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
and_o present_a enjoyment_n who_o will_v scruple_n to_o enrich_v himself_o by_o fraud_n robbery_n and_o murder_n or_o to_o gratify_v his_o lust_n by_o rape_n adultery_n or_o any_o other_o enormity_n be_v he_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o punishnent_a to_o be_v meet_v with_o after_o death_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o disorder_n can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o subversion_n of_o all_o property_n and_o civil_a government_n upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n we_o may_v in_o the_o last_o place_n observe_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n through_o all_o age_n and_o country_n of_o the_o world_n believe_v the_o soul_n immortality_n such_o as_o hermes_n and_o pythagoras_n who_o by_o the_o few_o fragment_n 1._o hermes_n in_o paenrand_n cap._n 1._o that_o be_v extant_a of_o he_o in_o ancient_a writer_n be_v of_o the_o same_o belief_n socrates_n at_o his_o death_n adher_n do_v to_o this_o belief_n also_o and_o resist_v the_o strength_n and_o malignity_n of_o his_o poison_n by_o this_o antidote_n that_o his_o soul_n short_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o society_n of_o the_o virtuous_a and_o bless_a in_o the_o other_o world_n this_o doctrine_n be_v much_o improve_v by_o plato_n and_o his_o follower_n especial_o platinus_n who_o be_v the_o most_o learned_a of_o that_o sect_n and_o who_o write_v ex_fw-la professo_fw-la divers_a learned_a book_n upon_o this_o argument_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o derive_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o parent_n but_o immediate_o from_o god_n that_o though_o it_o subsist_v in_o the_o body_n yet_o its_o operation_n be_v independent_a on_o it_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o soul_n the_o more_o it_o withdraw_v itself_o from_o all_o sensible_a object_n the_o more_o distinct_a and_o clear_a be_v ratiocination_n from_o whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o when_o it_o shall_v total_o be_v separate_v it_o shall_v apprehend_v thing_n in_o a_o instant_n by_o intuition_n without_o the_o help_n of_o reason_v by_o ratiocination_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o combat_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o evince_v something_o of_o which_o it_o doubt_v which_o doubt_v spring_n from_o the_o gross_a and_o cloudy_a suggestion_n and_o obstacle_n of_o the_o body_n from_o which_o be_v once_o deliver_v there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o doubt_n and_o hesitation_n as_o for_o the_o stoic_n their_o doctrine_n seem_v to_o lead_v they_o to_o a_o different_a persuasion_n since_o they_o place_v all_o the_o felicity_n of_o man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n with_o regard_n to_o no_o other_o reward_n so_o that_o our_o moral_a action_n cease_v as_o certain_o they_o do_v after_o death_n all_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o though_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o great_a many_o of_o noble_a sentiment_n yet_o it_o fail_v in_o the_o true_a end_n of_o man_n felicity_n it_o oblige_v they_o to_o maintain_v a_o great_a number_n of_o paradox_n in_o its_o defence_n whereas_o have_v they_o understand_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o future_a reward_n after_o death_n that_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v support_v they_o in_o a_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n maugre_o all_o the_o disaster_n that_o may_v assault_v they_o and_o which_o these_o philosopher_n endeavour_v to_o oppose_v by_o so_o many_o noble_a precept_n of_o their_o doctrine_n seneca_n in_o some_o place_n seem_v dubious_a yet_o in_o his_o consolatory_a epistle_n to_o mercia_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n he_o be_v altogether_o divine_a epictetus_n also_o a_o stoic_a and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o sect_n and_o age_n assert_n every_o where_o the_o soul_n immortality_n but_o above_o all_o tully_n the_o flower_n of_o roman_a 1._o tuscul_fw-la quaes_n lib._n 1._o eloquence_n and_o himself_o a_o philosopher_n of_o plato_n school_n be_v every_o where_o most_o copious_a and_o ravish_a when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o capacity_n and_o future_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n many_o say_v he_o think_v the_o eternity_n of_o soul_n to_o be_v incredible_a because_o they_o can_v comprehend_v the_o essence_n and_o quality_n of_o a_o separate_a soul_n but_o can_v they_o let_v i_o ask_v they_o define_v what_o a_o soul_n be_v even_o in_o the_o body_n of_o what_o form_n it_o be_v what_o its_o dimension_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o place_n of_o its_o abode_n and_o a_o little_a after_o for_o my_o own_o part_n when_o i_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v much_o more_o difficult_a and_o obscure_a to_o know_v what_o the_o soul_n be_v whilst_o it_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o body_n where_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v lodge_v as_o in_o a_o foreign_a inn_n than_o to_o understand_v the_o same_o when_o it_o quit_v the_o lodging_n in_o which_o it_o sojourn_v and_o take_v its_o journey_n home-ward_n to_o heaven_n the_o place_n of_o its_o constant_a habitation_n for_o if_o we_o can_v understand_v that_o which_o we_o never_o see_v we_o may_v as_o well_o disow_v all_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o of_o a_o separate_a soul_n but_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o know_v only_o by_o spirit_n and_o by_o and_o by_o he_o conclude_v whatsoever_o that_o thing_n be_v which_o perceive_v which_o understand_v which_o will_v which_o be_v always_o vigorous_a and_o masculine_a must_v needs_o be_v celestial_a and_o divine_a and_o therefore_o eternal_a for_o we_o can_v form_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o god_n but_o as_o of_o a_o mind_n abstract_v from_o all_o material_a concretion_n understand_v all_o thing_n move_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v itself_o end_v with_o a_o eternal_a activity_n all_o which_o the_o same_o divine_a orator_n prosecute_v most_o copious_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr senectute_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o itch_n of_o disputation_n which_o draw_v he_o to_o this_o persuasion_n but_o have_v build_v his_o belief_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o pythagoras_n and_o socrates_n he_o declare_v far_a that_o such_o be_v the_o celerity_n of_o the_o soul_n thought_n so_o great_a its_o memory_n of_o past_a and_o foresight_n of_o future_a thing_n so_o many_o be_v its_o art_n science_n and_o other_o invention_n that_o it_o be_v inpossible_a that_o the_o nature_n which_o comprehend_v such_o excellent_a thing_n shall_v be_v mortal_a and_o therefore_o since_o the_o mind_n be_v always_o a_o work_n and_o have_v this_o principle_n of_o motion_n from_o itself_o and_o know_v also_o no_o period_n of_o its_o motion_n because_o it_o can_v never_o divide_v from_o itself_o and_o serve_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v void_a of_o all_o mixture_n and_o alloy_n and_o contain_v nothing_o heterogeneous_a to_o itself_o he_o conclude_v that_o it_o must_v be_v indivisible_a and_o uncapable_a of_o dissolution_n follow_v as_o he_o say_v the_o doctrine_n of_o plato_n in_o this_o particular_a to_o conclude_v he_o say_v that_o if_o i_o do_v err_v in_o this_o belief_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n i_o do_v err_v wilful_o nor_o will_v i_o ever_o retract_v this_o belove_a error_n whilst_o i_o live_v or_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v possible_a that_o be_v dead_a i_o shall_v be_v void_a of_o all_o sense_n as_o some_o minute_n sophister_n do_v fancy_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v to_o be_v reproach_v by_o they_o nor_o be_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n the_o constant_a belief_n of_o the_o wise_a greek_n and_o roman_n only_o but_o also_o of_o the_o persian_n too_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o excellent_a discourse_n of_o die_a cyrus_n upon_o this_o subject_n record_v by_o xenophon_n and_o as_o for_o the_o poet_n they_o universal_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o future_a state_n after_o death_n wherein_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v punish_v and_o the_o just_a reward_v and_o what_o their_o sense_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n we_o may_v read_v in_o lucan_n in_o that_o noble_a description_n he_o make_v of_o pompey_n apotheosis_n from_o all_o which_o consideration_n we_o have_v a_o most_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o its_o eternal_a verity_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o doctrine_n establish_v upon_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o universal_a consent_n and_o believe_v by_o the_o wise_a best_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o age_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o humane_a interest_n and_o sensual_a suggestion_n whatsoever_o shall_v be_v the_o effect_n only_o of_o uncertain_a conjecture_n or_o of_o a_o premeditate_a collusion_n chap._n xxviii_o of_o natural_a religion_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o salvation_n have_v show_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o the_o wise_a heathen_a have_v not_o only_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o the_o creator_n and_o preserver_n of_o the_o universe_n but_o a_o knowledge_n also_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n where_o good_a man_n shall_v receive_v
follow_v shall_v we_o interpret_v the_o prophecy_n by_o week_n of_o day_n for_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o build_v in_o seven_o week_n nor_o in_o many_o year_n after_o the_o return_n of_o the_o jew_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o messiah_n who_o appear_v and_o be_v put_v to_o death_n after_o the_o space_n of_o a_o year_n and_o some_o month_n much_o less_o be_v the_o temple_n profane_v in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o such_o desolation_n and_o abomination_n as_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o the_o next_o question_n be_v from_o what_o time_n we_o be_v to_o begin_v our_o account_n we_o must_v understand_v therefore_o that_o there_o be_v several_a decree_n make_v by_o the_o persian_a king_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o which_o two_o be_v more_o signal_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o cyrus_n in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n record_v by_o ezra_n chap._n 1._o and_o this_o decree_n be_v for_o the_o rebuilding_n the_o temple_n the_o other_o decree_n be_v that_o which_o nehemiah_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n longimanus_fw-la call_v in_o scripture_n ahasuerus_n for_o the_o rebuilding_n the_o city_n and_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n this_o decree_n of_o artaxerxes_n be_v in_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 3529._o to_o which_o if_o we_o add_v seven_o week_n of_o year_n or_o forty_o nine_o year_n to_o be_v allow_v for_o the_o rebuild_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o sixty_o two_o week_n of_o year_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o number_n of_o four_o hundred_o eighty_o three_o year_n and_o then_o the_o total_a sum_n of_o year_n will_v be_v 4012_o which_o fall_v out_o within_o four_o or_o five_o year_n that_o christ_n the_o messiah_n be_v crucify_v and_o in_o computation_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o can_v hardly_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o chronologist_n though_o never_o so_o accurate_a shall_v be_v able_a to_o reduce_v transaction_n to_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o year_n by_o a_o mathematical_a exactness_n however_o we_o find_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o prediction_n touch_v the_o messiah_n death_n to_o have_v happen_v somewhat_o above_o the_o middle_n of_o tiberius_n his_o reign_n at_o which_o time_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v crucify_v and_o as_o to_o the_o abomination_n and_o perpetual_a desolation_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v short_o after_o to_o follow_v by_o a_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v to_o come_v all_o this_o be_v accomplish_v by_o titus_n emperor_n of_o the_o roman_n who_o in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v a_o people_n very_o inconsiderable_a and_o unknown_a to_o the_o persian_n for_o some_o age_n after_o and_o as_o for_o the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o this_o prophecy_n there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o atheism_n to_o scruple_n at_o for_o it_o be_v register_v among_o the_o canonical_a book_n in_o that_o translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n make_v by_o the_o order_n of_o ptolomeus_n philadelphus_n almost_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o its_o accomplishment_n the_o last_o signal_n token_n of_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o religion_n be_v collect_v from_o that_o passage_n in_o the_o 33d_o of_o exodus_fw-la where_o we_o read_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v all_o the_o male_n to_o appear_v at_o jerusalem_n thrice_o in_o the_o year_n viz._n on_o the_o feast_n of_o unleavened_a bread_n at_o the_o feast_n of_o week_n or_o first-fruit_n and_o at_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n or_o gather_v of_o the_o harvest_n each_o of_o which_o feast_n last_v seven_o day_n during_o all_o which_o time_n of_o absence_n god_n promise_v that_o their_o land_n and_o house_n shall_v not_o be_v molest_v and_o spoil_v by_o their_o neighbour_a nation_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o continual_a miracle_n for_o during_o the_o space_n of_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n we_o do_v not_o find_v they_o be_v ever_o injure_v by_o their_o enemy_n who_o doubtless_o will_v never_o have_v slip_v so_o many_o advantage_n have_v they_o not_o in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n be_v withhold_v by_o god_n but_o when_o the_o time_n prefix_v to_o their_o government_n be_v once_o expire_v than_o it_o be_v that_o god_n suffer_v the_o roman_n under_o titus_n to_o besiege_v jerusalem_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o passover_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o universal_a and_o inevitable_a destruction_n which_o like_o a_o mighty_a flood_n as_o it_o be_v foretell_v sweep_v they_o all_o away_o for_o after_o that_o time_n they_o be_v abandon_v by_o god_n to_o utter_v ruin_n and_o misery_n chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n since_o their_o fall_n and_o here_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unprofitable_a how_o unpleasant_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o fix_v our_o thought_n a_o little_a upon_o this_o black_a and_o gloomy_a scene_n by_o consider_v the_o severity_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n judgement_n upon_o this_o forlorn_a and_o miserable_a nation_n who_o be_v now_o as_o discernible_a from_o all_o mankind_n beside_o by_o a_o perpetual_a stream_n or_o inundation_n rather_o of_o calamity_n as_o they_o be_v once_o by_o a_o continual_a series_n of_o deliverance_n and_o mercy_n scarce_o have_v thirty_o five_o year_n pass_v from_o the_o murder_n of_o the_o righteous_a jesus_n when_o titus_n by_o the_o command_n of_o his_o father_n invest_v jerusalem_n on_o the_o very_a day_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v the_o 22d_o of_o april_n by_o all_o lunary_n computation_n though_o josephus_n make_v it_o to_o have_v be_v on_o 4._o lib._n 6._o bel._n jud._n c._n 4._o the_o 16_o of_o april_n the_o city_n with_o all_o its_o fortress_n be_v not_o take_v till_o the_o seven_o of_o september_n follow_v during_o which_o time_n of_o the_o siege_n there_o dye_v by_o famine_n and_o other_o disease_n 715080._o beside_o a_o vast_a number_n which_o flee_v daily_o or_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o gate_n to_o ease_v the_o besiege_a all_o which_o be_v torture_v and_o crucify_v in_o sight_n of_o their_o wall_n the_o number_n of_o prisosoner_n amount_v to_o 97000._o and_o those_o who_o die_v by_o the_o sword_n famine_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o the_o whole_a 1100000._o a_o thing_n which_o to_o we_o may_v seem_v incredible_a how_o so_o much_o provision_n can_v be_v find_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o so_o many_o soul_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o they_o have_v lay_v in_o great_a store_n than_o what_o be_v usual_a for_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o feast_n upon_o a_o prospect_n of_o the_o design_n of_o titus_n and_o that_o they_o rather_o confide_v to_o their_o wall_n than_o to_o the_o open_a campaign_n upon_o a_o erroneous_a belief_n possible_o that_o god_n will_v never_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v demolish_v a_o second_o time_n however_o it_o be_v the_o misery_n they_o endure_v must_v be_v without_o parallel_n consider_v the_o vast_a multitude_n which_o be_v crowd_v up_o together_o and_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o a_o scorch_a season_n which_o beside_o the_o slaughter_n make_v on_o they_o by_o the_o enemy_n do_v dire_o afflict_v they_o by_o pestilence_n and_o famine_n in_o short_a their_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o all_o record_n of_o their_o nation_n be_v reduce_v to_o ash_n their_o priest_n and_o ruler_n utter_o destroy_v and_o those_o few_o that_o remain_v be_v load_v with_o opprobry_n and_o misery_n scatter_v hither_o and_o thither_o and_o never_o suffer_v to_o return_v to_o their_o native_a country_n to_o this_o very_a day_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n in_o after_o age_n they_o grow_v into_o a_o body_n they_o be_v present_o massacre_v as_o a_o execrable_a race_n and_o unfit_a to_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n from_o that_o time_n to_o this_o they_o have_v have_v neither_o temple_n sacrifice_n nor_o priest_n and_o let_v the_o jew_n lie_v as_o they_o please_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o proof_n of_o their_o descent_n and_o tribe_n be_v lose_v all_o monument_n and_o record_n of_o their_o genealogy_n perish_v in_o the_o flame_n they_o themselves_o be_v still_o toss_v about_o the_o world_n expose_v to_o perpetual_a want_n and_o fear_n and_o not_o in_o the_o least_o addict_v to_o learning_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o their_o misfortune_n by_o writing_n of_o history_n or_o if_o they_o be_v be_v it_o possible_a be_v so_o divide_v and_o scatter_v as_o they_o be_v and_o roll_a from_o place_n to_o place_n that_o they_o shall_v give_v any_o account_n of_o their_o lineage_n or_o past_a transaction_n so_o that_o we_o of_o this_o age_n may_v with_o far_o great_a ease_n pretend_v to_o tell_v of_o what_o family_n and_o profession_n every_o man_n ancestor_n be_v of_o twelve_o or_o thirteen_o hundred_o year_n ago_o which_o if_o any_o live_n dare_v venture_v to_o do_v i_o be_o much_o mistake_v much_o more_o impossible_a than_o must_v this_o be_v for_o so_o many_o individual_a person_n and_o
and_o command_v upon_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o hodge_n podg_v of_o sentence_n or_o the_o abrupt_a transport_n of_o a_o frantic_a spirit_n which_o though_o in_o offensive_a many_o of_o they_o in_o themselves_o and_o pretend_v to_o promote_v virtue_n and_o a_o good_a life_n yet_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v and_o without_o the_o least_o connexion_n of_o matter_n it_o quick_o nauseate_v and_o carry_v not_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o a_o collection_n or_o body_n of_o law_n be_v no_o better_a stuff_n than_o what_o any_o old_a intoxicated_a bigottist_n vent_v usual_o in_o a_o religious_a fury_n so_o that_o the_o alcoran_n may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o be_v as_o dry_v incoherent_a devious_a and_o dangerous_a as_o the_o sand_n of_o arabia_n in_o which_o it_o be_v hatch_v but_o that_o we_o may_v come_v near_o to_o our_o journey_n end_n through_o this_o barren_a desert_n let_v we_o compare_v the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n with_o that_o of_o mahomet_n and_o here_o a_o sacred_a horror_n put_v a_o kind_n of_o stop_n to_o my_o pen_n when_o i_o offer_v to_o compare_v i_o say_v two_o thing_n so_o extreme_a as_o the_o holy_a jesus_n with_o the_o most_o impure_a impostor_n but_o since_o the_o beauty_n of_o light_n may_v without_o contradiction_n be_v illustrate_v by_o the_o gloom_a nature_n of_o darkness_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n may_v become_v more_o visible_a by_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o deformity_n of_o the_o devil_n let_v we_o i_o say_v compare_v these_o two_o prophet_n together_o first_o then_o for_o the_o holy_a jesus_n he_o tell_v his_o follower_n that_o he_o do_v not_o bear_v record_n of_o himself_o but_o that_o the_o work_n which_o he_o do_v testify_v of_o he_o to_o which_o he_o appeal_v and_o of_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o as_o for_o mahomet_n let_v we_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o they_o will_v certain_o cry_v out_o say_v he_o that_o mahomet_n dream_v and_o invent_v prophet_n alcoran_n cap_n of_o the_o prophet_n what_o he_o teach_v that_o he_o be_v a_o poet_n and_o that_o all_o be_v but_o fiction_n we_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o unless_o he_o show_v we_o some_o miracle_n as_o do_v the_o prophet_n of_o old_a to_o this_o objection_n which_o mahomet_n make_v of_o himself_o and_o against_o himself_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a what_o answer_n do_v he_o give_v why_o true_o and_o very_o wise_o he_o let_v the_o objection_n even_o shift_v for_o itself_o as_o well_o as_o it_o can_v run_v on_o at_o his_o old_a impertinent_a career_n and_o cry_v out_o we_o have_v destroy_v many_o town_n because_o its_o inhabitant_n be_v incredulous_a those_o which_o we_o send_v before_o thou_o be_v man_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o we_o demand_v of_o they_o who_o be_v before_o you_o and_o who_o live_v under_o the_o write_a law_n if_o you_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o they_o be_v man_n who_o do_v eat_v drink_v and_o be_v mortal_a we_o have_v accomplish_v what_o we_o promise_v they_o and_o save_v they_o together_o with_o other_o believer_n and_o have_v root_v out_o the_o unbeliever_n we_o have_v send_v you_o a_o book_n to_o instruct_v you_o do_v you_o not_o understand_v how_o many_o infidel_n town_n we_o have_v destroy_v and_o how_o many_o new_a generation_n have_v be_v establish_v in_o their_o place_n etc._n etc._n a_o very_a fair_a and_o pestilent_a answer_n to_o his_o own_o objection_n and_o like_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o alcoran_n there_o be_v one_o miracle_n i_o confess_v father_v on_o he_o how_o that_o once_o upon_o a_o time_n the_o moon_n be_v cleave_v in_o twain_o and_o fall_v down_o upon_o the_o ground_n wereupon_o mahomet_n run_v nimble_o and_o catch_v up_o the_o piece_n before_o they_o crumble_v into_o bit_n solder_v they_o together_o again_o and_o send_v it_o up_o to_o heaven_n whole_a and_o sound_a as_o a_o bell_n a_o miracle_n which_o no_o man_n see_v beside_o the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o serve_v only_o to_o convince_v his_o follower_n that_o he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o lunatic_n in_o the_o next_o place_n jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o person_n of_o a_o most_o pure_a and_o holy_a life_n as_o mahomet_n himself_o confess_v whilst_o mahomet_n own_v himself_o in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o alcoran_n to_o have_v be_v a_o very_a lewd_a voluptuous_a and_o lustful_a person_n three_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v this_o love_v your_o enemy_n entertain_v not_o a_o lustful_a thought_n suffer_v reproach_n thankful_o rejoice_v under_o persecution_n and_o the_o like_a the_o doctrine_n of_o mahomet_n be_v kill_v your_o enemy_n get_v as_o many_o wife_n and_o concubine_n as_o you_o can_v keep_v etc._n etc._n four_o the_o instrument_n which_o jesus_n make_v use_v of_o to_o propagate_v his_o doctrine_n be_v a_o few_o poor_a simple_a fisherman_n timorous_a and_o illiterate_a without_o friend_n money_n or_o interest_n the_o instrument_n which_o mahomet_n have_v recourse_n to_o be_v squadron_n of_o arm_a and_o bloody_a arabian_n five_o when_o christ_n appear_v the_o roman_n who_o oppose_v his_o doctrine_n be_v in_o their_o great_a glory_n for_o learning_n number_n and_o strength_n there_o be_v then_o the_o large_a and_o the_o most_o powerful_a emperor_n the_o world_n ever_o know_v which_o make_v head_n against_o it_o when_o mahomet_n appear_v the_o empire_n be_v break_v to_o piece_n and_o the_o country_n he_o appear_v in_o be_v utter_o void_a of_o all_o learning_n knowledge_n humility_n and_o sense_n of_o christianity_n except_v a_o few_o nestorian_a heretic_n last_o christ_n promise_v salvation_n by_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o mahomet_n by_o sight_v promise_v also_o that_o he_o will_v come_v again_o to_o they_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o his_o departure_n but_o he_o be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o his_o word_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o mufti_n find_v the_o people_n much_o dissatisfy_v and_o ready_a to_o mutiny_n about_o the_o non-accomplishment_n of_o this_o glorious_a prediction_n find_v this_o artifice_n to_o appease_v they_o say_v that_o upon_o a_o more_o diligent_a perusal_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n he_o discover_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o figure_n and_o so_o it_o be_v find_v to_o be_v 2000_o and_o not_o 1000_o year_n before_o this_o most_o illustrious_a prophecy_n shall_v be_v fullfil_v which_o cheat_n so_o silly_a as_o it_o be_v be_v sufficient_a to_o appease_v the_o delude_a rabble_n from_o all_o these_o instance_n it_o appear_v abundant_o that_o the_o great_a success_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n have_v its_o birth_n and_o progress_n from_o humane_a artifice_n and_o invention_n but_o here_o the_o mahometan_a will_v reply_v if_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o redeem_v the_o world_n from_o error_n and_o eternal_a misery_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o he_o have_v suffer_v such_o a_o impostor_n as_o mahomet_n to_o delude_v mankind_n for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n ravish_v his_o spouse_n the_o church_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n and_o make_v most_o direful_a butchery_n on_o the_o son_n and_o member_n of_o it_o insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o one_o three_o leave_v to_o christ_n so_o large_a and_o permanent_a be_v the_o acquisition_n of_o mahomet_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o christ_n must_v either_o want_n will_n or_o power_n to_o defend_v that_o church_n for_o who_o sake_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v incarnate_a and_o suffer_v a_o ignominious_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o mahomet_n as_o one_o of_o great_a power_n and_o virtue_n to_o defend_v his_o doctrine_n be_v no_o impostor_n but_o a_o true_a and_o glorious_a prophet_n a_o discourse_n like_o this_o how_o blasphemous_a and_o offensive_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o christian_a must_v yet_o be_v suffer_v be_v i_o to_o dispute_v with_o a_o mahometan_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n of_o moment_n which_o any_o of_o that_o 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