_o royal_a protection_n to_o those_o of_o our_o nation_n so_o i_o confess_v sir_n i_o think_v myself_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o this_o opportunity_n of_o publish_v what_o all_o those_o who_o find_v so_o sure_a a_o protection_n in_o your_o majesty_n dominion_n feel_v and_o think_v as_o much_o as_o myself_o upon_o these_o new_a testimony_n of_o your_o royal_a bounty_n when_o your_o majesty_n have_v take_v we_o into_o your_o particular_a care_n and_o have_v grant_v we_o several_a privilege_n and_o so_o make_v we_o sharer_n in_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o those_o who_o live_v under_o your_o government_n enjoy_v your_o majesty_n do_v yet_o something_o more_o and_o inspire_v all_o your_o subject_n with_o the_o same_o compassion_n towards_o we_o with_o which_o your_o royal_a breast_n be_v already_o touch_v you_o see_v our_o misery_n and_o resolve_v to_o give_v we_o ease_v and_o this_o generous_a design_n be_v execute_v and_o your_o royal_a clemency_n diffuse_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o your_o subject_n the_o whole_a world_n sir_n which_o have_v receive_v upon_o all_o its_o coast_n some_o remainder_n of_o our_o shipwreck_n be_v fill_v with_o admiration_n of_o the_o unexampled_a effect_n of_o your_o majesty_n clemency_n there_o be_v no_o place_n so_o barbarous_a whither_o the_o renown_n of_o that_o mercy_n which_o have_v be_v so_o glorious_o extend_v towards_o we_o have_v not_o be_v carry_v and_o the_o remembrance_n will_v be_v ever_o dear_a to_o the_o remote_a age_n of_o posterity_n we_o must_v sir_n be_v whole_o insensible_a if_o we_o have_v not_o all_o of_o we_o the_o high_a sense_n of_o so_o great_a a_o bounty_n and_o we_o shall_v just_o appear_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o be_v unworthy_a of_o this_o your_o majesty_n paternal_a care_n if_o notwithstanding_o that_o low_a condition_n to_o which_o we_o be_v now_o reduce_v we_o shall_v not_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o your_o august_n throne_n with_o the_o humble_a demonstration_n of_o thankfulness_n when_o god_n shower_n down_o the_o great_a blessing_n upon_o mankind_n he_o require_v this_o just_a tribute_n which_o be_v also_o their_o great_a 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sir_n though_o i_o dare_v not_o hope_v that_o these_o reflection_n can_v obtain_v that_o honour_n yet_o our_o age_n at_o least_o may_v see_v that_o they_o bear_v these_o public_a mark_n of_o gratitude_n for_o all_o your_o majesty_n royal_a favour_n this_o sir_n be_v my_o sole_a aim_n in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o work_n to_o your_o majesty_n and_o may_v your_o sacred_a majesty_n be_v please_v to_o approve_v of_o these_o poor_a testimony_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n in_o general_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o instance_n of_o i_o in_o particular_a and_o of_o that_o profound_a respect_n with_o which_o i_o be_o london_n may_v the_o seven_o 1688._o sir_n your_o majesty_n most_o dutiful_a and_o obedient_a subject_n and_o servant_n p._n allix_fw-la the_o preface_n one_o may_v divide_v man_n into_o two_o general_a class_n some_o be_v without_o any_o knowledge_n of_o a_o deity_n or_o sense_n of_o religion_n traveller_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o the_o west-indies_n the_o eastern_a part_n of_o tartary_n and_o some_o place_n of_o africa_n such_o people_n be_v to_o be_v find_v i_o know_v this_o be_v a_o fact_n which_o be_v dispute_v by_o other_o and_o fabricius_n a_o divine_a of_o the_o palatinate_n pretend_v that_o he_o have_v solid_o confute_v it_o if_o this_o fact_n shall_v be_v think_v doubtful_a yet_o it_o be_v know_v at_o least_o that_o some_o person_n may_v be_v find_v here_o and_o there_o in_o the_o world_n who_o look_v upon_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n as_o upon_o a_o fable_n and_o who_o ridicule_n all_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n whatsoever_o but_o one_o may_v also_o say_v that_o if_o he_o compare_v these_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n they_o make_v the_o least_o and_o worst_a part_n of_o mankind_n though_o many_o of_o they_o affect_v to_o live_v moral_o well_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n make_v profession_n that_o they_o own_o a_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o most_o perfect_a eternal_a and_o independent_a be_v that_o he_o govern_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o providence_n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o man_n do_v well_o or_o ill_o in_o those_o action_n which_o depend_v on_o his_o liberty_n from_o whence_o they_o equal_o conclude_v that_o man_n be_v design_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o society_n without_o it_o will_v be_v pure_a robbery_n and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v whole_o destroy_v by_o death_n so_o it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n to_o deny_v all_o reward_n for_o virtue_n or_o punishment_n for_o vice_n after_o this_o life_n all_o the_o diversity_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n be_v reducible_a to_o two_o kind_n the_o first_o be_v of_o those_o who_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o pagan_n in_o general_n the_o second_o be_v of_o those_o that_o acknowledge_v one_o only_a god_n such_o be_v the_o jew_n christian_n and_o mahometan_n now_o as_o for_o the_o cure_n of_o different_a disease_n several_a remedy_n be_v make_v use_n of_o so_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o to_o deliver_v man_n of_o their_o various_a prejudices_fw-la we_o must_v take_v very_o different_a method_n the_o ignorance_n of_o those_o barbarous_a people_n in_o the_o indies_n tartary_n and_o africa_n must_v be_v remove_v by_o teach_v they_o the_o first_o principle_n and_o make_v they_o apply_v the_o little_a sense_n they_o have_v leave_v they_o of_o good_a and_o evil_n right_a and_o wrong_n to_o the_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o religion_n atheist_n must_v be_v convince_v by_o reflection_n upon_o those_o principle_n which_o they_o admit_v by_o show_v that_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o reject_v be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o they_o dare_v not_o dispute_v to_o convince_v the_o heathen_a who_o suppose_v many_o god_n we_o must_v
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
if_o it_o have_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v a_o jew_n before_o they_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o promise_n second_o it_o suppose_v that_o god_n be_v to_o remove_v that_o people_n out_o of_o canaan_n into_o remote_a country_n and_o to_o disperse_v they_o as_o it_o be_v into_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v do_v by_o divine_a providence_n only_o to_o publish_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o establish_v the_o belief_n in_o the_o prophet_n and_o so_o to_o facilitate_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith._n three_o he_o declare_v express_o as_o st._n paul_n observe_v that_o he_o be_v to_o call_v his_o people_n that_o which_o be_v not_o his_o people_n that_o he_o may_v by_o that_o mean_n provoke_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o jealousy_n this_o notion_n of_o jealousy_n mention_v by_o st._n paul_n deserve_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o with_o very_o great_a care_n if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o jealousy_n which_o reign_v among_o the_o israelite_n and_o their_o neighbour_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n in_o another_o place_n of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o oracle_n of_o david_n upon_o the_o same_o subject_a although_o he_o otherwise_o insult_v upon_o the_o moabite_n and_o edomite_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o show_v as_o much_o aversion_n and_o jealousy_n against_o those_o nation_n as_o be_v possible_a for_o one_o that_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a war_n with_o those_o people_n i_o shall_v also_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o solomon_n marriage_n with_o the_o princess_n of_o tyre_n of_o sidon_n and_o of_o egypt_n that_o be_v to_o say_v with_o the_o posterity_n of_o ham_n which_o be_v unite_v to_o that_o of_o judah_n to_o take_v a_o part_n with_o they_o in_o the_o blessing_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o song_n that_o be_v write_v upon_o that_o marriage_n be_v preserve_v as_o a_o piece_n divine_o inspire_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o happy_a presage_n of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o messiah_n one_o may_v also_o join_v here_o the_o manner_n of_o solomon_n give_v to_o hiram_n subject_n who_o have_v help_v he_o in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o country_n of_o chabul_n which_o be_v enclose_v within_o judea_n although_o those_o people_n be_v of_o the_o canaanite_n posterity_n upon_o who_o noah_n have_v particular_o pronounce_v ix_o gen._n ix_o curse_v be_v canaan_n one_o may_v also_o see_v that_o as_o god_n have_v permit_v his_o people_n to_o be_v transport_v into_o chaldea_n and_o babylon_n and_o have_v raise_v up_o there_o prophet_n among_o they_o on_o purpose_n to_o acquaint_v the_o world_n with_o the_o glorious_a hope_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o he_o cause_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v translate_v into_o greek_a about_o 300_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n birth_n not_o only_o to_o prevent_v all_o suspicion_n of_o falsehood_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o gentile_n if_o they_o be_v produce_v of_o a_o sudden_a after_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o also_o to_o instruct_v the_o heathen_n by_o little_a and_o little_a of_o the_o right_n which_o all_o nation_n have_v as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n to_o that_o promise_n that_o they_o may_v take_v their_o share_n in_o it_o whenever_o they_o shall_v be_v invite_v to_o it_o by_o god_n and_o especial_o to_o take_v away_o the_o scandal_n which_o be_v to_o follow_v upon_o god_n destroy_v the_o form_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n by_o the_o roman_n according_a to_o daniel_n prediction_n all_o these_o thing_n no_o doubt_n engage_v the_o jew_n who_o read_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n to_o make_v particular_a remark_n upon_o they_o but_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v observe_v three_o thing_n especial_o the_o first_o be_v that_o although_o god_n have_v at_o first_o choose_v their_o whole_a nation_n yet_o he_o be_v please_v to_o disperse_v afterward_o almost_o ten_o part_n of_o thirteen_o which_o plain_o show_v that_o this_o choice_n which_o he_o have_v make_v be_v only_o a_o oeconomical_a choice_n and_o for_o a_o particular_a design_n the_o second_o be_v that_o although_o he_o be_v very_o severe_a and_o punctual_a in_o exact_v obedience_n to_o the_o ceremonial_a service_n yet_o he_o have_v fix_v the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o observance_n to_o certain_a place_n to_o certain_a time_n and_o to_o certain_a person_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v that_o when_o god_n bound_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v only_o for_o a_o oeconomical_a service_n prescribe_v only_o upon_o a_o particular_a prospect_n which_o be_v one_o day_n to_o have_v a_o end_n the_o three_o be_v that_o experience_n convince_v they_o that_o although_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v fix_v his_o service_n to_o the_o temple_n yet_o he_o suffer_v the_o chaldean_n to_o destroy_v the_o first_o and_o do_v not_o restore_v to_o the_o second_o the_o first_o mark_n of_o his_o presence_n when_o it_o be_v rebuilt_a by_o the_o order_n of_o cyrus_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o conclude_v that_o such_o a_o glory_n as_o retire_v by_o little_a and_o little_a from_o that_o place_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v be_v only_o design_v to_o be_v there_o for_o a_o time_n till_o god_n shall_v extend_v his_o service_n by_o call_v all_o the_o world_n to_o his_o religion_n and_o so_o make_v the_o whole_a universe_n his_o temple_n as_o we_o see_v it_o do_v in_o our_o day_n by_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n finis_fw-la reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n volume_n ii_o london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxxviii_o the_o preface_n in_o my_o reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n i_o have_v show_v the_o mean_n god_n make_v use_n of_o to_o imprint_v the_o idea_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 during_o that_o long_a tract_n of_o 2500_o year_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n depart_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o before_o the_o history_n of_o it_o be_v pen_v by_o moses_n they_o that_o consider_v that_o god_n at_o first_o prescribe_v the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n to_o fix_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o this_o law_n have_v be_v constant_o observe_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n until_o moses_n and_o be_v still_o to_o this_o day_n observe_v among_o the_o jew_n easy_o apprehend_v that_o this_o fact_n of_o the_o creation_n can_v not_o be_v more_o incontestable_o prove_v or_o more_o firm_o ground_v in_o like_a manner_n a_o attentive_a reflection_n upon_o the_o oracle_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o which_o alone_o at_o first_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o be_v afterward_o record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v any_o one_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v deep_o engrave_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o israelite_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o jealousy_n which_o god_n have_v raise_v among_o the_o several_a pretender_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o great_a promise_n do_v not_o much_o contribute_v to_o preserve_v the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v show_v very_o careful_o that_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o that_o purpose_n i_o have_v in_o my_o reflection_n afterward_o prove_v upon_o the_o four_o last_o book_n of_o moses_n that_o god_n prosecute_v the_o same_o design_n in_o the_o law_n which_o he_o give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o peculiar_a form_n and_o regulation_n of_o their_o government_n and_o religion_n the_o great_a design_n of_o which_o rule_n be_v only_a that_o the_o messiah_n at_o his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v unquestionable_o know_v whoever_o shall_v read_v the_o reflection_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o this_o matter_n will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o long_a life_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n to_o make_v so_o fresh_a and_o lively_a a_o impression_n of_o those_o illustrious_a fact_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o very_o frequent_a oracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o as_o indeed_o we_o find_v that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o 2553_o year_n only_o five_o or_o six_o principal_a oracle_n be_v give_v which_o have_v a_o particular_a relation_n to_o the_o messiah_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o now_o this_o reflection_n be_v once_o suppose_v as_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v afterward_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
country_n his_o people_n and_o the_o temple_n in_o the_o manner_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n how_o can_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o copy_n of_o it_o be_v disperse_v over_o all_o his_o kingdom_n in_o a_o instant_n to_o inform_v the_o people_n about_o the_o ceremonial_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o soon_o after_o be_v so_o solemn_o celebrate_v by_o they_o or_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o levite_n the_o priest_n and_o people_n can_v have_v be_v all_o of_o the_o sudden_a instruct_v in_o all_o the_o point_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o perform_n of_o that_o holy_a solemnity_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o sacred_a historian_n do_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o circumstance_n that_o the_o book_n find_v be_v of_o moses_n own_o hand_n write_v but_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o their_o devout_a respect_n for_o this_o book_n be_v not_o whole_o stifle_v as_o have_v be_v by_o they_o careful_o hide_v from_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a king_n and_o lay_v up_o in_o some_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o temple_n where_o now_o they_o have_v so_o happy_o find_v it_o again_o over_o and_o above_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o king_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n be_v as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o their_o subject_n yet_o the_o same_o general_o consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o neighbour_n natition_n as_o to_o some_o particular_n which_o though_o they_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n yet_o they_o leave_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o full_a force_n this_o we_o have_v a_o instance_n of_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ahab_n where_o we_o find_v elijah_n reproach_v the_o israelite_n with_o the_o monstrous_a alliance_n they_o have_v make_v betwixt_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o of_o baal_n which_o queen_n jesabel_n have_v introduce_v all_o this_o clear_o prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n which_o be_v the_o first_o of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v never_o forge_v under_o his_o name_n since_o it_o be_v always_o own_v as_o the_o write_n of_o that_o famous_a author_n and_o be_v still_o so_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o jew_n at_o this_o day_n chap._n vii_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 the_o other_o objection_n of_o the_o atheist_n suppose_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o genesis_n as_o we_o have_v now_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o it_o seem_v absurd_a to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o person_n who_o live_v so_o many_o age_n distant_a from_o the_o thing_n he_o recite_v to_o answer_v this_o objection_n we_o must_v first_o of_o all_o declare_v to_o they_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o fact_n which_o moses_n relate_v be_v preserve_v so_o lively_a and_o entire_a as_o to_o give_v moses_n so_o distinct_a a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o forge_v or_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o own_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n know_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o well_o as_o himself_o there_o be_v no_o way_n whereby_o we_o can_v more_o solid_o evince_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v forge_v by_o moses_n than_o by_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n have_v a_o natural_a relation_n to_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v always_o constant_o observe_v from_o that_o time_n until_o moses_n the_o same_o also_o will_v help_v we_o clear_o to_o conceive_v after_o what_o manner_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n have_v be_v preserve_v so_o distinct_a among_o those_o that_o live_v since_o the_o creation_n until_o moses_n we_o be_v no_o soon_o inform_v that_o the_o sabbath_n be_v a_o solemn_a day_n ordain_v at_o first_o to_o celebrate_v and_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o creation_n but_o we_o judge_v it_o impossible_a that_o so_o important_a a_o event_n commemorate_a every_o seven_o day_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n shall_v be_v a_o imposture_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o impossibility_n be_v ground_v on_o these_o two_o proposition_n the_o one_o that_o god_n give_v this_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n to_o the_o first_o man_n the_o other_o that_o the_o same_o be_v observe_v by_o his_o posterity_n ever_o since_o till_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o god_n only_o renew_v it_o in_o the_o law_n give_v from_o mount_n sinai_n these_o be_v the_o truth_n i_o be_o now_o to_o clear_v and_o it_o be_v of_o more_o importance_n to_o be_v prove_v because_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o author_n ancient_a and_o modern_a jew_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n be_v of_o this_o opinion_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o of_o the_o christian_a father_n who_o seem_v to_o deny_v that_o the_o sabbath_n be_v ever_o observe_v by_o the_o patriarch_n but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o prove_v from_o moses_n that_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o sabbath_n be_v such_o as_o i_o assert_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o in_o a_o manner_n immediate_o follow_v it_o moses_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n 3._o gen._n ii_o 3._o express_v himself_o thus_o and_o god_n bless_v the_o seven_o day_n and_o sanctify_v it_o because_o that_o in_o it_o he_o have_v rest_v from_o all_o his_o work_n which_o he_o have_v create_v which_o word_n clear_o evince_v a_o solemn_a consecration_n of_o the_o seven_o day_n to_o god_n service_n by_o its_o be_v make_v a_o commemoration_n of_o his_o finish_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o intent_n of_o moses_n in_o this_o place_n be_v only_o to_o set_v down_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n set_v apart_o this_o day_n of_o all_o other_o to_o his_o service_n by_o the_o law_n at_o mount_n sinai_n we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o this_o appointment_n be_v make_v for_o man_n sake_n already_o place_v in_o the_o garden_n of_o eden_n this_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o order_n moses_n observe_v for_o he_o set_v down_o first_o the_o formation_n of_o man_n on_o the_o six_o day_n and_o his_o be_v place_v in_o paradise_n which_o he_o give_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n and_o after_o these_o he_o relate_v god_n rest_v from_o his_o work_n and_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o sabbath_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o law_n which_o he_o impose_v on_o man_n and_o then_o add_v these_o be_v the_o generation_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o earth_n when_o they_o be_v create_v in_o the_o day_n that_o the_o lord_n god_n make_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n all_o that_o precede_v these_o word_n be_v only_o a_o relation_n of_o what_o pass_v in_o the_o seven_o first_o day_n and_o that_o which_o moses_n set_v down_o concern_v god_n blessing_n of_o the_o seven_o day_n and_o his_o consecrate_v it_o aught_o as_o well_o to_o be_v account_v a_o law_n appoint_v the_o seven_o day_n for_o his_o service_n as_o those_o other_o blessing_n give_v to_o the_o creature_n according_a to_o their_o kind_n be_v acknowledge_v as_o inviolable_a law_n of_o god_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o they_o subsist_v and_o be_v perpetuate_v each_o according_a to_o their_o kind_n by_o the_o way_n of_o generation_n in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o the_o patriarch_n maintain_v a_o public_a worship_n at_o least_o since_o the_o time_n of_o seth_n which_o it_o be_v necessary_a shall_v be_v determine_v to_o some_o certain_a day_n and_o since_o we_o find_v that_o even_o at_o this_o time_n they_o distinguish_v between_o beast_n clean_a and_o unclean_a with_o respect_n to_o their_o sacrifice_n which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v but_o from_o revelation_n we_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v set_v apart_o a_o time_n for_o own_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v many_o evident_a sign_n that_o even_o then_o the_o 7_o day_n be_v observe_v psalmos_fw-la kimchi_fw-la praefat_fw-la in_o psalmos_fw-la i_o will_v not_o here_o peremptory_o assert_v that_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o ninety_o second_o psalm_n who_o title_n be_v a_o psalm_n for_o the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v by_o adam_n himself_o who_o be_v make_v on_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o sabbath_n but_o this_o i_o dare_v assert_v that_o it_o be_v apparent_a 10.12_o gen._n viii_o 10.12_o that_o what_o
thing_n in_o itself_o there_o be_v no_o less_o absurdity_n to_o dispute_v our_o saviour_n resurrection_n than_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o first_o man._n now_o if_o this_o argument_n hold_v as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o easy_o so_o neither_o can_v there_o be_v a_o strong_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o provide_v we_o be_v once_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o consequent_o embrace_v his_o religion_n but_o it_o seem_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o meditation_n i_o be_v insensible_o carry_v further_a in_o my_o observation_n upon_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n than_o i_o think_v at_o first_o to_o be_v therefore_o instead_o of_o pass_v now_o as_o i_o propose_v in_o the_o beginning_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n which_o be_v a_o solid_a and_o compendious_a way_n of_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n i_o find_v myself_o engage_v according_a to_o my_o present_a method_n to_o continue_v to_o make_v the_o like_a reflection_n upon_o the_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n that_o i_o may_v yet_o more_o full_o demonstrate_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n who_o god_n promise_v to_o man_n immediate_o after_o his_o sin_n and_o this_o i_o intend_v to_o show_v so_o plain_o as_o will_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o god_n have_v real_o accomplish_v his_o first_o design_n and_o exact_o perform_v all_o his_o promise_n relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n according_a to_o the_o first_o idea_n he_o give_v of_o his_o come_n to_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n first_o then_o i_o design_v to_o trace_v up_o the_o method_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o use_v to_o make_v the_o messiah_n know_v without_o mistake_n when_o ever_o he_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o world._n second_o i_o will_v make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o several_a notion_n he_o give_v of_o he_o long_o before_o in_o his_o oracle_n to_o characterise_v his_o person_n his_o office_n his_o action_n his_o suffering_n his_o glory_n etc._n etc._n last_o of_o all_o i_o will_v show_v that_o we_o have_v all_o this_o whole_a project_n and_o design_n exact_o accomplish_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v write_v by_o christ_n disciple_n now_o as_o this_o method_n which_o god_n have_v particular_o choose_v to_o make_v the_o messiah_n know_v appear_v also_o in_o the_o other_o book_n of_o moses_n so_o i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o i_o particular_o to_o view_v and_o examine_v these_o book_n that_o i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o illustrate_v several_a thing_n in_o they_o which_o deserve_v a_o particular_a attention_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v consider_v together_o and_o as_o it_o be_v at_o one_o view_n for_o the_o prophecy_n be_v thus_o consider_v together_o in_o their_o connexion_n and_o progress_n do_v more_o plain_o evidence_n god_n design_n and_o may_v better_o convince_v or_o confound_v the_o jew_n therefore_o i_o intend_v according_o to_o consider_v those_o oracle_n with_o attention_n and_o to_o join_v they_o together_o that_o so_o they_o may_v in_o their_o conjunction_n cast_v forth_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o light_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o infidel_n who_o may_v happen_v to_o peruse_v this_o book_n for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o after_o the_o perusal_n of_o my_o observation_n in_o it_o a_o ordinary_a attention_n in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o man_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n which_o be_v all_o i_o intend_v to_o prove_v as_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o treatise_n now_o as_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o patriarch_n religion_n according_a to_o the_o account_n moses_n have_v give_v we_o of_o it_o in_o his_o book_n of_o genesis_n have_v take_v up_o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o so_o i_o design_v to_o examine_v in_o this_o second_o part_n the_o israelite_n religion_n and_o to_o follow_v in_o my_o search_n the_o account_n which_o moses_n give_v of_o it_o in_o his_o other_o four_o book_n and_o as_o to_o effect_v this_o it_o be_v very_o important_a to_o establish_v beforehand_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o four_o book_n so_o i_o intend_v to_o show_v first_o of_o all_o that_o moses_n be_v the_o true_a author_n of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v intrinsic_a character_n of_o undeniable_a certainty_n then_o second_o it_o will_v be_v natural_a for_o i_o to_o show_v that_o moses_n in_o the_o write_n of_o they_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o view_n as_o particular_o promise_v of_o god_n to_o the_o patriarch_n of_o his_o own_o nation_n and_o as_o be_v consequent_o the_o principal_a if_o not_o the_o sole_a object_n of_o their_o hope_n three_o i_o intend_v to_o show_v that_o if_o we_o serious_o examine_v moses_n law_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o such_o a_o method_n observe_v as_o be_v both_o very_a agreeable_a to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n s_o design_n in_o genesis_n and_o very_o worthy_a of_o his_o wisdom_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o he_o be_v please_v to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o of_o his_o intention_n by_o the_o prophet_n who_o follow_v moses_n reflection_n upon_o the_o four_o last_o book_n of_o moses_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chapter_n i._n that_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o exodus_fw-la and_o of_o the_o three_o other_o follow_v book_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o may_v be_v ground_v upon_o several_a solid_a argument_n i_o may_v observe_v that_o moses_n have_v always_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o very_a heathen_n themselves_o not_o only_o to_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a historian_n but_o also_o the_o most_o ancient_a legislator_n in_o the_o world._n i_o may_v likewise_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a connexion_n betwixt_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n and_o the_o other_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o well_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o general_a design_n of_o their_o author_n as_o of_o the_o matter_n treat_v of_o in_o they_o for_o example_n we_o see_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o law_n and_o transaction_n which_o we_o find_v write_v and_o record_v there_o derive_v their_o original_a from_o those_o transaction_n and_o passage_n that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o genesis_n thus_o we_o may_v plain_o discern_v that_o the_o pretention_n of_o the_o israelite_n upon_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o promise_n that_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n to_o give_v it_o to_o his_o posterity_n in_o the_o four_o generation_n thus_o we_o may_v see_v that_o the_o amalekite_n can_v have_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o make_v war_n against_o the_o israelite_n than_o the_o old_a alliance_n that_o be_v former_o make_v betwixt_o amalek_n and_o the_o canaanite_n which_o without_o doubt_n engage_v his_o posterity_n to_o be_v the_o first_o opposer_n of_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o sedition_n of_o the_o israelite_n against_o moses_n under_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o order_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o genesis_n because_o the_o elder_a think_v themselves_o wrong_v of_o their_o birthright_n think_v they_o may_v just_o rebel_v against_o moses_n in_o order_n to_o recover_v it_o but_o i_o haste_v to_o thing_n more_o material_a than_o these_o and_o first_o it_o be_v here_o observable_a that_o those_o book_n be_v not_o only_o religious_o keep_v in_o every_o family_n of_o israel_n but_o that_o they_o be_v also_o once_o solemn_o deposit_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n as_o a_o public_a record_n and_o that_o by_o moses_n himself_o a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o testimony_n against_o that_o people_n as_o we_o read_v it_o deuteronomy_n xxxi_o 26._o second_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o moses_n do_v straight_o charge_v both_o joshuah_n and_o the_o head_n of_o the_o people_n to_o read_v they_o frequent_o and_o careful_o for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v so_o joshua_n 1.8_o nay_o we_o see_v about_o 500_o year_n after_o the_o holy_a man_n david_n who_o have_v make_v during_o his_o life_n i._o psal_n i._o the_o supreme_a felicity_n of_o a_o man_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o read_n the_o law_n of_o god_n day_n and_o night_n we_o see_v i_o say_v that_o holy_a man_n give_v in_o his_o deathbed_n the_o same_o charge_n to_o solomon_n i_o king_n three_o moreover_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v many_o law_n and_o sanction_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o history_n of_o succeed_a time_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o read_v nothing_o in_o the_o book_n of_o
of_o and_o of_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o let_v any_o man_n read_v his_o description_n of_o abraham_n sacrifice_n and_o of_o the_o several_a passion_n joseph_n and_o his_o brethren_n be_v move_v and_o affect_v with_o when_o he_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o they_o beside_o all_o that_o we_o may_v observe_v two_o very_a surprise_v thing_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n the_o first_o be_v that_o moses_n recite_v there_o such_o thing_n as_o seem_v to_o be_v unworthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o so_o grave_a and_o wise_a a_o historian_n as_o he_o be_v he_o give_v for_o instance_n a_o exact_a and_o particular_a account_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o ahraham_n purchase_n of_o the_o cave_n of_o machpela_n for_o a_o bury_v place_n for_o his_o wife_n he_o set_v down_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o incest_n of_o judah_n with_o thamar_n and_o he_o relate_v the_o manner_n how_o leah_n with_o her_o son_n mandrake_n obtain_v leave_v of_o rachel_n to_o enjoy_v her_o husband_n for_o one_o night_n with_o a_o surprise_v exactness_n the_o other_o be_v that_o moses_n record_v a_o whole_a series_n of_o horrible_a crime_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v as_o so_o many_o blemish_n and_o odious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o memory_n of_o those_o who_o history_n he_o write_v now_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o moses_n be_v so_o prudent_a as_o he_o be_v confess_v to_o be_v can_v have_v be_v so_o injudicious_a as_o to_o choose_v and_o pick_v out_o such_o passage_n and_o action_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o either_o trivial_a and_o of_o no_o moment_n or_o horrible_a and_o odious_a to_o fill_v up_o with_o they_o a_o book_n wherein_o he_o give_v a_o description_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n where_o he_o set_v down_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n at_o every_o turn_n it_o be_v natural_a therefore_o to_o judge_v that_o he_o have_v some_o particular_a prospect_n in_o his_o eye_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o the_o promise_n which_o alone_o justify_v his_o recital_n of_o trivial_a thing_n and_o of_o crime_n in_o such_o a_o serious_a history_n as_o he_o be_v i_o shall_v not_o repeat_v here_o what_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v upon_o the_o crime_n which_o he_o relate_v in_o genesis_n i_o add_v only_o that_o he_o have_v the_o same_o design_n and_o prospect_n in_o his_o narration_n of_o such_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a transaction_n thus_o by_o his_o account_n of_o the_o purchase_n of_o the_o cave_n of_o machpelah_n his_o intention_n be_v to_o show_v how_o god_n intend_v by_o this_o sepulchre_n to_o affix_v abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n after_o he_o to_o the_o land_n of_o cannaan_n his_o scope_n and_o prospect_n be_v the_o same_o when_o he_o record_v the_o burial_n of_o rachel_n at_o ephrathah_n as_o for_o the_o crime_n moses_n relate_v i_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o he_o design_v thereby_o to_o show_v how_o all_o the_o faithful_a before_o his_o time_n have_v their_o mind_n altogether_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thought_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o herein_o we_o may_v say_v the_o wisdom_n of_o moses_n be_v very_o conspicuous_a and_o discernible_a in_o the_o choice_n he_o make_v of_o those_o action_n to_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o excessive_a desire_n which_o the_o ancient_n have_v to_o accomplish_v the_o promise_n and_o let_v no_o man_n object_n here_o that_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a to_o see_v that_o during_o so_o many_o age_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n occasion_v not_o other_o than_o wicked_a action_n for_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o all_o circumstance_n that_o those_o crime_n relate_v by_o moses_n be_v commit_v in_o different_a time_n and_o long_o after_o one_o another_o so_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o have_v record_v those_o action_n on_o purpose_n to_o show_v what_o impression_n the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n make_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o have_v it_o in_o its_o perfection_n and_o integrity_n if_o moses_n have_v insert_v in_o this_o book_n of_o genesis_n any_o long_a discourse_n as_o make_v by_o adam_n about_o that_o matter_n upon_o a_o sabbath_n day_n or_o if_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o relation_n of_o what_o such_o a_o one_o as_o seth_n or_o enoch_n or_o sem_fw-mi use_v to_o teach_v concern_v that_o promise_n in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o beside_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o a_o tedious_a repetition_n which_o he_o must_v have_v make_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o every_o particular_a account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o several_a generation_n that_o precede_v he_o he_o can_v never_o have_v persuade_v his_o reader_n so_o well_o as_o he_o may_v do_v now_o first_o man_n will_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o those_o speech_n upon_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v of_o his_o own_o make_n and_o like_o those_o set_a harangue_n we_o find_v in_o xenophon_n or_o livy_n second_o the_o crime_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o get_v thereby_o some_o advantage_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o murder_n of_o a_o king_n commit_v by_o his_o heir_n and_o successor_n to_o the_o crown_n show_v in_o the_o murder_n a_o much_o great_a ambition_n and_o affectation_n of_o the_o throne_n and_o suppose_v in_o he_o a_o distinct_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o right_n and_o pretension_n to_o the_o empire_n chap._n x._o that_o the_o same_o persuasion_n appear_v throughout_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o moses_n until_o his_o death_n but_o it_o be_v not_o only_o by_o those_o and_o the_o like_a reflection_n which_o may_v be_v make_v upon_o the_o choice_n moses_n have_v make_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o recite_v that_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o he_o have_v always_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o view_n for_o he_o be_v descend_v from_o abraham_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o from_o his_o youth_n up_o he_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o religion_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o patriarch_n but_o moreover_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o the_o idea_n of_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v much_o more_o lively_a and_o strong_a in_o that_o family_n ever_o since_o jacob_n on_o his_o deathbed_n have_v foretell_v and_o promise_v to_o judah_n that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o his_o tribe_n he_o be_v to_o be_v born._n as_o for_o joseph_n to_o who_o that_o promise_n may_v have_v be_v apply_v by_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n because_o of_o his_o power_n and_o glory_n in_o egypt_n the_o egyptian_a persecution_n that_o follow_v sometime_o after_o his_o decease_n resolve_v all_o scruple_n and_o mistake_v that_o might_n otherwise_o have_v be_v entertain_v in_o that_o matter_n and_o so_o convince_v all_o those_o poor_a sufferer_n that_o their_o messiah_n be_v as_o yet_o to_o come_v to_o all_o these_o strong_a presumption_n whereby_o we_o may_v guess_v what_o the_o thought_n of_o moses_n may_v be_v concern_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n we_o may_v add_v the_o consideration_n both_o of_o his_o word_n and_o action_n which_o do_v very_o plain_o establish_v the_o same_o truth_n st._n xi_o heb._n xi_o paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n mention_n two_o particular_a action_n of_o moses_n which_o as_o they_o challenge_v our_o admiration_n so_o they_o deserve_v our_o serious_a consideration_n because_o they_o clear_o i_o think_v evidence_n that_o moses_n be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o future_a accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n the_o first_o be_v that_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n in_o egypt_n for_o he_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o recompense_n of_o the_o reward_n from_o whence_o can_v a_o resolution_n so_o opposite_a to_o the_o ordinary_a prudence_n and_o natural_a inclination_n of_o other_o man_n proceed_v in_o he_o if_o it_o be_v not_o as_o st._n paul_n observe_v it_o from_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a source_n viz._n from_o that_o strong_a persuasion_n which_o he_o have_v that_o how_o calamitous_a soever_o the_o then_o present_a condition_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v be_v yet_o god_n have_v choose_v it_o therein_o to_o accomplish_v that_o great_a promise_n which_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o all_o their_o ancestor_n from_o adam_n down_o to_o they_o the_o remembrance_n whereof_o he_o renew_v by_o illustrate_v those_o oracle_n which_o jacob_n pronounce_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n the_o other_o be_v that_o moses_n always_o adhere_v to_o that_o miserable_a people_n and_o stand_v by_o they_o in_o all_o their_o calamity_n and_o pressure_n it_o be_v true_a he_o leave_v they_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