other_o christian_n be_v in_o of_o be_v reduce_v under_o the_o slavery_n of_o this_o mortal_a and_o common_a enemy_n so_o that_o how_o prosperous_a soever_o the_o christian_a arm_n be_v or_o have_v be_v we_o be_v still_o in_o great_a danger_n than_o ever_o of_o be_v ruin_v by_o the_o legion_n of_o these_o infidel_n not_o those_o of_o their_o spahi_n or_o janissary_n but_o by_o those_o of_o another_o order_n far_o more_o mischievous_a forasmuch_o as_o they_o fight_v under_o our_o own_o colour_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o our_o party_n such_o enemy_n be_v ever_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o dangerous_a for_o they_o be_v rare_o discover_v till_o they_o have_v give_v the_o mortal_a blow_n now_o these_o be_v the_o socinian_o a_o sect_n which_o though_o explode_v the_o world_n above_o a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o under_o the_o appellation_n of_o arian_n be_v in_o these_o our_o day_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o grave_a and_o like_a spectrum_n appear_v every_o where_n in_o the_o dark_a in_o deny_v therefore_o the_o divinity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o do_v with_o the_o mahometan_n not_o only_o deny_v the_o trinity_n the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n or_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n but_o also_o baptism_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n together_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n so_o many_o fatal_a error_n do_v follow_v one_o upon_o the_o neck_n of_o another_o by_o deny_v that_o one_o fundamental_a truth_n which_o christ_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o call_v the_o basis_n of_o his_o church_n viz._n that_o glorious_a confession_n of_o st._n peter_n thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o socinian_o we_o all_o know_v be_v a_o mongrel_n brood_n half_a christian_n half_a turk_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o they_o swarm_v so_o much_o in_o poland_n hungary_n and_o transylvania_n and_o be_v find_v at_o this_o day_n to_o fight_v open_o for_o the_o crescent_n against_o the_o cross_n this_o argument_n be_v too_o great_a and_o weighty_a to_o be_v discourse_v upon_o under_o the_o method_n i_o be_o engage_v to_o it_o will_v require_v a_o volume_n though_o we_o can_v but_o hope_n that_o as_o the_o pen_n of_o pious_a and_o learned_a man_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o pursue_v and_o stab_v their_o error_n so_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o find_v out_o their_o person_n chap._n xxvii_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o immortality_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v a_o point_n of_o high_a concernment_n and_o come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o for_o as_o much_o as_o all_o our_o reliance_n upon_o god_n providential_a order_n as_o also_o all_o the_o hope_n and_o reward_n which_o depend_v upon_o our_o faith_n with_o whatsoever_o else_o relate_v to_o our_o christian_a practice_n be_v all_o build_v upon_o this_o persuasion_n viz._n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n or_o source_n of_o all_o his_o action_n be_v of_o a_o incorruptible_a nature_n and_o survive_v the_o body_n but_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o proof_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o clear_v some_o doubt_n which_o seem_v to_o obstruct_v we_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n the_o first_o grand_a difficulty_n be_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o if_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o great_a a_o truth_n and_o so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v we_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o jewish_a writer_n of_o old_a in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o place_n to_o be_v find_v where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o mention_v make_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n â—â—_o of_o a_o future_a 〈◊〉_d after_o death_n have_v the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n believe_v any_o such_o thing_n they_o must_v needs_o have_v mention_v it_o some_o time_n or_o other_o as_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a concern_v to_o they_o and_o the_o best_a support_n against_o the_o misfortune_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n and_o above_o all_o david_n must_v needs_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o have_v such_o frequent_a occasion_n give_v he_o for_o it_o from_o the_o whole_a course_n and_o variable_a occurrence_n of_o his_o life_n nay_o even_o at_o his_o death_n his_o discourse_n with_o solomon_n be_v very_o copious_a about_o settle_v the_o temporal_a affair_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v go_v to_o nor_o do_v we_o find_v that_o abraham_n jacob_n moses_n samuel_n or_o any_o of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n to_o who_o god_n so_o large_o and_o familiar_o reveal_v his_o will_n ever_o touch_v upon_o this_o important_a point_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o their_o death_n only_o we_o read_v that_o they_o sleep_v with_o their_o father_n and_o be_v gather_v to_o their_o people_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n and_o though_o we_o read_v oft_o time_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o hell_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o by_o hell_n be_v understand_v nothing_o but_o death_n or_o the_o grave_a as_o by_o the_o soul_n also_o be_v understand_v no_o more_o but_o the_o animal_n life_n and_o sometimes_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n be_v indeed_o mention_v by_o job_n and_o daniel_n but_o that_o be_v another_o point_n but_o no_o proof_n can_v be_v produce_v which_o speak_v of_o the_o soul_n as_o of_o a_o immaterial_a and_o spiritual_a substance_n subsist_v after_o death_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o silent_a touch_v the_o soul_n immortality_n but_o that_o there_o be_v ground_n enough_o even_o from_o scripture_n to_o make_v the_o matter_n dubious_a for_o most_o divine_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v samuel_n real_a soul_n which_o god_n suffer_v the_o witch_n to_o raise_v the_o night_n before_o saul_n death_n which_o can_v not_o be_v have_v it_o not_o survive_v the_o body_n and_o even_o in_o ecclesiastes_n which_o book_n seem_v even_o in_o a_o manner_n to_o determine_v man_n felicity_n in_o temporal_a enjoyment_n upon_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o solomon_n that_o the_o body_n shall_v return_v to_o the_o dust_n but_o the_o spirit_n to_o god_n that_o give_v it_o though_o much_o either_o way_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o passage_n of_o this_o book_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o collection_n of_o observation_n make_v by_o solomon_n under_o his_o two_o capacity_n natural_a and_o divine_a or_o a_o miscellany_n of_o aphorism_n as_o they_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n and_o wisdom_n but_o whatever_o it_o be_v this_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o the_o book_n of_o tobit_n and_o of_o wisdom_n be_v of_o any_o credit_n with_o we_o as_o i_o know_v not_o but_o they_o shall_v there_o be_v enough_o for_o our_o purpose_n be_v tell_v cap._n 2._o and_o 3._o of_o wisdom_n that_o god_n create_v man_n to_o be_v immortal_a and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o there_o shall_v no_o torment_n touch_v they_o and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o say_v that_o though_o they_o be_v punish_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n yet_o be_v their_o hope_n full_a of_o immortality_n tobit_n also_o in_o his_o prayer_n cap._n 3._o desire_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v deliver_v out_o of_o his_o distress_n and_o go_v into_o the_o everlasting_a place_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v notwithstanding_o probable_a that_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o conceal_v the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o this_o as_o also_o of_o other_o important_a mystery_n of_o religion_n such_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n with_o some_o truth_n of_o this_o nature_n from_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o render_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n more_o glorious_a by_o the_o new_a discovery_n it_o be_v to_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o and_o this_o be_v what_o saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o express_o 2_o tim._n c._n 1._o viz._n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v abolish_v death_n and_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n through_o the_o gospel_n though_o it_o be_v pious_a also_o to_o believe_v that_o many_o of_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n and_o prophet_n under_o the_o moysaicall_a institution_n have_v some_o secret_a dawning_n of_o this_o light_n even_o by_o the_o shadow_n it_o reflect_v their_o wander_n in_o the_o wilderness_n represent_v their_o instability_n hardship_n and_o error_n of_o life_n all_o which_o be_v to_o end_v in_o caanan_n the_o place_n of_o everlasting_a rest_n their_o jubelees_n also_o and_o sabbath_n be_v type_n also_o of_o the_o same_o everlasting_a rest_n as_o st._n
most_o prone_a to_o idolatry_n their_o king_n also_o and_o ruler_n be_v most_o of_o they_o vicious_a and_o idolater_n in_o time_n of_o peace_n easy_o draw_v away_o to_o follow_v the_o superstition_n of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o at_o length_n break_v to_o piece_n by_o a_o miserable_a captivity_n and_o even_o the_o scatter_a fragment_n of_o their_o nation_n batter_v by_o a_o continual_a series_n of_o calamity_n and_o irreparable_a disorder_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n we_o find_v their_o religion_n to_o have_v be_v miraculous_o preserve_v for_o the_o space_n of_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v never_o abolish_v nor_o any_o new_a rite_n introduce_v by_o the_o solemn_a decree_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n so_o that_o there_o be_v still_o the_o face_n of_o a_o church_n and_o man_n raise_v up_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o support_v the_o same_o by_o their_o exemplary_a life_n and_o seasonable_a instruction_n all_o which_o can_v not_o be_v but_o by_o the_o singular_a and_o special_a power_n of_o almighty_n god_n when_o for_o so_o long_a a_o tract_n of_o time_n all_o human_a mean_n universal_o conspire_v to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n and_o extirpation_n of_o it_o chap._n xv._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o which_o the_o jewish_a history_n and_o religion_n be_v contain_v may_v be_v demonstrate_v first_o from_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o writing_n next_o from_o record_n of_o human_a antiquity_n and_o first_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v singular_a advantage_n above_o any_o other_o work_v and_o write_n whatsoever_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o antiquity_n it_o begin_v with_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n with_o a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o antidiluvian_n time_n down_o to_o the_o general_a deluge_n after_o which_o time_n it_o show_v the_o re-settlement_n of_o mankind_n as_o also_o what_o nation_n be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o then_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o ancestor_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o describe_v the_o plainness_n of_o the_o first_o age_n in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o patriarch_n from_o thence_o it_o descend_v gradual_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o jew_n settle_v in_o egypt_n in_o many_o delectable_a passage_n with_o some_o account_n also_o of_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n during_o their_o abode_n in_o egypt_n we_o have_v little_a account_n till_o such_o time_n as_o moses_n appear_v to_o who_o the_o law_n be_v give_v from_o moses_n downward_o we_o have_v a_o more_o large_a and_o accurate_a history_n distinguish_v by_o several_a succession_n of_o judge_n and_o king_n and_o the_o year_n they_o govern_v reduce_v to_o certain_a period_n of_o time_n even_o to_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n we_o have_v a_o particular_a history_n also_o of_o their_o re-settlement_n and_o after_o some_o intermission_n we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o their_o action_n under_o the_o government_n of_o their_o high-priest_n during_o their_o war_n with_o the_o greek_n not_o long_o after_o which_o time_n follow_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o short_a the_o act_n and_o monument_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v of_o that_o antiquity_n that_o even_o the_o first_o historian_n among_o the_o greek_n as_o herodotus_n and_o thucydides_n flourish_v but_o about_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o last_o among_o the_o jewish_a writer_n in_o the_o next_o place_n these_o sacred_a book_n have_v a_o singular_a advantage_n above_o all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a variety_n of_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o or_o the_o style_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v the_o style_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o all_o capacity_n as_o book_n of_o this_o kind_a aught_o to_o be_v but_o withal_o it_o speak_v with_o that_o gravity_n and_o authority_n as_o become_v divine_a oracle_n not_o insinuate_v its_o precept_n by_o rhetorical_a art_n but_o enjoin_v they_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o majesty_n and_o severe_a command_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v some_o description_n especial_o among_o the_o prophet_n make_v with_o that_o liveliness_n of_o representation_n and_o grandeur_n of_o expression_n as_o far_o exceed_v the_o rapture_n of_o our_o modern_a poet_n or_o those_o of_o former_a age_n what_o strain_v of_o wit_n can_v draw_v such_o a_o idea_n of_o a_o glorious_a combatant_n as_o that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o isaiah_n cap._n 63._o in_o the_o description_n he_o give_v we_o of_o our_o saviour_n bloody_a but_o victorious_a conflict_n upon_o the_o cross_n who_o be_v he_o that_o come_v from_o edom_n with_o die_v garment_n from_o bozrah_n this_o that_o be_v glorious_a in_o his_o apparel_n travel_v in_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o strength_n answ_n i_o that_o speak_v in_o righteousness_n mighty_a to_o save_v quest_n wherefore_o be_v thou_o red_a in_o thy_o apparel_n and_o thy_o garment_n like_o he_o that_o tread_v in_o the_o wine-press_n answ_n i_o have_v tread_v the_o wine-press_n alone_o and_o of_o the_o people_n there_o be_v none_o with_o i_o for_o i_o will_v tread_v they_o in_o my_o anger_n and_o trample_v they_o in_o my_o fury_n and_o their_o blood_n shall_v be_v sprinkle_v upon_o my_o garment_n and_o i_o will_v stain_v all_o my_o raiment_n and_o i_o look_v and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o help_v and_o i_o wonder_v that_o there_o be_v none_o to_o uphold_v therefore_o my_o own_o arm_n bring_v salvation_n unto_o i_o and_o my_o fury_n it_o uphold_v i_o and_o i_o will_v tread_v down_o the_o people_n in_o my_o anger_n and_o make_v they_o drink_v in_o my_o fury_n and_o i_o will_v bring_v down_o their_o strength_n to_o the_o earth_n can_v there_o be_v form_v a_o noble_a image_n of_o a_o conqueror_n daple_v with_o blood_n wreek_v with_o revenge_n and_o pant_v and_o bestride_v his_o prostrate_a enemy_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o two_o army_n how_o far_o short_a of_o this_o be_v aeneas_n character_n in_o his_o combat_n with_o turnus_n describe_v by_o virgil_n so_o that_o angelus_n politianus_n show_v a_o singular_a delicacy_n or_o rather_o a_o critical_a weakness_n in_o neglect_v to_o read_v these_o sacred_a composition_n for_o fear_v of_o debase_v his_o style_n whereas_o marsilius_n ficinus_fw-la and_o john_n picus_n mirandula_n man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o learning_n delight_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o the_o study_n of_o they_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o variety_n of_o matter_n treat_v of_o in_o these_o sacred_a write_n there_o be_v no_o collection_n under_o heaven_n can_v compare_v with_o they_o what_o excellent_a observation_n and_o instruction_n have_v we_o for_o morality_n in_o the_o book_n of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la which_o without_o a_o hyperbole_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o best_a in_o that_o kind_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o reach_v to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o life_n the_o book_n of_o solomon_n must_v tell_v a_o heathen_a that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o vast_a knowledge_n his_o canticle_n show_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o most_o pregnant_a fancy_n his_o ecclesiaste_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o discourse_n by_o way_n of_o dialogue_n betwixt_o wisdom_n and_o a_o sensual_a nature_n but_o his_o proverb_n do_v declare_v he_o to_o have_v be_v both_o good_a and_o wise_a and_o be_v write_v probable_o before_o he_o be_v corrupt_v the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n show_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o man_n of_o intrepid_a resolution_n they_o reprove_v without_o flattery_n and_o touch_v the_o affection_n to_o the_o quick_a breathe_v always_o a_o ardent_a zeal_n for_o virtue_n and_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o psalm_n they_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o poem_n and_o they_o must_v be_v confess_v of_o all_o hand_n to_o flow_v from_o a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n and_o teach_v we_o how_o we_o may_v address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n under_o the_o several_a form_n of_o confession_n petition_n supplication_n thanksgiving_n vow_n and_o praise_n and_o true_o have_v david_n be_v inspire_v with_o a_o human_a spirit_n he_o will_v have_v employ_v his_o poetic_a fancy_n in_o illustrate_v some_o passage_n of_o his_o own_o life_n viz._n his_o fights_z and_o victory_n as_o a_o warrior_n and_o particular_o his_o engagement_n with_o goliath_n will_v have_v afford_v noble_a matter_n for_o a_o heroic_a poem_n or_o else_o as_o a_o courtier_n he_o will_v have_v compose_v some_o soft_a pastoral_n or_o madrigal_n contain_v his_o amour_n with_o bathsheba_n or_o as_o a_o friend_n he_o will_v have_v exercise_v his_o fancy_n about_o his_o more_o innocent_a love_n and_o affection_n for_o jonathan_n but_o we_o find_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n his_o subject_n always_o be_v divine_a one_o while_o as_o a_o suppliant_a or_o
penitent_a another_o while_n as_o a_o humble_a petitioner_n anon_o with_o strain_n of_o gratitude_n and_o in_o heavenly_a rapture_n he_o address_v himself_o to_o his_o creator_n and_o celebrate_v the_o praise_n of_o almighty_a god_n by_o recount_v his_o wonder_n and_o mercy_n his_o comfort_n and_o many_o deliverance_n all_o which_o can_v but_o show_v that_o they_o be_v dictate_v by_o another_o spirit_n and_o kindle_v by_o a_o pure_a fire_n than_o what_o common_o sparkle_v in_o the_o gay_a fancy_n and_o invention_n of_o men._n as_o for_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v touch_v upon_o they_o already_o and_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o whole_a book_n or_o collection_n of_o these_o sacred_a write_n that_o it_o be_v like_o the_o manna_n it_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v food_n to_o every_o palate_n such_o as_o do_v not_o nauseate_a but_o have_v a_o relish_v taste_n of_o every_o thing_n and_o create_v a_o appetite_n and_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n that_o let_v a_o man_n read_v these_o holy_a write_n with_o all_o attention_n imaginable_a yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o read_v they_o again_o he_o shall_v discover_v some_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o be_v ignorant_a before_o though_o he_o repeat_v the_o section_n of_o they_o to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o his_o life_n which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o spring_n which_o be_v inexhaustible_a and_o that_o the_o more_o we_o drink_v of_o these_o water_n the_o more_o we_o thirst_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n have_v addict_v themselves_o most_o to_o the_o read_n of_o these_o book_n the_o near_o they_o draw_v towards_o their_o end_n which_o show_v also_o that_o it_o be_v their_o nature_n to_o lead_v man_n forward_o towards_o a_o state_n of_o further_a perfection_n another_o thing_n which_o show_v these_o book_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o writing_n turn_v over_o all_o human_a history_n whatsoever_o and_o we_o shall_v still_o find_v it_o to_o have_v be_v their_o grand_a scope_n and_o design_n to_o magnify_v their_o own_o nation_n and_o to_o represent_v their_o action_n with_o all_o advantageous_a character_n imaginable_a to_o applaud_v their_o own_o custom_n and_o manner_n and_o to_o avouch_v the_o justice_n of_o their_o deal_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o these_o sacred_a write_n the_o penman_n of_o they_o be_v in_o nothing_o more_o copious_a than_o in_o show_v the_o blemish_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n their_o apostasy_n their_o idolatrous_a disposition_n together_o with_o the_o notorious_a and_o scandalous_a lapse_n and_o relapse_n of_o their_o king_n though_o hold_v in_o never_o so_o great_a esteem_n for_o power_n and_o goodness_n and_o this_o certain_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o their_o report_n proceed_v upon_o natural_a and_o human_a consideration_n but_o as_o it_o be_v dictate_v to_o they_o by_o a_o high_a and_o more_o noble_a impulse_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o temper_n of_o that_o nation_n who_o in_o reality_n be_v as_o vain_a self-admiring_a and_o unconstant_a as_o any_o other_o people_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v beyond_o my_o power_n to_o answer_v such_o difficulty_n as_o occur_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n touch_v the_o jewish_a genealogy_n and_o chronology_n together_o with_o some_o custom_n and_o passage_n as_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o of_o this_o age_n since_o we_o find_v the_o like_a and_o great_a in_o the_o write_n of_o all_o profane_a author_n though_o never_o so_o well_o digest_v or_o perhaps_o god_n almighty_a might_n on_o purpose_n suffer_v some_o passage_n to_o be_v obscure_a and_o seem_o repugnant_a to_o our_o understanding_n the_o better_a to_o subjugate_v our_o reason_n to_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o more_o excellent_a degree_n of_o assent_n because_o it_o resolve_v itself_o into_o the_o absolute_a authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o proponent_n without_o hesitance_n or_o any_o dependence_n upon_o our_o own_o feeble_a notion_n in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o these_o sacred_a write_n be_v legible_a in_o the_o act_n and_o monument_n even_o of_o human_a antiquity_n so_o that_o the_o most_o polite_a writer_n among_o the_o ancient_n do_v light_v their_o candle_n from_o this_o sacred_a and_o ever_o burn_v lamp_n virgil_n and_o ovid_n borrow_v out_o of_o genesis_n their_o history_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n which_o they_o improve_v or_o rather_o debase_v by_o their_o poetic_a fiction_n japetus_n the_o father_n of_o prometheus_n and_o by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v repeopled_n after_o the_o flood_n be_v no_o other_o but_o japhet_n who_o the_o poet_n feign_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o coelum_fw-la and_o terra_fw-la that_o be_v to_o have_v have_v his_o extraction_n from_o god_n the_o ogygian_a and_o deucalion_n flood_n be_v poetic_a fiction_n derive_v from_o noah_n deluge_n plutarch_n utuntur_fw-la plutarch_n lib._n quod_fw-la bruta_n ratione_fw-la utuntur_fw-la make_v mention_v too_o of_o a_o dove_n be_v send_v out_o of_o a_o ark_n by_o deucalion_n to_o discover_v the_o abatement_n of_o the_o water_n the_o giant_n climb_v up_o to_o heaven_n be_v take_v from_o the_o build_n of_o babel_n we_o find_v also_o whatsoever_o occur_v in_o the_o fragment_n of_o profane_a writer_n of_o great_a antiquity_n to_o square_v with_o the_o account_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o jewish_a monument_n the_o egyptian_n and_o chaldean_n be_v ever_o hold_v among_o profane_a author_n to_o have_v be_v the_o most_o ancient_a of_o nation_n and_o we_o find_v the_o same_o in_o scripture_n also_o the_o history_n of_o the_o burn_a of_o sodom_n have_v leave_v indelible_a mark_n of_o its_o verity_n in_o the_o bituminous_a water_n and_o noisome_a smell_n of_o the_o lake_n adjoin_v which_o be_v so_o stink_a and_o poisonous_a that_o nothing_o can_v live_v in_o it_o as_o appear_v even_o at_o this_o very_a day_n as_o also_o in_o the_o fruit_n which_o grow_v near_o that_o accurse_a place_n which_o tho_o most_o beautiful_a to_o the_o eye_n be_v easy_o crumble_v to_o dust_n and_o ash_n as_o morney_n du_fw-fr plessis_n rel._n plessis_n morn_n cap._n 26._o de_fw-fr verit._n rel._n prove_v out_o of_o galen_n strabo_n solinus_n and_o other_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v affirm_v also_o by_o tacitus_n the_o departure_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o moses_n with_o many_o other_o passage_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v mention_v by_o 36._o by_o justin_n lib._n 36._o justin_n as_o also_o by_o hist_o by_o lib._n 5._o hist_o tacitus_n though_o with_o some_o depravation_n the_o simplicity_n and_o plain_a pastoral_n life_n together_o with_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v much_o the_o same_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o homer_n who_o live_v a_o little_a after_o the_o time_n of_o david_n in_o he_o description_n of_o the_o age_n and_o man_n of_o which_o he_o write_v and_o even_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o god_n consist_v of_o no_o other_o dainty_n than_o bread_n and_o wine_n the_o temple_n of_o solomon_n be_v so_o famous_a throughout_o the_o world_n that_o it_o give_v the_o denomination_n to_o the_o city_n itself_o which_o be_v call_v hierosolyma_n quasi_fw-la hieron_n solomonis_fw-la or_o the_o temple_n of_o solomon_n and_o even_o at_o this_o very_a day_n the_o great_a emperor_n of_o the_o abyssine_n or_o of_o ethiopia_n call_v prester_n john_n with_o all_o the_o native_n of_o that_o vast_a country_n though_o christian_n still_o retain_v circumcision_n not_o as_o bring_v thither_o by_o the_o eunuch_n who_o be_v baptise_a by_o st._n philip_n but_o in_o memory_n of_o their_o descent_n from_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n who_o solomon_n treat_v not_o only_o at_o his_o table_n but_o at_o his_o bed_n also_o so_o that_o among_o other_o proud_a title_n of_o that_o emperor_n he_o glory_v most_o in_o still_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o solomon_n and_o of_o david_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n who_o be_v at_o several_a time_n carry_v away_o captive_n by_o teylath_n phalastor_n and_o salmanastor_n into_o the_o desert_n and_o northern_a part_n of_o media_n be_v preserve_v to_o this_o very_a day_n in_o the_o tartar_n who_o it_o be_v certain_a be_v descend_v from_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v disperse_v by_o the_o mede_n their_o conqueror_n for_o the_o colchian_o who_o be_v the_o progenitor_n of_o the_o tartar_n as_o herodotus_n tell_v we_o 2._o herod_n lib._n 2._o be_v circumcise_a though_o the_o name_n of_o tartar_n be_v not_o considerable_a nor_o know_v till_o about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1200._o at_o such_o time_n as_o givigi_n their_o captain_n begin_v to_o overrun_v the_o world_n with_o his_o barbarous_a multitude_n however_o so_o it_o be_v that_o they_o still_o retain_v circumcision_n even_o long_o before_o they_o ever_o hear_v of_o mahomet_n and_o upon_o
nor_o zorobabel_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o jewish_a worthy_n be_v call_v deliverer_n god_n know_v they_o be_v poor_a supplicant_n and_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o indulgence_n of_o the_o persian_n but_o the_o crcumstance_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o these_o blessing_n extend_v the_o benefit_n of_o these_o prophecy_n infinite_o beyond_o the_o fortune_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n who_o be_v ever_o after_o but_o a_o poor_a scatter_a and_o precarious_a people_n as_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o and_o many_o such_o like_a prophecy_n even_o atheism_n itself_o can_v question_v it_o unless_o we_o say_v that_o the_o jew_n after_o the_o appearance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v stuff_n the_o old_a testament_n with_o such_o prophetic_a passage_n as_o make_v against_o themselves_o and_o their_o religion_n beside_o all_o these_o passage_n be_v find_v in_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n and_o consider_v also_o with_o what_o exactness_n the_o jew_n keep_v these_o sacred_a copy_n even_o to_o number_v the_o very_a letter_n how_o negligent_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o observe_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a such_o passage_n shall_v be_v foist_v in_o without_o their_o knowledge_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o such_o certain_a and_o punctual_a prediction_n shall_v proceed_v from_o any_o other_o mouth_n but_o that_o of_o almighty_a god_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o such_o as_o may_v convince_v even_o porphyry_n himself_o be_v he_o now_o alive_a and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o old_a testament_n chap._n xx._n the_o advent_n of_o jesus_n prove_v from_o heathen_a prediction_n but_o beside_o the_o prophecy_n record_v in_o sacred_a write_n we_o have_v other_o prediction_n also_o out_o of_o prosane_a monument_n which_o though_o of_o a_o inferior_a authority_n be_v very_o apposite_a to_o prove_v the_o verity_n of_o christ_n messiah-ship_n all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o christ_n be_v bear_v do_v testify_v that_o both_o herod_n as_o also_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o present_a expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o herod_n who_o yield_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o flattery_n of_o his_o follower_n be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o think_v that_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o those_o who_o adhere_v to_o this_o belief_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v herodian_o as_o be_v conjecture_v for_o the_o jew_n find_v herod_n to_o be_v a_o king_n of_o great_a power_n and_o who_o rebuilt_a the_o temple_n also_o after_o a_o most_o magnificent_a form_n they_o present_o conclude_v that_o this_o be_v he_o who_o be_v to_o restore_v their_o state_n and_o empire_n and_o herod_n too_o be_v not_o want_v to_o himself_o to_o improve_v such_o favourable_a overture_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o he_o commit_v so_o many_o murder_n even_o on_o his_o own_o child_n also_o hope_v in_o the_o general_a massacre_n to_o extinguish_v the_o true_a messiah_n wherever_o he_o be_v as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o we_o read_v 7._o jos_n de_fw-fr lib._n jud._n l._n 7._o c._n 7._o also_o in_o suetonius_n in_o the_o life_n of_o vespasian_n as_o also_o in_o tacitus_n how_o it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o many_o in_o that_o age_n that_o in_o the_o sacred_a monument_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v register_v that_o out_o of_o judea_n shall_v come_v forth_o those_o who_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o world_n which_o be_v hister_n tacit_fw-la l._n 5._o hister_n erroneous_o interpret_v of_o titus_n and_o vespasian_n but_o above_o all_o those_o famous_a monument_n of_o the_o sibyl_n be_v a_o complete_a evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n tully_n whilst_o he_o endeavour_v divin_n tul._n lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr divin_n to_o evacuate_v the_o credit_n of_o these_o prophecy_n report_v this_o passage_n out_o of_o they_o that_o he_o who_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v our_o king_n be_v to_o be_v call_v also_o a_o king_n in_o case_n we_o will_v obtain_v salvation_n this_o prophecy_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o initial_a letter_n of_o some_o verse_n which_o for_o this_o reason_n also_o be_v call_v acrostic_n tell_v we_o withal_o that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o sibyl_n be_v lock_v up_o and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v inspect_v but_o by_o order_n of_o the_o senate_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o seem_v rather_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o subversion_n then_o to_o the_o conservation_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o odious_a to_o the_o roman_n than_o the_o thing_n call_v king_n which_o be_v legible_a throughout_o these_o sacred_a book_n and_o true_o so_o plain_o do_v they_o speak_v of_o christ_n government_n and_o kingdom_n that_o even_o among_o the_o sacred_a prophet_n we_o shall_v not_o meet_v with_o a_o description_n more_o apposite_a than_o what_o be_v transcribe_v by_o vergil_n out_o of_o these_o sybelline_a oracle_n who_o by_o his_o intimacy_n with_o augustus_n obtain_v a_o sight_n of_o they_o apply_v in_o his_o genethliacon_n of_o saloninus_n the_o son_n of_o asinius_n pollio_n who_o be_v a_o favourite_n of_o the_o emperor_n those_o passage_n which_o in_o truth_n can_v belong_v to_o none_o but_o jesus_n as_o appear_v evident_o from_o this_o description_n the_o happy_a day_n be_v come_v foretell_v long_o since_o 4._o eciog_n 4._o by_o cuman_a sibyl_n sacred_a song_n from_o hence_o all_o feature_n age_n shall_v there_o date_n commence_v the_o virgin_n too_o return_v the_o upright_a reign_n of_o ancient_a saturn_n now_o return_v again_o a_o offspring_n now_o to_o we_o from_o heaven_n send_v forth_o help_v chaste_a lucina_n this_o celestial_a birth_n which_o put_v a_o period_n to_o the_o iron_n race_n and_o over_o the_o world_n a_o golden_a one_o do_v place_n who_o heavenly_a conduct_n shall_v mankind_n deliver_v from_o all_o their_o gild_n free_v from_o all_o fear_n for_o ever_o who_o godlike_a life_n shall_v yet_o more_o glorious_a prove_v by_o list_v hero_n '_o among_o the_o bless_a above_o these_o shall_v behold_v he_o too_o who_o never_o shall_v cease_v by_o his_o father_n art_n to_o rule_v the_o world_n in_o peace_n such_o a_o lofty_a description_n as_o this_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n square_v with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o soloninus_fw-la who_o die_v nine_o day_n after_o he_o be_v born_n nay_o have_v augustus_n himself_o have_v a_o son_n i_o question_v whether_o these_o character_n can_v have_v be_v apply_v to_o he_o even_o under_o a_o poetic_a licence_n of_o flattery_n in_o short_a they_o be_v transcribe_v out_o of_o the_o sybelline_a oracle_n to_o which_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n so_o often_o appeal_v as_o to_o the_o most_o uncorrupted_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n forasmuch_o as_o these_o book_n be_v keep_v by_o the_o roman_n with_o the_o great_a care_n imaginable_a under_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o college_n of_o sacred_a rite_n call_v quindecem_fw-la viri_fw-la and_o and_o so_o impossible_a to_o be_v alter_v by_o the_o christian_n nor_o can_v these_o passage_n be_v interpret_v of_o any_o but_o of_o jesus_n who_o be_v he_o that_o be_v to_o give_v peace_n to_o the_o world_n be_v bear_v also_o under_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n who_o shut_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o janus_n proclaim_v this_o memorial_n and_o glorious_a passage_n that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n there_o be_v a_o universal_a cessation_n of_o arm_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n as_o be_v predict_v and_o be_v necessary_a to_o introduce_v this_o prince_n of_o our_o eternal_a peace_n chap._n xxi_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n the_o second_o general_n argument_n by_o which_o we_o have_v propose_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n messiah-ship_n be_v take_v from_o his_o doctrine_n as_o also_o from_o the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n and_o miracle_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n now_o in_o these_o write_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v first_o their_o author_n second_o their_o authority_n to_o prove_v their_o author_n we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o humane_a authority_n but_o yet_o such_o too_o as_o be_v strengthen_v by_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n for_o if_o it_o be_v rashness_n unpardonable_a to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o caesar_n conquer_a britain_n or_o of_o his_o defeat_a pompey_n and_o of_o his_o be_v murder_v in_o the_o senate_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o book_n which_o report_v these_o thing_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a work_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o same_o age_n who_o name_n also_o be_v prefix_v to_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o much_o great_a madness_n to_o doubt_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n since_o we_o find_v a_o more_o universal_a and_o uninterrupted_a belief_n hereof_o in_o the_o concur_v voice_n of_o a_o infinite_a
the_o reflection_n of_o image_n from_o a_o brittle_a glass_n but_o charity_n be_v of_o a_o permanent_a and_o celestial_a nature_n it_o hope_v all_o thing_n it_o boast_v not_o itself_o it_o seek_v not_o its_o own_o but_o another_o good_a and_o of_o the_o three_o grace_n though_o it_o be_v rank_v in_o the_o last_o place_n yet_o be_v it_o by_o the_o apostle_n account_v the_o first_o and_o great_a of_o they_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o transaction_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v ever_o find_v those_o to_o have_v be_v the_o brave_a who_o be_v most_o diffusive_a of_o their_o goodness_n and_o the_o wide_a they_o extend_v their_o compassion_n and_o bounty_n the_o great_a honour_n be_v they_o ever_o think_v worthy_a of_o this_o greatness_n of_o mind_n in_o do_v good_a to_o all_o not_o that_o swell_a ambition_n of_o enlarge_n itself_o by_o dominion_n and_o empire_n be_v that_o in_o all_o age_n make_v man_n hero_n and_o in_o some_o sort_n partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whereas_o private_a end_n with_o thought_n and_o contrivance_n which_o terminate_v in_o our_o own_o good_a only_o have_v be_v ever_o account_v character_n of_o a_o narrow_a and_o straiten_v mind_n the_o conclusion_n the_o great_a scope_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n through_o all_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n have_v be_v to_o combat_v atheism_n and_o irreligion_n or_o profaneness_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o not_o only_o show_v we_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n but_o that_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o pure_a worship_n by_o which_o a_o creature_n be_v capable_a to_o express_v his_o adoration_n be_v most_o just_o due_a unto_o he_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n be_v discover_v to_o we_o from_o the_o theory_n of_o nature_n from_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o eminent_a testimony_n of_o the_o best_a man_n in_o all_o age_n by_o the_o same_o light_n we_o discover_v also_o some_o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n indeed_o so_o essential_a that_o they_o be_v incommunicable_a to_o any_o other_o be_v and_o serve_v to_o prove_v both_o the_o unity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o godhead_n these_o i_o have_v brief_o speak_v to_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v every_o where_o copious_o and_o clear_o handle_v by_o such_o as_o write_v upon_o this_o subject_a the_o consideration_n of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o his_o creature_n do_v afford_v we_o a_o large_a field_n of_o matter_n to_o travel_v in_o whether_o we_o reflect_v upon_o his_o work_n or_o the_o worship_n he_o require_v of_o we_o the_o grand_a work_n of_o creation_n be_v as_o demonstrable_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o fortuitous_a production_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o a_o pre-existent_a chaos_n and_o from_o a_o incorruptibility_n of_o a_o eternity_n of_o matter_n with_o that_o of_o the_o godhead_n so_o that_o the_o very_a creation_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o be_v another_o argument_n of_o the_o verity_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o god_n conserve_n power_n or_o providence_n be_v that_o we_o daily_a experiment_n and_o by_o which_o we_o have_v so_o near_o and_o necessary_a a_o dependence_n on_o he_o even_o in_o our_o being_n and_o in_o all_o our_o action_n be_v a_o point_n of_o great_a importance_n also_o and_o capable_a of_o a_o large_a discourse_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o work_n of_o nature_n in_o general_a or_o humane_a affair_n in_o the_o regard_n they_o have_v either_o to_o public_a society_n and_o kingdom_n or_o to_o the_o particular_a concern_v of_o private_a men._n that_o god_n providence_n be_v concern_v in_o all_o these_o and_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o revolution_n of_o kingdom_n be_v unquestionable_a what_o measure_n and_o inference_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o hence_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o more_o dispute_n wherein_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o god_n determination_n or_o order_n of_o these_o affair_n be_v no_o argument_n to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v always_o good_a so_o as_o to_o justify_v the_o instrument_n by_o which_o such_o his_o purpose_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v we_o have_v see_v in_o transitu_fw-la what_o influence_n god_n free_a knowledge_n have_v on_o future_a action_n and_o how_o far_o man_n may_v be_v a_o free_a agent_n notwithstanding_o such_o prescience_n or_o decree_n of_o god_n what_o hitherto_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o be_v point_n of_o speculation_n that_o which_o follow_v and_o be_v so_o necessary_a also_o to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n concern_v practice_n be_v no_o other_o than_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o which_o be_v his_o worship_n we_o have_v see_v how_o the_o gentile_n and_o that_o all_o age_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n ever_o hold_v a_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v due_a from_o they_o though_o almost_o all_o of_o they_o be_v idolater_n and_o superstitious_a in_o such_o worship_n place_v it_o on_o false_a god_n and_o those_o few_o among_o they_o who_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v yet_o very_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n such_o a_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o although_o all_o the_o heathen_a lawgiver_n and_o founder_n of_o religion_n pretend_v to_o receive_v their_o precept_n from_o some_o kind_n of_o deity_n and_o by_o revelation_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o all_o such_o deity_n be_v notorious_o false_a and_o their_o superstition_n long_o since_o vanish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o give_v they_o a_o place_n among_o the_o founder_n of_o reveal_v worship_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v consider_v such_o religious_a worship_n as_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o vogue_n have_v for_o its_o object_n the_o true_a god_n and_o which_o make_v claim_v also_o to_o divine_a revelation_n of_o which_o the_o first_o be_v the_o jewish_a touch_v who_o original_a there_o be_v no_o dispute_n among_o any_o professor_n of_o religion_n at_o this_o day_n extant_a in_o the_o world_n for_o both_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o mahometan_n do_v acknowledge_v moses_n to_o have_v receive_v his_o law_n from_o god_n and_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o people_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n for_o his_o peculiar_a worship_n appear_v abundant_o from_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o little_a nation_n and_o of_o their_o rite_n amid_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o surround_v they_o and_o hold_v they_o in_o subjection_n from_o who_o as_o they_o differ_v extreme_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o be_v it_o impossible_a but_o their_o religion_n shall_v have_v be_v drown_v in_o that_o ocean_n of_o superstition_n which_o encompass_v they_o consider_v also_o their_o frequent_a apostasy_n persecution_n and_o inclination_n to_o idolatry_n have_v they_o not_o be_v uphold_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n from_o who_o their_o religion_n be_v derive_v notwithstanding_o this_o their_o religion_n be_v but_o temporary_a and_o to_o determine_v in_o the_o messiah_n to_o who_o also_o all_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n all_o the_o rite_n ceremony_n and_o sacrifice_n have_v a_o immediate_a regard_n as_o type_n and_o figure_n in_o who_o also_o they_o be_v all_o full_o verify_v and_o accomplish_v which_o messiah_n be_v no_o other_o but_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n the_o true_a saviour_n not_o only_o of_o the_o jew_n but_o of_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o who_o also_o be_v and_o be_v the_o author_n and_o preserver_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v by_o he_o as_o the_o only_a safe_a and_o secure_a way_n to_o everlasting_a happiness_n this_o have_v be_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o this_o book_n and_o the_o truth_n hereof_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v not_o only_o from_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o from_o the_o life_n doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v the_o miraculous_a effect_n and_o success_n this_o doctrine_n meet_v with_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n the_o mahometan_a sect_n have_v for_o its_o author_n mahomet_n who_o also_o pretend_v to_o divine_a revelation_n but_o for_o what_o appear_v of_o he_o how_o wide_a soever_o he_o have_v extend_v his_o dominion_n he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o notorious_a impostor_n who_o paradise_n be_v sensuality_n and_o his_o religion_n empire_n the_o discourse_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n be_v a_o natural_a result_n from_o the_o former_a consideration_n of_o which_o also_o the_o better_a and_o more_o learned_a heathen_n have_v a_o belief_n no_o less_o than_o of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o providence_n from_o all_o which_o premise_n by_o a_o unavoidable_a sequel_n of_o reason_n we_o be_v lead_v on_o to_o inquire_v what_o benefit_n such_o heathen_n be_v capable_a to_o receive_v from_o this_o kind_n of_o