can_v no_o way_n agree_v with_o the_o prophet_n that_o utter_v they_o thus_o we_o find_v that_o in_o the_o xxii_o psalm_n there_o be_v many_o expression_n which_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o david_n 3._o that_o most_o of_o these_o prophecy_n be_v avowed_o attribute_v to_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o most_o ancient_a author_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o the_o modern_a jew_n themselves_o refer_v they_o to_o some_o that_o suffer_v a_o violent_a death_n as_o to_o rabbi_n akiba_n who_o die_v in_o the_o second_o century_n 4._o that_o the_o apostle_n unanimous_o apply_v they_o to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o true_a messiah_n follow_v therein_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o their_o nation_n chap._n xxi_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v soon_o after_o to_o rise_v again_o forasmuch_o as_o death_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n by_o sin_n and_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o take_v it_o away_o we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v that_o if_o the_o messiah_n be_v according_a to_o the_o divine_a disposal_n to_o submit_v to_o death_n that_o he_o can_v not_o long_o continue_v subject_a to_o it_o he_o who_o be_v to_o restore_v life_n to_o those_o who_o be_v dead_a can_v never_o be_v confine_v and_o imprison_v in_o a_o grave_a and_o he_o who_o be_v superior_a to_o enoch_n and_o elias_n who_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n because_o he_o alone_o be_v exalt_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o reign_v there_o for_o ever_o as_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v he_o assure_v we_o ought_v certain_o to_o leave_v his_o sepulchre_n by_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o this_o we_o be_v positive_o assure_v of_o by_o the_o ancient_a oracle_n psalm_n xvi_o vers_fw-la 10_o 11._o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n neither_o will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n thou_o will_v show_v i_o the_o path_n of_o life_n in_o thy_o presence_n be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n at_o thy_o right_a hand_n there_o be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o these_o and_o the_o like_a passage_n be_v applicable_a to_o none_o but_o the_o messiah_n we_o find_v in_o the_o same_o psalm_n expression_n too_o high_a to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o author_n themselves_o as_o for_o example_n psalm_n xxx_o vers_fw-la 1_o 2_o 3._o i_o will_v extol_v thou_o o_o lord_n for_o thou_o have_v lift_v i_o up_o and_o have_v not_o make_v my_o foe_n to_o rejoice_v over_o i_o o_o lord_n my_o god_n i_o cry_v unto_o thou_o and_o thou_o have_v heal_v i_o o_o lord_n thou_o have_v bring_v up_o my_o soul_n from_o the_o grave_a thou_o have_v keep_v i_o alive_a that_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v down_o to_o the_o pit_n and_o psalm_n xli_o vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o 10._o a_o evil_a disease_n say_v they_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o he_o and_o now_o that_o he_o lie_v he_o shall_v rise_v up_o no_o more_o yea_o my_o own_o familiar_a friend_n in_o who_o i_o trust_v which_o do_v eat_v of_o my_o bread_n have_v lift_v up_o his_o heel_n against_o i_o but_o thou_o o_o lord_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o and_o raise_v i_o up_o that_o i_o may_v requite_v they_o and_o psalm_n xlix_o verse_n 15._o but_o god_n will_v redeem_v my_o soul_n from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o grave_a for_o he_o shall_v receive_v i_o psalm_n lvi_o vers_fw-la 11_o 12_o 13._o in_o god_n have_v i_o put_v my_o trust_n i_o will_v not_o be_v afraid_a what_o man_n can_v do_v unto_o i_o thy_o vow_n be_v upon_o i_o o_o god_n i_o will_v render_v praise_n unto_o thou_o for_o thou_o have_v deliver_v my_o soul_n from_o death_n etc._n etc._n psalm_n lxxii_o verse_n 20._o thou_o who_o have_v show_v i_o great_a and_o sore_a trouble_n shall_v quicken_v i_o again_o and_o shall_v bring_v i_o up_o again_o from_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o earth_n psalm_n cxliii_o vers_fw-la 11_o 12._o quicken_v i_o o_o lord_n for_o thy_o name_n sake_n for_o thy_o righteousness_n sake_n bring_v my_o soul_n out_o of_o trouble_n and_o of_o thy_o mercy_n cut_v off_o my_o enemy_n and_o destroy_v all_o they_o that_o afflict_v my_o soul_n for_o i_o be_o thy_o servant_n hosea_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n chap._n xiii_o vers_fw-la 14._o i_o will_v ransom_v they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o grave_a i_o will_v redeem_v they_o from_o death_n o_o death_n i_o will_v be_v thy_o plague_n o_o grave_a i_o will_v be_v thy_o destruction_n repentance_n shall_v be_v hide_v from_o my_o eye_n isaiah_n express_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n chap._n xxv_o vers_fw-la 8._o he_o will_v swallow_v up_o death_n in_o victory_n and_o the_o lord_n god_n will_v wipe_v away_o tear_n from_o off_o all_o face_n and_o the_o rebuke_n of_o his_o people_n shall_v he_o take_v from_o off_o all_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o and_o yet_o more_o express_o chap._n liii_o vers_fw-la 10_o and_o 11._o yet_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o bruise_v he_o he_o have_v put_v he_o to_o grief_n when_o thou_o shall_v make_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n he_o shall_v see_v his_o seed_n he_o shall_v prolong_v his_o day_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v prosper_v in_o his_o hand_n he_o shall_v see_v of_o the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v by_o his_o knowledge_n shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o for_o he_o shall_v bear_v their_o iniquity_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o passage_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v 1._o that_o the_o messiah_n in_o many_o or_o most_o of_o they_o comprise_v all_o believer_n with_o himself_o according_a to_o that_o maxim_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o attribute_n to_o the_o messiah_n the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n whatsoever_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o any_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n jesus_n christ_n speak_v matth._n xii_o vers_fw-la 39_o 40._o a_o evil_a and_o adulterous_a generation_n seek_v after_o a_o sign_n and_o there_o shall_v no_o sign_n be_v give_v to_o it_o but_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o prophet_n jonah_n for_o as_o jonah_n be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o whale_n belly_n so_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o earth_n 2._o that_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o messiah_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o not_o as_o rise_n again_o alone_o but_o as_o make_v all_o his_o brethren_n partaker_n of_o the_o same_o glory_n which_o make_v the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o he_o not_o as_o a_o single_a person_n but_o in_o common_a with_o other_o who_o by_o he_o be_v make_v possessor_n of_o the_o same_o advantage_n 3._o that_o most_o of_o these_o text_n be_v quote_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o in_o so_o do_v follow_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n as_o appear_v from_o act_n ii_o vers_fw-la 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o and_o 29._o who_o god_n have_v raise_v have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o for_o david_n speak_v concern_v he_o i_o foresee_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o my_o face_n for_o he_o be_v at_o my_o right_a hand_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v therefore_o do_v my_o heart_n rejoice_v and_o my_o tongue_n be_v glad_a moreover_o also_o my_o flesh_n shall_v rest_v in_o hope_n because_o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n neither_o will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n thou_o have_v make_v know_v to_o i_o the_o way_n of_o life_n thou_o shall_v make_v i_o full_a of_o joy_n with_o thy_o countenance_n man_n and_o brethren_n let_v i_o free_o speak_v unto_o you_o of_o the_o patriarch_n david_n that_o he_o be_v both_o dead_a and_o bury_v and_o his_o sepulchre_n be_v with_o we_o unto_o this_o day_n and_o act_v xiii_o vers_fw-la 30_o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36_o and_o 37._o but_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o he_o be_v see_v many_o day_n of_o they_o which_o come_v up_o with_o he_o from_o galilee_n to_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v his_o witness_n unto_o the_o people_n and_o we_o declare_v unto_o you_o glad_a tiding_n how_o that_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o father_n god_n have_v fulfil_v the_o same_o unto_o we_o their_o child_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v up_o jesus_n again_o as_o it_o be_v also_o write_v in_o the_o second_o psalm_n thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o and_o as_o concern_v that_o he_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a now_o no_o more_o to_o return_v to_o corruption_n he_o say_v on_o this_o wise_a i_o will_v give_v you_o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n wherefore_o he_o say_v also_o in_o another_o psalm_n thou_o shall_v not_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n for_o david_n after_o
reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o two_o volume_n volume_n i._n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxxviii_o imprimatur_fw-la libre_fw-la cvi_fw-la titulus_fw-la est_fw-la reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n in_o ii_o vol._n the_o 12_o of_o january_n 1687_o 1687_o 8._o h._n maurice_n r_n mo_z in_o christo_n p.d._n willielmo_n archiep._n cant._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la to_o the_o king_n great_a sir_n the_o gracious_a acceptance_n which_o your_o majesty_n be_v please_v to_o allow_v the_o first_o volume_n of_o my_o reflection_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n encourage_v and_o almost_o necessitate_v i_o to_o the_o further_a presumption_n of_o lay_v these_o two_o volume_n at_o this_o time_n at_o your_o majesty_n foot_n your_o majesty_n do_v i_o the_o honour_n to_o say_v that_o you_o be_v please_v to_o see_v divine_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o subject_n so_o important_a and_o after_o this_o judgement_n give_v by_o so_o great_a a_o prince_n which_o be_v so_o evident_a a_o demonstration_n of_o your_o zeal_n for_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o have_v be_v unpardonable_a in_o i_o not_o to_o have_v go_v on_o with_o the_o work_n and_o i_o have_v reason_n then_o to_o consecrate_v it_o whole_o to_o your_o majesty_n who_o i_o be_v assure_v will_v approve_v of_o my_o intention_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n will_v pardon_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o performance_n as_o your_o majesty_n continue_v still_o to_o give_v such_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o your_o clemency_n and_o royal_a protection_n to_o those_o of_o our_o nation_n so_o i_o confess_v sir_n i_o think_v myself_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o this_o opportunity_n of_o publish_v what_o all_o those_o who_o find_v so_o sure_a a_o protection_n in_o your_o majesty_n dominion_n feel_v and_o think_v as_o much_o as_o myself_o upon_o these_o new_a testimony_n of_o your_o royal_a bounty_n when_o your_o majesty_n have_v take_v we_o into_o your_o particular_a care_n and_o have_v grant_v we_o several_a privilege_n and_o so_o make_v we_o sharer_n in_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o those_o who_o live_v under_o your_o government_n enjoy_v your_o majesty_n do_v yet_o something_o more_o and_o inspire_v all_o your_o subject_n with_o the_o same_o compassion_n towards_o we_o with_o which_o your_o royal_a breast_n be_v already_o touch_v you_o see_v our_o misery_n and_o resolve_v to_o give_v we_o ease_v and_o this_o generous_a design_n be_v execute_v and_o your_o royal_a clemency_n diffuse_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o your_o subject_n the_o whole_a world_n sir_n which_o have_v receive_v upon_o all_o its_o coast_n some_o remainder_n of_o our_o shipwreck_n be_v fill_v with_o admiration_n of_o the_o unexampled_a effect_n of_o your_o majesty_n clemency_n there_o be_v no_o place_n so_o barbarous_a whither_o the_o renown_n of_o that_o mercy_n which_o have_v be_v so_o glorious_o extend_v towards_o we_o have_v not_o be_v carry_v and_o the_o remembrance_n will_v be_v ever_o dear_a to_o the_o remote_a age_n of_o posterity_n we_o must_v sir_n be_v whole_o insensible_a if_o we_o have_v not_o all_o of_o we_o the_o high_a sense_n of_o so_o great_a a_o bounty_n and_o we_o shall_v just_o appear_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o be_v unworthy_a of_o this_o your_o majesty_n paternal_a care_n if_o notwithstanding_o that_o low_a condition_n to_o which_o we_o be_v now_o reduce_v we_o shall_v not_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o your_o august_n throne_n with_o the_o humble_a demonstration_n of_o thankfulness_n when_o god_n shower_n down_o the_o great_a blessing_n upon_o mankind_n he_o require_v this_o just_a tribute_n which_o be_v also_o their_o great_a honour_n by_o open_v to_o they_o a_o access_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o glory_n and_o this_o sacred_a pattern_n we_o crave_v leave_v to_o follow_v when_o we_o solemn_o pay_v the_o like_a tribute_n to_o your_o majesty_n who_o can_v receive_v nothing_o from_o we_o again_o that_o can_v answer_v the_o greatness_n or_o the_o number_n of_o those_o favour_n which_o have_v so_o very_a much_o exceed_v all_o our_o desire_n i_o can_v wish_v sir_n that_o this_o work_n which_o i_o now_o present_a to_o your_o majesty_n may_v be_v so_o haypy_a as_o to_o pass_v to_o posterity_n with_o this_o character_n of_o our_o acknowledgement_n and_o that_o it_o may_v stand_v as_o a_o faithful_a record_n for_o ever_o to_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n of_o that_o lively_a sense_n of_o your_o bounty_n which_o be_v imprint_v on_o all_o our_o heart_n if_o this_o can_v be_v hope_v for_o it_o must_v be_v whole_o owe_v to_o your_o majesty_n glorious_a name_n which_o late_a age_n will_v receive_v with_o reverence_n but_o sir_n though_o i_o dare_v not_o hope_v that_o these_o reflection_n can_v obtain_v that_o honour_n yet_o our_o age_n at_o least_o may_v see_v that_o they_o bear_v these_o public_a mark_n of_o gratitude_n for_o all_o your_o majesty_n royal_a favour_n this_o sir_n be_v my_o sole_a aim_n in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o work_n to_o your_o majesty_n and_o may_v your_o sacred_a majesty_n be_v please_v to_o approve_v of_o these_o poor_a testimony_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n in_o general_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o instance_n of_o i_o in_o particular_a and_o of_o that_o profound_a respect_n with_o which_o i_o be_o london_n may_v the_o seven_o 1688._o sir_n your_o majesty_n most_o dutiful_a and_o obedient_a subject_n and_o servant_n p._n allix_fw-la the_o preface_n one_o may_v divide_v man_n into_o two_o general_a class_n some_o be_v without_o any_o knowledge_n of_o a_o deity_n or_o sense_n of_o religion_n traveller_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o the_o west-indies_n the_o eastern_a part_n of_o tartary_n and_o some_o place_n of_o africa_n such_o people_n be_v to_o be_v find_v i_o know_v this_o be_v a_o fact_n which_o be_v dispute_v by_o other_o and_o fabricius_n a_o divine_a of_o the_o palatinate_n pretend_v that_o he_o have_v solid_o confute_v it_o if_o this_o fact_n shall_v be_v think_v doubtful_a yet_o it_o be_v know_v at_o least_o that_o some_o person_n may_v be_v find_v here_o and_o there_o in_o the_o world_n who_o look_v upon_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n as_o upon_o a_o fable_n and_o who_o ridicule_n all_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n whatsoever_o but_o one_o may_v also_o say_v that_o if_o he_o compare_v these_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n they_o make_v the_o least_o and_o worst_a part_n of_o mankind_n though_o many_o of_o they_o affect_v to_o live_v moral_o well_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n make_v profession_n that_o they_o own_o a_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o most_o perfect_a eternal_a and_o independent_a be_v that_o he_o govern_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o providence_n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o man_n do_v well_o or_o ill_o in_o those_o action_n which_o depend_v on_o his_o liberty_n from_o whence_o they_o equal_o conclude_v that_o man_n be_v design_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o society_n without_o it_o will_v be_v pure_a robbery_n and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v whole_o destroy_v by_o death_n so_o it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n to_o deny_v all_o reward_n for_o virtue_n or_o punishment_n for_o vice_n after_o this_o life_n all_o the_o diversity_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n be_v reducible_a to_o two_o kind_n the_o first_o be_v of_o those_o who_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o pagan_n in_o general_n the_o second_o be_v of_o those_o that_o acknowledge_v one_o only_a god_n such_o be_v the_o jew_n christian_n and_o mahometan_n now_o as_o for_o the_o cure_n of_o different_a disease_n several_a remedy_n be_v make_v use_n of_o so_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o to_o deliver_v man_n of_o their_o various_a prejudices_fw-la we_o must_v take_v very_o different_a method_n the_o ignorance_n of_o those_o barbarous_a people_n in_o the_o indies_n tartary_n and_o africa_n must_v be_v remove_v by_o teach_v they_o the_o first_o principle_n and_o make_v they_o apply_v the_o little_a sense_n they_o have_v leave_v they_o of_o good_a and_o evil_n right_a and_o wrong_n to_o the_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o religion_n atheist_n must_v be_v convince_v by_o reflection_n upon_o those_o principle_n which_o they_o admit_v by_o show_v that_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o reject_v be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o they_o dare_v not_o dispute_v to_o convince_v the_o heathen_a who_o suppose_v many_o god_n we_o must_v
those_o song_n that_o be_v so_o much_o in_o fashion_n among_o those_o of_o his_o nation_n he_o may_v easy_o satisfy_v his_o curiosity_n by_o read_v moses_n history_n if_o any_o jew_n desire_v to_o know_v what_o sort_n of_o exhortation_n they_o be_v which_o the_o founder_n both_o of_o their_o religion_n and_o commonwealth_n have_v former_o make_v to_o their_o forefather_n moses_n relate_v a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o in_o his_o book_n if_o any_o jew_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o receive_v instruction_n about_o the_o original_a and_o cause_n of_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n he_o enjoy_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o god_n have_v possess_v his_o nation_n of_o after_o the_o expulsion_n of_o those_o people_n that_o have_v be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o for_o many_o age_n moses_n give_v as_o good_a account_n of_o all_o that_o as_o can_v be_v desire_v if_o any_o jew_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o know_v the_o original_a of_o the_o several_a calamity_n that_o befall_v his_o nation_n on_o several_a occasion_n moses_n acquaint_v they_o both_o with_o the_o cause_n and_o remedy_n of_o all_o their_o affliction_n last_o if_o the_o jew_n desire_v to_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o future_a condition_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n in_o after_o age_n moses_n foretell_v it_o in_o so_o particular_a and_o clear_a a_o manner_n that_o they_o may_v look_v upon_o his_o prophecy_n not_o as_o certain_a prophecy_n only_o but_o as_o a_o plain_a history_n of_o future_a event_n begin_v and_o trace_v out_o before_o their_o accomplishment_n all_o this_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o read_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n with_o care_n that_o we_o may_v just_o observe_v three_o thing_n in_o his_o person_n which_o as_o they_o raise_v he_o above_o all_o common_a author_n so_o they_o can_v but_o strengthen_v the_o belief_n and_o increase_v the_o esteem_n and_o veneration_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v for_o his_o history_n the_o first_o be_v that_o whereas_o all_o man_n be_v careful_a to_o conceal_v their_o own_o infirmity_n and_o whatever_o be_v dishonourable_a to_o their_o famille_n moses_n on_o the_o contrary_n seem_v to_o have_v affect_v to_o record_v all_o the_o thing_n that_o can_v blemish_v the_o memory_n of_o his_o ancestor_n and_o derogate_v to_o his_o own_o reputation_n he_o blemish_n jacob_n memory_n by_o his_o relate_n how_o he_o prefer_v joseph_n the_o son_n of_o his_o belove_a wife_n to_o reuben_n his_o elder_a who_o he_o unjust_o deprive_v of_o his_o birthright_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o other_o which_o injustice_n be_v express_o forbid_v by_o one_o of_o moses_n law_n thus_o he_o lay_v a_o eternal_a blot_n and_o reproach_n upon_o the_o memory_n of_o levi_n the_o head_n of_o his_o own_o family_n when_o he_o mention_n his_o cruelty_n and_o violence_n against_o the_o sichemite_n and_o the_o dispersion_n of_o his_o posterity_n among_o the_o other_o tribe_n of_o israel_n nay_o what_o be_v more_o he_o vilify_v his_o own_o birth_n by_o forbid_v any_o marriage_n betwixt_o a_o aunt_n and_o her_o nephew_n see_v he_o relate_v that_o he_o himself_o be_v bear_v of_o jocabed_a both_o aunt_n and_o wife_n to_o his_o father_n amram_n he_o describe_v his_o own_o incredulity_n with_o all_o the_o ingenuity_n imaginable_a when_o he_o represent_v the_o several_a miracle_n which_o god_n wrought_v by_o he_o he_o seem_v to_o speak_v of_o himself_o only_o to_o lay_v open_a his_o own_o fail_n and_o sin_n such_o a_o sincerity_n and_o impartiality_n we_o know_v confirm_v and_o increase_v mighty_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o author_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v that_o moses_n not_o regard_v the_o advantage_n and_o honour_n of_o his_o own_o family_n leave_v the_o government_n of_o israel_n to_o joshuah_n one_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o ephraim_n and_o so_o reduce_v his_o own_o child_n and_o their_o posterity_n to_o the_o low_a condition_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o levite_n who_o be_v of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n to_o that_o of_o priest_n for_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o they_o ever_o after_o renew_v the_o pretension_n which_o they_o may_v otherwise_o have_v have_v to_o succeed_v moses_n now_o such_o neglect_n of_o his_o family_n show_v that_o moses_n principle_n be_v raise_v much_o above_o the_o ordinary_a pitch_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o law_n giver_n who_o be_v absolute_a and_o supreme_a over_o their_o people_n the_o three_o thing_n observable_a here_o be_v that_o moses_n have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o conquest_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n it_o all_o be_v subdue_v after_o his_o death_n nay_o it_o be_v that_o conquest_n that_o fix_v and_o settle_v the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n which_o be_v before_o unsettle_a and_o as_o it_o be_v ambulatory_a in_o the_o desert_n now_o how_o can_v such_o a_o singular_a design_n as_o moses_n describe_v in_o his_o law_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n by_o any_o other_o than_o by_o he_o that_o form_v it_o it_o be_v joshua_n that_o make_v this_o conquest_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o possess_v the_o jew_n of_o it_o now_o to_o be_v sure_a if_o that_o people_n have_v not_o be_v then_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o moses_n law_n they_o will_v never_o have_v fail_v after_o so_o great_a a_o alteration_n to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o power_n and_o liberty_n in_o throw_v off_o the_o troublesome_a yoke_n of_o his_o law_n nor_o yet_o will_v joshua_n and_o all_o his_o successor_n in_o the_o government_n ever_o have_v maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o law_n if_o they_o have_v not_o look_v upon_o moses_n not_o only_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a man_n but_o also_o as_o one_o particular_o commissionated_a by_o god_n to_o make_v that_o body_n of_o law_n for_o the_o regulate_v of_o his_o people_n we_o read_v in_o those_o book_n of_o moses_n die_a in_o the_o mountain_n of_o moab_n now_o that_o be_v suppose_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o if_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n have_v not_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o god_n himself_o give_v their_o law_n to_o moses_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n mention_v by_o he_o they_o will_v have_v continue_v to_o keep_v up_o such_o a_o ridiculous_a and_o ill_a ground_a conceit_n if_o he_o have_v real_o by_o his_o tyrannical_a authority_n force_v the_o israelite_n into_o a_o compliance_n to_o his_o law_n during_o his_o life_n why_o do_v they_o not_o assoon_o as_o he_o be_v dead_a with_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o authority_n shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o his_o law_n and_o all_o respect_n for_o his_o memory_n one_o thing_n we_o may_v remark_n as_o very_o surprise_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o that_o legislator_n death_n which_o be_v that_o his_o body_n be_v not_o find_v after_o his_o death_n for_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o that_o people_n which_o otherwise_o keep_v up_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o so_o much_o care_n the_o bone_n of_o joseph_n and_o his_o brethren_n in_o order_n to_o bury_v and_o deposite_n they_o in_o the_o sepulcher_n of_o their_o ancestor_n for_o both_o joseph_n and_o his_o brethren_n be_v inter_v in_o judaea_n do_v ever_o build_v a_o tomb_n to_o their_o lawgiver_n or_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o show_v his_o sepulchre_n josephus_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o moses_n write_v himself_o the_o account_n of_o his_o own_o death_n for_o fear_v the_o jew_n shall_v ever_o imagine_v and_o so_o give_v out_o that_o god_n have_v take_v he_o up_o into_o heaven_n i_o see_v i_o confess_v no_o solidity_n in_o that_o conjecture_n of_o he_o but_o yet_o it_o may_v give_v we_o occasion_n to_o make_v a_o reflection_n hereupon_o i_o think_v more_o natural_a and_o easy_a which_o be_v that_o god_n have_v a_o mind_n as_o joshua_n intimate_v it_o to_o confirm_v the_o many_o character_n of_o divinity_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n by_o take_v away_o from_o before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o jew_n his_o corpse_n which_o they_o will_v certain_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v so_o prevent_v have_v keep_v with_o more_o care_n than_o those_o of_o all_o their_o patriarch_n and_o king_n the_o description_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n death_n show_v evident_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o in_o great_a esteem_n during_o his_o life_n but_o that_o even_o his_o death_n do_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o it_o and_o to_o make_v man_n look_v upon_o he_o as_o one_o glorious_o raise_v up_o above_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o man_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n not_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o infirmity_n and_o misery_n incident_a to_o human_a nature_n but_o after_o these_o general_a reflection_n i_o must_v come_v to_o those_o that_o be_v more_o particular_a chap._n iii_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n relate_v by_o moses_n can_v reasonable_o be_v doubt_v of_o whoever_o will_v examine_v with_o attention_n the_o four_o last_o book_n of_o
they_o pass_v for_o holy_a man_n because_o they_o design_v to_o imitate_v what_o as_o they_o be_v tell_v have_v happen_v to_o noah_n by_o his_o son_n ham_n which_o introduce_v the_o custom_n among_o the_o assyrian_n of_o castrate_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v be_v priest_n three_o xxii_o deut._n xxii_o god_n command_v that_o any_o virgin_n which_o be_v betroth_v to_o a_o husband_n and_o be_v corrupt_v in_o her_o father_n house_n or_o that_o be_v ravish_v without_o call_v for_o help_n shall_v be_v punish_v with_o death_n so_o that_o all_o the_o virgin_n be_v indispensable_o engage_v for_o fear_n of_o lose_v both_o life_n and_o honour_n together_o to_o preserve_v their_o virginity_n with_o all_o possible_a care_n but_o here_o be_v a_o four_o law_n concern_v this_o matter_n whereby_o god_n oblige_v the_o parent_n of_o all_o contract_a virgin_n to_o take_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a care_n of_o they_o when_o he_o command_v deut._n xxii_o 21._o that_o a_o virgin_n for_o who_o the_o token_n of_o virginity_n be_v not_o find_v shall_v be_v bring_v out_o to_o the_o door_n of_o her_o father_n house_n and_o there_o be_v stone_v to_o death_n by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o city_n for_o so_o her_o parent_n be_v by_o that_o mean_n make_v partaker_n of_o the_o punishment_n of_o her_o crime_n and_o their_o negligence_n be_v severe_o punish_v by_o such_o a_o shameful_a execution_n as_o dishonour_v their_o whole_a family_n five_o god_n submit_v woman_n to_o the_o examination_n of_o their_o husband_n to_o who_o they_o be_v marry_v nay_o one_o will_v think_v that_o he_o intend_v to_o raise_v the_o jealousy_n of_o husband_n when_o he_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o bring_v their_o wife_n to_o a_o public_a trial_n and_o to_o punish_v they_o with_o death_n when_o they_o do_v not_o preserve_v the_o token_n of_o their_o virginity_n it_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n that_o he_o command_v that_o the_o parent_n or_o near_a relation_n of_o the_o young_a marry_a woman_n thus_o complain_v of_o xxii_o deut._n xxii_o shall_v produce_v upon_o all_o such_o occasion_n the_o token_n of_o the_o virginity_n of_o those_o daughter_n which_o they_o dispose_v in_o marriage_n which_o be_v usual_o do_v with_o many_o solemn_a circumstance_n and_o formality_n and_o here_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v attentive_o consider_v the_o first_o be_v the_o custom_n that_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n for_o parent_n never_o to_o let_v their_o virgin_n daughter_n go_v out_o of_o their_o house_n which_o custom_n make_v they_o be_v call_v conceal_v in_o opposition_n to_o those_o that_o go_v abroad_o that_o be_v that_o be_v prostitute_n the_o second_o be_v another_o custom_n which_o the_o just_a desire_n of_o preserve_v the_o virginity_n of_o their_o daughter_n against_o all_o accident_n have_v introduce_v among_o that_o people_n which_o be_v that_o all_o their_o virgin_n do_v wear_v a_o sort_n of_o fetter_n which_o be_v call_v in_o the_o talmud_n cevalim_fw-la which_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o famous_a moses_n the_o son_n of_o maimon_n in_o this_o manner_n cevalim_fw-la sunt_fw-la compedes_fw-la in_o forma_fw-la periscelidis_fw-la 4._o ad_fw-la massec_n sabbath_n c._n 6._o i_o 4._o inter_fw-la quos_fw-la interposuerunt_fw-la catenulas_fw-la illis_fw-la compedibus_fw-la ornabant_fw-la se_fw-la virgin_n ut_fw-la non_fw-la incederent_fw-la passu_fw-la magno_fw-la ne_fw-la contigeret_fw-la ipsis_fw-la damnum_fw-la in_o virginitate_fw-la sva_fw-la this_o description_n may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o foolish_a fancy_n of_o the_o modern_a jew_n if_o we_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o proof_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o custom_n in_o more_o ancient_a time_n in_o short_a one_o see_v we_o in_o the_o three_o of_o isaiah_n that_o chain_n be_v reckon_v up_o among_o other_o ornament_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o israel_n which_o god_n threaten_v to_o take_v away_o from_o they_o when_o he_o will_v force_v they_o to_o go_v captive_n into_o babylon_n the_o three_o be_v a_o ancient_a tradition_n mention_v in_o the_o pirke_n eliezer_n in_o the_o xvi_o chapter_n solent_n israelitae_n digito_fw-la educere_fw-la virginitatem_fw-la ne_fw-la incidant_fw-la in_o dubitationem_fw-la vel_fw-la suspicionem_fw-la juxta_fw-la illud_fw-la sumat_n pater_fw-la &_o mater_fw-la pvellae_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o a_o word_n it_o seem_v that_o for_o fear_n lest_o these_o token_n of_o virginity_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o be_v obscure_a and_o ambiguous_a by_o their_o husband_n that_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o the_o secure_n of_o the_o virginity_n of_o their_o young_a woman_n before_o marriage_n by_o a_o miracle_n the_o experience_n whereof_o be_v ordinary_a and_o common_a among_o so_o jealous_a a_o people_n 95._o numb_a v._o joseph_n l._n 3._o antiq._n p._n 95._o i_o mean_v the_o water_n of_o jealousy_n which_o all_o woman_n who_o carriage_n be_v suspect_v by_o their_o husband_n be_v oblige_v to_o drink_v by_o which_o god_n do_v either_o miraculous_o justify_v they_o or_o else_o he_o begin_v to_o inflict_v a_o punishment_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o dreadful_a and_o exemplary_a as_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n himself_o this_o miracle_n last_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o tell_v we_o in_o that_o title_n of_o their_o talmud_n 9_o sota_n c._n 9_o which_o concern_v woman_n suspect_v of_o adultery_n however_o as_o god_n work_v no_o miracle_n without_o great_a reason_n so_o he_o here_o make_v a_o law_n the_o observance_n whereof_o be_v very_o rigorous_a which_o be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o woman_n to_o be_v marry_v when_o there_o be_v the_o least_o probability_n that_o they_o have_v their_o course_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v separate_v at_o that_o time_n as_o unclean_a the_o reason_n of_o this_o law_n be_v because_o it_o be_v then_o almost_o impossible_a but_o that_o the_o lewd_a woman_n may_v have_v impose_v upon_o their_o husband_n in_o the_o mark_v of_o their_o virginity_n which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v very_o uncertain_a not_o to_o say_v that_o as_o a_o politic_a lawgiver_n he_o may_v prescribe_v the_o observation_n of_o this_o law_n lest_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v have_v be_v overstock_v with_o weak_a and_o sickly_a people_n last_o one_o see_v we_o that_o god_n himself_o have_v fasten_v a_o blot_n upon_o leprous_a person_n 94._o isidor_n pelus_n l._n 5._o ep._n 117._o joseph_n antiq_fw-la l._n 3_o p._n 94._o because_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v conceive_v when_o their_o mother_n have_v their_o course_n and_o hereupon_o be_v that_o law_n of_o god_n found_v which_o debar_v leper_n for_o ever_o from_o the_o right_n of_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o his_o people_n one_o ought_v to_o make_v the_o same_o observation_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v unlawful_o beget_v for_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o right_n of_o enter_v into_o the_o congregation_n and_o how_o innocent_a soever_o they_o be_v as_o to_o the_o lewdness_n of_o those_o who_o give_v they_o their_o life_n yet_o they_o be_v thus_o with_o they_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n if_o one_o consider_v all_o these_o several_a law_n attentive_o one_o shall_v find_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o several_a of_o they_o be_v of_o very_o little_a moment_n except_o we_o suppose_v that_o god_n intend_v to_o secure_v the_o state_n of_o virginity_n by_o they_o beyond_o all_o danger_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n one_o shall_v find_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v very_o severe_a about_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o deserve_v so_o terrible_a a_o rigour_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o according_a to_o god_n design_n as_o he_o have_v afterward_o particular_o explain_v it_o they_o will_v appear_v i_o be_o confident_a to_o be_v all_o very_a worthy_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o such_o a_o lawgiver_n one_o need_v only_o reflect_v upon_o that_o method_n of_o god_n that_o i_o have_v now_o explain_v to_o see_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v better_o manage_v than_o this_o model_n according_a to_o the_o design_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v draw_v one_o may_v make_v the_o same_o observation_n and_o examine_v the_o same_o stroke_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o several_a other_o precaution_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o make_v the_o messiah_n be_v perfect_o distinguish_v according_a to_o the_o several_a character_n under_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v propose_v afterward_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n one_o see_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n be_v to_o be_v a_o first-born_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n we_o find_v many_o law_n which_o distinguish_v in_o general_a the_o privilege_n of_o the_o first-born_a so_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o xviii_o of_o deuteronomy_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o therefore_o god_n afterward_o
expression_n of_o this_o psalm_n the_o image_n of_o a_o death_n which_o be_v equal_o shameful_a and_o cruel_a the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o psalm_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o deliverance_n of_o that_o person_n who_o be_v mention_v in_o this_o holy_a hymn_n i._o he_o oblige_v himself_o to_o praise_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o most_o numerous_a assembly_n ii_o he_o observe_v it_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o this_o deliverance_n that_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v remember_v and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o all_o the_o kindred_n of_o the_o nation_n shall_v worship_v before_o he_o iii_o at_o last_o he_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v spread_v itself_o over_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world._n one_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o history_n of_o david_n whe-this_a psalm_n be_v applicable_a to_o he_o therein_o we_o may_v see_v all_o the_o cross_n which_o he_o undergo_v particular_o represent_v during_o all_o the_o former_a year_n of_o his_o reign_n but_o there_o we_o have_v no_o account_n that_o david_n ever_o suffer_v any_o thing_n like_o that_o which_o be_v so_o exact_o describe_v in_o this_o psalm_n and_o this_o may_v be_v say_v further_o that_o when_o david_n take_v any_o occasion_n to_o paint_v out_o his_o suffering_n to_o we_o he_o have_v put_v in_o several_a stroke_n which_o only_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n and_o which_o show_v we_o in_o a_o very_a lively_a manner_n that_o he_o be_v to_o pass_v through_o much_o great_a trial_n than_o any_o of_o those_o from_o which_o david_n have_v be_v deliver_v the_o late_a jew_n who_o endeavour_n to_o verify_v this_o prophecy_n in_o esther_n or_o mordecai_n agree_v with_o we_o at_o the_o bottom_n that_o david_n carry_v his_o view_n further_o than_o bare_o his_o own_o suffering_n and_o those_o also_o who_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o poople_n of_o israel_n must_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o truth_n even_o against_o their_o will_n but_o the_o more_o ancient_a jew_n be_v more_o equitable_a in_o their_o application_n of_o the_o xxii_o psalm_n to_o the_o messiah_n they_o apply_v it_o to_o he_o in_o earnest_n even_o after_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n christ_n when_o the_o comparison_n of_o these_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o may_v be_v find_v so_o exact_o in_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n lead_v they_o to_o a_o opposition_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o certain_o there_o need_v very_o little_a equity_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o oracle_n or_o rather_o this_o heap_n of_o oracle_n belong_v to_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o confession_n and_o agreement_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n i._o they_o have_v not_o then_o resolve_v to_o make_v their_o advantage_n of_o the_o writer_n fault_n who_o write_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d like_o a_o lion_n instead_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o have_v pierce_v my_o foot_n as_o they_o have_v do_v since_o in_o short_a aquila_n who_o live_v 100_o year_n after_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o other_o jewish_a interpreter_n symmachus_n and_o theodotion_n translate_v that_o passage_n as_o we_o now_o read_v it_o ii_o the_o notion_n which_o the_o synagogue_n always_o have_v of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o messiah_n oblige_v they_o to_o suppose_v two_o messiah_n one_o suffering_n and_o the_o other_o glorious_a rather_o than_o to_o contradict_v that_o truth_n open_o which_o be_v express_v by_o these_o oracle_n in_o soparticular_a a_o manner_n iii_o nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o to_o suppose_v that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v quote_v the_o first_o word_n of_o this_o psalm_n upon_o the_o cross_n thereby_o to_o engage_v all_o mankind_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o ancient_a oracle_n in_o all_o his_o suffering_n if_o we_o suppose_v that_o this_o psalm_n even_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o messiah_n the_o same_o reflection_n may_v be_v make_v concern_v the_o apostle_n who_o have_v quote_v so_o many_o passage_n of_o this_o psalm_n to_o prove_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n because_o one_o may_v find_v in_o his_o death_n and_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o such_o a_o literal_a and_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o ancient_a prophecy_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v object_v that_o after_o all_o this_o agreement_n of_o the_o synagogue_n can_v make_v no_o more_o than_o a_o strong_a prejudice_n this_o may_v be_v easy_o answer_v by_o consider_v that_o when_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o kingdom_n over_o the_o whole_a earth_n it_o be_v that_o circumstance_n which_o determine_v the_o synagogue_n in_o their_o application_n of_o this_o whole_a psalm_n to_o the_o messiah_n because_o as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o acknowledge_v this_o extent_n of_o empire_n be_v one_o of_o those_o character_n which_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a oracle_n be_v applicable_a to_o none_o but_o the_o messiah_n in_o short_a because_o it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n i_o shall_v repeat_v it_o here_o again_o common_a sense_n lead_v those_o who_o consider_v these_o ancient_a oracle_n to_o compare_v they_o as_o natural_o they_o ought_v with_o those_o that_o go_v before_o and_o to_o determine_v the_o scope_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o late_a one_o by_o the_o relation_n which_o they_o have_v to_o the_o precedent_a one_o and_o there_o be_v only_o need_v of_o one_o considerable_a clause_n to_o make_v a_o certain_a determination_n after_o they_o have_v make_v such_o a_o comparison_n this_o the_o jew_n be_v certain_o convince_v of_o when_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o last_o word_n of_o david_n two_o sam._n xxiii_o 1-8_a be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o messiah_n by_o compare_v they_o with_o balaam_n oracle_n of_o the_o messiah_n numb_a xxiv_o we_o may_v therefore_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o david_n do_v not_o absolute_o speak_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o xxii_o psalm_n and_o that_o he_o carry_v his_o view_n as_o far_o as_o the_o messiah_n that_o he_o give_v a_o great_a number_n of_o character_n to_o his_o posterity_n whereby_o they_o may_v distinguish_v notwithstanding_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o even_o the_o better_a by_o his_o very_a suffering_n than_o which_o no_o clear_a mark_n can_v possible_o be_v give_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o involuntary_a than_o endure_v of_o misery_n nor_o nothing_o which_o depend_v less_o upon_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o undergo_v they_o than_o the_o particular_a kind_n of_o punishment_n or_o than_o the_o circumstance_n which_o must_v accompany_v his_o death_n when_o it_o be_v once_o leave_v to_o the_o unjust_a power_n of_o violent_a enemy_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o cx_o psalm_n which_o in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n contain_v several_a very_o important_a character_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v very_o distinct_o express_v if_o one_o consider_v it_o exact_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v compose_v after_o that_o nathan_n have_v acquaint_v david_n with_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o son_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v he_o such_o a_o son_n who_o shall_v build_v a_o house_n wherein_o god_n shall_v dwell_v for_o ever_o and_o who_o shall_v sit_v upon_o a_o throne_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v overturn_v whereas_o david_n have_v only_o form_v a_o design_n of_o building_n a_o temple_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o short_a one_o see_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n have_v give_v he_o a_o view_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o august_n king_n who_o shall_v be_v bear_v of_o his_o seed_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v destroy_v david_n advance_v this_o king_n not_o only_o above_o all_o man_n by_o call_v he_o his_o lord_n who_o be_v himself_o a_o king_n but_o also_o above_o the_o angel_n by_o make_v he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v personal_a he_o also_o describe_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o office_n by_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o priest_n of_o a_o high_a order_n than_o that_o of_o aaron_n from_o who_o melchisedech_n receive_v tithe_n in_o the_o person_n of_o abraham_n and_o in_o a_o word_n he_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o progress_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o victory_n let_v we_o examine_v all_o these_o character_n by_o themselves_o i._o he_o bring_v in_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o messiah_n who_o he_o call_v his_o lord_n sit_v thou_o at_o my_o right_a hand_n until_o i_o make_v thy_o enemy_n thy_o footstool_n this_o point_n out_o to_o we_o 1._o that_o the_o messiah_n ought_v to_o be_v advance_v to_o glory_n 2._o that_o god_n intend_v to_o subdue_v his_o enemy_n by_o little_a and_o little_a whilst_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v in_o his_o glory_n as_o it_o be_v
my_o people_n be_v destroy_v for_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n because_o thou_o have_v reject_v knowledge_n i_o will_v also_o reject_v thou_o that_o thou_o shall_v be_v no_o priest_n to_o i_o see_v thou_o have_v forget_v the_o law_n of_o thy_o god_n i_o will_v also_o forget_v thy_o child_n the_o prophet_n jeremy_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n chap._n v._o vers_fw-la 21_o 22_o and_o 23._o hear_v now_o this_o o_o foolish_a people_n and_o without_o understanding_n which_o have_v eye_n and_o see_v not_o which_o have_v ear_n and_o hear_v not_o fear_v you_o not_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n will_v you_o not_o tremble_v at_o my_o presence_n who_o have_v place_v the_o sand_n for_o the_o bind_v of_o the_o sea_n by_o a_o perpetual_a decree_n that_o it_o can_v pass_v it_o and_o though_o the_o wave_n thereof_o toss_v themselves_o yet_o can_v they_o not_o prevail_v though_o they_o roar_v yet_o can_v they_o not_o pass_v over_o it_o but_o this_o people_n have_v a_o revolt_a and_o a_o rebellious_a heart_n they_o be_v revolt_v and_o go_v and_o he_o reiterate_v the_o same_o chap._n viii_o vers_fw-la 7._o the_o stork_n in_o the_o heaven_n know_v her_o appoint_a time_n and_o the_o turtle_n and_o the_o crane_n and_o the_o swallow_n observe_v the_o time_n of_o their_o come_n but_o my_o people_n know_v not_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n ezechiel_n prosecute_v the_o same_o matter_n chap._n ii_o vers_fw-la 5_o and_o 8._o calling_n the_o jew_n a_o rebellious_a house_n and_o chap._n xii_o vers_fw-la 1_o and_o 2._o he_o say_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v unto_o i_o say_v son_n of_o man_n thou_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o rebellious_a house_n who_o have_v eye_n to_o see_v and_o see_v not_o they_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o hear_v not_o for_o they_o be_v a_o rebellious_a house_n neither_o do_v the_o prophet_n only_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o general_a the_o blindness_n of_o the_o jew_n upon_o several_a occasion_n but_o they_o also_o very_o particular_o inform_v we_o that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a person_n of_o their_o state_n and_o the_o great_a minister_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v notwithstanding_o reject_v by_o they_o and_o here_o first_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o note_n that_o moses_n threaten_v the_o worst_a of_o calamity_n to_o those_o who_o shall_v refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o great_a prophet_n like_v unto_o he_o who_o god_n be_v to_o raise_v to_o his_o people_n deut._n xviii_o vers_fw-la 18._o second_o david_n psalm_n cxviii_o v._o 22._o express_v this_o in_o these_o word_n the_o stone_n which_o the_o builder_n refuse_v be_v become_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n from_o which_o word_n it_o be_v evident_a 1._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 2._o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v by_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o build_v the_o house_n 3._o that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v before_o he_o shall_v be_v acknowledge_v the_o great_a minister_n of_o heaven_n god_n speak_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o isaiah_n chap._n xxviii_o vers_fw-la 6._o behold_v i_o lay_v in_o zion_n for_o a_o foundation_n a_o stone_n a_o try_a stone_n a_o precious_a corner_n stone_n a_o sure_a foundation_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v not_o make_v haste_n which_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o daniel_n follow_v the_o same_o notion_n chap._n ii_o vers_fw-la 34_o 35._o thou_o see_v till_o a_o stone_n be_v cut_v out_o without_o hand_n which_o smite_v the_o image_n upon_o his_o foot_n and_o break_v they_o to_o piece_n and_o the_o stone_n become_v a_o great_a mountain_n and_o fill_v the_o earth_n on_o all_o which_o prophecy_n we_o may_v make_v these_o remark_n 1._o that_o jesus_n christ_n quote_v most_o of_o they_o as_o such_o which_o by_o the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v own_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o messiah_n thus_o matt._n xxi_o verse_n 42._o he_o say_v do_v you_o never_o read_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o stone_n which_o the_o builder_n reject_v the_o same_o be_v become_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n and_o st._n peter_n act_v iv_o vers_fw-la 11._o this_o be_v the_o stone_n which_o be_v set_v at_o nought_o by_o you_o bvilder_n which_o be_v become_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n st._n paul_n make_v the_o same_o allusion_n ephes_n ii_o vers_fw-la 20._o and_o be_v build_v on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o i_o cor._n iii_o verse_n 11._o for_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o when_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o say_v to_o peter_n matth._n xvi_o verse_n 18._o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n etc._n etc._n he_o allude_v to_o that_o of_o daniel_n then_o be_v the_o iron_n the_o clay_n the_o brass_n the_o silver_n and_o the_o gold_n break_v to_o piece_n together_o and_o become_v like_o the_o chaff_n of_o the_o summer_n thresh_v floor_n and_o the_o wind_n carry_v they_o away_o that_o no_o place_n be_v find_v for_o they_o and_o the_o stone_n which_o smite_v the_o image_n become_v a_o great_a mountain_n and_o fill_v the_o whole_a earth_n our_o saviour_n apply_v also_o to_o the_o jew_n those_o prophecy_n which_o foretell_v their_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o minister_n of_o heaven_n in_o particular_a that_o of_o isaiah_n chap._n vi_o verse_n 9_o go_v and_o tell_v this_o people_n hear_v you_o indeed_o but_o understand_v not_o and_o see_v you_o indeed_o but_o perceive_v not_o 2._o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a apply_v those_o prophecy_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o the_o harden_v of_o their_o own_o nation_n as_o appear_v from_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n rom._n x._o verse_n 21._o but_o to_o israel_n he_o say_v all_o the_o day_n long_o i_o have_v stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n unto_o a_o disobedient_a and_o gainsaying_n people_n 3._o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o the_o same_o temper_n which_o be_v in_o the_o ancient_a jew_n who_o reject_v the_o prophet_n be_v find_v in_o those_o who_o live_v at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o for_o this_o we_o need_v only_o to_o read_v the_o description_n which_o josephus_n de_fw-la bello_fw-la judaico_fw-la lib._n vii_o cap._n 3._o give_v of_o they_o where_o he_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o sodomite_n which_o be_v the_o comparison_n isaiah_n make_v chap._n i._o verse_n 10._o and_o last_o of_o all_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o josephus_n acknowledge_v that_o this_o blindness_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v to_o succeed_v the_o death_n of_o the_o messiah_n according_a to_o the_o express_a oracle_n of_o daniel_n chap._n ix_o verse_n 26._o chap._n xx._n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o die_v and_o a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o his_o death_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o truth_n we_o need_v only_o prove_v that_o what_o be_v set_v down_o in_o psalm_n xxii_o isaiah_n liii_o daniel_n ix_o and_o zachariah_n xiii_o and_o other_o prophetical_a passage_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o read_n of_o they_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v the_o mean_a capacity_n that_o the_o person_n they_o point_v at_o be_v to_o lose_v his_o life_n by_o violence_n with_o several_a very_o infamous_a circumstance_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a jew_n interpret_v these_o place_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n understand_v they_o so_o and_o therefore_o all_o along_o apply_v they_o to_o jesus_n christ_n follow_v therein_o the_o know_a explication_n of_o the_o rabbi_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n it_o be_v plain_a also_o that_o the_o death_n and_o suffer_v of_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v prove_v a_o more_o efficaci_fw-la ous_a argument_n to_o refute_v the_o apostle_n than_o all_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v have_v be_v to_o establish_v their_o doctrine_n if_o the_o prophetical_a write_n have_v not_o so_o precise_o determine_v his_o suffering_n and_o death_n with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o they_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o prophecy_n refer_v to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v general_o interweave_v with_o idea_n which_o point_n to_o other_o prophetical_a passage_n avowed_o own_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o messiah_n thus_o if_o we_o compare_v psalm_n xxii_o verse_n 28._o with_o psalm_n lxxii_o vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o idea_n set_v forth_o in_o they_o both_o and_o because_o this_o character_n be_v to_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o distinguish_a note_n of_o
remarkable_a fact_n be_v declare_v by_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n who_o have_v before_o foretell_v to_o daniel_n the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o signify_v the_o exact_a time_n thereof_o the_o conception_n of_o isaac_n by_o a_o barren_a mother_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o samuel_n and_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v be_v already_o declare_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o one_o miracle_n ought_v to_o serve_v as_o a_o preparation_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o great_a when_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n speak_v of_o the_o fact_n they_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n know_v throughout_o all_o jerusalem_n and_o which_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o their_o master_n beside_o we_o know_v the_o jealousy_n that_o be_v between_o the_o disciple_n of_o s._n john_n and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n but_o we_o have_v a_o further_o account_v beside_o of_o the_o message_n of_o a_o angel_n to_o joseph_n after_o he_o have_v perceive_v that_o his_o betroth_a wife_n be_v with_o child_n for_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o divorce_v she_o either_o by_o expose_v she_o to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n deut._n xxii_o 23._o or_o else_o by_o exempt_n her_o from_o that_o extremity_n he_o be_v divert_v from_o his_o intention_n by_o this_o warn_n from_o heaven_n in_o all_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o probable_a for_o joseph_n express_v his_o hatred_n and_o dislike_n as_o conceive_v she_o to_o be_v debauch_v and_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o receive_v she_o but_o by_o a_o order_n from_o heaven_n moreover_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o we_o find_v all_o thing_n recite_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v on_o supposition_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n for_o first_o we_o find_v this_o event_n appear_v incredible_a to_o the_o person_n herself_o who_o be_v design_v to_o effect_v it_o because_o she_o can_v not_o easy_o make_v the_o application_n at_o first_o 2._o it_o cause_v exceed_v joy_n to_o the_o person_n who_o see_v herself_o choose_v by_o god_n to_o fulfil_v so_o glorious_a a_o promise_n whereby_o the_o family_n of_o david_n be_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o its_o ancient_a lustre_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o hymn_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n which_o if_o we_o compare_v with_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o that_o family_n still_o retain_v all_o the_o piety_n of_o their_o ancestor_n with_o all_o those_o sign_n of_o acknowledgement_n which_o a_o event_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n do_v just_o require_v 3._o it_o appear_v that_o joseph_n acquiesce_v in_o this_o truth_n he_o who_o otherwise_o do_v not_o seem_v very_o credulous_a till_o he_o be_v instruct_v from_o heaven_n concern_v a_o matter_n so_o rare_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v conceive_v he_o retire_v for_o some_o time_n into_o egypt_n and_o afford_v mary_n and_o her_o son_n all_o the_o service_n they_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v from_o he_o s._n helvidium_n contr._n helvidium_n i_o allege_v three_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o bless_a virgin_n to_o be_v betroth_v to_o joseph_n 1._o that_o the_o original_a of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o pedigree_n of_o joseph_n to_o who_o she_o be_v relate_v 2._o that_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n she_o may_v not_o be_v stone_v as_o a_o adulteress_n 3._o that_o in_o her_o flight_n into_o egypt_n she_o may_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o guardian_n rather_o than_o of_o a_o husband_n neither_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o matter_n but_o some_o very_a weak_a conjecture_n the_o first_o be_v that_o her_o be_v contract_v do_v something_o obscure_a the_o distinct_a notion_n of_o virginity_n and_o second_o that_o the_o bless_a virgin_n do_v always_o pass_v for_o the_o wife_n of_o joseph_n even_o according_a to_o the_o style_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o last_o that_o the_o relation_n which_o the_o evangelist_n give_v of_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o know_v till_o long_a after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o reasonable_a reader_n in_o this_o thing_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o bless_a virgin_n shall_v be_v betroth_v 1._o to_o secure_v her_o life_n which_o will_v have_v be_v in_o danger_n if_o she_o have_v be_v deliver_v whilst_o she_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v a_o virgin_n for_o she_o will_v have_v be_v accuse_v of_o whoredom_n and_o consequent_o have_v be_v put_v to_o death_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a she_o shall_v be_v betroth_v and_o pass_v for_o the_o lawful_a wife_n of_o joseph_n that_o her_o son_n may_v not_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n as_o a_o bastard_n in_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law._n as_o for_o the_o other_o objection_n i_o easy_o grant_v that_o the_o bless_a virgin_n always_o pass_v for_o the_o wife_n of_o joseph_n she_o herself_o say_v i_o and_o thy_o father_n seek_v thou_o but_o withal_o at_o that_o very_a time_n jesus_n christ_n unvail_v that_o mystery_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n maintain_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o who_o house_n he_o be_v at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v at_o a_o solemn_a feast_n of_o the_o jew_n where_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v assemble_v and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o assembly_n of_o their_o doctor_n that_o he_o declare_v the_o temple_n to_o be_v the_o house_n of_o his_o father_n as_o he_o afterward_o constant_o call_v it_o we_o find_v he_o at_o another_o time_n declare_v the_o same_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o family_n at_o cana_n in_o galilee_n 4._o john_n ii_o 4._o woman_n what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o thou_o say_v he_o to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n to_o put_v she_o in_o mind_n of_o some_o passage_n which_o can_v not_o but_o preserve_v in_o she_o a_o very_a particular_a respect_n for_o he_o he_o give_v yet_o a_o further_a degree_n of_o light_n into_o this_o matter_n when_o his_o mother_n seek_v to_o come_v at_o he_o he_o say_v who_o be_v my_o mother_n and_o who_o be_v my_o brethren_n that_o be_v kinsman_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o joseph_n be_v dead_a before_o our_o saviour_n enter_v upon_o his_o ministry_n however_o his_o make_n no_o mention_n of_o his_o repute_a father_n show_v how_o careful_a he_o be_v to_o avoid_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v obscure_v his_o miraculous_a birth_n last_o of_o all_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a that_o this_o passage_n be_v not_o the_o only_a character_n which_o be_v to_o distinguish_v the_o messiah_n from_o all_o other_o but_o be_v to_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o resurrection_n and_o those_o other_o proof_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v at_o first_o not_o much_o insist_v on_o because_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o it_o shall_v continue_v veil_v for_o some_o time_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o frequent_a apparition_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o god_n himself_o in_o a_o human_a form_n that_o so_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o humanity_n shall_v be_v establish_v by_o his_o life_n and_o death_n before_o the_o publication_n of_o his_o miraculous_a conception_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v up_o this_o truth_n and_o that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v put_v it_o in_o write_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o it_o be_v ever_o contest_v the_o evangelist_n describe_v the_o method_n which_o the_o jew_n take_v to_o make_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v doubt_v of_o and_o to_o slight_v his_o miracle_n and_o do_v we_o think_v they_o will_v not_o as_o well_o have_v give_v we_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o a_o thing_n of_o which_o till_o then_o never_o any_o instance_n have_v be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v offend_v that_o the_o bless_a virgin_n after_o she_o be_v deliver_v of_o our_o saviour_n shall_v seat_v herself_o in_o the_o place_n appoint_v for_o virgin_n and_o that_o because_o zacharias_n the_o priest_n maintain_v she_o in_o so_o do_v he_o be_v thereupon_o kill_v by_o they_o between_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o altar_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n upbraid_v the_o jew_n i_o know_v also_o that_o they_o affirm_v that_o she_o be_v force_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o her_o virginity_n by_o submit_v herself_o to_o a_o search_n of_o matron_n yet_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o she_o ever_o undergo_v any_o such_o examination_n of_o which_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o s._n luke_n in_o particular_a full_o
will_v have_v take_v by_o force_n to_o make_v he_o their_o king_n what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o the_o apostle_n a_o company_n of_o poor_a miserable_a jew_n shall_v bring_v over_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v accurse_v by_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o crucify_v like_o a_o slave_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n what_o probability_n be_v there_o of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n whilst_o the_o jew_n accustom_a to_o the_o roman_a yoke_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o avoid_v all_o manner_n of_o occasion_n that_o may_v stir_v up_o the_o indignation_n of_o their_o master_n against_o they_o it_o be_v expedient_a say_v they_o rather_o that_o one_o man_n perish_v meaning_n jesus_n than_o to_o hazard_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n the_o three_o be_v that_o these_o oracle_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o among_o discourse_n of_o another_o nature_n but_o also_o link_v together_o in_o such_o a_o chain_n that_o their_o connexion_n will_v not_o permit_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v contrive_v after_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o relate_v to_o be_v past_a and_o also_o that_o they_o be_v constant_o relate_v by_o three_o evangelist_n long_a time_n before_o the_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v s._n john_n be_v the_o only_a witness_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o four_o be_v that_o these_o oracle_n give_v the_o apostle_n as_o much_o ground_n to_o expect_v calamity_n and_o violent_a death_n as_o to_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n of_o doubt_v that_o they_o be_v not_o faithful_o record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o that_o therefore_o see_v the_o accomplishment_n have_v exact_o answer_v to_o the_o oracle_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o divine_a oracle_n i_o confess_v that_o these_o oracle_n no_o more_o than_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v ever_o commit_v to_o the_o public_a custody_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o former_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a be_v but_o this_o can_v real_o diminish_v their_o authority_n i_o will_v not_o observe_v at_o present_a that_o because_o the_o temple_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v it_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o depose_v they_o there_o and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o cause_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o be_v translate_v long_o before_o nor_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v very_o proper_a that_o these_o prediction_n as_o well_o as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o thenceforward_a be_v to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o his_o temple_n but_o this_o i_o observe_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o solemn_a than_o these_o prophecy_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n as_o well_o as_o never_o any_o thing_n be_v more_o exact_o fulfil_v jesus_n christ_n be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n according_a to_o the_o oracle_n now_o as_o no_o man_n be_v master_n of_o the_o place_n of_o his_o birth_n so_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o here_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o imposture_n neither_o be_v a_o man_n any_o more_o the_o master_n of_o his_o death_n wherefore_o to_o give_v a_o certain_a character_n to_o his_o prophecy_n he_o foretell_v his_o die_v at_o jerusalem_n which_o according_o be_v accomplish_v in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o exact_a but_o one_o may_v say_v that_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o disciple_n to_o forge_v prediction_n suitable_a to_o the_o event_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o virgil_n have_v do_v in_o the_o six_o of_o his_o aeneid_n of_o marcellus_n one_o may_v indeed_o contrive_v a_o imposture_n which_o shall_v be_v possible_a and_o which_o may_v answer_v to_o some_o few_o oracle_n but_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o show_v the_o folly_n of_o that_o thought_n when_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n but_o can_v we_o conceive_v such_o a_o suspicion_n concern_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o ruin_n of_o paganism_n the_o victory_n of_o christianity_n after_o ten_o persecution_n it_o be_v now_o above_o 1600_o year_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n subsist_v whereas_o who_o can_v have_v assure_v the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o their_o doctrine_n will_v have_v have_v so_o much_o as_o one_o or_o two_o follower_n after_o their_o death_n the_o great_a empire_n that_o of_o the_o chaldean_n of_o the_o persian_n of_o the_o grecian_n and_o that_o of_o the_o roman_n have_v be_v overturn_v and_o none_o of_o they_o single_o have_v be_v of_o so_o long_a continuance_n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o nevertheless_o be_v attack_v by_o all_o that_o be_v great_a and_o powerful_a in_o the_o world._n who_o see_v we_o not_o that_o this_o be_v the_o empire_n whereof_o daniel_n speak_v in_o the_o seven_o of_o his_o revelation_n which_o be_v never_o to_o have_v end_n jesus_n christ_n foretell_v as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o by_o his_o disciple_n according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n that_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o never_o build_v again_o who_o can_v tell_v the_o apostle_n if_o they_o have_v forge_v this_o oracle_n themselves_o that_o the_o endeavour_n of_o julian_n to_o confound_v this_o prophecy_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o rebuild_v the_o temple_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a as_o indeed_o they_o prove_v by_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n against_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o rebuild_n of_o it_o 23._o ammian_n marcellin_n lib._n 23._o under_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o emperor_n indeed_o if_o one_o reflect_v on_o the_o oracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n one_o shall_v find_v they_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o know_v than_o those_o of_o the_o jew_n 1._o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v pen_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n 2._o they_o 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that_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o the_o angel_n repeat_v to_o the_o woman_n the_o command_n which_o jesus_n christ_n before_o his_o death_n have_v give_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o go_v into_o galilee_n jesus_n christ_n appear_v to_o mary_n magdelen_n repeat_v the_o same_o to_o she_o and_o give_v she_o a_o particular_a commission_n for_o s._n peter_n to_o comfort_v he_o in_o his_o affliction_n for_o have_v deny_v his_o master_n appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n as_o they_o go_v to_o emmaus_n he_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o prophecy_n which_o speak_v of_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o moreover_o when_o he_o break_v bread_n with_o they_o they_o hear_v the_o same_o prayer_n which_o he_o ordinary_o use_v at_o the_o blessing_n of_o it_o he_o appear_v to_o they_o the_o same_o day_n the_o five_o time_n and_o show_v they_o his_o foot_n and_o his_o hand_n he_o repeat_v the_o grant_n of_o the_o authority_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o he_o breathe_v upon_o they_o 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apostle_n and_o it_o be_v know_v that_o all_o christian_n after_o they_o do_v inviolable_o observe_v this_o law._n now_o let_v any_o one_o consider_v whether_o it_o will_v have_v be_v possible_a to_o introduce_v this_o custom_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o be_v a_o fact_n confess_v of_o all_o hand_n can_v any_o one_o conceive_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o who_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n thereof_o by_o a_o sacrament_n can_v have_v be_v so_o stupid_a to_o establish_v a_o custom_n which_o will_v put_v people_n upon_o examine_v the_o fact_n and_o have_v convince_v they_o in_o a_o little_a time_n since_o none_o of_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o will_v have_v submit_v to_o this_o practice_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o their_o eye_n and_o their_o other_o sense_n and_o by_o a_o thousand_o other_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o so_o capital_a a_o fact_n which_o be_v so_o much_o dispute_v by_o the_o jew_n of_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v a_o solemn_a commemoration_n two_o and_o fifty_o time_n every_o year_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v let_v we_o add_v to_o this_o remark_n which_o we_o have_v elsewhere_o urge_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o creation_n another_o reflection_n upon_o a_o fact_n which_o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o though_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v accompany_v with_o very_o peculiar_a circumstance_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v usher_v in_o with_o a_o earthquake_n with_o apparition_n of_o angel_n to_o the_o soldier_n that_o guard_v the_o sepulchre_n of_o jesus_n and_o be_v fright_v thereby_o yet_o the_o council_n of_o the_o jew_n contrive_v with_o the_o soldier_n a_o most_o impudent_a lie_v to_o outface_v it_o and_z according_o the_o soldier_n come_v before_o pilate_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o disciple_n have_v steal_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n whilst_o they_o sleep_v and_o his_o disciple_n tell_v we_o that_o since_o this_o have_v be_v the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n i_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n here_o of_o the_o palpable_a falsity_n of_o this_o deposition_n for_o if_o the_o soldier_n be_v asleep_a how_o can_v they_o depose_v concern_v a_o fact_n which_o be_v do_v at_o that_o time_n if_o they_o be_v not_o asleep_o why_o do_v not_o they_o hinder_v the_o disciple_n from_o take_v the_o body_n of_o their_o master_n away_o how_o can_v they_o affirm_v that_o thief_n have_v take_v he_o away_o when_o the_o linen_n clothes_n wherein_o his_o body_n be_v shroud_v be_v leave_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o napkin_n that_o be_v about_o his_o head_n be_v fold_v up_o in_o a_o place_n by_o itself_o do_v absolute_o evince_v that_o he_o be_v not_o take_v away_o by_o person_n that_o be_v in_o fear_n of_o a_o surprise_n what_o probability_n be_v there_o in_o short_a to_o suspect_v that_o his_o disciple_n who_o forsake_v jesus_n christ_n whilst_o he_o be_v yet_o alive_a who_o flee_v from_o he_o at_o that_o time_n shall_v undertake_v such_o a_o hazardous_a attempt_n to_o have_v his_o body_n only_o neither_o will_v i_o insist_v upon_o a_o representation_n of_o the_o apostle_n sincerity_n which_o make_v they_o give_v we_o in_o their_o history_n a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o report_n which_o be_v spread_v against_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n before_o ever_o that_o the_o disciple_n have_v attest_v the_o same_o but_o i_o observe_v another_o very_a particular_a character_n in_o their_o relation_n which_o be_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o establish_v this_o fact_n of_o the_o resurrection_n without_o accuse_v thereby_o the_o whole_a council_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o most_o shameful_a and_o cry_a imposture_n that_o ever_o be_v to_o write_v a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n against_o the_o head_n of_o that_o religion_n be_v to_o sacrifice_v themselves_o to_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o public_a and_o to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o inevitable_a ruin_n in_o short_a let_v we_o imagine_v whether_o after_o a_o charge_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o publish_v their_o book_n and_o preach_v public_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v what_o they_o do_v with_o a_o surprise_v diligence_n when_o they_o insert_v this_o terrible_a accusation_n into_o their_o book_n and_o sermon_n which_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o be_v infinite_o convince_v of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o also_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o convince_v all_o gainsayer_n as_o we_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o one_o may_v add_v to_o this_o proof_n the_o conversion_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o the_o
care_n which_o he_o afterward_o take_v to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v a_o declare_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o soon_o after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n he_o preach_v he_o up_o for_o the_o messiah_n how_o come_v this_o sudden_a change_n he_o assert_n that_o he_o have_v see_v in_o heaven_n this_o jesus_n who_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o receive_v from_o he_o the_o apostleship_n according_o we_o find_v he_o preach_v by_o these_o order_n without_o any_o communication_n have_v with_o the_o first_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o relate_v these_o matter_n in_o a_o manner_n so_o little_o affect_v to_o advance_v his_o ministry_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o galatian_n who_o prefer_v s._n peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n before_o he_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n leave_v to_o doubt_v of_o they_o one_o ought_v to_o make_v a_o like_a reflection_n upon_o the_o conversion_n of_o cornelius_n the_o centurion_n he_o be_v a_o proselyte_n that_o be_v a_o gentile_a by_o birth_n but_o a_o jew_n by_o profession_n and_o by_o the_o employment_n he_o be_v in_o he_o have_v occasion_n of_o be_v more_o particular_o inform_v of_o the_o deposition_n of_o the_o soldier_n who_o probable_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o he_o for_o he_o be_v in_o the_o garrison_n at_o caesarea_n which_o be_v not_o far_o from_o jerusalem_n yet_o however_o this_o cornelius_n after_o he_o have_v a_o vision_n which_o command_v he_o to_o send_v to_o joppa_n a_o place_n make_v famous_a because_o jonah_n the_o prophet_n set_v sail_n from_o thence_o who_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n this_o cornelius_n i_o say_v embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n become_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o caesarea_n and_o die_v a_o martyr_n for_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a affection_n which_o s._n luke_n have_v for_o s._n paul_n confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n s._n luke_n have_v never_o see_v our_o saviour_n he_o be_v bear_v at_o antioch_n where_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o exercise_v his_o profession_n of_o physic_n yet_o he_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o follow_v s._n paul_n in_o all_o place_n and_o write_v the_o history_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o preach_a who_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v because_o he_o have_v see_v the_o dead_a who_o christ_n have_v raise_v to_o life_n and_o have_v see_v s._n paul_n who_o jesus_n christ_n have_v dignify_v with_o the_o apostleship_n raise_v other_o also_o from_o the_o dead_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o who_o be_v first_o convince_v by_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v needs_o have_v have_v very_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o jew_n have_v sadducee_n among_o they_o who_o deny_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o resurrection_n in_o general_a the_o council_n of_o the_o jew_n especial_o have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o decry_v the_o conduct_n the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o make_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o resurrection_n suspect_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o jesus_n christ_n have_v foretell_v it_o and_o his_o apostle_n maintain_v that_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v according_o if_o in_o opposition_n to_o these_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la there_o have_v only_o be_v the_o deposition_n of_o two_o or_o three_o person_n to_o confirm_v this_o fact_n there_o will_v have_v be_v reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o but_o we_o find_v that_o this_o thing_n which_o of_o it_o self_n seem_v hard_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o be_v otherwise_o so_o much_o contest_v be_v 1._o prove_v by_o ten_o several_a apparition_n 2._o it_o be_v attest_v by_o above_o five_o hundred_o disciple_n 3._o it_o be_v public_o preach_v by_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n at_o jerusalem_n itself_o and_o throughout_o all_o judea_n where_o it_o be_v most_o of_o all_o dispute_v 4._o it_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o s._n paul_n and_o cornelius_n and_o by_o thousand_o of_o those_o who_o have_v demand_v his_o death_n be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n 5._o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o and_o 6._o it_o be_v not_o not_o only_a authorise_a by_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o three_o person_n who_o christ_n have_v raise_v to_o life_n and_o who_o live_v one_o of_o they_o at_o bethany_n fifteen_o furlong_n from_o jerusalem_n where_o jesus_n ascend_v to_o heaven_n another_o at_o naim_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v further_o verify_v by_o several_a resurrection_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o christ_n have_v vouchsafe_v that_o astonish_a power_n it_o be_v also_o a_o very_a considerable_a thing_n that_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n continue_v near_o forty_o year_n after_o the_o time_n that_o the_o apostle_n 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conduct_n of_o they_o be_v a_o manifest_a betray_n of_o their_o cause_n or_o rather_o a_o open_a acknowledgement_n that_o what_o they_o have_v publish_v against_o the_o innocency_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n be_v without_o all_o ground_n i_o foresee_v only_o one_o probable_a difficulty_n which_o can_v be_v oppose_v to_o the_o solidity_n of_o these_o reflection_n a_o jew_n may_v demand_v why_o jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n do_v not_o converse_v as_o open_o among_o the_o jew_n as_o before_o that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v be_v know_v by_o those_o who_o have_v crucify_v he_o which_o will_v have_v put_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n out_o of_o doubt_n but_o to_o speak_v truth_n this_o objection_n be_v not_o reasonable_a for_o 1._o jesus_n christ_n have_v threaten_v the_o unbelieve_a jew_n they_o shall_v see_v he_o no_o more_o and_o he_o ought_v to_o make_v good_a his_o threaten_n 2._o who_o see_v not_o that_o they_o will_v have_v look_v upon_o his_o appear_v among_o they_o as_o a_o fantastic_a apparition_n after_o they_o have_v see_v he_o work_v so_o many_o miracle_n and_o have_v attribute_v they_o to_o the_o devil_n 3._o i_o say_v that_o such_o a_o apparition_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n 31._o luke_n xvi_o 29_o 31._o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o they_o neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a 4._o jesus_n christ_n have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n converse_v in_o galilee_n at_o nazareth_n and_o capernaum_n it_o be_v to_o the_o galilean_n and_o his_o disciple_n that_o he_o be_v chief_o to_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o they_o as_o be_v the_o person_n who_o be_v particular_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o this_o truth_n after_o so_o strong_a a_o presumption_n as_o the_o governor_n of_o that_o people_n have_v of_o christ_n resurrection_n found_v upon_o the_o earthquake_n which_o accompany_v it_o and_o upon_o the_o deposition_n of_o the_o soldier_n to_o who_o the_o angel_n have_v appear_v have_v not_o they_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v this_o truth_n which_o they_o hear_v several_a time_n attest_v by_o they_o in_o full_a council_n and_o see_v confirm_v by_o miraculous_a cure_n which_o they_o can_v not_o question_v in_o the_o least_o last_o be_v not_o this_o objection_n the_o most_o ridiculous_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o these_o consideration_n be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o justify_v our_o saviour_n conduct_n when_o he_o give_v these_o proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o he_o do_v not_o make_v choice_n of_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n which_o they_o
he_o who_o have_v make_v himself_o so_o famous_a by_o his_o sorcery_n become_v a_o disciple_n s._n luke_n in_o a_o history_n of_o the_o action_n of_o thirty_o year_n relate_v the_o continual_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o particular_o by_o s._n paul_n who_o he_o constant_o follow_v it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o if_o one_o consider_v the_o history_n itself_o and_o the_o person_n who_o make_v it_o that_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a relation_n however_o there_o be_v other_o testimony_n which_o invincible_o establish_v the_o same_o truth_n 1._o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o effect_n establish_v in_o most_o of_o the_o province_n and_o great_a city_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n s._n paul_n write_v to_o the_o christian_n of_o thessalonica_n corinth_n and_o ephesus_n to_o the_o galatian_n colossian_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v christian_n every_o where_o that_o be_v disciple_n of_o these_o twelve_o fisherman_n who_o understand_v nothing_o but_o their_o native_a syriack_n language_n how_o then_o be_v all_o these_o nation_n convert_v without_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n at_o the_o pentecost_n 2._o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o they_o of_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o of_o a_o common_a thing_n s._n paul_n employ_v some_o part_n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o regulate_v those_o disorder_n which_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o abuse_n of_o those_o gift_n s._n james_n speak_v of_o the_o power_n that_o the_o priest_n have_v to_o cure_v the_o sick_a and_o s._n paul_n wish_v for_o a_o opportunity_n of_o go_v to_o rome_n to_o communicate_v those_o gift_n to_o the_o roman_n 3._o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o raise_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o that_o of_o the_o law_n in_o call_v it_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n notwithstanding_o the_o table_n of_o the_o law_n have_v be_v give_v to_o moses_n in_o so_o very_o illustrious_a a_o manner_n it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n here_o to_o consider_v three_o thing_n which_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o first_o be_v that_o this_o mission_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v mankind_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n god_n give_v to_o adam_n a_o power_n of_o speak_v one_o language_n and_o afterward_o he_o divide_v the_o same_o to_o make_v a_o confusion_n among_o the_o builder_n of_o babel_n and_o jesus_n christ_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o confirm_v the_o glory_n and_o belief_n of_o his_o divinity_n god_n vouchsafe_v the_o power_n of_o miracle_n to_o some_o jesus_n christ_n communicate_v it_o to_o a_o far_o great_a number_n miracle_n not_o have_v be_v so_o general_o wrought_v because_o no_o people_n ever_o have_v that_o power_n in_o all_o the_o forego_n age_n the_o father_n wrought_v so_o few_o miracle_n that_o he_o may_v leave_v to_o the_o son_n this_o mean_n of_o make_v himself_o know_v the_o son_n have_v the_o glory_n of_o pour_v forth_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o a_o great_a abundance_n than_o the_o father_n thereby_o to_o supply_v the_o shame_n of_o his_o humiliation_n this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v the_o second_o be_v that_o from_o this_o miracle_n one_o ought_v to_o infer_v these_o two_o conclusion_n the_o first_o be_v that_o god_n be_v full_o pacify_v by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o apostle_n constant_o represent_v the_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n offer_v by_o he_o the_o other_o be_v that_o from_o that_o time_n forward_a mankind_n be_v conscerate_v to_o god_n as_o his_o temple_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o prayer_n before_o his_o death_n express_v himself_o much_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o solomon_n do_v at_o his_o dedication_n of_o the_o first_o temple_n and_o fire_n from_o heaven_n fall_v down_o on_o his_o sacrifice_n jesus_n christ_n consecrate_v his_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o live_a stone_n of_o his_o temple_n and_o cause_v the_o heavenly_a flame_n to_o fall_v down_o upon_o they_o as_o have_v former_o be_v grant_v at_o solomon_n dedication_n of_o the_o first_o temple_n the_o three_o be_v that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o can_v conceive_v a_o more_o glorious_a or_o magnificent_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o ancient_a oracle_n concern_v the_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n than_o what_o we_o find_v relate_v by_o s._n luke_n whereof_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v see_v the_o visible_a effect_n in_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o whence_o one_o may_v rational_o conclude_v that_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v for_o the_o messiah_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v chap._n xv._o that_o according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v call_v the_o gentile_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o have_v already_o see_v what_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o distinction_n which_o he_o make_v of_o the_o jew_n from_o other_o nation_n be_v only_a that_o the_o messiah_n may_v by_o that_o mean_n be_v the_o more_o certain_o know_v in_o who_o all_o mankind_n have_v a_o right_a as_o be_v promise_v to_o adam_n god_n renew_v the_o idea_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o a_o very_a lively_a manner_n when_o he_o assure_v abraham_n before_o he_o give_v he_o the_o law_n of_o circumcision_n that_o in_o his_o seed_n all_o nation_n shall_v be_v bless_v jacob_n enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n on_o his_o deathbed_n plain_o take_v this_o truth_n for_o grant_v when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o messiah_n who_o he_o call_v shiloh_n be_v to_o be_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o gentile_n gen._n xlix_o why_o do_v he_o not_o say_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o because_o he_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v and_o the_o gentile_n call_v in_o their_o stead_n one_o see_v we_o in_o the_o psalm_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n until_o malachi_n inclusive_o a_o thousand_o declaration_n of_o this_o future_a call_v of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o though_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o idea_n which_o the_o prophet_n make_v use_v of_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o figurative_a describe_v the_o messiah_n as_o a_o conqueror_n who_o be_v to_o subdue_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o his_o dominion_n by_o the_o force_n of_o arm_n yet_o we_o find_v a_o great_a many_o other_o interweave_v with_o they_o which_o only_o relate_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o which_o not_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o other_o sense_n sufficient_o determine_v the_o other_o so_o as_o not_o to_o perplex_v the_o reader_n with_o those_o seem_a obscurity_n but_o jesus_n christ_n very_o distinct_o declare_v this_o in_o divers_a place_n and_o above_o all_o in_o the_o xxiv_o of_o s._n matthew_n this_o gospel_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v preach_v throughout_o all_o the_o world._n now_o nothing_o can_v ever_o be_v more_o exact_o fulfil_v than_o these_o ancient_a oracle_n have_v be_v let_v the_o jew_n cavil_v as_o long_o as_o they_o please_v about_o our_o application_n of_o many_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o our_o saviour_n let_v they_o put_v a_o sense_n upon_o the_o scripture_n which_o treat_v of_o this_o subject_a contrary_a to_o what_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v contemporary_a with_o jesus_n christ_n ever_o do_v and_o to_o the_o most_o of_o those_o with_o who_o the_o first_o christian_n as_o justin_n tertullian_n and_o other_o from_o time_n to_o time_n dispute_v yet_o at_o least_o they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o thing_n have_v be_v exact_o fulfil_v it_o be_v clear_a than_o the_o day_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o exact_a all_o christian_n from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o another_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o malachi_n jesus_n christ_n subject_v they_o to_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o mahometan_n themselves_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o christian_n to_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o god_n but_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n the_o multitude_n of_o false_a god_n which_o the_o world_n worship_v be_v vanish_v from_o all_o place_n where_o christianity_n have_v be_v plant_v and_o very_o few_o be_v leave_v in_o comparison_n of_o those_o which_o be_v already_o destroy_v so_o that_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o thing_n as_o already_o go_v very_o far_o in_o truth_n while_o thing_n continue_v thus_o one_o may_v reasonable_o maintain_v against_o the_o
jew_n that_o our_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n have_v take_v away_o all_o the_o glory_n which_o can_v be_v reserve_v for_o that_o messiah_n who_o they_o expect_v they_o must_v if_o they_o be_v jealous_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o who_o they_o look_v for_o endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o world_n forsake_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o oracle_n which_o can_v have_v no_o place_n in_o that_o state_n wherein_o the_o world_n be_v at_o present_a but_o though_o this_o reflection_n upon_o the_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o oracle_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o messiah_n may_v suffice_v yet_o i_o think_v myself_o bind_v to_o make_v some_o further_a observation_n upon_o this_o subject_a in_o short_a every_o thing_n deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n at_o present_a that_o the_o person_n first_o employ_v in_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n be_v s._n peter_n to_o who_o jesus_n christ_n have_v promise_v the_o honour_n of_o sound_v his_o church_n among_o the_o nation_n and_o who_o himself_o at_o first_o thought_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a and_o who_o after_o a_o vision_n give_v he_o for_o that_o very_a purpose_n observe_v the_o jewish_a custom_n and_o oblige_v the_o gentile_n to_o do_v the_o same_o neither_o do_v i_o observe_v that_o the_o first_o who_o be_v call_v be_v cornelius_n a_o roman_a officer_n who_o reside_v at_o caesarea_n where_o he_o become_v a_o proselyte_n behold_v here_o a_o man_n engage_v to_o examine_v that_o which_o he_o have_v a_o better_a opportunity_n to_o do_v than_o any_o one_o else_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o charge_n whether_o what_o the_o soldier_n have_v depose_v concern_v the_o disciple_n steal_v away_o the_o body_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v true_a or_o no._n i_o be_o oblige_v to_o confine_v myself_o to_o some_o general_a reflection_n upon_o this_o matter_n i_o consider_v first_o the_o difficulty_n which_o be_v upon_o all_o account_n in_o this_o design_n of_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o prodigious_a success_n which_o this_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n meet_v with_o according_a to_o the_o prophet_n to_o make_v we_o understand_v this_o difficulty_n better_o we_o need_v only_o consider_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o jew_n even_o those_o who_o be_v become_v christian_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n at_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o heathen_n enjoy_v each_o their_o several_a religion_n for_o a_o long_a time_n than_o any_o history_n can_v trace_v it_o they_o attribute_v the_o happiness_n of_o their_o state_n and_o family_n to_o their_o gods._n 3._o we_o must_v observe_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o preach_n by_o which_o the_o gentile_n be_v convert_v its_o subject_n be_v the_o strange_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n if_o the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v prove_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o look_v upon_o the_o messiah_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o blessing_n and_o the_o cross_n as_o a_o accurse_a punishment_n it_o be_v look_v upon_o no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o a_o heap_n of_o folly_n by_o the_o greek_n who_o boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o other_o gentile_n yet_o after_o all_o this_o one_o see_v we_o a_o prodigious_a success_n and_o a_o surprise_v extent_n of_o this_o call._n within_o a_o little_a time_n the_o world_n be_v fill_v with_o christian_n s._n paul_n write_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o asia_n greece_n and_o italy_n s._n peter_n to_o those_o of_o pontus_n s._n john_n to_o those_o who_o be_v among_o the_o parthian_n there_o be_v not_o want_v some_o in_o the_o very_a emperor_n court_n even_o that_o of_o nero_n who_o put_v s._n peter_n and_o s._n paul_n to_o death_n in_o the_o sixty_o seven_o 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godliness_n consist_v in_o know_v jesus_n christ_n even_o the_o same_o jesus_n who_o be_v crucify_v in_o judea_n for_o who_o name_n be_v sake_n they_o have_v be_v public_o scourge_v by_o order_n of_o the_o council_n of_o the_o jew_n thus_o we_o find_v s._n paul_n boast_v of_o his_o severe_a usage_n if_o person_n question_v they_o more_o particular_o about_o the_o action_n of_o this_o jesus_n they_o answer_v cold_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n that_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o our_o flesh_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o a_o virgin_n that_o when_o he_o be_v become_v man_n and_o yet_o a_o infant_n herod_n seek_v to_o kill_v he_o to_o avoid_v which_o he_o be_v carry_v into_o egypt_n that_o after_o have_v live_v thirty_o year_n obscure_o in_o a_o carpenter_n shop_n he_o be_v take_v by_o the_o jew_n scourge_v mock_v crown_v with_o thorn_n nail_v to_o the_o cross_n where_o they_o give_v he_o vinegar_n to_o drink_v that_o there_o he_o cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o that_o he_o die_v be_v bury_v and_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n as_o he_o have_v promise_v before_o his_o death_n but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o this_o jesus_n teach_v to_o those_o that_o will_v follow_v he_o his_o apostle_n in_o his_o name_n require_v all_o man_n to_o renounce_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n to_o abhor_v polygamy_n and_o fornication_n and_o instead_o of_o revenge_v a_o affront_n to_o turn_v the_o other_o cheek_n to_o he_o that_o smite_v we_o and_o to_o leave_v our_o cloak_n also_o with_o he_o who_o take_v our_o coat_n from_o we_o to_o go_v two_o mile_n with_o he_o who_o constrain_v we_o to_o guide_v he_o one_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o to_o wish_v well_o and_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o but_o what_o reward_n will_v he_o give_v to_o his_o servant_n the_o apostle_n answer_v that_o he_o promise_v nothing_o that_o be_v considerable_a in_o this_o life_n but_o a_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v it_o be_v visible_a that_o nothing_o seem_v to_o be_v worse_o contrive_v to_o gain_v credit_n than_o this_o story_n the_o weakness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v visible_a he_o be_v crucify_v what_o ground_n be_v here_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v his_o promise_n the_o service_n he_o prescribe_v be_v very_o rough_a the_o reward_n he_o propose_v be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o moreover_o it_o be_v such_o as_o appear_v very_o doubtful_a to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o furnish_v with_o strong_a impression_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o apostle_n solid_o demonstrate_v that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o not_o a_o mere_a man_n that_o he_o can_v raise_v the_o dead_a and_o that_o he_o can_v perform_v his_o promise_n though_o they_o do_v not_o say_v bring_v hither_o the_o blind_a the_o lame_a and_o the_o deaf_a and_o we_o will_v heal_v they_o in_o his_o name_n present_v your_o dead_a to_o we_o and_o we_o will_v raise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o that_o jesus_n who_o be_v bear_v of_o mary_n of_o that_o jesus_n who_o die_v and_o cry_v out_o on_o the_o cross_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o for_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o miraculous_a power_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v be_v only_o exert_v upon_o certain_a occasion_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v choice_n of_o yet_o they_o do_v that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a for_o when_o blind_a man_n be_v bring_v to_o they_o they_o say_v you_o blind_a in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n recover_v your_o sight_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o the_o leper_n to_o possess_v person_n to_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o
strong_a when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o short_a these_o book_n be_v write_v to_o be_v read_v by_o person_n of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n by_o woman_n by_o child_n as_o well_o as_o by_o doctor_n and_o they_o treat_v of_o matter_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v reason_n to_o be_v inform_v if_o some_o jew_n suffer_v martyrdom_n under_o antiochus_n to_o preserve_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v like_o example_n and_o as_o numerous_a of_o those_o who_o have_v do_v as_o much_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testameat_n last_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v look_v upon_o those_o as_o traitor_n and_o apostate_n who_o give_v up_o those_o book_n to_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o persecutor_n the_o christian_n have_v testify_v no_o less_o aversion_n for_o those_o who_o deliver_v the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o fury_n of_o heathen_n even_o to_o the_o subject_n of_o they_o to_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n in_o the_o three_o century_n and_o before_o chap._n xviii_o that_o one_o can_v doubt_v of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v those_o fact_n which_o they_o relate_v neither_o be_v it_o more_o difficult_a to_o establish_v this_o second_o truth_n that_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v reasonable_o question_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o one_o needs_o only_o consider_v the_o character_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o character_n of_o their_o write_n of_o their_o sermon_n of_o their_o suffering_n and_o of_o their_o martyrdom_n and_o last_o of_o all_o the_o character_n of_o those_o among_o who_o they_o write_v these_o thing_n and_o preach_v they_o to_o their_o death_n as_o to_o their_o sermon_n the_o apostle_n be_v contemporary_n with_o jesus_n christ_n they_o speak_v of_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o distinguish_v they_o careful_o from_o those_o which_o they_o have_v learn_v another_o way_n they_o be_v honest_a man_n simple_a and_o without_o learning_n very_o fit_a to_o bear_v witness_n in_o matter_n of_o fact._n they_o be_v person_n that_o preach_v nothing_o but_o love_n and_o the_o study_n of_o truth_n they_o protest_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o suffering_n that_o they_o can_v not_o conceal_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v they_o be_v man_n without_o covetousness_n or_o ambition_n they_o forsake_v all_o that_o they_o possess_v in_o the_o world_n s._n matthew_n leave_v his_o house_n and_o good_n to_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n their_o epistle_n speak_v nothing_o more_o than_o instance_n of_o christian_a poverty_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o good_n and_o of_o mighty_a instance_n of_o their_o charity_n these_o witness_n be_v sufficient_o numerous_a they_o preach_v and_o write_v in_o several_a place_n and_o yet_o they_o agree_v admirable_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o the_o same_o fact_n it_o appear_v they_o have_v such_o lively_a and_o distinct_a impression_n that_o they_o frequent_o make_v use_v of_o the_o very_a same_o word_n the_o difference_n which_o be_v find_v in_o some_o part_n of_o their_o book_n be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n that_o nothing_o but_o the_o force_n of_o the_o matter_n make_v they_o agree_v in_o their_o relation_n and_o indeed_o how_o be_v it_o otherwise_o conceivable_a that_o four_o such_o author_n as_o the_o evangelist_n shall_v agree_v about_o so_o many_o opinion_n so_o many_o miracle_n so_o many_o prophecy_n so_o many_o dispute_n and_o in_o a_o word_n about_o so_o many_o matter_n of_o fact_n shall_v we_o say_v that_o the_o second_o take_v his_o copy_n from_o the_o first_o the_o three_o from_o the_o second_o &_o c._n this_o appear_v to_o be_v evident_o false_a by_o peruse_v of_o their_o work_n and_o by_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o stile_n and_o certain_o there_o appear_v so_o great_a ingenuity_n in_o their_o writing_n that_o we_o can_v accuse_v they_o of_o have_v have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v the_o world_n they_o tell_v you_o plain_o of_o the_o meanness_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o original_n they_o sincere_o discover_v their_o own_o weakness_n their_o ambition_n their_o vanity_n their_o dispute_n their_o heat_n their_o murmur_n s._n matthew_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o publican_n that_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o roman_a power_n who_o the_o jew_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o excommunicate_v person_n and_o as_o a_o enemy_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n he_o relate_v the_o ridiculous_a pretention_n of_o the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n found_v on_o the_o carnal_a notion_n of_o their_o mother_n concern_v the_o temporal_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n they_o set_v down_o s._n peter_n deny_v of_o his_o master_n they_o do_v not_o dissemble_v their_o common_a ignorance_n which_o make_v they_o expect_v a_o temporal_a king_n in_o jesus_n christ_n they_o frank_o publish_v their_o own_o incredulity_n when_o mary_n magdalen_n bring_v they_o the_o news_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n and_o they_o describe_v the_o obstinate_a resistance_n of_o s._n thomas_n about_o this_o matter_n against_o the_o unanimous_a testimony_n of_o all_o his_o companion_n they_o do_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o say_v in_o general_a that_o some_o illustrious_a fact_n have_v happen_v but_o they_o punctual_o set_v down_o all_o the_o circumstance_n so_o that_o it_o clear_o appear_v their_o design_n be_v to_o have_v their_o writing_n examine_v and_o that_o after_o a_o exact_a search_n man_n may_v acquiesce_v in_o the_o conclusion_n which_o they_o draw_v from_o thence_o for_o instance_n they_o do_v not_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n raise_v a_o great_a many_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o only_o tell_v we_o of_o three_o describe_v the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o resurrection_n the_o time_n the_o place_n the_o age_n the_o person_n the_o assistant_n and_o all_o these_o with_o other_o particular_n which_o impostor_n care_v not_o to_o enter_v upon_o lest_o they_o shall_v contradict_v themselves_o or_o be_v easy_o confute_v i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v write_v be_v such_o as_o will_v not_o permit_v we_o to_o accuse_v they_o of_o have_v have_v a_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n they_o be_v fact_n and_o not_o discourse_n which_o be_v leave_v upon_o record_n and_o fact_n relate_v to_o the_o most_o important_a matter_n in_o the_o world_n than_o which_o none_o be_v ever_o more_o thorough_o examine_v they_o be_v fact_n which_o be_v link_v so_o close_o and_o which_o have_v so_o strict_a a_o dependence_n one_o upon_o the_o other_o and_o so_o interweave_v with_o the_o most_o public_a transaction_n either_o in_o civil_a or_o religious_a affair_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o form_v the_o design_n of_o such_o a_o imposture_n in_o short_a it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o these_o fact_n be_v public_o know_v to_o the_o king_n of_o judea_n to_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n to_o the_o principal_a minister_n of_o state_n and_o of_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n assemble_v ten_o several_a time_n at_o their_o solemn_a feast_n to_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n the_o pharisee_n sadducee_n and_o essen_v who_o be_v attack_v censure_v and_o confute_v in_o these_o book_n one_o ought_v to_o consider_v after_o all_o that_o the_o apostle_n at_o first_o preach_v and_o write_v in_o judea_n where_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o they_o relate_v the_o impotent_a the_o blind_a the_o deaf_a which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v restore_v the_o dead_a who_o he_o raise_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o he_o censure_v the_o sadducee_n who_o he_o confute_v the_o auditor_n who_o have_v hear_v he_o preach_v the_o town_n wherein_o he_o have_v converse_v most_o familiar_o the_o same_o people_n that_o follow_v he_o the_o same_o enemy_n that_o conspire_v his_o death_n the_o same_o judge_n and_o the_o same_o authority_n which_o condemn_v he_o to_o death_n s._n luke_n in_o the_o relation_n he_o give_v we_o of_o the_o speech_n and_o apology_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v before_o king_n before_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o synagogue_n bring_v they_o in_o speak_v of_o the_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o of_o matter_n public_o know_v and_o attest_v by_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o witness_n thus_o s._n peter_n speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o ten_o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o other_o sacred_a writer_n speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o their_o epistle_n here_o be_v a_o new_a character_n which_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o observe_v we_o find_v no_o temporal_a interest_n which_o oblige_v the_o disciple_n to_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o we_o find_v yet_o less_o reason_n to_o
suppose_v if_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o they_o have_v not_o see_v he_o after_o his_o death_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v have_v any_o concern_n for_o his_o glory_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v condemn_v and_o anathematise_v he_o as_o a_o impostor_n who_o by_o mean_n of_o some_o false_a miracle_n and_o a_o affect_a holiness_n have_v abuse_v they_o whereas_o indeed_o we_o find_v that_o they_o defend_v the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o so_o much_o heat_n and_o that_o with_o so_o constant_a a_o testimony_n to_o his_o resurrection_n that_o they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o reproach_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o punishment_n and_o most_o cruel_a death_n to_o confirm_v the_o belief_n of_o that_o fact._n they_o despise_v the_o anathema_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n they_o contemn_v their_o public_a obloquy_n they_o value_v not_o the_o hatred_n of_o their_o whole_a nation_n they_o preach_v this_o crucify_a person_n in_o judea_n they_o preach_v he_o also_o in_o other_o country_n that_o he_o may_v be_v equal_o adore_v by_o jew_n and_o heathen_n they_o leave_v their_o employment_n to_o follow_v this_o jesus_n and_o after_o they_o have_v accompany_v he_o three_o year_n they_o depart_v from_o judea_n to_o go_v and_o confound_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o world_n and_o within_o rome_n itself_o to_o decry_v the_o god_n they_o worship_v oblige_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o who_o the_o man_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v crucify_v for_o their_o god_n he_o who_o have_v be_v the_o detestation_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o who_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n have_v give_v up_o to_o their_o fury_n in_o make_v he_o undergo_v the_o punishment_n appoint_v for_o slave_n last_o one_o ought_v to_o observe_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n in_o this_o whole_a question_n that_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v so_o uniform_a so_o solemn_a so_o well_o confirm_v by_o all_o manner_n of_o mean_n and_o seal_v with_o their_o death_n be_v not_o contest_v or_o contradict_v by_o any_o historian_n of_o that_o time_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_a either_o for_o jew_n or_o gentile_n than_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o be_v master_n of_o the_o public_a record_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o general_a concernment_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o a_o imposture_n of_o so_o terrible_a a_o consequence_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o evangelist_n be_v if_o it_o have_v be_v entire_o false_a neither_o be_v it_o less_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o roman_n to_o expose_v a_o sect_n of_o who_o pliny_n the_o young_a tell_v we_o that_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n join_v with_o they_o though_o they_o be_v persecute_v with_o incredible_a violence_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o find_v no_o body_n that_o have_v contradict_v the_o relation_n 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have_v already_o allege_v may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o for_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o reader_n concern_v so_o weighty_a a_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o shall_v superadd_a some_o few_o more_o reflection_n first_o of_o all_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o form_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o those_o which_o may_v be_v suspect_v as_o forgery_n when_o the_o four_o evangelist_n have_v relate_v the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n they_o next_o set_v down_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n with_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n until_o his_o death_n which_o do_v not_o comprehend_v above_o four_o or_o five_o year_n s._n luke_n write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o particular_a that_o of_o s._n paul_n and_o take_v in_o only_a the_o space_n of_o about_o thirty_o year_n now_o let_v any_o one_o judge_n whether_o they_o who_o confine_v themselves_o to_o so_o narrow_a limit_n in_o respect_n of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n have_v any_o design_n to_o impose_v the_o remainder_n of_o these_o book_n be_v compose_v of_o two_o sort_n of_o write_n one_o epistolary_n and_o the_o other_o prophetical_a for_o the_o prophetical_a part_n time_n must_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o prediction_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o apocalypse_v as_o well_o as_o of_o those_o which_o be_v find_v in_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o for_o the_o epistle_n beside_o some_o moral_a instruction_n they_o be_v almost_o all_o employ_v in_o decide_v some_o question_n which_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o abolish_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n have_v raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n we_o know_v that_o of_o all_o write_n epistle_n be_v the_o most_o certain_a monument_n and_o those_o which_o man_n endeavour_v to_o forge_v least_o after_o all_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o sacred_a writer_n have_v with_o great_a care_n set_v down_o the_o time_n in_o which_o every_o event_n happen_v as_o well_o according_a to_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o point_v out_o to_o we_o their_o solemn_a feast_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_n by_o set_v down_o the_o year_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o the_o character_n of_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n a_o second_o character_n which_o hinder_v we_o from_o accuse_v these_o book_n as_o forgery_n be_v this_o that_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o book_n be_v of_o a_o very_a particular_a nature_n they_o contain_v several_a considerable_a oracle_n which_o be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o same_o generation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o croesus_n a_o continue_a series_n of_o miracle_n of_o which_o all_o judea_n be_v witness_v they_o contain_v a_o great_a number_n of_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a illustrious_a occasion_n in_o the_o synagogue_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o before_o thousand_o of_o people_n in_o the_o wilderness_n let_v any_o one_o judge_n whether_o it_o will_v be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o make_v these_o write_n to_o be_v receive_v if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o to_o be_v late_o forge_v this_o three_o reflection_n be_v also_o considerable_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v in_o the_o great_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n the_o history_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o epistle_n themselves_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v numerous_a church_n at_o rome_n corinth_n thessalonica_n philippi_n ephesus_n antioch_n and_o in_o several_a other_o famous_a place_n it_o be_v also_o know_v that_o there_o be_v jewish_a synagogue_n in_o the_o same_o place_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n what_o possibility_n be_v there_o of_o suspect_v the_o least_o imposture_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o we_o consider_v how_o they_o be_v draw_v up_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o only_o preach_v in_o the_o synagogue_n the_o same_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v put_v in_o writing_n but_o they_o also_o engage_v the_o jew_n to_o examine_v they_o because_o they_o affirm_v they_o with_o a_o constancy_n which_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o but_o look_v upon_o as_o incredible_a obstinacy_n first_o of_o all_o that_o these_o be_v thing_n beyond_o dispute_n and_o can_v not_o be_v doubt_v of_o second_o that_o they_o have_v be_v long_o since_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n three_o that_o they_o be_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o other_o prophecy_n which_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o promise_a messiah_n four_o that_o see_v they_o can_v not_o question_v the_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n they_o ought_v to_o renounce_v judaisme_n to_o receive_v baptism_n and_o
who_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n be_v so_o indeed_o so_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o examine_v it_o or_o know_v it_o since_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o model_n if_o we_o suppose_v that_o god_n at_o first_o frame_v it_o for_o the_o determine_n of_o this_o question_n as_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v it_o the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o christian_n exact_o follow_v this_o divine_a model_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n which_o exact_o correspond_v with_o it_o and_o which_o answer_v it_o in_o all_o its_o part_n they_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n in_o short_a if_o we_o consider_v it_o well_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o question_n of_o fact_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n but_o such_o a_o question_n as_o the_o jew_n at_o present_a be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o maintain_v against_o the_o christian_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n agree_v in_o the_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n or_o at_o least_o about_o the_o most_o of_o they_o according_a to_o these_o character_n the_o messiah_n ought_v to_o be_v come_v the_o christian_n maintain_v that_o they_o may_v be_v find_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o they_o prove_v it_o by_o matter_n of_o fact_n wherefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o either_o these_o character_n attribute_v to_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o proper_a character_n to_o know_v he_o by_o and_o so_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v be_v elude_v and_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n equal_o deceive_v in_o take_v that_o for_o a_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v not_o or_o else_o that_o both_o the_o messiah_n be_v certain_o come_v and_o and_o that_o he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o jesus_n who_o we_o worship_v chap._n xxi_o that_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o division_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n can_v be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o come_v now_o to_o examine_v the_o double_a stumble_a block_n which_o the_o jew_n pretend_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o religion_n say_v they_o propound_v doctrine_n that_o be_v inconceivable_a and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n for_o instance_n that_o of_o the_o trinity_n that_o of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o messiah_n these_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o jew_n reject_v as_o absolute_o incompatible_a with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o hand_n but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o answer_v this_o objection_n 1._o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o total_a forgetfulness_n of_o the_o solidity_n of_o those_o proof_n of_o fact_n which_o i_o have_v allege_v jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a this_o be_v a_o fact_n confirm_v by_o several_a witness_n it_o appear_v from_o tacitus_n that_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v death_n under_o tiberius_n pontius_n pilate_n be_v governor_n of_o judea_n it_o be_v know_v that_o claudius_n banish_v the_o christian_n from_o rome_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 54._o it_o be_v evident_a from_o tacitus_n in_o his_o life_n of_o nero_n that_o he_o accuse_v the_o christian_n of_o burn_a the_o city_n of_o rome_n which_o himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_n therefore_o make_v a_o considerable_a body_n in_o the_o capital_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o this_o happen_v in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 64._o suetonius_n say_v the_o same_o thing_n 2._o it_o appear_v that_o pliny_n in_o trajan_n time_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o meeting_n 3._o dion_n cassius_n set_v down_o the_o accusation_n bring_v in_o against_o flavius_n and_o domitilla_n as_o against_o atheist_n which_o be_v the_o title_n julian_n the_o apostate_n give_v to_o constantine_n because_o the_o christian_n reject_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o heathen_a gods._n 4._o it_o appear_v by_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o this_o book_n be_v write_v in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 63_o and_o yet_o this_o book_n suppose_v the_o gospel_n of_o s._n luke_n to_o have_v be_v write_v before_o it_o and_o s._n luke_n gospel_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o some_o of_o the_o other_o gospel_n be_v already_o publish_v 5._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o write_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n that_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v then_o write_v and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o book_n of_o s._n ignatius_n polycarp_n and_o s._n justin._n these_o fact_n which_o be_v certain_a be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o immediate_o after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n as_o eye_n witness_n maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n after_o this_o it_o may_v indeed_o be_v dispute_v by_o what_o power_n he_o be_v raise_v whether_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n or_o by_o his_o own_o but_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o dispute_v the_o fact_n by_o reason_v draw_v from_o preten_v absurdity_n which_o one_o may_v think_v to_o find_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n second_o these_o mystery_n as_o for_o instance_n that_o of_o the_o trinity_n relate_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n if_o a_o idea_n of_o it_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o which_o not_o be_v distinct_o know_v by_o we_o may_v raise_v difficulty_n and_o perplexity_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o i_o will_v discourse_v with_o one_o bear_v blind_a of_o the_o sun_n of_o its_o light_n and_o heat_n and_o shall_v attribute_v to_o the_o sun_n the_o production_n of_o light_n and_o afterward_o of_o heat_n he_o will_v find_v a_o infinite_a trouble_n not_o to_o imagine_v three_o sun_n it_o be_v know_v how_o the_o philosopher_n who_o agree_v 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invincible_o establish_v suppose_v these_o doctrine_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o religion_n do_v so_o necessary_o require_v they_o that_o we_o rob_v it_o of_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o its_o glory_n in_o question_v or_o contest_v any_o of_o they_o these_o reflection_n may_v suffice_v in_o general_a to_o resolve_v this_o difficulty_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o for_o a_o more_o particular_a satisfaction_n we_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o those_o book_n which_o purposely_o treat_v of_o these_o mystery_n desire_v he_o to_o observe_v careful_o that_o common_o the_o most_o difficult_a objection_n of_o heretic_n against_o these_o matter_n do_v rather_o oppose_v the_o term_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o or_o the_o notion_n which_o man_n follow_v in_o speak_v of_o these_o truth_n than_o the_o proposition_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n at_o least_o one_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v constrain_v to_o resolve_v several_a parallel_n 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to_o make_v upon_o all_o those_o heresy_n in_o the_o second_o age_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o about_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o death_n from_o thence_o man_n take_v occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o collect_v with_o great_a care_n all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o both_o these_o fact_n 2._o we_o find_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o contest_v do_v not_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n but_o the_o several_a consequence_n draw_v from_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n continue_v still_o beyond_o dispute_n this_o we_o find_v in_o the_o dispute_v raise_v about_o the_o millennium_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v equal_o believe_v by_o both_o the_o dispute_a party_n but_o different_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o that_o consider_v of_o they_o some_o form_v gross_a and_o sensual_a conception_n concern_v they_o other_o have_v a_o 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increase_v the_o more_o she_o see_v we_o herself_o confirm_v and_o establish_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n induce_v god_n to_o permit_v so_o great_a a_o increase_n in_o the_o first_o age_n when_o the_o truth_n meet_v with_o the_o great_a opposition_n by_o persecution_n stand_v in_o the_o great_a need_n of_o sensible_a character_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v know_v i_o conclude_v this_o work_n with_o desire_v my_o reader_n to_o consider_v these_o reflection_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n here_o propound_v with_o a_o serious_a attention_n and_o to_o examine_v the_o coherence_n and_o indissoluble_a connexion_n of_o they_o and_o with_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o it_o may_v please_v he_o to_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n which_o be_v the_o only_a end_n i_o have_v propose_v to_o myself_o in_o the_o write_n of_o they_o finis_fw-la