probable_a that_o a_o prince_n especial_o of_o his_o temper_n will_v have_v submit_v to_o such_o a_o confinement_n and_o meek_o resign_v his_o crown_n to_o his_o son_n if_o that_o punishment_n inflict_v upon_o he_o have_v not_o full_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o that_o law_n which_o he_o have_v transgress_v and_o violate_v by_o his_o temerity_n and_o presumption_n the_o three_o reflection_n be_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o law_n be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o inspire_v his_o people_n with_o a_o irreconcilable_a aversion_n against_o all_o those_o nation_n among_o who_o they_o be_v go_v to_o settle_v they_o be_v so_o frame_v as_o not_o only_o to_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o egypt_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v but_o also_o to_o those_o receive_v among_o the_o hivites_n amorites_n and_o other_o nation_n of_o who_o country_n they_o be_v go_v to_o possess_v themselves_o thus_o we_o find_v in_o the_o xviii_o of_o leviticus_n law_n against_o all_o incestuous_a marriage_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v ordinary_a among_o the_o canaanite_n and_o egyptian_n who_o therein_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n who_o marry_v within_o those_o forbid_a degree_n there_o we_o find_v also_o the_o sacrifice_n to_o moloch_n forbid_v the_o practice_n whereof_o those_o nation_n in_o all_o likelihood_n defend_v by_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n sacrifice_n now_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v that_o a_o whole_a nation_n will_v of_o a_o sudden_a receive_v such_o law_n as_o deprive_v they_o of_o a_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n they_o have_v always_o hitherto_o enjoy_v and_o condemn_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n those_o sacrifice_n that_o have_v the_o fair_a pretence_n of_o religion_n imaginable_a and_o to_o use_v many_o ceremony_n contrary_a to_o those_o receive_v among_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o have_v a_o strong_a and_o extraordinary_a motive_n for_o so_o do_v there_o be_v another_o thing_n beside_o that_o challenge_v our_o consideration_n viz._n the_o exact_a description_n which_o god_n give_v to_o moses_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a worship_n which_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o that_o sacred_a place_n and_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o tabernacle_n with_o all_o its_o appurtenance_n utensil_n and_o ornament_n be_v finish_v for_o as_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v then_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o whole_a jewish_a religion_n as_o the_o temple_n be_v afterward_o by_o succeed_v to_o it_o so_o it_o be_v a_o solemn_a proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o moses_n law_n and_o of_o the_o worship_n that_o be_v perform_v there_o be_v it_o conceivable_a that_o a_o whole_a nation_n shall_v contribute_v to_o the_o build_n of_o it_o shall_v see_v it_o consecrate_a and_o take_v to_o piece_n and_o set_v together_o again_o every_o day_n and_o shall_v read_v all_o the_o particular_n relate_v to_o its_o construction_n and_o not_o discern_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n and_o reality_n in_o all_o that_o be_v tell_v they_o concern_v the_o religion_n which_o their_o governor_n fix_v in_o that_o place_n wherein_o he_o pretend_v many_o revelation_n be_v make_v chap._n vi_o some_o other_o proof_n that_o confirm_v moses_n be_v description_n of_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o law_n be_v give_v and_o promulgate_v but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o establish_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n by_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n promulgation_n as_o moses_n relate_v it_o we_o may_v further_o collect_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o join_v these_o follow_a reflection_n to_o those_o already_o make_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n certain_o if_o moses_n have_v be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o have_v be_v succeed_v in_o it_o by_o his_o own_o child_n and_o posterity_n for_o many_o generation_n one_o after_o another_o we_o may_v perhaps_o have_v have_v some_o ground_n to_o suspect_v that_o his_o successor_n consult_v their_o own_o interest_n and_o honour_n will_v have_v be_v very_o glad_a to_o persuade_v their_o subject_n that_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o their_o kingdom_n have_v some_o communication_n with_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o he_o receive_v the_o law_n and_o constitution_n which_o he_o give_v they_o concern_v civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n but_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o moses_n be_v so_o far_o from_o invest_v his_o own_o child_n with_o the_o supreme_a authority_n after_o himself_o that_o he_o translate_v it_o into_o another_o tribe_n and_o constitute_v joshuah_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o ephraim_n for_o his_o successor_n in_o the_o government_n as_o for_o his_o posterity_n he_o take_v little_a care_n of_o it_o but_o reduce_v it_o to_o a_o rank_a inferior_a to_o that_o of_o aaron_n family_n which_o he_o prefer_v to_o the_o most_o honourable_a function_n of_o the_o priesthood_n leave_v to_o his_o own_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o inconsiderable_a employment_n all_o which_o show_v evident_o that_o none_o of_o those_o who_o come_v after_o moses_n be_v move_v by_o any_o private_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o to_o defend_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n and_o write_n but_o only_o by_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n they_o have_v that_o they_o be_v all_o divine_a neither_o ought_v we_o to_o omit_v to_o consider_v here_o the_o manner_n how_o moses_n decide_v beforehand_o such_o question_n and_o determine_v such_o controversy_n as_o can_v not_o be_v raise_v but_o after_o the_o conquest_n of_o canaan_n which_o be_v make_v by_o his_o successor_n only_o after_o his_o death_n and_o how_o those_o law_n be_v constant_o observe_v in_o all_o the_o succeed_a generation_n of_o that_o people_n and_o submit_v unto_o by_o the_o very_a judge_n and_o king_n themselves_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a than_o for_o a_o conqueror_n such_o as_o joshua_n be_v to_o admit_v of_o no_o other_o fundamental_a law_n in_o that_o state_n he_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o than_o those_o which_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o nothing_o be_v more_o usual_a than_o for_o statesman_n to_o affect_v the_o expose_v the_o conduct_n of_o their_o predecessor_n especial_o when_o the_o form_n of_o government_n be_v alter_v and_o from_o democratical_a or_o aristocratical_a be_v change_v into_o monarchical_a as_o it_o happen_v among_o the_o israelite_n how_o then_o can_v moses_n law_n still_o keep_v up_o their_o authority_n in_o all_o change_n and_o revolution_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o all_o the_o succession_n of_o judge_n and_o king_n there_o be_v never_o any_o of_o they_o attempt_v to_o suspend_v or_o annul_v moses_n law_n much_o less_o to_o enact_v and_o give_v any_o other_o contrary_a to_o they_o again_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o all_o the_o division_n and_o faction_n that_o nation_n fall_v into_o there_o be_v never_o any_o jew_n endeavour_v with_o any_o success_n to_o undeceive_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o own_o people_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o shake_v off_o the_o troublesome_a yoke_n of_o moses_n law_n no_o doubt_v only_o because_o the_o generality_n of_o that_o nation_n never_o dispute_v the_o divine_a origin_n and_o authority_n of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o the_o jewish_a history_n that_o all_o those_o law_n which_o in_o moses_n write_n be_v inlay_v one_o within_o another_o and_o represent_v as_o occasion_v by_o several_a transaction_n relate_v there_o have_v all_o be_v equal_o receive_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o have_v all_o be_v put_v together_o in_o a_o body_n by_o themselves_o before_o moses_n death_n as_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o xxxi_o of_o deuteronomy_n it_o appear_v that_o those_o law_n be_v public_a and_o in_o great_a esteem_n among_o that_o people_n to_o who_o god_n give_v they_o upon_o who_o he_o lay_v a_o indispensable_a obligation_n to_o read_v they_o every_o day_n and_o to_o consult_v they_o upon_o every_o emergent_a business_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v know_v equal_o of_o all_o degree_n of_o man_n sex_n and_o age_n which_o be_v all_o oblige_a to_o pay_v obedience_n to_o they_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n it_o appear_v that_o those_o law_n be_v not_o only_o public_o keep_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n but_o also_o private_o read_v in_o every_o family_n we_o see_v that_o a_o whole_a tribe_n viz._n the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o explain_v they_o and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o they_o be_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o whole_a land_n of_o canaan_n and_o exempt_v from_o the_o care_n and_o trouble_n that_o necessary_o attend_v husbandry_n by_o the_o plentiful_a provision_n of_o tithe_n and_o offering_n that_o be_v allot_v to_o they_o we_o see_v that_o god_n oblige_v all_o jew_n to_o read_v and_o meditate_v
get_v himself_o reputation_n by_o exciting_a a_o curiosity_n in_o people_n for_o his_o book_n this_o will_v not_o have_v be_v become_v the_o gravity_n and_o wisdom_n of_o so_o great_a a_o legislator_n of_o who_o all_o succeed_a age_n have_v borrow_v their_o law_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o his_o end_n in_o the_o record_v of_o these_o matter_n be_v to_o inspire_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n those_o who_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o charge_n this_o be_v that_o which_o in_o general_a we_o may_v observe_v about_o these_o matter_n but_o more_o particular_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o moses_n his_o end_n in_o record_v the_o oracle_n by_o which_o god_n promise_v to_o abraham_n the_o establish_v his_o posterity_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v to_o represent_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o right_a they_o have_v to_o that_o land_n according_a to_o the_o design_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n but_o without_o make_v this_o particular_a reflection_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o law_n take_v its_o beginning_n at_o the_o twelve_o of_o exodus_fw-la where_o god_n prescribe_v to_o his_o people_n the_o manner_n of_o celebrate_v the_o passover_n at_o least_o this_o be_v the_o first_o law_n which_o god_n give_v they_o through_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o moses_n his_o end_n be_v to_o justify_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o people_n the_o design_n he_o have_v to_o make_v they_o leave_v egypt_n as_o well_o as_o their_o pretension_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n whither_o he_o be_v to_o lead_v they_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o he_o to_o lay_v before_o they_o the_o ground_n of_o those_o pretension_n which_o he_o can_v not_o do_v without_o relate_v the_o whole_a series_n of_o the_o history_n until_o the_o time_n of_o their_o bondage_n in_o egypt_n which_o we_o read_v in_o genesis_n the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o only_o concern_v the_o ancestor_n of_o that_o people_n after_o that_o moses_n have_v first_o lay_v down_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o be_v know_v to_o all_o nation_n let_v we_o now_o imagine_v to_o ourselves_o a_o man_n endeavour_v all_o of_o a_o sudden_a to_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n the_o belief_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o distant_a from_o common_a apprehension_n as_o these_o two_o point_n must_v needs_o be_v viz._n that_o of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n in_o case_n we_o suppose_v they_o general_o unknown_a let_v we_o yet_o further_o conceive_v a_o man_n not_o only_o relate_v those_o thing_n but_o make_v they_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o new_a sort_n of_o law_n never_o before_o hear_v of_o be_v there_o any_o wit_n or_o judgement_n in_o such_o a_o undertake_n can_v we_o therefore_o suppose_v that_o moses_n who_o write_n testify_v his_o great_a wisdom_n shall_v ever_o have_v entertain_v such_o unaccountable_a thought_n i_o dare_v aver_v that_o there_o be_v any_o never_a legislator_n so_o stupid_a and_o inconsiderate_a as_o to_o pretend_v to_o engage_v a_o whole_a people_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o yoke_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o receive_v a_o great_a number_n of_o law_n respect_v their_o civil_a government_n and_o religion_n by_o declare_v to_o they_o two_o fiction_n of_o which_o they_o have_v never_o before_o have_v the_o least_o idea_n it_o be_v also_o very_o considerable_a that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o recite_v by_o moses_n as_o a_o preface_n to_o the_o decalogue_n as_o if_o then_o first_o they_o have_v be_v propose_v to_o moses_n or_o the_o people_n by_o god_n but_o moses_n set_v they_o down_o as_o truth_n know_v to_o they_o all_o and_z as_o principle_n universal_o admit_v and_o such_o as_o the_o mere_a mention_v of_o they_o can_v not_o but_o strong_o engage_v the_o jew_n to_o render_v a_o ready_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n which_o god_n give_v to_o moses_n in_o their_o presence_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o which_o their_o very_a sense_n be_v convince_v let_v we_o also_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n the_o relation_n of_o which_o moses_n have_v join_v with_o these_o two_o general_a point_n to_o make_v a_o impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o account_n he_o give_v they_o of_o their_o ancestor_n near_a or_o far_o off_o who_o he_o represent_v as_o equal_o inform_v of_o these_o matter_n as_o have_v several_o deliver_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o to_o their_o child_n and_o have_v join_v to_o these_o first_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o saviour_n many_o other_o notion_n thereon_o depend_v and_o which_o tie_v their_o hope_n and_o expectation_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o now_o judge_v whether_o moses_n be_v not_o to_o be_v accuse_v of_o great_a folly_n and_o senselesness_n if_o he_o have_v proceed_v to_o make_v such_o a_o vast_a people_n all_o of_o the_o sudden_a to_o receive_v for_o truth_n public_o and_o general_o own_v what_o indeed_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o most_o ridiculous_a and_o ill_a cohere_a romance_n that_o ever_o be_v broach_v now_o since_o as_o it_o be_v visible_a take_v in_o the_o circumstance_n i_o have_v hint_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o a_o historian_n and_o lawgiver_n as_o moses_n be_v relate_v such_o importent_fw-la matter_n can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o atheist_n can_v have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o his_o testimony_n with_o the_o least_o shadow_n or_o pretence_n of_o reason_n so_o that_o we_o may_v already_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o better_o attest_v than_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o immovable_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n nevertheless_o for_o a_o more_o evident_a conviction_n we_o be_v willing_a before_o we_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o weak_a and_o inconsiderable_a all_o those_o objection_n be_v which_o atheist_n can_v possible_o frame_v against_o what_o moses_n relate_v concern_v these_o matter_n what_o can_v they_o with_o reason_n object_n perhaps_o they_o will_v say_v that_o moses_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o genesis_n but_o that_o it_o be_v foist_v in_o under_o his_o name_n and_o consequent_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o his_o evidence_n be_v all_o without_o ground_n or_o they_o may_v object_v that_o if_o moses_n be_v indeed_o the_o author_n of_o genesis_n that_o he_o live_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v that_o it_o make_v void_a the_o authority_n of_o his_o write_n they_o may_v moreover_o allege_v that_o moses_n relate_v thing_n impossible_a and_o of_o which_o therefore_o those_o that_o mention_v they_o before_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v so_o long_o since_o past_a and_o do_v can_v not_o be_v full_o inform_v of_o and_o that_o they_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v great_o change_v and_o alter_v by_o a_o tradition_n of_o so_o many_o age_n they_o may_v also_o allege_v that_o according_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n moses_n pen_v not_o these_o thing_n as_o a_o historian_n but_o as_o a_o prophet_n and_o that_o the_o apprehension_n of_o most_o concern_v his_o book_n be_v that_o he_o write_v of_o thing_n whereof_o the_o knowledge_n before_o his_o time_n be_v very_o obscure_a and_o confuse_v or_o rather_o be_v general_o unknown_a they_o may_v object_v against_o these_o relation_n of_o moses_n that_o which_o the_o most_o ancient_a people_n such_o as_o the_o egyptian_n chaldean_n and_o chinese_n allege_v for_o their_o antiquity_n which_o far_o surpass_v the_o date_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o moses_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a way_n to_o assault_v the_o truth_n which_o moses_n relate_v either_o by_o maintain_v with_o the_o atheist_n on_o one_o hand_n that_o the_o thing_n which_o moses_n relate_v be_v indeed_o mention_v by_o other_o author_n but_o that_o they_o forge_v they_o themselves_o or_o that_o moses_n be_v a_o able_a and_o refine_a politician_n design_v by_o create_v a_o belief_n of_o these_o matter_n in_o the_o jew_n to_o make_v they_o more_o submissive_a and_o obedient_a to_o he_o in_o a_o word_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o suppose_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n to_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n for_o he_o to_o dictate_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v to_o a_o people_n who_o be_v under_o a_o law_n that_o make_v it_o capital_a to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o relation_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n this_o certain_o be_v the_o far_a to_o which_o the_o height_n of_o obstinacy_n can_v carry_v this_o matter_n and_o the_o very_a last_o refuge_n of_o the_o strong_a prejudice_n but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o confound_v the_o atheist_n and_o libertine_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o article_n and_o
to_o show_v that_o all_o their_o objection_n do_v in_o effect_n serve_v for_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o make_v a_o more_o lively_a impression_n of_o this_o argument_n take_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o set_v forth_o in_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a light_n chap._n v._n that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o can_v with_o reason_n contest_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o tradition_n which_o have_v those_o character_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o relation_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v question_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v whether_o moses_n the_o great_a captain_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o founder_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v solid_o to_o evince_v though_o it_o seem_v that_o we_o may_v dispense_v with_o this_o trouble_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a event_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v general_o believe_v by_o other_o as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n at_o least_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o these_o matter_n have_v give_v occasion_n to_o most_o of_o their_o fable_n viz._n to_o that_o of_o the_o chaos_n to_o that_o of_o the_o marriage_n of_o peleus_n and_o thetis_n for_o the_o form_n of_o man_n to_o that_o of_o prometheus_n to_o that_o of_o jupiter_n continue_a laughter_n for_o the_o seven_o first_o day_n of_o his_o life_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o original_a of_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o seven_o day_n know_v among_o the_o heathen_n to_o that_o of_o the_o golden_a age_n and_o of_o the_o deluge_n to_o the_o name_n of_o deucalion_n to_o the_o fable_n of_o janus_n to_o that_o of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o world_n among_o saturn_n son_n to_o the_o name_n of_o jupiter_n hammon_n to_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o titan_n and_o of_o the_o change_n of_o woman_n into_o statue_n of_o stone_n to_o the_o story_n of_o the_o incest_n the_o god_n commit_v with_o their_o daughter_n to_o that_o of_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o world_n by_o phaeton_n and_o to_o a_o great_a number_n of_o other_o fiction_n which_o can_v be_v otherwise_o explain_v as_o the_o learned_a have_v show_v at_o large_a whosoever_o be_v the_o author_n of_o genesis_n whether_o moses_n or_o another_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v exact_o inform_v of_o the_o matter_n he_o relate_v and_o that_o he_o live_v soon_o after_o joseph_n first_o then_o i_o say_v that_o it_o appear_v he_o be_v full_o inform_v of_o those_o matter_n of_o which_o he_o treat_v he_o set_v down_o the_o name_n of_o the_o head_n or_o father_n of_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v it_o so_o that_o what_o he_o say_v do_v very_o well_o agree_v with_o what_o the_o most_o ancient_a historian_n have_v leave_v we_o concern_v that_o matter_n he_o speak_v of_o these_o nation_n of_o the_o country_n they_o possess_v and_o their_o king_n as_o of_o thing_n he_o be_v perfect_o inform_v of_o he_o very_o careful_o distinguish_v the_o original_a of_o these_o several_a nation_n and_o the_o same_o be_v at_o that_o time_n common_o know_v no_o historian_n can_v represent_v they_o otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v without_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o laughter_n of_o all_o by_o endeavour_v to_o mix_v fable_n with_o relation_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o say_v that_o this_o book_n be_v write_v by_o a_o man_n that_o live_v soon_o after_o joseph_n he_o speak_v very_o exact_o of_o what_o joseph_n do_v in_o his_o place_n of_o chief_a minister_n to_o pharaoh_n in_o particular_a he_o set_v down_o the_o first_o original_a of_o the_o five_o penny_n which_o the_o egyptian_n so_o many_o age_n after_o continue_v to_o pay_v to_o their_o king_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o not_o egyptian_a can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o last_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o this_o book_n serve_v for_o a_o introduction_n to_o exodus_fw-la and_o the_o follow_a book_n which_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v relate_v to_o we_o there_o and_o do_v throughout_o allude_v and_o refer_v to_o the_o several_a passage_n of_o it_o and_o that_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o we_o find_v in_o genesis_n and_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o other_o succeed_a matter_n of_o fact_n until_o the_o come_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n into_o egypt_n when_o joseph_n be_v chief_a favourite_n and_o minister_n of_o pharaoh_n but_o we_o have_v yet_o a_o more_o easy_a way_n to_o make_v out_o that_o moses_n who_o history_n be_v contain_v in_o exodus_fw-la and_o the_o follow_a book_n be_v the_o author_n of_o genesis_n for_o first_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o have_v acknowledge_v moses_n for_o the_o most_o ancient_a lawgiver_n for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o plato_n polemus_n artapanus_n pythagoras_n theopompus_n and_o diodorus_n siculus_n who_o place_v moses_n in_o the_o front_n of_o six_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a law_n giver_n thus_o moses_n sauchnis_n sesonchosis_n bachoris_n amasis_n and_o darius_n father_n of_o xerxes_n but_o further_a if_o when_o the_o lacedaemonian_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o law_n of_o their_o lawgiver_n lycurgus_n and_o the_o athenian_n of_o those_o of_o their_o solon_n we_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o because_o natural_o every_o nation_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o faithful_a depositary_a of_o the_o law_n of_o he_o who_o first_o found_v their_o government_n yea_o if_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o doubt_n of_o these_o relation_n though_o there_o be_v no_o people_n at_o this_o day_n who_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o lycurgus_n or_o solon_n can_v any_o valuable_a reason_n be_v imagine_v for_o we_o to_o doubt_v whether_o moses_n write_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n when_o a_o entire_a nation_n have_v constant_o aver_v that_o he_o do_v so_o i_o say_v when_o all_o the_o jew_n who_o continue_v at_o this_o day_n do_v in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o be_v scatter_v throughout_o the_o world_n equal_o and_o with_o one_o consent_n maintain_v that_o they_o receive_v this_o book_n from_o he_o together_o with_o the_o law_n and_o worship_n therein_o contain_v nay_o when_o it_o be_v notorious_a that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v suffer_v martyrdom_n in_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n i_o omit_v now_o to_o mention_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o descend_v of_o abraham_n and_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o do_v not_o cease_v high_o to_o defend_v this_o truth_n throughout_o the_o world_n the_o gospel_n in_o their_o sense_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o literal_a accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v bruise_v the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o these_o my_o reflection_n with_o how_o much_o justice_n they_o assent_v to_o this_o truth_n but_o at_o present_a i_o tie_v myself_o only_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o which_o confirm_v the_o authority_n thereof_o chap._n vi_o that_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n can_v not_o be_v forge_v under_o the_o name_n of_o moses_n i_o shall_v never_o have_v do_v shall_v i_o go_v about_o to_o set_v down_o all_o the_o observation_n which_o may_v be_v make_v incompare_v this_o book_n of_o genesis_n with_o other_o history_n common_o know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o who_o faithfulness_n be_v unquestionable_a without_o enter_v upon_o this_o comparison_n we_o may_v bold_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o history_n in_o the_o world_n who_o author_n we_o can_v be_v so_o sure_a of_o as_o that_o moses_n be_v the_o penman_n of_o genesis_n but_o i_o go_v further_o and_o assert_v that_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o testimony_n they_o give_v to_o this_o truth_n which_o i_o prove_v by_o these_o two_o remark_n the_o first_o be_v that_o their_o observation_n both_o civil_a and_o religious_a be_v at_o this_o day_n found_v upon_o no_o other_o principle_n than_o those_o which_o we_o find_v in_o genesis_n as_o for_o instance_n they_o compute_v the_o beginning_n of_o their_o day_n from_o the_o precede_a evening_n they_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n they_o observe_v circumcision_n they_o abstain_v from_o eat_v the_o muscle_n which_o be_v in_o the_o hollow_a of_o the_o thigh_n etc._n etc._n the_o observation_n of_o which_o law_n be_v indeed_o
all_o write_n with_o public_a allowance_n after_o every_o king_n decease_n may_v indeed_o be_v so_o about_o the_o latter_a time_n as_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o egypt_n but_o that_o it_o be_v as_o absolute_o false_a that_o the_o chinese_n have_v ever_o in_o former_a time_n such_o public_a historian_n and_o as_o it_o be_v false_a that_o the_o egyptian_n have_v former_o any_o such_o although_o they_o be_v as_o confident_a to_o say_v they_o have_v in_o alexander_n time_n as_o the_o chinese_n be_v now_o but_o this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o that_o matter_n we_o must_v now_o answer_v the_o last_o objection_n of_o atheist_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n chap._n xxi_o wherein_o the_o last_o objection_n of_o atheist_n be_v answer_v as_o i_o intend_v to_o clear_v all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v arise_v about_o this_o important_a matter_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v peruse_v these_o observation_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o prevent_v and_o resolve_v the_o only_a plausible_a objection_n i_o know_v remain_v after_o all_o what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_a perhaps_o some_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o reply_v here_o that_o they_o indeed_o confess_v moses_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o genesis_n and_o that_o if_o that_o book_n have_v real_o be_v supposititious_a it_o can_v never_o have_v go_v under_o his_o name_n nor_o be_v receive_v as_o he_o in_o after_o age_n but_o that_o yet_o all_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v sufficient_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o transaction_n record_v in_o that_o book_n because_o moses_n may_v have_v force_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n the_o belief_n of_o they_o by_o those_o law_n that_o he_o enact_v among_o they_o by_o which_o it_o be_v death_n for_o any_o man_n to_o dare_v to_o contest_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v write_v in_o his_o book_n this_o i_o think_v be_v all_o that_o the_o most_o contentious_a atheist_n can_v think_v of_o to_o undermine_v the_o authority_n of_o moses_n history_n but_o this_o objection_n be_v easy_o answer_v for_o it_o consute_v itself_o for_o first_o it_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o great_a miracle_n by_o which_o god_n establish_v moses_n the_o head_n and_o captain_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n which_o miracle_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o hard_o to_o believe_v as_o the_o several_a account_n of_o other_o thing_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n we_o find_v according_o among_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o many_o monument_n of_o those_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n when_o he_o bring_v the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n as_o i_o intend_v to_o show_v in_o my_o observation_n upon_o the_o other_o four_o book_n of_o moses_n second_o they_o must_v at_o least_o suppose_v that_o moses_n have_v give_v a_o true_a account_n of_o several_a passage_n in_o which_o he_o can_v not_o impose_v upon_o other_o nation_n which_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n as_o for_o example_n all_o that_o relate_v to_o the_o build_n of_o the_o ark_n the_o great_a piece_n of_o architecture_n that_o be_v then_o in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n the_o great_a building_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o part_n of_o which_o be_v yet_o extant_a for_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v as_o so_o many_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o transaction_n which_o he_o relate_v three_o they_o must_v likewise_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v relate_v several_a other_o passage_n as_o exact_o as_o he_o do_v those_o as_o for_o example_n that_o of_o the_o division_n of_o tongue_n which_o be_v a_o appendix_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n that_o of_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n the_o original_a of_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n of_o canaan_n that_o of_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o moabite_n of_o the_o ammonite_n of_o the_o ishmaelite_n and_o edomite_n for_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o conceive_v that_o this_o lawgiver_n shall_v ever_o hope_v to_o persuade_v other_o nation_n to_o believe_v any_o false_a story_n about_o matter_n so_o well_o and_o so_o general_o know_v as_o those_o be_v among_o themselves_o four_o they_o must_v suppose_v further_a that_o he_o have_v give_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o original_a of_o the_o israelite_n who_o head_n and_o governor_n he_o be_v how_o great_a and_o absolute_a soever_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n may_v be_v it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o ever_o he_o will_v have_v derive_v the_o original_a of_o the_o israelite_n from_o any_o other_o than_o from_o their_o true_a ancestor_n this_o appear_v the_o more_o necessary_a in_o that_o we_o see_v by_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o thing_n and_o pedigree_n in_o genesis_n that_o he_o write_v that_o book_n especial_o from_o the_o history_n of_o abraham_n on_o to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o only_o to_o show_v the_o right_n and_o just_a pretension_n of_o the_o israelite_n upon_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n five_o they_o must_v yet_o further_o acknowledge_v whither_o they_o will_v or_o not_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o account_n he_o give_v concern_v the_o original_a of_o the_o pretension_n and_o division_n which_o be_v keep_v up_o among_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n now_o these_o pretension_n have_v no_o other_o ground_n than_o the_o oracle_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o his_o history_n they_o sufficient_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o oracle_n against_o all_o the_o pretension_n and_o objection_n of_o the_o atheist_n what_o violence_n soever_o they_o may_v pretend_v that_o moses_n may_v use_v to_o force_v a_o implicit_a belief_n of_o his_o history_n and_o blind_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n yet_o no_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n can_v ever_o think_v that_o he_o will_v have_v fill_v the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n with_o lie_n or_o that_o if_o he_o have_v do_v it_o he_o can_v ever_o have_v expect_v that_o his_o false_a account_n of_o they_o shall_v ever_o have_v be_v credit_v by_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n or_o even_o by_o his_o own_o subject_n but_o without_o urge_v here_o several_a other_o absurdity_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o distinction_n to_o be_v find_v betwixt_o the_o account_n of_o thing_n which_o moses_n recite_v as_o public_o know_v and_o those_o which_o he_o relate_v of_o his_o own_o head_n and_o private_a knowledge_n there_o be_v as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v betwixt_o all_o those_o several_a account_n such_o a_o natural_a coherence_n and_o necessary_a concatenation_n that_o they_o can_v be_v divide_v from_o one_o another_o without_o destroy_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o his_o history_n i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o law_n by_o which_o he_o make_v it_o death_n for_o any_o one_o to_o contest_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o narration_n shall_v make_v the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o suspect_v i_o do_v not_o urge_v here_o that_o there_o be_v a_o evident_a absurdity_n to_o suppose_v that_o moses_n will_v ever_o have_v relate_v together_o all_o those_o transaction_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n if_o they_o have_v be_v absolute_o unknown_a in_o the_o world_n before_o he_o neither_o do_v i_o mention_v here_o that_o suppose_v moses_n have_v be_v so_o imprudent_a as_o to_o attempt_v such_o a_o undertake_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o a_o whole_a nation_n and_o that_o a_o very_a numerous_a one_o will_v have_v long_o persevere_v in_o a_o profession_n force_v upon_o they_o by_o mere_a violence_n and_o tyranny_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o observe_v here_o that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v neither_o so_o patient_a nor_o so_o easy_o persuade_v by_o moses_n nor_o yet_o so_o submissive_a to_o he_o as_o these_o objector_n do_v imagine_v that_o be_v plain_a and_o apparent_a enough_o from_o all_o their_o sedition_n and_o conspiracy_n against_o he_o nor_o do_v i_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o observe_v here_o what_o be_v plain_a enough_o of_o itself_o viz._n that_o moses_n have_v no_o successor_n any_o way_n concern_v to_o countenance_n and_o defend_v these_o pretend_a fiction_n and_o fable_n of_o his_o history_n joshua_n his_o immediate_a successor_n be_v of_o another_o tribe_n and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o succeed_a governor_n of_o israel_n until_o the_o maccabee_n come_v but_o what_o i_o think_v deserve_v best_a to_o be_v observe_v here_o be_v that_o after_o moses_n and_o joshua_n decease_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o canaanite_n and_o consequent_o free_v from_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o law_n of_o moses_n make_v by_o which_o it_o be_v death_n for_o any_o one_o to_o contest_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n â—nd_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o his_o write_n there_o be_v but_o a_o
by_o moses_n but_o least_o any_o body_n shall_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o i_o shall_v build_v the_o truth_n of_o moses_n prophecy_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n i_o will_v restrain_v its_o authority_n of_o it_o within_o just_a and_o certain_a bound_n first_o although_o the_o jew_n bear_v witness_n in_o their_o sacred_a book_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o moses_n prophecy_n be_v already_o fulfil_v yet_o they_o say_v some_o be_v not_o as_o for_o instance_n those_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n come_v but_o their_o obstinate_a blindness_n be_v not_o a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o such_o a_o important_a truth_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o which_o we_o need_v only_o to_o compare_v moses_n word_n with_o the_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o for_o what_o relate_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o need_v only_o compare_v moses_n prophecy_n of_o it_o with_o the_o description_n josephus_n their_o own_o historian_n have_v make_v of_o the_o same_o in_o his_o history_n of_o the_o siege_n and_o ruin_n of_o that_o city_n and_o of_o the_o dissipation_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o without_o the_o jew_n testimony_n in_o what_o regard_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o prophecy_n whereof_o the_o execution_n be_v defer_v for_o a_o very_a long_a time_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o convince_v any_o the_o most_o incredulous_a man_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o divinity_n if_o he_o please_v but_o to_o make_v this_o one_o reflection_n which_o be_v that_o when_o moses_n relate_v among_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o patriarch_n jacob_n a_o particular_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n come_v and_o when_o he_o mention_n that_o of_o balaam_n concern_v the_o rise_n of_o that_o divine_a star_n he_o subjoin_v also_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o concern_v the_o vocation_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o bring_v it_o in_o as_o a_o certain_a sign_n and_o consequence_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world._n now_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o meaning_n of_o moses_n prediction_n about_o the_o vocation_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o the_o prophet_n that_o come_v after_o he_o do_v better_o explain_v and_o illustrate_v we_o shall_v be_v apt_a from_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o he_o in_o effect_n foretell_v that_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n will_v follow_v quite_o another_o method_n than_o that_o which_o he_o have_v use_v before_o until_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n viz._n that_o whereas_o god_n may_v seem_v to_o restrain_v then_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o covenant_n to_o one_o people_n alone_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o restrain_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o messiah_n birth_n to_o one_o sole_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o one_o sole_a tribe_n of_o that_o nation_n to_o one_o sole_a family_n of_o that_o tribe_n to_o one_o sole_a branch_n of_o that_o family_n and_o so_o to_o one_o sole_a person_n of_o that_o branch_n he_o will_v after_o the_o messiah_n come_v take_v a_o contrary_a method_n and_o call_v all_o man_n to_o salvation_n in_o he_o now_o that_o be_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o moses_n prophecy_n can_v be_v question_v and_o whatever_o the_o jew_n opinion_n be_v concern_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o some_o of_o they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o that_o they_o have_v careful_o and_o faithful_o preserve_v the_o book_n wherein_o those_o prophecy_n which_o we_o see_v so_o exact_o fulfil_v be_v contain_v for_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suspect_v moses_n or_o any_o other_o jew_n of_o forge_v the_o prophecy_n which_o foretell_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n not_o moses_n see_v all_o his_o law_n do_v tend_v as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o more_o at_o large_a to_o establish_v that_o restriction_n i_o be_v just_a now_o speak_v of_o which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o messiah_n come_v not_o the_o jew_n see_v that_o none_o of_o they_o can_v still_o endure_v to_o hear_v of_o the_o removal_n of_o that_o restriction_n by_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o possess_v with_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o envy_n and_o jealousy_n against_o all_o other_o nation_n that_o they_o perfect_o hate_v and_o abominate_a they_o but_o beside_o we_o can_v desire_v a_o better_a nor_o a_o more_o authentic_a accomplishment_n of_o those_o oracle_n which_o be_v so_o opposite_a to_o the_o jewish_a principle_n and_o prejudices_fw-la than_o that_o which_o we_o ourselves_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o same_o reflection_n belong_v to_o the_o other_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o total_a dissipation_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n as_o also_o to_o the_o dreadful_a accomplishment_n of_o they_o in_o our_o day_n the_o most_o resolve_a obstinacy_n can_v suggest_v but_o one_o objection_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v that_o either_o the_o christian_n or_o the_o jew_n have_v falsify_v moses_n write_n and_o insert_v those_o prophecy_n which_o we_o now_o find_v there_o concern_v the_o vocation_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n after_o those_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o first_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n which_o both_o christian_n and_o jew_n have_v be_v write_v in_o hebrew_n and_o pen_v in_o such_o a_o style_n as_o evidence_n their_o antiquity_n and_o as_o will_v be_v inimitable_a now_o second_o that_o these_o book_n have_v be_v all_o translate_v into_o greek_a almost_o 300_o year_n before_o jesus_n christ_n and_o about_o 350_o year_n before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n neither_o the_o jew_n nor_o yet_o the_o christian_n be_v any_o long_a sole_a master_n of_o they_o when_o the_o heathen_n have_v they_o also_o in_o their_o hand_n beside_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n from_o judaisme_n and_o heathenism_n do_v not_o only_o find_v these_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n long_o before_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o do_v also_o make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o evince_v against_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v already_o come_v thus_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o all_o moses_n prophecy_n which_o we_o find_v in_o exodus_fw-la and_o the_o follow_a book_n chap._n ix_o that_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o relation_n that_o moses_n have_v the_o messiah_n in_o view_n when_o he_o write_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n i_o have_v show_v in_o my_o former_a reflection_n upon_o genesis_n that_o those_o who_o live_v before_o moses_n time_n have_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n that_o god_n will_v certain_o raise_v up_o a_o deliverer_n among_o they_o although_o they_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o appearance_n and_o i_o have_v beside_o i_o think_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o various_a idea_n which_o the_o ancient_n entertain_v of_o he_o upon_o the_o first_o promise_v make_v by_o god_n of_o his_o come_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o several_a criminal_a action_n commit_v by_o the_o patriarch_n and_o by_o those_o of_o other_o nation_n who_o have_v the_o same_o pretension_n with_o they_o i_o be_o now_o to_o prove_v that_o moses_n himself_o have_v the_o same_o knowledge_n and_o live_v in_o the_o same_o expectation_n with_o the_o ancient_n that_o precede_v he_o it_o be_v of_o more_o importance_n to_o be_v show_v and_o that_o henceforth_o no_o body_n may_v wonder_v if_o i_o pretend_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o law_n he_o give_v to_o the_o jew_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o prophecy_n as_o also_o those_o other_o mention_v by_o prophet_n that_o live_v after_o he_o in_o that_o jewish_a commonwealth_n do_v all_o suppose_v a_o distinct_a relation_n to_o the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o to_o make_v this_o evident_a i_o beg_v leave_n to_o offer_v to_o the_o reader_n be_v consideration_n some_o general_a reflection_n upon_o moses_n history_n in_o genesis_n first_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o moses_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a historian_n that_o ever_o be_v there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a design_n nor_o a_o more_o difficult_a task_n than_o his_o be_v to_o write_v the_o history_n of_o 2400_o year_n he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o general_a and_o in_o particular_a of_o that_o of_o man_n of_o his_o sin_n of_o the_o promise_n god_n make_v he_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o flood_n of_o the_o original_a of_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v in_o his_o time_n his_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o write_v be_v also_o very_o extraordinary_a the_o majesty_n of_o his_o style_n be_v temper_v with_o a_o admirable_a plainness_n he_o describe_v all_o sort_n of_o passion_n to_o the_o life_n he_o be_v admirable_a in_o his_o character_n of_o the_o man_n he_o speak_v
examine_v their_o principle_n and_o confute_v they_o which_o be_v the_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o wise_a man_n have_v former_o acknowledge_v as_o they_o also_o own_o to_o this_o very_a day_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god._n and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o philosopher_n do_v own_o a_o plurality_n of_o god_n only_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o people_n which_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o contradict_v and_o as_o for_o the_o jew_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o christian_n and_o mahometan_n about_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n we_o be_v only_o to_o prove_v to_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o their_o prejudices_fw-la one_o may_v prove_v this_o against_o the_o jew_n without_o any_o trouble_n because_o they_o be_v agree_v in_o most_o of_o those_o principle_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n suppose_v so_o likewise_o it_o be_v easy_o establish_v against_o the_o mahometan_n who_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n but_o pretend_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o mahometanism_n as_o the_o law_n ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o gospel_n preach_v by_o jesus_n christ_n my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o prosecute_v every_o one_o of_o these_o way_n in_o particular_a there_o be_v book_n enough_o in_o the_o world_n which_o solid_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o atheist_n as_o well_o those_o who_o be_v so_o through_o ignorance_n as_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o such_o from_o love_n to_o libertinism_n and_o to_o pass_v for_o man_n of_o a_o mighty_a reach_n there_o be_v also_o several_a famous_a author_n who_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o reason_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v all_o pagan_a religion_n whatsoever_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o follow_v a_o more_o compendious_a and_o sure_a method_n that_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consider_v by_o itself_o in_o short_a it_o be_v impossible_a consider_v the_o opposition_n there_o be_v between_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v the_o true_a but_o that_o all_o other_o must_v be_v false_a in_o those_o article_n wherein_o they_o essential_o differ_v from_o it_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n one_o can_v explain_v those_o argument_n which_o clear_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n without_o convict_v all_o other_o religion_n of_o falsehood_n because_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o those_o proof_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v several_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o end_n which_o i_o propose_v man_n that_o think_v much_o wish_v that_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n may_v be_v demonstrate_v from_o reflection_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o it_o which_o to_o they_o will_v be_v a_o convince_a and_o demonstrative_a proof_n other_o apply_v themselves_o to_o a_o speculative_a examination_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o show_v their_o conformity_n with_o the_o notion_n of_o reason_n i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o both_o these_o employ_v themselves_o usual_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o study_n and_o that_o truth_n find_v a_o considerable_a support_n from_o their_o meditation_n but_o how_o useful_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v i_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o follow_v another_o course_n as_o think_v it_o of_o more_o advantage_n solid_o to_o establish_v the_o fact_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n propose_v which_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o persuade_v all_o sort_n of_o reader_n and_o better_o level_v to_o the_o ordinary_a capacity_n of_o those_o who_o new_o enter_v upon_o the_o examination_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n be_v general_o own_a by_o heathen_n and_o by_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n i_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n altogether_o unnecessary_a to_o enter_v upon_o the_o examination_n of_o several_a abstract_a question_n such_o as_o these_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n whether_o man_n be_v natural_o incline_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o the_o like_a when_o i_o shall_v have_v firm_o prove_v that_o god_n reveal_v himself_o that_o he_o prescribe_v a_o service_n to_o the_o first_o man_n who_o leave_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o to_o all_o their_o posterity_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o religion_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n be_v derive_v i_o shall_v have_v prevent_v many_o very_a unprofitable_a dispute_n and_o which_o can_v only_o perplex_v the_o mind_n by_o their_o obscurity_n i_o have_v therefore_o confine_v myself_o to_o certain_a consideration_n which_o do_v so_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o by_o their_o union_n they_o firm_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o hope_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v think_v needful_a for_o i_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o abolish_v the_o christian_n as_o the_o christian_n pretend_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n abrogate_a the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n as_o soon_o as_o a_o understand_a reader_n shall_v make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o god_n never_o frame_v the_o model_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o the_o mahometan_n will_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o first_o volume_n chap._n 1._o concern_v the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n page_n 1_o chap._n 2._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v found_v upon_o proof_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n 5_o chap._n 3._o some_o general_n remark_n in_o order_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o holy_a scripture_n 8_o chap._n 4._o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v unquestionable_a 16_o chap._n 5._o that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n 23_o chap._n 6._o that_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n can_v not_o be_v forge_v under_o the_o name_n of_o moses_n 27_o chap._n 7._o that_o it_o appear_v from_o genesis_n that_o the_o sabbath_n be_v constant_o observe_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n until_o moses_n 34_o chap._n 8._o that_o adam_n be_v convince_v of_o his_o creation_n by_o reason_n and_o authority_n 44_o chap._n 9_o that_o adam_n be_v confirm_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n in_o the_o persuasion_n he_o have_v entertain_v concern_v his_o creation_n 49_o chap._n 10._o that_o the_o child_n of_o adam_n have_v reason_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o creation_n 52_o chap._n 11._o that_o the_o child_n of_o adam_n be_v actual_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n 54_o chap._n 12._o that_o noah_n be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n 61_o chap._n 13._o that_o the_o child_n of_o noah_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n 64_o chap._n 14._o that_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n be_v child_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o first_o promise_n 67_o chap._n 15._o that_o we_o find_v the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n till_o jacob_n full_o persuade_v of_o those_o truth_n 71_o chap._n 16._o that_o this_o very_a persuasion_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v keep_v up_o among_o the_o posterity_n of_o jacob_n until_o moses_n be_v time_n 81_o chap._n 17._o that_o the_o tradition_n which_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o persuasion_n which_o the_o ancient_n have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n before_o moses_n can_v be_v suspect_v 86_o chap._n 18._o a_o explication_n of_o moses_n be_v way_n of_o write_v where_o it_o be_v show_v that_o in_o write_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n he_o mention_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v then_o general_o know_v 89_o chap._n 19_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o chaldean_n concern_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o world._n 95_o chap._n 20._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o china_n against_o the_o mosaic_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o newness_n of_o the_o world._n 106_o chap._n 21._o wherein_o the_o
last_o objection_n of_o atheist_n be_v answer_v 120_o chap._n 22._o the_o consequence_n of_o what_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o our_o forego_v observation_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n 126_o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o first_o volume_n chap._n 1._o that_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o exodus_fw-la and_o of_o the_o three_o other_o follow_v book_n page_n 137_o chap._n 2._o that_o both_o the_o character_n of_o moses_n be_v person_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o relate_v have_v always_o make_v man_n read_v his_o book_n with_o attention_n 146_o chap._n 3._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n relate_v by_o moses_n can_v reasonable_o be_v doubt_v of_o 153_o chap._n 4._o a_o continuation_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n 158_o chap._n 5._o that_o moses_n be_v description_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n give_v he_o his_o law_n be_v evident_o true_a 164_o chap._n 6._o some_o other_o proof_n that_o confirm_v moses_n be_v description_n of_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o law_n be_v give_v and_o promulgate_v 169_o chap._n 7._o that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a exception_n can_v be_v make_v against_o moses_n be_v history_n in_o what_o relate_v to_o the_o oracle_n which_o he_o have_v record_v in_o his_o book_n 173_o chap._n 8._o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o constant_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o oracle_n relate_v by_o moses_n 177_o chap._n 9_o that_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o relation_n that_o moses_n have_v the_o messiah_n in_o view_n when_o he_o write_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n 180_o chap._n 10._o that_o the_o same_o persuasion_n appear_v throughout_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o moses_n until_o his_o death_n 185_o chap._n 11._o that_o balaam_n be_v prophesy_v which_o moses_n relate_v be_v a_o further_a argument_n of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n in_o he_o 188_o chap._n 12._o that_o one_o may_v see_v also_o in_o moses_n be_v law_n plain_a footstep_n of_o god_n design_n in_o distinguish_v these_o from_o who_o he_o will_v have_v the_o messiah_n to_o be_v born._n 194_o chap._n 13._o that_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n promulgate_a his_o law_n among_o the_o israelite_n do_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n 200_o chap._n 14._o that_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v design_v to_o keep_v up_o a_o spirit_n of_o jealousy_n in_o the_o very_a bosom_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n 206_o chap._n 15._o that_o circumcision_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o distinguish_v the_o israelite_n from_o other_o nation_n 212_o chap._n 16._o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n engage_v the_o jew_n to_o the_o study_n of_o their_o genealogy_n that_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o of_o the_o messiah_n 219_o chap._n 17._o a_o solution_n of_o some_o difficulty_n in_o these_o genealogy_n 223_o chap._n 18._o that_o the_o manner_n whereby_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n fix_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v to_o keep_v they_o separate_v from_o other_o nation_n 228_o chap._n 19_o that_o the_o law_n tie_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o by_o several_a other_o mean_v establish_v the_o distinction_n betwixt_o tribe_n and_o family_n among_o they_o 234_o chap._n 20._o that_o the_o law_n which_o moses_n make_v coneern_v the_o state_n of_o virginity_n do_v principal_o relate_v also_o to_o the_o messiah_n which_o hold_v also_o as_o to_o several_a other_o law_n 241_o chap._n 21._o that_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n by_o all_o these_o ceremony_n and_o particular_o by_o that_o veneration_n which_o he_o inspire_v the_o jew_n with_o for_o the_o tabernacle_n to_o preserve_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o their_o mind_n by_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n 249_o chap._n 22._o that_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n that_o this_o whole_a model_n which_o god_n have_v frame_v be_v to_o last_v but_o until_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n 256_o to_o the_o courteous_a reader_n the_o errata_n be_v so_o small_a that_o they_o will_v not_o disturb_v the_o sense_n any_o where_o and_o so_o few_o that_o we_o need_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o table_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o hope_v he_o will_v take_v such_o inconsiderable_a pain_n upon_o himself_o and_o excuse_v the_o author_n reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chapter_n i._n concern_v the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v three_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o propound_v to_o we_o for_o true_a the_o promise_v it_o afford_v we_o and_o the_o worship_n it_o command_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o propound_v to_o we_o as_o true_a be_v that_o god_n create_v the_o world_n that_o he_o form_v the_o first_o man_n from_o who_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v propagate_v that_o a_o while_n after_o this_o man_n be_v create_v he_o violate_v the_o law_n god_n have_v give_v he_o and_o that_o whereas_o he_o deserve_v to_o have_v perish_v for_o this_o his_o disobedience_n god_n be_v please_v instead_o thereof_o to_o comfort_v he_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o saviour_n which_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o wife_n that_o god_n have_v actual_o send_v this_o saviour_n into_o the_o world_n which_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o christ_n viz._n his_o birth_n life_n preach_v miracle_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n the_o promise_v it_o vouchsafe_v be_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n and_o a_o state_n absolute_o happy_a for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n and_o last_o the_o worship_n or_o divine_a service_n it_o prescribe_v consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o his_o protection_n and_o in_o a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o what_o we_o owe_v he_o for_o all_o his_o benefit_n towards_o we_o the_o first_o of_o these_o three_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n viz._n the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o relate_v may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o other_o two_o viz._n the_o promise_n and_o command_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n have_v create_v this_o world_n in_o which_o we_o live_v and_o make_v mankind_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o blood_n that_o after_o the_o fall_v he_o promise_v to_o save_v man_n and_o do_v actual_o redeem_v they_o in_o send_v jesus_n christ_n who_o suffer_v death_n and_o be_v raise_v the_o three_o day_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o look_v upon_o these_o fact_n as_o true_a without_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v accomplish_v the_o promise_n he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o we_o can_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n without_o be_v sensible_a of_o a_o strong_a obligation_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o soon_o as_o a_o man_n reflect_v upon_o his_o be_v god_n creature_n he_o find_v himself_o natural_o oblige_v to_o obey_v god_n universal_o according_a to_o his_o utmost_a ability_n but_o when_o he_o come_v further_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o first_o man_n for_o his_o disobedience_n but_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o promise_v he_o a_o saviour_n for_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n and_o when_o moreover_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n have_v real_o send_v this_o saviour_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n the_o gospel_n relate_v to_o we_o we_o can_v conceive_v but_o that_o he_o must_v find_v himself_o under_o the_o high_a engagement_n imaginable_a of_o render_v to_o god_n a_o religious_a obedience_n and_o believe_v his_o promise_n but_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o obligation_n whereby_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v god_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o to_o offer_v he_o all_o manner_n of_o religious_a worship_n god_n by_o redeem_v he_o have_v obtain_v a_o new_a claim_n to_o and_o right_a over_o he_o and_o a_o more_o indispensable_a obligation_n be_v lay_v upon_o man_n to_o submit_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o all_o religious_a concern_v as_o be_v not_o only_o create_v but_o also_o redeem_v by_o he_o reason_n acknowledge_v that_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v once_o admit_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o just_a and_o natural_a than_o those_o consequence_n which_o the_o christian_n thence_o infer_v all_o the_o difficulty_n
therefore_o that_o occur_v in_o this_o matter_n consist_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o fact_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n propound_v to_o we_o that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o prove_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o fall_n of_o man_n the_o promise_n of_o a_o redeemer_n his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n his_o miracle_n death_n resurrection_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o indeed_o these_o be_v the_o very_a matter_n of_o which_o atheist_n and_o libertine_n require_v a_o solid_a proof_n and_o it_o do_v the_o more_o concern_v we_o to_o satisfy_v their_o demand_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v scatter_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v oppose_v our_o assertion_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o send_v the_o messiah_n be_v already_o accomplish_a though_o they_o agree_v upon_o the_o matter_n with_o we_o in_o all_o other_o article_n moreover_o the_o perform_v this_o task_n may_v very_o much_o contribute_v to_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o bad_a christian_n who_o shall_v and_o continuance_n in_o vice_n and_o licentiousness_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o their_o be_v so_o weak_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o fundamental_o and_o that_o because_o they_o have_v never_o consider_v of_o they_o with_o sufficient_a attention_n chap._n ii_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v found_v upon_o proof_n of_o matter_n of_o fact._n forasmuch_o as_o in_o order_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o confine_v ourselves_o at_o present_a to_o those_o proof_n which_o make_v out_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o propose_v omit_v all_o other_o argument_n which_o may_v evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o possible_o no_o less_o convince_a it_o be_v obvious_a that_o the_o proof_n we_o be_v to_o produce_v in_o confirmation_n of_o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v proper_a to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n long_o since_o past_a and_o do_v if_o we_o be_v treat_v of_o the_o event_n of_o the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o it_o may_v be_v just_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v produce_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o question_n here_o be_v concern_v matter_n long_o since_o past_a it_o be_v natural_a for_o we_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o history_n which_o furnish_v we_o with_o the_o relation_n of_o those_o who_o where_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o same_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n leave_v we_o to_o confirm_v our_o belief_n of_o thing_n at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o we_o i_o be_o behold_v to_o history_n only_o for_o the_o knowledge_n i_o have_v of_o a_o cyrus_n a_o alexander_n or_o a_o caesar_n and_o yet_o have_v read_v the_o account_n they_o give_v i_o of_o they_o i_o find_v they_o matter_n i_o can_v no_o way_n rational_o doubt_v of_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o certainty_n we_o have_v of_o thing_n long_o since_o past_a be_v much_o inferior_a to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v of_o matter_n confirm_v to_o we_o by_o eye-witness_n nevertheless_o because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o event_n of_o ancient_a time_n can_v be_v confirm_v but_o by_o proof_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o have_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o to_o account_v the_o existence_n of_o such_o man_n as_o cyrus_n and_o alexander_n for_o fable_n upon_o the_o pretence_n that_o none_o now_o alive_a do_v ever_o see_v they_o or_o because_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o trace_n leave_v of_o those_o empire_n of_o which_o they_o be_v the_o founder_n indeed_o the_o certainty_n we_o have_v of_o these_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v superad_v to_o it_o for_o though_o it_o be_v found_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o historian_n who_o live_v many_o age_n ago_o yet_o withal_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o matter_n relate_v do_v not_o only_o carry_v the_o idea_n of_o probability_n and_o truth_n along_o with_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o history_n of_o follow_a age_n which_o can_v be_v question_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o the_o thing_n relate_v according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o equity_n of_o reason_n a_o matter_n of_o fact_n than_o be_v account_v certain_a when_o it_o be_v attest_v by_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o when_o record_v by_o a_o historian_n who_o live_v among_o those_o who_o have_v perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o gainsay_v or_o contradict_v by_o any_o if_o we_o find_v it_o pen_v at_o a_o time_n when_o the_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v relate_v by_o any_o otherwise_o than_o indeed_o they_o be_v without_o expose_v themselves_o to_o public_a derision_n and_o last_o of_o all_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o either_o because_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o every_o one_o to_o be_v inform_v of_o it_o or_o because_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o public_a that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v hide_v from_o any_o or_o last_o because_o of_o its_o natural_a connexion_n with_o all_o those_o other_o event_n which_o necessary_o depend_v on_o it_o to_o speak_v plain_a it_o be_v very_o unjust_a to_o demand_v either_o more_o proof_n or_o such_o as_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n than_o be_v require_v to_o verisie_n any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact._n why_o shall_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o noah_n child_n be_v sufficient_a to_o conclude_v there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o methusalem_n in_o case_n they_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o have_v see_v he_o or_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o methusalem_n be_v of_o credit_n enough_o to_o prove_v there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o adam_n if_o he_o aver_v that_o he_o see_v he_o and_o converse_v with_o he_o do_v we_o every_o day_n give_v credit_n to_o the_o account_n which_o old_a man_n give_v we_o of_o their_o predecessor_n especial_o when_o we_o find_v that_o what_o they_o relate_v have_v a_o exact_a reference_n and_o connexion_n with_o those_o thing_n we_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o proof_n which_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o our_o religion_n propose_v be_v infinite_o more_o strong_a and_o convince_a all_o the_o circumstance_n we_o can_v imagine_v proper_a to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o relation_n do_v concur_v to_o place_v the_o matter_n record_v in_o holy_a scripture_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o doubt_n or_o uncertainty_n we_o account_v the_o single_a testimony_n of_o a_o historian_n a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v once_o a_o very_a famous_a temple_n at_o delphos_n or_o ephesus_n notwithstanding_o that_o all_o the_o monument_n remain_v at_o this_o day_n to_o confirm_v his_o relation_n be_v very_o doubtful_a and_o 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book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v forge_v since_o the_o time_n of_o ptolemy_n philadelphus_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o ever_o since_o that_o time_n three_o it_o be_v as_o inconsistent_a to_o suppose_v they_o contrive_v since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n from_o judah_n because_o we_o find_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n among_o the_o samaritan_n who_o have_v preserve_v they_o ever_o since_o their_o revolt_n without_o any_o other_o change_n but_o what_o be_v incident_a to_o all_o manuscript_n that_o pass_v through_o many_o hand_n i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o samaritan_n have_v none_o of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o only_a as_o a_o effect_n of_o their_o departure_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n it_o can_v in_o the_o least_o shake_v the_o certainty_n we_o have_v of_o those_o book_n for_o first_o the_o three_o other_o 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carry_v away_o of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n by_o the_o assyrian_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o book_n and_o more_o especial_o those_o of_o moses_n confirm_v till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n and_o confirm_v beyond_o exception_n at_o least_o far_o beyond_o the_o certainty_n we_o can_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world._n it_o remain_v only_o now_o to_o examine_v whether_o as_o to_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n we_o find_v not_o the_o same_o certainty_n when_o we_o look_v back_o from_o the_o departure_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n to_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v to_o say_v whether_o there_o be_v the_o least_o probability_n that_o they_o be_v forge_v in_o any_o part_n of_o that_o interval_n of_o about_o 580_o year_n i_o say_v then_o in_o the_o four_o place_n that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o ridiculous_a to_o suppose_v they_o forge_v during_o that_o period_n first_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o 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history_n or_o to_o be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o form_n of_o the_o jewish_a government_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n contain_v in_o the_o pentateuch_n which_o equal_o lay_v down_o that_o platform_n of_o their_o policy_n and_o worship_n my_o business_n at_o present_a only_o be_v to_o hint_n these_o general_a reflection_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n though_o the_o sequel_n will_v oblige_v i_o to_o make_v some_o more_o particular_a reflection_n upon_o each_o book_n when_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o consider_v the_o several_a relation_n they_o contain_v i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n begin_v with_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n where_o we_o find_v a_o account_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o form_n of_o man_n the_o fall_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n the_o deluge_n with_o other_o matter_n until_o the_o death_n of_o joseph_n which_o contain_v the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 2369_o year_n chap._n iu._n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v unquestionable_a forasmuch_o as_o among_o those_o matter_n which_o moses_n relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o seven_o day_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v such_o upon_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n do_v depend_v as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o i_o must_v make_v it_o my_o business_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o towards_o the_o confirmation_n of_o which_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o one_o of_o which_o be_v that_o god_n create_v a_o first_o man_n the_o other_o that_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o due_a time_n to_o send_v the_o messiah_n for_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n i_o shall_v propose_v these_o follow_a remark_n moses_n the_o great_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o jew_n lay_v these_o two_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o basis_n of_o the_o law_n he_o be_v to_o publish_v and_o he_o relate_v they_o to_o we_o as_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o only_o know_v to_o he_o and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n but_o to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n and_o particular_o the_o whole_a nation_n among_o who_o he_o live_v to_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n we_o must_v mind_v three_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n themselves_o the_o other_o be_v the_o character_n of_o he_o that_o relate_v they_o and_o the_o three_o the_o use_n moses_n make_v of_o they_o for_o the_o first_o nothing_o be_v more_o needful_a to_o be_v know_v than_o these_o two_o thing_n before_o we_o they_o be_v matter_n which_o concern_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o of_o which_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v inform_v they_o be_v matter_n about_o which_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v deceive_v every_o one_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o they_o and_o of_o which_o consequent_o they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v most_o thorough_o inform_v i_o dare_v maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o fact_n in_o profane_a history_n of_o importance_n comparable_a to_o these_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o moses_n have_v relate_v they_o 2._o and_o as_o for_o the_o author_n who_o relate_v these_o point_n it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o his_o character_n do_v wonderful_o contribute_v to_o the_o make_n of_o his_o book_n famous_a he_o be_v a_o man_n illustrious_a as_o well_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o education_n as_o the_o rank_n he_o hold_v among_o man_n a_o man_n equal_o expose_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o enemy_n and_o friend_n and_o who_o can_v not_o vent_v thelea_v thing_n contrary_a to_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n without_o see_v himself_o immediate_o refute_v or_o rather_o without_o expose_v himself_o to_o public_a scorn_n beside_o i_o aver_v and_o be_o ready_a to_o maintain_v that_o we_o find_v no_o author_n of_o so_o illustrious_a a_o character_n as_o moses_n be_v or_o who_o be_v distinguish_v with_o so_o many_o essential_a mark_n of_o faithfulness_n and_o veracity_n as_o appear_v throughout_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o his_o write_n 3._o this_o will_v appear_v more_o evident_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o use_n to_o which_o moses_n design_v these_o two_o relation_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o a_o word_n his_o design_n be_v not_o in_o furnish_v his_o book_n with_o the_o recital_n of_o these_o important_a fact_n to_o engage_v other_o to_o read_v they_o with_o more_o attention_n or_o to_o
country_n his_o people_n and_o the_o temple_n in_o the_o manner_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n how_o can_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o copy_n of_o it_o be_v disperse_v over_o all_o his_o kingdom_n in_o a_o instant_n to_o inform_v the_o people_n about_o the_o ceremonial_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o soon_o after_o be_v so_o solemn_o celebrate_v by_o they_o or_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o levite_n the_o priest_n and_o people_n can_v have_v be_v all_o of_o the_o sudden_a instruct_v in_o all_o the_o point_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o perform_n of_o that_o holy_a solemnity_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o sacred_a historian_n do_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o circumstance_n that_o the_o book_n find_v be_v of_o moses_n own_o hand_n write_v but_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o their_o devout_a respect_n for_o this_o book_n be_v not_o whole_o stifle_v as_o have_v be_v by_o they_o careful_o hide_v from_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a king_n and_o lay_v up_o in_o some_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o temple_n where_o now_o they_o have_v so_o happy_o find_v it_o again_o over_o and_o above_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o king_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n be_v as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o their_o subject_n yet_o the_o same_o general_o consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o neighbour_n natition_n as_o to_o some_o particular_n which_o though_o they_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n yet_o they_o leave_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o full_a force_n this_o we_o have_v a_o instance_n of_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ahab_n where_o we_o find_v elijah_n reproach_v the_o israelite_n with_o the_o monstrous_a alliance_n they_o have_v make_v betwixt_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o of_o baal_n which_o queen_n jesabel_n have_v introduce_v all_o this_o clear_o prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n which_o be_v the_o first_o of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v never_o forge_v under_o his_o name_n since_o it_o be_v always_o own_v as_o the_o write_n of_o that_o famous_a author_n and_o be_v still_o so_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o jew_n at_o this_o day_n chap._n vii_o that_o it_o appear_v from_o genesis_n that_o the_o sabbath_n be_v constant_o observe_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n until_o moses_n the_o other_o objection_n of_o the_o atheist_n suppose_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o genesis_n as_o we_o have_v now_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o it_o seem_v absurd_a to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o person_n who_o live_v so_o many_o age_n distant_a from_o the_o thing_n he_o recite_v to_o answer_v this_o objection_n we_o must_v first_o of_o all_o declare_v to_o they_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o fact_n which_o moses_n relate_v be_v preserve_v so_o lively_a and_o entire_a as_o to_o give_v moses_n so_o distinct_a a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o forge_v or_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o own_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n know_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o well_o as_o himself_o there_o be_v no_o way_n whereby_o we_o can_v more_o solid_o evince_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v forge_v by_o moses_n than_o by_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n have_v a_o natural_a relation_n to_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v always_o constant_o observe_v from_o that_o time_n until_o moses_n the_o same_o also_o will_v help_v we_o clear_o to_o conceive_v after_o what_o manner_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n have_v be_v preserve_v so_o distinct_a among_o those_o that_o live_v since_o the_o creation_n until_o moses_n we_o be_v no_o soon_o inform_v that_o the_o sabbath_n be_v a_o solemn_a day_n ordain_v at_o first_o to_o celebrate_v and_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o creation_n but_o we_o judge_v it_o impossible_a that_o so_o important_a a_o event_n commemorate_a every_o seven_o day_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n shall_v be_v a_o imposture_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o impossibility_n be_v ground_v on_o these_o two_o proposition_n the_o one_o that_o god_n give_v this_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n to_o the_o first_o man_n the_o other_o that_o the_o same_o be_v observe_v by_o his_o posterity_n ever_o since_o till_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o god_n only_o renew_v it_o in_o the_o law_n give_v from_o mount_n sinai_n these_o be_v the_o truth_n i_o be_o now_o to_o clear_v and_o it_o be_v of_o more_o importance_n to_o be_v prove_v because_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o author_n ancient_a and_o modern_a jew_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n be_v of_o this_o opinion_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o of_o the_o christian_a father_n who_o seem_v to_o deny_v that_o the_o sabbath_n be_v ever_o observe_v by_o the_o patriarch_n but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o prove_v from_o moses_n that_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o sabbath_n be_v such_o as_o i_o assert_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o in_o a_o manner_n immediate_o follow_v it_o moses_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n 3._o gen._n ii_o 3._o express_v himself_o thus_o and_o god_n bless_v the_o seven_o day_n and_o sanctify_v it_o because_o that_o in_o it_o he_o have_v rest_v from_o all_o his_o work_n which_o he_o have_v create_v which_o word_n clear_o evince_v a_o solemn_a consecration_n of_o the_o seven_o day_n to_o god_n service_n by_o its_o be_v make_v a_o commemoration_n of_o his_o finish_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o intent_n of_o moses_n in_o this_o place_n be_v only_o to_o set_v down_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n set_v apart_o this_o day_n of_o all_o other_o to_o his_o service_n by_o the_o law_n at_o mount_n sinai_n we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o this_o appointment_n be_v make_v for_o man_n sake_n already_o place_v in_o the_o garden_n of_o eden_n this_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o order_n moses_n observe_v for_o he_o set_v down_o first_o the_o formation_n of_o man_n on_o the_o six_o day_n and_o his_o be_v place_v in_o paradise_n which_o he_o give_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n and_o after_o these_o he_o relate_v god_n rest_v from_o his_o work_n and_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o sabbath_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o law_n which_o he_o impose_v on_o man_n and_o then_o add_v these_o be_v the_o generation_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o earth_n when_o they_o be_v create_v in_o the_o day_n that_o the_o lord_n god_n make_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n all_o that_o precede_v these_o word_n be_v only_o a_o relation_n of_o what_o pass_v in_o the_o seven_o first_o day_n and_o that_o which_o moses_n set_v down_o concern_v god_n blessing_n of_o the_o seven_o day_n and_o his_o consecrate_v it_o aught_o as_o well_o to_o be_v account_v a_o law_n appoint_v the_o seven_o day_n for_o his_o service_n as_o those_o other_o blessing_n give_v to_o the_o creature_n according_a to_o their_o kind_n be_v acknowledge_v as_o inviolable_a law_n of_o god_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o they_o subsist_v and_o be_v perpetuate_v each_o according_a to_o their_o kind_n by_o the_o way_n of_o generation_n in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o the_o patriarch_n maintain_v a_o public_a worship_n at_o least_o since_o the_o time_n of_o seth_n which_o it_o be_v necessary_a shall_v be_v determine_v to_o some_o certain_a day_n and_o since_o we_o find_v that_o even_o at_o this_o time_n they_o distinguish_v between_o beast_n clean_a and_o unclean_a with_o respect_n to_o their_o sacrifice_n which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v but_o from_o revelation_n we_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v set_v apart_o a_o time_n for_o own_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v many_o evident_a sign_n that_o even_o then_o the_o 7_o day_n be_v observe_v psalmos_fw-la kimchi_fw-la praefat_fw-la in_o psalmos_fw-la i_o will_v not_o here_o peremptory_o assert_v that_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o ninety_o second_o psalm_n who_o title_n be_v a_o psalm_n for_o the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v by_o adam_n himself_o who_o be_v make_v on_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o sabbath_n but_o this_o i_o dare_v assert_v that_o it_o be_v apparent_a 10.12_o gen._n viii_o 10.12_o that_o what_o
to_o who_o he_o write_v have_v no_o need_n of_o have_v the_o follow_a word_n quote_v to_o they_o which_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n bless_v the_o seven_o day_n and_o hallow_v it_o that_o be_v he_o consecrate_a the_o same_o to_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n forasmuch_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o public_o and_o universal_o know_v among_o they_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n be_v a_o thing_n general_o receive_v even_o before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law._n and_o indeed_o the_o philo_n the_o jew_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o solemnize_n that_o day_n have_v suffer_v some_o interruption_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n be_v give_v to_o moses_n yet_o it_o be_v well_o know_v first_o of_o all_o 12._o euseb_n praep_v evang._n l._n 13._o c._n 12._o that_o aristobulus_n the_o peripatetic_a in_o a_o treatise_n dedicate_v by_o he_o to_o ptolemy_n surname_v philadelphus_n cite_v several_a passage_n of_o homer_n hesiod_n and_o linus_n heathen_a poet_n which_o mention_v the_o seven_o day_n as_o a_o festival_n and_o solemn_a day_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v finish_v in_o the_o same_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v notorious_a that_o if_o some_o of_o the_o father_n as_o justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n write_v against_o the_o jew_n have_v deny_v that_o the_o patriarch_n observe_v the_o seven_o day_n they_o do_v so_o rather_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o rigour_n of_o that_o law_n which_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o work_n on_o that_o day_n upon_o pain_n of_o death_n which_o be_v superad_v by_o god_n to_o the_o first_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n than_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n as_o it_o be_v a_o day_n appoint_v to_o make_v a_o solemn_a commemoration_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world._n in_o a_o word_n we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o difference_n which_o god_n make_v between_o the_o sabbath_n observe_v by_o the_o patriarch_n and_o that_o which_o he_o appoint_v to_o the_o jew_n do_v consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o that_o god_n do_v impose_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n upon_o the_o jew_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o work_n even_o to_o the_o very_a dress_n of_o meat_n necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o life_n we_o find_v this_o distinction_n clear_o express_v in_o the_o law_n which_o god_n give_v concern_v the_o first_o and_o seven_o day_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o unleavened_a bread_n for_o he_o absolute_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o work_n on_o these_o two_o day_n as_o much_o as_o on_o the_o sabbath_n even_o the_o prepare_n of_o necessary_a food_n which_o he_o permit_v the_o five_o other_o day_n forbid_v only_o servile_a laborious_a work_n second_o in_o that_o the_o work_n on_o that_o day_n by_o the_o law_n be_v make_v punishable_a with_o death_n which_o be_v not_o so_o before_o which_o innovation_n and_o new_a rigour_n of_o the_o law_n establish_v by_o god_n be_v authorize_v by_o the_o punish_n of_o he_o who_o have_v gather_v stick_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n whereas_o we_o find_v that_o before_o the_o law_n be_v give_v upon_o mount_n sinai_n god_n do_v not_o command_v those_o jew_n to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n who_o go_v forth_o the_o seven_o day_n to_o gather_v manna_n according_a to_o their_o ancient_a custom_n of_o dress_v their_o meat_n on_o that_o day_n let_v i_o add_v this_o further_a that_o though_o the_o apostle_n have_v abolish_v the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n concern_v the_o sabbath_n introduce_v by_o moses_n yet_o they_o themselves_o observe_v it_o which_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o all_o probability_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o christian_n for_o almost_o four_o century_n to_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n solemnize_n both_o those_o day_n the_o one_o as_o a_o commemoration_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o other_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n but_o what_o ever_o judgement_n may_v be_v pass_v on_o this_o last_o remark_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o genesis_n and_o exodus_fw-la first_o that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n be_v observe_v before_o moses_n second_o that_o this_o observation_n be_v by_o the_o first_o patriarch_n propagate_v among_o the_o heathen_n also_o as_o well_o as_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o creation_n or_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o sacrifice_v with_o the_o other_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n the_o original_a whereof_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n as_o we_o shall_v make_v appear_v in_o our_o follow_a discourse_n after_o all_o this_o we_o must_v conclude_v against_o the_o atheist_n that_o either_o moses_n must_v imprudent_o have_v lay_v a_o snare_n for_o himself_o in_o forge_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o not_o only_o the_o jew_n but_o all_o the_o world_n be_v able_a to_o convince_v he_o since_o there_o be_v none_o among_o they_o but_o must_v needs_o be_v conscious_a whether_o they_o have_v observe_v the_o sabbath_n in_o commemoration_n of_o the_o creation_n as_o he_o relate_v it_o or_o no_o or_o else_o that_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o general_o know_v and_o the_o memorial_n of_o it_o solemnize_v every_o seven_o day_n by_o all_o those_o who_o precede_v he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o uncontested_a and_o immovable_a truth_n which_o i_o shall_v far_o evince_v by_o those_o observation_n which_o i_o shall_v raise_v from_o the_o dependence_n and_o connexion_n which_o the_o matter_n relate_v by_o moses_n in_o genesis_n have_v with_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n this_o be_v my_o business_n at_o present_a in_o perform_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o rational_a and_o coherent_a than_o the_o relation_n of_o moses_n in_o which_o the_o atheist_n imagine_v that_o they_o discover_v so_o great_a absurdity_n chap._n viii_o that_o adam_n be_v convince_v of_o his_o creation_n by_o reason_n and_o authority_n though_o it_o may_v be_v think_v more_o natural_a in_o these_o our_o disquisition_n about_o the_o history_n of_o genesis_n to_o begin_v with_o those_o matter_n which_o happen_v near_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n and_o from_o they_o to_o pass_v to_o those_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n yet_o i_o have_v choose_v rather_o to_o follow_v the_o thread_n of_o moses_n his_o discourse_n hope_v that_o this_o method_n will_v afford_v more_o light_n to_o these_o our_o reflection_n at_o least_o it_o will_v spare_v i_o the_o trouble_n of_o frequent_a repetition_n which_o in_o the_o other_o way_n i_o shall_v be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o i_o begin_v then_o with_o this_o that_o adam_n be_v convince_v of_o his_o creation_n both_o by_o reason_n and_o authority_n the_o creation_n of_o adam_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o he_o must_v first_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o himself_o before_o he_o can_v persuade_v his_o posterity_n to_o entertain_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o enquiry_n to_o know_v what_o way_n he_o have_v to_o assure_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v indeed_o create_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o moses_n relate_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o tradition_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o adam_n who_o moses_n suppose_v to_o have_v be_v the_o first_o deliverer_n of_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o must_v be_v assure_v that_o adam_n can_v not_o deceive_v himself_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a enough_o that_o he_o will_v not_o deceive_v his_o child_n when_o he_o take_v care_n to_o instruct_v they_o concern_v it_o as_o to_o his_o own_o existence_n he_o can_v not_o but_o be_v as_o strong_o persuade_v of_o it_o as_o we_o be_v of_o we_o all_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o the_o manner_n how_o he_o come_v to_o exist_v now_o there_o be_v two_o way_n by_o which_o adam_n may_v inform_v himself_o of_o this_o viz._n by_o reason_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o authority_n he_o can_v easy_o find_v out_o this_o secret_a by_o a_o rational_a reflection_n or_o he_o may_v also_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o by_o god_n himself_o who_o have_v create_v he_o not_o to_o mention_v now_o any_o information_n which_o he_o may_v have_v from_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o creation_n it_o appear_v that_o adam_n who_o tradition_n moses_n have_v record_v suppose_n that_o he_o have_v learn_v of_o god_n himself_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o own_o formation_n god_n speak_v to_o adam_n and_o sanctify_v the_o seven_o day_n that_o be_v oblige_v adam_n to_o keep_v the_o memorial_n of_o his_o creation_n he_o tie_v he_o by_o a_o law_n to_o commemorate_v his_o creation_n fifty_o two_o time_n a_o year_n and_o to_o render_v he_o continual_a thanks_o for_o the_o be_v he_o have_v receive_v but_o forasmuch_o as_o
of_o take_v to_o wife_n once_o own_o brother_n widow_n to_o raise_v he_o up_o seed_n 2._o the_o sin_n of_o onan_n be_v represent_v so_o odious_a only_o because_o by_o it_o he_o act_v against_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o promise_n 3._o we_o see_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o action_n of_o thamar_n juda_n daughter-in-law_n for_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o judah_n she_o in_o exchange_n surprise_v he_o into_o a_o incest_n the_o commission_n whereof_o according_a to_o the_o observation_n of_o a_o greek_a commentator_n she_o seek_v to_o perpetuate_v i._n theoph._n in_o mat._n c._n i._n only_o because_o she_o have_v a_o vehement_a desire_n to_o get_v child_n out_o of_o a_o family_n which_o she_o look_v upon_o as_o sole_o entrust_v with_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o out_o of_o which_o he_o be_v according_o to_o be_v bear_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v that_o observation_n because_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o remember_v that_o she_o be_v former_o a_o canaanite_n and_o that_o consequent_o she_o leave_v off_o and_o renounce_v the_o impiety_n and_o idolatry_n of_o her_o kindred_n when_o she_o embrace_v the_o religion_n and_o hope_n of_o jacob_n family_n therefore_o we_o see_v that_o particular_a mention_n be_v make_v of_o she_o in_o our_o saviour_n genealogy_n and_o of_o ruth_n who_o likewise_o give_v over_o all_o the_o pretension_n of_o her_o own_o people_n and_o so_o forsake_v her_o religion_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n as_o well_o as_o of_o bathshebah_n who_o be_v wife_n to_o a_o hittite_n whereupon_o a_o ancient_a father_n have_v very_o well_o observe_v 3._o s._n hieronym_n in_o tradit_fw-la heb_fw-mi ad_fw-la 1_o reg._n 3._o according_a to_o the_o jewish_a opinion_n that_o shimei_n revile_n against_o david_n when_o he_o go_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n during_o absalom_n rebellion_n reflect_v upon_o his_o birth_n out_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o ruth_n the_o moabitess_n as_o the_o jew_n even_o to_o this_o very_a day_n do_v understand_v it_o we_o may_v make_v the_o same_o reflection_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o implacable_a jealousy_n which_o joseph_n dream_n raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o brethren_n 1._o we_o may_v reasonable_o conceive_v that_o he_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o rachel_n and_o the_o wife_n which_o jacob_n his_o father_n have_v first_o make_v love_n to_o he_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o with_o hope_n of_o the_o birthright_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n who_o be_v but_o the_o second_o son_n of_o abraham_n but_o 2._o he_o may_v beside_o very_o well_o suppose_v that_o the_o crime_n of_o his_o brethren_n bear_v of_o leah_n who_o in_o all_o likelihood_n he_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o sole_a legitimate_a heir_n the_o other_o be_v bear_v of_o maid-servant_n do_v rank_v they_o with_o esau_n who_o god_n have_v reject_v that_o outrageous_a fury_n which_o joseph_n brethren_n show_v against_o he_o because_o they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o prefer_v of_o god_n by_o those_o dream_n to_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v before_o he_o be_v so_o like_a that_o of_o cain_n of_o lot_n of_o ishmael_n and_o of_o esau_n that_o it_o have_v in_o all_o probability_n the_o same_o cause_n and_o original_a do_v we_o not_o see_v afterward_o another_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o jealousy_n in_o the_o affectation_n that_o jacob_n and_o his_o family_n show_v in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n when_o they_o refuse_v to_o live_v promiscuous_o with_o the_o egyptian_n which_o be_v the_o posterity_n of_o ham_n and_o beg_v of_o they_o a_o country_n where_o they_o may_v live_v by_o themselves_o as_o we_o see_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o egyptian_n show_v a_o extreme_a aversion_n against_o jacob_n and_o his_o family_n which_o be_v of_o sem_n posterity_n certain_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o as_o this_o separation_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o antipathy_n of_o those_o nation_n so_o it_o may_v also_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n the_o consequence_n of_o jacob_n and_o his_o child_n pretension_n upon_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o execution_n and_o accomplishment_n whereof_o they_o stand_v up_o for_o as_o belong_v to_o themselves_o to_o all_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o egyptian_n against_o the_o israelite_n oblige_v they_o to_o make_v particular_a reflection_n upon_o the_o promise_n which_o jacob_n on_o his_o deathbed_n make_v to_o they_o from_o god_n that_o persecution_n be_v chief_o intend_v against_o the_o male_a child_n pharaoh_n command_v the_o extirpation_n of_o they_o because_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o jew_n grow_v too_o strong_a for_o he_o and_o of_o their_o join_n with_o his_o enemy_n and_o perhaps_o also_o because_o the_o jew_n entertain_v a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n come_v and_o so_o boast_v and_o glory_v of_o it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n the_o egyptian_n design_v to_o frustrate_v and_o cut_v off_o their_o hope_n thus_o by_o hinder_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n however_o there_o be_v no_o real_a difficulty_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o distinct_a remembrance_n of_o those_o important_a fact_n jacob_n die_v in_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 2315._o joseph_n die_v in_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 2428._o there_o be_v then_o but_o 58_o year_n between_o joseph_n death_n and_o moses_n birth_n moses_n may_v have_v see_v not_o only_o amram_v his_o own_o â—â—ther_n who_o have_v see_v levi_n but_o also_o kohath_fw-mi his_o grandfather_n who_o have_v see_v jacob._n and_o it_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n 23._o gen._n l._n 23._o that_o moses_n seem_v to_o have_v observe_v that_o joseph_n see_v his_o own_o child_n child_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o three_o generation_n one_o can_v imagine_v any_o circumstance_n more_o conducible_a than_o these_o to_o the_o preserve_v the_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o those_o important_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n chap._n xvii_o that_o the_o tradition_n which_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o persuasion_n which_o the_o ancient_n have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n before_o moses_n can_v be_v suspect_v i_o have_v show_v i_o think_v evident_o enough_o that_o both_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n with_o all_o the_o other_o thing_n depend_v upon_o they_o may_v have_v be_v know_v certain_o by_o adam_n and_o his_o child_n and_o so_o afterward_o be_v hand_v down_o to_o all_o his_o posterity_n till_o moses_n time_n from_o adam_n to_o noah_n there_o be_v but_o one_o man_n viz._n methusalah_n who_o join_v hand_n with_o both_o from_o noah_n to_o abraham_n there_o be_v but_o one_o man_n viz._n sem_fw-mi who_o see_v they_o both_o for_o a_o considerable_a time_n from_o abraham_n to_o joseph_n there_o be_v but_o one_o man_n viz._n isaac_n joseph_n grandfather_n from_o joseph_n to_o moses_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d one_o man_n viz._n amram_n who_o may_v have_v see_v joseph_n long_o enough_o those_o character_n of_o time_n which_o moses_n have_v so_o careful_o observe_v do_v plain_o evidence_n that_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n may_v be_v distinct_o know_v for_o if_o we_o suppose_v a_o continue_a succession_n of_o adam_n offspring_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o that_o matter_n and_o that_o because_o every_o one_o of_o those_o who_o be_v contemporary_n with_o moses_n be_v able_a to_o run_v up_o his_o own_o pedigree_n as_o far_o as_o the_o flood_n nay_o even_o up_o to_o adam_n by_z as_o compendious_a a_o way_n as_o moses_n can_v do_v his_o own_o they_o will_v have_v treat_v those_o with_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o scorn_n who_o shall_v have_v attempt_v to_o forge_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v public_o and_o universal_o know_v and_o so_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a that_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n so_o important_a as_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v shall_v be_v unknown_a beside_o i_o think_v i_o have_v plain_o show_v that_o many_o action_n record_v by_o moses_n though_o very_o strange_a in_o themselves_o and_o which_o the_o atheist_n look_v upon_o as_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a have_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o principle_n than_o from_o the_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n according_a as_o in_o a_o long_a series_n of_o age_n every_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n follow_v his_o own_o humour_n and_o prejudices_fw-la frame_v to_o himself_o a_o particular_a idea_n differ_v from_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v object_v that_o all_o this_o be_v only_o ground_v upon_o the_o uncertain_a authority_n of_o tradition_n for_o though_o i_o grant_v that_o tradition_n as_o to_o fact_n of_o another_o nature_n be_v dubious_a and_o uncertain_a and_o not_o to_o be_v too_o much_o
rely_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o belief_n yet_o this_o have_v such_o very_a particular_a character_n as_o keep_v up_o its_o own_o authority_n first_o it_o suppose_v a_o small_a number_n of_o person_n from_o adam_n to_o moses_n who_o put_v it_o in_o write_v second_o it_o suppose_v that_o those_o who_o have_v preserve_v this_o tradition_n live_v very_o long_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n for_o many_o century_n of_o year_n three_o it_o relate_v to_o such_o fact_n as_o every_o one_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v right_o inform_v of_o and_o which_o he_o be_v particular_o concern_v to_o examine_v as_o relate_v to_o his_o own_o private_a interest_n because_o they_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o his_o action_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o conduct_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n four_o it_o suppose_v such_o real_a mark_n as_o serve_v to_o keep_v it_o up_o such_o as_o the_o pain_n of_o child-bearing_a the_o paradise_n before_o the_o flood_n the_o duration_n of_o the_o ark_n after_o the_o flood_n five_o it_o suppose_v a_o public_a service_n and_o worship_n who_o celebration_n be_v repeat_v fifty_o two_o time_n a_o year_n that_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v preserve_v by_o all_o posterity_n six_o it_o be_v preserve_v entire_a by_o pass_v from_o father_n to_o son_n and_o we_o know_v that_o father_n or_o mother_n do_v not_o natural_o engage_v in_o a_o design_n of_o deceive_v their_o child_n seven_o it_o suppose_v strange_a controversy_n betwixt_o brother_n the_o elder_a have_v almost_o all_o be_v exclude_v and_o the_o young_a as_o abel_n seth_n abraham_n isaac_n jacob_n juda_n choose_v to_o accomplish_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o breed_v great_a jealousy_n and_o tend_v much_o to_o preserve_v those_o idea_n of_o the_o truth_n last_o it_o suppose_v great_a contest_v betwixt_o whole_a nation_n who_o all_o strive_v one_o with_o another_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o depositary_n of_o those_o verity_n as_o the_o moabite_n for_o instance_n the_o ammonite_n the_o ishmaelite_n the_o edomite_n and_o the_o jew_n each_o of_o they_o pretend_v to_o a_o preference_n before_o the_o other_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o so_o make_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o credit_n and_o honour_n to_o themselves_o all_o these_o character_n contribute_v to_o the_o distinct_a preservation_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o truth_n chap._n xviii_o a_o explication_n of_o moses_n be_v way_n of_o write_v where_o it_o be_v show_v that_o in_o write_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n he_o mention_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v then_o general_o know_v this_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o at_o first_o i_o take_v for_o grant_v and_o afterward_o prove_v it_o the_o reason_n whereof_o i_o explain_v particular_o as_o i_o go_v on_o but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v fix_v as_o solid_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v bear_v because_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o those_o who_o do_v not_o foresee_v the_o consequence_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n do_v contradict_v it_o before_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o and_o that_o too_o under_o pretence_n of_o exalt_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o atheist_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o not_o otherwise_o than_o as_o learned_a man_n do_v on_o the_o great_a part_n of_o legend_n the_o prophetical_a spirit_n act_n in_o two_o manner_n the_o first_o be_v by_o way_n of_o revelation_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o thing_n the_o prophet_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o thus_o the_o evangelist_n st._n john_n have_v foretell_v those_o event_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o revelation_n for_o those_o event_n be_v all_o hide_a under_o the_o shadow_n of_o futurity_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o have_v foretell_v they_o unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v immediate_o reveal_v they_o to_o he_o the_o second_o be_v by_o way_n of_o direction_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o thing_n with_o which_o the_o prophet_n be_v himself_o acquaint_v either_o because_o he_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o they_o himself_o or_o because_o he_o learn_v they_o from_o those_o who_o be_v so_o now_o this_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n consist_v in_o the_o guide_n the_o prophet_n so_o as_o that_o he_o may_v write_v of_o his_o subject_n just_a as_o it_o be_v either_o speak_v or_o do_v thus_o the_o evangelist_n st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n draw_v up_o a_o abridgement_n of_o those_o sermon_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o of_o those_o miracle_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o thus_o st._n luke_n and_o st._n mark_n have_v write_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v from_o those_o that_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o as_o st._n luke_n particular_o tell_v we_o now_o i_o affirm_v that_o when_o moses_n write_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n he_o have_v only_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o prophetical_a influence_n and_o not_o the_o first_o although_o in_o our_o dispute_n against_o atheist_n to_o convince_v they_o by_o argument_n from_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o may_v consider_v he_o only_o as_o a_o historian_n who_o may_v have_v write_v his_o book_n without_o any_o other_o particular_a direction_n and_o may_v have_v preserve_v in_o it_o the_o memory_n of_o those_o ancient_a event_n which_o be_v then_o general_o know_v now_o what_o side_n soever_o divine_v may_v take_v in_o their_o dispute_n against_o the_o atheist_n i_o may_v easy_o establish_v my_o assertion_n first_o because_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o suppose_v a_o entire_a revelation_n where_o tradition_n be_v distinct_a enough_o be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v a_o clear_a remembrance_n of_o all_o those_o fact_n now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o tradition_n concern_v the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o little_a extent_n of_o it_o and_o the_o immediate_a succession_n of_o moses_n ancestor_n down_o to_o himself_o second_o if_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n travel_n through_o so_o many_o place_n be_v as_o i_o have_v observe_v already_o very_o useful_a to_o give_v they_o a_o further_a view_n of_o the_o common_a belief_n of_o all_o the_o several_a nation_n descend_v from_o noah_n and_o of_o their_o agreement_n in_o this_o tradition_n it_o be_v unjust_a to_o suppose_v that_o moses_n forty_o year_n sojourn_v in_o the_o country_n of_o midian_a and_o that_o too_o when_o he_o be_v forty_o year_n old_a and_o consequent_o have_v that_o ripeness_n of_o age_n and_o judgement_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o such_o observation_n do_v not_o serve_v to_o acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o several_a passage_n he_o record_v of_o abraham_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o several_a division_n of_o his_o posterity_n three_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n a_o way_n of_o write_v very_o different_a from_o that_o which_o we_o see_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o exodus_fw-la and_o in_o the_o follow_a book_n for_o whereas_o god_n speak_v to_o he_o in_o those_o latter_a book_n which_o he_o always_o do_v viuâ_fw-la voce_fw-la and_o the_o jew_n have_v wise_o observe_v that_o herein_o consist_v moses_n advantage_n above_o the_o other_o prophet_n to_o who_o god_n be_v use_v to_o speak_v only_o in_o dream_n and_o vision_n he_o use_v common_o those_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o i_o he_o mark_v out_o the_o place_n where_o god_n speak_v to_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o time_n and_o occasion_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o he_o which_o he_o do_v not_o in_o his_o book_n of_o genesis_n four_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v not_o divide_v into_o several_a revelation_n as_o all_o prophecy_n be_v wherein_o the_o several_a return_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v all_o exact_o set_v down_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a not_o only_o to_o ease_v the_o reader_n who_o may_v be_v tire_v if_o he_o be_v to_o carry_v a_o long_a series_n of_o prediction_n in_o his_o mind_n at_o once_o as_o if_o it_o be_v only_o one_o single_a vision_n or_o revelation_n but_o also_o to_o condescend_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o probability_n we_o can_v suppose_v they_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o so_o many_o differ_a idea_n at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o a_o great_a confusion_n must_v necessary_o follow_v but_o suppose_v that_o these_o observation_n shall_v be_v think_v insufficient_a yet_o those_o that_o follow_v will_v seem_v capable_a of_o convince_a the_o mind_n of_o all_o there_o be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n certain_a character_n of_o its_o be_v write_v in_o that_o way_n which_o i_o speak_v of_o first_o one_o needs_o only_o just_a look_n into_o that_o book_n and_o he_o will_v see_v that_o the_o ancient_a fact_n which_o be_v those_o of_o
decease_n as_o gods._n the_o three_o thing_n we_o be_v here_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o contain_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o book_n genesis_n if_o that_o which_o be_v record_v in_o it_o concern_v the_o time_n of_o the_o flood_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o dynasty_n of_o the_o egyptian_a king_n i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o those_o egyptian_n who_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o the_o flood_n do_v exact_o mark_v out_o the_o time_n of_o it_o as_o moses_n do_v but_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o show_v out_o of_o their_o common_a opinion_n something_o very_o near_o equivalent_a they_o be_v all_o agree_v that_o menes_n be_v the_o first_o king_n of_o egypt_n and_o live_v about_o fourteen_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o famous_a sesostris_n as_o herodotus_n and_o diodorus_n siculus_n do_v both_o relate_v it_o now_o who_o shall_v this_o king_n of_o egypt_n be_v who_o some_o call_v sesonchosis_n unless_o he_o be_v the_o same_o with_o shishak_n who_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o history_n of_o rehoboam_n 26._o 1_o king_n fourteen_o 26._o even_o the_o same_o famous_a conqueror_n who_o take_v jerusalem_n in_o the_o five_o year_n of_o rehoboam_n reign_n if_o one_o calculate_v the_o time_n from_o the_o flood_n to_o the_o five_o year_n of_o rehoboam_n he_o will_v find_v that_o this_o menes_n the_o first_o king_n of_o egypt_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o ham_n of_o moses_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o there_o be_v very_o little_a difference_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o interval_n of_o time_n betwixt_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n thus_o the_o egyptian_a account_n confirm_v moses_n narrative_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a writer_n who_o be_v very_o particular_a in_o state_v the_o time_n of_o every_o thing_n whereas_o the_o egyptian_n take_v all_o in_o great_a can_v never_o arrive_v at_o that_o exactness_n this_o observation_n be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n to_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o moses_n chronology_n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n text_n for_o that_o of_o the_o septuagint_n reckon_v up_o above_o two_o thousand_o year_n from_o the_o flood_n to_o sesostris_n whereas_o the_o egyptian_n do_v reckon_v up_o but_o a_o little_a above_o fourteen_o hundred_o year_n from_o menes_n the_o first_o king_n of_o egypt_n to_o sesostris_n there_o be_v yet_o less_o difficulty_n to_o answer_v the_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v make_v against_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n from_o the_o pretend_a antiquity_n of_o the_o chaldean_n the_o same_o diodorus_n siculus_n who_o say_v 31._o diodor._fw-la l._n 2._o sect._n 30_o 31._o that_o the_o egyptian_n propose_v so_o great_a a_o antiquity_n of_o the_o world_n tell_v we_o also_o that_o the_o chaldean_n believe_v it_o eternal_a and_o that_o they_o boast_v in_o alexander_n time_n that_o they_o have_v learn_v astronomy_n by_o tradition_n from_o their_o ancestor_n who_o have_v all_o successive_o make_v it_o their_o study_n for_o four_o hundred_o seventy_o two_o thousand_o year_n together_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o vain_a than_o these_o pretence_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o show_v here_o the_o folly_n of_o their_o opinion_n about_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n if_o aristotle_n seem_v to_o have_v authorise_a it_o yet_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o confute_v that_o opinion_n to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o democritus_n himself_o who_o pretend_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o chance_n yet_o dare_v not_o oppose_v the_o common_a and_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n be_v new_a though_o he_o have_v the_o boldness_n to_o reject_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o that_o action_n by_o which_o it_o be_v create_v neither_o do_v i_o intend_v to_o be_v prolix_a here_o in_o confute_v the_o supposition_n of_o the_o chaldean_n about_o their_o ancestor_n follow_v the_o study_n of_o astrology_n for_o 472000_o year_n successive_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o flood_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o those_o nation_n of_o who_o we_o have_v any_o antiquity_n though_o never_o so_o little_a considerable_a in_o pagan_a author_n but_o i_o shall_v make_v two_o observation_n whereof_o one_o show_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o chaldean_a hypothesis_n and_o the_o other_o do_v invincible_o establish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n if_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o we_o know_v for_o certain_a and_o in_o the_o chaldean_a history_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o most_o ancient_a author_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o chaldean_n be_v descend_v from_o the_o egyptian_n who_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o colony_n of_o their_o own_o diodorus_n siculus_n say_v that_o the_o egyptian_n maintain_v that_o they_o have_v send_v out_o several_a colony_n into_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o belus_n the_o son_n of_o neptune_n and_o lybia_n have_v conduct_v one_o into_o babylon_n and_o that_o have_v fix_v it_o near_o euphrates_n he_o establish_v some_o priest_n among_o they_o according_a to_o the_o egyptian_a custom_n who_o be_v free_a from_o all_o public_a charge_n and_o office_n who_o the_o babylonian_n do_v call_v chaldean_n and_o who_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n 261._o ap._n joseph_n antiq._n l._n 1._o c._n 5._o pausan_n messen_n p._n 261._o philosopher_n and_o astrologer_n do_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o star_n hestiaeus_n and_o pausanias_n say_v the_o same_o with_o diodorus_n now_o one_o needs_o only_o examine_v here_o what_o the_o egyptian_n do_v say_v about_o the_o invention_n of_o astrology_n which_o they_o ascribe_v to_o menes_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o ham_n or_o to_o mizraim_n who_o live_v after_o the_o flood_n thereby_o to_o discover_v the_o foolish_a vanity_n of_o the_o chaldean_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o chaldean_n grow_v so_o vain_a by_o the_o growth_n of_o so_o considerable_a a_o empire_n as_o they_o be_v that_o they_o will_v be_v no_o long_o behold_v to_o the_o egyptian_a astrologer_n who_o all_o other_o nation_n have_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o first_o inventor_n of_o that_o science_n to_o the_o invent_v and_o perfect_v of_o which_o all_o man_n know_v that_o the_o egyptian_a climate_n where_o the_o sky_n be_v always_o free_a from_o cloud_n do_v very_o much_o contribute_v and_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a that_o both_o the_o chaldean_n and_o the_o egyptian_n begin_v their_o year_n with_o the_o same_o month_n according_a to_o censorinus_n observation_n c._n xxi_o de_fw-fr die_v nat._n i_o know_v very_o well_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n be_v mistake_v when_o they_o pretend_v that_o the_o chaldean_n go_v out_o of_o egypt_n as_o a_o plantation_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o kind_n of_o illusion_n in_o this_o their_o opinion_n but_o yet_o the_o ground_n and_o origine_fw-la of_o it_o be_v uncontrollable_a because_o the_o chaldean_n be_v descend_v from_o cush_n ham_n elder_a son_n as_o moses_n tell_v gen._n x._o therefore_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o chaldean_n be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o astrology_n yet_o this_o will_v be_v always_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v find_v out_o only_o since_o ham_n time_n who_o the_o egyptian_n do_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o last_o of_o their_o hero_n or_o as_o the_o first_o of_o their_o king_n the_o other_o observation_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o mind_v here_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a chaldean_a antiquity_n one_o may_v prove_v by_o the_o astronomical_a demonstration_n of_o the_o chaldean_n which_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v altogether_o unacquainted_a with_o that_o moses_n follow_v a_o calculation_n which_o be_v then_o general_o know_v aristotle_n the_o first_o grecian_a that_o ever_o teach_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n contrary_a to_o moses_n history_n be_v the_o man_n who_o furnish_v we_o with_o it_o he_o take_v care_n to_o send_v over_o into_o greece_n the_o astronomical_a observation_n of_o the_o chaldean_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v coelo_fw-la simplic_n in_o l._n 2._o de_fw-la coelo_fw-la that_o babylon_n be_v take_v by_o alexander_n about_o 1903_o year_n after_o its_o foundation_n now_o that_o calculation_n agree_v exact_o with_o that_o of_o moses_n xi_o gen._n xi_o who_o give_v we_o the_o description_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n and_o explain_v the_o original_a of_o the_o name_n of_o that_o city_n which_o be_v build_v some_o age_n after_o by_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n which_o then_o happen_v and_o true_o it_o will_v be_v very_o admirable_a that_o the_o heaven_n in_o their_o motion_n shall_v have_v enter_v into_o a_o confederacy_n with_o moses_n to_o justify_v a_o chronology_n invent_v by_o he_o in_o sport_n without_o keep_v to_o any_o rule_n but_o write_v
by_o chance_n and_o without_o any_o certain_a principle_n chap._n xx._n a_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o china_n against_o the_o mosaic_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o newness_n of_o the_o world._n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o other_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v make_v against_o moses_n calculation_n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n text_n as_o we_o have_v it_o now_o it_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o history_n of_o china_n who_o uninterrupted_a series_n run_v up_o the_o succession_n of_o their_o emperor_n to_o fobius_fw-la who_o reign_v about_o four_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o flood_n some_o learned_a man_n have_v already_o make_v use_n of_o that_o argument_n to_o discredit_v the_o mosaic_a chronology_n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o to_o cry_v up_o the_o calculation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n which_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n in_o the_o history_n before_o the_o flood_n by_o 800_o year_n and_o above_o 700_o in_o the_o history_n from_o the_o flood_n to_o moses_n this_o objection_n appear_v very_o strong_a to_o those_o who_o read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o martinius_n that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o interruption_n in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o king_n of_o china_n from_o fobius_fw-la that_o the_o history_n of_o their_o action_n be_v so_o certain_a have_v always_o be_v write_v by_o a_o public_a authority_n that_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o entertain_v any_o doubt_n about_o it_o and_o the_o missionary_n in_o china_n have_v think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o reconcile_v the_o mosaic_a chronology_n with_o the_o chinese_n but_o in_o make_v use_n of_o the_o septuagint_n account_n and_o wherein_o they_o agree_v with_o all_o the_o asiatic_a christian_n and_o even_o those_o in_o europe_n who_o follow_v the_o septuagint_n in_o their_o reckon_n up_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o most_o part_n though_o st._n hierome_n translation_n which_o follow_v the_o hebrew_n text_n exact_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o west_n but_o after_o all_o there_o be_v little_a difficulty_n in_o answer_v this_o objection_n and_o we_o may_v hereupon_o easy_o satisfy_v those_o who_o do_v not_o dispute_v only_o for_o dispute_v sake_n but_o be_v ready_a to_o examine_v this_o question_n with_o that_o equity_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o question_n of_o that_o nature_n i_o confess_v ingenious_o that_o this_o history_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a in_o the_o world_n have_v many_o illustrious_a character_n of_o certainty_n especial_o if_o we_o give_v credit_n to_o all_o that_o martinius_n relate_v of_o it_o first_o it_o mark_v out_o exact_o the_o series_n and_o succession_n of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o china_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n and_o original_n of_o that_o nation_n second_o it_o record_v in_o what_o year_n of_o each_o cycle_n of_o threescore_o year_n every_o king_n begin_v his_o reign_n 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common_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n who_o they_o call_v xangti_n which_o be_v not_o the_o name_n but_o the_o epithet_n of_o god_n this_o word_n signify_v supreme_a governor_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n three_o he_o say_v that_o they_o acknowledge_v a_o first_o man_n bring_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o chaos_n in_o one_o night_n in_o the_o spring_n which_o opinion_n some_o among_o they_o have_v make_v intricate_a by_o the_o addition_n of_o their_o own_o fable_n four_o he_o show_v that_o sacrifice_n have_v be_v in_o use_n among_o they_o five_o that_o they_o believe_v a_o certainty_n of_o punishment_n and_o reward_n after_o this_o life_n for_o vice_n and_o virtue_n six_o that_o they_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a angel_n seven_o that_o they_o assign_v to_o some_o of_o they_o the_o protection_n of_o city_n and_o province_n and_o pay_v they_o great_a veneration_n at_o the_o instalment_n of_o their_o magistrate_n eight_o that_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v incorporeal_a being_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o of_o late_a that_o they_o have_v erect_v and_o consecrate_a statue_n to_o they_o and_o last_o that_o they_o have_v a_o very_a great_a knowledge_n of_o the_o flood_n which_o in_o their_o account_n happen_v about_o 3500_o year_n before_o jesus_n christ_n here_o be_v we_o see_v many_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n and_o which_o be_v know_v to_o they_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v easy_o judge_v in_o compare_v those_o truth_n with_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n that_o the_o ancient_a chinese_n do_v agree_v with_o all_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o believe_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n lay_v down_o by_o moses_n we_o may_v likewise_o observe_v that_o those_o antiquity_n of_o china_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v as_o like_o those_o record_v by_o moses_n as_o a_o tradition_n which_o can_v but_o have_v receive_v many_o alteration_n during_o such_o a_o long_a interval_n of_o time_n can_v be_v like_a to_o a_o 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god_n when_o he_o separate_v they_o from_o cain_n family_n three_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o when_o the_o chinese_n have_v reckon_v up_o thirteen_o king_n lineal_o descend_v from_o the_o first_o man_n and_o his_o successor_n they_o have_v include_v in_o that_o number_n cain_n and_o abel_n who_o though_o they_o be_v both_o the_o son_n of_o the_o first_o man_n yet_o be_v not_o reckon_v up_o by_o moses_n because_o his_o scope_n be_v only_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o lineal_a descent_n of_o adam_n posterity_n by_o seth._n they_o believe_v that_o under_o ginhohang_fw-mi there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o golden_a age_n the_o earth_n be_v then_o fruitful_a to_o admiration_n and_o that_o under_o his_o successor_n man_n be_v extreme_o simple_a and_o altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o several_a art_n necessary_a to_o human_a life_n as_o of_o character_n and_o letter_n one_o sujus_fw-la to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o they_o
little_a more_o than_o forty_o year_n interval_n betwixt_o the_o conquest_n of_o canaan_n by_o joshua_n and_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o israelite_n under_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n have_v it_o not_o be_v a_o fit_a time_n then_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o moses_n law_n and_o to_o publish_v the_o pretend_a lie_n and_o imposture_n of_o his_o history_n be_v not_o the_o comparison_n which_o the_o israelite_n can_v easy_o make_v betwixt_o the_o mosaic_a write_n and_o the_o tradition_n general_o receive_v in_o the_o country_n of_o their_o captivity_n a_o natural_a and_o ready_a mean_n to_o undeceive_v they_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o see_v that_o they_o obstinate_o entertain_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o several_a transaction_n record_v by_o moses_n and_o stand_v firm_o to_o all_o their_o pretension_n nay_o we_o see_v they_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o remedy_n of_o repentance_n which_o moses_n prescribe_v they_o to_o use_v in_o those_o sad_a misfortune_n which_o he_o foretell_v shall_v befall_v they_o and_o out_o of_o which_o he_o promise_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o god_n will_v miraculous_o deliver_v they_o which_o indeed_o be_v do_v according_o even_o fourteen_o time_n within_o less_o than_o four_o hundred_o year_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n can_v there_o then_o be_v a_o more_o pregnant_a argument_n that_o if_o moses_n make_v it_o death_n by_o one_o of_o his_o sanction_n for_o any_o of_o the_o israelite_n to_o contest_v the_o truth_n either_o of_o his_o write_n or_o of_o his_o oracle_n and_o miracle_n it_o be_v not_o to_o force_v the_o belief_n of_o they_o without_o examination_n but_o rather_o only_o to_o prevent_v the_o corruption_n of_o that_o people_n and_o their_o mingle_n and_o confound_v themselves_o with_o the_o heathen_n which_o god_n intend_v to_o hinder_v on_o purpose_n because_o he_o will_v have_v the_o messiah_n to_o be_v bear_v according_a to_o his_o promise_n out_o of_o that_o nation_n which_o to_o effect_v he_o think_v fit_a in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n to_o employ_v the_o rigour_n of_o some_o capital_a law_n to_o keep_v that_o people_n unmixed_a and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n till_o the_o messiah_n be_v bear_v chap._n xxii_o the_o consequence_n of_o what_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o our_o forego_v observation_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n these_o several_a observation_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v all_o i_o think_v very_o natural_a and_o easy_a and_o if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v solid_o the_o truth_n of_o moses_n account_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o conclusion_n that_o i_o draw_v out_o of_o the_o premise_n be_v that_o first_o i_o assert_v that_o moses_n that_o famous_a hebrew_n who_o be_v design_v to_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n be_v the_o true_a and_o sole_a author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n second_o i_o maintain_v that_o this_o be_v once_o grant_v he_o can_v not_o according_a to_o his_o way_n of_o write_v record_v those_o important_a transaction_n he_o relate_v otherwise_o than_o they_o real_o come_v to_o pass_v three_o i_o maintain_v that_o though_o he_o have_v not_o be_v a_o eye_n witness_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o have_v make_v the_o description_n of_o it_o according_a to_o such_o a_o authentic_a tradition_n as_o can_v be_v reasonable_o doubt_v of_o because_o it_o be_v then_o the_o universal_a tradition_n not_o only_o of_o the_o moabite_n of_o the_o ammonite_n of_o the_o ishmaelite_n and_o of_o the_o edomite_n who_o be_v all_o of_o sem_n posterity_n and_o among_o who_o he_o have_v be_v travel_v for_o forty_o year_n together_o but_o also_o of_o the_o egyptian_n of_o his_o own_o people_n and_o in_o a_o word_n of_o all_o man_n then_o live_v in_o the_o world._n four_o i_o maintain_v that_o he_o never_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o nor_o contradict_v till_o true_a reason_n and_o sense_n if_o i_o may_v say_v so_o be_v lose_v and_o banish_v from_o among_o mankind_n till_o the_o egyptian_n for_o example_n they_o who_o use_v before_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o greek_n as_o mere_a child_n and_o idiot_n be_v fall_v into_o so_o great_a a_o stupidity_n and_o deprivation_n of_o sense_n as_o to_o believe_v and_o maintain_v that_o man_n be_v first_o bear_v in_o egypt_n because_o forsooth_o frog_n do_v natural_o as_o they_o think_v breed_v out_o of_o their_o muddy_a fen_n and_o marsh_n five_o i_o maintain_v that_o for_o many_o age_n after_o moses_n no_o body_n do_v ever_o public_o declare_v for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o yet_o for_o its_o fortuitous_a production_n these_o opinion_n be_v mere_a absurdity_n and_o chimaera_n bring_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o chaldean_n and_o greek_n only_o about_o alexander_n time_n or_o perhaps_o a_o hundred_o year_n before_o he_o i._n e._n about_o eleven_o or_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n after_o moses_n decease_n six_o i_o maintain_v that_o see_v there_o be_v no_o particular_a time_n to_o be_v find_v wherein_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n be_v interrupt_v and_o discontinue_v for_o any_o considerable_a time_n among_o the_o jew_n see_v it_o continue_v still_o to_o this_o very_a hour_n among_o they_o every_o sabbath_n day_n in_o the_o several_a place_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o they_o be_v disperse_v and_o see_v beside_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o law_n which_o enjoin_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o creation_n can_v never_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o without_o their_o perceive_v and_o declare_v present_o the_o novelty_n and_o supposition_n of_o that_o account_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v relate_v see_v all_o this_o be_v certain_a i_o do_v positive_o maintain_v that_o the_o truth_n 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people_n of_o the_o world_n who_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v it_o but_o also_o have_v always_o have_v according_a to_o god_n command_n the_o memory_n of_o it_o celebrate_v among_o they_o and_o their_o ancestor_n in_o all_o their_o generation_n fifty_o two_o time_n in_o a_o year_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o world._n reflection_n upon_o the_o four_o last_o book_n of_o moses_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n preface_n when_o i_o begin_v at_o first_o these_o reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n i_o design_v only_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o first_o man_n and_o so_o to_o show_v by_o argument_n from_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o neither_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o yet_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o god_n make_v to_o man_n after_o his_o sin_n can_v reasonable_o be_v dispute_v or_o doubt_v of_o i_o design_v after_o that_o to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o 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thing_n in_o itself_o there_o be_v no_o less_o absurdity_n to_o dispute_v our_o saviour_n resurrection_n than_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o first_o man._n now_o if_o this_o argument_n hold_v as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o easy_o so_o neither_o can_v there_o be_v a_o strong_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o provide_v we_o be_v once_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o consequent_o embrace_v his_o religion_n but_o it_o seem_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o meditation_n i_o be_v insensible_o carry_v further_a in_o my_o observation_n upon_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n than_o i_o think_v at_o first_o to_o be_v therefore_o instead_o of_o pass_v now_o as_o i_o propose_v in_o the_o beginning_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n which_o be_v a_o solid_a and_o compendious_a way_n of_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n i_o find_v myself_o engage_v according_a to_o my_o present_a method_n to_o continue_v to_o make_v the_o like_a reflection_n upon_o the_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n that_o i_o may_v yet_o more_o full_o demonstrate_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n who_o god_n promise_v to_o man_n immediate_o after_o his_o sin_n and_o this_o i_o intend_v to_o show_v so_o plain_o as_o will_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o god_n have_v real_o accomplish_v his_o first_o design_n and_o exact_o perform_v all_o his_o promise_n relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n according_a to_o the_o first_o idea_n he_o give_v of_o his_o come_n to_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n first_o then_o i_o design_v to_o trace_v up_o the_o method_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o use_v to_o make_v the_o messiah_n know_v without_o mistake_n when_o ever_o he_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o world._n second_o i_o will_v make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o several_a notion_n he_o give_v of_o he_o long_o before_o in_o his_o oracle_n to_o characterise_v his_o person_n his_o office_n his_o action_n his_o suffering_n his_o glory_n etc._n etc._n last_o of_o all_o i_o will_v show_v that_o we_o have_v all_o this_o whole_a project_n and_o design_n exact_o accomplish_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v write_v by_o christ_n disciple_n now_o as_o this_o method_n which_o god_n have_v particular_o choose_v to_o make_v the_o messiah_n know_v appear_v also_o in_o the_o other_o book_n of_o moses_n so_o i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o i_o particular_o to_o view_v and_o examine_v these_o book_n that_o i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o illustrate_v several_a thing_n in_o they_o which_o deserve_v a_o particular_a attention_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v consider_v together_o and_o as_o it_o be_v at_o one_o view_n for_o the_o prophecy_n be_v thus_o consider_v together_o in_o their_o connexion_n and_o progress_n do_v more_o plain_o evidence_n god_n design_n and_o may_v better_o convince_v or_o confound_v the_o jew_n therefore_o i_o intend_v according_o to_o consider_v those_o oracle_n with_o attention_n and_o to_o join_v they_o together_o that_o so_o they_o may_v in_o their_o conjunction_n cast_v forth_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o light_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o infidel_n who_o may_v happen_v to_o peruse_v this_o book_n for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o after_o the_o perusal_n of_o my_o observation_n in_o it_o a_o ordinary_a attention_n in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o man_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n which_o be_v all_o i_o intend_v to_o prove_v as_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o treatise_n now_o as_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o patriarch_n religion_n according_a to_o the_o account_n moses_n have_v give_v we_o of_o it_o in_o his_o book_n of_o genesis_n have_v take_v up_o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o so_o i_o design_v to_o examine_v in_o this_o second_o part_n the_o israelite_n religion_n and_o to_o follow_v in_o my_o search_n the_o account_n which_o moses_n give_v of_o it_o in_o his_o other_o four_o book_n and_o as_o to_o effect_v this_o it_o be_v very_o important_a to_o establish_v beforehand_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o four_o book_n so_o i_o intend_v to_o show_v first_o of_o all_o that_o moses_n be_v the_o true_a author_n of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v intrinsic_a character_n of_o undeniable_a certainty_n then_o second_o it_o will_v be_v natural_a for_o i_o to_o show_v that_o moses_n in_o the_o write_n of_o they_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o view_n as_o particular_o promise_v of_o god_n to_o the_o patriarch_n of_o his_o own_o nation_n and_o as_o be_v consequent_o the_o principal_a if_o not_o the_o sole_a object_n of_o their_o hope_n three_o i_o intend_v to_o show_v that_o if_o we_o serious_o examine_v moses_n law_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o such_o a_o method_n observe_v as_o be_v both_o very_a agreeable_a to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n s_o design_n in_o genesis_n and_o very_o worthy_a of_o his_o wisdom_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o he_o be_v please_v to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o of_o his_o intention_n by_o the_o prophet_n who_o follow_v moses_n reflection_n upon_o the_o four_o last_o book_n of_o moses_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chapter_n i._n that_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o exodus_fw-la and_o of_o the_o three_o other_o follow_v book_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o may_v be_v ground_v upon_o several_a solid_a argument_n i_o may_v observe_v that_o moses_n have_v always_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o very_a heathen_n themselves_o not_o only_o to_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a historian_n but_o also_o the_o most_o ancient_a legislator_n in_o the_o world._n i_o may_v likewise_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a connexion_n betwixt_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n and_o the_o other_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o well_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o general_a design_n of_o their_o author_n as_o of_o the_o matter_n treat_v of_o in_o they_o for_o example_n we_o see_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o law_n and_o transaction_n which_o we_o find_v write_v and_o record_v there_o derive_v their_o original_a from_o those_o transaction_n and_o passage_n that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o genesis_n thus_o we_o may_v plain_o discern_v that_o the_o pretention_n of_o the_o israelite_n upon_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o promise_n that_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n to_o give_v it_o to_o his_o posterity_n in_o the_o four_o generation_n thus_o we_o may_v see_v that_o the_o amalekite_n can_v have_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o make_v war_n against_o the_o israelite_n than_o the_o old_a alliance_n that_o be_v former_o make_v betwixt_o amalek_n and_o the_o canaanite_n which_o without_o doubt_n engage_v his_o posterity_n to_o be_v the_o first_o opposer_n of_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o sedition_n of_o the_o israelite_n against_o moses_n under_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o order_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o genesis_n because_o the_o elder_a think_v themselves_o wrong_v of_o their_o birthright_n think_v they_o may_v just_o rebel_v against_o moses_n in_o order_n to_o recover_v it_o but_o i_o haste_v to_o thing_n more_o material_a than_o these_o and_o first_o it_o be_v here_o observable_a that_o those_o book_n be_v not_o only_o religious_o keep_v in_o every_o family_n of_o israel_n but_o that_o they_o be_v also_o once_o solemn_o deposit_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n as_o a_o public_a record_n and_o that_o by_o moses_n himself_o a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o testimony_n against_o that_o people_n as_o we_o read_v it_o deuteronomy_n xxxi_o 26._o second_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o moses_n do_v straight_o charge_v both_o joshuah_n and_o the_o head_n of_o the_o people_n to_o read_v they_o frequent_o and_o careful_o for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v so_o joshua_n 1.8_o nay_o we_o see_v about_o 500_o year_n after_o the_o holy_a man_n david_n who_o have_v make_v during_o his_o life_n i._o psal_n i._o the_o supreme_a felicity_n of_o a_o man_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o read_n the_o law_n of_o god_n day_n and_o night_n we_o see_v i_o say_v that_o holy_a man_n give_v in_o his_o deathbed_n the_o same_o charge_n to_o solomon_n i_o king_n three_o moreover_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v many_o law_n and_o sanction_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o history_n of_o succeed_a time_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o read_v nothing_o in_o the_o book_n of_o
any_o thing_n to_o they_o as_o we_o see_v it_o deuteronomy_n iu._n 2._o it_o be_v then_o impossible_a see_v that_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v always_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o those_o book_n that_o they_o shall_v ever_o have_v attempt_v the_o alteration_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o they_o nay_o we_o see_v not_o without_o wonder_n that_o after_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n of_o israel_n be_v transport_v into_o assyria_n those_o that_o be_v send_v from_o assyria_n to_o inhabit_v their_o country_n do_v receive_v that_o law_n and_o that_o their_o posterity_n have_v keep_v it_o all_o along_o to_o this_o day_n as_o uncorrupted_a as_o the_o jew_n although_o they_o continue_v their_o mortal_a enemy_n and_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o all_o the_o change_n and_o revolution_n that_o can_v befall_v a_o nation_n during_o the_o long_a interval_n of_o 2400_o year_n the_o three_o observation_n which_o deserve_v a_o singular_a attention_n be_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a and_o many_o corruption_n which_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n fall_v into_o yet_o these_o book_n have_v still_o be_v keep_v up_o in_o the_o same_o form_n that_o we_o have_v they_o now_o it_o appear_v out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o josiah_n relate_v 2_o king_n xxiii_o 21._o that_o after_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n own_o writing_n be_v find_v in_o the_o temple_n the_o king_n command_v all_o the_o people_n to_o keep_v the_o passover_n unto_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o this_o covenant_n now_o we_o have_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o passover_n exod._n xii_o which_o show_v that_o josiah_n by_o the_o book_n of_o this_o covenant_n mean_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n such_o as_o we_o have_v they_o now_o adays_o and_o such_o as_o they_o be_v when_o moses_n deposit_v they_o into_o the_o sanctuary_n it_o be_v important_a to_o consider_v well_o all_o that_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o forementioned_a chapter_n of_o two_o king_n for_o we_o may_v gather_v out_o of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o this_o law_n that_o they_o begin_v to_o reform_v all_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n which_o have_v be_v introduce_v in_o their_o religion_n and_o countenance_v by_o the_o royal_a authority_n from_o solomon_n time_n to_o josiah_n this_o chapter_n relate_v and_o commend_v the_o proceed_n of_o josiah_n only_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o ill_a government_n of_o his_o predecessor_n and_o to_o the_o public_a monument_n of_o their_o superstition_n which_o he_o abolish_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n law_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o impose_v herein_o upon_o posterity_n for_o first_o the_o transaction_n record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n do_v not_o only_o relate_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n but_o also_o to_o most_o of_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n second_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o continue_v so_o lively_a and_o universal_a that_o almost_o 1500_o year_n after_o moses_n the_o name_n of_o those_o magician_n speak_v of_o exod._n vii_o 11._o be_v as_o yet_o know_v not_o only_o among_o the_o jew_n as_o we_o see_v it_o by_o a_o express_a passage_n of_o s._n paul_n who_o speak_v of_o they_o 1._o hist_o nat._n l._n 30._o c._n 1._o and_o mention_v their_o name_n 2_o tim._n iii_o 8._o but_o also_o among_o the_o heathen_n as_o both_o pliny_n and_o numenius_n do_v attest_v it_o i_o point_v only_o at_o those_o general_a proof_n at_o present_a because_o i_o have_v already_o make_v use_n of_o they_o and_o show_v their_o force_n in_o my_o observation_n upon_o genesis_n and_o because_o i_o intend_v to_o repeat_v and_o improve_v some_o of_o they_o hereafter_o in_o this_o treatise_n but_o now_o in_o order_n to_o follow_v my_o present_a design_n i_o must_v come_v to_o the_o more_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o these_o book_n which_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n chap._n ii_o that_o both_o the_o character_n of_o moses_n be_v person_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o relate_v have_v always_o make_v man_n read_v his_o book_n with_o attention_n the_o subject_a of_o some_o book_n be_v such_o as_o that_o alone_o will_v recommend_v they_o to_o the_o attention_n of_o any_o reader_n though_o their_o author_n have_v no_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o when_o beside_o the_o importance_n of_o their_o subject_n the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v famous_a and_o of_o great_a repute_n then_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o never_o fail_v to_o be_v read_v with_o serious_a attention_n and_o preserve_v with_o as_o great_a a_o care_n the_o book_n of_o moses_n have_v both_o these_o advantage_n so_o that_o they_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suspect_v of_o the_o least_o alteration_n or_o forgery_n the_o first_o character_n that_o we_o discover_v in_o these_o book_n at_o the_o first_o view_v of_o they_o be_v the_o great_a singularity_n and_o admirable_a diversity_n of_o their_o style_n and_o of_o the_o matter_n they_o treat_v of_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o other_o legislator_n do_v ever_o affect_v to_o act_v the_o part_n of_o historian_n no_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o their_o absolute_a power_n to_o make_v law_n without_o give_v any_o reason_n for_o the_o sanction_n of_o they_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v common_o nothing_o more_o dry_a and_o sapless_a than_o all_o their_o regulation_n about_o both_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n but_o moses_n we_o see_v have_v follow_v a_o more_o reasonable_a and_o more_o satisfactory_a method_n all_o his_o regulation_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o great_a transaction_n which_o he_o relate_v he_o enact_v no_o law_n of_o any_o consequence_n but_o he_o intimate_v to_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o reason_n which_o challenge_v their_o obedience_n and_o make_v they_o by_o that_o mean_n reflect_v both_o upon_o the_o several_a mercy_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o great_a miracle_n they_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o i_o confess_v indeed_o that_o the_o use_n and_o scope_n of_o some_o of_o his_o regulation_n be_v very_o abstruse_a especial_o now_o that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o several_a heathen_a custom_n which_o god_n design_v to_o abolish_v from_o among_o that_o people_n new_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n where_o during_o their_o captivity_n they_o have_v comply_v and_o accustom_a themselves_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o the_o rite_n and_o religion_n of_o their_o master_n the_o egyptian_n but_o yet_o how_o abstruse_a soever_o the_o design_n of_o some_o of_o those_o law_n may_v now_o appear_v to_o be_v we_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o general_a scope_n of_o they_o all_o be_v to_o keep_v that_o people_n from_o idolatry_n in_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n as_o also_o to_o quicken_v their_o desire_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o promise_n of_o who_o come_v have_v be_v make_v by_o god_n in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o world_n and_o renew_v several_a time_n to_o the_o head_n of_o their_o nation_n however_o we_o see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o those_o law_n religion_n and_o policy_n so_o interweave_v together_o that_o the_o latter_a seem_v to_o subsist_v only_o by_o the_o support_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o former_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o human_a legislator_n who_o do_v not_o so_o much_o regard_v the_o establishment_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o preservation_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o state_n and_o commonwealth_n if_o any_o jew_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v inform_v about_o the_o tradition_n of_o his_o ancestor_n and_o the_o transaction_n of_o old_a moses_n have_v preserve_v it_o with_o such_o care_n with_o so_o many_o mark_n of_o fidelity_n and_o so_o clear_a and_o plain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o history_n beside_o he_o that_o can_v give_v any_o satisfactory_a information_n about_o the_o original_a of_o thing_n all_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o heathen_n which_o yet_o make_v up_o the_o most_o ancient_a tradition_n they_o have_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o the_o several_a truth_n that_o moses_n relate_v in_o his_o history_n if_o any_o jew_n desire_v to_o see_v the_o beginning_n of_o that_o common_a wealth_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n moses_n give_v a_o accurate_a account_n of_o they_o if_o any_o jew_n desire_v to_o know_v the_o original_a of_o mankind_n or_o what_o be_v the_o true_a happiness_n of_o man_n and_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o be_v a_o partaker_n of_o that_o happiness_n moses_n teach_v all_o that_o with_o great_a evidence_n and_o exactness_n if_o any_o jew_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o know_v the_o occasion_n of_o
those_o song_n that_o be_v so_o much_o in_o fashion_n among_o those_o of_o his_o nation_n he_o may_v easy_o satisfy_v his_o curiosity_n by_o read_v moses_n history_n if_o any_o jew_n desire_v to_o know_v what_o sort_n of_o exhortation_n they_o be_v which_o the_o founder_n both_o of_o their_o religion_n and_o commonwealth_n have_v former_o make_v to_o their_o forefather_n moses_n relate_v a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o in_o his_o book_n if_o any_o jew_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o receive_v instruction_n about_o the_o original_a and_o cause_n of_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n he_o enjoy_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o god_n have_v possess_v his_o nation_n of_o after_o the_o expulsion_n of_o those_o people_n that_o have_v be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o for_o many_o age_n moses_n give_v as_o good_a account_n of_o all_o that_o as_o can_v be_v desire_v if_o any_o jew_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o know_v the_o original_a of_o the_o several_a calamity_n that_o befall_v his_o nation_n on_o several_a occasion_n moses_n acquaint_v they_o both_o with_o the_o cause_n and_o remedy_n of_o all_o their_o affliction_n last_o if_o the_o jew_n desire_v to_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o future_a condition_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n in_o after_o age_n moses_n foretell_v it_o in_o so_o particular_a and_o clear_a a_o manner_n that_o they_o may_v look_v upon_o his_o prophecy_n not_o as_o certain_a prophecy_n only_o but_o as_o a_o plain_a history_n of_o future_a event_n begin_v and_o trace_v out_o before_o their_o accomplishment_n all_o this_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o read_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n with_o care_n that_o we_o may_v just_o observe_v three_o thing_n in_o his_o person_n which_o as_o they_o raise_v he_o above_o all_o common_a author_n so_o they_o can_v but_o strengthen_v the_o belief_n and_o increase_v the_o esteem_n and_o veneration_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v for_o his_o history_n the_o first_o be_v that_o whereas_o all_o man_n be_v careful_a to_o conceal_v their_o own_o infirmity_n and_o whatever_o be_v dishonourable_a to_o their_o famille_n moses_n on_o the_o contrary_n seem_v to_o have_v affect_v to_o record_v all_o the_o thing_n that_o can_v blemish_v the_o memory_n of_o his_o ancestor_n and_o derogate_v to_o his_o own_o reputation_n he_o blemish_n jacob_n memory_n by_o his_o relate_n how_o he_o prefer_v joseph_n the_o son_n of_o his_o belove_a wife_n to_o reuben_n his_o elder_a who_o he_o unjust_o deprive_v of_o his_o birthright_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o other_o which_o injustice_n be_v express_o forbid_v by_o one_o of_o moses_n law_n thus_o he_o lay_v a_o eternal_a blot_n and_o reproach_n upon_o the_o memory_n of_o levi_n the_o head_n of_o his_o own_o family_n when_o he_o mention_n his_o cruelty_n and_o violence_n against_o the_o sichemite_n and_o the_o dispersion_n of_o his_o posterity_n among_o the_o other_o tribe_n of_o israel_n nay_o what_o be_v more_o he_o vilify_v his_o own_o birth_n by_o forbid_v any_o marriage_n betwixt_o a_o aunt_n and_o her_o nephew_n see_v he_o relate_v that_o he_o himself_o be_v bear_v of_o jocabed_a both_o aunt_n and_o wife_n to_o his_o father_n amram_n he_o describe_v his_o own_o incredulity_n with_o all_o the_o ingenuity_n imaginable_a when_o he_o represent_v the_o several_a miracle_n which_o god_n wrought_v by_o he_o he_o seem_v to_o speak_v of_o himself_o only_o to_o lay_v open_a his_o own_o fail_n and_o sin_n such_o a_o sincerity_n and_o impartiality_n we_o know_v confirm_v and_o increase_v mighty_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o author_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v that_o moses_n not_o regard_v the_o advantage_n and_o honour_n of_o his_o own_o family_n leave_v the_o government_n of_o israel_n to_o joshuah_n one_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o ephraim_n and_o so_o reduce_v his_o own_o child_n and_o their_o posterity_n to_o the_o low_a condition_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o levite_n who_o be_v of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n to_o that_o of_o priest_n for_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o they_o ever_o after_o renew_v the_o pretension_n which_o they_o may_v otherwise_o have_v have_v to_o succeed_v moses_n now_o such_o neglect_n of_o his_o family_n show_v that_o moses_n principle_n be_v raise_v much_o above_o the_o ordinary_a pitch_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o law_n giver_n who_o be_v absolute_a and_o supreme_a over_o their_o people_n the_o three_o thing_n observable_a here_o be_v that_o moses_n have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o conquest_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n it_o all_o be_v subdue_v after_o his_o death_n nay_o it_o be_v that_o conquest_n that_o fix_v and_o settle_v the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n which_o be_v before_o unsettle_a and_o as_o it_o be_v ambulatory_a in_o the_o desert_n now_o how_o can_v such_o a_o singular_a design_n as_o moses_n describe_v in_o his_o law_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n by_o any_o other_o than_o by_o he_o that_o form_v it_o it_o be_v joshua_n that_o make_v this_o conquest_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o possess_v the_o jew_n of_o it_o now_o to_o be_v sure_a if_o that_o people_n have_v not_o be_v then_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o moses_n law_n they_o will_v never_o have_v fail_v after_o so_o great_a a_o alteration_n to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o power_n and_o liberty_n in_o throw_v off_o the_o troublesome_a yoke_n of_o his_o law_n nor_o yet_o will_v joshua_n and_o all_o his_o successor_n in_o the_o government_n ever_o have_v maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o law_n if_o they_o have_v not_o look_v upon_o moses_n not_o only_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a man_n but_o also_o as_o one_o particular_o commissionated_a by_o god_n to_o make_v that_o body_n of_o law_n for_o the_o regulate_v of_o his_o people_n we_o read_v in_o those_o book_n of_o moses_n die_a in_o the_o mountain_n of_o moab_n now_o that_o be_v suppose_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o if_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n have_v not_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o god_n himself_o give_v their_o law_n to_o moses_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n mention_v by_o he_o they_o will_v have_v continue_v to_o keep_v up_o such_o a_o ridiculous_a and_o ill_a ground_a conceit_n if_o he_o have_v real_o by_o his_o tyrannical_a authority_n force_v the_o israelite_n into_o a_o compliance_n to_o his_o law_n during_o his_o life_n why_o do_v they_o not_o assoon_o as_o he_o be_v dead_a with_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o authority_n shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o his_o law_n and_o all_o respect_n for_o his_o memory_n one_o thing_n we_o may_v remark_n as_o very_o surprise_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o that_o legislator_n death_n which_o be_v that_o his_o body_n be_v not_o find_v after_o his_o death_n for_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o that_o people_n which_o otherwise_o keep_v up_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o so_o much_o care_n the_o bone_n of_o joseph_n and_o his_o brethren_n in_o order_n to_o bury_v and_o deposite_n they_o in_o the_o sepulcher_n of_o their_o ancestor_n for_o both_o joseph_n and_o his_o brethren_n be_v inter_v in_o judaea_n do_v ever_o build_v a_o tomb_n to_o their_o lawgiver_n or_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o show_v his_o sepulchre_n josephus_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o moses_n write_v himself_o the_o account_n of_o his_o own_o death_n for_o fear_v the_o jew_n shall_v ever_o imagine_v and_o so_o give_v out_o that_o god_n have_v take_v he_o up_o into_o heaven_n i_o see_v i_o confess_v no_o solidity_n in_o that_o conjecture_n of_o he_o but_o yet_o it_o may_v give_v we_o occasion_n to_o make_v a_o reflection_n hereupon_o i_o think_v more_o natural_a and_o easy_a which_o be_v that_o god_n have_v a_o mind_n as_o joshua_n intimate_v it_o to_o confirm_v the_o many_o character_n of_o divinity_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n by_o take_v away_o from_o before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o jew_n his_o corpse_n which_o they_o will_v certain_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v so_o prevent_v have_v keep_v with_o more_o care_n than_o those_o of_o all_o their_o patriarch_n and_o king_n the_o description_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n death_n show_v evident_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o in_o great_a esteem_n during_o his_o life_n but_o that_o even_o his_o death_n do_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o it_o and_o to_o make_v man_n look_v upon_o he_o as_o one_o glorious_o raise_v up_o above_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o man_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n not_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o infirmity_n and_o misery_n incident_a to_o human_a nature_n but_o after_o these_o general_a reflection_n i_o must_v come_v to_o those_o that_o be_v more_o particular_a chap._n iii_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n relate_v by_o moses_n can_v reasonable_o be_v doubt_v of_o whoever_o will_v examine_v with_o attention_n the_o four_o last_o book_n of_o
moses_n shall_v find_v in_o they_o several_a passage_n record_v which_o deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n as_o first_o of_o all_o the_o miraculous_a birth_n the_o extraordinary_a education_n the_o heroical_a courage_n and_o the_o divine_a call_n and_o commission_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o several_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o egypt_n to_o bring_v the_o israelite_n out_o of_o it_o and_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o border_n of_o canaan_n then_o second_o all_o the_o moral_a ceremonial_a and_o political_a law_n which_o moses_n give_v to_o that_o people_n from_o god._n and_o last_o moses_n his_o prophecy_n concern_v their_o future_a condition_n their_o victory_n their_o captivity_n their_o transportation_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o dispersion_n of_o their_o whole_a nation_n all_o which_o passage_n have_v as_o evident_a and_o authentic_a proof_n of_o their_o certainty_n as_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o let_v we_o first_o begin_v with_o the_o narration_n of_o the_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o exodus_fw-la wherein_o we_o see_v that_o after_o moses_n have_v represent_v the_o death_n of_o joseph_n and_o of_o all_o the_o generation_n that_o come_v down_o with_o jacob_n into_o egypt_n he_o write_v his_o own_o history_n and_o represent_v himself_o as_o another_o noah_n save_v out_o of_o the_o water_n to_o save_v and_o deliver_v that_o holy_a family_n the_o whole_a relation_n which_o he_o make_v of_o all_o those_o particular_n be_v very_o strange_a and_o extraordinary_a but_o yet_o his_o circumcision_n and_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o mother_n to_o who_o he_o be_v give_v by_o the_o daughter_n of_o pharaoh_n to_o be_v nurse_v up_o and_o the_o conversation_n of_o that_o princess_n who_o have_v adopt_v he_o and_o make_v herself_o a_o proselyte_n as_o the_o jew_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v rab._n jalk_v in_o h._n l._n ex_fw-la vaiikra_fw-mi rab._n from_o 1_o chron._n iu_o 18._o and_o his_o education_n in_o the_o court_n of_o egypt_n and_o his_o acquaintance_n with_o all_o the_o grandee_n of_o that_o court_n do_v concur_v together_o to_o acquaint_v he_o with_o that_o remarkable_a preservation_n of_o his_o person_n and_o persuade_v he_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o for_o how_o can_v either_o moses_n impose_v or_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o that_o matter_n be_v not_o that_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o egyptian_n by_o which_o they_o compel_v the_o jew_n about_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n birth_n to_o throw_v their_o child_n into_o the_o river_n nilus_n notorious_o know_v of_o all_o man_n be_v not_o the_o public_a building_n and_o strong_a city_n viz._n pythom_n and_o ramese_n so_o call_v from_o the_o name_n of_o king_n rameses_n miamum_n stand_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n and_o be_v it_o not_o public_o know_v by_o all_o the_o world_n that_o the_o poor_a israelite_n be_v the_o slave_n and_o drudge_n who_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o erect_v those_o building_n neither_o can_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o education_n be_v unknown_a to_o he_o nor_o yet_o to_o any_o of_o the_o hebrew_n for_o we_o do_v not_o join_v here_o to_o moses_n narration_n what_o josephus_n relate_v of_o his_o person_n of_o his_o feat_n in_o meroe_n and_o of_o his_o marry_v a_o aethiopian_a princess_n etc._n etc._n as_o moses_n miracle_n be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o jew_n so_o they_o testify_v that_o he_o have_v real_o receive_v his_o call_v and_o commission_n from_o god_n in_o the_o desert_n and_o that_o just_a in_o the_o manner_n as_o he_o describe_v it_o himself_o now_o no_o man_n can_v dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n if_o he_o but_o mind_v the_o follow_a consideration_n first_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v bring_v out_o of_o egypt_n by_o moses_n their_o law_n which_o the_o present_a jew_n do_v still_o observe_v speak_v every_o where_n of_o that_o famous_a action_n of_o he_o there_o be_v never_o any_o man_n dispute_v the_o certainty_n of_o that_o achievement_n all_o ancient_a author_n make_v mention_n of_o it_o 1._o joseph_n contra_fw-la app._n l._n 1._o manethon_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o of_o many_o other_o principal_a circumstance_n of_o that_o exploit_n trogus_n pompeius_n justinus_n and_o tacitus_n do_v also_o speak_v of_o it_o only_a tacitus_n do_v groundless_o i_o suppose_v of_o his_o own_o head_n relate_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v expel_v out_o of_o egypt_n because_o of_o their_o leprosy_n i_o say_v groundless_o for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a leprosy_n be_v a_o common_a distemper_n among_o the_o egyptian_n and_o that_o they_o infect_v the_o israelite_n with_o it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n they_o shall_v be_v expel_v by_o the_o egyptian_n for_o a_o distemper_n that_o they_o get_v from_o they_o we_o know_v beside_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o call_v the_o leprosy_n the_o distemper_n of_o egypt_n do_v banish_v the_o leper_n out_o of_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o people_n and_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o david_n curse_n against_o joab_n because_o of_o his_o murder_a abner_n show_v sufficient_o that_o the_o leprosy_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o distemper_n most_o common_o send_v immediate_o from_o god._n nay_o trogus_n pompeius_n himself_o 36._o justin_n l._n 36._o observe_v that_o the_o magician_n cause_v moses_n with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v expel_v because_o they_o themselves_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o scab_n and_o itch_n and_o that_o they_o be_v afraid_a lest_o the_o contagion_n of_o it_o shall_v infect_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n of_o egypt_n 8._o euseb_n praep_v evang._n l._n 9_o c._n 8._o and_o here_o i_o must_v not_o forget_v the_o mention_v the_o testimony_n of_o numenius_n a_o pythagorean_n philosopher_n who_o relate_v that_o both_o janne_n and_o jambres_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o egyptian_n to_o oppose_v moses_n and_o hinder_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o prayer_n which_o have_v bring_v down_o many_o grievous_a plague_n upon_o egypt_n just_a about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o jew_n banishment_n out_o of_o that_o country_n but_o second_o if_o the_o leprosy_n which_o the_o israelite_n bring_v from_o egypt_n be_v a_o indisputable_a proof_n of_o their_o sojourn_v there_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o go_v out_o of_o that_o mix_a multitude_n of_o egyptian_n who_o so_o far_o espouse_v the_o israelite_n interest_n as_o to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v egypt_n their_o own_o country_n to_o accompany_v they_o can_v have_v no_o other_o cause_n or_o pretence_n than_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n whereof_o they_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n so_o that_o the_o posterity_n of_o those_o egyptian_n that_o be_v thus_o incorporate_v into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v in_o after_o age_n as_o so_o many_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o former_o persuade_v their_o father_n to_o join_v with_o moses_n and_o so_o to_o share_v fortune_n with_o the_o hebrew_n three_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v any_o of_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o pretend_v be_v do_v former_o for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o their_o father_n without_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o all_o the_o world_n if_o all_o those_o miracle_n and_o their_o deliverance_n have_v not_o be_v certain_o and_o general_o know_v to_o the_o egyptian_n and_o to_o all_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n by_o who_o they_o be_v often_o subdue_v and_o bring_v into_o subjection_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o moses_n and_o joshuah_n to_o all_o these_o reflection_n we_o may_v add_v that_o the_o commemoration_n of_o the_o israelite_n go_v out_o of_o egypt_n with_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n be_v renew_v yearly_o not_o only_o by_o the_o solemnize_n the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o the_o israelite_n do_v constant_o keep_v to_o the_o time_n of_o their_o dispersion_n and_o which_o they_o do_v still_o keep_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n but_o also_o by_o two_o other_o very_a sensible_a way_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v the_o separation_n which_o god_n make_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n in_o order_n to_o consecrate_v it_o to_o his_o service_n instead_o of_o the_o first-born_a of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o he_o have_v spare_v and_o preserve_v in_o egypt_n with_o great_a solemnity_n in_o regard_n both_o of_o man_n and_o beast_n as_o we_o read_v numb_a iii_o so_o that_o every_o levite_n be_v as_o a_o live_a memorial_n of_o that_o great_a miracle_n wrought_v at_o the_o israelite_n go_v forth_o out_o of_o egypt_n and_o the_o second_o be_v the_o law_n concern_v the_o redemption_n of_o every_o first-born_a both_o of_o man_n 16._o numb_a xviii_o 16._o
and_o unclean_a beast_n which_o be_v observe_v to_o this_o hour_n among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v in_o all_o those_o law_n a_o deep_a impression_n of_o those_o several_a great_a miracle_n which_o compel_v pharaoh_n to_o let_v the_o israelite_n go_v last_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a here_o that_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o deliverance_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n wrought_v as_o by_o many_o miracle_n so_o especial_o by_o the_o death_n of_o all_o the_o first-born_a of_o egypt_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o passover_n continue_v among_o the_o egyptian_n till_o after_o jesus_n christ_n for_o till_o then_o they_o use_v to_o mark_v with_o red_a their_o sheep_n their_o tree_n their_o house_n and_o land_n the_o day_n before_o the_o passover_n as_o one_o may_v see_v in_o epiphanius_n which_o custom_n can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o from_o the_o egyptian_n fear_v of_o the_o like_a plague_n and_o mortality_n that_o be_v once_o inflict_v upon_o their_o forefather_n and_o from_o their_o hope_n of_o prevent_v it_o by_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o talisman_n whereby_o they_o think_v moses_n have_v former_o save_v the_o israelite_n harmless_a from_o that_o great_a plague_n only_o by_o sprinkle_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n of_o the_o passover_n on_o the_o upper_a door_n post_n of_o their_o house_n chap._n iu._n a_o continuation_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n these_o argument_n may_v be_v think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o evince_a the_o truth_n of_o these_o miracle_n which_o moses_n relate_v but_o yet_o something_o more_o may_v be_v add_v as_o those_o stupendous_a miracle_n by_o which_o the_o famous_a deliverance_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v effect_v can_v not_o be_v doubt_v of_o by_o those_o who_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o so_o they_o be_v afterward_o confirm_v by_o several_a other_o miracle_n which_o be_v as_o great_a and_o almost_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n continue_v for_o many_o year_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n god_n make_v a_o pillar_n of_o fire_n and_o of_o a_o cloud_n attend_v upon_o the_o israelite_n to_o guide_v they_o the_o one_o by_o day_n and_o the_o other_o by_o night_n he_o divide_v the_o red_a sea_n to_o open_v a_o passage_n through_o it_o for_o his_o people_n ult_n l._n 9_o praep_n eu._n cap._n ult_n the_o memory_n whereof_o say_v eusebius_n be_v preserve_v to_o his_o time_n by_o those_o of_o memphis_n the_o israelite_n take_v the_o spoil_n of_o the_o egyptian_n drown_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n as_o they_o be_v pursue_v they_o they_o make_v a_o song_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o that_o wonderful_a deliverance_n they_o be_v feed_v with_o manna_n a_o kind_n of_o heavenly_a and_o miraculous_a food_n they_o drink_v of_o that_o brook_n of_o water_n that_o be_v follow_v they_o wherever_o they_o go_v all_o those_o miracle_n with_o many_o other_o continue_v for_o forty_o year_n together_o without_o any_o interruption_n and_o do_v therefore_o firm_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o other_o miracle_n which_o moses_n relate_v because_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o wherein_o the_o people_n can_v be_v impose_v upon_o by_o any_o trick_n or_o illusion_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o every_o one_o can_v not_o satisfy_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v now_o of_o several_a public_a monument_n of_o those_o miracle_n as_o for_o example_n the_o rod_n of_o aaron_n which_o blossom_a in_o a_o night_n the_o manna_n which_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n the_o brazen_a serpent_n which_o have_v continue_v to_o hezekiah_n time_n be_v break_v down_o by_o he_o only_o because_o the_o people_n offer_v incense_n to_o it_o from_o all_o which_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o the_o jewish_a history_n both_o many_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o a_o constant_a series_n of_o miracle_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o moses_n do_v the_o better_a confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o which_o he_o relate_v as_o do_v by_o he_o on_o purpose_n to_o vindicate_v and_o defend_v the_o liberty_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n because_o i_o do_v just_a now_o intimate_v that_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o jewish_a deliverance_n do_v continue_v for_o many_o age_n after_o among_o the_o egyptian_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o add_v here_o some_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o neither_o such_o a_o transaction_n as_o that_o be_v nor_o yet_o any_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o importance_n can_v ever_o be_v forget_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o in_o outward_a appearance_n seem_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o what_o be_v relate_v concern_v the_o gibeonite_n come_v to_o joshuah_n camp_n their_o equipage_n show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o persuade_v the_o israelite_n that_o they_o come_v from_o a_o far_a country_n the_o treaty_n which_o they_o extort_a from_o joshuah_n by_o fraud_n be_v very_o singular_a and_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o remarkable_a than_o their_o subsistence_n among_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n notwithstanding_o that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o nation_n which_o god_n have_v command_v to_o be_v destroy_v and_o their_o be_v destine_v by_o joshuah_n appointment_n to_o carry_v the_o wood_n and_o the_o water_n necessary_a for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v denominate_v nethinim_n and_o thereby_o for_o ever_o after_o distinguish_v from_o the_o israelite_n but_o after_o all_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o agreeable_a to_o god_n wisdom_n than_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o people_n among_o the_o israelite_n their_o father_n be_v the_o witness_n of_o moses_n and_o joshuah_n miracle_n those_o miracle_n oblige_v they_o to_o seek_v the_o alliance_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o to_o cheat_v they_o into_o it_o by_o a_o fraudulent_a treaty_n because_o they_o despair_v of_o compass_v their_o design_n by_o any_o other_o mean_n therefore_o their_o subsist_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o servile_a office_n which_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n can_v not_o choose_v but_o be_v of_o a_o extraordinary_a use_n to_o make_v that_o people_n preserve_v and_o cherish_v up_o the_o memory_n of_o those_o glorious_a action_n which_o every_o gibeonite_n have_v perpetual_o before_o his_o eye_n the_o same_o remark_n may_v be_v make_v upon_o the_o continue_n of_o rahab_n family_n among_o the_o israelite_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jericho_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o jew_n have_v always_o believe_v that_o beside_o those_o first_o miracle_n relate_v by_o moses_n many_o other_o have_v be_v do_v since_o for_o their_o sake_n both_o to_o possess_v they_o of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o to_o keep_v or_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o nay_o of_o those_o latter_a miracle_n many_o be_v very_o like_a unto_o the_o former_a as_o for_o example_n the_o death_n of_o 185000_o man_n in_o the_o army_n of_o sennacherib_n the_o return_v of_o the_o shadow_n backward_o ten_o degree_n upon_o the_o sundial_n of_o ahaz_n the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o esther_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o purim_n among_o they_o and_o several_a other_o miraculous_a transaction_n relate_v in_o the_o jewish_a author_n of_o which_o i_o will_v only_o name_v three_o which_o do_v preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o important_a miracle_n relate_v by_o moses_n the_o first_o be_v the_o continual_a miracle_n of_o the_o urim_n and_o thummim_n of_o the_o highpriest_n which_o by_o its_o frequency_n do_v confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o moses_n relation_n concern_v the_o several_a apparition_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o lead_v his_o people_n and_o to_o give_v they_o law_n the_o second_o be_v the_o miracle_n of_o every_o seven_o year_n xxv_o levit._fw-la xxv_o during_o which_o though_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v neither_o sow_n nor_o reap_v god_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n do_v supply_v they_o with_o plenty_n of_o provision_n by_o make_v every_o six_o year_n extraordinary_o plentiful_a now_o this_o miracle_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o memorial_n of_o that_o other_o great_a miracle_n whereby_o god_n do_v feed_v his_o people_n with_o manna_n for_o forty_o year_n together_o in_o the_o desert_n still_o double_v the_o proportion_n of_o manna_n every_o six_o day_n in_o effect_n as_o that_o law_n which_o command_v a_o sabbath_n of_o rest_n unto_o the_o land_n every_o seven_o year_n be_v constant_o observe_v which_o will_v never_o have_v be_v do_v long_o if_o that_o people_n have_v not_o always_o be_v full_o convince_v
by_o their_o own_o experience_n of_o its_o divinity_n and_o again_o as_o that_o miracle_n be_v so_o public_o know_v that_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n do_v often_o threaten_v the_o jew_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o fertility_n of_o the_o six_o year_n because_o of_o their_o transgress_v the_o sabbath_n so_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o doubt_v or_o dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o continual_a miracle_n which_o that_o law_n both_o suppose_v and_o promise_v the_o three_o be_v the_o miracle_n of_o a_o continual_a protection_n during_o the_o time_n of_o those_o three_o great_a solemn_a feast_n in_o which_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v by_o god_n command_n to_o attend_v his_o service_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o at_o jerusalem_n for_o this_o law_n require_v attendance_n from_o all_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o age_n of_o twenty_o and_o upward_o it_o engage_v they_o to_o leave_v the_o frontier_n of_o their_o country_n naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o man_n and_o so_o expose_v to_o the_o inroad_n of_o their_o enemy_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o experience_n the_o same_o divine_a protection_n which_o as_o they_o read_v in_o moses_n write_n their_o father_n have_v former_o so_o often_o experience_v against_o all_o their_o enemy_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v any_o such_o fundamental_a law_n the_o danger_n to_o which_o a_o country_n be_v expose_v by_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o be_v too_o visible_a not_o to_o be_v avoid_v therefore_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v sure_a will_v never_o have_v acknowledge_v that_o law_n to_o be_v divine_a nor_o yet_o submit_v to_o it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v secure_a of_o god_n protection_n to_o prevent_v all_o the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o their_o observation_n of_o that_o law_n so_o that_o suppose_v they_o have_v be_v at_o first_o so_o stupid_a and_o unwary_a as_o to_o receive_v it_o from_o moses_n yet_o they_o will_v never_o have_v observe_v it_o so_o constant_o and_o so_o long_o if_o they_o have_v not_o have_v a_o constant_a trial_n of_o god_n protection_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v both_o to_o they_o and_o their_o father_n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o the_o jew_n shall_v altogether_o rely_v upon_o that_o miraculous_a protection_n of_o he_o nay_o the_o distrust_v of_o it_o be_v so_o offensive_a to_o he_o that_o he_o inflict_v a_o exemplary_a punishment_n upon_o david_n for_o a_o action_n which_o though_o innocent_a of_o itself_o in_o a_o prince_n do_v yet_o direct_o contradict_v that_o trust_n which_o the_o israelite_n be_v bind_v to_o set_v upon_o god_n protection_n for_o when_o david_n cause_v the_o people_n to_o be_v number_v god_n send_v a_o pestilence_n among_o his_o people_n which_o abate_v his_o pride_n and_o thus_o teach_v he_o effectual_o to_o rely_v more_o upon_o god_n for_o the_o future_a than_o upon_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o people_n chap._n v._n that_o moses_n be_v description_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n give_v he_o his_o law_n be_v evident_o true_a it_o be_v also_o equal_o easy_a to_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o moses_n description_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o promulgation_n of_o god_n law_n in_o the_o desert_n and_o of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o moral_a political_n ceremonial_a i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o consider_v here_o the_o admirable_a equity_n and_o most_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o show_v that_o it_o can_v have_v no_o other_o author_n but_o god_n alone_o neither_o will_v i_o urge_v in_o this_o place_n the_o extraordinary_a care_n god_n have_v to_o regulate_v the_o most_o minute_n ceremony_n that_o there_o may_v be_v nothing_o leave_v undetermined_a in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o religion_n as_o also_o the_o great_a and_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o be_v discernible_a in_o all_o those_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o beside_o their_o useful_a opposition_n to_o the_o then_o pagan_a custom_n do_v most_o of_o they_o either_o mind_n man_n of_o their_o duty_n or_o represent_v and_o typisie_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v under_o the_o gospel_n in_o short_a i_o will_v not_o aggravate_v any_o far_a the_o consideration_n of_o the_o admirable_a wisdom_n that_o appear_v every_o where_n in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o political_a law_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o settle_v they_o into_o a_o firm_a and_o solid_a form_n of_o government_n that_o wisdom_n be_v such_o and_o so_o visible_a that_o it_o plain_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o they_o to_o any_o man_n that_o will_v but_o compare_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o they_o and_o their_o absolute_a perfection_n with_o the_o defect_n of_o all_o human_a law_n and_o the_o several_a change_n and_o alteration_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o time_n to_o time_n but_o i_o shall_v lay_v aside_o these_o remark_n and_o choose_v to_o come_v to_o those_o that_o do_v not_o require_v so_o much_o learning_n nor_o so_o great_a a_o intention_n of_o thought_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v that_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v give_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o hear_n of_o all_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o the_o promulgation_n of_o it_o upon_o mount_n sinai_n be_v accompany_v with_o extraordinary_a mark_n of_o glory_n and_o make_v only_o after_o many_o previous_a purification_n prescribe_v to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n in_o order_n to_o receive_v it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o it_o be_v not_o deliver_v to_o the_o people_n with_o so_o much_o pomp_n and_o majesty_n but_o as_o they_o be_v also_o give_v in_o the_o same_o desert_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n assemble_v together_o near_o the_o tabernacle_n after_o they_o have_v earnest_o entreat_v moses_n that_o god_n will_v no_o more_o speak_v to_o they_o himself_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v no_o less_o authentic_a than_o the_o moral_a law_n therefore_o we_o see_v that_o they_o be_v according_o receive_v by_o that_o people_n notwithstanding_o the_o trouble_n expense_n avocation_n strait_n and_o hardship_n which_o they_o may_v meet_v with_o by_o it_o now_o be_v it_o in_o the_o least_o probable_a that_o if_o this_o people_n have_v not_o be_v convince_v that_o moses_n do_v real_o familiar_o converse_v with_o god_n for_o forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n upon_o mount_n sinai_n they_o will_v foolish_o without_o any_o cause_n of_o a_o sudden_a have_v submit_v to_o such_o a_o troublesome_a yoke_n of_o law_n many_o whereof_o be_v opposite_a both_o to_o their_o opinion_n and_o ancient_a custom_n it_o be_v well_o know_v for_o example_n what_o jealousy_n there_o be_v all_o along_o among_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n even_o from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ancestor_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o in_o those_o law_n there_o be_v any_o notice_n take_v of_o it_o or_o regard_n have_v to_o it_o but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o seem_v to_o foment_n that_o spirit_n of_o division_n when_o they_o deprive_v reuben_n of_o his_o birthright_n in_o favour_n of_o joseph_n posterity_n and_o of_o the_o priesthood_n in_o favour_n of_o levi_n and_o of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o favour_n of_o juda._n nay_o we_o see_v that_o even_o after_o moses_n have_v compose_v the_o difference_n that_o be_v once_o betwixt_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n and_o the_o follower_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n they_o be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o acquiesce_v to_o his_o decision_n and_o how_o can_v he_o then_o possible_o have_v raise_v his_o own_o tribe_n the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n to_o such_o prerogative_n and_o to_o such_o a_o plentiful_a condition_n above_o all_o the_o other_o tribe_n as_o he_o do_v by_o assign_v the_o first_o fruit_n and_o offering_n to_o the_o levite_n and_o priest_n how_o can_v he_o i_o say_v have_v do_v that_o without_o meet_v with_o some_o opposition_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n except_o they_o have_v all_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o miracle_n that_o god_n wrought_v to_o decide_v that_o question_n when_o it_o be_v dispute_v that_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o constitution_n thus_o we_o read_v that_o long_o after_o when_o king_n uzziah_n bold_o presume_v to_o act_v against_o moses_n law_n numb_a xxv_o and_o to_o assume_v to_o himself_o the_o dignity_n of_o priesthood_n and_o to_o do_v the_o function_n of_o it_o he_o present_o receive_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o his_o presumption_n so_o that_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o sudden_a leprosy_n he_o be_v confine_v to_o his_o die_a day_n be_v it_o any_o way_n
upon_o they_o continual_o especial_o every_o sabbath_n day_n nay_o and_o we_o see_v moreover_o that_o god_n every_o seven_o year_n will_v have_v they_o read_v public_o in_o a_o more_o solemn_a manner_n before_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o that_o people_n who_o during_o that_o year_n be_v oblige_v to_o rest_v from_o all_o their_o ordinary_a labour_n and_o employment_n and_o so_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v all_o that_o while_n but_o to_o read_v the_o law_n to_o examine_v it_o and_o to_o meditate_v upon_o it_o last_o it_o appear_v that_o those_o law_n be_v yet_o the_o more_o solemn_a and_o authentic_a because_o they_o oblige_v the_o jew_n to_o celebrate_v three_o such_o feast_n as_o be_v to_o be_v public_o keep_v by_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o consequent_o apt_a to_o refresh_v their_o memory_n and_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n thrice_o a_o year_n not_o only_o of_o the_o surprise_v miracle_n that_o god_n have_v do_v for_o they_o but_o also_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o he_o give_v and_o promulgate_v his_o law_n the_o miracle_n give_v rise_v to_o the_o law_n and_o those_o law_n be_v themselves_o a_o mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o those_o miracle_n because_o of_o the_o frequent_a commemoration_n of_o they_o which_o be_v therein_o enjoin_v now_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o let_v every_o one_o judge_n whether_o the_o truth_n of_o moses_n account_n of_o god_n give_v and_o promulgate_a by_o his_o mean_n that_o body_n of_o law_n which_o he_o have_v insert_v in_o exodus_fw-la and_o the_o follow_a book_n can_v possible_o or_o at_o least_o reasonable_o be_v dispute_v or_o doubt_v of_o but_o i_o come_v now_o to_o con-the_a oracle_n record_v in_o moses_n write_n in_o order_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o they_o chap._n vii_o that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a exception_n can_v be_v make_v against_o moses_n be_v history_n in_o what_o relate_v to_o the_o oracle_n which_o he_o have_v record_v in_o his_o book_n there_o be_v several_a sort_n of_o oracle_n in_o exodus_fw-la and_o the_o other_o three_o follow_a book_n first_o there_o be_v some_o whereof_o the_o accomplishment_n do_v soon_o follow_v the_o prediction_n the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o the_o egyptian_a bondage_n be_v of_o that_o number_n moses_n do_v promise_n and_o foretell_v it_o nay_o and_o he_o execute_v it_o himself_o and_o all_o the_o people_n to_o who_o it_o be_v promise_v and_o foretell_v be_v themselves_o witness_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o prophecy_n and_o it_o be_v that_o accomplishment_n which_o establish_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o commission_n so_o be_v the_o other_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o conquest_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o several_a division_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o it_o among_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n moses_n foretell_v exact_o what_o lot_n every_o one_o shall_v have_v and_o give_v beside_o a_o description_n of_o the_o country_n that_o every_o tribe_n be_v to_o inhabit_v those_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o desert_n be_v witness_n both_o of_o the_o prediction_n and_o the_o execusion_n of_o it_o although_o it_o be_v by_o the_o cast_n of_o lot_n that_o all_o the_o tribe_n get_v their_o several_a partition_n but_o second_o there_o be_v some_o other_o oracle_n in_o moses_n book_n the_o accomplishment_n whereof_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o prediction_n till_o after_o a_o long_a interval_n of_o time_n such_o be_v the_o prophecy_n that_o foretell_v the_o future_a subjection_n of_o the_o israelite_n to_o the_o canaanite_n and_o the_o several_a deliverance_n out_o of_o that_o subjection_n which_o god_n be_v to_o effect_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o judge_n who_o he_o be_v to_o raise_v up_o for_o that_o purpose_n such_o again_o be_v the_o prophecy_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o future_a change_n of_o their_o common_a wealth_n into_o a_o kingly_a government_n three_o and_o last_o we_o see_v that_o moses_n foretell_v all_o the_o accident_n change_n and_o revolution_n that_o be_v to_o befall_v the_o jew_n as_o long_o as_o their_o state_n shall_v stand_v at_o least_o we_o see_v that_o his_o prediction_n be_v very_o plain_a concern_v their_o several_a captivity_n and_o removal_n and_o their_o return_n into_o the_o holy_a land_n as_o also_o the_o sieges_n of_o samaria_n and_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o irrecoverable_a dispersion_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n which_o we_o see_v at_o present_a but_o whatever_o difference_n there_o may_v otherwise_o be_v betwixt_o all_o these_o prediction_n we_o may_v say_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v as_o pregnant_a proof_n of_o its_o certainty_n and_o truth_n as_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o for_o first_o as_o to_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o prediction_n the_o accomplishment_n whereof_o moses_n relate_v himself_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o his_o account_n can_v in_o the_o least_o be_v suspect_v of_o imposture_n because_o he_o write_v it_o among_o a_o whole_a nation_n which_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o that_o case_n see_v he_o suppose_v and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v all_o along_o in_o his_o relation_n that_o those_o prediction_n be_v beforehand_o public_o and_o general_o know_v of_o all_o the_o people_n as_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o prophecy_n we_o have_v the_o relation_n of_o it_o in_o such_o other_o book_n as_o be_v write_v after_o moses_n death_n as_o in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n of_o judge_n and_o several_a other_o which_o relate_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o as_o of_o prophecy_n write_v many_o year_n and_o even_o some_o age_n before_o by_o moses_n beside_o to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o the_o account_n which_o we_o find_v in_o those_o book_n concern_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o moses_n prophecy_n be_v interweave_v with_o such_o history_n as_o suppose_v without_o any_o affectation_n that_o his_o prophecy_n as_o well_o as_o his_o write_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o distinct_o know_v by_o every_o jew_n and_o what_o be_v further_a observable_a be_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v always_o have_v moses_n book_n in_o such_o a_o esteem_n because_o of_o these_o several_a illustrious_a prophecy_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o that_o they_o have_v always_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o their_o prophet_n they_o assert_v at_o this_o very_a day_n that_o the_o other_o prophet_n have_v common_o no_o other_o knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n than_o that_o which_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o by_o dream_n and_o vision_n whereas_o moses_n have_v it_o by_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o use_v to_o speak_v to_o he_o face_n to_o face_n without_o any_o enthusiasm_n when_o he_o be_v perfect_o awake_a now_o how_o can_v ever_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v so_o strong_o prepossess_v of_o that_o high_a opinion_n both_o of_o moses_n and_o his_o prediction_n if_o we_o suppose_v that_o they_o never_o see_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o any_o of_o they_o that_o will_v certain_o be_v as_o strange_a a_o illusion_n as_o ever_o be_v for_o it_o be_v beside_o observable_a that_o those_o prophecy_n of_o he_o be_v not_o write_v by_o themselves_o and_o keep_v secret_a from_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n but_o that_o they_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o several_a speech_n which_o he_o make_v to_o all_o the_o people_n some_o time_n before_o his_o death_n and_o which_o be_v write_v and_o keep_v together_o in_o the_o same_o volume_n to_o be_v a_o stand_a monument_n both_o of_o his_o prophecy_n and_o of_o his_o ministry_n among_o the_o jew_n now_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o book_n that_o be_v all_o make_v up_o of_o prophecy_n and_o so_o keep_v secret_a and_o seldom_o read_v as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n be_v and_o a_o book_n wherein_o the_o prophecy_n it_o contain_v be_v interweave_v with_o a_o history_n wherein_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o matter_n as_o draw_v to_o it_o and_o fix_v the_o attention_n of_o every_o reader_n and_o wherein_o they_o be_v mingle_v with_o a_o whole_a body_n of_o political_n and_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o intermix_v with_o the_o account_n which_o moses_n give_v of_o all_o the_o great_a transaction_n which_o give_v the_o occasion_n to_o so_o many_o several_a revelation_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o his_o book_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v those_o reflection_n upon_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o jew_n entertain_v of_o moses_n prerogative_n and_o upon_o the_o manner_n that_o his_o prophecy_n so_o much_o reverence_v among_o they_o be_v exact_o accomplish_v and_o not_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o divine_a authority_n chap._n viii_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o constant_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o oracle_n relate_v
of_o and_o of_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o let_v any_o man_n read_v his_o description_n of_o abraham_n sacrifice_n and_o of_o the_o several_a passion_n joseph_n and_o his_o brethren_n be_v move_v and_o affect_v with_o when_o he_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o they_o beside_o all_o that_o we_o may_v observe_v two_o very_a surprise_v thing_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n the_o first_o be_v that_o moses_n recite_v there_o such_o thing_n as_o seem_v to_o be_v unworthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o so_o grave_a and_o wise_a a_o historian_n as_o he_o be_v he_o give_v for_o instance_n a_o exact_a and_o particular_a account_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o ahraham_n purchase_n of_o the_o cave_n of_o machpela_n for_o a_o bury_v place_n for_o his_o wife_n he_o set_v down_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o incest_n of_o judah_n with_o thamar_n and_o he_o relate_v the_o manner_n how_o leah_n with_o her_o son_n mandrake_n obtain_v leave_v of_o rachel_n to_o enjoy_v her_o husband_n for_o one_o night_n with_o a_o surprise_v exactness_n the_o other_o be_v that_o moses_n record_v a_o whole_a series_n of_o horrible_a crime_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v as_o so_o many_o blemish_n and_o odious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o memory_n of_o those_o who_o history_n he_o write_v now_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o moses_n be_v so_o prudent_a as_o he_o be_v confess_v to_o be_v can_v have_v be_v so_o injudicious_a as_o to_o choose_v and_o pick_v out_o such_o passage_n and_o action_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o either_o trivial_a and_o of_o no_o moment_n or_o horrible_a and_o odious_a to_o fill_v up_o with_o they_o a_o book_n wherein_o he_o give_v a_o description_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n where_o he_o set_v down_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n at_o every_o turn_n it_o be_v natural_a therefore_o to_o judge_v that_o he_o have_v some_o particular_a prospect_n in_o his_o eye_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o the_o promise_n which_o alone_o justify_v his_o recital_n of_o trivial_a thing_n and_o of_o crime_n in_o such_o a_o serious_a history_n as_o he_o be_v i_o shall_v not_o repeat_v here_o what_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v upon_o the_o crime_n which_o he_o relate_v in_o genesis_n i_o add_v only_o that_o he_o have_v the_o same_o design_n and_o prospect_n in_o his_o narration_n of_o such_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a transaction_n thus_o by_o his_o account_n of_o the_o purchase_n of_o the_o cave_n of_o machpelah_n his_o intention_n be_v to_o show_v how_o god_n intend_v by_o this_o sepulchre_n to_o affix_v abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n after_o he_o to_o the_o land_n of_o cannaan_n his_o scope_n and_o prospect_n be_v the_o same_o when_o he_o record_v the_o burial_n of_o rachel_n at_o ephrathah_n as_o for_o the_o crime_n moses_n relate_v i_o have_v before_o prove_v that_o he_o design_v thereby_o to_o show_v how_o all_o the_o faithful_a before_o his_o time_n have_v their_o mind_n altogether_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thought_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o herein_o we_o may_v say_v the_o wisdom_n of_o moses_n be_v very_o conspicuous_a and_o discernible_a in_o the_o choice_n he_o make_v of_o those_o action_n to_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o excessive_a desire_n which_o the_o ancient_n have_v to_o accomplish_v the_o promise_n and_o let_v no_o man_n object_n here_o that_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a to_o see_v that_o during_o so_o many_o age_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n occasion_v not_o other_o than_o wicked_a action_n for_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o all_o circumstance_n that_o those_o crime_n relate_v by_o moses_n be_v commit_v in_o different_a time_n and_o long_o after_o one_o another_o so_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o have_v record_v those_o action_n on_o purpose_n to_o show_v what_o impression_n the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n make_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o have_v it_o in_o its_o perfection_n and_o integrity_n if_o moses_n have_v insert_v in_o this_o book_n of_o genesis_n any_o long_a discourse_n as_o make_v by_o adam_n about_o that_o matter_n upon_o a_o sabbath_n day_n or_o if_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o relation_n of_o what_o such_o a_o one_o as_o seth_n or_o enoch_n or_o sem_fw-mi use_v to_o teach_v concern_v that_o promise_n in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o beside_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o a_o tedious_a repetition_n which_o he_o must_v have_v make_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o every_o particular_a account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o several_a generation_n that_o precede_v he_o he_o can_v never_o have_v persuade_v his_o reader_n so_o well_o as_o he_o may_v do_v now_o first_o man_n will_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o those_o speech_n upon_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v of_o his_o own_o make_n and_o like_o those_o set_a harangue_n we_o find_v in_o xenophon_n or_o livy_n second_o the_o crime_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o get_v thereby_o some_o advantage_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o murder_n of_o a_o king_n commit_v by_o his_o heir_n and_o successor_n to_o the_o crown_n show_v in_o the_o murder_n a_o much_o great_a ambition_n and_o affectation_n of_o the_o throne_n and_o suppose_v in_o he_o a_o distinct_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o right_n and_o pretension_n to_o the_o empire_n chap._n x._o that_o the_o same_o persuasion_n appear_v throughout_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o moses_n until_o his_o death_n but_o it_o be_v not_o only_o by_o those_o and_o the_o like_a reflection_n which_o may_v be_v make_v upon_o the_o choice_n moses_n have_v make_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o recite_v that_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o he_o have_v always_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o view_n for_o he_o be_v descend_v from_o abraham_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o from_o his_o youth_n up_o he_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o religion_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o patriarch_n but_o moreover_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o the_o idea_n of_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v much_o more_o lively_a and_o strong_a in_o that_o family_n ever_o since_o jacob_n on_o his_o deathbed_n have_v foretell_v and_o promise_v to_o judah_n that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o his_o tribe_n he_o be_v to_o be_v born._n as_o for_o joseph_n to_o who_o that_o promise_n may_v have_v be_v apply_v by_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n because_o of_o his_o power_n and_o glory_n in_o egypt_n the_o egyptian_a persecution_n that_o follow_v sometime_o after_o his_o decease_n resolve_v all_o scruple_n and_o mistake_v that_o might_n otherwise_o have_v be_v entertain_v in_o that_o matter_n and_o so_o convince_v all_o those_o poor_a sufferer_n that_o their_o messiah_n be_v as_o yet_o to_o come_v to_o all_o these_o strong_a presumption_n whereby_o we_o may_v guess_v what_o the_o thought_n of_o moses_n may_v be_v concern_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n we_o may_v add_v the_o consideration_n both_o of_o his_o word_n and_o action_n which_o do_v very_o plain_o establish_v the_o same_o truth_n st._n xi_o heb._n xi_o paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n mention_n two_o particular_a action_n of_o moses_n which_o as_o they_o challenge_v our_o admiration_n so_o they_o deserve_v our_o serious_a consideration_n because_o they_o clear_o i_o think_v evidence_n that_o moses_n be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o future_a accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n the_o first_o be_v that_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n in_o egypt_n for_o he_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o recompense_n of_o the_o reward_n from_o whence_o can_v a_o resolution_n so_o opposite_a to_o the_o ordinary_a prudence_n and_o natural_a inclination_n of_o other_o man_n proceed_v in_o he_o if_o it_o be_v not_o as_o st._n paul_n observe_v it_o from_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a source_n viz._n from_o that_o strong_a persuasion_n which_o he_o have_v that_o how_o calamitous_a soever_o the_o then_o present_a condition_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v be_v yet_o god_n have_v choose_v it_o therein_o to_o accomplish_v that_o great_a promise_n which_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o all_o their_o ancestor_n from_o adam_n down_o to_o they_o the_o remembrance_n whereof_o he_o renew_v by_o illustrate_v those_o oracle_n which_o jacob_n pronounce_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n the_o other_o be_v that_o moses_n always_o adhere_v to_o that_o miserable_a people_n and_o stand_v by_o they_o in_o all_o their_o calamity_n and_o pressure_n it_o be_v true_a he_o leave_v they_o
the_o glory_n which_o jacob_n find_v in_o egypt_n when_o he_o be_v invite_v thither_o by_o joseph_n do_v not_o make_v he_o forget_v the_o right_n which_o he_o claim_v upon_o that_o land_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o sepulchre_n both_o of_o his_o father_n and_o grandfather_n that_o be_v there_o for_o moses_n inform_v we_o that_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v carry_v thither_o after_o his_o death_n and_o that_o he_o do_v express_o require_v this_o duty_n from_o joseph_n and_o his_o other_o child_n who_o pay_v it_o in_o sovery_n solemn_a a_o manner_n and_o with_o a_o mourn_a so_o very_o great_a and_o famous_a that_o the_o name_n of_o abel-mizraim_a continue_v to_o that_o very_a place_n where_o the_o canaanite_n see_v the_o solemnisation_n of_o that_o funeral_n by_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n who_o be_v attend_v by_o great_a number_n of_o egyptian_n one_o see_v we_o that_o jacob_n child_n still_o entertain_v the_o same_o hope_n joseph_n solemn_o engage_v his_o child_n to_o carry_v his_o bone_n into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o one_o may_v judge_v that_o the_o other_o patriarch_n be_v not_o less_o solicitous_a to_o require_v the_o same_o office_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o child_n 2._o jalkut_n ex_fw-la siphre_n fol._n 311._o col_fw-fr 2._o as_o st._n stephen_n suppose_v it_o act_v vii_o agreable_o to_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n all_o which_o show_v that_o abraham_n posterity_n have_v their_o heart_n set_v upon_o his_o sepulchre_n as_o upon_o the_o pledge_n and_o security_n of_o god_n promise_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v once_o possess_v of_o that_o land_n where_o he_o be_v bury_v and_o as_o the_o carry_v the_o body_n of_o jacob_n into_o canaan_n sufficient_o show_v what_o be_v the_o claim_v of_o the_o israelite_n so_o the_o same_o be_v very_o evident_a by_o their_o care_n in_o keep_v themselves_o unmixed_a with_o the_o egyptian_n all_o the_o time_n they_o sojourn_v in_o egypt_n the_o splendour_n of_o joseph_n be_v a_o natural_a engagement_n for_o they_o to_o settle_v themselves_o there_o for_o ever_o beside_o their_o vast_a increase_n force_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n to_o it_o for_o a_o long_a time_n the_o misery_n which_o they_o endure_v invite_v they_o to_o seek_v the_o alliance_n of_o the_o egyptian_n by_o marriage_n and_o to_o mix_v themselves_o with_o a_o people_n who_o be_v their_o master_n and_o so_o to_o renounce_v hope_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o very_o groundless_a they_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v warrant_v by_o joseph_n example_n who_o have_v marry_v a_o egyptian_a however_o one_o never_o find_v that_o they_o try_v that_o method_n one_o see_v we_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o there_o be_v little_a correspondence_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o egyptian_n in_o their_o sacred_a thing_n for_o the_o hebrew_n sacrifice_v to_o god_n the_o abomination_n of_o the_o egyptian_n that_o be_v those_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o egyptian_n worship_v one_o see_v we_o afterward_o by_o the_o great_a number_n of_o flock_n which_o they_o drive_v along_o with_o they_o at_o their_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n that_o they_o have_v continue_v to_o follow_v the_o profession_n of_o their_o ancestor_n who_o be_v shepherd_n a_o very_a odious_a employment_n to_o the_o egyptian_n one_o see_v we_o at_o last_o that_o after_o the_o many_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v in_o the_o egyptian_a court_n that_o this_o people_n follow_v god_n conduct_n and_o go_v out_o of_o that_o country_n to_o possess_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o none_o of_o they_o have_v ever_o see_v and_o yet_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o obtain_n it_o as_o a_o blessing_n they_o can_v not_o miss_v of_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n very_o remarkable_a upon_o that_o subject_a the_o first_o be_v that_o some_o egyptian_n go_v out_o with_o the_o israelite_n to_o dwell_v with_o they_o in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o be_v do_v not_o only_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o indisputable_a witness_n from_o among_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n have_v wrought_v among_o they_o which_o also_o be_v a_o presage_n of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith_n by_o their_o insertion_n into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o also_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o witness_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a affection_n which_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n have_v for_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o of_o their_o claim_n to_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n promise_n that_o he_o will_v put_v they_o into_o possession_n of_o it_o for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o a_o common_a thing_n that_o a_o colony_n of_o slave_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o run_v away_o much_o less_o that_o they_o shall_v persuade_v their_o master_n to_o forsake_v their_o own_o country_n and_o their_o settlement_n at_o home_n to_o go_v and_o conquer_v another_o for_o they_o the_o second_o remark_n be_v that_o god_n make_v the_o jew_n travel_n for_o forty_o year_n in_o the_o desert_n of_o arabia_n not_o only_o to_o make_v they_o forget_v any_o tie_v they_o may_v have_v have_v to_o return_v again_o into_o egypt_n and_o to_o accustom_v they_o to_o depend_v whole_o upon_o divine_a providence_n but_o also_o to_o redouble_v their_o desire_n after_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o land_n of_o promise_n it_o be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o god_n forbid_v they_o so_o strait_o either_o the_o mingle_n with_o or_o the_o settle_n themselves_o among_o the_o midianite_n though_o moses_n have_v give_v a_o example_n by_o marry_v sephora_n or_o the_o edomite_n or_o the_o ismaelite_n or_o the_o moabite_n or_o the_o ammonite_n though_o all_o those_o nation_n be_v descend_v from_o therah_n their_o common_a father_n or_o from_o the_o patriarch_n in_o execution_n of_o which_o severe_a prohibition_n god_n command_v the_o jew_n to_o put_v all_o those_o to_o the_o sword_n who_o shall_v make_v any_o alliance_n with_o those_o nation_n as_o we_o have_v instance_n of_o it_o numb_a xxiii_o after_o the_o description_n of_o balaam_n prophecy_n and_o it_o can_v be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n that_o he_o so_o strait_o charge_v the_o israelite_n to_o cut_v off_o the_o hivites_n ammorites_n and_o other_o nation_n of_o canaan_n even_o to_o the_o woman_n and_o little_a child_n but_o in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o first_o design_n to_o prevent_v all_o mixture_n of_o his_o people_n with_o those_o nation_n which_o without_o that_o extreme_a rigour_n will_v infallible_o and_o insensible_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o god_n preserve_v the_o gibeonite_n by_o ratify_v that_o alliance_n which_o give_v leave_v to_o those_o people_n though_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o ham_n to_o continue_v among_o his_o own_o people_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o though_o god_n do_v in_o effect_n preserve_v the_o gibeonite_n among_o the_o jew_n yet_o he_o force_v they_o to_o undergo_v the_o drudgery_n and_o servile_a office_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v as_o unquestionable_a witness_n of_o the_o hebrew_n pretension_n and_o of_o their_o miraculous_a conquest_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o nation_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o country_n and_o their_o submit_v to_o the_o drudgery_n of_o carry_v wood_n and_o water_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n though_o they_o be_v at_o first_o of_o another_o religion_n be_v as_o i_o have_v observe_v already_o a_o continual_a subject_n of_o admiration_n to_o the_o posterity_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o gibeonite_n themselves_o chap._n xix_o that_o the_o law_n tie_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o by_o several_a other_o mean_v establish_v the_o distinction_n betwixt_o tribe_n and_o family_n among_o they_o one_o may_v say_v that_o one_o of_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n which_o god_n use_v to_o fix_v his_o people_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v the_o law_n which_o he_o give_v they_o to_o mere_a thrice_o a_o year_n and_o celebrate_v three_o solemn_a feast_n together_o which_o hardly_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o travel_v far_o into_o other_o country_n and_o engage_v they_o every_o time_n they_o meet_v to_o renewin_n the_o public_a act_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o memory_n and_o the_o idea_n of_o their_o hope_n and_o they_o conduce_v to_o this_o design_n of_o god_n in_o this_o manner_n those_o feast_n be_v celebrate_v at_o three_o time_n which_o be_v the_o most_o commodious_a season_n of_o the_o year_n for_o travel_v betwixt_o the_o month_n of_o march_n and_o october_n the_o celebration_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v upon_o the_o fourteen_o day_n after_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o moon_n in_o march_n the_o pentecost_n be_v fifty_o day_n after_o and_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n last_v from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o ten_o day_n of_o september_n
long_o preserve_v the_o tradition_n of_o 2000_o year_n as_o they_o have_v do_v till_o moses_n time_n god_n be_v of_o necessity_n oblige_v to_o make_v use_n of_o some_o other_o mean_n to_o supply_v that_o defect_n he_o have_v already_o make_v use_n of_o several_a before_o among_o which_o be_v that_o which_o we_o find_v prescribe_v deut._n xxvii_o where_o he_o order_v the_o build_n of_o a_o altar_n with_o rough_a stone_n whereupon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n and_o the_o whole_a law_n be_v to_o be_v ingrave_v he_o afterward_o follow_v other_o method_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o samuel_n follow_v moses_n and_o joshuah_n example_n repeat_v before_o a_o solemn_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n meet_v at_o gilgal_n for_o the_o consecration_n of_o saul_n the_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v during_o the_o government_n of_o bedan_n or_o samson_n of_o jepthah_n and_o his_o own_o but_o yet_o the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o fix_v this_o people_n to_o one_o tabernacle_n wherein_o we_o see_v that_o beside_o the_o monument_n which_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o great_a miracle_n that_o god_n have_v wrought_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n as_o the_o pot_n of_o manna_n aaron_n rod_n that_o blossom_a the_o plate_n of_o the_o altar_n that_o have_v be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o censer_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o their_o confederate_n one_o see_v we_o that_o the_o law_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v deposit_v there_o by_o god_n order_n and_o the_o principal_a transaction_n and_o deliverance_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o god_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o that_o people_n be_v continual_o celebrate_v with_o hymn_n and_o other_o token_n of_o public_a thankfulness_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o he_o cause_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o be_v lay_v up_o there_o with_o many_o ceremony_n and_o expiation_n and_o that_o he_o enjoin_v it_o to_o be_v read_v public_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n every_o seven_o year_n one_o see_v we_o that_o he_o command_v that_o every_o family_n shall_v read_v this_o book_n continual_o and_o that_o all_o shall_v entertain_v their_o wife_n and_o child_n from_o their_o tender_a year_n with_o the_o design_n of_o the_o law_n night_n and_o day_n in_o the_o country_n and_o in_o the_o town_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n one_o see_v we_o that_o god_n engage_v they_o to_o it_o not_o only_o by_o a_o express_a command_n but_o also_o by_o a_o indispensible_a necessity_n because_o he_o make_v it_o death_n for_o any_o man_n to_o violate_v any_o of_o those_o ceremonial_a law_n from_o a_o principle_n of_o obstinacy_n no_o pardon_n can_v be_v obtain_v for_o the_o transgression_n commit_v through_o ignorance_n before_o they_o be_v expiate_v by_o certain_a sacrifice_n the_o form_n whereof_o be_v scrupulous_o prescribe_v in_o the_o law_n and_o which_o can_v be_v violate_v upon_o no_o account_n whatever_o if_o one_o consider_v those_o thing_n he_o may_v say_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v scarce_o one_o moment_n free_a in_o their_o life_n so_o press_v be_v the_o necessity_n which_o lie_v upon_o they_o to_o consult_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o regulation_n of_o which_o be_v so_o very_o exact_a and_o particular_a that_o there_o no_o action_n public_a or_o private_a can_v happen_v but_o what_o be_v regulate_v and_o determine_v by_o those_o constitution_n if_o a_o beast_n be_v bear_v the_o owner_n be_v to_o examine_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o first-born_a or_o no_o whither_o it_o be_v clean_a or_o unclean_a and_o whither_o it_o be_v to_o be_v redeem_a with_o several_a other_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o a_o woman_n be_v big_a with_o child_n there_o be_v many_o question_n to_o be_v ask_v when_o she_o come_v to_o lie-in_a several_a very_a different_a ceremony_n be_v practise_v according_a as_o the_o child_n be_v a_o first-born_a or_o not_o the_o law_n enjoin_v various_a purification_n according_a as_o the_o woman_n bring_v forth_o a_o son_n or_o a_o daughter_n god_n have_v prescribe_v a_o great_a number_n of_o law_n for_o all_o the_o accident_n of_o life_n for_o marriage_n for_o succession_n for_o funeral_n for_o mourn_v for_o unforeseen_a accident_n as_o the_o death_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v kill_v without_o the_o design_n of_o his_o murderer_n for_o the_o several_a crime_n that_o may_v be_v commit_v in_o their_o several_a pollution_n and_o sequestration_n etc._n etc._n it_o seem_v that_o this_o whole_a people_n from_o the_o time_n that_o they_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n to_o the_o time_n of_o their_o death_n be_v still_o continual_o oblige_v to_o keep_v up_o a_o correspondence_n with_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n who_o god_n have_v for_o this_o purpose_n disperse_v among_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o consult_v the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o govern_v themselves_o but_o particular_o they_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n as_o the_o centre_n of_o their_o whole_a religion_n and_o how_o can_v they_o do_v this_o without_o carry_v their_o prospect_n at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o those_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n of_o which_o the_o israelite_n be_v depositary_n i_o say_v upon_o those_o promise_n which_o raise_v up_o so_o many_o jealousy_n betwixt_o their_o forefather_n and_o the_o ancestor_n of_o those_o neighbour_a nation_n with_o who_o they_o have_v always_o some_o controversy_n and_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o glorious_a and_o honourable_a to_o the_o whole_a nation_n chap._n xxii_o that_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n that_o this_o whole_a model_n which_o god_n have_v frame_v be_v to_o last_v but_o until_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o if_o we_o find_v in_o moses_n law_n a_o severe_a restriction_n in_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o show_v that_o god_n intend_v to_o have_v that_o nation_n distingnish_v from_o all_o other_o till_o the_o bless_a seed_n be_v come_v if_o we_o find_v that_o he_o restrain_v that_o promise_n to_o one_o tribe_n one_o town_n one_o family_n one_o particular_a individual_a person_n in_o that_o family_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v to_o seek_v in_o a_o confuse_a crowd_n of_o a_o whole_a people_n make_v up_o of_o several_a million_o of_o person_n or_o in_o a_o whole_a tribe_n or_o even_o in_o a_o city_n fill_v up_o with_o several_a family_n if_o upon_o this_o account_n his_o birth_n be_v restrain_v to_o one_o people_n one_o tribe_n one_o little_a town_n and_o one_o single_a family_n which_o be_v settle_v there_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o but_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v god_n design_n to_o break_v all_o those_o restriction_n and_o to_o follow_v quite_o another_o method_n when_o the_o messiah_n be_v once_o come_v for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o first_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v express_v in_o very_o general_a term_n which_o mention_v a_o common_a benefit_n to_o all_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n this_o promise_n be_v make_v before_o god_n have_v reject_v cain_n posterity_n by_o prefer_v that_o of_o seth_n it_o be_v make_v before_o the_o restriction_n be_v make_v to_o noah_n in_o seth_n family_n and_o to_o shem_n in_o noah_n family_n second_o god_n who_o by_o circumcision_n have_v distinguish_v abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o family_n of_o sem_fw-mi do_v express_o promise_v to_o abraham_n that_o in_o his_o seed_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v bless_v this_o promise_n be_v make_v also_o before_o god_n have_v restrain_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o person_n isaac_n in_o prejudice_n of_o ishmael_n and_o then_o afterward_o to_o the_o person_n of_o jacob_n in_o the_o prejudice_n of_o esau_n three_o one_o see_v we_o this_o same_a truth_n yet_o more_o clear_o explain_v out_o of_o jacob_n oracle_n concern_v judah_n gen._n xlix_o wherein_o jacob_n express_o foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o comfort_n the_o glory_n the_o hope_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o universe_n as_o this_o be_v a_o capital_a truth_n so_o god_n propose_v it_o by_o balaam_n at_o the_o israelite_n enter_v into_o canaan_n that_o they_o may_v thus_o understand_v that_o all_o those_o distinction_n which_o their_o separation_n live_v in_o canaan_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n may_v keep_v up_o be_v not_o always_o to_o last_v but_o this_o particular_o appear_v out_o of_o moses_n law_n which_o allow_v of_o several_a sort_n of_o proselyte_n receive_v some_o without_o tie_v they_o to_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o the_o ceremony_n in_o the_o law_n which_o it_o will_v never_o have_v do_v
considerable_o shorten_v at_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n so_o one_o may_v judge_v that_o this_o promise_v aught_o to_o be_v more_o frequent_o propose_v and_o more_o clear_o explain_v and_o we_o ought_v to_o suppose_v that_o in_o proportion_n to_o the_o delay_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o shortness_n of_o man_n life_n which_o discourage_v their_o hope_n of_o ever_o see_v a_o promise_v fulfil_v which_o their_o ancestor_n who_o life_n be_v much_o long_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o the_o more_o distinct_a knowledge_n which_o god_n give_v of_o this_o great_a object_n be_v in_o order_n to_o stir_v up_o strong_a desire_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o israelite_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o gentile_n to_o who_o god_n be_v afterward_o to_o renew_v the_o idea_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o we_o find_v that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o oracle_n and_o prophecy_n be_v require_v from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o entertain_v and_o strengthen_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o promise_n the_o accomplishment_n whereof_o be_v so_o considerable_o defer_v and_o indeed_o this_o be_v exact_o the_o method_n which_o god_n follow_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n have_v in_o a_o most_o illustrious_a manner_n be_v employ_v to_o preserve_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o to_o increase_v they_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n itself_o and_o god_n have_v so_o exact_o set_v down_o by_o the_o prophet_n the_o several_a part_n of_o his_o design_n as_o there_o need_v not_o be_v afterward_o any_o difficulty_n in_o discern_v the_o prosecution_n of_o that_o design_n which_o he_o have_v form_v at_o first_o i_o intend_v in_o this_o three_o part_n of_o my_o reflection_n on_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o explain_v this_o method_n which_o god_n have_v follow_v in_o show_v how_o he_o have_v accommodate_v himself_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o he_o have_v make_v the_o depositary_n of_o his_o oracle_n and_o proportion_v they_o to_o their_o understanding_n and_o desire_n for_o the_o more_o happy_a execution_n of_o this_o design_n and_o a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o this_o conduct_n of_o god_n which_o seem_v somewhat_o obscure_v by_o intermix_v these_o prediction_n concern_v the_o messiah_n with_o a_o great_a number_n of_o event_n during_o that_o series_n of_o age_n whereof_o we_o have_v the_o history_n write_v by_o his_o own_o order_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v first_o of_o all_o to_o explain_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n be_v please_v to_o interweave_v the_o oracle_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n with_o other_o matter_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n and_o then_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o rule_n which_o one_o ought_v to_o follow_v in_o apply_v the_o ancient_a prophecy_n to_o the_o messiah_n after_o these_o preliminary_a reflection_n i_o suppose_v that_o in_o order_n to_o a_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o series_n of_o god_n design_n and_o a_o more_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o this_o matter_n that_o i_o ought_v again_o to_o resume_v and_o to_o set_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o reader_n the_o five_o or_o six_o principal_a oracle_n which_o god_n have_v give_v concern_v the_o messiah_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o moses_n together_o with_o that_o oracle_n which_o he_o utter_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o that_o illustrious_a legislator_n one_o will_v easy_o judge_v without_o my_o undertake_n to_o prove_v it_o that_o the_o idea_n of_o these_o oracle_n be_v familiar_a to_o the_o jew_n until_o david_n during_o the_o space_n of_o 400_o year_n after_o which_o god_n begin_v to_o discover_v the_o same_o more_o particular_o in_o choose_v david_n to_o be_v the_o person_n in_o who_o family_n that_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v because_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o his_o seed_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v immediate_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o oracle_n which_o david_n himself_o utter_v on_o this_o subject_a which_o deserve_v so_o much_o the_o more_o attention_n because_o god_n who_o at_o that_o time_n change_v the_o government_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v considerable_o augment_v the_o idea_n which_o the_o ancient_n have_v concern_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n last_o i_o shall_v collect_v under_o certain_a head_n those_o oracle_n which_o be_v utter_v by_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o messiah_n some_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o babylon_n and_o soon_o after_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o light_n concern_v this_o matter_n be_v at_o that_o time_n much_o increase_v and_o the_o oracle_n themselves_o be_v much_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a as_o give_v many_o more_o particular_a character_n of_o the_o messiah_n so_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o brief_o to_o touch_v upon_o they_o in_o follow_v the_o principal_a character_n which_o they_o give_v concern_v the_o messiah_n after_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o of_o the_o prophet_n until_o that_o wherein_o the_o christian_n pretend_v that_o this_o promise_n and_o these_o oracle_n be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n though_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o to_o handle_v and_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o do_v with_o the_o greatness_n briefness_n that_o be_v possible_a may_v seem_v to_o oblige_v i_o to_o omit_v the_o examine_v the_o succession_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o intermix_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o many_o other_o transaction_n with_o these_o prophecy_n it_o oblige_v i_o in_o this_o three_o part_n to_o make_v also_o some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o indeed_o this_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o oracle_n and_o the_o manner_n how_o god_n have_v constant_o follow_v that_o draught_n which_o he_o at_o first_o form_v to_o himself_o as_o also_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o different_a revolution_n of_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n he_o have_v always_o continue_v those_o mean_n which_o he_o choose_v at_o first_o to_o facilitate_v the_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o messiah_n whenever_o he_o shall_v appear_v it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o explain_v this_o series_n of_o the_o design_n of_o god_n to_o make_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o prophecy_n more_o firm_a and_o unmoveable_a those_o law_n the_o observation_n of_o which_o serve_v to_o distinguish_v the_o family_n of_o judah_n and_o that_o of_o the_o messiah_n be_v so_o many_o boundary_n and_o limit_n within_o which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o confine_v himself_o that_o his_o conduct_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o observable_a and_o know_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o my_o reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n i_o have_v begin_v by_o the_o firm_a establishment_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o book_n on_o which_o i_o make_v my_o reflection_n without_o which_o that_o work_n will_v have_v want_v all_o its_o strength_n so_o i_o intend_v also_o in_o this_o part_n to_o follow_v the_o same_o rule_n and_o according_o i_o shall_v at_o first_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o historical_a and_o prophetical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o if_o one_o ought_v to_o prove_v that_o these_o prophecy_n be_v well_o know_v and_o very_o famous_a than_o it_o will_v be_v expect_v from_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v solid_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o book_n in_o which_o those_o oracle_n be_v record_v before_o i_o can_v of_o right_o conclude_v that_o the_o fact_n which_o be_v relate_v by_o other_o author_n be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o these_o prophecy_n this_o design_n will_v natural_o engage_v i_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o every_o one_o of_o these_o book_n in_o order_n particular_o but_o as_o i_o have_v not_o only_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n already_o but_o that_o moreover_o i_o intend_v in_o my_o reflection_n on_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o beyond_o all_o contest_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o historical_a and_o prophetical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v so_o essential_o link_v with_o those_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o one_o without_o own_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o other_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o as_o to_o the_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o every_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o particular_a and_o therefore_o because_o i_o intend_v to_o
be_v very_o short_a i_o will_v confine_v myself_o to_o some_o general_a reflection_n upon_o those_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v write_v since_o moses_n but_o such_o as_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o equitable_a and_o intelligent_a reader_n the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o second_o volume_n chap._n 1._o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o historical_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n a_o uninterrrupted_a series_n of_o event_n which_o have_v a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a dependence_n for_o more_o than_o ten_o age_n page_n 1._o chap._n 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o strict_a connexion_n between_o the_o sacred_a history_n and_o the_o old_a monument_n which_o we_o have_v of_o profane_a history_n 8_o chap._n 3._o that_o there_o be_v a_o uninterrupted_a series_n of_o event_n foretell_v by_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n of_o which_o we_o may_v see_v a_o very_a great_a number_n accomplish_v in_o every_o age._n 15_o chap._n 4._o that_o how_o common_a soever_o oracle_n may_v have_v be_v among_o the_o pagan_n yet_o nothing_o among_o they_o can_v just_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o which_o be_v find_v among_o the_o jew_n 24_o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o book_n in_o which_o we_o may_v find_v these_o oracle_n be_v never_o forge_v 28_o chap._n 6._o that_o the_o manner_n of_o write_v the_o prophetical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n show_v that_o those_o oracle_n can_v not_o have_v be_v forge_v after_o their_o completion_n 35_o chap._n 7._o for_o what_o reason_n the_o oracle_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n be_v interweave_v with_o other_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o wide_o distant_a 45_o chap._n 8._o general_a rule_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o ancient_a oracle_n and_o for_o the_o application_n of_o they_o to_o the_o messiah_n 51_o chap._n 9_o of_o those_o oracle_n concern_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n 60_o chap._n 10._o of_o the_o oracle_n which_o concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n 71_o chap._n 11._o consideration_n upon_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o upon_o his_o glorious_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n foretell_v by_o david_n in_o the_o xxii_o and_o cx_o psalm_n 80_o chap._n 12._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o have_v a_o forerunner_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v his_o character_n 89_o chap._n 13._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v before_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n 93_o chap._n 14._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n 101_o chap._n 15._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o private_a state_n 107_o chap._n 16._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o work_v great_a miracle_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n 111_o chap._n 17._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o illustrious_a prophet_n 114_o chap._n 18._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o propound_v a_o new_a covenant_n from_o god_n with_o all_o man_n 119_o chap._n 19_o that_o the_o jew_n by_o a_o dreadful_a effect_n of_o their_o blindness_n be_v to_o reject_v the_o messiah_n 125_o chap._n 20._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o die_v and_o a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o his_o death_n 130_o chap._n 21._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v soon_o after_o to_o rise_v again_o 136_o chap._n 22._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o send_v down_o from_o thence_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n language_n etc._n etc._n 140_o chap._n 23._o that_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god._n 144_o chap._n 24._o that_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n 152_o chap._n 25._o of_o the_o time_n which_o succeed_v the_o publish_n of_o these_o prophecy_n till_o the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n 157_o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o second_o volume_n chap._n 1._o that_o there_o appear_v a_o very_a just_a connexion_n between_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o those_o of_o the_o new_a the_o latter_a borrow_a light_n from_o the_o former_a page_n 175_o chap._n 2._o that_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o messiah_n continue_v very_o fresh_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n 183_o chap._n 3._o that_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v still_o subsist_v and_o follow_v the_o model_n which_o god_n have_v form_v in_o order_n to_o the_o certain_a know_v of_o the_o messiah_n 189_o chap._n 4._o that_o all_o the_o distinction_n necessary_a for_o discover_v of_o the_o messiah_n still_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o lord_n 197_o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o time_n point_v out_o by_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o very_a time_n in_o which_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v to_o the_o world._n 202_o chap._n 6._o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v precise_o such_o a_o forerunner_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v describe_v to_o precede_v the_o messiah_n 207_o chap._n 7._o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n then_o reduce_v to_o a_o mean_a condition_n as_o have_v be_v aforetold_v by_o the_o prophet_n 213_o chap._n 8._o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v conceive_v by_o the_o virgin_n mary_n without_o any_o operation_n of_o man._n 222_o chap._n 9_o that_o jesus_n christ_n live_v and_o preach_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v the_o messiah_n shall_v do_v 229_o chap._n 10._o that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n clear_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n 237_o chap._n 11._o that_o the_o prediction_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n clear_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n 242_o chap._n 12._o that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v precise_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v die_v 250_o chap._n 13._o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v raise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n according_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o afterward_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n 258_o chap._n 14._o that_o jesus_n christ_n send_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n 270_o chap._n 15._o that_o according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v call_v the_o gentile_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 277_o chap._n 16._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v found_v on_o proof_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o consequent_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n be_v so_o certain_a as_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 284_o chap._n 17._o that_o it_o can_v be_v question_v whether_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n 292_o chap._n 18._o that_o one_o can_v doubt_v of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v those_o fact_n which_o they_o relate_v 298_o chap._n 19_o more_o reason_n to_o manifest_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o apostle_n 304_o chap._n 20._o that_o the_o whole_a model_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v at_o this_o day_n so_o entire_o destroy_v that_o the_o messiah_n can_v no_o more_o be_v know_v 311_o chap._n 21._o that_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o division_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n can_v be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 317_o reflection_n upon_o the_o historical_a and_o prophetical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chapter_n i._n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o historical_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n a_o uninterrupted_a series_n of_o event_n which_o have_v a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a dependence_n for_o more_o than_o ten_o age_n the_o first_o general_a proof_n which_o i_o make_v use_n of_o to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n after_o moses_n may_v be_v lawful_o draw_v from_o the_o uninterrupted_a series_n of_o event_n which_o be_v relate_v by_o those_o author_n who_o have_v write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o state_n and_o church_n of_o israel_n we_o may_v observe_v several_a considerable_a epocha_n of_o this_o history_n which_o take_v in_o about_o one_o thousand_o and_o forty_o year_n
the_o history_n down_o to_o cyrus_n the_o founder_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o persia_n who_o give_v the_o jew_n their_o liberty_n again_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n contain_v the_o history_n of_o what_o pass_v under_o his_o successor_n to_o the_o time_n of_o artaxerxes_n for_o almost_o eighty_o two_o year_n it_o be_v in_o this_o interval_n that_o the_o deliverance_n happen_v which_o the_o jew_n receive_v under_o esther_n wife_n to_o one_o of_o the_o most_o powerful_a king_n of_o persia_n the_o memory_n of_o which_o the_o jew_n celebrate_v every_o year_n in_o all_o place_n the_o thirteen_o and_o fourteen_o day_n of_o the_o month_n adar_n which_o answer_v to_o our_o february_n by_o virtue_n of_o esther_n law._n after_o these_o general_a remark_n with_o which_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o at_o present_a i_o ought_v to_o make_v some_o reflection_n which_o can_v be_v omit_v without_o take_v away_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o force_n from_o those_o proof_n which_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n the_o first_o be_v that_o as_o these_o history_n have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v neglect_v by_o a_o people_n who_o in_o their_o religious_a and_o civil_a conduct_n be_v absolute_o regulate_v by_o those_o very_a law_n the_o second_o be_v that_o all_o the_o action_n relate_v in_o this_o history_n have_v pass_v altogether_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o people_n the_o extent_n of_o who_o country_n be_v not_o twenty_o league_n in_o breadth_n nor_o eighty_o in_o length_n the_o three_o be_v that_o this_o people_n have_v observe_v the_o law_n of_o the_o seven_o year_n and_o of_o the_o first_o year_n or_o year_n of_o jubilee_n which_o law_n you_o have_v in_o the_o twenty_o five_o of_o leviticus_n from_o their_o first_o conquest_n and_o division_n of_o the_o country_n forty_o seven_o year_n after_o their_o come_n out_o of_o egypt_n this_o observation_n have_v serve_v for_o a_o double_a cycle_n to_o fix_v the_o remembrance_n of_o those_o action_n and_o to_o make_v it_o pass_v from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o and_o so_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o hezekiah_n esai_n xxxvii_o 30._o and_o two_o king_n xix_o 29._o may_v easy_o be_v understand_v that_o although_o sennacherib_n invasion_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n lie_v waste_v all_o judea_n yet_o they_o may_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o quietness_n the_o fourteen_o year_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o the_o next_o year_n they_o shall_v eat_v the_o fruit_n that_o will_v grow_v up_o of_o themselves_o without_o tillage_n and_o that_o on_o the_o sixteenth_o year_n they_o shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o till_o the_o ground_n as_o former_o which_o show_v without_o any_o force_n upon_o the_o word_n that_o the_o fifteen_o year_n of_o hezekiah_n reign_n be_v the_o sabbathical_a year_n in_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v forbid_v to_o cultivate_v the_o ground_n the_o four_o be_v that_o it_o appear_v in_o effect_n by_o the_o series_n of_o this_o whole_a story_n that_o thing_n be_v write_v so_o as_o to_o agree_v with_o the_o public_a record_n which_o be_v extant_a among_o the_o people_n this_o be_v manifest_a if_o we_o consider_v how_o often_o the_o sacred_a penman_n refer_v we_o to_o the_o history_n and_o annal_n of_o those_o king_n of_o who_o they_o speak_v and_o of_o who_o they_o only_o quote_v the_o principal_a story_n in_o short_a in_o pursue_v their_o design_n which_o be_v entire_o to_o bring_v a_o account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o israelite_n under_o one_o view_n let_v we_o go_v on_o to_o other_o proof_n to_o establish_v this_o truth_n chap._n ii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o strict_a connexion_n between_o the_o sacred_a history_n and_o the_o old_a monument_n which_o we_o have_v of_o profane_a history_n as_o there_o be_v but_o few_o very_a ancient_a writer_n of_o profane_a history_n and_o as_o we_o have_v but_o small_a fragment_n of_o they_o disperse_v here_o and_o there_o preserve_v for_o the_o most_o part_n by_o the_o care_n of_o josephus_n the_o jewish_a historian_n and_o of_o eusebius_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr praeparatione_fw-la evangelicâ_fw-la so_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v surprise_v if_o but_o few_o of_o the_o more_o illustrious_a passage_n and_o event_n of_o the_o jewish_a history_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o pagan_a writer_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v otherwise_o engage_v by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o country_n where_o it_o be_v establish_v this_o make_v their_o neighbour_n have_v less_o knowledge_n of_o their_o history_n however_o there_o be_v enough_o leave_v to_o show_v with_o how_o great_a fidelity_n and_o exactness_n the_o sacred_a writer_n pen_v the_o history_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n in_o short_a we_o may_v find_v among_o the_o heathen_a historian_n and_o poet_n who_o be_v their_o first_o historian_n several_a relation_n which_o show_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v by_o the_o sacred_a writer_n be_v well_o enough_o know_v to_o they_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o they_o be_v relate_v in_o those_o historical_a book_n which_o be_v write_v after_o moses_n the_o memory_n of_o joshua_n and_o his_o conquest_n be_v famous_a among_o the_o heathen_n there_o be_v ancient_a monument_n extant_a which_o prove_v that_o the_o carthaginian_n be_v a_o colony_n of_o the_o tyrian_n who_o escape_v from_o joshua_n as_o also_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o leptis_n in_o africa_n come_v original_o from_o the_o zidonian_o who_o forsake_v their_o country_n jugurthino_n procop._n van_n dalicorum_fw-la lib._n ii_o c._n 10._o polybius_n frag._n cxiv_o sallust_n de_fw-fr bello_fw-la jugurthino_n because_o of_o the_o misery_n which_o afflict_v it_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o phoenician_n hercules_n arise_v from_o the_o history_n of_o joshua_n the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o giant_n and_o the_o famous_a typhon_n owe_v their_o original_a to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o og_n the_o king_n of_o bashan_n and_o of_o the_o anakim_v who_o be_v call_v giant_n the_o tempest_n of_o hail_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o eleven_o of_o joshua_n be_v transform_v by_o the_o poet_n into_o a_o tempest_n of_o stone_n with_o which_o as_o they_o say_v jupiter_n overwhelm_v the_o enemy_n of_o hercules_n in_o arim_n which_o be_v exact_o the_o country_n where_o joshua_n fight_v with_o the_o child_n of_o anak_n one_o find_v the_o memorial_n of_o the_o action_n of_o gideon_n preserve_v by_o sanchoniathon_n a_o tyrian_a writer_n who_o live_v soon_o after_o he_o and_o who_o antiquity_n be_v attest_v by_o porphyry_n one_o find_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o jephtha_n sacrifice_a his_o daughter_n after_o his_o victory_n over_o the_o ammonite_n the_o original_a of_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o iphigenia_n 3._o variae_fw-la historiae_fw-la lib._n v._o cap._n 3._o it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o heathen_n as_o aelian_a judicious_o observe_v to_o attribute_v to_o their_o late_a hero_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o action_n of_o those_o who_o live_v long_o before_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o a_o feast_n which_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o heathen_a roman_n in_o april_n the_o time_n of_o the_o jewish_a harvest_n iu._n ovid._n fastorum_fw-la lib._n iu._n in_o which_o they_o let_v loose_a fox_n with_o torch_n fasten_v to_o their_o tail_n which_o certain_o come_v from_o the_o story_n of_o samson_n and_o be_v bring_v into_o italy_n by_o the_o phoenician_n one_o find_v in_o the_o same_o history_n of_o samson_n and_o dalilah_n i._n ovid._n metam_fw-la lib._n viii_o fab._n i._n the_o original_a of_o the_o story_n of_o nisus_n and_o his_o daughter_n who_o cut_v off_o those_o fatal_a hair_n upon_o which_o the_o victory_n depend_v nicolaus_n damascenus_n have_v preserve_v the_o account_n of_o the_o victory_n which_o david_n obtain_v over_o the_o syrian_n of_o zoba_n 6._o joseph_n antie_n lib._n vii_o cap._n 6._o upon_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o euphrates_n as_o it_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o sacred_a writer_n there_o be_v monument_n extant_a which_o describe_v the_o part_n which_o hiram_n king_n of_o tyre_n have_v in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o solomon_n almost_o the_o same_o with_o the_o account_n which_o the_o sacred_a author_n give_v we_o of_o his_o part_n in_o the_o erection_n of_o that_o great_a work._n one_o find_v in_o herodotus_n a_o account_n of_o the_o take_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o sesostris_n king_n of_o egypt_n 6._o joseph_n antiq_fw-la lib._n vii_o cap._n 6._o as_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o history_n of_o rehoboam_n one_o find_v the_o history_n of_o the_o king_n of_o syria_n relate_v by_o nicholaus_fw-la damascenus_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o sacred_a writer_n when_o they_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o victory_n which_o the_o king_n of_o
be_v either_o false_a or_o forge_a this_o eusebius_n have_v clear_o prove_v de_fw-la praepar_n evangelicâ_fw-la lib._n ix_o cap._n 5._o the_o proverb_n of_o the_o sibyll_n or_o delphic_a priestess_n favour_v of_o philip_n be_v common_o know_v it_o be_v easy_a for_o these_o heathen_a prince_n to_o bias_n their_o people_n with_o such_o prediction_n initiò_fw-la lib._n iu._n de_fw-fr praeparat_fw-la evangel_n lib._n iv_o initiò_fw-la but_o what_o eusebius_n say_v put_v the_o thing_n beyond_o all_o question_n for_o he_o express_o show_v that_o when_o the_o priest_n be_v put_v to_o the_o rack_n they_o confess_v the_o whole_a contrivance_n of_o those_o oracle_n which_o they_o pronounce_v to_o abuse_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o people_n v._o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v that_o we_o can_v find_v great_a number_n of_o oracle_n upon_o the_o same_o subject_a whereas_o one_o see_v we_o that_o the_o prophet_n follow_v as_o it_o be_v moses_n model_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o they_o frequent_o concur_v in_o foretell_v the_o same_o fact_n from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o vi_o we_o ought_v to_o remember_v that_o these_o oracle_n be_v not_o keep_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o one_o single_a state_n or_o nation_n vii_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o public_o know_v have_v be_v only_o propose_v in_o private_a place_n before_o a_o very_a few_o and_o in_o short_a that_o they_o be_v not_o actual_o know_v to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o neighbour_a people_n whereas_o one_o see_v we_o that_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n give_v their_o oracle_n in_o the_o most_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o when_o they_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v they_o be_v know_v to_o all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o commerce_n with_o that_o nation_n so_o that_o isaiah_n prophecy_n be_v questionless_a know_v to_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o cyrus_n who_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o design_v by_o god_n to_o restore_v their_o liberty_n to_o the_o jew_n we_o may_v make_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o the_o book_n of_o daniel_n which_o be_v know_v to_o alexander_n without_o all_o question_n as_o one_o may_v collect_v from_o the_o favourable_a reception_n the_o jew_n find_v from_o he_o viii_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v that_o these_o pretend_a oracle_n be_v give_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o favour_n of_o those_o prince_n who_o can_v satisfy_v the_o greediness_n of_o the_o priest_n whereas_o the_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n live_v in_o the_o most_o disinterested_n manner_n in_o the_o world_n and_o usual_o pronounce_v nothing_o but_o reproach_n and_o menace_n of_o cruel_a calamity_n to_o those_o prince_n who_o have_v the_o government_n in_o their_o hand_n their_o ministry_n consist_v in_o a_o courageous_a opposition_n to_o the_o corruption_n in_o their_o law_n and_o their_o religion_n and_o in_o censure_v their_o prince_n and_o governor_n with_o a_o singular_a intrepidity_n and_o indeed_o we_o see_v that_o most_o of_o they_o meet_v with_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o boldness_n and_o make_v trial_n of_o the_o most_o cruel_a torture_n ix_o last_o of_o all_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o as_o the_o oracle_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o heathen_a author_n be_v only_o of_o fact_n of_o small_a importance_n to_o those_o people_n among_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v pronounce_v so_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o think_v themselves_o much_o concern_v in_o their_o preservation_n whereas_o one_o see_v we_o that_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v so_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o oracle_n with_o which_o they_o be_v entrust_v that_o nothing_o to_o this_o very_a day_n can_v ever_o oblige_v they_o to_o discontinue_v the_o read_n of_o they_o whatever_o dispute_v they_o may_v otherwise_o have_v with_o the_o christian_n who_o make_v use_v of_o they_o to_o establish_v their_o pretension_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o claim_n of_o the_o synagogue_n when_o this_o be_v lay_v down_o it_o will_v seem_v as_o if_o i_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o wonderful_a variety_n of_o oracle_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o jew_n can_v be_v at_o all_o weaken_a by_o those_o oracle_n of_o which_o we_o find_v so_o frequent_a mention_n in_o pagan_a writer_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o go_v further_o in_o explain_v two_o thing_n which_o will_v perfect_o clear_v this_o matter_n one_o be_v that_o the_o historical_a and_o prophetical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n after_o moses_n can_v be_v no_o forgery_n the_o other_o be_v that_o in_o truth_n those_o oracle_n which_o we_o find_v insert_v in_o those_o book_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v forge_v after_o their_o completion_n chap._n v._n that_o the_o book_n in_o which_o we_o may_v find_v these_o oracle_n be_v never_o forge_v i_o have_v observe_v former_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n in_o which_o these_o oracle_n be_v insert_v be_v establish_v before_o we_o can_v build_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o oracle_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o can_v clear_o show_v that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v and_o public_o know_v before_o the_o thing_n happen_v which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v accomplishment_n of_o those_o precede_a oracle_n it_o will_v be_v natural_a to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o authority_n of_o these_o oracle_n but_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o satisfy_v a_o equitable_a reader_n herein_o and_o to_o establish_v in_o general_a or_o several_o the_o existence_n of_o these_o prophetical_a write_n before_o the_o time_n in_o which_o those_o fact_n happen_v which_o we_o propose_v as_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o prophecy_n i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o two_o sort_n of_o reflection_n to_o establish_v my_o proposition_n the_o first_o consist_v in_o general_a consideration_n upon_o the_o book_n themselves_o the_o second_o have_v respect_n to_o particular_a fact_n which_o be_v uncontested_a and_o whence_o the_o same_o truth_n very_o natural_o result_v i._o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v that_o whereas_o in_o genesis_n moses_n make_v use_v of_o no_o other_o epocha_n to_o fix_v the_o time_n of_o any_o event_n but_o the_o year_n of_o the_o life_n of_o some_o famous_a patriarch_n as_o for_o instance_n he_o fix_v the_o flood_n to_o the_o 600_o year_n of_o noah_n age_n 38._o exod._n xix_o numb_a xxxiii_o 38._o in_fw-la exodus_fw-la and_o number_n he_o use_v the_o time_n of_o their_o come_n out_o of_o egypt_n for_o his_o epocha_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o follow_a author_n the_o year_n from_o their_o departure_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v careful_o set_v down_o till_o the_o four_o year_n of_o king_n solomon_n reign_n which_o be_v 480_o year_n after_o their_o departure_n this_o be_v a_o character_n to_o fix_v the_o time_n of_o all_o those_o who_o live_v after_o that_o epochâ—_n ii_o the_o building_n of_o the_o temple_n begin_v a_o new_a epocha_n among_o the_o jew_n as_o appear_v from_o two_o chron._n viii_o 1._o though_o they_o begin_v after_o that_o time_n to_o reckon_v by_o the_o year_n of_o the_o king_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o book_n of_o the_o first_o prophet_n which_o be_v a_o character_n sufficient_o certain_a to_o distinguish_v those_o who_o live_v after_o solomon_n with_o the_o time_n when_o they_o live_v iii_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n and_o afterward_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o persian_a empire_n oblige_v they_o to_o fix_v their_o event_n and_o to_o date_n their_o prophecy_n by_o the_o year_n of_o the_o government_n of_o those_o foreign_a king_n see_v daniel_n ezechiel_n zechariah_n and_o haggai_n so_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o maccabee_n refer_v to_o the_o year_n of_o the_o seleucidae_n now_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o perceive_v the_o force_n of_o this_o observation_n we_o must_v remember_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o author_n who_o live_v after_o the_o carry_v away_o of_o the_o jew_n into_o babylon_n make_v use_n of_o some_o chaldee_n term_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o forego_n prophet_n for_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o haggai_n 1._o ezech._n xl._n 1._o daniel_n x._o zach_n i._n hagg._n 1._o zechariah_n and_o malachi_n the_o same_o style_n with_o ezra_n nehemiah_n and_o daniel_n 2._o the_o author_n of_o these_o book_n give_v name_n to_o the_o month_n which_o they_o have_v not_o before_o the_o captivity_n the_o jew_n only_o call_v their_o month_n 1._o talm._n rosch_n hassanah_n c._n 1._o first_o and_z second_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o they_o give_v name_n which_o be_v unheard_a of_o before_o 3._o the_o author_n of_o these_o prophecy_n take_v particular_a notice_n of_o any_o new_o institute_v fast_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n mention_v those_o fast_n of_o which_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o law_n but_o which_o be_v
of_o one_o that_o be_v blind_a and_o another_o that_o be_v lame_a at_o alexandria_n he_o that_o will_v know_v the_o particular_n may_v consult_v tacitus_n his_o history_n and_o last_o of_o all_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o only_o agree_v that_o this_o oracle_n of_o isaiah_n refer_v to_o the_o messiah_n but_o they_o also_o still_o propose_v the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n as_o a_o character_n which_o will_v render_v the_o messiah_n very_o illustrious_a and_o certain_o know_v chap._n xvii_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o illustrious_a prophet_n this_o truth_n i_o have_v already_o assert_v in_o the_o reflection_n i_o make_v on_o the_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n deut._n xviii_o but_o one_o ought_v to_o explain_v this_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n more_o particular_o god_n have_v be_v please_v further_a to_o illustrate_v this_o oracle_n of_o moses_n first_o then_o we_o say_v that_o the_o word_n messiah_n imply_v anoint_v which_o be_v common_a to_o king_n prophet_n and_o priest_n and_o since_o david_n time_n we_o find_v nothing_o more_o common_a than_o this_o title_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o moses_n be_v dignify_v with_o this_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o that_o samuel_n communicate_v the_o same_o to_o saul_n and_o david_n when_o he_o anoint_v they_o to_o be_v king_n yea_o the_o jew_n to_o this_o day_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o elias_n the_o prophet_n shall_v anoint_v the_o messiah_n that_o be_v initiate_v he_o in_o his_o prophetical_a as_o well_o as_o his_o royal_a function_n second_o god_n more_o precise_o signify_v this_o isai_n xi_o verse_n 1_o 2_o &_o 3._o where_o he_o declare_v he_o will_v communicate_v all_o the_o necessary_a gift_n of_o the_o prophetical_a function_n to_o the_o messiah_n there_o shall_v come_v forth_o a_o rod_n out_o of_o the_o stem_n of_o jesse_n and_o a_o branch_n shall_v grow_v out_o of_o his_o root_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v rest_v upon_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n and_o may_v the_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o judge_v after_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o eye_n neither_o reprove_v after_o the_o hear_n of_o his_o ear_n these_o word_n need_v no_o commentary_n for_o the_o jew_n refer_v they_o constant_o to_o the_o messiah_n and_o they_o plain_o import_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a prophet_n forasmuch_o as_o all_o the_o character_n which_o be_v there_o give_v to_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o rest_v on_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o same_o which_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o find_v attribute_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o may_v easy_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o prophet_n especial_o of_o david_n and_o solomon_n and_o much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o passage_n isai_n xlii_o vers_fw-la 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o and_o 7._o behold_v my_o servant_n who_o i_o uphold_v my_o elect_a in_o who_o my_o soul_n delight_v i_o have_v put_v my_o spirit_n upon_o he_o he_o shall_v bring_v forth_o judgement_n to_o the_o gentile_n he_o shall_v not_o cry_v nor_o lift_v up_o nor_o cause_v his_o voice_n to_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o street_n a_o bruise_a reed_n shall_v he_o not_o break_v and_o the_o smoke_a flax_n shall_v he_o not_o quench_v he_o shall_v bring_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o truth_n he_o shall_v not_o fail_v nor_o be_v discourage_v till_o he_o have_v set_v judgement_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o isle_n shall_v wait_v for_o his_o law._n thus_o say_v god_n the_o lord_n he_o that_o create_v the_o heaven_n and_o stretch_v they_o out_o he_o that_o spread_v forth_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o which_o come_v out_o of_o it_o he_o that_o give_v breath_n to_o the_o people_n upon_o it_o and_o spirit_n to_o they_o that_o walk_v therein_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v thou_o in_o righteousness_n and_o will_v hold_v thou_o and_o will_v keep_v thou_o and_o give_v thou_o for_o a_o covenant_n of_o the_o people_n for_o a_o light_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v the_o blind_a eye_n to_o bring_v out_o the_o prisoner_n from_o the_o prison_n and_o they_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n out_o of_o the_o prison_n house_n in_o which_o oracle_n one_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n particular_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o jew_n apply_v to_o the_o messiah_n 1._o that_o god_n propose_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o bestow_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o choice_n he_o have_v make_v of_o he_o 2._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o as_o rule_n for_o reform_v the_o country_n and_o propound_v god_n covenant_n to_o the_o gentile_n which_o clear_o suppose_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n to_o qualify_v he_o for_o such_o great_a undertake_n 3._o that_o contrary_a to_o the_o thunder_a character_n which_o distinguish_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v as_o so_o many_o public_a censor_n the_o messiah_n be_v to_o speak_v with_o all_o meekness_n and_o sweetness_n to_o the_o nation_n which_o shall_v receive_v his_o preach_v one_o see_v we_o that_o isaiah_n repeat_v the_o same_o idea_n chap._n lxi_o vers_fw-la 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o and_o 7._o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n unto_o the_o meek_a he_o have_v send_v i_o to_o bind-up_a the_o break_a heart_a to_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o prison_n to_o they_o that_o be_v bind_v to_o proclaim_v the_o acceptable_a year_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o day_n of_o vengeance_n of_o our_o god_n to_o comfort_v all_o that_o mourn_v to_o appoint_v unto_o they_o that_o mourn_v in_o zion_n to_o give_v unto_o they_o beauty_n for_o ash_n the_o oil_n of_o joy_n for_o mourn_v the_o garment_n of_o praise_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o heaviness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v call_v tree_n of_o righteousness_n the_o plant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v and_o they_o shall_v build_v the_o old_a waste_v they_o shall_v raise_v up_o the_o former_a desolation_n and_o they_o shall_v repair_v the_o waste_a city_n the_o desolation_n of_o many_o generation_n and_o stranger_n shall_v stand_v and_o feed_v your_o flock_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o alien_n shall_v be_v your_o plowman_n and_o your_o vine_n dresser_n but_o you_o shall_v be_v name_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o lord_n man_n shall_v call_v you_o the_o minister_n of_o our_o god_n you_o shall_v eat_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o their_o glory_n shall_v you_o boast_v yourselves_o for_o your_o shame_n you_o shall_v have_v double_a and_o for_o confusion_n they_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o their_o portion_n therefore_o in_o their_o land_n they_o shall_v possess_v the_o double_a everlasting_a joy_n shall_v be_v upon_o they_o in_o short_a he_o represent_v in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a oracle_n the_o gentile_n as_o a_o people_n be_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o prison_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v easy_o infer_v first_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n how_o vile_a and_o abject_a soever_o that_o character_n may_v appear_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o have_v show_v that_o it_o be_v where_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o prophet_n in_o general_n second_o that_o he_o be_v to_o discharge_v these_o function_n during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v his_o chief_a employment_n here_o upon_o earth_n david_n have_v before_o signify_v psalm_n xxii_o verse_n 22._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o declare_v the_o name_n of_o god_n unto_o his_o brethren_n viz._n the_o jew_n by_o exercise_v his_o prophetical_a function_n in_o judea_n but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v something_o more_o when_o he_o seem_v to_o point_v out_o galilee_n as_o the_o place_n where_o this_o sacred_a doctor_n be_v chief_o to_o fix_v his_o abode_n this_o be_v in_o effect_n insinuate_v when_o god_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v to_o begin_v his_o ministerial_a function_n in_o the_o tribe_n of_o naphtali_n and_o zebulon_n isai_n ix_o vers_fw-la 1_o 2_o and_o 3._o nevertheless_o the_o dimness_n shall_v not_o be_v such_o as_o be_v in_o her_o vexation_n when_o at_o the_o first_o he_o light_o afflict_v the_o land_n of_o zebulon_n and_o the_o land_n of_o naphtali_n and_o afterward_o do_v more_o grievous_o afflict_v she_o by_o the_o way_n of_o the_o sea_n beyond_o jordan_n in_o galilee_n of_o the_o nation_n the_o people_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n have_v see_v a_o great_a light_n they_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o land_n
of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n upon_o they_o have_v the_o light_n shine_v thou_o have_v multiply_v the_o nation_n thou_o have_v increase_v the_o joy_n they_o joy_v before_o thou_o according_a to_o the_o joy_n in_o harvest_n and_o as_o man_n rejoice_v when_o they_o divide_v the_o spoil_n i_o shall_v afterward_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v by_o a_o incredible_a abundance_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o so_o this_o shall_v suffice_v at_o present_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o very_a great_a prophet_n chap._n xviii_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o propound_v a_o new_a covenant_n from_o god_n with_o all_o man_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o be_v easy_o gather_v 1._o because_o all_o nation_n before_o they_o can_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o messiah_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n make_v to_o abraham_n be_v first_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o covenant_n itself_o of_o which_o moses_n be_v the_o mediator_n the_o end_n of_o which_o be_v to_o separate_v the_o jew_n from_o other_o nation_n some_o of_o which_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v receive_v among_o they_o till_o after_o several_a generation_n whereas_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o blessing_n by_o the_o messiah_n 3._o because_o in_o effect_n all_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v only_o add_v to_o the_o moral_a as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n principal_a intention_n and_o only_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o jew_n worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n as_o st._n 3.19_o gal._n 3.19_o paul_n observe_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n beside_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n at_o divers_a time_n have_v give_v sufficient_a hint_n concern_v this_o 1._o he_o have_v propose_v a_o new_a priesthood_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v to_o abolish_v the_o levitical_a priesthood_n and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a forasmuch_o as_o david_n who_o pronounce_v that_o oracle_n psalm_n cx_o be_v he_o who_o first_o form_v the_o design_n of_o build_v the_o temple_n to_o which_o all_o the_o levitical_a service_n be_v annex_v 2._o we_o find_v he_o reject_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o levitical_a ministry_n after_o he_o have_v despise_v it_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o spiritual_a worship_n psalm_n xl._n vers_fw-la 6._o sacrifice_n and_o offer_v thou_o do_v not_o desire_v my_o ear_n have_v thou_o open_v burnt-offering_a and_o sin-offering_a have_v thou_o not_o require_v and_o psalm_n l._n vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o 10._o i_o will_v not_o reprove_v thou_o for_o thy_o sacrifice_n or_o thy_o burnt-offering_n which_o have_v be_v continual_o before_o i_o i_o will_v take_v no_o bullock_n out_o of_o thy_o house_n nor_o he-goat_n out_o of_o thy_o fold_n for_o every_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n be_v i_o and_o the_o cattle_n upon_o a_o thousand_o hill_n and_o psalm_n li._n verse_n 17._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o the_o law_n prescribe_v and_o to_o signify_v their_o imperfection_n the_o law_n have_v appoint_v none_o for_o the_o expiation_n of_o murder_n or_o adultery_n isaiah_n follow_v david_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o and_o 15._o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o be_o full_a of_o the_o burnt-offering_n of_o ram_n and_o the_o fat_a of_o feed_a beast_n and_o i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o bullock_n or_o of_o lamb_n or_o of_o he-goat_n when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o i_o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n to_o tread_v my_o court_n bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblation_n incense_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o i_o the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n your_o new_a moon_n and_o your_o appoint_a feast_n my_o soul_n hate_v they_o be_v a_o trouble_n unto_o i_o i_o be_o weary_a to_o bear_v they_o and_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o yea_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n and_o jeremiah_n speak_v much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n chap._n vii_o v._o 21_o 22_o &_o 23._o but_o beside_o god_n direct_o promise_v this_o new_a covenant_n by_o isaiah_n chap._n xlii_o vers_fw-la 6_o 7._o i_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v thou_o in_o righteousness_n and_o will_v hold_v thy_o hand_n and_o will_v keep_v thou_o and_o give_v thou_o for_o a_o covenant_n of_o the_o people_n for_o a_o light_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v the_o blind_a eye_n to_o bring_v out_o the_o prisoner_n from_o the_o prison_n and_o they_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n from_o the_o prison_n house_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o observe_v that_o in_o this_o place_n where_o god_n speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o confess_v he_o express_o declare_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v a_o covenant_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v mediate_v a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n 2._o that_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v to_o extend_v to_o the_o gentile_n which_o plain_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o old_a covenant_n forasmuch_o as_o from_o it_o several_a be_v exclude_v the_o same_o covenant_n be_v also_o mention_v chap._n xlix_o vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n in_o a_o acceptable_a time_n have_v i_o hear_v thou_o and_o in_o a_o day_n of_o salvation_n have_v i_o help_v thou_o and_o i_o will_v preserve_v thou_o and_o give_v thou_o for_o a_o covenant_n of_o the_o people_n to_o establish_v the_o earth_n to_o cause_v to_o inherit_v the_o desolate_a heritage_n that_o thou_o may_v say_v to_o the_o prisoner_n go_v forth_o to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o darkness_n show_v yourselves_o they_o shall_v feed_v in_o the_o way_n and_o their_o pasture_n shall_v be_v in_o all_o high-place_n he_o pursue_v the_o same_o notion_n chap._n lv._o vers_fw-la 3_o 4._o incline_v your_o ear_n and_o come_v unto_o i_o hear_v and_o your_o soul_n shall_v live_v and_o i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o you_o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n behold_v i_o have_v give_v he_o for_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o people_n a_o leader_n and_o commander_n to_o the_o people_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o particular_a and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o speak_v chap._n lxi_o vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o for_o i_o the_o lord_n love_v judgement_n i_o hate_v robbery_n for_o burnt-offering_a and_o i_o will_v direct_v their_o work_n in_o truth_n and_o i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v know_v among_o the_o gentile_n and_o their_o offspring_n among_o the_o people_n all_o that_o see_v they_o shall_v acknowledge_v they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o day_n that_o god_n in_o these_o oracle_n promise_v a_o irrevocable_a covenant_n because_o he_o call_v it_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o former_a he_o take_v notice_n also_o in_o the_o same_o book_n that_o the_o say_a covenant_n be_v to_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o that_o then_o that_o blessing_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v know_v according_a to_o the_o ancient_a oracle_n which_o be_v promise_v universal_o to_o all_o nation_n this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n more_o particular_o explain_v afterward_o by_o the_o voice_n and_o pen_n of_o a_o prophet_n who_o be_v of_o the_o order_n of_o priest_n thereby_o to_o prevent_v all_o sort_n of_o exception_n jeremiah_n in_o effect_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n chap._n xxxi_o vers_fw-la 31_o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35_o and_o 36._o behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o with_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n that_o i_o make_v with_o their_o father_n in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o take_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n which_o my_o covenant_n they_o break_v although_o i_o be_v a_o husband_n to_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v
reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o the_o fact_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v truth_n not_o to_o be_v question_v and_o that_o the_o idea_n of_o this_o messiah_n continue_v vigorous_o all_o the_o time_n that_o precede_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v out_o of_o egypt_n we_o have_v see_v afterward_o in_o the_o remark_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o the_o law_n which_o god_n give_v to_o moses_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o the_o expectation_n of_o this_o messiah_n and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v he_o whenever_o he_o shall_v appear_v in_o the_o world._n i_o have_v take_v notice_n in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o these_o reflection_n of_o the_o care_n which_o god_n take_v to_o give_v a_o great_a number_n of_o oracle_n to_o explain_v particular_o all_o the_o character_n of_o this_o messiah_n the_o place_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o birth_n the_o principal_a circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o to_o foretell_v the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o gentile_n their_o call_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o last_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o whole_a model_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o commonwealth_n which_o be_v no_o long_o of_o any_o use_n after_o the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n my_o present_a business_n be_v now_o to_o show_v that_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o may_v find_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o whole_a design_n wherein_o god_n have_v with_o so_o much_o care_n instruct_v the_o world_n so_o long_o before_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_a if_o we_o will_v but_o take_v a_o little_a pain_n to_o read_v these_o book_n attentive_o and_o to_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o model_n which_o god_n himself_o make_v as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o describe_v it_o to_o make_v this_o truth_n yet_o more_o evident_a i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o do_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o important_a for_o my_o present_a design_n and_o first_o i_o be_o to_o observe_v that_o there_o appear_v a_o most_o perfect_a coherence_n between_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o those_o of_o the_o new_a which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v in_o these_o book_n a_o perfect_a unity_n of_o design_n notwithstanding_o the_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o jew_n who_o preserve_v the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o christian_n who_o preserve_v the_o new._n second_o i_o be_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v very_o strong_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o very_a time_n that_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v in_o the_o world._n this_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o they_o may_v not_o have_v wherewith_o to_o accuse_v those_o who_o receive_v christ_n for_o the_o messiah_n of_o be_v deceive_v in_o their_o choice_n for_o not_o have_v have_v the_o exact_a idea_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v i_o shall_v upon_o this_o account_n show_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o when_o jesus_n christ_n do_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n the_o model_n which_o god_n have_v frame_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n whereby_o the_o messiah_n may_v be_v plain_o know_v do_v then_o subsist_v in_o the_o manner_n wherein_o god_n have_v frame_v it_o after_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v by_o prooss_n which_o be_v indeed_o unquestionable_a that_o in_o examine_v all_o the_o character_n which_o the_o prophet_n give_v by_o which_o the_o messiah_n may_v be_v know_v we_o can_v conceive_v a_o more_o exact_a execution_n of_o god_n design_n as_o to_o the_o messiah_n than_o that_o which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whereof_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v give_v we_o the_o history_n last_o i_o shall_v show_v clear_o that_o this_o model_n which_o god_n have_v frame_v in_o give_v the_o law_n and_o in_o form_v the_o commonwealth_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o so_o proper_a a_o manner_n to_o make_v the_o messiah_n certain_o know_v be_v not_o in_o be_v at_o this_o day_n but_o that_o it_o be_v so_o destroy_v by_o the_o total_a dispersion_n of_o that_o people_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o messiah_n if_o he_o shall_v now_o appear_v again_o in_o the_o world._n and_o that_o indeed_o the_o principal_a event_n which_o according_a to_o the_o oracle_n be_v to_o follow_v the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n be_v already_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o part_n and_o do_v still_o come_v to_o pass_v every_o day_n i_o hope_v to_o evince_v these_o truth_n beyond_o all_o contest_v indeed_o the_o bare_a read_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n plain_o discover_v the_o coherence_n which_o they_o have_v with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old._n it_o show_v clear_o that_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v at_o that_o time_n very_o strong_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o it_o suppose_v without_o any_o affectation_n that_o that_o model_n which_o god_n have_v make_v so_o necessary_a to_o distinguish_v the_o messiah_n stand_v at_o that_o time_n entire_a in_o particular_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o four_o evangelist_n by_o the_o relation_n of_o unquestionable_a matter_n of_o fact_n have_v prove_v that_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v the_o messiah_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v saint_n luke_n show_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o after_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o heathen_n the_o epistle_n be_v a_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o vocation_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o of_o the_o abolish_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v undertake_v they_o unanimous_o conspire_v to_o show_v that_o god_n have_v resolve_v to_o call_v the_o heathen_n to_o partake_v of_o salvation_n that_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o great_a part_n shall_v be_v just_o deprive_v thereof_o because_o they_o obstinate_o reject_v the_o messiah_n several_a question_n be_v examine_v which_o arise_v either_o from_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n or_o from_o the_o abolish_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a worship_n the_o succession_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n justify_v that_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n all_o people_n embrace_v the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o receive_v he_o for_o the_o messiah_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o patriarch_n and_o to_o the_o jew_n i_o shall_v resume_v all_o these_o article_n one_o by_o one_o in_o that_o natural_a order_n in_o which_o i_o have_v propose_v they_o reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chapter_n i._n that_o there_o appear_v a_o very_a just_a connexion_n bètween_n the_o idea_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o those_o of_o the_o new_a the_o latter_a borrow_a light_n from_o the_o former_a as_o it_o be_v not_o much_o the_o character_n of_o romance_n even_o then_o when_o they_o be_v most_o tie_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o probability_n to_o borrow_v either_o the_o style_n or_o idea_n of_o those_o author_n from_o who_o they_o take_v their-subject_a so_o i_o suppose_v that_o in_o this_o my_o undertake_n to_o show_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o old_a it_o be_v very_o important_a to_o make_v out_o that_o at_o the_o first_o read_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o apostolical_a write_n one_o find_v in_o they_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n of_o idea_n with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n one_o may_v to_o this_o purpose_n observe_v in_o general_a that_o the_o gospel_n suppose_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o a_o unquestionable_a truth_n the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n have_v the_o same_o coherence_n with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n which_o the_o write_n of_o the_o latter_a prophet_n have_v with_o those_o of_o the_o former_a and_o which_o the_o book_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n together_o have_v with_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o with_o the_o prophecy_n law_n and_o history_n which_o be_v contain_v therein_o one_o may_v take_v notice_n afterward_o that_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v a_o essential_a relation_n to_o those_o of_o the_o old_a in_o their_o most_o principal_a design_n i_o have_v show_v that_o their_o design_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o raise_v man_n to_o expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o to_o paint_v he_o to_o the_o life_n who_o god_n
will_v have_v take_v by_o force_n to_o make_v he_o their_o king_n what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o the_o apostle_n a_o company_n of_o poor_a miserable_a jew_n shall_v bring_v over_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v accurse_v by_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o crucify_v like_o a_o slave_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n what_o probability_n be_v there_o of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n whilst_o the_o jew_n accustom_a to_o the_o roman_a yoke_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o avoid_v all_o manner_n of_o occasion_n that_o may_v stir_v up_o the_o indignation_n of_o their_o master_n against_o they_o it_o be_v expedient_a say_v they_o rather_o that_o one_o man_n perish_v meaning_n jesus_n than_o to_o hazard_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n the_o three_o be_v that_o these_o oracle_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o among_o discourse_n of_o another_o nature_n but_o also_o link_v together_o in_o such_o a_o chain_n that_o their_o connexion_n will_v not_o permit_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v contrive_v after_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o relate_v to_o be_v past_a and_o also_o that_o they_o be_v constant_o relate_v by_o three_o evangelist_n long_a time_n before_o the_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v s._n john_n be_v the_o only_a witness_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o four_o be_v that_o these_o oracle_n give_v the_o apostle_n as_o much_o ground_n to_o expect_v calamity_n and_o violent_a death_n as_o to_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n of_o doubt_v that_o they_o be_v not_o faithful_o record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o that_o therefore_o see_v the_o accomplishment_n have_v exact_o answer_v to_o the_o oracle_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o divine_a oracle_n i_o confess_v that_o these_o oracle_n no_o more_o than_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v ever_o commit_v to_o the_o 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