the_o perform_v any_o good_a action_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o jam._n i._n 17._o 3._o we_o learn_v from_o hence_o that_o god_n can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o do_v often_o over-rule_v even_o the_o worst_a action_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o best_a end_n and_o put_v no_o trust_n in_o his_o saint_n job_n xv_o 15._o there_o be_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o case_n of_o jacob_n and_o esau_n when_o jacob_n come_v by_o fraud_n and_o subtlety_n and_o deprive_v his_o brother_n of_o the_o blessing_n 11._o blessing_n casaub_n in_o athenae_n lib._n 1._o c._n 11._o it_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n customary_a to_o offer_v that_o of_o which_o they_o be_v to_o eat_v in_o sacrifice_n especial_o on_o so_o solemn_a a_o occasion_n as_o a_o father_n give_v his_o final_a blessing_n and_o as_o in_o this_o case_n foretell_v the_o fate_n of_o his_o posterity_n and_o therefore_o when_o jacob_n have_v by_o subtlety_n get_v the_o blessing_n of_o his_o father_n isaac_n can_v not_o recall_v it_o to_o confer_v it_o upon_o esau_n because_o what_o be_v do_v in_o so_o solemn_a a_o manner_n have_v a_o religious_a obligation_n amount_v to_o that_o of_o a_o oath_n and_o oath_n though_o obtain_v by_o fraud_n be_v obligatory_a as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o gibeonite_n he_o have_v bless_v jacob_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o prediction_n that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a gen._n twenty-five_o 23._o with_o esau_n despise_v and_o sell_v his_o birthright_n may_v now_o probable_o come_v into_o isaac_n mind_n whereupon_o though_o he_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o fraud_n by_o which_o the_o blessing_n be_v obtain_v yet_o he_o know_v it_o to_o be_v irrevocable_a and_o that_o the_o divine_a purpose_n and_o prediction_n will_v be_v accomplish_v thereby_o and_o what_o he_o have_v by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n confer_v it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o recall_v the_o relation_n therefore_o of_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o justify_v jacob_n behaviour_n in_o it_o but_o manifest_v the_o overrule_a providence_n of_o god_n to_o make_v any_o mean_n whatsoever_o instrumental_a to_o his_o gracious_a end_n which_o can_v never_o be_v disappoint_v by_o any_o action_n of_o man_n for_o if_o they_o depend_v upon_o humane_a action_n these_o will_v often_o fail_v they_o the_o best_a man_n be_v subject_a to_o so_o much_o frailty_n and_o sin_n 4._o though_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n do_v accept_v of_o the_o imperfect_a service_n of_o the_o righteous_a forgive_a upon_o their_o habitual_a repentance_n the_o sin_n and_o frailty_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o the_o best_a action_n and_o pardon_v the_o worst_a action_n likewise_o after_o a_o particular_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n yet_o these_o stand_n upon_o record_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o their_o repentance_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o for_o a_o memorial_n and_o warning_n to_o future_a age_n that_o man_n may_v neither_o presume_v upon_o their_o own_o righteousness_n nor_o despair_n of_o god_n mercy_n but_o because_o they_o be_v pardon_v they_o be_v not_o always_o censure_v and_o i_o think_v the_o ill_a action_n of_o good_a man_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o mention_v with_o a_o mark_n of_o god_n displeasure_n unless_o the_o series_n of_o the_o history_n require_v it_o and_o then_o the_o reproof_n be_v mention_v which_o pass_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o st._n peter_n but_o where_o no_o such_o censure_n be_v pass_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o action_n the_o action_n itself_o be_v bare_o relate_v and_o nothing_o further_o say_v of_o it_o because_o the_o crime_n be_v forgive_v god_n forbear_v to_o show_v any_o further_a displeasure_n against_o it_o such_o be_v his_o mercy_n to_o repent_v sinner_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v for_o any_o censure_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o other_o who_o may_v know_v by_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n what_o action_n be_v sinful_a though_o they_o be_v not_o always_o style_v so_o in_o relate_v the_o commission_n of_o they_o chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o imprecation_n in_o the_o psalm_n and_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n one_o of_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o universal_a charity_n which_o it_o enjoin_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o charity_n be_v likewise_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n which_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o peculiar_a reason_n for_o those_o expression_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o imply_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o i._o many_o of_o those_o expression_n be_v use_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o nation_n upon_o who_o after_o signal_n act_v of_o mercy_n and_o forbearance_n on_o his_o part_n and_o repeat_v provocation_n on_o they_o god_n have_v command_v the_o israelite_n to_o execute_v his_o judgement_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o this_o be_v not_o accomplish_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v have_v grace_n to_o repent_v and_o that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o they_o in_o the_o fulfil_n his_o will_n but_o that_o god_n will_v enable_v they_o to_o execute_v vengeance_n upon_o the_o heathen_a ps_n cxlix_o 7._o and_o it_o be_v lawful_a likewise_o to_o pray_v against_o all_o the_o other_o enemy_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v abase_v their_o pride_n and_o make_v they_o to_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v but_o man_n ps_n ix_o 20._o lxxiu_o 22_o 23._o cxxxix_o 21_o 22._o ii_o david_n be_v king_n have_v the_o sword_n of_o justice_n commit_v to_o he_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a and_o therefore_o when_o his_o rebellious_a subject_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o he_o as_o in_o the_o rebellion_n of_o absalon_n he_o may_v make_v his_o appeal_n to_o god_n and_o beseech_v he_o to_o take_v the_o matter_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n if_o he_o may_v punish_v his_o subject_n he_o may_v pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v enable_v he_o to_o do_v it_o and_o in_o foreign_a war_n if_o he_o may_v kill_v his_o enemy_n he_o may_v pray_v for_o victory_n and_o success_n over_o they_o iii_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o public_a and_o notorious_a malefactor_n may_v be_v punish_v for_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o discover_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o punishment_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o that_o may_v be_v do_v which_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o seek_v redress_n of_o private_a injury_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v be_v redress_v for_o we_o may_v pray_v for_o success_n upon_o any_o honest_a undertake_n if_o this_o be_v do_v out_o of_o a_o love_n to_o justice_n and_o a_o necessary_a care_n of_o our_o own_o preservation_n not_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o a_o thirst_n after_o revenge_n but_o with_o the_o most_o favourable_a construction_n that_o the_o worst_a action_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o with_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o offender_n in_o give_v he_o the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n and_o grant_v he_o whatsoever_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o justice_n towards_o other_o man_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n iv_o god_n be_v the_o peculiar_a lawgiver_n and_o political_a governor_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o death_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o condemnation_n 2_o cor._n three_o 7_o 9_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o law_n as_o such_o belong_v only_o to_o this_o life_n and_o a_o curse_n be_v denounce_v against_o every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o gal._n iii._o 10_o 11._o god_n have_v express_o threaten_v to_o inflict_v punishment_n in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o those_o law_n and_o therefore_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o his_o judgement_n may_v overtake_v evil_a doer_n be_v no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v in_o other_o government_n to_o prosecute_v offender_n before_o the_o magistrate_n they_o appeal_v to_o god_n to_o put_v his_o law_n in_o force_n against_o they_o and_o not_o to_o
nation_n to_o report_v that_o after_o so_o many_o loathsome_a and_o grievous_a plague_n inflict_v upon_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o people_n they_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o at_o last_o by_o the_o destruction_n of_o he_o and_o his_o whole_a army_n in_o the_o red-sea_n make_v their_o escape_n and_o that_o they_o force_v their_o way_n through_o all_o the_o other_o nation_n that_o withstand_v their_o passage_n into_o canaan_n and_o vanquish_v and_o destroy_v they_o as_o they_o go_v and_o then_o to_o proclaim_v a_o sacred_a war_n against_o all_o the_o nation_n who_o land_n they_o be_v to_o possess_v and_o many_o of_o who_o posterity_n be_v remain_v in_o solomon_n time_n and_o probable_o long_a after_o and_o may_v have_v be_v able_a to_o confute_v great_a part_n of_o what_o the_o israelite_n affirm_v of_o themselves_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a and_o of_o a_o late_a invention_n for_o any_o people_n i_o say_v to_o invent_v such_o account_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o ancestor_n and_o then_o to_o make_v such_o law_n and_o to_o have_v the_o one_o believe_v and_o the_o other_o obey_v be_v altogether_o incredible_a when_o they_o have_v enrage_v all_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n to_o their_o destruction_n they_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o their_o law_n to_o leave_v all_o their_o border_n naked_a thrice_o every_o year_n and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n to_o destroy_v they_o and_o no_o people_n can_v have_v live_v half_o a_o age_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n under_o such_o law_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v protect_v by_o god_n himself_o the_o author_n of_o they_o it_o appear_v therefore_o that_o as_o neither_o moses_n himself_o nor_o any_o party_n of_o man_n either_o in_o his_o time_n or_o after_o it_o can_v either_o invent_v or_o change_n and_o falsify_v the_o book_n which_o be_v under_o his_o name_n so_o it_o be_v still_o more_o extravagant_a if_o possible_a to_o conceit_n that_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n shall_v either_o in_o moses_n time_n or_o afterward_o be_v conscious_a to_o such_o a_o imposture_n and_o yet_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o discover_v it_o but_o it_o shall_v to_o this_o day_n be_v conceal_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o that_o neither_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n when_o jeroboam_n be_v force_v to_o set_v up_o altar_n in_o other_o place_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n nor_o upon_o any_o other_o occasion_n this_o secret_a if_o that_o may_v be_v call_v so_o which_o must_v be_v know_v to_o so_o many_o thousand_o shall_v ever_o come_v to_o light_v beside_o that_o they_o can_v never_o have_v invent_v those_o law_n by_o unanimous_a consent_n among_o themselves_o which_o they_o be_v so_o hardly_o bring_v to_o obey_v and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v disobedient_a they_o will_v never_o have_v pretend_v they_o be_v and_o have_v invent_v miracle_n to_o make_v it_o believe_v and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o forward_o in_o their_o obedience_n they_o can_v not_o have_v live_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n without_o a_o perpetual_a miracle_n if_o then_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o consequent_o the_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o he_o give_v his_o law_n to_o the_o israelite_n be_v sufficient_o attest_v suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o if_o neither_o moses_n himself_o can_v feign_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n nor_o any_o other_o person_n or_o person_n either_o in_o his_o time_n or_o afterward_o can_v insert_v they_o or_o change_v the_o law_n and_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n can_v not_o at_o any_o time_n conspire_v in_o such_o a_o fiction_n and_o imposture_n we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v and_o all_o that_o any_o sober_a man_n can_v desire_v both_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n pen_v by_o he_o and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o after_o all_o the_o reflection_n make_v by_o infidel_n upon_o the_o credulity_n as_o they_o esteem_v it_o of_o other_o there_o be_v none_o so_o credulous_a as_o they_o for_o they_o reject_v the_o most_o certain_a to_o believe_v the_o most_o incredible_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o divine_a mission_n and_o authority_n of_o moses_n be_v sully_v prove_v from_o thence_o it_o will_v follow_v 1._o that_o god_n have_v institute_v the_o jewish_a government_n be_v in_o point_n both_o of_o wisdom_n and_o honour_n concern_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o and_o that_o a_o more_o especial_a and_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n must_v he_o watchful_a over_o this_o holy_a nation_n and_o peculiar_a people_n 2_o that_o whatever_o befall_v they_o either_o by_o prophecy_n or_o by_o miracle_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a appointment_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o revelation_n make_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n have_v beside_o its_o own_o proper_a and_o intrinsic_a evidence_n the_o additional_a proof_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o moses_n his_o book_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o proof_n of_o all_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o subject_n of_o they_o consequent_a to_o these_o 3._o that_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o this_o place_n reciprocal_o prove_v each_o other_o like_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n the_o pentateuch_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o foundation_n of_o these_o and_o these_o the_o effect_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o fulfil_n the_o several_a prediction_n of_o it_o chap._n vii_o of_o joshua_n and_o the_o judge_n and_o of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n under_o their_o government_n it_o be_v general_o agree_v that_o joshua_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n under_o his_o name_n and_o some_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n yet_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o must_v be_v write_v by_o his_o particular_a order_n in_o his_o life-time_n or_o soon_o after_o his_o death_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o require_v that_o the_o division_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n among_o the_o several_a tribe_n shall_v forthwith_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v for_o no_o people_n can_v be_v name_v who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o letter_n that_o trust_v the_o boundary_n of_o their_o land_n to_o memory_n and_o there_o be_v no_o delay_n to_o be_v use_v in_o such_o case_n joshua_n therefore_o who_o do_v by_o lot_n set_v out_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o tribe_n at_o the_o same_o time_n put_v they_o down_o in_o write_v which_o he_o lest_o upon_o record_n to_o posterity_n to_o prevent_v dispute_n and_o to_o be_v appeal_v to_o in_o case_n any_o controversy_n shall_v arise_v but_o the_o bare_a distribution_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o to_o be_v transmit_v without_o a_o account_n of_o the_o miraculous_a conquest_n of_o it_o which_o may_v dispose_v they_o to_o be_v conâ—ented_v with_o their_o several_a lot_n and_o remind_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o possesssion_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o land_n which_o they_o be_v settle_v in_o thy_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v write_v during_o the_o life-time_n of_o rahab_n jos_n vi_fw-la 25._o and_o to_o have_v be_v write_v in_o part_n at_o least_o by_o joshua_n himself_o and_o annex_v to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n chap._n xxiv_o 26._o but_o the_o five_o last_o verse_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o death_n of_o joshua_n and_o of_o what_o follow_v after_o it_o be_v add_v by_o some_o of_o the_o prophet_n probable_o by_o samuel_n who_o according_a to_o the_o jewish_a tradition_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n where_o we_o find_v the_o same_o thing_n repeat_v concern_v the_o death_n of_o joshua_n judg._n two_o 7._o the_o book_n of_o judge_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n mat._n two_o 23._o judg._n xiii_o 5._o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v entitle_v to_o samuel_n act._n iii._o 24._o where_o samuel_n be_v mention_v as_o the_o first_o of_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o the_o book_n write_v by_o they_o that_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n be_v pen_v before_o the_o take_v of_o jerusalâ—â—â—_n by_o david_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o judg._n i._n 22._o after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n joshua_n undertake_v the_o government_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o god_n appointment_n and_o his_o investiture_n to_o it_o by_o moses_n num._n xxvii_o 22._o who_o also_o foretell_v the_o great_a success_n that_o
argument_n whereas_o if_o christian_o be_v but_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o sincere_o dispose_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v according_a to_o they_o they_o will_v be_v no_o more_o move_v with_o these_o cavil_n than_o they_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o the_o sun_n if_o some_o man_n shall_v take_v a_o fancy_n to_o make_v that_o the_o subject_a of_o their_o raillery_n to_o have_v the_o more_o doubtful_a and_o waver_a thought_n of_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o ill_a man_n be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v despise_v the_o sun_n for_o be_v under_o a_o cloud_n or_o suffer_v a_o eclipse_n not_o know_v that_o he_o retain_v his_o light_n and_o religion_n its_o excellency_n still_o though_o we_o be_v in_o darkness_n the_o light_n may_v be_v hide_v from_o we_o but_o can_v lose_v nothing_o of_o its_o own_o brightness_n though_o we_o suffer_v for_o want_v of_o it_o and_o lie_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v useful_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n for_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v be_v serious_o and_o true_o religious_a we_o must_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o in_o our_o understanding_n that_o by_o the_o rational_a conviction_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o may_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n assist_v we_o bring_v our_o will_n to_o a_o submission_n and_o our_o affection_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o more_o we_o think_v of_o and_o consider_v these_o thing_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o they_o and_o they_o will_v have_v the_o great_a power_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n for_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v without_o great_a sin_n and_o ignorance_n be_v doubt_v of_o by_o christian_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o add_v a_o new_a life_n and_o vigour_n to_o our_o devotion_n when_o we_o recollect_v upon_o what_o good_a reason_n we_o be_v christian_n and_o be_v not_o such_o by_o custom_n and_o education_n only_o but_o upon_o principle_n which_o we_o have_v thorough_o consider_v and_o must_v abide_v by_o unless_o we_o will_v renounce_v our_o reason_n with_o our_o religion_n and_o what_o subject_n can_v be_v more_o useful_a or_o more_o worthy_a of_o a_o rational_a and_o consider_v man_n thought_n these_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o make_v matter_n of_o cavil_v and_o dispute_v will_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o contemplation_n and_o of_o our_o joy_n and_o happiness_n to_o all_o eternity_n in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o shall_v then_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o shall_v for_o ever_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o conduct_n and_o disposal_n of_o those_o very_a thing_n about_o which_o we_o now_o be_v most_o perplex_v the_o content_n part_n i._n chap._n i._o that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n p._n 3._o that_o there_o be_v wicked_a spirit_n enemy_n to_o mankind_n p._n 6._o the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o man_n without_o the_o divine_a direction_n and_o assistance_n and_o that_o god_n will_v not_o leave_v he_o without_o all_o remedy_n in_o this_o condition_n p._n 8._o the_o judgement_n of_o st._n athanasius_n in_o the_o case_n p._n 15._o chap._n ii_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o preserve_v in_o the_o world_n the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n ordinary_a providence_n insufficient_a and_o therefore_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o revelation_n necessary_a p._n 19_o the_o way_n of_o extraordinary_a revelation_n either_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o particular_a person_n or_o to_o some_o only_a with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o communicate_v the_o divine_a will_n to_o other_o p._n 20._o i._n it_o can_v not_o be_v requisite_a that_o god_n shall_v communicate_v himself_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a ibid._n ii_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n for_o god_n to_o discover_v and_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n by_o p._n 29._o 1._o concern_v prophecy_n ibid._n 2._o concern_v miracle_n p._n 33._o iii_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n by_o write_n p._n 43._o iv_o they_o must_v be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n p._n 44._o v._o they_o must_v be_v full_o publish_v and_o promulge_v p._n 45._o part_n ii_o chap._n i._n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o circumstance_n very_o considerable_a to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 48._o they_o give_v a_o account_n of_o divine_a revelation_n make_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n ibid._n what_o moses_n relate_v of_o thing_n before_o his_o own_o time_n be_v certain_o true_a and_o must_v have_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o p._n 50._o chap._n ii_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o scripture_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o all_o mankind_n p._n 58._o ii_o in_o succeed_a age_n there_o have_v still_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o frequent_a opportunity_n for_o all_o nation_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o p._n 76._o 1._o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v particular_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o reveal_v religion_n p._n 77._o 2._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v so_o order_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o other_o nation_n have_v frequent_a opportunity_n of_o become_v instruct_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n p._n 90._o testimony_n of_o the_o heathen_a concern_v the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n p._n 115._o there_o have_v ever_o be_v divers_a memorial_n and_o remembrance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n among_o the_o heathen_a p._n 117._o of_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n p._n 121._o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v in_o china_n and_o america_n before_o the_o late_a discovery_n p._n 129._o the_o confession_n both_o of_o protestant_n and_o papist_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n p._n 132._o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 135._o a_o sect_n call_v the_o good_a follower_n of_o the_o messiah_n at_o constantinople_n p._n 136._o though_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v still_o unbeliever_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n but_o have_v great_a opportunity_n of_o be_v convert_v p._n 141._o the_o case_n of_o particular_a person_n consider_v p._n 142._o chap._n iii_o of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n the_o sincerity_n of_o moses_n in_o his_o write_n p._n 146._o he_o be_v void_a of_o ambition_n p._n 149._o aaron_z and_o he_o have_v no_o contrivance_n between_o themselves_o to_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n p._n 151._o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o pentateuch_n the_o pentateuch_n write_v by_o moses_n p._n 152._o the_o great_a impartiality_n visible_a in_o these_o book_n p._n 153._o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n a_o introduction_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n p._n 154._o the_o principal_a point_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n confess_v by_o the_o heathen_a p._n 155._o chap._n v._o of_o the_o prediction_n or_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n p._n 158._o the_o prediction_n of_o noah_n ibid._n the_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n p._n 159._o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaac_n etc._n etc._n p._n 160._o of_o jacob_n p._n 161._o of_o balaam_n p._n 162._o of_o moses_n p._n 163._o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n i._o the_o miracle_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o be_v there_o relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v be_v at_o first_o sufficient_o attest_v p._n 170._o ii_o the_o relation_n there_o set_v down_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v depend_v upon_o p._n 188._o for_o 1._o these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v by_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o other_o concern_v with_o they_o in_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o design_n p._n 189._o 2._o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v nor_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n invent_v or_o falsify_v by_o any_o particular_a man_n nor_o by_o any_o confederacy_n or_o combination_n of_o man_n after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n p._n 191._o 3._o the_o pentateuch_n can_v not_o be_v invent_v nor_o falsify_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n either_o in_o
fact_n to_o be_v know_v to_o any_o single_a person_n 2._o have_v show_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o miracle_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v be_v at_o first_o sufficient_o attest_v and_o that_o if_o we_o may_v credit_v that_o relation_n all_o the_o miracle_n there_o mention_v be_v certain_o wrought_v by_o he_o since_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o they_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o the_o relation_n there_o set_v down_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v depend_v upon_o for_o if_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o miracle_n be_v either_o feign_v or_o falsify_v this_o must_v be_v do_v either_o in_o moses_n his_o time_n or_o afterward_o and_o if_o in_o his_o time_n then_o either_o by_o moses_n and_o aaron_n with_o other_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o carry_v on_o the_o design_n or_o by_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israâ—l_n together_o and_o if_o it_o be_v do_v after_o moses_n his_o death_n than_o again_o it_o must_v be_v do_v either_o by_o some_o particular_a man_n or_o by_o the_o contrivance_n of_o some_o few_o or_o more_o together_o or_o it_o must_v have_v be_v by_o the_o joint_a knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n i_o will_v therefore_o prove_v 1._o that_o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v by_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o other_o concern_v with_o they_o in_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o design_n 2._o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v nor_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n invent_v or_o falsify_v by_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o by_o any_o confederacy_n or_o combination_n of_o man_n after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n 3._o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v nor_o the_o book_n invent_v or_o falsify_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n either_o in_o moses_n time_n or_o after_o it_o 1._o these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v by_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o other_o concern_v with_o they_o in_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o design_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o can_v never_o invent_v such_o a_o account_n as_o that_o of_o their_o miraculous_a escape_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o their_o travel_v in_o the_o wilderness_n under_o the_o conduct_n and_o support_v of_o the_o same_o miraculous_a power_n and_o then_o impose_v it_o upon_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n for_o truth_n for_o the_o people_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v chief_o concern_v in_o the_o whole_a relation_n moses_n appeal_v to_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n the_o lord_n make_v not_o this_o covenant_n with_o our_o father_n but_o with_o we_o even_o with_o we_o who_o be_v all_o of_o we_o here_o alive_a this_o day_n deut._n v._n 3._o and_o know_v you_o this_o day_n for_o i_o speak_v not_o with_o your_o child_n which_o have_v not_o know_v and_o which_o have_v not_o see_v the_o chastisement_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n his_o greatness_n his_o mighty_a hand_n and_o his_o stretched-out_a arm_n and_o his_o miracle_n and_o his_o act_n which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o egypt_n unto_o pharaoh_n the_o king_n of_o egypt_n and_o unto_o all_o his_o land_n and_o what_o he_o do_v unto_o the_o army_n of_o egypt_n unto_o their_o horse_n and_o to_o their_o chariot_n how_o he_o make_v the_o water_n of_o the_o red-sea_n to_o over_o flow_v they_o as_o they_o pursue_v after_o you_o and_o how_o the_o lord_n have_v destroy_v they_o unto_o this_o day_n and_o what_o he_o do_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o wilderness_n until_o you_o come_v into_o this_o place_n and_o what_o he_o do_v unto_o dathan_n and_o abiram_n the_o son_n of_o eliab_n the_o son_n of_o reuben_n how_o the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n and_o swallow_v they_o up_o and_o their_o household_n and_o their_o tent_n and_o all_o their_o substance_n that_o be_v in_o their_o possession_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o israel_n but_o your_o eye_n have_v see_v all_o the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o do_v deut._n xi_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o here_o be_v a_o recapitulation_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v with_o a_o appeal_n to_o their_o sense_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o moses_n will_v never_o have_v make_v such_o appeal_n as_o these_o if_o they_o can_v possible_o have_v disprove_v he_o they_o can_v never_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o â—ame_n out_o of_o egypt_n after_o so_o many_o plague_n inflict_v upon_o the_o egyptian_n to_o procure_v their_o deliverance_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n or_o that_o they_o be_v so_o long_a time_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o that_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o their_o sight_n if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v do_v before_o they_o though_o man_n may_v perhaps_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v that_o their_o ancestor_n a_o long_a time_n ago_o see_v and_o hear_v thing_n which_o they_o never_o see_v nor_o hear_v yet_o a_o whole_a nation_n be_v never_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v persuade_v out_o of_o their_o sense_n at_o once_o and_o moses_n can_v not_o attempt_v to_o make_v so_o many_o man_n believe_v what_o they_o must_v all_o have_v know_v to_o have_v be_v false_a as_o well_o as_o himself_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o but_o he_o will_v have_v lard_n the_o scene_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n of_o time_n and_o not_o have_v bring_v those_o in_o as_o chief_o concern_v in_o the_o whole_a business_n who_o be_v then_o alive_a and_o present_a to_o convince_v he_o of_o falsehood_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o particular_n set_v down_o in_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v false_a and_o as_o ancient_a as_o moses_n his_o time_n they_o must_v be_v invent_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o receive_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n for_o moses_n and_o aaron_n can_v never_o so_o far_o delude_v so_o many_o thousand_o as_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v such_o variety_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o so_o many_o and_o so_o wonderful_a instance_n set_v forth_o and_o with_o such_o notorious_a circumstance_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o who_o they_o deceive_v whether_o they_o have_v not_o see_v and_o perceive_v and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o what_o have_v be_v do_v for_o so_o many_o year_n if_o it_o have_v be_v all_o but_o fiction_n 2._o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v nor_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n invent_v or_o falsify_v by_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o by_o any_o confederacy_n or_o combination_n of_o man_n after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n if_o the_o miracle_n be_v feign_v after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n either_o the_o law_n must_v likewise_o be_v invent_v or_o alter_v after_o his_o death_n and_o the_o miracle_n insert_v to_o procure_v they_o authority_n or_o the_o law_n remain_v as_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o he_o and_o the_o miracle_n only_o be_v add_v for_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o contain_v the_o law_n deliver_v by_o he_o or_o as_o relate_v the_o miracle_n by_o which_o these_o law_n be_v ratify_v and_o establish_v in_o each_o of_o which_o respect_v there_o can_v be_v no_o forgery_n or_o falsification_n for_o 1._o the_o law_n themselves_o can_v not_o be_v invent_v nor_o alter_v or_o falsify_v because_o the_o whole_a jewish_a state_n and_o policy_n be_v found_v upon_o they_o and_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o jewish_a government_n which_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o have_v be_v first_o erect_v by_o moses_n for_o not_o only_o their_o religious_a worship_n but_o their_o civil_a right_n and_o interest_n depend_v entire_o upon_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n their_o public_a proceed_n and_o their_o private_a deal_n one_o with_o another_o be_v all_o to_o be_v regulate_v and_o govern_v by_o these_o law_n and_o when_o any_o law_n be_v bring_v into_o constant_a use_n and_o practice_n in_o any_o nation_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v be_v alter_v and_o falsify_v and_o a_o new_a system_fw-la of_o law_n introduce_v instead_o of_o they_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o people_n govern_v by_o they_o or_o any_o remembrance_n of_o it_o leave_v among_o they_o no_o material_a alteration_n can_v be_v make_v in_o law_n which_o be_v of_o continual_a use_n and_o which_o concern_v every_o man_n interest_n but_o they_o must_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o discover_v by_o such_o as_o shall_v find_v themselves_o aggrieve_v by_o such_o alteration_n but_o this_o be_v less_o practicable_a among_o the_o jew_n than_o among_o any_o other_o people_n 1._o because_o the_o distinction_n of_o their_o tribe_n and_o the_o genealogy_n which_o
that_o their_o most_o ancient_a book_n be_v in_o hieroglyphic_n which_o be_v not_o expound_v by_o any_o who_o live_v near_o than_o mdcc_o year_n to_o the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o that_o the_o number_n in_o computation_n be_v sometime_o mistake_v or_o that_o month_n be_v put_v for_o year_n but_o of_o what_o antiquity_n or_o authority_n soever_o their_o first_o writer_n be_v there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o credit_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o book_n now_o remain_v since_o that_o general_a destruction_n of_o all_o ancient_a book_n by_o the_o emperor_n xi_o hoam_n ti_o who_o live_v but_o about_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n he_o command_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n all_o the_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n to_o be_v destroy_v relate_v either_o to_o history_n or_o philosophy_n especial_o the_o book_n of_o confucius_n and_o kill_v many_o of_o their_o learned_a man_n so_o that_o from_o his_o time_n they_o have_v only_o some_o fragment_n of_o old_a author_n leave_v the_o chinese_n be_v a_o people_n vain_a enough_o and_o love_n to_o magnify_v themselves_o to_o the_o european_n which_o make_v they_o endeavour_v to_o have_v it_o believe_v that_o their_o antiquity_n be_v sufficient_o entire_a notwithstanding_o this_o destruction_n of_o their_o book_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o describe_v the_o emperor_n observatory_n as_o the_o most_o complete_a and_o the_o best_a fit_v for_o the_o use_n of_o astronomy_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o upon_o the_o view_n it_o appear_v very_o inconsiderable_a and_o the_o instrument_n be_v find_v useless_a and_o new_a one_o be_v place_v in_o their_o room_n make_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o father_n verbiest_n this_o people_n after_o all_o their_o boast_n of_o skill_n in_o astronomy_n be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v a_o exact_a calendar_n and_o their_o table_n of_o eclipse_n be_v so_o uncorrect_a that_o they_o can_v scarce_o foretell_v about_o what_o time_n that_o of_o the_o sun_n shall_v happen_v and_o in_o a_o petition_n which_o the_o emperor_n of_o china_n in_o favour_n it_o seem_v to_o the_o missionary_n have_v private_o draw_v up_o to_o be_v present_v by_o they_o to_o himself_o in_o public_a it_o be_v say_v that_o father_n adam_n schaal_n make_v it_o know_v to_o all_o the_o court_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o celestial_a motion_n establish_v by_o the_o ancient_a astronomer_n of_o china_n be_v all_o false_a and_o not_o only_o the_o common_a people_n of_o china_n but_o the_o chief_a mandarine_n be_v so_o ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a that_o when_o they_o see_v the_o sun_n or_o moon_n under_o a_o eclipse_n with_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o rite_n and_o with_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o dog_n or_o dragon_n which_o they_o imagine_v be_v like_a to_o devour_v they_o so_o little_a credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o pretence_n which_o the_o several_a nation_n among_o the_o heathen_n have_v make_v to_o antiquity_n without_o any_o ground_n from_o history_n but_o upon_o wander_a discourse_n of_o observation_n in_o astronomy_n which_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o skill_n in_o and_o it_o have_v be_v make_v evident_a by_o divers_a learned_a man_n that_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o the_o very_o best_a of_o the_o heathen_a god_n be_v but_o man_n who_o the_o scripture_n mention_v as_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n such_o as_o noâ—h_v joseph_n moses_n etc._n etc._n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o propagation_n of_o the_o several_a religion_n profess_v among_o the_o heathen_n have_v be_v very_o inconsiderable_a for_o they_o be_v never_o extant_a in_o book_n to_o be_v public_o read_v and_o examine_v but_o their_o mystery_n be_v keep_v secret_a and_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o knowledge_n the_o people_n have_v of_o they_o be_v from_o the_o priest_n every_o country_n have_v its_o peculiar_a deity_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v seldom_o receive_v or_o know_v but_o in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o be_v first_o set_v up_o the_o 3._o the_o valer-max_n de_fw-fr peregrina_fw-la relig._n rejecta_fw-la lib._n 1._o c._n 3._o roman_n reject_v many_o foreign_a religion_n as_o abominable_a and_o none_o of_o their_o religion_n ever_o prevail_v but_o where_o they_o have_v the_o temporal_a power_n to_o uphold_v they_o and_o they_o lose_v ground_n daily_o by_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n whilst_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o empire_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppress_v it_o and_o to_o maintain_v the_o heathen_a religion_n against_o it_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v at_o this_o day_n preach_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o its_o first_o propagation_n as_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v before_o but_o where_o christianity_n have_v prevail_v heathenism_n have_v be_v never_o able_a to_o maintain_v its_o ground_n and_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o but_o christian_n except_v some_o few_o jew_n to_o be_v find_v in_o christian_a country_n which_o make_v a_o great_a abatement_n in_o the_o disproportion_n that_o heathenism_n in_o general_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v in_o its_o number_n above_o christianity_n but_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o particular_a religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n there_o be_v no_o comparison_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n here_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v whether_o any_o particular_a religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n exceed_v or_o equal_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o point_n of_o promulgation_n for_o who_o ever_o can_v imagine_v that_o all_o or_o any_o great_a number_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n must_v suppose_v god_n to_o reveal_v contradiction_n the_o question_n before_o we_o be_v not_o whether_o heathen_n be_v more_o numerous_a than_o christian_n but_o whether_o any_o of_o their_o religion_n have_v be_v as_o full_o promulge_v as_o the_o christian_a one_o herald_n be_v enough_o to_o promulge_v a_o law_n to_o many_o thousand_o the_o city_n of_o nineve_n be_v convert_v by_o one_o prophet_n and_o there_o be_v perhaps_o no_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o have_v more_o christian_n in_o it_o than_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v chap._n iii_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o history_n but_o that_o many_o wonder_n have_v be_v do_v by_o magician_n and_o that_o many_o thing_n have_v be_v foreshow_v and_o foretell_v among_o heathen_n by_o dream_n and_o prodigy_n and_o oracle_n which_o do_v actual_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o then_o all_o that_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o there_o be_v invisible_a power_n and_o that_o devil_n and_o wicked_a spirit_n be_v able_a to_o do_v more_o than_o man_n can_v do_v and_o to_o know_v more_o than_o man_n can_v know_v for_o which_o reason_n in_o former_a age_n there_o be_v no_o more_o doubt_n make_v whether_o there_o be_v spirit_n than_o whether_o there_o be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o be_v continual_o sensible_a of_o the_o operation_n and_o effect_n of_o invisible_a being_n which_o make_v they_o exceed_o prone_a to_o idolatry_n but_o not_o incline_v to_o atheism_n and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o now_o in_o heathen_a country_n where_o apparition_n and_o delusion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v affirm_v by_o all_o writer_n to_o be_v very_o frequent_a but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n evil_a spirit_n by_o their_o subtlety_n and_o experience_n and_o knowledge_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o world_n do_v foretell_v thing_n which_o according_o come_v to_o pass_n they_o be_v thing_n that_o happen_v not_o long_o after_o and_o common_o such_o as_o themselves_o do_v excite_v and_o prompt_v man_n to_o thus_o when_o the_o conspiracy_n against_o caesar_n be_v come_v just_a to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n and_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o agent_n concern_v in_o it_o he_o can_v foretell_v the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o his_o death_n but_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v to_o pompey_n crassus_n and_o caesar_n himself_o before_o as_o two_o as_o tull._n de_fw-fr divin_n lib._n two_o tully_n inform_v we_o from_o his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o die_v in_o their_o bed_n and_o in_o a_o honourable_a old_a age._n some_o oracle_n may_v possible_o take_v their_o answer_n from_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o of_o jupiter_n hammon_n concern_v alexander_n victory_n if_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o a_o piece_n of_o flattery_n which_o prove_v true_a by_o chance_n evil_a spirit_n may_v likewise_o be_v able_a to_o inform_v man_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n of_o victory_n the_o same_o day_n they_o be_v win_v as_o it_o be_v relate_v ib._n relate_v ib._n of_o several_a and_o in_o
will_v recover_v he_o die_v while_o the_o answer_n be_v read_v that_o foretell_v his_o recovery_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n against_o natural_a conscience_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n make_v to_o mankind_n and_o so_o often_o promulge_v among_o all_o nation_n god_n may_v permit_v the_o devil_n to_o delude_v the_o world_n with_o such_o sign_n and_o prediction_n as_o either_o be_v indeed_o true_a or_o can_v not_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v false_a but_o by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o countenance_n and_o establish_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o evil_a spirit_n may_v be_v able_a to_o delude_v and_o impose_v upon_o man_n and_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n by_o their_o sagacity_n and_o cunning_a which_o may_v be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n not_o only_o to_o perform_v but_o to_o understand_v or_o find_v out_o but_o their_o miracle_n be_v never_o wrought_v to_o confirm_v any_o sound_n and_o useful_a doctrine_n nor_o have_v they_o be_v plain_o foretell_v by_o ancient_a prophecy_n as_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v be_v and_o the_o power_n by_o which_o our_o religion_n be_v attest_v and_o establish_v be_v so_o much_o superior_a to_o any_o power_n in_o the_o heathen_a god_n that_o when_o they_o be_v adjure_v by_o christian_n they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wicked_a and_o seduce_a spirit_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n declare_v in_o their_o writing_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o heathen_n of_o their_o own_o time_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o undertake_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n to_o prove_v it_o before_o they_o this_o tertullian_n undertake_v in_o 23._o in_o tertul_n apol._n c._n 23._o his_o apology_n as_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v write_v to_o the_o emperor_n and_o senate_n of_o rome_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o proconsul_n of_o afric_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o several_a city_n and_o province_n and_o st._n cyprian_n affirm_v the_o like_a in_o his_o treatise_n to_o demetrianus_n a_o judge_n of_o carthage_n or_o as_o some_o think_v the_o proconsul_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n likewise_o speak_v origen_n minutius_n foelix_n and_o other_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n will_v ever_o have_v make_v such_o public_a and_o repeat_v appeal_n if_o their_o pretence_n have_v be_v false_a to_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o own_o life_n and_o the_o utter_a disgrace_n and_o extirpation_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o plead_v for_o by_o such_o confident_a and_o bold_a discourse_n so_o easy_a to_o be_v disprove_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a man_n who_o have_v the_o wealth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o world_n on_o their_o side_n may_v perhaps_o sometime_o make_v large_a boast_n and_o high_a pretence_n when_o they_o can_v easy_o hinder_v other_o from_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o test_n but_o man_n that_o have_v all_o the_o power_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o empire_n against_o they_o will_v never_o have_v offer_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a to_o the_o face_n of_o their_o worst_a enemy_n to_o who_o their_o apology_n be_v direct_v chap._n iu._n the_o defect_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o heathen_a religion_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o heathen_a religion_n have_v be_v wicked_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n and_o goodness_n and_o purity_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n this_o might_n be_v make_v out_o at_o large_a by_o particular_n as_o i._o the_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v so_o confuse_v and_o absurd_a that_o the_o only_a evasion_n which_o the_o philosopher_n can_v find_v who_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o paganism_n against_o christianity_n be_v to_o expound_v their_o theology_n by_o allegory_n but_o this_o philo_n 10._o philo_n eâ—seâ—_n praepar_fw-la lib._n i_o c._n 9_o 10._o biblius_n censure_v as_o absurd_a and_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a abuse_n and_o innovation_n in_o their_o divinity_n in_o proof_n of_o which_o he_o allege_v the_o authority_n of_o sanchoniathan_n and_o eusebius_n beside_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n iii._o charge_n magnam_fw-la molestiam_fw-la suscepit_fw-la &_o minime_fw-la necessariam_fw-la primus_fw-la zeno_n post_fw-la â—â—eanthes_fw-la deinde_fw-la chrysippus_n commentitiarum_fw-la balarum_fw-la redâ—ere_fw-la rationem_fw-la ciâ—_n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n lib._n iii._o zeno_n first_o begin_v this_o way_n of_o allegorise_v in_o which_o he_o be_v follow_v by_o cleanthes_n chrysippus_n and_o other_o stoic_n 5._o stoic_n tertull._n ad_fw-la naâ—_n lib._n two_o c._n â—_o aug._n civ_o deâ—_n 〈◊〉_d 6._o c._n 5._o varro_n make_v three_o sort_n of_o heathen_a theology_n in_o the_o fabulous_a invent_v by_o the_o poet_n the_o physical_a or_o that_o of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o the_o civil_a or_o popular_a be_v such_o as_o the_o several_a city_n and_o country_n have_v set_v up_o 5._o up_o euseb_n praepar_fw-la lib._n 4._o c._n 5._o the_o greek_a theology_n be_v thus_o distinguish_v 1._o god_n who_o rule_v over_o all_o 2._o the_o god_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o govern_v above_o the_o moon_n 3._o the_o daemon_n who_o jurisdiction_n be_v in_o the_o air_n below_o it_o and_o 4._o the_o hero_n or_o soul_n of_o dead_a man_n who_o be_v imagine_v to_o preside_v over_o terrestrial_a affair_n which_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o prodigious_a multitude_n of_o their_o god_n 250._o god_n hesiod_n oper_n &_o dier_n lib._n i_o v._n 250._o whereof_o hesiod_n compute_v thirty_o thousand_o hover_v in_o the_o air_n unless_o he_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o indefinite_a number_n orpheus_n reckon_v but_o 365_o iii._o 365_o theop_n ad_fw-la autol._n lib._n iii._o and_o at_o his_o death_n in_o his_o will_n assert_v only_o one_o 12._o one_o tertul_n apol._n c._n 14._o gauge_n survey_v of_o the_o w._n indies_n c._n 12._o varro_n reckon_v up_o three_o hundred_o jupiter_n and_o the_o god_n of_o mexico_n as_o the_o indian_n report_v to_o the_o spaniard_n be_v two_o thousand_o in_o number_n varro_z tully_n and_o seneca_n and_o most_o sober_a and_o discreet_a man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o heathen_a god_n and_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n to_o which_o purpose_n the_o verse_n of_o valerius_n soranus_n 9_o soranus_n aug._n the_o civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n four_o c._n 31._o seven_o 9_o be_v produce_v and_o expound_v by_o varro_n the_o worship_n of_o their_o god_n and_o of_o their_o image_n or_o idol_n be_v so_o gross_a among_o the_o ancient_a heathen_a and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n in_o china_n and_o in_o both_o the_o indies_n that_o one_o will_v almost_o think_v it_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v so_o far_o delude_v by_o the_o devil_n they_o worship_v not_o only_o the_o ghost_n of_o dead_a man_n but_o bird_n and_o beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n and_o the_o devil_n himself_o under_o image_n of_o such_o hideous_a form_n and_o shape_n as_o be_v frightful_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o wise_a heathen_n be_v ashamed_a of_o these_o idolatry_n 31._o idolatry_n aug._n civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n four_o c._n 31._o and_o varro_n particular_o commend_v the_o jew_n for_o use_v no_o image_n in_o their_o divine_a worship_n which_o he_o fay_v be_v not_o in_o use_n at_o rome_n till_o above_o one_o hundred_o and_o seventy_o year_n after_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o city_n numae_fw-la city_n plut._n in_o vit_fw-mi numae_fw-la for_o numa_n the_o contriver_n of_o their_o religion_n forbid_v image_n which_o make_v it_o the_o more_o strange_a that_o the_o two_o the_o cic._n de_fw-fr nat._n dear_a lib._n iii._o the_o legib_n lib._n two_o roman_n shall_v afterward_o erect_v temple_n and_o altar_n to_o the_o most_o unlikely_a thing_n to_o a_o fever_n and_o to_o ill_a fortune_n as_o the_o two_o the_o cic._n de_fw-fr nat._n dear_a lib._n iii._o the_o legib_n lib._n two_o athenian_n do_v to_o contumely_n and_o impudence_n but_o it_o be_v still_o more_o amaze_a that_o they_o shall_v deify_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n the_o very_a monster_n and_o reproach_n of_o mankind_n and_o whilst_o the_o christian_n suffer_v for_o refuse_v adoration_n to_o their_o emperor_n they_o have_v divine_a honour_n pay_v they_o by_o the_o grave_a heathen_n such_o as_o prooem_n as_o quint_n inst_z lib._n prooem_n quinctilian_n not_o only_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n but_o out_o of_o compliment_n and_o base_a flattery_n 2._o all_o manner_n of_o debauchery_n and_o lewdness_n make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v too_o shameful_a and_o too_o notorious_a to_o relate_v two_o relate_v euseb_n praepar_fw-la lib._n two_o c._n ult_n ex_fw-la diony_n halicaâ—â—_n lib._n two_o the_o roman_n when_o they_o receive_v
the_o god_n of_o other_o nation_n do_v not_o worship_v they_o after_o their_o manner_n and_o yet_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o roman_n themselves_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o cybele_n flora_n bacchus_n etc._n etc._n be_v very_o scandalous_a and_o wicked_a and_o all_o their_o sport_n and_o spectacle_n which_o have_v nothing_o sure_o in_o they_o that_o can_v be_v proper_a for_o divine_a worship_n be_v invent_v and_o perform_v in_o honour_n of_o their_o god_n 8._o god_n quintil_n institut_fw-la lib._n iii._o c._n 8._o whence_o quinctilian_n say_v the_o theatre_n may_v be_v style_v a_o kind_n of_o temple_n 3._o but_o beside_o their_o bloody_a spectacle_n where_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o be_v kill_v by_o beast_n or_o by_o one_o another_o their_o altar_n themselves_o be_v not_o free_a from_o humane_a blood_n for_o the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o religion_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v such_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o offer_v up_o innocent_a man_n and_o child_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o deity_n some_o of_o the_o rabbin_n have_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o jephtha_n sacrifice_v his_o daughter_n but_o other_o deny_v it_o 40._o it_o vicunque_fw-la autem_fw-la seres_fw-fr ea_fw-la habuerit_fw-la id_fw-la certum_fw-la puto_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la reperiri_fw-la apud_fw-la magistros_fw-la qui_fw-la ex_fw-la jure_fw-la aliquo_fw-la immolandam_fw-la eam_fw-la esse_fw-la affirmaveâ—it_fw-la selden_n de_fw-la jure_fw-la nat._n &_o gent._n lib._n four_o c._n 2._o the_o daughter_n of_o israel_n go_v yearly_a to_o lament_v or_o to_o talk_v with_o 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n judg._n xi_o 40._o and_o all_o be_v agree_v that_o if_o he_o do_v sacrifice_v she_o he_o sin_v in_o do_v it_o and_o we_o know_v that_o abraham_n be_v hinder_v by_o a_o miracle_n and_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o slay_v isaac_n but_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n among_o the_o 10._o the_o grot._fw-la ad_fw-la deutr._fw-la xviii_o 10._o phoenician_n and_o canaanites_n for_o their_o king_n in_o time_n of_o great_a calamity_n to_o sacrifice_v one_o of_o their_o son_n who_o they_o love_v best_a and_o it_o be_v common_a both_o with_o they_o and_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n to_o sacrifice_v their_o child_n the_o egyptian_n the_o athenian_n and_o lacedaemonian_n and_o general_o all_o the_o grecian_n the_o roman_n and_o carthaginian_n the_o german_n and_o gaul_n and_o britain_n and_o in_o brief_a all_o the_o heathen_a nation_n throughout_o the_o world_n offer_v up_o man_n upon_o their_o altar_n and_o this_o not_o on_o certain_a emergency_n and_o in_o imminent_a danger_n only_o but_o constant_o and_o in_o some_o place_n every_o day_n but_o upon_o extraordinary_a accident_n multitude_n be_v sacrifice_v at_o once_o to_o their_o bloody_a deity_n festo_fw-la deity_n diodo_fw-la sic._n apud_fw-la euseb_n de_fw-fr laudib_n constant_n c._n xiii_o lanctant_fw-la lib._n i_o c._n 21._o ex_fw-la piscennio_n festo_fw-la as_o diodorus_n siculus_n and_o other_o relate_v that_o in_o africa_n two_o hundred_o child_n of_o the_o principal_a nobility_n be_v sacrifice_v to_o saturn_n at_o one_o time_n and_o ult_v and_o euseb_n praepar_fw-la lib._n four_o c._n 16._o macrob._n saturn_n lib._n i_o c._n 7._o alex._n ab_fw-la alexand._n lib._n 6._o c._n ult_v aristomenes_n sacrifice_v three_o hundred_o man_n together_o to_o jupiter_n ithometes_n one_o of_o who_o be_v theopompus_n king_n of_o the_o lacedæmonians_n and_o the_o same_o custom_n be_v find_v practise_v among_o the_o idolatrous_a indian_n of_o offer_v whole_a hecatomb_n of_o humane_a sacrifice_n to_o their_o false_a go_n 21._o go_n jos_n accost_n hist_o lib._n 5._o c._n 19_o 21._o in_o peru_n when_o their_o new_a ingra_n be_v crown_v they_o sacrifice_v two_o hundred_o child_n from_o four_o to_o ten_o year_n of_o age_n and_o the_o son_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o father_n when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o death_n sometime_o the_o mexican_n have_v sacrifice_v above_o five_o thousand_o of_o their_o captive_n in_o a_o day_n and_o in_o divers_a place_n above_o twenty_o thousand_o as_o acosta_n write_v out_o of_o the_o information_n he_o have_v from_o the_o indian_n 57_o indian_n liv._o lib._n xxii_o c._n 57_o livy_n make_v mention_n of_o humane_a sacrifice_n at_o rome_n and_o initio_fw-la and_o plutarch_n in_o marcello_n initio_fw-la plutarch_n say_v they_o continue_v in_o his_o time_n and_o it_o be_v not_o till_o about_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n reign_n that_o a_o final_a stop_n be_v put_v to_o so_o strange_a and_o abominable_a a_o practice_n for_o though_o it_o abate_v very_o much_o under_o adrian_n yet_o it_o be_v use_v when_o minutius_n felix_n write_v and_o 21._o and_o lact._n lib._n 1._o c._n 21._o lanctantius_n mention_n it_o as_o not_o lay_v aside_o in_o his_o time_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v so_o much_o against_o humane_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n yet_o it_o make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n and_o be_v become_v so_o customary_a that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o bring_v man_n off_o from_o it_o which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n demonstate_v both_o how_o false_a such_o religion_n be_v and_o that_o man_n have_v a_o most_o undoubted_a experience_n of_o invisible_a power_n or_o else_o in_o so_o many_o nation_n both_o the_o king_n and_o people_n will_v never_o have_v sacrifice_v their_o own_o child_n to_o their_o false_a god_n to_o avert_v the_o evil_n which_o they_o be_v threaten_v withal_o the_o person_n that_o introduce_v the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v either_o man_n of_o design_n who_o establish_v themselves_o in_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o it_o as_o numa_n or_o man_n of_o fancy_n and_o fiction_n as_o the_o poet_n who_o plato_n will_v have_v banish_v out_o of_o his_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o god_n of_o the_o heathen_n who_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o reveal_v these_o mystery_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v always_o more_o wicked_a than_o their_o votary_n who_o great_a immorality_n consist_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o they_o the_o gross_a enormity_n not_o only_o of_o venus_n and_o bacchus_n but_o of_o saturn_n and_o jupiter_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o need_v any_o particular_a relation_n there_o be_v no_o body_n of_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o good_a life_n propose_v by_o their_o oracle_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v in_o commendation_n of_o lascivions_n poet_n or_o they_o flatter_v tyrant_n or_o they_o appoint_v divine_a worship_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o such_o as_o win_v the_o mastery_n at_o the_o olympic_a game_n or_o to_o inanimate_a thing_n or_o they_o promote_v some_o other_o ill_o or_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a design_n as_o oenomaus_n the_o philosopher_n observe_v and_o prove_v by_o particular_a instance_n recite_v out_o of_o he_o by_o 35._o by_o euseb_n praepar_fw-la lib._n v._o c._n 34_o 35._o eusebius_n the_o law_n of_o lycurg_n of_o plutarch_n in_o lycurg_n lycurgus_n be_v approve_v of_o and_o confirm_v by_o the_o delphic_a oracle_n and_o yet_o theft_n and_o a_o community_n of_o wife_n and_o the_o murder_n of_o infant_n be_v allow_v by_o these_o law_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o the_o heathen_a religion_n can_v not_o be_v from_o god_n since_o they_o teach_v the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o of_o devil_n and_o the_o mystery_n and_o rite_n of_o they_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n and_o purity_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o whoever_o do_v but_o look_v into_o the_o religion_n at_o this_o day_n among_o the_o idolatrous_a indian_n by_o their_o ridiculous_a and_o cruel_a penance_n and_o other_o superstition_n beside_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o man_n and_o sometime_o of_o themselves_o as_o the_o woman_n who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v burn_v with_o the_o body_n of_o their_o dead_a husband_n and_o the_o like_a will_v soon_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o can_v be_v of_o god_n institution_n the_o chineses_n themselves_o who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n be_v like_o the_o rest_n both_o in_o their_o idolatry_n and_o in_o many_o of_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n it_o be_v evident_a therefore_o that_o none_o of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n can_v make_v any_o probable_a claim_n to_o divine_a revelation_n have_v none_o of_o the_o requisite_n to_o such_o a_o revelation_n but_o be_v but_o of_o a_o late_a original_a not_o far_o divulge_v support_v neither_o by_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n from_o god_n and_o contain_v doctrine_n that_o be_v idolatrous_a impure_a cruel_a and_o every_o way_n wicked_a and_o absurd_a chap._n v._o of_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n but_o beside_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_a divers_a of_o the_o philosopherss_n pretend_v to_o something_o supernatural_a as_o pythagoras_n socrates_n and_o some_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v proper_a here_o to_o examinlikewise_o the_o justice_n of_o their_o pretension_n and_o
main_a they_o be_v aâ—â—eed_o and_o whoever_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consulâ—â—â—em_v may_v be_v great_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n upon_o this_o very_a consideration_n that_o there_o be_v less_o difference_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o principal_a prophecy_n than_o there_o be_v in_o the_o comment_n upon_o most_o history_n and_o that_o those_o who_o differ_v in_o other_o matter_n must_v have_v the_o great_a evidence_n for_o that_o in_o which_o they_o do_v agree_v though_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n and_o variety_n of_o opinion_n in_o the_o calculation_n of_o the_o precise_a time_n when_o some_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v because_o it_o be_v dispute_v where_o the_o computation_n be_v to_o begin_v or_o how_o some_o other_o circumstance_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v yet_o all_o expositor_n be_v agree_v concern_v these_o very_a prophecy_n that_o they_o be_v fulfil_v for_o instance_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o sceptre_n be_v depart_v from_o judah_n whether_o that_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n or_o the_o jewish_a nation_n denominate_v from_o that_o tribe_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o city_n and_o sanctuary_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n take_v away_o though_o interpreter_n do_v not_o agree_v about_o the_o precise_a time_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o every_o particular_a plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n show_v that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v and_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n but_o about_o a_o circumstance_n and_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n because_o we_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v the_o exact_a time_n when_o every_o particular_a be_v fulfil_v though_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o they_o must_v have_v be_v all_o long_a since_o fulfil_v be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o history_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o uncertainty_n in_o chronology_n what_o man_n doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o homer_n because_o it_o be_v uncertain_a when_o he_o live_v or_o whether_o there_o ever_o be_v a_o trojan_a war_n because_o the_o time_n of_o the_o take_n of_o troy_n have_v be_v various_o determine_v and_o yet_o be_v there_o not_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o reject_v this_o or_o any_o other_o history_n which_o have_v occasion_v dispute_v in_o point_n of_o time_n as_o there_o can_v be_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o daniel_n prediction_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o there_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o controversy_n in_o explain_v his_o seventy_o week_n the_o prophecy_n itself_o be_v plain_a and_o the_o accomplishment_n certain_a however_o man_n may_v differ_v in_o assign_v the_o epocha_n of_o time_n history_n relate_v what_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o prophecy_n foretell_v what_o shall_v come_v and_o our_o uncertainty_n in_o point_n of_o time_n no_o more_o affect_v the_o credibility_n of_o the_o one_o than_o of_o the_o other_o we_o may_v be_v uncertain_a of_o the_o time_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o as_o uncertain_a of_o the_o time_n mention_v by_o the_o historian_n but_o when_o all_o other_o circumstance_n agree_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o our_o uncertainty_n as_o to_o the_o single_a circumstance_n of_o time_n shall_v be_v allege_v against_o the_o credibility_n of_o either_o of_o they_o but_o the_o obscurity_n arise_v from_o the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n 2._o some_o prophecy_n be_v purposely_o obscure_a because_o they_o do_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v but_o be_v design_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o information_n of_o precede_a age_n as_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o posterity_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o see_v they_o fulfil_v god_n do_v not_o send_v revelation_n to_o gratify_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n in_o acquaint_v they_o with_o what_o shall_v befall_v their_o posterity_n but_o rather_o conceal_v the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n from_o man_n because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o may_v have_v a_o ill_a effect_n in_o make_v they_o proud_a or_o careless_a and_o negligent_a or_o else_o too_o solicitous_a and_o concern_v about_o what_o be_v to_o befall_v their_o posterity_n the_o judgement_n and_o affliction_n of_o parent_n will_v be_v so_o much_o abate_v if_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a prospect_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o their_o posterity_n that_o they_o will_v lose_v that_o effect_n which_o god_n design_n by_o send_v his_o judgement_n and_o a_o perfect_a view_n of_o the_o misery_n which_o be_v to_o befall_v the_o posterity_n of_o the_o most_o happy_a parent_n will_v render_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o less_o blessing_n to_o they_o so_o that_o both_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o this_o life_n will_v very_o much_o lose_v their_o force_n and_o effect_n if_o prophecy_n be_v less_o obscure_a than_o they_o be_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o obscure_a and_o mysterious_a deliver_v of_o some_o prophecy_n that_o they_o thereby_o serve_v to_o prove_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o excite_v the_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n of_o man_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o day_n of_o every_o man_n death_n be_v conceal_v from_o we_o because_o the_o particular_a and_o distinct_a revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v cause_v security_n in_o some_o and_o despair_v in_o other_o and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o church_n and_o nation_n we_o be_v command_v to_o watch_v and_o pray_v watch_v you_o therefore_o lest_o come_v sudden_o he_o find_v you_o sleep_v and_o what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o watch_n mark_v xiii_o 35._o which_o in_o the_o direct_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n concern_v jerusalem_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o will_v extend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o any_o other_o city_n or_o to_o any_o other_o judgement_n which_o god_n have_v foretell_v but_o have_v conceal_v the_o time_n or_o other_o circumstance_n either_o by_o silence_n or_o by_o uncertain_a and_o mysterious_a form_n of_o speech_n a_o full_a prospect_n of_o prosperity_n to_o come_v oftentimes_o have_v prove_v fatal_a to_o man_n jeroboam_n hazael_n and_o jehu_n be_v the_o worse_a probable_o for_o the_o declaration_n make_v to_o they_o as_o achithophel_n if_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v plain_o what_o will_v befall_v he_o will_v in_o all_o likelihoe_v soon_o have_v hasten_v his_o own_o death_n whether_o therefore_o the_o event_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a and_o whether_o it_o concern_v ourselves_o or_o our_o posterity_n it_o be_v fit_v most_o time_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o because_o this_o will_v in_o great_a measure_n exclude_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o patience_n in_o man_n under_o their_o present_a condition_n and_o at_o the_o time_n of_o fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n which_o be_v now_o most_o obscure_a such_o a_o continue_a train_n and_o series_n of_o aftair_n with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n and_o particularity_n may_v appear_v in_o so_o full_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n as_o may_v convince_v infidel_n and_o confirm_v believer_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prediction_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n by_o who_o the_o event_n be_v foretell_v 3._o obscurity_n be_v necessary_a in_o some_o prophecy_n at_o the_o praef._n the_o euseb_n demonst_a evan._n â—ib_o vi_fw-la 〈…〉_o châ—â—â—â—n_v c._n 〈◊〉_d isai_n 〈◊〉_d theodoret_n in_o ezech_n praef._n father_n observe_v because_o without_o a_o constant_a miracle_n to_o preserve_v they_o they_o will_v otherwise_o have_v be_v lose_v and_o will_v never_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o posterity_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v some_o of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n state_n of_o humiliation_n his_o poverty_n and_o crucifixion_n and_o death_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o by_o the_o circumstance_n be_v manifest_a to_o we_o in_o the_o accomplishment_n but_o be_v write_v with_o some_o obscurity_n to_o conceal_v they_o from_o the_o obstinate_a and_o malicious_a jew_n that_o see_v they_o may_v see_v and_o not_o perceive_v for_o if_o they_o have_v full_o understand_v the_o scope_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o they_o will_v have_v endeavour_v rather_o to_o have_v suppress_v and_o destroy_v they_o than_o they_o will_v have_v suffer_v they_o to_o remain_v to_o be_v urge_v against_o themselves_o a_o people_n who_o be_v so_o whole_o possess_v with_o the_o notion_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o temporal_a messiah_n will_v have_v reject_v those_o prophecy_n which_o set_v forth_o his_o humiliation_n and_o crucifixion_n if_o they_o have_v be_v express_v in_o plain_a term_n they_o will_v have_v spare_v christ_n no_o more_o in_o the_o
who_o be_v not_o as_o singular_a in_o other_o thing_n and_o in_o his_o notion_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o have_v firm_o believe_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o concern_v all_o who_o have_v any_o doubt_n about_o these_o thing_n to_o weigh_v the_o objection_n with_o the_o answer_n that_o have_v be_v give_v to_o they_o by_o divers_a author_n and_o withal_o to_o observe_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o objection_n and_o how_o far_o they_o affect_v the_o main_a cause_n and_o still_o to_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v at_o every_o man_n be_v own_o peril_n if_o he_o make_v a_o rash_a and_o partial_a judgement_n if_o our_o faith_n can_v be_v of_o no_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n to_o we_o nor_o infidelity_n any_o prejudice_n we_o may_v take_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o give_v credit_n or_o no_o credit_n to_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o we_o use_v in_o the_o read_n all_o other_o book_n and_o to_o receive_v or_o reject_v it_o as_o we_o think_v fit_a or_o to_o believe_v only_o just_a so_o much_o as_o lies_z even_o with_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o notion_n of_o thing_n and_o at_o the_o worst_a this_o will_v be_v but_o folly_n in_o we_o but_o it_o be_v madness_n to_o reject_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a because_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o use_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a or_o be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v every_o word_n of_o that_o book_n which_o contain_v the_o term_n of_o our_o salvation_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o son_n shall_v choose_v to_o live_v miserable_o rather_o than_o to_o enjoy_v a_o large_a estate_n leave_v he_o by_o his_o father_n because_o he_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o design_n and_o full_a meaning_n of_o every_o particular_a in_o his_o will_n he_o search_v out_o for_o all_o way_n and_o art_n for_o cavil_v at_o it_o and_o be_v fond_a of_o any_o pretence_n to_o cast_v it_o aside_o as_o counterfeit_n be_v resolve_v never_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v his_o father_n for_o his_o father_n be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v he_o such_o and_o such_o clause_n will_v not_o be_v in_o it_o since_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o he_o can_v see_v why_o they_o shall_v be_v insert_v several_a thing_n mention_v in_o it_o he_o believe_v be_v mistimed_n the_o bound_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o describe_v by_o fit_a name_n beside_o it_o be_v interline_v and_o he_o never_o will_v accept_v of_o such_o a_o estate_n convey_v to_o he_o by_o such_o a_o will_n but_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v miserable_a all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n this_o will_v be_v such_o peevishness_n and_o perverseness_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o where_o our_o temporal_a interest_n be_v concern_v but_o too_o many_o be_v too_o forward_o to_o reject_v the_o tender_v and_o despise_v the_o term_n of_o a_o everlasting_a inheritance_n in_o heaven_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o become_v obnoxious_a to_o all_o the_o curse_n threaten_v to_o unbeliever_n because_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n contain_v some_o thing_n which_o may_v afford_v matter_n of_o exception_n and_o cavil_v to_o captious_a men._n god_n have_v send_v his_o prophet_n to_o call_v and_o admonish_v we_o and_o his_o son_n to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o by_o his_o death_n and_o to_o offer_v we_o eternal_a peace_n and_o happiness_n and_o he_o have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o it_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v the_o jew_n have_v assert_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o christian_n assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o not_o to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o not_o without_o any_o prospect_n of_o advantage_n by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n but_o with_o a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o torment_n and_o death_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o become_v christian_n when_o in_o this_o world_n christian_n be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a and_o be_v support_v only_o by_o the_o steadfast_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n after_o this_o life_n and_o all_o thing_n consider_v we_o have_v as_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o have_v not_o only_o that_o any_o other_o book_n be_v compose_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n it_o bear_v but_o as_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n now_o what_o do_v these_o man_n how_o do_v they_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n why_o they_o overlook_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o search_v up_o and_o down_o for_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a passage_n to_o disprove_v it_o by_o not_o consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o nothing_o can_v overthrow_v their_o authority_n but_o that_o which_o can_v invalidate_v the_o evidence_n by_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v it_o will_v be_v the_o high_a folly_n and_o ingratitude_n thus_o to_o despise_v god_n mercy_n and_o care_n over_o we_o if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o infinite_a danger_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o madness_n for_o what_o mild_a term_n can_v be_v find_v to_o express_v the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o they_o who_o reject_v a_o book_n which_o set_v before_o we_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n forewarn_v we_o upon_o pain_n of_o the_o severe_a effect_n of_o god_n displeasure_n not_o to_o neglect_v they_o it_o be_v madness_n i_o say_v if_o we_o right_o consider_v it_o to_o reject_v such_o a_o book_n and_o at_o once_o both_o to_o affront_v the_o mercy_n and_o despise_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o infinite_o merciful_a and_o the_o infinite_o great_a and_o powerful_a god_n it_o be_v a_o good_a caution_n to_o the_o atheist_n to_o forbear_v his_o blasphemy_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n for_o fear_v it_o shall_v prove_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n at_o last_o and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v a_o dismal_a thing_n after_o all_o his_o profane_a talk_v and_o argue_v to_o be_v call_v before_o that_o god_n who_o he_o have_v so_o often_o deny_v and_o it_o be_v as_o good_a advice_n to_o those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o scripture_n to_o consider_v serious_o whether_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o these_o be_v not_o god_n word_n after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o certain_a of_o this_o the_o name_n and_o title_n which_o they_o bear_v and_o which_o man_n as_o wise_a and_o as_o judicious_a as_o themselves_o think_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o shall_v methinks_v keep_v man_n within_o some_o bound_n of_o modesty_n and_o discretion_n for_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v more_o evident_a than_o how_o dear_o must_v they_o pay_v for_o a_o little_a cavil_v wit_n and_o subtilty_n the_o best_a and_o most_o divine_a thing_n may_v be_v despise_v and_o affront_v by_o a_o bold_a and_o scurrilous_a wit_n but_o can_v man_n think_v it_o a_o safe_a or_o a_o prudent_a thing_n to_o ridicule_n and_o scoff_n at_o those_o book_n which_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v may_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n when_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o they_o fancy_n themselves_o so_o great_a master_n can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v the_o argument_n bring_v in_o vindication_n of_o they_o can_v they_o value_v the_o contemptible_a reputation_n of_o a_o little_a satyr_n and_o drollery_n at_o that_o mighty_a rate_n as_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o if_o man_n have_v any_o real_a doubt_n or_o scruple_n they_o must_v needs_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v too_o serious_a a_o thing_n to_o jest_n and_o trifle_v withal_o when_o no_o less_o than_o the_o term_n of_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o everlasting_a misery_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n and_o what_o wit_n there_o may_v be_v in_o it_o i_o can_v tell_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o a_o very_a wise_a man_n to_o speak_v contemptible_o of_o a_o book_n by_o which_o he_o can_v never_o prove_v but_o that_o he_o must_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n as_o a_o madman_n say_v solomon_n who_o cast_v firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n so_o be_v the_o man_n that_o deceive_v his_o neighbour_n and_o say_v be_o not_o i_o