several_a prophecy_n we_o have_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o ascribe_v to_o other_o and_o the_o last_o comain_v so_o many_o remarkable_a thing_n be_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o enemy_n moses_n himself_o foretell_v that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n shall_v after_o forty_o year_n come_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n that_o they_o shall_v prove_v victorious_a over_o the_o canaanite_n and_o that_o their_o country_n shall_v by_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o protection_n be_v preserve_v in_o safety_n whilst_o they_o go_v up_o to_o worship_n at_o jerusalem_n thrice_o every_o year_n thrice_o in_o the_o year_n shall_v all_o your_o man-child_n appear_v before_o the_o lord_n god_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n for_o i_o will_v cast_v out_o the_o nation_n before_o thou_o and_o enlarge_v thy_o border_n netther_o shall_v any_o man_n desire_v thy_o land_n when_o thou_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n thrice_o in_o the_o year_n exod._n xxxiv_o 23_o 24._o here_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o constant_a miracle_n to_o be_v fulfil_v to_o the_o israelite_n thrice_o every_o year_n as_o long_o as_o their_o government_n stand_v all_o their_o male_n be_v to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o three_o set_v and_o know_v time_n every_o year_n and_o yet_o their_o enemy_n round_o about_o they_o who_o they_o have_v so_o many_o way_n provoke_v be_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n restrain_v from_o take_v any_o advantage_n of_o this_o opportunity_n which_o be_v frequent_o and_o notorious_o give_v they_o of_o invade_v their_o country_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n make_v it_o impossible_a for_o their_o government_n to_o subsist_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o religion_n without_o a_o miracle_n wrought_v three_o time_n in_o a_o year_n for_o their_o preservation_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o they_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o preserve_n of_o they_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o be_v a_o continual_a confirmation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o a_o repeat_v assurance_n that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n likewise_o every_o seven_o year_n they_o be_v permit_v neither_o to_o sow_v their_o land_n nor_o to_o prune_v their_o vineyard_n nor_o to_o gather_v any_o corn_n or_o fruit_n that_o grow_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n which_o be_v a_o law_n that_o must_v have_v bring_v they_o under_o great_a extremity_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o have_v be_v impracticable_a if_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a blessing_n of_o god_n have_v not_o supply_v this_o constant_a want_n of_o the_o seven_o year_n product_n with_o as_o constant_a a_o overplus_n in_o the_o precede_a year_n for_o as_o god_n by_o moses_n foretell_v that_o on_o the_o six_o day_n there_o shall_v fall_v manna_n enough_o to_o supply_v they_o on_o the_o sabbath-day_n so_o they_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o three_o year_n fruit_n precise_o every_o six_o year_n to_o supply_v that_o want_n which_o the_o sabbatical_a year_n must_v otherwise_o have_v reduce_v they_o to_o and_o if_o you_o shall_v say_v what_o shall_v we_o eat_v the_o seven_o year_n behold_v we_o shall_v not_o sow_v nor_o gather_v in_o our_o increase_n then_o i_o will_v command_v my_o blessing_n upon_o you_o in_o the_o six_o year_n and_o it_o shall_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n for_o three_o year_n and_o you_o shall_v sow_v the_o eight_o year_n and_o eat_v yet_o of_o old_a fruit_n until_o the_o nine_o year_n until_o her_o fruit_n come_v in_o you_o shall_v eat_v of_o the_o old_a store_n leu._n twenty-five_o 20_o 21_o 22._o which_o be_v another_o clear_a instance_n that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n can_v never_o have_v subsist_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o law_n but_o by_o the_o constant_a and_o miraculous_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o prophecy_n which_o contain_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o they_o for_o their_o preservation_n in_o blessing_n the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n he_o foretell_v the_o peculiar_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o every_o distinct_a tribe_n deut._n xxxiii_o he_o foretell_v to_o they_o all_o in_o general_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v miraculous_a success_n against_o the_o canaanite_n that_o they_o shall_v possess_v themselves_o of_o their_o land_n that_o they_o shall_v set_v king_n over_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a place_n of_o worship_n whither_o they_o shall_v all_o resort_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o divine_a oracle_n and_o a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n for_o their_o direction_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o difficulty_n and_o joshua_n appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n whether_o all_o have_v not_o be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v promise_v as_o far_o as_o his_o time_n and_o be_v hold_v this_o day_n i_o be_o go_v the_o way_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o you_o know_v in_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o in_o all_o your_o soul_n that_o not_o one_o thing_n have_v fail_v of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n speak_v concern_v you_o all_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v unto_o you_o and_o not_o one_o thing_n have_v fail_v thereof_o josh_n xxiii_o 14._o the_o extent_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n after_o they_o come_v to_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v foretell_v exod._n xxiii_o 31._o and_o fulfil_v 2_o sam._n viij_o 3._o ezra_n four_o 20._o and_o solomon_n at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n declare_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o all_o the_o people_n that_o there_o have_v not_o fail_v one_o word_n of_o all_o god_n good_a promise_n which_o he_o promise_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n his_o servant_n 1_o king_n viij_o 56._o moses_n also_o foretell_v that_o beside_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o prophet_n for_o many_o age_n there_o shall_v arise_v a_o prophet_n of_o extraordinary_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o hear_v that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v destroy_v deut._n xviii_o 18._o this_o prophet_n be_v the_o great_a expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o time_n of_o out_o saviour_n come_v joh._n 1.21_o &_o vi_fw-la 14._o &_o seven_o 40._o and_o the_o apostle_n prove_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v he_o act._n iii._o 22._o &_o seven_o 37._o last_o moses_n foretell_v the_o disobedience_n and_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n the_o judgement_n that_o shall_v befall_v they_o for_o their_o iniquity_n and_o their_o deliverance_n upon_o their_o repentance_n he_o foretell_v so_o many_o year_n before_o they_o have_v any_o king_n that_o they_o and_o their_o king_n who_o they_o will_v set_v over_o they_o shall_v be_v carry_v into_o captivity_n and_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o they_o be_v take_v captive_a by_o the_o assyrian_n who_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o very_a same_o word_n that_o the_o other_o prophet_n use_v concern_v they_o the_o remainder_n shall_v be_v carry_v into_o egypt_n deut._n xxviii_o 36_o 49_o 50_o 68_o and_o we_o see_v it_o come_v according_o to_o pass_v jer._n xliii_o and_o the_o siege_n of_o samaria_n by_o the_o assyrian_n and_o of_o jerusalem_n both_o by_o they_o and_o the_o roman_n be_v particular_o describe_v to_o the_o very_a circumstance_n of_o their_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o their_o son_n and_o of_o their_o daughter_n deut._n xxviii_o 53._o which_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o have_v scarce_o ever_o happen_v in_o any_o other_o siege_n but_o those_o of_o samaria_n and_o of_o jerusalem_n lam._n two_o 20._o &_o four_o 10.2_o king_n vi_o 29._o this_o monstrous_a and_o dreadful_a thing_n be_v twice_o know_v in_o jerusalem_n first_o when_o it_o be_v besiege_v by_o nehuchadnezzar_n and_o again_o when_o it_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o roman_n under_o titus_n and_o such_o a_o circumstance_n can_v not_o be_v foretell_v so_o long_o before_o but_o by_o a_o divine_a prescience_n and_o that_o so_o strange_a and_o unnatural_a a_o thing_n shall_v befall_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n three_o several_a time_n according_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o a_o prophecy_n can_v have_v nothing_o of_o chance_n in_o it_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o beside_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n every_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o their_o first_o original_a to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o perpetual_a fulfil_v of_o express_a prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n if_o it_o be_v once_o prove_v that_o moses_n do_v what_o be_v relate_v of_o he_o in_o the_o pentateuch_n it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o he_o do_v it_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o that_o he_o be_v god_n servant_n and_o minister_n and_o that_o
therefore_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v or_o write_v as_o by_o his_o direction_n and_o command_n be_v real_o so_o for_o if_o there_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o work_v perform_v by_o moses_n be_v such_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a enquiry_n will_v be_v whether_o they_o be_v real_o perform_v by_o he_o since_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v that_o god_n may_v not_o upon_o great_a reason_n alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o prove_v suppose_v only_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n and_o that_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v give_v by_o he_o that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o stand_v confirm_v by_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o pentateuch_n to_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n and_o that_o he_o deliver_v the_o law_n to_o the_o israelite_n be_v affirm_v by_o the_o best_a heathen_a author_n as_o diodorus_n siculus_n strabo_n and_o other_o and_o be_v never_o yet_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o question_v by_o any_o man_n for_o those_o who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o moses_n write_v the_o book_n which_o contain_v it_o yet_o confess_v that_o the_o law_n itself_o be_v of_o his_o prescribe_v but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v question_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o man_n who_o give_v they_o their_o law_n how_o absurd_a be_v it_o to_o imagine_v that_o a_o new_a and_o burdensome_a law_n which_o at_o first_o be_v so_o very_o uneasy_a to_o they_o and_o which_o nothing_o but_o a_o full_a persunsion_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n can_v ever_o have_v make_v they_o so_o zealous_a for_o shall_v be_v receive_v by_o any_o nation_n mere_o upon_o a_o feign_a and_o groundless_a report_n that_o moses_n have_v at_o some_o time_n or_o other_o deliver_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n if_o there_o never_o have_v be_v such_o a_o man_n or_o such_o a_o lawgiver_n in_o the_o world_n can_v any_o one_o or_o more_o man_n persuade_v a_o whole_a nation_n to_o this_o or_o can_v a_o whole_a nation_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v their_o posterity_n with_o a_o belief_n of_o it_o what_o mighty_a charm_n can_v there_o be_v in_o a_o name_n never_o hear_v of_o before_o and_o in_o a_o story_n new_o invent_v that_o a_o whole_a nation_n shall_v present_o grow_v fond_a of_o it_o they_o must_v consider_v humane_a nature_n very_o little_a who_o can_v fancy_n any_o thing_n so_o unnatural_a i_o shall_v therefore_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n and_o that_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v give_v by_o he_o and_o if_o it_o be_v once_o prove_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o miracle_n relate_v of_o he_o be_v indeed_o perform_v as_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o have_v be_v no_o rational_a man_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o a_o almighty_a power_n i_o shall_v now_o therefore_o consider_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n bare_o as_o national_a record_v not_o as_o write_v by_o a_o inspire_a author_n for_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o they_o consider_v only_o as_o a_o account_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o moses_n be_v a_o person_n inspire_v and_o assist_v by_o god_n and_o both_o write_v and_o do_v all_o by_o god_n express_a will_n and_o appointment_n and_o if_o we_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n in_o this_o matter_n when_o they_o be_v consider_v but_o as_o national_a record_v it_o must_v be_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o account_n either_o 1._o because_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v there_o relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v be_v not_o at_o first_o sufficient_o attest_v or_o 2._o because_o the_o record_n themselves_o be_v seign_v and_o therefore_o the_o relation_n there_o set_v down_o be_v not_o to_o be_v depend_v upon_o for_o if_o the_o miracle_n be_v sufficient_o attest_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n then_o if_o the_o history_n be_v true_a the_o miracle_n must_v be_v so_o too_o 1._o the_o miracle_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o be_v there_o relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v be_v at_o first_o sufficient_o attest_v the_o permission_n of_o polygamy_n among_o the_o israelite_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o that_o people_n the_o peculiar_a fruitfulness_n of_o the_o climate_n of_o egypt_n where_o the_o woman_n be_v observe_v to_o bring_v forth_o often_o two_o or_o three_o sometime_o more_o child_n at_o a_o birth_n the_o long_a life_n of_o mankind_n in_o those_o age_n and_o above_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n that_o he_o will_v bless_v and_o multiply_v his_o posterity_n in_o isaac_n line_n gen._n xxii_o 17._o cause_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v exceed_o numerous_a in_o a_o few_o generation_n after_o they_o come_v into_o aeygpt_n a_o syrian_a ready_a to_o perish_v be_v their_o father_n and_o he_o go_v down_o into_o aeygpt_n and_o sojourn_v there_o with_o a_o few_o and_o become_v there_o a_o nation_n great_a mighty_a and_o populous_a deut._n xxvi_o 5._o the_o fighting-man_n from_o twenty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a that_o be_v number_v in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o sinai_n in_o the_o second_o year_n after_o they_o come_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n be_v six_o hundred_o thousand_o and_o three_o thousand_o and_o five_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o beside_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n num._n i._n 1_o 46_o 47._o and_o the_o male_n of_o the_o levite_n that_o be_v number_v from_o thirty_o year_n old_a to_o fifty_o be_v egtht_v thousand_o and_o five_o hundred_o and_o fourscore_o num._n four_o 47_o 48._o and_o the_o number_n of_o male_n from_o twenty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a which_o be_v take_v in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n be_v six_o hundred_o thousand_o and_o a_o thousand_o seven_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o beside_o the_o levite_n and_o those_o that_o be_v number_v of_o they_o be_v twenty_o and_o three_o thousand_o all_o male_n from_o a_o month_n old_a and_o upward_a and_o not_o a_o man_n of_o these_o be_v number_v before_o in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o sinai_n chap._n xxvi_o 51_o 62_o 64._o and_o those_o of_o the_o other_o sex_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v about_o the_o same_o number_n when_o both_o these_o account_n be_v take_v in_o all_o reckon_v man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o servant_n the_o number_n be_v compute_v at_o three_o million_o and_o all_o this_o people_n the_o parent_n and_o the_o child_n who_o as_o they_o die_v grow_v up_o in_o their_o stead_n be_v conduct_v for_o forty_o year_n together_o by_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v continual_o in_o their_o sight_n god_n take_v he_o a_o nation_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o another_o nation_n by_o temptation_n by_o sign_n and_o by_o wonder_n and_o by_o war_n and_o by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o by_o a_o stretched-out_a arm_n and_o by_o great_a terror_n deut._n four_o 34._o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a whether_o there_o be_v miracle_n wrought_v to_o procure_v their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n these_o be_v public_a and_o notorious_a both_o to_o the_o israelite_n and_o the_o egyptian_n the_o magician_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v the_o like_a with_o their_o enchantment_n but_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n viij_o 19_o and_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o of_o such_o mighty_a consequence_n that_o they_o can_v not_o fail_v of_o be_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o when_o two_o nation_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o effect_n and_o event_n of_o they_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v be_v witness_n of_o ten_o plague_n inflict_v successive_o upon_o the_o egyptian_n in_o the_o most_o remarkable_a manner_n that_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o procure_v their_o deliverance_n and_o when_o pharaoh_n pursue_v they_o as_o they_o be_v go_v away_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o escape_v from_o he_o but_o by_o miracle_n the_o people_n be_v in_o the_o great_a consternation_n they_o wish_v themselves_o again_o in_o egypt_n and_o make_v such_o expostulation_n with_o moses_n as_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n in_o that_o condition_n to_o make_v and_o such_o as_o show_v that_o upon_o the_o first_o opportunity_n they_o will_v have_v be_v ready_a â—o_o deliver_v up_o moses_n to_o secure_v themselves_o and_o malâ—â—_n their_o peace_n with_o pharaoh_n and_o they_o say_v unto_o moses_n because_o there_o be_v no_o grave_n in_o egypt_n have_v thou_o take_v we_o away_o to_o die_v in_o â—he_n wilderness_n wherefore_o have_v thou_o deal_v thus_o with_o we_o to_o carry_v we_o forth_o out_o of_o egypt_n be_v not_o â—his_v
to_o make_v know_v his_o name_n and_o truth_n among_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n this_o people_n itself_o be_v uncapable_a of_o that_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n which_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o appoint_v and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o service_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o idolatry_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o sense_n and_o remembrance_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o law_n deliver_v to_o adam_n and_o noah_n and_o this_o ritual_a service_n be_v unworthy_a that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v purposely_o to_o appoint_v it_o who_o be_v indeed_o himself_o the_o principal_a thing_n signify_v and_o typify_v by_o it_o and_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o himself_o can_v not_o be_v institute_v by_o himself_o in_o person_n for_o than_o they_o will_v have_v be_v insignificant_a and_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o use_n or_o occasion_n for_o they_o but_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o divine_a institution_n be_v reserve_v for_o his_o appointment_n to_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o preparatory_a the_o law_n be_v add_v because_o of_o transgression_n till_o the_o seed_n shall_v come_v to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v gal._n iii._o 19_o after_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o commandment_n have_v through_o the_o great_a neglect_n and_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n become_v ineffectual_a god_n send_v all_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n daily_o rise_v up_o early_o and_o send_v they_o a_o expression_n set_v forth_o his_o great_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o his_o people_n for_o their_o good_a yet_o they_o hearken_v not_o unto_o he_o nor_o incline_v their_o ear_n but_o harden_v their_o neck_n jer._n seven_o 25_o 26._o to_o cure_v this_o strange_a stubbornness_n and_o their_o proneness_n to_o idolatry_n god_n send_v this_o people_n into_o captivity_n for_o seventy_o year_n which_o wrought_v so_o through_o a_o reformation_n in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v never_o afterward_o give_v to_o idolatry_n but_o endure_v all_o extremity_n of_o torment_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o any_o compliance_n with_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o such_o necessity_n that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n shall_v be_v continue_v to_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n but_o in_o other_o respect_v their_o provocation_n be_v still_o very_o great_a and_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n first_o send_v his_o servant_n and_o last_o of_o all_o his_o son_n say_v they_o will_v reverence_v my_o son_n and_o thereby_o leave_v those_o wicked_a man_n without_o excuse_n and_o manifest_v the_o justice_n of_o his_o vengeance_n upon_o the_o murderer_n of_o his_o own_o son_n so_o god_n first_o send_v his_o prophet_n and_o when_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v train_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o he_o and_o be_v to_o convey_v it_o to_o other_o nation_n will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v by_o they_o but_o revile_v and_o destroy_v they_o and_o then_o set_v up_o their_o own_o tradition_n in_o opposition_n to_o their_o doctrine_n he_o send_v his_o belove_a son_n before_o he_o will_v utter_o take_v away_o their_o city_n and_o nation_n and_o effect_v that_o by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n who_o they_o crucify_a which_o the_o experience_n of_o so_o many_o age_n have_v show_v can_v be_v effect_v no_o other_o way_n god_n reveal_v himself_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n and_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n proportion_v the_o way_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o revelation_n to_o the_o capacity_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o several_a age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v make_v till_o at_o last_o he_o have_v speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n heb._n i_o 1_o 2._o when_o we_o be_v child_n we_o be_v in_o bondage_n under_o the_o element_n of_o the_o world_n but_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o time_n be_v come_v god_n send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n gal._n four_o 3_o 4._o 2._o the_o reception_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o difficult_a if_o so_o many_o prophet_n in_o so_o many_o several_a age_n have_v not_o foretell_v his_o come_n our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o appeal_v to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n which_o they_o use_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o confirmation_n even_o of_o their_o miracle_n themselves_o they_o prove_v that_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o he_o come_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v work_v those_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v and_o shall_v empower_v his_o disciple_n to_o do_v the_o like_a his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n and_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o prophesy_v of_o and_o prophecy_n thus_o foretell_v the_o miracle_n and_o miracle_n fulfil_n the_o prophecy_n and_o both_o mutual_o confirm_v and_o support_v each_o other_o afford_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v for_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v all_o the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o thousand_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v convince_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v still_o a_o unanswerable_a argument_n in_o vindication_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o argument_n we_o must_v have_v want_v if_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v come_v so_o much_o soon_o as_o not_o to_o have_v be_v prophesy_v of_o so_o many_o age_n beforehand_o and_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o gospel_n now_o will_v have_v think_v they_o have_v have_v much_o more_o reason_n on_o their_o side_n than_o they_o can_v now_o pretend_v to_o have_v for_o there_o have_v then_o be_v so_o much_o less_o mean_n for_o their_o conviction_n so_o that_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v defer_v to_o give_v the_o great_a evidence_n and_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o his_o be_v the_o christ_n it_o will_v have_v be_v hard_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o little_a or_o no_o notice_n give_v of_o it_o beforehand_o and_o few_o or_o no_o prophet_n send_v to_o foretell_v his_o come_n and_o prepare_v his_o way_n but_o when_o he_o have_v be_v so_o long_o before_o prophesy_v of_o even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o several_a age_n of_o it_o when_o there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o tribe_n and_o family_n and_o person_n of_o who_o he_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v by_o degree_n and_o at_o several_a time_n have_v be_v foretell_v when_o man_n hope_n and_o desire_n to_o see_v he_o be_v thus_o from_o age_n to_o age_n awaken_v and_o alarm_v this_o be_v a_o solemnity_n worthy_a to_o introduce_v and_o attend_v the_o son_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n and_o a_o method_n which_o will_v prove_v a_o stand_a evidence_n of_o his_o be_v come_v into_o it_o 3._o the_o time_n of_o christ_n come_n may_v depend_v upon_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v uncapable_a of_o know_v for_o it_o may_v depend_v upon_o the_o duration_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o know_v how_o long_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o last_o day_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o relation_n not_o to_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n which_o be_v the_o last_o mean_n of_o salvation_n that_o god_n will_v vouchsase_v to_o mankind_n and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o government_n which_o be_v just_a then_o at_o a_o end_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n now_o if_o the_o world_n may_v continue_v as_o long_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o have_v do_v before_o it_o and_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v but_o it_o may_v we_o shall_v find_v little_a cause_n to_o wonder_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o soon_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n for_o we_o find_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o zeal_n of_o christian_n decay_n as_o we_o be_v at_o a_o far_a distance_n of_o time_n from_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o the_o length_n of_o the_o time_n itself_o prove_v a_o temptation_n to_o some_o to_o disbelieve_v it_o for_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v less_o credit_n to_o what_o happen_v long_o ago_o and_o to_o think_v themselves_o less_o concern_v in_o it_o
hear_n gather_v the_o people_n together_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o thy_o stranger_n that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n and_o that_o their_o child_n which_o have_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n may_v hear_v and_o learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n as_o long_o as_o you_o live_v in_o the_o land_n whither_o you_o go_v over_o jordan_n to_o possess_v it_o deut._n xxxi_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o more_o effectual_a care_n can_v have_v be_v take_v to_o secure_v a_o law_n from_o be_v deprave_a and_o alter_v by_o imposture_n every_o seven_o day_n at_o least_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o read_n and_o learn_v it_o in_o their_o seveval_fw-fr tribe_n throughout_o all_o the_o land_n and_o then_o once_o in_o seven_o year_n it_o be_v read_v at_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a feast_n when_o they_o be_v all_o oblige_a to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n moses_n write_v a_o book_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v put_v in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n that_o it_o may_v be_v there_o for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v transgress_v it_o much_o more_o if_o they_o shall_v make_v any_o alteration_n in_o it_o and_o out_o of_o this_o book_n the_o king_n be_v to_o write_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n deut._n xvii_o 1â—_n and_o this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v find_v by_o hilâ—iah_n the_o highpriest_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o cron._n xxxiv_o 14.2_o king_n xxii_o 8._o for_o after_o all_o that_o the_o wicked_a and_o idolatrous_a king_n can_v do_v to_o suppress_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o draw_v aside_o the_o people_n to_o idolatry_n the_o authentic_a book_n of_o the_o law_n write_v by_o moses_n himself_o be_v still_o preserve_v in_o josiah_n time_n beside_o the_o several_a copy_n which_o must_v be_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o land_n for_o the_o use_n of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o those_o which_o must_v be_v remain_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o other_o pious_a men._n and_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o this_o very_a book_n write_v by_o moses_n be_v preserve_v during_o the_o captivity_n and_o be_v that_o book_n which_o ezra_n read_v to_o the_o people_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n credible_a that_o the_o prophet_n will_v suffer_v that_o book_n to_o be_v lose_v much_o less_o that_o they_o will_v suffer_v all_o the_o copy_n general_o to_o be_v lose_v or_o corrupt_v which_o indeed_o consider_v the_o number_n be_v hardly_o possible_a be_v it_o probable_a that_o jeremiah_n will_v use_v that_o favour_n which_o he_o have_v with_o nabuchadnezzar_n to_o any_o other_o purpose_n rather_o than_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n the_o jew_n say_v the_o ark_n be_v secure_v in_o the_o burn_a of_o the_o temple_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o captivity_n but_o it_o be_v much_o more_o probable_a that_o the_o book_n of_o their_o law_n be_v secure_v it_o be_v both_o more_o easy_o convey_v away_o and_o not_o so_o tempt_v a_o prey_n to_o the_o enemy_n we_o find_v the_o law_n cite_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n by_o daniel_n den._n ix_o 11._o by_o nehemiah_n nehem._n i_o 8_o 9_o and_o in_o tobit_n who_o belong_v â—o_o the_o ten_o tribe_n tob._n vi_fw-la 12._o &_o seven_o 13._o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o these_o and_o other_o pious_a man_n have_v copy_n of_o it_o by_o they_o and_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o preserve_v they_o maimonides_n 41._o maimonides_n huet_n 〈◊〉_d prop._n 41._o say_v that_o mise_v himself_o write_v out_o twelve_o book_n of_o the_o law_n one_o for_o each_o tripe_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o the_o rabbin_n teach_v that_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o have_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n by_o he_o and_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n 11._o nehemiah_n dros_n dâ—â—â—â—th_n sect._n l._n 3._o c._n 11._o be_v say_v to_o have_v bring_v three_o hundred_o book_n of_o the_o law_n into_o the_o congregation_n assemble_v at_o their_o return_n from_o captivity_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v scribe_n of_o the_o law_n before_o the_o captivity_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o it_o jer._n viij_o 8._o ezra_n be_v style_v a_o ready_a scribe_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o scribe_n even_o a_o scribe_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o statute_n to_o israel_n and_o by_o artaxerxes_n in_o his_o letter_n he_o be_v call_v a_o scribe_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n ezra_n seven_o 6_o 11_o 12._o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v scribe_n of_o the_o law_n during_o the_o captivity_n who_o be_v know_v by_o this_o solemn_a style_n and_o character_n and_o who_o care_n and_o employment_n it_o be_v to_o study_v and_o write_v over_o the_o law_n of_o who_o ezra_n be_v the_o principal_a at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o return_n it_o be_v most_o probable_a then_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v preserve_v in_o moses_n own_o hand_n till_o the_o come_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o babylon_n beside_o the_o copy_n that_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o daniel_n nehemiah_n ezra_n zechariah_n and_o the_o other_o prophet_n who_o be_v not_o only_o of_o unquestionable_a integrity_n but_o write_v themselves_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n 3._o nothing_o be_v more_o express_o forbid_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n than_o all_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n and_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suspect_v that_o any_o man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o fraud_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n imaginable_a to_o introduce_v or_o establish_v a_o law_n that_o forbid_v it_o moses_n have_v forewarn_v they_o against_o all_o such_o practice_n both_o in_o his_o law_n in_o general_a and_o by_o a_o express_a prohibition_n you_o shall_v not_o add_v unto_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o diminish_v aught_o from_o it_o deut._n four_o 2._o and_o all_o who_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n will_v observe_v this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o part_n of_o it_o for_o this_o preserve_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n inviolable_a and_o if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n but_o have_v alter_v it_o as_o they_o please_v they_o will_v certain_o have_v make_v such_o alteration_n as_o will_v have_v gratify_v the_o people_n and_o will_v have_v take_v great_a care_n to_o leave_v nothing_o which_o may_v give_v offence_n but_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v such_o as_o that_o without_o a_o divine_a authority_n to_o enforce_v they_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v comply_v with_o but_o will_v have_v be_v grievous_a to_o a_o less_o suspicious_a and_o impatient_a people_n than_o the_o jew_n be_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o prohibition_n against_o alteration_n may_v be_v add_v among_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o probability_n for_o it_o but_o so_o much_o odds_o against_o it_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o suspect_v that_o the_o whole_a five_o book_n have_v be_v forge_v as_o to_o pitch_v upon_o that_o particular_a verse_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o genuine_a beside_o why_o shall_v impostor_n insert_v such_o a_o clause_n as_o will_v hinder_v they_o from_o change_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o law_n ever_o after_o why_o shall_v they_o not_o rather_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o a_o liberty_n of_o change_v and_o add_v as_o often_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a 2._o as_o the_o law_n themselves_o can_v not_o be_v invent_v nor_o alter_v after_o moses_n time_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o be_v insert_v after_o his_o death_n by_o any_o particular_a man_n nor_o by_o any_o confederacy_n or_o combination_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o for_o if_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o law_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v confirm_v be_v afterward_o insert_v they_o must_v be_v intend_v as_o a_o sanction_n to_o give_v authority_n to_o it_o and_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o awe_n when_o they_o be_v become_v uneasy_a and_o disobedient_a under_o the_o government_n of_o those_o law_n but_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o difficult_a to_o introduce_v law_n at_o first_o than_o to_o govern_v a_o people_n by_o they_o after_o they_o have_v be_v once_o introduce_v and_o be_v settle_v and_o receive_v among_o they_o indeed_o it_o be_v incredible_a how_o law_n so_o little_a favourable_a to_o the_o ease_n or_o advantage_n of_o a_o people_n which_o be_v so_o expensive_a and_o burdensome_a in_o their_o
the_o ark_n of_o god_n be_v take_v than_o at_o the_o death_n of_o both_o his_o son_n that_o give_v he_o his_o mortal_a wound_n and_o he_o can_v not_o outlive_v the_o hear_v it_o 1_o sam._n four_o 18._o samuel_n son_n be_v wicked_a as_o well_o as_o eli_n and_o he_o do_v not_o conceal_v their_o fault_n but_o plain_o say_v that_o they_o turn_v aside_o after_o lucre_n and_o take_v bribe_n and_o pervert_v judgement_n chap._n viij_o 3._o but_o he_o appeal_v to_o the_o whole_a people_n for_o his_o own_o integrity_n who_o solemn_o declare_v he_o free_a from_o any_o oppression_n or_o injustice_n he_o resign_v the_o government_n though_o he_o have_v the_o power_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o appoint_v two_o king_n successive_o and_o by_o god_n commandment_n raise_v both_o saul_n and_o david_n out_o of_o their_o obscurity_n to_o a_o throne_n samuel_n say_v plain_o that_o when_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n come_v to_o he_o to_o ask_v a_o king_n the_o thing_n displease_v he_o 1_o sam._n viij_o 6._o and_o he_o who_o can_v make_v two_o king_n of_o two_o different_a tribe_n and_o of_o no_o interest_n in_o their_o respective_a tribe_n may_v as_o well_o have_v make_v himself_o king_n if_o he_o have_v act_v upon_o humane_a consideration_n and_o by_o humane_a power_n and_o means_n the_o divine_a power_n therefore_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n from_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n and_o joshua_n to_o saul_n for_o they_o be_v constant_o govern_v by_o person_n of_o god_n appointment_n their_o government_n be_v a_o theocracy_n be_v administer_v by_o god_n immediate_a direction_n the_o lord_n their_o god_n be_v their_o king_n 1_o sam._n twelve_o 12._o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o their_o king_n after_o a_o stand_a regal_a government_n be_v settle_v among_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n they_o be_v either_o happy_a or_o miserable_a at_o home_n and_o either_o a_o defeat_n or_o victory_n attend_v their_o army_n abroad_o as_o they_o prove_v obedient_a or_o disobedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n deliver_v by_o his_o prophet_n upon_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n when_o two_o tribe_n only_o remain_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o rehoboam_n and_o in_o the_o true_a way_n of_o worship_n this_o have_v be_v the_o time_n as_o already_o have_v be_v say_v if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o imposture_n hitherto_o carry_v on_o to_o discover_v it_o for_o they_o have_v all_o the_o temptation_n and_o all_o the_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v give_v but_o after_o the_o division_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n jeroboam_n dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o attempt_v to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o that_o law_n by_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o sacrifice_v though_o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o change_v the_o place_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o to_o go_v no_o long_o up_o thither_o and_o god_n have_v his_o prophet_n in_o israel_n who_o be_v as_o zealous_a for_o the_o law_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o judah_n for_o in_o both_o kingdom_n they_o have_v still_o prophet_n to_o admonish_v they_o and_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n though_o the_o urim_n and_o thummim_n and_o the_o shechinah_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o aaronical_a priesthood_n and_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o testament_n yet_o the_o other_o kind_n of_o prophecy_n be_v vouchsafe_v to_o israel_n as_o well_o as_o judah_n and_o the_o captivity_n both_o of_o judah_n and_o israel_n by_o the_o assyrian_n and_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o it_o befall_v they_o according_a to_o express_v prophecy_n and_o both_o during_o the_o captivity_n and_o at_o their_o return_n they_o have_v daniel_n zachariah_n malachi_n and_o other_o prophet_n among_o they_o and_o for_o so_o many_o age_n from_o their_o first_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n the_o whole_a people_n be_v make_v continual_o witness_n of_o the_o manifest_a power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n among_o they_o this_o will_v be_v evident_a by_o make_v some_o observation_n concern_v the_o prophet_n and_o their_o write_n and_o concern_v their_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o their_o write_n the_o kind_n of_o prophecy_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v 1._o the_o shechinah_n 2._o the_o vrim_fw-he and_o thummim_n 3._o revelation_n by_o vision_n and_o dream_n or_o by_o inspiration_n for_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o distinguish_v these_o way_n of_o revelation_n to_o consider_v they_o apart_o and_o when_o these_o kind_n of_o prophecy_n cease_v under_o the_o second_o temple_n the_o bath_n kol_n or_o voice_n from_o heaven_n be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o revelation_n but_o of_o this_o there_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o certain_a to_o be_v rely_v upon_o 1._o the_o sechina_fw-la be_v the_o sit_v or_o dwell_v of_o god_n between_o the_o cherubim_n on_o the_o mercy-seat_n or_o cover_n of_o the_o ark_n psal_n lxxxi_o 1._o and_o xcix_o 1._o from_o whence_o he_o give_v out_o his_o answer_n by_o a_o articulate_v voice_n exod._n twenty-five_o 22._o and_o xxix_o 42._o num._n seven_o 89._o 2._o the_o vrim_fw-he and_o thummim_v upon_o the_o breastplate_n of_o the_o highpriest_n exod._n xxviii_o 30._o be_v another_o stand_a oracle_n to_o be_v consult_v upon_o all_o great_a occasion_n num._n xxvii_o 21.1_o sam._n xxviii_o 6._o xxiii_o 9_o thirty_o 7._o ezra_n two_o 63._o and_o the_o answer_n be_v return_v by_o a_o visible_a signification_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o this_o oracle_n be_v not_o only_o venerable_a among_o the_o jew_n but_o be_v famous_a among_o the_o heathen_a as_o josephus_n assure_v we_o for_o its_o infallible_a answer_n mr._n mede_n 35._o mede_n mede_n discourse_n 35._o think_v vrim_fw-he and_o thummim_a to_o have_v be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o patriarch_n before_o the_o law_n be_v give_v because_o the_o make_n of_o it_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o among_o the_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o ephod_n the_o common_a opinion_n be_v that_o this_o oracle_n be_v deliver_v by_o the_o shine_a of_o such_o leter_n of_o the_o tribe_n name_n engrave_v on_o the_o priest_n breastplace_n as_o express_v the_o answer_n but_o the_o same_o learned_a author_n think_v that_o the_o urim_n and_o the_o thummim_n be_v distinct_a oracle_n the_o thummim_n show_v when_o their_o sacrifice_n be_v accept_v and_o the_o urim_n answer_v such_o question_n as_o be_v propose_v upon_o any_o important_a occasion_n 3._o revelation_n by_o vision_n and_o dream_n or_o by_o inspiration_n be_v the_o revelation_n which_o proper_o denominate_v those_o the_o who_o they_o be_v make_v prophet_n for_o the_o prophet_n be_v person_n send_v by_o god_n with_o a_o extraordinary_a commission_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n and_o they_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n or_o to_o any_o one_o particular_a tribe_n but_o sometime_o take_v out_o of_o one_o tribe_n and_o sometime_o out_o of_o another_o for_o though_o the_o jew_n have_v college_n and_o school_n to_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v man_n by_o a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a education_n for_o divine_a illumination_n yet_o divers_a other_o who_o have_v not_o be_v educate_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v but_o of_o very_a mean_a employment_n and_o other_o again_o of_o royal_a blood_n they_o reprove_v both_o their_o king_n and_o their_o priest_n with_o a_o fearless_a and_o undaunted_a freedom_n and_o authority_n and_o this_o plain-dealing_a such_o as_o become_v man_n who_o speak_v and_o act_v by_o a_o divine_a impulse_n without_o design_n and_o without_o any_o disguise_n sometime_o command_v great_a reverence_n towards_o they_o from_o prince_n not_o easy_a to_o be_v well_o advise_v or_o direct_v rehoboam_n a_o wilful_a and_o rash_a prince_n at_o the_o head_n of_o a_o army_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o fourscore_o thousand_o choose_a man_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n deliver_v to_o he_o by_o shemaiah_n return_v home_o without_o attempt_v any_o thing_n to_o regain_v the_o tribe_n that_o have_v revolt_v from_o he_o to_o jeroboam_n 1_o king_n twelve_o 21._o ahab_n though_o a_o exceed_a wicked_a king_n after_o a_o signal_n victory_n bear_v the_o reproof_n of_o a_o prophet_n who_o denounce_v a_o judgement_n upon_o he_o and_o his_o people_n for_o let_v benhadad_a go_v and_o be_v much_o concern_v at_o it_o 1_o king_n xx_o 42_o 43._o and_o the_o same_o ahab_n rend_v his_o clothes_n and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o fast_v at_o the_o reproof_n of_o elijah_n 1_o king_n xxi_o 27._o amaziah_n by_o the_o admonition_n of_o a_o prophet_n dismiss_v a_o hundred_o thousand_o mighty_a man_n of_o valour_n who_o he_o have_v hire_v of_o the_o israelite_n for_o a_o hundred_o talent_n be_v content_a
composition_n of_o cato_n it_o have_v be_v hard_o for_o he_o to_o avoid_v the_o be_v a_o stoic_a and_o he_o may_v probable_o have_v found_v that_o sect_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o philosopher_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o promise_v reward_n or_o to_o threaten_v punishment_n upon_o the_o observation_n or_o neglect_n of_o their_o precept_n and_o therefore_o every_o man_n be_v at_o his_o liberty_n to_o choose_v or_o to_o reject_v what_o they_o teach_v and_o divers_a of_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o this_o unavoidable_a defect_n in_o all_o humane_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n there_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n therefore_o in_o suppose_v that_o many_o of_o the_o precept_n contain_v in_o the_o proverb_n and_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v know_v without_o a_o revelation_n for_o there_o be_v notwithstanding_o very_o good_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v insert_v into_o the_o scripture_n because_o the_o scripture_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n and_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o not_o as_o a_o system_fw-la of_o ethic_n or_o a_o collection_n of_o moral_a precept_n but_o as_o a_o body_n of_o law_n give_v out_o upon_o divers_a occasion_n and_o as_o rule_n of_o instruction_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o show_v we_o our_o duty_n and_o command_v our_o obedience_n it_o be_v not_o expect_v that_o king_n in_o their_o law_n shovid_v argue_v more_o profound_o than_o other_o man_n do_v but_o they_o shall_v command_v more_o effectual_o than_o other_o can_v teach_v they_o do_v not_o dispute_v but_o pronounce_v and_o dictate_v what_o their_o subject_n must_v take_v notice_n of_o at_o their_o peril_n and_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n to_o a_o prince_n authority_n to_o command_v the_o most_o know_a and_o obvious_a thing_n though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o fault_n in_o the_o subject_n to_o need_v such_o command_n and_o god_n in_o his_o word_n do_v not_o design_n to_o furnish_v we_o with_o a_o treatise_n of_o philosophy_n to_o gratify_v our_o curiosity_n with_o strange_a and_o new_a notion_n and_o make_v we_o profound_a scholar_n but_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n and_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o know_a duty_n to_o appeal_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o enforce_v those_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o natural_a reason_n perhaps_o may_v suggest_v to_o they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o a_o divine_a law_n establish_v upon_o reward_n and_o punishment_n 3._o though_o the_o philosopher_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v something_o more_o than_o other_o man_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o open_o declare_v what_o they_o know_v but_o be_v overbear_v with_o the_o error_n and_o vice_n the_o time_n and_o country_n in_o which_o they_o live_v even_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o vice_n and_o therefore_o their_o doctrine_n whatever_o they_o be_v can_v do_v but_o little_a good_a towards_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o report_n concern_v socrates_n and_o plato_n seneca_n and_o cato_n himself_o but_o only_o observe_v that_o socrates_n who_o be_v the_o only_a martyr_n among_o the_o philosopher_n for_o the_o truth_n yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v speak_v with_o no_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o order_v a_o cock_n to_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o aesoulapius_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v reconcile_v to_o that_o doctrine_n for_o for_o which_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o die_v and_o after_o his_o death_n how_o do_v his_o friend_n and_o disciple_n behave_v themselves_o do_v they_o open_o and_o courageous_o vindicate_v his_o innocence_n and_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n for_o which_o he_o suffer_v do_v they_o not_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o conceal_v and_o dissemble_v it_o but_o mankind_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o perfect_a example_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o such_o instructor_n as_o shall_v both_o teach_v and_o practice_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o at_o their_o utmost_a peril_n and_o of_o a_o succession_n of_o such_o man_n as_o shall_v bear_v testimony_n to_o their_o doctrine_n both_o by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v during_o their_o life_n and_o by_o the_o constancy_n of_o their_o death_n 4._o as_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n want_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o law_n and_o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o teach_v it_o so_o it_o want_v principal_a motive_n to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o the_o life_n of_o men._n the_o philosopher_n teach_v nothing_o of_o the_o exceed_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o of_o his_o desire_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o assist_v and_o conduct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n they_o own_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o perseverance_n in_o it_o iii._o it_o tull._n de_fw-fr nat._n dâ—or_n lib._n iii._o virtutem_fw-la autem_fw-la nemo_fw-la unquam_fw-la acceptam_fw-la deo_fw-la retulit_fw-la nimirum_fw-la recte_fw-la propter_fw-la virtutem_fw-la enim_fw-la jure_fw-la laudamur_fw-la &_o in_o virtute_fw-la recte_fw-la gloriamur_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la contingeret_fw-la si_fw-la id_fw-la donum_fw-la a_o deo_fw-la non_fw-la a_o nobis_fw-la haberemus_fw-la nam_fw-la quis_fw-la quod_fw-la bone_fw-la vir_fw-la esset_fw-la gratias_fw-la diis_fw-la egit_fw-la unquam_fw-la jovemque_fw-la optimum_fw-la maximum_fw-la ob_fw-la eas_fw-la res_fw-la appellant_n non_fw-la quod_fw-la justos_fw-la temperatos_fw-la sapientes_fw-la efficiat_a sed_fw-la quod_fw-la salvos_fw-la incolumes_fw-la opulento_n copioso_n this_o occasion_v those_o 53._o those_o sen_n epist_n 53._o insolent_a boast_n of_o the_o stoic_n equal_v themselves_o to_o the_o god_n and_o sometime_o even_o prefer_v themselves_o before_o they_o because_o they_o have_v difficulty_n to_o encounter_v which_o make_v their_o conquest_n of_o vice_n and_o their_o improvement_n in_o virtue_n more_o glorious_a than_o they_o suppose_v the_o like_a excellency_n to_o be_v in_o their_o god_n who_o be_v good_a by_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n wherefore_o though_o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n have_v be_v never_o so_o perfect_a yet_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v ineffectual_a be_v so_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o and_o so_o unactive_a and_o dead_a when_o they_o be_v discover_v without_o that_o authority_n and_o life_n and_o energy_n that_o may_v be_v have_v from_o divine_a revelation_n which_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o not_o only_o to_o supply_v the_o imperfection_n and_o correct_v the_o error_n of_o philosophy_n but_o to_o enforce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o though_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o true_a and_o perfect_a chap._n vi_o the_o novelty_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n in_o respect_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v past_o all_o dispute_n and_o this_o religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o its_o sensual_a allurement_n owe_v its_o propagation_n sole_o to_o the_o â—ower_n of_o the_o sword_n for_o though_o the_o alcoran_n have_v be_v translate_v into_o most_o of_o the_o language_n in_o use_n among_o christian_n yet_o it_o have_v never_o be_v know_v to_o make_v any_o proselyte_n but_o by_o force_n of_o arms._n at_o first_o this_o religion_n have_v many_o circumstance_n for_o its_o advantage_n which_o may_v in_o humane_a probability_n gain_v it_o success_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v begin_v in_o rebellion_n and_o in_o a_o final_a revolt_n from_o the_o emperor_n heraclius_n and_o beside_o this_o popular_a and_o seduce_a temptation_n of_o licence_n and_o violence_n mahomet_n add_v the_o enticement_n of_o lust_n and_o sensuality_n he_o forbid_v man_n indeed_o some_o thing_n but_o such_o as_o he_o can_v easy_o see_v they_o will_v part_v with_o for_o the_o free_a and_o unbounded_a enjoyment_n of_o other_o than_o he_o pretend_v to_o sound_v his_o doctrine_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o christ_n say_v that_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o send_v he_o all_o which_o make_v his_o religion_n find_v the_o more_o easy_a entertainment_n among_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n it_o be_v but_o like_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o gnostic_n at_o the_o first_o and_o not_o altogether_o so_o gross_a and_o this_o must_v needs_o incline_v all_o of_o seditious_a and_o lewd_a principle_n to_o come_v in_o to_o he_o be_v glad_a of_o such_o a_o colour_n for_o their_o wickedness_n and_o it_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o power_n and_o force_n to_o make_v it_o more_o last_a than_o other_o such_o blasphemy_n have_v be_v christ_n on_o the_o contrary_n forbid_v resistance_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n upon_o any_o term_n whatsoever_o he_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o moses_n but_o so_o as_o to_o abolish_v the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v what_o the_o jew_n be_v most_o fond_a of_o so_o that_o this_o very_a thing_n make_v the_o jew_n
immediate_a influence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n but_o in_o miracle_n this_o power_n manifest_v its_o self_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n above_z and_z contrary_n to_o the_o establish_v law_n or_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v in_o all_o other_o case_n prescribe_v for_o the_o produce_v effect_n ii_o man_n will_v fancy_v to_o themselves_o some_o kind_n of_o scheme_n or_o other_o and_o will_v frame_v some_o notion_n and_o conceit_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o miracle_n or_o they_o will_v imagine_v they_o to_o return_v of_o course_n at_o certain_a period_n or_o upon_o some_o accident_n if_o they_o see_v they_o frequent_o do_v or_o perhaps_o they_o will_v suppose_v they_o to_o proceed_v from_o some_o defect_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o always_o keep_v its_o course_n but_o make_v many_o deviation_n from_o it_o but_o when_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v only_o in_o some_o age_n for_o peculiar_a reason_n this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o a_o immediate_a divine_a power_n with_o a_o particular_a design_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o confirmation_n of_o religion_n since_o they_o cease_v both_o under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n when_o both_o be_v full_o declare_v and_o confirm_v iii_o a_o perpetual_a power_n of_o miracle_n in_o all_o age_n will_v give_v occasion_n to_o continual_a imposture_n which_o will_v confound_v and_o distract_v man_n mind_n and_o will_v make_v the_o true_a mircle_n themselves_o suspect_v we_o see_v now_o that_o the_o dream_n of_o every_o enthusiast_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o every_o impostor_n be_v apt_a to_o startle_v weak_a mind_n though_o we_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n not_o to_o expect_v miracle_n or_o revelation_n but_o if_o we_o be_v in_o constant_a expectation_n of_o true_a miracle_n the_o false_a will_v be_v much_o more_o likely_a to_o mislead_v many_o and_o to_o make_v other_o reject_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o miracle_n at_o all_o if_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v be_v frequent_a in_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n his_o prophecy_n and_o wonderful_a work_n have_v not_o so_o well_o distinguish_v and_o manifest_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o when_o after_o so_o long_a a_o intermission_n they_o be_v again_o revive_v in_o he_o this_o show_v he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n and_o messiah_n who_o be_v expect_v and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o as_o miracle_n have_v be_v discontinue_v for_o a_o long_a time_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o st._n john_n baptist_n who_o be_v more_o than_o a_o prophet_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o man_n that_o have_v be_v before_o he_o yet_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o distinguish_v from_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o there_o may_v arise_v no_o doubt_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o christ_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o miracle_n shall_v cease_v to_o preserve_v the_o authority_n due_a to_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v more_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v cease_v when_o his_o religion_n have_v be_v full_o establish_v than_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o doubt_v who_o be_v the_o true_a christ_n and_o which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o false_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true_a iv_o another_o reason_n why_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n have_v be_v withhold_v in_o latter_a age_n may_v be_v this_o because_o since_o there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a depravation_n of_o manner_n among_o christian_n it_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n to_o those_o who_o have_v possess_v it_o as_o we_o find_v it_o be_v to_o some_o even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n twelve_o fourteen_o and_o our_o saviour_n see_v it_o requisite_a to_o give_v caution_n to_o his_o disciple_n notwithstanding_o in_o this_o rejoice_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_a unto_o you_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v because_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n luke_n x._o 20._o it_o must_v be_v a_o eminent_a and_o true_o primitive_a piety_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o have_v of_o such_o gift_n with_o a_o humble_a and_o christian_n temper_n of_o mind_n v._o it_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o 2._o of_o advan_n of_o learn_v l._n iii._o c._n 2._o my_o lord_n bacon_n that_o there_o be_v never_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o god_n to_o convert_v a_o atheist_n because_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v have_v lead_v he_o to_o confess_v a_o god_n but_o miracle_n be_v design_v to_o convert_v idolater_n and_o the_o superstitious_a who_o have_v acknowledge_v a_o deity_n but_o err_v in_o his_o adoration_n 〈…〉_o light_a of_o nature_n extend_v to_o declare_v the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n when_o once_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v confirm_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o it_o which_o there_o be_v for_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n himself_o miracle_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v to_o convert_v a_o infidel_n than_o to_o convert_v a_o atheist_n among_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o reason_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o they_o without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n may_v instruct_v other_o 9_o other_o de_fw-fr procur_fw-fr indor_n salute_n lib._n two_o c._n 9_o acosta_n inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n why_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o present_a missionary_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o heathen_a nation_n as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o primitive_a age_n give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n because_o the_o christian_n at_o first_o be_v ignorant_a man_n and_o the_o gentile_n learned_a but_o now_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o the_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n be_v employ_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n to_o oppose_v it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o far_a miracle_n in_o behalf_n of_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o able_a advocate_n against_o so_o weak_a adversary_n however_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o change_n as_o be_v wont_v former_o to_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o visible_a course_n of_o nature_n in_o confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v still_o a_o divine_a power_n evident_a among_o christian_n live_v in_o heathen_a country_n for_o the_o devil_n who_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o heathen_n have_v no_o power_n over_o christian_n dwell_v among_o they_o of_o which_o the_o indian_n have_v take_v great_a notice_n and_o have_v 16._o have_v lerii_fw-la histor_n navig_n in_o brasil_n c._n 16._o declare_v the_o christian_n happy_a in_o be_v free_v from_o the_o torture_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o find_v themselves_o often_o seize_v on_o the_o sudden_a in_o a_o terrible_a manner_n and_o stand_v in_o perpetual_a fear_n of_o they_o 4._o they_o capt._n knox_n be_v hist_n of_o ceylon_n part_n iii._o c._n 4._o christian_n they_o do_v acknowledge_v have_v a_o prerogative_n above_o themselves_o and_o not_o to_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n it_o be_v so_o general_o relate_v by_o traveller_n of_o all_o profession_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n that_o the_o devil_n exercise_v a_o manifest_a tyranny_n over_o the_o heathen_n but_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o to_o the_o christian_n abide_v among_o they_o that_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n discover_v itself_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o not_o by_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v former_o wrought_v because_o there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o need_n of_o they_o chap._n xxx_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n reject_v christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n though_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o certain_a in_o itself_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o supernatural_a grace_n require_v to_o make_v we_o thorough_o and_o effectual_o convince_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n except_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o and_o this_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o such_o as_o be_v offend_v at_o his_o doctrine_n and_o depart_v from_o he_o but_o there_o be_v some_o of_o you_o that_o believe_v not_o for_o jesus_n know_v from_o the_o beginning_n who_o they_o be_v that_o believe_v not_o