give_v notice_n by_o the_o prophet_n of_o all_o those_o light_n which_o shall_v particular_o appear_v in_o he_o in_o prospect_n of_o this_o god_n give_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n such_o character_n as_o will_v distinguish_v the_o true_a prophet_n from_o those_o who_o endeavour_v to_o usurp_v that_o name_n it_o appear_v also_o that_o because_o god_n be_v to_o communicate_v to_o the_o messiah_n a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n which_o moses_n intimate_v by_o say_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n like_o unto_o he_o therefore_o isaiah_n specify_v the_o character_n of_o those_o miracle_n in_o xxxv_o chapter_n of_o his_o prophecy_n and_o god_n explain_v in_o particular_a the_o law_n concern_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o leprosy_n that_o it_o may_v be_v distinct_o know_v which_o be_v incurable_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o those_o who_o will_v attend_v to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o see_v that_o they_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o design_n of_o god_n in_o pursuance_n of_o those_o prospect_n which_o we_o have_v already_o set_v down_o chap._n xxi_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 after_o all_o those_o observation_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o the_o several_a law_n that_o god_n make_v use_v of_o to_o execute_v his_o design_n of_o fix_v his_o people_n to_o a_o certain_a place_n and_o there_o to_o keep_v they_o separate_v it_o be_v natural_a to_o judge_v that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o he_o give_v they_o for_o the_o regulate_v their_o outward_a worship_n be_v also_o intend_v for_o the_o same_o end_n this_o i_o must_v show_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o holiness_n which_o god_n ascribe_v to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a service_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o its_o mysterious_a construction_n in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o in_o respect_n also_o of_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o material_a temple_n afterward_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o their_o whole_a religion_n it_o be_v certain_o for_o this_o purpose_n that_o he_o particular_o consecrate_a several_a thing_n to_o himself_o as_o the_o first_o fruit_n and_o the_o first-born_a and_o that_o he_o set_v apart_o certain_a time_n as_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o month_n and_o certain_a solemn_a feast_n beside_o the_o sabbath-day_n which_o be_v celebrate_v long_o before_o and_o he_o also_o consecrate_a several_a place_n as_o the_o town_n of_o refuge_n and_o yet_o more_o particular_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o temple_n but_o it_o be_v especial_o for_o that_o reason_n that_o he_o have_v consecrate_a certain_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n certain_a sacrifice_n both_o of_o animate_v and_o inanimate_a thing_n and_o certain_a offering_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n perfume_n etc._n etc._n one_o see_v we_o that_o he_o reject_v any_o first_o fruit_n that_o do_v not_o grow_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n one_o see_v we_o that_o though_o some_o sacrifice_n be_v common_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o neighbour_n yet_o he_o distinguish_v they_o by_o so_o many_o circumstance_n that_o they_o be_v much_o different_a from_o the_o other_o thus_o he_o forbid_v they_o to_o make_v use_n of_o statue_n before_o which_o other_o nation_n use_v to_o sacrifice_n at_o that_o time_n and_o he_o command_v they_o not_o to_o sacrifice_n upon_o high_a place_n where_o the_o heathen_n use_v to_o make_v their_o offering_n very_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n at_o sun-rise_n which_o give_v rise_v to_o their_o worship_n of_o the_o rise_n sun._n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o discover_v the_o design_n of_o god_n than_o the_o law_n by_o which_o he_o fix_v their_o worship_n first_o to_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o afterward_o to_o the_o temple_n at_o the_o place_n where_o god_n do_v particular_o reside_v one_o may_v say_v that_o it_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n god_n command_v the_o representation_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o his_o law_n and_o of_o the_o manna_n to_o be_v preserve_v there_o all_o which_o beside_o that_o they_o be_v memorial_n of_o the_o ancient_a apparition_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o that_o people_n they_o be_v express_v figure_n of_o god_n glory_n of_o his_o will_n and_o of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n he_o add_v also_o a_o candlestick_n with_o seven_o branch_n a_o table_n cover_v with_o loaf_n and_o a_o altar_n of_o incense_n which_o be_v figure_n of_o the_o seven_o planet_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n of_o the_o blessing_n which_o we_o enjoy_v by_o nature_n and_o of_o those_o acknowledgement_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o god_n for_o all_o these_o he_o command_v also_o that_o none_o shall_v offer_v sacrifice_n in_o any_o other_o place_n except_o the_o temple_n he_o will_v not_o permit_v that_o any_o but_o those_o who_o be_v purify_v according_a to_o the_o law_n shall_v enter_v into_o it_o he_o exclude_v all_o uncircumcised_a person_n for_o ever_o as_o moses_n have_v former_o be_v command_v to_o pull_v off_o his_o shoe_n in_o the_o desert_n at_o his_o approach_n to_o the_o burn_a bush_n so_o every_o one_o that_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n be_v to_o enter_v barefoot_a as_o a_o mark_n of_o that_o respect_n which_o have_v former_o be_v exact_v of_o moses_n and_o what_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o can_v oblige_v he_o to_o give_v both_o at_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o afterward_o so_o many_o sensible_a mark_n of_o his_o presence_n that_o cloud_n which_o be_v call_v his_o glory_n rest_v there_o the_o urim_n and_o thummim_n which_o be_v a_o oracle_n for_o that_o whole_a nation_n be_v there_o there_o be_v a_o daily_a sacrifice_n offer_v up_o for_o the_o whole_a people_n there_o be_v celebrate_v the_o three_o solemn_a feast_n of_o the_o passover_n of_o pentecost_n and_o of_o tabernacle_n he_o forbid_v they_o to_o sacrifice_v any_o where_o else_o and_o he_o give_v frequent_a and_o illustrious_a oracle_n at_o that_o place_n one_o ought_v also_o to_o observe_v that_o after_o his_o temple_n to_o which_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v transmit_v be_v fix_v at_o jerusalem_n he_o order_v it_o to_o be_v such_o a_o sensible_a mark_n of_o his_o presence_n that_o when_o we_o read_v the_o history_n of_o israel_n march_n in_o the_o desert_n we_o find_v that_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o build_v after_o its_o model_n so_o that_o as_o the_o tabernacle_n stand_v always_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o tent_n of_o the_o levite_n and_o the_o levite_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o whole_a camp_n of_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n who_o be_v all_o list_a under_o their_o proper_a standard_n so_o one_o see_v we_o afterward_o that_o the_o temple_n the_o levite_n and_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v place_v according_a to_o their_o different_a degree_n of_o holiness_n as_o they_o be_v to_o approach_v to_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n which_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o his_o holiness_n certain_o one_o may_v say_v that_o the_o build_n up_o of_o a_o tabernacle_n or_o of_o a_o temple_n seem_v to_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o which_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n so_o that_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v quit_v for_o a_o time_n when_o he_o command_v the_o build_n of_o a_o tabernacle_n but_o real_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n which_o god_n have_v form_v at_o first_o as_o to_o that_o people_n he_o intend_v to_o make_v it_o visible_a and_o it_o appear_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o effectual_a to_o make_v it_o so_o than_o the_o double_a necessity_n to_o which_o that_o whole_a people_n be_v reduce_v to_o to_o meet_v in_o a_o body_n several_a time_n every_o year_n in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o to_o offer_v all_o their_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o to_o be_v there_o perpetual_o employ_v in_o the_o ceremonial_a service_n which_o do_v inseparable_o draw_v they_o thither_o and_o fix_v they_o there_o the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o visible_a assembly_n be_v to_o perpetuate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o principal_a verity_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o especial_o to_o renew_v perpetual_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o people_n as_o to_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v promise_v to_o they_o from_o god._n for_o god_n have_v shorten_v the_o long_a life_n which_o man_n common_o enjoy_v in_o the_o beginning_n before_o they_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n so_o that_o five_o or_o six_o person_n can_v no_o
prefer_v before_o other_o use_v by_o he_o without_o any_o solid_a reason_n that_o therefore_o we_o must_v reject_v the_o deposition_n of_o so_o many_o witness_n who_o unanimous_o attest_v it_o since_o jesus_n christ_n have_v raise_v three_o person_n to_o life_n again_o which_o then_o live_v in_o judea_n since_o jerusalem_n have_v continue_v forty_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n since_o sixty_o solemn_a feast_n be_v celebrate_v in_o that_o time_n where_o all_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o occasion_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o fact_n and_o the_o truth_n or_o falsity_n of_o the_o accusation_n charge_v upon_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o council_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o multitude_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v convert_v at_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o reduce_v all_o to_o this_o question_n of_o the_o fact_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o this_o a_o invincible_a proof_n against_o all_o the_o accusation_n and_o suspicion_n of_o the_o synagogue_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o witness_n who_o maintain_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o attest_v his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o assert_v it_o with_o the_o same_o proof_n and_o the_o same_o zeal_n the_o reflection_n here_o set_v down_o may_v serve_v for_o that_o also_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o i_o be_o next_o to_o consider_v the_o send_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n both_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o ascension_n and_o that_o these_o very_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n enable_v the_o jew_n to_o write_v preach_v and_o publish_v throughout_o all_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n of_o that_o christianity_n which_o we_o now_o profess_v chap._n fourteen_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 i_o have_v show_v that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n speak_v very_o plain_o of_o this_o send_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o a_o preliminary_n to_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o god._n the_o prophet_n joel_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o such_o and_o make_v this_o wonder_n to_o precede_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o s._n peter_n observe_v in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o acts._n isaiah_n speak_v very_o particular_o of_o it_o as_o such_o in_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n of_o his_o prophecy_n where_o he_o sufficient_o intimate_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n shall_v from_o thence_o forward_o so_o rest_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v find_v any_o long_a among_o the_o jew_n who_o city_n and_o temple_n shall_v be_v destroy_v at_o present_v my_o business_n be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o thing_n have_v be_v exact_o fulfil_v according_a to_o the_o design_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o prophet_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o we_o need_v only_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o relation_n which_o s._n luke_n give_v we_o of_o it_o in_o the_o acts._n he_o tell_v we_o therefore_o that_o fifty_o day_n only_o after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o apostle_n have_v continue_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v assemble_v there_o they_o receive_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n to_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o explain_v the_o most_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o our_o saviour_n religion_n every_o thing_n be_v considerable_a in_o this_o relation_n of_o s._n luke_n 1._o that_o he_o relate_v this_o fact_n as_o happen_v fifty_o day_n only_o after_o the_o jewish_a passover_n when_o christ_n be_v crucify_v the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v witness_n of_o his_o death_n 2._o that_o he_o relate_v it_o as_o happen_v in_o the_o same_o city_n where_o jesus_n christ_n be_v condemn_v that_o the_o same_o multitude_n who_o after_o fifty_o day_n be_v again_o assemble_v there_o at_o this_o feast_n may_v be_v witness_n of_o this_o miraculous_a event_n in_o short_a it_o plain_o appear_v that_o this_o new_a law_n from_o mount_n zion_n be_v solemn_o promulge_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v assemble_v from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o old_a law_n be_v when_o all_o the_o people_n assist_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o mount_n sinai_n 3._o that_o these_o gift_n be_v grant_v to_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n gift_n which_o till_o that_o time_n have_v be_v whole_o unheard_a of_o and_o whereof_o some_o part_n only_o have_v be_v grant_v to_o some_o prophet_n and_o to_o some_o priest_n and_o of_o which_o none_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n since_o the_o time_n of_o malachi_n god_n have_v so_o order_v it_o that_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v the_o more_o inflame_v for_o the_o messiah_n come_v as_o also_o that_o upon_o his_o come_n he_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o be_v discern_v 4._o that_o this_o be_v a_o fact_n open_o know_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o different_o interpret_v by_o they_o some_o say_n they_o they_o be_v full_a of_o new_a wine_n 5._o that_o the_o apostle_n assert_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o s._n peter_n that_o this_o be_v a_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o ancient_a oracle_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 6._o that_o they_o declare_v that_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o this_o miraculous_a donative_n have_v be_v foretell_v by_o david_n and_o joel_n it_o be_v certain_o therefore_o very_o natural_a to_o make_v these_o follow_a reflection_n upon_o the_o relation_n of_o so_o considerable_a a_o event_n the_o first_o will_v confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o miraculous_a fact_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v that_o s._n luke_n a_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o rash_a as_o to_o relate_v a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o have_v convince_v his_o reader_n thereof_o also_o nothing_o more_o be_v require_v for_o their_o conviction_n but_o the_o presence_n of_o one_o of_o those_o first_o christian_n and_o to_o make_v a_o trial_n of_o this_o supernatural_a virtue_n bestow_v on_o they_o for_o which_o there_o be_v frequent_a occasion_n 2._o we_o must_v observe_v that_o this_o relation_n of_o s._n luke_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n which_o he_o lay_v down_o to_o make_v his_o book_n of_o the_o act_n to_o appear_v just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o to_o justify_v the_o apostle_n conduct_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o whole_o exclude_v from_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o also_o contrary_a to_o the_o seem_a maxim_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o act_v only_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o circumcision_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o pretension_n of_o many_o christian_n who_o after_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n take_v it_o very_o ill_o that_o s._n peter_n have_v preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n 3._o s._n luke_n suppose_v that_o this_o fact_n come_v to_o pass_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o it_o be_v follow_v by_o consequence_n as_o illustrious_a as_o they_o be_v incredible_a twelve_o poor_a fisherman_n undertake_v to_o go_v and_o preach_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o their_o master_n who_o fifty_o day_n before_o be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n at_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o whole_a synagogue_n and_o by_o order_n of_o one_o of_o the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v not_o only_a live_n not_o only_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n but_o that_o he_o also_o have_v give_v they_o the_o power_n of_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n of_o cure_v all_o disease_n and_o even_o of_o raise_v the_o dead_a 4._o they_o go_v yet_o further_o they_o bold_o maintain_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v they_o a_o privilege_n of_o communicate_v the_o same_o power_n to_o all_o those_o who_o will_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o this_o without_o any_o other_o mystery_n but_o the_o bare_a lay_v on_o of_o their_o hand_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v they_o by_o baptism_n into_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n nothing_o can_v have_v be_v more_o easy_a than_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o contrary_a unless_o they_o have_v confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o assertion_n by_o the_o miraculous_a consequence_n of_o that_o first_o miracle_n the_o fact_n be_v public_o acknowledge_v simon_n magus_n be_v convince_v thereof_o and_o
reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o two_o volume_n volume_n i._n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxxviii_o imprimatur_fw-la libre_fw-la cvi_fw-la titulus_fw-la est_fw-la reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n in_o ii_o vol._n the_o 12_o of_o january_n 1687_o 1687_o 8._o h._n maurice_n r_n mo_z in_o christo_n p.d._n willielmo_n archiep._n cant._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la to_o the_o king_n great_a sir_n the_o gracious_a acceptance_n which_o your_o majesty_n be_v please_v to_o allow_v the_o first_o volume_n of_o my_o reflection_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n encourage_v and_o almost_o necessitate_v i_o to_o the_o further_a presumption_n of_o lay_v these_o two_o volume_n at_o this_o time_n at_o your_o majesty_n foot_n your_o majesty_n do_v i_o the_o honour_n to_o say_v that_o you_o be_v please_v to_o see_v divine_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o subject_n so_o important_a and_o after_o this_o judgement_n give_v by_o so_o great_a a_o prince_n which_o be_v so_o evident_a a_o demonstration_n of_o your_o zeal_n for_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o have_v be_v unpardonable_a in_o i_o not_o to_o have_v go_v on_o with_o the_o work_n and_o i_o have_v reason_n then_o to_o consecrate_v it_o whole_o to_o your_o majesty_n who_o i_o be_v assure_v will_v approve_v of_o my_o intention_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n will_v pardon_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o performance_n as_o your_o majesty_n continue_v still_o to_o give_v such_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o your_o clemency_n and_o royal_a protection_n to_o those_o of_o our_o nation_n so_o i_o confess_v sir_n i_o think_v myself_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o this_o opportunity_n 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fill_v with_o admiration_n of_o the_o unexampled_a effect_n of_o your_o majesty_n clemency_n there_o be_v no_o place_n so_o barbarous_a whither_o the_o renown_n of_o that_o mercy_n which_o have_v be_v so_o glorious_o extend_v towards_o we_o have_v not_o be_v carry_v and_o the_o remembrance_n will_v be_v ever_o dear_a to_o the_o remote_a age_n of_o posterity_n we_o must_v sir_n be_v whole_o insensible_a if_o we_o have_v not_o all_o of_o we_o the_o high_a sense_n of_o so_o great_a a_o bounty_n and_o we_o shall_v just_o appear_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o be_v unworthy_a of_o this_o your_o majesty_n paternal_a care_n if_o notwithstanding_o that_o low_a condition_n to_o which_o we_o be_v now_o reduce_v we_o shall_v not_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o your_o august_n throne_n with_o the_o humble_a demonstration_n of_o thankfulness_n when_o god_n shower_n down_o the_o great_a blessing_n upon_o mankind_n he_o require_v this_o just_a tribute_n which_o be_v also_o their_o great_a honour_n by_o open_v to_o they_o a_o access_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o glory_n and_o this_o sacred_a pattern_n we_o crave_v leave_v to_o follow_v when_o we_o solemn_o pay_v the_o like_a tribute_n to_o your_o majesty_n who_o can_v receive_v nothing_o from_o we_o again_o that_o can_v answer_v the_o greatness_n or_o the_o number_n of_o those_o favour_n which_o have_v so_o very_a much_o exceed_v all_o our_o desire_n i_o can_v wish_v sir_n that_o this_o work_n which_o i_o now_o present_a to_o your_o majesty_n may_v be_v so_o haypy_a as_o to_o pass_v to_o posterity_n with_o this_o character_n of_o our_o acknowledgement_n and_o that_o it_o may_v stand_v as_o a_o faithful_a record_n for_o ever_o to_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n of_o that_o lively_a sense_n of_o your_o bounty_n which_o be_v imprint_v on_o all_o our_o heart_n if_o this_o can_v be_v hope_v for_o it_o must_v be_v whole_o owe_v to_o your_o majesty_n glorious_a name_n which_o late_a age_n will_v receive_v with_o reverence_n but_o sir_n though_o i_o dare_v not_o hope_v that_o these_o reflection_n can_v obtain_v that_o honour_n yet_o our_o age_n at_o least_o may_v see_v that_o they_o bear_v these_o public_a mark_n of_o gratitude_n for_o all_o your_o majesty_n royal_a favour_n this_o sir_n be_v my_o sole_a aim_n in_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o work_n to_o your_o majesty_n and_o may_v your_o sacred_a majesty_n be_v please_v to_o approve_v of_o these_o poor_a testimony_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n in_o general_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o instance_n of_o i_o in_o particular_a and_o of_o that_o profound_a respect_n with_o which_o i_o be_o london_n may_v the_o seven_o 1688._o sir_n your_o majesty_n most_o dutiful_a and_o obedient_a subject_n and_o servant_n p._n allix_fw-la the_o preface_n one_o may_v divide_v man_n into_o two_o general_a class_n some_o be_v without_o any_o knowledge_n of_o a_o deity_n or_o sense_n of_o religion_n traveller_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o the_o west-indies_n the_o eastern_a part_n of_o tartary_n and_o some_o place_n of_o africa_n such_o people_n be_v to_o be_v find_v i_o know_v this_o be_v a_o fact_n which_o be_v dispute_v by_o other_o and_o fabricius_n a_o divine_a of_o the_o palatinate_n pretend_v that_o he_o have_v solid_o confute_v it_o if_o this_o fact_n shall_v be_v think_v doubtful_a yet_o it_o be_v know_v at_o least_o that_o some_o person_n may_v be_v find_v here_o and_o there_o in_o the_o world_n who_o look_v upon_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n as_o upon_o a_o fable_n and_o who_o ridicule_n all_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n whatsoever_o but_o one_o may_v also_o say_v that_o if_o he_o compare_v these_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n they_o make_v the_o least_o and_o worst_a part_n of_o mankind_n though_o many_o of_o they_o affect_v to_o live_v moral_o well_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n make_v profession_n that_o they_o own_o a_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o most_o perfect_a eternal_a and_o independent_a be_v that_o he_o govern_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o providence_n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o man_n do_v well_o or_o ill_o in_o those_o action_n which_o depend_v on_o his_o liberty_n from_o whence_o they_o equal_o conclude_v that_o man_n be_v design_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o society_n without_o it_o will_v be_v pure_a robbery_n and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v whole_o destroy_v by_o death_n so_o it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n to_o deny_v all_o reward_n for_o virtue_n or_o punishment_n for_o vice_n after_o this_o life_n all_o the_o diversity_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n be_v reducible_a to_o two_o kind_n the_o first_o be_v of_o those_o who_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o pagan_n in_o general_n the_o second_o be_v of_o those_o that_o acknowledge_v one_o only_a god_n such_o be_v the_o jew_n christian_n and_o mahometan_n now_o as_o for_o the_o cure_n of_o different_a disease_n several_a remedy_n be_v make_v use_n of_o so_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o to_o deliver_v man_n of_o their_o various_a prejudices_fw-la we_o must_v take_v very_o different_a method_n the_o ignorance_n of_o those_o barbarous_a people_n in_o the_o indies_n tartary_n and_o africa_n must_v be_v remove_v by_o teach_v they_o the_o first_o principle_n and_o make_v they_o apply_v the_o little_a sense_n they_o have_v leave_v they_o of_o good_a and_o evil_n right_a and_o wrong_n to_o the_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o religion_n atheist_n must_v be_v convince_v by_o reflection_n upon_o those_o principle_n which_o they_o admit_v by_o show_v that_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o reject_v be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o they_o dare_v not_o dispute_v to_o convince_v the_o heathen_a who_o suppose_v many_o god_n we_o must_v
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 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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 defective_a whereas_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o entire_a nation_n yea_o many_o nation_n do_v attest_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n propose_v and_o that_o all_o the_o action_n discourse_n and_o whole_a series_n of_o event_n thereto_o relate_v do_v furnish_v we_o with_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o character_n which_o invincible_o signalise_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scrïpture_n chap._n iii_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 forasmuch_o as_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o our_o religion_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n it_o will_v be_v proper_a in_o order_n to_o the_o execute_n of_o my_o design_n to_o begin_v with_o a_o general_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_a book_n which_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a if_o one_o make_v the_o follow_a remark_n the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n that_o he_o write_v the_o history_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 of_o the_o deluge_n the_o rise_n and_o pedigree_n of_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o division_n of_o tongue_n and_o in_o particular_a the_o history_n of_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n until_o the_o enter_v of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n into_o palestina_n 2552_o year_n after_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world._n the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o follow_a book_n viz._n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n the_o four_o book_n of_o king_n of_o chronicle_n with_o the_o book_n of_o ezrah_n and_o nehemiah_n be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o say_a history_n from_o the_o enter_v of_o the_o jew_n into_o palestina_n until_o their_o
re-establishment_n in_o the_o say_a country_n about_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 3600._o here_o we_o read_v the_o conquest_n of_o palestina_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o joshua_n how_o it_o be_v divide_v among_o the_o tribe_n after_o they_o have_v destroy_v drive_v out_o or_o subdue_v the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o how_o often_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o bondage_n by_o the_o border_a nation_n who_o rise_n and_o pretension_n moses_n set_v down_o here_o we_o have_v record_v the_o several_a name_n and_o action_n of_o the_o judge_n which_o god_n from_o time_n to_o time_n raise_v to_o the_o israelite_n to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o first_o estate_n here_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o kingly_a government_n among_o they_o which_o happen_v about_o the_o year_n 2909_o as_o likewise_o of_o the_o division_n of_o this_o people_n into_o two_o kingdom_n which_o for_o three_o age_n together_o be_v most_o opposite_a in_o their_o interest_n and_o make_v great_a war_n against_o each_o other_o as_o well_o as_o against_o their_o neighbour_a state_n we_o find_v here_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o most_o puissant_a of_o these_o two_o state_n viz._n that_o of_o israel_n by_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n about_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 3283_o and_o after_o that_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o of_o judah_n by_o nebuchadnezar_n king_n of_o the_o chaldean_n anno_fw-la mundi_fw-la 3283._o and_o last_o of_o all_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o jew_n restoration_n by_o cyrus_n king_n of_o persia_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o his_o successor_n the_o three_o thing_n observable_a be_v that_o in_o the_o remain_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o find_v several_a historical_a relation_n relate_v to_o both_o kingdom_n with_o several_a prophecy_n relate_v to_o their_o decay_n and_o restoration_n as_o likewise_o many_o discourse_n of_o morality_n and_o piety_n and_o that_o all_o these_o relation_n and_o prophecy_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v write_v at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o with_o those_o circumstance_n which_o have_v a_o natural_a reference_n to_o what_o the_o other_o book_n recite_v to_o we_o and_o a_o essential_a relation_n to_o the_o book_n and_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o these_o prophecy_n relation_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o we_o find_v there_o concern_v their_o government_n or_o religion_n the_o four_o be_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n contain_v a_o exact_a relation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n of_o the_o establishment_n of_o his_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n together_o with_o some_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n who_o refuse_v to_o own_v he_o for_o the_o messiah_n promise_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o last_o prophecy_n declare_v what_o in_o in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v to_o happen_v both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world._n these_o book_n take_v the_o truth_n of_o moses_n write_n every_o where_n for_o grant_v as_o also_o of_o all_o the_o other_o sacred_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n both_o historical_a prophetical_a and_o moral_a these_o four_o particular_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n give_v we_o a_o entire_a idea_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o we_o shall_v scarce_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o aught_o else_o to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o write_n if_o we_o consider_v those_o undisputable_a matter_n of_o fact_n i_o be_o now_o to_o speak_v of_o and_o will_v but_o make_v some_o very_a natural_a reflection_n upon_o they_o the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o christian_n notwithstanding_o their_o be_v divide_v into_o several_a sect_n and_o party_n present_o after_o our_o saviour_n time_n have_v and_o do_v still_o in_o all_o place_n every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n read_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n translate_v into_o 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principal_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o say_v that_o the_o sole_a consideration_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v indisputable_a be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v in_o general_a the_o truth_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n first_o then_o i_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v as_o ridiculous_a to_o maintain_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n translate_v into_o so_o many_o language_n cite_v by_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o author_n and_o which_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o various_a dispute_n from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o soon_o after_o shall_v be_v supposititious_a as_o to_o aver_v that_o the_o book_n of_o justinian_n or_o mahomet_n alcoran_n have_v be_v false_o obtrude_v on_o the_o world_n under_o their_o name_n i_o speak_v now_o only_o of_o the_o book_n themselves_o not_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n they_o contain_v second_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o 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 tribe_n have_v they_o and_o preserve_v they_o with_o the_o great_a care_n esteem_v they_o of_o divine_a authority_n second_o there_o be_v also_o reason_n of_o state_n which_o make_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n not_o to_o regard_v the_o division_n make_v by_o joshuah_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n nor_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o priesthood_n which_o reason_n of_o state_n hereafter_o mention_v where_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o ten_o tribe_n will_v not_o allow_v the_o same_o authority_n to_o some_o of_o those_o book_n which_o be_v write_v before_o their_o revolt_n as_o those_o of_o samuel_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n which_o they_o do_v to_o the_o pentateuch_n of_o moses_n most_o of_o the_o other_o we_o know_v be_v pen_v since_o the_o division_n of_o the_o two_o kingdom_n and_o so_o do_v more_o particular_o respect_v the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n and_o some_o they_o after_o the_o
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
if_o it_o have_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v a_o jew_n before_o they_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o promise_n second_o it_o suppose_v that_o god_n be_v to_o remove_v that_o people_n out_o of_o canaan_n into_o remote_a country_n and_o to_o disperse_v they_o as_o it_o be_v into_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v do_v by_o divine_a providence_n only_o to_o publish_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o establish_v the_o belief_n in_o the_o prophet_n and_o so_o to_o facilitate_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith._n three_o he_o declare_v express_o as_o st._n paul_n observe_v that_o he_o be_v to_o call_v his_o people_n that_o which_o be_v not_o his_o people_n that_o he_o may_v by_o that_o mean_n provoke_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o jealousy_n this_o notion_n of_o jealousy_n mention_v by_o st._n paul_n deserve_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o with_o very_o great_a care_n if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o jealousy_n which_o reign_v among_o the_o israelite_n and_o their_o neighbour_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n in_o another_o place_n of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o oracle_n of_o david_n upon_o the_o same_o subject_a although_o he_o otherwise_o insult_v upon_o the_o moabite_n and_o edomite_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o show_v as_o much_o aversion_n and_o jealousy_n against_o those_o nation_n as_o be_v possible_a for_o one_o that_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a war_n with_o those_o people_n i_o shall_v also_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o solomon_n marriage_n with_o the_o princess_n of_o tyre_n of_o sidon_n and_o of_o egypt_n that_o be_v to_o say_v with_o the_o posterity_n of_o ham_n which_o be_v unite_v to_o that_o of_o judah_n to_o take_v a_o part_n with_o they_o in_o the_o blessing_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o song_n that_o be_v write_v upon_o that_o marriage_n be_v preserve_v as_o a_o piece_n divine_o inspire_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o happy_a presage_n of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o messiah_n one_o may_v also_o join_v here_o the_o manner_n of_o solomon_n give_v to_o hiram_n subject_n who_o have_v help_v he_o in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o country_n of_o chabul_n which_o be_v enclose_v within_o judea_n although_o those_o people_n be_v of_o the_o canaanite_n posterity_n upon_o who_o noah_n have_v particular_o pronounce_v ix_o gen._n ix_o curse_v be_v canaan_n one_o may_v also_o see_v that_o as_o god_n have_v permit_v his_o people_n to_o be_v transport_v into_o chaldea_n and_o babylon_n and_o have_v raise_v up_o there_o prophet_n among_o they_o on_o purpose_n to_o acquaint_v the_o world_n with_o the_o glorious_a hope_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o he_o cause_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v translate_v into_o greek_a about_o 300_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n birth_n not_o only_o to_o prevent_v all_o suspicion_n of_o falsehood_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o gentile_n if_o they_o be_v produce_v of_o a_o sudden_a after_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o also_o to_o instruct_v the_o heathen_n by_o little_a and_o little_a of_o the_o right_n which_o all_o nation_n have_v as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n to_o that_o promise_n that_o they_o may_v take_v their_o share_n in_o it_o whenever_o they_o shall_v be_v invite_v to_o it_o by_o god_n and_o especial_o to_o take_v away_o the_o scandal_n which_o be_v to_o follow_v upon_o god_n destroy_v the_o form_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n by_o the_o roman_n according_a to_o daniel_n prediction_n all_o these_o thing_n no_o doubt_n engage_v the_o jew_n who_o read_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n to_o make_v particular_a remark_n upon_o they_o but_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v observe_v three_o thing_n especial_o the_o first_o be_v that_o although_o god_n have_v at_o first_o choose_v their_o whole_a nation_n yet_o he_o be_v please_v to_o disperse_v afterward_o almost_o ten_o part_n of_o thirteen_o which_o plain_o show_v that_o this_o choice_n which_o he_o have_v make_v be_v only_o a_o oeconomical_a choice_n and_o for_o a_o particular_a design_n the_o second_o be_v that_o although_o he_o be_v very_o severe_a and_o punctual_a in_o exact_v obedience_n to_o the_o ceremonial_a service_n yet_o he_o have_v fix_v the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o observance_n to_o certain_a place_n to_o certain_a time_n and_o to_o certain_a person_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v that_o when_o god_n bound_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v only_o for_o a_o oeconomical_a service_n prescribe_v only_o upon_o a_o particular_a prospect_n which_o be_v one_o day_n to_o have_v a_o end_n the_o three_o be_v that_o experience_n convince_v they_o that_o although_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v fix_v his_o service_n to_o the_o temple_n yet_o he_o suffer_v the_o chaldean_n to_o destroy_v the_o first_o and_o do_v not_o restore_v to_o the_o second_o the_o first_o mark_n of_o his_o presence_n when_o it_o be_v rebuilt_a by_o the_o order_n of_o cyrus_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o conclude_v that_o such_o a_o glory_n as_o retire_v by_o little_a and_o little_a from_o that_o place_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v be_v only_o design_v to_o be_v there_o for_o a_o time_n till_o god_n shall_v extend_v his_o service_n by_o call_v all_o the_o world_n to_o his_o religion_n and_o so_o make_v the_o whole_a universe_n his_o temple_n as_o we_o see_v it_o do_v in_o our_o day_n by_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n finis_fw-la reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n volume_n ii_o london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxxviii_o the_o preface_n in_o my_o reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n i_o have_v show_v the_o mean_n god_n make_v use_n of_o to_o imprint_v the_o idea_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 during_o that_o long_a tract_n of_o 2500_o year_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n depart_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o before_o the_o history_n of_o it_o be_v pen_v by_o moses_n they_o that_o consider_v that_o god_n at_o first_o prescribe_v the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n to_o fix_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o this_o law_n have_v be_v constant_o observe_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n until_o moses_n and_o be_v still_o to_o this_o day_n observe_v among_o the_o jew_n easy_o apprehend_v that_o this_o fact_n of_o the_o creation_n can_v not_o be_v more_o incontestable_o prove_v or_o more_o firm_o ground_v in_o like_a manner_n a_o attentive_a reflection_n upon_o the_o oracle_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o which_o alone_o at_o first_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o be_v afterward_o record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v any_o one_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v deep_o engrave_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o israelite_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o jealousy_n which_o god_n have_v raise_v among_o the_o several_a pretender_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o great_a promise_n do_v not_o much_o contribute_v to_o preserve_v the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v show_v very_o careful_o that_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o that_o purpose_n i_o have_v in_o my_o reflection_n afterward_o prove_v upon_o the_o four_o last_o book_n of_o moses_n that_o god_n prosecute_v the_o same_o design_n in_o the_o law_n which_o he_o give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o peculiar_a form_n and_o regulation_n of_o their_o government_n and_o religion_n the_o great_a design_n of_o which_o rule_n be_v only_a that_o the_o messiah_n at_o his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v unquestionable_o know_v whoever_o shall_v read_v the_o reflection_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o this_o matter_n will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o long_a life_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n to_o make_v so_o fresh_a and_o lively_a a_o impression_n of_o those_o illustrious_a fact_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o very_o frequent_a oracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o as_o indeed_o we_o find_v that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o 2553_o year_n only_o five_o or_o six_o principal_a oracle_n be_v give_v which_o have_v a_o particular_a relation_n to_o the_o messiah_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o now_o this_o reflection_n be_v once_o suppose_v as_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v afterward_o
o_o my_o god_n yea_o thy_o law_n be_v within_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v preach_v righteousness_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n lo_o i_o have_v not_o refrain_v my_o lip_n o_o lord_n thou_o know_v i_o have_v not_o hide_v thy_o righteousness_n within_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v declare_v thy_o faithfulness_n and_o thy_o salvation_n i_o have_v not_o conceal_v thy_o love_a kindness_n and_o thy_o truth_n from_o the_o great_a congregation_n in_o the_o xvi_o psalm_n he_o describe_v the_o inviolable_a steadfastness_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n who_o have_v send_v he_o to_o form_v a_o great_a people_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o deliverance_n by_o god_n from_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n by_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o afterward_o receive_v he_o into_o glory_n psalm_n xvi_o 8._o etc._n etc._n i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o i_o because_o he_o be_v at_o my_o right_a hand_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v therefore_o my_o heart_n be_v glad_a and_o my_o glory_n rejoice_v my_o flesh_n also_o shall_v rest_v in_o hope_n for_o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n neither_o will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n thou_o will_v show_v i_o the_o path_n of_o life_n in_o thy_o presence_n be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n at_o thy_o right_a hand_n there_o be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o in_o the_o xxii_o psalm_n he_o describe_v the_o agony_n through_o which_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o pass_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o death_n the_o victory_n which_o he_o shall_v obtain_v over_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o those_o very_a nation_n which_o have_v cast_v he_o off_o in_o the_o cix_o psalm_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o messiah_n pronounce_v great_a number_n of_o imprecation_n against_o that_o very_a person_n who_o shall_v signalise_v himself_o by_o persecute_v his_o innocence_n hold_v not_o thy_o peace_n o_o god_n of_o my_o praise_n for_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o deceitful_a be_v open_v against_o i_o they_o have_v speak_v against_o i_o with_o a_o lie_a tongue_n verse_n 1_o 2._o set_a thou_o a_o wicked_a man_n over_o he_o and_o let_v satan_n stand_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v judge_v let_v he_o be_v condemn_v and_o let_v his_o prayer_n become_v sin._n let_v his_o day_n be_v few_o and_o let_v another_o take_v his_o office_n verse_n 6_o 7_o 8._o because_o that_o he_o remember_v not_o to_o show_v mercy_n but_o persecute_v the_o poor_a and_o needy_a man_n that_o he_o may_v even_o slay_v the_o break_a in_o heart_n as_o he_o love_v curse_v so_o let_v it_o come_v to_o he_o as_o he_o delight_v not_o in_o blessing_n so_o let_v it_o be_v far_o from_o he_o as_o he_o clothe_v himself_o with_o curse_v like_o as_o with_o his_o garment_n so_o let_v it_o come_v into_o his_o bowel_n like_o water_n and_o like_o oil_n into_o his_o bone_n verse_n 16_o 17_o 18._o in_o the_o cxix_o psalm_n he_o carry_v this_o argument_n further_o in_o his_o description_n of_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o messiah_n for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o of_o those_o insulting_n which_o he_o shall_v meet_v with_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o give_v he_o vinegar_n and_o gall_n to_o drink_v with_o the_o harden_v and_o rejection_n of_o those_o who_o have_v use_v he_o in_o that_o manner_n save_v i_o o_o god_n for_o the_o water_n be_v come_v in_o unto_o my_o soul_n i_o sink_v in_o deep_a mire_n where_o there_o be_v no_o stand_v i_o be_o come_v into_o deep_a water_n where_o the_o flood_n overflow_v i_o verse_n 1_o 2._o let_v not_o they_o that_o wait_v on_o thou_o o_o lord_n ge_v of_o host_n be_v ashamed_a for_o my_o sake_n let_v not_o those_o that_o seek_v thou_o be_v confound_v for_o my_o sake_n o_o god_n of_o israel_n because_o for_o thy_o sake_n i_o have_v bear_v reproach_n shame_n have_v cover_v my_o face_n i_o be_o beoome_n a_o stranger_n unto_o my_o brethren_n and_o a_o alien_n unto_o my_o mother_n child_n for_o the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o and_o the_o reproach_n of_o they_o that_o reproach_v thou_o be_v fall_v upon_o i_o verse_n 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o reproach_n have_v break_v my_o heart_n and_o i_o be_o full_a of_o heaviness_n and_o i_o look_v for_o some_o to_o take_v pity_n but_o there_o be_v none_o and_o for_o comforter_n but_o i_o find_v none_o they_o give_v i_o also_o gall_n for_o my_o meat_n and_o in_o my_o thirst_n they_o give_v i_o vinegar_n to_o drink_v let_v their_o table_n become_v a_o snare_n before_o they_o and_o that_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v for_o their_o welfare_n let_v it_o become_v a_o trap_n let_v their_o eye_n be_v darken_v that_o they_o see_v not_o and_o make_v their_o loin_n continual_o to_o shake_v pour_v out_o thy_o indignation_n upon_o they_o and_o let_v thy_o wrathful_a anger_n take_v hold_v of_o they_o verse_n 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o in_o the_o xcvii_o and_o xcviii_o psalm_n he_o describe_v the_o destruction_n of_o idolatry_n when_o the_o promise_a saviour_n shall_v appear_v and_o when_o god_n shall_v raise_v he_o upon_o his_o throne_n the_o lord_n reign_v let_v the_o earth_n rejoice_v let_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o isle_n be_v glad_a thereof_o psalm_n xcvii_o 1._o confound_v be_v all_o they_o that_o serve_v grave_v image_n that_o boast_v themselves_o of_o idol_n worship_v he_o all_o you_o gods._n zion_n hear_v and_o be_v glad_a and_o the_o daughter_n of_o judah_n rejoice_v because_o of_o thy_o judgement_n o_o lord_n for_o thou_o lord_n be_v high_a above_o all_o the_o earth_n thou_o be_v exalt_v far_o above_o all_o god_n verse_n 7_o 8_o 9_o o_o sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n a_o new_a song_n for_o he_o have_v do_v marvellous_a thing_n his_o right_a hand_n and_o his_o holy_a arm_n have_v get_v he_o the_o victory_n the_o lord_n have_v make_v know_v his_o salvation_n his_o righteousness_n have_v he_o open_o show_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o heathen_a he_o have_v remember_v his_o mercy_n and_o his_o truth_n towards_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n have_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o god._n make_v a_o joyful_a noise_n unto_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o earth_n make_v a_o loud_a noise_n and_o rejoice_v and_o sing_v praise_n psalm_n xcviii_o 1._o 4._o in_o the_o lxviii_o psalm_n he_o explain_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n with_o the_o effusion_n of_o those_o gift_n which_o he_o be_v to_o spread_v abroad_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o god_n may_v dwell_v among_o the_o most_o rebellious_a prince_n shall_v come_v out_o of_o egypt_n ethiopia_n shall_v soon_o stretch_v out_o her_o hand_n unto_o god_n sing_v unto_o god_n you_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n o_o sing_v praise_n unto_o the_o lord_n to_o he_o who_o ride_v upon_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v of_o old_a lo_o he_o do_v send_v out_o his_o voice_n and_o that_o a_o mighty_a voice_n ascribe_v you_o strength_n unto_o god_n his_o excellency_n be_v over_o israel_n and_o his_o strength_n be_v in_o the_o cloud_n o_o god_n thou_o be_v terrible_a out_o of_o thy_o holy_a place_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v he_o that_o give_v strength_n and_o power_n unto_o his_o people_n verse_n 31_o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35._o the_o prophet_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o david_n or_o soon_o after_o pursue_v all_o his_o idea_n one_o see_v we_o that_o nathan_n two_o sam._n vii_o foretell_v solomon_n glory_n and_o the_o honour_n which_o he_o shall_v have_v in_o build_v that_o temple_n of_o which_o david_n have_v form_v the_o design_n before_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o he_o clear_o show_v three_o thing_n which_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n agree_v with_o solomon_n i._o that_o god_n shall_v raise_v up_o a_o son_n to_o david_n after_o his_o death_n and_o place_v he_o upon_o his_o throne_n whereas_o solomon_n be_v bear_v and_o advance_v to_o the_o throne_n by_o david_n himself_o ii_o it_o be_v promise_v that_o his_o government_n shall_v be_v endless_a this_o be_v not_o applicable_a to_o the_o royal_a posterity_n of_o david_n who_o have_v but_o twenty_o successor_n who_o bear_v the_o title_n of_o king_n iii_o that_o god_n particular_o promise_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o this_o promise_a son_n which_o be_v not_o more_o applicable_a to_o solomon_n than_o to_o david_n to_o josiah_n or_o hezekiah_n one_o see_v we_o that_o corah_n posterity_n give_v that_o account_n of_o solomon_n glory_n upon_o his_o marriage_n with_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n daughter_n he_o speak_v of_o a_o throne_n much_o more_o august_n than_o that_o prince_n be_v and_o he_o represent_v to_o we_o a_o god_n consecrate_v with_o
a_o new_a society_n which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v not_o by_o the_o law_n give_v on_o mount_n sinai_n but_o by_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v publish_v from_o mount_n zion_n chap._n xxiii_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 this_o article_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o important_a and_o most_o visible_a character_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o also_o the_o great_a effect_n of_o his_o ministry_n we_o see_v that_o god_n have_v a_o particular_a care_n to_o divulge_v the_o same_o by_o a_o multitude_n of_o prophetical_a representation_n of_o it_o for_o not_o only_o have_v he_o declare_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n 15._o gen._n iii_o 15._o that_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o error_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o their_o vice_n which_o arise_v from_o thence_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n which_o this_o unhappy_a spirit_n bring_v into_o the_o world._n it_o be_v not_o only_o foretell_v that_o god_n will_v persuade_v japhet_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o sem_fw-mi 27._o gen._n ix_o 27._o by_o unite_n the_o posterity_n of_o both_o those_o patriarch_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o religion_n not_o only_o have_v he_o signify_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v reign_v over_o the_o child_n of_o seth_n that_o be_v over_o all_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n the_o offspring_n of_o cham_n not_o except_v not_o only_o have_v he_o foretell_v that_o all_o nation_n kindred_n xxii_o gen._n xii_o &_o ch._n xviii_o &_o xxii_o and_o family_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o the_o messiah_n but_o god_n go_v much_o further_o afterward_o for_o as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o revelation_n increase_v so_o the_o same_o be_v declare_v more_o distinct_o for_o 1._o the_o patriarch_n jacob_n tell_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v the_o desire_n and_o expectation_n of_o all_o nation_n gen._n xlix_o verse_n 10._o the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o a_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n until_o shiloh_n come_v and_o unto_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_n of_o the_o people_n be_v 2._o moses_n threaten_v the_o jew_n that_o if_o they_o despise_v the_o law_n of_o god_n stranger_n that_o be_v gentile_n shall_v be_v prefer_v before_o they_o deut._n xxviii_o verse_n 43._o the_o strange_a that_o be_v within_o thou_o shall_v get_v up_o above_o thou_o very_o high_a and_o thou_o shall_v come_v down_o very_o low_a the_o same_o prophet_n menace_v they_o from_o god_n that_o he_o will_v stir_v up_o their_o jealousy_n by_o call_v a_o foolish_a people_n to_o his_o service_n and_o worship_n deut._n xxxii_o verse_n 21._o they_o have_v move_v i_o to_o jealousy_n with_o that_o which_o be_v not_o god_n they_o have_v provoke_v i_o to_o anger_n with_o their_o vanity_n and_o i_o will_v move_v they_o to_o jealousy_n with_o those_o which_o be_v not_o a_o people_n i_o will_v provoke_v they_o to_o anger_n with_o a_o foolish_a nation_n nothing_o can_v be_v say_v more_o express_a and_o particular_a than_o these_o last_o word_n of_o that_o great_a law_n giver_n and_o founder_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n 3._o david_n set_v forth_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o that_o which_o be_v to_o reach_v over_o all_o the_o earth_n psalm_n ii_o verse_n 8._o ask_v of_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n and_o psalm_n xxii_o vers_fw-la 27_o 28_o 29_o 30._o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v remember_v and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o nation_n shall_v worship_v before_o thou_o for_o the_o kingdom_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o he_o be_v the_o governor_n among_o the_o nation_n all_o they_o that_o be_v fat_a upon_o the_o earth_n shall_v eat_v and_o worship_n all_o they_o that_o go_v down_o to_o the_o dust_n shall_v bow_v before_o he_o a_o seed_n shall_v serve_v he_o it_o shall_v be_v account_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o generation_n psalm_n lxxii_o vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o he_o shall_v have_v dominion_n from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o river_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n they_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o wilderness_n shall_v bow_v before_o he_o and_o his_o enemy_n shall_v lick_v the_o dust_n the_o king_n of_o tarshish_n and_o of_o the_o isle_n shall_v bring_v present_n the_o king_n of_o sheba_n and_o seba_n shall_v offer_v gift_n yea_o all_o king_n shall_v fall_v down_o before_o he_o all_o nation_n shall_v serve_v he_o which_o prophecy_n be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a because_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n be_v there_o repeat_v in_o so_o many_o word_n viz._n that_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o the_o messiah_n psalm-cii_a verse_n 15._o so_o the_o heathen_a shall_v fear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n thy_o glory_n and_o psalm_n cx_o verse_n 2._o the_o lord_n shall_v send_v the_o rod_n of_o thy_o strength_n out_o of_o zion_n rule_n thou_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o thy_o enemy_n one_o ought_v to_o transcribe_v almost_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o passage_n which_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o prophet_n hosea_n declare_v in_o general_a term_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o impossible_a thing_n for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v god_n people_n to_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o or_o for_o those_o that_o be_v not_o his_o people_n to_o become_v his_o people_n chap._n i._o verse_n 10._o yet_o the_o number_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n which_o can_v be_v measure_v or_o number_v and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o they_o you_o be_v not_o my_o people_n there_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v unto_o they_o you_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god._n isaiah_n mention_n this_o so_o often_o and_o in_o such_o a_o emphatical_a manner_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n he_o drive_v at_o in_o all_o his_o write_n chap._n ii_o verse_n 2_o 3._o he_o speak_v thus_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o last_o day_n that_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n shall_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o the_o hill_n and_o all_o nation_n shall_v flow_v unto_o it_o and_o many_o people_n shall_v go_v and_o say_v come_v you_o and_o let_v we_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n and_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o of_o his_o way_n and_o we_o will_v walk_v in_o his_o path_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n and_o chap._n xi_o verse_n 10._o in_o that_o day_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o root_n of_o jesse_n which_o shall_v stand_v for_o a_o ensign_n of_o the_o people_n to_o it_o shall_v the_o gentile_n seek_v and_o chap._n xviii_o verse_n 7._o he_o make_v a_o manifest_a allusion_n to_o the_o expectation_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o chap._n xlii_o vers_fw-la 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o he_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n 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 will_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 the_o earth_n and_o the_o isle_n shall_v wait_v for_o his_o law._n chap._n lv._o vers_fw-la 4_o 5._o behold_v i_o have_v give_v thou_o for_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o people_n a_o leader_n and_o a_o commander_n to_o the_o people_n behold_v thou_o shall_v call_v a_o nation_n that_o thou_o know_v not_o and_o nation_n that_o know_v not_o thou_o shall_v run_v unto_o thou_o because_o of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o for_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n for_o he_o have_v glorify_v thou_o but_o one_o see_v we_o these_o truth_n in_o their_o great_a lustre_n in_o the_o lx_o chap._n of_o his_o prophecy_n vers_fw-la 3_o 4_o 5._o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v to_o thy_o light_n and_o king_n to_o the_o brightness_n of_o thy_o rise_n lift_v up_o thy_o eye_n round_o about_o and_o see_v all_o they_o gather_v themselves_o together_o they_o come_v to_o thou_o thy_o son_n shall_v
become_v christian_n it_o be_v also_o of_o great_a importance_n to_o observe_v further_o as_o i_o have_v already_o do_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v pen_v before_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v only_o some_o of_o the_o work_n of_o s._n john_n which_o be_v write_v after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o have_v before_o observe_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n order_v it_o so_o that_o all_o the_o jew_n for_o five_o and_o thirty_o year_n together_o repair_v thrice_o a_o year_n to_o jerusalem_n at_o their_o three_o solemn_a festival_n may_v have_v great_a opportunity_n to_o inform_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o remark_n i_o shall_v now_o add_v two_o weighty_a consideration_n the_o one_o be_v that_o the_o christian_n for_o some_o year_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o repair_v with_o the_o jew_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v engage_v to_o examine_v the_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o be_v that_o after_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v dispense_v with_o as_o to_o that_o custom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o observe_n of_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o set_v the_o christian_n in_o a_o great_a opposition_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o increase_v the_o necessity_n of_o examine_v very_o scrupulous_o on_o both_o side_n whatsoever_o be_v for_o or_o against_o they_o in_o those_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o observation_n lead_v we_o natural_o to_o another_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a that_o a_o imposture_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v not_o be_v discover_v when_o there_o arise_v a_o difference_n between_o those_o who_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o forgery_n and_o those_o who_o after_o they_o endeavour_v to_o gain_v credit_n to_o it_o now_o if_o we_o find_v that_o one_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n betray_v he_o without_o accuse_v he_o of_o the_o least_o crime_n or_o imposture_n if_o we_o have_v see_v the_o christian_n at_o first_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o assembly_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o there_o be_v several_a contest_v and_o dispute_v between_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o first_o christian_n yet_o without_o call_v those_o fact_n which_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o question_n by_o either_o side_n s._n paul_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o contest_v which_o happen_v betwixt_o he_o and_o s._n peter_n s._n luke_n relate_v the_o heat_n between_o s._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n upon_o very_o slight_a occasion_n he_o set_v down_o also_o the_o dispute_n which_o arise_v about_o the_o distribution_n of_o alm_n to_o the_o greek_a and_o jewish_a widow_n one_o see_v we_o that_o there_o arise_v a_o dispute_n among_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o about_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o gospel_n one_o see_v we_o afterward_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o maintain_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o submit_v to_o circumcision_n and_o s._n paul_n opposition_n set_v down_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n we_o need_v no_o more_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o concert_n nor_o collusion_n between_o they_o to_o deceive_v or_o impose_v upon_o those_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n let_v we_o go_v a_o little_a further_o a_o dispute_n happen_v about_o a_o capital_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n about_o the_o resurrection_n insomuch_o that_o s._n paul_n think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o write_v concern_v it_o to_o the_o corinthian_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n again_o now_o we_o find_v that_o s._n paul_n to_o confirm_v this_o doctrine_n in_o general_n chief_o make_v use_v of_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o fact_n itself_o that_o be_v by_o witness_n who_o he_o produce_v whereupon_o i_o make_v this_o considerable_a reflection_n that_o in_o compare_v this_o dispute_n of_o s._n paul_n with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n it_o clear_o appear_v that_o they_o do_v not_o allege_v all_o the_o proof_n they_o may_v have_v do_v none_o of_o they_o relate_v in_o particular_a the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o see_v jesus_n christ_n in_o galilee_n upon_o the_o holy_a mountain_n but_o s._n paul_n who_o have_v examine_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o their_o relation_n and_o know_v the_o witness_n specify_v the_o number_n and_o observe_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v yet_o alive_a if_o perhaps_o any_o of_o they_o be_v already_o dead_a i_o shall_v add_v only_o two_o consideration_n more_o which_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v even_o impossible_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n on_o this_o occasion_n the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n they_o be_v no_o great_a lord_n who_o power_n may_v terrify_v any_o one_o from_o examine_v their_o write_n or_o who_o reputation_n can_v not_o have_v be_v call_v in_o question_n without_o danger_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v man_n of_o mean_a condition_n employ_v in_o base_a profession_n often_o cast_v into_o prison_n and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n oblige_v to_o appear_v before_o magistrate_n for_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o the_o same_o fact_n which_o they_o publish_v to_o the_o world._n let_v we_o consider_v then_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n for_o s._n paul_n for_o instance_n i_o say_v for_o this_o s._n paul_n a_o maker_n of_o tent_n this_o s._n paul_n without_o reputation_n without_o riches_n this_o s._n paul_n who_o be_v seize_v at_o jerusalem_n after_o divers_a persecution_n this_o s._n paul_n who_o be_v send_v a_o prisoner_n to_o rome_n and_o imprison_v there_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n and_o who_o at_o last_o lose_v his_o life_n by_o nero_n order_n to_o make_v those_o blind_o believe_v all_o he_o say_v who_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o examine_v whether_o all_o that_o luke_n relate_v as_o happen_v to_o he_o at_o jerusalem_n at_o maltha_n at_o philippi_n at_o athens_n be_v indeed_o true_a or_o only_o a_o frame_a story_n the_o second_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o observe_v be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v public_o read_v every_o lord_n day_n by_o a_o constant_a law_n of_o which_o we_o have_v most_o authentic_a witness_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o in_o other_o ancient_a book_n which_o be_v still_o extant_a but_o also_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o write_v not_o in_o hebrew_n which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o dead_a tongue_n nor_o in_o syriack_n a_o language_n speak_v in_o a_o very_a few_o place_n but_o in_o greek_a which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v the_o language_n common_o receive_v throughout_o all_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o beside_o be_v the_o language_n into_o which_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v cause_v the_o old_a testament_n to_o be_v translate_v about_o three_o age_n before_o that_o man_n may_v compare_v the_o ancient_a oracle_n and_o their_o accomplishment_n together_o chap._n xx._n 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 what_o i_o have_v before_o set_v down_o to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n which_o serve_v for_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v certain_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v the_o design_n which_o i_o form_v in_o write_v these_o reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v with_o justice_n conclude_v that_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o contestable_a than_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o book_n and_o of_o the_o fact_n in_o they_o relate_v so_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o now_o i_o have_v only_o two_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o which_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o conclude_v these_o reflection_n the_o one_o be_v to_o show_v the_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o conceive_v any_o other_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o ancient_a oracle_n than_o what_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o be_v that_o concern_v the_o division_n among_o christian_n which_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o especial_o concern_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o stumble_a block_n to_o they_o which_o hinder_v they_o from_o discern_v those_o character_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o by_o