in_o the_o ceremony_n crown_v with_o garland_n and_o with_o laurel_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o sing_v certain_a verse_n in_o a_o low_a and_o humble_a voice_n by_o which_o they_o implore_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o god_n and_o so_o they_o visit_v the_o capitol_n and_o temple_n but_o especial_o those_o sacred_a chapel_n in_o which_o be_v the_o lectisternia_fw-la or_o pulvinaria_fw-la that_o be_v bed_n of_o repose_n for_o the_o god_n which_o bed_n be_v most_o rich_o adorn_v and_o have_v for_o their_o pillow_n little_a bundle_n or_o tossel_n of_o vervien_n a_o plant_n of_o most_o sacred_a use_n among_o the_o roman_n which_o lectisternia_fw-la also_o be_v raise_v on_o high_a and_o overlook_v the_o altar_n the_o chief_a bed_n of_o majesty_n be_v for_o jupiter_n vulcan_n and_o minerva_n because_o these_o three_o be_v chief_o look_v upon_o to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o thunderbolt_n the_o other_o sort_n of_o supplication_n be_v gratulatory_a much_o like_o our_o jubilee_n where_o all_o the_o order_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n whether_o sacred_a or_o civil_a and_o clothe_v in_o their_o rich_a ornament_n and_o habit_n make_v like_o the_o solemn_a procession_n in_o visit_v the_o temple_n and_o offer_v up_o their_o thanks_o by_o sing_v of_o hymn_n perfume_a the_o altar_n and_o make_v of_o feast_n with_o other_o mark_n of_o public_a joy_n which_o supplication_n last_v for_o many_o day_n and_o be_v grant_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o signal_n victory_n or_o for_o the_o good_a success_n in_o their_o war_n or_o any_o other_o public_a undertake_n julius_n caesar_n have_v fight_v prosperous_o in_o subdue_a the_o gaul_n obtain_v supplication_n or_o a_o jubilee_n of_o sixteen_o day_n brutus_n after_o he_o have_v the_o better_a of_o marcus_n antonius_n in_o the_o war_n of_o medena_n obtain_v a_o jubilee_n which_o last_v fifty_o day_n one_o also_o of_o the_o like_a continuance_n be_v indict_v by_o cicero_n in_o the_o senate_n at_o such_o time_n as_o the_o war_n be_v prosperous_a to_o octavius_n these_o supplication_n be_v always_o make_v during_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o general_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v grant_v except_v that_o of_o cicero_n for_o who_o though_o present_a a_o supplication_n be_v indict_v in_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a service_n he_o do_v in_o defend_v the_o commonwealth_n from_o catiline_n conspiracy_n in_o short_a these_o supplication_n be_v usual_o the_o prelude_v of_o triumph_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o for_o who_o supplication_n be_v decree_v whilst_o they_o be_v employ_v abroad_o in_o the_o war_n obtain_v a_o triumph_n at_o their_o return_n when_o the_o war_n be_v finish_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o roman_n for_o they_o have_v the_o same_o deity_n and_o almost_o the_o same_o rite_n and_o sacrifice_n from_o whence_o also_o we_o may_v proceed_v to_o take_v a_o transient_a view_n of_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o consist_v also_o in_o several_a order_n of_o priest_n sacrifice_n lustration_n jubilee_n feast_n etc._n etc._n only_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o object_n of_o worship_n adore_v the_o one_o true_a and_o only_a god_n to_o who_o they_o erect_v one_o only_a temple_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o perform_v their_o solemn_a function_n though_o they_o have_v their_o synagogue_n or_o sacred_a assembly_n also_o every_o where_n wherein_o they_o teach_v and_o preach_v and_o do_v some_o lesser_a rite_n their_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n as_o also_o circumcision_n be_v the_o more_o distinguish_a mark_n by_o which_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o the_o world_n though_o the_o latter_a we_o find_v to_o have_v be_v observe_v also_o by_o the_o ishmaelite_n or_o arabian_n as_o descend_v from_o abraham_n the_o priesthood_n be_v ever_o hold_v among_o all_o nation_n in_o great_a esteem_n which_o they_o express_v chief_o by_o honour_v the_o person_n of_o those_o who_o attend_v on_o it_o with_o glorious_a title_n splendid_a ornament_n plentiful_a maintenance_n large_a exemption_n and_o privilege_n and_o with_o all_o external_n mark_v of_o observance_n and_o veneration_n if_o we_o do_v not_o find_v the_o same_o in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o this_o in_o some_o measure_n possible_o may_v be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n themselves_o many_o of_o which_o be_v of_o despicable_a part_n and_o extraction_n of_o uncultivated_a behaviour_n and_o of_o sordid_a covetous_a and_o perhaps_o scandalous_a life_n cast_v a_o cloud_n upon_o the_o function_n and_o have_v they_o live_v among_o the_o heathen_n they_o will_v have_v be_v think_v worthy_a of_o no_o other_o priestly_a employment_n but_o that_o of_o butcher_v the_o beast_n which_o yet_o seem_v to_o be_v much_o more_o innocent_a and_o gentle_a though_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a also_o that_o as_o man_n decline_v in_o their_o moral_n and_o all_o sentiment_n of_o piety_n so_o they_o think_v to_o extenuate_v their_o enormity_n by_o expose_v the_o priest_n to_o the_o same_o contempt_n under_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v themselves_o by_o their_o degenerate_a life_n which_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v let_v in_o atheism_n for_o when_o man_n have_v a_o true_a belief_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v they_o can_v but_o show_v a_o suitable_a respect_n for_o those_o who_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o convey_v to_o they_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o it_o however_o it_o be_v a_o few_o particular_a deviation_n can_v destroy_v universal_a maxim_n no_o more_o than_o the_o heaven_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v impure_a and_o corruptible_a from_o a_o few_o fall_a meteor_n or_o some_o smoky_a comet_n the_o body_n of_o man_n through_o all_o age_n and_o region_n of_o the_o world_n have_v ever_o hold_v religion_n in_o high_a veneration_n as_o in_o some_o short_a measure_n have_v be_v already_o deliver_v so_o that_o to_o use_v the_o reason_n of_o tully_n the_o persuasion_n 1._o tuscul_fw-la quaest_n lib._n 1._o man_n have_v of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o any_o conference_n and_o consent_n of_o man_n nor_o derive_v from_o any_o law_n and_o sanction_n whatsoever_o but_o the_o general_a concurrence_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o consequent_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o of_o those_o ceremony_n in_o use_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v in_o use_n also_o among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o may_v still_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v of_o great_a signification_n and_o such_o as_o serve_v to_o express_v man_n inward_a sense_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n have_v thus_o take_v a_o transient_a view_n of_o some_o religious_a practice_n among_o the_o ancient_n i_o now_o return_v into_o my_o old_a road_n where_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v a_o more_o strict_a enquiry_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o verity_n of_o religion_n which_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v i_o shall_v reduce_v religion_n to_o these_o two_o general_n natural_a and_o reveal_v by_o natural_a religion_n i_o understand_v such_o nation_n as_o contemplative_a and_o virtuous_a person_n have_v arrive_v to_o by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n by_o reveal_v i_o understand_v only_o such_o religion_n as_o be_v at_o this_o time_n in_o vogue_n and_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v authorize_v by_o a_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n it_o be_v true_a all_o the_o ancient_a founder_n of_o religion_n pretend_v also_o to_o revelation_n but_o their_o religion_n be_v conversant_a about_o false_a deity_n and_o be_v extinct_a long_o ago_o i_o shall_v now_o consider_v such_o different_a religion_n as_o at_o this_o day_n divide_v the_o world_n and_o have_v the_o true_a god_n for_o the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n by_o who_o also_o they_o believe_v it_o be_v reveal_v and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o the_o jewish_a the_o christian_a and_o the_o mahometan_a chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v its_o authority_n and_o its_o duration_n first_o for_o its_o authority_n to_o we_o who_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o belief_n that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o any_o doubt_n or_o question_n so_o that_o in_o this_o point_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n agree_v together_o but_o than_o be_v we_o to_o dispute_v with_o the_o gentile_n such_o as_o porphyrius_n jamblicus_n celsus_n and_o the_o rest_n who_o deny_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o other_o medium_n and_o such_o to_o which_o these_o dissenter_n will_v stand_v leave_v therefore_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o give_v of_o their_o own_o authority_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o
all_o these_o difficulty_n on_o one_o side_n and_o on_o the_o other_o these_o few_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n enter_v upon_o their_o warfare_n they_o break_v through_o all_o disaster_n which_o oppose_v they_o by_o withstand_v all_o the_o dispute_v of_o philosopher_n all_o the_o placart_n of_o the_o senate_n all_o the_o prison_n and_o torture_n of_o the_o officer_n with_o infinite_a other_o hardship_n still_o attend_v their_o business_n by_o baptise_v preach_a and_o pray_v and_o at_o length_n seal_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o belief_n and_o doctrine_n with_o their_o blood_n a_o eternal_a proof_n indeed_o of_o its_o truth_n for_o though_o man_n may_v lie_v sometime_o for_o gain_n yet_o we_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o much_o less_o so_o many_o and_o for_o so_o many_o age_n who_o will_v persevere_v in_o a_o lie_n that_o they_o may_v be_v miserable_a and_o when_o they_o may_v enjoy_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n by_o follow_a truth_n will_v voluntary_o plunge_v themselves_o into_o a_o train_n of_o perpetual_a calamity_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o to_o come_v by_o assert_v falsehood_n and_o indeed_o as_o the_o natural_a weakness_n and_o the_o supernatural_a courage_n and_o constancy_n of_o the_o abettor_n of_o christianity_n hear_v its_o truth_n so_o also_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a extraction_n and_o virtue_n be_v far_a demonstrable_a from_o the_o possession_n it_o get_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o most_o prejudice_v man_n over_o their_o judgement_n will_n and_o affection_n and_o contrary_a to_o all_o humane_a interest_n and_o natural_a inclination_n whatsoever_o whereas_o the_o doctrine_n of_o plato_n after_o so_o long_a a_o continuance_n and_o even_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o christianity_n flourish_v in_o those_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n plotirus_n lorgirus_n and_o porphyrus_n can_v never_o so_o insinuate_v into_o the_o miracle_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o to_o draw_v any_o one_o village_n throughout_o the_o world_n unto_o its_o principle_n and_o make_v they_o live_v after_o the_o prescript_n and_o rule_n of_o its_o philosophy_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o universal_a and_o early_a that_o even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o st._n paul_n his_o doctrine_n have_v convert_v some_o of_o caesar_n household_n phil._n 4._o as_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o trajan_n reign_n we_o read_v of_o flavia_n domisilla_n a_o person_n of_o the_o imperial_a blood_n who_o with_o her_o two_o eunuch_n nâ—râ—us_a and_o achelleus_n make_v her_o blood_n more_o noble_a yet_o by_o the_o effusion_n of_o it_o in_o martyrdom_n and_o but_o four_o year_n after_o pliny_n go_v over_o proconsul_n to_o the_o province_n of_o bythinia_n find_v such_o a_o multitude_n of_o christian_n in_o it_o that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o consult_v the_o emperor_n what_o to_o do_v in_o the_o matter_n not_o dare_v to_o draw_v the_o sword_n against_o all_o at_o once_o and_o so_o fast_o do_v 3â—_n plin_n v_o l._n 10_o epist_n 97._o apologit_fw-la cap._n 3â—_n their_o number_n grow_v maugre_o all_o the_o terror_n and_o effort_n of_o persecution_n as_o make_v turtullainus_a in_o his_o apologetic_n to_o the_o roman_a noble_n say_v by_o a_o word_n of_o triumph_n we_o have_v fill_v the_o city_n the_o isle_n the_o castle_n the_o council_n the_o camp_n the_o corporation_n your_o tribe_n your_o palace_n your_o court_n and_o your_o senate_n we_o have_v leave_v you_o nothing_o to_o yourselves_o but_o the_o temple_n and_o thus_o christianity_n go_v on_o still_o acquire_v strength_n by_o its_o progression_n till_o at_o length_n in_o defiance_n of_o all_o the_o instrument_n of_o wit_n and_o cruelty_n it_o subdue_v principality_n and_o power_n and_o change_v the_o law_n of_o empire_n it_o subvert_v their_o religion_n and_o cast_v their_o false_a god_n and_o idolatrous_a temple_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o as_o a_o perpetual_a monument_n of_o their_o victory_n it_o make_v they_o throw_v away_o their_o laurel_n abjure_v their_o triumph_n and_o in_o the_o crown_n they_o wear_v erect_v the_o crown_n upon_o the_o globe_n the_o figure_n or_o symbol_n of_o the_o world_n they_o preâ—â—nded_v to_o command_v and_o which_o they_o ever_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o cross_n chap._n xxvi_o of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n the_o mahometan_a superstition_n make_v the_o last_o branch_n of_o reveal_v or_o of_o a_o pretend_o reveal_v religion_n this_o fall_v in_o most_o opportune_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o as_o be_v in_o appearance_n the_o great_a objection_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v make_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o notwithstanding_o when_o impartia_o and_o thorough_o consider_v will_v afford_v we_o one_o of_o the_o great_a argument_n to_o prove_v its_o divine_a authority_n upon_o which_o consideration_n i_o have_v reserve_v the_o handle_n of_o this_o point_n to_o the_o last_o place_n for_o as_o much_o as_o mahomet_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o mortal_a enemy_n which_o hitherto_o have_v appear_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o fit_a to_o follow_v it_o in_o its_o triumph_n in_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n then_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n at_o first_o sight_n which_o occur_v to_o our_o consideration_n viz._n its_o duration_n and_o its_o extent_n as_o for_o its_o duration_n it_o have_v flourish_v or_o rather_o insect_v the_o world_n for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o then_o for_o its_o extent_n although_o its_o original_a be_v from_o a_o obscure_a imposture_n yet_o in_o less_o than_o seventy_o year_n the_o disciple_n of_o this_o sect_n under_o the_o name_n of_o saracen_n have_v diffuse_v themselves_o over_o armenia_n persia_n palestine_n egypt_n lybia_n and_o almost_o all_o africa_n and_o for_o some_o age_n past_a even_o to_o this_o very_a day_n they_o possess_v the_o large_a and_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n in_o the_o persian_a and_o ottoman_a empire_n the_o better_a part_n of_o judea_n as_o also_o all_o tartary_n with_o three_o quarter_n also_o of_o africa_n so_o that_o the_o crescent_n seem_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o verify_v that_o arrogant_a prediction_n of_o grow_v great_a and_o great_a donec_fw-la totum_fw-la impleat_fw-la orbem_fw-la now_o that_o such_o a_o pestilent_a sect_n shall_v so_o long_o triumph_v over_o and_o almost_o extenuate_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o spread_v its_o root_n and_o branch_n wide_a also_o be_v a_o point_n which_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n may_v seem_v to_o stagger_v we_o but_o how_o formidable_a soever_o this_o scandal_n may_v appear_v to_o a_o young_a believer_n we_o shall_v find_v no_o great_a danger_n in_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o age_n when_o this_o innovation_n first_o begin_v it_o be_v about_o the_o year_n 630_o and_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o heraclius_n the_o emperor_n that_o mahomet_n be_v say_v to_o have_v depart_v this_o life_n before_o which_o time_n almost_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n the_o vandal_n have_v overrun_v almost_o all_o africa_n a_o country_n always_o famous_a for_o wild_a beast_n and_o monster_n so_o that_o almost_o all_o that_o vast_a tract_n or_o region_n be_v overcome_v with_o barbarity_n and_o ignorance_n the_o soil_n seem_v ready_o prepare_v for_o weed_n to_o grow_v in_o to_o which_o consideration_n we_o may_v add_v that_o also_o of_o the_o eastern_a church_n overrun_v with_o nistorianism_n and_o contend_v with_o the_o western_a for_o the_o primacy_n all_o this_o the_o impostor_n understand_v very_o well_o as_o also_o that_o ignorance_n natural_o lead_v man_n to_o innovation_n and_o as_o the_o state_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o seven_o century_n suit_v well_o with_o the_o genius_n and_o design_n of_o such_o a_o prophet_n so_o may_v we_o observe_v also_o the_o like_a disposition_n and_o confluence_n of_o cause_n in_o the_o succeed_a age_n to_o propagate_v and_o enlarge_v the_o same_o for_o the_o hunns_n goth_n vandal_n who_o uncouth_a name_n be_v of_o harsh_a and_o barbarous_a sound_n still_o throng_v in_o upon_o all_o quarter_n of_o the_o empire_n disturb_v the_o repose_n and_o course_n of_o thing_n whilst_o the_o great_a prelate_n contend_v with_o one_o another_o and_o pursue_v their_o ancient_a quarrel_n about_o precedency_n and_o enter_v into_o new_a one_o with_o the_o secular_a power_n about_o superiority_n and_o right_n of_o investiture_n all_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n degenerate_v into_o emulation_n faction_n and_o superstition_n by_o this_o mean_n i_o say_v the_o mahometan_a doctrine_n advance_v apace_o and_o the_o prince_n who_o where_o of_o it_o under_o the_o title_n of_o caliphes_n and_o sultan_n become_v formidable_a whereupon_o the_o christian_a prince_n of_o the_o west_n find_v the_o eastern_a either_o immerse_v in_o idleness_n and_o luxury_n or_o unable_a to_o withstand_v the_o inundation_n of_o this_o sect_n enter_v into_o a_o league_n call_v the_o holy_a war_n which_o for_o some_o time_n repel_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o
the_o reflection_n of_o image_n from_o a_o brittle_a glass_n but_o charity_n be_v of_o a_o permanent_a and_o celestial_a nature_n it_o hope_v all_o thing_n it_o boast_v not_o itself_o it_o seek_v not_o its_o own_o but_o another_o good_a and_o of_o the_o three_o grace_n though_o it_o be_v rank_v in_o the_o last_o place_n yet_o be_v it_o by_o the_o apostle_n account_v the_o first_o and_o great_a of_o they_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o transaction_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v ever_o find_v those_o to_o have_v be_v the_o brave_a who_o be_v most_o diffusive_a of_o their_o goodness_n and_o the_o wide_a they_o extend_v their_o compassion_n and_o bounty_n the_o great_a honour_n be_v they_o ever_o think_v worthy_a of_o this_o greatness_n of_o mind_n in_o do_v good_a to_o all_o not_o that_o swell_a ambition_n of_o enlarge_n itself_o by_o dominion_n and_o empire_n be_v that_o in_o all_o age_n make_v man_n hero_n and_o in_o some_o sort_n partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whereas_o 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combat_n than_o a_o restauration_n for_o it_o be_v fourscore_o year_n and_o better_a before_o the_o temple_n and_o wall_n of_o the_o city_n be_v repair_v and_o not_o long_o after_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v assault_v by_o dire_a persecution_n under_o the_o greek_n who_o live_v in_o syria_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o act_n and_o record_n of_o the_o maccabee_n after_o which_o time_n they_o fall_v into_o divers_a faction_n and_o disorder_n even_o to_o the_o birth_n of_o jesus_n after_o which_o short_o follow_v their_o final_a extirpation_n now_o let_v we_o put_v all_o this_o together_o and_o then_o let_v we_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o jew_n we_o see_v be_v a_o handful_n of_o people_n separate_v from_o all_o the_o world_n by_o language_n rite_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n they_o be_v general_o of_o heavy_a capacity_n obstinate_a and_o
most_o prone_a to_o idolatry_n their_o king_n also_o and_o ruler_n be_v most_o of_o they_o vicious_a and_o idolater_n in_o time_n of_o peace_n easy_o draw_v away_o to_o follow_v the_o superstition_n of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o at_o length_n break_v to_o piece_n by_o a_o miserable_a captivity_n and_o even_o the_o scatter_a fragment_n of_o their_o nation_n batter_v by_o a_o continual_a series_n of_o calamity_n and_o irreparable_a disorder_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n we_o find_v their_o religion_n to_o have_v be_v miraculous_o preserve_v for_o the_o space_n of_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v never_o abolish_v nor_o any_o new_a rite_n introduce_v by_o the_o solemn_a decree_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n so_o that_o there_o be_v still_o the_o face_n of_o a_o church_n and_o man_n raise_v up_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o support_v the_o same_o by_o their_o exemplary_a life_n and_o seasonable_a instruction_n all_o which_o can_v not_o be_v but_o by_o the_o singular_a and_o special_a power_n of_o almighty_n god_n when_o for_o so_o long_a a_o tract_n of_o time_n all_o human_a mean_n universal_o conspire_v to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n and_o extirpation_n of_o it_o chap._n xv._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o which_o the_o jewish_a history_n and_o religion_n be_v contain_v may_v be_v demonstrate_v first_o from_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o writing_n next_o from_o record_n of_o human_a antiquity_n and_o first_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v singular_a advantage_n above_o any_o other_o work_v and_o write_n whatsoever_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o antiquity_n it_o begin_v with_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n with_o a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o antidiluvian_n time_n down_o to_o the_o general_a deluge_n after_o which_o time_n it_o show_v the_o re-settlement_n of_o mankind_n as_o also_o 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of_o their_o action_n under_o the_o government_n of_o their_o high-priest_n during_o their_o war_n with_o the_o greek_n not_o long_o after_o which_o time_n follow_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o short_a the_o act_n and_o monument_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v of_o that_o antiquity_n that_o even_o the_o first_o historian_n among_o the_o greek_n as_o herodotus_n and_o thucydides_n flourish_v but_o about_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o last_o among_o the_o jewish_a writer_n in_o the_o next_o place_n these_o sacred_a book_n have_v a_o singular_a advantage_n above_o all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a variety_n of_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o or_o the_o style_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v the_o style_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o all_o capacity_n as_o book_n of_o this_o kind_a aught_o to_o be_v but_o withal_o it_o speak_v with_o that_o gravity_n and_o authority_n as_o become_v divine_a oracle_n not_o insinuate_v its_o precept_n by_o rhetorical_a art_n but_o enjoin_v they_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o majesty_n and_o severe_a command_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v some_o description_n especial_o among_o the_o prophet_n make_v with_o that_o liveliness_n of_o representation_n and_o grandeur_n of_o expression_n as_o far_o exceed_v the_o rapture_n of_o our_o modern_a poet_n or_o those_o of_o former_a age_n what_o strain_v of_o wit_n can_v draw_v such_o a_o idea_n of_o a_o glorious_a combatant_n as_o that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o isaiah_n cap._n 63._o in_o the_o description_n he_o give_v we_o of_o our_o saviour_n bloody_a but_o victorious_a conflict_n upon_o the_o cross_n who_o be_v he_o that_o come_v from_o edom_n with_o die_v garment_n from_o bozrah_n this_o that_o be_v glorious_a in_o his_o apparel_n travel_v in_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o strength_n answ_n i_o that_o speak_v in_o righteousness_n mighty_a to_o save_v quest_n wherefore_o be_v thou_o red_a in_o thy_o apparel_n and_o thy_o garment_n like_o he_o that_o tread_v in_o the_o wine-press_n answ_n i_o have_v tread_v the_o wine-press_n alone_o and_o of_o the_o people_n there_o be_v none_o with_o i_o for_o i_o will_v tread_v they_o in_o my_o anger_n and_o trample_v they_o in_o my_o fury_n and_o their_o blood_n shall_v be_v sprinkle_v upon_o my_o garment_n and_o i_o will_v stain_v all_o my_o raiment_n and_o i_o look_v and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o help_v and_o i_o wonder_v that_o there_o be_v none_o to_o uphold_v therefore_o my_o own_o arm_n bring_v salvation_n unto_o i_o and_o my_o fury_n it_o uphold_v i_o and_o i_o will_v tread_v down_o the_o people_n in_o my_o anger_n and_o make_v they_o drink_v in_o my_o fury_n and_o i_o will_v bring_v down_o their_o strength_n to_o the_o earth_n can_v there_o be_v form_v a_o noble_a image_n of_o a_o conqueror_n daple_v with_o blood_n wreek_v with_o revenge_n and_o pant_v and_o bestride_v his_o prostrate_a enemy_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o two_o army_n how_o far_o short_a of_o this_o be_v aeneas_n character_n in_o his_o combat_n with_o turnus_n describe_v by_o virgil_n so_o that_o angelus_n politianus_n show_v a_o singular_a delicacy_n or_o rather_o a_o critical_a weakness_n in_o neglect_v to_o read_v these_o sacred_a composition_n for_o fear_v of_o debase_v his_o style_n whereas_o marsilius_n ficinus_fw-la and_o john_n picus_n mirandula_n man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o learning_n delight_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o the_o study_n of_o they_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o variety_n of_o matter_n treat_v of_o in_o these_o sacred_a write_n there_o be_v no_o collection_n under_o heaven_n can_v compare_v with_o they_o what_o excellent_a observation_n and_o instruction_n have_v we_o for_o morality_n in_o the_o book_n of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la which_o without_o a_o hyperbole_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o best_a in_o that_o kind_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o reach_v to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o life_n the_o book_n of_o solomon_n must_v tell_v a_o heathen_a that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o vast_a knowledge_n his_o canticle_n show_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o most_o pregnant_a fancy_n his_o ecclesiaste_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o discourse_n by_o way_n of_o dialogue_n betwixt_o wisdom_n and_o a_o sensual_a nature_n but_o his_o proverb_n do_v declare_v he_o to_o have_v be_v both_o good_a and_o wise_a and_o be_v write_v probable_o before_o he_o be_v corrupt_v the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n show_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o man_n of_o intrepid_a resolution_n they_o reprove_v without_o flattery_n and_o touch_v the_o affection_n to_o the_o quick_a breathe_v always_o a_o ardent_a zeal_n for_o virtue_n and_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o psalm_n they_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o poem_n and_o they_o must_v be_v confess_v of_o all_o hand_n to_o flow_v from_o a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n and_o teach_v we_o how_o we_o may_v address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n under_o the_o several_a form_n of_o confession_n petition_n supplication_n thanksgiving_n vow_n and_o praise_n and_o true_o have_v david_n be_v inspire_v with_o a_o human_a spirit_n he_o will_v have_v employ_v his_o poetic_a fancy_n in_o illustrate_v some_o passage_n of_o his_o own_o life_n viz._n his_o fights_z and_o victory_n as_o a_o warrior_n and_o particular_o his_o engagement_n with_o goliath_n will_v have_v afford_v noble_a matter_n for_o a_o heroic_a poem_n or_o else_o as_o a_o courtier_n he_o will_v have_v compose_v some_o soft_a pastoral_n or_o madrigal_n contain_v his_o amour_n with_o bathsheba_n or_o as_o a_o friend_n he_o will_v have_v exercise_v his_o fancy_n about_o his_o more_o innocent_a love_n and_o affection_n for_o jonathan_n but_o we_o find_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n his_o subject_n always_o be_v divine_a one_o while_o as_o a_o suppliant_a or_o
that_o account_n they_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n with_o less_o difficulty_n as_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o that_o custom_n all_o which_o be_v further_o yet_o confirm_v for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o tartar_n or_o totar_n as_o some_o report_n do_v in_o the_o syriack_n tongue_n signify_v derelict_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v also_o that_o there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n such_o a_o great_a number_n of_o jew_n in_o russia_n salmatia_n and_o lithuania_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n whosoever_o shall_v survey_v matter_n impartial_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o orpheus_n musaeus_n pythagoras_n plato_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o ancient_a worthy_n copy_v their_o divinity_n from_o the_o jewish_a report_n since_o we_o read_v still_o that_o they_o go_v into_o egypt_n for_o their_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n where_o the_o act_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o be_v of_o last_a remembrance_n so_o the_o israelite_n too_o be_v their_o near_a neighbour_n and_o who_o for_o many_o exigency_n have_v a_o constant_a correspondence_n with_o that_o nation_n the_o three_o general_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o also_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o certainty_n of_o its_o prediction_n for_o instance_n jacob_n upon_o his_o death_n bed_n gen._n 48._o in_o blessing_n joseph_n two_o son_n contrary_a to_o the_o order_n of_o their_o birthright_n and_o as_o they_o be_v present_v to_o he_o by_o joseph_n cross_v his_o arm_n lay_v his_o right-hand_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o ephraim_n the_o young_a brother_n and_o give_v he_o the_o preeminence_n in_o his_o blessing_n nor_o do_v he_o do_v this_o by_o chance_n but_o by_o assist_v and_o steady_a direction_n for_o though_o he_o be_v decrepit_a and_o his_o eye_n dim_a yet_o have_v he_o a_o clear_a foresight_n of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v six_o or_o seven_o hundred_o year_n after_o his_o death_n prophesy_v the_o future_a greatness_n of_o ephraim_n which_o we_o find_v verify_v upon_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n of_o which_o ephraim_n be_v the_o head_n for_o jeroboam_n their_o first_o king_n be_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o ephraim_n as_o also_o many_o of_o those_o king_n who_o succeed_v he_o and_o samaria_n the_o metropolis_n in_o which_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n reside_v do_v belong_v also_o to_o ephraim_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v some_o other_o prediction_n of_o like_a certainty_n which_o for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o respect_v the_o prefix_a duration_n or_o period_n of_o the_o jewish_a government_n and_o religion_n come_v more_o proper_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n xvi_o the_o jewish_a religion_n to_o have_v its_o period_n upon_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n we_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n see_v already_o of_o what_o authority_n the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v the_o just_a extent_n whereof_o will_v yet_o further_o appear_v if_o we_o have_v regard_v a_o little_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v direct_v viz._n the_o birth_n of_o the_o great_a messiah_n even_o jesus_n christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n let_v we_o a_o little_a consider_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o rite_n and_o institution_n of_o which_o the_o jewish_a religion_n do_v consist_v their_o circumcision_n aspersion_n and_o other_o lustration_n can_v in_o themselves_o have_v no_o virtue_n to_o expiate_v sin_n and_o purify_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o so_o sanctity_n may_v have_v be_v purchase_v at_o a_o easy_a rate_n that_o vast_a number_n of_o offering_n and_o sacrifice_n smoke_v always_o before_o the_o temple_n can_v hold_v no_o proportion_n with_o the_o state_n of_o man_n or_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o pure_a spirit_n and_o merciful_a towards_o all_o his_o creature_n can_v not_o be_v delight_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o so_o many_o harmless_a animal_n no_o more_o than_o the_o same_o blood_n can_v cleanse_v another_o infirmity_n and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n indeed_o natural_o they_o must_v seem_v to_o increase_v the_o stain_n and_o to_o make_v the_o gild_n to_o be_v of_o a_o deep_a tincture_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n let_v we_o imagine_v ourselves_o to_o have_v be_v present_a at_o some_o of_o those_o solemnity_n what_o entertainment_n can_v our_o ear_n meet_v with_o in_o the_o doleful_a bellow_n of_o so_o many_o beast_n of_o all_o kind_n then_o ready_a to_o be_v murder_v what_o spectacle_n of_o horror_n must_v it_o needs_o have_v be_v for_o our_o eye_n to_o behold_v such_o a_o prodigious_a number_n of_o levite_n truss_v up_o to_o do_v execution_n wreek_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o beast_n with_o their_o knife_n drop_v blood_n and_o their_o frock_n bespatter_v with_o gore_n and_o pollute_v with_o dust_n sweat_v and_o such_o like_a ordure_n as_o must_v attend_v such_o a_o general_a butchery_n what_o nidour_n must_v it_o be_v which_o must_v affect_v our_o sense_n of_o smell_a from_o the_o broil_v of_o so_o much_o flesh_n on_o the_o coal_n and_o from_o the_o steam_n and_o fume_n arise_v from_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o pot_n and_o spit_n of_o caldron_n and_o frying-pans_n insomuch_o that_o all_o the_o stall_n shop_n and_o chamber_n of_o the_o piazza_n and_o the_o adjoin_a building_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v exceed_v many_o seem_v nothing_o but_o one_o monstrous_a theatre_n of_o blood_n shambles_n and_o scullery_n to_o all_o which_o heat_n arise_v from_o such_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o fire_n let_v we_o add_v those_o of_o the_o scorch_a climate_n especial_o in_o the_o summer_n which_o be_v the_o season_n appoint_v for_o these_o solemnity_n together_o with_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o distemper_n which_o must_v needs_o follow_v such_o a_o immense_a throng_n of_o people_n and_o we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o they_o be_v almost_o poison_v in_o all_o their_o sense_n and_o that_o the_o noysomness_n of_o the_o offering_n be_v as_o great_a as_o that_o of_o the_o sin_n which_o occasion_v they_o and_o that_o such_o a_o mixture_n and_o medley_n of_o thing_n so_o displease_v painful_a and_o unnatural_a be_v sufficient_a to_o render_v all_o both_o actor_n and_o spectator_n but_o one_o great_a and_o dreadful_a sacrifice_n all_o these_o circumstance_n can_v not_o but_o affect_v such_o as_o be_v pious_o dispose_v with_o a_o detestation_n of_o their_o own_o sinful_a nature_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v institute_v but_o much_o great_a must_v their_o horror_n have_v be_v when_o once_o they_o apprehend_v that_o all_o these_o bloody_a performance_n be_v only_o as_o so_o many_o type_n of_o that_o one_o real_a and_o tremendous_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v to_o be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o dolorous_a agony_n and_o death_n of_o the_o great_a and_o innocent_a messiah_n god_n and_o man_n in_o his_o most_o opprobrious_a and_o painful_a suffering_n upon_o the_o cross_n doubtless_o god_n almighty_n have_v reveal_v something_o of_o this_o nature_n to_o some_o of_o the_o more_o devout_a and_o know_a jew_n though_o the_o generality_n look_v no_o further_a than_o the_o visible_a and_o external_a rite_n which_o can_v in_o no_o measure_n purge_v away_o sin_n but_o in_o virtue_n of_o that_o immaculate_a and_o supernatural_a victim_n which_o be_v to_o endure_v for_o all_o age_n and_o of_o which_o the_o lamb_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v a_o pregnant_a symbol_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o no_o no_o these_o sacrifice_n in_o themselves_o can_v have_v no_o purge_n nor_o atone_v virtue_n nor_o can_v they_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o thou_o delight_v not_o in_o sacrifice_n say_v david_n psal_n 51._o else_o will_v i_o give_v it_o thou_o thou_o delight_v not_o in_o burn_a offering_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o wound_a spirit_n a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o obedience_n be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o we_o read_v so_o often_o of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o righteousness_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n hence_o it_o be_v also_o that_o the_o circumcision_n of_o lip_n and_o heart_n that_o be_v a_o purity_n of_o our_o work_n thought_n and_o affection_n be_v so_o often_o press_v in_o scripture_n the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n can_v never_o 10_o hebr._n 10_o take_v away_o sin_n nor_o can_v their_o sacrifice_n perfect_v the_o comer_n to_o they_o for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v only_a shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v all_o which_o and_o many_o more_o observation_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v press_v at_o large_a by_o st._n paul_n against_o the_o bigot_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n show_v also_o the_o true_a and_o legal_a cessation_n of_o they_o upon_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n which_o thing_n also_o be_v actual_o accomplish_v as_o appear_v by_o
follow_v shall_v we_o interpret_v the_o prophecy_n by_o week_n of_o day_n for_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o build_v in_o seven_o week_n nor_o in_o many_o year_n after_o the_o return_n of_o the_o jew_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o messiah_n who_o appear_v and_o be_v put_v to_o death_n after_o the_o space_n of_o a_o year_n and_o some_o month_n much_o less_o be_v the_o temple_n profane_v in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o such_o desolation_n and_o abomination_n as_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o the_o next_o question_n be_v from_o what_o time_n we_o be_v to_o begin_v our_o account_n we_o must_v understand_v therefore_o that_o there_o be_v several_a decree_n make_v by_o the_o persian_a king_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o which_o two_o be_v more_o signal_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o cyrus_n in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n record_v by_o ezra_n chap._n 1._o and_o this_o decree_n be_v for_o the_o rebuilding_n the_o temple_n the_o other_o decree_n be_v that_o which_o nehemiah_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n longimanus_fw-la call_v in_o scripture_n ahasuerus_n for_o the_o rebuilding_n the_o city_n and_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n this_o decree_n of_o artaxerxes_n be_v in_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 3529._o to_o which_o if_o we_o add_v seven_o week_n of_o year_n or_o forty_o nine_o year_n to_o be_v allow_v for_o the_o rebuild_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o sixty_o two_o week_n of_o year_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o number_n of_o four_o hundred_o eighty_o three_o year_n and_o then_o the_o total_a sum_n of_o year_n will_v be_v 4012_o which_o fall_v out_o within_o four_o or_o five_o year_n that_o christ_n the_o messiah_n be_v crucify_v and_o in_o computation_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o can_v hardly_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o chronologist_n though_o never_o so_o accurate_a shall_v be_v able_a to_o reduce_v transaction_n to_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o year_n by_o a_o mathematical_a exactness_n however_o we_o find_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o prediction_n touch_v the_o messiah_n death_n to_o have_v happen_v somewhat_o above_o the_o middle_n of_o tiberius_n his_o reign_n at_o which_o time_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v crucify_v and_o as_o to_o the_o abomination_n and_o perpetual_a desolation_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v short_o after_o to_o follow_v by_o a_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v to_o come_v all_o this_o be_v accomplish_v by_o titus_n emperor_n of_o the_o roman_n who_o in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v a_o people_n very_o inconsiderable_a and_o unknown_a to_o the_o persian_n for_o some_o age_n after_o and_o as_o for_o the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o this_o prophecy_n there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o atheism_n to_o scruple_n at_o for_o it_o be_v register_v among_o the_o canonical_a book_n in_o that_o translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n make_v by_o the_o order_n of_o ptolomeus_n philadelphus_n almost_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o its_o accomplishment_n the_o last_o signal_n token_n of_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o religion_n be_v collect_v from_o that_o passage_n in_o the_o 33d_o of_o exodus_fw-la where_o we_o read_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v all_o the_o male_n to_o appear_v at_o jerusalem_n thrice_o in_o the_o year_n viz._n on_o the_o feast_n of_o unleavened_a bread_n at_o the_o feast_n of_o week_n or_o first-fruit_n and_o at_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n or_o gather_v of_o the_o harvest_n each_o of_o which_o feast_n last_v seven_o day_n during_o all_o which_o time_n of_o absence_n god_n promise_v that_o their_o land_n and_o house_n shall_v not_o be_v molest_v and_o spoil_v by_o their_o neighbour_a nation_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o continual_a miracle_n for_o during_o the_o space_n of_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n we_o do_v not_o find_v they_o be_v ever_o injure_v by_o their_o enemy_n who_o doubtless_o will_v never_o have_v slip_v so_o many_o advantage_n have_v they_o not_o in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n be_v withhold_v by_o god_n but_o when_o the_o time_n prefix_v to_o their_o government_n be_v once_o expire_v than_o it_o be_v that_o god_n suffer_v the_o roman_n under_o titus_n to_o besiege_v jerusalem_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o passover_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o universal_a and_o inevitable_a destruction_n which_o like_o a_o mighty_a flood_n as_o it_o be_v foretell_v sweep_v they_o all_o away_o for_o after_o that_o time_n they_o be_v abandon_v by_o god_n to_o utter_v ruin_n and_o misery_n chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n since_o their_o fall_n and_o here_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unprofitable_a how_o unpleasant_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o fix_v our_o thought_n a_o little_a upon_o this_o black_a and_o gloomy_a scene_n by_o consider_v the_o severity_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n judgement_n upon_o this_o forlorn_a and_o miserable_a nation_n who_o be_v now_o as_o discernible_a from_o all_o mankind_n beside_o by_o a_o perpetual_a stream_n or_o inundation_n rather_o of_o calamity_n as_o they_o be_v once_o by_o a_o continual_a series_n of_o deliverance_n and_o mercy_n scarce_o have_v thirty_o five_o year_n pass_v from_o the_o murder_n of_o the_o righteous_a jesus_n when_o titus_n by_o the_o command_n of_o his_o father_n invest_v jerusalem_n on_o the_o very_a day_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v the_o 22d_o of_o april_n by_o all_o lunary_n computation_n though_o josephus_n make_v it_o to_o have_v be_v on_o 4._o lib._n 6._o bel._n jud._n c._n 4._o the_o 16_o of_o april_n the_o city_n with_o all_o its_o fortress_n be_v not_o take_v till_o the_o seven_o of_o september_n follow_v during_o which_o time_n of_o the_o siege_n there_o dye_v by_o famine_n and_o other_o disease_n 715080._o beside_o a_o vast_a number_n which_o flee_v daily_o or_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o gate_n to_o ease_v the_o besiege_a all_o which_o be_v torture_v and_o crucify_v in_o sight_n of_o their_o wall_n the_o number_n of_o prisosoner_n amount_v to_o 97000._o and_o those_o who_o die_v by_o the_o sword_n famine_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o the_o whole_a 1100000._o a_o thing_n which_o to_o we_o may_v seem_v incredible_a how_o so_o much_o provision_n can_v be_v find_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o so_o many_o soul_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o they_o have_v lay_v in_o great_a store_n than_o what_o be_v usual_a for_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o feast_n upon_o a_o prospect_n of_o the_o design_n of_o titus_n and_o that_o they_o rather_o confide_v to_o their_o wall_n than_o to_o the_o open_a campaign_n upon_o a_o erroneous_a belief_n possible_o that_o god_n will_v never_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v demolish_v a_o second_o time_n however_o it_o be_v the_o misery_n they_o endure_v must_v be_v without_o parallel_n consider_v the_o vast_a multitude_n which_o be_v crowd_v up_o together_o and_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o a_o scorch_a season_n which_o beside_o the_o slaughter_n make_v on_o they_o by_o the_o enemy_n do_v dire_o afflict_v they_o by_o pestilence_n and_o famine_n in_o short_a their_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o all_o record_n of_o their_o nation_n be_v reduce_v to_o ash_n their_o priest_n and_o ruler_n utter_o destroy_v and_o those_o few_o that_o remain_v be_v load_v with_o opprobry_n and_o misery_n scatter_v hither_o and_o thither_o and_o never_o suffer_v to_o return_v to_o their_o native_a country_n to_o this_o very_a day_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n in_o after_o age_n they_o grow_v into_o a_o body_n they_o be_v present_o massacre_v as_o a_o execrable_a race_n and_o unfit_a to_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n from_o that_o time_n to_o this_o they_o have_v have_v neither_o temple_n sacrifice_n nor_o priest_n and_o let_v the_o jew_n lie_v as_o they_o please_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o proof_n of_o their_o descent_n and_o tribe_n be_v lose_v all_o monument_n and_o record_n of_o their_o genealogy_n perish_v in_o the_o flame_n they_o themselves_o be_v still_o toss_v about_o the_o world_n expose_v to_o perpetual_a want_n and_o fear_n and_o not_o in_o the_o least_o addict_v to_o learning_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o their_o misfortune_n by_o writing_n of_o history_n or_o if_o they_o be_v be_v it_o possible_a be_v so_o divide_v and_o scatter_v as_o they_o be_v and_o roll_a from_o place_n to_o place_n that_o they_o shall_v give_v any_o account_n of_o their_o lineage_n or_o past_a transaction_n so_o that_o we_o of_o this_o age_n may_v with_o far_o great_a ease_n pretend_v to_o tell_v of_o what_o family_n and_o profession_n every_o man_n ancestor_n be_v of_o twelve_o or_o thirteen_o hundred_o year_n ago_o which_o if_o any_o live_n dare_v venture_v to_o do_v i_o be_o much_o mistake_v much_o more_o impossible_a than_o must_v this_o be_v for_o so_o many_o individual_a person_n and_o
not_o be_v better_o for_o he_o to_o have_v discover_v his_o divinity_n by_o the_o bright_a or_o know_a character_n of_o majesty_n and_o power_n this_o indeed_o have_v be_v more_o consonant_n to_o his_o nature_n and_o more_o conducible_a to_o the_o end_n 〈◊〉_d in_o his_o incarnation_n which_o be_v the_o conversion_n of_o man_n since_o man_n must_v soon_o yield_v obedience_n to_o a_o authority_n which_o be_v derive_v visible_o from_o god_n than_o to_o the_o command_v of_o one_o who_o as_o to_o all_o appearance_n be_v poor_a and_o despicable_a if_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n why_o be_v he_o apprehend_v judge_v condemn_v and_o execute_v why_o do_v not_o he_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o stroke_n of_o death_n and_o his_o honour_n from_o the_o foul_a suspicion_n of_o gild_n and_o impotence_n to_o these_o and_o such_o like_a scandalous_a calumny_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o christ_n exinanition_n or_o his_o divest_v himself_o of_o his_o glory_n by_o assume_v that_o servile_a state_n under_o which_o he_o be_v every_o where_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v necessary_a upon_o a_o double_a account_n first_o for_o a_o example_n of_o virtue_n second_o for_o the_o great_a declaration_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n first_o then_o such_o a_o condition_n make_v he_o to_o be_v a_o example_n of_o virtue_n to_o other_o and_o to_o show_v the_o ability_n and_o strength_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o resist_v temptation_n for_o to_o use_v the_o reason_n of_o lactantius_n upon_o this_o argument_n how_o can_v all_o pretence_n and_o 24._o lactant._n lib._n 4._o de_fw-la verâ_fw-la sapient_a c._n 24._o colourable_a excuse_n of_o man_n be_v cut_v off_o unless_o he_o who_o be_v to_o teach_v another_o make_v the_o duty_n practicable_a by_o his_o own_o example_n and_o performance_n and_o how_o can_v he_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o teach_v unless_o he_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o he_o who_o be_v to_o follow_v his_o direction_n have_v not_o christ_n be_v subject_n to_o passion_n man_n may_v ready_o have_v reply_v true_a indeed_o it_o be_v my_o endeavour_n as_o well_o as_o my_o desire_n not_o to_o sin_n but_o alas_o i_o be_o compel_v to_o yield_v to_o nature_n i_o be_o oppress_v and_o burden_a with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o my_o flesh_n of_o my_o own_o weak_a and_o frail_a nature_n so_o that_o the_o evil_n which_o i_o will_v not_o do_v that_o do_v i._o now_o to_o cut_v of_o all_o such_o evasion_n what_o better_a expedient_a can_v there_o be_v than_o for_o christ_n to_o attest_v and_o experimental_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v a_o power_n not_o to_o sin_v and_o ability_n to_o pursue_v its_o own_o happiness_n and_o this_o from_o his_o own_o performance_n who_o be_v himself_o molest_v with_o the_o like_a infirmity_n manner_n be_v soon_o reform_v by_o example_n than_o by_o precept_n thus_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v be_v make_v like_o unto_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n sin_n except_v in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o his_o knowledge_n be_v a_o precedent_n for_o our_o invitation_n so_o be_v it_o extreme_o conduce_v to_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n this_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o by_o and_o by_o when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o christ_n converse_n with_o man_n and_o the_o wonderful_a success_n his_o doctrine_n have_v find_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n have_v christ_n appear_v like_o some_o temporal_a prince_n attend_v with_o pompous_a train_n assist_v by_o great_a wise_a and_o learned_a counselor_n and_o strengthen_v with_o the_o alliance_n of_o secular_a prince_n and_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o civil_a and_o military_a power_n the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o christianity_n may_v just_o have_v be_v suspect_v for_o a_o thing_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o policy_n and_o liable_a to_o be_v ruin_v by_o force_n or_o civil_a alteration_n but_o when_o we_o shall_v with_o amazement_n consider_v that_o all_o those_o grand_a revolution_n which_o follow_v in_o the_o world_n conversion_n proceed_v from_o one_o so_o seem_o impotent_a and_o utter_o destitute_a of_o all_o suitable_a mean_n and_o instrument_n for_o so_o great_a a_o enterprise_n and_o this_o too_o by_o suffer_v a_o accurse_v death_n reason_n must_v conclude_v that_o the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o miraculous_a change_n can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o god_n and_o that_o the_o religion_n which_o he_o introduce_v must_v be_v immutable_a and_o eternal_a as_o for_o christ_n conversation_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v foretell_v of_o he_o and_o what_o he_o himself_o open_o aver_v to_o be_v expedient_a since_o he_o come_v to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o sound_n but_o the_o sinner_n and_o the_o sick_a which_z move_v he_o to_o compassion_n and_o which_o require_v his_o presence_n for_o where_o shall_v the_o physician_n be_v but_o among_o his_o disease_a patient_n who_o implore_v his_o help_n another_o thing_n for_o which_o many_o man_n through_o all_o age_n have_v be_v offend_v with_o the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v the_o seem_a severity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n must_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o deny_v himself_o and_o for_o this_o purpose_n let_v we_o suppose_v dominion_n honour_n riches_n fame_n pleasure_n with_o all_o those_o fady_a beauty_n or_o parent_n of_o happiness_n which_o fill_v our_o apprehension_n to_o be_v place_v before_o we_o let_v we_o suppose_v likewise_o christianity_n to_o be_v array_v in_o its_o most_o homely_a dress_v as_o present_v nothing_o but_o want_n and_o difficulty_n hatred_n and_o disgrace_n as_o require_v we_o to_o return_v good_a for_o evil_a blessing_n for_o curse_n to_o feed_v our_o enemy_n and_o to_o afflict_v ourselves_o of_o these_o two_o estate_n nature_n prompt_v we_o to_o choose_v the_o former_a christ_n require_v we_o to_o prefer_v the_o late_a in_o which_o case_n the_o will_n can_v but_o be_v under_o violent_a temptation_n for_o although_o christ_n require_v not_o our_o service_n for_o nothing_o but_o have_v annex_v reward_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o such_o as_o infinite_o exceed_v the_o worth_n and_o merit_n of_o the_o performance_n yet_o since_o these_o reward_n be_v spiritual_a and_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o another_o life_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o can_v never_o sway_v the_o majority_n of_o man_n who_o make_v sense_n to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o happiness_n can_v but_o unite_v their_o affection_n to_o thing_n visible_a and_o near_a at_o hand_n nay_o it_o require_v a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o well_o ground_a faith_n and_o to_o be_v fortify_v with_o hardy_a resolution_n who_o be_v to_o balance_v his_o feel_a calamity_n against_o conceive_a felicity_n shall_v choose_v rather_o to_o lie_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o his_o present_a misery_n than_o forfeit_v his_o title_n to_o such_o content_n as_o be_v future_a and_o remote_a it_o be_v true_a the_o face_n of_o religion_n like_o that_o of_o diana_n statue_n ancient_o at_o chios_n seem_v sad_a and_o cloudy_a to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o enter_v but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v within_o it_o appear_v serene_a and_o cheerful_a the_o gospel_n at_o the_o first_o appearance_n seem_v rigid_a and_o undelightfull_a it_o want_v that_o face_n or_o varnish_v which_o affect_v the_o sense_n yet_o to_o they_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o its_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n to_o prove_v this_o we_o need_v no_o more_o but_o to_o conjecture_v first_o the_o great_a reward_n which_o crown_n our_o suffering_n which_o reward_v though_o they_o be_v future_a be_v sufficient_a to_o support_v our_o hope_n be_v found_v in_o god_n veracity_n this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o ordinary_a occurrence_n of_o life_n where_o we_o find_v daily_o what_o hardship_n man_n endure_v what_o disappointment_n they_o wrestle_v with_o and_o what_o expense_n they_o lie_v at_o to_o purchase_v perhaps_o some_o small_a estate_n or_o office_n or_o to_o acquire_v some_o little_a title_n of_o honour_n which_o thing_n peradventure_o may_v never_o be_v obtain_v or_o if_o they_o be_v man_n be_v but_o fast_o hamper_v in_o the_o snare_n and_o by_o pain_n arrive_v to_o great_a pain_n what_o be_v this_o world_n glory_n but_o the_o breath_n of_o popular_a air_n and_o yet_o so_o desirous_a be_v man_n of_o this_o breath_n of_o other_o that_o in_o the_o pursuit_n thereof_o they_o have_v many_o time_n lose_v their_o own_o when_o yet_o the_o reward_n which_o christian_n be_v invite_v to_o by_o gospel_n duty_n be_v so_o solid_a and_o eternal_a in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n will_v yet_o appear_v to_o be_v more_o easy_a and_o supportable_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o assistance_n promise_v to_o man_n endeavour_n
over_o to_o a_o belief_n of_o that_o for_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o proof_n even_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n for_o albeit_o such_o miracle_n be_v true_a because_o impossible_a to_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o immediate_a virtue_n of_o any_o second_o cause_n whatsoever_o nevertheless_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v convince_a it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o devil_n to_o counterfeit_v the_o like_a by_o a_o quick_a transportation_n and_o exchange_n of_o body_n or_o by_o a_o speedy_a supply_n of_o new_a matter_n in_o which_o case_n it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o discern_v the_o true_a miracle_n from_o those_o which_o be_v false_a and_o specious_a what_o be_v report_v of_o simon_n magus_n may_v serve_v for_o a_o instance_n he_o can_v appear_v fly_v in_o the_o air_n he_o can_v transform_v himself_o into_o divers_a shape_v and_o turn_v stone_n into_o bread_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v do_v by_o the_o devil_n in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n miracle_n last_o 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the_o philosopher_n there_o in_o rome_n who_o this_o pan_n shall_v be_v now_o it_o be_v under_o tiberius_n that_o christ_n be_v crucify_v the_o other_o great_a conquest_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n make_v be_v over_o man_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n jew_n and_o gentile_n as_o for_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v notorious_a with_o what_o malicious_a calumny_n with_o what_o secret_a conspiracy_n with_o what_o open_a tumult_n with_o what_o perfidious_a subornation_n with_o what_o indefatigable_a travel_n and_o with_o what_o a_o constant_a and_o universal_a concurrence_n they_o all_o endeavour_v the_o suppression_n and_o utter_a destruction_n of_o a_o few_o follower_n of_o jesus_n they_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n every_o where_o not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o territory_n but_o in_o all_o the_o adjacent_a country_n round_o about_o to_o lay_v hand_n upon_o the_o poor_a disciple_n and_o their_o friend_n one_o while_o they_o endeavour_v to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o roman_n as_o adherent_n to_o some_o new_a king_n other_o while_o they_o charge_v they_o with_o blasphemy_n and_o as_o prevaricator_n from_o their_o law_n and_o every_o where_o they_o be_v brand_v with_o ignominy_n and_o with_o the_o dangerous_a character_n of_o faction_n and_o sedition_n this_o we_o find_v lively_o paint_v out_o by_o st._n luke_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o more_o particular_o exemplify_v in_o st._n paul_n of_o who_o character_n and_o deportment_n it_o will_v not_o be_v unseasonable_a to_o take_v a_o transient_a view_n this_o bless_a instrument_n of_o the_o world_n conversion_n be_v at_o first_o we_o read_v a_o most_o violent_a persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a forasmuch_o as_o he_o be_v not_o animate_v by_o private_a animosity_n or_o with_o a_o wanton_a humour_n of_o seek_v applause_n by_o a_o popular_a zeal_n but_o by_o a_o serious_a persuasion_n and_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n that_o what_o 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never_o offend_v his_o suffering_n be_v ample_o describe_v by_o himself_o in_o his_o 2_o epist_n to_o the_o corinth_n c._n 11._o which_o epistle_n be_v write_v about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 58_o and_o consequent_o contain_v nothing_o of_o the_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n of_o his_o follow_a life_n for_o eleven_o year_n after_o with_o what_o indefatigable_a labour_n do_v he_o plant_v religion_n almost_o in_o all_o region_n of_o the_o know_a world_n at_o that_o time_n what_o hardship_n and_o misery_n do_v he_o suffer_v from_o reproach_n and_o calumny_n from_o hunger_n and_o cold_a and_o from_o watch_n and_o weary_a travel_n he_o be_v every_o where_o invest_v with_o peril_n assault_v with_o temptation_n and_o besiege_v with_o enemy_n all_o which_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o anxiety_n and_o trouble_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o the_o concern_v and_o welfare_n of_o all_o the_o church_n write_v instructive_a and_o consolate_v epistle_n every_o where_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o other_o and_z as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lay_v transfer_v the_o burden_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n upon_o his_o own_o shoulder_n and_o willing_a to_o be_v make_v a_o anathema_n himself_o for_o the_o good_a and_o safety_n of_o other_o which_o he_o labour_v to_o promote_v by_o preach_v pray_v dispute_v write_v and_o exemplary_a live_n in_o all_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n with_o what_o noble_a courage_n do_v he_o always_o meet_v the_o persecute_v jew_n with_o what_o prudential_a conduct_n do_v he_o avoid_v their_o treachery_n and_o with_o what_o solid_a reason_n do_v he_o combat_v their_o error_n with_o what_o boldness_n of_o address_n do_v he_o dispute_v with_o the_o philosopher_n of_o athens_n the_o only_a master_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o act_n of_o argument_n and_o judicature_n where_o ever_o he_o go_v he_o make_v his_o conquest_n over_o the_o judgement_n and_o will_n of_o other_o as_o well_o as_o over_o his_o
mahometan_a invasion_n till_o domestic_a quarrel_n and_o jealousy_n together_o with_o self-interest_n make_v the_o european_n abandon_v such_o a_o glorious_a design_n and_o leave_v all_o as_o a_o prey_n to_o the_o ottoman_a usurper_n which_o end_v in_o the_o total_a ruin_n of_o the_o eastern_a empire_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v the_o ottoman_a empire_n itself_o which_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v the_o most_o potent_a and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n doubtless_o the_o great_a in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o extent_n of_o its_o dominion_n it_o be_v a_o vast_a branch_n or_o rather_o the_o very_a body_n or_o trunk_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n and_o as_o be_v the_o most_o bigoted_a and_o zealous_a in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o same_o it_o will_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o their_o conduct_n in_o this_o particular_a one_o of_o the_o chief_a policy_n or_o the_o grand_a arcanum_n of_o the_o ottoman_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o common_a people_n in_o ignorance_n and_o to_o resolve_v the_o exposition_n of_o all_o difficult_a case_n and_o the_o final_a decision_n of_o their_o controversy_n into_o the_o right_n reverend_a the_o mufti_n who_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o consequence_n depend_v upon_o the_o infallible_a oracle_n the_o grand_a signior_n to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n they_o discountenance_v and_o prohibit_v all_o learning_n especial_o controversial_a for_o shall_v they_o attain_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o greek_a and_o latin_a they_o will_v quick_o read_v the_o behaviour_n and_o belief_n of_o other_o in_o the_o translation_n of_o former_a age_n and_o by_o the_o help_v and_o method_n which_o they_o find_v in_o such_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n they_o will_v attain_v also_o to_o the_o art_n of_o reason_v which_o will_v draw_v they_o insensible_o to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o discover_v the_o gross_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n of_o their_o alcoran_n for_o so_o it_o be_v that_o their_o religion_n will_v not_o endure_v the_o stress_n of_o a_o disputation_n upon_o which_o account_n we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v never_o one_o of_o this_o persuasion_n of_o what_o continuance_n and_o how_o wide_a soever_o it_o be_v or_o have_v be_v that_o do_v ever_o offer_v to_o defend_v it_o by_o argument_n their_o next_o policy_n be_v to_o probibit_fw-la the_o use_n of_o print_v for_o shall_v this_o get_v place_n among_o they_o new_a opinion_n will_v quick_o be_v spread_v abroad_o which_o will_v not_o only_o expose_v their_o superstition_n but_o make_v great_a convulsion_n in_o the_o very_a body_n of_o their_o government_n it_o be_v subtle_o therefore_o do_v of_o one_o of_o their_o kaimacans_n who_o when_o a_o printer_n come_v to_o constantinople_n with_o his_o print_v instrument_n and_o offer_v to_o publish_v some_o book_n very_o cheap_a cause_v he_o present_o to_o be_v strangle_v and_o all_o his_o instrument_n to_o be_v burn_v pretend_v that_o it_o be_v unjust_a that_o one_o man_n for_o a_o little_a gain_n shall_v take_v the_o bread_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thousand_o of_o family_n who_o live_v by_o write_v a_o plausible_a pretence_n indeed_o though_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o severity_n be_v that_o which_o i_o be_o now_o discourse_v of_o viz._n to_o prevent_v the_o innovation_n which_o a_o liberty_n of_o publication_n will_v infallible_o introduce_v another_o policy_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n consist_v in_o their_o abstain_v from_o all_o acquaintance_n with_o foreign_a nation_n they_o never_o travel_v themselves_o upon_o any_o account_n not_o even_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o traffic_n into_o any_o christian_a territory_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o be_v most_o gross_o ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v teach_v or_o do_v in_o foreign_a kingdom_n all_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v be_v from_o renegades_n and_o fugitive_n which_o can_v deserve_v much_o credit_n and_o in_o religious_a matter_n be_v 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their_o constant_a adherence_n to_o their_o more_o ancient_a habit_n custom_n and_o manner_n of_o live_v so_o that_o whosoever_o do_v converse_v with_o they_o must_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n conform_v in_o these_o particular_n unless_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v expose_v to_o contempt_n or_o perhaps_o danger_n this_o one_o particular_a how_o trivial_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v can_v but_o create_v in_o these_o musiel-man_n a_o wonderful_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o a_o kind_n of_o scorn_n and_o dislike_v of_o whatsoever_o disagree_v with_o they_o and_o indeed_o inconstancy_n in_o such_o matter_n can_v but_o argue_v much_o levity_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v ourselves_o what_o prejudice_n may_v arise_v from_o custom_n for_o shall_v a_o man_n walk_v the_o street_n with_o a_o sugar-loaf-hat_n with_o a_o slash_v doublet_n and_o ruffle_a ribbon_n about_o the_o waste_n and_o knee_n of_o his_o breeches_n and_o with_o party_n colour_v stocking_n and_o the_o like_a he_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o fool_n or_o madman_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o garb_n twenty_o five_o year_n since_o be_v very_o agreeable_a and_o courtlike_a how_o ridiculous_a soever_o it_o appear_v at_o present_a the_o same_o judgement_n may_v pass_v in_o another_o age_n upon_o our_o present_a modes_n which_o seem_v so_o decent_a and_o useful_a so_o much_o do_v custom_n render_v thing_n agreeable_a and_o familiar_a in_o short_a that_o the_o constancy_n of_o the_o mahometan_n in_o their_o false_a worship_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o from_o the_o forementioned_a cause_n be_v most_o demonstrable_a from_o those_o of_o the_o greek_a church_n who_o though_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o the_o most_o unsettle_a in_o their_o opinion_n and_o the_o most_o easy_o win_v to_o any_o persuasion_n yet_o in_o muscovy_n where_o they_o live_v under_o a_o government_n which_o neither_o countenance_n learn_v printing_n travel_n nor_o foreign_a modes_n we_o find_v they_o as_o settle_v and_o inflexible_a as_o the_o turk_n and_o altogether_o as_o gross_a and_o ignorant_a these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o act_n and_o method_n by_o which_o the_o turk_n preserve_v their_o own_o religion_n and_o here_o it_o will_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o take_v a_o transitory_a view_n of_o one_o point_n of_o conduct_n by_o which_o they_o so_o much_o weaken_v the_o christian_n they_o do_v not_o make_v their_o attempt_n on_o it_o by_o open_a persecution_n this_o will_v carry_v a_o show_n of_o too_o much_o barbarity_n and_o make_v the_o sufferer_n pass_v for_o martyr_n which_o will_v not_o only_o beget_v compassion_n in_o the_o spectator_n but_o a_o jealousy_n also_o in_o they_o that_o their_o own_o religion_n be_v not_o of_o a_o divine_a extraction_n which_o require_v such_o bloody_a execution_n for_o its_o defence_n from_o hence_o natural_o will_v spring_v a_o curiosity_n of_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n both_o of_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o religion_n which_o can_v not_o but_o bring_v over_o great_a number_n of_o proselyte_n to_o the_o christian_a and_o which_o can_v not_o but_o be_v attend_v also_o with_o important_a alteration_n no_o no_o they_o proceed_v another_o way_n viz._n by_o a_o sort_n of_o toleration_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o more_o linger_a and_o artificial_a cruelty_n make_v man_n to_o taste_v gradual_o that_o bitterness_n of_o which_o a_o sudden_a blow_n will_v take_v away_o all_o sense_n and_o perhaps_o all_o fear_n they_o suffer_v the_o christian_n i_o say_v to_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o then_o by_o their_o exaction_n in_o tribute_n both_o of_o their_o child_n and_o estate_n by_o bar_v they_o from_o all_o office_n either_o of_o credit_n or_o profit_n by_o remissness_n of_o justice_n on_o their_o behalf_n and_o by_o treat_v they_o frequent_o with_o term_n of_o ignominy_n and_o scorn_n and_o by_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a the_o mobb_n they_o so_o enervate_a and_o debase_v their_o spirit_n
as_o make_v they_o very_o degenerate_a indue_a their_o habituate_v slavery_n without_o resistance_n and_o with_o such_o kind_n of_o method_n as_o these_o some_o of_o our_o european_n be_v not_o unacquainted_a a_o open_a persecution_n be_v like_o cut_v down_o a_o tree_n at_o the_o butt_n which_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n in_o the_o fall_n and_o leave_v a_o ghastly_a gap_n behind_o when_o yet_o after_o some_o little_a time_n there_o shall_v sprout_v out_o innumerable_a shoot_n and_o sucker_n from_o the_o root_n of_o the_o mangle_a trunk_n which_o will_v not_o be_v destroy_v but_o with_o great_a labour_n and_o difficulty_n whereas_o the_o other_o method_n be_v like_a that_o of_o well_o draw_v the_o nourishment_n from_o the_o root_n and_o by_o remove_v the_o earth_n which_o cover_v it_o by_o which_o mean_v it_o become_v naked_a and_o lie_v expose_v to_o the_o extremity_n of_o wether_n to_o cold_a and_o to_o the_o burn_a sun_n and_o to_o all_o intemperance_n of_o the_o air_n which_o in_o short_a time_n will_v make_v the_o tree_n wither_v away_o or_o continue_v in_o such_o a_o languish_a condition_n as_o shall_v give_v but_o little_a umbrage_n nor_o afford_v any_o shelter_n under_o its_o branch_n having_n take_v a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o mahometan_a method_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n the_o next_o general_a consideration_n will_v be_v that_o of_o its_o author_n as_o also_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o consideration_n of_o its_o doctrine_n it_o be_v author_n mahomet_n a_o ishmaelite_n by_o extraction_n and_o a_o nation_n of_o arabia_n be_v by_o profession_n a_o carrier_n and_o be_v master_n of_o camel_n do_v follow_v traffic_n as_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n ancient_o of_o the_o ishmaelite_n or_o arabian_n and_o be_v in_o use_n among_o they_o to_o this_o very_a day_n in_o great_a company_n of_o mule_n and_o camel_n call_v caravan_n the_o imposture_n be_v one_o of_o a_o subtle_a wit_n as_o be_v general_o man_n of_o this_o profession_n and_o country_n soon_o grow_v rich_a and_o powerful_a too_o for_o receive_v pay_n under_o the_o emperor_n heraclius_n at_o such_o time_n as_o the_o arabian_a army_n revolt_v he_o be_v not_o want_v to_o make_v his_o advantage_n by_o head_v a_o company_n of_o his_o perfidious_a countryman_n pretend_v belike_o to_o free_v his_o country_n from_o superstition_n and_o slavery_n and_o to_o secure_v their_o life_n and_o property_n by_o these_o mean_n we_o may_v easy_o guess_v that_o he_o be_v idolise_v by_o the_o arabian_a rabble_n and_o soon_o become_v considerable_a and_o because_o pretention_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v ever_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o fair_a cloak_n for_o rebellion_n and_o the_o fit_a instrument_n to_o puzzle_v the_o populace_n the_o impostor_n play_v the_o zealot_n and_o set_v up_o for_o a_o enthusiast_n or_o some_o divine_o inspire_v prophet_n the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o age_n as_o we_o have_v always_o note_v do_v high_o favour_v his_o design_n for_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o christianity_n make_v any_o entrance_n into_o arabia_n only_o the_o nestorian_n who_o swarm_v about_o alexandria_n have_v spread_v themselves_o into_o these_o part_n as_o likewise_o the_o jew_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o traffic_n the_o impostor_n therefore_o like_o a_o true_a trimmer_n or_o latitudinarian_a act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o moderate_a reconciler_n by_o forge_v a_o religion_n or_o pacific_a comprehension_n of_o all_o dissent_v party_n to_o gain_v the_o jew_n he_o forbid_v swine_n flesh_n retain_v circumcision_n abolish_v image_n extol_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o every_o where_o magnify_v the_o old_a testament_n to_o allure_v the_o orthodox_n christian_n he_o magnify_v jesus_n christ_n also_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v conceive_v on_o the_o virgin_n mary_n who_o also_o he_o high_o honour_n and_o esteem_v as_o a_o immaculate_a virgin_n both_o before_o and_o after_o her_o deliverance_n he_o teach_v also_o that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o leave_v it_o a_o holy_a law_n or_o rule_n in_o his_o gospel_n or_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o draw_v over_o the_o nestorian_n to_o his_o belief_n he_o teach_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o true_a god_n nor_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o because_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v seem_v hard_a of_o digestion_n to_o new_a convert_v he_o expunge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n as_o also_o of_o the_o crucifixion_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n out_o of_o his_o alcoran_n he_o take_v no_o notice_n likewise_o of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o the_o merit_n and_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o of_o original_a sin_n and_o the_o like_a and_o to_o secure_v the_o sensual_a and_o voluptuous_a to_o his_o party_n he_o expunge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n touch_v self_n denial_n of_o return_v good_a for_o evil_a of_o love_v our_o enemy_n of_o suffer_v reproach_n and_o persecution_n with_o thankfulness_n and_o of_o subdue_a our_o passion_n and_o of_o abstain_v from_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o sin_n in_o lieu_n of_o which_o severe_a doctrine_n he_o allow_v his_o proselyte_n to_o have_v many_o wife_n and_o as_o many_o concubine_n as_o they_o can_v maintain_v he_o allow_v they_o also_o or_o rather_o command_v they_o to_o be_v revenge_v of_o their_o enemy_n and_o after_o this_o life_n end_v promise_v they_o the_o fruition_n of_o woman_n brave_a ox-eyed_a woman_n of_o pleasant_a garden_n and_o fruit_n with_o such_o like_a blandishment_n as_o may_v prove_v fuel_n to_o their_o lust_n in_o the_o next_o life_n nor_o do_v his_o artifice_n rest_n here_o for_o be_v jealous_a that_o his_o novelty_n can_v not_o easy_o gain_v credit_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o own_o sufficiency_n he_o pretend_v that_o all_o be_v reveal_v to_o he_o by_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n to_o countenance_v which_o imposture_n his_o disease_n which_o be_v the_o falling-sickness_n be_v of_o wonderful_a advantage_n and_o we_o know_v the_o time_n and_o god_n grant_v we_o may_v not_o know_v it_o again_o when_o a_o black_a or_o white_a cap_n and_o a_o handkerchief_n knit_v about_o the_o neck_n with_o a_o slip_n not_o accompanied_z with_o a_o hallow_a cough_n and_o a_o twary_a nose_n be_v the_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o son_n or_o rather_o of_o a_o father_n of_o grace_n but_o to_o return_v to_o mahomet_n where_o we_o leave_v he_o in_o his_o fit_n of_o tremble_v out_o of_o which_o as_o out_o of_o a_o trance_n of_o ecstasy_n be_v a_o little_a recover_v with_o a_o ghastly_a pale_a and_o meigre_a countenance_n and_o half_o distract_v he_o vent_v his_o blasphemy_n and_o nonsense_n in_o abrupt_a sentence_n and_o with_o a_o hideous_a voice_n of_o denounce_v hell_n and_o damnation_n to_o such_o as_o do_v not_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n which_o be_v send_v to_o they_o by_o his_o prophet_n mahomet_n by_o which_o we_o may_v judge_v ready_o of_o what_o antiquity_n and_o extraction_n the_o quaker_n be_v who_o to_o give_v they_o their_o due_n be_v much_o ancient_a we_o see_v than_o many_o of_o their_o fellow_n sectary_n but_o we_o must_v not_o yet_o take_v leave_n of_o mahomet_n who_o of_o a_o captain_n of_o mule_n become_v a_o colonel_n or_o brigadier_n of_o light_a horse_n and_o at_o last_o a_o great_a general_n by_o revolt_a from_o his_o prince_n and_o master_n like_o another_o oliver_n he_o make_v use_v of_o both_o sword_n the_o temporal_a and_o that_o of_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v the_o certain_a method_n by_o which_o all_o usurper_n do_v advance_v themselves_o viz._n to_o join_v the_o seducer_n to_o the_o rebel_n so_o that_o have_v his_o highness_n the_o late_a usurper_n live_v in_o arabia_n in_o the_o time_n of_o heraclius_n the_o emperor_n the_o impartial_a reader_n must_v agree_v with_o i_o in_o my_o opinion_n that_o he_o will_v have_v make_v a_o excellent_a true_a mahomet_n or_o have_v mahomet_n live_v in_o england_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o charles_n the_o first_o that_o he_o will_v have_v make_v as_o good_a a_o lord_n protector_n as_o for_o the_o alcoran_n or_o the_o reveal_v law_n of_o mahomet_n it_o be_v divide_v into_o chapter_n under_o certain_a ridiculous_a title_n which_o have_v not_o the_o least_o affinity_n with_o the_o content_n as_o the_o verse_n or_o sentence_n of_o the_o content_n have_v not_o the_o least_o connexion_n with_o one_o another_o every_o chapter_n be_v prefaced_a with_o the_o name_n of_o god_n all_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a but_o for_o the_o content_n of_o they_o they_o be_v general_o the_o same_o throughout_o tend_v to_o denounce_v god_n heavy_a judgement_n on_o infidel_n and_o sinner_n speak_v ofttimes_o of_o heaven_n hell_n and_o a_o general_a judgement_n good_a work_n such_o as_o alm_n fast_n and_o prayer_n be_v every_o where_o commend_v