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A46761 The reasonableness and certainty of the Christian religion by Robert Jenkin ... Jenkin, Robert, 1656-1727. 1700 (1700) Wing J571; ESTC R8976 581,258 1,291

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argument_n whereas_o if_o christian_o be_v but_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o sincere_o dispose_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v according_a to_o they_o they_o will_v be_v no_o more_o move_v with_o these_o cavil_n than_o they_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o the_o sun_n if_o some_o man_n shall_v take_v a_o fancy_n to_o make_v that_o the_o subject_a of_o their_o raillery_n to_o have_v the_o more_o doubtful_a and_o waver_a thought_n of_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o ill_a man_n be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v despise_v the_o sun_n for_o be_v under_o a_o cloud_n or_o suffer_v a_o eclipse_n not_o know_v that_o he_o retain_v his_o light_n and_o religion_n its_o excellency_n still_o though_o we_o be_v in_o darkness_n the_o light_n may_v be_v hide_v from_o we_o but_o can_v lose_v nothing_o of_o its_o own_o brightness_n though_o we_o suffer_v for_o want_v of_o it_o and_o lie_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v useful_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n for_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v be_v serious_o and_o true_o religious_a we_o must_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o in_o our_o understanding_n that_o by_o the_o rational_a conviction_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o may_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n assist_v we_o bring_v our_o will_n to_o a_o submission_n and_o our_o affection_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o more_o we_o think_v of_o and_o consider_v these_o thing_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o they_o and_o they_o will_v have_v the_o great_a power_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n for_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v without_o great_a sin_n and_o ignorance_n be_v doubt_v of_o by_o christian_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o add_v a_o new_a life_n and_o vigour_n to_o our_o devotion_n when_o we_o recollect_v upon_o what_o good_a reason_n we_o be_v christian_n and_o be_v not_o such_o by_o custom_n and_o education_n only_o but_o upon_o principle_n which_o we_o have_v thorough_o consider_v and_o must_v abide_v by_o unless_o we_o will_v renounce_v our_o reason_n with_o our_o religion_n and_o what_o subject_n can_v be_v more_o useful_a or_o more_o worthy_a of_o a_o rational_a and_o consider_v man_n thought_n these_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o make_v matter_n of_o cavil_v and_o dispute_v will_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o contemplation_n and_o of_o our_o joy_n and_o happiness_n to_o all_o eternity_n in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o shall_v then_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o shall_v for_o ever_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o conduct_n and_o disposal_n of_o those_o very_a thing_n about_o which_o we_o now_o be_v most_o perplex_v the_o content_n part_n i._n chap._n i._o that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n p._n 3._o that_o there_o be_v wicked_a spirit_n enemy_n to_o mankind_n p._n 6._o the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o man_n without_o the_o divine_a direction_n and_o assistance_n and_o that_o god_n will_v not_o leave_v he_o without_o all_o remedy_n in_o this_o condition_n p._n 8._o the_o judgement_n of_o st._n athanasius_n in_o the_o case_n p._n 15._o chap._n ii_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o preserve_v in_o the_o world_n the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n ordinary_a providence_n insufficient_a and_o therefore_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o revelation_n necessary_a p._n 19_o the_o way_n of_o extraordinary_a revelation_n either_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o particular_a person_n or_o to_o some_o only_a with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o communicate_v the_o divine_a will_n to_o other_o p._n 20._o i._n it_o can_v not_o be_v requisite_a that_o god_n shall_v communicate_v himself_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a ibid._n ii_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n for_o god_n to_o discover_v and_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n by_o p._n 29._o 1._o concern_v prophecy_n ibid._n 2._o concern_v miracle_n p._n 33._o iii_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n by_o write_n p._n 43._o iv_o they_o must_v be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n p._n 44._o v._o they_o must_v be_v full_o publish_v and_o promulge_v p._n 45._o part_n ii_o chap._n i._n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o circumstance_n very_o considerable_a to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 48._o they_o give_v a_o account_n of_o divine_a revelation_n make_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n ibid._n what_o moses_n relate_v of_o thing_n before_o his_o own_o time_n be_v certain_o true_a and_o must_v have_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o p._n 50._o chap._n ii_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o scripture_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o all_o mankind_n p._n 58._o ii_o in_o succeed_a age_n there_o have_v still_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o frequent_a opportunity_n for_o all_o nation_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o p._n 76._o 1._o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v particular_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o reveal_v religion_n p._n 77._o 2._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v so_o order_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o other_o nation_n have_v frequent_a opportunity_n of_o become_v instruct_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n p._n 90._o testimony_n of_o the_o heathen_a concern_v the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n p._n 115._o there_o have_v ever_o be_v divers_a memorial_n and_o remembrance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n among_o the_o heathen_a p._n 117._o of_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n p._n 121._o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v in_o china_n and_o america_n before_o the_o late_a discovery_n p._n 129._o the_o confession_n both_o of_o protestant_n and_o papist_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n p._n 132._o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 135._o a_o sect_n call_v the_o good_a follower_n of_o the_o messiah_n at_o constantinople_n p._n 136._o though_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v still_o unbeliever_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n but_o have_v great_a opportunity_n of_o be_v convert_v p._n 141._o the_o case_n of_o particular_a person_n consider_v p._n 142._o chap._n iii_o of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n the_o sincerity_n of_o moses_n in_o his_o write_n p._n 146._o he_o be_v void_a of_o ambition_n p._n 149._o aaron_z and_o he_o have_v no_o contrivance_n between_o themselves_o to_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n p._n 151._o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o pentateuch_n the_o pentateuch_n write_v by_o moses_n p._n 152._o the_o great_a impartiality_n visible_a in_o these_o book_n p._n 153._o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n a_o introduction_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n p._n 154._o the_o principal_a point_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n confess_v by_o the_o heathen_a p._n 155._o chap._n v._o of_o the_o prediction_n or_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n p._n 158._o the_o prediction_n of_o noah_n ibid._n the_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n p._n 159._o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaac_n etc._n etc._n p._n 160._o of_o jacob_n p._n 161._o of_o balaam_n p._n 162._o of_o moses_n p._n 163._o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n i._o the_o miracle_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o be_v there_o relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v be_v at_o first_o sufficient_o attest_v p._n 170._o ii_o the_o relation_n there_o set_v down_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v depend_v upon_o p._n 188._o for_o 1._o these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v by_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o other_o concern_v with_o they_o in_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o design_n p._n 189._o 2._o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v nor_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n invent_v or_o falsify_v by_o any_o particular_a man_n nor_o by_o any_o confederacy_n or_o combination_n of_o man_n after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n p._n 191._o 3._o the_o pentateuch_n can_v not_o be_v invent_v nor_o falsify_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n either_o in_o
moses_n time_n or_o after_o it_o p._n 206._o of_o what_o consequence_n the_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v towards_o the_o prove_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n p._n 214._o chap._n vii_o of_o joshua_n and_o the_o judge_n and_o of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n under_o their_o government_n joshua_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n under_o his_o name_n p._n 215._o the_o book_n of_o judge_n write_v by_o samuel_n p._n 216._o the_o water_n of_o jordan_n divide_v p._n 217._o the_o male_n circumcise_a at_o the_o first_o come_v into_o canaan_n and_o thereby_o disable_v for_o war_n contrary_a to_o all_o humane_a policy_n p._n 219._o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n throw_v down_o and_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v they_o ib._n the_o integrity_n of_o joshua_n p._n 220._o of_o eli_n p._n 221._o of_o samuel_n p._n 222._o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o their_o king_n from_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n a_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n prophet_n in_o the_o kingdom_n both_o of_o israel_n and_o judah_n p._n 223_o chap._n ix_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o their_o write_n the_o kind_n of_o prophecy_n among_o the_o jew_n p._n 224._o the_o freedom_n and_o courage_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o reverence_n pay_v to_o they_o even_o by_o bad_a prince_n p._n 226._o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o prophecy_n p._n 227._o many_o of_o their_o prophecy_n fulfil_v during_o their_o own_o life_n p._n 228._o their_o prophecy_n commit_v to_o writing_n ibid._n they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n be_v careful_o preserve_v during_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n p._n 229._o the_o book_n of_o the_o former_a and_o of_o the_o latter_a prophet_n the_o book_n of_o samuel_n by_o who_o write_v p._n 231._o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n and_o of_o king_n by_o who_o write_v ibid._n of_o the_o psalm_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a old_a testament_n p._n 233._o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n sufficient_o understand_v by_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o return_v from_o babylon_n ibid._n the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v afterward_o p._n 235._o chap._n x._o of_o the_o prohecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n josiah_n prophesy_v of_o by_o name_n long_o before_o his_o birth_n the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o prophecy_n p._n 236._o the_o fulfil_n of_o elijah_n prophecy_n p._n 238._o the_o confession_n of_o julian_n the_o apostate_n p._n 240._o divers_a other_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n ibid._n cyrus_n prophesy_v of_o by_o name_n long_o before_o his_o birth_n p._n 241._o jeremiah_n prophecy_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n p._n 243._o the_o contradiction_n which_o be_v then_o think_v to_o be_v betwixt_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n and_o ezekiel_n a_o manifest_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o they_o both_o p._n 245._o other_o plain_a prophecy_n fulfil_v p._n 247._o these_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n manifest_o true_a p._n 249_o chap._n xi_o of_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o each_o other_o and_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n prove_v the_o new_a and_o the_o new_a again_o prove_v the_o old_a as_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o essect_v p._n 252._o chap._n xii_o of_o the_o person_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n our_o bless_a saviour_n undeniable_a innocence_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n p._n 257._o judas_n himself_o give_v testimony_n to_o it_o p._n 259._o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n fulfil_v in_o he_o p._n 265._o the_o prophecy_n concern_v his_o life_n fulfil_v p._n 277._o the_o prophecy_n concern_v his_o death_n fulfil_v p._n 280._o and_o those_o concern_v his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n p._n 286_o chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n our_o saviour_n foretell_v the_o treachery_n of_o judas_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o own_o death_n p._n 287._o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o the_o prodigy_n attend_v it_o ibid._n his_o miracle_n verify_v the_o prophecy_n which_o have_v be_v concern_v the_o messiah_n p._n 290_o chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n prophesy_v of_o and_o typify_v p._n 293._o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o it_o p._n 295._o they_o will_v not_o deceive_v other_o p._n 306._o they_o allege_v such_o circumstance_n as_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o deceive_v p._n 307_o chap._n xv._o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n the_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o sufficient_a understanding_n to_o know_v what_o they_o testify_v p._n 312._o they_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o know_v it_o p._n 313._o they_o be_v man_n of_o integrity_n and_o true_o declare_v what_o they_o know_v for_o they_o have_v no_o worldy_a interest_n to_o serve_v by_o their_o testimony_n but_o suffer_v by_o it_o and_o have_v a_o certain_a prospect_n of_o suffering_n p._n 315._o there_o be_v peculiar_a mark_n of_o sincerity_n in_o all_o their_o write_n p._n 319_o chap._n xvi_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n of_o their_o prophecy_n p._n 328._o of_o their_o miracle_n p._n 330._o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o p._n 331._o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n communicate_v by_o they_o to_o other_o p._n 336._o their_o supernatural_a courage_n and_o resolution_n p._n 342._o this_o likewise_o be_v communicate_v to_o their_o follower_n p._n 351_o chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o death_n contain_v so_o notorious_a and_o public_a circumstance_n that_o it_o be_v a_o appeal_n to_o that_o age_n whether_o the_o thing_n relate_v be_v true_a or_o not_o p._n 354._o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v explicatory_a and_o consequential_a to_o the_o gospel_n or_o history_n of_o christ_n and_o beside_o these_o likewise_o contain_v many_o memorable_a and_o public_a matter_n of_o fact_n p._n 361._o the_o gospel_n and_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n cite_v by_o author_n contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n and_o own_a for_o genuine_a both_o by_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n p._n 363._o many_o of_o the_o eye-witness_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n live_v to_o a_o great_a age_n p._n 364._o the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v testify_v in_o apology_n write_v from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n ibid._n chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v a_o universal_a righteousness_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n p._n 368._o the_o scripture_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o holiness_n p._n 370._o the_o christian_a religion_n propose_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n to_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n p._n 372._o it_o afferd_v the_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n p._n 374._o it_o express_v the_o great_a compassion_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n p._n 374._o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v ever_o have_v great_a effect_n towards_o the_o reformation_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n p._n 376._o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o practice_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o man_n p._n 382_o part_n iii_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o divine_a revelation_n but_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n p._n 385._o chap._n i._n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o pretence_n of_o the_o egyptian_n to_o antiquity_n examine_v p._n 387._o of_o the_o chaldaean_n ibid._n of_o the_o chinese_n p._n 389._o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o heathen_a religion_n never_o extant_a in_o book_n to_o be_v public_o read_v p._n 392._o every_o country_n have_v its_o peculiar_a deity_n they_o prevail_v only_o by_o the_o temporal_a power_n though_o the_o heathen_n more_o in_o number_n yet_o the_o religion_n of_o christian_n more_o promulge_v p._n 392_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_n p._n 394._o that_o they_o be_v uncertain_a and_o ambiguous_a p._n 396._o but_o they_o can_v not_o be_v all_o counterfeit_n p._n 398._o the_o cessation_n of_o oracle_n gradual_a p._n 399._o their_o miracle_n never_o
signal_n judgement_n from_o heaven_n and_o moses_n advance_v neither_o of_o he_o and_o both_o moses_n and_o aaron_n die_v by_o the_o particular_a appointment_n and_o command_n of_o god_n for_o their_o offence_n against_o he_o never_o enjoy_v nor_o for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o expect_v to_o enjoy_v the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o can_v never_o have_v perform_v what_o they_o do_v but_o by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n so_o they_o can_v have_v no_o motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o attempt_v it_o but_o his_o command_n and_o promise_v of_o assistance_n reveal_v to_o they_o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o pentateuch_n as_o the_o book_n entitle_v to_o moses_n be_v confess_v by_o all_o to_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n so_o we_o have_v it_o confirm_v to_o we_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o heathen_a writer_n themselves_o that_o the_o book_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n be_v indeed_o of_o his_o writing_n beside_o the_o unanimous_a testimony_n of_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n ever_o since_o moses_n time_n from_o the_o first_o writing_n of_o they_o which_o be_v infinite_o better_a proof_n of_o their_o be_v authentic_a and_o entitle_v to_o the_o true_a author_n than_o can_v be_v pretend_v for_o any_o book_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n divers_a text_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n imply_v that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n as_o well_o as_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n import_v as_o much_o and_o though_o some_o passage_n have_v be_v think_v to_o imply_v the_o contrary_a yet_o this_o be_v but_o a_o late_a opinion_n and_o have_v be_v sufficient_o confute_v by_o learned_a men._n it_o be_v observable_a whoever_o write_v these_o five_o book_n that_o there_o be_v no_o partiality_n show_v to_o any_o one_o whosoever_o noah_n be_v say_v to_o be_v overcome_v with_o wine_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o mockery_n of_o one_o of_o his_o son_n lot_n be_v describe_v not_o only_o to_o have_v be_v drunken_a but_o to_o have_v lie_v with_o his_o own_o daughter_n abraham_n himself_o deny_v his_o wife_n twice_o and_o isaac_n imitate_v he_o in_o it_o jacob_n get_v the_o blessing_n by_o fraud_n and_o subtilty_n from_o his_o brother_n esau_n joseph_n brethren_n sell_v he_o into_o egypt_n and_o he_o when_o he_o be_v there_o learn_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n the_o fault_n of_o aaron_n and_o of_o moses_n himself_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v be_v not_o conceal_v on_o the_o other_o side_n particular_a notice_n be_v take_v how_o melchizedeck_v bless_v abraham_n and_o receive_v tithe_n of_o he_o and_o without_o all_o contradiction_n the_o less_o be_v bless_v of_o the_o better_a heb._n seven_o 7._o the_o advice_n of_o jethro_n be_v record_v and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o balaam_n himself_o be_v punctual_o set_v down_o it_o be_v no_o design_n of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n to_o write_v a_o panegyric_n upon_o any_o man_n but_o to_o represent_v the_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o excellency_n of_o each_o person_n and_o to_o show_v by_o what_o various_a method_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n bring_v to_o pass_v his_o gracious_a design_n how_o he_o turn_v evil_a into_o good_a and_o make_v use_v even_o of_o the_o infirmity_n and_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o accomplish_v his_o purpose_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n we_o have_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o most_o memorable_a and_o remarkable_a thing_n which_o have_v pass_v to_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o institution_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o fall_n of_o man_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o offer_v sacrifice_n as_o type_n of_o his_o death_n who_o first_o commit_v murder_n and_o who_o first_o bring_v in_o polygamy_n the_o inventon_n of_o divers_a art_n the_o flood_n the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n the_o original_a of_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o whole_a all_o which_o be_v comprehend_v in_o a_o little_a compass_n but_o a_o large_a and_o more_o particular_a account_n be_v give_v of_o abraham_n and_o his_o family_n for_o here_o the_o scene_n begin_v to_o open_v to_o the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o work_n the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v as_o a_o introduction_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o contain_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v premise_v and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o history_n of_o abraham_n it_o be_v note_v that_o the_o canaanite_n be_v then_o in_o the_o land_n gen._n twelve_o 6._o even_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o abraham_n erect_v a_o altar_n to_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 7._o this_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o israelite_n to_o excite_v they_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o father_n abraham_n who_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n in_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a manner_n in_o that_o land_n which_o they_o be_v now_o go_v to_o possess_v and_o among_o that_o people_n which_o they_o be_v now_o to_o drive_v out_o and_o which_o at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o land_n be_v promise_v they_o be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o and_o god_n who_o have_v protect_v abraham_n in_o so_o signal_n a_o manner_n will_v no_o less_o assist_v they_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v those_o thing_n particular_o wherein_o moses_n himself_o be_v concen_v as_o a_o agent_n as_o well_o as_o a_o historian_n there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o any_o man_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o at_o least_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n be_v true_a that_o be_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o governor_n or_o general_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o conduct_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n that_o they_o travel_v for_o many_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o they_o fight_v divers_a battle_n with_o the_o several_a nation_n who_o oppose_v their_o journey_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o that_o moses_n give_v they_o the_o law_n which_o we_o find_v there_o record_v these_o be_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o rest_n be_v but_o as_o circumstance_n to_o show_v the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o and_o the_o power_n by_o which_o all_o this_o be_v do_v and_o that_o these_o main_a point_n be_v true_a it_o be_v never_o deny_v by_o those_o heathen_n themselves_o who_o most_o reproach_v and_o vilify_v the_o jewish_a nation_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o great_a general_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o the_o israelite_n they_o own_a that_o the_o israelite_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o can_v deny_v nothing_o of_o the_o history_n itself_o but_o only_o give_v wrong_a account_n partly_o out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o partly_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o design_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o this_o be_v effect_v and_o the_o reason_n and_o occasion_n upon_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o book_n of_o josephus_n against_o apion_n in_o which_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o the_o most_o ancient_a author_n of_o other_o nation_n have_v deliver_v concern_v the_o jew_n and_o from_o what_o the_o latter_a heathen_n strabo_n tacitus_n justin_n and_o other_o after_o the_o jew_n become_v so_o odious_a and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o nation_n have_v write_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a point_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v confess_v and_o the_o only_a dispute_n be_v concern_v the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v about_o and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o all_o be_v effect_v now_o we_o take_v the_o history_n of_o all_o other_o nation_n rather_o from_o themselves_o than_o from_o foreigner_n and_o stranger_n to_o their_o affair_n or_o profess_a enemy_n and_o it_o be_v extreme_a partiality_n to_o admit_v the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o jewish_a affair_n from_o author_n who_o live_v so_o much_o too_o late_o to_o have_v any_o certain_a information_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o write_v about_o and_o who_o upon_o every_o occasion_n show_v such_o disaffection_n to_o their_o name_n and_o nation_n and_o contradict_v each_o other_o and_o themselves_o too_o as_o josephus_n show_v it_o will_v i_o say_v be_v notorious_a partiality_n to_o follow_v such_o author_n rather_o than_o credit_v the_o jewish_a record_n attest_v and_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o unanimous_a approbation_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o when_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n i_o shall_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o perform_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v feign_v or_o counterfeit_a at_o first_o nor_o the_o account_v give_v of_o they_o in_o the_o pentateuch_n falsify_v afterward_o and_o therefore_o
become_v so_o much_o admire_v and_o magnify_v by_o the_o people_n that_o they_o bring_v forth_o the_o sick_a into_o the_o street_n and_o lay_v they_o on_o bed_n and_o couch_n that_o at_o the_o least_o the_o shadow_n of_o peter_n pass_v by_o may_v overshadow_v some_o of_o they_o there_o come_v also_o a_o multitude_n out_o of_o the_o city_n round_o about_o unto_o jerusalem_n bring_v sick_a folk_n and_o they_o which_o be_v vex_v with_o unclean_a spirit_n and_o they_o be_v heal_v every_o one_o act_v v._o 15_o 16._o and_o in_o this_o manner_n the_o apostle_n continue_v several_a year_n in_o jerusalem_n do_v miracle_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o before_o all_o people_n and_o the_o same_o miraculous_a power_n manifest_v itself_o at_o ephesus_n where_o god_n wrought_v special_a miracle_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o paul_n so_o that_o from_o his_o body_n be_v bring_v unto_o the_o sick_a handkerchief_n or_o apron_n and_o the_o disease_n depart_v from_o they_o and_o the_o evil_a spirit_n go_v out_o of_o they_o act_v nineteeen_o 11_o 12._o so_o impossible_a be_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n to_o deceive_v those_o before_o who_o their_o miracle_n be_v so_o frequent_o and_o public_o wrought_v and_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v much_o more_o impossible_a if_o any_o thing_n more_o impossible_a can_v be_v suppose_v to_o deceive_v those_o upon_o who_o their_o miracle_n have_v the_o effect_n of_o restore_v to_o they_o the_o use_n of_o their_o foot_n their_o sight_n and_o their_o health_n and_o even_o of_o raise_v they_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o indeed_o none_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o old_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ever_o deny_v but_o that_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o only_o dispute_v the_o power_n by_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v they_o never_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o give_v a_o account_n of_o these_o wondrous_a work_n be_v write_v soon_o after_o the_o thing_n relate_v have_v be_v do_v and_o these_o book_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o heathen_n and_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n and_o neither_o the_o jew_n nor_o the_o heathen_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o such_o work_n have_v be_v do_v they_o only_o cavil_v at_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v which_o how_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a soever_o it_o be_v yet_o be_v the_o only_a evasion_n they_o can_v have_v when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o christian_n if_o they_o have_v deny_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n who_o do_v the_o like_a miracle_n every_o day_n to_o confute_v they_o for_o ii_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o wrought_v miracle_n themselves_o but_o convey_v to_o other_o a_o power_n of_o work_v they_o thus_o when_o st._n peter_n be_v send_v for_o to_o cornelius_n the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o all_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o magnify_v god_n act._n x._o 44_o 46._o and_o so_o at_o ephesus_n the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v on_o those_o who_o st._n paul_n have_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o and_o they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o prophesy_v act_v nineteeen_o 6._o and_o this_o miraculous_a power_n be_v in_o that_o evident_a manner_n receive_v by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o simon_n magus_n offer_v they_o money_n to_o purchase_v it_o act_n viij_o 18._o now_o as_o the_o apostle_n can_v neither_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o do_v nor_o deceive_v those_o before_o who_o they_o be_v perform_v and_o upon_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v so_o certain_o they_o can_v never_o deceive_v such_o as_o they_o confer_v this_o gift_n upon_o when_o they_o not_o only_o do_v all_o sort_n of_o miracle_n and_o speak_v all_o language_n themselves_o but_o convey_v a_o power_n likewise_o upon_o other_o of_o speak_v and_o do_v as_o themselves_o do_v this_o be_v still_o a_o further_a evidence_n that_o all_o their_o pretence_n be_v real_a beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o deceit_n deceiver_n will_v never_o have_v do_v their_o miracle_n so_o open_o and_o so_o frequent_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o place_n they_o will_v never_o have_v pretend_v to_o a_o gift_n of_o tongue_n at_o a_o festival_n where_o man_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v meet_v together_o so_o that_o they_o can_v attempt_v to_o speak_v in_o no_o strange_a language_n but_o some_o present_n will_v have_v discover_v they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v it_o but_o they_o will_v least_o of_o all_o have_v pretend_v to_o enable_v other_o in_o a_o instant_n to_o work_v the_o same_o wonder_n and_o speak_v the_o same_o tongue_n only_o by_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o man_n that_o will_v attempt_v all_o this_o though_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o perform_v it_o must_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v capable_a of_o discourse_v and_o write_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v that_o they_o must_v be_v void_a even_o of_o common_a sense_n and_o if_o they_o can_v succeed_v in_o their_o design_n and_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o they_o do_v act_n and_o speak_v in_o this_o manner_n when_o they_o do_v not_o they_o must_v have_v a_o power_n over_o the_o understanding_n and_o sense_n of_o all_o with_o who_o they_o converse_v which_o be_v as_o strange_a even_o as_o this_o miraculous_a power_n itself_o they_o must_v work_v miracle_n either_o upon_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n or_o upon_o the_o sense_n themselves_o for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o can_v never_o have_v be_v able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o deceive_v without_o a_o miracle_n and_o since_o god_n will_v never_o have_v empower_v they_o to_o work_v miracle_n to_o deceive_v we_o be_v certain_a that_o their_o miracle_n be_v all_o wrought_v for_o that_o intent_n and_o purpose_n which_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o and_o to_o confirm_v that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o this_o power_n of_o miracle_n which_o now_o descend_v from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v convey_v by_o they_o to_o other_o continue_v for_o some_o age_n in_o the_o church_n and_o approve_a itself_o to_o the_o worst_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o such_o instance_n as_o must_v make_v they_o most_o concern_v to_o examine_v it_o 21._o it_o minut._n faelix_fw-la lactant._n lib._n two_o c._n 15._o etc._n etc._n 21._o several_a of_o the_o primitive_a writer_n witness_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o notorious_a than_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v wont_a to_o cry_v out_o for_o very_a anguish_n and_o torment_n when_o they_o be_v adjure_v by_o the_o true_a god_n 23._o god_n apolog_fw-la c._n 23._o and_o tertullian_n make_v public_a challenge_n to_o the_o heathen_n that_o if_o they_o will_v but_o admit_v they_o this_o trial_n the_o christian_n will_v undertake_v to_o make_v their_o most_o famous_a deity_n acknowledge_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v their_o very_a god_n confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wicked_a and_o seduce_a spirit_n or_o else_o they_o will_v be_v content_v to_o be_v slay_v upon_o the_o place_n and_o this_o he_o write_v under_o persecution_n and_o in_o apology_n dedicate_v and_o present_v to_o their_o persecutor_n themselves_o and_o indeed_o the_o oracle_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n soon_o begin_v to_o fail_v so_o as_o they_o have_v be_v never_o know_v to_o do_v before_o for_o their_o power_n begin_v to_o abate_v and_o decay_v upon_o the_o approach_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n into_o the_o world_n till_o by_o degree_n they_o quite_o cease_v which_o the_o heathen_n wonder_v at_o and_o be_v much_o perplex_v about_o it_o as_o we_o learn_v from_o what_o defecta_fw-la what_o cicer._n de_fw-fr divinat_fw-la plutarch_n de_fw-fr oracul_fw-la defecta_fw-la they_o have_v leave_v write_v upon_o that_o subject_n and_o though_o julian_n the_o apostate_n use_v all_o the_o way_n that_o he_o can_v think_v of_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o credit_n again_o he_o be_v never_o able_a to_o elect_v it_o but_o the_o most_o famous_a of_o they_o confess_v to_o he_o when_o he_o consult_v it_o that_o a_o miraculous_a and_o divine_a power_n reside_v in_o the_o remain_v of_o a_o christian_a martyr_n after_o his_o death_n will_v suffer_v no_o answer_n to_o be_v give_v and_o it_o be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o i_o must_v mention_v it_o once_o more_o that_o when_o the_o same_o apostate_n emperor_n in_o hatred_n and_o despite_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n become_v a_o great_a patron_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o encourage_v they_o to_o rebuild_v their_o temple_n great_a ball_n of_o fire_n break_v forth_o under_o the_o foundation_n and_o destroy_v both_o the_o work_n itself_o and_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o it_o and_o this_o we_o have_v relate_v not_o only_o by_o several_a christian_a writer_n that_o live_v about_o that_o time_n but_o by_o a_o 1._o a_o ammian_a
eloquence_n as_o well_o as_o the_o power_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o vice_n of_o mankind_n be_v combine_v against_o it_o and_o yet_o less_o elegancy_n and_o accuracy_n of_o style_n be_v employ_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n than_o have_v be_v before_o use_v by_o moses_n and_o th●_n prophet_n who_o yet_o have_v nothing_o which_o seem_v so_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a to_o deliver_v which_o be_v one_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o can_v prevail_v so_o much_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n in_o the_o world_n only_o by_o tell_v a_o plain_a truth_n and_o in_o the_o plain_a manner_n for_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_a the_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n be_v best_a as_o in_o mathematical_a demonstration_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o man_n make_v themselves_o to_o be_v understand_v this_o likewise_o be_v all_o that_o the_o apostle_n aim_v at_o 24._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euseb_n hist_o lib._n iii._o c._n 24._o their_o cause_n and_o doctrine_n be_v so_o certain_a and_o demonstrable_a that_o any_o word_n which_o do_v but_o full_o and_o clear_o express_v their_o meaning_n be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o purpose_n their_o rhetoric_n lie_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o not_o in_o word_n there_o be_v no_o great_a art_n require_v to_o prove_v that_o to_o any_o man_n which_o he_o see_v with_o his_o eye_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v great_a under_o the_o gospel_n than_o under_o the_o law_n so_o there_o be_v less_o need_n of_o eloquence_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o in_o the_o old_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v as_o a_o 4._o a_o mer_n casaub_n of_o enthus_n c._n 4._o learned_a critic_n have_v declare_v that_o st_n paul_n in_o some_o kind_n and_o upon_o some_o subject_n be_v as_o eloquent_a as_o ever_o man_n be_v not_o inferior_a to_o demosthenes_n in_o who_o writing_n he_o believe_v that_o apostle_n have_v be_v much_o conversant_a or_o aeschines_n or_o any_o other_o ancient_o most_o admire_v 3._o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v permit_v they_o to_o use_v their_o own_o style_n so_o direct_v they_o still_o and_o overrule_a they_o in_o every_o word_n and_o sentence_n that_o it_o shall_v infallible_o express_v his_o own_o full_a sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o inspire_v and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v divers_a style_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o certainty_n of_o they_o isaiah_n for_o instance_n be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal_a and_o educate_v at_o court_n may_v write_v in_o a_o more_o refine_a and_o lofty_a style_n and_o amos_n who_o be_v bring_v up_o among_o the_o herdsman_n of_o tekoa_n may_v speak_v in_o a_o more_o humble_a strain_n and_o fetch_v his_o metaphor_n from_o low_a and_o mean_a thing_n and_o yet_o the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o both_o may_v be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o exact_o true_a and_o infallible_a as_o if_o every_o word_n and_o syllable_n be_v dictate_v by_o he_o but_o this_o have_v be_v already_o consider_v under_o its_o proper_a head_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whatever_o uncertainty_n there_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v concern_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o catalogue_n and_o number_n of_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n itself_o or_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v by_o all_o church_n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a way_n of_o argue_v than_o whatever_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o must_v be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o what_o we_o know_v and_o by_o consequence_n no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n since_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o he_o know_v very_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o author_n of_o great_a note_n and_o fame_n but_o that_o critic_n have_v have_v dispute_n concern_v the_o number_n of_o his_o genuine_a work_n and_o yet_o this_o have_v never_o be_v think_v any_o prejudice_n to_o such_o as_o be_v allow_v by_o all_o to_o be_v genuine_a will_v not_o that_o man_n make_v himself_o ridiculous_a who_o shall_v reject_v the_o philippic_n of_o tully_n or_o virgil_n aeneis_n as_o spurious_a because_o other_o book_n either_o doubtful_a or_o counterfeit_v have_v past_a under_o the_o name_n of_o these_o two_o author_n if_o some_o book_n have_v be_v dispute_v the_o rest_n certain_o be_v genuine_a beyond_o all_o dispute_n because_o they_o have_v never_o be_v call_v into_o question_n or_o doubt_v now_o if_o these_o book_n only_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n concern_v which_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o dispute_n they_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v and_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n concern_v which_o there_o have_v be_v any_o controversy_n though_o they_o be_v exceed_o useful_a to_o explain_v divers_a thing_n which_o we_o find_v in_o these_o and_o perhaps_o to_o teach_v we_o some_o thing_n not_o essential_a to_o our_o religion_n nor_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v elsewhere_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v receive_v because_o whatever_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v full_o and_o plain_o deliver_v in_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v receive_v without_o contradiction_n or_o dispute_n many_o man_n be_v undoubted_o save_v before_o the_o write_n of_o these_o controvert_v book_n nay_o before_o the_o write_n of_o any_o book_n at_o all_o write_n be_v no_o further_o necessary_a than_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v write_v when_o the_o thing_n now_o write_v can_v be_v as_o well_o know_v without_o writing_n book_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o though_o for_o after_o age_n it_o become_v necessary_a that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n shall_v consign_v their_o doctrine_n to_o writing_n yet_o no_o more_o of_o their_o writing_n can_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o than_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o afford_v we_o more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a life_n as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o our_o natural_a and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o any_o man_n to_o reject_v any_o mean_n of_o salvation_n or_o instruction_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o allow_v but_o still_o that_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o natural_a life_n and_o health_n who_o shall_v think_v all_o that_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o it_o common_a or_o unclean_a and_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v use_v for_o food_n and_o if_o a_o man_n without_o any_o of_o his_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n only_o of_o the_o uncontrrovert_v book_n he_o will_v find_v they_o abundant_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o procure_v his_o salvation_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o one_o infallible_a authority_n be_v as_o great_a a_o security_n as_o never_o so_o many_o can_v be_v but_o the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v teach_v in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o it_o that_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o furnish_v we_o with_o so_o much_o more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o to_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o sundry_a place_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n for_o our_o further_a instruction_n and_o confirmation_n in_o the_o faith_n though_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a and_o wicked_a to_o say_v that_o he_o who_o believe_v all_o the_o point_n of_o necessary_a faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o one_o book_n of_o scripture_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n unless_o he_o likewise_o believe_v they_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n not_o that_o i_o suppose_v any_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n can_v now_o find_v any_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o any_o book_n in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n whether_o it_o be_v genuine_a or_o no_o but_o to_o suppose_v the_o most_o and_o the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v suppose_v if_o those_o book_n which_o at_o any_o time_n have_v be_v call_v in_o
principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o religion_n but_o when_o miracle_n be_v perform_v which_o both_o for_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o performance_n have_v all_o the_o credibility_n that_o any_o miracle_n can_v have_v if_o it_o be_v real_o wrought_v by_o god_n immediate_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o revelation_n if_o these_o miracle_n have_v be_v foretell_v by_o prophecy_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v by_o the_o miracle_n if_o they_o be_v do_v public_o before_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o that_o often_o and_o by_o many_o man_n successive_o for_o divers_a age_n together_o and_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o design_n if_o neither_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o nor_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v attest_v by_o they_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o have_v any_o deceit_n or_o defect_n in_o they_o but_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o divine_a and_o most_o worthy_a of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v wrought_v to_o establish_v that_o we_o can_v have_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o for_o if_o these_o miracle_n and_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o from_o god_n we_o must_v suppose_v either_o that_o god_n can_v or_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o reveal_v himself_o by_o miracle_n to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o distinguish_v his_o own_o revelation_n from_o imposture_n both_o which_o supposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n contrary_a to_o god_n omnipotence_n because_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v exceed_v the_o power_n of_o all_o finite_a being_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n because_o these_o require_v both_o that_o he_o shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o by_o miracle_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a which_o be_v his_o revelation_n but_o if_o he_o both_o can_v and_o will_v put_v such_o a_o distinction_n between_o false_a miracle_n and_o true_a as_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o except_o it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n be_v seduce_v by_o false_a miracle_n than_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n concern_v which_o nothing_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v either_o impious_a or_o false_a must_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o we_o have_v see_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o this_o religion_n must_v be_v reveal_v by_o miracle_n and_o we_o have_v the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o false_a miracle_n without_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o that_o religion_n which_o both_o by_o its_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n appear_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o must_v certain_o be_v true_a because_o the_o goodness_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v that_o mankind_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v without_o their_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_v by_o imposture_n vent_v under_o his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n to_o belzebub_n be_v so_o heinous_a above_o all_o other_o crime_n this_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o utmost_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v use_v for_o man_n salvation_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v the_o attribute_n and_o very_a be_v of_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v that_o though_o miracle_n be_v a_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v consider_v alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o proof_n and_o that_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a miracle_n or_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o establish_v the_o true_a religion_n when_o the_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o they_o be_v wrought_v can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v false_a either_o by_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o miracle_n or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n because_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n and_o all_o other_o proof_n to_o concur_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v so_o 3._o how_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v commit_v to_o write_v that_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n and_o deliver_v down_o to_o posterity_n and_o that_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a providence_n shall_v be_v concern_v in_o their_o preservation_n for_o whatever_o have_v be_v say_v by_o some_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o doctrine_n beyond_o that_o of_o write_v be_v so_o notorious_o fanciful_a and_o strain_a that_o it_o deserve_v no_o serious_a answer_n for_o till_o man_n shall_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o make_v will_n and_o bequeath_v and_o purchase_v estate_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n rather_o than_o by_o instrument_n in_o write_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o deny_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o secure_a way_n of_o conveyance_n that_o can_v be_v take_v so_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n declare_v and_o so_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n find_v it_o to_o be_v in_o thing_n which_o man_n take_v all_o possible_a care_n about_o and_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a and_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o man_n be_v more_o solicitous_a about_o thing_n temporal_a than_o about_o eternal_a which_o afford_v too_o evident_a a_o confutation_n of_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o it_o be_v thing_n upon_o which_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o mankind_n depend_v now_o go_v write_v it_o before_o they_o in_o a_o table_n and_o note_v it_o in_o a_o book_n that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o isa_n thirty_o 8._o 4._o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o a_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n because_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o we_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o continue_v long_o under_o a_o state_n of_o corruption_n and_o ignorance_n without_o take_v some_o care_n to_o remedy_v it_o by_o put_v man_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o know_v and_o practise_v the_o duty_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n 5._o another_o requisite_a of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v full_o promulge_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n for_o the_o general_a good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o may_v attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o a_o revelation_n must_v be_v design_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n part_n ii_o from_z what_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v requisite_a in_o a_o divine_a revelation_n i._o antiquity_n ii_o promulgation_n iii_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o its_o authority_n iv_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v righteous_a and_o holy_a consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o suitable_a to_o their_o condition_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o every_o way_n such_o as_o may_v answer_v the_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n chap._n i._n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n will_v not_o so_o whole_o neglect_v mankind_n as_o to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o discover_v and_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o commandment_n to_o the_o world_n so_o when_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v defer_v it_o so_o long_o before_o he_o make_v know_v his_o will_n as_o till_o the_o date_n of_o the_o first_o antiquity_n among_o the_o heathen_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o some_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v much_o the_o ancient_a book_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o the_o work_n in_o this_o kind_n or_o indeed_o in_o any_o other_o of_o any_o heathen_a author_n can_v be_v compare_v with_o
the_o pentateuch_n for_o antiquity_n and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o these_o book_n be_v one_o considerable_a circumstance_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o if_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o continue_v long_o in_o a_o state_n of_o ignorance_n and_o wickedness_n without_o a_o revelation_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o memory_n of_o it_o to_o be_v lose_v and_o therefore_o a_o book_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o ancient_a in_o the_o world_n be_v constant_o receive_v as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n carry_v great_a evidence_n with_o it_o that_o it_o be_v authentic_a for_o the_o first_o revelation_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v be_v to_o be_v the_o criterion_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v and_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o ancient_a book_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o pass_v all_o along_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o title_n of_o a_o revelation_n without_o cause_v some_o discovery_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o imposture_n if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o it_o much_o less_o will_v he_o preserve_v it_o by_o a_o particular_a and_o signal_n providence_n for_o so_o many_o age_n it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o have_v stand_v the_o test_n and_o receive_v the_o approbation_n of_o so_o many_o age_n and_o still_o retain_v their_o authority_n though_o so_o many_o ill_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v make_v it_o their_o endeavour_n to_o disprove_v they_o but_o it_o be_v still_o a_o further_a evidence_n in_o behalf_n of_o they_o that_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o show_v so_o remarkable_a a_o providence_n in_o their_o preservation_n the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n be_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o he_o relate_v the_o intercourse_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n pass_v between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o this_o may_v be_v deliver_v down_o either_o by_o write_v or_o by_o tradition_n till_o moses_n time_n for_o methuselah_n live_v with_o adam_n and_o shem_n with_o methuselah_n isaac_n with_o shem_n and_o amram_v the_o father_n of_o moses_n live_v with_o the_o patriarch_n the_o son_n of_o jacob_n the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o of_o the_o manifestation_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o to_o their_o forefather_n can_v not_o be_v unknown_a to_o that_o age_n such_o a_o posterity_n can_v not_o but_o be_v zealous_a to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o so_o great_a honour_n and_o blessing_n and_o their_o live_n in_o goshen_n separate_v from_o the_o egyptian_n do_v much_o contribute_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o antiquity_n for_o there_o they_o live_v in_o expectation_n of_o a_o deliverance_n and_o of_o see_v the_o prophecy_n fulfil_v that_o be_v make_v to_o their_o forefather_n concern_v it_o the_o famous_a prediction_n make_v to_o abraham_n gen._n xv_o 13._o can_v not_o be_v forget_v in_o so_o few_o generation_n for_o the_o come_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v as_o it_o be_v there_o foretell_v it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o four_o generation_n reckon_v from_o isaac_n the_o first_o of_o the_o promise_a seed_n to_o moses_n exclusive_o exod._n vi_fw-la 16._o moses_n seem_v to_o refer_v to_o some_o thing_n that_o happen_v near_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o know_v in_o his_o own_o time_n as_o gen._n four_o 22._o where_o he_o say_v the_o sister_n of_o tubal_n cain_n be_v naamah_n for_o no_o probable_a account_n can_v be_v give_v why_o naamah_n shall_v be_v mention_v but_o because_o her_o name_n be_v then_o well_o know_v among_o the_o israelite_n for_o some_o reason_n which_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o but_o which_o serve_v to_o confirm_v to_o they_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o relation_n some_o have_v deliver_v that_o naamah_n by_o her_o beauty_n entice_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o the_o posterity_n of_o seth_n to_o commit_v idolatry_n gen._n vi_fw-la 2._o and_o so_o gen._n xi_o 29._o we_o read_v that_o haran_n be_v the_o father_n of_o ischa_n as_o well_o as_o of_o milcah_n and_o gen._n xxxvi_o 24._o this_o be_v that_o anah_n that_o find_v the_o mule_n or_o the_o hotbath_n or_o that_o fall_v upon_o the_o emims_n or_o giant_n mention_v deut._n two_o 10_o 11._o however_o the_o word_n be_v understand_v in_o the_o wilderness_n as_o he_o feed_v the_o ass_n of_o zibeon_n his_o father_n these_o and_o such_o like_a particular_n must_v have_v be_v preserve_v and_o common_o know_v among_o the_o israelite_n and_o be_v therefore_o insert_v to_o serve_v as_o epocha_n and_o note_n of_o remembrance_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o history_n the_o story_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n of_o nimrod_n be_v convey_v in_o a_o proverb_n wherefore_o it_o be_v say_v even_o as_o nimrod_n the_o mighty_a hunter_n before_o the_o lord_n gen._n x._o 9_o and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o abraham_n offer_v up_o his_o son_n be_v retain_v both_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o place_n and_o by_o a_o proverbial_a say_v and_o abraham_n call_v the_o name_n of_o that_o place_n jehovah-jireh_a as_o it_o be_v say_v to_o this_o day_n in_o the_o mount_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o shall_v be_v see_v gen._n xxii_o 14._o and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o there_o be_v other_o the_o like_a remembrance_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a transaction_n josephus_n have_v prove_v that_o author_n of_o all_o nation_n agree_v that_o in_o ancient_a time_n man_n live_v to_o the_o age_n of_o about_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o some_o be_v know_v to_o have_v live_v to_o a_o very_a great_a age_n in_o latter_a time_n but_o however_o it_o have_v be_v more_o serviceable_a to_o moses_n purpose_n if_o he_o have_v have_v any_o other_o design_n but_o truth_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v so_o long_o live_v for_o when_o he_o have_v so_o much_o scope_n for_o his_o invention_n if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o invention_n of_o his_o own_o he_o will_v never_o have_v fix_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n at_o the_o distance_n of_o so_o few_o generation_n from_o the_o time_n in_o which_o he_o write_v but_o will_v rather_o have_v make_v the_o generation_n of_o man_n more_o and_o their_o life_n short_a that_o so_o he_o may_v the_o better_o have_v conceal_v his_o fiction_n in_o obscure_a and_o uncertain_a relation_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v through_o so_o many_o hand_n down_o to_o that_o age._n the_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o the_o flood_n to_o moses_n be_v more_o than_o it_o be_v from_o the_o conqust_n to_o the_o present_a age_n but_o half_o of_o this_o time_n noah_n himself_o be_v live_v and_o therefore_o allow_v for_o the_o great_a length_n of_o man_n life_n in_o those_o age_n than_o in_o we_o the_o time_n when_o moses_n write_v not_o be_v compute_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o the_o flood_n as_o we_o be_v at_o from_o the_o reformation_n but_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o make_v any_o man_n of_o tolerable_a sense_n among_o we_o believe_v that_o henry_n viii_o be_v the_o first_o king_n of_o england_n that_o he_o live_v above_o seven_o hundred_o year_n ago_o that_o there_o be_v a_o deluge_n since_o his_o time_n which_o sweep_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n away_o of_o this_o island_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o but_o some_o seven_o or_o eight_o person_n and_o that_o all_o who_o we_o now_o see_v be_v bear_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o as_o ridiculous_a as_o it_o seem_v be_v not_o more_o absurd_a than_o moses_n account_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o flood_n must_v have_v be_v to_o those_o of_o his_o own_o time_n if_o it_o be_v false_a for_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o think_v as_o josephus_n inform_v we_o that_o write_v be_v in_o use_n before_o the_o flood_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a as_o some_o have_v conjecture_v that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o deliver_v down_o to_o moses_n time_n in_o verse_n which_o be_v the_o most_o easy_a to_o be_v remember_v and_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o write_v and_o be_v at_o first_o chief_o use_v for_o matter_n of_o history_n and_o consist_v of_o plain_a narration_n without_o much_o of_o art_n or_o ornament_n we_o read_v of_o instrumental_a music_n gen._n four_o 21._o before_o the_o flood_n and_o vocal_a music_n be_v so_o much_o more_o natural_a than_o instrumental_a it_o be_v likely_a that_o poetry_n be_v of_o as_o great_a antiquity_n both_o in_o their_o hymn_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o as_o a_o help_n to_o their_o memory_n which_o be_v the_o two_o end_n to_o which_o moses_n
the_o ammonite_n be_v descend_v from_o lot_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v through_o their_o great_a sin_n and_o negligence_n if_o they_o do_v not_o retain_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n they_o have_v possession_n give_v they_o of_o the_o land_n they_o dwell_v in_o by_o god_n himself_o by_o who_o the_o former_a inhabitant_n a_o wicked_a and_o formidable_a race_n of_o giant_n be_v destroy_v before_o they_o as_o the_o canaanite_n afterward_o be_v before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n deut._n two_o 9_o 19_o our_o saviour_n be_v descend_v from_o ruth_n the_o moabitess_n and_o the_o ammonite_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o heathen_a ezek._n twenty-five_o 7._o but_o as_o abraham_n have_v the_o peculiar_a character_n give_v he_o of_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a so_o his_o power_n and_o influence_n be_v very_o great_a he_o be_v say_v 8._o say_v justin_n l._n 36._o 〈◊〉_d 2._o nic._n damas_n apud_fw-la joseph_n antiqu._n l._n 1._o c._n 8._o both_o by_o justin_n and_o nicolaus_n damascenus_n to_o have_v be_v king_n of_o damascus_n and_o the_o latter_a further_o add_v that_o in_o his_o own_o time_n the_o name_n of_o abraham_n be_v famous_a in_o that_o city_n and_o that_o a_o village_n be_v nominate_v from_o he_o be_v call_v abraham_n house_n or_o palace_n he_o be_v a_o mighty_a prince_n among_o the_o child_n of_o heth_n and_o be_v respect_v as_o such_o by_o they_o gen._n xxiii_o 6_o 10._o the_o saracen_n and_o other_o arabian_n be_v descend_v from_o abraham_n and_o circumcision_n which_o be_v practise_v by_o so_o many_o nation_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o a_o rite_n of_o initiation_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v some_o notion_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o communicate_v together_o with_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o probability_n that_o circumcision_n use_v as_o a_o religious_a and_o mysterious_a rite_n can_v have_v any_o other_o original_a among_o heathen_a nation_n than_o from_o abraham_n and_o the_o only_a reason_n bring_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o have_v another_o beginning_n among_o they_o be_v because_o it_o be_v use_v upon_o a_o natural_a cause_n and_o vary_v in_o the_o time_n of_o administration_n but_o the_o time_n may_v happen_v to_o be_v change_v by_o some_o unknown_a accident_n and_o it_o be_v always_o i_o think_v use_v upon_o a_o religious_a account_n whatever_o natural_a cause_n may_v be_v likewise_o assign_v and_o such_o the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v moimonid_v be_v philo_z moimonid_v wont_a to_o assign_v as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o their_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o in_o some_o place_n the_o religious_a cause_n of_o its_o observation_n may_v be_v forget_v and_o the_o natural_a only_o retain_v beside_o the_o other_o son_n of_o abraham_n which_o be_v many_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n must_v have_v be_v very_o instrumental_a in_o propagate_a the_o true_a religion_n and_o we_o can_v suppose_v none_o educate_v under_o abraham_n or_o belong_v to_o he_o but_o they_o must_v have_v be_v well_o qualify_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o must_v more_o or_o less_o retain_v the_o impression_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o this_o be_v the_o character_n which_o god_n himself_o give_v of_o abraham_n i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n gen._n xviii_o 19_o the_o jew_n make_v particular_a mention_n of_o the_o care_n which_o both_o abraham_n and_o sarah_n take_v in_o instruct_v proselyte_n and_o maimonides_n the_o idololatr_n l._n 1._o write_v that_o abraham_n leave_v a_o book_n behind_o he_o upon_o that_o subject_a ishmael_n be_v the_o son_n of_o a_o egyptian_a mother_n gen._n xuj_o 1._o and_o his_o wife_n be_v a_o egyptian_a his_o son_n be_v twelve_o in_o number_n and_o of_o great_a power_n be_v style_v prince_n and_o their_o dominion_n be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n gen._n twenty-five_o 16_o 18._o isaac_n be_v to_o marry_v none_o of_o the_o daughter_n of_o canaan_n but_o one_o of_o his_o own_o kindred_n and_o a_o messenger_n be_v send_v into_o mesopotamia_n to_o bring_v rebekah_n from_o thence_o god_n direct_v and_o prosper_v he_o in_o his_o jurney_n which_o alliance_n and_o affinity_n renew_v with_o the_o chaldoean_n can_v not_o fail_v of_o a_o good_a effect_n for_o the_o preservation_n and_o advancement_n of_o religion_n in_o those_o country_n but_o a_o famine_n be_v again_o in_o the_o land_n isaac_n remove_v to_o abimelech_n king_n of_o the_o philistine_n unto_o gerar_n and_o by_o he_o the_o beauty_n of_o rebekah_n be_v admire_v as_o sarah_n have_v be_v by_o pharaoh_n in_o egypt_n and_o here_o by_o abimelech_n but_o though_o he_o have_v say_v she_o be_v his_o sister_n as_o abraham_n say_v likewise_o of_o sarah_n meaning_n in_o that_o latitude_n of_o the_o word_n usual_a in_o those_o country_n whereby_o woman_n be_v call_v the_o sister_n of_o all_o to_o who_o they_o be_v near_o relate_v yet_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n so_o order_v it_o that_o no_o attempt_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o her_o dishonour_n but_o the_o king_n of_o the_o philistine_n have_v a_o great_a regard_n and_o reverence_n for_o isaac_n and_o his_o wife_n the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v visible_a in_o all_o his_o undertake_n he_o become_v much_o mighty_a than_o the_o philistine_n and_o therefore_o they_o envy_v he_o which_o occasion_v his_o remove_n to_o beersheba_n whither_o abimelech_n with_o his_o friend_n and_o attendance_n come_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o strict_a league_n and_o covenant_n with_o he_o profess_v that_o they_o see_v certain_o that_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v jehovah_n the_o true_a god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v the_o bless_a of_o the_o lord_n gen._n xxvi_o 11_o 14_o 16_o 26._o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o philistine_n have_v former_o desire_v to_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n say_v god_n be_v in_o thou_o with_o all_o that_o thou_o do_v etc._n etc._n gen._n xxi_o 22._o esau_n at_o the_o age_n of_o forty_o year_n marry_v two_o wife_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o the_o hittite_n gen._n xxvi_o 34._o which_o though_o it_o grieve_v isaac_n and_o rebekah_n who_o will_v have_v have_v he_o marry_v with_o their_o own_o kindred_n yet_o must_v give_v the_o hittite_n further_a opportunity_n of_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o hebrew_n but_o he_o marry_v beside_o a_o daughter_n of_o ishmael_n abraham_n son_n gen._n xxviii_o 9_o which_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v the_o alliance_n between_o true_a believer_n esau_n be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o edomite_n and_o of_o a_o numerous_a offspring_n of_o duke_n or_o prince_n gen._n xxxvi_o 9_o and_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o design_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n the_o generation_n descend_v from_o esau_n have_v not_o be_v so_o particular_o set_v down_o unless_o they_o have_v retain_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o edomite_n as_o well_o as_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n be_v put_v into_o possession_n of_o their_o country_n by_o the_o same_o divine_a power_n by_o which_o the_o israelite_n become_v possess_v of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o deut._n two_o 5._o jacob_n be_v send_v to_o padan-aram_n to_o take_v to_o wife_n one_o of_o the_o daughter_n of_o laban_n and_o with_o he_o he_o abide_v twenty_o year_n gen._n xxxi_o 38._o and_o all_o which_o he_o take_v in_o hand_n prosper_v so_o that_o there_o be_v the_o visible_a power_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n in_o it_o as_o laban_n confess_v gen._n thirty_o 27._o isaac_n be_v not_o to_o leave_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o be_v forbid_v to_o remove_v into_o egypt_n when_o there_o be_v a_o famine_n in_o the_o land_n gen._n xxvi_o 2._o and_o he_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o account_n to_o return_v into_o chaldaea_n or_o to_o go_v out_o of_o canaan_n gen._n xxiv_o 6_o 8._o but_o jacob_n go_v out_o of_o it_o when_o there_o be_v enough_o of_o abraham_n house_n beside_o to_o keep_v up_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n among_o the_o canaanite_n afterward_o god_n manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o egyptian_n by_o a_o various_a and_o wonderful_a providence_n for_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n dwell_v in_o egypt_n four_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n till_o at_o last_o by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o dreadful_a judgement_n by_o judgement_n upon_o their_o first-born_a and_o upon_o their_o god_n num._n xxxiii_o 4._o they_o be_v bring_v out_o from_o thence_o and_o the_o nation_n hear_v the_o fame_n of_o it_o and_o all_o the_o earth_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n num._n fourteen_o 15_o 21._o thus_o chaldaea_n and_o egypt_n the_o most_o famous_a and_o flourish_a country_n in_o those_o age_n
after_o a_o captivity_n of_o seventy_o year_n and_o cyrus_n send_v forth_o his_o proclamation_n declare_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o kigdom_n from_o god_n with_o a_o charge_n to_o rebuild_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n 2_o chron._n xxxvi_o 23._o and_o this_o decree_n of_o cyrus_n be_v reinforce_v by_o darius_n and_o artaxerxes_n ezra_n vi_fw-la seven_o now_o so_o many_o several_a decree_n put_v forth_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o miraculous_a power_n and_o wisdom_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o they_o and_o the_o advancement_n of_o daniel_n and_o other_o and_o the_o long_a life_n and_o continuance_n of_o daniel_n in_o that_o power_n and_o esteem_n must_v leave_v all_o the_o eastern_a part_n of_o the_o world_n without_o any_o excuse_n who_o be_v not_o convert_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o advancement_n of_o esther_n and_o mordecai_n under_o ahasuerus_n and_o of_o nehemiah_n under_o artaxerxes_n give_v the_o jew_n great_a authority_n and_o great_a opportunite_v of_o propagate_a their_o religion_n from_o india_n even_o unto_o aethiopia_n over_o a_o hundred_o and_o seven_o and_o twenty_o province_n for_o this_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o ahasuerus_n esth_n i._o 1._o and_o the_o jew_n be_v disperse_v in_o all_o the_o province_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o babylon_n chap._n iii._o 8._o and_o they_o want_v no_o care_n nor_o diligence_n to_o improve_v every_o opportunity_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o book_n of_o ezekiel_n daniel_n ezra_n nehemiah_n and_o esther_n and_o the_o very_a name_n of_o such_o person_n be_v enough_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v want_v no_o mean_n of_o conversion_n confess_v he_o before_o the_o gentile_n you_o child_n of_o israel_n for_o he_o have_v scatter_v we_o among_o they_o there_o declare_v his_o greatness_n and_o extol_v he_o before_o all_o the_o live_n for_o he_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o he_o be_v the_o god_n our_o father_n for_o ever_o in_o the_o land_n of_o my_o captivity_n do_v i_o praise_v he_o and_o declare_v his_o might_n and_o majesty_n to_o a_o sinful_a nation_n tob._n xiii_o 3_o 4_o 6._o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o pious_a man_n among_o the_o ten_o tribe_n of_o who_o some_o be_v likewise_o in_o great_a place_n and_o authority_n chap._n i._n 13_o 21_o 22._o and_o as_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v first_o carry_v away_o captive_a so_o upon_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n all_o but_o a_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o tribe_n remain_v in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o captivity_n and_o many_o 75._o many_o joseph_n antiq._n l._n 11._o c._n 1._o mede_n discourse_n 20._o p._n 75._o of_o those_o two_o tribe_n also_o choose_v rather_o to_o continue_v in_o babylon_n than_o forsake_v the_o possession_n which_o they_o enjoy_v there_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o not_o much_o more_o than_o half_a of_o they_o return_v and_o there_o be_v afrerwards_o three_o celebrate_a university_n 799._o university_n lightf_n harm_n n.t._n p._n 335._o exercit._n on_o act_n p._n 681_o 799._o of_o the_o jew_n in_o babylon_n nehardea_n pombeditha_n and_o soria_n beside_o several_a other_o place_n famous_a for_o learning_n the_o jew_n relate_v x._o relate_v hier._n in_o zech._n x._o that_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v carry_v away_o not_o only_o into_o media_n and_o persia_n but_o into_o the_o northern_a country_n beyond_o the_o bosphorus_n and_o ortelius_n find_v they_o in_o tartary_n the_o odomantes_n a_o people_n of_o thrace_n be_v circumcise_a and_o the_o 4._o the_o aristophan_v acharnens_fw-la act._n 1._o scen_n 4._o scholiast_n of_o aristophanes_n say_v that_o they_o be_v report_v to_o be_v jew_n the_o restoration_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o cyrus_n who_o have_v be_v so_o long_o before_o appoint_v and_o name_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o that_o work_n be_v ordain_v for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v know_v from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o from_o the_o west_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n beside_o he_o isa_n xlv_o 6._o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o after_o the_o captivity_n the_o jew_n be_v never_o give_v to_o idolatry_n and_o though_o they_o be_v bofore_o too_o much_o addict_v to_o it_o yet_o this_o give_v occasion_n to_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o it_o and_o these_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o befall_v they_o for_o their_o iniquity_n give_v continual_a manifestation_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n when_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v carry_v from_o samaria_n and_o strange_a nation_n be_v transplant_v thither_o in_o their_o room_n god_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o name_n and_o worship_n to_o be_v quite_o neglect_v and_o forget_v among_o they_o but_o they_o be_v force_v to_o send_v for_o a_o priest_n back_o again_o to_o teach_v they_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o king_n xvii_o and_o after_o the_o take_v of_o jerusalem_n by_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o the_o death_n of_o gedaliah_n who_o be_v set_v over_o they_o that_o be_v leave_v behind_o in_o the_o land_n of_o judah_n all_o the_o people_n that_o be_v not_o before_o carry_v to_o babylon_n flee_v into_o egypt_n jeremiah_n be_v force_v along_o with_o they_o who_o there_o prophesy_v against_o egypt_n and_o foretell_v its_o destruction_n by_o the_o babylonian_n jer._n xliii_o and_o at_o last_o suffer_v ma●yrdom_n their_o go_v into_o egypt_n be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o jeremiah_n but_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n so_o order_v thing_n that_o jeremiah_n shall_v be_v carry_v thither_o with_o the_o rest_n to_o testify_v against_o their_o wickedness_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o to_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o upon_o the_o egyptian_n in_o who_o they_o place_v their_o confidence_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o live_a god_n and_o then_o to_o die_v in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o have_v deliver_v cyrus_n and_o darius_n desire_v the_o prayer_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o behalf_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o kingdom_n alexander_n the_o great_a p●olemaeus_n philadelphus_n augustus_n tiberius_n and_o vitellius_n send_v victim_n to_o be_v sacrifice_v at_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o philo_n and_o josephus_n the_o jew_n constant_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o king_n and_o emperor_n under_o who_o they_o live_v and_o for_o their_o ally_n and_o confederate_n 1_o maccab._n seven_o 33._o &_o twelve_o 11._o and_o it_o be_v expect_v of_o they_o for_o the_o omission_n of_o this_o contrary_a to_o their_o know_a and_o approve_a custom_n in_o all_o former_a time_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o hasten_v their_o final_a destruction_n by_o the_o roman_n the_o course_n of_o alexander_n victory_n be_v so_o unexpected_a so_o sudden_a and_o every_o way_n so_o wonderful_a that_o it_o alarm_v the_o world_n and_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v that_o this_o be_v design_v by_o providence_n only_o to_o gratify_v the_o ambition_n and_o vanity_n of_o a_o rash_a youth_n but_o to_o open_v a_o way_n for_o a_o communication_n between_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o useful_a knowledge_n and_o when_o this_o work_n be_v do_v he_o be_v no_o long_o the_o same_o man_n he_o have_v be_v before_o but_o soon_o resign_v his_o conquest_n with_o his_o life_n alexander_n be_v say_v by_o ult_n by_o joseph_n antiqu._n l._n 11._o c._n ult_n josephus_n to_o have_v be_v mighty_o encourage_v in_o his_o enterprise_n against_o persia_n by_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n he_o remit_v the_o tribute_n of_o every_o seven_o year_n in_o which_o by_o their_o law_n they_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o sow_v their_o ground_n 17._o ground_n ibid._n l._n 14._o c._n 17._o which_o be_v afterward_o remit_v to_o they_o likewise_o by_o the_o roman_n he_o grant_v the_o jew_n who_o in_o great_a number_n list_v themselves_o in_o his_o army_n the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o promise_v to_o grant_v the_o same_o to_o the_o jew_n of_o babylon_n and_o media_n and_o those_o of_o sanballat_n faction_n who_o follow_v he_o into_o egypt_n he_o place_v in_o thebais_n hecatoeus_n who_o live_v in_o alexander_n time_n write_v etc._n write_v joseph_n contra_fw-la ap._n lib._n 1._o pag._n 1048_o etc._n etc._n a_o book_n concern_v the_o jew_n in_o which_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o great_a zeal_n for_o their_o law_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o this_o instance_n that_o when_o alexander_n repair_v the_o temple_n of_o belus_n at_o babylon_n his_o soldier_n who_o be_v jew_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v bring_v to_o help_v forward_o that_o work_n and_o at_o last_o the_o king_n excuse_v they_o he_o relate_v that_o hezechias_n the_o highpriest_n of_o the_o jew_n
till_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o titus_n and_o in_o the_o synagoge_n the_o scripture_n be_v read_v in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n which_o be_v the_o most_o universal_a language_n then_o in_o the_o world_n some_o have_v affirm_v that_o as_o much_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v write_v in_o solomon_n time_n be_v then_o translate_v into_o the_o syriac_a tongue_n and_o there_o be_v little_a doubt_n 12._o doubt_n clem._n alexand._n strom._n l._n 1._o euseb_n praepar_fw-la evang._n l._n 13._o c._n 12._o but_o that_o at_o least_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v translate_v into_o greek_a before_o the_o time_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a but_o the_o version_n of_o the_o septuagint_n be_v soon_o disperse_v into_o all_o hand_n which_o be_v make_v at_o the_o command_n of_o ptolemaeus_n philadelphus_n to_o who_o likewise_o and_o his_o father_n ult_n father_n euse_n b_o eccl._n hist_o l._n 7._o c._n ult_n aristobulus_n dedicate_v a_o exposition_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n by_o all_o these_o mean_n vast_a multitude_n of_o proselyte_n be_v make_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n what_o number_n there_o be_v at_o rome_n of_o this_o religion_n we_o know_v from_o the_o roman_a poet_n and_o historian_n and_o we_o have_v as_o good_a evidence_n of_o the_o spread_a of_o it_o in_o other_o place_n not_o to_o repeat_v what_o have_v be_v already_o relate_v nor_o to_o mention_v particular_a person_n of_o the_o great_a note_n and_o eminency_n nor_o particular_a city_n as_o damascus_n 25._o damascus_n joseph_n de_fw-fr bell._n jud._n l._n 2._o c._n 25._o where_o it_o more_o remarkable_o prevail_v it_o be_v evident_a what_o number_n of_o person_n in_o all_o nation_n profess_v this_o religion_n from_o the_o incredible_a treasure_n which_o crassus_n find_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v ten_o thousand_o talent_n amass_v there_o by_o the_o sum_n of_o gold_n send_v from_o all_o place_n by_o the_o jew_n and_o such_o as_o become_v proselyte_n to_o their_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o josephus_n cite_v strabo_n authority_n who_o say_v 12._o say_v joseph_n antiq._n l._n 14._o c._n 12._o that_o the_o jew_n be_v every_o where_o disperse_v and_o every_o where_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o their_o religion_n and_o that_o in_o alexandria_n they_o have_v their_o ethnaychae_n or_o proper_a magistrate_n by_o who_o they_o be_v govern_v and_o another_o proof_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o proselyte_n make_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n may_v be_v have_v from_o the_o great_a number_n assemble_v 5._o assemble_v joseph_n de_fw-fr bell._n jud._n l._n 7._o c._n 17._o act._n two_o 5._o at_o their_o passover_n and_o at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n thus_o mighty_o prevail_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o hebrew_n till_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n by_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n as_o 979._o as_o ibid._n cap._n 24._o pag._n 979._o josephus_n often_o confess_v be_v destroy_v and_o the_o law_n itself_o with_o the_o utensil_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v carry_v among_o the_o spoil_n in_o titus_n triumph_n and_o when_o the_o jewish_a religion_n have_v its_o full_a period_n and_o accomplishment_n the_o christian_a religion_n which_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o and_o be_v prefigure_v by_o it_o soon_o spread_v itself_o into_o all_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n preach_v among_o all_o nation_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o may_v be_v requisite_a 1._o to_o produce_v some_o testimony_n of_o the_o heathen_n concern_v the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n 2._o to_o show_v that_o there_o have_v be_v always_o remain_v divers_a memorial_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n among_o the_o heathen_a 3._o to_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o sybilline_a oracle_n i._o as_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_a author_n it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o objection_n against_o what_o have_v be_v allege_v though_o they_o have_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n than_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o take_v of_o troy_n or_o the_o building_n of_o rome_n that_o the_o scripture_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o either_o of_o they_o the_o greek_a historian_n be_v so_o ignorant_a of_o foreign_a affair_n as_o 1._o as_o joseph_n contr_n ap._n l._n 1._o josephus_n have_v observe_v that_o ephorus_n one_o of_o the_o best_a of_o they_o thought_n spain_n to_o be_v but_o one_o city_n and_o neither_o herodotus_n nor_o thucydides_n nor_o any_o historian_n of_o their_o time_n make_v any_o mention_n of_o the_o roman_n the_o roman_a author_n be_v but_o of_o a_o very_a late_a date_n in_o comparison_n and_o the_o greek_n beside_o their_o ignorance_n in_o antiquity_n and_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v a_o vain_a people_n who_o despise_v all_o beside_o themselves_o account_v they_o barbarian_n and_o take_v little_a notice_n of_o rome_n itself_o before_o they_o fall_v under_o its_o power_n yet_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a writer_n as_o josephus_n show_v have_v make_v famous_a mention_n of_o the_o jew_n though_o other_o have_v give_v a_o wrong_n and_o malicious_a account_n of_o they_o who_o he_o prove_v to_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o sometime_o themselves_o some_o again_z have_v omit_v the_o mention_n of_o the_o jew_n though_o they_o have_v never_o so_o much_o occasion_n for_o it_o of_o which_o he_o give_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o one_o hieronymus_n who_o though_o he_o be_v governor_n of_o syria_n and_o write_v a_o book_n of_o the_o successor_n of_o alexander_n and_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o hecataeus_n yet_o never_o vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n of_o who_o hecataeus_n write_v a_o particular_a book_n but_o the_o work_n of_o he_o and_o of_o many_o other_o greek_a author_n be_v now_o lose_v which_o be_v write_v concern_v the_o jew_n the_o fragment_n whereof_o be_v still_o to_o be_v see_v in_o josephus_n clem._n alexandrinus_n eusebius_n and_o other_o of_o those_o who_o work_n remain_v herodotus_n relate_v the_o victory_n of_o pharaoh_n necho_n in_o the_o battle_n at_o megiddo_n call_v jerusalem_n cadytis_n by_o a_o small_a variation_n as_o 15._o as_o light_n chorog_n on_o st._n mark_n c._n 3._o §._o 6._o strab._n l._n 16._o diodor._fw-la sic._n l._n 1._o plin._n nat._n hist_o l._n 5._o c._n 14._o tacit._n hist_o l._n 15._o dr._n lightfoot_n have_v observe_v for_o kedosha_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a city_n the_o usual_a denomination_n of_o that_o city_n strabo_n mention_n moses_n and_o the_o ancient_a jew_n with_o commendation_n diodorus_n siculus_n name_v moses_n among_o the_o chief_a lawgiver_n of_o ancient_a time_n pliny_n say_v jerusalem_n be_v the_o most_o famous_a city_n not_o only_o of_o judaea_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a east_n tacitus_n himself_o give_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o worship_v the_o supreme_a eternal_a immutable_a be_v but_o above_o all_o varro_z 31._o varro_z s._n aug._n civit._fw-la dei_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 31._o the_o learnede_a of_o the_o roman_n much_o approve_v their_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v free_a from_o that_o idolatry_n which_o he_o can_v not_o but_o dislike_n in_o the_o heathen_a religion_n and_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v by_o all_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v receive_v all_o over_o the_o world_n and_o as_o seneca_n 11._o seneca_n ibid._n l._n 6._o c._n 11._o express_v it_o victi_fw-la victoribus_fw-la leges_fw-la dederunt_fw-la ii_o there_o have_v be_v always_o remain_v divers_a memorial_n and_o remembrance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n among_o the_o heathen_a the_o flood_n of_o noah_n and_o the_o ark_n 3._o ark_n joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 1._o c._n 3._o be_v general_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o heathen_a historian_n and_o the_o flood_n of_o deucalion_n be_v syr._n be_v lucia●●_n de_fw-fr dea_fw-la syr._n plain_o transcribe_v from_o that_o of_o noah_n jove_n be_v a_o plain_a depravation_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n and_o diodorus_n siculus_n say_v 1._o say_v diod._n sic._n l._n 1._o that_o moses_n receive_v his_o law_n from_o the_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v another_o variation_n from_o it_o and_o this_o prove_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o heathen_a tradition_n concern_v the_o true_a god_n since_o the_o jew_n of_o latter_a time_n will_v not_o speak_v the_o name_n themselves_o much_o less_o communicate_v it_o to_o other_o appollus_fw-la clarius_n be_v consult_v to_o know_v who_o the_o god_n jao_n be_v answer_v that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a god_n of_o all_o as_o macrobius_n 18._o macrobius_n macrob._n saturn_n l._n 1._o c._n 18._o inform_v we_o from_o cornelius_n labeo_n which_o both_o show_v that_o the_o heathen_a have_v knowledge_n of_o the_o god_n jehovah_n and_o that_o
prophecy_n be_v misapply_v to_o a_o wrong_a person_n the_o four_o eclogue_n of_o virgil_n contain_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o sibyl_n and_o however_o it_o be_v design_v by_o he_o be_v in_o most_o thing_n much_o more_o applicable_a to_o our_o saviour_n than_o to_o the_o person_n who_o he_o describe_v in_o cataline_n conspiracy_n lentulus_n flatter_v himself_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v a_o king_n from_o catiline_n from_o tull._n in_o catalin_n orat._n 3._o sallust_n bell._n catiline_n the_o sibylline_a oracle_n and_o from_o the_o same_o oracle_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v probable_a the_o expectation_n of_o a_o king_n who_o shall_v arise_v out_o of_o judaea_n which_o both_o suetonius_n and_o tacitus_n mention_n 4._o mention_n tacit._n hist_o l._n 5._o sueton._n in_o vespas_fw-la c._n 4._o be_v spread_v throughout_o the_o east_n what_o tully_n say_v lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr divin_n in_o disparagement_n of_o this_o oracle_n be_v not_o much_o considerable_a in_o the_o case_n because_o that_o whole_a book_n be_v write_v with_o a_o design_n to_o disparage_v all_o divination_n in_o general_a for_o be_v a_o academic_a as_o he_o profess_v throughout_o his_o book_n of_o philosophy_n he_o acknowledge_v no_o more_o of_o any_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n than_o be_v just_o necessary_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o law_n as_o he_o own_v himself_o in_o divers_a place_n however_o from_o he_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o sybylline_a oracle_n be_v allege_v to_o the_o purpose_n there_o mention_v and_o that_o be_v in_o favour_n of_o caesar_n and_o of_o monarchy_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o be_v cause_n enough_o for_o tully_n to_o reject_v it_o and_o turn_v it_o to_o ridicule_n 2._o though_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o sibyl_n of_o cuma_n be_v burn_v with_o the_o capitol_n a._n v._o c._n dclxxi_o yet_o virgil_n express_o name_v cuma_n this_o sibyl_n verse_n must_v be_v still_o remain_v or_o suppose_v to_o be_v so_o unless_o what_o he_o write_v become_v some_o way_n or_o other_o know_v before_o the_o burn_a of_o the_o capitol_n and_o be_v deliver_v afterward_o down_o by_o tradition_n tully_n quote_v sibylla_n erythraea_n lib._n 1._o de_fw-fr divin_n and_o if_o he_o mean_v the_o same_o sibyl_n in_o the_o 2d_o book_n martianus_n capella_n say_v 2._o say_v martian_a capel_n nupt_v philolog_fw-la l._n 2._o that_o sibylla_n erythraea_n and_o cumana_n be_v the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o search_n which_o be_v make_v for_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n in_o italy_n and_o in_o all_o other_o place_n where_o there_o be_v any_o probability_n of_o find_v any_o remain_n of_o they_o after_o the_o burn_a of_o the_o capitol_n it_o be_v likely_a her_o verse_n may_v be_v recover_v for_o 1._o for_o valer._n maximus_n l._n 1._o c._n 1._o valerius_n maximus_n say_v that_o m._n tullius_n as_o he_o call_v he_o not_o attilius_n be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o tarqvinius_n for_o suffer_v petronius_n sabinus_n to_o transcribe_v the_o sybil_n verse_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v disperse_v in_o divers_a copy_n before_o it_o be_v discover_v so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v suppress_v it_o be_v not_o know_v but_o if_o they_o be_v the_o verse_n of_o some_o other_o sibyl_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o sibyl_n of_o cuma_n after_o she_o be_v burn_v with_o the_o capitol_n it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a however_o the_o roman_n certain_o think_v they_o have_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o cuman_a sibyl_n for_o as_o lactantius_n say_v 6._o say_v lactan._n de_fw-fr falsa_fw-la relig_n c._n 6._o they_o allow_v the_o verse_n of_o all_o the_o other_o sibyl_n to_o be_v copy_v out_o and_o publish_v though_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v those_o of_o cuma_n to_o be_v read_v but_o by_o order_n of_o the_o senate_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o care_n they_o can_v not_o keep_v they_o conceal_v for_o we_o meet_v they_o often_o quote_v indeed_o the_o oracle_n in_o the_o capitol_n 4._o capitol_n diovys_n halicar_n l._n 4._o be_v only_a copy_n take_v from_o original_n which_o be_v leave_v in_o those_o place_n from_o whence_o the_o roman_n have_v their_o own_o copy_n transcribe_v and_o the_o original_n may_v be_v read_v and_o other_o copy_n take_v how_o careful_o soever_o the_o roman_n keep_v their_o own_o 3._o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n contain_v thing_n which_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o verse_n themselves_o be_v in_o divers_a hand_n this_o give_v occasion_n to_o some_o to_o make_v many_o more_o verse_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o sybil_n relate_v the_o whole_a history_n of_o our_o saviour_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o the_o sibyl_n verse_n have_v be_v all_o burn_a or_o lose_v or_o if_o they_o have_v be_v keep_v so_o close_o that_o no_o body_n can_v possible_o come_v to_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o without_o leave_n from_o the_o senate_n there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o any_o imposture_n nor_o will_v the_o christian_n ever_o have_v allege_v they_o as_o genuine_a celsus_n object_n only_o 7._o only_o origen_n contra_fw-la cell_n l._n 7._o that_o many_o thing_n be_v add_v to_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o sibyl_n not_o that_o they_o be_v all_o counterfeit_n or_o that_o the_o christian_n have_v no_o mean_n of_o come_v by_o the_o true_a which_o be_v a_o advantage_n that_o a_o adversary_n much_o less_o subtle_a than_o celsus_n will_v not_o have_v omit_v if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o ground_n for_o it_o origen_n reply_v that_o it_o be_v a_o malicious_a accusation_n and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v no_o proof_n of_o it_o by_o produce_v ancient_a copy_n more_o genuine_a than_o those_o which_o the_o christian_n make_v use_v of_o and_o if_o the_o sibyl_n have_v deliver_v nothing_o relate_v to_o these_o matter_n why_o shall_v any_o one_o counterfeit_a verse_n in_o their_o name_n rather_o than_o under_o the_o title_n of_o any_o other_o oracle_n there_o must_v be_v some_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o truth_n to_o give_v any_o opportunity_n or_o pretence_n to_o the_o counterfeit_n of_o it_o and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o sibyl_n concern_v christ_n must_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o additional_a one_o which_o be_v false_o ascribe_v to_o they_o 4._o isaac_n vossius_fw-la think_v that_o great_a part_n of_o these_o oracle_n be_v compose_v by_o the_o jew_n and_o indeed_o pausanias_n say_v 328._o say_v pausan_n in_o phocic_n p._n 328._o one_o of_o the_o sibyl_n be_v by_o the_o jew_n call_v sabba_n the_o same_o i_o suppose_v who_o be_v mention_v by_o 35._o by_o aelian_a l._n 2._o c._n 35._o aelian_a and_o by_o suidas_n say_v to_o be_v descend_v from_o noah_n and_o name_v sambethe_n call_v the_o chaldaean_n and_o by_o some_o the_o hebrew_n and_o also_o the_o persian_a sibyl_n who_o 16._o who_o alexand._n ab_fw-la alex._n l._n 3._o c._n 16._o alexander_n ab_fw-la alexandro_n call_v sibylla_n judaea_n but_o if_o these_o be_v only_o heathen_a oracle_n yet_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o prediction_n concern_v christ_n be_v very_o plain_a though_o not_o so_o particular_a as_o those_o now_o set_v down_o in_o the_o sibylline_a book_n both_o because_o the_o heathen_a have_v but_o few_o oracle_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o so_o many_o of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a nature_n it_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a that_o these_o shall_v be_v plain_a and_o because_o we_o find_v that_o when_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n see_v it_o fit_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o other_o he_o do_v it_o in_o as_o plain_a a_o manner_n and_o sometime_o in_o a_o plain_a than_o he_o do_v to_o his_o own_o people_n in_o any_o one_o prophecy_n thus_o balaam_n prophecy_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o any_o prophecy_n of_o that_o time_n at_o least_o and_o our_o saviour_n discover_v himself_o more_o plain_o to_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n than_o he_o have_v yet_o do_v to_o any_o of_o his_o disciple_n john_n four_o 26._o not_o to_o mention_v the_o dream_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o nabuchadnezzar_n or_o the_o message_n of_o jonah_n to_o the_o ninevite_n and_o as_o balaam_n a_o enchanter_n or_o sorcerer_n deliver_v a_o true_a and_o famous_a prophecy_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n may_v ordain_v that_o these_o celebrate_a prophetess_n who_o oracle_n be_v otherwise_o the_o devil_n instrument_n to_o promote_v his_o end_n shall_v foretell_v our_o saviour_n come_v and_o yet_o st._n augustine_n assure_v we_o 23._o we_o august_n civ_o dei_fw-la l._n 18._o c._n 23._o that_o the_o sibylla_n erythraea_n or_o cumana_n have_v nothing_o of_o idolatry_n in_o her_o verse_n but_o speak_v so_o much_o against_o it_o that_o he_o believe_v she_o to_o belong_v to_o the_o city_n of_o god_n 5._o the_o difference_n which_o there_o be_v
these_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n must_v be_v genuine_a and_o of_o divine_a authority_n be_v write_v by_o he_o who_o have_v so_o many_o way_n give_v evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o prediction_n or_o prophecy_n contain_a in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v foretell_v by_o god_n himself_o upon_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v bruise_v the_o serpem_n head_n gen._n iii._o 15._o maimonides_n be_v observe_v to_o take_v particular_a notice_n that_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o not_o of_o the_o man_n and_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o targum_n be_v observe_v to_o apply_v this_o text_n to_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n that_o be_v a_o virgin_n and_o have_v no_o man_n to_o his_o father_n and_o therefore_o this_o prediction_n express_v thus_o precise_o concern_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n can_v be_v fulfil_v in_o no_o other_o person_n and_o no_o other_o person_n ever_o gain_v such_o victory_n over_o the_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v so_o long_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o son_n of_o men._n god_n reveal_v the_o precise_a time_n of_o the_o flood_n to_o noah_n who_o thereupon_o build_v a_o ark_n and_o foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n to_o that_o wicked_a generation_n and_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n and_o repentance_n to_o they_o gen._n vi_fw-la 3._o after_o the_o flood_n noah_n by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n foretell_v the_o fate_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o his_o three_o son_n gen._n ix_o 25._o that_o canaan_n shall_v be_v servant_n to_o shem_n which_o be_v accomplish_v when_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n the_o posterity_n of_o shem_n subdue_v the_o canaanite_n and_o possess_v their_o land_n about_o eight_o hundred_o year_n after_o this_o prophecy_n that_o japhet_n shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o shem_n which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n descend_v from_o japhet_n when_o they_o conquer_v asia_n that_o canaan_n shall_v likewise_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o japhet_n as_o well_o as_o of_o shem._n upon_o which_o mr._n mede_n observe_v 28._o observe_v mede_n book_n 1_o disc_n 28._o that_o the_o posterity_n cham_fw-mi never_o subdue_v the_o child_n either_o of_o japhet_n or_o of_o shem_n though_o shem_n have_v subdue_v japhet_n and_o japhet_n have_v conquer_v shem_n which_o make_v 27._o make_v liv._o l._n 27._o hannibal_n descend_v from_o canaan_n cry_v out_o with_o amazement_n of_o soul_n agnosco_fw-la fatum_fw-la carthaginis_fw-la god_n promise_v abraham_n a_o son_n in_o his_o old_a age_n by_o sarah_n his_o wife_n who_o be_v likewise_o of_o a_o great_a age_n and_o declare_v that_o his_o posterity_n by_o this_o son_n shall_v be_v exceed_o numerous_a that_o they_o shall_v inherit_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n after_o they_o have_v be_v afflict_v in_o a_o strange_a land_n four_o hundred_o year_n gen._n xv._o 13._o and_o that_o then_o they_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o that_o land_n with_o great_a substance_n but_o that_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o nation_n that_o have_v oppress_v they_o or_o that_o he_o will_v procure_v their_o deliverance_n by_o signal_n judgement_n upon_o their_o oppressor_n and_o that_o in_o the_o four_o generation_n they_o shall_v be_v bring_v back_o again_o to_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n ver_fw-la 16._o which_o agree_v exact_o with_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n compute_v the_o year_n from_o the_o time_n that_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o abraham_n exod._n twelve_o 40._o gal._n iii._o 17._o and_o reckon_v the_o four_o generation_n to_o be_v betwixt_o isaac_n the_o son_n promise_v to_o abraham_n and_o moses_n in_o who_o the_o prediction_n be_v fulfil_v this_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v renew_v several_a time_n and_o repeat_v again_o to_o he_o and_o to_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n gen._n xxvi_o 3._o &_o xxviii_o 14._o and_o be_v all_o along_o depend_v upon_o by_o the_o israelite_n god_n foretell_v of_o abraham_n that_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o he_o gen._n xviii_o 18._o which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o that_o god_n make_v abraham_n '_o posterity_n his_o messenger_n to_o communicate_v his_o will_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o that_o blessing_n which_o all_o nation_n receive_v in_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o remarkable_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o great_a of_o blessing_n and_o be_v often_o repeat_v the_o prophecy_n of_o isaac_n concern_v esau_n and_o jacob_n gen._n xxvii_o 40._o first_o that_o the_o posterity_n of_o esau_n shall_v serve_v jacob_n posterity_n be_v fulfil_v in_o david_n victory_n over_o the_o edomite_n 2_o sam._n viij_o 14._o 1_o king_n xi_o 15._o 1_o chron._n xviii_o 13._o and_o by_o amaziah_n 2_o king_n fourteen_o 7._o and_o then_o that_o part_n of_o it_o that_o the_o edomite_n shall_v break_v the_o yoke_n from_o off_o their_o neck_n be_v accomplish_v 2_o king_n viij_o 20._o 2_o chron._n xxi_o 8._o joseph_n own_o dream_n and_o his_o interpretation_n of_o the_o dream_n of_o pharaoh_n when_o none_o of_o the_o magician_n or_o wiseman_n of_o egypt_n be_v able_a to_o interpret_v it_o have_v remarkable_a and_o public_a circumstance_n that_o can_v neither_o be_v mistake_v nor_o forget_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n jacob_n describe_v the_o border_n of_o their_o several_a possession_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n though_o it_o be_v so_o many_o year_n after_o divide_a among_o the_o tribe_n by_o lot_n gen._n xlix_o 13._o he_o foretell_v the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o son_n and_o particular_o prophesy_v that_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n until_o shiloh_n come_v and_o upon_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o and_o other_o prophecy_n in_o the_o pentateuch_n not_o only_o the_o jew_n but_o the_o samaritan_n who_o receive_v no_o other_o prophecy_n as_o they_o do_v these_o expect_v the_o messiah_n at_o the_o time_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o believe_v on_o he_o because_o they_o see_v the_o prophecy_n fulfil_v in_o he_o joh._n four_o 25_o 29_o 39_o 42._o joseph_n take_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n say_v god_n will_v sure_o visit_v you_o and_o you_o shall_v carry_v up_o my_o bone_n from_o hence_o gen._n l._n 25._o which_o they_o do_v according_o exod._n xiii_o 19_o jacob_n have_v desire_v to_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n insomuch_o that_o he_o cause_v joseph_n to_o swear_v to_o he_o that_o he_o will_v bury_v he_o there_o and_o not_o in_o egypt_n and_o joseph_n and_o his_o brethren_n go_v into_o canaan_n to_o bury_v their_o father_n because_o that_o be_v the_o land_n where_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n have_v be_v bury_v and_o the_o land_n which_o their_o posterity_n be_v afterward_o to_o possess_v but_o joseph_n as_o a_o further_a token_n of_o assurance_n to_o the_o israelite_n that_o they_o shall_v inherit_v that_o land_n will_v not_o have_v his_o own_o corpse_n carry_v thither_o at_o his_o death_n but_o order_v his_o bone_n to_o be_v keep_v and_o carry_v up_o by_o their_o posterity_n at_o their_o leave_v egypt_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o be_v a_o perpetual_a monument_n and_o representation_n to_o they_o of_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o their_o forefather_n and_o a_o ground_n and_o motive_n for_o their_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o the_o remembrance_n of_o balaam_n prophecy_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o east_n and_o the_o wiseman_n upon_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o star_n know_v it_o to_o be_v fulfil_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o inquire_v where_o they_o may_v find_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n then_o new_o bear_v num._n xxiv_o 15._o mat._n two_o 2._o he_o prophesy_v likewise_o of_o agag_n by_o name_n say_v of_o israel_n and_o his_o king_n shall_v be_v high_o than_o agag_n and_o his_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v exalt_v num._n xxiv_o 7._o thereby_o foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o agag_n by_o saul_n who_o be_v the_o first_o king_n that_o ever_o israel_n have_v overcome_v agag_n king_n of_o the_o amalekite_n 1_o sam._n xv_o 8._o the_o same_o balaam_n foretell_v the_o conquest_n of_o alexander_n in_o these_o word_n and_o ship_n shall_v come_v from_o the_o coast_n of_o chittim_n and_o shall_v afflict_v ashur_n num._n xxiv_o 24._o by_o the_o coast_n of_o chittim_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o coast_n of_o greece_n from_o whence_o alexander_n army_n be_v transport_v into_o asia_n for_o alexander_n come_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o chettim_n or_o chittim_n 1_o mac._n i_o 1._o and_o perseus_n be_v king_n of_o the_o citim_n or_o macedonian_n chap._n viij_o 5._o these_o
several_a prophecy_n we_o have_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o ascribe_v to_o other_o and_o the_o last_o comain_v so_o many_o remarkable_a thing_n be_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o enemy_n moses_n himself_o foretell_v that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n shall_v after_o forty_o year_n come_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n that_o they_o shall_v prove_v victorious_a over_o the_o canaanite_n and_o that_o their_o country_n shall_v by_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o protection_n be_v preserve_v in_o safety_n whilst_o they_o go_v up_o to_o worship_n at_o jerusalem_n thrice_o every_o year_n thrice_o in_o the_o year_n shall_v all_o your_o man-child_n appear_v before_o the_o lord_n god_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n for_o i_o will_v cast_v out_o the_o nation_n before_o thou_o and_o enlarge_v thy_o border_n netther_o shall_v any_o man_n desire_v thy_o land_n when_o thou_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n thrice_o in_o the_o year_n exod._n xxxiv_o 23_o 24._o here_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o constant_a miracle_n to_o be_v fulfil_v to_o the_o israelite_n thrice_o every_o year_n as_o long_o as_o their_o government_n stand_v all_o their_o male_n be_v to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o three_o set_v and_o know_v time_n every_o year_n and_o yet_o their_o enemy_n round_o about_o they_o who_o they_o have_v so_o many_o way_n provoke_v be_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n restrain_v from_o take_v any_o advantage_n of_o this_o opportunity_n which_o be_v frequent_o and_o notorious_o give_v they_o of_o invade_v their_o country_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n make_v it_o impossible_a for_o their_o government_n to_o subsist_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o religion_n without_o a_o miracle_n wrought_v three_o time_n in_o a_o year_n for_o their_o preservation_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o they_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o preserve_n of_o they_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o be_v a_o continual_a confirmation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o a_o repeat_v assurance_n that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n likewise_o every_o seven_o year_n they_o be_v permit_v neither_o to_o sow_v their_o land_n nor_o to_o prune_v their_o vineyard_n nor_o to_o gather_v any_o corn_n or_o fruit_n that_o grow_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n which_o be_v a_o law_n that_o must_v have_v bring_v they_o under_o great_a extremity_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o have_v be_v impracticable_a if_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a blessing_n of_o god_n have_v not_o supply_v this_o constant_a want_n of_o the_o seven_o year_n product_n with_o as_o constant_a a_o overplus_n in_o the_o precede_a year_n for_o as_o god_n by_o moses_n foretell_v that_o on_o the_o six_o day_n there_o shall_v fall_v manna_n enough_o to_o supply_v they_o on_o the_o sabbath-day_n so_o they_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o three_o year_n fruit_n precise_o every_o six_o year_n to_o supply_v that_o want_n which_o the_o sabbatical_a year_n must_v otherwise_o have_v reduce_v they_o to_o and_o if_o you_o shall_v say_v what_o shall_v we_o eat_v the_o seven_o year_n behold_v we_o shall_v not_o sow_v nor_o gather_v in_o our_o increase_n then_o i_o will_v command_v my_o blessing_n upon_o you_o in_o the_o six_o year_n and_o it_o shall_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n for_o three_o year_n and_o you_o shall_v sow_v the_o eight_o year_n and_o eat_v yet_o of_o old_a fruit_n until_o the_o nine_o year_n until_o her_o fruit_n come_v in_o you_o shall_v eat_v of_o the_o old_a store_n leu._n twenty-five_o 20_o 21_o 22._o which_o be_v another_o clear_a instance_n that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n can_v never_o have_v subsist_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o law_n but_o by_o the_o constant_a and_o miraculous_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o prophecy_n which_o contain_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o they_o for_o their_o preservation_n in_o blessing_n the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n he_o foretell_v the_o peculiar_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o every_o distinct_a tribe_n deut._n xxxiii_o he_o foretell_v to_o they_o all_o in_o general_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v miraculous_a success_n against_o the_o canaanite_n that_o they_o shall_v possess_v themselves_o of_o their_o land_n that_o they_o shall_v set_v king_n over_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a place_n of_o worship_n whither_o they_o shall_v all_o resort_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o divine_a oracle_n and_o a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n for_o their_o direction_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o difficulty_n and_o joshua_n appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n whether_o all_o have_v not_o be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v promise_v as_o far_o as_o his_o time_n and_o be_v hold_v this_o day_n i_o be_o go_v the_o way_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o you_o know_v in_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o in_o all_o your_o soul_n that_o not_o one_o thing_n have_v fail_v of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n speak_v concern_v you_o all_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v unto_o you_o and_o not_o one_o thing_n have_v fail_v thereof_o josh_n xxiii_o 14._o the_o extent_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n after_o they_o come_v to_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v foretell_v exod._n xxiii_o 31._o and_o fulfil_v 2_o sam._n viij_o 3._o ezra_n four_o 20._o and_o solomon_n at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n declare_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o all_o the_o people_n that_o there_o have_v not_o fail_v one_o word_n of_o all_o god_n good_a promise_n which_o he_o promise_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n his_o servant_n 1_o king_n viij_o 56._o moses_n also_o foretell_v that_o beside_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o prophet_n for_o many_o age_n there_o shall_v arise_v a_o prophet_n of_o extraordinary_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o hear_v that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v destroy_v deut._n xviii_o 18._o this_o prophet_n be_v the_o great_a expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o time_n of_o out_o saviour_n come_v joh._n 1.21_o &_o vi_fw-la 14._o &_o seven_o 40._o and_o the_o apostle_n prove_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v he_o act._n iii._o 22._o &_o seven_o 37._o last_o moses_n foretell_v the_o disobedience_n and_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n the_o judgement_n that_o shall_v befall_v they_o for_o their_o iniquity_n and_o their_o deliverance_n upon_o their_o repentance_n he_o foretell_v so_o many_o year_n before_o they_o have_v any_o king_n that_o they_o and_o their_o king_n who_o they_o will_v set_v over_o they_o shall_v be_v carry_v into_o captivity_n and_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o they_o be_v take_v captive_a by_o the_o assyrian_n who_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o very_a same_o word_n that_o the_o other_o prophet_n use_v concern_v they_o the_o remainder_n shall_v be_v carry_v into_o egypt_n deut._n xxviii_o 36_o 49_o 50_o 68_o and_o we_o see_v it_o come_v according_o to_o pass_v jer._n xliii_o and_o the_o siege_n of_o samaria_n by_o the_o assyrian_n and_o of_o jerusalem_n both_o by_o they_o and_o the_o roman_n be_v particular_o describe_v to_o the_o very_a circumstance_n of_o their_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o their_o son_n and_o of_o their_o daughter_n deut._n xxviii_o 53._o which_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o have_v scarce_o ever_o happen_v in_o any_o other_o siege_n but_o those_o of_o samaria_n and_o of_o jerusalem_n lam._n two_o 20._o &_o four_o 10.2_o king_n vi_o 29._o this_o monstrous_a and_o dreadful_a thing_n be_v twice_o know_v in_o jerusalem_n first_o when_o it_o be_v besiege_v by_o nehuchadnezzar_n and_o again_o when_o it_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o roman_n under_o titus_n and_o such_o a_o circumstance_n can_v not_o be_v foretell_v so_o long_o before_o but_o by_o a_o divine_a prescience_n and_o that_o so_o strange_a and_o unnatural_a a_o thing_n shall_v befall_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n three_o several_a time_n according_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o a_o prophecy_n can_v have_v nothing_o of_o chance_n in_o it_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o beside_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n every_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o their_o first_o original_a to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o perpetual_a fulfil_v of_o express_a prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n if_o it_o be_v once_o prove_v that_o moses_n do_v what_o be_v relate_v of_o he_o in_o the_o pentateuch_n it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o he_o do_v it_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o that_o he_o be_v god_n servant_n and_o minister_n and_o that_o
therefore_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v or_o write_v as_o by_o his_o direction_n and_o command_n be_v real_o so_o for_o if_o there_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o work_v perform_v by_o moses_n be_v such_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a enquiry_n will_v be_v whether_o they_o be_v real_o perform_v by_o he_o since_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v that_o god_n may_v not_o upon_o great_a reason_n alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o prove_v suppose_v only_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n and_o that_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v give_v by_o he_o that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o stand_v confirm_v by_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o pentateuch_n to_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n and_o that_o he_o deliver_v the_o law_n to_o the_o israelite_n be_v affirm_v by_o the_o best_a heathen_a author_n as_o diodorus_n siculus_n strabo_n and_o other_o and_o be_v never_o yet_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o question_v by_o any_o man_n for_o those_o who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o moses_n write_v the_o book_n which_o contain_v it_o yet_o confess_v that_o the_o law_n itself_o be_v of_o his_o prescribe_v but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v question_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o man_n who_o give_v they_o their_o law_n how_o absurd_a be_v it_o to_o imagine_v that_o a_o new_a and_o burdensome_a law_n which_o at_o first_o be_v so_o very_o uneasy_a to_o they_o and_o which_o nothing_o but_o a_o full_a persunsion_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n can_v ever_o have_v make_v they_o so_o zealous_a for_o shall_v be_v receive_v by_o any_o nation_n mere_o upon_o a_o feign_a and_o groundless_a report_n that_o moses_n have_v at_o some_o time_n or_o other_o deliver_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n if_o there_o never_o have_v be_v such_o a_o man_n or_o such_o a_o lawgiver_n in_o the_o world_n can_v any_o one_o or_o more_o man_n persuade_v a_o whole_a nation_n to_o this_o or_o can_v a_o whole_a nation_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v their_o posterity_n with_o a_o belief_n of_o it_o what_o mighty_a charm_n can_v there_o be_v in_o a_o name_n never_o hear_v of_o before_o and_o in_o a_o story_n new_o invent_v that_o a_o whole_a nation_n shall_v present_o grow_v fond_a of_o it_o they_o must_v consider_v humane_a nature_n very_o little_a who_o can_v fancy_n any_o thing_n so_o unnatural_a i_o shall_v therefore_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n and_o that_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v give_v by_o he_o and_o if_o it_o be_v once_o prove_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o miracle_n relate_v of_o he_o be_v indeed_o perform_v as_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o have_v be_v no_o rational_a man_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o a_o almighty_a power_n i_o shall_v now_o therefore_o consider_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n bare_o as_o national_a record_v not_o as_o write_v by_o a_o inspire_a author_n for_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o they_o consider_v only_o as_o a_o account_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o moses_n be_v a_o person_n inspire_v and_o assist_v by_o god_n and_o both_o write_v and_o do_v all_o by_o god_n express_a will_n and_o appointment_n and_o if_o we_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n in_o this_o matter_n when_o they_o be_v consider_v but_o as_o national_a record_v it_o must_v be_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o account_n either_o 1._o because_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v there_o relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v be_v not_o at_o first_o sufficient_o attest_v or_o 2._o because_o the_o record_n themselves_o be_v seign_v and_o therefore_o the_o relation_n there_o set_v down_o be_v not_o to_o be_v depend_v upon_o for_o if_o the_o miracle_n be_v sufficient_o attest_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n then_o if_o the_o history_n be_v true_a the_o miracle_n must_v be_v so_o too_o 1._o the_o miracle_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o be_v there_o relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v be_v at_o first_o sufficient_o attest_v the_o permission_n of_o polygamy_n among_o the_o israelite_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o that_o people_n the_o peculiar_a fruitfulness_n of_o the_o climate_n of_o egypt_n where_o the_o woman_n be_v observe_v to_o bring_v forth_o often_o two_o or_o three_o sometime_o more_o child_n at_o a_o birth_n the_o long_a life_n of_o mankind_n in_o those_o age_n and_o above_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n that_o he_o will_v bless_v and_o multiply_v his_o posterity_n in_o isaac_n line_n gen._n xxii_o 17._o cause_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v exceed_o numerous_a in_o a_o few_o generation_n after_o they_o come_v into_o aeygpt_n a_o syrian_a ready_a to_o perish_v be_v their_o father_n and_o he_o go_v down_o into_o aeygpt_n and_o sojourn_v there_o with_o a_o few_o and_o become_v there_o a_o nation_n great_a mighty_a and_o populous_a deut._n xxvi_o 5._o the_o fighting-man_n from_o twenty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a that_o be_v number_v in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o sinai_n in_o the_o second_o year_n after_o they_o come_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n be_v six_o hundred_o thousand_o and_o three_o thousand_o and_o five_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o beside_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n num._n i._n 1_o 46_o 47._o and_o the_o male_n of_o the_o levite_n that_o be_v number_v from_o thirty_o year_n old_a to_o fifty_o be_v egtht_v thousand_o and_o five_o hundred_o and_o fourscore_o num._n four_o 47_o 48._o and_o the_o number_n of_o male_n from_o twenty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a which_o be_v take_v in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n be_v six_o hundred_o thousand_o and_o a_o thousand_o seven_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o beside_o the_o levite_n and_o those_o that_o be_v number_v of_o they_o be_v twenty_o and_o three_o thousand_o all_o male_n from_o a_o month_n old_a and_o upward_a and_o not_o a_o man_n of_o these_o be_v number_v before_o in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o sinai_n chap._n xxvi_o 51_o 62_o 64._o and_o those_o of_o the_o other_o sex_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v about_o the_o same_o number_n when_o both_o these_o account_n be_v take_v in_o all_o reckon_v man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o servant_n the_o number_n be_v compute_v at_o three_o million_o and_o all_o this_o people_n the_o parent_n and_o the_o child_n who_o as_o they_o die_v grow_v up_o in_o their_o stead_n be_v conduct_v for_o forty_o year_n together_o by_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v continual_o in_o their_o sight_n god_n take_v he_o a_o nation_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o another_o nation_n by_o temptation_n by_o sign_n and_o by_o wonder_n and_o by_o war_n and_o by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o by_o a_o stretched-out_a arm_n and_o by_o great_a terror_n deut._n four_o 34._o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a whether_o there_o be_v miracle_n wrought_v to_o procure_v their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n these_o be_v public_a and_o notorious_a both_o to_o the_o israelite_n and_o the_o egyptian_n the_o magician_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v the_o like_a with_o their_o enchantment_n but_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n viij_o 19_o and_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o of_o such_o mighty_a consequence_n that_o they_o can_v not_o fail_v of_o be_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o when_o two_o nation_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o effect_n and_o event_n of_o they_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v be_v witness_n of_o ten_o plague_n inflict_v successive_o upon_o the_o egyptian_n in_o the_o most_o remarkable_a manner_n that_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o procure_v their_o deliverance_n and_o when_o pharaoh_n pursue_v they_o as_o they_o be_v go_v away_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o escape_v from_o he_o but_o by_o miracle_n the_o people_n be_v in_o the_o great_a consternation_n they_o wish_v themselves_o again_o in_o egypt_n and_o make_v such_o expostulation_n with_o moses_n as_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n in_o that_o condition_n to_o make_v and_o such_o as_o show_v that_o upon_o the_o first_o opportunity_n they_o will_v have_v be_v ready_a ●o_o deliver_v up_o moses_n to_o secure_v themselves_o and_o mal●●_n their_o peace_n with_o pharaoh_n and_o they_o say_v unto_o moses_n because_o there_o be_v no_o grave_n in_o egypt_n have_v thou_o take_v we_o away_o to_o die_v in_o ●he_n wilderness_n wherefore_o have_v thou_o deal_v thus_o with_o we_o to_o carry_v we_o forth_o out_o of_o egypt_n be_v not_o ●his_v
fact_n to_o be_v know_v to_o any_o single_a person_n 2._o have_v show_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o miracle_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v be_v at_o first_o sufficient_o attest_v and_o that_o if_o we_o may_v credit_v that_o relation_n all_o the_o miracle_n there_o mention_v be_v certain_o wrought_v by_o he_o since_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o they_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o the_o relation_n there_o set_v down_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v depend_v upon_o for_o if_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o miracle_n be_v either_o feign_v or_o falsify_v this_o must_v be_v do_v either_o in_o moses_n his_o time_n or_o afterward_o and_o if_o in_o his_o time_n then_o either_o by_o moses_n and_o aaron_n with_o other_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o carry_v on_o the_o design_n or_o by_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o isra●l_n together_o and_o if_o it_o be_v do_v after_o moses_n his_o death_n than_o again_o it_o must_v be_v do_v either_o by_o some_o particular_a man_n or_o by_o the_o contrivance_n of_o some_o few_o or_o more_o together_o or_o it_o must_v have_v be_v by_o the_o joint_a knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n i_o will_v therefore_o prove_v 1._o that_o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v by_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o other_o concern_v with_o they_o in_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o design_n 2._o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v nor_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n invent_v or_o falsify_v by_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o by_o any_o confederacy_n or_o combination_n of_o man_n after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n 3._o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v nor_o the_o book_n invent_v or_o falsify_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n either_o in_o moses_n time_n or_o after_o it_o 1._o these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v by_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o other_o concern_v with_o they_o in_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o design_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o can_v never_o invent_v such_o a_o account_n as_o that_o of_o their_o miraculous_a escape_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o their_o travel_v in_o the_o wilderness_n under_o the_o conduct_n and_o support_v of_o the_o same_o miraculous_a power_n and_o then_o impose_v it_o upon_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n for_o truth_n for_o the_o people_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v chief_o concern_v in_o the_o whole_a relation_n moses_n appeal_v to_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n the_o lord_n make_v not_o this_o covenant_n with_o our_o father_n but_o with_o we_o even_o with_o we_o who_o be_v all_o of_o we_o here_o alive_a this_o day_n deut._n v._n 3._o and_o know_v you_o this_o day_n for_o i_o speak_v not_o with_o your_o child_n which_o have_v not_o know_v and_o which_o have_v not_o see_v the_o chastisement_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n his_o greatness_n his_o mighty_a hand_n and_o his_o stretched-out_a arm_n and_o his_o miracle_n and_o his_o act_n which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o egypt_n unto_o pharaoh_n the_o king_n of_o egypt_n and_o unto_o all_o his_o land_n and_o what_o he_o do_v unto_o the_o army_n of_o egypt_n unto_o their_o horse_n and_o to_o their_o chariot_n how_o he_o make_v the_o water_n of_o the_o red-sea_n to_o over_o flow_v they_o as_o they_o pursue_v after_o you_o and_o how_o the_o lord_n have_v destroy_v they_o unto_o this_o day_n and_o what_o he_o do_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o wilderness_n until_o you_o come_v into_o this_o place_n and_o what_o he_o do_v unto_o dathan_n and_o abiram_n the_o son_n of_o eliab_n the_o son_n of_o reuben_n how_o the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n and_o swallow_v they_o up_o and_o their_o household_n and_o their_o tent_n and_o all_o their_o substance_n that_o be_v in_o their_o possession_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o israel_n but_o your_o eye_n have_v see_v all_o the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o do_v deut._n xi_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o here_o be_v a_o recapitulation_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v with_o a_o appeal_n to_o their_o sense_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o moses_n will_v never_o have_v make_v such_o appeal_n as_o these_o if_o they_o can_v possible_o have_v disprove_v he_o they_o can_v never_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o ●ame_n out_o of_o egypt_n after_o so_o many_o plague_n inflict_v upon_o the_o egyptian_n to_o procure_v their_o deliverance_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n or_o that_o they_o be_v so_o long_a time_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o that_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o their_o sight_n if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v do_v before_o they_o though_o man_n may_v perhaps_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v that_o their_o ancestor_n a_o long_a time_n ago_o see_v and_o hear_v thing_n which_o they_o never_o see_v nor_o hear_v yet_o a_o whole_a nation_n be_v never_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v persuade_v out_o of_o their_o sense_n at_o once_o and_o moses_n can_v not_o attempt_v to_o make_v so_o many_o man_n believe_v what_o they_o must_v all_o have_v know_v to_o have_v be_v false_a as_o well_o as_o himself_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o but_o he_o will_v have_v lard_n the_o scene_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n of_o time_n and_o not_o have_v bring_v those_o in_o as_o chief_o concern_v in_o the_o whole_a business_n who_o be_v then_o alive_a and_o present_a to_o convince_v he_o of_o falsehood_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o particular_n set_v down_o in_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v false_a and_o as_o ancient_a as_o moses_n his_o time_n they_o must_v be_v invent_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o receive_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n for_o moses_n and_o aaron_n can_v never_o so_o far_o delude_v so_o many_o thousand_o as_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v such_o variety_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o so_o many_o and_o so_o wonderful_a instance_n set_v forth_o and_o with_o such_o notorious_a circumstance_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o who_o they_o deceive_v whether_o they_o have_v not_o see_v and_o perceive_v and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o what_o have_v be_v do_v for_o so_o many_o year_n if_o it_o have_v be_v all_o but_o fiction_n 2._o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v nor_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n invent_v or_o falsify_v by_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o by_o any_o confederacy_n or_o combination_n of_o man_n after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n if_o the_o miracle_n be_v feign_v after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n either_o the_o law_n must_v likewise_o be_v invent_v or_o alter_v after_o his_o death_n and_o the_o miracle_n insert_v to_o procure_v they_o authority_n or_o the_o law_n remain_v as_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o he_o and_o the_o miracle_n only_o be_v add_v for_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o contain_v the_o law_n deliver_v by_o he_o or_o as_o relate_v the_o miracle_n by_o which_o these_o law_n be_v ratify_v and_o establish_v in_o each_o of_o which_o respect_v there_o can_v be_v no_o forgery_n or_o falsification_n for_o 1._o the_o law_n themselves_o can_v not_o be_v invent_v nor_o alter_v or_o falsify_v because_o the_o whole_a jewish_a state_n and_o policy_n be_v found_v upon_o they_o and_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o jewish_a government_n which_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o have_v be_v first_o erect_v by_o moses_n for_o not_o only_o their_o religious_a worship_n but_o their_o civil_a right_n and_o interest_n depend_v entire_o upon_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n their_o public_a proceed_n and_o their_o private_a deal_n one_o with_o another_o be_v all_o to_o be_v regulate_v and_o govern_v by_o these_o law_n and_o when_o any_o law_n be_v bring_v into_o constant_a use_n and_o practice_n in_o any_o nation_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v be_v alter_v and_o falsify_v and_o a_o new_a system_fw-la of_o law_n introduce_v instead_o of_o they_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o people_n govern_v by_o they_o or_o any_o remembrance_n of_o it_o leave_v among_o they_o no_o material_a alteration_n can_v be_v make_v in_o law_n which_o be_v of_o continual_a use_n and_o which_o concern_v every_o man_n interest_n but_o they_o must_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o discover_v by_o such_o as_o shall_v find_v themselves_o aggrieve_v by_o such_o alteration_n but_o this_o be_v less_o practicable_a among_o the_o jew_n than_o among_o any_o other_o people_n 1._o because_o the_o distinction_n of_o their_o tribe_n and_o the_o genealogy_n which_o
be_v keep_v of_o every_o family_n make_v they_o have_v a_o more_o separate_a and_o distinct_a interest_n in_o every_o tribe_n and_o a_o more_o exact_a account_n of_o time_n and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n in_o every_o family_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o so_o capable_a of_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o the_o people_n of_o other_o nation_n may_v be_v where_o marriage_n and_o inheritance_n be_v promiscuous_a and_o no_o occasion_n be_v give_v for_o the_o like_a emulation_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o and_o where_o no_o such_o remembrance_n and_o notice_n of_o the_o transaction_n of_o affair_n be_v to_o be_v consult_v by_o any_o one_o of_o every_o private_a family_n in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o sinai_n on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o second_o month_n in_o the_o second_o year_n after_o they_o be_v come_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n moses_n and_o aaron_n assemble_v all_o the_o congregation_n together_o and_o they_o declare_v their_o pedigree_n after_o their_o family_n by_o the_o house_n of_o their_o father_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o their_o name_n from_o twenty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a by_o their_o poll_n num._n i._n 1_o 18._o and_o this_o be_v do_v again_o in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n at_o the_o end_n of_o forty_o year_n chap._n xxvi_o and_o these_o genealogy_n we_o preserve_v not_o only_o during_o the_o captivity_n ezra_n seven_o and_o down_o to_o the_o reign_n of_o herod_n but_o even_o to_o the_o time_n of_o josephus_n who_o in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o apion_n say_v that_o they_o have_v the_o genealogy_n of_o their_o priest_n then_o still_o extant_a for_o two_o thousand_o year_n by_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o tribe_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o separate_a interest_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o korah_n sedition_n against_o moses_n and_o every_o man_n among_o their_o tribe_n may_v certain_o hereby_o know_v how_o many_o generation_n he_o be_v remove_v from_o those_o who_o first_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o may_v find_v the_o name_n of_o his_o ancestor_n register_v who_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o moses_n or_o come_v with_o joshua_n over_o jordan_n and_o this_o must_v make_v the_o memory_n of_o their_o ancestor_n more_o dear_a and_o familiar_a to_o they_o and_o it_o must_v make_v they_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n for_o any_o thing_n they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o especial_o for_o a_o book_n upon_o which_o their_o right_n of_o inheritance_n and_o the_o title_n they_o have_v to_o all_o they_o enjoy_v depend_v this_o be_v the_o deed_n by_o which_o they_o hold_v their_o estate_n and_o the_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n as_o it_o be_v of_o their_o ancestor_n among_o who_o the_o land_n be_v divide_v but_o it_o be_v certain_a man_n be_v more_o careful_a of_o nothing_o than_o of_o the_o write_n by_o which_o they_o enjoy_v their_o estate_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a dauger_v when_o a_o will_n be_v once_o come_v to_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o right_a heir_n that_o it_o will_v be_v lose_v or_o salsify_v to_o his_o prejudice_n but_o if_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v alter_v it_o must_v be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o advantage_n to_o such_o as_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o make_v the_o alteration_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o other_o who_o therefore_o will_v have_v find_v themselves_o concern_v to_o oppose_v such_o alteration_n but_o as_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o deed_n of_o settlement_n to_o every_o tribe_n and_o family_n so_o they_o be_v a_o law_n too_o which_o all_o be_v oblige_v to_o know_v and_o observe_v under_o the_o severe_a penalty_n and_o be_v so_o general_o know_v and_o universal_o practise_v it_o can_v no_o more_o be_v falsify_v at_o any_o time_n since_o its_o first_o promulgation_n than_o it_o can_v be_v now_o at_o this_o day_n for_o 2._o another_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n less_o capable_a of_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o they_o be_v by_o their_o law_n themselves_o oblige_v to_o the_o constant_a study_n of_o they_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v they_o their_o child_n and_o to_o be_v continual_o discourse_v and_o meditate_v on_o they_o to_o bind_v they_o for_o a_o sign_n upon_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o frontlet_n between_o their_o eye_n to_o teach_v they_o their_o child_n speak_v of_o they_o when_o they_o sit_v in_o their_o house_n and_o when_o they_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n when_o they_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o they_o rise_v up_o to_o write_v they_o upon_o the_o door-post_n of_o their_o house_n and_o upon_o their_o gate_n deut._n xi_o 18_o 19_o 20._o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v more_o notorious_a and_o familiar_a to_o they_o and_o according_o they_o be_v perfect_o acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o as_o josephus_n say_v know_v they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v their_o own_o name_n they_o have_v they_o constant_o in_o their_o mouth_n and_o thousand_o have_v die_v in_o defence_n of_o they_o and_o can_v by_o no_o menace_n or_o torment_n be_v bring_v to_o forsake_v or_o renounce_v they_o and_o to_o this_o end_n one_o day_n in_o seven_o be_v by_o moses_n his_o law_n set_v apart_o for_o the_o learning_n and_o understand_v of_o it_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o tradition_n that_o moses_n appoint_v the_o law_n to_o be_v read_v therice_o every_o year_n in_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o grotius_n 2._o grotius_n grot._fw-la ad_fw-la matth._n xv_o 2._o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n however_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o that_o moses_n of_o old_a time_n have_v in_o every_o city_n they_o that_o preach_v he_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath-day_n act._n xv_o 21._o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o common_a opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o synagogue_n before_o the_o captivity_n but_o then_o by_o synagogue_n must_v be_v understand_v place_n of_o judicature_n rather_o than_o of_o divine_a worship_n for_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v but_o the_o jew_n have_v their_o proseuchas_fw-la or_o place_n of_o prayer_n from_o the_o beginning_n since_o it_o be_v incredible_a that_o those_o who_o live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o can_v not_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n on_o the_o sabbath-day_n and_o other_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n beside_o the_o three_o great_a festival_n when_o all_o their_o male_n be_v bind_v to_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n shall_v not_o assemble_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o dwell_v nay_o they_o be_v by_o a_o express_a law_n oblige_v to_o it_o on_o the_o sabbath_n the_o seven_o day_n be_v the_o sabbath_n of_o rest_n a_o holy_a convocation_n you_o shall_v do_v no_o work_n therein_o it_o be_v the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o your_o dwelling_n leu._n xxiii_o 3._o they_o must_v therefore_o have_v place_n in_o all_o their_o dwelling_n to_o resort_v to_o where_o they_o hold_v their_o convocation_n or_o assembly_n and_o these_o they_o go_v to_o on_o the_o new_a moon_n as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o sabbath_n 2_o king_n four_o 23._o which_o make_v the_o psalmist_n lament_v that_o the_o enemy_n have_v burn_v up_o all_o the_o synagogue_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n psal_n lxxiu_o 8._o and_o be_v meet_v together_o there_o be_v as_o little_a doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o they_o read_v the_o law_n which_o be_v to_o be_v read_v by_o they_o in_o their_o family_n and_o much_o more_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n on_o their_o solemn_a day_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o book_n of_o moses_n therefore_o be_v ●ead_a in_o their_o synagogue_n in_o every_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o ancient_a generation_n or_o from_o the_o first_o settlement_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o then_o at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o seven_o year_n the_o law_n be_v read_v in_o the_o most_o public_a and_o solemn_a manner_n in_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o year_n of_o release_n in_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n moses_n write_v a_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o command_v it_o to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n deut._n xxxi_o 29._o as_o the_o two_o table_n of_o stone_n be_v put_v into_o the_o ark_n itself_o chap._n x._o 5._o and_o this_o he_o deliver_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o to_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n and_o command_v they_o say_v at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o seven_o year_n in_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o year_n of_o release_n in_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n when_o all_o israel_n be_v come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o place_n which_o he_o shall_v choose_v thou_o shall_v read_v this_o law_n before_o all_o israel_n in_o their_o
hear_n gather_v the_o people_n together_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o thy_o stranger_n that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n and_o that_o their_o child_n which_o have_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n may_v hear_v and_o learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n as_o long_o as_o you_o live_v in_o the_o land_n whither_o you_o go_v over_o jordan_n to_o possess_v it_o deut._n xxxi_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o more_o effectual_a care_n can_v have_v be_v take_v to_o secure_v a_o law_n from_o be_v deprave_a and_o alter_v by_o imposture_n every_o seven_o day_n at_o least_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o read_n and_o learn_v it_o in_o their_o seveval_fw-fr tribe_n throughout_o all_o the_o land_n and_o then_o once_o in_o seven_o year_n it_o be_v read_v at_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a feast_n when_o they_o be_v all_o oblige_a to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n moses_n write_v a_o book_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v put_v in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n that_o it_o may_v be_v there_o for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v transgress_v it_o much_o more_o if_o they_o shall_v make_v any_o alteration_n in_o it_o and_o out_o of_o this_o book_n the_o king_n be_v to_o write_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n deut._n xvii_o 1●_n and_o this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v find_v by_o hil●iah_n the_o highpriest_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o cron._n xxxiv_o 14.2_o king_n xxii_o 8._o for_o after_o all_o that_o the_o wicked_a and_o idolatrous_a king_n can_v do_v to_o suppress_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o draw_v aside_o the_o people_n to_o idolatry_n the_o authentic_a book_n of_o the_o law_n write_v by_o moses_n himself_o be_v still_o preserve_v in_o josiah_n time_n beside_o the_o several_a copy_n which_o must_v be_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o land_n for_o the_o use_n of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o those_o which_o must_v be_v remain_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o other_o pious_a men._n and_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o this_o very_a book_n write_v by_o moses_n be_v preserve_v during_o the_o captivity_n and_o be_v that_o book_n which_o ezra_n read_v to_o the_o people_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n credible_a that_o the_o prophet_n will_v suffer_v that_o book_n to_o be_v lose_v much_o less_o that_o they_o will_v suffer_v all_o the_o copy_n general_o to_o be_v lose_v or_o corrupt_v which_o indeed_o consider_v the_o number_n be_v hardly_o possible_a be_v it_o probable_a that_o jeremiah_n will_v use_v that_o favour_n which_o he_o have_v with_o nabuchadnezzar_n to_o any_o other_o purpose_n rather_o than_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n the_o jew_n say_v the_o ark_n be_v secure_v in_o the_o burn_a of_o the_o temple_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o captivity_n but_o it_o be_v much_o more_o probable_a that_o the_o book_n of_o their_o law_n be_v secure_v it_o be_v both_o more_o easy_o convey_v away_o and_o not_o so_o tempt_v a_o prey_n to_o the_o enemy_n we_o find_v the_o law_n cite_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n by_o daniel_n den._n ix_o 11._o by_o nehemiah_n nehem._n i_o 8_o 9_o and_o in_o tobit_n who_o belong_v ●o_o the_o ten_o tribe_n tob._n vi_fw-la 12._o &_o seven_o 13._o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o these_o and_o other_o pious_a man_n have_v copy_n of_o it_o by_o they_o and_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o preserve_v they_o maimonides_n 41._o maimonides_n huet_n 〈◊〉_d prop._n 41._o say_v that_o mise_v himself_o write_v out_o twelve_o book_n of_o the_o law_n one_o for_o each_o tripe_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o the_o rabbin_n teach_v that_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o have_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n by_o he_o and_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n 11._o nehemiah_n dros_n d●●●●th_n sect._n l._n 3._o c._n 11._o be_v say_v to_o have_v bring_v three_o hundred_o book_n of_o the_o law_n into_o the_o congregation_n assemble_v at_o their_o return_n from_o captivity_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v scribe_n of_o the_o law_n before_o the_o captivity_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o it_o jer._n viij_o 8._o ezra_n be_v style_v a_o ready_a scribe_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o scribe_n even_o a_o scribe_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o statute_n to_o israel_n and_o by_o artaxerxes_n in_o his_o letter_n he_o be_v call_v a_o scribe_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n ezra_n seven_o 6_o 11_o 12._o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v scribe_n of_o the_o law_n during_o the_o captivity_n who_o be_v know_v by_o this_o solemn_a style_n and_o character_n and_o who_o care_n and_o employment_n it_o be_v to_o study_v and_o write_v over_o the_o law_n of_o who_o ezra_n be_v the_o principal_a at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o return_n it_o be_v most_o probable_a then_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v preserve_v in_o moses_n own_o hand_n till_o the_o come_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o babylon_n beside_o the_o copy_n that_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o daniel_n nehemiah_n ezra_n zechariah_n and_o the_o other_o prophet_n who_o be_v not_o only_o of_o unquestionable_a integrity_n but_o write_v themselves_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n 3._o nothing_o be_v more_o express_o forbid_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n than_o all_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n and_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suspect_v that_o any_o man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o fraud_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n imaginable_a to_o introduce_v or_o establish_v a_o law_n that_o forbid_v it_o moses_n have_v forewarn_v they_o against_o all_o such_o practice_n both_o in_o his_o law_n in_o general_a and_o by_o a_o express_a prohibition_n you_o shall_v not_o add_v unto_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o diminish_v aught_o from_o it_o deut._n four_o 2._o and_o all_o who_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n will_v observe_v this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o part_n of_o it_o for_o this_o preserve_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n inviolable_a and_o if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n but_o have_v alter_v it_o as_o they_o please_v they_o will_v certain_o have_v make_v such_o alteration_n as_o will_v have_v gratify_v the_o people_n and_o will_v have_v take_v great_a care_n to_o leave_v nothing_o which_o may_v give_v offence_n but_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v such_o as_o that_o without_o a_o divine_a authority_n to_o enforce_v they_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v comply_v with_o but_o will_v have_v be_v grievous_a to_o a_o less_o suspicious_a and_o impatient_a people_n than_o the_o jew_n be_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o prohibition_n against_o alteration_n may_v be_v add_v among_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o probability_n for_o it_o but_o so_o much_o odds_o against_o it_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o suspect_v that_o the_o whole_a five_o book_n have_v be_v forge_v as_o to_o pitch_v upon_o that_o particular_a verse_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o genuine_a beside_o why_o shall_v impostor_n insert_v such_o a_o clause_n as_o will_v hinder_v they_o from_o change_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o law_n ever_o after_o why_o shall_v they_o not_o rather_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o a_o liberty_n of_o change_v and_o add_v as_o often_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a 2._o as_o the_o law_n themselves_o can_v not_o be_v invent_v nor_o alter_v after_o moses_n time_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o be_v insert_v after_o his_o death_n by_o any_o particular_a man_n nor_o by_o any_o confederacy_n or_o combination_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o for_o if_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o law_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v confirm_v be_v afterward_o insert_v they_o must_v be_v intend_v as_o a_o sanction_n to_o give_v authority_n to_o it_o and_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o awe_n when_o they_o be_v become_v uneasy_a and_o disobedient_a under_o the_o government_n of_o those_o law_n but_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o difficult_a to_o introduce_v law_n at_o first_o than_o to_o govern_v a_o people_n by_o they_o after_o they_o have_v be_v once_o introduce_v and_o be_v settle_v and_o receive_v among_o they_o indeed_o it_o be_v incredible_a how_o law_n so_o little_a favourable_a to_o the_o ease_n or_o advantage_n of_o a_o people_n which_o be_v so_o expensive_a and_o burdensome_a in_o their_o
ceremony_n and_o which_o where_o purposely_o design_v in_o many_o thing_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o to_o the_o custom_n which_o they_o have_v be_v themselves_o acquaint_v with_o in_o egypt_n in_o so_o many_o instance_n can_v be_v at_o first_o introduce_v but_o by_o miracle_n but_o if_o they_o can_v have_v be_v once_o introduce_v without_o miracle_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v but_o that_o when_o the_o people_n be_v use_v and_o accustom_a to_o they_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o pretence_n of_o miracle_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o obedience_n to_o they_o and_o as_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v over_o awe_v by_o a_o report_n of_o miracle_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v never_o to_o have_v be_v hear_v of_o till_o the_o people_n give_v occasion_n for_o the_o invention_n of_o they_o by_o their_o disobedience_n the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v read_v as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o synagogue_n or_o religious_a assembly_n in_o the_o several_a tribe_n at_o least_o every_o sabbath-day_n and_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v solemn_o read_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o all_o the_o people_n at_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n every_o seven_o year_n and_o if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o from_o the_o rehearsal_n of_o it_o at_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n yet_o can_v we_o conceive_v that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n shall_v be_v so_o stupid_a and_o forgetful_a as_o not_o to_o remember_v when_o these_o miracle_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v first_o read_v to_o they_o that_o they_o have_v never_o hear_v they_o before_o but_o how_o impossible_a be_v it_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o impose_v upon_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n read_v every_o week_n to_o they_o and_o have_v they_o beside_o in_o their_o own_o keep_n to_o read_v they_o at_o their_o leisure_n the_o miracle_n now_o make_v up_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n they_o be_v every_o where_o intersperse_v and_o intermix_v throughout_o the_o history_n and_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o make_v impression_n upon_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n and_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o miracle_n so_o often_o repeat_v and_o every_o be_v inculcate_v can_v be_v insert_v by_o any_o contrivance_n and_o impose_v upon_o a_o people_n who_o be_v all_o wont_a to_o hear_v the_o law_n public_o read_v in_o a_o solemn_a assembly_n once_o every_o seven_o year_n and_o hear_v it_o read_v in_o their_o synagogue_n beside_o every_o seven_o day_n will_v they_o not_o be_v infinite_o surprise_v the_o first_o time_n they_o hear_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o plague_n inflict_v on_o the_o egyptian_n of_o the_o judgement_n upon_o korah_n and_o his_o company_n and_o of_o the_o miraculous_a punishment_n which_o befall_v the_o idolatrous_a and_o disobedient_a in_o the_o wilderness_n will_v they_o not_o soon_o have_v find_v out_o so_o obvious_a a_o deceit_n as_o this_o must_v have_v be_v if_o it_o have_v be_v one_o if_o we_o can_v think_v that_o such_o insertion_n can_v pass_v without_o discovery_n why_o may_v we_o not_o as_o well_o believe_v too_o that_o as_o many_o more_o may_v be_v make_v now_o and_o not_o be_v discover_v will_v not_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n have_v be_v able_a to_o testify_v that_o all_o this_o be_v counterfeit_v and_o insert_v into_o the_o law_n for_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v read_v to_o they_o in_o their_o synagogue_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n nor_o have_v be_v read_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o last_o seven_o year_n but_o it_o be_v all_o now_o add_v to_o terrify_v they_o and_o keep_v they_o from_o follow_v the_o custom_n of_o other_o nation_n will_v not_o this_o have_v be_v the_o worst_a contrivance_n that_o can_v have_v be_v think_v of_o to_o keep_v a_o people_n in_o awe_n to_o tell_v they_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o every_o man_n of_o they_o can_v disprove_v that_o be_v of_o age_n and_o have_v but_o understanding_n and_o memory_n enough_o to_o know_v what_o he_o have_v hear_v so_o often_o read_v before_o and_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o they_o can_v hardly_o escape_v any_o one_o memory_n who_o have_v ever_o hear_v of_o they_o they_o have_v book_n of_o the_o law_n for_o their_o private_a read_n and_o beside_o the_o read_n of_o it_o in_o their_o weekly_a assembly_n they_o have_v a_o solemn_a publication_n and_o proclamation_n of_o their_o law_n once_o every_o seven_o year_n as_o it_o be_v purposely_o to_o prevent_v any_o design_n of_o falsify_v it_o and_o to_o have_v read_v any_o thing_n so_o remarkable_a as_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o all_o their_o circumstance_n so_o often_o repeat_v and_o insist_v upon_o if_o the_o people_n have_v not_o find_v they_o in_o their_o own_o book_n and_o have_v not_o be_v use_v to_o hear_v they_o read_v to_o they_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v the_o law_n by_o moses_n have_v be_v only_o for_o the_o projector_n to_o proclaim_v themselves_o impostor_n but_o can_v never_o have_v deceive_v any_o man._n and_o beside_o the_o care_n that_o be_v take_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v public_a memorial_n of_o the_o principal_a miracle_n enjoin_v such_o be_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o angel_n pass_v over_o the_o israelite_n when_o he_o slay_v the_o first-born_a bear_v of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o tarbernacle_n in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o dwell_n in_o tent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o such_o be_v the_o brazen_a serpent_n the_o ark_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n these_o be_v thing_n see_v and_o observe_v or_o know_v by_o all_o and_o they_o can_v not_o be_v introduce_v after_o moses_n time_n because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o it_o since_o they_o who_o introduce_v they_o must_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v before_o at_o the_o very_a time_n when_o they_o design_v first_o to_o introduce_v they_o the_o vrim_fw-he and_o thummim_n be_v both_o a_o constant_a miracle_n and_o a_o constant_a attestation_n to_o the_o law_n by_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v and_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o priest_n who_o be_v to_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o leprosy_n either_o in_o person_n or_o thing_n be_v secure_v from_o the_o infection_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v infectious_a to_o all_o other_o and_o their_o constant_a service_n can_v not_o be_v perform_v without_o a_o 2030._o a_o vid._n lightfoot'_v prospect_n of_o the_o temple_n c._n 34._o p._n 2030._o miraculous_a dispensation_n thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v all_o the_o proof_n which_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o bring_v in_o any_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o be_v falsify_v by_o any_o man_n or_o party_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o since_o the_o nature_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o do_v effectual_o provide_v against_o all_o imposture_n and_o the_o jew_n have_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o people_n to_o have_v that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o same_o which_o he_o write_v and_o leave_v behind_o he_o and_o this_o inspire_v they_o with_o such_o a_o zeal_n for_o their_o law_n as_o to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n in_o vindication_n of_o it_o whereas_o there_o be_v no_o book_n whatsoever_o as_o josephus_n observe_v among_o the_o heathen_n which_o any_o man_n among_o they_o will_v not_o rather_o a_o thousand_o time_n see_v destroy_v though_o it_o be_v in_o never_o so_o much_o esteem_v with_o they_o than_o he_o will_v suffer_v for_o it_o which_o show_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o their_o law_n from_o all_o the_o evidence_n abovementioned_a and_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o which_o moses_n deliver_v and_o leave_v behind_o he_o 3._o the_o pentateuch_n can_v not_o be_v invent_v nor_o falsify_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n either_o in_o moses_n time_n or_o after_o it_o for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v have_v be_v conceal_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o that_o a_o whole_a nation_n shall_v know_v of_o the_o imposture_n and_o no_o man_n ever_o discover_v it_o nor_o no_o apostate_n ever_o divulge_v it_o but_o they_o and_o their_o posterity_n shall_v always_o profess_v that_o they_o believe_v the_o law_n to_o be_v reveal_v to_o moses_n by_o god_n himself_o just_a as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o in_o the_o peutateuch_n that_o under_o all_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n they_o shall_v impute_v their_o suffering_n to_o the_o violation_n of_o
nation_n to_o report_v that_o after_o so_o many_o loathsome_a and_o grievous_a plague_n inflict_v upon_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o people_n they_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o at_o last_o by_o the_o destruction_n of_o he_o and_o his_o whole_a army_n in_o the_o red-sea_n make_v their_o escape_n and_o that_o they_o force_v their_o way_n through_o all_o the_o other_o nation_n that_o withstand_v their_o passage_n into_o canaan_n and_o vanquish_v and_o destroy_v they_o as_o they_o go_v and_o then_o to_o proclaim_v a_o sacred_a war_n against_o all_o the_o nation_n who_o land_n they_o be_v to_o possess_v and_o many_o of_o who_o posterity_n be_v remain_v in_o solomon_n time_n and_o probable_o long_a after_o and_o may_v have_v be_v able_a to_o confute_v great_a part_n of_o what_o the_o israelite_n affirm_v of_o themselves_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a and_o of_o a_o late_a invention_n for_o any_o people_n i_o say_v to_o invent_v such_o account_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o ancestor_n and_o then_o to_o make_v such_o law_n and_o to_o have_v the_o one_o believe_v and_o the_o other_o obey_v be_v altogether_o incredible_a when_o they_o have_v enrage_v all_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n to_o their_o destruction_n they_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o their_o law_n to_o leave_v all_o their_o border_n naked_a thrice_o every_o year_n and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n to_o destroy_v they_o and_o no_o people_n can_v have_v live_v half_o a_o age_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n under_o such_o law_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v protect_v by_o god_n himself_o the_o author_n of_o they_o it_o appear_v therefore_o that_o as_o neither_o moses_n himself_o nor_o any_o party_n of_o man_n either_o in_o his_o time_n or_o after_o it_o can_v either_o invent_v or_o change_n and_o falsify_v the_o book_n which_o be_v under_o his_o name_n so_o it_o be_v still_o more_o extravagant_a if_o possible_a to_o conceit_n that_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n shall_v either_o in_o moses_n time_n or_o afterward_o be_v conscious_a to_o such_o a_o imposture_n and_o yet_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o discover_v it_o but_o it_o shall_v to_o this_o day_n be_v conceal_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o that_o neither_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n when_o jeroboam_n be_v force_v to_o set_v up_o altar_n in_o other_o place_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n nor_o upon_o any_o other_o occasion_n this_o secret_a if_o that_o may_v be_v call_v so_o which_o must_v be_v know_v to_o so_o many_o thousand_o shall_v ever_o come_v to_o light_v beside_o that_o they_o can_v never_o have_v invent_v those_o law_n by_o unanimous_a consent_n among_o themselves_o which_o they_o be_v so_o hardly_o bring_v to_o obey_v and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v disobedient_a they_o will_v never_o have_v pretend_v they_o be_v and_o have_v invent_v miracle_n to_o make_v it_o believe_v and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o forward_o in_o their_o obedience_n they_o can_v not_o have_v live_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n without_o a_o perpetual_a miracle_n if_o then_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o consequent_o the_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o he_o give_v his_o law_n to_o the_o israelite_n be_v sufficient_o attest_v suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o if_o neither_o moses_n himself_o can_v feign_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n nor_o any_o other_o person_n or_o person_n either_o in_o his_o time_n or_o afterward_o can_v insert_v they_o or_o change_v the_o law_n and_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n can_v not_o at_o any_o time_n conspire_v in_o such_o a_o fiction_n and_o imposture_n we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v and_o all_o that_o any_o sober_a man_n can_v desire_v both_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n pen_v by_o he_o and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o after_o all_o the_o reflection_n make_v by_o infidel_n upon_o the_o credulity_n as_o they_o esteem_v it_o of_o other_o there_o be_v none_o so_o credulous_a as_o they_o for_o they_o reject_v the_o most_o certain_a to_o believe_v the_o most_o incredible_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o divine_a mission_n and_o authority_n of_o moses_n be_v sully_v prove_v from_o thence_o it_o will_v follow_v 1._o that_o god_n have_v institute_v the_o jewish_a government_n be_v in_o point_n both_o of_o wisdom_n and_o honour_n concern_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o and_o that_o a_o more_o especial_a and_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n must_v he_o watchful_a over_o this_o holy_a nation_n and_o peculiar_a people_n 2_o that_o whatever_o befall_v they_o either_o by_o prophecy_n or_o by_o miracle_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a appointment_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o revelation_n make_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n have_v beside_o its_o own_o proper_a and_o intrinsic_a evidence_n the_o additional_a proof_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o moses_n his_o book_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o proof_n of_o all_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o subject_n of_o they_o consequent_a to_o these_o 3._o that_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o this_o place_n reciprocal_o prove_v each_o other_o like_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n the_o pentateuch_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o foundation_n of_o these_o and_o these_o the_o effect_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o fulfil_n the_o several_a prediction_n of_o it_o chap._n vii_o of_o joshua_n and_o the_o judge_n and_o of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n under_o their_o government_n it_o be_v general_o agree_v that_o joshua_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n under_o his_o name_n and_o some_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n yet_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o must_v be_v write_v by_o his_o particular_a order_n in_o his_o life-time_n or_o soon_o after_o his_o death_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o require_v that_o the_o division_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n among_o the_o several_a tribe_n shall_v forthwith_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v for_o no_o people_n can_v be_v name_v who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o letter_n that_o trust_v the_o boundary_n of_o their_o land_n to_o memory_n and_o there_o be_v no_o delay_n to_o be_v use_v in_o such_o case_n joshua_n therefore_o who_o do_v by_o lot_n set_v out_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o tribe_n at_o the_o same_o time_n put_v they_o down_o in_o write_v which_o he_o lest_o upon_o record_n to_o posterity_n to_o prevent_v dispute_n and_o to_o be_v appeal_v to_o in_o case_n any_o controversy_n shall_v arise_v but_o the_o bare_a distribution_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o to_o be_v transmit_v without_o a_o account_n of_o the_o miraculous_a conquest_n of_o it_o which_o may_v dispose_v they_o to_o be_v con●ented_v with_o their_o several_a lot_n and_o remind_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o possesssion_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o land_n which_o they_o be_v settle_v in_o thy_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v write_v during_o the_o life-time_n of_o rahab_n jos_n vi_fw-la 25._o and_o to_o have_v be_v write_v in_o part_n at_o least_o by_o joshua_n himself_o and_o annex_v to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n chap._n xxiv_o 26._o but_o the_o five_o last_o verse_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o death_n of_o joshua_n and_o of_o what_o follow_v after_o it_o be_v add_v by_o some_o of_o the_o prophet_n probable_o by_o samuel_n who_o according_a to_o the_o jewish_a tradition_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n where_o we_o find_v the_o same_o thing_n repeat_v concern_v the_o death_n of_o joshua_n judg._n two_o 7._o the_o book_n of_o judge_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n mat._n two_o 23._o judg._n xiii_o 5._o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v entitle_v to_o samuel_n act._n iii._o 24._o where_o samuel_n be_v mention_v as_o the_o first_o of_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o the_o book_n write_v by_o they_o that_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n be_v pen_v before_o the_o take_v of_o jerusal●●●_n by_o david_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o judg._n i._n 22._o after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n joshua_n undertake_v the_o government_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o god_n appointment_n and_o his_o investiture_n to_o it_o by_o moses_n num._n xxvii_o 22._o who_o also_o foretell_v the_o great_a success_n that_o
to_o lose_v so_o many_o talent_n and_o to_o want_v their_o help_n in_o the_o war_n and_o to_o venture_v the_o ravage_v that_o such_o a_o army_n who_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o affront_v make_v in_o his_o country_n upon_o the_o prophet_n assure_v he_o that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o the_o victory_n if_o he_o will_v dismiss_v they_o but_o not_o otherwise_o and_o tell_v he_o the_o lord_n be_v able_a to_o give_v thou_o much_o more_o than_o this_o and_o the_o event_n prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o prediction_n 2_o chron._n twenty-five_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n likewise_o at_o the_o word_n of_o oded_a the_o prophet_n send_v back_o two_o hundred_o thousand_o person_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n with_o great_a spoil_n which_o they_o have_v take_v 2_o chron._n xxviii_o so_o ready_a and_o so_o general_a a_o compliance_n in_o such_o case_n can_v arise_v from_o nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a belief_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o prophet_n deliver_v but_o at_o other_o time_n they_o be_v despise_v and_o persecute_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o prophecy_n be_v not_o only_o attest_v by_o miracle_n and_o justify_v by_o the_o event_n and_o confess_v by_o the_o deference_n and_o respect_n both_o of_o the_o king_n and_o people_n but_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o their_o suffering_n and_o seal_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o be_v at_o last_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o posterity_n of_o those_o who_o have_v slay_v they_o they_o be_v most_o forward_o and_o zealous_a to_o adorn_v the_o tomb_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o their_o forefather_n have_v kill_v and_o to_o die_v in_o vindication_n of_o those_o prophecy_n for_o which_o they_o have_v be_v slay_v there_o be_v a_o constant_a succession_n of_o prophet_n from_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n till_o the_o return_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n some_o prophesy_v for_o many_o year_n jeremiah_n for_o above_o one_o and_o forty_o year_n ezek●el_n about_o twenty_o year_n the_o least_o time_n assign_v to_o hosea_n prophesy_v be_v forty_o three_o year_n amos_n prophesy_v about_o six_o and_o twenty_o year_n micah_n about_o fifty_o isaiah_n jonah_n and_o daniel_n a_o much_o long_a time_n so_o that_o they_o live_v to_o see_v divers_a of_o their_o own_o prophecy_n fulfil_v and_o to_o have_v suffer_v as_o false_a prophet_n if_o they_o have_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o though_o many_o prophecy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fulfil_v till_o long_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o deliver_v they_o yet_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n or_o they_o foretell_v some_o thing_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v soon_o after_o according_a to_o their_o prediction_n to_o give_v evidence_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o confirm_v their_o divine_a mi●●ion_n the_o prophet_n commit_v their_o prophecy_n to_o writing_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o posterity_n isa_n thirty_o 8._o per._n thirty_o 2._o &_o xxxvi_o 32._o hab._n two_o 1_o 2._o and_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n belong_v to_o the_o prophet_n 1_o chron._n xxix_o 29._o 2_o chron._n twelve_o 15._o &_o xiii_o 22._o &_o xx_o 34._o &_o xxvi_o 22._o &_o xxxii_o 32._o and_o both_o in_o their_o prophetical_a and_o historical_a book_n they_o deal_v with_o the_o great_a plainness_n and_o sincerity_n they_o record_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o foretell_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o befall_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n and_o they_o leave_v to_o posterity_n a_o relation_n of_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o crime_n of_o their_o best_a prince_n david_n solomon_n and_o other_o who_o be_v type_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o from_o who_o race_n they_o expect_v he_o and_o look_v upon_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o several_a reign_n to_o be_v presage_n of_o his_o be_v yet_o describe_v not_o only_o without_o flattery_n but_o without_o any_o reserve_n or_o extenuation_n they_o write_v as_o man_n who_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o truth_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o tell_v it_o the_o prophet_n be_v sometime_o command_v to_o seal_v and_o shut_v up_o their_o prophecy_n that_o the_o original_n may_v be_v preserve_v till_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o and_o then_o compare_v with_o the_o event_n isai_n viij_o 16._o jer._n xxxii_o 14._o dan._n viij_o 26._o &_o twelve_o 4._o for_o when_o the_o prophecy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fulfil_v till_o many_o year_n and_o in_o some_o case_n not_o till_o several_a age_n afterward_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o the_o original_a write_n shall_v be_v keep_v with_o all_o care_n but_o when_o the_o time_n be_v so_o near_o at_o hand_n that_o the_o prophecy_n must_v be_v in_o every_o one_o memory_n or_o that_o the_o original_n can_v not_o be_v suspect_v or_o suppose_v to_o be_v lose_v there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o care_n require_v rev._n xxii_o 10._o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v customary_a 5_o customary_a 〈◊〉_d an●●quit_n l._n 11._o c._n 1._o 〈◊〉_d l._n 6._o c._n 5_o for_o the_o propher_n to_o put_v their_o write_n into_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o lay_v they_o up_o before_o the_o lord_n 1_o sam._n x._o 25._o and_o there_o be_v a_o tradition_n 4._o tradition_n epiphan_n de_fw-fr ponderib_n &_o meas●●_n c._n 4._o that_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n be_v put_v into_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark._n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n be_v careful_o preserve_v during_o the_o captivity_n and_o be_v frequent_o refer_v to_o and_o cite_v by_o the_o latter_a prophet_n the_o pentateuch_n have_v be_v already_o speak_v of_o and_o this_o be_v as_o evident_a of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o prophecy_n of_o micah_n be_v quote_v jer._n xxvi_o 18._o a_o little_a before_o the_o captivity_n and_o under_o it_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n be_v cite_v dan._n ix_o 2._o and_o all_o the_o prophet_n v._o 6._o and_o so_o the_o prophet_n in_o general_n be_v mention_v neh._n ix_o 26_o 30._o and_o zechariah_n not_o only_o cite_v the_o former_a prophet_n zech._n i_o 4._o but_o suppose_v their_o write_n well_o know_v to_o the_o people_n shall_v you_o not_o hear_v the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v cry_v by_o the_o former_a prophet_n when_o jerusalem_n be_v inhabit_v and_o in_o prosperity_n chap._n seven_o 7._o the_o prophet_n amos_n be_v likewise_o cite_v tob._n two_o 6._o and_o ionas_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o general_a chap._n fourteen_o 4_o 5_o 8._o there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o question_n but_o that_o ezra_n nehemiah_n daniel_n zechariah_n and_o the_o other_o prophet_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n be_v very_o careful_a to_o keep_v the_o book_n of_o the_o former_a prophet_n for_o they_o frequent_o cite_v they_o and_o appeal_v to_o they_o and_o expect_a deliverance_n out_o of_o their_o captivity_n by_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o and_o perhaps_o from_o the_o original_n themselves_o or_o however_o from_o copy_n take_v by_o ezra_n the_o scribe_n or_o by_o some_o of_o the_o latter_a prophet_n or_o at_o least_o acknowledge_v for_o genuine_a and_o approve_v of_o by_o they_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n and_o other_o inspire_a write_n be_v preserve_v and_o those_o of_o the_o latter_a prophet_n be_v add_v to_o they_o and_o all_o together_o make_v up_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n mention_v act._n seven_o 42._o which_o be_v read_v as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n every_o sabbath-day_n act._n xiii_o 27._o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n samuel_n and_o king_n have_v the_o title_n of_o the_o former_a prophet_n in_o the_o hebrew_n bibles_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o book_n which_o they_o set_v out_o under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o latter_a prophet_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n etc._n etc._n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n and_o judge_n have_v be_v already_o speak_v of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n be_v write_v by_o samuel_n nathan_n and_o gad_n 1_o chron._n xxix_o 29._o from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o first_o book_n of_o samuel_n to_o the_o 25_o chapter_n be_v write_v by_o samuel_n himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o and_o the_o whole_a second_o book_n by_o nathan_n and_o gad_n but_o samuel_n be_v a_o person_n so_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o history_n and_o have_v write_v so_o much_o of_o it_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o he_o the_o whole_a two_o book_n go_v under_o his_o name_n though_o indeed_o the_o jew_n ancient_o reckon_v both_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n as_o one_o book_n and_o aquila_n as_o theodorit_n have_v observe_v make_v no_o distinction_n between_o the_o first_o and_o second_o book_n of_o samuel_n follow_v the_o hebrew_n copy_n of_o his_o time_n and_o in_o our_o hebrew_a bibles_n though_o they_o be_v distinguish_v yet_o they_o be_v
not_o distinguish_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o two_o book_n of_o king_n and_o of_o chronicle_n be_v and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o book_n begin_v by_o samuel_n and_o continue_v by_o other_o prophet_n shall_v bear_v the_o name_n only_o of_o samuel_n from_o 1_o chron._n xxix_o 29._o we_o may_v likewise_o learn_v that_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o king_n must_v be_v write_v by_o one_o of_o these_o prophet_n both_o the_o book_n of_o king_n as_o far_o as_o hezekiah_n reign_n be_v write_v before_o josiah_n time_n for_o 2_o kin._n 18.5_o it_o be_v say_v of_o hezekiah_n that_o he_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n so_o that_o after_o he_o be_v none_o like_o he_o of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n nor_o any_o that_o be_v before_o he_o and_o of_o josiah_n it_o be_v say_v 2_o king_n xxiii_o 25._o that_o like_a unto_o he_o be_v there_o no_o king_n before_o he_o that_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o josiah_n in_o his_o reformation_n exceed_v hezekiah_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o history_n of_o hezekiah_n must_v be_v write_v before_o josiah_n time_n or_o else_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v with_o truth_n say_v of_o hezekiah_n that_o there_o be_v no_o king_n after_o he_o who_o be_v like_o he_o or_o equal_v he_o of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n from_o 1_o chron._n four_o 43._o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v write_v before_o the_o captivity_n though_o the_o genealogy_n be_v transcribe_v afterward_o out_o of_o the_o record_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o 1_o chron._n ix_o 1._o that_o the_o second_o book_n of_o chronicle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o book_n of_o king_n be_v write_v before_o the_o captivity_n we_o may_v conclude_v from_o 2_o chron._n v._n 9_o 1_o king_n viij_o 8._o for_o the_o ark_n be_v not_o remain_v after_o the_o captivity_n the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o king_n gives_z so_o particular_a a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o carry_v they_o away_o captive_a in_o every_o material_a circumstance_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v write_v at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o memorir_n be_v constant_o take_v and_o preserve_v of_o all_o that_o happen_v the_o second_o book_n of_o chronicle_n conclude_v with_o the_o first_o year_n of_o cyrus_n in_o the_o same_o word_n with_o which_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n begin_v be_v add_v by_o he_o at_o the_o time_n when_o cyrus_n give_v out_o his_o proclamation_n for_o the_o prophet_n from_o time_n to_o time_n make_v continuation_n to_o the_o history_n of_o their_o predecessor_n by_o insert_v what_o relate_v to_o their_o own_o time_n and_o it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n among_o the_o ancient_n as_o grotius_n observe_v to_o begin_v one_o book_n with_o the_o conclusion_n of_o another_o the_o psalm_n be_v quote_v under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o prophet_n mat._n xiii_o 35_o &_o xxvii_o 35._o and_o from_o the_o first_o pen_n they_o be_v use_v in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n 1_o chron._n xuj_o 7._o 2_o chron._n v._n 13._o &_o seven_o 6._o &_o xx_o 21._o jer._n xxxiii_o 11._o ezra_n iii._o 10_o 11._o this_o be_v know_v even_o to_o their_o enemy_n in_o their_o captivity_n psal_n cxxxvii_o 3._o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o prophet_n under_o it_o and_o lesson_n out_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n with_o hymn_n out_o of_o the_o psalm_n and_o prayer_n make_v up_o the_o jewish_a form_n of_o worship_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n luke_n xuj_o 29._o act_n xiii_o 15._o and_o if_o both_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n comprehend_v all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n write_v before_o the_o captivity_n be_v still_o extant_a and_o well_o know_v and_o make_v use_v of_o by_o pious_a man_n during_o all_o that_o time_n and_o the_o people_n have_v copy_n of_o they_o or_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o as_o the_o prophet_n zechariah_n suppose_v zech._n seven_o 7._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o they_o have_v not_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n at_o their_o restoration_n many_o be_v still_o alive_a who_o be_v first_o carry_v away_o captive_a and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n during_o the_o captivity_n show_v that_o the_o people_n do_v understand_v it_o for_o they_o all_o write_v in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n except_o upon_o some_o particular_a occasion_n where_o their_o prophecy_n more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o babylonian_a affair_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n can_v understand_v ezra_n when_o he_o read_v the_o law_n and_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o people_n be_v attentive_a unto_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n neh._n viij_o 3._o and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o language_n unless_o in_o some_o particular_n which_o in_o all_o language_n will_v want_v explication_n to_o the_o vulgar_a who_o be_v native_n but_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v that_o be_v interpret_v ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o letter_n of_o artaxerxes_n be_v both_o write_v in_o the_o syrian_a tongue_n and_o interpret_v in_o the_o syrian_a tongue_n ezra_n four_o 7._o nehemiah_n particular_o complain_v that_o the_o child_n of_o those_o who_o have_v marry_v strange_a wife_n can_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o jew_n language_n which_o suppose_v that_o the_o child_n of_o other_o parent_n as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n themselves_o be_v teach_v to_o speak_v the_o hebrew_n tongue_n neh._n xiii_o 24._o and_o the_o decree_n of_o ahasuerus_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v write_v unto_o every_o province_n according_a unto_o the_o write_n thereof_o and_o unto_o every_o people_n after_o their_o language_n and_o unto_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o their_o writing_n and_o according_a to_o their_o language_n est_fw-la viij_o 9_o which_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o the_o jew_n still_o retain_v not_o only_o their_o language_n but_o their_o manner_n of_o write_v it_o or_o the_o form_n and_o fashion_n of_o their_o letter_n under_o the_o captivity_n not_o long_o after_o the_o captivity_n the_o scripture_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o be_v disperse_v into_o so_o many_o hand_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n that_o the_o copy_n can_v not_o be_v destroy_v either_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n or_o at_o any_o other_o time_n by_o the_o malice_n of_o perscutor_n or_o any_o other_o accident_n and_o though_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o their_o tradition_n as_o to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o they_o yet_o they_o never_o add_v any_o book_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n in_o favour_n of_o those_o tradition_n which_o they_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o but_o when_o they_o have_v no_o long_o any_o prophet_n among_o they_o they_o dare_v not_o place_v any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o same_o rank_a and_o authority_n with_o those_o which_o the_o prophet_n have_v leave_v behind_o they_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v write_v by_o inspire_a author_n and_o have_v be_v in_o constant_a use_n among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o private_a house_n and_o public_a assembly_n even_o from_o the_o first_o write_v they_o for_o they_o be_v preserve_v during_o the_o captivity_n and_o both_o understand_v and_o use_v by_o the_o people_n but_o their_o other_o book_n write_v under_o the_o second_o temple_n though_o never_o so_o useful_a and_o pious_a be_v never_o receive_v with_o the_o like_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n they_o pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o humane_a composition_n and_o be_v never_o rank_v with_o those_o of_o divine_a authority_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o false_a prophet_n prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n 1_o king_n xxii_o which_o suppose_v that_o true_a prophecy_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v deliver_v in_o his_o name_n or_o else_o they_o can_v never_o have_v hope_v to_o deceive_v by_o it_o and_o in_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o which_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v relate_v reference_n be_v frequent_o make_v to_o the_o record_n then_o extant_a in_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n most_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v of_o that_o public_a nature_n and_o so_o intermix_v with_o the_o affair_n of_o state_n that_o they_o must_v be_v record_v together_o with_o they_o josiah_n 5._o josiah_n joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 10._o c._n 5._o be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o name_n three_o hundred_o sixty_o one_o year_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v behold_v a_o child_n shall_v be_v bear_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o david_n josiah_n by_o name_n
of_o babylon_n and_o be_v carry_v to_o babylon_n ezekiel_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v babylon_n jeremiah_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v in_o peace_n and_o be_v bury_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o ancestor_n ezekiel_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v at_o babylon_n and_o if_o we_o compare_v all_o this_o with_o the_o history_n nothing_o ever_o be_v more_o punctual_o fulfil_v for_o zedekiah_n see_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n who_o command_v his_o eye_n to_o be_v put_v out_o before_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o babylon_n and_o he_o die_v there_o but_o die_v peaceable_o and_o be_v suffer_v to_o have_v the_o usual_a funeral_n solemnity_n 2_o king_n twenty-five_o 6_o 7._o and_o therefore_o both_o prophecy_n prove_v true_a in_o the_o event_n which_o seem_v before_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o so_o critical_a a_o exactness_n in_o every_o minute_n circumstance_n in_o prophecy_n deliver_v by_o two_o person_n who_o be_v before_o think_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o be_v such_o a_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n after_o they_o have_v see_v they_o so_o punctual_o fulfil_v in_o their_o captivity_n that_o they_o can_v no_o long_o doubt_n but_o that_o both_o be_v from_o god_n jeremiah_n foretell_v also_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v restore_v after_o a_o captivity_n of_o seventy_o year_n these_o nation_n shall_v serve_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n seventy_o year_n and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v when_o seventy_o year_n be_v accomplish_v that_o i_o will_v punish_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n and_o that_o nation_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o iniquity_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n jer._n twenty-five_o 11_o 12._o for_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n that_o after_o seventy_o year_n be_v accomplish_v at_o babylon_n i_o will_v visit_v you_o and_o perform_v my_o good_a word_n towards_o you_o in_o cause_v you_o to_o return_v to_o this_o place_n jer._n xxix_o 10._o and_o this_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n the_o jew_n depend_v upon_o under_o the_o captivity_n dan._n ix_o 2._o zech._n i._n 12._o and_o it_o be_v exact_o fulfil_v to_o they_o the_o generation_n of_o nebuchadnezzar_n posterity_n that_o shall_v succeed_v he_o till_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o monarchy_n be_v foretell_v jer._n xxvii_o 7._o the_o destruction_n of_o babylon_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o take_v the_o city_n as_o it_o be_v foretell_v and_o describe_v by_o the_o prophet_n agree_v punctual_o with_o the_o account_n of_o it_o by_o 191._o by_o 〈◊〉_d ●odo●_n 〈◊〉_d c._n 191._o herodotus_n one_o post_n shall_v run_v to_o meet_v another_o and_o one_o messenger_n to_o meet_v another_o to_o show_v the_o king_n of_o babylon_n that_o his_o city_n be_v take_v at_o one_o end_n and_o that_o the_o passage_n be_v stop_v and_o the_o reed_n they_o have_v burn_v with_o sire_n and_o the_o man_n of_o war_n be_v affright_v and_o this_o be_v declare_v in_o a_o memorable_a and_o solemn_a manner_n by_o write_v it_o down_o and_o by_o cast_v the_o book_n into_o euphrates_n jer._n li._n 31_o 32_o 62_o 63._o the_o destruction_n of_o tyre_n and_o zidon_n and_o of_o egypt_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n and_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o egyptian_n after_o forty_o year_n ezek._n xxviii_o 19_o &_o xxix_o 12_o 13._o the_o profanation_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o of_o the_o sanctuary_n by_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n with_o the_o death_n of_o antiochus_n and_o a_o description_n of_o his_o temper_n and_o of_o his_o very_a countenance_n be_v clear_o deliver_v by_o daniel_n four_o hundred_o and_o eight_o year_n 11._o year_n joseph_n antiquit._n l._n 11._o c._n 11._o before_o the_o accomplishment_n dan._n viij_o daniel_n likewise_o describe_v the_o fate_n of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n the_o restoration_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o rebuilding_n of_o their_o city_n and_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n with_o the_o precise_a time_n of_o it_o and_o alexander_n the_o great_a be_v say_v 8._o say_v ibid._n l._n 11._o c._n 8._o to_o have_v be_v encourage_v by_o daniel_n prophecy_n in_o his_o expedition_n indeed_o his_o prophecy_n and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n be_v so_o exact_o parallel_v that_o porphyry_n can_v find_v no_o other_o evasion_n but_o to_o say_v that_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v write_v after_o the_o event_n which_o as_o grotius_n observe_v be_v as_o absurd_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v maintain_v that_o the_o work_n of_o virgil_n be_v not_o write_v under_o augustus_n but_o after_o his_o time_n for_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v as_o public_a and_o as_o much_o disperse_v and_o as_o universal_o receive_v as_o ever_o any_o book_n can_v be_v last_o haggai_n and_o malachi_n prophesy_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n hag._n two_o 7_o 9_o mal._n iii._o 1._o and_o hosea_n foretell_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o those_o remarkable_a word_n they_o shall_v be_v night-wanderer_n among_o the_o nation_n hos_fw-la ix_o 17._o not_o to_o insist_v therefore_o upon_o other_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n which_o be_v concern_v thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n or_o less_o remarkable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n these_o may_v suffice_v which_o be_v of_o that_o public_a nature_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o deceit_n or_o mistake_n in_o they_o multitude_n of_o man_n who_o prejudice_n or_o malice_n have_v prepare_v to_o make_v the_o utmost_a discovery_n be_v witness_n to_o the_o miracle_n and_o both_o the_o prophecy_n themselves_o and_o the_o fulfil_v of_o they_o be_v notorious_a to_o other_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o they_o be_v deliver_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n they_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath-day_n the_o jew_n have_v as_o good_a evidence_n for_o instance_n that_o elijah_n wrought_v his_o miracle_n as_o they_o can_v have_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o the_o public_a transaction_n and_o council_n of_o prince_n the_o fate_n and_o revolution_n of_o empire_n with_o the_o prefix_v time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o person_n be_v so_o particular_o foretell_v two_o or_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v we_o may_v as_o well_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o history_n as_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o revelation_n for_o indeed_o they_o be_v the_o history_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v set_v down_o in_o the_o very_a circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o afterward_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v and_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v dispute_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o elijah_n or_o such_o a_o prince_n as_o josiah_n or_o cyrus_n he_o will_v but_o make_v himself_o ridiculous_a but_o if_o he_o deny_v that_o elijah_n wrought_v such_o miracle_n or_o that_o isaiah_n speak_v of_o cyrus_n and_o another_o prophet_n of_o josiah_n by_o inspiration_n perhaps_o he_o may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v make_v some_o great_a discovery_n and_o to_o know_v something_o above_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o shall_v be_v likely_a to_o meet_v with_o applause_n instead_o of_o that_o contempt_n which_o such_o pretence_n deserve_v so_o strange_o partial_a be_v man_n for_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v but_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o man_n to_o bring_v better_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v such_o man_n as_o elijah_n and_o josiah_n and_o cyrus_n than_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o show_v that_o the_o latter_a be_v by_o name_n prophesy_v of_o long_a before_o their_o birth_n and_o that_o the_o first_o wrought_v all_o the_o miracle_n relate_v of_o he_o or_o to_o produce_v clear_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o city_n as_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o reign_n of_o cyrus_n than_o we_o have_v that_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o people_n with_o their_o restoration_n after_o seventy_o year_n be_v foretell_v by_o jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n do_v their_o miracle_n in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n and_o their_o prophecy_n be_v deliver_v not_o in_o corner_n but_o open_o before_o all_o the_o people_n not_o in_o obscure_a and_o ambiguous_a word_n but_o in_o plain_a term_n with_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o person_n and_o time_n and_o place_n they_o be_v keep_v they_o be_v read_v and_o study_v by_o that_o very_a people_n who_o at_o first_o as_o little_o regard_v they_o as_o any_o man_n now_o among_o we_o can_v do_v but_o slay_v the_o prophet_n themselves_o and_o reject_v their_o prophecy_n with_o rage_n and_o indignation_n but_o be_v afterward_o by_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n so_o full_o convince_v which_o be_v likewise_o foretell_v ezek._n xxxiii_o 33._o of_o their_o
divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n that_o they_o whole_o depend_v and_o rely_v upon_o they_o and_o live_v in_o a_o uncomfortable_a exile_n upon_o the_o sole_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o see_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o prophecy_n fulfil_v and_o theirfore_o the_o posterity_n of_o those_o who_o have_v slay_v the_o prophet_n have_v the_o high_a veneration_n for_o the_o memory_n of_o these_o prophet_n who_o their_o forefather_n have_v kill_v they_o build_v and_o adorn_v their_o sepulcher_n and_o choose_v to_o die_v any_o death_n rather_o than_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o book_n or_o part_n with_o they_o even_o when_o they_o have_v forsake_v their_o doctrine_n and_o change_v their_o religion_n for_o vain_a tradition_n and_o superstitious_a observance_n and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o reproachful_a to_o they_o to_o erect_v monument_n of_o perpetual_a acknowledgement_n that_o they_o be_v the_o the_o child_n of_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o prophet_n matth._n xxiii_o 31._o they_o refer_v themselves_o to_o these_o prophet_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v neither_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n after_o the_o captivity_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o each_o other_o and_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n prove_v the_o new_a and_o the_o new_a again_o prove_v the_o old_a as_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o incredible_a that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o so_o small_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o judaea_n be_v shall_v lay_v a_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n which_o can_v prove_v so_o successful_a for_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n together_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v such_o master_n of_o deceit_n and_o the_o world_n so_o fond_a of_o receive_v revelation_n from_o they_o that_o at_o last_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o people_n disclaim_v the_o book_n which_o some_o few_o and_o those_o the_o most_o unlearned_a among_o they_o will_v impose_v for_o inspire_a write_n yet_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n shall_v be_v more_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n than_o those_o have_v ever_o be_v in_o which_o they_o all_o unanimous_o agree_v and_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v receive_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o these_o more_o than_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v upon_o their_o own_o account_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n if_o the_o jew_n even_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o ignorant_a of_o they_o can_v do_v this_o mere_o by_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o device_n they_o must_v have_v a_o genius_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o all_o mankind_n beside_o for_o what_o imaginable_a reason_n be_v there_o why_o the_o oracle_n of_o all_o the_o heathen_a nation_n shall_v never_o be_v much_o regard_v and_o now_o in_o a_o manner_n utter_o lose_v and_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v still_o be_v preserve_v in_o their_o full_a authority_n but_o the_o power_n and_o advantage_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o in_o they_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v most_o observable_a in_o the_o mutual_a dependence_n which_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v one_o upon_o another_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o man_n of_o different_a country_n different_a age_n different_a condition_n and_o calling_n and_o interest_n from_o the_o king_n to_o the_o poor_a fisherman_n and_o yet_o all_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n which_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v by_o themselves_o but_o there_o be_v a_o admirable_a series_n and_o connexion_n between_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o give_v a_o mutual_a support_n and_o attestation_n to_o each_o other_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o moses_n contain_v the_o first_o lineament_n and_o evident_a type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o rest_n he_o foretell_v that_o a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o that_o at_o last_o the_o great_a prophet_n shall_v be_v send_v who_o be_v christ_n and_o he_o foretell_v all_o that_o be_v to_o befall_v the_o jew_n from_o his_o own_o time_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o as_o moses_n have_v give_v we_o the_o general_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o all_o generation_n so_o the_o several_a prophet_n who_o be_v send_v from_o time_n to_o time_n according_a to_o his_o prediction_n foretell_v particular_a event_n and_o more-especial_o they_o foretell_v and_o describe_v the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o prophecy_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n which_o have_v be_v since_o the_o world_n bigan_v luk._n i._n 70._o for_o in_o christ_n be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o the_o type_n 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parodox_n that_o they_o be_v still_o for_o maintain_v it_o i_o confess_v it_o agree_v admirable_o with_o a_o tradition_n of_o the_o arcadian_n that_o their_o ancestor_n be_v before_o the_o moon_n and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v pretend_v that_o this_o may_v very_o well_o be_v true_a according_a to_o the_o cartesian_a hypothesis_n by_o attempt_v to_o prove_v that_o arcadia_n may_v be_v inhabit_v before_o the_o moon_n of_o a_o luminous_a become_v a_o opake_v body_n in_o so_o curious_a a_o age_n he_o must_v have_v ill_a luck_n if_o he_o shall_v want_v his_o applauder_n if_o some_o object_n that_o the_o original_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o handwriting_a of_o the_o several_a author_n be_v not_o still_o remain_v do_v this_o deserve_v to_o be_v answer_v till_o they_o can_v produce_v the_o original_a write_n of_o all_o other_o book_n or_o at_o least_o of_o all_o or_o any_o that_o be_v as_o ancient_n as_o even_o the_o last_o write_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a 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the_o septuagint_n and_o in_o our_o own_o and_o other_o translation_n which_o herein_o follow_v st._n luke_n and_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n man_n must_v call_v thing_n by_o know_a name_n if_o they_o will_v be_v understand_v whatever_o give_v the_o first_o occasion_n to_o those_o name_n as_o to_o many_o objection_n let_v man_n but_o do_v moses_n the_o same_o right_n which_o they_o will_v do_v thucydides_n or_o tacitus_n and_o we_o need_v desire_v no_o more_o though_o they_o shall_v not_o allow_v for_o the_o great_a distance_n of_o time_n between_o they_o indeed_o they_o may_v live_v in_o the_o same_o age_n for_o all_o that_o many_o of_o these_o objector_n know_v and_o be_v next_o neighbour_n i_o have_v know_v divers_a objection_n make_v which_o the_o look_v only_o into_o the_o bible_n will_v answer_v and_o many_o proceed_v from_o the_o want_n of_o be_v conversant_a in_o it_o some_o have_v suppose_v that_o they_o have_v great_a matter_n of_o objection_n from_o christ_n curse_v the_o figtree_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o wither_v away_o but_o never_o so_o little_a reflection_n may_v serve_v any_o one_o to_o take_v notice_n how_o merciful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o how_o suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o preach_v for_o he_o to_o show_v his_o power_n of_o punish_v upon_o a_o tree_n rather_o than_o upon_o a_o man_n it_o be_v then_o and_o be_v at_o any_o time_n as_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o punish_v his_o reviler_n as_o it_o be_v to_o curse_v this_o tree_n or_o as_o it_o can_v be_v for_o they_o to_o revile_v he_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o ready_a at_o it_o but_o to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o saviour_n not_o the_o destroyer_n of_o mankind_n he_o cure_a all_o manner_n of_o disease_n and_o raise_v the_o dead_a but_o never_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o any_o man_n nor_o inflict_v any_o disease_n he_o spare_v his_o worst_a enemy_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o punish_v their_o hypocrisy_n in_o the_o emblem_n only_o of_o a_o figtree_n flourish_v in_o leave_n before_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o fig_n and_o thereby_o promise_v very_o much_o a_o early_a fruit_n but_o have_v none_o it_o make_v a_o show_n of_o fig_n out_o of_o season_n but_o have_v nothing_o to_o answer_v so_o fair_a a_o appearance_n other_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v more_o considerable_a have_v be_v confute_v even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n cavil_n which_o have_v be_v raise_v concern_v the_o 2._o the_o tacquet_n geometr_v pract._n lib._n 3._o c._n 20._o ●robl_n 2._o quantity_n of_o matter_n which_o will_v be_v require_v to_o compose_v the_o body_n of_o all_o man_n at_o the_o resurrection_n and_o concern_v the_o 95._o the_o sir_n sam_n morland_n urim_n of_o conse_n p._n 95._o bottomless_a pit_n have_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v frivolous_a that_o the_o 5._o the_o buteo_n de_fw-fr ●rea_fw-la noe._n kircher_n de_fw-fr arc._n no●_n sir_n w._n raleigh_n hist_o lib._n 1._o c._n 7._o s._n 9_o bishop_n wilkin_n be_v real_a character_n part_v 2._o c._n 5._o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n be_v sufficient_a to_o contain_v noah_n and_o his_o family_n with_o the_o beast_n and_o food_n for_o they_o and_o that_o the_o 14._o the_o petau._n doctr._n temp._n lib._n 9_o c._n 14._o increase_v of_o mankind_n may_v extend_v to_o so_o great_a number_n in_o no_o long_a a_o compass_n of_o year_n than_o the_o scripture_n in_o any_o instance_n assign_v be_v thing_n which_o have_v be_v often_o prove_v beyond_o any_o possibility_n of_o a_o confutation_n and_o whatever_o force_n there_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o objection_n of_o this_o nature_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o vulgar_a error_n and_o in_o that_o number_n sir_n thomas_n brown_n have_v place_v some_o of_o they_o for_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v long_o ago_o ashamed_a to_o make_v they_o and_o this_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v cause_v other_o to_o be_v more_o modest_a and_o cautious_a in_o their_o objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n when_o such_o as_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o great_a strength_n in_o they_o be_v once_o bring_v under_o strict_a examination_n prove_v to_o be_v evident_o false_a and_o if_o they_o find_v they_o have_v be_v mistake_v and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v undeceive_v this_o will_v go_v so_o far_o towards_o their_o conviction_n that_o i_o can_v but_o hope_v that_o the_o consideration_n here_o propose_v may_v be_v of_o some_o weight_n with_o they_o thus_o far_o methinks_v at_o least_o i_o may_v hope_v to_o prevail_v upon_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o they_o will_v no_o long_o imagine_v it_o safe_a or_o prudent_a to_o speak_v light_o and_o profane_o of_o it_o religion_n be_v too_o serious_a a_o thing_n and_o of_o too_o great_a concernment_n to_o mankind_n to_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o scorn_n of_o every_o one_o that_o think_v he_o can_v make_v a_o jest_n and_o that_o which_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o their_o reason_n will_v be_v in_o little_a danger_n of_o their_o raillery_n but_o will_v rather_o receive_v a_o additional_a confirmation_n from_o it_o the_o best_a and_o most_o sacred_a thing_n be_v always_o most_o capable_a of_o dishonour_n and_o affront_v for_o to_o affront_v and_o abuse_v any_o person_n or_o thing_n be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v bad_a and_o it_o be_v the_o security_n of_o some_o thing_n and_o some_o man_n that_o they_o can_v be_v represent_v worse_a than_o they_o be_v it_o be_v in_o any_o one_o power_n to_o affront_v the_o great_a prince_n and_o a_o man_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a virtue_n may_v be_v be_v most_o easy_o abuse_v but_o no_o treason_n can_v be_v speak_v against_o a_o beggar_n and_o it_o be_v the_o hard_a matter_n to_o find_v out_o how_o to_o disgrace_v he_o of_o who_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v worse_a than_o he_o deserve_v it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o testimony_n give_v to_o religion_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n pay_v to_o virtue_n when_o man_n so_o industrious_o labour_v to_o villify_v it_o for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v disparage_v which_o be_v of_o no_o worth_a or_o excellency_n or_o why_o shall_v man_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v that_o into_o discredit_n which_o have_v not_o at_o present_a a_o confess_a reputation_n whether_o this_o be_v a_o deserve_a reputation_n or_o no_o they_o may_v question_v if_o they_o think_v fit_a but_o then_o let_v they_o make_v it_o a_o serious_a question_n and_o not_o to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o loud_a noise_n but_o here_o be_v the_o mischief_n they_o have_v no_o patience_n to_o attend_v to_o the_o force_n of_o a_o argument_n or_o to_o go_v on_o with_o a_o dispute_n but_o a_o cavil_v be_v soon_o start_v and_o objection_n be_v more_o easy_o raise_v than_o answer_v
upon_o any_o subject_a and_o then_o they_o trample_v with_o wonderful_a scorn_n and_o triumph_n upon_o that_o which_o they_o conceive_v be_v so_o miserable_o overcome_v but_o alas_o the_o victory_n be_v over_o themselves_o nothing_o be_v either_o the_o more_o or_o the_o less_o true_a for_o their_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v it_o and_o religion_n be_v always_o the_o same_o how_o profane_o soever_o it_o may_v be_v speak_v of_o we_o have_v no_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o any_o man_n faith_n but_o if_o there_o be_v reason_n in_o what_o we_o say_v it_o may_v well_o be_v expect_v from_o reasonable_a man_n that_o they_o shall_v hearken_v to_o reason_n religion_n be_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n as_o the_o father_n often_o speak_v the_o best_a and_o true_a philosophy_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v how_o much_o soever_o i_o may_v have_v fail_v in_o the_o performance_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v with_o such_o clear_a and_o full_a evidence_n even_o to_o ordinary_a understanding_n as_o to_o make_v all_o pretence_n of_o argue_v against_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v as_o ridiculous_a as_o they_o be_v impious_a the_o content_n chap._n i._o of_o humane_a reason_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o book_n such_o point_n be_v clear_v in_o the_o second_o as_o be_v think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o before_o man_n venture_v upon_o objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o consider_v the_o strength_n and_o compass_n of_o their_o own_o faculty_n and_o the_o manifold_a defect_n of_o humane_a reason_n p._n 1._o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o be_v demonstrable_a p._n 4._o every_o man_n believe_v and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o several_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculative_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o incredible_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v p._n 12._o those_o who_o disbelieve_v and_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v believe_v thing_n much_o more_o incredible_a p._n 24._o chap._n ii_o of_o inspiration_n all_o motion_n of_o material_a thing_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o conceivable_a by_o we_o that_o god_n do_v act_n upon_o the_o immaterial_a as_o that_o he_o act_v upon_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o may_v act_v more_o powerful_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n of_o some_o man_n than_o of_o other_o p._n 28._o wherein_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v consist_v and_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v p._n 31._o such_o inference_n from_o thence_o as_o may_v afford_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n allege_v upon_o this_o subject_a p._n 41._o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o exclude_v humane_a mean_n as_o information_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n etc._n etc._n p._n 42._o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o word_n and_o style_n ibid._n though_o something_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n indefinite_o and_o without_o any_o positive_a assertion_n or_o determination_n this_o be_v no_o proof_n against_o their_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n p._n 43._o in_o thing_n which_o may_v fall_v under_o humane_a prudence_n and_o observation_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v use_v only_o a_o directive_n power_n and_o influence_n p._n 46._o this_o infallible_a assistance_n be_v not_o permanent_a and_o habitual_a p._n 49._o it_o do_v not_o prevent_v personal_a fail_n p._n 50._o no_o passage_n or_o circumstance_n in_o the_o scripture_n erroneous_a p._n 51._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o grammatical_a construction_n and_o propriety_n of_o speech_n p._n 53._o those_o which_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o defect_n in_o the_o scripture-style_n be_v usual_a in_o the_o most_o approve_a heathen_a author_n p._n ib._n metaphor_n and_o rhetorical_a scheme_n and_o figure_n p._n 57_o the_o style_n different_a of_o different_a nation_n p._n 58._o the_o title_n of_o king_n p._n 59_o what_o art_n be_v use_v by_o orator_n to_o raise_v the_o passion_n p._n 60._o that_o they_o sometime_o read_v their_o speech_n p._n 62._o the_o figurative_a expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o their_o type_n and_o parable_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n and_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v ibid._n several_a thing_n relate_v as_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v only_o parabolical_a description_n or_o representation_n p._n 64._o the_o prophetic_a scheme_n of_o speech_n usual_a with_o the_o eastern_a nation_n p._n 66._o the_o want_n of_o distinguish_v the_o person_n speak_v have_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n p._n 68_o the_o antiquity_n and_o various_a way_n of_o poetry_n p._n 69._o the_o metaphorical_a and_o figurative_a use_n of_o word_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o work_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n p._n 71._o the_o decorum_n or_o suitableness_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n p._n 79._o the_o method_n p._n 86._o some_o book_n of_o scripture_n admirable_a for_o their_o style_n p._n 89._o why_o the_o style_n not_o alike_o excellent_a in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n p._n 93._o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n any_o controversy_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o rest_n p._n 96._o the_o uncontroverted_a book_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n p._n 97._o the_o dispute_n concern_v the_o apochrypha_n fall_v not_o here_o under_o consideration_n p._n 99_o no_o suppression_n or_o alteration_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o idolatrous_a king_n etc._n etc._n p._n 100_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o handwriting_a of_o moses_n find_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o josiah_n p._n 102._o no_o book_n but_o those_o which_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n receive_v by_o the_o jew_n into_o their_o canon_n p._n 103._o what_o opinion_n the_o ten_o tribe_n have_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n p._n 105._o neither_o the_o samaritan_n nor_o the_o sadducee_n reject_v any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n p._n 106._o of_o the_o book_n whereof_o mention_n be_v make_v in_o the_o o._n t._n p._n 106._o why_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n express_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n shall_v be_v express_v p._n 108._o a_o wonderful_a providence_n manifest_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o o._n t._n for_o so_o many_o age_n p._n 109._o the_o new_a testament_n confirm_v the_o old_a p._n 111._o the_o caution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o admit_v book_n into_o the_o canon_n ib._n the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o examine_v and_o distinguish_v the_o genuine_a and_o inspire_v write_n from_o the_o apocryphal_a or_o spurious_a p._n 113._o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n matt._n in_o hebrew_n how_o long_o preserve_v p._n 115._o the_o greek_a version_n of_o it_o p._n 116._o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n finish_v by_o st._n john_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n review_v by_o he_o p._n 117._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n ib._n copy_n of_o great_a antiquity_n still_o extant_a p._n 118._o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n be_v at_o first_o doubt_v of_o p._n 119._o the_o canon_n have_v be_v fix_v and_o confirm_v in_o council_n in_o tertullian_n time_n p._n 121._o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n general_o receive_v by_o christian_n of_o all_o sect_n and_o party_n p._n 124._o chap._n v._o of_o the_o various_a readins_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n a_o extraordinary_a providence_n manifest_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o such_o casualty_n as_o have_v befall_v other_o book_n p._n 126._o the_o defect_n in_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n of_o the_o point_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n p._n 127._o the_o change_n of_o the_o old_a hebrew_n character_n into_o that_o now_o in_o use_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n p._n 130._o the_o keri_n and_o the_o ketib_n no_o prejudice_n to_o it_o ib._n the_o difference_n between_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o the_o septuagint_n and_o other_o version_n or_o between_o the_o version_n themselves_o no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n p._n 132._o it_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o great_a critic_n both_o protestant_n and_o
by_o in_o vit._n homer_n plutarch_n as_o excellency_n in_o homer_n and_o he_o say_v they_o be_v usual_a in_o prose_n as_o well_o as_o in_o verse_n among_o the_o ancient_n whatsoever_o soloccism_n or_o impropriety_n of_o speech_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o like_a have_v be_v observe_v sacr._n observe_v vid._n dan._n heins_n proleg_n ad_fw-la exercit_fw-la sacr._n in_o homer_n aeschylus_n sophocles_n pindar_n and_o apollonius_n rhodius_n by_o their_o several_a scholiast_n and_o in_o thucydides_n by_o dionysius_n halicarnasseus_n and_o in_o tully_n by_o cicuron_n by_o dialog_n cicuron_n erasmus_n and_o other_o xenophon_n be_v observe_v by_o cclxxix_o by_o apud_fw-la phot._n cod_n cclxxix_o helladius_n not_o to_o be_v always_o exact_a in_o point_n of_o grammar_n which_o he_o ascribe_v to_o his_o military_a life_n and_o his_o conversation_n with_o stranger_n many_o soloecism_n be_v find_v in_o the_o ancient_a inscription_n and_o in_o hyginus_n a_o author_n as_o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v of_o augustus_n age_n which_o be_v to_o be_v impute_v rather_o to_o the_o custom_n of_o speech_n among_o the_o vulgar_a than_o to_o the_o mistake_n of_o these_o author_n for_o in_o language_n so_o difficult_a as_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a be_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o the_o common_a people_n must_v often_o make_v great_a mistake_n which_o by_o degree_n become_v customary_a and_o be_v the_o character_n of_o the_o hyginum_fw-la the_o vid._n schefferi_n praefat._n &_o munkeri_fw-la dissertat_fw-la in_o hyginum_fw-la low_a and_o plebeian_n style_n and_o in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n they_o ascribe_v their_o soloe●isms_n to_o the_o particular_a dialect_n of_o the_o people_n among_o who_o they_o be_v most_o in_o use_n the_o stoic_n who_o be_v the_o most_o numerous_a and_o flourish_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n have_v little_a regard_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o grammar_n for_o they_o be_v caution_v by_o their_o master_n chrysippus_n not_o to_o be_v careful_a about_o such_o nicety_n and_o they_o be_v high_o commend_v by_o a_o 14._o a_o mer._n casaub_n in_o m._n anto●in_n lib._n ●_o n._n 14._o great_a critic_n for_o express_v their_o thought_n though_o common_o with_o word_n very_o proper_a and_o significant_a yet_o in_o a_o style_n so_o free_a from_o all_o affectation_n or_o curiosity_n as_o come_v next_o to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o design_n of_o revelation_n be_v not_o to_o teach_v word_n but_o thing_n and_o to_o express_v they_o in_o such_o word_n as_o may_v serve_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o if_o a_o improper_a word_n or_o a_o soloecism_n may_v be_v more_o serviceable_a to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o exactness_n and_o propriety_n of_o language_n the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o little_a genius_n to_o be_v overcurious_a about_o word_n as_o demosthenes_n intimate_v in_o his_o reply_n to_o aeschines_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o fortune_n of_o greece_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o a_o criticism_n which_o tully_n mention_v say_v it_o be_v orator_n be_v facile_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la verbum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la arden_n ut_fw-la ita_fw-la dicam_fw-la notare_fw-la idque_fw-la restinctis_fw-la jam_fw-la animorum_fw-la incendiis_fw-la irridere_fw-la cic._n orator_n a_o easy_a matter_n to_o pitch_v upon_o a_o word_n speak_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o discourse_n and_o in_o cool_a blood_n to_o make_v sport_n with_o it_o but_o this_o be_v at_o large_a treat_v of_o by_o longinus_n and_o seneca_n speak_v excellent_o to_o this_o purpose_n cxv_o purpose_n cujuscunque_fw-la orationem_fw-la videris_fw-la sollicitam_fw-la &_o politam_fw-la scito_fw-la animum_fw-la quoque_fw-la non_fw-la minus_fw-la esse_fw-la pusillis_fw-la occupatum_fw-la magnus_fw-la ille_fw-la remissius_fw-la loquor_fw-la &_o securius_fw-la quaecunque_fw-la dicit_fw-la plus_fw-la habent_fw-la siduciae_fw-la quam_fw-la curae_fw-la senec._n epist_n cxv_o if_o you_o observe_v say_v he_o that_o a_o man_n speech_n be_v too_o nice_a and_o critical_a be_v sure_a that_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n take_v up_o with_o little_a thing_n a_o man_n of_o a_o great_a mind_n speak_v with_o the_o less_o caution_n and_o exactness_n whatsoever_o he_o say_v he_o be_v better_a assure_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o discourse_n than_o to_o trouble_v himself_o much_o about_o word_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o so_o many_o great_a author_n have_v afford_v so_o much_o work_v for_o the_o critic_n to_o blame_v or_o to_o excuse_v they_o and_o very_o often_o to_o commend_v they_o for_o depart_v from_o the_o common_a form_n the_o old_a testament_n have_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n but_o what_o for_o aught_o that_o can_v now_o be_v know_v be_v most_o proper_a in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n whatever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o other_o and_o as_o to_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v pen_v in_o such_o word_n and_o in_o such_o construction_n of_o grammar_n as_o may_v render_v it_o most_o useful_a not_o according_a to_o the_o attic_a or_o any_o other_o dialect_n which_o be_v know_v to_o so_o few_o in_o comparison_n that_o it_o be_v confine_v as_o it_o be_v to_o one_o country_n or_o know_v only_o to_o the_o learned_a in_o other_o but_o in_o such_o greek_a as_o be_v general_o understand_v in_o the_o remote_a and_o numerous_a nation_n where_o that_o language_n be_v speak_v for_o which_o reason_n so_o many_o expression_n be_v take_v from_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n which_o be_v so_o much_o in_o use_n among_o the_o proselyte_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o book_n of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n utter_v in_o hebrew_n and_o translate_v into_o another_o tongue_n have_v not_o the_o same_o force_n in_o they_o and_o 〈◊〉_d and_o hieron_n ad_fw-la amos._n v._n 8._o &_o in_o epist_n ad_fw-la galat._n 3_o 〈◊〉_d st_n jerom_n show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o make_v use_n of_o such_o word_n as_o be_v first_o take_v from_o the_o heathen_a fable_n in_o translate_n the_o scripture_n which_o have_v no_o affinity_n to_o they_o but_o when_o man_n speak_v or_o write_v they_o must_v do_v it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v unless_o they_o will_v do_v it_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o must_v take_v such_o word_n as_o be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o be_v intelligible_a to_o those_o for_o who_o benefit_n they_o write_v and_o they_o must_v be_v content_v too_o with_o such_o grammatical_a construction_n as_o well_o as_o with_o such_o word_n as_o shall_v be_v find_v expedient_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o write_v 2._o write_v hieron_n in_o galat._n 1_o 2._o sometime_o again_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o frame_v new_a word_n to_o express_v the_o propriety_n of_o the_o hebrew_n language_n as_o tully_n have_v do_v in_o his_o book_n of_o philosophy_n to_o explain_v in_o latin_a the_o term_n of_o it_o in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n man_n must_v accommodate_v themselves_o to_o their_o subject_n and_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o those_o for_o who_o they_o undertake_v to_o discourse_v upon_o it_o ii_o metaphor_n and_o rhetorical_a scheme_n or_o figure_n of_o speech_n man_n differ_v as_o much_o in_o their_o form_n and_o scheme_n of_o speak_v as_o they_o do_v in_o their_o manner_n or_o custom_n or_o in_o their_o complexion_n and_o disposition_n every_o man_n have_v something_o peculiar_a in_o his_o way_n of_o express_v himself_o which_o be_v so_o easy_o distinguish_v by_o good_a critic_n from_o that_o of_o other_o that_o they_o seldom_o fail_v in_o it_o though_o there_o can_v be_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o cclxv_o and_o phot._n cod_n cclxv_o photius_n observe_v that_o some_o oration_n which_o pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o demosthenes_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o style_n ascribe_v by_o certain_a critic_n to_o other_o author_n make_v this_o remark_n that_o he_o have_v often_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o great_a resemblance_n in_o the_o style_n of_o oration_n make_v by_o different_a author_n and_o of_o as_o great_a a_o unlikeness_n in_o the_o style_n of_o those_o make_v by_o the_o same_o man_n but_o the_o different_a character_n and_o manner_n of_o style_n in_o the_o several_a country_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v much_o more_o easy_o discern_v than_o it_o can_v be_v in_o particular_a man_n of_o the_o same_o country_n thr_fw-mi people_n of_o caria_n phrygia_n and_o mysia_n be_v not_o at_o all_o polite_a and_o neat_a orator_n neat_a adsciverunt_fw-la aptum_fw-la suis_fw-la auribus_fw-la opimum_fw-la quoddam_fw-la &_o tanquam_fw-la adipatae_fw-la dictionis_fw-la genus_fw-la cic._n orator_n say_v tully_n and_o therefore_o they_o love_v a_o gross_a and_o slovenly_a kind_n of_o discourse_n which_o the_o rhodian_o not_o far_o distant_a from_o they_o never_o approve_v of_o and_o the_o other_o greek_n like_v it_o much_o less_o but_o the_o
to_o the_o custom_n of_o other_o nation_n well_o know_v and_o practise_v at_o that_o time_n thus_o the_o slave_n be_v wont_a to_o have_v their_o master_n name_n or_o mark_v upon_o their_o forehead_n and_o the_o soldier_n to_o have_v the_o name_n of_o their_o general_n upon_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o like_a mark_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o man_n in_o token_n that_o they_o have_v devote_v themselves_o to_o their_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o read_v of_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n receive_v by_o his_o worshipper_n in_o their_o right_a hand_n or_o in_o their_o forehead_n loc_fw-la forehead_n vid._n grot._fw-la ad_fw-la loc_fw-la rev._n 13.16_o and_o of_o his_o father_n name_v write_v in_o the_o forehead_n of_o those_o that_o stand_v in_o mount_n zion_n with_o the_o lamb_n rev._n 14.1_o st_o paul_n allude_v to_o the_o grecian_a game_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n who_o be_v much_o addict_v to_o those_o sport_n and_o have_v one_o sort_n of_o they_o the_o isthmian_a perform_v among_o they_o 1_o cor._n 9.24_o 25._o and_o he_o allude_v to_o the_o distinction_n among_o the_o roman_n between_o freeman_n and_o slave_n for_o which_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v in_o condescension_n to_o they_o i_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n because_o of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o your_o flesh_n rom._n 6.19_o melchisedec_n be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o father_n without_o mother_n without_o descent_n heb._n 7.3_o because_o his_o pedigree_n be_v unknown_a which_o be_v a_o most_o significant_a way_n of_o expression_n to_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v so_o careful_a and_o exact_a in_o their_o genealogy_n but_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n of_o expression_n be_v also_o use_v 8._o use_v patre_fw-la nullo_n matre_fw-la serva_fw-la liv._o lib._n 4._o c._n 3._o ●ullis_fw-la majoribus_fw-la ortos_fw-la horac_n serm._n lib._n 1._o sit_v 6._o dvos_fw-la romanos_fw-la reges_fw-la ●sse_fw-la quorum_fw-la alter_fw-la patrem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la alter_fw-la matrem_fw-la nam_fw-la de_fw-la servij_fw-la matre_fw-la dubitatur_fw-la anci_fw-la pater_fw-la nullus_fw-la numae_fw-la nepos_fw-la dicitur_fw-la senec._n epist_n c._n 8._o by_o livy_n horace_n and_o seneca_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n there_o be_v much_o of_o nature_n but_o very_o much_o likewise_o of_o use_n and_o custom_n in_o the_o several_a scheme_n and_o form_n of_o rhetoric_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o sudden_a change_n of_o the_o person_n speak_v jer._n 16.19_o 20_o 21.17.13_o and_o with_o interlocatory_a discourse_n isa_n 63._o and_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a to_o we_o for_o want_v of_o distinguish_v the_o person_n who_o speak_v thus_o for_o instance_n jer._n 20.14_o the_o prophet_n seem_v transport_v abrupt_o from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o but_o if_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o wicked_a mention_v for_o 13._o under_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n from_o the_o 14_o ver_fw-la to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o sense_n will_v be_v more_o easy_a this_o abrupt_a change_n of_o the_o person_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o longinus_n as_o a_o excellency_n in_o homer_n hecataeus_n and_o demosthenes_n and_o the_o want_n of_o distinguish_v the_o person_n speak_v have_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n 7._o scripture_n justin_n apol._n 2._o origen_n philocal_a c._n 7._o as_o justin_n martyr_n and_o origen_n observe_v many_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v give_v in_o the_o best_a heathen_a poet_n and_o the_o read_v the_o ancient_a poet_n be_v the_o best_a help_n for_o the_o understanding_n all_o other_o author_n of_o great_a antiquity_n for_o the_o ancient_a any_o author_n be_v the_o near_a his_o stile_n come_v to_o poetry_n the_o first_o design_n of_o write_v be_v to_o delight_n so_o as_o to_o be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o instruct_v which_o make_v verse_n much_o more_o ancient_a than_o prose_n and_o though_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o speak_v in_o prose_n and_o not_o in_o verse_n yet_o it_o seem_v the_o humour_n o●_n greek_n will_v not_o bear_v though_o write_a philosophy_n in_o prose_n till_o the_o time_n of_o cyrus_n for_o then_o loc_fw-la then_o plin._n hist_o lib._n 5._o c._n 29.7_o c._n 56._o vid._n harduin_n ad_fw-la loc_fw-la pliny_n tell_v we_o pherecydes_n first_o write_v in_o prose_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o philosophy_n for_o he_o ascribe_v the_o first_o writing_n of_o prose_n in_o history_n to_o cadmus_n milesius_n and_o the_o ancient_a writer_n now_o extant_a in_o prose_n herodotus_n thucydides_n and_o xenophon_n have_v many_o expression_n which_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o meet_v withal_o beside_o but_o in_o the_o poet_n h._n stephens_n make_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o poetical_a word_n use_v by_o xenophon_n which_o be_v prefix_v to_o his_o work_n and_o the_o orator_n both_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n be_v as_o exact_v and_o curious_a in_o the_o foot_n and_o measure_n of_o their_o prose_n as_o the_o poet_n can_v be_v in_o verse_n great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o verse_n and_o the_o different_a way_n of_o write_v in_o different_a age_n and_o nation_n appear_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o poetry_n that_o way_n of_o write_v all_o verse_n in_o rhyme_n which_o in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v most_o in_o use_n and_o esteem_v will_v have_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n though_o the_o use_n of_o rhyme_n in_o verse_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v example_n in_o antiquity_n that_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o all_o way_n of_o write_a verse_n acrostic_n though_o of_o no_o esteem_n and_o little_o use_v in_o many_o age_n and_o country_n be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n verse_n compose_v in_o the_o acrostic_n and_o alphabetical_a way_n be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o help_n to_o the_o memory_n and_o this_o benefit_n and_o the_o ornament_n which_o it_o be_v then_o suppose_v to_o give_v to_o poem_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o it_o be_v sometime_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o sometime_o the_o inspiration_n be_v so_o strong_a upon_o the_o writer_n mind_n as_o to_o interrupt_v the_o art_n and_o method_n which_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o himself_o as_o ps_n 25._o and_o 145._o or_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v customary_a upon_o certain_a occasion_n to_o omit_v some_o letter_n in_o the_o alphabet_n in_o such_o composition_n for_o reason_n which_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o but_o which_o may_v be_v very_o satisfactory_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o time_n and_o country_n 21._o country_n athenae_n lib._n 10._o c._n 21._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o example_n of_o this_o among_o the_o greek_n use_v by_o pindar_n and_o other_o ancient_a poet_n the_o old_a 11._o old_a casanb_n in_o athen._n lib._n 8._o c._n 11._o spartan_a doric_a and_o aeolic_a dialect_n change_v σ_n into_o p_o the_o rough_a sound_n of_o this_o letter_n be_v more_o agreeable_a it_o seem_v to_o those_o people_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v write_v acrostic_n and_o alphabetical_a poem_n σ_n will_v have_v be_v omit_v rhophalick_a verse_n which_o begin_v with_o a_o monosyllable_n every_o word_n increase_a by_o one_o syllable_n more_o than_o the_o former_a be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o homer_n and_o the_o leonine_n or_o monkish_a verse_n with_o a_o double_a rhyme_n one_o in_o the_o middle_n and_o the_o other_o at_o the_o end_n be_v not_o without_o precedent_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o poem_n compose_v of_o divers_a sort_n of_o verse_n and_o frame_v into_o the_o shape_n of_o several_a thing_n by_o simmias_n rhodius_n some_o of_o which_o be_v ascribe_v to_o theocritus_n the_o repetition_n so_o frequent_a in_o homer_n be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o word_n for_o no_o author_n ever_o want_v they_o less_o than_o he_o but_o out_o of_o choice_n though_o latter_a poet_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o imitate_v he_o in_o this_o and_o martial_n turn_v it_o to_o ridicule_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o be_v more_o various_a than_o the_o wit_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o whoever_o will_v write_v to_o any_o purpose_n must_v write_v in_o some_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o people_n to_o who_o he_o write_v will_v bear_v and_o as_o their_o custom_n require_v but_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o particular_a it_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o consider_v the_o stile_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o metaphorical_a and_o figurative_a use_n of_o word_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o work_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n there_o never_o be_v any_o book_n write_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o literal_a propriety_n of_o word_n because_o all_o language_n abound_v in_o metaphor_n which_o by_o constant_a use_n become_v perhaps_o better_o know_v to_o the_o native_n of_o a_o country_n than_o the_o original_a word_n themselves_o and_o in_o process_n
therefore_o be_v call_v prophet_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o in_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o man_n inspire_a writer_n may_v use_v such_o form_n of_o speech_n as_o will_v not_o be_v proper_a nor_o decent_a for_o other_o to_o use_v and_o this_o liberty_n be_v take_v by_o orator_n as_o well_o as_o poet_n when_o the_o occasion_n seem_v to_o require_v it_o as_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o panathen_a in_o panegr_n &_o panathen_a isocrates_n for_o the_o ancient_a orator_n too_o by_o longinus_n observation_n pretend_v to_o something_o more_o than_o humane_a and_o will_v be_v think_v to_o speak_v by_o some_o kind_n of_o impulse_n upon_o which_o account_n this_o liberty_n may_v be_v allow_v they_o but_o it_o may_v well_o be_v think_v needless_a for_o i_o to_o have_v use_v so_o many_o word_n on_o this_o subject_n when_o there_o be_v so_o little_a occasion_n for_o any_o objection_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o wherever_o there_o can_v be_v any_o pretence_n for_o it_o it_o have_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n but_o i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v labour_n ill_o bestow_v to_o show_v here_o beside_o how_o have_v critic_n they_o be_v that_o can_v object_v at_o this_o rate_n i_o will_v say_v further_o that_o the_o passage_n tob._n 5.16_o concern_v the_o dog_n which_o follow_v tobias_n which_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o unwary_a and_o unskilful_a man_n to_o insult_v with_o so_o much_o scorn_n over_o a_o book_n that_o be_v very_o useful_a though_o not_o of_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v not_o only_o innocent_a but_o agreeable_a to_o the_o best_a pattern_n of_o antiquity_n seru._n antiquity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d odiss_n two_o nec_fw-la non_fw-la &_o geminy_n custodes_fw-la limine_fw-la ab_fw-la alto_fw-mi procedunt_fw-la gressumque_fw-la cane_n comitantur_fw-la herilem_fw-la aen._n 8._o hoc_fw-la &_o in_o homero_n lectum_fw-la est_fw-la &_o in_o historia_n romana_fw-la quae_fw-la ait_fw-la syphax_n inter_fw-la dvas_fw-la cane_n stans_fw-la scipionem_fw-la appellavit_fw-la seru._n homer_n and_o virgil_n who_o think_v it_o a_o very_a proper_a and_o natural_a ornament_n of_o their_o poem_n to_o describe_v dog_n follow_v their_o master_n homer_n speak_v of_o telemachus_n and_o virgil_n of_o evander_n and_o servius_n produce_v a_o example_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o roman_a history_n iv_o as_o to_o the_o method_n use_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v write_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v or_o that_o history_n shall_v be_v digest_v into_o diaries_n or_o annal_n since_o there_o may_v be_v reason_n whether_o know_v or_o unknown_a to_o we_o why_o they_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o place_v and_o thus_o the_o lyric_a ●●●ts_n 25._o ●●●ts_n vid._n hieron_n ad_fw-la hieremiae_n cap._n 21_o 25._o who_o pretend_v to_o enthusiasm_n and_o a_o imitation_n as_o it_o be_v of_o prophecy_n do_v not_o confine_v themselves_o to_o observe_v any_o order_n of_o time_n some_o thing_n last_o foretell_v may_v be_v first_o to_o be_v fulfil_v or_o some_o thing_n be_v more_o or_o less_o remarkable_a or_o concern_v the_o jew_n more_o or_o less_o than_o other_o but_o general_o in_o the_o prophetical_a book_n of_o scripture_n what_o concern_v the_o same_o subject_n be_v put_v together_o though_o foretold_v or_o fall_v out_o at_o different_a time_n that_o the_o clear_a and_o more_o distinct_a view_n may_v be_v have_v of_o it_o this_o as_o 30._o as_o hieren_fw-mi ad_fw-la ezech._n cap._n 29_o 30._o st_n jerom_n observe_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o dive●●_n transposition_n in_o point_n of_o time_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n and_o ezekiel_n and_o 7._o and_o id._n ad_fw-la dan._n c._n 7._o he_o take_v notice_n that_o daniel_n have_v set_v down_o the_o prophecy_n which_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o several_a reign_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n belshazzar_n darius_n or_o cyrus_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o time_n afterward_o declare_v the_o revelation_n that_o be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v make_v but_o be_v write_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o posterity_n but_o the_o several_a transposition_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o account_v for_o by_o commentator_n and_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o sacred_a writer_n mention_v no_o more_o of_o civil_a affair_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o refer_v to_o the_o history_n then_o extant_a for_o a_o full_a account_n of_o they_o their_o design_n be_v not_o to_o write_v a_o complete_a history_n of_o all_o event_n but_o they_o confine_v themselves_o to_o such_o as_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o keep_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o proper_a business_n it_o be_v expedient_a that_o the_o same_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v repeat_v in_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o intersperse_v with_o other_o thing_n according_a to_o no_o certain_a art_n or_o method_n because_o this_o prevent_v their_o be_v corrupt_v or_o falsify_v as_o they_o may_v have_v be_v if_o they_o have_v be_v all_o reduce_v to_o several_a distinct_a head_n and_o place_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o art_n if_o one_o prophet_n repeat_v what_o another_o prophet_n have_v say_v this_o be_v to_o give_v it_o a_o new_a confirmation_n to_o revive_v the_o remembrance_n and_o show_v the_o certainty_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v ordinary_a in_o the_o best_a author_n not_o only_o to_o find_v the_o same_o thing_n repeat_v in_o divers_a place_n of_o their_o work_n but_o to_o meet_v with_o they_o repeat_v in_o the_o very_a same_o word_n thus_o isocrates_n xenophon_n and_o demosthenes_n transcribe_v in_o one_o part_n of_o their_o work_n what_o they_o have_v write_v in_o another_o but_o none_o i_o think_v so_o frequent_o as_o demosthenes_n though_o midiam_fw-la though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ulp._n enarr_n o●at_n demosthen_n co●t_fw-la midiam_fw-la ulpian_n have_v observe_v that_o this_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n with_o the_o ancient_a writer_n it_o be_v customary_a likewise_o with_o the_o philosopher_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o to_o allude_v to_o the_o verse_n of_o homer_n and_o to_o apply_v they_o with_o little_a variation_n upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o may_v be_v see_v frequent_o in_o diogenes_n laertius_n all_o the_o cavil_n therefore_o that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n proceed_v from_o ignorance_n of_o antiquity_n and_o from_o rashness_n in_o judge_v of_o ancient_a time_n and_o foreign_a country_n by_o our_o own_o whoever_o will_v either_o delight_n or_o profit_n must_v speak_v and_o act_v in_o some_o measure_n according_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o people_n with_o who_o he_o converse_v and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o read_v the_o scripture_n with_o the_o same_o candour_n and_o respect_n with_o which_o we_o read_v the_o write_n of_o human_a author_n and_o consider_v the_o time_n and_o person_n and_o the_o occasion_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v write_v there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v seem_v harsh_a or_o improper_a either_o in_o the_o word_n or_o action_n of_o the_o person_n inspire_v for_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o those_o country_n to_o speak_v by_o their_o action_n almost_o as_o much_o as_o in_o word_n if_o we_o will_v but_o observe_v the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v we_o shall_v find_v cause_n to_o admire_v the_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n and_o modesty_n of_o the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o style_n be_v sublime_a and_o elegant_a beyond_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o write_n and_o yet_o as_o natural_a as_o if_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v otherwise_o express_v and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a excellency_n of_o style_n that_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o natural_a and_o yet_o eloquent_a longinus_n give_v a_o high_a character_n of_o moses_n style_n in_o a_o book_n the_o design_n whereof_o be_v to_o represent_v the_o most_o perfect_a idea_n of_o eloquence_n indeed_o such_o be_v the_o fitness_n both_o in_o verse_n and_o prose_n of_o the_o word_n and_o style_n of_o moses_n so_o admirable_o suit_v to_o the_o subject_n upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v to_o prescribe_v a_o pattern_n of_o true_a eloquence_n as_o well_o as_o to_o enact_v law_n h._n stephens_n have_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a resemblance_n in_o herodotus_n to_o the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n herodotus_n have_v homer_n in_o his_o view_n throughout_o his_o history_n and_o homer_n expression_n be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o instance_n as_o particular_o when_o he_o so_o often_o mention_n the_o child_n of_o the_o trojan_n and_o the_o child_n of_o
the_o greek_n as_o the_o scripture_n mention_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o other_o greek_a author_n say_v the_o child_n of_o the_o physician_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n and_o the_o child_n of_o light_n initio_fw-la light_n grot._fw-la ad_fw-la 4._o reg._n 19.2_o &_o ad_fw-la ezech._n initio_fw-la grotius_n compare_v isaiah_n to_o demosthenes_n a_o sublime_a but_o a_o most_o natural_a and_o judicious_a writer_n the_o same_o author_n compare_v ezekiel_n to_o homer_n for_o the_o beauty_n and_o nobleness_n of_o his_o style_n 34._o style_n pref._n to_o pindaric_a ode_n and_o note_n upon_o pind._n ode_n ●n_n isai_n 34._o mr_n cowley_n compare_v the_o prophet_n especial_o isaiah_n to_o pindar_n but_o of_o pindar_n he_o say_v that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v undertake_v to_o translate_v he_o word_n for_o word_n it_o will_v be_v think_v that_o one_o mad_a man_n have_v translate_v another_o for_o which_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n that_o we_o must_v consider_v in_o pindar_n the_o great_a difference_n of_o time_n betwixt_o his_o age_n and_o we_o which_o change_v we_o in_o picture_n at_o least_o the_o colour_n of_o poetry_n the_o no_o less_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o religion_n and_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n and_o a_o thousand_o particularity_n of_o place_n person_n and_o manner_n which_o do_v but_o confuse_o appear_v to_o our_o eye_n at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n and_o last_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o our_o ear_n be_v stranger_n to_o the_o music_n of_o his_o number_n which_o sometime_o especial_o in_o song_n and_o ode_n almost_o without_o any_o thing_n else_o make_v a_o excellent_a poet._n and_o of_o david_n he_o observe_v that_o the_o best_a translator_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v honour_n or_o at_o least_o justice_n to_o that_o divine_a poet_n that_o methinks_v say_v he_o they_o revile_v he_o worse_o than_o shimei_n and_o buchanan_n himself_o come_v in_o his_o opinion_n no_o less_o short_a of_o david_n than_o his_o country_n do_v of_o judea_n yet_o isaiah_n and_o the_o r●●●_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o psalm_n be_v translate_v into_o our_o language_n word_n for_o word_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o one_o language_n to_o be_v thus_o render_v into_o another_o and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o custom_n and_o person_n no_o sensible_a man_n read_v they_o in_o the_o english_a tongue_n but_o he_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o their_o style_n with_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n be_v true_o great_a and_o excellent_a whereas_o euseb_n whereas_o quod_fw-la sicui_fw-la non_fw-la videtur_fw-la linguae_fw-la gratiam_fw-la interpretatione_n mutari_fw-la homerum_fw-la ad_fw-la verbum_fw-la exprimat_fw-la in_o latinum_fw-la plus_fw-fr aliquid_fw-la dicam_fw-la eundem_fw-la in_o fuâ_fw-la linguâ_fw-la prosae_fw-la verbis_fw-la interpretetur_fw-la videbit_fw-la ordinem_fw-la ridiculum_fw-la &_o poetam_fw-la eloquentissimum_fw-la vix_fw-la loquentem_fw-la hieron_n praef._n in_o chron._n euseb_n there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o heathen_a author_n that_o be_v so_o much_o esteem_v which_o if_o they_o be_v literal_o translate_v as_o the_o scripture_n be_v will_v bear_v the_o read_n but_o they_o will_v appear_v ridiculous_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n and_o peculiar_a idiom_n of_o most_o tongue_n be_v so_o very_o different_a one_o from_o another_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o custom_n and_o humour_n of_o the_o people_n of_o several_a country_n it_o be_v the_o evident_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o cause_v great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o write_v by_o so_o many_o different_a man_n and_o at_o such_o distant_a time_n and_o some_o book_n of_o they_o in_o the_o early_a age_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v pen_v in_o such_o a_o language_n and_o style_n as_o be_v most_o natural_a and_o which_o without_o any_o want_n of_o art_n exceed_v the_o most_o artificial_a and_o study_a eloquence_n in_o sublime_a and_o noble_a thought_n and_o expression_n and_o in_o all_o the_o beauty_n and_o ornament_n of_o speech_n and_o yet_o which_o in_o all_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o salvation_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v under_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o a_o verbal_a translation_n by_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n who_o live_v so_o many_o age_n after_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n can_v be_v read_v or_o hear_v or_o think_v of_o without_o be_v move_v by_o they_o with_o what_o life_n then_o with_o what_o zeal_n and_o flame_n must_v they_o have_v be_v deliver_v and_o what_o a_o mighty_a blessing_n be_v such_o a_o prophet_n to_o his_o own_o age_n and_o to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n of_o royal_a blood_n and_o of_o a_o style_n and_o behaviour_n suitable_a to_o his_o birth_n of_o divine_a virtue_n and_o of_o divine_a eloquence_n he_o declare_v thing_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v fulfil_v till_o many_o age_n afterward_o as_o plain_o as_o if_o he_o have_v see_v they_o before_o his_o eye_n and_o will_v make_v all_o other_o to_o see_v they_o he_o speak_v of_o christ_n as_o clear_o as_o if_o with_o simeon_n he_o have_v have_v his_o saviour_n in_o his_o arm_n or_o with_o the_o wise_a man_n have_v be_v kneel_v down_o before_o he_o and_o present_v he_o with_o more_o precious_a gift_n than_o any_o they_o have_v to_o offer_v and_o describe_v his_o passion_n as_o full_o as_o if_o he_o have_v follow_v he_o through_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o have_v be_v crucify_a with_o he_o have_v be_v just_a enter_v with_o he_o into_o paradise_n if_o this_o be_v think_v a_o digression_n from_o my_o subject_n i_o hope_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v excuse_v for_o who_o can_v speak_v of_o isaiah_n without_o a_o digression_n when_o man_n choose_v the_o food_n of_o swine_n and_o trample_v upon_o pearl_n as_o thing_n of_o no_o value_n as_o if_o he_o and_o the_o other_o prophet_n have_v always_o the_o hard_a fate_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o ruler_n of_o sodom_n and_o the_o people_n of_o gomorrha_n but_o if_o the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o in_o all_o place_n alike_o excellent_a and_o exact_a let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o 1._o the_o same_o stile_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o all_o subject_n and_o the_o stile_n and_o dialect_n be_v different_a according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o of_o the_o person_n for_o who_o use_n it_o be_v immediate_o design_v what_o concern_v the_o assyrian_a monarchy_n in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n be_v in_o the_o chaldee_n tongue_n and_o what_o relate_v direct_o to_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n part_v of_o ezra_n be_v in_o chaldee_n be_v a_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o chaldee_n chronicle_n and_o jer._n 10.11_o be_v in_o the_o same_o tongue_n that_o the_o jew_n may_v reject_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o chaldean_n in_o their_o language_n and_o open_o profess_v their_o own_o abhorrence_n of_o it_o and_o as_o upon_o these_o occasion_n the_o language_n of_o scripture_n be_v change_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o subject_n and_o the_o person_n concern_v so_o the_o style_n must_v be_v sometime_o alter_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n 2._o artificial_a strain_n of_o rhetoric_n whereby_o the_o passion_n be_v move_v to_o the_o utmost_a height_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o gain_v a_o present_a point_n and_o carry_v a_o cause_n by_o a_o violent_a and_o sudden_a transport_n before_o reason_n can_v interpose_v but_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v propound_v upon_o reasonable_a motive_n there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o rhetoric_n when_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o miracle_n by_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v afford_v so_o many_o other_o more_o certain_a and_o powerful_a mean_n of_o persuasion_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n and_o therefore_o may_v well_o have_v be_v without_o any_o advantage_n of_o eloquence_n as_o need_v no_o such_o help_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o serious_a and_o impartial_a mind_n and_o though_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o man_n as_o to_o convey_v very_o much_o of_o his_o reveal_v will_v to_o we_o in_o such_o a_o style_n as_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n be_v high_o to_o be_v esteem_v and_o admire_v yet_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o other_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v have_v the_o bare_a force_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n only_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o our_o religion_n be_v propagate_v not_o by_o any_o art_n of_o humane_a eloquence_n but_o by_o its_o own_o worth_a and_o excellency_n for_o eloquence_n be_v not_o use_v where_o it_o will_v have_v be_v most_o necessary_a if_o any_o humane_a mean_n can_v be_v so_o in_o assert_v and_o propagate_a the_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o
character_n of_o a_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o modern_a jew_n in_o like_a manner_n never_o dare_v to_o pretend_v to_o new_a book_n of_o revelation_n but_o have_v constant_o adhere_v to_o the_o old_a and_o what_o inducement_n can_v the_o jew_n have_v to_o receive_v these_o book_n into_o their_o canon_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v rather_o than_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n more_o especial_o remarkable_a in_o some_o book_n why_o shall_v they_o receive_v certain_a book_n under_o the_o name_n of_o solomon_n esther_n daniel_n and_o ezra_n but_o not_o admit_v into_o the_o canon_n other_o go_v under_o the_o same_o name_n but_o because_o of_o the_o difference_n in_o their_o authority_n why_o shall_v they_o receive_v the_o book_n of_o those_o who_o their_o forefather_n have_v slay_v and_o those_o very_a book_n for_o which_o they_o slay_v they_o but_o upon_o the_o clear_a evidence_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o can_v be_v possess_v with_o no_o prejudice_n in_o their_o favour_n but_o with_o very_a many_o against_o the_o book_n of_o such_o author_n to_o give_v another_o instance_n the_o book_n of_o ruth_n contain_v the_o affair_n and_o transaction_n of_o a_o particular_a family_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n as_o one_o may_v imagine_v at_o first_o view_n and_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v preserve_v with_o as_o much_o ●are_n and_o as_o constant_o receive_v as_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v little_a reason_n upon_o human_a consideration_n why_o a_o relation_n concern_v that_o family_n shall_v be_v insert_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n rather_o than_o one_o concern_v any_o other_o but_o the_o lineage_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v insert_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o providence_n neither_o the_o emulation_n and_o envy_n of_o other_o family_n nor_o any_o other_o cause_n or_o accident_n hinder_v its_o reception_n and_o preservation_n among_o the_o other_o inspire_v book_n and_o in_o that_o history_n there_o be_v a_o account_v not_o very_o honourable_a for_o david_n family_n in_o derive_v his_o descent_n from_o phares_n of_o thamar_n and_o show_v that_o his_o great_a grandmother_n be_v a_o moabitess_n the_o moabite_n be_v a_o people_n who_o have_v a_o indelible_a mark_n of_o intamy_n sixth_o upon_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n dentr_n xxiii_o 3._o ii_o as_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v ever_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n after_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o tribe_n judah_n so_o if_o they_o reject_v the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n it_o must_v have_v be_v because_o all_o or_o most_o of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o prophet_n who_o be_v of_o the_o two_o tribe_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o israel_n own_v the_o temple_n of_o jerasalem_fw-la to_o be_v the_o true_a place_n of_o worship_n the_o israelite_n and_o samaritan_n must_v have_v great_a prejudices_fw-la against_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o book_n of_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o do_v those_o of_o moses_n the_o book_n of_o samuel_n david_n and_o solomon_n have_v less_o regard_n pay_v to_o they_o upon_o reason_n of_o state_n by_o the_o tribe_n who_o follow_v the_o revolt_n of_o jeroboam_n yet_o when_o 1._o when_o antiqu._n orient_a eccl._n pist_o 1._o joseph_n scaliger_n send_v to_o the_o samaritan_n for_o the_o canticle_n of_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n in_o their_o language_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o joshua_n they_o promise_v to_o send_v he_o they_o and_o it_o be_v prove_v sufficient_o by_o dr_n 25._o dr_n hebr._n &_o talmud_n exercit_fw-la on_o joh._n four_o 25._o lightfoot_n that_o neither_o the_o samaritan_n nor_o the_o sadducee_n reject_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n though_o they_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o rest_n into_o the_o same_o veneration_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n nor_o read_v they_o in_o their_o synagogue_n this_o be_v also_o prove_v by_o f._n simon_n 12._o simon_n crit._n hist_o v._o t._n lib._n 1._o c._n 16._o &_o 29._o disquisit_a crit_fw-fr c._n 12._o both_o of_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o karaei_n and_o orient_a and_o epist_n 70._o inter_fw-la antiqu_n eccl._n orient_a morinus_n likewise_o prove_v it_o of_o the_o karaei_n who_o be_v general_o take_v for_o sadducee_n f._n simon_n maintain_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o they_o have_v wrong_v do_v they_o in_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o sadducces_n however_o this_o be_v not_o material_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n since_o he_o show_v that_o both_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o karaei_n or_o caraite_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n beside_o receive_v the_o entire_a volume_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o contradiction_n lipmanno_n contradiction_n praefat._n de_fw-fr lipmanno_n hackspan_n likewise_o have_v show_v that_o the_o sadducee_n deny_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n iii_o concern_v the_o book_n whereof_o we_o we_o find_v mention_v make_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n either_o 1._o they_o be_v not_o different_a from_o those_o which_o be_v now_o in_o the_o canon_n but_o the_o same_o book_n under_o divers_a name_n or_o 2._o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o inspiration_n though_o write_v by_o prophet_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o prophet_n be_v inspire_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o they_o write_v any_o more_o than_o in_o all_o they_o speak_v and_o this_o show_v the_o care_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o compile_v their_o canon_n that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v into_o it_o all_o the_o write_n even_o of_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o but_o only_o such_o as_o they_o know_v to_o be_v write_v by_o they_o as_o prophet_n that_o be_v by_o inspiration_n the_o prophet_n themselves_o no_o doubt_n make_v a_o distinction_n as_o we_o find_v st_n paul_n do_v between_o what_o they_o have_v write_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o which_o they_o have_v not_o his_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a direction_n and_o infallible_a assistance_n or_o 3_o they_o may_v not_o be_v write_v by_o prophet_n for_o the_o office_n of_o recorder_n or_o remembrancer_n or_o writer_n of_o chronicle_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o margin_n be_v mention_v as_o ●n_v office_n of_o great_a honour_n and_o trust_v and_o be_v distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n 2_o sam._n viij_o ●6_n 2_o king_n xviii_o 18_o 2_o chron._n xxxiv_o 8._o isaiah_n xxxvi_o 3_o 22._o beside_o the_o hebrew_n call_v every_o small_a write_v a_o book_n thus_o deut._n xxiv_o 1._o ●hat_n which_o we_o render_v a_o bill_n of_o divorcement_n ●s_v in_o the_o original_a a_o book_n of_o divorcement_n the_o word_n be_v the_o same_o which_o josh_n x._o 13._o and_o 〈◊〉_d sam._n i._n 18._o be_v translate_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n ●o_o matt._n nineteeen_o 7._o and_o mark_v x._o 4._o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a a_o book_n of_o divorcement_n the_o word_n be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o septuagint_n have_v use_v it_o indeed_o may_v signify_v a_o little_a book_n but_o it_o often_o signify_v a_o book_n without_o that_o distinction_n and_o so_o it_o be_v render_v 2_o tim._n four_o 13._o david_n letter_n to_o joab_n be_v a_o book_n in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o in_o the_o greek_a 2_o sam._n xi_o 14_o 15._o and_o lettet_n be_v style_v book_n by_o 4._o by_o herod_n lib._n 1._o c._n 124._o &_o lib._n 6._o c._n 4._o herodotus_n or_o 4._o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o some_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n be_v now_o lose_v it_o be_v no_o absurdity_n to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v write_n to_o be_v lose_v through_o the_o fault_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n which_o be_v dictate_v by_o his_o spirit_n several_a thing_n may_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v deliver_v by_o revelation_n to_o the_o person_n who_o they_o concern_v which_o be_v never_o commit_v to_o writing_n and_o other_o which_o be_v write_v but_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o revelation_n in_o general_n but_o rather_o concern_v particular_a time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o substance_n whereof_o as_o far_o as_o the_o world_n in_o general_n be_v concern_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o other_o scripture_n may_v by_o the_o carelessness_n of_o man_n never_o come_v to_o the_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o posterity_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v always_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n express_v and_o common_o they_o be_v often_o repeat_v in_o the_o book_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o historical_a book_n there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o in_o matter_n
of_o fact_n which_o be_v past_a a_o author_n may_v easy_o be_v disprove_v if_o he_o relate_v what_o be_v false_a of_o his_o own_o time_n or_o of_o time_n whereof_o there_o be_v memorial_n still_o extant_a but_o the_o credit_n of_o prophecy_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v a_o long_a time_n after_o to_o pass_v must_v depend_v upon_o the_o mission_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n only_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v annex_v that_o their_o prediction_n may_v be_v depend_v upon_o when_o they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v deliver_v by_o man_n who_o by_o other_o prediction_n already_o fulfil_v have_v prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a prophet_n iv_o the_o very_a preservation_n of_o book_n of_o so_o great_a antiquity_n through_o so_o many_o change_n and_o revolution_n against_o all_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n and_o ignorance_n against_o the_o violence_n of_o war_n and_o the_o malice_n of_o adversary_n and_o so_o many_o other_o accident_n which_o have_v destroy_v most_o other_o book_n of_o any_o considerable_a antiquity_n be_v a_o certain_a indication_n of_o a_o wonderful_a providence_n concern_v for_o they_o and_o of_o that_o evidence_n whereby_o they_o be_v at_o first_o attest_v the_o law_n of_o the_o wise_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o most_o flourish_a and_o powerful_a nation_n have_v be_v so_o little_o regard_v by_o the_o people_n to_o who_o they_o be_v give_v that_o they_o soon_o forsake_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o ready_o deliver_v up_o themselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o other_o law_n upon_o any_o revolution_n and_o all_o the_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n which_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a lawgiver_n assume_v to_o themselves_o can_v make_v they_o no_o long_o adhere_v to_o nor_o so_o much_o value_v as_o to_o outlive_v the_o fate_n of_o the_o particular_a kingdom_n and_o state_n for_o which_o they_o be_v contrive_v but_o most_o of_o they_o be_v change_v or_o lay_v aside_o before_o and_o the_o rest_n give_v up_o and_o abandon_v as_o out_o of_o date_n and_o of_o little_a use_n or_o esteem_v afterward_o and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v so_o little_a able_a to_o withstand_v the_o destruction_n of_o time_n that_o we_o know_v not_o much_o more_o of_o they_o than_o that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o ancient_a be_v in_o great_a measure_n take_v out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v continue_v entire_a and_o unchanged_a under_o all_o accident_n and_o revolution_n of_o affair_n bear_v this_o character_n as_o well_o as_o other_o of_o he_o who_o be_v immutable_a they_o have_v be_v still_o assert_v against_o all_o the_o malice_n and_o opposition_n of_o enemy_n by_o a_o captive_a and_o disperse_a people_n who_o by_o the_o signal_n providence_n of_o god_n though_o they_o reject_v their_o messiah_n yet_o still_o acknowledge_v those_o prophecy_n which_o foretell_v his_o come_n and_o after_o their_o dispersion_n for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n be_v so_o far_o from_o renounce_v they_o that_o they_o assert_v and_o maintain_v they_o and_o be_v zealous_a even_o to_o superstition_n for_o those_o book_n which_o command_v that_o worship_n and_o appoint_v those_o solemnity_n which_o they_o have_v so_o long_o be_v out_o of_o all_o possibility_n to_o observe_v as_o if_o those_o law_n which_o be_v once_o so_o uneasy_a to_o their_o forefather_n be_v now_o become_v natural_a to_o their_o posterity_n or_o rather_o because_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o who_o word_n shall_v never_o pass_v away_o till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v v._o the_o new_a testament_n give_v evidence_n and_o confirmation_n to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a which_o be_v so_o often_o cite_v in_o it_o vi_o the_o christian_n be_v religious_o cautious_a and_o circumspect_a in_o admit_v book_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o script_n the_o hieron_n catalogue_n eccl._n script_n epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st_n peter_n be_v at_o first_o scruple_v only_o or_o chief_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o style_n the_o style_n of_o the_o former_a be_v think_v different_a from_o that_o of_o st_n paul_n and_o the_o style_n of_o the_o latter_a from_o that_o of_o st_n peter_n the_o epistle_n of_o st_n judas_n be_v likewise_o doubt_v of_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n of_o enoch_n be_v cite_v in_o it_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o several_a of_o the_o apostle_n be_v reject_v and_o by_o general_a consent_n lay_v aside_o the_o genuine_a epistle_n of_o st_n barnabas_n who_o be_v style_v a_o apostle_n act_v xiii_o 2._o fourteen_o 14._o be_v never_o receive_v but_o as_o apocryphal_a and_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st_n clement_n of_o who_o st_n paul_n give_v as_o high_a a_o character_n phil._n four_o 3._o as_o he_o do_v of_o st_n luke_n or_o as_o st_n peter_n ever_o give_v of_o st_n mark_n be_v never_o admit_v among_o the_o canonical_a book_n though_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v read_v in_o church_n but_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st_n mark_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v by_o st_n luke_n have_v ever_o be_v receive_v for_o canonical_a for_o which_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o st_n mark_n and_o st_n luke_n be_v know_v to_o have_v write_v by_o inspiration_n since_o upon_o all_o personal_a and_o humane_a account_n a_o epistle_n of_o st_n barnabas_n or_o st_n clement_n must_v have_v carry_v as_o much_o authority_n with_o it_o as_o any_o thing_n under_o the_o name_n of_o st_n mark_n or_o st_n luke_n ib._n luke_n unam_fw-la ad_fw-la aedisicationem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pertinentem_fw-la epistolam_fw-la composuit_fw-la quae_fw-la inter_fw-la apochrypha_n scripture_n legitur_fw-la id._n ib._n st_o jerom_n say_v that_o st_n barnabas_n be_v the_o author_n of_o one_o epistle_n write_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v read_v among_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n so_o that_o book_n be_v style_v apocryphal_a not_o because_o it_o be_v uncertain_a who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o because_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o they_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_z or_o no._n so_o careful_a be_v the_o primitive_a church_n to_o receive_v none_o into_o the_o canon_n but_o book_n certain_o inspire_v it_o be_v well_o observe_v 1._o observe_v crit_fw-fr hist_o of_o the_o n._n t._n part._n 1._o c._n 1._o by_o f._n simon_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o liturgy_n that_o we_o have_v under_o the_o name_n of_o several_a apostle_n to_o who_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o eastern_a christian_n do_v attribute_v they_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_o the_o apostle_n for_o all_o the_o church_n have_v preserve_v they_o in_o their_o ancient_a purity_n whereas_o every_o particular_a nation_n have_v add_v to_o their_o liturgy_n and_o have_v take_v the_o liberty_n often_o to_o revise_v they_o the_o respect_n that_o have_v be_v always_o have_v to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n without_o in_o sert_v any_o considerable_a addition_n therein_o be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o all_o people_n have_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o divine_a book_n which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o alter_v on_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v be_v persuade_v that_o the_o liturgy_n though_o they_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o of_o some_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o original_o write_v by_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v attribute_v and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v leave_v free_a to_o the_o church_n to_o add_v to_o they_o or_o to_o diminish_v from_o they_o according_a as_o occasion_n require_v vii_o as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v very_o jealous_a and_o cautious_a in_o admit_v book_n into_o the_o canon_n so_o they_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v and_o distinguish_v the_o genuine_a and_o inspire_v write_n from_o the_o apocryphal_a or_o spurious_a the_o way_n of_o write_v and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v well_o know_v to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o write_v as_o st_n paul_n intimate_v of_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o manner_n of_o salutation_n for_o when_o he_o use_v a_o amanuensis_fw-la yet_o he_o write_v the_o salutation_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n as_o his_o token_n in_o every_o epistle_n 2_o thess_n iii._o 17._o they_o general_o write_v to_o whole_a church_n but_o particular_a man_n be_v frequent_o name_v in_o their_o epistle_n which_o be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o ascertain_v the_o authority_n of_o they_o 36._o they_o ago_o jam_fw-la qui_fw-la voles_fw-fr curiofitatem_fw-la melius_fw-la exercere_fw-la in_o negotio_fw-la salutis_fw-la tuus_fw-la percurre_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la apostolicas_fw-la apud_fw-la quas_fw-la ipsae_fw-la adhue_n cathedrae_fw-la
apostolorum_fw-la suis_fw-la locis_fw-la presidentur_fw-la apud_fw-la quas_fw-la ipsae_fw-la authenticae_fw-la literae_fw-la eorum_fw-la recitantur_fw-la tertull_n de_fw-fr prescript_n c._n 36._o tertullian_n appeal_v to_o authentic_a book_n or_o the_o very_a hand-writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o for_o though_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o word_n authenticus_fw-la do_v not_o always_o denote_v the_o original_a write_n under_o the_o author_n own_o hand_n but_o sometime_o only_a the_o original_a language_n yet_o the_o word_n of_o tertullian_n be_v express_v that_o the_o original_a epistle_n be_v in_o his_o time_n still_o extant_a for_o which_o reason_n he_o refer_v the_o heretic_n to_o the_o apostolical_a church_n where_o they_o be_v read_v viz._n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n of_o phillippi_n thessalonica_n ephesus_n and_o rome_n but_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v read_v in_o greek_a without_o doubt_n in_o other_o church_n beside_o these_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o apostolical_a church_n rather_o than_o to_o any_o other_o must_v be_v because_o the_o original_n under_o st_n paul_n own_o hand_n be_v there_o still_o to_o be_v see_v and_o he_o mention_n that_o the_o throne_n or_o seat_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v then_o also_o preserve_v as_o 19_o as_o euseb_n hist_o lib._n seven_o c_o 19_o eusebius_n say_v that_o of_o st_n james_n be_v preserve_v to_o his_o time_n justin_n 2._o justin_n apol._n 2._o martyr_n ascribe_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o apostle_n he_o transcribe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n at_o large_a out_o of_o they_o and_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n every_o sunday_n 2._o sunday_n irenae_n lib._n 3_o c._n 2._o st_o ireneus_fw-la a_o disciple_n of_o st_n polycarp_n who_o be_v make_v by_o bishop_n st_n john_n gives_z a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n and_o say_v there_o be_v four_o gospel_n and_o no_o more_o and_o that_o these_o be_v write_v by_o st_n matthew_n and_o st_n mark_n and_o st_n luke_n and_o st_n john_n 5._o john_n tertull._n adv_o martion_n lib._n four_o c._n 2_o 5._o tertullian_n undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o the_o four_o gospel_n against_o martion_n and_o these_o father_n frequent_o quote_v these_o and_o the_o other_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o do_v likewise_o clemens_n romanus_n and_o ignatius_n who_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o in_o our_o dispute_n with_o infidel_n particular_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o our_o proof_n against_o they_o depend_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n both_o 8._o both_o grot._fw-la mat._n f._n sim._n crit._n hist_o on_o the_o n._n t._n c._n 7_o 8._o grotius_n and_o f._n simon_n have_v prove_v that_o the_o gospel_n write_v in_o hebrew_n by_o st_n matthew_n be_v preserve_v to_o the_o time_n of_o st_n jerom_n and_o epiphanius_n and_o that_o though_o the_o nazarene_o have_v make_v some_o addition_n to_o it_o yet_o they_o have_v make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o original_a text._n f._n simon_n moreover_o say_v that_o the_o gospel_n of_o st_n matthew_n have_v be_v translate_v undoubted_o out_o of_o hebrew_n into_o greek_a before_o the_o nazarene_o have_v insert_v their_o addition_n these_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o no_o greek_a copy_n the_o ebionite_n have_v corrupt_v the_o hebrew_n copy_n which_o they_o use_v and_o have_v leave_v out_o what_o they_o please_v but_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o nazarene_o epiphanius_n 9_o epiphanius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d epiphan_n haeres_fw-la 29._o num._n 9_o say_v be_v more_o entire_a only_o he_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o they_o retain_v the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a in_o f._n simon_n be_v judgement_n that_o they_o do_v retain_v it_o though_o the_o ebionite_n omit_v it_o so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v some_o addition_n make_v by_o the_o nazarene_o yet_o as_o far_o as_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o religion_n against_o infidel_n be_v concern_v the_o hebrew_n gospel_n in_o its_o original_a hebrew_n as_o it_o be_v write_v by_o st_n matthew_n remain_v exact_o perfect_a for_o divers_a age_n till_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarene_o cease_v and_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n grow_v out_o of_o use_n the_o greek_a translation_n only_o be_v preserve_v this_o translation_n of_o st_n matthew_n gospel_n be_v ascribe_v to_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n though_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a to_o who_o of_o they_o it_o belong_v 39_o belong_v euseb_n hist_o lib._n iii._o c._n 39_o papias_n speak_v of_o the_o time_n before_o there_o be_v any_o authentic_a version_n when_o he_o say_v that_o every_o one_o translate_v it_o as_o he_o can_v for_o his_o own_o use_n it_o appear_v from_o he_o however_o that_o there_o be_v greek_a version_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o st_n matthew_n make_v immediate_o upon_o its_o first_o publication_n and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o st_n john_n revise_v and_o approve_v the_o present_a version_n which_o be_v by_o some_o attribute_v to_o he_o by_o whosoever_o it_o be_v make_v at_o first_o for_o this_o gospel_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n be_v most_o in_o use_n and_o thereby_o preserve_v when_o the_o original_a hebrew_n have_v be_v so_o long_o ago_o lose_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o st_n john_n shall_v have_v no_o regard_n to_o it_o in_o that_o review_n which_o he_o take_v of_o the_o other_o gospel_n that_o be_v write_v original_o in_o greek_a we_o read_v in_o ccliv_o in_o phot._n cod_n ccliv_o photius_n that_o he_o revise_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o write_v in_o divers_a language_n the_o version_n as_o well_o as_o the_o original_n and_o therefore_o this_o of_o st_o matthew_n gospel_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v omit_v one_o of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v that_o of_o discern_v of_o spirit_n whereby_o person_n endue_v with_o it_o be_v enable_v to_o distinguish_v true_a revelation_n from_o imposture_n 1_o cor._n twelve_o 10._o and_o st_n john_n write_v his_o gospel_n and_o his_o epistle_n to_o confute_v those_o heretic_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a forger_n of_o counterfeit_a book_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o most_o notorious_a corrupter_n of_o the_o true_a book_n and_o his_o life_n be_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n prolong_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a both_o to_o vindicate_v and_o perfect_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n we_o find_v that_o luc._n that_o high_a catal._n in_o st._n luc._n he_o discover_v a_o imposture_n which_o be_v frame_v concern_v st_n paul_n and_o joan._n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euseb_n hist_o lib._n three_o c._n 24._o quod_fw-la quum_fw-la legisset_fw-la matthaei_n marci_n &_o lucae_n volumina_fw-la probaverit_fw-la quidem_fw-la textum_fw-la historiae_fw-la &_o vera_fw-la eos_fw-la dixisse_fw-la firmaverit_fw-la hieron_n catal._n in_o st._n joan._n that_o he_o read_v and_o approve_v the_o gospel_n which_o have_v be_v write_v before_o his_o own_o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o he_o have_v see_v all_o the_o other_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o so_o finish_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n himself_o and_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n and_o assembly_n of_o christian_n from_o the_o beginning_n as_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o become_v so_o divulge_v and_o publish_v that_o they_o can_v be_v neither_o lose_v nor_o falsify_v vi_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v genuine_a by_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o st_n paul_n epistle_n which_o he_o frequent_o quote_v the_o gospel_n be_v allow_v by_o julian_n x._o julian_n cyrill_n alex._n contr_n jul._n lib._n x._o the_o apostate_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v dial_n bear_v just_a mart._n dial_n trypho_n own_v he_o have_v read_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v no_o question_n or_o scruple_n about_o the_o author_n celsus_n quote_v the_o scripture_n frequent_o and_o hierocles_n as_o 3._o as_o lactant._n institut_fw-la lib._n v._o c._n 2_o 3._o lactantius_n who_o have_v hear_v he_o discourse_n say_v be_v as_o conversant_a in_o they_o as_o if_o he_o have_v once_o be_v a_o christian_n yet_o neither_o of_o they_o move_v any_o dispute_n concern_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o refer_v to_o they_o upon_o all_o occasion_n show_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n on_o that_o head_n and_o when_o 2._o when_o orig._n cont_n cell_n lib._n 2._o celsus_n say_v that_o some_o of_o the_o christian_n make_v alteration_n in_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v a_o confession_n that_o some_o only_o do_v it_o and_o origen_n show_v that_o they_o be_v
heretic_n viz._n the_o marcionist_n and_o valentinian_o and_o perhaps_o the_o disciple_n of_o lucanus_n or_o lucianus_n for_o in_o this_o he_o can_v not_o be_v positive_a though_o this_o lucanus_n be_v a_o follower_n of_o martion_n ix_o there_o be_v still_o extant_a copy_n of_o great_a antiquity_n the_o cambridge_n copy_n in_o greek_a and_o latin_a contain_v the_o four_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o it_o contain_v st_n paul_n epistle_n in_o the_o french_a king_n library_n and_o another_o the_o like_a copy_n which_o be_v in_o the_o library_n of_o the_o benedictines_n of_o st_n germains_n 1._o germains_n f._n simon_n cr●t_n hist_o of_o the_o n._n test_n part_n 1._o c._n 31._o mabil_n de_fw-mi re_fw-mi diplom_n lib._n 5._o tabell_n 1._o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v a_o thousand_o year_n old_a at_o least_o morinus_n think_v they_o to_o be_v ancient_a than_o st_n jerom_n time_n the_o alexandrian_a copy_n be_v believe_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o thecla_n above_o one_o thousand_o three_o hundred_o year_n ago_o morinus_n orient_a morinus_n epist_n 54._o inter_v antique_a eccl._n orient_a acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v of_o above_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n date_n bishop_n 34._o bishop_n prolegom_n ix_o 34._o walton_n suppose_v the_o alexandrian_a ms._n to_o be_v at_o least_o as_o old_a as_o that_o in_o the_o vatican_n which_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v twelve_o hundred_o year_n old_a there_o be_v 4._o be_v f._n sim._n crit._n hist_o of_o the_o n._n t._n part_n 2._o c._n 4._o one_o syriack_n ms._n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o library_n of_o the_o duke_n of_o florence_n of_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n antiquity_n and_o another_o not_o much_o less_o ancient_a a_o 146._o a_o gruter_n inscript_n p._n 146._o gothick_n translation_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n in_o the_o abbey_n of_o werdin_n be_v likewise_o of_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n antiquity_n and_o what_o ancient_a book_n be_v there_o of_o which_o the_o original_n be_v still_o extant_a or_o of_o which_o there_o be_v so_o ancient_a copy_n as_o of_o the_o scripture_n x._o sufficient_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v to_o show_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n be_v at_o first_o doubt_v of_o 1._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v no_o name_n prefix_v either_o because_o the_o jew_n be_v prejudice_v against_o st_n paul_n or_o because_o the_o gentile_n be_v his_o more_o peculiar_a care_n or_o for_o some_o other_o reason_n unknown_a and_o in_o this_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o st_n paul_n epistle_n and_o the_o paul_n the_o hiero●_n catal._n i_o petr._n &_o paul_n style_n be_v different_a which_o occasion_v the_o first_o doubt_n about_o it_o as_o it_o happen_v likewise_o to_o st_n peter_n second_o epistle_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o style_n and_o then_o the_o novatian_o allege_v some_o text_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o favour_n of_o their_o opinion_n this_o make_v the_o orthodox_n the_o less_o incline_v to_o receive_v a_o book_n which_o before_o have_v be_v dispute_v and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o east_n it_o be_v question_v at_o rome_n where_o novatian_n begin_v his_o schism_n the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st_n peter_n may_v be_v scruple_v on_o the_o same_o account_n and_o both_o that_o and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n be_v allege_v for_o the_o millennium_n by_o such_o as_o understand_v it_o in_o a_o gross_a sense_n this_o cause_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n which_o be_v say_v 25._o say_v euseb_n hist_o lib._n vi_fw-la c._n 25._o express_o of_o the_o revelation_n 2._o some_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o particular_a person_n or_o direct_v to_o such_o as_o live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n arise_v the_o authentic_a epistle_n may_v not_o ready_o be_v produce_v 3._o some_o book_n be_v not_o usual_o read_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o rest_n be_v all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n except_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n be_v insert_v in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n and_o this_o be_v omit_v because_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o abstruse_a mystery_n contain_v in_o it_o it_o be_v not_o public_o read_v in_o church_n for_o that_o catalogue_n be_v design_v to_o show_v what_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n but_o the_o revelation_n be_v long_o before_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v genuine_a by_o johannum_n by_o justin_n mart._n dialog_n tertull._n de_fw-fr resur_n c._n 27_o 38._o adu._n martion_n lib._n two_o c._n 5._o iii._o c._n 14._o euseb_n hist_o lib._n four_o c._n 18._o v._n c._n 8._o hierom._n catal._n in_o johannum_n justin_n martyr_n by_o irenaeus_n and_o by_o tertullian_n and_o other_o both_o justin_n martyr_n and_o irenaeas_n write_v a_o comment_n upon_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o epistle_n of_o st_n james_n and_o the_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st_n peter_n be_v cite_v by_o clemens_n romanus_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n which_o be_v itself_o wont_a to_o be_v read_v in_o church_n 4._o the_o heretic_n will_v use_v all_o their_o endeavour_n and_o subtlety_n to_o hinder_v the_o reception_n of_o those_o book_n by_o which_o their_o heresy_n be_v disprove_v and_o they_o may_v so_o far_o have_v effect_n as_o to_o make_v some_o doubt_n for_o a_o while_n of_o their_o authority_n for_o instance_n diotrephes_n a_o ambitious_a aspire_a man_n who_o prate_v against_o st_n john_n with_o malicious_a word_n and_o have_v so_o much_o power_n as_o to_o cast_v the_o brethren_n out_o of_o the_o church_n will_v forbid_v the_o receive_n of_o st_n john_n epistle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o receive_n the_o brethren_n of_o that_o apostle_n communion_n and_o that_o he_o do_v this_o st_z john_n himself_z intimate_v when_o he_o say_v i_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o diotrephes_n who_o love_v to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n among_o they_o receive_v we_o not_o joh._n epist_n iii._o 9_o that_o be_v he_o receive_v not_o st_n john_n epistle_n for_o that_o will_v have_v be_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o apostle_n or_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n xi_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n have_v be_v question_v by_o private_a man_n yet_o those_o book_n be_v never_o reject_v by_o any_o council_n of_o the_o church_n though_o frequent_a council_n be_v call_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v this_o very_a thing_n under_o consideration_n 10._o consideration_n tertull._n de_fw-fr pudicit_fw-la c._n 10._o tertullian_n after_o he_o have_v turn_v montanist_n reject_v the_o authority_n of_o hermas_n pastor_n as_o not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n say_v that_o it_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n by_o all_o the_o council_n of_o his_o adversary_n the_o orthodox_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o tertullian_n time_n divers_a council_n have_v pass_v their_o censure_n upon_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n and_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n have_v be_v fix_v long_o before_o so_o that_o the_o time_n in_o which_o some_o of_o these_o council_n be_v hold_v must_v probable_o be_v whilst_o st_n polycarp_n a_o disciple_n of_o st_n john_n be_v yet_o live_v who_o martyrdom_n by_o the_o early_a computation_n be_v not_o till_o a._n d._n cxlvii_o at_o least_o they_o must_v be_v hold_v in_o irenaeus_n life_n time_n who_o converse_v with_o st_n polycarp_n and_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o tertullian_n thus_o be_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n vouch_v by_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o st_n john_n and_o council_n upon_o occasion_n be_v call_v which_o 13._o which_o tertull._n de_fw-fr jejun_n c._n 13._o tertullian_n elsewhere_o mention_n as_o very_o numerous_a and_o frequent_a in_o greece_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o genuine_a canon_n and_o censure_v apocryphal_a book_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v settle_v before_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o in_o the_o lixth_o canon_n appoint_v that_o no_o book_n lix_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d conc._n laod_z can_v lix_o which_o be_v extra_fw-la canonem_fw-la but_o only_o canonical_a book_n shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n and_o then_o subjoin_v the_o title_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n which_o title_n they_o have_v as_o zonaras_n and_o balsamon_n observe_v because_o they_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o apostle_n canon_n and_o all_o other_o be_v style_v uncanonical_a and_o it_o be_v conclude_v after_o the_o strict_a examination_n by_o the_o best_a critic_n that_o those_o which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n canon_n be_v the_o canon_n of_o council_n assemble_v before_o the_o council_n
caeterum_fw-la non_fw-la tanti_fw-la momenti_fw-la sunt_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la errores_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o iis_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la sidem_fw-la &_o bonos_fw-es more_o be_v pertinent_a scripturae_fw-la sacrae_fw-la integritas_fw-la desideretur_fw-la plerumque_fw-la enim_fw-la tota_fw-la discrepantia_fw-la variarum_fw-la lectionum_fw-la in_o dictionibus_fw-la quibusdam_fw-la posita_fw-la est_fw-la quae_fw-la sensum_fw-la aut_fw-la parum_fw-la aut_fw-la nihil_fw-la mutant_fw-la bellarmin_n de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n two_o c._n 2._o bellarmin_n himself_o and_o the_o best_a critic_n among_o the_o papist_n have_v acknowledge_v that_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n be_v deliver_v entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a in_o the_o scripture_n notwithstanding_o the_o various_a lection_n and_o though_o some_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n by_o argument_n draw_v from_o hence_o yet_o say_v 4._o say_v considerator_n consider_v ch_n 12._o s_o 4._o bishop_n walton_n i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o in_o any_o particular_a controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o they_o urge_v any_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n for_o their_o cause_n upon_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o read_n without_o point_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o text_n unpointed_a as_o be_v pretend_v f._n 23._o f._n hist_o crit._n v._o t._n lib._n 3._o c._n 23._o simon_n complain_v that_o the_o catalogue_n of_o various_a lection_n be_v much_o large_a than_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v of_o no_o moment_n and_o he_o charge_v cappellus_n more_o than_o once_o with_o multiply_v they_o without_o reason_n morinus_n indeed_o make_v it_o his_o endeavour_n to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o septuagint_n and_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a but_o his_o authority_n be_v very_o inconsiderable_a when_o compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o same_o communion_n who_o have_v declare_v themselves_o against_o his_o opinion_n in_o vita_fw-la in_o joh._n morin_n vita_fw-la the_o life_n of_o morinus_n write_v by_o f._n simon_n there_o be_v this_o character_n of_o cappellus_n and_o morinus_n that_o if_o they_o be_v compare_v as_o to_o what_o they_o have_v both_o write_v concern_v the_o bible_n morinus_n show_v more_o learning_n in_o his_o book_n but_o it_o be_v very_o often_o not_o to_o the_o purpose_n whereas_o cappellus_n have_v more_o sagacity_n and_o judgement_n and_o never_o wander_v from_o his_o subject_n but_o prove_v what_o he_o be_v upon_o by_o the_o strong_a argument_n and_o as_o severe_a as_o this_o censure_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v justify_v in_o effect_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o morinus_n himself_o for_o he_o orient_a he_o epist_n 70._o inter_fw-la antiqu._n eccl._n orient_a acknowledge_v to_o buxtorf_n that_o he_o never_o thorough_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o hebrey_n tongue_n that_o he_o have_v read_v nothing_o in_o hebrew_n for_o 7_o year_n together_o and_o that_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o question_n but_o he_o have_v make_v many_o mistake_n especial_o in_o his_o samaritan_n exercitation_n great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v write_v in_o haste_n and_o he_o be_v force_v to_o use_v such_o a_o variety_n of_o author_n that_o he_o believe_v it_o impossible_a but_o that_o he_o must_v have_v be_v often_o mistake_v the_o authority_n of_o morinus_n then_o signify_v nothing_o in_o prejudice_n to_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o 9_o and_o hoc_fw-la certo_fw-la affirmare_fw-la possum_fw-la i_o nullam_fw-la animadvertisse_fw-la men●●m_fw-la nec_fw-la lectionum_fw-la varietatem_fw-la circa_fw-la moralia_fw-la documenta_fw-la quae_fw-la ip●●_n obscura_fw-la aut_fw-la dubia_fw-la reddere_fw-la possunt_fw-la tractat._n theolog._n polit._n c._n 9_o spinoza_n himself_o have_v own_v that_o he_o can_v for_o certain_a affirm_v that_o he_o have_v observe_v no_o fault_n nor_o various_a read_n which_o concern_v the_o moral_a precept_n that_o can_v render_v they_o obscure_v or_o doubtful_a bishop_n walton_n have_v with_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n sum_v up_o the_o argument_n on_o al●_n side_n and_o as_o 21._o as_o crit._n hist_o v._o t._n lib._n 3._o c._n 21._o f._n simon_n acknowledge_v ha●_n examine_v this_o matter_n with_o more_o exactness_n than_o all_o that_o have_v go_v before_o he_o his_o polyglot_n bibles_n give_v a_o ocular_a demonstration_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o consequence_n either_o as_o to_o faith_n or_o practice_n concern_v in_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o several_a copy_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n or_o of_o the_o several_a version_n and_o as_o many_o sect_n and_o division_n as_o there_o be_v among_o christian_n and_o as_o many_o different_a translation_n as_o they_o make_v use_v of_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o original_n and_o their_o translation_n in_o the_o main_n be_v the_o same_o however_o they_o disagree_v in_o render_v some_o particular_a passage_n which_o concern_v the_o different_a opinion_n of_o the_o several_a party_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n maintain_v their_o own_o translation_n to_o be_v more_o correct_a than_o other_o if_o we_o allow_v of_o mr_n table-talk_a mr_n table-talk_a selden_n judgement_n who_o be_v very_o able_a to_o make_v a_o true_a one_o and_o far_o enough_o from_o be_v prejudice_v in_o the_o case_n he_o say_v the_o english_a translation_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o best_a translation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o render_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o original_a best_a take_v in_o for_o the_o english_a translation_n the_o bishop_n bible_n as_o well_o as_o king_n james_n '_o s._n however_o by_o different_a translation_n and_o by_o compare_v divers_a copy_n and_o version_n to_o make_v out_o the_o true_a read_n many_o text_n become_v better_o understand_v and_o more_o full_o explain_v than_o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o one_o read_v and_o no_o difference_n in_o the_o translation_n vi_o and_o no_o less_o may_v be_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o of_o the_o old_a for_o the_o book_n of_o it_o be_v keep_v from_o the_o begin_n as_o a_o sacred_a treasure_n with_o great_a care_n and_o reverence_n and_o be_v constant_o read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n and_o soon_o translate_v into_o all_o language_n the_o primitive_a christian_n choose_v to_o undergo_v any_o torment_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v deliver_v up_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o persecutor_n to_o be_v destroy_v and_o they_o be_v no_o less_o careful_a to_o preserve_v they_o uncorrupted_a by_o heretic_n beside_o when_o heretic_n attempt_v to_o corrupt_v any_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o serve_v their_o particular_a heresy_n they_o be_v declare_v against_o not_o only_o by_o the_o orthodox_n but_o by_o other_o heretic_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v for_o those_o opinion_n in_o behalf_n whereof_o the_o corruption_n be_v intend_v so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o corruption_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o church_n or_o to_o pass_v undiscovered_a even_o by_o some_o of_o the_o heretic_n themselves_o they_o must_v be_v design_v for_o some_o end_n and_o to_o authorise_v some_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o then_o all_o who_o be_v not_o for_o those_o doctrine_n and_o more_o especial_o those_o who_o be_v against_o they_o will_v certain_o oppose_v such_o corruption_n the_o agreement_n likewise_o of_o the_o greek_a text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o several_a ancient_a version_n and_o with_o the_o quotation_n find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n who_o cite_v and_o allege_v they_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n prove_v that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o alteration_n of_o any_o such_o consequence_n as_o to_o make_v the_o scripture_n insufficient_a for_o the_o end_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n if_o any_o man_n be_v of_o another_o opinion_n let_v he_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o he_o to_o show_v that_o some_o one_o or_o more_o text_n which_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v dispute_v but_o he_o must_v show_v that_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o no_o text_n which_o be_v clear_a and_o undisputed_a the_o various_a lection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o their_o authority_n that_o they_o rather_o help_v to_o prove_v it_o since_o they_o be_v comparative_o so_o few_o in_o a_o book_n of_o so_o great_a antiquity_n for_o no_o care_n and_o regard_n inferior_a to_o that_o which_o we_o must_v suppose_v man_n to_o have_v of_o a_o book_n which_o they_o be_v convince_v be_v of_o divine_a authority_n can_v have_v produce_v a_o less_o variety_n of_o readins_n in_o a_o book_n of_o much_o less_o antiquity_n they_o be_v all_o of_o no_o consequence_n to_o the_o
vii_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n here_o it_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v remember_v that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o common_a and_o true_a observation_n that_o all_o author_n be_v rather_o perplex_v and_o obscure_v than_o explain_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o commentator_n and_o this_o be_v so_o true_a of_o no_o book_n as_o of_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o none_o have_v have_v so_o many_o gloss_n and_o comment_n put_v upon_o it_o by_o man_n of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n so_o most_o of_o they_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o some_o new_a explication_n or_o to_o serve_v a_o cause_n and_o maintain_v some_o particular_a opinion_n by_o their_o exposition_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v clear_a after_o volume_n have_v be_v write_v i_o may_v true_o say_v upon_o every_o text_n rather_o than_o that_o difficulty_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o they_o but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o find_v it_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o that_o there_o be_v place_n of_o difficulty_n in_o they_o which_o make_v it_o but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o unreasonable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v urge_v as_o a_o objection_n against_o they_o for_o what_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o profess_v must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v with_o a_o design_n and_o for_o some_o good_a reason_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o design_n ought_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o before_o this_o be_v use_v as_o a_o objection_n st_o peter_n speak_v of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n say_v that_o st_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n have_v deliver_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o st_n paul_n himself_o intimate_v that_o there_o have_v be_v mistake_n concern_v what_o he_o have_v write_v in_o this_o matter_n 2_o thess_n two_o 1_o 2_o 3._o st_o peter_n on_o this_o occasion_n say_v that_o it_o so_o happen_v not_o only_o to_o st_n paul_n epistle_n but_o to_o other_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n through_o the_o ignorance_n and_o rashness_n of_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a man_n 2_o pet._n three_o 16._o and_o it_o happen_v more_o especial_o in_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v concern_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n or_o contain_v whatever_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v therefore_o i_o shall_v i._o give_v a_o account_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_n ii_o i_o shall_v in_o particular_a consider_v the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n and_o shall_v prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o type_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o show_v that_o there_o be_v great_a force_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o argument_n bring_v from_o they_o iii_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o 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than_o the_o sun_n be_v but_o to_o calculate_v the_o dimension_n and_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o sun_n from_o we_o to_o know_v how_o its_o light_n be_v communicate_v and_o sudden_o spread_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v thing_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o can_v never_o perhaps_o be_v full_o account_v for_o in_o like_a manner_n what_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v must_v needs_o have_v difficulty_n in_o it_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o well_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o future_a state_n because_o these_o be_v thing_n above_o our_o understanding_n we_o may_v perfect_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n but_o can_v have_v no_o full_a and_o clear_a conception_n of_o all_o that_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v they_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v plain_a to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v it_o or_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o portion_n our_o faculty_n bear_v to_o it_o will_v allow_v god_n be_v incomprehensible_a whatever_o be_v deliver_v concern_v he_o can_v never_o be_v without_o all_o difficulty_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n we_o can_v never_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o next_o so_o full_o as_o we_o shall_v do_v hereafter_o and_o these_o be_v difficulty_n which_o must_v be_v unless_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o our_o own_o nature_n be_v different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v nevertheless_o the_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v require_v to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o contain_v no_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n but_o if_o we_o will_v needs_o know_v more_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n than_o be_v reveal_v and_o more_o than_o be_v require_v to_o be_v know_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o meet_v with_o difficulty_n what_o be_v meaut_n for_o instance_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v very_o well_o understand_v as_o the_o opposer_n of_o this_o doctrine_n must_v own_v unless_o they_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o oppose_v they_o know_v not_o what_o he_o that_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v not_o true_a know_v what_o it_o be_v which_o he_o pretend_v not_o to_o be_v true_a if_o he_o understand_v what_o he_o say_v the_o thing_n than_o be_v know_v though_o there_o be_v difficulty_n in_o the_o explication_n but_o the_o explication_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o existence_n not_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o that_o may_v certain_o be_v and_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v it_o to_o be_v which_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o only_o be_v reveal_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v not_o any_o particular_a explication_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o be_v understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n this_o show_v the_o plainness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n though_o divers_a thing_n relate_v to_o this_o doctrine_n be_v difficult_a to_o be_v explain_v because_o the_o doctrine_n be_v plain_o enough_o and_o intelligible_o deliver_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v require_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o believe_v several_a art_n and_o science_n which_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a in_o the_o theory_n be_v easy_a in_o the_o practice_n and_o a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o unsterstand_v what_o the_o theorem_fw-la itself_o be_v which_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v though_o he_o be_v altogether_o uncapable_a of_o understand_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o now_o what_o god_n say_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o any_o demonstration_n can_v be_v and_o what_o he_o have_v plain_o deliver_v be_v plain_a as_o well_o as_o certain_a and_o it_o be_v never_o the_o less_o certain_a or_o plain_a because_o we_o can_v make_v out_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v how_o it_o can_v be_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a in_o this_o doctrine_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v it_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o shall_v be_v plain_a in_o all_o the_o controversy_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v about_o it_o when_o we_o know_v the_o meaning_n we_o must_v take_v god_n word_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o essence_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o the_o thing_n and_o we_o know_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v say_v it_o though_o
be_v avoid_v but_o by_o the_o care_n and_o concernment_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a providence_n and_o they_o be_v of_o so_o little_a moment_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v that_o god_n shall_v particular_o concern_v himself_o to_o prevent_v they_o 3._o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o proverb_n or_o parable_n often_o allude_v to_o custom_n or_o to_o thing_n that_o happen_v in_o those_o time_n in_o which_o they_o live_v that_o be_v then_o common_o know_v but_o be_v unknown_a now_o may_v well_o make_v many_o place_n of_o their_o write_n obscure_v to_o we_o which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o time_n this_o be_v allege_v as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o obscurity_n 1._o obscurity_n obscu●itates_fw-la inquit_fw-la sex_n 〈…〉_o ●ssignemus_fw-la cul●●_n 〈…〉_o sed_fw-la inscitiae_fw-la non_fw-la 〈…〉_o quanquam_fw-la hi_o 〈…〉_o quae_fw-la scripta_fw-la 〈…〉_o ●ercipiunt_fw-la culpa_fw-la 〈…〉_o ●am_o long●aetas_fw-la ver_fw-la 〈…〉_o ●ores_n veteres_fw-la oblite_fw-la 〈…〉_o q●●●us_fw-la verbis_fw-la moribus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d sententia_fw-la legum_fw-la comprenensa_fw-la est_fw-la a._n gell._n lib._n xx_o c._n 1._o of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o twelve_o table_n among_o the_o roman_n at_o the_o distance_n of_o less_o than_o seven_o hundred_o year_n after_o their_o first_o be_v enact_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o all_o book_n of_o antiquity_n especial_o in_o such_o book_n as_o have_v frequent_a occasion_n to_o hint_n at_o thing_n so_o notorious_a at_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v write_v that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o give_v any_o particular_a account_n of_o they_o this_o have_v make_v note_n and_o comment_n necessary_a upon_o all_o ancient_a book_n and_o those_o place_n need_v they_o most_o which_o treat_v of_o thing_n former_o so_o well_o know_v that_o the_o author_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o insist_v upon_o they_o but_o suppose_v they_o and_o only_o allude_v to_o they_o rather_o than_o express_v or_o explain_v they_o for_o which_o 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of_o a_o nation_n to_o the_o people_n of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o need_v more_o explication_n to_o foreigner_n and_o these_o say_n be_v very_o frequent_a both_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n for_o they_o be_v the_o most_o significant_a and_o instructive_a way_n of_o discourse_n and_o the_o most_o easy_o apprehend_v by_o such_o as_o be_v use_v to_o they_o the_o use_n of_o proverb_n be_v natural_a to_o all_o nation_n and_o they_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o any_o people_n so_o that_o the_o most_o effectual_a and_o ready_a way_n of_o instruction_n be_v to_o apply_v these_o say_n general_o know_v and_o receive_v to_o particular_a case_n and_o occasion_n but_o then_o these_o common_o depend_v upon_o the_o custom_n of_o a_o people_n or_o upon_o some_o history_n or_o particular_a accident_n and_o oftentimes_o be_v take_v up_o at_o first_o upon_o small_a occasion_n and_o the_o intention_n and_o signification_n of_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v forget_v or_o mistake_v in_o future_a age_n or_o by_o other_o nation_n and_o therefore_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n express_v in_o allegorical_a or_o proverbial_a form_n of_o speech_n or_o by_o type_n and_o resemblance_n of_o thing_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v better_o understand_v in_o those_o time_n when_o they_o be_v write_v than_o they_o be_v now_o because_o we_o have_v but_o a_o imperfect_a notion_n of_o many_o thing_n to_o which_o the_o allusion_n be_v make_v or_o from_o whence_o the_o similitude_n be_v take_v and_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o make_v they_o now_o obscure_a to_o we_o make_v they_o the_o more_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a to_o they_o who_o live_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o be_v write_v 4._o maimonides_n praef._n maimonides_n maim_v more_n nevoch_n praef._n lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v attend_v to_o the_o main_a scope_n any_o design_n of_o parable_n and_o not_o insist_v upon_o every_o word_n and_o circumstance_n which_o be_v add_v to_o make_v they_o more_o natural_a but_o not_o as_o any_o necessary_a part_n of_o they_o and_o in_o those_o age_n when_o prophecy_n be_v so_o frequent_a and_o type_n and_o allegory_n so_o constant_o make_v use_n of_o they_o have_v certain_a rule_n and_o method_n 14._o method_n joseph_n gell._n jud._n lib._n iii._o c._n 14._o of_o interpretation_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o josephus_n which_o through_o length_n of_o time_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o succeed_a age_n be_v now_o lose_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v often_o confuse_v and_o silence_v by_o they_o with_o the_o application_n of_o type_n and_o prophecy_n which_o be_v then_o acknowledge_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o messiah_n and_o be_v ever_o so_o understand_v by_o the_o jew_n but_o will_v scarce_o be_v understand_v so_o by_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o find_v they_o thus_o interpret_v and_o apply_v we_o see_v then_o that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n proceed_v from_o the_o length_n of_o time_n and_o other_o accident_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o be_v prevent_v unless_o god_n shall_v make_v a_o new_a revelation_n to_o every_o ago_o and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o yet_o will_v be_v of_o little_a effect_n to_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v nor_o persuade_v by_o that_o revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n though_o the_o scripture_n be_v design_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o instruction_n of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n yet_o they_o often_o have_v a_o more_o direct_a and_o immediate_a regard_n to_o the_o age_n and_o nation_n in_o which_o they_o be_v first_o pen_v we_o have_v nothing_o leave_v but_o the_o name_n of_o most_o of_o the_o historian_n mention_v by_o st_n jerom_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v read_v in_o order_n to_o explain_v the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n and_o many_o objection_n make_v against_o the_o scripture_n will_v have_v no_o pretence_n if_o we_o know_v the_o circumstance_n of_o affair_n and_o have_v a_o complete_a history_n of_o those_o time_n to_o which_o they_o relate_v but_o god_n have_v give_v we_o full_a evidence_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o his_o appointment_n and_o direction_n expect_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o gratify_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n who_o will_v disbelieve_v it_o and_o if_o man_n will_v use_v any_o tolerable_a care_n and_o diligence_n the_o sense_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v so_o far_o understand_v as_o be_v needful_a in_o all_o time_n whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o particular_a passage_n ii_o i_o shall_v consider_v more_o particular_o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n and_o shall_v show_v what_o certainty_n there_o be_v in_o the_o type_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n 1._o as_o for_o any_o difference_n which_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o prophecy_n they_o may_v proceed_v partly_o from_o the_o infirmity_n and_o passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o man_n undertake_v to_o write_v upon_o any_o subject_n they_o be_v seldom_o saus●●d_v with_o what_o other_o have_v say_v before_o they_o but_o 〈…〉_o seek_v 〈…〉_o i●●erpr●●tion_n 〈…〉_o part●_n ●●om_o the_o 〈◊〉_d ficulty_n of_o fix_v the_o particular_a and_o pr●●se_a time_n of_o act●●●_n but_o this_o 〈…〉_o objection_n against_o 〈…〉_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o 〈…〉_o well_o conclude_v that_o thing_n 〈…〉_o to_o pa●s_n because_o learned_a 〈◊〉_d diff●●●_n 〈◊〉_d time_n of_o their_o be_v do_v as_o ●hat_n they_o 〈◊〉_d never_o prophesy_v of_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n expositor_n may_v differ_v in_o the_o nicety_n of_o the_o chronological_a part_n but_o in_o the_o
first_o the_o whole_a design_n and_o contrivance_n and_o method_n and_o style_v of_o it_o not_o to_o criticise_v upon_o some_o difficult_a part_n of_o it_o without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o rest_n this_o be_v the_o method_n use_v by_o all_o who_o will_v criticise_v with_o judgement_n upon_o any_o author_n and_o some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n be_v explain_v to_o our_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o key_n as_o it_o be_v and_o a_o direction_n to_o we_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o other_o thus_o whereas_o in_o one_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o jesus_n baptize_v in_o another_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o baptize_v not_o and_o the_o former_a place_n be_v expaline_v to_o be_v mean_v not_o of_o baptism_n perform_v by_o himself_o but_o by_o his_o disciple_n who_o baptize_v in_o his_o name_n joh._n iii._o 22._o four_o 1_o 2._o iii_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o observe_v whether_o the_o objection_n be_v not_o such_o as_o do_v suppose_n mistake_v which_o a_o man_n who_o can_v write_v such_o a_o discourse_n as_o they_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v find_v in_o can_v not_o run_v into_o for_o if_o they_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n this_o very_a consideration_n be_v enough_o to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n and_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o the_o objection_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v answer_v and_o that_o the_o mistake_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o book_n itself_o but_o in_o the_o reader_n who_o without_o sufficient_a skill_n or_o attention_n pass_v a_o rash_a judgement_n upon_o it_o for_o by_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_v a_o objection_n may_v imply_v too_o much_o as_o well_o as_o prove_v too_o little_a to_o be_v of_o any_o force_n and_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o candour_n and_o equity_n will_v prevent_v many_o objection_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v against_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o will_v but_o suppose_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v man_n of_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n even_o without_o inspiration_n they_o can_v never_o have_v commit_v such_o mistake_n as_o some_o will_v fasten_v upon_o they_o we_o read_v exod._n xxxiii_o 11._o and_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n speak_v unto_o his_o friend_n yet_o verse_n 20._o the_o lord_n answer_v moses_n who_o have_v beseech_v god_n to_o show_v he_o his_o glory_n thou_o can_v not_o see_v my_o face_n for_o there_o shall_v no_o man_n see_v i_o and_o live_v will_v it_o not_o be_v impudent_a trifle_a to_o pretend_v any_o contradiction_n in_o these_o two_o verse_n when_o they_o be_v easy_o understand_v in_o a_o consistent_a sense_n and_o no_o man_n of_o any_o judgement_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o write_v contradiction_n and_o lay_v they_o so_o near_o together_o when_o it_o be_v say_v act._n ix_o 7._o that_o the_o man_n who_o journey_v with_o st._n paul_n hear_v a_o voice_n but_o see_v no_o man_n and_o act._n xxii_o 9_o that_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v to_o st._n paul_n beside_o the_o explication_n which_o be_v know_v and_o obvious_a to_o reconcile_v these_o text_n those_o who_o who_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consult_v expositor_n or_o to_o consider_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v please_v to_o observe_v that_o st._n luke_n be_v a_o man_n breed_v to_o learning_n and_o this_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n show_v he_o to_o have_v be_v at_o least_o a_o prudent_a and_o wise_a man_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v never_o have_v write_v so_o palpable_a a_o contradiction_n as_o the_o objection_n must_v suppose_v in_o so_o small_a a_o compass_n concern_v one_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n in_o his_o whole_a history_n relate_v to_o a_o person_n with_o who_o he_o constant_o travel_v and_o converse_v i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o if_o he_o have_v meet_v with_o two_o such_o passage_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o in_o thucydides_n or_o xenophon_n or_o even_o in_o the_o very_o worst_a historian_n he_o will_v not_o be_v incline_v rather_o to_o seek_v out_o for_o some_o way_n of_o reconcile_a they_o than_o to_o suspect_v that_o he_o can_v so_o soon_o forget_v what_o he_o have_v write_v so_o little_a a_o while_n before_o in_o a_o account_n of_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v that_o difference_n which_o be_v between_o the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n in_o st._n matthew_n and_o that_o in_o st._n luke_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o and_o long_o after_o extant_a in_o the_o public_a register_n 9_o register_n ab_fw-la exordio_fw-la adam_n usque_fw-la ad_fw-la extremum_fw-la zorobabel_n omnium_fw-la generationes_fw-la ita_fw-la memoriter_fw-la velociterque_fw-la precur_v runt_n ut_fw-la eos_fw-la suum_fw-la pute_fw-la refer_v nomen_fw-la hieron_n in_o tit._n iii._o 9_o they_o can_v repeat_v they_o by_o heart_n with_o as_o much_o readiness_n as_o they_o can_v their_o own_o name_n and_o to_o insert_v a_o wrong_a genealogy_n have_v be_v to_o give_v up_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o christ_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a to_o their_o cause_n than_o for_o the_o evangelist_n to_o produce_v a_o false_a pedigree_n when_o the_o true_a one_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o produce_v by_o any_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o disprove_v they_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o cause_n whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o christ_n descent_n from_o abraham_n and_o david_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v now_o be_v think_v to_o be_v in_o this_o twofold_a genealogy_n it_o be_v certain_o acknowledge_v by_o those_o of_o that_o age_n and_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n or_o else_o it_o will_v never_o have_v be_v produce_v by_o the_o evangelist_n or_o have_v for_o ever_o ruin_v their_o cause_n if_o they_o have_v produce_v it_o some_o crime_n be_v too_o great_a to_o charge_v upon_o man_n of_o any_o credit_n or_o reputation_n and_o some_o error_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o no_o man_n of_o common_a prudence_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o commit_v they_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v a_o author_n rational_a and_o consistent_a in_o other_o part_n of_o a_o discourse_n the_o ordinary_a ingenuity_n and_o condor_n of_o mankind_n will_v hinder_v we_o from_o suppose_v he_o to_o commit_v gross_a and_o palpable_a mistake_n and_o it_o be_v great_a disingenuity_n and_o folly_n to_o show_v the_o less_o respect_n to_o any_o author_n because_o he_o be_v at_o least_o believe_v to_o have_v write_v by_o inspiration_n or_o to_o deny_v he_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o a_o man_n because_o god_n have_v enable_v he_o to_o write_v infallible_a truth_n iv_o if_o any_o contradiction_n be_v frame_v or_o force_v from_o the_o various_a readins_n the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n or_o whatever_a elsé_fw-fr of_o this_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o dispute_n of_o critic_n they_o prove_v no_o more_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o they_o do_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o these_o difficulty_n can_v not_o happen_v in_o a_o book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o that_o it_o must_v be_v first_o write_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o afford_v no_o occasion_n for_o dispute_n and_o that_o it_o must_v be_v ever_o after_o so_o preserve_v by_o a_o constant_a miracle_n that_o it_o may_v be_v subject_a to_o none_o of_o the_o accident_n and_o casualty_n to_o which_o all_o other_o book_n be_v liable_a on_o the_o contrary_a it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o god_n may_v not_o permit_v book_n write_v by_o inspiration_n to_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o any_o such_o casualty_n as_o be_v not_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n but_o if_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v preserve_v entire_a and_o the_o evidence_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n in_o confirmation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n all_o lesser_a matter_n may_v be_v lest_o to_o the_o same_o contingency_n which_o befall_v all_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o evidence_n be_v very_o clear_a and_o full_a in_o proof_n both_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o demonstrate_v to_o we_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v already_o show_v and_o if_o no_o more_o can_v be_v produce_v than_o have_v by_o i_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v their_o authority_n yet_o unless_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v insufficient_a from_o some_o mistake_n or_o defect_n in_o it_o no_o such_o objection_n can_v invalidate_v it_o because_o no_o man_n can_v prove_v that_o god_n
verse_n 13._o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o or_o be_v silent_a and_o the_o moon_n stay_v where_o the_o word_n apply_v to_o the_o moon_n signify_v proper_o to_o stay_v or_o stand_v still_o but_o the_o word_n use_v concern_v the_o sun_n be_v metaphorical_a as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v purposely_o so_o order_v because_o the_o moon_n move_v but_o the_o sun_n only_o seem_v to_o do_v so_o which_o be_v further_o confirm_v by_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o the_o same_o verse_n where_o in_o the_o citation_n from_o the_o book_n of_o jasher_n the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v before_o use_v of_o the_o moon_n signify_v that_o the_o sun_n proper_o stand_v still_o for_o the_o book_n of_o jasher_n be_v cite_v in_o its_o own_o word_n but_o when_o josh●a_n who_o write_v by_o inspiration_n set_v down_o the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n he_o express_v the_o thing_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v from_o thence_o infer_v that_o the_o sun_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o move_v but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a though_o immediate_o after_o in_o a_o citation_n from_o another_o book_n he_o insert_v the_o expression_n of_o a_o author_n who_o have_v follow_v the_o vulgar_a opinion_n iii_o gen._n i_o 6._o and_o god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v a_o firmament_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n the_o word_n translate_v firmament_n be_v in_o the_o margin_n render_v expansion_n by_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v mean_v this_o orb_n in_o which_o the_o earth_n be_v place_v and_o by_o the_o water_n above_o the_o firmament_n or_o expansion_n may_v be_v mean_v the_o water_n beyond_o the_o circumference_n of_o our_o orb_n and_o belong_v to_o the_o planet_n and_o by_o the_o water_n under_o the_o firmament_n may_v be_v understand_v the_o water_n belong_v to_o the_o earth_n and_o contain_v within_o its_o expansion_n for_o at_o first_o all_o be_v one_o confuse_v heap_v of_o water_n without_o any_o distinction_n of_o orb_n the_o mass_n of_o water_n be_v extend_v throughout_o before_o the_o several_a orb_n be_v appoint_v but_o then_o the_o water_n belong_v to_o each_o orb_n be_v cause_v to_o subside_n towards_o their_o several_a centre_n till_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o their_o proper_a channel_n and_o receptacle_n the_o dry_a land_n appear_v i_o confess_v i_o once_o think_v this_o have_v be_v only_o a_o explication_n of_o my_o own_o but_o i_o have_v since_o find_v that_o it_o be_v of_o equal_a date_n with_o the_o modern_a philosophy_n and_o that_o it_o have_v likewise_o be_v late_o use_v by_o other_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o easy_a a_o exposition_n that_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v come_v into_o most_o man_n mind_n who_o will_v consider_v how_o this_o text_n may_v be_v explain_v according_a to_o the_o new_a philosophy_n other_o suppose_v the_o firmament_n to_o signify_v the_o region_n of_o the_o air_n and_o by_o the_o water_n above_o the_o firmament_n they_o understand_v the_o vapour_n contain_v in_o the_o cloud_n when_o he_o utter_v his_o voice_n there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o water_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o he_o cause_v the_o vapour_n to_o ascend_v from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n jer._n x._o 13._o iv_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n be_v call_v two_o great_a light_n gen._n i._n 16._o but_o this_o do_v not_o imply_v that_o either_o of_o they_o be_v great_a than_o the_o fix_a star_n which_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o till_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o verse_n but_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o great_a light_n that_o rule_v the_o day_n and_o the_o moon_n the_o great_a light_n that_o rule_v the_o night_n the_o moon_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o light_n which_o she_o give_v we_o big_a than_o any_o fix_a star_n for_o she_o give_v we_o more_o light_a than_o they_o do_v in_o some_o sense_n however_o and_o with_o respect_n to_o we_o the_o moon_n be_v the_o great_a light_n though_o the_o star_n be_v the_o great_a luminous_a body_n consider_v this_o luminary_n as_o it_o concern_v we_o and_o it_o be_v in_o that_o conception_n great_a than_o the_o big_a star_n yet_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v great_a light_n than_o the_o fix_a star_n nor_o as_o great_a as_o they_o be_v but_o be_v only_o call_v great_a light_n which_o they_o certain_o be_v though_o every_o star_n shall_v be_v big_a than_o either_o of_o they_o the_o star_n be_v plain_o speak_v of_o by_o themselves_o and_o apart_o from_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n without_o any_o comparison_n or_o relation_n to_o they_o and_o god_n make_v two_o great_a light_n the_o great_a light_n to_o rule_v the_o day_n and_o the_o lesser_a light_n to_o rule_v the_o night_n he_o make_v the_o star_n also_o that_o be_v beside_o the_o two_o great_a light_n which_o be_v the_o sun_n and_o moon_n he_o make_v the_o star_n which_o be_v distinguish_v from_o these_o and_o not_o reckon_v with_o they_o but_o be_v speak_v of_o by_o way_n of_o parenthesis_n the_o star_n be_v of_o another_o division_n of_o celestial_a body_n and_o belong_v to_o other_o orb_n be_v mention_v here_o distinct_o and_o not_o with_o any_o comparison_n to_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n but_o will_v any_o man_n deny_v that_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n be_v great_a light_n because_o the_o star_n be_v great_a light_n too_o and_o as_o big_a perhaps_o as_o the_o sun_n and_o big_a than_o the_o moon_n there_o be_v in_o europe_n many_o great_a city_n and_o there_o be_v great_a city_n likewise_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n do_v therefore_o he_o that_o say_v there_o be_v great_a city_n in_o europe_n to_o rule_v the_o neighbour_a country_n and_o city_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n also_o say_v that_o the_o city_n of_o europe_n be_v great_a than_o any_o city_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n or_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v god_n make_v four_o great_a river_n to_o water_n paradise_n and_o river_n in_o other_o place_n also_o will_v he_o thereby_o affirm_v that_o the_o river_n of_o paradise_n be_v large_a than_o all_o the_o river_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o v._o 1_o sam._n two_o 8._o we_o read_v of_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o this_o be_v speak_v metaphorical_o and_o by_o pillar_n of_o the_o earth_n may_v be_v mean_v the_o power_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n mention_v but_o just_a before_o in_o the_o like_a sense_n it_o be_v say_v psal_n lxxv_o 3._o the_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o be_v dissolve_v i_o bear_v up_o the_o pillar_n of_o it_o we_o find_v mention_v make_v of_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o earth_n job_n ix_o 6._o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o earth_n unmoveable_a stability_n 6●_n stability_n colamnas_fw-la hoc_fw-la loco_fw-la pro_fw-la stabilitate_fw-la terrae_fw-la intelligamus_fw-la quam_fw-la deu●super_fw-la seme●_n ipsami●●anbilissim●_n mole_n ●davi●_n st._n hier●●_n ad_fw-la job_n ix_o 6●_n as_o st._n jerom_n observe_v and_o so_o the_o other_o text_n may_v likewise_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o heaven_n job_n xxvi_o 11._o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o power_n which_o support_v and_o uphold_v they_o vi_o job_n xxxvii_o 18._o the_o sky_n be_v say_v to_o be_v strong_a and_o as_o a_o molten_n looking-glass_n that_o be_v to_o be_v durable_a and_o resemble_v a_o molten_n looking-glass_n but_o however_o they_o be_v take_v these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o elihu_n and_o job_n friend_n sin_v in_o what_o they_o charge_v he_o withal_o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o make_v so_o innocent_a a_o mistake_n as_o to_o think_v the_o heaven_n solid_a or_o at_o least_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n may_v speak_v the_o language_n of_o those_o that_o do_v think_v so_o vii_o job_n speak_v strict_o according_a to_o philosophy_n when_o he_o say_v that_o god_n hang_v the_o earth_n upon_o nothing_o job_n xxvi_o 7._o and_o we_o read_v psal_n xxiv_o 2._o that_o the_o lord_n have_v found_v the_o earth_n upon_o the_o sea_n and_o establish_v it_o upon_o the_o flood_n and_o psal_n civ_o 5._o that_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v remove_v for_o ever_o all_o which_o be_v as_o exact_o as_o any_o philosopher_n can_v speak_v for_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o pendulous_a globe_n can_v be_v nothing_o but_o its_o centre_n upon_o which_o all_o the_o part_n lean_a and_o be_v support_v thereby_o and_o the_o water_n continual_o flow_v through_o the_o bowel_n and_o concavity_n of_o the_o earth_n from_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n by_o a_o constant_a course_n and_o circulation_n constitute_v a_o abyss_n of_o water_n in_o the_o lowermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o that_o with_o great_a propriety_n of_o speech_n the_o terraqueous_a globe_n be_v say_v to_o hang_v upon_o nothing_o and_o the_o
instruct_v in_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v appoint_v by_o moses_n as_o pledge_n and_o type_n to_o represent_v and_o prefigure_v to_o they_o those_o of_o a_o future_a state_n for_o that_o abraham_n and_o the_o patriarch_n before_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o full_a notion_n of_o a_o life_n after_o this_o we_o be_v certain_a from_o heb._n xi_o 10_o 13._o and_o we_o have_v as_o great_a certainty_n that_o abraham_n do_v instruct_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o gen._n xviii_o 19_o and_o moses_n write_v of_o christ_n jo._n v._o 46._o gen._n iii._o 15._o twelve_o 3._o xlix_o 10._o deut._n xviii_o 15_o 18._o these_o thing_n be_v deliver_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o well_o understand_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o age_n the_o sadducee_n be_v singular_a in_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o some_o other_o doctrine_n in_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v agree_v but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o obscurity_n or_o difficulty_n in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n they_o have_v beside_o the_o priest_n a_o constant_a succession_n of_o prophet_n for_o many_o age_n to_o interpret_v they_o and_o to_o maintain_v and_o inculcate_v those_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o ●_z the_o reward_n of_o heaven_n be_v declare_v psal_n xuj_o 11._o xvii_o 15._o prov._n xv_o 24._o eccles_n twelve_o 14._o dan._n twelve_o 2_o 3._o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n be_v assert_v psal_n xuj_o 10._o eccles_n xi_o 9_o twelve_o 14._o isai_n xxxiii_o 14._o dan._n twelve_o 2._o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a psal_n xvii_o 15._o isai_n xxvi_o 19_o ezek._n xxxvii_o 1._o dan._n twelve_o 2._o hos_fw-la xiii_o 14._o and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n job_n fourteen_o 12._o nineteeen_o 26.27_o in_o that_o expression_n that_o david_n and_o other_o sleep_v with_o their_o father_n be_v employ_v not_o only_o the_o imortality_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n for_o it_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o total_a end_n of_o they_o but_o as_o they_o sleep_v so_o must_v they_o awake_v and_o rise_v again_o psal_n xvii_o 15._o and_o this_o expression_n be_v take_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o apply_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o the_o new_a our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o regeneration_n say_v to_o nicodemus_n be_v thou_o a_o master_n in_o israel_n and_o know_v not_o these_o thing_n joh._n iii._o 10._o and_o he_o bid_v the_o j●ws_n search_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o in_o they_o say_v he_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o joh_n v._n 39_o it_o be_v in_o they_o foretold_v that_o a_o much_o clear_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o gospel_n jer._n xxxi_o 31._o when_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o resurrection_n give_v a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o a_o future_a immortal_a state_n than_o can_v be_v give_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n and_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n through_o the_o gospel_n 2_o tim._n i_o 10._o yet_o this_v itself_o be_v typify_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o raise_v dead_a man_n to_o life_n again_o and_o the_o translation_n of_o enoch_n and_o elijah_n into_o heaven_n be_v for_o a_o testimony_n and_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a state_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v as_o effectual_a a_o caution_n and_o warning_n to_o man_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n as_o a_o message_n from_o the_o dead_a can_v have_v be_v luke_n xuj_o 31._o the_o old_a testament_n therefore_o be_v not_o deficient_a in_o any_o necessary_a point_n of_o salvation_n but_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v enjoin_v as_o a_o suitable_a help_n and_o expedient_a for_o the_o retain_v those_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v reveal_v before_o which_o be_v so_o well_o know_v 2_o know_v origen_n contra_fw-la cell_n lib._n 2_o that_o celsus_n put_v this_o as_o a_o objection_n into_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o he_o bring_v in_o argue_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o teach_v they_o nothing_o but_o what_o they_o know_v before_o concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o apocryphal_a as_o well_o as_o the_o canonical_a '_o book_n teach_v these_o thing_n the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o religion_n among_o man_n depend_v very_o much_o upon_o a_o right_a knowledge_n and_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o this_o subject_a and_o those_o who_o profess_v never_o so_o great_a veneration_n for_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o have_v little_a esteem_n for_o any_o part_n of_o the_o old_a understand_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o as_o they_o ought_v they_o refer_v all_o along_o to_o each_o other_o and_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v together_o for_o the_o one_o be_v but_o a_o draught_n as_o it_o be_v or_o model_n of_o the_o other_o all_o thing_n be_v though_o obscure_o yet_o sufficient_o teach_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v full_o and_o lively_o express_v in_o the_o new_a the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v and_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o morality_n have_v be_v deliver_v down_o from_o the_o beginning_n by_o adam_n and_o noah_n to_o their_o posterity_n and_o when_o moses_n by_o god_n direction_n and_o appointment_n give_v law_n to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o these_o law_n be_v the_o preservation_n of_o this_o faith_n and_o practice_n among_o they_o and_o this_o be_v effect_v by_o visible_a object_n and_o sensible_a remembrance_n the_o jewish_a dispensation_n be_v ordain_v in_o condescension_n to_o the_o circumstance_n and_o capacity_n of_o those_o age_n and_o that_o nation_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o condition_n and_o most_o worthy_a of_o god_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n have_v whole_o give_v up_o and_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o carnal_a ordinance_n and_o superstition_n and_o god_n who_o produce_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a make_v use_v of_o this_o fondness_n and_o dotage_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o preservation_n and_o advancement_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n among_o men._n the_o ceremonial_a worship_n be_v no_o far_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o no_o otherwise_o design_v by_o he_o than_o to_o keep_v his_o people_n from_o run_v into_o idolatry_n to_o which_o they_o have_v so_o great_a a_o proneness_n to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o preserve_v a_o sense_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a service_n and_o to_o retain_v a_o remembrance_n and_o expectation_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v and_o be_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n to_o be_v offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n that_o we_o be_v instruct_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n without_o so_o many_o burdensome_a ceremony_n but_o in_o those_o age_n of_o the_o world_n nothing_o will_v have_v seem_v more_o strange_a and_o absurd_a than_o a_o religion_n without_o some_o pomp_n and_o solemnity_n of_o ceremony_n and_o god_n appoint_v for_o his_o people_n those_o which_o be_v innocent_a to_o restrain_v they_o from_o all_o that_o be_v wicked_a and_o hurtful_a he_o appoint_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o beast_n to_o be_v type_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o to_o withhold_v they_o from_o humane_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o other_o nation_n and_o enjoin_v by_o other_o religion_n he_o command_v they_o to_o abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n that_o they_o may_v not_o eat_v of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o these_o innocent_a ceremony_n he_o make_v useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o faith_n and_o righteousness_n nothing_o impracticable_a can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n to_o any_o people_n nothing_o which_o be_v above_o their_o ability_n and_o present_a attainment_n and_o therefore_o will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n and_o benefit_n to_o they_o but_o rather_o the_o divine_a goodness_n will_v condescend_v to_o their_o infirmity_n and_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o give_v they_o such_o law_n as_o may_v be_v agreeable_a and_o convenient_a for_o they_o in_o their_o present_a state_n and_o may_v fit_v they_o for_o a_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a dispensation_n whatsoever_o we_o may_v think_v of_o it_o now_o nothing_o at_o the_o time_n when_o the_o law_n be_v give_v will_v have_v look_v like_o religion_n that_o have_v
the_o perform_v any_o good_a action_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o jam._n i._n 17._o 3._o we_o learn_v from_o hence_o that_o god_n can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o do_v often_o over-rule_v even_o the_o worst_a action_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o best_a end_n and_o put_v no_o trust_n in_o his_o saint_n job_n xv_o 15._o there_o be_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o case_n of_o jacob_n and_o esau_n when_o jacob_n come_v by_o fraud_n and_o subtlety_n and_o deprive_v his_o brother_n of_o the_o blessing_n 11._o blessing_n casaub_n in_o athenae_n lib._n 1._o c._n 11._o it_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n customary_a to_o offer_v that_o of_o which_o they_o be_v to_o eat_v in_o sacrifice_n especial_o on_o so_o solemn_a a_o occasion_n as_o a_o father_n give_v his_o final_a blessing_n and_o as_o in_o this_o case_n foretell_v the_o fate_n of_o his_o posterity_n and_o therefore_o when_o jacob_n have_v by_o subtlety_n get_v the_o blessing_n of_o his_o father_n isaac_n can_v not_o recall_v it_o to_o confer_v it_o upon_o esau_n because_o what_o be_v do_v in_o so_o solemn_a a_o manner_n have_v a_o religious_a obligation_n amount_v to_o that_o of_o a_o oath_n and_o oath_n though_o obtain_v by_o fraud_n be_v obligatory_a as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o gibeonite_n he_o have_v bless_v jacob_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o prediction_n that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a gen._n twenty-five_o 23._o with_o esau_n despise_v and_o sell_v his_o birthright_n may_v now_o probable_o come_v into_o isaac_n mind_n whereupon_o though_o he_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o fraud_n by_o which_o the_o blessing_n be_v obtain_v yet_o he_o know_v it_o to_o be_v irrevocable_a and_o that_o the_o divine_a purpose_n and_o prediction_n will_v be_v accomplish_v thereby_o and_o what_o he_o have_v by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n confer_v it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o recall_v the_o relation_n therefore_o of_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o justify_v jacob_n behaviour_n in_o it_o but_o manifest_v the_o overrule_a providence_n of_o god_n to_o make_v any_o mean_n whatsoever_o instrumental_a to_o his_o gracious_a end_n which_o can_v never_o be_v disappoint_v by_o any_o action_n of_o man_n for_o if_o they_o depend_v upon_o humane_a action_n these_o will_v often_o fail_v they_o the_o best_a man_n be_v subject_a to_o so_o much_o frailty_n and_o sin_n 4._o though_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n do_v accept_v of_o the_o imperfect_a service_n of_o the_o righteous_a forgive_a upon_o their_o habitual_a repentance_n the_o sin_n and_o frailty_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o the_o best_a action_n and_o pardon_v the_o worst_a action_n likewise_o after_o a_o particular_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n yet_o these_o stand_n upon_o record_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o their_o repentance_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o for_o a_o memorial_n and_o warning_n to_o future_a age_n that_o man_n may_v neither_o presume_v upon_o their_o own_o righteousness_n nor_o despair_n of_o god_n mercy_n but_o because_o they_o be_v pardon_v they_o be_v not_o always_o censure_v and_o i_o think_v the_o ill_a action_n of_o good_a man_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o mention_v with_o a_o mark_n of_o god_n displeasure_n unless_o the_o series_n of_o the_o history_n require_v it_o and_o then_o the_o reproof_n be_v mention_v which_o pass_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o st._n peter_n but_o where_o no_o such_o censure_n be_v pass_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o action_n the_o action_n itself_o be_v bare_o relate_v and_o nothing_o further_o say_v of_o it_o because_o the_o crime_n be_v forgive_v god_n forbear_v to_o show_v any_o further_a displeasure_n against_o it_o such_o be_v his_o mercy_n to_o repent_v sinner_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v for_o any_o censure_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o other_o who_o may_v know_v by_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n what_o action_n be_v sinful_a though_o they_o be_v not_o always_o style_v so_o in_o relate_v the_o commission_n of_o they_o chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o imprecation_n in_o the_o psalm_n and_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n one_o of_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o universal_a charity_n which_o it_o enjoin_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o charity_n be_v likewise_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n which_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o peculiar_a reason_n for_o those_o expression_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o imply_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o i._o many_o of_o those_o expression_n be_v use_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o nation_n upon_o who_o after_o signal_n act_v of_o mercy_n and_o forbearance_n on_o his_o part_n and_o repeat_v provocation_n on_o they_o god_n have_v command_v the_o israelite_n to_o execute_v his_o judgement_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o this_o be_v not_o accomplish_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v have_v grace_n to_o repent_v and_o that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o they_o in_o the_o fulfil_n his_o will_n but_o that_o god_n will_v enable_v they_o to_o execute_v vengeance_n upon_o the_o heathen_a ps_n cxlix_o 7._o and_o it_o be_v lawful_a likewise_o to_o pray_v against_o all_o the_o other_o enemy_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v abase_v their_o pride_n and_o make_v they_o to_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v but_o man_n ps_n ix_o 20._o lxxiu_o 22_o 23._o cxxxix_o 21_o 22._o ii_o david_n be_v king_n have_v the_o sword_n of_o justice_n commit_v to_o he_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a and_o therefore_o when_o his_o rebellious_a subject_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o he_o as_o in_o the_o rebellion_n of_o absalon_n he_o may_v make_v his_o appeal_n to_o god_n and_o beseech_v he_o to_o take_v the_o matter_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n if_o he_o may_v punish_v his_o subject_n he_o may_v pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v enable_v he_o to_o do_v it_o and_o in_o foreign_a war_n if_o he_o may_v kill_v his_o enemy_n he_o may_v pray_v for_o victory_n and_o success_n over_o they_o iii_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o public_a and_o notorious_a malefactor_n may_v be_v punish_v for_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o discover_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o punishment_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o that_o may_v be_v do_v which_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o seek_v redress_n of_o private_a injury_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v be_v redress_v for_o we_o may_v pray_v for_o success_n upon_o any_o honest_a undertake_n if_o this_o be_v do_v out_o of_o a_o love_n to_o justice_n and_o a_o necessary_a care_n of_o our_o own_o preservation_n not_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o a_o thirst_n after_o revenge_n but_o with_o the_o most_o favourable_a construction_n that_o the_o worst_a action_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o with_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o offender_n in_o give_v he_o the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n and_o grant_v he_o whatsoever_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o justice_n towards_o other_o man_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n iv_o god_n be_v the_o peculiar_a lawgiver_n and_o political_a governor_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o death_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o condemnation_n 2_o cor._n three_o 7_o 9_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o law_n as_o such_o belong_v only_o to_o this_o life_n and_o a_o curse_n be_v denounce_v against_o every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o gal._n iii._o 10_o 11._o god_n have_v express_o threaten_v to_o inflict_v punishment_n in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o those_o law_n and_o therefore_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o his_o judgement_n may_v overtake_v evil_a doer_n be_v no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v in_o other_o government_n to_o prosecute_v offender_n before_o the_o magistrate_n they_o appeal_v to_o god_n to_o put_v his_o law_n in_o force_n against_o they_o and_o not_o to_o
witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n god_n himself_o bear_v witness_n to_o it_o and_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v say_v in_o this_o as_o they_o do_v in_o a_o very_a different_a case_n what_o need_v we_o any_o further_a witness_n for_o we_o ourselves_o have_v hear_v of_o their_o own_o mouth_n in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n or_o see_v it_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n in_o the_o many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o be_v continual_o wrought_v in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n in_o testimony_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n our_o bless_a saviour_n therefore_o give_v as_o full_a proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o temple_n or_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o this_o have_v not_o be_v more_o effectual_a to_o the_o conversion_n of_o most_o of_o they_o nor_o more_o sufficient_a to_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o his_o appearance_n to_o his_o 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earth_n after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o ascension_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v certify_v his_o disciple_n of_o his_o resurrection_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o give_v they_o many_o infallible_a proof_n of_o it_o or_o else_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v infallible_o prove_v and_o that_o which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o he_o be_v see_v by_o they_o not_o once_o but_o often_o not_o for_o a_o short_a time_n or_o at_o a_o hasty_a interview_n but_o for_o forty_o day_n together_o and_o then_o he_o perform_v the_o common_a action_n of_o humane_a life_n he_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o and_o discourse_v with_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n relate_v to_o his_o kingdom_n to_o who_o also_o he_o show_v himself_o alive_a after_o his_o passion_n by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o 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of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n we_o have_v nothing_o take_v notice_n of_o for_o ostentation_n nor_o for_o ornament_n but_o many_o thing_n omit_v in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v think_v needful_a in_o humane_a author_n to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a history_n we_o have_v no_o more_o mention_v of_o his_o parentage_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v descend_v from_o david_n and_o bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v of_o he_o when_o he_o be_v bear_v we_o read_v that_o the_o shepherd_n and_o the_o wiseman_n come_v to_o worship_v he_o that_o he_o be_v circumcise_a that_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v present_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o be_v carry_v into_o egypt_n to_o avoid_v herod_n cruelty_n and_o hereby_o know_v prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v afterward_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o nazareth_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n and_o from_o that_o time_n we_o read_v no_o more_o of_o he_o till_o the_o twelve_o year_n of_o his_o age_n when_o he_o dispute_v with_o the_o doctor_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o then_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o go_v down_o to_o nazareth_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o mother_n and_o to_o joseph_n and_o in_o general_a term_n that_o he_o increase_v in_o wisdom_n and_o stature_n and_o in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man_n as_o it_o be_v before_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o grow_v and_o wax_v strong_a in_o spirit_n fill_v with_o wisdom_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o he_o luke_n two_o 40_o 52._o the_o next_o time_n we_o read_v any_o thing_n of_o he_o be_v when_o he_o be_v about_o thirty_o year_n of_o age_n and_o come_v to_o john_n to_o be_v baptise_a thus_o not_o only_o during_o his_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n there_o be_v little_o relate_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o his_o ripe_a year_n be_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n in_o all_o which_o time_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v no_o speech_n or_o action_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o person_n but_o what_o well_o deserve_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o that_o know_v he_o and_o be_v more_o worthy_a of_o mention_n in_o history_n than_o all_o the_o renown_a adventure_n and_o exploit_n or_o than_o the_o wise_a or_o witty_a say_n which_o adorn_v the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a among_o the_o son_n of_o men._n but_o modesty_n humility_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n be_v some_o of_o the_o great_a and_o useful_a doctrine_n in_o which_o he_o come_v to_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o he_o can_v not_o do_v this_o more_o effectual_o than_o by_o his_o own_o example_n in_o lead_v a_o mean_a and_o obscure_a life_n little_o know_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n till_o two_o or_o three_o year_n before_o he_o be_v to_o leave_v it_o by_o a_o cruel_a and_o infamous_a death_n he_o do_v not_o choose_v to_o spend_v his_o time_n in_o place_n of_o public_a resort_v and_o converse_v and_o when_o he_o dispute_v in_o the_o temple_n yet_o nothing_o of_o the_o particular_n be_v mention_v this_o obscure_a and_o unknown_a person_n be_v to_o rebuke_v and_o control_v the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o popular_a scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o after_o he_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n very_o much_o of_o his_o life_n be_v spend_v in_o privacy_n and_o retirement_n not_o many_o of_o his_o discourse_n be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o action_n be_v omit_v for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v all_o write_v and_o describe_v in_o their_o several_a circumstance_n many_o volume_n must_v have_v be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o narrative_a of_o they_o insomuch_o that_o st._n john_n suppose_v that_o even_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o have_v contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v write_v joh._n xxi_o 25._o that_o be_v as_o we_o may_v express_v it_o in_o our_o language_n he_o do_v a_o world_n of_o thing_n more_o than_o these_o which_o be_v relate_v of_o he_o and_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n st._n james_n say_v that_o the_o tongue_n be_v a_o world_n of_o iniquity_n jam._n iii._o 6._o the_o meaning_n of_o st._n john_n be_v that_o hardly_o any_o word_n can_v express_v how_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n beside_o those_o which_o he_o have_v set_v down_o christ_n may_v have_v employ_v some_o accurate_a historian_n to_o compose_v the_o annal_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n with_o the_o great_a exactness_n imaginable_a but_o he_o be_v please_v to_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o world_n very_o imperfest_o by_o such_o as_o know_v nothing_o of_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o write_a history_n any_o far_a than_o to_o be_v able_a to_o tell_v the_o strict_a and_o necessary_a truth_n the_o
evangelist_n write_v his_o life_n with_o the_o same_o humility_n with_o which_o he_o live_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o when_o st._n john_n say_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v he_o speak_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o thing_n do_v by_o he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v just_a before_o give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v to_o st._n peter_n and_o so_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n when_o st._n john_n have_v declare_v how_o our_o saviour_n certify_v st._n thomas_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n he_o add_v and_o many_o other_o sign_n true_o do_v jesus_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o this_o book_n but_o these_o be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n joh._n xx_o 30_o 31._o so_o that_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o no_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a of_o what_o pass_v between_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n the_o rest_n concern_v we_o not_o to_o know_v it_o be_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o encouragement_n in_o their_o duty_n and_o they_o be_v empower_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v we_o we_o know_v that_o beginning_n at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o expound_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o luke_n xxiv_o 27._o but_o we_o be_v not_o where_o tell_v what_o be_v the_o particular_n of_o his_o exposition_n only_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o explication_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n follow_v the_o interpretation_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o time_n between_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v chief_o spend_v in_o comfort_v and_o instruct_v they_o and_o in_o expound_v to_o they_o the_o scripture_n concern_v his_o passion_n and_o resurrection_n and_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n after_o his_o ascension_n st._n paul_n mention_n that_o he_o be_v see_v by_o above_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n be_v then_o still_o alive_a to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v 1_o cor._n xv_o 6._o though_o this_o particular_a however_o remarkable_a be_v omit_v by_o the_o evangelist_n for_o they_o relate_v thing_n just_a as_o they_o see_v it_o needful_a upon_o every_o occasion_n and_o since_o they_o say_v enough_o to_o convince_v man_n they_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o say_v all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v they_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v in_o testimony_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o daily_o wrought_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o solicitous_a to_o lay_v together_o all_o the_o particular_n or_o to_o put_v they_o into_o any_o exact_a order_n and_o method_n they_o declare_v what_o they_o know_v and_o their_o miracle_n prove_v it_o and_o they_o depend_v not_o upon_o such_o nicety_n as_o humane_a proof_n have_v need_n of_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v then_o notwithstanding_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n that_o when_o christ_n have_v once_o full_o manifest_v himself_o to_o his_o disciple_n and_o satisfy_v they_o in_o his_o resurrection_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o time_n till_o his_o ascension_n be_v most_o of_o it_o spend_v with_o they_o in_o divine_a discourse_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o comfort_n such_o as_o those_o be_v which_o we_o read_v in_o the_o evangelist_n one_o of_o who_o declare_v that_o a_o full_a account_n of_o all_o that_o pass_v between_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n be_v more_o than_o can_v well_o be_v express_v that_o happy_a time_n be_v employ_v in_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o contemplation_n in_o form_v and_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o soon_o as_o mary_n magdalen_n know_v our_o lord_n after_o his_o resurrection_n she_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n to_o worship_n he_o and_o will_v touch_v his_o sacred_a body_n matt._n xxviii_o 9_o joh._n xx_o 17._o for_o this_o reason_n perhaps_o too_o as_o well_o as_o out_o of_o devotion_n to_o he_o that_o she_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v the_o apostle_n the_o better_a account_n of_o his_o be_v rise_v again_o but_o he_o forbid_v she_o say_v touch_v i_o not_o for_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o ascend_v to_o my_o father_n and_o then_o send_v she_o to_o his_o disciple_n to_o his_o brethren_n as_o he_o with_o infinite_a love_n and_o condescension_n style_v they_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o ascend_v or_o be_v not_o then_o about_o to_o ascend_v but_o to_o stay_v many_o day_n upon_o earth_n and_o there_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o for_o her_o near_a approach_n to_o he_o either_o for_o the_o increase_n and_o confirmation_n of_o her_o faith_n or_o for_o her_o acknowledgement_n and_o adoration_n after_o his_o resurrection_n christ_n make_v himself_o know_v to_o his_o disciple_n by_o degree_n and_o by_o several_a appearance_n to_o they_o at_o distant_a time_n in_o divers_a place_n and_o in_o different_a manner_n he_o suffer_v they_o to_o doubt_v of_o that_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o a_o while_n that_o he_o may_v overcome_v their_o unbelief_n and_o extort_v a_o conviction_n from_o they_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o that_o no_o man_n unless_o he_o will_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a and_o obstinate_a shall_v pretend_v any_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o afterward_o but_o when_o he_o have_v thorough_o convince_v they_o of_o his_o resurrection_n we_o may_v conclude_v from_o what_o we_o read_v of_o his_o converse_v with_o they_o that_o from_o that_o time_n he_o admit_v they_o to_o a_o free_a and_o more_o intimate_a communication_n with_o himself_o and_o discourse_v with_o they_o in_o the_o most_o mild_a and_o gracious_a and_o instructive_a manner_n of_o all_o which_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o know_v pertain_v to_o his_o kingdom_n or_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a then_o of_o know_v before_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n sometime_o perhaps_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n to_o one_o and_o sometime_o to_o other_o of_o they_o and_o most_o common_o to_o they_o altogether_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v as_o we_o find_v they_o general_o be_v and_o when_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o it_o be_v because_o their_o mortal_a state_n will_v not_o bear_v a_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a attendance_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n upon_o their_o bless_a master_n and_o because_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o they_o by_o degree_n shall_v be_v accustom_v to_o endure_v his_o absence_n and_o to_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n and_o after_o his_o ascension_n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n do_v not_o immediate_o come_v upon_o his_o departure_n from_o they_o but_o their_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o expectation_n of_o he_o for_o the_o space_n of_o ten_o day_n and_o then_o his_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o fit_a and_o most_o proper_a season_n on_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n in_o few_o word_n christ_n be_v see_v of_o they_o say_v the_o scripture_n forty_o day_n which_o imply_v that_o these_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v spend_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n tell_v how_o this_o time_n be_v employ_v in_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n ii_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o manner_n how_o our_o saviour_n leave_v his_o disciple_n when_o he_o ascend_v up_o from_o they_o into_o heaven_n he_o have_v before_o prepare_v they_o to_o expect_v his_o ascension_n for_o beside_o what_o he_o have_v say_v to_o they_o before_o his_o death_n immediate_o upon_o his_o resurrection_n he_o send_v this_o message_n to_o his_o disciple_n by_o mary_n magdalen_n go_v to_o my_o brethren_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o i_o ascend_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n and_o to_o my_o god_n and_o your_o god_n joh._n xx_o 17._o they_o be_v in_o hope_n it_o seem_v that_o he_o will_v at_o this_o time_n have_v restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n and_o do_v not_o think_v he_o will_v have_v leave_v they_o before_o that_o which_o they_o so_o much_o desire_v have_v be_v accomplish_v however_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o they_o he_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n which_o say_v he_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o and_o whilst_o he_o be_v give_v they_o repeat_v assurance_n that_o this_o promise_n shall_v be_v most_o effectual_o fulfil_v while_o they_o behold_v he_o be_v take_v up_o and_o a_o cloud_n receive_v
of_o they_o must_v cease_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v bestow_v cease_v these_o miraculous_a gift_n must_v of_o consequence_n cease_v with_o it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v likewise_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o we_o read_v of_o no_o miraculous_a power_n bestow_v upon_o any_o man_n before_o moses_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v deliver_v down_o with_o undeniable_a certainty_n and_o the_o miraculous_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o drown_v the_o old_a world_n in_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n and_o in_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v up_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o when_o a_o new_a institution_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v introduce_v by_o moses_n miraculous_a gift_n be_v necessary_a to_o give_v authority_n to_o it_o and_o to_o oppose_v those_o false_a and_o lie_a wonder_n which_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o magician_n in_o egypt_n and_o other_o place_n in_o the_o former_a age_n prediction_n be_v very_o frequent_a and_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o patriarch_n who_o be_v man_n of_o unquestionable_a credit_n and_o authority_n and_o can_v have_v no_o need_n of_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o prophecy_n which_o be_v so_o usual_a in_o those_o time_n and_o when_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v so_o long_o divers_a prophecy_n of_o the_o same_o person_n have_v be_v verify_v by_o the_o event_n but_o moses_n have_v a_o new_a law_n to_o deliver_v and_o both_o he_o and_o the_o prophet_n have_v a_o a_o stubborn_a people_n to_o deal_v with_o to_o who_o the_o message_n they_o be_v charge_v withal_o be_v common_o very_o unwelcome_a so_o that_o till_o this_o institution_n be_v full_o settle_v miracle_n become_v necessary_a but_o when_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v sufficient_o authorize_v and_o establish_v by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n and_o when_o by_o the_o captivity_n and_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o divine_a mission_n of_o their_o prophet_n become_v know_v among_o so_o many_o other_o nation_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v reduce_v from_o idolatry_n which_o they_o never_o practise_v after_o their_o return_n from_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o when_o they_o have_v make_v numerous_a conversion_n among_o the_o heathen_n than_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v no_o long_o continue_v as_o they_o have_v be_v before_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n insomuch_o that_o it_o become_v a_o 18._o a_o lightf_n glean_v out_o of_o exod._n §._o vi_fw-it harm_n of_o the_o evang_n luke_n i_o 18._o joh._n two_o 18._o maxim_n among_o they_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o zechariah_n and_o malachi_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o return_v from_o babylon_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n depart_v from_o israel_n and_o ascend_v and_o for_o above_o four_o hundred_o year_n together_o the_o gift_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v be_v withhold_v from_o they_o before_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n for_o though_o there_o be_v gross_a error_n and_o dangerous_a corruption_n among_o the_o pharisee_n and_o sadducee_n and_o other_o sect_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o since_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o revelation_n from_o whence_o these_o error_n may_v have_v be_v confute_v have_v be_v so_o thorough_o confirm_v all_o their_o corruption_n and_o error_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o the_o pharisee_n and_o other_o sect_n who_o be_v most_o fond_a and_o zealous_a of_o their_o several_a tenet_n and_o tradition_n yet_o never_o dare_v pretend_v to_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n or_o prophecy_n but_o endeavour_v to_o support_v themselves_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n what_o they_o sometime_o speak_v of_o lxxiii_o of_o id_fw-la fall_v of_o jerus_n §._o ix_o harm_n of_o the_o n._n t._n §._o lxxiii_o the_o bath_n col_fw-fr or_o voice_n from_o heaven_n deserve_v but_o little_a credit_n and_o amount_v but_o to_o a_o confession_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n have_v fail_v under_o the_o second_o temple_n as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o express_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o have_v do_v 41._o do_v more_o nevock_n part._n 2._o c._n 36_o 41._o maimonides_n declare_v that_o the_o bath_n col_fw-fr do_v not_o denominate_v man_n prophet_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o reckon_v by_o he_o among_o the_o degree_n of_o prophecy_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a 1._o book_n 1._o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n afford_v as_o much_o certainty_n to_o our_o faith_n as_o if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v see_v they_o wrought_v and_o our_o saviour_n plain_o say_v notwithstanding_o his_o work_n which_o bear_v witness_n of_o he_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o his_o own_o word_n shall_v be_v rather_o believe_v than_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n for_o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n joh._n v._o 46_o 47._o and_o when_o once_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v attest_v by_o miracle_n as_o the_o law_n have_v be_v and_o render_v as_o certain_a to_o all_o succeed_a age_n as_o a_o constant_a power_n of_o miracle_n can_v have_v make_v it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o such_o a_o power_n shall_v be_v any_o long_o bestow_v miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n make_v to_o mankind_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n not_o to_o decide_v any_o controversy_n arise_v among_o those_o by_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v receive_v for_o to_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o all_o dispute_n ought_v to_o be_v determine_v and_o therefore_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n be_v sometime_o manifest_v among_o v._o among_o ad_fw-la orthodox_n inter_fw-la justin_n martyr_n oper._n respon_n v._o heretic_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o infidel_n which_o be_v the_o true_a end_n and_o design_n of_o miracle_n and_o not_o to_o be_v any_o note_n of_o distinction_n between_o the_o orthodox_n and_o heretic_n the_o learned_a etc._n learned_a in_o irenae_n dissert_n 11._o §._o 28._o etc._n etc._n mr._n dodwell_n by_o a_o historical_a account_n of_o miracle_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n through_o the_o age_n next_o succeed_v have_v show_v that_o they_o be_v always_o adapt_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o or_o less_o frequent_a as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n require_v till_o they_o at_o last_o whole_o cease_v when_o there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o need_n of_o they_o for_o the_o only_a end_n and_o use_v of_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v the_o confirmation_n and_o establishment_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o when_o this_o be_v once_o full_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o can_v be_v no_o long_o needful_a but_o it_o seem_v rather_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v afterward_o cease_v than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v continue_v i_o mean_v as_o to_o any_o constant_a power_n of_o work_a miracle_n reside_v in_o the_o church_n for_o though_o there_o may_v possible_o be_v some_o extraordinary_a case_n in_o which_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o manifest_v a_o miraculous_a power_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o a_o constant_a power_n of_o work_a miracle_n shall_v be_v continue_v to_o the_o church_n but_o rather_o that_o those_o gift_n shall_v cease_v when_o religion_n have_v be_v confirm_v by_o a_o perpetual_a course_n of_o miracle_n for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n together_o because_o i._o miracle_n when_o they_o become_v common_a will_v lose_v the_o design_n and_o end_n and_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o miracle_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n not_o that_o they_o be_v more_o difficult_a than_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o nature_n all_o thing_n be_v alike_o easy_a to_o god_n and_o miracle_n be_v as_o easy_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o miracle_n be_v his_o wonderful_a work_n they_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o raise_v our_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n and_o to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o divine_a presence_n for_o we_o wonder_v at_o strange_a and_o unusual_a thing_n and_o suppose_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a reason_n for_o they_o but_o if_o miracle_n have_v continue_v in_o all_o age_n this_o effect_n of_o miracle_n will_v have_v cease_v and_o they_o will_v no_o long_o have_v be_v miracle_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o different_a course_n of_o nature_n for_o according_a to_o the_o best_a and_o most_o accurate_a philosophy_n nothing_o in_o the_o settle_a course_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o
be_v a_o long_a succession_n of_o philosopher_n and_o sophist_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o school_fw-mi of_o platonist_n which_o continue_v at_o athens_n for_o some_o age_n will_v revive_v or_o reinforce_v any_o argument_n that_o have_v be_v use_v by_o their_o predecessor_n in_o opposition_n to_o christianity_n proclus_n and_o damascius_n who_o be_v of_o this_o school_n live_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o six_o age_n and_o the_o write_n of_o damascius_n be_v extant_a lxxvii_o extant_a phot._n cod_n clxxxi_o ccxlii_o lxxvii_o in_o photius_n time_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o nine_o age_n the_o history_n of_o eunapius_n be_v then_o likewise_o extant_a and_o be_v hist_o be_v voss_n de_fw-fr graec._n hist_o say_v to_o be_v preserve_v at_o venice_n we_o have_v the_o abridgement_n of_o it_o by_o zosimus_n and_o a_o sufficient_a specimen_fw-la of_o his_o malicious_a invective_n in_o his_o other_o write_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o these_o and_o many_o other_o book_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v now_o lose_v continue_v much_o long_o than_o any_o account_n which_o we_o have_v now_o remain_v of_o they_o mention_n of_o about_o thirty_o answer_n 10._o answer_n holstein_n de_fw-fr vit._n &_o script_n porphyt_n c._n 10._o which_o be_v write_v to_o porphyry_n by_o several_a author_n not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v now_o to_o be_v find_v when_o the_o world_n be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o insufficieny_n of_o his_o objection_n the_o answer_n to_o his_o book_n be_v as_o little_o regard_v as_o the_o book_n themselves_o but_o undergo_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o they_o the_o jew_n who_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n before_o but_o especial_o since_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o vast_a number_n be_v spread_v all_o over_o the_o world_n and_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o great_a opportunity_n to_o detect_v any_o falsehood_n in_o it_o and_o have_v never_o omit_v any_o advantage_n of_o improve_n and_o enforce_v the_o argument_n against_o it_o and_o and_o therefore_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o retain_v any_o thing_n considerable_a which_o have_v be_v object_v by_o their_o forefather_n or_o by_o the_o heathen_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v the_o jew_n have_v be_v a_o perpetual_a restless_a enemy_n in_o all_o part_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o nothing_o material_a in_o this_o case_n will_v escape_v their_o observation_n but_o out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n which_o be_v still_o extant_a many_o thing_n have_v be_v allege_v by_o many_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o nation_n in_o confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n from_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o the_o unbelief_n therefore_o both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o those_o age_n be_v no_o material_a objection_n nor_o altogether_o so_o unaccountable_a as_o the_o unbelief_n of_o too_o many_o now_o who_o be_v bear_v among_o christian_n and_o have_v have_v their_o education_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o truth_n be_v example_n be_v always_o the_o weak_a argument_n in_o any_o case_n and_o can_v be_v of_o no_o force_n or_o authority_n against_o the_o clear_a rational_a evidence_n chap._n xxxi_o that_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n of_o false_a religion_n and_o their_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v for_o they_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o christian_a religion_n do_v infinite_o surpass_v all_o other_o in_o the_o number_n of_o its_o martyr_n of_o both_o sex_n of_o every_o age_n and_o nation_n and_o rank_a and_o condition_n mistake_v ignorant_a zealot_n may_v often_o have_v suffer_v for_o other_o religion_n but_o man_n of_o the_o high_a station_n and_o worth_n and_o inferior_a to_o none_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o world_n esteem_v excellent_a have_v renounce_v all_o and_o upon_o choice_n and_o after_o a_o full_a consideration_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n tyrant_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o cruelty_n have_v make_v it_o their_o aim_n and_o ambition_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o torture_n to_o extirpate_v the_o christian_a religion_n they_o esteem_v their_o persecution_n matter_n of_o triumph_n and_o a_o fit_a subject_n for_o the_o 280._o the_o g●uter_n inscript_n p._n 238_o 280._o inscription_n of_o monument_n erect_v to_o their_o memory_n but_o the_o invincible_a patience_n and_o glorious_a suffering_n of_o the_o christian_n prevail_v against_o all_o the_o rage_n and_o force_n of_o their_o enemy_n if_o the_o martyrology_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v there_o will_v soon_o appear_v so_o manifest_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o christian_a martyr_n and_o the_o sufferer_n for_o other_o religion_n that_o nothing_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_n but_o remember_v with_o who_o i_o have_v to_o deal_v i_o be_o resolve_v to_o take_v every_o thing_n at_o the_o low_a and_o argue_v with_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n let_v we_o for_o a_o while_o set_v aside_o whatever_o of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v say_v in_o preference_n of_o the_o christian_a martyr_n and_o suppose_v the_o number_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o martyr_n for_o so_o we_o must_v call_v they_o at_o present_a of_o other_o religion_n to_o have_v be_v as_o great_a as_o can_v be_v imagine_v yet_o the_o cause_n itself_o make_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o they_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n in_o a_o wrong_n cause_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n which_o be_v maintain_v and_o promote_v by_o such_o a_o zeal_n as_o be_v reasonable_a and_o proceed_v upon_o sure_a ground_n indeed_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o very_o strange_a if_o that_o which_o be_v true_a shall_v be_v ever_o the_o less_o certain_a or_o the_o less_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o esteem_v because_o there_o may_v be_v other_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a of_o which_o some_o man_n be_v as_o firm_o persuade_v and_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o they_o as_o any_o one_o can_v be_v for_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a thing_n that_o many_o have_v to_o pretend_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v that_o there_o be_v many_o imposture_n in_o the_o world_n and_o none_o be_v without_o its_o zealot_n to_o appear_v in_o vindication_n of_o it_o i_o be_o confident_a no_o man_n ever_o part_v with_o any_o thing_n but_o his_o religion_n upon_o so_o weak_a a_o pretence_n a_o false_a religion_n be_v not_o the_o only_a thing_n for_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o have_v a_o undeserved_a value_n but_o their_o country_n their_o friend_n and_o themselves_o they_o be_v common_o as_o much_o mistake_v in_o and_o do_v as_o high_o overprize_v be_v there_o then_o no_o real_a difference_n or_o solid_a worth_n in_o any_o of_o these_o some_o of_o the_o most_o unlikely_a country_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v admire_v by_o the_o native_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o garden_n of_o eden_n and_o the_o place_n of_o paradise_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o easy_a than_o to_o make_v a_o distinction_n concern_v different_a country_n and_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o elysium_n of_o the_o heathen_n or_o mahomet_n paradise_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o between_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o any_o moment_n and_o consequence_n to_o they_o for_o which_o man_n have_v not_o show_v themselves_o passionate_o concern_v and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o more_o infallible_a in_o religion_n than_o in_o other_o thing_n or_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o less_o in_o earnest_n about_o it_o as_o not_o to_o discover_v the_o same_o frailty_n and_o the_o same_o affection_n which_o be_v visible_a in_o all_o the_o other_o action_n and_o business_n of_o their_o life_n it_o be_v often_o see_v in_o most_o case_n that_o some_o be_v as_o earnest_n and_o zealous_a in_o a_o false_a cause_n as_o other_o be_v in_o a_o true_a but_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o falsehood_n and_o truth_n when_o two_o man_n of_o opposite_a party_n be_v equal_o confident_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o but_o one_o of_o they_o can_v be_v in_o the_o right_a and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o one_o of_o they_o must_v be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o in_o the_o right_n as_o he_o contradict_v the_o other_o because_o as_o the_o two_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v both_o true_a so_o they_o can_v be_v both_o false_a if_o then_o a_o confident_a and_o zealous_a
time_n as_o not_o only_o to_o endure_v but_o often_o to_o humour_n their_o insolence_n and_o vanity_n and_o from_o they_o he_o have_v his_o notion_n of_o philosophy_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o not_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o he_o own_v in_o his_o book_n from_o who_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o precept_n but_o if_o he_o have_v read_v and_o consider_v the_o scripture_n he_o can_v never_o have_v look_v upon_o the_o zeal_n and_o fortitude_n of_o the_o christian_a martyr_n as_o lib._n 1●_n §_o 3._o obstinacy_n but_o the_o sophist_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppose_v the_o gospel_n know_v they_o can_v not_o better_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o he_o than_o by_o teach_v its_o moral_a doctrine_n and_o prevent_v that_o esteem_n which_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v have_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o he_o have_v know_v that_o to_o this_o those_o doctrine_n which_o he_o so_o much_o admire_v owe_v either_o their_o original_a or_o improvement_n whatever_o opinion_n he_o have_v of_o the_o christian_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o attribute_v too_o much_o to_o his_o own_o vulcat_n in_o cassio_n virtue_n and_o piety_n to_o ascribe_v his_o deliverance_n whole_o to_o their_o prayer_n and_o after_o all_o the_o praise_n which_o have_v be_v just_o give_v to_o m._n antonius_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o value_v himself_o extreme_o upon_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o great_a hindrance_n to_o his_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n the_o capitolin_n study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o the_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o his_o people_n for_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o emperor_n who_o make_v the_o philosophy_n of_o those_o time_n his_o study_n the_o sophist_n his_o chief_a favourite_n and_o popularity_n his_o aim_n shall_v not_o be_v convert_v to_o a_o religion_n so_o unpopular_a and_o so_o opposite_a in_o some_o of_o its_o principal_a article_n to_o that_o which_o the_o world_n call_v wisdom_n it_o be_v unconceivable_a upon_o what_o principle_n of_o religion_n or_o philosophy_n this_o emperor_n can_v deify_v id_fw-la lucius_n verus_n and_o faustina_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o can_v do_v this_o and_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o christian_a that_o the_o same_o man_n who_o deisy_v notorious_a wickedness_n because_o it_o have_v be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o shine_v in_o imperial_a robe_n shall_v believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n crucify_a be_v utter_o inconsistent_a 〈◊〉_d p._n 527._o l._n 3._o after_o at_o all_o add_v 8._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n of_o very_o great_a learning_n and_o who_o upon_o that_o account_n have_v his_o statue_n erect_v in_o the_o forum_n at_o rome_n often_o acknowledge_v himself_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n before_o he_o can_v be_v persuade_v open_o to_o profess_v it_o for_o fear_v of_o displease_v his_o friend_n that_o be_v gentile_n he_o pretend_v he_o may_v be_v a_o christian_n as_o well_o in_o secret_n and_o this_o no_o doubt_n may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o other_o who_o never_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o it_o ib_n p._n 530._o l._n 7._o after_o with_o they_o add_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o stoic_n he_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o either_o sect_n be_v little_o regard_v in_o st._n augustine_n time_n and_o none_o dare_v maintain_v they_o but_o under_o the_o denomination_n of_o some_o heresy_n or_o other_o these_o two_o sect_n than_o be_v in_o so_o little_a esteem_n that_o they_o have_v not_o authority_n enough_o to_o give_v those_o error_n any_o countenance_n which_o they_o before_o have_v so_o long_o with_o great_a subtlety_n and_o success_n defend_v against_o the_o platonist_n but_o they_o who_o will_v gain_v any_o reception_n to_o their_o error_n be_v at_o last_o force_v to_o assume_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o some_o heresy_n of_o plotinus_n school_n some_o become_v christian_n and_o other_o apply_v themselves_o to_o magic_n as_o plotinus_n himself_o must_v have_v do_v if_o we_o believe_v all_o that_o porphyry_n write_v of_o he_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o serpent_n which_o be_v see_v under_o the_o bed_n and_o then_o be_v observe_v creep_v into_o a_o hole_n of_o the_o wall_n as_o he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n be_v a_o odd_a story_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o peter_n buck._n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n i._o by_o robert_n jenkin_n etc._n etc._n reflection_n upon_o ancient_n and_o modern_a learning_n by_o william_n wotton_n b._n d._n chaplain_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o earl_n of_o nottingham_n the_o second_o edition_n with_o large_a addition_n the_o character_n or_o manner_n of_o the_o age._n write_a original_o in_o french_a by_o mounseur_fw-fr de_fw-fr la_fw-fr bruyere_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o key_n in_o the_o margin_n make_v english_a by_o several_a hand_n with_o the_o character_n of_o theophrastus_n translate_v from_o the_o greek_a the_o second_o edition_n correct_v throughout_o and_o enlarge_v a_o dictionary_n of_o the_o greek_a and_o roman_a antiquity_n explain_v the_o religion_n mythology_n history_n ancient_a chronology_n geography_n sacred_a and_o profane_a rite_n and_o custom_n law_n policy_n art_n and_o engine_n of_o war_n opinion_n of_o their_o philosopher_n life_n of_o inventor_n of_o art_n and_o science_n and_o other_o famous_a for_o they_o or_o arm_n contain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a for_o elucidate_v the_o abstruse_a passage_n which_o occur_v in_o the_o clastical_a author_n and_o historian_n compile_v original_o in_o french_a by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o king_n of_o france_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o dauphin_n d._n of_o bourgundy_n anjou_n and_o berry_n by_o mr._n danet_n and_o now_o make_v english_a with_o the_o addition_n of_o useful_a map_n errata_fw-la in_o the_o preface_n p._n 6._o marg._n r._n populo_fw-la p._n 7._o marg._n r._n cic._n brut._n p._n 9_o l._n 7._o r._n those_o p._n 11._o l._n 13._o r._n pleraque_fw-la l._n 3._o r._n intus_fw-la p._n 18._o l._n 12._o r._n author_n l._n 14._o r._n superstitious_a p._n 20._o marg._n r._n lib._n 1._o p._n 22._o marg._n r._n greg._n nazianz._n ib._n r._n cic._n topic._n p._n 27._o l._n 24._o r._n to_o expose_v they_o for_o be_v ill_a disputant_n than_o for_o be_v teacher_n of_o ill_a doctrine_n p._n 29._o l._n 2._o r._n solon_n who_o be_v p._n 32._o marg._n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 38._o l._n 13._o r._n join_v p._n 41._o l._n 9_o r._n at_o all_o p._n 42._o l._n 22._o r._n pharadox_n p._n 44._o l._n ult_n r._n and_o early_o p._n 45._o marg._n r._n buteo_n de_fw-fr arcâ_fw-la p._n 46._o l._n 3._o r._n consideration_n in_o the_o book_n p._n 3._o l._n ult_n r._n every_o p._n 4._o l._n 22._o r._n it_o be_v own_o p._n 5._o l._n 18_o r._n whether_o p_o 6._o l._n 16._o deal_n be_v p._n 7._o l._n 12._o deal_n the_o p._n 8._o l._n 26._o r._n demonstration_n p._n 9_o l._n 14._o r._n of_o the._n p._n 14._o l._n 3._o r._n persuade_v l._n penult_n r._n to_o be_v true_a p._n 21._o l._n 14._o r._n philosopher_n mr._n boyle_n p._n 27._o marg._n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 29._o l._n 13._o r._n another_o p._n 30._o l._n 19_o r._n wind_n l._n 29._o r._n of_o themselves_o p._n 35._o l._n 18._o r_o 1_o joh._n 11.20_o p._n 44._o l._n 22._o r._n with_o the_o ancient_n ib._n marg_n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 59_o l._n 13._o r._n regum_fw-la ib._n marg._n r._n a●mian_n marcell●n_o lib._n 17._o c._n 5._o ib._n r._n cic._n de_fw-fr orat._n p._n 61._o marg._n r._n contr_n ctesiph_n ib._n l._n 27._o r._n judge_n and._n p._n 62._o marg._n r._n sermo_n omnis_fw-la utitur_fw-la r._n laetas_fw-la esse_fw-la segetes_fw-la r._n pa●am_fw-la audacter_fw-la p._n 65._o marg._n r._n nec_fw-la culpandus_fw-la propheta_fw-la p._n 67._o marg._n r._n de_fw-fr servii_fw-la matre._n p._n 69._o l_o 23._o r._n without_o example_n p._n 70._o l._n 17._o r._n rhepali●k_n p._n 71._o l._n 19_o r._n from_o thing_n p._n 72._o l._n 6._o r._n isa_n xliv_o 8._o p._n 73._o l_o r._n may_v p._n 81._o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 86._o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ib._n r._n scipionem_fw-la p._n 88_o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 90._o l._n 12._o r._n as_o p._n 95._o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 106._o l._n 9_o r._n and_o the_o book_n p._n 67_o mark_fw-mi r._n sen._n ●pist_v 108._o p._n 113._o l._n ult_n r._n time_n p._n 114._o l._n 10._o r._n hand_n ib._n l._n 19_o r._n bishop_n by_o st._n john_n p._n 115._o l._n 15._o r._n m●st_v entire_a ib._n mark_fw-mi 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 119._o l._n 28._o r._n schism_n p._n 123._o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 122._o l._n 8._o after_o scripture_n deal_n of_o l._n 22._o r._n by_o those_o p._n 125._o l._n 12._o r._n though_o the_o divine_a p._n 128._o l._n 20._o r._n as_o josephus_n ib._n mark_fw-mi r._n consider_v p._n 129._o l._n 26._o r._n e●penius_n p._n 130._o l._n 28._o r._n ketib_n p._n 134._o l._n 6._o r._n theadetion_n p._n 135._o l._n 24._o deal_n ever_o p._n 138._o l._n 12._o r._n h●brew_n p._n 142._o l._n 〈◊〉_d r._n have_v p._n 145._o l._n 1._o r._n diogenes_n p._n 166._o mark_fw-mi r._n sex_n p._n 168._o l._n 30_o r._n confute_v p._n 179._o l._n 25._o deal_n just_a before_o affront_n and_o place_n it_o before_o very_o p._n 180._o mark_fw-mi r._n habet_fw-la pro_fw-la merito_fw-la inferior_n multiplices_fw-la latent_fw-la p._n 181._o l._n 5._o r._n be_v so_o p_o 192._o l._n 8._o deal_n as_o p._n 201._o l._n 28._o r._n love_n and_o adore_v p._n 120._o mark_fw-mi r._n in_o johan_n p._n 209._o l._n 14._o r._n contact_n l._n 20._o r._n form_n l._n 27._o r._n gravitation_n be_v p._n 210._o l._n 1._o r._n mass_n p._n 213_o l._n 2._o r._n monstrous_a p._n 215._o l._n 13._o after_o of_o deal_n the._n l._n 24._o after_o as_o deal_n te_fw-mi p._n 219._o l._n 19_o r._n microscope_n p._n 220._o for_o or_o r._n of_o 221._o l._n 17._o r._n they_o have_v p._n 223._o l._n 22._o r._n as_o hard_a p._n 229._o l._n 9_o r._n there_o be_v city_n l._n 28._o r._n by_o the._n p._n 230._o l._n 18._o r._n exact_o express_v p._n 238._o l._n penult_n r._n in_o which_o p._n 239._o l._n 2._o r._n ransom_n p._n 380._o l._n 19_o r._n the_o mean_n p._n 385._o l._n 4._o r._n spare_v he_o l._n 27._o r._n bear_v in_o sin_n p._n 386._o mark_fw-mi r._n lerii_fw-la hist_n r._n celso_n apud_fw-la ib._n l._n 13._o r._n word_n p._n 357._o l._n 12._o r._n to_o this_o p._n 346._o l._n 5._o r._n be_v design_v p._n 354._o l._n 20._o r._n please_v p._n 339._o l._n 3._o r._n law_n p._n 321._o l._n 29._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 339._o l._n 8._o r._n proselyte_n p._n 342._o mark_fw-mi r_o judaic_n p._n 343._o l._n 12._o r._n calcare_fw-la l._n 13._o r._n sentent●is_n p._n 363._o l._n 5._o r._n man._n p._n 393._o l._n 8._o r._n who_o p._n 394._o l._n 26._o r._n require_v p._n 395._o l._n 8._o r._n sun_n p._n 400._o l._n 26._o r._n counsel_n p._n 481._o l._n 11._o r._n they_o p._n 485._o l._n 16._o r._n that_o they_o l._n 24._o r._n be_v deny_v p._n 492._o l._n ult_n r._n all_o p._n 497._o l._n 10._o r._n to_o they_o p._n 511._o l._n 14._o r._n themselves_o p._n 512._o l._n 2._o r._n themselves_o p._n 517._o l._n 19_o deal_n a_o p._n 520._o l._n 15._o r._n with_o the_o rest_n p._n 540._o l._n 5._o r._n offence_n come_v or_o p._n 527._o mark_fw-mi lib._n 1._o c._n 15._o p._n 548._o l._n 19_o r._n it_o tend_v p._n 549._o l._n 25._o r._n to_o which_o p._n 551._o l._n 14._o r._n a●l_a age_n l._n 26._o he_o do_v p._n 556._o l._n 1._o r._n dispute_v about_o l._n 3._o r._n that_o this_o p._n 558._o l._n 11._o r._n which_o enemy_n l._n 13._o deal_n and._n r._n approve_v itself_o p._n 559._o l._n 14._o r._n affect_v p._n 562._o l._n 12._o r._n rite_n l._n 14._o r._n be_v able_a l._n 25._o r._n way_n to_o be_v p._n 566._o l._n 20._o r._n to_o our_o p._n 570._o l._n 19_o r_o as_o in_o p._n 571._o l._n 20._o r._n art_n of_o p._n 574._o l._n 14._o r._n have_v thought_n
a_o fire_n from_o h●a●en_o devour_v other_o there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n but_o must_v be_v a_o eye-witness_n to_o this_o judgement_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o deceit_n nor_o mistake_n in_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n for_o man_n may_v as_o well_o doubt_v whether_o those_o who_o they_o see_v live_v be_v alive_a as_o whether_o those_o who_o they_o see_v take_v away_o by_o so_o terrible_a and_o so_o visible_a a_o death_n be_v dead_a and_o unless_o they_o can_v know_v this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n they_o see_v the_o earth_n first_o divide_v itself_o and_o then_o close_o itself_o again_o upon_o these_o wicked_a man_n they_o see_v they_o go_v down_o alive_a into_o the_o pit_n they_o hear_v the_o cry_n of_o they_o and_o flee_v away_o ●o●_n fear_n and_o they_o see_v beside_o a_o fire_n from_o the_o lord_n consume_v no_o few_o than_o two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o man_n and_o these_o the_o man_n that_o offer_a incense_n in_o opposition_n to_o aaron_n prince_n of_o the_o assembly_n famous_a in_o the_o congregation_n man_n of_o renown_n who_o death_n be_v very_o remarkable_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o person_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o so_o many_o man_n of_o that_o rank_n and_o character_n be_v take_v away_o at_o once_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o will_v have_v be_v much_o observe_v and_o strict_o inquire_v into_o if_o they_o have_v fain_o by_o any_o other_o death_n but_o their_o die_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v so_o wonderful_a and_o so_o plain_a a_o declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n that_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v unknown_a nor_o forget_v by_o any_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a congregation_n yet_o their_o discontent_n against_o moses_n still_o continue_v for_o he_o and_o aaron_n be_v charge_v with_o kill_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 41._o and_o the_o congregation_n be_v gather_v against_o moses_n and_o against_o aaron_n and_o behold_v the_o cloud_n cover_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n appear_v and_o god_n wrath_n be_v so_o hot_a against_o the_o people_n for_o their_o stubbornness_n and_o disobedience_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o intercession_n of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n in_o their_o behalf_n a_o plague_n from_o the_o lord_n rage_v so_o much_o among_o they_o that_o they_o that_o die_v in_o the_o plague_n be_v fourteen_o thousand_o and_o seven_o hundred_o beside_o they_o that_o die_v about_o the_o matter_n of_o korah_n ver_fw-la 49._o and_o there_o be_v probable_o many_o family_n in_o every_o tribe_n which_o bear_v the_o mark_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o moses_n his_o mission_n and_o then_o aaron_n rod_n alone_o blossom_v of_o all_o the_o rod_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n but_o by_o this_o time_n the_o people_n be_v weary_a of_o their_o contumacy_n and_o cry_v out_o ●●hold_v we_o die_v we_o perish_v we_o all_o perish_v shall_v we_o be_v consume_v with_o die_v num._n xvii_o 12_o 13._o and_o thus_o be_v a_o end_n put_v to_o a_o sedition_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o dangerous_a as_o josephus_n well_o observe_v that_o be_v ever_o know_v among_o any_o people_n and_o such_o as_o that_o so_o dreadful_a a_o succession_n of_o miracle_n be_v necessary_a to_o deliver_v moses_n out_o of_o it_o and_o i_o will_v know_v of_o the_o great_a infidel_n whether_o if_o he_o have_v live_v at_o that_o time_n and_o have_v be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o moses_n and_o have_v be_v of_o korah_n conspiracy_n as_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a he_o will_v have_v be_v i_o will_v know_v of_o he_o i_o say_v whether_o he_o can_v have_v do_v any_o thing_n more_o to_o put_v moses_n upon_o the_o utmost_a trial_n of_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n receive_v from_o god_n than_o these_o rebellious_a israelite_n do_v and_o if_o he_o can_v not_o as_o he_o must_v needs_o confess_v he_o can_v not_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o themselves_o afterward_o be_v unless_o he_o have_v a_o ambition_n to_o show_v that_o some_o christian_n can_v be_v more_o refractory_a than_o jew_n yet_o again_o when_o they_o want_v water_n the_o people_v quarrel_v with_o moses_n and_o say_v will_v god_n that_o we_o have_v die_v when_o our_o brethren_n ●ied_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o moses_n bring_v water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n before_o the_o whole_a congregation_n in_o so_o great_a plenty_n that_o the_o whole_a people_n and_o their_o cattle_n just_a ready_a to_o perish_v with_o thirst_n be_v satisfy_v with_o it_o num._n xx_o 3_o 10._o at_o another_o time_n after_o a_o signal_n victory_n over_o the_o canaanite_n they_o make_v the_o same_o complaint_n again_o and_o for_o their_o murmur_n be_v sting_v by_o fiery_a serpent_n and_o many_o die_v till_o a_o brazen_a serpent_n be_v erect_v as_o many_o as_o look_v on_o it_o be_v miraculous_o cure_v num._n xxi_o 6._o and_o if_o the_o deliver_v the_o law_n in_o so_o conspicuous_a and_o wonderful_a a_o manner_n if_o so_o remarkable_a judgement_n upon_o those_o that_o question_v and_o oppose_v moses_n his_o authority_n and_o that_o transgress_v his_o law_n by_o commit_v idolatry_n if_o a_o continual_a course_n of_o miracle_n for_o forty_o year_n do_v before_o the_o eye_n and_o obvious_a to_o every_o sense_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o people_n be_v not_o a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o necessary_a to_o prove_v moses_n to_o have_v act_v by_o god_n immediate_a authority_n and_o commission_n be_v at_o first_o sufficient_o attest_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v certain_o testify_v we_o see_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o moses_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o he_o can_v have_v be_v so_o far_o forsake_v of_o all_o reason_n and_o common_a sense_n as_o to_o hope_v to_o do_v it_o but_o if_o he_o have_v design_v to_o put_v any_o deceit_n upon_o they_o he_o will_v certain_o have_v take_v another_o course_n he_o will_v have_v do_v his_o miracle_n private_o and_o but_o seldom_o not_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o the_o people_n for_o forty_o year_n together_o he_o will_v never_o have_v make_v two_o nation_n at_o the_o first_o witness_n to_o they_o and_o then_o have_v proceed_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o every_o man_n among_o the_o israelite_n must_v have_v know_v they_o to_o be_v false_a if_o thy_o have_v be_v so_o he_o will_v have_v choose_v such_o instance_n to_o show_v his_o miracle_n in_o as_o shall_v have_v provoke_v no_o body_n not_o such_o as_o must_v have_v enrage_v the_o whole_a people_n against_o he_o by_o the_o death_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o so_o often_o put_v to_o death_n if_o they_o have_v be_v slay_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n than_o by_o the_o almighty_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o what_o can_v destroy_v so_o many_o so_o irresistible_o so_o sudden_o and_o visible_o but_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o design_n and_o intent_n of_o such_o miracle_n but_o to_o fulfil_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o make_v his_o power_n to_o be_v know_v and_o his_o authority_n acknowledge_v in_o the_o law_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o his_o name_n and_o which_o be_v so_o often_o affront_v and_o transgress_v by_o these_o sinner_n against_o their_o own_o soul_n at_o their_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n by_o a_o miraculous_a providence_n there_o be_v not_o one_o feeble_a person_n among_o their_o trib●s_n but_o upon_o their_o transgression_n they_o be_v punish_v by_o disease_n as_o miraculous_a we_o have_v other_o evidence_n as_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v that_o moses_n have_v no_o design_n to_o delude_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o the_o meekness_n of_o his_o disposition_n from_o his_o discover_v his_o own_o fault_n and_o infirmity_n in_o his_o write_n and_o from_o his_o not_o advance_v his_o family_n but_o leave_v his_o posterity_n in_o a_o private_a condition_n and_o put_v the_o government_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o joshua_n one_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o ephraim_n but_o when_o all_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v witness_n to_o so_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o particular_o to_o so_o strange_a a_o judgement_n as_o the_o cleave_v asunder_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o fire_n and_o plague_n by_o which_o so_o many_o thousand_o perish_a we_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o any_o other_o proof_n to_o show_v that_o the_o miraculons_a power_n and_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o moses_n act_v and_o write_v be_v as_o well_o attest_v and_o as_o full_o know_v to_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o matter_n of_o