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
he_o have_v of_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n luke_n i_o 2._o and_o he_o be_v the_o companion_n and_o disciple_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v such_o a_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n before_o his_o conversion_n that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o miraculous_a power_n can_v have_v make_v that_o sudden_a change_n in_o he_o he_o probable_o must_v have_v see_v our_o saviour_n before_o his_o passion_n and_o then_o see_v he_o again_o at_o his_o conversion_n and_o hear_v he_o speak_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n so_o that_o st._n paul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o twelve_o apostle_n have_v see_v and_o hear_v our_o saviour_n and_o they_o be_v all_o convince_v by_o their_o own_o sense_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v to_o other_o and_o beside_o these_o he_o be_v see_v after_o his_o resurrection_n by_o many_o other_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o at_o one_o time_n be_v see_v by_o above_o five_o hundred_o together_o 1_o cor._n xv_o 6._o of_o all_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v but_o two_o who_o be_v not_o eye-witness_n to_o what_o they_o relate_v and_o these_o two_o have_v their_o relation_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n iii_o the_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o integrity_n and_o without_o any_o artifice_n or_o design_n true_o declare_v what_o they_o know_v 1._o they_o have_v no_o worldly_a interest_n to_o advance_v by_o their_o testimony_n but_o suffer_v by_o it_o and_o have_v a_o certain_a prospect_n of_o suffering_n 2._o there_o be_v peculiar_a mark_n of_o sincerity_n in_o all_o their_o writing_n i._o they_o have_v no_o worldly_a interest_n to_o serve_v by_o their_o testimony_n but_o suffer_v by_o it_o and_o have_v a_o certain_a prospect_n of_o suffering_n they_o can_v propose_v no_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o of_o gain_n or_o honour_n or_o pleasure_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a undergo_v a_o voluntary_a poverty_n and_o infamy_n and_o torment_n which_o be_v all_o that_o they_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n for_o their_o pain_n and_o all_o that_o they_o can_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o they_o forsake_v all_o which_o they_o have_v st._n matthew_n a_o gainful_a employment_n and_o st._n paul_n who_o write_v the_o most_o of_o any_o of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n lose_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o the_o preferment_n which_o a_o person_n of_o his_o learning_n and_o zeal_n may_v promise_v himself_o from_o they_o st._n luke_n a_o physician_n by_o his_o profession_n leave_v a_o employment_n both_o of_o honour_n and_o advantage_n and_o the_o rest_n lose_v all_o they_o have_v and_o can_v any_o man_n lose_v more_o all_o of_o they_o leave_v a_o honest_a and_o secure_a livelihood_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o their_o near_a friend_n and_o relation_n who_o love_n and_o esteem_v both_o by_o nature_n and_o education_n they_o must_v be_v incline_v most_o to_o desire_v and_o they_o become_v obnoxious_a to_o all_o the_o affront_n and_o outrage_n and_o torment_n which_o a_o furious_a zeal_n can_v inflict_v upon_o they_o all_o which_o be_v no_o new_a or_o unexpected_a thing_n to_o they_o they_o see_v what_o their_o master_n have_v suffer_v and_o can_v hope_v to_o fare_v no_o better_o than_o he_o have_v do_v they_o be_v often_o forewarn_v by_o christ_n long_o before_o hand_n what_o must_v befall_v they_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o must_v take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o and_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n upon_o no_o easy_a term_n he_o have_v set_v forth_o the_o reception_n which_o they_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n just_a in_o the_o same_o manuer_n as_o they_o find_v it_o under_o the_o most_o frightful_a appearance_n that_o word_n can_v represent_v and_o this_o they_o soon_o find_v as_o punctual_o true_a as_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o he_o have_v foretell_v to_o they_o but_o though_o they_o find_v it_o so_o and_o sometime_o be_v dismiss_v with_o a_o severe_a charge_n to_o desist_v from_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o at_o other_o time_n escape_v and_o have_v a_o opportunity_n give_v they_o to_o avoid_v any_o further_a danger_n by_o preach_v it_o they_o ever_o perserver_v in_o it_o with_o the_o great_a zeal_n and_o constancy_n despise_v all_o danger_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o torment_n and_o death_n and_o glory_v still_o and_o rejoice_v that_o they_o suffer_v in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n and_o at_o last_o they_o seal_v their_o doctrine_n with_o their_o blood_n st._n paul_n be_v in_o great_a reputation_n with_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n before_o his_o conversion_n and_o be_v employ_v by_o they_o in_o persecute_v the_o church_n and_o as_o often_o as_o he_o appear_v before_o they_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o accuse_v he_o of_o but_o his_o profession_n of_o a_o religion_n which_o oblige_v all_o man_n to_o the_o strict_a justice_n and_o holiness_n if_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o be_v the_o best_a they_o must_v have_v be_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n for_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o divine_a mission_n and_o authority_n and_o yet_o this_o they_o must_v do_v with_o no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o promote_v virtue_n and_o holiness_n which_o not_o ill_a man_n can_v design_n to_o his_o own_o certain_a loss_n and_o destruction_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o and_o the_o less_o man_n believe_v of_o the_o next_o world_n the_o more_o fond_a they_o be_v to_o make_v sure_a of_o this_o ambition_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o fame_n and_o a_o name_n after_o death_n rare_o happen_v to_o man_n of_o obscure_a birth_n and_o mean_a education_n and_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v now_o befall_v so_o many_o of_o they_o without_o any_o ground_n or_o reason_n to_o expect_v it_o when_o in_o all_o humane_a consideration_n they_o have_v a_o certain_a prospect_n of_o nothing_o but_o infamy_n after_o death_n as_o well_o as_o of_o disgrace_n and_o want_v and_o torment_n during_o their_o life_n and_o no_o man_n can_v resolve_v upon_o attest_v any_o thing_n on_o such_o term_n unless_o he_o have_v be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o much_o less_o can_v so_o many_o set_v upon_o such_o a_o design_n together_o for_o as_o they_o can_v have_v no_o argument_n to_o persuade_v one_o another_o to_o enter_v upon_o such_o a_o attempt_n so_o if_o they_o have_v once_o conspire_v in_o it_o they_o will_v soon_o have_v desert_v and_o discover_v each_o other_o when_o they_o lie_v under_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n and_o difficulty_n imaginable_a and_o have_v nothing_o to_o support_v and_o unite_v they_o but_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o it_o be_v further_a observable_a that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o near_a christian_n be_v to_o the_o apostle_n the_o more_o zealous_a they_o be_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o for_o they_o have_v then_o great_a opportunity_n of_o inform_v themselves_o of_o the_o imposture_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o and_o have_v therefore_o the_o great_a mean_n of_o be_v certify_v that_o there_o be_v none_o and_o man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o accomplishment_n such_o as_o sergius_n paulus_n governor_n of_o cyprus_n dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n and_o other_o who_o be_v inquisitive_a man_n and_o able_a to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o thing_n upon_o a_o full_a examination_n of_o all_o particular_n become_v early_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n ii_o there_o be_v peculiar_a mark_n of_o sincerity_n in_o all_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n they_o be_v not_o ambitious_a of_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n by_o their_o writing_n but_o write_v only_o as_o they_o be_v 23._o be_v euseb_n eccle._n hist_o lib._n iii._o 23._o by_o necessity_n draw_v to_o it_o for_o the_o further_a propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n they_o declare_v their_o own_o frailty_n and_o fault_n and_o many_o time_n such_o as_o can_v never_o have_v be_v know_v but_o from_o themselves_o st._n matthew_n have_v spend_v the_o former_a part_n of_o his_o life_n in_o no_o very_a creditable_a employment_n but_o among_o publican_n and_o sinner_n as_o he_o say_v himself_o for_o he_o leave_v record_v to_o all_o posterity_n the_o censure_n of_o his_o own_o life_n say_v that_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o receipt_n of_o custom_n matt._n ix_o 9_o 10._o and_o still_v himself_o matthew_z the_o publican_n mat._n x._o 3._o eusebius_n observe_v that_o none_o of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n have_v mention_v a_o thing_n so_o reproachful_a of_o he_o as_o his_o have_v be_v a_o publican_n but_o st._n
be_v translate_v carthage_n by_o the_o septuagint_n isa_n xxiii_o 6._o but_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v tartessus_n in_o spain_n though_o st._n jerom_n 〈◊〉_d jerom_n 〈◊〉_d in_fw-ge â—â—_o c._n 1._o 〈◊〉_d think_v it_o to_o be_v in_o the_o indies_n and_o ophir_n be_v as_o many_o learned_a man_n think_v in_o the_o indies_n beyond_o the_o river_n ganges_n in_o pegu_n or_o at_o least_o solomon_n merchant_n do_v traffic_v with_o the_o indian_a that_o come_v from_o those_o part_n other_o have_v imagine_v ophir_n to_o be_v zephala_n or_o cephala_n in_o africa_n towards_o the_o cape_n of_o good-hope_a some_o think_v it_o to_o be_v ceylon_n or_o sumatra_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v in_o america_n all_o be_v agree_v that_o it_o must_v be_v in_o some_o very_a distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o wherever_o it_o be_v the_o traffic_n and_o deal_n which_o the_o israelite_n have_v there_o be_v a_o great_a opportunity_n to_o the_o heathen_a to_o become_v instruct_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o traffic_n and_o voyage_n by_o sea_n and_o expedition_n by_o land_n in_o solomon_n reign_n render_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n high_o renown_v and_o cause_v their_o law_n and_o custom_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v much_o observe_v and_o inquire_v into_o and_o even_o the_o marriage_n of_o solomon_n with_o pharaoh_n daughter_n and_o other_o stranger_n questionless_a through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n may_v prove_v a_o happy_a occasion_n of_o divulge_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o regain_n many_o from_o idolatry_n in_o egypt_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o all_o his_o wife_n be_v make_v proselyte_n 1â—_n proselyte_n maimâ—â—â—d_n de_fw-fr 〈◊〉_d §._o 1â—_n 1â—_n before_o he_o marry_v they_o as_o samson_n likewise_o have_v be_v though_o afterward_o they_o not_o only_o fall_v away_o to_o their_o former_a idolatry_n but_o seduce_v solomon_n himself_o into_o they_o the_o gentile_n be_v so_o forward_o to_o become_v proselyte_n 〈◊〉_d proselyte_n meimâ—â—d_a 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o reign_v of_o david_n and_o solomon_n that_o their_o sincerity_n become_v suspect_v and_o the_o jew_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o sanhedrim_n will_v admit_v no_o proselyte_n in_o the_o day_n of_o david_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o it_o by_o fear_n nor_o in_o the_o day_n of_o solomon_n lest_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o kingdom_n shall_v have_v be_v the_o motive_n to_o they_o to_o profess_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o israelite_n nevertheless_o great_a number_n be_v receive_v private_o by_o baptism_n the_o sanhedrim_n neither_o reject_v nor_o admit_v they_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o theodoret_n and_o of_o st._n jerom_n upon_o exek_n v._o 5._o that_o god_n place_v jerusalem_n the_o seat_n of_o the_o jewish_a government_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o direction_n to_o the_o heathen_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n from_o whence_o as_o from_o the_o centre_n light_n may_v be_v communicate_v to_o the_o far_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o the_o division_n and_o calamity_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n the_o destruction_n of_o their_o city_n and_o dispersion_n of_o their_o whole_a nation_n contribute_v as_o much_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o religion_n as_o their_o great_a prosperity_n can_v do_v the_o division_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n after_o the_o death_n of_o solomon_n and_o the_o erection_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o judah_n with_o the_o many_o league_n and_o war_n which_o these_o two_o mighty_a kingdom_n have_v with_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n and_o syria_n and_o babylon_n and_o with_o other_o nation_n can_v not_o but_o exceed_o conduce_v to_o the_o divulge_v the_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o give_v opportunity_n to_o the_o prophet_n to_o declare_v their_o prophecy_n and_o work_v their_o miracle_n among_o the_o heathen_a as_o we_o find_v they_o do_v in_o many_o instance_n one_o of_o the_o great_a city_n of_o the_o world_n be_v convert_v by_o jonah_n preach_v hezekiah_n be_v distress_v by_o sennacherib_n pray_v to_o god_n for_o deliverence_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n that_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n may_v know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n god_n even_o thou_o only_o and_o his_o prayer_n be_v answer_v not_o only_o in_o the_o deliverance_n but_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o which_o be_v so_o wonderful_a that_o all_o must_v know_v and_o be_v astonish_v at_o it_o for_o that_o very_a night_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n go_v out_o and_o smite_v in_o the_o camp_n of_o the_o assyrian_n a_o hundred_o fourscore_o and_o five_o thousand_o 2_o king_n nineteeen_o 19_o which_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n deliver_v to_o hezekiah_n in_o a_o message_n to_o he_o from_o god_n in_o answer_n to_o his_o prayer_n and_o afterward_o ambassador_n come_v from_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n to_o inquire_v of_o the_o wonder_n or_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v in_o his_o recovery_n from_o his_o sickness_n 2_o chron._n xxxii_o 31._o and_o at_o last_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o seventy_o year_n in_o babylon_n make_v their_o religion_n almost_o as_o well_o know_v there_o as_o in_o jerusalem_n itself_o jeremiah_n have_v foretell_v the_o captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o conquest_n of_o all_o the_o adjacent_a country_n so_o long_o and_o so_o plain_o beforehand_o that_o all_o the_o neighbour_n nation_n must_v be_v sensible_a of_o it_o as_o nabuchadnezzar_n himself_o also_o be_v for_o which_o reason_n he_o give_v a_o strict_a charge_n concern_v jeremiah_n to_o nebuzaradan_n the_o captain_n of_o the_o guard_n who_o declare_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o captivity_n to_o be_v their_o sin_n against_o the_o lord_n or_o jehovah_n jer._n xl_o 3._o and_o as_o the_o jew_n say_v he_o become_v a_o proselyte_n god_n profess_v that_o he_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n among_o the_o heathen_a in_o his_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n or_o else_o he_o have_v utter_o consume_v they_o ezek._n xx_o 9_o and_o xxxvi_o 22_o 23_o 36._o and_o the_o judgement_n upon_o the_o several_a nation_n prophesy_v against_o be_v to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v know_v he_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n ezek._n twenty-five_o 7_o 17._o &_o xxvi_o 6._o &_o xxviii_o 22_o 23_o 24._o &_o xxix_o 6._o &_o xxxv_o 9_o &_o xxxvi_o 23._o &_o xxxvii_o 28._o i_o be_o a_o great_a king_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o my_o name_n be_v dreadful_a among_o the_o heathen_a mal._n i._n 14._o the_o jew_n in_o their_o captivity_n be_v command_v to_o make_v a_o open_a declaration_n against_o the_o heathen_a god_n and_o because_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o chaldee_n tongue_n the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n supply_v they_o with_o so_o much_o of_o the_o language_n as_o may_v serve_v they_o for_o that_o purpose_n thus_o shall_v you_o say_v unto_o they_o jer._n x._o 11._o that_o be_v you_o shall_v speak_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o in_o the_o word_n which_o i_o now_o set_v down_o to_o you_o to_o bid_v defiance_n to_o their_o false_a go_n thus_o do_v he_o fulfil_v his_o commission_n and_o character_n who_o be_v sanctify_v and_o ordain_v a_o prophet_n unto_o the_o nation_n jer._n i._n 5._o and_o jeremiah_n be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o egypt_n and_o ezekiel_n in_o babylon_n for_o appear_v against_o the_o idolatry_n of_o those_o place_n during_o the_o captivity_n jehoiachin_n be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n and_o in_o great_a favour_n with_o he_o his_o throne_n be_v set_v above_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o king_n that_o be_v with_o he_o in_o babylon_n 2_o king_n twenty-five_o 28._o the_o jew_n be_v in_o great_a esteem_n and_o in_o place_n of_o great_a honour_n and_o trust_v and_o their_o religion_n be_v extol_v and_o recommend_v by_o public_a edict_n to_o all_o under_o that_o vast_a empire_n the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v with_o miracle_n and_o by_o the_o interpretation_n of_o dream_n and_o prophecy_n and_o his_o majesty_n and_o honour_n be_v acknowledge_v and_o proclaim_v in_o the_o most_o public_a and_o solemn_a manner_n throughout_o all_o the_o babylonian_a empire_n at_o the_o command_n of_o prince_n who_o be_v idolater_n and_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o the_o mere_a conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o irresistible_a power_n of_o god_n dan._n two_o three_o four_o five_o vi_fw-mi daniel_n have_v acquaint_v cyrus_n as_o josephus_n say_v with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n in_o which_o he_o be_v so_o long_o before_o mention_v by_o name_n however_o the_o lord_n stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o cyrus_n by_o this_o or_o some_o other_o mean_n to_o accomplish_v the_o prophecy_n which_o he_o have_v make_v both_o by_o isaiah_n and_o jeremiah_n concern_v the_o restoration_n of_o the_o jew_n
to_o himself_o thereby_o the_o great_a master_n of_o decency_n have_v not_o think_v it_o always_o improper_a for_o man_n to_o commend_v themselves_o either_o because_o they_o suppose_v some_o occasion_n may_v require_v it_o or_o because_o it_o be_v a_o more_o usual_a thing_n in_o ancient_a time_n when_o man_n life_n and_o manner_n be_v more_o natural_a and_o sincere_a and_o they_o often_o speak_v as_o they_o think_v both_o of_o themselves_o and_o other_o yet_o we_o no_o where_n find_v man_n speak_v so_o free_o in_o disparagement_n of_o themselves_o as_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o show_v that_o moses_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o inspire_a writer_n little_o regard_v their_o own_o praise_n or_o dispraise_v but_o write_v what_o god_n be_v please_v to_o appoint_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a to_o they_o so_o god_n may_v be_v honour_v whether_o they_o lose_v or_o gain_v in_o their_o own_o reputation_n by_o it_o but_o what_o we_o read_v of_o moses_n num._n twelve_o 3._o that_o he_o be_v very_o meek_a above_o all_o the_o man_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o only_a commendable_a character_n that_o moses_n give_v of_o himself_o may_v be_v translate_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o afflict_a man_n according_a to_o the_o marginal_a read_n and_o if_o he_o mention_n his_o own_o meekness_n he_o mention_n also_o his_o great_a anger_n or_o heat_n of_o anger_n exod._n xi_o 8._o and_o his_o be_v very_o wroth_a num._n xuj_o 15._o but_o if_o moses_n have_v not_o have_v more_o respect_n to_o truth_n than_o to_o his_o own_o reputation_n he_o will_v never_o have_v leave_v it_o upon_o record_n that_o he_o so_o often_o decline_v the_o message_n and_o employment_n which_o god_n appoint_v he_o to_o undertake_v exod._n iii._o 11_o 13._o &_o four_o 1_o 10_o 13_o 14._o and_o that_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o he_o upon_o other_o occasion_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n will_v not_o permit_v he_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o promise_a land_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v ascribe_v balaam_n prophecy_n and_o jethro_n advice_n to_o himself_o at_o least_o he_o will_v never_o have_v record_v that_o by_o jethro_n counsel_n he_o take_v up_o a_o new_a and_o better_a method_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n if_o he_o have_v be_v lead_v by_o ambition_n and_o vainglory_n he_o will_v have_v endeavour_v by_o these_o thing_n to_o adorn_v his_o own_o character_n and_o will_v never_o have_v lessen_v it_o by_o tell_v his_o own_o infirmity_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o to_o the_o diminution_n of_o himself_o he_o publish_v the_o excellency_n of_o other_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o magician_n of_o egypt_n be_v not_o conceal_v by_o he_o and_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o own_o genealogy_n from_o levi_n he_o first_o set_v down_o the_o family_n of_o reuben_n and_o simeon_n the_o two_o elder_a brother_n lest_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o arrogate_v too_o much_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o tribe_n some_o have_v observe_v that_o moses_n relate_v his_o own_o birth_n to_o have_v be_v by_o a_o marriage_n contrary_n to_o the_o law_n afterward_o by_o himself_o establish_v which_o indeed_o be_v doubtful_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o latitude_n of_o signification_n in_o the_o word_n sister_n in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o avoid_v the_o be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v bear_v from_o such_o a_o marriage_n as_o he_o will_v have_v be_v if_o his_o law_n have_v be_v of_o his_o own_o contrivance_n lest_o his_o own_o reputation_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n or_o perhaps_o both_o may_v have_v suffer_v by_o it_o exod._n vi_fw-la 14_o 20._o he_o set_v forth_o the_o ingratitude_n idolatry_n and_o perpetual_a revolt_v and_o murmur_n of_o his_o whole_a nation_n and_o relate_v the_o fail_n and_o fault_n of_o their_o ancestor_n the_o patriarch_n and_o particular_o of_o levi_n from_o who_o he_o be_v descend_v gen._n xxxiv_o 30._o &_o xlix_o 6._o he_o spare_v neither_o his_o people_n nor_o his_o ancestor_n nor_o himself_o in_o what_o he_o relate_v and_o these_o be_v all_o the_o character_n of_o a_o faithful_a historian_n and_o a_o sincere_a man_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v and_o as_o moses_n be_v not_o ambitious_a of_o praise_n so_o neither_o be_v he_o ambitious_a of_o power_n and_o dominion_n for_o beside_o that_o he_o enter_v upon_o such_o a_o undertake_n as_o no_o sober_a man_n will_v have_v attempt_v without_o a_o revelation_n it_o appear_v otherwise_o impossible_a to_o accomplish_v it_o his_o whole_a conduct_n show_v that_o he_o have_v no_o design_n of_o advance_v his_o own_o interest_n or_o dominion_n if_o he_o have_v be_v never_o so_o ambitious_a he_o need_v not_o have_v go_v into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o seek_v his_o preferment_n among_o a_o wander_a and_o stubborn_a people_n when_o he_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o to_o all_o the_o honour_n and_o the_o pleasure_n that_o egypt_n or_o pharaoh_n court_n can_v afford_v but_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n heb._n xi_o 24_o 25._o he_o undertake_v to_o lead_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n for_o forty_o year_n through_o a_o barren_a wilderness_n where_o he_o can_v promise_v himself_o but_o a_o very_a uneasy_a and_o inglorious_a reign_n if_o that_o have_v be_v his_o design_n and_o by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n he_o can_v not_o hope_v to_o outlive_v that_o period_n of_o time_n and_o though_o he_o be_v preserve_v in_o his_o old_a age_n in_o the_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o manhood_n yet_o upon_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o promise_a land_n he_o meek_o resign_v himself_o to_o death_n in_o the_o very_a sight_n and_o border_n of_o canaan_n know_v beforehand_o that_o he_o must_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o possess_v the_o land_n which_o he_o have_v be_v so_o many_o year_n in_o so_o great_a danger_n lead_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o enjoy_v though_o he_o do_v not_o conceal_v how_o desirous_a he_o be_v to_o pass_v over_o jordan_n deut._n iii._o 23_o etc._n etc._n the_o history_n of_o his_o death_n be_v like_a that_o of_o his_o life_n relate_v with_o a_o peculiar_a kind_n of_o native_a simplicity_n he_o be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n as_o enoch_n and_o elijah_n be_v and_o as_o the_o roman_n feign_v of_o romulus_n but_o to_o die_v and_o his_o sepulchre_n be_v hide_v to_o prevent_v the_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a veneration_n which_o may_v have_v be_v pay_v to_o the_o remain_v of_o so_o great_a a_o person_n and_o though_o he_o have_v son_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o private_a man_n no_o otherwise_o know_v to_o we_o than_o as_o they_o be_v his_o son_n the_o government_n he_o confer_v upon_o joshua_n one_o of_o another_o tribe_n moses_n therefore_o be_v the_o further_a of_o any_o man_n from_o vainglorious_a or_o ambitious_a and_o aspire_a design_n and_o can_v propose_v no_o other_o advantage_n to_o himself_o but_o the_o fulfil_n the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o deliver_v his_o commandment_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o follow_v his_o direction_n in_o his_o conduct_n and_o government_n aaron_z be_v of_o a_o different_a temper_n from_o moses_n and_o be_v envious_a of_o he_o and_o both_o aaron_n and_o miriam_n murmur_v against_o he_o it_o be_v so_o notorious_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o contrivance_n between_o they_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v the_o immediate_a and_o visible_a power_n of_o god_n which_o keep_v aaron_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n in_o obedience_n to_o moses_n upon_o moses_n absence_n aaron_n comply_v with_o the_o people_n in_o make_v a_o golden_a calf_n and_o his_o two_o elder_a son_n offer_v strange_a fire_n before_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v for_o which_o they_o be_v both_o destroy_v by_o fire_n miraculous_o issue_v out_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o aaron_n hold_v his_o peace_n know_v that_o this_o punishment_n be_v inflict_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o reply_v to_o moses_n when_o he_o declare_v to_o he_o the_o justice_n of_o it_o and_o both_o aaron_n and_o his_o other_o two_o son_n be_v forbid_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n to_o mourn_v for_o they_o leu._n x._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 6._o at_o last_o by_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n aaron_n go_v up_o into_o mount_n hor_n to_o die_v there_o not_o be_v permit_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n thus_o moses_n and_o aaron_n be_v sometime_o at_o disagreement_n aaron_n envy_v moses_n aaron_n lose_v two_o of_o his_o son_n by_o a_o
the_o word_n that_o we_o do_v tell_v thou_o in_o egypt_n say_v let_v we_o alone_o that_o we_o may_v serve_v the_o egyptian_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o we_o to_o serve_v the_o egyptian_n than_o that_o we_o shall_v die_v in_o the_o wilderness_n exod._n fourteen_o 11_o 12._o but_o the_o israelite_n be_v purposely_o bring_v into_o this_o distress_n by_o god_n express_a will_n and_o command_n that_o he_o may_v get_v he_o honour_n upon_o pharaoh_n and_o upon_o all_o his_o do_v upon_o his_o chariot_n and_o upon_o his_o horseman_n ver_fw-la 17._o and_o â—he_v sea_n be_v divide_v at_o moses_n lift_v up_o his_o rod_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o upon_o dry-ground_n and_o the_o water_n be_v a_o wall_n unto_o they_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o jest_n ver_fw-la 22._o and_o can_v they_o be_v ignorant_a whether_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o water_n or_o upon_o dry_a land_n whether_o they_o be_v the_o man_n that_o have_v escape_v or_o whether_o they_o have_v be_v all_o drown_v the_o word_n be_v express_v that_o the_o water_n be_v on_o both_o side_n of_o they_o in_o their_o passage_n and_o that_o they_o be_v separate_v to_o make_v way_n for_o they_o which_o can_v not_o fall_v out_o by_o any_o ebb_a of_o the_o sea_n for_o than_o they_o will_v have_v have_v water_n but_o on_o one_o side_n of_o they_o whereas_o now_o the_o water_n stand_v equal_o on_o both_o hand_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v suppose_v more_o absurd_a than_o it_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o neither_o the_o egyptian_n nor_o the_o israelite_n shall_v understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o red-sea_n but_o that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o tide_n shall_v be_v know_v only_o to_o moses_n at_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n have_v warning_n give_v they_o three_o day_n before_o that_o they_o may_v sanctify_v and_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o make_v their_o appearance_n before_o the_o lord_n all_z the_o people_n see_v the_o thundering_n and_o lightning_n and_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o trumpet_n and_o behold_v the_o mountain_n smoke_v and_o the_o lord_n speak_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n the_o word_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o they_o be_v strike_v with_o such_o a_o terror_n that_o they_o remove_v and_o stand_v afar_o off_o and_o desire_v moses_n that_o he_o will_v acquaint_v they_o with_o what_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o give_v he_o in_o command_n concern_v they_o that_o they_o may_v no_o long_o hear_v god_n speak_v to_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v die_v exod._n xx_o 18._o deut._n v._n 22._o the_o clond_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o the_o tabernacle_n by_o day_n and_o fire_n be_v on_o it_o by_o night_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n throughout_o all_o their_o journey_n exod._n xl_o 38._o whether_o it_o be_v two_o day_n or_o a_o month_n or_o a_o year_n that_o the_o cloud_n tarry_v upon_o the_o tabernacle_n remain_v thereon_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n abode_n in_o their_o tent_n and_o journey_v not_o but_o when_o it_o be_v take_v up_o they_o journey_v num._n ix_o 22._o from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o escape_n out_o of_o egypt_n the_o pillar_n of_o the_o cloud_n by_o day_n and_o the_o pillar_n of_o fire_n by_o might_n the_o manna_n with_o which_o they_o be_v yf_v during_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o journey_v in_o the_o wilderness_n till_o the_o very_a day_n after_o they_o have_v eat_v of_o the_o corn_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canâ—â—n_n exod._n xuj_o 35._o jos_n v._o 12._o and_o their_o garment_n last_v for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n without_o any_o decay_n deut._n xxix_o 5._o these_o be_v constant_a and_o perpetual_a miracle_n for_o forty_o year_n together_o and_o it_o be_v the_o most_o impossible_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o suppose_v that_o a_o people_n consist_v of_o so_o many_o hundred_o thousand_o shall_v for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n be_v impose_v upon_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n their_o eve_n and_o taste_v and_o all_o their_o sense_n be_v witness_n that_o they_o be_v conduct_v and_o feed_v and_o clothe_v by_o miracle_n for_o forty_o year_n together_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o lead_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n through_o a_o vast_a and_o barren_a wilderness_n by_o so_o long_a and_o tedious_a journey_n without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n if_o they_o have_v be_v under_o no_o other_o distress_n but_o want_n of_o food_n in_o so_o barren_a a_o place_n it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o any_o number_n of_o man_n and_o much_o more_o for_o so_o vast_a a_o multitude_n to_o subsist_v for_o any_o time_n without_o a_o miracle_n but_o they_o be_v say_v with_o manna_n from_o heaven_n not_o with_o such_o as_o the_o manna_n be_v which_o be_v now_o any_o where_n to_o be_v find_v which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o honey-dew_n but_o with_o manna_n which_o be_v fit_a for_o nourishment_n not_o for_o physic_n and_o so_o hard_a as_o to_o be_v ground_n in_o mill_n and_o beat_v in_o mortar_n and_o bake_v in_o pan_n num._n xi_o 8._o and_o yet_o it_o be_v melt_v by_o the_o sun_n and_o breed_v worm_n and_o stink_v if_o it_o be_v keep_v but_o one_o night_n except_o it_o be_v on_o the_o night_n before_o the_o sabbath_n though_o again_o when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v preserve_v for_o a_o memorial_n to_o future_a generation_n nothing_o be_v more_o last_a and_o it_o fall_v on_o every_o day_n of_o the_o week_n but_o the_o sabbath_n the_o manna_n therefore_o which_o be_v now_o of_o what_o sort_n soever_o it_o be_v be_v of_o quite_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o this_o miraculous_a manna_n though_o it_o have_v its_o name_n from_o it_o as_o a_o learned_a physician_n 2._o physician_n jo_n chrys_n magnen_n de_fw-fr manna_n c._n 2._o have_v prove_v their_o water_n be_v as_o miraculous_a as_o their_o food_n and_o their_o clothing_n as_o either_o neither_o their_o raiment_n decay_v nor_o their_o bread_n and_o water_n fail_v till_o they_o arrive_v in_o the_o promise_v land_n the_o march_n of_o the_o greek_a army_n out_o of_o asia_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o xenophon_n after_o the_o death_n of_o cyrus_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o thing_n scarce_o to_o be_v equal_v in_o all_o humane_a story_n though_o that_o be_v but_o for_o one_o year_n and_o three_o month_n and_o the_o difficulty_n they_o meet_v with_o be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o beset_v the_o israelite_n on_o every_o side_n in_o that_o great_a and_o terrible_a wilderness_n wherein_o be_v fiery_a serpent_n and_o scorpion_n and_o drought_n deut._n viij_o 15._o a_o land_n of_o desert_n and_o of_o pit_n of_o drought_n and_o of_o the_o shadow_n â—f_fw-fr death_n a_o land_n that_o no_o man_n pass_v through_o and_o where_o no_o man_n dwell_v jer._n two_o 6._o nothing_o but_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n can_v have_v sustain_v they_o and_o nothing_o but_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o can_v have_v keep_v they_o within_o any_o bound_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n we_o see_v how_o froward_a and_o rebellious_a they_o be_v upon_o all_o occasion_n notwithstanding_o the_o wonderful_a power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n continual_o manifest_a among_o they_o they_o will_v have_v be_v content_a with_o the_o egyptian_a slavery_n and_o the_o egyptian_a god_n too_o rather_o than_o endure_v the_o hardship_n of_o the_o wilderness_n moses_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v almost_o ready_a to_o stone_n he_o exod._n xvii_o 4._o and_o out_o of_o despondency_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v kill_v he_o out_o of_o hand_n rather_o than_o lay_v so_o great_a a_o burden_n upon_o he_o num._n xi_o 15._o and_o whoever_o can_v believe_v that_o moses_n by_o his_o own_o skill_n and_o management_n can_v lead_v such_o a_o multitude_n through_o such_o a_o wilderness_n so_o many_o year_n journey_n can_v it_o seem_v believe_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o the_o scripture_n for_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o incredible_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v conceive_v but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o incredible_a that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o by_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o assistance_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n tempt_v god_n ten_o time_n by_o their_o murmur_n and_o their_o distrust_n of_o his_o power_n and_o care_n over_o they_o num._n fourteen_o 22._o for_o which_o many_o of_o they_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n till_o at_o last_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o man_n that_o be_v twenty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_o have_v this_o judgement_n denounce_v against_o they_o that_o for_o their_o murmur_n but_o two_o of_o they_o by_o name_n caleb_n the_o son_n of_o jephunneh_n and_o joshua_n the_o son_n of_o nun_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o the_o rest_n shall_v all_o die_v in_o the_o wilderness_n but_o that_o after_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
to_o crucify_v he_o yet_o his_o life_n be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n which_o he_o resign_v in_o the_o word_n of_o another_o psalm_n ps_n xxxi_o 5._o and_o he_o cause_v another_o prophesy_n to_o be_v fulfil_v by_o die_v at_o that_o very_a point_n of_o time_n which_o if_o his_o death_n have_v be_v defer_v a_o little_o long_a have_v not_o be_v fulfil_v for_o the_o soldier_n break_v the_o leg_n of_o the_o two_o other_o that_o be_v crucify_v with_o they_o but_o find_v he_o deâ—d_n they_o break_v not_o his_o leg_n though_o one_o of_o they_o suspect_v that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v so_o soon_o dead_a pierce_v his_o side_n to_o try_v whether_o he_o be_v real_o dead_a or_o not_o by_o which_o that_o scripture_n be_v fulfil_v which_o say_v they_o shall_v look_v on_o he_o who_o they_o pierce_v joh._n nineteeen_o 34._o zach._n twelve_o 10._o which_o pearson_n which_o see_v bp._n pearson_n text_n the_o ancient_a jew_n interpret_v of_o the_o messiah_n the_o liii_o chapter_n of_o isaiah_n be_v a_o clear_a description_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n almost_o in_o every_o circumstance_n of_o it_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n and_o bruise_a for_o our_o iniquity_n he_o be_v oppress_v and_o he_o be_v afflict_v yet_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v bring_v as_o a_o lamb_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o as_o a_o sheep_n before_o her_o shearer_n be_v dumb_a so_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n his_o silence_n be_v take_v special_a notice_n of_o by_o pilate_n himself_o and_o his_o meekness_n towards_o judas_n his_o most_o ungrateful_a disciple_n be_v wonderful_a beyond_o all_o example_n he_o make_v his_o grave_n with_o the_o rich_a in_o his_o death_n though_o he_o die_v in_o that_o shameful_a manner_n under_o the_o imputation_n of_o so_o much_o wickedness_n yet_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n a_o honourable_a counsellor_n be_v suffer_v by_o pilate_n to_o bury_v he_o which_o he_o do_v in_o his_o own_o new_a tomb._n he_o be_v number_v with_o the_o transgressor_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n make_v his_o grave_n also_o with_o the_o wicked_a be_v crucify_v between_o two_o thief_n and_o so_o be_v not_o only_o repute_v a_o malefactor_n and_o undergo_v the_o punishment_n of_o transgressor_n but_o be_v execute_v at_o the_o very_a time_n and_o place_n with_o they_o and_o bury_v when_o they_o be_v he_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o transgressor_n for_o the_o penitent_a thief_n in_o particular_a who_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o that_o day_n in_o paradise_n and_o for_o his_o persecutor_n themselves_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v be_v forgive_v the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v so_o very_o plain_o and_o direct_o fulfil_v that_o i_o have_v know_v a_o child_n apply_v they_o to_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n one_o of_o the_o most_o glorious_a character_n by_o which_o the_o messiah_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v their_o prince_n and_o king_n and_o this_o lead_v the_o jew_n into_o that_o fatal_a mistake_n of_o a_o temporal_a messiah_n for_o messiah_n or_o anoint_v signify_v king_n as_o well_o as_o prophet_n or_o priest_n in_o which_o three_o office_n unction_n be_v use_v and_o they_o be_v all_o unite_a in_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o messiah_n anoint_v and_o inaugurate_v by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o he_o in_o a_o visible_a shape_n and_o with_o a_o distinct_a and_o audible_a voice_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v know_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o title_n be_v fix_v upon_o his_o cross_n in_o three_o several_a language_n the_o most_o vulgar_a tongue_n then_o in_o the_o world_n that_o no_o nation_n may_v be_v ignorant_a that_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o crucify_v for_o pilate_n will_v not_o alter_v the_o inscription_n but_o though_o they_o have_v fright_v he_o before_o by_o observe_v to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v treason_n against_o caesar_n to_o call_v any_o one_o king_n beside_o he_o yet_o when_o they_o will_v now_o have_v have_v he_o change_v the_o inscription_n and_o have_v write_v only_o that_o he_o say_v i_o be_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n pilate_n give_v a_o short_a and_o resolute_a answer_n what_o i_o have_v write_v i_o have_v write_v how_o much_o soever_o it_o be_v at_o his_o peril_n to_o provoke_v a_o malicious_a people_n in_o a_o point_n wherein_o they_o think_v the_o honour_n and_o safety_n of_o their_o nation_n so_o much_o concern_v and_o in_o a_o point_n which_o can_v not_o but_o be_v exceed_o tender_a to_o so_o jealous_a a_o emperor_n as_o tiberius_n but_o pilate_n have_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v carry_v too_o far_o already_o against_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o have_v show_v great_a aversion_n to_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o whole_a management_n of_o his_o trial_n and_o the_o same_o providence_n which_o have_v order_v every_o circumstance_n to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o conviction_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n now_o so_o dispose_v this_o remarkable_a particular_a that_o the_o last_o period_n of_o his_o life_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o the_o spite_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v adorn_v and_o dignify_v with_o his_o true_a title_n and_o character_n under_o which_o he_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n in_o capital_a letter_n upon_o his_o cross_n thus_o be_v the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o birth_n and_o life_n and_o death_n of_o the_o messiah_n exact_o fulfil_v in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v so_o many_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v fulfil_v by_o chance_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o depend_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o word_n and_o action_n of_o other_o and_o even_o of_o his_o worst_a enemy_n that_o it_o can_v proceed_v from_o no_o design_n or_o contrivance_n of_o he_o or_o his_o disciple_n they_o be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o by_o the_o malice_n chief_o of_o his_o enemy_n and_o according_a to_o the_o interpretation_n which_o they_o themselves_o be_v wont_a to_o give_v of_o they_o iv_o his_o resurrection_n likewise_o and_o ascension_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o express_a prophecy_n as_o the_o apostle_n prove_v to_o the_o face_n of_o his_o crucifier_n act._n two_o and_o these_o be_v such_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n as_o depend_v upon_o the_o sole_a will_n and_o power_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o yet_o as_o certain_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o the_o birth_n and_o life_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v as_o shall_v be_v prove_v in_o due_a place_n chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o all_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v before_o he_o so_o he_o be_v himself_o the_o great_a prophet_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o world_n expect_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o he_o fulfil_v that_o prediction_n by_o the_o many_o eminent_a prophecy_n which_o he_o speak_v he_o foretell_v the_o treachery_n of_o judas_n and_o know_v from_o the_o beginning_n who_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v betray_v he_o he_o foretell_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o own_o death_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v by_o crucifixion_n though_o the_o jew_n often_o seek_v opportunity_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n private_o and_o that_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o punishment_n which_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o inflict_v but_o if_o they_o have_v kill_v he_o themselves_o and_o have_v not_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o roman_a judicature_n they_o will_v have_v do_v it_o by_o ston_a as_o they_o murder_v st._n stephen_n he_o foretell_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o suffering_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v unto_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o unto_o the_o scribe_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v condemn_v he_o to_o death_n and_o shall_v deliver_v he_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v mock_v he_o and_o shall_v scourge_v he_o and_o shall_v spit_v upon_o he_o and_o shall_v kill_v he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n mark_v x._o 33_o 34._o which_o his_o enemy_n take_v such_o notice_n of_o that_o they_o use_v all_o their_o vain_a endeavour_n to_o prevent_v it_o he_o assure_v his_o disciple_n that_o his_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v over_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o that_o one_o particular_a action_n which_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o of_o the_o woman_n who_o anoint_v his_o head_n shall_v never_o be_v omit_v wheresoever_o it_o shall_v be_v preach_v matt._n xxvi_o 13._o he_o declare_v that_o his_o religion_n shall_v prevail_v against_o all_o the_o opposition_n which_o it_o will_v meet_v withal_o and_o continue_v to_o
the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o foretell_v the_o denial_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o martyrdom_n and_o both_o be_v foretell_v to_o st._n peter_n himself_o and_o his_o denial_n but_o a_o very_a little_a while_n before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o st._n peter_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n impossible_a who_o alone_o can_v have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o hinder_v it_o he_o prophesy_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v about_o forty_o year_n after_o his_o own_o death_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o generation_n as_o he_o have_v foretell_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o city_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o ground_n plough_v up_o so_o that_o one_o stone_n be_v not_o leave_v upon_o another_o of_o all_o the_o magnificent_a building_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o the_o disciple_n so_o much_o admire_v when_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o fate_n of_o that_o glorious_a pile_n matt._n xxii_o 2._o and_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v upon_o another_o occasion_n when_o julian_n with_o a_o design_n 21._o design_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sozom._n lib._n 5._o c._n 21._o to_o defeat_v this_o prophecy_n endeavour_v to_o have_v it_o rebuilt_a both_o the_o work_n and_o the_o workman_n be_v miraculous_o destroy_v by_o a_o fire_n burst_v out_o of_o the_o ground_n the_o inhabitant_n fall_v by_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o be_v lead_v away_o captive_a into_o all_o nation_n luke_n xxi_o 24._o the_o chief_a place_n of_o security_n be_v the_o mountainous_a part_n of_o judea_n which_o our_o saviour_n foresee_v when_o he_o advise_v his_o disciple_n to_o flee_v to_o the_o mountain_n matt._n xxiv_o 16._o and_o cestius_n gallus_n compass_v jerusalem_n with_o his_o army_n which_o be_v a_o warning_n to_o the_o christian_n to_o depart_v and_o then_o by_o raise_v the_o siege_n give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n to_o escape_v to_o pella_n in_o the_o mountain_n of_o perea_n exact_o according_a to_o luke_n xxi_o 20_o 21._o and_o what_o dion_n cassius_n relate_v in_o the_o reign_v of_o claudius_n nero_n vitellius_n and_o titus_n may_v serve_v as_o a_o comment_n upon_o our_o saviour_n prophecy_n for_o there_o be_v famine_n and_o pestilence_n fearful_a sight_n and_o great_a sign_n from_o heaven_n and_o great_a earthquake_n the_o sea_n and_o the_o wave_n roar_v xxi_o 11_o 25._o the_o sun_n be_v darken_v and_o the_o moon_n do_v not_o give_v her_o light_n matt._n xxiv_o 29._o man_n heart_n fail_v they_o for_o fear_n and_o for_o look_v after_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v come_v on_o the_o earth_n luke_n xxi_o 26._o and_o there_o be_v so_o terrible_a a_o eruption_n of_o vesuvius_n that_o the_o ash_n be_v carry_v by_o the_o wind_n into_o africa_n and_o into_o egypt_n and_o syria_n with_o so_o great_a smoke_n and_o darkness_n that_o it_o be_v think_v the_o world_n have_v be_v at_o a_o end_n our_o saviour_n miracle_n verify_v the_o prophecy_n which_o have_v be_v concern_v the_o messiah_n for_o the_o jew_n expect_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v manifest_v himself_o by_o miracle_n to_o the_o world_n as_o they_o conclude_v from_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n and_o therefore_o st._n john_n baptist_n do_v no_o miracle_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v for_o the_o messiah_n of_o who_o miracle_n be_v a_o principal_a token_n to_o know_v he_o by_o his_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o extort_a a_o confession_n from_o the_o devil_n themselves_o of_o his_o divine_a power_n they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o before_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o they_o and_o as_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v perform_v but_o by_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n the_o miracle_n of_o the_o loaf_n and_o fish_n be_v twice_o do_v and_o the_o person_n who_o be_v witness_n to_o it_o be_v at_o one_o time_n five_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n matt._n fourteen_o 21._o and_o the_o other_o time_n four_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n matt._n xv_o 38._o a_o miracle_n wrought_v at_o two_o several_a time_n and_o obvious_a to_o all_o the_o sense_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n who_o be_v hungry_a find_v themselves_o fill_v and_o satisfy_v with_o this_o miraculous_a food_n in_o the_o barren_a wilderness_n where_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v supply_v by_o natural_a mean_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v mistake_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o public_a and_o undeniable_a that_o st._n peter_n appeal_v to_o the_o jew_n themselves_o declare_v that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n among_o they_o by_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n and_o sign_n which_o god_n do_v by_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o as_o they_o themselves_o also_o know_v act_v two_o 22._o the_o nobleman_n son_n be_v cure_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o the_o multitude_n be_v witness_n to_o the_o request_n he_o make_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n answer_n upon_o it_o and_o the_o nobleman_n family_n be_v witness_n that_o the_o cure_n be_v effect_v at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o cast_v devil_n out_o of_o one_o know_v to_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n possess_v and_o then_o suffer_v they_o to_o go_v into_o the_o swine_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o evil_a spirit_n which_o have_v possess_v the_o man_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sadducee_n who_o believe_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o spirit_n he_o cure_v the_o leprosy_n and_o send_v the_o cure_v to_o the_o priest_n as_o the_o law_n require_v that_o he_o by_o inspection_n may_v examine_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a cure_n or_o no._n he_o give_v sight_n to_o one_o bear_v blind_a and_o this_o be_v upon_o examination_n attest_v to_o the_o pharisee_n themselves_o lazarus_n be_v raise_v to_o life_n again_o after_o he_o have_v be_v dead_a four_o day_n before_o so_o many_o witness_n that_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v not_o able_a to_o contradict_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o be_v mighty_o enrage_v against_o he_o for_o it_o and_o consult_v to_o put_v lazarus_n to_o death_n because_o many_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n by_o reason_n of_o so_o great_a and_o manifest_a a_o miracle_n some_o who_o have_v be_v cure_v and_o other_o who_o have_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o our_o saviour_n be_v live_v for_o many_o year_n after_o catalogue_n after_o enseb_n hist_o lib._n four_o c._n 13._o hieron_n catalogue_n as_o quadratus_n testify_v of_o his_o own_o time_n in_o his_o apology_n to_o adrian_n the_o emperor_n the_o circumstance_n of_o these_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n show_v that_o they_o be_v real_o perform_v and_o they_o be_v wrought_v with_o this_o intent_n and_o design_n to_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o nature_n therefore_o and_o end_v of_o they_o show_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a power_n can_v have_v effect_v they_o for_o god_n will_v never_o have_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v wrought_v to_o vouch_v a_o imposture_n to_o the_o world_n under_o his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n evangelio_n authority_n guil._n ader_n me_fw-it dici_fw-la enarrationes_fw-la de_fw-la a_o grotis_fw-la &_o morbis_fw-la in_o evangelio_n a_o â—earned_a physician_n have_v write_v a_o treatise_n to_o show_v that_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o axiom_n of_o the_o best_a physician_n all_o the_o disease_n which_o our_o saviour_n cure_v be_v incurable_a by_o natural_a mean_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o man_n that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v so_o but_o i_o shall_v insist_v more_o particular_o upon_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v the_o most_o wonderful_a and_o a_o confirmation_n of_o all_o his_o other_o miracle_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n to_o we_o chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o david_n psal_n xuj_o 8._o act._n two_o 27._o and_o it_o be_v prefigure_v by_o the_o type_n of_o isaac_n deliverance_n when_o he_o have_v be_v offer_v up_o by_o abraham_n who_o both_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o receive_v he_o also_o from_o thence_o in_o a_o figure_n heb._n xi_o 19_o and_o it_o be_v also_o prefigure_v by_o the_o type_n of_o ionas_n his_o be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o whale_n belly_n matt._n twelve_o 40._o our_o saviour_n be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o grave_a that_o be_v three_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o three_o natural_a day_n according_a
become_v so_o much_o admire_v and_o magnify_v by_o the_o people_n that_o they_o bring_v forth_o the_o sick_a into_o the_o street_n and_o lay_v they_o on_o bed_n and_o couch_n that_o at_o the_o least_o the_o shadow_n of_o peter_n pass_v by_o may_v overshadow_v some_o of_o they_o there_o come_v also_o a_o multitude_n out_o of_o the_o city_n round_o about_o unto_o jerusalem_n bring_v sick_a folk_n and_o they_o which_o be_v vex_v with_o unclean_a spirit_n and_o they_o be_v heal_v every_o one_o act_v v._o 15_o 16._o and_o in_o this_o manner_n the_o apostle_n continue_v several_a year_n in_o jerusalem_n do_v miracle_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o before_o all_o people_n and_o the_o same_o miraculous_a power_n manifest_v itself_o at_o ephesus_n where_o god_n wrought_v special_a miracle_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o paul_n so_o that_o from_o his_o body_n be_v bring_v unto_o the_o sick_a handkerchief_n or_o apron_n and_o the_o disease_n depart_v from_o they_o and_o the_o evil_a spirit_n go_v out_o of_o they_o act_v nineteeen_o 11_o 12._o so_o impossible_a be_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n to_o deceive_v those_o before_o who_o their_o miracle_n be_v so_o frequent_o and_o public_o wrought_v and_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v much_o more_o impossible_a if_o any_o thing_n more_o impossible_a can_v be_v suppose_v to_o deceive_v those_o upon_o who_o their_o miracle_n have_v the_o effect_n of_o restore_v to_o they_o the_o use_n of_o their_o foot_n their_o sight_n and_o their_o health_n and_o even_o of_o raise_v they_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o indeed_o none_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o old_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ever_o deny_v but_o that_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o only_o dispute_v the_o power_n by_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v they_o never_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o give_v a_o account_n of_o these_o wondrous_a work_n be_v write_v soon_o after_o the_o thing_n relate_v have_v be_v do_v and_o these_o book_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o heathen_n and_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n and_o neither_o the_o jew_n nor_o the_o heathen_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o such_o work_n have_v be_v do_v they_o only_o cavil_v at_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v which_o how_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a soever_o it_o be_v yet_o be_v the_o only_a evasion_n they_o can_v have_v when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o christian_n if_o they_o have_v deny_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n who_o do_v the_o like_a miracle_n every_o day_n to_o confute_v they_o for_o ii_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o wrought_v miracle_n themselves_o but_o convey_v to_o other_o a_o power_n of_o work_v they_o thus_o when_o st._n peter_n be_v send_v for_o to_o cornelius_n the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o all_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o magnify_v god_n act._n x._o 44_o 46._o and_o so_o at_o ephesus_n the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v on_o those_o who_o st._n paul_n have_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o and_o they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o prophesy_v act_v nineteeen_o 6._o and_o this_o miraculous_a power_n be_v in_o that_o evident_a manner_n receive_v by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o simon_n magus_n offer_v they_o money_n to_o purchase_v it_o act_n viij_o 18._o now_o as_o the_o apostle_n can_v neither_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o do_v nor_o deceive_v those_o before_o who_o they_o be_v perform_v and_o upon_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v so_o certain_o they_o can_v never_o deceive_v such_o as_o they_o confer_v this_o gift_n upon_o when_o they_o not_o only_o do_v all_o sort_n of_o miracle_n and_o speak_v all_o language_n themselves_o but_o convey_v a_o power_n likewise_o upon_o other_o of_o speak_v and_o do_v as_o themselves_o do_v this_o be_v still_o a_o further_a evidence_n that_o all_o their_o pretence_n be_v real_a beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o deceit_n deceiver_n will_v never_o have_v do_v their_o miracle_n so_o open_o and_o so_o frequent_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o place_n they_o will_v never_o have_v pretend_v to_o a_o gift_n of_o tongue_n at_o a_o festival_n where_o man_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v meet_v together_o so_o that_o they_o can_v attempt_v to_o speak_v in_o no_o strange_a language_n but_o some_o present_n will_v have_v discover_v they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v it_o but_o they_o will_v least_o of_o all_o have_v pretend_v to_o enable_v other_o in_o a_o instant_n to_o work_v the_o same_o wonder_n and_o speak_v the_o same_o tongue_n only_o by_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o man_n that_o will_v attempt_v all_o this_o though_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o perform_v it_o must_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v capable_a of_o discourse_v and_o write_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v that_o they_o must_v be_v void_a even_o of_o common_a sense_n and_o if_o they_o can_v succeed_v in_o their_o design_n and_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o they_o do_v act_n and_o speak_v in_o this_o manner_n when_o they_o do_v not_o they_o must_v have_v a_o power_n over_o the_o understanding_n and_o sense_n of_o all_o with_o who_o they_o converse_v which_o be_v as_o strange_a even_o as_o this_o miraculous_a power_n itself_o they_o must_v work_v miracle_n either_o upon_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n or_o upon_o the_o sense_n themselves_o for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o can_v never_o have_v be_v able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o deceive_v without_o a_o miracle_n and_o since_o god_n will_v never_o have_v empower_v they_o to_o work_v miracle_n to_o deceive_v we_o be_v certain_a that_o their_o miracle_n be_v all_o wrought_v for_o that_o intent_n and_o purpose_n which_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o and_o to_o confirm_v that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o this_o power_n of_o miracle_n which_o now_o descend_v from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v convey_v by_o they_o to_o other_o continue_v for_o some_o age_n in_o the_o church_n and_o approve_a itself_o to_o the_o worst_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o such_o instance_n as_o must_v make_v they_o most_o concern_v to_o examine_v it_o 21._o it_o minut._n faelix_fw-la lactant._n lib._n two_o c._n 15._o etc._n etc._n 21._o several_a of_o the_o primitive_a writer_n witness_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o notorious_a than_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v wont_a to_o cry_v out_o for_o very_a anguish_n and_o torment_n when_o they_o be_v adjure_v by_o the_o true_a god_n 23._o god_n apolog_fw-la c._n 23._o and_o tertullian_n make_v public_a challenge_n to_o the_o heathen_n that_o if_o they_o will_v but_o admit_v they_o this_o trial_n the_o christian_n will_v undertake_v to_o make_v their_o most_o famous_a deity_n acknowledge_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v their_o very_a god_n confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wicked_a and_o seduce_a spirit_n or_o else_o they_o will_v be_v content_v to_o be_v slay_v upon_o the_o place_n and_o this_o he_o write_v under_o persecution_n and_o in_o apology_n dedicate_v and_o present_v to_o their_o persecutor_n themselves_o and_o indeed_o the_o oracle_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n soon_o begin_v to_o fail_v so_o as_o they_o have_v be_v never_o know_v to_o do_v before_o for_o their_o power_n begin_v to_o abate_v and_o decay_v upon_o the_o approach_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n into_o the_o world_n till_o by_o degree_n they_o quite_o cease_v which_o the_o heathen_n wonder_v at_o and_o be_v much_o perplex_v about_o it_o as_o we_o learn_v from_o what_o defecta_fw-la what_o cicer._n de_fw-fr divinat_fw-la plutarch_n de_fw-fr oracul_fw-la defecta_fw-la they_o have_v leave_v write_v upon_o that_o subject_n and_o though_o julian_n the_o apostate_n use_v all_o the_o way_n that_o he_o can_v think_v of_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o credit_n again_o he_o be_v never_o able_a to_o elect_v it_o but_o the_o most_o famous_a of_o they_o confess_v to_o he_o when_o he_o consult_v it_o that_o a_o miraculous_a and_o divine_a power_n reside_v in_o the_o remain_v of_o a_o christian_a martyr_n after_o his_o death_n will_v suffer_v no_o answer_n to_o be_v give_v and_o it_o be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o i_o must_v mention_v it_o once_o more_o that_o when_o the_o same_o apostate_n emperor_n in_o hatred_n and_o despite_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n become_v a_o great_a patron_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o encourage_v they_o to_o rebuild_v their_o temple_n great_a ball_n of_o fire_n break_v forth_o under_o the_o foundation_n and_o destroy_v both_o the_o work_n itself_o and_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o it_o and_o this_o we_o have_v relate_v not_o only_o by_o several_a christian_a writer_n that_o live_v about_o that_o time_n but_o by_o a_o 1._o a_o ammian_a
we_o with_o the_o endearment_n of_o his_o love_n and_o with_o such_o condescension_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n as_o must_v needs_o mighty_o affect_v the_o most_o obstinate_a sinner_n who_o have_v but_o the_o sense_n and_o gratitude_n of_o a_o man_n leave_v in_o he_o to_o consider_v they_o and_o then_o he_o have_v denounce_v his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n against_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o be_v lead_v and_o persuade_v to_o their_o own_o happiness_n by_o the_o infinite_a love_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v bear_v he_o live_v he_o die_v for_o we_o he_o have_v procure_v our_o pardon_n he_o proffer_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n he_o promise_v we_o eternal_a happiness_n with_o himself_o in_o heaven_n upon_o our_o obedience_n and_o last_o of_o all_o he_o threaten_v we_o with_o eternal_a misery_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v happy_a thus_o force_v we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o happiness_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o it_o for_o this_o be_v all_o the_o force_n that_o free_a agent_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o if_o all_o that_o infinite_a love_n can_v do_v to_o excite_v our_o love_n if_o all_o the_o reward_v that_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n can_v propose_v and_o the_o severe_a punishment_n that_o almighty_a vengeance_n can_v inflict_v will_v not_o prevail_v with_o man_n to_o follow_v virtue_n and_o refrain_v from_o vice_n nothing_o can_v possible_o prevail_v with_o they_o love_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o produce_v love_n and_o hope_n of_o reward_n have_v a_o mighty_a effect_n upon_o man_n of_o any_o good_a temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n be_v wont_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o very_o worst_a man_n and_o where_o infinite_a love_a kindness_n eternal_a reward_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n do_v all_o concur_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n no_o motive_n can_v be_v want_v by_o which_o human_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v wrought_v upon_o iv_o the_o christian_a religion_n afford_v the_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o be_v and_o of_o the_o life_n and_o motion_n of_o all_o thing_n do_v more_o especial_o act_v upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o put_v into_o they_o good_a desire_n and_o by_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o perform_v his_o will_n and_o this_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o this_o spiritual_a aid_n and_o strength_n be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v sin_n and_o over_o come_v temptation_n and_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n four_o 16._o which_o we_o be_v assure_v shall_v be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o for_o christ_n sake_n through_o his_o merit_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n all_o the_o world_n have_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a proneness_n in_o humane_a nature_n to_o evil_n and_o backwardness_n to_o what_o reason_n itself_o seem_v to_o dictate_v as_o good_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o christian_a religion_n only_o have_v provide_v a_o remedy_n to_o cure_v this_o great_a corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n v._o the_o christian_a religion_n express_v the_o great_a compassion_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n christ_n die_v to_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o procure_v acceptance_n with_o god_n for_o we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n he_o intercee_v for_o we_o and_o plead_v the_o merit_n of_o his_o own_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o our_o behalf_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o heinous_a if_o we_o do_v but_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o forsake_v they_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o surprise_v and_o infirmity_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n but_o a_o general_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n with_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n will_n through_o christ_n merit_n be_v accept_v of_o by_o he_o for_o such_o sin_n as_o we_o have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n or_o ability_n of_o know_v to_o be_v sin_n and_o for_o such_o as_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o can_v live_v whole_o free_a from_o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o we_o but_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a diligence_n to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v and_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o rely_v upon_o christ_n merit_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o what_o sin_n we_o be_v not_o able_a whole_o to_o avoid_v man_n be_v forward_o to_o complain_v of_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o the_o christian_a yoke_n without_o any_o true_a experience_n and_o trial_n of_o it_o and_o without_o consider_v the_o principle_n and_o motive_n and_o help_v and_o the_o condescend_v and_o gracious_a term_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v indeed_o to_o lay_v some_o injunction_n and_o restraint_n more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a be_v but_o what_o all_o lawgiver_n have_v do_v for_o some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v forbid_v as_o a_o prevention_n and_o a_o preservative_n from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n and_o other_o command_v as_o preparatory_a qualification_n and_o disposition_n to_o virtue_n and_o to_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o more_o easy_a and_o certain_a to_o we_o and_o if_o man_n be_v allow_v in_o all_o government_n to_o have_v this_o authority_n certain_o god_n who_o have_v a_o absolute_a power_n over_o we_o and_o perfect_o know_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o good_a and_o for_o the_o end_n of_o his_o government_n have_v a_o undeniable_a right_n to_o forbid_v or_o command_v we_o some_o thing_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v have_v be_v allow_v or_o excuse_v from_o but_o these_o be_v very_o few_o and_o all_o thing_n consider_v no_o religion_n ever_o be_v so_o compassionate_a and_o easy_a as_o the_o christian_a religion_n vi_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v ever_o have_v great_a effect_n towards_o the_o reformation_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n what_o can_v be_v more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n and_o more_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o mankind_n than_o to_o be_v teach_v to_o live_v under_o a_o perpetual_a sense_n and_o awe_n of_o the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v constrain_v to_o perform_v our_o several_a duty_n to_o each_o other_o in_o our_o respective_a capacity_n and_o relation_n with_o the_o utmost_a fidelity_n and_o integrity_n and_o to_o have_v this_o enforce_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o the_o hope_n and_o terâ—ore_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o a_o eternal_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n as_o they_o shall_v prove_v obedient_a or_o disobedient_a these_o than_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v doctrine_n most_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o a_o revelation_n for_o however_o man_n may_v wish_v as_o to_o themselves_o in_o particular_a that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v abridge_v their_o sinful_a pleasure_n yet_o in_o respect_n to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o society_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o those_o who_o will_v believe_v nothing_o of_o another_o life_n that_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v as_o general_o practise_v as_o it_o be_v profess_v it_o will_v make_v mankind_n as_o happy_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v in_o this_o life_n through_o the_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o as_o much_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v neglect_v it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o speculative_a notion_n only_o that_o it_o have_v a_o real_a and_o perpetual_a influence_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n even_o in_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o degenerate_a age_n we_o be_v not_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n easy_o make_v sensible_a how_o great_a blessing_n the_o christian_a religion_n bring_v to_o mankind_n in_o that_o reformation_n which_o it_o soon_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n for_o upon_o their_o conversion_n there_o become_v such_o a_o visible_a alteration_n in_o the_o temper_n and_o life_n of_o man_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v change_v their_o very_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o become_v new_a creature_n from_o whence_o conversion_n be_v style_v regeneration_n this_o the_o apologist_n general_o insist_v upon_o that_o the_o convert_v to_o christianity_n become_v quite_o other_o man_n and_o practise_v all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n with_o incredible_a zeal_n though_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
but_o as_o if_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o he_o have_v take_v care_n to_o insert_v such_o particular_n concern_v himself_o as_o to_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o temper_n by_o which_o he_o be_v guide_v in_o pen_v it_o he_o blasphemous_o introduce_v god_n thus_o speak_v to_o he_o xxxiii_o he_o alcor_fw-la c._n xxxiii_o o_o prophet_n we_o permit_v thou_o to_o know_v the_o woman_n to_o who_o thou_o have_v give_v dowry_n the_o woman_n slave_n which_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o the_o daughter_n of_o thy_o uncle_n and_o of_o thy_o aunt_n that_o have_v abandon_v with_o thou_o the_o company_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o true_a believe_a wife_n that_o shall_v be_v give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v marry_v she_o and_o that_o she_o be_v not_o the_o wife_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n it_o seem_v he_o give_v himself_o the_o liberty_n to_o take_v away_o the_o wife_n of_o any_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o religion_n thou_o shall_v retain_v who_o of_o thy_o wife_n thou_o shall_v desire_v to_o retain_v and_o shall_v repudiate_v such_o as_o thou_o shall_v desire_v to_o repudiate_v and_o shall_v lie_v with_o they_o that_o shall_v please_v thou_o by_o this_o mean_v his_o family_n of_o wife_n become_v pretty_a numerous_a some_o say_v they_o be_v fifteen_o other_o say_v one_o and_o twenty_o beside_o concubine_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v take_v some_o care_n to_o keep_v they_o true_a to_o he_o and_o so_o he_o bespeak_v they_o after_o this_o manner_n ib._n manner_n ib._n oh_o you_o wife_n of_o the_o prophet_n such_o of_o you_o as_o shall_v be_v unchaste_a shall_v be_v punish_v double_o more_o than_o other_o woman_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n easy_a to_o god_n such_o among_o you_o as_o shall_v obey_v god_n and_o his_o prophet_n and_o shall_v do_v good_a work_n shall_v be_v reward_v more_o than_o other_o woman_n a_o exceed_a great_a reward_n be_v prepare_v for_o you_o oh_o you_o wife_n of_o the_o prophet_n you_o be_v not_o like_o other_o woman_n of_o the_o world_n fear_v god_n and_o believe_v not_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o such_o as_o have_v a_o design_n to_o seduce_v you_o speak_v with_o civility_n abide_v in_o your_o house_n go_v not_o forth_o to_o make_v your_o beauty_n appear_v and_o to_o make_v a_o show_n as_o do_v the_o ignorant_a of_o old_a this_o explain_v what_o be_v mention_v before_o of_o a_o revelation_n mahomet_n pretend_v to_o have_v concern_v something_o that_o one_o of_o his_o wife_n be_v to_o say_v to_o he_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o he_o know_v whatever_o they_o do_v or_o say_v that_o so_o he_o may_v keep_v they_o in_o a_o we_o that_o they_o may_v not_o dare_v to_o prove_v false_a to_o he_o his_o pride_n be_v evident_a in_o this_o which_o follow_v ib._n follow_v ib._n you_o that_o believe_v enter_v not_o into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o prophet_n without_o permission_n except_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o repast_n and_o that_o by_o chance_n and_o without_o design_n if_o you_o be_v invite_v enter_v with_o freedom_n when_o you_o shall_v have_v take_v your_o repast_n depart_v out_o of_o the_o house_n and_o tarry_v not_o to_o discourse_v one_o with_o another_o this_o mole_v the_o prophet_n he_o be_v ashamed_a to_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o his_o number_n of_o wife_n make_v he_o incurable_o jealous_a and_o therefore_o he_o add_v you_o ought_v not_o to_o importune_v the_o prophet_n of_o god_n neither_o to_o know_v his_o wife_n this_o will_v be_v a_o most_o enormous_a sin_n the_o fierceness_n of_o mahomet_n spirit_n may_v be_v see_v by_o this_o one_o say_v xxii_o say_v ib._n ic_fw-mi xxii_o he_o that_o be_v angry_a that_o god_n give_v succour_n and_o protection_n to_o mahomet_n in_o this_o world_n let_v he_o tie_v a_o cord_n to_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o house_n and_o hang_v himself_o he_o shall_v see_v if_o his_o choler_n will_v be_v allay_v it_o be_v notorious_a that_o he_o set_v up_o his_o new_a doctrine_n in_o oppress_v his_o own_o countryman_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o his_o imposture_n first_o and_o in_o rebellion_n against_o the_o emperor_n heraclius_n then_o at_o war_n with_o the_o persian_n afterward_o and_o his_o alcoran_n be_v fit_a only_a for_o a_o saracen_n camp_n preach_v lust_n to_o his_o follower_n but_o blood_n and_o destruction_n towards_o all_o other_o this_o may_v satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o author_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n nor_o in_o the_o religion_n itself_o which_o may_v incline_v he_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o whoever_o will_v know_v more_o of_o this_o vile_a imposture_n may_v see_v it_o full_o display_v in_o the_o life_n of_o mahomet_n late_o publish_v by_o the_o learned_a dr._n prideaux_n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n part_n iu._n chap._n i._o that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a 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we_o may_v not_o be_v assure_v of_o some_o thing_n as_o certain_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o as_o from_o our_o own_o sense_n 2._o whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a case_n relate_v to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n i_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o certainty_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o compare_v with_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o will_v then_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n i._o in_o many_o case_n man_n seem_v general_o agree_v that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o believe_v what_o they_o know_v from_o other_o as_o what_o they_o see_v and_o experience_n themselves_o for_o there_o may_v be_v such_o circumstance_n of_o credibility_n as_o equal_v the_o evidence_n even_o of_o sense_n itself_o no_o evidence_n can_v satisfy_v sense_n so_o much_o indeed_o nor_o perhaps_o so_o much_o 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at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o twofold_a argument_n the_o one_o of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n the_o other_o of_o prophecy_n we_o know_v that_o a_o miraculous_a power_n have_v be_v manifest_v in_o conquer_a all_o opposition_n and_o in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n bring_v those_o thing_n to_o pass_v which_o to_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v altogether_o impossible_a and_o the_o fulfil_n hereby_o of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o visible_a confirmation_n to_o we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o we_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o prophet_n who_o prophecy_n we_o see_v fulfil_v and_o since_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o well_o attest_v that_o we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n as_o of_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o must_v turn_v sceptic_n or_o worse_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o we_o may_v conclude_v as_o well_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o prophecy_n which_o we_o ourselves_o see_v fulfil_v as_o upon_o all_o other_o account_n that_o the_o historical_a evidence_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n amount_v to_o all_o the_o certainty_n that_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o not_o except_v even_o that_o of_o sense_n itself_o ii_o let_v we_o now_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o give_v a_o account_n how_o a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a faith_n may_v be_v produce_v in_o we_o humane_a testimony_n be_v the_o motive_n by_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o contain_v god_n reveal_v will_n this_o certify_v we_o that_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v
error_n and_o both_o he_o and_o socrates_n practise_v the_o idolatry_n of_o their_o country_n they_o assert_v many_o excellent_a truth_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v as_o they_o profess_v from_o antiquity_n but_o whenever_o they_o argue_v any_o point_n they_o common_o fall_v into_o mistake_n which_o oftentimes_o be_v of_o very_o ill_a consequence_n so_o weak_a a_o thing_n be_v humane_a wisdom_n without_o the_o guidance_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o of_o this_o the_o philosopher_n be_v so_o sensible_a that_o divers_a of_o they_o will_v have_v it_o think_v that_o they_o have_v some_o supernatural_a assistance_n though_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v no_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o it_o the_o pretence_n of_o other_o deserve_v no_o regard_n their_o imposture_n be_v too_o notorious_a to_o admit_v of_o any_o denial_n or_o excuse_n the_o genius_n of_o socrates_n may_v be_v suppose_v worthy_a of_o more_o consideration_n yet_o it_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o 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afford_v no_o very_a advantageous_a character_n either_o of_o socrates_n himself_o or_o of_o his_o genius_n â—_o genius_n ciâ—â—dâ—_n diutâ—_n lib._n â—_o tully_n inform_v we_o that_o antipater_n the_o stoic_a have_v make_v a_o collection_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o socrates_n geniu_n have_v discover_v to_o he_o but_o whatever_o they_o be_v it_o appear_v that_o tully_n have_v little_a regard_n to_o they_o and_o this_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o all_o the_o philosophy_n of_o socrates_n end_v in_o nothing_o but_o uncertainty_n for_o when_o he_o have_v just_a before_o his_o death_n discourse_v of_o the_o state_n after_o this_o life_n the_o most_o that_o he_o can_v say_v to_o his_o friend_n in_o conclusion_n be_v phaed._n be_v plato_n phaed._n that_o they_o have_v a_o noble_a prize_n before_o they_o great_a hope_n and_o a_o glorious_a venture_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o possess_v and_o charm_v their_o mind_n with_o those_o thought_n the_o suggestion_n of_o his_o genius_n signify_v little_a to_o he_o if_o it_o leave_v he_o no_o better_o instruct_v as_o to_o a_o future_a state_n in_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o his_o life_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o socrates_n make_v great_a improvement_n in_o the_o moral_a and_o useful_a part_n of_o philosophy_n he_o be_v of_o a_o excellent_a understanding_n love_v and_o belove_v of_o honest_a man_n and_o have_v courage_n and_o resolution_n enough_o to_o bear_v the_o affront_v and_o withstand_v the_o malice_n of_o other_o he_o mind_v none_o but_o the_o practical_a doctrine_n of_o philosophy_n and_o though_o he_o never_o have_v travel_v in_o search_n after_o learning_n as_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n in_o those_o age_n for_o philosopher_n to_o do_v but_o scarce_o ever_o stir_v out_o of_o athens_n yet_o he_o know_v how_o to_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o the_o notion_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o by_o those_o who_o have_v be_v in_o foreign_a country_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o if_o plato_n have_v not_o make_v socrates_n the_o author_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v never_o sâ—â—d_v as_o not_o only_a platon_n only_a a._n gell_n lib._n 14_o c._n 3._o diog._n laert._n in_o platon_n xenophon_n but_o socrates_n himself_o declare_v but_o have_v â—iven_v we_o as_o plain_v a_o account_n of_o socrates_n philosophy_n as_o arrian_n have_v of_o that_o of_o epictetus_n we_o may_v have_v know_v more_o of_o he_o than_o we_o now_o be_v able_a to_o do_v but_o from_o what_o plato_n and_o xenophon_n have_v say_v of_o socrates_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o he_o do_v not_o reâ—â—ain_v from_o idolatrous_a worship_n nor_o reject_v the_o heathen_a oracle_n nor_o deliver_v his_o own_o doctrine_n without_o much_o uncertainty_n and_o diffidence_n plato_n carry_v his_o philosophy_n to_o far_o great_a height_n than_o socrates_n have_v do_v and_o the_o sublime_a part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discover_v to_o the_o vulgar_a which_o be_v so_o difficult_a that_o he_o declare_v to_o 2._o to_o epist_n 2._o dionysius_n that_o man_n of_o great_a ability_n and_o as_o great_a application_n and_o industry_n after_o the_o study_n of_o thirty_o year_n at_o last_o with_o much_o ado_n understand_v they_o some_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v write_v at_o all_o or_o so_o obscure_o as_o not_o to_o be_v intelligible_a if_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n who_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o secret_a of_o they_o and_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o best_a and_o only_o sure_a argument_n for_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o all_o philosophy_n can_v be_v but_o of_o little_a worth_n be_v from_o 7._o from_o epist._n 7._o ancient_a and_o sacred_a tradition_n the_o notion_n and_o tradition_n which_o plato_n have_v bring_v from_o other_o country_n with_o his_o delightful_a way_n of_o set_v they_o forth_o gain_v he_o great_a reputation_n some_o attempt_n be_v make_v by_o himself_o and_o those_o of_o his_o sect_n to_o bring_v his_o law_n into_o practice_n and_o to_o erect_v a_o commonwealth_n after_o the_o model_n of_o they_o his_o name_n and_o memory_n be_v have_v in_o great_a esteem_n his_o birthday_n be_v keep_v and_o the_o solemnity_n of_o it_o be_v renew_v about_o two_o hundred_o year_n ago_o by_o some_o of_o his_o admirer_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o 1._o by_o comment_fw-fr in_o conviv_n plat_v de_fw-fr amere_fw-la c._n 1._o ficinus_fw-la one_o of_o that_o society_n but_o there_o be_v too_o much_o alloy_n find_v in_o his_o philosophy_n for_o any_o endeavour_n to_o gain_v it_o a_o constant_a and_o general_a reception_n his_o error_n in_o some_o case_n be_v so_o notorious_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a that_o edit_fw-la that_o vid._n plat_v de_fw-fr repub_fw-la lib._n v._o serran_n edit_fw-la serranus_n set_v over_o against_o they_o in_o the_o margin_n prima_fw-la insania_fw-la hominis_fw-la delirantis_fw-la and_o portentosa_fw-la insania_fw-la 2._o insania_fw-la orig._n coâ—r_n cell_n glib_a 2._o aristotle_n have_v study_v twenty_o year_n under_o plato_n but_o he_o so_o often_o confute_v and_o contradict_v his_o master_n that_o he_o have_v be_v charge_v with_o ingratitude_n for_o it_o and_o if_o socrates_n and_o plato_n do_v not_o firm_o believe_v the_o soul_n immortality_n aristotle_n believe_v the_o contrary_a as_o 3â—_n as_o vid._n jac._n billium_n in_o greg_n nariam_n orat_fw-la 3â—_n many_o have_v prove_v out_o of_o several_a place_n in_o his_o work_n leert_n work_n diog._n leert_n his_o will_n show_v that_o he_o be_v both_o in_o his_o practice_n and_o judgement_n for_o the_o idolatry_n of_o his_o country_n his_o book_n by_o a_o accident_n lie_v conceal_v till_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o rome_n upon_o the_o take_n of_o athens_n sylla_n athens_n strabo_n lib._n 13._o plut._n in_o sylla_n by_o sylla_n but_o they_o be_v know_v to_o few_o philosopher_n in_o topiâ—_n in_o lic_n topiâ—_n tully_n time_n and_o a_o learned_a author_n have_v give_v a_o account_n what_o their_o fate_n have_v be_v since_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o stoic_n be_v observe_v by_o josephus_n in_o the_o account_n of_o his_o own_o life_n to_o have_v be_v like_o that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o 23._o which_o grot._fw-la ad_fw-la mat._n xxii_o 23._o grotius_n say_v be_v no_o wonder_n since_o in_o cyprus_n which_o be_v zeno_n native_a country_n there_o be_v always_o many_o jew_n but_o if_o the_o stoic_n be_v at_o first_o indebt_v to_o the_o jew_n they_o certain_o afterward_o borrow_a much_o more_o from_o the_o christian_n this_o sect_n be_v very_o numerous_a and_o have_v man_n of_o great_a note_n in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o christianity_n who_o do_v not_o lose_v the_o opportunity_n offer_v they_o of_o improve_n it_o but_o the_o philosopher_n than_o begin_v to_o carry_v on_o a_o joint-interest_n and_o those_o who_o denominate_v themselves_o from_o any_o particular_a sect_n be_v no_o long_o strict_a in_o adhere_v nice_o to_o its_o principle_n for_o
prejudice_n of_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o they_o come_v under_o the_o number_n of_o such_o accident_n as_o god_n can_v be_v oblige_v in_o his_o providence_n to_o prevent_v but_o the_o bible_n can_v not_o without_o the_o signal_n providence_n of_o god_n have_v be_v preserve_v for_o so_o many_o age_n under_z so_o many_o change_n and_o revolution_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o reason_n elsewhere_o observe_v see_v fit_a to_o permit_v much_o less_o can_v it_o have_v escape_v with_o so_o inconsiderable_a variation_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v secure_v by_o a_o particular_a providence_n from_o those_o corruption_n and_o alteration_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o humane_a write_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chronology_n be_v the_o part_n of_o learning_n which_o be_v most_o nice_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v exact_o adjust_v because_o it_o depend_v upon_o so_o many_o several_a circumstance_n and_o comprehend_v so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o affair_n in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n and_o how_o punctual_o soever_o the_o account_n of_o time_n be_v set_v down_o at_o first_o yet_o the_o least_o alteration_n in_o one_o word_n or_o letter_n may_v cause_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o copy_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o epoche_n in_o the_o computation_n of_o different_a country_n especial_o at_o great_a distance_n oâ—_n time_n as_o well_o as_o place_n be_v such_o that_o theâ—_n exact_a chronology_n may_v easy_o be_v mistake_v and_o may_v be_v further_o entangle_v and_o perplex_v by_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o rectify_v what_o they_o think_v amiss_o for_o that_o which_o be_v exact_a at_o firâ—â—_n be_v often_o make_v faulty_a by_o he_o who_o think_v it_o so_o before_o but_o i_o suppose_v that_o no_o material_a exception_n will_v lie_v against_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o acconâ—â—_n of_o any_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n if_o those_o twâ—_n thing_n be_v make_v out_o i._o that_o difference_n in_o chronology_n do_v not_o infer_v uncertainty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n themselves_o ii_o that_o difference_n in_o chronology_n do_v not_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v any_o chronological_a mistake_v make_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o that_o they_o have_v be_v occasion_v by_o the_o mistake_v of_o transcriber_n or_o of_o expositor_n i._o difference_n in_o chronology_n do_v not_o infer_v uncertainty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n themselves_o because_o the_o point_n of_o time_n be_v but_o one_o circumstance_n and_o that_o easy_o mistake_v by_o a_o thousand_o accident_n and_o there_o may_v be_v many_o other_o circumstance_n so_o particular_a and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n relate_v notwithstanding_o any_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n for_o which_o reason_n solon_n reason_n plut._n i_o solon_n plutarch_n do_v not_o reject_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o discourse_n that_o past_a between_o solon_n and_o croesus_n though_o he_o can_v not_o answer_v the_o objection_n bring_v from_o chronology_n to_o prove_v it_o feign_v because_o he_o find_v it_o deliver_v by_o good_a author_n and_o see_v nothing_o improbable_a in_o it_o but_o every_o thing_n very_o likely_a and_o suitable_a to_o solon_n temper_n and_o he_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o reject_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o have_v no_o other_o objection_n against_o it_o but_o some_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n when_o say_v he_o innumerable_a person_n have_v endeavour_v to_o rectify_v the_o chronological_a canon_n but_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o this_o day_n to_o reconcile_v the_o differ_a opinion_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o chronology_n be_v a_o general_a complaint_n make_v by_o the_o best_a historian_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o objection_n have_v any_o weight_n it_o must_v invalidate_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o history_n a_o very_a learned_a and_o accurate_a author_n have_v show_v the_o uncertainty_n in_o chronology_n usher_n chronology_n mr_n milner_n be_v defence_n of_o a._n bishop_n usher_n during_o the_o first_o monarchy_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o kingdom_n viz._n the_o kingdom_n of_o assyria_n itself_o and_o the_o kingdom_n contemporary_a with_o it_o and_o of_o person_n and_o occurrence_n but_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o kingdom_n nor_o any_o such_o person_n and_o occurrence_n it_o be_v uncertain_a when_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n be_v first_o build_v for_o catalin_n for_o sallust_n bell._n catalin_n sallust_n and_o other_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n that_o it_o be_v found_v by_o romulus_n have_v ascribe_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o to_o the_o trojan_n and_o romulo_n and_o plutarch_n in_o romulo_n those_o who_o make_v romulus_n the_o founder_n yet_o be_v at_o a_o strange_a disagreement_n concern_v the_o parent_n of_o romulus_n and_o the_o time_n of_o his_o birth_n some_o have_v call_v his_o mother_n name_n ilia_n some_o rhea_n some_o silvia_n other_o as_o livy_n rhea_n silvia_n yet_o still_o there_o be_v a_o further_a difference_n about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o city_n which_o have_v occasion_v great_a dispute_n among_o chronologer_n what_o then_o must_v follow_v from_o hence_o why_o if_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o time_n when_o any_o fact_n be_v do_v imply_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o fact_n itself_o we_o must_v fair_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o rome_n be_v ever_o build_v at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o we_o must_v with_o iii._o with_o temporar_n chron._n demonst_a lib._n iii._o temporarius_n believe_v that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o man_n as_o romulus_n the_o copy_n of_o diogenes_n laertius_n place_n the_o time_n of_o epicurus_n death_n 9_o year_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v as_o laert_n as_o menag_fw-mi observe_v in_o diog._n laert_n menagius_n have_v observe_v but_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n have_v too_o great_a a_o value_n for_o epicurus_n to_o give_v he_o up_o for_o that_o reason_n and_o to_o conclude_v that_o there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o man_n but_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o strange_a that_o the_o time_n of_o so_o late_a and_o so_o remarkable_a a_o thing_n as_o the_o take_n of_o constantinople_n by_o the_o turk_n shall_v be_v place_v by_o some_o a_o year_n soon_o than_o by_o other_o this_o be_v a_o action_n know_v and_o discourse_v of_o throughout_o all_o europe_n and_o be_v a_o pregnant_a instance_n how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o dispute_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o thing_n from_o any_o uncertainty_n of_o time_n if_o other_o circumstance_n concur_v to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o chronologer_n be_v not_o a_o little_a ashamed_a say_v mr_n gregory_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v we_o 3._o jo._n greg._n de_fw-fr aeris_fw-la &_o epochis_n c._n 3._o concern_v so_o late_o and_o famous_a a_o calamity_n as_o the_o siege_n of_o constantinople_n by_o mahume_v the_o second_o ii_o the_o difference_n in_o chronology_n do_v not_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v any_o chronological_a mistake_v make_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o they_o arise_v from_o the_o mistake_v of_o transcriber_n or_o expositor_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o we_o need_v only_o reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o cause_n mistake_v in_o the_o computation_n of_o chronology_n and_o it_o will_v soon_o appear_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o no_o book_n can_v be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n which_o be_v not_o sit_v to_o secure_a man_n from_o the_o error_n which_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o they_o to_o commit_v in_o thing_n of_o that_o intricacy_n i._o many_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n be_v occasion_v by_o not_o observe_v that_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o general_n be_v afterward_o resume_v and_o deliver_v in_o the_o particular_n contain_v under_o it_o for_o the_o total_a sum_n of_o any_o term_n of_o year_n be_v set_v down_o first_o before_o the_o particular_n have_v be_v insist_v upon_o and_o explain_v have_v lead_v some_o into_o mistake_n by_o suppose_v that_o the_o particular_n afterward_o mention_v be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o but_o to_o be_v reckon_v apart_o as_o if_o they_o have_v happen_v afterward_o in_o order_n of_o time_n because_o they_o be_v last_o relate_v in_o the_o course_n of_o the_o history_n thus_o gen._n xi_o 26._o it_o be_v say_v that_o terah_n live_v seventy_o year_n and_o beget_v abram_n and_z vers_n 32._o that_o the_o day_n of_o terah_n be_v two_o hundred_o and_o five_o year_n and_o terah_n die_v in_o haran_n but_o gen._n twelve_o 4._o it_o be_v write_v that_o abram_n be_v seventy_o and_o five_o year_n old_a when_o he_o depart_v out_o of_o haran_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a if_o we_o suppose_v that_o abram_n live_v in_o haran_n till_o the_o
can_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o deliverance_n from_o that_o but_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o of_o redemption_n from_o sin_n upon_o repentance_n under_o whatever_o condition_n of_o this_o life_n the_o consequence_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v to_o entail_v grief_n and_o trouble_v and_o labour_n and_o pain_n upon_o their_o posterity_n and_o a_o frail_a and_o infirm_a nature_n expose_v to_o temptation_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o aid_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n uncapable_a of_o heaven_n and_o in_o no_o capacity_n of_o avoid_v hell_n without_o christ_n merit_n but_o christ_n be_v at_o that_o very_a time_n promise_v to_o take_v away_o all_o the_o curse_n and_o vengeance_n consequent_a upon_o the_o transgression_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n nay_o his_o death_n be_v preordained_n and_o determine_v beforehand_o for_o christ_n be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n rev._n xiii_o 8._o who_o very_o be_v fore_o ordain_v before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n 1_o pet._n i_o 20._o he_o be_v slay_v in_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n even_o before_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n come_v to_o pass_v the_o whole_a scheme_n and_o design_n of_o man_n salvation_n be_v lay_v from_o all_o eternity_n in_o god_n counsel_n and_o decree_n he_o foresee_v that_o man_n will_v fall_v and_o he_o determine_v to_o send_v his_o son_n to_o redeem_v he_o and_o this_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o do_v so_o long_o beforce_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n even_o by_o a_o eternal_a decree_n so_o that_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v effectual_o provide_v against_o the_o ill_a consequence_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o fall_n in_o all_o that_o obey_v he_o and_o make_v it_o impossible_a that_o adam_n posterity_n shall_v become_v eternal_o miserable_a and_o torment_v in_o hell_n fire_n but_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n for_o though_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o infant_n be_v by_o nature_n bear_v in_o sin_n and_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n yet_o whatever_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o wrath_n may_v be_v we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o the_o flame_n and_o pain_n of_o hell_n without_o his_o own_o personal_a and_o actual_a gild_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n be_v decree_v from_o eternity_n and_o be_v actual_o promise_v before_o any_o child_n of_o adam_n be_v bear_v and_o even_o before_o the_o curse_n be_v denounce_v upon_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o a_o remedy_n be_v from_o the_o beginning_n provide_v against_o all_o that_o misery_n which_o be_v bring_v upon_o mankind_n by_o their_o transgression_n chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o eternity_n of_o hell_n torment_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v think_v by_o many_o more_o liable_a to_o objection_n than_o the_o eternity_n of_o hell_n torment_n and_o yet_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v plain_o consistent_a not_o only_o with_o the_o justice_n but_o with_o the_o equity_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n i._o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o eternity_n of_o hell_n torment_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n from_o these_o argument_n 1._o because_o both_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v alike_o propose_v to_o our_o choice_n 2._o because_o the_o reward_n be_v eternal_a as_o well_o as_o the_o punishment_n 3._o because_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n shall_v be_v by_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n 4_o because_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o eternal_a punishment_n shall_v be_v inflict_v upon_o the_o wicked_a according_a to_o this_o sanction_n 1._o both_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v alike_o propose_v to_o our_o choice_n it_o be_v certain_o consistent_a with_o infinite_a justice_n to_o set_v before_o man_n life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v and_o then_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o none_o will_v fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o everlasting_a misery_n but_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v convince_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n proceed_n with_o they_o and_o this_o conviction_n will_v prove_v one_o great_a part_n of_o their_o punishment_n when_o they_o shall_v consider_v that_o they_o perish_v only_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n that_o they_o be_v wilful_a and_o obstinate_a to_o their_o own_o ruin_n that_o no_o promise_n no_o threat_n can_v reclaim_v they_o and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o the_o strict_a justice_n can_v require_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n according_a to_o their_o own_o choice_n to_o let_v they_o choose_v their_o own_o condition_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n and_o to_o proceed_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n with_o sinner_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v convince_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v no_o injustice_n do_v they_o 2._o the_o reward_n be_v eternal_a as_o well_o as_o the_o punishment_n if_o the_o reward_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n have_v not_o bear_v a_o just_a proportion_n to_o the_o punishment_n on_o the_o other_o the_o cause_n have_v be_v different_a and_o it_o have_v seem_v hard_a to_o suffer_v eternal_a torment_n for_o a_o short_a life_n of_o sin_n if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v eternal_a happiness_n propose_v to_o as_o short_a a_o life_n of_o virtue_n and_o righteousness_n but_o since_o the_o reward_n and_o the_o punishment_n be_v equal_a it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o exact_a proportion_n between_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o punishment_n consider_v in_o itself_o and_o without_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o reward_n because_o the_o reward_n be_v eternal_a answer_v the_o opposite_a punishment_n on_o the_o other_o part._n thus_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o set_v so_o much_o less_o against_o so_o much_o gain_n and_o no_o man_n pity_v he_o that_o may_v have_v gain_v as_o much_o as_o he_o have_v lose_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n though_o the_o loss_n be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o depend_v upon_o never_o so_o small_a and_o short_a a_o trial_n it_o may_v seem_v a_o hard_a case_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v lose_v his_o life_n for_o but_o go_v out_o of_o a_o city_n when_o he_o can_v do_v no_o hurt_n by_o it_o nor_o intend_v to_o do_v any_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o shimei_n but_o he_o have_v forfeit_v his_o life_n before_o to_o david_n who_o have_v spare_v and_o he_o have_v be_v afterward_o engage_v it_o seem_v in_o other_o ill_a practice_n and_o have_v probable_o be_v concern_v with_o joab_n and_o other_o in_o set_v up_o adonijah_n for_o it_o be_v another_o shimei_n the_o son_n of_o elah_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v not_o with_o adonijah_n 1_o king_n i_o 8._o four_o 18._o and_o david_n give_v solomon_n the_o same_o direction_n concern_v these_o two_o men._n 1_o king_n two_o 5_o 8._o solomon_n therefore_o set_v he_o this_o condition_n and_o he_o be_v to_o expect_v to_o live_v upon_o no_o other_o term_n but_o his_o keep_n within_o these_o bound_n which_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o shimei_n himself_o be_v a_o good_a say_n 1_o king_n two_o 38._o that_o be_v he_o be_v glad_a of_o it_o and_o can_v expect_v no_o kind_a usage_n and_o if_o solomon_n have_v propose_v some_o great_a reward_n to_o he_o upon_o condition_n that_o he_o have_v keep_v within_o the_o city_n he_o have_v be_v not_o only_o just_a but_o very_o gracious_a and_o bountiful_a to_o he_o in_o it_o i_o be_o confident_a any_o condemn_a malefactor_n will_v think_v so_o the_o case_n of_o mankind_n be_v like_o this_o but_o infinite_o more_o gracious_a on_o god_n part_n and_o more_o provoke_v on_o we_o the_o very_o best_a of_o we_o be_v in_o sin_n and_o have_v often_o forfeit_v our_o salvation_n to_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o god_n by_o his_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o we_o may_v have_v propose_v any_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n but_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o appoint_v that_o our_o everlasting_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o moral_a term_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o to_o set_v everlasting_a happiness_n against_o everlasting_a misery_n and_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v sentence_v to_o hell_n torment_v but_o he_o may_v have_v be_v as_o happy_a as_o he_o shall_v find_v himself_o to_o be_v miserable_a both_o the_o 2._o the_o isa_n xxxiii_o 14._o lxvi_o 24._o dan._n twelve_o 2._o jew_n and_o 21._o and_o plat._n in_o phed._n lucret._n lib._n i._n v._n 112._o drog_n laert_n in_o pythag_n cell_n hist_o navigate_fw-la in_o brasil_n c._n 16._o lerij_fw-la apud_fw-la origin_n l._n viij_o abr._n roger_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr vie_fw-fr &_o des_fw-fr moeurs_fw-fr des_fw-fr bremines_n c._n 21._o heathen_n have_v a_o notion_n
and_o love_v be_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o obedience_n which_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n this_o must_v be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o sit_v dispensation_n which_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o excite_v in_o we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o power_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n have_v be_v manifest_v before_o in_o the_o creation_n and_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o many_o signal_n judgement_n upon_o sinner_n the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n be_v likewise_o visible_a in_o the_o daily_a blessing_n bestow_v upon_o mankind_n but_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v make_v know_v in_o his_o kindness_n towards_o we_o through_o christ_n jesus_n ephes_n two_o 7._o and_o as_o this_o must_v cause_v we_o to_o love_n god_n so_o â—t_a must_v make_v we_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v do_v it_o to_o have_v love_n one_o for_o another_o god_n incarnate_a be_v the_o head_n and_o vital_a principle_n the_o common_a bond_n of_o life_n and_o union_n between_o christian_n and_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o mutual_a love_n not_o only_o because_o we_o be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n but_o because_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o dignify_v that_o nature_n in_o assume_v it_o this_o aught_o to_o make_v we_o value_v our_o own_o nature_n and_o to_o have_v a_o due_a esteem_n and_o affection_n for_o it_o in_o whosoever_o it_o be_v how_o can_v we_o despise_v and_o one_o who_o be_v a_o partaker_n of_o that_o nature_n of_o which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o partake_v in_o its_o mean_a condition_n or_o hate_v any_o who_o he_o love_v so_o well_o as_o to_o die_v for_o he_o this_o make_v all_o man_n worthy_a of_o our_o respect_n and_o love_n not_o of_o our_o contempt_n or_o hatred_n they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n which_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v of_o and_o they_o be_v his_o purchase_n and_o we_o must_v love_v what_o be_v his_o and_o what_o he_o have_v so_o dear_o pay_v for_o iâ—â—_n we_o love_v christ_n himself_o belove_a say_v st._n john_n if_o god_n so_o love_v we_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o love_v one_o another_o 1_o joh._n four_o 11._o and_o this_o be_v st._n paul_n argument_n to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o excite_v they_o to_o charity_n towards_o their_o poor_a brethren_n for_o you_o know_v the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o though_o he_o be_v rich_a yet_o for_o your_o sake_n he_o become_v poor_a that_o you_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v rich_a 2_o cor._n viij_o 9_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v likewise_o cause_v we_o to_o have_v the_o great_a hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o sin_n as_o be_v that_o which_o be_v most_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o that_o which_o occasion_v the_o death_n of_o his_o only_a son_n to_o atone_v for_o it_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o who_o neglect_n so_o great_a salvation_n must_v expect_v the_o heavy_a punishment_n for_o so_o heinous_a a_o contempt_n and_o provocation_n if_o we_o will_v be_v gain_v by_o any_o method_n of_o love_n christ_n have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a to_o effect_v it_o but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v move_v by_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n of_o love_n itself_o we_o can_v hope_v for_o no_o further_a favour_n if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o regard_v it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v make_v the_o better_a by_o it_o nothing_o more_o can_v be_v look_v for_o but_o wrath_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n so_o that_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o fit_a mean_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o love_n and_o fear_v and_o hope_v and_o all_o the_o passion_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o produce_v all_o those_o grace_n in_o we_o which_o the_o gospel_n require_v it_o be_v the_o best_a fit_v both_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o other_o mean_n have_v be_v possible_a yet_o none_o that_o we_o can_v conceive_v can_v have_v be_v so_o effectual_a to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o men._n chap._n xxi_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n or_o the_o time_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n since_o we_o have_v so_o great_a evidence_n to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o christ_n do_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o die_v for_o we_o it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a ingratitude_n and_o folly_n as_o well_o as_o impiety_n to_o reject_v he_o though_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o exact_a account_n concern_v the_o reason_n for_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o know_v the_o time_n or_o the_o season_n which_o the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n act_v i_o 7._o these_o thing_n be_v in_o god_n disposal_n and_o unless_o we_o can_v be_v content_v to_o leave_v the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o his_o wisdom_n we_o only_o show_v how_o little_o we_o deserve_v his_o mercy_n and_o how_o unwilling_a we_o be_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o to_o accept_v of_o they_o but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a cavil_v to_o dispute_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n upon_o a_o bare_a circumstance_n and_o nicety_n concern_v the_o reason_n for_o the_o particular_a time_n of_o his_o incarnation_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o time_n appoint_v for_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o may_v serve_v to_o silence_v all_o objection_n against_o it_o and_o to_o desire_v to_o know_v any_o further_a of_o it_o be_v a_o useless_a and_o unwarrantable_a curiosity_n for_o all_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n may_v have_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a reason_n for_o his_o dispensation_n which_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v and_o which_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v and_o accomplish_v in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o due_a readiness_n and_o preparation_n for_o his_o come_n 1._o god_n have_v beforehand_o use_v all_o other_o mean_n to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o send_v his_o son_n at_o last_o for_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v send_v but_o upon_o necessity_n and_o it_o be_v fit_a they_o to_o who_o he_o be_v send_v shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o that_o necessity_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o know_v how_o to_o value_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o in_o send_v his_o only_a son_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o to_o die_v for_o they_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o repeople_a it_o after_o the_o flood_n revelation_n be_v so_o frequent_a and_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o god_n so_o well_o know_v and_o his_o promise_n to_o send_v his_o son_n so_o clear_o understand_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n that_o christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v then_o since_o their_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o their_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n be_v as_o effectual_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o they_o that_o live_v so_o long_o before_o his_o come_n as_o it_o be_v to_o we_o that_o live_v so_o many_o age_n after_o it_o the_o life_n of_o man_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n be_v so_o long_o and_o the_o generations-deceased_n be_v so_o few_o before_o the_o flood_n that_o nothing_o but_o wilful_a ignorance_n and_o negligence_n can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o after_o the_o flood_n the_o race_n of_o mankind_n be_v reduce_v to_o so_o few_o person_n the_o example_n and_o instruction_n of_o noah_n and_o abraham_n and_o the_o other_o patriarch_n may_v have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v man_n within_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o preserve_v a_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o promise_a messiah_n for_o they_o be_v save_v by_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o come_v as_o we_o must_v be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o already_o come_v so_o many_o age_n past_a and_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v it_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v bear_v in_o those_o age_n we_o must_v suppose_v it_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v bear_v in_o every_o age_n of_o the_o world_n which_o i_o think_v no_o man_n will_v imagine_v but_o when_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v general_o fall_v away_o to_o idolatry_n god_n choose_v to_o himself_o one_o person_n from_o who_o by_o a_o course_n of_o miracle_n he_o raise_v a_o mighty_a nation_n who_o by_o their_o journeying_n and_o captivity_n and_o by_o all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o they_o be_v appoint_v
opinion_n of_o their_o own_o beside_o the_o general_n prejudices_fw-la which_o they_o lie_v under_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o man_n of_o any_o learning_n and_o education_n study_v the_o book_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o be_v common_o addict_v to_o one_o sect_n or_o other_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o vanity_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n be_v the_o chief_a aim_n of_o many_o of_o the_o philosopher_n as_o tertullian_n and_o other_o of_o the_o father_n object_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v very_o unlikely_a to_o become_v proselyte_n to_o a_o religion_n which_o be_v look_v upon_o in_o the_o world_n with_o such_o disdain_n and_o contempt_n philosophy_n in_o general_n if_o we_o believe_v 1._o believe_v instit_fw-la lib._n i._o c._n 1._o quintilian_n be_v in_o his_o time_n by_o most_o use_v as_o a_o artifice_n and_o disguise_n to_o conceal_v the_o worst_a of_o vice_n under_o a_o morose_n look_v and_o a_o habit_n different_a from_o that_o of_o other_o men._n and_o from_o such_o philosopher_n as_o these_o we_o must_v expect_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v read_v with_o no_o manner_n of_o candour_n or_o good_a and_o serious_a intention_n ii_o intention_n contra_fw-la celf._n lib._n ii_o origen_n give_v instance_n of_o the_o wilful_a abuse_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o some_o of_o his_o time_n who_o cavil_v at_o half_a sentence_n without_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o coherence_n which_o they_o have_v of_o the_o rest_n and_o he_o complain_v that_o i._n that_o ib._n lib._n i._n celsus_n seem_v never_o to_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n though_o he_o pretend_v to_o a_o very_a exact_a knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a religion_n but_o understand_v little_a of_o either_o baroc_n either_o philip._n sidet_fw-la apud_fw-la dodw._n append._n ad_fw-la dissert_n in_o irenae_n e._n cod._n ms._n baroc_n athenagoras_n who_o before_o he_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n with_o more_o care_n and_o sincerity_n though_o with_o the_o same_o design_n become_v convert_v and_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o oppose_v 16._o oppose_v euseb_n contr_n hier._n &_o lactant._n institut_fw-la lib._n v._o c._n 2_o 3._o de_fw-fr mortib_n persecut_n c._n 16._o hierocles_n likewise_o have_v read_v the_o new_a testament_n with_o a_o design_n to_o write_v against_o it_o but_o he_o who_o can_v believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n and_o prefer_v that_o notorious_a impostor_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o maximus_n aegiensis_n damis_n the_o philosopher_n and_o philostratus_n to_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n show_v so_o strange_a a_o partiality_n as_o may_v be_v expect_v only_o in_o he_o who_o oppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o his_o persecution_n more_o than_o by_o his_o argument_n for_o hierocles_n be_v the_o chief_a promoter_n of_o the_o persecution_n under_o diocletian_a 2._o the_o gentile_n look_v upon_o the_o poor_a persecute_a condition_n of_o the_o christian_n as_o a_o argument_n against_o their_o religion_n and_o be_v not_o only_o prejudice_v against_o a_o new_a religion_n which_o must_v expose_v they_o to_o suffering_n by_o that_o fondness_n which_o man_n natural_o have_v for_o their_o own_o ease_n and_o safety_n but_o 29._o but_o aug._n civit._fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n i._n c._n 29._o when_o they_o see_v the_o christian_n in_o distress_n they_o will_v upbraid_v they_o as_o the_o psalmist_n enemy_n reproach_v he_o say_v where_o be_v now_o thy_o god_n they_o consider_v their_o own_o religion_n as_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n and_o of_o their_o ancestor_n which_o be_v what_o tully_n say_v for_o it_o when_o he_o ruin_v all_o the_o ground_n and_o pretence_n in_o behalf_n of_o it_o they_o allege_v that_o this_o have_v be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o forefather_n and_o that_o the_o roman_a empire_n have_v arrive_v to_o so_o much_o power_n and_o greatness_n under_o its_o influence_n this_o be_v so_o much_o insist_v upon_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o zosimus_n symmachus_n and_o other_o that_o orosius_n set_v himself_o to_o answer_v it_o in_o a_o particular_a work_n and_o st._n austin_n who_o put_v he_o upon_o write_v it_o think_v himself_o concern_v in_o his_o own_o work_n to_o oppose_v so_o unreasonable_a but_o fatal_a a_o prejudice_n 3._o the_o consequence_n of_o these_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o christian_a religion_n both_o in_o favour_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n and_o in_o fondness_n for_o their_o old_a opinion_n and_o out_o of_o a_o abhorrence_n of_o affliction_n and_o a_o disregard_n of_o those_o who_o be_v so_o much_o expose_v to_o they_o as_o have_v but_o small_a pretence_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a care_n the_o consequence_n i_o say_v of_o these_o error_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v that_o the_o gentile_n despise_v the_o christian_a religion_n before_o they_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o for_o many_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o observation_n be_v so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o distinguish_v christian_n from_o jew_n as_o we_o see_v by_o 25._o by_o sueton_n in_o claudio_n c._n 25._o suetonius_n they_o know_v not_o so_o much_o the_o true_a pronunciation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n or_o christian_a but_o be_v wont_a to_o write_v 7_o write_v no_o nee_n nominis_fw-la certa_fw-la est_fw-la notitia_fw-la penes_fw-la vos_fw-la tertul._n apol._n c._n 3._o sueton_n ib._n lactant._n lib._n iu._n c._n 7_o chrestus_n and_o chrestianus_fw-la this_o the_o apologist_n much_o insist_v upon_o that_o they_o condemn_v and_o persecute_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o christian_n desire_v no_o more_o than_o a_o fair_a hear_v and_o if_o they_o may_v but_o be_v suffer_v to_o make_v their_o religion_n full_o know_v to_o their_o adversary_n they_o beg_v no_o further_a favour_n 4._o it_o be_v believe_v 54._o believe_v aug._n de_fw-fr civit._fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n xviii_o c._n 53_o 54._o that_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n have_v deliver_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v continue_v no_o long_o than_o three_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o five_o year_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o julian_n the_o apostate_n die_v a._n d._n ccclxv_o according_a to_o some_o chronologer_n though_o other_o place_v his_o death_n two_o year_n before_o it_o seem_v the_o devil_n have_v some_o great_a expectation_n from_o his_o reign_n but_o at_o or_o near_o that_o very_a time_n in_o which_o he_o have_v foretell_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v have_v a_o end_n if_o the_o computation_n be_v to_o be_v make_v from_o the_o nativity_n of_o christ_n he_o see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o his_o hope_n in_o the_o death_n of_o that_o emperor_n who_o be_v so_o zealous_a in_o his_o service_n and_o have_v give_v out_o severe_a threaten_n against_o the_o christian_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v if_o he_o have_v return_v victorious_a from_o that_o expedition_n in_o which_o he_o perish_v and_o this_o prediction_n have_v respect_v probable_o to_o his_o reign_n though_o the_o greek_a verse_n in_o which_o it_o be_v deliver_v may_v be_v alter_v afterward_o or_o so_o contrive_v at_o first_o as_o to_o extend_v it_o to_o a_o long_a time_n leave_v it_o uncertain_a from_o whence_o the_o calculation_n be_v to_o begin_v however_o this_o oracle_n keep_v many_o of_o the_o gentile_n from_o be_v christian_n till_o they_o see_v the_o time_n past_a which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o as_o st._n austin_n assure_v we_o 5._o the_o heresy_n and_o schism_n which_o soon_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n give_v great_a scandal_n and_o offence_n to_o such_o as_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o in_o the_o gross_a without_o examine_v into_o the_o occasion_n of_o they_o the_o dialog_n the_o just_a martyr_n dialog_n jew_n not_o only_o blaspheme_v christ_n in_o the_o synagogue_n but_o make_v choice_n of_o man_n on_o purpose_n who_o they_o send_v from_o jerusalem_n into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o vilify_v he_o and_o his_o religion_n 2._o religion_n id._n apol._n 2._o and_o because_o christian_n speak_v of_o christ_n kingdom_n this_o be_v understand_v to_o their_o prejudice_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v for_o set_v up_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n by_o rebellion_n and_o the_o evil_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o divers_a heretic_n confirm_v man_n in_o any_o ill_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v conceive_v of_o christian_n in_o general_n the_o absurd_a doctrine_n and_o heresy_n of_o the_o gnostic_n and_o other_o heretic_n be_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o censure_n and_o invective_n apply_v to_o all_o christian_n without_o distinction_n and_o be_v take_v upon_o trust_n by_o most_o men._n 8._o men._n orig._n cont_n celf._n lib._n 6_o 7_o 8._o celsus_n make_v objection_n from_o the_o erroneous_a and_o wicked_a notion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ophitae_n the_o valentinian_o the_o marcionite_n and_o other_o this_o
thing_n else_o be_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n or_o taste_n which_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o because_o they_o can_v amuse_v themselves_o with_o difficulty_n and_o they_o be_v too_o much_o philosopher_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v though_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n they_o be_v rational_a man_n and_o it_o be_v below_o they_o to_o believe_v their_o sense_n unless_o their_o reason_n be_v convince_v and_o that_o be_v too_o acute_a to_o be_v convince_v as_o long_o as_o any_o difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v start_v remain_v unanswered_a and_o thus_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o all_o who_o have_v but_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o man_n without_o the_o art_n and_o subtlety_n of_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o scripture_n come_v confirm_v down_o to_o we_o by_o all_o the_o way_n of_o confirmation_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o revelation_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n can_v be_v expect_v to_o have_v if_o it_o real_o be_v what_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v why_o then_o do_v some_o man_n doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v authentic_a can_v they_o disprove_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o defence_n of_o they_o can_v they_o produce_v any_o other_o revelation_n more_o authentic_a or_o be_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n than_o that_o this_o revelation_n shall_v be_v he_o no_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n but_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o think_v will_v not_o be_v in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v never_o disbelieve_v a_o thing_n for_o any_o objection_n make_v against_o it_o which_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o point_n nor_o touch_v these_o argument_n by_o which_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a that_o that_o may_v be_v most_o true_a which_o may_v have_v many_o exception_n frame_v against_o it_o but_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o reject_v that_o as_o incredible_a which_o come_v recommend_v by_o our_o belief_n by_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v disprove_v till_o this_o be_v do_v all_o which_o can_v be_v say_v beside_o only_o show_v that_o there_o be_v difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v by_o those_o who_o most_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v they_o but_o difficulty_n can_v never_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v true_a to_o become_v false_a there_o be_v no_o science_n without_o its_o difficulty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o theology_n be_v without_o they_o there_o be_v many_o great_a and_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o mathematics_n but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o reject_v this_o as_o a_o science_n of_o no_o value_n nor_o certainty_n and_o believe_v no_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n to_o be_v true_a unless_o we_o can_v square_a the_o circle_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o reasonable_a as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n unless_o we_o can_v explain_v all_o the_o vision_n in_o ezekiel_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o and_o know_v nothing_o if_o we_o must_v disbelieve_v and_o reject_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v liable_a to_o difficulty_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v we_o have_v a_o soul_n unless_o we_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o its_o operation_n nor_o that_o we_o have_v a_o body_n unless_o we_o can_v tell_v all_o the_o part_n and_o motion_n and_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o composition_n of_o it_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v our_o sense_n till_o there_o be_v nothing_o relate_v to_o sensation_n but_o what_o we_o perfect_o understand_v nor_o that_o there_o be_v any_o object_n in_o the_o world_n till_o we_o know_v the_o exact_a manner_n how_o we_o perceive_v they_o and_o can_v solve_v all_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v concern_v they_o and_o if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v incredulous_a to_o this_o degree_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o till_o he_o be_v come_v to_o this_o height_n of_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n if_o he_o will_v be_v consistent_a with_o himself_o and_o true_a to_o those_o principle_n of_o reason_n from_o which_o he_o argue_v in_o all_o other_o case_n he_o can_v reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o difficulty_n that_o he_o find_v in_o they_o whilst_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o they_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n remain_v unanswered_a and_o all_o the_o objection_n which_o can_v be_v invent_v against_o the_o scripture_n can_v seem_v near_o so_o absurd_a to_o a_o consider_v man_n as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n or_o that_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n or_o mahomet_n alcoran_n shall_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o as_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v die_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o they_o have_v no_o interest_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o it_o and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v lead_v their_o life_n under_o pesecution_n and_o have_v at_o last_o be_v put_v to_o death_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v renounce_v that_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o we_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v man_n of_o as_o great_a learning_n and_o as_o great_a number_n of_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v of_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o all_o manner_n of_o art_n and_o science_n have_v be_v more_o improve_v by_o christian_n than_o by_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o all_o rational_a and_o solid_a learning_n be_v confine_v as_o i_o may_v say_v within_o christendom_n for_o beside_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o other_o impiety_n notorious_a among_o they_o whatsoever_o learning_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o chinese_n or_o other_o heathen_a nation_n their_o notion_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o confuse_a at_o the_o best_a and_o so_o groundless_a that_o that_o christian_a must_v be_v very_o weary_a of_o his_o religion_n who_o can_v think_v of_o change_v it_o for_o such_o uncertainty_n and_o no_o man_n that_o profess_a and_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_a ever_o disbelieved_a the_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v visible_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o than_o these_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v afford_v it_o be_v apparent_a in_o his_o life_n that_o he_o wish_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v false_a before_o he_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a some_o be_v possess_v with_o that_o intolerable_a spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o contradiction_n that_o mere_a vanity_n and_o a_o conceit_n of_o be_v wise_a than_o other_o make_v they_o find_v fault_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v general_o receive_v and_o the_o great_a fault_n which_o these_o man_n can_v find_v with_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v that_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o make_v heavy_a complaint_n of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o the_o hindrance_n which_o ingenuous_a mind_n labour_v under_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o truth_n and_o these_o man_n perhaps_o may_v have_v talk_v as_o much_o and_o to_o as_o much_o purpose_n for_o christianity_n as_o they_o now_o talk_v against_o it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v bear_v among_o christian_n and_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o scorn_v to_o be_v the_o better_a for_o their_o education_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o nothing_o more_o than_o to_o believe_v and_o think_v like_o other_o man_n and_o they_o may_v almost_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n still_o if_o they_o can_v but_o be_v singular_a in_o be_v so_o for_o the_o mere_a affectation_n of_o singularity_n make_v they_o despise_v and_o dispute_v against_o any_o thing_n which_o other_o allow_v and_o esteem_v but_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o learned_a man_n of_o tolerable_a modesty_n and_o virtue_n and_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 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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 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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 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