by_o chance_n and_o without_o any_o certain_a principle_n chap._n xx._n a_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o china_n against_o the_o mosaic_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o newness_n of_o the_o world._n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o other_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v make_v against_o moses_n calculation_n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n text_n as_o we_o have_v it_o now_o it_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o history_n of_o china_n who_o uninterrupted_a series_n run_v up_o the_o succession_n of_o their_o emperor_n to_o fobius_fw-la who_o reign_v about_o four_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o flood_n some_o learned_a man_n have_v already_o make_v use_n of_o that_o argument_n to_o discredit_v the_o mosaic_a chronology_n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o to_o cry_v up_o the_o calculation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n which_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n in_o the_o history_n before_o the_o flood_n by_o 800_o year_n and_o above_o 700_o in_o the_o history_n from_o the_o flood_n to_o moses_n this_o objection_n appear_v very_o strong_a to_o those_o who_o read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o martinius_n that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o interruption_n in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o king_n of_o china_n from_o fobius_fw-la that_o the_o history_n of_o their_o action_n be_v so_o certain_a have_v always_o be_v write_v by_o a_o public_a authority_n that_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o entertain_v any_o doubt_n about_o it_o and_o the_o missionary_n in_o china_n have_v think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o reconcile_v the_o mosaic_a chronology_n with_o the_o chinese_n but_o in_o make_v use_n of_o the_o septuagint_n account_n and_o wherein_o they_o agree_v with_o all_o the_o asiatic_a christian_n and_o even_o those_o in_o europe_n who_o follow_v the_o septuagint_n in_o their_o reckon_n up_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o most_o part_n though_o st._n hierome_n translation_n which_o follow_v the_o hebrew_n text_n exact_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o west_n but_o after_o all_o there_o be_v little_a difficulty_n in_o answer_v this_o objection_n and_o we_o may_v hereupon_o easy_o satisfy_v those_o who_o do_v not_o dispute_v only_o for_o dispute_v sake_n but_o be_v ready_a to_o examine_v this_o question_n with_o that_o equity_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o question_n of_o that_o nature_n i_o confess_v ingenious_o that_o this_o history_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a in_o the_o world_n have_v many_o illustrious_a character_n of_o certainty_n especial_o if_o we_o give_v credit_n to_o all_o that_o martinius_n relate_v of_o it_o first_o it_o mark_v out_o exact_o the_o series_n and_o succession_n of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o china_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n and_o original_n of_o that_o nation_n second_o it_o record_v in_o what_o year_n of_o each_o cycle_n of_o threescore_o year_n every_o king_n begin_v his_o reign_n and_o do_v such_o or_o such_o a_o action_n three_o it_o relate_v some_o astronomical_a observation_n old_a than_o any_o that_o have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a astronomer_n in_o other_o nation_n four_o it_o be_v write_v by_o a_o public_a authority_n and_o by_o such_o author_n as_o live_v in_o the_o time_n when_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o record_v be_v transact_v the_o immediate_a successor_n to_o the_o empire_n take_v always_o care_v that_o the_o history_n of_o his_o predecessor_n shall_v be_v write_v nay_o to_o all_o this_o we_o must_v add_v that_o the_o chinese_n way_n of_o writing_n make_v no_o use_n of_o letter_n but_o of_o hieroglyphic_n may_v have_v prevent_v these_o alteration_n which_o may_v otherwise_o have_v be_v make_v in_o their_o history_n the_o whole_a life_n of_o a_o man_n be_v hardly_o sufficient_a to_o attain_v to_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o a_o tongue_n which_o have_v above_o threescore_o thousand_o figure_n which_o must_v be_v all_o learn_v before_o a_o man_n can_v be_v able_a only_o to_o read_v and_o write_v but_o beside_o that_o all_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o martinius_n no_o body_n else_o beside_o he_o have_v give_v we_o as_o yet_o any_o opportunity_n of_o examine_v those_o ancient_a monument_n of_o china_n we_o may_v find_v out_o of_o this_o very_a history_n some_o strong_a proof_n to_o confirm_v that_o of_o moses_n and_o so_o easy_o resolve_v the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v out_o of_o it_o against_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n first_o f._n martinius_n observe_v that_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o chinese_n be_v that_o the_o world_n have_v a_o beginning_n and_o though_o there_o be_v some_o of_o they_o of_o epicurus_n opinion_n yet_o there_o be_v never_o any_o among_o they_o that_o be_v for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n but_o since_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o introduction_n of_o idolatry_n among_o they_o second_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o common_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n who_o they_o call_v xangti_n which_o be_v not_o the_o name_n but_o the_o epithet_n of_o god_n this_o word_n signify_v supreme_a governor_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n three_o he_o say_v that_o they_o acknowledge_v a_o first_o man_n bring_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o chaos_n in_o one_o night_n in_o the_o spring_n which_o opinion_n some_o among_o they_o have_v make_v intricate_a by_o the_o addition_n of_o their_o own_o fable_n four_o he_o show_v that_o sacrifice_n have_v be_v in_o use_n among_o they_o five_o that_o they_o believe_v a_o certainty_n of_o punishment_n and_o reward_n after_o this_o life_n for_o vice_n and_o virtue_n six_o that_o they_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a angel_n seven_o that_o they_o assign_v to_o some_o of_o they_o the_o protection_n of_o city_n and_o province_n and_o pay_v they_o great_a veneration_n at_o the_o instalment_n of_o their_o magistrate_n eight_o that_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v incorporeal_a being_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o of_o late_a that_o they_o have_v erect_v and_o consecrate_a statue_n to_o they_o and_o last_o that_o they_o have_v a_o very_a great_a knowledge_n of_o the_o flood_n which_o in_o their_o account_n happen_v about_o 3500_o year_n before_o jesus_n christ_n here_o be_v we_o see_v many_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n and_o which_o be_v know_v to_o they_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v easy_o judge_v in_o compare_v those_o truth_n with_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n that_o the_o ancient_a chinese_n do_v agree_v with_o all_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o believe_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n lay_v down_o by_o moses_n we_o may_v likewise_o observe_v that_o those_o antiquity_n of_o china_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v as_o like_o those_o record_v by_o moses_n as_o a_o tradition_n which_o can_v but_o have_v receive_v many_o alteration_n during_o such_o a_o long_a interval_n of_o time_n can_v be_v like_a to_o a_o exact_a narrative_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n draw_v up_o by_o a_o author_n who_o know_v very_o well_o what_o he_o write_v first_o it_o appear_v that_o what_o they_o say_v concern_v the_o thirteen_o successor_n of_o the_o first_o man_n name_v puoncuus_fw-la all_o descend_v from_o he_o be_v agreeable_a enough_o to_o the_o history_n of_o genesis_n which_o set_v down_o the_o successive_a patriarch_n from_o father_n to_o son._n all_o the_o difference_n be_v that_o the_o chinese_n by_o a_o foolish_a ambition_n of_o appropriate_v all_o to_o themselves_o maintain_v that_o those_o thirteen_o king_n be_v all_o in_o china_n second_o what_o they_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o world_n be_v civilise_v under_o the_o second_o of_o those_o king_n call_v thienhoang_v after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o great_a dragon_n that_o have_v disturb_v heaven_n and_o earth_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o history_n of_o seth_n who_o begin_v to_o form_n mankind_n to_o a_o right_a notion_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n when_o he_o separate_v they_o from_o cain_n family_n three_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o when_o the_o chinese_n have_v reckon_v up_o thirteen_o king_n lineal_o descend_v from_o the_o first_o man_n and_o his_o successor_n they_o have_v include_v in_o that_o number_n cain_n and_o abel_n who_o though_o they_o be_v both_o the_o son_n of_o the_o first_o man_n yet_o be_v not_o reckon_v up_o by_o moses_n because_o his_o scope_n be_v only_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o lineal_a descent_n of_o adam_n posterity_n by_o seth._n they_o believe_v that_o under_o ginhohang_fw-mi there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o golden_a age_n the_o earth_n be_v then_o fruitful_a to_o admiration_n and_o that_o under_o his_o successor_n man_n be_v extreme_o simple_a and_o altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o several_a art_n necessary_a to_o human_a life_n as_o of_o character_n and_o letter_n one_o sujus_fw-la to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o they_o
oracle_n as_o we_o understand_v it_o have_v be_v entertain_v among_o the_o heathen_n who_o build_v their_o fable_n of_o perseus_n upon_o it_o who_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin._n 3._o it_o appear_v that_o all_o those_o law_n which_o i_o mention_v in_o my_o reflection_n upon_o exodus_fw-la and_o the_o follow_a book_n chap._n xx._n and_o which_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o state_n of_o virginity_n receive_v much_o light_n from_o this_o notion_n and_o be_v without_o it_o altogether_o useless_a 4._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o dispute_v this_o character_n till_o after_o they_o see_v that_o the_o christian_n apply_v it_o to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o thereupon_o have_v fall_v upon_o such_o childish_a fancy_n as_o may_v just_o cover_v they_o with_o confusion_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v yet_o further_o satisfy_v hereof_o if_o we_o add_v to_o all_o these_o just_a prejudices_fw-la only_o the_o follow_a reflection_n on_o the_o term_n the_o prophet_n make_v use_v of_o the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o lxx_o interpreter_n have_v in_o translate_n this_o prophecy_n make_v use_v of_o a_o word_n that_o signify_v a_o virgin_n and_o not_o a_o young_a woman_n as_o the_o jew_n have_v understand_v it_o since_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o first_o who_o reject_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n be_v symmachus_n 9_o in_o dialog_n cum_fw-la tryphon_n tertull._n count_v jud._n cap._n 9_o who_o live_v in_o the_o second_o century_n as_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n who_o for_o this_o reason_n accuse_v the_o jew_n of_o have_v falsify_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o hebrew_n word_n express_o signify_v such_o a_o one_o as_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o virgin_n be_v keep_v under_o lock_n and_o key_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a nation_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o jew_n which_o continue_v among_o they_o till_o this_o day_n the_o three_o be_v that_o this_o word_n have_v be_v take_v by_o the_o african_n in_o the_o same_o signification_n as_o st._n jerome_n observe_v the_o four_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v set_v forth_o this_o child-bearing_a as_o a_o prodigy_n and_o miracle_n altogether_o unheard_a of_o and_o as_o a_o particular_a character_n by_o which_o the_o house_n of_o david_n be_v to_o be_v strong_o confirm_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o see_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o settle_v a_o eternal_a kingdom_n upon_o it_o which_o can_v not_o be_v accomplish_v but_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o five_o be_v that_o though_o some_o jew_n have_v apply_v this_o prophecy_n to_o king_n hezekiah_n l._n raschi_n in_o h._n l._n which_o yet_o to_o other_o of_o they_o seem_v very_o ridiculous_a he_o be_v nine_o year_n of_o age_n when_o the_o prophecy_n be_v utter_v by_o isaiah_n and_o themselves_o never_o make_v use_n of_o this_o evasion_n except_o in_o their_o dispute_n against_o the_o christian_n and_o so_o on_o this_o occasion_n have_v drop_v a_o confession_n which_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confound_v they_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v a_o thing_n so_o general_o receive_v among_o they_o that_o this_o prophecy_n do_v respect_v the_o messiah_n that_o after_o they_o have_v apply_v it_o to_o hezekiah_n one_o of_o their_o most_o famous_a doctor_n conclude_v chelech_n gemar_fw-la in_o sanhed_n cap._n chelech_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o look_v for_o no_o messiah_n since_o the_o time_n of_o hezekiah_n that_o prophecy_n have_v have_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o he_o a_o opinion_n which_o those_o that_o succeed_v he_o have_v reject_v with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n the_o six_o be_v that_o the_o title_n of_o immanuel_n give_v to_o this_o son_n who_o birth_n be_v here_o promise_v be_v represent_v to_o we_o chap._n viii_o as_o the_o name_n of_o he_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o land_n which_o be_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o the_o heir_n promise_v to_o david_n to_o who_o david_n say_v o_o god_n thy_o god_n have_v anoint_v thou_o with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o thy_o fellow_n psal_n xlv_o 7_o 8._o the_o seven_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n have_v allege_v and_o cite_v two_o witness_n uriah_n the_o son_n of_o shemaiah_n a_o prophet_n who_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o jehoiakim_n and_o zechariah_n the_o son_n of_o jeberechiah_n the_o former_a of_o which_o live_v long_o after_o ahaz_n and_o the_o latter_a since_o the_o captivity_n under_o darius_n king_n of_o persia_n according_a to_o the_o account_n the_o jew_n themselves_o give_v of_o they_o he_o sufficient_o hint_n by_o this_o circumstance_n that_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o immanuel_n he_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v many_o age_n after_o and_o not_o in_o that_o age_n wherein_o he_o prophecy_n chap._n xv._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o private_a state_n god_n have_v not_o only_o point_v out_o the_o time_n in_o which_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o appear_v with_o the_o miraculous_a manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o his_o birth_n but_o he_o have_v also_o name_v the_o family_n the_o place_n with_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o family_n in_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v as_o a_o triple_a character_n by_o which_o he_o may_v be_v know_v i_o say_v first_o that_o according_a to_o the_o divine_a oracle_n the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o follow_a oracle_n 1._o god_n express_o promise_v as_o much_o to_o david_n two_o sam._n chap._n vii_o a_o place_n i_o have_v quote_v before_o which_o prove_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n 2._o it_o appear_v that_o david_n believe_v this_o himself_n from_o psalm_n cxxxii_o vers_fw-la 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o and_o 18._o the_o lord_n have_v swear_v in_o truth_n unto_o david_n he_o will_v not_o turn_v from_o it_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o body_n will_v i_o set_v upon_o thy_o throne_n and_o after_o have_v say_v verse_n 12._o that_o if_o his_o child_n will_v keep_v his_o covenant_n that_o their_o child_n also_o shall_v sit_v upon_o his_o throne_n for_o evermore_o and_o this_o because_o verse_n 13_o &_o 14._o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v zion_n and_o desire_v it_o for_o his_o habitation_n etc._n etc._n and_o promise_a verse_n 15._o that_o he_o will_v abundant_o bless_v her_o provision_n and_o satisfy_v her_o poor_a with_o bread_n that_o he_o will_v verse_n 16._o clothe_v her_o priest_n with_o salvation_n and_o make_v her_o saint_n shout_n for_o joy_n he_o subjoin_v verse_n 17_o &_o 18._o there_o i_o will_v make_v the_o horn_n of_o david_n to_o bud_n i_o have_v ordain_v a_o lamp_n for_o i_o anoint_v his_o enemy_n i_o will_v clothe_v with_o shame_n but_o upon_o himself_o shall_v his_o crown_n flourish_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o by_o this_o horn_n of_o david_n be_v to_o be_v mean_v a_o king_n the_o messiah_n who_o he_o distinguish_v by_o that_o expression_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o david_n child_n and_o zachariah_n in_o his_o song_n of_o praise_n luke_n i._o verse_n 69._o apply_v it_o to_o our_o saviour_n put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n 3._o hence_o it_o be_v the_o prophet_n take_v occasion_n to_o give_v to_o the_o messiah_n the_o name_n of_o david_n so_o ezek._n xxxiv_o vers_fw-la 23_o 24._o and_o i_o will_v set_v up_o one_o shepherd_n over_o they_o and_o he_o shall_v feed_v they_o even_o my_o servant_n david_n he_o shall_v feed_v they_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v their_o shepherd_n and_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o my_o servant_n david_n a_o prince_n among_o they_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o 4._o the_o jew_n be_v and_o have_v always_o be_v firm_a in_o this_o persuasion_n ground_v on_o the_o foresay_a and_o other_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o constant_o refer_v to_o the_o messiah_n i_o say_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o the_o divine_a oracle_n express_o point_v out_o bethlehem_n for_o the_o birth-place_n of_o the_o messiah_n micah_n the_o v._o verse_n 2._o but_o thou_o bethlehem_n ephratah_n though_o thou_o be_v little_a among_o the_o thousand_o of_o judah_n yet_o out_o of_o thou_o shall_v he_o come_v forth_o unto_o i_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o israel_n who_o go_n forth_o have_v be_v from_o of_o old_a from_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n the_o jew_n acknowledge_v that_o this_o oracle_n speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o indeed_o the_o prophet_n distinguish_v by_o bethlehem_n add_v the_o word_n ephratah_n whence_o the_o family_n
of_o the_o tree_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o garden_n when_o he_o leave_v the_o rest_n to_o their_o free_a use_n not_o only_o for_o that_o he_o have_v give_v the_o rainbow_n as_o a_o new_a sign_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o mankind_n nor_o only_o because_o they_o have_v practise_v those_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v by_o their_o parent_n and_o ancestor_n before_o the_o deluge_n but_o because_o the_o same_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o that_o action_n which_o draw_v upon_o cham_n his_o father_n curse_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o cham_n deride_v the_o nakedness_n of_o his_o father_n and_o of_o his_o father_n take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o curse_v he_o so_o solemn_o and_o that_o in_o the_o person_n of_o canaan_n his_o first-born_a if_o it_o be_v only_o a_o piece_n of_o irreverence_n in_o the_o father_n what_o reason_n have_v noah_n to_o curse_v the_o son_n on_o that_o account_n or_o be_v it_o as_o some_o have_v suppose_v that_o canaan_n have_v give_v occasion_n first_o to_o his_o father_n irreverence_n by_o acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o disorder_n in_o which_o he_o have_v find_v his_o grandfather_n noah_n without_o doubt_n there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o this_o history_n sure_o it_o be_v that_o the_o account_v give_v we_o of_o cham_fw-mi represent_v he_o as_o a_o profane_a person_n and_o deep_o tincture_v with_o the_o maxim_n of_o cain_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o seem_v to_o hint_n to_o we_o that_o he_o suppose_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n either_o frustrate_v by_o the_o death_n of_o abel_n or_o altogether_o false_a he_o make_v his_o father_n nakedness_n the_o subject_n of_o his_o mockery_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v incapable_a of_o beget_v any_o more_o child_n and_o therefore_o incapable_a of_o contribute_v to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o hope_n of_o which_o he_o account_v himself_o so_o happy_a that_o he_o have_v escape_v the_o deluge_n what_o mean_v it_o also_o that_o noah_n pronounce_v so_o terrible_a a_o curse_n against_o the_o posterity_n of_o cham_n by_o canaan_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v a_o accomplishment_n to_o that_o promise_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n whole_o exterminate_v by_o joshuah_n when_o god_n put_v the_o posterity_n of_o shem_n by_o abraham_n in_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n it_o be_v very_o natural_a for_o we_o to_o conceive_v that_o noah_n consider_v his_o son_n cham_n deride_v of_o he_o not_o only_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o as_o his_o father_n but_o also_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o horrid_a impiety_n which_o attack_v god_n himself_o as_o make_v that_o promise_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n a_o subject_n of_o raillery_n this_o reflection_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o cham_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o noah_n consequent_a to_o it_o do_v appear_v very_o natural_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o noah_n can_v not_o but_o reflect_v upon_o the_o name_n his_o father_n have_v give_v he_o and_o the_o special_a favour_n show_v to_o he_o in_o be_v alone_o preserve_v of_o all_o the_o posterity_n of_o adam_n and_o consequent_o the_o only_a person_n in_o the_o world_n by_o who_o this_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v 1._o herod_n lib._n 1._o justin_n hist_o lib._n 1._o valeria_n max_n lib._n 1._o at_o least_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o reflection_n be_v as_o natural_a as_o it_o will_v have_v be_v just_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o fact_n of_o cruel_a astyages_n if_o when_o he_o have_v as_o he_o think_v sufficient_o clude_v his_o dream_n which_o presage_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n of_o mandane_n his_o daughter_n he_o have_v find_v she_o indecent_o uncover_v and_o have_v take_v thence_o occasion_n deride_o to_o reflect_v with_o his_o other_o child_n upon_o a_o dream_n which_o seem_v to_o promise_v to_o the_o son_n of_o mandane_n the_o throne_n of_o all_o asia_n and_o threaten_v the_o ruin_n of_o his_o own_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n worth_a our_o note_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ezra_n the_o samaritan_n have_v so_o fresh_a a_o memory_n of_o cham_n sin_n 14_o ezra_n iu._n 14_o which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v general_o preserve_v among_o other_o nation_n that_o in_o their_o letter_n to_o king_n artaxerxes_n against_o the_o jew_n who_o rebuilt_a jerusalem_n they_o declare_v they_o will_v not_o discover_v the_o king_n nakedness_n imply_v that_o they_o can_v not_o consent_v to_o the_o injury_n he_o may_v receive_v from_o the_o jew_n in_o suffering_n jerusalem_n to_o be_v rebuilt_a it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o repeat_v those_o other_o argument_n which_o prove_v that_o the_o child_n of_o noah_n have_v reason_n to_o be_v and_o be_v actual_o as_o much_o convince_v of_o the_o creation_n and_o first_o promise_n as_o their_o ancestor_n be_v for_o see_v that_o these_o argument_n be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o their_o father_n have_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v better_o proceed_v to_o the_o enquiry_n whether_o their_o posterity_n that_o follow_v they_o have_v the_o same_o persuasion_n they_o have_v which_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v in_o make_v some_o reflection_n on_o the_o follow_a age_n and_o upon_o those_o who_o descend_v from_o noah_n and_o his_o child_n chap._n fourteen_o that_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n be_v child_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o first_o promise_n if_o noah_n see_v methusalem_n who_o have_v see_v adam_n and_o his_o posterity_n before_o the_o deluge_n abraham_n see_v shem_n and_o his_o child_n who_o be_v unquestionable_a witness_n of_o what_o have_v pass_v before_o and_o since_o the_o flood_n noah_n die_v 350_o year_n after_o the_o deluge_n it_o appear_v that_o his_o death_n happen_v in_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 2006_o so_o that_o noah_n die_v only_o two_o year_n before_o the_o birth_n of_o abraham_n he_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o year_n 2008._o abraham_n live_v 150_o year_n with_o shem_n who_o die_v in_o the_o year_n 2158_o and_o 88_o year_n with_o arphaxad_a the_o son_n of_o shem_n who_o die_v in_o the_o year_n 2096_o he_o live_v 118_o year_n with_o selah_n son_n of_o arphaxad_n who_o die_v in_o the_o year_n 2126_o and_o 179_o year_n with_o heber_n the_o son_n of_o selah_n who_o die_v in_o the_o year_n 2187._o isaac_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o year_n 2108_o may_v see_v shem_n selah_n and_o heber_n who_o for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n have_v converse_v with_o noah_n and_o his_o other_o child_n i_o say_v we_o may_v suppose_v he_o to_o have_v converse_v with_o those_o patriarch_n or_o at_o least_o with_o those_o who_o be_v their_o contemporary_n discourse_v of_o noah_n as_o a_o man_n but_o of_o yesterday_o and_o from_o his_o relation_n and_o his_o child_n be_v inform_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o adam_n his_o fall_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a seed_n the_o death_n of_o abel_n the_o miracle_n of_o paradise_n the_o preach_a of_o noah_n the_o deluge_n etc._n etc._n and_o who_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n observe_v by_o their_o ancestor_n do_v meet_v together_o fifty_o two_o time_n every_o year_n to_o celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o these_o wonder_n and_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o their_o posterity_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o three_o thing_n here_o which_o conduce_v much_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o these_o matter_n the_o first_o be_v 1060._o de_fw-fr dea_fw-la syra_n p._n 1060._o that_o the_o ark_n itself_o may_v be_v see_v by_o all_o the_o world_n as_o a_o certain_a monument_n of_o the_o deluge_n and_o the_o save_n of_o noah_n and_o his_o son_n this_o monument_n continue_v very_o many_o age_n after_o abraham_n and_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o deluge_n among_o the_o pagan_n as_o lucian_n to_o name_v no_o more_o acquaint_v we_o the_o second_o be_v that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o any_o of_o abraham_n contemporary_n as_o for_o abraham_n to_o deduce_v his_o genealogy_n from_o noah_n and_o his_o child_n and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o easy_a because_o the_o first_o division_n of_o the_o world_n among_o the_o three_o son_n of_o noah_n be_v follow_v by_o another_o partition_n among_o their_o posterity_n in_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 1758_o a_o division_n which_o give_v they_o a_o just_a title_n of_o possession_n to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o they_o be_v seat_v in_o defence_n of_o which_o it_o seem_v probable_a that_o the_o war_n of_o chedorlaomer_n mention_v the_o xiii_o of_o genesis_n be_v undertake_v the_o family_n of_o cham_n have_v invade_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o shem_n as_o we_o shall_v
to_o have_v design_v to_o keep_v up_o a_o spirit_n of_o jealousy_n in_o the_o very_a bosom_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n we_o have_v see_v in_o general_a that_o god_n by_o give_v his_o law_n to_o the_o israelite_n intend_v to_o discriminate_a they_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o particular_a from_o those_o nation_n which_o have_v show_v themselves_o to_o be_v jealous_a of_o that_o distinction_n i_o mean_v from_o the_o moabite_n the_o ammonite_n the_o ismaelite_n and_o the_o edomite_n as_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o show_v i_o have_v likewise_o observe_v that_o god_n by_o his_o conduct_n and_o his_o oracle_n do_v also_o excite_v a_o spirit_n of_o jealousy_n among_o the_o several_a pretender_n to_o the_o promise_n i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v that_o god_n have_v follow_v the_o same_o design_n in_o his_o law_n and_o that_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o that_o jealousy_n as_o of_o another_o mean_n to_o make_v that_o people_n which_o he_o have_v separate_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n keep_v up_o always_o among_o themselves_o a_o lively_a notion_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n perhaps_o the_o reader_n may_v think_v that_o these_o reflection_n may_v interrupt_v the_o series_n of_o the_o observation_n i_o have_v undertake_v to_o make_v upon_o moses_n law_n but_o beside_o that_o i_o shall_v resume_v they_o present_o so_o one_o may_v easy_o discern_v that_o these_o two_o remark_n concern_v the_o spirit_n of_o distinction_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o jealousy_n keep_v up_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o this_o people_n aught_o to_o be_v well_o consider_v by_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o genius_n of_o god_n law_n and_o the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o transaction_n relate_v by_o moses_n and_o by_o the_o other_o sacred_a author_n who_o act_v in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o design_n which_o appear_v in_o those_o law_n which_o moses_n give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n i_o begin_v with_o two_o general_a reflection_n which_o i_o think_v be_v very_o useful_a in_o the_o explication_n of_o god_n conduct_n upon_o this_o occasion_n two_o thing_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v have_v conduce_v to_o keep_v up_o that_o jealousy_n whereof_o moses_n have_v give_v so_o many_o instance_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n the_o first_o be_v the_o preference_n which_o god_n have_v common_o give_v to_o the_o young_a brother_n before_o the_o elder_n the_o second_o be_v the_o choice_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o such_o particular_a person_n as_o appear_v absolute_o unworthy_a of_o god_n choice_n so_o that_o here_o one_o see_v we_o a_o continual_a series_n in_o the_o jewish_a history_n write_v by_o moses_n and_o by_o the_o prophet_n who_o make_v the_o same_o observation_n upon_o that_o model_n which_o moses_n have_v give_v they_o first_o of_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n be_v prefer_v before_o all_o the_o other_o tribe_n of_o israel_n and_o particular_o before_o the_o tribe_n of_o reuben_n which_o afterward_o occasion_v the_o insurrection_n of_o some_o reubenites_n in_o their_o sedition_n against_o moses_n wherein_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n perish_v just_o as_o god_n prefer_v abel_n offend_v cain_n and_o as_o joseph_n brethren_n conspire_v together_o to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n because_o of_o his_o dream_n which_o foretell_v his_o greatness_n and_o their_o fall_n second_o one_o see_v we_o that_o phares_n judah_n young_a son_n be_v prefer_v not_o only_o before_o all_o the_o other_o child_n of_o judah_n but_o even_o before_o zerah_n the_o elder_a of_o the_o twin_n which_o judah_n have_v by_o thamar_n just_a as_o jacob_n be_v prefer_v before_o his_o brother_n esau_n though_o they_o be_v twin_n and_o esau_n bear_v the_o first_o of_o the_o two_o one_o see_v we_o afterward_o that_o god_n have_v choose_v jesse_n of_o all_o the_o posterity_n of_o phares_n david_n the_o young_a of_o all_o his_o son_n be_v prefer_v before_o his_o brethren_n when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o translate_v the_o kingdom_n to_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o to_o the_o family_n of_o jesse_n just_o as_o we_o see_v before_o that_o in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o first_o king_n who_o the_o israelite_n desire_v to_o be_v set_v over_o they_o that_o he_o be_v choose_v by_o lot_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a effect_n of_o providence_n out_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n though_o the_o young_a of_o all_o jacob_n child_n thus_o one_o see_v we_o that_o solomon_n the_o young_a of_o david_n child_n be_v prefer_v before_o his_o brother_n and_o that_o the_o same_o solomon_n build_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n in_o the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n though_o he_o himself_o be_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n we_o shall_v afterward_o see_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v descend_v from_o david_n by_o nathan_n son_n to_o one_o of_o david_n young_a child_n and_o by_o resah_n zorobabel_n young_a son_n from_o who_o the_o bless_a virgin_n draw_v her_o original_a the_o second_o remark_n be_v about_o the_o care_n god_n have_v take_v by_o his_o choice_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n to_o accomplish_v the_o promise_n to_o furnish_v those_o with_o pretence_n and_o objection_n who_o may_v be_v interest_v to_o oppose_v the_o restriction_n which_o god_n have_v make_v in_o favour_n of_o their_o equal_n for_o as_o they_o serve_v to_o keep_v up_o a_o jealousy_n among_o all_o the_o pretender_n to_o the_o promise_n so_o they_o also_o serve_v to_o preserve_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o to_o make_v they_o inquire_v more_o diligent_o after_o it_o in_o short_a as_o we_o see_v that_o the_o ismaelite_n may_v upbraid_v sarah_n both_o with_o her_o frequent_a rape_n and_o with_o her_o cruelty_n to_o agar_n and_o ishmael_n as_o the_o edomite_n may_v upbraid_v jacob_n posterity_n with_o rebecca_n supplant_n their_o father_n esau_n and_o cheat_v he_o of_o his_o blessing_n so_o likewise_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o god_n not_o only_o choose_v thamar_n to_o have_v the_o messiah_n descend_v from_o she_o but_o also_o will_v have_v her_o incest_n with_o her_o father_n in-law_n record_v what_o may_v all_o the_o other_o tribe_n of_o israel_n say_v be_v there_o then_o no_o honest_a woman_n in_o israel_n that_o the_o messiah_n ancestor_n must_v descend_v from_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o incestuous_a commerce_n what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o god_n shall_v choose_v the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n have_v not_o all_o the_o other_o child_n of_o judah_n a_o fair_a pretention_n to_o this_o privilege_n than_o phares_n can_v have_v and_o may_v not_o their_o posterity_n revive_v against_o the_o posterity_n of_o phares_n that_o severe_a law_n against_o bastard_n child_n which_o we_o read_v of_o deut._n xxiii_o god_n choose_v in_o the_o like_a manner_n ruth_n the_o moabitess_n and_o have_v her_o history_n write_v and_o his_o choice_n record_v as_o if_o he_o have_v intend_v to_o prepare_v a_o excuse_n for_o those_o of_o the_o israelite_n who_o afterward_o will_v refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o david_n what_o probability_n be_v there_o may_v they_o say_v that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o messiah_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o moabitess_n see_v it_o be_v by_o his_o order_n that_o moses_n cause_v all_o those_o israelite_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n who_o after_o the_o pronunciation_n of_o balaam_n prophecy_n hold_v any_o commerce_n with_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n be_v there_o any_o likelihood_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v possible_a especial_o see_v there_o be_v a_o law_n which_o god_n will_v have_v to_o be_v insert_v in_o deuteronomy_n which_o exclude_v the_o moabite_n from_o the_o possibility_n of_o ever_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o people_n of_o god._n but_o at_o least_o be_v not_o this_o choice_n of_o ruth_n the_o moabitess_n a_o fair_a cause_n of_o jealousy_n to_o all_o the_o other_o family_n of_o judah_n god_n cause_v the_o adultery_n of_o bathsheba_n the_o mother_n of_o solomon_n to_o be_v careful_o record_v as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o excuse_v the_o rebellion_n of_o those_o who_o afterward_o side_v with_o jeroboam_n against_o rehoboam_n and_o his_o authority_n be_v it_o probable_a might_n these_o rebel_n say_v that_o god_n will_v have_v choose_v that_o bloody_a cruel_a man_n david_n that_o adulterer_n that_o he_o and_o bathshebah_n shall_v beget_v the_o messiah_n together_o have_v jesse_n no_o other_o child_n beside_o david_n and_o if_o david_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v the_o man_n why_o shall_v solomon_n bear_v of_o bathshebah_n be_v prefer_v before_o all_o his_o brother_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n considerable_a in_o this_o matter_n the_o first_o be_v that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o joshuah_n the_o conduct_n of_o the_o israelite_n after_o he_o have_v former_o raise_v joseph_n so_o much_o above_o his_o brethren_n by_o his_o advancement_n in_o egypt_n and_o give_v to_o his_o tribe_n two_o portion_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n
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
the_o first_o part_n take_v in_o all_o that_o happen_v after_o moses_n till_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n and_o the_o first_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o second_o contain_v the_o history_n of_o the_o king_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n till_o the_o destruction_n of_o samaria_n and_o jerusalem_n the_o three_o contain_v a_o account_n of_o what_o pass_v during_o the_o jewish_a captivity_n and_o after_o their_o re-establishment_n now_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o these_o book_n which_o concern_v the_o history_n of_o this_o people_n in_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o epocha_n which_o have_v not_o certain_a character_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o relation_n by_o the_o necessary_a connexion_n which_o it_o have_v either_o with_o those_o event_n which_o go_v before_o it_o or_o with_o those_o which_o follow_v it_o and_o this_o by_o a_o natural_a and_o immediate_a dependence_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v confirm_v by_o some_o observation_n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n which_o contain_v the_o conquest_n and_o division_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v the_o execution_n of_o moses_n design_n who_o bring_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n to_o go_v and_o make_v themselves_o master_n of_o a_o country_n which_o the_o jew_n pretend_v that_o god_n promise_v to_o abraham_n the_o division_n of_o this_o land_n among_o the_o tribe_n be_v the_o title_n which_o each_o tribe_n have_v to_o its_o possession_n in_o it_o and_o this_o division_n subsist_v a_o great_a while_n very_o distinct_a and_o well_o know_v by_o the_o several_a tribe_n of_o this_o people_n there_o happen_v no_o considerable_a change_n but_o only_o when_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n carry_v the_o ten_o tribe_n into_o captivity_n after_o the_o take_n of_o samaria_n in_o the_o three_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o eighty_o three_o year_n of_o the_o world_n the_o country_n continue_v in_o the_o same_o state_n under_o the_o two_o remain_a tribe_n without_o any_o change_n ensue_v upon_o their_o transportation_n into_o babylon_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o nineteenth_o chapter_n of_o my_o reflection_n upon_o exodus_fw-la and_o the_o follow_a book_n this_o book_n have_v a_o very_a natural_a influence_n upon_o the_o follow_a book_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o alliance_n which_o the_o gibeonite_n get_v from_o the_o jew_n by_o surprise_n it_o serve_v for_o a_o foundation_n to_o all_o that_o happen_v for_o four_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n after_o in_o david_n reign_n under_o who_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v already_o change_v into_o a_o monarchical_a government_n have_v in_o all_o appearance_n undergo_v a_o great_a alteration_n the_o book_n of_o judge_n have_v a_o essential_a relation_n to_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o joshua_n the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v a_o consequence_n of_o their_o quarrel_n with_o the_o nation_n which_o they_o have_v subdue_v or_o with_o their_o neighbour_n as_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n descend_v from_o lot_n who_o be_v jealous_a of_o this_o people_n that_o be_v descend_v from_o abraham_n there_o we_o may_v see_v for_o instance_n the_o israelite_n upon_o the_o defensive_a part_n because_o god_n forbid_v they_o to_o set_v upon_o the_o moabite_n and_o the_o ammonite_n whereas_o these_o last_o pretend_v that_o israel_n have_v usurp_v some_o part_n of_o their_o country_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o remarkable_a markable_a as_o the_o action_n of_o these_o judge_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o to_o deliver_v his_o people_n from_o those_o different_a captivity_n through_o which_o they_o pass_v for_o three_o hundred_o fifty_o six_o year_n together_o but_o we_o may_v find_v the_o memory_n of_o some_o of_o they_o preserve_v by_o those_o public_a hymn_n which_o be_v famous_a throughout_o the_o nation_n and_o by_o these_o illustrious_a monument_n of_o their_o judicial_a authority_n which_o be_v preserve_v among_o they_o and_o which_o keep_v up_o a_o remembrance_n of_o they_o among_o the_o israelite_n and_o the_o neighbour_n nation_n for_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v observe_v with_o care_n that_o since_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o invent_v any_o thing_n upon_o this_o head_n which_o will_v not_o be_v well_o know_v by_o all_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n as_o the_o tyrian_n who_o keep_v up_o their_o own_o government_n till_o alexander_n time_n who_o subdue_v they_o entire_o and_o the_o moabite_n who_o empire_n continue_v for_o fourteen_o age_n after_o lot_n time_n until_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o nabuchadnezzar_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a for_o any_o fabulous_a relation_n in_o this_o matter_n to_o obtain_v authority_n the_o book_n of_o ruth_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v any_o thing_n considerable_a but_o the_o conversion_n of_o ruth_n a_o moabitess_n who_o rely_v upon_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o house_n of_o juda_n out_o of_o which_o she_o have_v marry_v her_o husband_n but_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o three_o thing_n beside_o 1._o of_o the_o exact_a practice_n of_o that_o law_n which_o oblige_v they_o to_o marry_v the_o widow_n of_o a_o relation_n who_o die_v without_o issue_n 2._o of_o their_o lively_a remembrance_n of_o the_o deed_n of_o their_o ancestor_n as_o of_o juda_n incest_n with_o thamar_n which_o be_v look_v upon_o however_o as_o a_o fountain_n and_o a_o pattern_n of_o blessing_n 3._o of_o the_o lineage_n of_o david_n who_o this_o author_n represent_v as_o derive_v his_o pedigree_n from_o a_o moabitess_n which_o not_o make_v much_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o king_n of_o israel_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o book_n the_o first_o book_n of_o samuel_n contain_v the_o history_n of_o eli_n and_o samuel_n judicature_n of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o government_n from_o a_o commonwealth_n to_o a_o monarchy_n under_o saul_n of_o david_n anoint_v saul_n rejection_n and_o death_n the_o second_o contain_v the_o history_n of_o david_n his_o victory_n his_o design_n of_o build_v a_o temple_n a_o design_n which_o god_n leave_v to_o solomon_n to_o execute_v his_o war_n with_o the_o ammonite_n his_o crime_n with_o bathshebah_n his_o son_n absalom_n insurrection_n against_o he_o and_o his_o great_a success_n against_o his_o enemy_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o these_o two_o book_n which_o have_v not_o a_o exact_a connexion_n with_o what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v one_o see_v we_o throughout_o a_o exact_a relation_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n one_o see_v we_o throughout_o monument_n set_v up_o in_o several_a place_n to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o particular_a action_n one_o see_v we_o also_o in_o the_o war_n of_o the_o israelite_n with_o their_o neighbour_n a_o constant_a series_n of_o those_o old_a difference_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o jealousy_n of_o these_o nation_n against_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n which_o the_o jew_n reckon_v but_o as_o one_o book_n contain_v a_o abridgement_n of_o solomon_n establishment_n in_o the_o place_n of_o david_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o empire_n which_o be_v carry_v by_o david_n to_o the_o bank_n of_o eüphrates_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o his_o marriage_n with_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n daughter_n of_o the_o building_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o his_o own_o palace_n with_o the_o help_n of_o hiram_n king_n of_o tyre_n one_o see_v we_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n visit_n to_o solomon_n of_o his_o alliance_n with_o the_o moabite_n the_o ammonite_n the_o edomite_n the_o zidonian_o and_o the_o hittite_n think_v by_o these_o marriage_n to_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o old_a quarrel_n between_o his_o people_n and_o these_o nation_n who_o be_v jealous_a of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n all_o this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o forty_o year_n of_o solomon_n reign_n and_o as_o there_o never_o be_v so_o famous_a a_o reign_n in_o judea_n so_o never_o be_v there_o any_o of_o which_o there_o be_v leave_v so_o many_o monument_n as_o well_o there_o as_o in_o the_o neighbour_a country_n one_o see_v we_o afterward_o in_o the_o same_o book_n the_o division_n of_o solomon_n empire_n into_o two_o government_n that_o of_o juda_n which_o continue_v from_o solomon_n death_n during_o the_o reign_n of_o eighteen_o successor_n for_o three_o hundred_o eighty_o six_o year_n to_o the_o take_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o nebuchaanezzar_n and_o that_o of_o israel_n form_v by_o jeroboam_n which_o last_v two_o hundred_o fifty_o four_o year_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o nineteen_o successor_n until_o the_o take_n of_o samaria_n the_o capital_a city_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n the_o history_n of_o the_o chronicle_n which_o be_v write_v about_o twenty_o six_o year_n after_o that_o of_o the_o king_n carry_v
syria_n obtain_v over_o the_o king_n of_o samaria_n one_o find_v that_o the_o story_n of_o phaeton_n be_v sole_o found_v upon_o the_o translation_n of_o elijah_n in_o a_o chariot_n of_o fire_n ii_o two_o king_n ii_o all_o that_o i_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o happen_v before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o olympiad_n from_o whence_o the_o learned_a varro_n have_v observe_v that_o the_o first_o knowledge_n of_o history_n begin_v among_o the_o greek_n whence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o they_o call_v all_o the_o precedent_a time_n fabulous_a the_o greek_n have_v before_o nothing_o but_o fable_n into_o which_o they_o have_v turn_v whatever_o ancient_a history_n they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o since_o that_o time_n we_o do_v not_o find_v few_o mark_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacred_a history_n one_o see_v we_o in_o the_o pagan_a writer_n the_o reign_n of_o tiglah-pilese_a who_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o young_a ninus_n as_o also_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o syrian_a monarchy_n by_o his_o mean_n as_o it_o be_v describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o sacred_a historian_n nicholas_n damascenus_n in_o josephus_n antiq._n lib._n vii_o cap._n 6._o one_o see_v we_o among_o the_o heathen_n euseb_n castor_n in_o euseb_n the_o succession_n of_o shalmaneser_n as_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n one_o see_v we_o the_o manner_n of_o sennacherib_n conquer_a the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o town_n of_o palestina_n ult_n menander_n apud_fw-la joseph_n lib._n ix_o cap._n ult_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n describe_v in_o heathen_a writer_n particular_o as_o we_o have_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o manner_n of_o sennacherib_n succession_n to_o shalmaneser_n of_o his_o desolate_v the_o country_n of_o palestine_n while_o he_o carry_v on_o his_o victory_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o heathen_n herodot_n lib._n ii_o &_o berosus_n in_o josephus_n lib._n x._o c._n 1._o exact_o as_o the_o sacred_a historian_n relate_v it_o the_o memory_n of_o tirbakah_n king_n of_o aethiopia_n xv._o strabo_n lib._n i._n &_o xv._o as_o of_o a_o great_a conqueror_n be_v preserve_v among_o the_o heathen_n for_o it_o be_v his_o come_n in_o short_a which_o oblige_v sennacherib_n to_o arise_v from_o before_o libna_fw-la whence_o he_o intend_v to_o go_v and_o besiege_v jerusalem_n one_o find_v among_o the_o heathen_n the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o sennacherib_n army_n for_o his_o blasphemy_n against_o god_n which_o the_o egyptian_n disguise_v to_o appropriate_a to_o themselves_o herodot_n lib._n ii_o cap._n 141._o one_o find_v the_o ruin_n of_o ashdod_n by_o king_n psammetichus_n describe_v by_o heathen_a author_n 10._o herodot_n lib._n i._o cap._n 104._o lib._n ii_o cap._n 1._o lib._n vii_o cap._n 10._o as_o we_o have_v it_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n herod_n lib._n ii_o one_o find_v a_o account_n of_o the_o way_n by_o which_o the_o mede_n lose_v the_o empire_n of_o asia_n under_o cyaxares_n after_o his_o conquest_n over_o the_o assyrian_n in_o the_o heathen_a writer_n much_o the_o same_o as_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o nahum_n h._n 5._o the_o account_n of_o the_o take_n of_o ninive_n by_o nabopollasar_n syncellum_n alexand._n polyhistor_n ap_fw-mi syncellum_n and_o by_o astyages_n be_v much_o the_o same_o in_o heathen_a author_n with_o the_o description_n of_o it_o in_o nahum_n esaiah_n and_o ezekiel_n the_o manner_n of_o josia_n undertake_v a_o war_n against_o pharaoh-necho_n king_n of_o egypt_n when_o he_o be_v overthrow_v in_o the_o plain_n of_o megiddo_n ii_o herodot_n lib._n ii_o as_o it_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o heathen_n agree_v with_o the_o relation_n which_o be_v give_v of_o it_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o victory_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n over_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o jew_n 30._o two_o king_n xxiii_o 29_o 30._o the_o carry_v away_o of_o the_o consecrate_a vessel_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n to_o babylon_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o heathen_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o yield_n up_o of_o tyre_n to_o nabuchadnezzar_n as_o they_o describe_v it_o apionem_fw-la annal._n phoenicic_n ap_fw-mi joseph_n lib._n i._o contra_fw-la apionem_fw-la agree_v with_o what_o ezekiel_n say_v chap._n xxviii_o 18_o 19_o one_o find_v in_o heathen_a author_n a_o account_n of_o the_o stately_a build_n of_o babylon_n by_o nebuehadnezzar_n abyden_n beros_n abyden_n which_o be_v describe_v exact_o in_o the_o scripture_n one_o find_v also_o in_o they_o 169._o herodot_n lib._n two_o cap._n 163_o &_o 169._o that_o the_o death_n of_o pharaoh-hoptha_a or_o vaphre_n as_o they_o call_v he_o happen_v according_a to_o jeremiah_n prediction_n chap._n xl._n 30._o one_o find_v also_o the_o take_n of_o babylon_n by_o cyrus_n 178._o herod_n lib._n i._o cap._n 178._o as_o it_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n chap._n li._n 46._o one_o find_v also_o that_o the_o death_n of_o belshazzar_n happen_v exact_o as_o daniel_n have_v describe_v it_o vii_o xenophon_n histor_n lib._n vii_o chap._n v._n one_o see_v we_o there_o a_o account_n of_o xerxes_n great_a undertake_n against_o greece_n 6._o herod_n lib._n vii_o cap_n 5_o 6._o as_o daniel_n have_v foretell_v it_o chap._n xi_o here_o then_o be_v a_o agreement_n which_o be_v perfect_a enough_o in_o several_a article_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v a_o great_a number_n if_o we_o have_v a_o great_a number_n of_o pagan_a historian_n but_o as_o we_o can_v find_v after_o the_o reign_n of_o artaxerxes_n longimanus_fw-la history_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o which_o be_v write_v by_o and_o after_o moses_n as_o josephus_n the_o jewish_a historian_n observe_v so_o we_o can_v compare_v the_o jewish_a and_o pagan_a history_n together_o afterward_o in_o that_o form_n we_o have_v do_v hitherto_o but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v four_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o considerable_a upon_o this_o head._n i._o that_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o sacred_a historian_n may_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o great_a number_n of_o remark_n we_o have_v make_v already_o or_o else_o nothing_o will_v ever_o establish_v it_o for_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o historian_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o age_n babylonian_n assyrian_n tyrian_n egyptian_n and_o greek_n can_v agree_v so_o exact_o with_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o fact_n they_o relate_v if_o the_o jewish_a author_n have_v not_o exact_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o truth_n ii_o that_o as_o the_o prophecy_n of_o zechariah_n and_o daniel_n describe_v with_o a_o almost_o incredible_a exactness_n the_o considerable_a event_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o country_n near_a to_o judea_n and_o in_o judea_n itself_o in_o a_o time_n which_o be_v not_o expire_v until_o the_o sacred_a writer_n have_v give_v over_o write_v among_o the_o jew_n so_o there_o be_v need_n of_o almost_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o look_v over_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n to_o see_v what_o happen_v from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o porphyry_n think_v the_o book_n of_o daniel_n be_v forge_v after_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n be_v because_o this_o book_n seem_v to_o he_o to_o be_v rather_o a_o history_n than_o a_o prediction_n which_o he_o justify_v in_o make_v a_o sort_n of_o commentary_n upon_o this_o prophecy_n by_o compare_v with_o it_o the_o pagan_a historian_n which_o be_v then_o extant_a iii_o that_o as_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n come_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o greek_n who_o be_v master_n of_o learning_n and_o of_o the_o art_n of_o write_v history_n so_o there_o be_v little_a need_n of_o any_o other_o witness_n beside_o the_o greek_a author_n as_o josephus_n demonstrate_v in_o effect_n by_o prove_v that_o the_o greek_n be_v well_o enough_o acquaint_v with_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n iv_o that_o we_o do_v real_o find_v after_o the_o time_n of_o artaxerxes_n a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a history_n compose_v by_o the_o care_n of_o some_o particular_a man_n with_o sufficient_a exactness_n though_o it_o be_v not_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o sacred_a writer_n chap._n iii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o uninterrupted_a series_n of_o event_n foretell_v by_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n of_o which_o we_o may_v see_v a_o very_a great_a number_n accomplish_v in_o every_o age._n as_o we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o say_v that_o all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n have_v a_o very_a exact_a dependence_n upon_o the_o write_n of_o that_o famous_a legislator_n so_o we_o may_v also_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o considerable_a event_n which_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o this_o history_n which_o do_v not_o deserve_v a_o particular_a remark_n either_o as_o a_o fulfil_n of_o moses_n prophecy_n or_o of_o those_o other_o prophet_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o after_o he_o to_o reform_v the_o error_n of_o that_o nation_n and_o
of_o the_o messiah_n whereas_o hitherto_o god_n have_v only_o describe_v he_o under_o the_o figure_n of_o a_o bare_a man_n though_o the_o other_o be_v make_v sufficient_o intelligible_a when_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o tempter_n and_o the_o right_n of_o procure_v a_o blessing_n unto_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o he_o be_v personal_o to_o enjoy_v be_v attribute_v to_o he_o thing_n infinite_o beyond_o the_o power_n and_o condition_n of_o mankind_n to_o perform_v be_v attribute_v to_o he_o ii_o he_o observe_v that_o this_o person_n of_o who_o he_o speak_v such_o magnificent_a thing_n ought_v however_o to_o be_v descend_v from_o jacob_n which_o ratify_v jacob_n prophecy_n in_o favour_n of_o judah_n iii_o though_o he_o hint_n very_o clear_o at_o the_o effect_n of_o those_o blessing_n and_o temporal_a victory_n which_o jacob_n posterity_n be_v to_o obtain_v over_o their_o neighbour_n yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o insinuate_v plain_o enough_o that_o the_o bestow_n of_o the_o blessing_n which_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v obtain_v be_v to_o be_v reserve_v to_o jacob_n seed_n when_o he_o refuse_v to_o retract_v those_o promise_n of_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n to_o which_o oracle_n he_o make_v a_o sensible_a allusion_n and_o it_o be_v very_o important_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o jew_n always_o apply_v this_o oracle_n to_o the_o messiah_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o their_o chaldee_n paraphra_v and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v so_o general_o that_o the_o famous_a achiba_n who_o live_v under_o the_o emperor_n hadrian_n pretend_v that_o barchocheba_n be_v the_o messiah_n because_o his_o name_n be_v chochab_n which_o be_v a_o star_n in_o hebrew_n as_o if_o god_n intend_v to_o mark_v that_o impostor_n for_o the_o true_a messiah_n by_o foretell_v what_o name_n he_o shall_v be_v call_v by_o the_o oracle_n which_o moses_n utter_v a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n be_v very_o considerable_a the_o people_n be_v terrify_v with_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o they_o upon_o mount_n sinai_n desire_v that_o god_n will_v no_o long_o speak_v as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o but_o that_o moses_n shall_v give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o whatever_o god_n shall_v command_v hereupon_o god_n consent_v to_o their_o request_n and_o promise_v they_o by_o moses_n that_o he_o will_v raise_v they_o up_o a_o prophet_n like_o unto_o moses_n to_o who_o they_o ought_v to_o hearken_v upon_o pain_n of_o be_v cut_v off_o he_o that_o make_v the_o addition_n to_o the_o last_o book_n of_o moses_n wherein_o his_o death_n be_v describe_v take_v notice_n that_o there_o never_o rise_v up_o afterward_o a_o prophet_n in_o israel_n like_v to_o moses_n if_o it_o be_v ezra_n who_o make_v that_o addition_n than_o here_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o clear_a decision_n against_o the_o jew_n some_o of_o who_o assert_v that_o joshua_n or_o jeremiah_n be_v the_o prophet_n who_o moses_n promise_v if_o it_o be_v eleazar_n who_o live_v in_o joshua_n time_n then_o here_o joshua_n at_o least_o be_v exclude_v from_o this_o privilege_n of_o be_v design_v by_o moses_n but_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o stop_v at_o such_o frivolous_a objection_n one_o need_v only_o observe_v moses_n character_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o four_o certain_a mark_n of_o moses_n prophecy_n which_o advance_v he_o infinite_o above_o all_o the_o other_o prophet_n i._o he_o have_v all_o the_o sort_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v general_o find_v among_o all_o the_o prophet_n ii_o he_o be_v illustrious_a for_o great_a number_n of_o miracle_n iii_o he_o not_o only_o reform_v the_o error_n and_o false_a way_n of_o worship_n then_o prevail_v among_o the_o jew_n but_o he_o set_v up_o a_o new_a worship_n and_o a_o new_a form_n of_o religion_n iv_o he_o introduce_v this_o law_n and_o this_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n by_o such_o a_o conversation_n with_o god_n as_o one_o see_v we_o among_o two_o intimate_a friend_n in_o which_o of_o the_o prophet_n may_v these_o four_o character_n be_v find_v the_o galilean_n themselves_o testify_v plain_o that_o these_o character_n ought_v only_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o messiah_n when_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n john_n vi_o 14._o and_o the_o jew_n acknowledge_v the_o same_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n when_o they_o apply_v that_o oracle_n to_o the_o messiah_n john_n i._n 45._o but_o if_o these_o oracle_n be_v obscure_o hint_v at_o in_o this_o oracle_n one_o may_v see_v they_o clear_o apply_v to_o the_o messiah_n in_o the_o follow_a oracle_n proportionable_o as_o the_o revelation_n increase_v and_o as_o god_n unravel_v the_o idea_n of_o these_o ancient_a oracle_n by_o explain_v they_o more_o particular_o by_o those_o prophet_n who_o he_o afterward_o raise_v up_o this_o may_v clear_o be_v see_v if_o we_o pass_v on_o to_o those_o oracle_n which_o be_v utter_v by_o david_n and_o the_o other_o prophet_n who_o live_v about_o his_o time_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o oracle_n which_o concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n these_o be_v the_o oracle_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o faithful_a from_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 2553_o in_o which_o moses_n die_v until_o david_n time_n who_o be_v particular_o choose_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o only_a man_n of_o his_o family_n which_o be_v also_o separate_v from_o all_o the_o other_o family_n of_o judah_n who_o come_v from_o pharez_n from_o who_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v descend_v i_o have_v observe_v in_o another_o place_n that_o in_o all_o probability_n god_n raise_v david_n to_o the_o throne_n only_o to_o make_v the_o genealogy_n of_o that_o family_n better_o know_v from_o which_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o spring_v as_o this_o double_a advancement_n of_o david_n one_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o israel_n the_o other_o to_o be_v the_o father_n to_o the_o messiah_n aught_o to_o 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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 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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 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