rely_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o belief_n yet_o this_o have_v such_o very_a particular_a character_n as_o keep_v up_o its_o own_o authority_n first_o it_o suppose_v a_o small_a number_n of_o person_n from_o adam_n to_o moses_n who_o put_v it_o in_o write_v second_o it_o suppose_v that_o those_o who_o have_v preserve_v this_o tradition_n live_v very_o long_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n for_o many_o century_n of_o year_n three_o it_o relate_v to_o such_o fact_n as_o every_o one_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v right_o inform_v of_o and_o which_o he_o be_v particular_o concern_v to_o examine_v as_o relate_v to_o his_o own_o private_a interest_n because_o they_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o his_o action_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o conduct_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n four_o it_o suppose_v such_o real_a mark_n as_o serve_v to_o keep_v it_o up_o such_o as_o the_o pain_n of_o child-bearing_a the_o paradise_n before_o the_o flood_n the_o duration_n of_o the_o ark_n 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re-establishment_n in_o the_o say_a country_n about_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 3600._o here_o we_o read_v the_o conquest_n of_o palestina_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o joshua_n how_o it_o be_v divide_v among_o the_o tribe_n after_o they_o have_v destroy_v drive_v out_o or_o subdue_v the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o how_o often_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o bondage_n by_o the_o border_a nation_n who_o rise_n and_o pretension_n moses_n set_v down_o here_o we_o have_v record_v the_o several_a name_n and_o action_n of_o the_o judge_n which_o god_n from_o time_n to_o time_n raise_v to_o the_o israelite_n to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o first_o estate_n here_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o kingly_a government_n among_o they_o which_o happen_v about_o the_o year_n 2909_o as_o likewise_o of_o the_o division_n of_o this_o people_n into_o two_o kingdom_n which_o for_o three_o age_n together_o be_v most_o opposite_a in_o their_o interest_n and_o make_v great_a war_n against_o each_o other_o as_o well_o as_o against_o their_o neighbour_a state_n we_o find_v here_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o most_o puissant_a of_o these_o two_o state_n viz._n that_o of_o israel_n by_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n about_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 3283_o and_o after_o that_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o of_o judah_n by_o nebuchadnezar_n king_n of_o the_o chaldean_n anno_fw-la mundi_fw-la 3283._o and_o last_o of_o all_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o jew_n restoration_n by_o cyrus_n king_n of_o persia_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o his_o successor_n the_o three_o thing_n observable_a be_v that_o in_o the_o remain_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o find_v several_a historical_a relation_n relate_v to_o both_o kingdom_n with_o several_a prophecy_n relate_v to_o their_o decay_n and_o restoration_n as_o likewise_o many_o discourse_n of_o morality_n and_o piety_n and_o that_o all_o these_o relation_n and_o prophecy_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v write_v at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o with_o those_o circumstance_n which_o have_v a_o natural_a reference_n to_o what_o the_o other_o book_n recite_v to_o we_o and_o a_o essential_a relation_n to_o the_o book_n and_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o these_o prophecy_n relation_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o we_o find_v there_o concern_v their_o government_n or_o religion_n the_o four_o be_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n contain_v a_o exact_a relation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n of_o the_o establishment_n of_o his_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n together_o with_o some_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n who_o refuse_v to_o own_v he_o for_o the_o messiah_n promise_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o last_o prophecy_n declare_v what_o in_o in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v to_o happen_v both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world._n these_o book_n take_v the_o truth_n of_o moses_n write_n every_o where_n for_o grant_v as_o also_o of_o all_o the_o other_o sacred_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n both_o historical_a prophetical_a and_o moral_a these_o four_o particular_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n give_v we_o a_o entire_a idea_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o we_o shall_v scarce_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o aught_o else_o to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o write_n if_o we_o consider_v those_o undisputable_a matter_n of_o fact_n i_o be_o now_o to_o speak_v of_o and_o will_v but_o make_v some_o very_a natural_a reflection_n upon_o they_o the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o christian_n notwithstanding_o their_o be_v divide_v into_o several_a sect_n and_o party_n present_o after_o our_o saviour_n time_n have_v and_o do_v still_o in_o all_o place_n every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n read_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n translate_v into_o 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only_o have_v the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n among_o they_o yet_o notwithstanding_o their_o irreconcilable_a hatred_n against_o the_o house_n of_o david_n they_o have_v most_o religious_o preserve_v the_o say_v book_n from_o anno_fw-la mundi_fw-la 3030._o in_o which_o the_o division_n of_o the_o two_o kingdom_n happen_v even_o until_o this_o day_n the_o four_o and_o last_o be_v that_o as_o the_o jew_n every_o where_o at_o this_o day_n read_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n each_o sabbath_n day_n which_o be_v also_o observe_v by_o the_o samaritan_n and_o the_o christian_n read_v they_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n so_o the_o jew_n have_v always_o continue_v to_o read_v they_o for_o a_o long_a series_n of_o age_n as_o esteem_v it_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o sabbath_n beside_o which_o they_o also_o solemn_o read_v they_o every_o seven_o year_n in_o obedience_n to_o a_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o say_v that_o the_o sole_a consideration_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v indisputable_a be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v in_o general_a the_o truth_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n first_o then_o i_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v as_o ridiculous_a to_o maintain_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n translate_v into_o so_o many_o language_n cite_v by_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o author_n and_o which_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o various_a dispute_n from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o soon_o after_o shall_v be_v supposititious_a as_o to_o aver_v that_o the_o book_n of_o justinian_n or_o mahomet_n alcoran_n have_v be_v false_o obtrude_v on_o the_o world_n under_o their_o name_n i_o speak_v now_o only_o of_o the_o book_n themselves_o not_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n they_o contain_v second_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v forge_v since_o the_o time_n of_o ptolemy_n philadelphus_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o ever_o since_o that_o time_n three_o it_o be_v as_o inconsistent_a to_o suppose_v they_o contrive_v since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n from_o judah_n because_o we_o find_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n among_o the_o samaritan_n who_o have_v preserve_v they_o ever_o since_o their_o revolt_n without_o any_o other_o change_n but_o what_o be_v incident_a to_o all_o manuscript_n that_o pass_v through_o many_o hand_n i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o samaritan_n have_v none_o of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o only_a as_o a_o effect_n of_o their_o departure_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n it_o can_v in_o the_o least_o shake_v the_o certainty_n we_o have_v of_o those_o book_n for_o first_o the_o three_o other_o tribe_n have_v they_o and_o preserve_v they_o with_o the_o great_a care_n esteem_v they_o of_o divine_a authority_n second_o there_o be_v also_o reason_n of_o state_n which_o make_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n not_o to_o regard_v the_o division_n make_v by_o joshuah_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n nor_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o priesthood_n which_o reason_n of_o state_n hereafter_o mention_v where_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o ten_o tribe_n will_v not_o allow_v the_o same_o authority_n to_o some_o of_o those_o book_n which_o be_v write_v before_o their_o revolt_n as_o those_o of_o samuel_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n which_o they_o do_v to_o the_o pentateuch_n of_o moses_n most_o of_o the_o other_o we_o know_v be_v pen_v since_o the_o division_n of_o the_o two_o kingdom_n and_o so_o do_v more_o particular_o respect_v the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n and_o some_o they_o after_o the_o
prescribe_v to_o they_o in_o the_o other_o book_n of_o moses_n but_o the_o occasion_n and_o ground_n of_o they_o all_o be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o genesis_n to_o which_o all_o these_o law_n have_v a_o natural_a relation_n the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n as_o well_o as_o his_o ancestor_n have_v always_o observe_v the_o sabbath_n and_o circumcision_n and_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n order_v the_o same_o to_o be_v constant_o read_v in_o every_o family_n to_o which_o the_o sabbath_n day_n be_v more_o peculiar_o appropriate_v and_o the_o whole_a to_o be_v read_v over_o every_o seven_o year_n as_o we_o know_v the_o jew_n practice_n be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o first_o of_o which_o injunction_n they_o practise_v still_o in_o all_o place_n and_o have_v leave_v off_o the_o other_o only_o because_o they_o can_v do_v it_o now_o they_o be_v out_o of_o their_o own_o land_n i_o say_v suppose_v all_o this_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a that_o any_o other_o than_o moses_n can_v have_v make_v this_o book_n to_o be_v receive_v the_o forgery_n at_o the_o beginning_n will_v have_v be_v palpable_a even_o to_o child_n themselves_o as_o for_o example_n let_v we_o suppose_v that_o solomon_n have_v form_v a_o design_n of_o deceive_v the_o people_n in_o publish_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n for_o a_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v so_o far_o impose_v on_o his_o people_n as_o to_o make_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o say_a book_n all_o at_o once_o as_o that_o which_o have_v be_v constant_o read_v in_o their_o family_n every_o seven_o day_n and_o year_n and_o that_o for_o 600_o year_n before_o his_o time_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o book_n that_o have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o all_o their_o family_n though_o indeed_o it_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o by_o they_o before_o that_o time_n if_o a_o impostor_n can_v create_v a_o belief_n in_o other_o that_o he_o have_v some_o secret_a communication_n with_o the_o deity_n those_o who_o be_v thus_o persuade_v by_o he_o will_v easy_o submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o law_n but_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a that_o a_o whole_a people_n shall_v all_o at_o once_o forget_v whatsoever_o they_o have_v learn_v or_o hear_v of_o their_o parent_n and_o forefather_n and_o instead_o thereof_o admit_v of_o tale_n forge_v at_o pleasure_n some_o nation_n have_v be_v so_o ridiculous_a to_o derive_v themselves_o from_o a_o fabulous_a original_a but_o they_o never_o fall_v into_o such_o mistake_v about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v at_o no_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o live_v beside_o we_o know_v that_o these_o fabulous_a original_n never_o make_v so_o lively_a a_o impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n especial_o the_o learned_a among_o they_o as_o general_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o we_o rather_o find_v that_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o truth_n by_o show_v something_o else_o be_v hint_v thereby_o as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o the_o explication_n the_o heathen_n themselves_o have_v give_v we_o of_o all_o their_o fable_n and_o utter_o reject_v those_o which_o they_o can_v not_o reconcile_v to_o good_a sense_n but_o in_o this_o case_n we_o find_v a_o whole_a nation_n to_o this_o very_a day_n maintain_v all_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o genesis_n and_o in_o particular_a that_o of_o the_o creation_n as_o of_o matter_n who_o memorial_n they_o have_v constant_o celebrate_v every_o seven_o day_n since_o the_o time_n they_o first_o happen_v last_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o book_n be_v constant_o use_v to_o be_v read_v among_o the_o jew_n especial_o on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o that_o under_o the_o name_n of_o moses_n for_o instance_n since_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o since_o that_o of_o david_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v but_o this_o constant_a read_n be_v observe_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o law_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a book_n now_o if_o this_o law_n have_v always_o be_v in_o this_o book_n from_o the_o first_o appear_v of_o it_o which_o can_v be_v question_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o forge_v and_o foist_v in_o this_o book_n under_o the_o name_n of_o moses_n the_o founder_n of_o the_o jewish_a government_n i_o say_v this_o book_n which_o beside_o all_o this_o contain_v such_o extraordinary_a matter_n and_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o their_o religion_n i_o will_v not_o repeat_v here_o what_o i_o mention_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n to_o make_v the_o vanity_n of_o those_o man_n appear_v who_o imagine_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n and_o the_o four_o that_o follow_v it_o may_v have_v be_v forge_v by_o other_o under_o moses_n his_o name_n yet_o i_o think_v i_o ought_v before_o i_o proceed_v further_o to_o remove_v a_o seem_a difficulty_n which_o be_v often_o allege_v by_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n for_o say_v they_o it_o can_v be_v that_o these_o book_n be_v ever_o read_v with_o that_o care_n and_o constancy_n we_o speak_v of_o because_o a_o time_n can_v be_v point_v at_o wherein_o the_o say_a book_n be_v whole_o unknown_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n and_o indeed_o the_o history_n plain_o inform_v we_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v find_v again_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o josias_n from_o whence_o they_o infer_v that_o if_o it_o be_v then_o unknown_a it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v forge_v but_o indeed_o they_o may_v conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o which_o willing_o we_o allow_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n wherein_o ungodliness_n do_v prevail_v and_o idolatry_n be_v public_o establish_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n itself_o yet_o can_v they_o not_o from_o this_o instance_n draw_v any_o other_o consequence_n which_o may_v support_v their_o pretension_n they_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v first_o that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o only_o among_o the_o three_o tribe_n but_o also_o among_o the_o ten_o since_o the_o time_n of_o their_o revolt_n under_o rehoboam_n that_o they_o who_o be_v carry_v by_o salmanassar_n into_o the_o land_n of_o assyria_n have_v the_o say_v book_n among_o they_o as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n who_o be_v leave_v in_o their_o own_o country_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o when_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n send_v some_o of_o the_o priest_n of_o samaria_n to_o instruct_v the_o colony_n which_o he_o have_v settle_v in_o their_o country_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o those_o priest_n go_v to_o borrow_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n from_o they_o of_o judah_n nor_o that_o the_o say_v law_n be_v altogether_o unknown_a in_o that_o country_n but_o only_o that_o they_o have_v former_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o serve_v strange_a god_n as_o they_o still_o do_v but_o that_o withal_o they_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o to_o this_o day_n be_v yet_o find_v among_o their_o posterity_n second_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o though_o the_o wickedness_n and_o violence_n of_o manasseh_n cause_v a_o great_a change_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o his_o subject_n notwithstanding_o have_v still_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n among_o they_o the_o blood_n which_o he_o shed_v in_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o evident_a sign_n that_o there_o be_v some_o godly_a man_n leave_v among_o they_o who_o continue_v true_a to_o their_o religion_n and_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o god._n beside_o if_o we_o consider_v his_o repentance_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o his_o reign_n he_o do_v in_o some_o degree_n re-establish_a the_o purity_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o have_v before_o profane_v a_o main_a part_n of_o which_o be_v the_o expound_v and_o read_v of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n according_a to_o those_o law_n before_o mention_v in_o the_o three_o place_n it_o be_v visible_a that_o the_o reason_n why_o hilkiah_n have_v find_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o temple_n as_o they_o be_v cleanse_v and_o repair_v it_o send_v the_o same_o to_o josiah_n be_v not_o because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o such_o book_n leave_v in_o judah_n but_o because_o the_o say_a book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n himself_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v something_o very_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o find_n of_o it_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o they_o be_v endeavour_v a_o reformation_n and_o it_o be_v this_o circumstance_n which_o do_v in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n excite_v the_o zeal_n of_o this_o good_a prince_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o suppose_v that_o josiah_n have_v never_o before_o see_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n how_o can_v he_o have_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o reform_v of_o his_o
oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n this_o exact_o set_v forth_o the_o august_n character_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o his_o anoint_v to_o be_v the_o king_n of_o all_o nation_n their_o prophet_n and_o their_o priest_n psalm_n xlv_o 1._o my_o heart_n be_v indite_v a_o good_a matter_n i_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v make_v touch_v the_o king_n my_o tongue_n be_v the_o pen_n of_o a_o ready_a writer_n verse_n 7_o 8._o thy_o throne_n o_o god_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o sceptre_n of_o thy_o kingdom_n be_v a_o right_a sceptre_n thou_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v wickedness_n therefore_o god_n thy_o god_n have_v anoint_v thou_o with_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o thy_o fellow_n verse_n 16._o instead_o of_o thy_o father_n shall_v be_v thy_o child_n who_o thou_o may_v make_v prince_n in_o all_o the_o earth_n one_o see_v we_o the_o same_a prophet_n invite_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o xlvii_o psalm_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o daniel_n afterward_o describe_v as_o that_o which_o the_o jew_n already_o know_v be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o messiah_n one_o see_v we_o asaph_z describe_v in_o the_o l_o psalm_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o messiah_n assemble_v all_o people_n and_o of_o his_o reject_v the_o ancient_a and_o legal_a service_n and_o prescribe_v a_o spiritual_a one_o even_o sacrifice_n of_o vow_n and_o of_o praise_n verse_n 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o and_o the_o heaven_n shall_v declare_v his_o righteousness_n for_o god_n be_v judge_n himself_o hear_v o_o my_o people_n and_o i_o will_v speak_v o_o israel_n and_o i_o will_v testify_v against_o thou_o i_o be_o god_n even_o thy_o god._n i_o will_v not_o reprove_v thou_o for_o thy_o sacrifice_n or_o thy_o burnt-offering_n to_o have_v be_v continual_o before_o i_o i_o will_v take_v no_o bullock_n out_o of_o thy_o house_n nor_o he-goat_n out_o of_o thy_o fold_n for_o every_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n be_v i_o and_o the_o cattle_n upon_o a_o thousand_o hill_n one_o see_v the_o author_n of_o the_o lxxii_o psalm_n describe_v the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o solomon_n kingdom_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o he_o carry_v his_o view_n as_o high_a as_o the_o messiah_n at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o foretell_v the_o continuance_n of_o his_o kingdom_n as_o long_o as_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n endure_v that_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v bring_v present_n to_o he_o and_o that_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v worship_v before_o he_o verse_n 5._o they_o shall_v fear_v thou_o as_o long_o as_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n endure_v throughout_o all_o generation_n verse_n 8._o he_o shall_v have_v dominion_n also_o from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o river_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n verse_n 11._o all_o king_n shall_v fall_v down_o before_o he_o all_o nation_n shall_v serve_v he_o verse_n 17_o 18_o 19_o his_o name_n shall_v endure_v for_o ever_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v continue_v as_o long_o as_o the_o sun_n and_o man_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o he_o all_o nation_n shall_v call_v he_o bless_v bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n who_o only_o do_v wondrous_a thing_n and_o bless_v be_v his_o glorious_a name_n for_o ever_o and_o let_v the_o whole_a earth_n be_v fill_v with_o all_o his_o glory_n amen_o and_o amen_o one_o see_v that_o ethan_n the_o ezrahite_a who_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o that_o age_n after_o solomon_n explain_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o david_n of_o a_o son_n who_o shall_v reign_v for_o ever_o and_o who_o throne_n shall_v be_v immovable_a in_o the_o lxxxix_o psalm_n this_o agree_v to_o none_o but_o the_o messiah_n who_o he_o describe_v as_o the_o first-born_a of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o a_o manner_n which_o be_v not_o applicable_a to_o any_o of_o david_n posterity_n except_o only_o to_o the_o messiah_n verse_n 19_o 20._o then_o thou_o speak_v in_o vision_n to_o the_o holy_a one_o and_o say_v i_o have_v lay_v help_n upon_o one_o that_o be_v mighty_a i_o have_v exalt_v one_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o people_n i_o have_v find_v david_n my_o servant_n with_o my_o holy_a oil_n have_v i_o anoint_v he_o verse_n 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o my_o faithfulness_n and_o my_o mercy_n shall_v be_v with_o he_o and_o in_o my_o name_n shall_v his_o horn_n be_v exalt_v i_o will_v set_v his_o hand_n also_o in_o the_o sea_n and_o his_o right_a hand_n in_o the_o river_n he_o shall_v cry_v unto_o i_o thou_o be_v my_o father_n my_o god_n and_o the_o rock_n of_o my_o salvation_n also_o i_o will_v make_v he_o my_o first-born_a high_a than_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n my_o mercy_n will_v i_o keep_v for_o he_o for_o evermore_o and_o my_o covenant_n shall_v stand_v fast_o with_o he_o his_o seed_n also_o will_v i_o make_v to_o endure_v for_o ever_o and_o his_o throne_n as_o the_o day_n of_o heaven_n verse_n 33.34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o nevertheless_o my_o love_a kindness_n will_v i_o not_o utter_o take_v from_o he_o nor_o suffer_v my_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v my_o covenant_n will_v i_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o my_o lip_n once_o have_v i_o swear_v by_o my_o holiness_n that_o i_o will_v not_o lie_v unto_o david_n his_o seed_n shall_v endure_v for_o ever_o and_o his_o throne_n as_o the_o sun_n before_o i_o it_o shall_v be_v establish_v for_o ever_o as_o the_o moon_n and_o as_o a_o faithful_a witness_n in_o heaven_n one_o need_v only_o read_v over_o the_o psalm_n which_o i_o have_v now_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o which_o be_v almost_o all_o apply_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o messiah_n to_o see_v the_o great_a number_n of_o oracle_n which_o god_n give_v in_o david_n time_n concern_v this_o matter_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o which_o describe_v the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n which_o fill_v up_o the_o book_n of_o the_o psalm_n almost_o entire_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o article_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o oracle_n which_o david_n utter_v be_v much_o clear_a and_o much_o more_o particular_a than_o those_o which_o be_v give_v before_o this_o i_o hope_v to_o prove_v beyond_o all_o contradiction_n by_o consider_v two_o psalm_n the_o one_o whereof_o describe_v the_o prodigious_a humiliation_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o other_o describe_v his_o advancement_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n two_o of_o the_o great_a truth_n declare_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o two_o the_o most_o singular_a of_o all_o the_o character_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o promise_a messiah_n chap._n xi_o consideration_n upon_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o upon_o his_o glorious_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n foretell_v by_o david_n in_o the_o xxii_o and_o cx_o psalm_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v when_o one_o read_v the_o xxii_o psalm_n but_o that_o the_o person_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v describe_v figurative_o as_o one_o expose_v to_o the_o severe_a suffering_n from_o which_o he_o be_v afterward_o deliver_v by_o the_o divine_a assistance_n and_o advance_v to_o rule_v a_o empire_n which_o extend_v itself_o over_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o afterward_o universal_o adore_v i._o he_o that_o speak_v cry_v out_o as_o if_o god_n have_v forsake_v he_o and_o have_v stop_v his_o ear_n unto_o his_o cry._n ii_o he_o describe_v himself_o as_o a_o worm_n and_o no_o man_n as_o the_o reproach_n of_o man_n and_o one_o despise_v by_o the_o people_n iii_o he_o take_v notice_n that_o those_o who_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o suffering_n make_v a_o mock_n at_o they_o bid_v he_o trust_v in_o god_n that_o he_o may_v deliver_v he_o iv_o he_o rank_n his_o enemy_n among_o the_o bull_n of_o bashan_n and_o rage_a lion_n who_o according_a to_o the_o prophetical_a way_n of_o speak_v be_v the_o chief_a man_n in_o the_o nation_n amos_n iu._n 1._o ezech._n xxii_o 25._o v._o he_o join_v the_o dog_n with_o they_o that_o be_v profane_a person_n or_o the_o gentile_n vi_o he_o represent_v his_o hand_n and_o his_o foot_n as_o pierce_v with_o nail_n vii_o he_o show_v that_o he_o be_v stretch_v out_o before_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o they_o may_v count_v all_o his_o bone_n this_o express_v the_o idea_n of_o a_o man_n fasten_v to_o a_o cross_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o the_o world_n as_o he_o afterward_o describe_v himself_o to_o be_v quite_o dry_v up_o from_o the_o loss_n of_o blood_n when_o he_o be_v crucify_v viii_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o part_n his_o garment_n and_o ix_o of_o their_o cast_a lot_n upon_o his_o vesture_n in_o short_a one_o see_v we_o throughout_o all_o the_o
by_o moses_n but_o least_o any_o body_n shall_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o i_o shall_v build_v the_o truth_n of_o moses_n prophecy_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n i_o will_v restrain_v its_o authority_n of_o it_o within_o just_a and_o certain_a bound_n first_o although_o the_o jew_n bear_v witness_n in_o their_o sacred_a book_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o moses_n prophecy_n be_v already_o fulfil_v yet_o they_o say_v some_o be_v not_o as_o for_o instance_n those_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n come_v but_o their_o obstinate_a blindness_n be_v not_o a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o such_o a_o important_a truth_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o which_o we_o need_v only_o to_o compare_v moses_n word_n with_o the_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o for_o what_o relate_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o need_v only_o compare_v moses_n prophecy_n of_o it_o with_o the_o description_n josephus_n their_o own_o historian_n have_v make_v of_o the_o same_o in_o his_o history_n of_o the_o siege_n and_o ruin_n of_o that_o city_n and_o of_o the_o dissipation_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o without_o the_o jew_n testimony_n in_o what_o regard_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o prophecy_n whereof_o the_o execution_n be_v defer_v for_o a_o very_a long_a time_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o convince_v any_o the_o most_o incredulous_a man_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o divinity_n if_o he_o please_v but_o to_o make_v this_o one_o reflection_n which_o be_v that_o when_o moses_n relate_v among_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o patriarch_n jacob_n a_o particular_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n come_v and_o when_o he_o mention_n that_o of_o balaam_n concern_v the_o rise_n of_o that_o divine_a star_n he_o subjoin_v also_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o concern_v the_o vocation_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o bring_v it_o in_o as_o a_o certain_a sign_n and_o consequence_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world._n now_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o meaning_n of_o moses_n prediction_n about_o the_o vocation_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o the_o prophet_n that_o come_v after_o he_o do_v better_o explain_v and_o illustrate_v we_o shall_v be_v apt_a from_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o he_o in_o effect_n foretell_v that_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n will_v follow_v quite_o another_o method_n than_o that_o which_o he_o have_v use_v before_o until_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n viz._n that_o whereas_o god_n may_v seem_v to_o restrain_v then_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o covenant_n to_o one_o people_n alone_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o restrain_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o messiah_n birth_n to_o one_o sole_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o one_o sole_a tribe_n of_o that_o nation_n to_o one_o sole_a family_n of_o that_o tribe_n to_o one_o sole_a branch_n of_o that_o family_n and_o so_o to_o one_o sole_a person_n of_o that_o branch_n he_o will_v after_o the_o messiah_n come_v take_v a_o contrary_a method_n and_o call_v all_o man_n to_o salvation_n in_o he_o now_o that_o be_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o moses_n prophecy_n can_v be_v question_v and_o whatever_o the_o jew_n opinion_n be_v concern_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o some_o of_o they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o that_o they_o have_v careful_o and_o faithful_o preserve_v the_o book_n wherein_o those_o prophecy_n which_o we_o see_v so_o exact_o fulfil_v be_v contain_v for_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suspect_v moses_n or_o any_o other_o jew_n of_o forge_v the_o prophecy_n which_o foretell_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n not_o moses_n see_v all_o his_o law_n do_v tend_v as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o more_o at_o large_a to_o establish_v that_o restriction_n i_o be_v just_a now_o speak_v of_o which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o messiah_n come_v not_o the_o jew_n see_v that_o none_o of_o they_o can_v still_o endure_v to_o hear_v of_o the_o removal_n of_o that_o restriction_n by_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o possess_v with_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o envy_n and_o jealousy_n against_o all_o other_o nation_n that_o they_o perfect_o hate_v and_o abominate_a they_o but_o beside_o we_o can_v desire_v a_o better_a nor_o a_o more_o authentic_a accomplishment_n of_o those_o oracle_n which_o be_v so_o opposite_a to_o the_o jewish_a principle_n and_o prejudices_fw-la than_o that_o which_o we_o ourselves_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o same_o reflection_n belong_v to_o the_o other_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o total_a dissipation_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n as_o also_o to_o the_o dreadful_a accomplishment_n of_o they_o in_o our_o day_n the_o most_o resolve_a obstinacy_n can_v suggest_v but_o one_o objection_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v that_o either_o the_o christian_n or_o the_o jew_n have_v falsify_v moses_n write_n and_o insert_v those_o prophecy_n which_o we_o now_o find_v there_o concern_v the_o vocation_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n after_o those_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o first_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n which_o both_o christian_n and_o jew_n have_v be_v write_v in_o hebrew_n and_o pen_v in_o such_o a_o style_n as_o evidence_n their_o antiquity_n and_o as_o will_v be_v inimitable_a now_o second_o that_o these_o book_n have_v be_v all_o translate_v into_o greek_a almost_o 300_o year_n before_o jesus_n christ_n and_o about_o 350_o year_n before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n neither_o the_o jew_n nor_o yet_o the_o christian_n be_v any_o long_a sole_a master_n of_o they_o when_o the_o heathen_n have_v they_o also_o in_o their_o hand_n beside_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n from_o judaisme_n and_o heathenism_n do_v not_o only_o find_v these_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n long_o before_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o do_v also_o make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o evince_v against_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v already_o come_v thus_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o all_o moses_n prophecy_n which_o we_o find_v in_o exodus_fw-la and_o the_o follow_a book_n chap._n ix_o that_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o relation_n that_o moses_n have_v the_o messiah_n in_o view_n when_o he_o write_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n i_o have_v show_v in_o my_o former_a reflection_n upon_o genesis_n that_o those_o who_o live_v before_o moses_n time_n have_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n that_o god_n will_v certain_o raise_v up_o a_o deliverer_n among_o they_o although_o they_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o appearance_n and_o i_o have_v beside_o i_o think_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o various_a idea_n which_o the_o ancient_n entertain_v of_o he_o upon_o the_o first_o promise_v make_v by_o god_n of_o his_o come_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o several_a criminal_a action_n commit_v by_o the_o patriarch_n and_o by_o those_o of_o other_o nation_n who_o have_v the_o same_o pretension_n with_o they_o i_o be_o now_o to_o prove_v that_o moses_n himself_o have_v the_o same_o knowledge_n and_o live_v in_o the_o same_o expectation_n with_o the_o ancient_n that_o precede_v he_o it_o be_v of_o more_o importance_n to_o be_v show_v and_o that_o henceforth_o no_o body_n may_v wonder_v if_o i_o pretend_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o law_n he_o give_v to_o the_o jew_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o prophecy_n as_o also_o those_o other_o mention_v by_o prophet_n that_o live_v after_o he_o in_o that_o jewish_a commonwealth_n do_v all_o suppose_v a_o distinct_a relation_n to_o the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o to_o make_v this_o evident_a i_o beg_v leave_n to_o offer_v to_o the_o reader_n be_v consideration_n some_o general_a reflection_n upon_o moses_n history_n in_o genesis_n first_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o moses_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a historian_n that_o ever_o be_v there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a design_n nor_o a_o more_o difficult_a task_n than_o his_o be_v to_o write_v the_o history_n of_o 2400_o year_n he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o general_a and_o in_o particular_a of_o that_o of_o man_n of_o his_o sin_n of_o the_o promise_n god_n make_v he_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o flood_n of_o the_o original_a of_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v in_o his_o time_n his_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o write_v be_v also_o very_o extraordinary_a the_o majesty_n of_o his_o style_n be_v temper_v with_o a_o admirable_a plainness_n he_o describe_v all_o sort_n of_o passion_n to_o the_o life_n he_o be_v admirable_a in_o his_o character_n of_o the_o man_n he_o speak_v
so_o profane_a as_o to_o deny_v that_o if_o in_o the_o same_o author_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n any_o man_n shall_v read_v in_o one_o continue_a series_n prediction_n which_o shall_v explain_v the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n his_o family_n his_o preach_a his_o miracle_n his_o suffering_n his_o resurrection_n his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n the_o send_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n but_o that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v sufficient_o justify_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n but_o they_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v apply_v several_a passage_n in_o ancient_a author_n to_o the_o history_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thou_o the_o whole_a contexture_n of_o their_o book_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o oblige_v we_o to_o make_v any_o such_o interpretation_n they_o therefore_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v several_a fortunate_a allusion_n to_o the_o more_o remarkable_a passage_n in_o those_o ancient_a author_n which_o may_v pass_v for_o prediction_n of_o those_o event_n which_o afterward_o happen_v just_o as_o nonnus_n write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o homer_n verse_n and_o as_o eudoxia_n make_v a_o cento_n out_o of_o virgil_n poem_n which_o contain_v the_o same_o history_n though_o neither_o homer_n nor_o virgil_n have_v any_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n then_o in_o view_n that_o this_o apparent_a difficulty_n may_v be_v solve_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o examine_v three_o thing_n i._n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n itself_o ii_o the_o reason_n which_o give_v occasion_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o iii_o the_o impression_n which_o this_o fact_n have_v produce_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o this_o very_a time_n for_o the_o first_o though_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o common_a use_n do_v not_o allow_v man_n to_o join_v foreign_a idea_n in_o the_o same_o discourse_n yet_o we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v that_o god_n may_v and_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v what_o may_v be_v easy_o collect_v that_o he_o resolve_v to_o send_v the_o messiah_n into_o the_o world_n such_o a_o practice_n be_v the_o more_o natural_a because_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n before_o moses_n and_o moses_n himself_o who_o form_v the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n to_o such_o sort_n of_o expression_n as_o be_v raise_v above_o the_o present_a subject_n and_o certain_o if_o one_o take_v but_o the_o pain_n to_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o author_n who_o write_v these_o prophetical_a book_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o character_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n on_o the_o other_o he_o will_v perceive_v that_o if_o these_o word_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fulfil_v be_v of_o necessity_n to_o be_v change_v into_o these_o as_o one_o may_v perceive_v a_o sort_n of_o completion_n of_o such_o or_o such_o passage_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o those_o quotation_n will_v evince_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n and_o the_o oracle_n which_o they_o allege_v will_v bear_v a_o just_a proportion_n to_o those_o event_n which_o be_v relate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n in_o our_o saviour_n life_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o singular_a than_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o isaiah_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n of_o the_o pierce_a of_o his_o hand_n and_o foot_n psal_n xxii_o of_o the_o mixture_n of_o gall_n which_o be_v offer_v he_o to_o drink_v hint_v at_o psalm_n lx._n 22._o of_o his_o be_v sell_v for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n zechar._n xi_o 3._o or_o then_o several_a other_o of_o a_o like_a nature_n which_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o reckon_v up_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v however_o that_o these_o oracle_n be_v interweave_v for_o the_o most_o part_n with_o matter_n relate_v to_o event_n happen_v in_o the_o time_n when_o each_o prophet_n live_v or_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v applicable_a personal_o to_o the_o prophet_n three_o order_n or_o reason_n may_v be_v conceive_v which_o will_v justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o order_n of_o these_o oracle_n in_o a_o way_n which_o seem_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world._n the_o first_o order_n contain_v reason_n draw_v from_o the_o person_n of_o the_o messiah_n himself_o of_o who_o we_o speak_v the_o second_o order_n contain_v those_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o people_n among_o who_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v the_o three_o contain_v those_o reason_n which_o respect_v other_o nation_n among_o who_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v i_o shall_v examine_v these_o three_o sort_n by_o themselves_o and_o i_o hope_v that_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n preside_v over_o this_o mixture_n of_o these_o oracle_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n with_o other_o idea_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o subject_a in_o short_a it_o may_v be_v urge_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o messiah_n form_v of_o so_o apparent_a contradiction_n can_v easy_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o sudden_a a_o messiah_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n who_o david_n call_v his_o lord_n a_o messiah_n who_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v forsake_v by_o god_n who_o however_o he_o ought_v to_o adore_v a_o messiah_n bear_v with_o the_o weakness_n of_o youth_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v call_v a_o mighty_a god_n and_o the_o father_n of_o eternity_n etc._n etc._n however_o these_o idea_n which_o seem_v so_o opposite_a aught_o of_o necessity_n to_o have_v be_v so_o separate_v by_o the_o prophet_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o chimerical_a description_n and_o incompatible_a in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o subject_a a_o second_o reflection_n which_o may_v be_v make_v upon_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v bind_v not_o only_o to_o preserve_v their_o oracle_n but_o also_o to_o execute_v they_o in_o part_n thus_o for_o instance_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o they_o to_o reject_v the_o messiah_n to_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v crucify_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o their_o punishment_n shall_v be_v as_o signal_n as_o their_o crime_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v disperse_v over_o the_o world_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v clear_o show_v now_o how_o can_v all_o this_o have_v ever_o be_v effect_v if_o the_o description_n of_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v be_v as_o historical_a as_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o evangelist_n who_o give_v we_o only_o a_o narrative_a of_o matter_n of_o fact._n in_o a_o word_n be_v it_o not_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v that_o these_o oracle_n shall_v be_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o write_n of_o these_o ancient_a author_n they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v upon_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n after_o they_o be_v cast_v off_o by_o god_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n and_o these_o oracle_n may_v be_v beyond_o all_o contest_v as_o testimony_n with_o which_o we_o be_v furnish_v by_o the_o adverse_a party_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v place_n until_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v profess_v christianity_n let_v any_o one_o therefore_o judge_v if_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o this_o state_n of_o affair_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o obscurity_n in_o the_o prophetical_a description_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o this_o interweave_v of_o foreign_a idea_n with_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o messiah_n as_o also_o this_o dispersion_n of_o the_o oracle_n through_o different_a place_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o they_o be_v utter_v upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o different_a author_n and_o we_o may_v affirm_v it_o as_o a_o certainty_n that_o according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n this_o obscurity_n do_v not_o hinder_v either_o jew_n or_o pagan_n from_o perceive_v those_o roll_a idea_n of_o a_o messiah_n when_o they_o read_v the_o old_a testament_n neither_o be_v the_o dispersion_n of_o these_o oracle_n through_o so_o many_o different_a place_n any_o great_a hindrance_n to_o their_o application_n since_o the_o jew_n lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o constant_a maxim_n that_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v foretell_v as_o great_a and_o illustrious_a by_o the_o prophet_n aught_o to_o be_v look_v for_o in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o messiah_n when_o the_o
we_o afterward_o that_o the_o prophet_n explain_v in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n all_o these_o idea_n which_o david_n have_v already_o propose_v isaiah_n speak_v of_o his_o birth_n by_o a_o virgin_n of_o his_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o his_o miracle_n of_o his_o suffering_n of_o his_o resurrection_n of_o his_o call_v of_o all_o nation_n in_o to_o his_o worship_n and_o of_o his_o cast_v off_o the_o jew_n those_o who_o come_v after_o point_n out_o the_o place_n particular_o and_o the_o town_n where_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v they_o describe_v his_o covenant_n and_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n in_o short_a they_o describe_v both_o the_o character_n of_o the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o empire_n under_o which_o he_o be_v to_o appear_v and_o the_o very_a year_n in_o which_o he_o be_v to_o die_v as_o daniel_n particular_o do_v i_o can_v undertake_v to_o relate_v all_o the_o oracle_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o be_v so_o very_o numerous_a but_o i_o hope_v at_o least_o to_o mark_v the_o more_o principal_a and_o the_o most_o illustrious_a one_o and_o to_o explain_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o all_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v i._n that_o god_n design_v to_o give_v infallible_a proof_n to_o his_o church_n of_o his_o design_n in_o send_v the_o messiah_n into_o the_o world_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o continual_a remembrance_n of_o he_o as_o of_o a_o person_n who_o be_v promise_v to_o give_v all_o comfort_n to_o his_o church_n and_o who_o come_v shall_v bring_v salvation_n to_o all_o mankind_n ii_o that_o the_o care_n which_o he_o take_v in_o specify_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n show_v that_o he_o design_v to_o prevent_v the_o scandal_n which_o the_o abject_a life_n and_o death_n of_o a_o messiah_n may_v produce_v and_o the_o false_a judgement_n which_o man_n may_v form_v of_o the_o work_n of_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n when_o they_o only_o judge_v of_o they_o by_o the_o outside_n iii_o that_o he_o design_v to_o give_v a_o infallible_a proof_n that_o this_o send_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o fidelity_n which_o at_o last_o accomplish_v a_o thing_n the_o design_n whereof_o have_v be_v propose_v to_o mankind_n immediate_o after_o the_o fall._n chap._n ix_o of_o those_o oracle_n concern_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n i_o begin_v with_o those_o oracle_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n since_o it_o be_v convenient_a to_o touch_v they_o all_o over_o again_o in_o few_o word_n the_o first_o oracle_n be_v comprise_v in_o these_o term_n gen._n iii_o 15._o i_o will_v put_v enmity_n between_o thou_o and_o the_o woman_n and_o between_o thy_o seed_n and_o her_o seed_n it_o shall_v bruise_v thy_o head_n and_o thou_o shall_v bruise_v his_o heel_n this_o oracle_n have_v considerable_a advantage_n though_o it_o be_v express_v in_o figurative_a term_n god_n utter_v it_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n after_o he_o have_v give_v sentence_n against_o adam_n and_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o serpent_n in_o a_o very_a sensible_a manner_n even_o under_o a_o human_a shape_n if_o we_o may_v dare_v to_o affirm_v it_o he_o utter_v it_o before_o the_o head_n of_o all_o mankind_n which_o ought_v to_o make_v it_o considerable_a to_o all_o his_o posterity_n he_o express_v it_o by_o a_o allusion_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o temptation_n and_o to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o serpent_n which_o the_o tempter_n have_v take_v upon_o he_o he_o preserve_v thereby_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o temptation_n by_o inspire_v all_o mankind_n with_o a_o invincible_a hatred_n against_o all_o serpent_n in_o general_a though_o the_o tempter_n have_v take_v the_o shape_n but_o of_o one_o particular_a kind_n for_o a_o instrument_n to_o accomplish_v his_o design_n in_o short_a this_o oracle_n clear_o show_v i._o that_o it_o shall_v be_v particular_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n adam_n not_o be_v touch_v at_o ii_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o messiah_n shall_v destroy_v the_o power_n of_o the_o serpent_n express_v by_o the_o head_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n iii_o that_o this_o seed_n shall_v however_o receive_v a_o considerable_a wound_n from_o the_o devil_n though_o it_o shall_v only_o touch_v his_o heel_n the_o least_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o messiah_n iv_o that_o all_o the_o blessing_n which_o god_n shall_v give_v to_o mankind_n after_o the_o fall_n shall_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o send_n of_o this_o seed_n into_o the_o world_n this_o be_v more_o clear_o express_v by_o god_n tell_v abraham_n 18._o gen._n xxii_o 18._o that_o in_o thy_o seed_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v that_o this_o oracle_n gen._n iii_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o messiah_n be_v plain_a i._o because_o it_o be_v the_o source_n and_o abridgement_n of_o the_o whole_a revelation_n ii_o because_o all_o the_o ancient_a jew_n in_o effect_n understand_v it_o so_o iii_o because_o the_o apostle_n in_o follow_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o synagogue_n plain_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o messiah_n l._n targum_fw-la in_o h._n l._n by_o the_o allusion_n which_o they_o make_v to_o they_o john_n xii_o roman_n xvi_o two_o cor._n xi_o 1_o john_n iii_o the_o second_o oracle_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n be_v contain_v in_o these_o term_n when_o god_n speak_v to_o abraham_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v this_o oracle_n be_v very_o illustrious_a i._o by_o the_o person_n of_o abraham_n who_o god_n make_v the_o depositary_a of_o it_o and_o who_o make_v himself_o ready_a to_o sacricrifice_v his_o own_o son._n ii_o by_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n which_o god_n make_v to_o this_o patriarch_n use_v in_o effect_n all_o those_o way_n which_o he_o afterward_o follow_v in_o his_o revelation_n to_o the_o patriarch_n for_o fifty_o year_n together_o from_o the_o year_n 2083._o to_o the_o year_n 2133._o of_o the_o world._n iii_o because_o it_o be_v accompany_v by_o the_o circumcision_n so_o that_o though_o it_o foretell_v that_o the_o advantage_n shall_v be_v in_o common_a to_o all_o nation_n yet_o it_o limit_v the_o messiah_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o abraham_n seed_n it_o also_o intimate_v very_o clear_o i._n that_o the_o blessing_n which_o it_o promise_n shall_v be_v in_o common_a to_o all_o nation_n ii_o that_o this_o blessing_n shall_v be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n from_o temporal_a one_o as_o the_o increase_n for_o instance_n and_o the_o power_n of_o abraham_n posterity_n which_o have_v be_v promise_v to_o he_o before_o s._n paul_n reflection_n gal._n iii_o 8._o that_o god_n speak_v of_o seed_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o the_o jew_n make_v a_o like_a observation_n upon_o a_o parallel_a place_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o god_n repeat_v this_o promise_n when_o he_o speak_v to_o isaac_n in_o the_o year_n 2200_o and_o to_o jacob_n in_o the_o year_n 2245._o gen._n xxviii_o 14._o and_o thy_o seed_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o thou_o shall_v spread_v abroad_o to_o the_o west_n and_o to_o the_o east_n and_o to_o the_o north_n and_o to_o the_o south_n and_o in_o thou_o and_o in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v so_o one_o ought_v to_o repeat_v again_o the_o same_o reflection_n this_o ought_v only_o to_o be_v add_v that_o god_n restrain_v the_o honour_n of_o bring_v forth_o the_o messiah_n to_o jacob_n the_o son_n of_o isaac_n that_o the_o edomite_n may_v not_o come_v in_o to_o challenge_v the_o right_n as_o i_o have_v very_o particular_o explain_v in_o my_o reflection_n upon_o genesis_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o oracle_n which_o jacob_n give_v in_o the_o year_n 2315._o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o clear_a prediction_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n and_o it_o be_v express_v in_o these_o term_n judah_n thou_o be_v he_o who_o thy_o brethren_n shall_v praise_v thy_o hand_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o neck_n of_o thy_o enemy_n thy_o father_n child_n shall_v bow_v down_o before_o thou_o judah_n be_v a_o lion_n whelp_n from_o the_o prey_n my_o son_n thou_o be_v go_v up_o he_o stoop_v down_o he_o couch_v as_o a_o lion_n and_o as_o a_o old_a lion_n who_o shall_v rouse_v he_o up_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o a_o law_n giver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n until_o shiloh_n come_v and_o unto_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_n of_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v his_o foal_n unto_o the_o vine_n
that_o alexander_n preserve_v they_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o right_n and_o liberty_n as_o they_o enjoy_v they_o under_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n and_o in_o particular_a exempt_v they_o from_o pay_v any_o tribute_n every_o seven_o year_n because_o than_o they_o do_v not_o sow_v their_o ground_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o reap_v and_o if_o we_o find_v that_o ptolemy_n take_v jerusalem_n on_o a_o sabbath_n day_n the_o jew_n make_v conscience_n of_o defend_v themselves_o because_o the_o law_n require_v their_o cease_n from_o all_o work_n from_o whence_o agatharcides_n a_o heathen_a author_n take_v occasion_n to_o blame_v their_o law_n if_o we_o find_v he_o carry_v a_o great_a number_n of_o jew_n with_o he_o into_o egypt_n yet_o withal_o we_o find_v he_o treat_v they_o with_o as_o much_o kindness_n as_o the_o macedonian_n themselves_z appoint_v distinct_a place_n in_o egypt_n and_o lybia_n for_o their_o habitation_n if_o we_o find_v that_o powerful_a prince_n such_o as_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n and_o some_o other_o of_o his_o successor_n break_v the_o power_n of_o the_o jew_n profane_v their_o temple_n and_o force_v great_a number_n of_o they_o to_o abjure_v their_o religion_n yet_o we_o see_v they_o also_o at_o the_o same_o time_n give_v the_o high_a instance_n of_o a_o immovable_a constancy_n and_o courage_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o law_n and_o in_o endure_v the_o most_o exquisite_a torture_n we_o see_v other_o of_o they_o encourage_v with_o the_o love_n of_o their_o country_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n put_v themselves_o into_o a_o posture_n of_o defence_n purify_n the_o temple_n and_o celebrate_v a_o festival_n which_o be_v observe_v even_o at_o this_o day_n and_o last_o obtain_v favourable_a treaty_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n and_o in_o the_o twelve_o book_n of_o josephus_n his_o antiquity_n yea_o we_o find_v their_o name_n and_o glory_n at_o that_o time_n spread_v as_o far_o as_o lacedaemon_n with_o which_o commonwealth_n they_o make_v a_o alliance_n during_o the_o high-priesthood_n of_o onias_n one_o see_v we_o they_o after_o this_o so_o considerable_a under_o the_o successor_n of_o antiochus_n their_o persecutor_n that_o even_o those_o king_n sue_v for_o their_o alliance_n with_o great_a present_n one_o see_v we_o that_o ptolemy_n philometor_n grant_v to_o onias_n the_o son_n leave_v to_o build_v a_o temple_n in_o egypt_n for_o the_o convenience_n of_o those_o jew_n who_o ptolemy_n the_o son_n of_o lagus_n have_v carry_v thither_o as_o well_o as_o for_o those_o who_o leave_v their_o country_n for_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o seleucidae_n for_o judea_n be_v situate_a between_o syria_n and_o egypt_n be_v ordinary_o the_o theatre_n of_o war_n between_o those_o two_o state_n it_o be_v here_o worth_a our_o note_n that_o the_o jew_n undertake_v the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o egypt_n as_o think_v themselves_o authorise_a by_o that_o prophecy_n isai_n xix_o 24._o it_o be_v a_o thing_n otherwise_o forbid_v by_o the_o law._n one_o see_v in_o the_o same_o prince_n reign_n a_o great_a contest_v between_o the_o samaritan_n and_o the_o jew_n about_o the_o pre-eminence_n of_o their_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o mount_n garizim_n decide_v by_o he_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n on_o which_o occasion_n the_o jew_n show_v that_o prince_n their_o law_n and_o acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o series_n of_o their_o history_n to_o confute_v the_o samaritan_n pretension_n one_o see_v we_o after_o this_o when_o the_o jew_n have_v confer_v the_o sovereignty_n and_o high-priesthood_n on_o simon_n that_o their_o state_n become_v so_o powerful_a that_o under_o hyrcanus_n his_o successor_n they_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n to_o attack_v their_o enemy_n in_o syria_n and_o compel_v the_o edomite_n to_o admit_v circumcision_n aristobulus_n his_o son_n be_v crown_v his_o brother_n succeed_v he_o in_o the_o royal_a dignity_n and_o leave_v the_o state_n in_o a_o flourish_a condition_n notwithstanding_o the_o civil_a and_o foreign_a war_n he_o be_v engage_v in_o we_o find_v afterward_o that_o the_o intestine_a division_n among_o the_o successor_n of_o those_o jewish_a prince_n do_v by_o degree_n open_v a_o gap_n for_o foreign_a power_n to_o enter_v and_o prevail_v over_o they_o pompey_n side_v with_o hyrcanus_n take_v jerusalem_n and_o make_v the_o jew_n tributary_n to_o the_o roman_n but_o without_o change_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o religion_n julius_n caesar_n a_o while_n after_o bestow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o judaea_n upon_o herod_n the_o edomite_n augustus_n after_o he_o use_v the_o jew_n with_o the_o same_o equity_n as_o pompey_n before_o he_o have_v do_v as_o appear_v from_o one_o of_o his_o declaration_n publish_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o egypt_n and_o asia_n record_v by_o josephus_n this_o herod_n and_o augustus_n be_v the_o same_o under_o who_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n be_v bear_v it_o be_v evident_a therefore_o that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v continue_v distinct_a from_o other_o nation_n and_o sufficient_o know_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n malachy_n until_o herod_n we_o may_v also_o true_o assert_v that_o whatever_o inclination_n the_o jew_n of_o old_a have_v for_o the_o idolatry_n of_o their_o neighbour_n yet_o we_o do_v find_v they_o give_v that_o way_n during_o this_o interval_n between_o the_o last_o of_o their_o prophet_n and_o herod_n as_o if_o the_o charge_n and_o command_v of_o that_o prophet_n malachy_n have_v always_o sound_v in_o their_o ear_n mal._n iu._n verse_n 4._o remember_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n my_o servant_n etc._n etc._n one_o see_v we_o that_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o maccabee_n in_o great_a number_n suffer_v martyrdom_n rather_o than_o abjure_v their_o religion_n and_o that_o they_o observe_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n with_o all_o carefulness_n of_o which_o augustus_n himself_o be_v witness_v one_o see_v we_o that_o under_o stranger_n and_o heathen_a king_n they_o exempt_v themselves_o from_o answer_v any_o suit_n at_o law_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n from_o pay_v tribute_n the_o seven_o year_n and_o preserve_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o their_o temple_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o opposition_n last_o one_o find_v they_o during_o herod_n government_n support_v by_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n in_o refuse_v to_o set_v up_o the_o emperor_n trophy_n for_o fear_v lest_o some_o image_n may_v be_v hide_v under_o they_o which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o crime_n against_o their_o law._n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o since_o malachy_n some_o heresy_n spring_v up_o among_o the_o jew_n their_o commerce_n with_o the_o greek_n who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o philosophical_a speculation_n have_v contribute_v to_o make_v they_o much_o more_o disputacious_a than_o they_o be_v before_o the_o authority_n likewise_o of_o their_o king_n who_o be_v high-priest_n also_o may_v have_v have_v a_o great_a stroke_n in_o blemish_v the_o purity_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o yet_o the_o dispute_n which_o we_o find_v among_o they_o as_o that_o of_o the_o fatality_n of_o event_n do_v not_o at_o all_o touch_n the_o substance_n of_o their_o religion_n they_o no_o soon_o find_v the_o spirit_n of_o epicurism_n to_o creep_v in_o among_o they_o but_o they_o frame_v such_o addition_n to_o their_o public_a liturgy_n as_o they_o think_v most_o proper_a to_o eradicate_v or_o at_o least_o condemn_v that_o corruption_n i_o confess_v also_o that_o the_o pharisee_n and_o doctor_n of_o their_o law_n have_v great_o alter_v their_o morality_n in_o make_v their_o own_o explication_n by_o the_o great_a authority_n which_o they_o have_v among_o the_o people_n to_o pass_v for_o authentic_a but_o yet_o this_o change_n and_o corruption_n in_o their_o moral_n as_o to_o practice_n do_v not_o go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o abolish_v the_o law_n themselves_o which_o be_v only_o wrest_v from_o their_o true_a meaning_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a corruption_n but_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o can_v make_v it_o to_o be_v no_o more_o the_o same_o religion_n so_o that_o we_o may_v bold_o assert_v which_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o important_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o the_o state_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v continue_v sufficient_o entire_a till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o appear_v of_o the_o messiah_n in_o the_o world_n for_o their_o preserve_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a viz._n as_o well_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o oracle_n which_o foretell_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n together_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o principle_n according_a to_o which_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v in_o their_o prediction_n concern_v he_o reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o preface_n i_o have_v show_v in_o my_o
the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n they_o relate_v they_o as_o fact_n for_o the_o most_o part_n own_v by_o the_o jew_n from_o which_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n extort_a other_o consequence_n they_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o judgement_n which_o the_o jew_n make_v concern_v the_o miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n upon_o the_o disciple_n gather_v the_o ear_n of_o corn_n of_o the_o answer_n which_o the_o jew_n make_v to_o pilate_n we_o have_v no_o other_o king_n but_o cesar_n the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v a_o general_a expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n when_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a knowledge_n of_o the_o prophecy_n that_o respect_v the_o messiah_n and_o a_o great_a impossibility_n of_o apply_v those_o oracle_n to_o particular_a fact_n if_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n have_v not_o be_v beyond_o 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be_v convince_v of_o which_o one_o needs_o only_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n which_o pass_v under_o their_o name_n the_o other_o be_v that_o their_o faithfulness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v suspect_v by_o we_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v so_o universal_o receive_v that_o nothing_o will_v be_v certain_a in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o this_o be_v question_v the_o four_o evangelist_n have_v publish_v their_o write_n in_o populous_a city_n where_o they_o have_v be_v constant_o read_v every_o lord_n day_n in_o christian_a assembly_n as_o s._n justin_n martyr_n assure_v we_o in_o his_o apology_n which_o be_v write_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o second_o century_n the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n to_o numerous_a church_n to_o who_o their_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o the_o person_n by_o who_o they_o send_v they_o be_v well_o know_v can_v we_o instance_n in_o any_o write_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v be_v preserve_v with_o the_o like_a carefulness_n let_v the_o jew_n tell_v we_o what_o they_o please_v concern_v the_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o their_o ancestor_n to_o preserve_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o can_v allege_v nothing_o but_o we_o can_v allege_v the_o same_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o moses_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o a_o curse_n have_v forbid_v the_o add_v any_o thing_n thereto_o and_o do_v not_o we_o read_v the_o same_o threaten_n in_o the_o last_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o philosopher_n of_o each_o sect_n have_v nothing_o of_o this_o weight_n to_o allege_v as_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o book_n which_o they_o ascribe_v to_o their_o master_n be_v real_o they_o we_o find_v only_o a_o few_o man_n in_o every_o age_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o study_v the_o book_n of_o the_o philosopher_n physician_n and_o lawyer_n but_o ever_o 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time_n by_o those_o who_o otherwise_o be_v account_v orthodox_n yet_o this_o can_v just_o prejudice_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o this_o happen_v only_o to_o some_o few_o epistle_n which_o be_v write_v not_o to_o particular_a church_n but_o to_o whole_a nation_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o common_a sense_n that_o when_o write_n be_v send_v to_o whole_a body_n as_o the_o epistle_n of_o s._n judas_n without_o communicate_v the_o copy_n to_o particular_a man_n that_o they_o may_v with_o more_o justice_n be_v suspect_v than_o those_o who_o hand_n be_v know_v by_o many_o and_o particular_o by_o those_o to_o who_o the_o epistle_n be_v send_v moreover_o the_o account_n which_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n give_v we_o of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o nature_n sufficient_o show_v that_o they_o be_v very_o careful_a in_o examine_v these_o thing_n and_o when_o at_o any_o time_n some_o particular_a man_n do_v not_o use_v care_n enough_o in_o examine_v these_o book_n as_o it_o once_o happen_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ross_n 12._o euseb_n lib._n vi_o cap._n 12._o where_o a_o book_n which_o be_v false_o attribute_v to_o s._n peter_n be_v preserve_v suppose_v it_o to_o have_v be_v he_o the_o other_o church_n not_o consent_v to_o it_o that_o abuse_n be_v soon_o remedy_v the_o write_n abolish_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o weak_a remembrance_n leave_v of_o they_o one_o see_v we_o that_o these_o remark_n be_v sufficient_a to_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n which_o bear_v their_o name_n and_o if_o this_o way_n of_o confirm_v a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v account_v good_a and_o solid_a when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o book_n of_o aristotle_n or_o hypocrates_n it_o must_v be_v infinite_o
strong_a when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o short_a these_o book_n be_v write_v to_o be_v read_v by_o person_n of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n by_o woman_n by_o child_n as_o well_o as_o by_o doctor_n and_o they_o treat_v of_o matter_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v reason_n to_o be_v inform_v if_o some_o jew_n suffer_v martyrdom_n under_o antiochus_n to_o preserve_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v like_o example_n and_o as_o numerous_a of_o those_o who_o have_v do_v as_o much_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testameat_n last_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v look_v upon_o those_o as_o traitor_n and_o apostate_n who_o give_v up_o those_o book_n to_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o persecutor_n the_o christian_n have_v testify_v no_o less_o aversion_n for_o those_o who_o deliver_v the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o fury_n of_o heathen_n even_o to_o the_o subject_n of_o they_o to_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n in_o the_o three_o century_n and_o before_o chap._n xviii_o that_o one_o can_v doubt_v of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v those_o fact_n which_o they_o relate_v neither_o be_v it_o more_o difficult_a to_o establish_v this_o second_o truth_n that_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v reasonable_o question_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o one_o needs_o only_o consider_v the_o character_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o character_n of_o their_o write_n of_o their_o sermon_n of_o their_o suffering_n and_o of_o their_o martyrdom_n and_o last_o of_o all_o the_o character_n of_o those_o among_o who_o they_o write_v these_o thing_n and_o preach_v they_o to_o their_o death_n as_o to_o their_o sermon_n the_o apostle_n be_v contemporary_n with_o jesus_n christ_n they_o speak_v of_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o distinguish_v they_o careful_o from_o those_o which_o they_o have_v learn_v another_o way_n they_o be_v honest_a man_n simple_a and_o without_o learning_n very_o fit_a to_o bear_v witness_n in_o matter_n of_o fact._n they_o be_v person_n that_o preach_v nothing_o but_o love_n and_o the_o study_n of_o truth_n they_o protest_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o suffering_n that_o they_o can_v not_o conceal_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v they_o be_v man_n without_o covetousness_n or_o ambition_n they_o forsake_v all_o that_o they_o possess_v in_o the_o world_n s._n matthew_n leave_v his_o house_n and_o good_n to_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n their_o epistle_n speak_v nothing_o more_o than_o instance_n of_o christian_a poverty_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o good_n and_o of_o mighty_a instance_n of_o their_o charity_n these_o witness_n be_v sufficient_o numerous_a they_o preach_v and_o write_v in_o several_a place_n and_o yet_o they_o agree_v admirable_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o the_o same_o fact_n it_o appear_v they_o have_v such_o lively_a and_o distinct_a impression_n that_o they_o frequent_o make_v use_v of_o the_o very_a same_o word_n the_o difference_n which_o be_v find_v in_o some_o part_n of_o their_o book_n be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n that_o nothing_o but_o the_o force_n of_o the_o matter_n make_v they_o agree_v in_o their_o relation_n and_o indeed_o how_o be_v it_o otherwise_o conceivable_a that_o four_o such_o author_n as_o the_o evangelist_n shall_v agree_v about_o so_o many_o opinion_n so_o many_o miracle_n so_o many_o prophecy_n so_o many_o dispute_n and_o in_o a_o word_n about_o so_o many_o matter_n of_o fact_n shall_v we_o say_v that_o the_o second_o take_v his_o copy_n from_o the_o first_o the_o three_o from_o the_o second_o &_o c._n this_o appear_v to_o be_v evident_o false_a by_o peruse_v of_o their_o work_n and_o by_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o stile_n and_o certain_o there_o appear_v so_o great_a ingenuity_n in_o their_o writing_n that_o we_o can_v accuse_v they_o of_o have_v have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v the_o world_n they_o tell_v you_o plain_o of_o the_o meanness_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o original_n they_o sincere_o discover_v their_o own_o weakness_n their_o ambition_n their_o vanity_n their_o dispute_n their_o heat_n their_o murmur_n s._n matthew_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o publican_n that_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o roman_a power_n who_o the_o jew_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o excommunicate_v person_n and_o as_o a_o enemy_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n he_o relate_v the_o ridiculous_a pretention_n of_o the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n found_v on_o the_o carnal_a notion_n of_o their_o mother_n concern_v the_o temporal_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n they_o set_v down_o s._n peter_n deny_v of_o his_o master_n they_o do_v not_o dissemble_v their_o common_a ignorance_n which_o make_v they_o expect_v a_o temporal_a king_n in_o jesus_n christ_n they_o frank_o publish_v their_o own_o incredulity_n when_o mary_n magdalen_n bring_v they_o the_o news_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n and_o they_o describe_v the_o obstinate_a resistance_n of_o s._n thomas_n about_o this_o matter_n against_o the_o unanimous_a testimony_n of_o all_o his_o companion_n they_o do_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o say_v in_o general_a that_o some_o illustrious_a fact_n have_v happen_v but_o they_o punctual_o set_v down_o all_o the_o circumstance_n so_o that_o it_o clear_o appear_v their_o design_n be_v to_o have_v their_o writing_n examine_v and_o that_o after_o a_o exact_a search_n man_n may_v acquiesce_v in_o the_o conclusion_n which_o they_o draw_v from_o thence_o for_o instance_n they_o do_v not_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n raise_v a_o great_a many_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o only_o tell_v we_o of_o three_o describe_v the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o resurrection_n the_o time_n the_o place_n the_o age_n the_o person_n the_o assistant_n and_o all_o these_o with_o other_o particular_n which_o impostor_n care_v not_o to_o enter_v upon_o 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