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
to_o show_v that_o all_o their_o objection_n do_v in_o effect_n serve_v for_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o make_v a_o more_o lively_a impression_n of_o this_o argument_n take_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o set_v forth_o in_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a light_n chap._n v._n that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o can_v with_o reason_n contest_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o tradition_n which_o have_v those_o character_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o relation_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v question_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v whether_o moses_n the_o great_a captain_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o founder_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v solid_o to_o evince_v though_o it_o seem_v that_o we_o may_v dispense_v with_o this_o trouble_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a event_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v general_o believe_v by_o other_o as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n at_o least_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o these_o matter_n have_v give_v occasion_n to_o most_o of_o their_o fable_n viz._n to_o that_o of_o the_o chaos_n to_o that_o of_o the_o marriage_n of_o peleus_n and_o thetis_n for_o the_o form_n of_o man_n to_o that_o of_o prometheus_n to_o that_o of_o jupiter_n continue_a laughter_n for_o the_o seven_o first_o day_n of_o his_o life_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o original_a of_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o seven_o day_n know_v among_o the_o heathen_n to_o that_o of_o the_o golden_a age_n and_o of_o the_o deluge_n to_o the_o name_n of_o deucalion_n to_o the_o fable_n of_o janus_n to_o that_o of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o world_n among_o saturn_n son_n to_o the_o name_n of_o jupiter_n hammon_n to_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o titan_n and_o of_o the_o change_n of_o woman_n into_o statue_n of_o stone_n to_o the_o story_n of_o the_o incest_n the_o god_n commit_v with_o their_o daughter_n to_o that_o of_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o world_n by_o phaeton_n and_o to_o a_o great_a number_n of_o other_o fiction_n which_o can_v be_v otherwise_o explain_v as_o the_o learned_a have_v show_v at_o large_a whosoever_o be_v the_o author_n of_o genesis_n whether_o moses_n or_o another_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v exact_o inform_v of_o the_o matter_n he_o relate_v and_o that_o he_o live_v soon_o after_o joseph_n first_o then_o i_o say_v that_o it_o appear_v he_o be_v full_o inform_v of_o those_o matter_n of_o which_o he_o treat_v he_o set_v down_o the_o name_n of_o the_o head_n or_o father_n of_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v it_o so_o that_o what_o he_o say_v do_v very_o well_o agree_v with_o what_o the_o most_o ancient_a historian_n have_v leave_v we_o concern_v that_o matter_n he_o speak_v of_o these_o nation_n of_o the_o country_n they_o possess_v and_o their_o king_n as_o of_o thing_n he_o be_v perfect_o inform_v of_o he_o very_o careful_o distinguish_v the_o original_a of_o these_o several_a nation_n and_o the_o same_o be_v at_o that_o time_n common_o know_v no_o historian_n can_v represent_v they_o otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v without_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o laughter_n of_o all_o by_o endeavour_v to_o mix_v fable_n with_o relation_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o say_v that_o this_o book_n be_v write_v by_o a_o man_n that_o live_v soon_o after_o joseph_n he_o speak_v very_o exact_o of_o what_o joseph_n do_v in_o his_o place_n of_o chief_a minister_n to_o pharaoh_n in_o particular_a he_o set_v down_o the_o first_o original_a of_o the_o five_o penny_n which_o the_o egyptian_n so_o many_o age_n after_o continue_v to_o pay_v to_o their_o king_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o not_o egyptian_a can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o last_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o this_o book_n serve_v for_o a_o introduction_n to_o exodus_fw-la and_o the_o follow_a book_n which_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v relate_v to_o we_o there_o and_o do_v throughout_o allude_v and_o refer_v to_o the_o several_a passage_n of_o it_o and_o that_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o we_o find_v in_o genesis_n and_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o other_o succeed_a matter_n of_o fact_n until_o the_o come_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n into_o egypt_n when_o joseph_n be_v chief_a favourite_n and_o minister_n of_o pharaoh_n but_o we_o have_v yet_o a_o more_o easy_a way_n to_o make_v out_o that_o moses_n who_o history_n be_v contain_v in_o exodus_fw-la and_o the_o follow_a book_n be_v the_o author_n of_o genesis_n for_o first_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o have_v acknowledge_v moses_n for_o the_o most_o ancient_a lawgiver_n for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o plato_n polemus_n artapanus_n pythagoras_n theopompus_n and_o diodorus_n siculus_n who_o place_v moses_n in_o the_o front_n of_o six_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a law_n giver_n thus_o moses_n sauchnis_n sesonchosis_n bachoris_n amasis_n and_o darius_n father_n of_o xerxes_n but_o further_a if_o when_o the_o lacedaemonian_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o law_n of_o their_o lawgiver_n lycurgus_n and_o the_o athenian_n of_o those_o of_o their_o solon_n we_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o because_o natural_o every_o nation_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o faithful_a depositary_a of_o the_o law_n of_o he_o who_o first_o found_v their_o government_n yea_o if_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o doubt_n of_o these_o relation_n though_o there_o be_v no_o people_n at_o this_o day_n who_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o lycurgus_n or_o solon_n can_v any_o valuable_a reason_n be_v imagine_v for_o we_o to_o doubt_v whether_o moses_n write_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n when_o a_o entire_a nation_n have_v constant_o aver_v that_o he_o do_v so_o i_o say_v when_o all_o the_o jew_n who_o continue_v at_o this_o day_n do_v in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o be_v scatter_v throughout_o the_o world_n equal_o and_o with_o one_o consent_n maintain_v that_o they_o receive_v this_o book_n from_o he_o together_o with_o the_o law_n and_o worship_n therein_o contain_v nay_o when_o it_o be_v notorious_a that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v suffer_v martyrdom_n in_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n i_o omit_v now_o to_o mention_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o descend_v of_o abraham_n and_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o do_v not_o cease_v high_o to_o defend_v this_o truth_n throughout_o the_o world_n the_o gospel_n in_o their_o sense_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o literal_a accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v bruise_v the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o these_o my_o reflection_n with_o how_o much_o justice_n they_o assent_v to_o this_o truth_n but_o at_o present_a i_o tie_v myself_o only_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o which_o confirm_v the_o authority_n thereof_o chap._n vi_o that_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n can_v not_o be_v forge_v under_o the_o name_n of_o moses_n i_o shall_v never_o have_v do_v shall_v i_o go_v about_o to_o set_v down_o all_o the_o observation_n which_o may_v be_v make_v incompare_v this_o book_n of_o genesis_n with_o other_o history_n common_o know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o who_o faithfulness_n be_v unquestionable_a without_o enter_v upon_o this_o comparison_n we_o may_v bold_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o history_n in_o the_o world_n who_o author_n we_o can_v be_v so_o sure_a of_o as_o that_o moses_n be_v the_o penman_n of_o genesis_n but_o i_o go_v further_o and_o assert_v that_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o testimony_n they_o give_v to_o this_o truth_n which_o i_o prove_v by_o these_o two_o remark_n the_o first_o be_v that_o their_o observation_n both_o civil_a and_o religious_a be_v at_o this_o day_n found_v upon_o no_o other_o principle_n than_o those_o which_o we_o find_v in_o genesis_n as_o for_o instance_n they_o compute_v the_o beginning_n of_o their_o day_n from_o the_o precede_a evening_n they_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n they_o observe_v circumcision_n they_o abstain_v from_o eat_v the_o muscle_n which_o be_v in_o the_o hollow_a of_o the_o thigh_n etc._n etc._n the_o observation_n of_o which_o law_n be_v indeed_o
probable_a that_o a_o prince_n especial_o of_o his_o temper_n will_v have_v submit_v to_o such_o a_o confinement_n and_o meek_o resign_v his_o crown_n to_o his_o son_n if_o that_o punishment_n inflict_v upon_o he_o have_v not_o full_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o that_o law_n which_o he_o have_v transgress_v and_o violate_v by_o his_o temerity_n and_o presumption_n the_o three_o reflection_n be_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o law_n be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o inspire_v his_o people_n with_o a_o irreconcilable_a aversion_n against_o all_o those_o nation_n among_o who_o they_o be_v go_v to_o settle_v they_o be_v so_o frame_v as_o not_o only_o to_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o egypt_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v but_o also_o to_o those_o receive_v among_o the_o hivites_n amorites_n and_o other_o nation_n of_o who_o country_n they_o be_v go_v to_o possess_v themselves_o thus_o we_o find_v in_o the_o xviii_o of_o leviticus_n law_n against_o all_o incestuous_a marriage_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v ordinary_a among_o the_o canaanite_n and_o egyptian_n who_o therein_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n who_o marry_v within_o those_o forbid_a degree_n there_o we_o find_v also_o the_o sacrifice_n to_o moloch_n forbid_v the_o practice_n whereof_o those_o nation_n in_o all_o likelihood_n defend_v by_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n sacrifice_n now_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v that_o a_o whole_a nation_n will_v of_o a_o sudden_a receive_v such_o law_n as_o deprive_v they_o of_o a_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n they_o have_v always_o hitherto_o enjoy_v and_o condemn_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n those_o sacrifice_n that_o have_v the_o fair_a pretence_n of_o religion_n imaginable_a and_o to_o use_v many_o ceremony_n contrary_a to_o those_o receive_v among_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o have_v a_o strong_a and_o extraordinary_a motive_n for_o so_o do_v there_o be_v another_o thing_n beside_o that_o challenge_v our_o consideration_n viz._n the_o exact_a description_n which_o god_n give_v to_o moses_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a worship_n which_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o that_o sacred_a place_n and_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o tabernacle_n with_o all_o its_o appurtenance_n utensil_n and_o ornament_n be_v finish_v for_o as_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v then_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o whole_a jewish_a religion_n as_o the_o temple_n be_v afterward_o by_o succeed_v to_o it_o so_o it_o be_v a_o solemn_a proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o moses_n law_n and_o of_o the_o worship_n that_o be_v perform_v there_o be_v it_o conceivable_a that_o a_o whole_a nation_n shall_v contribute_v to_o the_o build_n of_o it_o shall_v see_v it_o consecrate_a and_o take_v to_o piece_n and_o set_v together_o again_o every_o day_n and_o shall_v read_v all_o the_o particular_n relate_v to_o its_o construction_n and_o not_o discern_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n and_o reality_n in_o all_o that_o be_v tell_v they_o concern_v the_o religion_n which_o their_o governor_n fix_v in_o that_o place_n wherein_o he_o pretend_v many_o revelation_n be_v make_v chap._n vi_o some_o other_o proof_n that_o confirm_v moses_n be_v description_n of_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o law_n be_v give_v and_o promulgate_v but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o establish_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n by_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n promulgation_n as_o moses_n relate_v it_o we_o may_v further_o collect_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o join_v these_o follow_a reflection_n to_o those_o already_o make_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n certain_o if_o moses_n have_v be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o have_v be_v succeed_v in_o it_o by_o his_o own_o child_n and_o posterity_n for_o many_o generation_n one_o after_o another_o we_o may_v perhaps_o have_v have_v some_o ground_n to_o suspect_v that_o his_o successor_n consult_v their_o own_o interest_n and_o honour_n will_v have_v be_v very_o glad_a to_o persuade_v their_o subject_n that_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o their_o kingdom_n have_v some_o communication_n with_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o he_o receive_v the_o law_n and_o constitution_n which_o he_o give_v they_o concern_v civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n but_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o moses_n be_v so_o far_o from_o invest_v his_o own_o child_n with_o the_o supreme_a authority_n after_o himself_o that_o he_o translate_v it_o into_o another_o tribe_n and_o constitute_v joshuah_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o ephraim_n for_o his_o successor_n in_o the_o government_n as_o for_o his_o posterity_n he_o take_v little_a care_n of_o it_o but_o reduce_v it_o to_o a_o rank_a inferior_a to_o that_o of_o aaron_n family_n which_o he_o prefer_v to_o the_o most_o honourable_a function_n of_o the_o priesthood_n leave_v to_o his_o own_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o inconsiderable_a employment_n all_o which_o show_v evident_o that_o none_o of_o those_o who_o come_v after_o moses_n be_v move_v by_o any_o private_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o to_o defend_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n and_o write_n but_o only_o by_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n they_o have_v that_o they_o be_v all_o divine_a neither_o ought_v we_o to_o omit_v to_o consider_v here_o the_o manner_n how_o moses_n decide_v beforehand_o such_o question_n and_o determine_v such_o controversy_n as_o can_v not_o be_v raise_v but_o after_o the_o conquest_n of_o canaan_n which_o be_v make_v by_o his_o successor_n only_o after_o his_o death_n and_o how_o those_o law_n be_v constant_o observe_v in_o all_o the_o succeed_a generation_n of_o that_o people_n and_o submit_v unto_o by_o the_o very_a judge_n and_o king_n themselves_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a than_o for_o a_o conqueror_n such_o as_o joshua_n be_v to_o admit_v of_o no_o other_o fundamental_a law_n in_o that_o state_n he_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o than_o those_o which_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o nothing_o be_v more_o usual_a than_o for_o statesman_n to_o affect_v the_o expose_v the_o conduct_n of_o their_o predecessor_n especial_o when_o the_o form_n of_o government_n be_v alter_v and_o from_o democratical_a or_o aristocratical_a be_v change_v into_o monarchical_a as_o it_o happen_v among_o the_o israelite_n how_o then_o can_v moses_n law_n still_o keep_v up_o their_o authority_n in_o all_o change_n and_o revolution_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o all_o the_o succession_n of_o judge_n and_o king_n there_o be_v never_o any_o of_o they_o attempt_v to_o suspend_v or_o annul_v moses_n law_n much_o less_o to_o enact_v and_o give_v any_o other_o contrary_a to_o they_o again_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o all_o the_o division_n and_o faction_n that_o nation_n fall_v into_o there_o be_v never_o any_o jew_n endeavour_v with_o any_o success_n to_o undeceive_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o own_o people_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o shake_v off_o the_o troublesome_a yoke_n of_o moses_n law_n no_o doubt_v only_o because_o the_o generality_n of_o that_o nation_n never_o dispute_v the_o divine_a origin_n and_o authority_n of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o the_o jewish_a history_n that_o all_o those_o law_n which_o in_o moses_n write_n be_v inlay_v one_o within_o another_o and_o represent_v as_o occasion_v by_o several_a transaction_n relate_v there_o have_v all_o be_v equal_o receive_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o have_v all_o be_v put_v together_o in_o a_o body_n by_o themselves_o before_o moses_n death_n as_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o xxxi_o of_o deuteronomy_n it_o appear_v that_o those_o law_n be_v public_a and_o in_o great_a esteem_n among_o that_o people_n to_o who_o god_n give_v they_o upon_o who_o he_o lay_v a_o indispensable_a obligation_n to_o read_v they_o every_o day_n and_o to_o consult_v they_o upon_o every_o emergent_a business_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v know_v equal_o of_o all_o degree_n of_o man_n sex_n and_o age_n which_o be_v all_o oblige_a to_o pay_v obedience_n to_o they_o upon_o pain_n of_o death_n it_o appear_v that_o those_o law_n be_v not_o only_o public_o keep_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n but_o also_o private_o read_v in_o every_o family_n we_o see_v that_o a_o whole_a tribe_n viz._n the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o explain_v they_o and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o they_o be_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o whole_a land_n of_o canaan_n and_o exempt_v from_o the_o care_n and_o trouble_n that_o necessary_o attend_v husbandry_n by_o the_o plentiful_a provision_n of_o tithe_n and_o offering_n that_o be_v allot_v to_o they_o we_o see_v that_o god_n oblige_v all_o jew_n to_o read_v and_o meditate_v
who_o apply_v these_o very_a passage_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n thus_o we_o find_v that_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n 2_o matth._n iii_o 1_o mark_n i._o 2_o mark_v make_v a_o manifest_a allusion_n to_o these_o two_o prophecy_n zachary_n also_o the_o father_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n apply_v that_o of_o isaiah_n to_o his_o son_n and_o his_o authority_n be_v the_o more_o considerable_a because_o he_o be_v a_o priest_n 2._o by_o a_o attentive_a consider_v the_o passage_n themselves_o 3._o by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n who_o by_o a_o general_o receive_v and_o undoubted_a tradition_n that_o elijah_n the_o tishbite_n the_o septuagint_n in_o their_o translation_n of_o that_o place_n of_o malachy_n tell_v we_o as_o much_o be_v to_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o we_o find_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o multitude_n and_o his_o disciple_n suppose_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o the_o jew_n at_o this_o day_n have_v the_o same_o persuasion_n viz._n that_o elias_n be_v to_o come_v before_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o messiah_n from_o which_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o christian_n of_o old_a do_v and_o many_o at_o this_o day_n do_v believe_v that_o elias_n shall_v resume_v the_o function_n of_o his_o ministry_n before_o the_o last_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a 2._o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o character_n of_o the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v that_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v much_o in_o their_o eye_n it_o be_v needful_a for_o it_o to_o be_v as_o notable_a and_o extraordinary_a as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n elias_n who_o ministry_n be_v without_o dispute_v the_o most_o remarkable_a and_o illustrious_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n since_o moses_n which_o give_v the_o prophet_n malachy_n occasion_n to_o call_v he_o elias_n much_o upon_o a_o like_a account_n as_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n call_v the_o messiah_n 24._o ezek._n xxxiv_o 23_o 24._o david_n but_o above_o all_o thing_n we_o must_v careful_o observe_v the_o several_a mark_v the_o prophet_n give_v we_o of_o this_o forerunner_n the_o prophet_n isaiah_n give_v we_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o that_o his_o ministry_n be_v to_o be_v very_a signal_n and_o attend_v with_o general_a respect_n and_o veneration_n 2._o that_o he_o be_v to_o preach_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 3._o that_o he_o be_v to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n 4._o that_o he_o be_v to_o confound_v those_o who_o be_v most_o eminent_a in_o authority_n and_o to_o comfort_v the_o poor_a and_o humble_a 5._o that_o he_o be_v immediate_o to_o precede_v the_o messiah_n 6._o that_o his_o ministry_n be_v to_o usher_v in_o that_o grand_a revelation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o flesh_n i._n e._n before_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o be_v to_o be_v call_v by_o the_o messiah_n to_o his_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o prophet_n malachy_n do_v most_o distinct_o represent_v to_o we_o 1._o that_o the_o mission_n of_o this_o forerunner_n be_v not_o far_o off_o behold_v say_v he_o i_o send_v my_o messenger_n he_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o thing_n at_o the_o door_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o the_o jew_n themselves_o own_o it_o that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o malachy_n there_o be_v never_o a_o prophet_n till_o the_o appearance_n of_o john_n the_o baptist._n 2._o it_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o elias_n be_v to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o prepare_v the_o way_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n 3._o that_o he_o be_v immediate_o to_o precede_v the_o messiah_n this_o he_o express_v by_o say_v and_o the_o lord_n who_o you_o seek_v shall_v sudden_o come_v to_o his_o temple_n even_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o you_o delight_v in_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o messiah_n who_o he_o call_v ii_o psalm_n ii_o not_o only_o the_o angel_n or_o messenger_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o also_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o god_n have_v promise_v he_o as_o a_o king_n to_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o god_n by_o he_o be_v to_o make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o jeremy_n declare_v chap._n xxxi_o chap._n xiii_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v before_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n the_o precede_a mark_n of_o the_o messiah_n lead_v we_o to_o this_o we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o and_o afford_v it_o considerable_a light._n i_o will_v not_o repeat_v here_o what_o i_o have_v already_o set_v down_o concern_v that_o prophecy_n gen._n xlix_o verse_n 10._o concern_v the_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v evident_a at_o first_o sight_n that_o that_o prophecy_n evidence_n three_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o sceptre_n be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n before_o ever_o the_o shiloh_n be_v to_o come_v 2._o that_o the_o sceptre_n be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o a_o inferior_a dignity_n which_o the_o prophet_n set_v forth_o by_o the_o word_n lawgiver_n and_o which_o do_v take_v place_n till_o the_o time_n of_o zerubbabel_n and_o his_o successor_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o this_o last_o dignity_n also_o be_v to_o come_v to_o a_o end_n which_o happen_v not_o till_o the_o advancement_n of_o herod_n the_o great_a to_o the_o throne_n of_o judea_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n by_o other_o oracle_n which_o give_v a_o further_a light_n to_o this_o our_o explication_n we_o have_v several_a that_o be_v very_o remarkable_a upon_o this_o account_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o daniel_n chap._n ii_o verse_n 40_o 41_o 42_o to_o 46._o where_o he_o first_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o several_a monarchy_n until_o that_o of_o the_o messiah_n 2._o the_o time_n in_o which_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o appear_v i_o confess_v he_o do_v not_o determine_v the_o time_n very_o precise_o mention_v only_o the_o monarchy_n during_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v manifest_v but_o to_o make_v amends_o for_o this_o when_o he_o come_v to_o explain_v the_o particular_n of_o this_o prophecy_n which_o before_o he_o have_v propose_v in_o general_a term_n he_o do_v not_o only_a point_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o appearance_n but_o the_o very_a year_n of_o his_o death_n and_o he_o do_v it_o with_o that_o exactness_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v mistake_v about_o it_o see_v what_o he_o say_v in_o the_o ix_o chapter_n of_o his_o revelation_n verse_n 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o seventy_o week_n be_v determine_v upon_o thy_o people_n and_o upon_o thy_o holy_a city_n to_o finish_v the_o transgression_n and_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v reconciliation_n for_o iniquity_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o everlasting_a righteousness_n and_o to_o seal_v up_o the_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n and_o to_o anoint_v the_o most_o holy._n verse_n 25._o know_v therefore_o and_o understand_v that_o from_o the_o go_v forth_o of_o the_o commandment_n to_o restore_v and_o build_v jerusalem_n unto_o the_o messiah_n the_o prince_n shall_v be_v seven_o week_n and_o threescore_o and_o two_o week_n the_o street_n shall_v be_v build_v again_o and_o the_o wall_n even_o in_o troublous_a time_n verse_n 26._o and_o after_o the_o threescore_o and_o two_o week_n shall_v messiah_n be_v cut_v off_o but_o not_o for_o himself_o and_o the_o people_n of_o the_o prince_n that_o shall_v come_v shall_v destroy_v the_o city_n and_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o end_n thereof_o shall_v be_v with_o a_o flood_n and_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o war_n desolation_n be_v determine_v verse_n 27._o and_o he_o shall_v confirm_v the_o covenant_n with_o many_o for_o one_o week_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o week_n he_o shall_v cause_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n to_o cease_v and_o for_o the_o overspreading_a of_o abomination_n he_o shall_v make_v it_o desolate_a even_o until_o the_o consummation_n and_o that_o determine_a shall_v be_v pour_v on_o the_o desolate_a for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o prophecy_n which_o be_v so_o exact_a and_o all_o the_o event_n it_o refer_v to_o so_o particularise_v it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o that_o by_o the_o week_n daniel_n here_o speak_v of_o seven_o year_n be_v design_v according_a to_o the_o style_n of_o the_o law_n levit._n xxv_o 8._o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o year_n of_o jubilee_n so_o that_o seventy_o week_n make_v out_o 490_o year_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a among_o the_o jew_n jachiade_n abarbanel_n and_o manasseh_n
oracle_n as_o we_o understand_v it_o have_v be_v entertain_v among_o the_o heathen_n who_o build_v their_o fable_n of_o perseus_n upon_o it_o who_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin._n 3._o it_o appear_v that_o all_o those_o law_n which_o i_o mention_v in_o my_o reflection_n upon_o exodus_fw-la and_o the_o follow_a book_n chap._n xx._n and_o which_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o state_n of_o virginity_n receive_v much_o light_n from_o this_o notion_n and_o be_v without_o it_o altogether_o useless_a 4._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o dispute_v this_o character_n till_o after_o they_o see_v that_o the_o christian_n apply_v it_o to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o thereupon_o have_v fall_v upon_o such_o childish_a fancy_n as_o may_v just_o cover_v they_o with_o confusion_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v yet_o further_o satisfy_v hereof_o if_o we_o add_v to_o all_o these_o just_a prejudices_fw-la only_o the_o follow_a reflection_n on_o the_o term_n the_o prophet_n make_v use_v of_o the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o lxx_o interpreter_n have_v in_o translate_n this_o prophecy_n make_v use_v of_o a_o word_n that_o signify_v a_o virgin_n and_o not_o a_o young_a woman_n as_o the_o jew_n have_v understand_v it_o since_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o first_o who_o reject_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n be_v symmachus_n 9_o in_o dialog_n cum_fw-la tryphon_n tertull._n count_v jud._n cap._n 9_o who_o live_v in_o the_o second_o century_n as_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n who_o for_o this_o reason_n accuse_v the_o jew_n of_o have_v falsify_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o hebrew_n word_n express_o signify_v such_o a_o one_o as_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o virgin_n be_v keep_v under_o lock_n and_o key_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a nation_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o jew_n which_o continue_v among_o they_o till_o this_o day_n the_o three_o be_v that_o this_o word_n have_v be_v take_v by_o the_o african_n in_o the_o same_o signification_n as_o st._n jerome_n observe_v the_o four_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v set_v forth_o this_o child-bearing_a as_o a_o prodigy_n and_o miracle_n altogether_o unheard_a of_o and_o as_o a_o particular_a character_n by_o which_o the_o house_n of_o david_n be_v to_o be_v strong_o confirm_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o see_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o settle_v a_o eternal_a kingdom_n upon_o it_o which_o can_v not_o be_v accomplish_v but_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o five_o be_v that_o though_o some_o jew_n have_v apply_v this_o prophecy_n to_o king_n hezekiah_n l._n raschi_n in_o h._n l._n which_o yet_o to_o other_o of_o they_o seem_v very_o ridiculous_a he_o be_v nine_o year_n of_o age_n when_o the_o prophecy_n be_v utter_v by_o isaiah_n and_o themselves_o never_o make_v use_n of_o this_o evasion_n except_o in_o their_o dispute_n against_o the_o christian_n and_o so_o on_o this_o occasion_n have_v drop_v a_o confession_n which_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confound_v they_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v a_o thing_n so_o general_o receive_v among_o they_o that_o this_o prophecy_n do_v respect_v the_o messiah_n that_o after_o they_o have_v apply_v it_o to_o hezekiah_n one_o of_o their_o most_o famous_a doctor_n conclude_v chelech_n gemar_fw-la in_o sanhed_n cap._n chelech_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o look_v for_o no_o messiah_n since_o the_o time_n of_o hezekiah_n that_o prophecy_n have_v have_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o he_o a_o opinion_n which_o those_o that_o succeed_v he_o have_v reject_v with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n the_o six_o be_v that_o the_o title_n of_o immanuel_n give_v to_o this_o son_n who_o birth_n be_v here_o promise_v be_v represent_v to_o we_o chap._n viii_o as_o the_o name_n of_o he_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o land_n which_o be_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o the_o heir_n promise_v to_o david_n to_o who_o david_n say_v o_o god_n thy_o god_n have_v anoint_v thou_o with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o thy_o fellow_n psal_n xlv_o 7_o 8._o the_o seven_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n have_v allege_v and_o cite_v two_o witness_n uriah_n the_o son_n of_o shemaiah_n a_o prophet_n who_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o jehoiakim_n and_o zechariah_n the_o son_n of_o jeberechiah_n the_o former_a of_o which_o live_v long_o after_o ahaz_n and_o the_o latter_a since_o the_o captivity_n under_o darius_n king_n of_o persia_n according_a to_o the_o account_n the_o jew_n themselves_o give_v of_o they_o he_o sufficient_o hint_n by_o this_o circumstance_n that_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o immanuel_n he_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v many_o age_n after_o and_o not_o in_o that_o age_n wherein_o he_o prophecy_n chap._n xv._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o private_a state_n god_n have_v not_o only_o point_v out_o the_o time_n in_o which_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o appear_v with_o the_o miraculous_a manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o his_o birth_n but_o he_o have_v also_o name_v the_o family_n the_o place_n with_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o family_n in_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v as_o a_o triple_a character_n by_o which_o he_o may_v be_v know_v i_o say_v first_o that_o according_a to_o the_o divine_a oracle_n the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o follow_a oracle_n 1._o god_n express_o promise_v as_o much_o to_o david_n two_o sam._n chap._n vii_o a_o place_n i_o have_v quote_v before_o which_o prove_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n 2._o it_o appear_v that_o david_n believe_v this_o himself_n from_o psalm_n cxxxii_o vers_fw-la 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o and_o 18._o the_o lord_n have_v swear_v in_o truth_n unto_o david_n he_o will_v not_o turn_v from_o it_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o body_n will_v i_o set_v upon_o thy_o throne_n and_o after_o have_v say_v verse_n 12._o that_o if_o his_o child_n will_v keep_v his_o covenant_n that_o their_o child_n also_o shall_v sit_v upon_o his_o throne_n for_o evermore_o and_o this_o because_o verse_n 13_o &_o 14._o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v zion_n and_o desire_v it_o for_o his_o habitation_n etc._n etc._n and_o promise_a verse_n 15._o that_o he_o will_v abundant_o bless_v her_o provision_n and_o satisfy_v her_o poor_a with_o bread_n that_o he_o will_v verse_n 16._o clothe_v her_o priest_n with_o salvation_n and_o make_v her_o saint_n shout_n for_o joy_n he_o subjoin_v verse_n 17_o &_o 18._o there_o i_o will_v make_v the_o horn_n of_o david_n to_o bud_n i_o have_v ordain_v a_o lamp_n for_o i_o anoint_v his_o enemy_n i_o will_v clothe_v with_o shame_n but_o upon_o himself_o shall_v his_o crown_n flourish_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o by_o this_o horn_n of_o david_n be_v to_o be_v mean_v a_o king_n the_o messiah_n who_o he_o distinguish_v by_o that_o expression_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o david_n child_n and_o zachariah_n in_o his_o song_n of_o praise_n luke_n i._o verse_n 69._o apply_v it_o to_o our_o saviour_n put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n 3._o hence_o it_o be_v the_o prophet_n take_v occasion_n to_o give_v to_o the_o messiah_n the_o name_n of_o david_n so_o ezek._n xxxiv_o vers_fw-la 23_o 24._o and_o i_o will_v set_v up_o one_o shepherd_n over_o they_o and_o he_o shall_v feed_v they_o even_o my_o servant_n david_n he_o shall_v feed_v they_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v their_o shepherd_n and_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o my_o servant_n david_n a_o prince_n among_o they_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o 4._o the_o jew_n be_v and_o have_v always_o be_v firm_a in_o this_o persuasion_n ground_v on_o the_o foresay_a and_o other_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o constant_o refer_v to_o the_o messiah_n i_o say_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o the_o divine_a oracle_n express_o point_v out_o bethlehem_n for_o the_o birth-place_n of_o the_o messiah_n micah_n the_o v._o verse_n 2._o but_o thou_o bethlehem_n ephratah_n though_o thou_o be_v little_a among_o the_o thousand_o of_o judah_n yet_o out_o of_o thou_o shall_v he_o come_v forth_o unto_o i_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o israel_n who_o go_n forth_o have_v be_v from_o of_o old_a from_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n the_o jew_n acknowledge_v that_o this_o oracle_n speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o indeed_o the_o prophet_n distinguish_v by_o bethlehem_n add_v the_o word_n ephratah_n whence_o the_o family_n
remarkable_a fact_n be_v declare_v by_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n who_o have_v before_o foretell_v to_o daniel_n the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o signify_v the_o exact_a time_n thereof_o the_o conception_n of_o isaac_n by_o a_o barren_a mother_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o samuel_n and_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v be_v already_o declare_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o one_o miracle_n ought_v to_o serve_v as_o a_o preparation_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o great_a when_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n speak_v of_o the_o fact_n they_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n know_v throughout_o all_o jerusalem_n and_o which_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o their_o master_n beside_o we_o know_v the_o jealousy_n that_o be_v between_o the_o disciple_n of_o s._n john_n and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n but_o we_o have_v a_o further_o account_v beside_o of_o the_o message_n of_o a_o angel_n to_o joseph_n after_o he_o have_v perceive_v that_o his_o betroth_a wife_n be_v with_o child_n for_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o divorce_v she_o either_o by_o expose_v she_o to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n deut._n xxii_o 23._o or_o else_o by_o exempt_n her_o from_o that_o extremity_n he_o be_v divert_v from_o his_o intention_n by_o this_o warn_n from_o heaven_n in_o all_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o probable_a for_o joseph_n express_v his_o hatred_n and_o dislike_n as_o conceive_v she_o to_o be_v debauch_v and_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o receive_v she_o but_o by_o a_o order_n from_o heaven_n moreover_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o we_o find_v all_o thing_n recite_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v on_o supposition_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n for_o first_o we_o find_v this_o event_n appear_v incredible_a to_o the_o person_n herself_o who_o be_v design_v to_o effect_v it_o because_o she_o can_v not_o easy_o make_v the_o application_n at_o first_o 2._o it_o cause_v exceed_v joy_n to_o the_o person_n who_o see_v herself_o choose_v by_o god_n to_o fulfil_v so_o glorious_a a_o promise_n whereby_o the_o family_n of_o david_n be_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o its_o ancient_a lustre_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o hymn_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n which_o if_o we_o compare_v with_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o that_o family_n still_o retain_v all_o the_o piety_n of_o their_o ancestor_n with_o all_o those_o sign_n of_o acknowledgement_n which_o a_o event_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n do_v just_o require_v 3._o it_o appear_v that_o joseph_n acquiesce_v in_o this_o truth_n he_o who_o otherwise_o do_v not_o seem_v very_o credulous_a till_o he_o be_v instruct_v from_o heaven_n concern_v a_o matter_n so_o rare_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v conceive_v he_o retire_v for_o some_o time_n into_o egypt_n and_o afford_v mary_n and_o her_o son_n all_o the_o service_n they_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v from_o he_o s._n helvidium_n contr._n helvidium_n i_o allege_v three_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o bless_a virgin_n to_o be_v betroth_v to_o joseph_n 1._o that_o the_o original_a of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o pedigree_n of_o joseph_n to_o who_o she_o be_v relate_v 2._o that_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n she_o may_v not_o be_v stone_v as_o a_o adulteress_n 3._o that_o in_o her_o flight_n into_o egypt_n she_o may_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o guardian_n rather_o than_o of_o a_o husband_n neither_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o matter_n but_o some_o very_a weak_a conjecture_n the_o first_o be_v that_o her_o be_v contract_v do_v something_o obscure_a the_o distinct_a notion_n of_o virginity_n and_o second_o that_o the_o bless_a virgin_n do_v always_o pass_v for_o the_o wife_n of_o joseph_n even_o according_a to_o the_o style_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o last_o that_o the_o relation_n which_o the_o evangelist_n give_v of_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o know_v till_o long_a after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o reasonable_a reader_n in_o this_o thing_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o bless_a virgin_n shall_v be_v betroth_v 1._o to_o secure_v her_o life_n which_o will_v have_v be_v in_o danger_n if_o she_o have_v be_v deliver_v whilst_o she_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v a_o virgin_n for_o she_o will_v have_v be_v accuse_v of_o whoredom_n and_o consequent_o have_v be_v put_v to_o death_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a she_o shall_v be_v betroth_v and_o pass_v for_o the_o lawful_a wife_n of_o joseph_n that_o her_o son_n may_v not_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n as_o a_o bastard_n in_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law._n as_o for_o the_o other_o objection_n i_o easy_o grant_v that_o the_o bless_a virgin_n always_o pass_v for_o the_o wife_n of_o joseph_n she_o herself_o say_v i_o and_o thy_o father_n seek_v thou_o but_o withal_o at_o that_o very_a time_n jesus_n christ_n unvail_v that_o mystery_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n maintain_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o who_o house_n he_o be_v at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v at_o a_o solemn_a feast_n of_o the_o jew_n where_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v assemble_v and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o assembly_n of_o their_o doctor_n that_o he_o declare_v the_o temple_n to_o be_v the_o house_n of_o his_o father_n as_o he_o afterward_o constant_o call_v it_o we_o find_v he_o at_o another_o time_n declare_v the_o same_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o family_n at_o cana_n in_o galilee_n 4._o john_n ii_o 4._o woman_n what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o thou_o say_v he_o to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n to_o put_v she_o in_o mind_n of_o some_o passage_n which_o can_v not_o but_o preserve_v in_o she_o a_o very_a particular_a respect_n for_o he_o he_o give_v yet_o a_o further_a degree_n of_o light_n into_o this_o matter_n when_o his_o mother_n seek_v to_o come_v at_o he_o he_o say_v who_o be_v my_o mother_n and_o who_o be_v my_o brethren_n that_o be_v kinsman_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o joseph_n be_v dead_a before_o our_o saviour_n enter_v upon_o his_o ministry_n however_o his_o make_n no_o mention_n of_o his_o repute_a father_n show_v how_o careful_a he_o be_v to_o avoid_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v obscure_v his_o miraculous_a birth_n last_o of_o all_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a that_o this_o passage_n be_v not_o the_o only_a character_n which_o be_v to_o distinguish_v the_o messiah_n from_o all_o other_o but_o be_v to_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o resurrection_n and_o those_o other_o proof_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v at_o first_o not_o much_o insist_v on_o because_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o it_o shall_v continue_v veil_v for_o some_o time_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o frequent_a apparition_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o god_n himself_o in_o a_o human_a form_n that_o so_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o humanity_n shall_v be_v establish_v by_o his_o life_n and_o death_n before_o the_o publication_n of_o his_o miraculous_a conception_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v up_o this_o truth_n and_o that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v put_v it_o in_o write_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o it_o be_v ever_o contest_v the_o evangelist_n describe_v the_o method_n which_o the_o jew_n take_v to_o make_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v doubt_v of_o and_o to_o slight_v his_o miracle_n and_o do_v we_o think_v they_o will_v not_o as_o well_o have_v give_v we_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o a_o thing_n of_o which_o till_o then_o never_o any_o instance_n have_v be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v offend_v that_o the_o bless_a virgin_n after_o she_o be_v deliver_v of_o our_o saviour_n shall_v seat_v herself_o in_o the_o place_n appoint_v for_o virgin_n and_o that_o because_o zacharias_n the_o priest_n maintain_v she_o in_o so_o do_v he_o be_v thereupon_o kill_v by_o they_o between_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o altar_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n upbraid_v the_o jew_n i_o know_v also_o that_o they_o affirm_v that_o she_o be_v force_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o her_o virginity_n by_o submit_v herself_o to_o a_o search_n of_o matron_n yet_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o she_o ever_o undergo_v any_o such_o examination_n of_o which_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o s._n luke_n in_o particular_a full_o
call_v man_n to_o the_o study_n of_o sanctification_n this_o be_v admirable_o perform_v by_o jesus_n christ_n 1._o in_o correct_v those_o abuse_n which_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n have_v introduce_v into_o the_o law._n second_o in_o declare_v that_o the_o effect_v of_o sanctification_n be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o in_o the_o heart_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o eye_n or_o hand_n one_o may_v see_v afterward_o 1._o that_o he_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o prove_v that_o he_o make_v it_o this_o he_o testify_v upon_o several_a occasion_n in_o the_o answer_n which_o he_o make_v to_o those_o that_o speak_v to_o he_o and_o indeed_o in_o all_o his_o discourse_n which_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o address_v they_o 2._o that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o parable_n which_o be_v moral_a lesson_n very_o easy_a indeed_o but_o withal_o fit_a for_o the_o subject_n than_o fable_n and_o more_o worthy_a of_o god_n parable_n also_o which_o be_v so_o ordinary_a and_o familiar_a among_o the_o jew_n that_o we_o find_v most_o of_o they_o at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o jew_n though_o they_o apply_v they_o to_o another_o use_n 3._o that_o he_o descend_v to_o particular_n without_o use_v any_o thing_n mean_a which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o do_v when_o they_o divide_v thing_n minutely_o 4._o that_o he_o forget_v no_o one_o precept_n of_o morality_n 5._o that_o he_o examine_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v they_o infinite_o recommendable_a by_o suggest_v such_o excellent_a motive_n after_o all_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v four_o thing_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o will_v full_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n 1._o that_o his_o doctrine_n appear_v to_o be_v whole_o divine_a he_o have_v never_o be_v bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o any_o doctor_n but_o have_v his_o breed_n in_o a_o carpenter_n shop_n 2._o that_o no_o crime_n be_v ever_o object_v to_o he_o notwithstanding_o that_o he_o upbraid_v the_o pharisee_n with_o they_o but_o he_o support_v his_o doctrine_n by_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o conversation_n 3._o that_o he_o insensible_o dispose_v the_o people_n to_o receive_v he_o as_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o character_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o he_o in_o the_o prophet_n 4._o he_o prepare_v his_o disciple_n and_o his_o auditor_n to_o expect_v that_o one_o day_n the_o gentile_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o church_n in_o short_a can_v any_o thing_n be_v so_o surprise_v as_o to_o see_v a_o man_n who_o have_v live_v thirty_o year_n as_o the_o son_n of_o a_o carpenter_n to_o declare_v himself_o all_o at_o once_o a_o doctor_n to_o preach_v public_o to_o censure_v the_o doctor_n of_o his_o nation_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n with_o more_o depth_n and_o authority_n than_o all_o that_o ever_o go_v before_o he_o who_o can_v without_o surprise_n conceive_v that_o a_o man_n of_o the_o low_a quality_n shall_v from_o a_o carpenter_n shop_n come_v and_o determine_v question_n about_o the_o law_n and_o tread_v under_o his_o foot_n the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o great_a rabbin_n every_o where_o only_o by_o a_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o so_o that_o none_o be_v able_a to_o contradict_v he_o certain_o when_o one_o see_v we_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o mount_n explain_v and_o defend_v the_o moral_a part_n of_o the_o law_n from_o the_o corruption_n into_o which_o it_o be_v fall_v he_o appear_v not_o only_o as_o great_a as_o moses_n on_o mount_n sinai_n but_o even_o as_o god_n himself_o when_o he_o publish_v his_o law_n to_o that_o his_o ancient_a people_n neither_o ought_v any_o one_o to_o have_v less_o admiration_n for_o that_o perfect_a innocence_n which_o shine_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n what_o crime_n have_v they_o to_o charge_v he_o with_o when_o they_o put_v he_o to_o death_n he_o who_o accuse_v his_o enemy_n of_o so_o many_o who_o of_o you_o say_v he_o accuse_v i_o of_o sin_n we_o find_v he_o only_o accuse_v of_o word_n ill_o understand_v which_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o misinterpret_v his_o say_n that_o if_o they_o destroy_v that_o temple_n he_o will_v rebuild_v it_o in_o three_o day_n be_v lay_v to_o his_o charge_n as_o a_o crime_n and_o yet_o these_o word_n can_v not_o have_v be_v heighten_v into_o crime_n if_o they_o have_v be_v speak_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n which_o they_o put_v upon_o they_o this_o be_v a_o essential_a character_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o restorer_n of_o holiness_n according_a to_o the_o idea_n which_o the_o prophet_n give_v of_o he_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n afterward_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o sermon_n do_v by_o little_a and_o little_o dispose_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o auditor_n and_o disciple_n to_o conceive_v and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n the_o first_o act_n of_o his_o public_a ministry_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o his_o zeal_n for_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o temple_n consecrate_v to_o his_o father_n he_o drive_v the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n at_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o action_n of_o his_o be_v a_o solemn_a profession_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god._n soon_o after_o at_o nazareth_n he_o apply_v to_o himself_o that_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o etc._n etc._n he_o explain_v himself_o yet_o more_o distinct_o in_o jerusalem_n at_o the_o second_o passover_n which_o he_o celebrate_v during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o ministry_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n according_a to_o the_o account_n which_o the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o and_o he_o explain_v himself_o yet_o more_o particular_o upon_o john_n the_o baptist_n message_n to_o he_o by_o which_o mean_v this_o truth_n become_v already_o so_o illustrious_a that_o the_o multitude_n will_v proclaim_v he_o king_n that_o be_v public_o own_v he_o for_o the_o messiah_n and_o obey_v he_o as_o their_o rightful_a sovereign_n and_o last_o he_o explain_v himself_o in_o this_o matter_n by_o a_o question_n when_o he_o ask_v his_o disciple_n xvi_o matt._n xvi_o what_o censure_n be_v pass_v upon_o he_o in_o judea_n and_o what_o they_o themselves_o think_v of_o he_o in_o short_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o jesus_n prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o disciple_n to_o look_v for_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n which_o also_o be_v the_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n 10._o gen._n xlix_o 10._o jacob_n have_v prophesy_v of_o old_a to_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_n of_o the_o people_n be_v but_o i_o shall_v pass_v by_o the_o oracle_n which_o foretell_v this_o matter_n what_o signify_v the_o history_n of_o the_o prodigal_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o call_v and_o the_o return_v of_o the_o gentile_n the_o elder_a son_n the_o jew_n be_v extreme_o trouble_v at_o it_o what_o mean_v that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o have_v other_o sheep_n etc._n etc._n or_o his_o prediction_n that_o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n and_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n when_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v forth_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n in_o another_o place_n of_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o such_o like_a oracle_n and_o their_o exact_a accomplishment_n these_o be_v sufficient_a at_o present_a to_o justify_v the_o solidity_n of_o this_o last_o reflection_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o conclusion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o if_o one_o examine_v the_o life_n and_o preach_v of_o our_o saviour_n he_o may_v find_v all_o those_o character_n by_o which_o the_o promise_a messiah_n may_v be_v know_v let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o miracle_n chap._n x._o that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n clear_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n as_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v very_o clear_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o his_o miracle_n and_o as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n xxxv_o set_v down_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n as_o one_o of_o those_o character_n by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v know_v so_o it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n to_o we_o to_o examine_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o great_a attention_n whether_o they_o have_v the_o character_n of_o truth_n and_o whether_o they_o come_v up_o to_o the_o idea_n which_o the_o prophet_n give_v we_o of_o those_o wonder_n which_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o do_v the_o evangelist_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o wrought_v almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o they_o have_v describe_v more_o than_o thirty_o several_a sort_n of_o they_o he_o change_v water_n into_o wine_n at_o the_o wedding_n at_o cana_n he_o heal_v the_o sick_a son_n of_o a_o courtier_n he_o
he_o who_o have_v make_v himself_o so_o famous_a by_o his_o sorcery_n become_v a_o disciple_n s._n luke_n in_o a_o history_n of_o the_o action_n of_o thirty_o year_n relate_v the_o continual_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o particular_o by_o s._n paul_n who_o he_o constant_o follow_v it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o if_o one_o consider_v the_o history_n itself_o and_o the_o person_n who_o make_v it_o that_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a relation_n however_o there_o be_v other_o testimony_n which_o invincible_o establish_v the_o same_o truth_n 1._o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o effect_n establish_v in_o most_o of_o the_o province_n and_o great_a city_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n s._n paul_n write_v to_o the_o christian_n of_o thessalonica_n corinth_n and_o ephesus_n to_o the_o galatian_n colossian_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v christian_n every_o where_o that_o be_v disciple_n of_o these_o twelve_o fisherman_n who_o understand_v nothing_o but_o their_o native_a syriack_n language_n how_o then_o be_v all_o these_o nation_n convert_v without_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n at_o the_o pentecost_n 2._o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o they_o of_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o of_o a_o common_a thing_n s._n paul_n employ_v some_o part_n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o regulate_v those_o disorder_n which_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o abuse_n of_o those_o gift_n s._n james_n speak_v of_o the_o power_n that_o the_o priest_n have_v to_o cure_v the_o sick_a and_o s._n paul_n wish_v for_o a_o opportunity_n of_o go_v to_o rome_n to_o communicate_v those_o gift_n to_o the_o roman_n 3._o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o raise_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o that_o of_o the_o law_n in_o call_v it_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n notwithstanding_o the_o table_n of_o the_o law_n have_v be_v give_v to_o moses_n in_o so_o very_o illustrious_a a_o manner_n it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n here_o to_o consider_v three_o thing_n which_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o first_o be_v that_o this_o mission_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v mankind_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n god_n give_v to_o adam_n a_o power_n of_o speak_v one_o language_n and_o afterward_o he_o divide_v the_o same_o to_o make_v a_o confusion_n among_o the_o builder_n of_o babel_n and_o jesus_n christ_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o confirm_v the_o glory_n and_o belief_n of_o his_o divinity_n god_n vouchsafe_v the_o power_n of_o miracle_n to_o some_o jesus_n christ_n communicate_v it_o to_o a_o far_o great_a number_n miracle_n not_o have_v be_v so_o general_o wrought_v because_o no_o people_n ever_o have_v that_o power_n in_o all_o the_o forego_n age_n the_o father_n wrought_v so_o few_o miracle_n that_o he_o may_v leave_v to_o the_o son_n this_o mean_n of_o make_v himself_o know_v the_o son_n have_v the_o glory_n of_o pour_v forth_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o a_o great_a abundance_n than_o the_o father_n thereby_o to_o supply_v the_o shame_n of_o his_o humiliation_n this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v the_o second_o be_v that_o from_o this_o miracle_n one_o ought_v to_o infer_v these_o two_o conclusion_n the_o first_o be_v that_o god_n be_v full_o pacify_v by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o apostle_n constant_o represent_v the_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n offer_v by_o he_o the_o other_o be_v that_o from_o that_o time_n forward_a mankind_n be_v conscerate_v to_o god_n as_o his_o temple_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o prayer_n before_o his_o death_n express_v himself_o much_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o solomon_n do_v at_o his_o dedication_n of_o the_o first_o temple_n and_o fire_n from_o heaven_n fall_v down_o on_o his_o sacrifice_n jesus_n christ_n consecrate_v his_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o live_a stone_n of_o his_o temple_n and_o cause_v the_o heavenly_a flame_n to_o fall_v down_o upon_o they_o as_o have_v former_o be_v grant_v at_o solomon_n dedication_n of_o the_o first_o temple_n the_o three_o be_v that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o can_v conceive_v a_o more_o glorious_a or_o magnificent_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o ancient_a oracle_n concern_v the_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n than_o what_o we_o find_v relate_v by_o s._n luke_n whereof_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v see_v the_o visible_a effect_n in_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o whence_o one_o may_v rational_o conclude_v that_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v for_o the_o messiah_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v chap._n xv._o that_o according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v call_v the_o gentile_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o have_v already_o see_v what_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o distinction_n which_o he_o make_v of_o the_o jew_n from_o other_o nation_n be_v only_a that_o the_o messiah_n may_v by_o that_o mean_n be_v the_o more_o certain_o know_v in_o who_o all_o mankind_n have_v a_o right_a as_o be_v promise_v to_o adam_n god_n renew_v the_o idea_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o a_o very_a lively_a manner_n when_o he_o assure_v abraham_n before_o he_o give_v he_o the_o law_n of_o circumcision_n that_o in_o his_o seed_n all_o nation_n shall_v be_v bless_v jacob_n enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n on_o his_o deathbed_n plain_o take_v this_o truth_n for_o grant_v when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o messiah_n who_o he_o call_v shiloh_n be_v to_o be_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o gentile_n gen._n xlix_o why_o do_v he_o not_o say_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o because_o he_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v and_o the_o gentile_n call_v in_o their_o stead_n one_o see_v we_o in_o the_o psalm_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n until_o malachi_n inclusive_o a_o thousand_o declaration_n of_o this_o future_a call_v of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o though_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o idea_n which_o the_o prophet_n make_v use_v of_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o figurative_a describe_v the_o messiah_n as_o a_o conqueror_n who_o be_v to_o subdue_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o his_o dominion_n by_o the_o force_n of_o arm_n yet_o we_o find_v a_o great_a many_o other_o interweave_v with_o they_o which_o only_o relate_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o which_o not_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o other_o sense_n sufficient_o determine_v the_o other_o so_o as_o not_o to_o perplex_v the_o reader_n with_o those_o seem_a obscurity_n but_o jesus_n christ_n very_o distinct_o declare_v this_o in_o divers_a place_n and_o above_o all_o in_o the_o xxiv_o of_o s._n matthew_n this_o gospel_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v preach_v throughout_o all_o the_o world._n now_o nothing_o can_v ever_o be_v more_o exact_o fulfil_v than_o these_o ancient_a oracle_n have_v be_v let_v the_o jew_n cavil_v as_o long_o as_o they_o please_v about_o our_o application_n of_o many_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o our_o saviour_n let_v they_o put_v a_o sense_n upon_o the_o scripture_n which_o treat_v of_o this_o subject_a contrary_a to_o what_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v contemporary_a with_o jesus_n christ_n ever_o do_v and_o to_o the_o most_o of_o those_o with_o who_o the_o first_o christian_n as_o justin_n tertullian_n and_o other_o from_o time_n to_o time_n dispute_v yet_o at_o least_o they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o thing_n have_v be_v exact_o fulfil_v it_o be_v clear_a than_o the_o day_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o exact_a all_o christian_n from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o another_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o malachi_n jesus_n christ_n subject_v they_o to_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o mahometan_n themselves_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o christian_n to_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o god_n but_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n the_o multitude_n of_o false_a god_n which_o the_o world_n worship_v be_v vanish_v from_o all_o place_n where_o christianity_n have_v be_v plant_v and_o very_o few_o be_v leave_v in_o comparison_n of_o those_o which_o be_v already_o destroy_v so_o that_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o thing_n as_o already_o go_v very_o far_o in_o truth_n while_o thing_n continue_v thus_o one_o may_v reasonable_o maintain_v against_o the_o
the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n they_o relate_v they_o as_o fact_n for_o the_o most_o part_n own_v by_o the_o jew_n from_o which_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n extort_a other_o consequence_n they_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o judgement_n which_o the_o jew_n make_v concern_v the_o miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n upon_o the_o disciple_n gather_v the_o ear_n of_o corn_n of_o the_o answer_n which_o the_o jew_n make_v to_o pilate_n we_o have_v no_o other_o king_n but_o cesar_n the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v a_o general_a expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n when_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a knowledge_n of_o the_o prophecy_n that_o respect_v the_o messiah_n and_o a_o great_a impossibility_n of_o apply_v those_o oracle_n to_o particular_a fact_n if_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n have_v not_o be_v beyond_o contest_v now_o we_o find_v very_o few_o oracle_n of_o which_o they_o do_v not_o make_v a_o application_n to_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o will_v suppose_v the_o apostle_n to_o have_v be_v man_n of_o great_a ability_n and_o who_o have_v long_o study_v the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o they_o may_v tear_v out_o such_o small_a passage_n as_o they_o fancy_v may_v be_v applicable_a to_o jesus_n christ_n however_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v by_o their_o write_n that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o the_o prophecy_n whence_o it_o may_v follow_v that_o they_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v applicable_a to_o christ_n by_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o fact_n which_o they_o relate_v 2._o that_o they_o have_v this_o knowledge_n in_o common_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o at_o this_o day_n apply_v the_o same_o text_n to_o the_o messiah_n if_o they_o be_v not_o constrain_v by_o their_o clearness_n to_o wrest_v they_o some_o other_o way_n the_o three_o reflection_n be_v that_o in_o the_o relation_n of_o these_o fact_n they_o give_v we_o all_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a sincerity_n they_o represent_v indeed_o whatsoever_o be_v for_o their_o master_n glory_n but_o they_o do_v as_o well_o relate_v those_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v shameful_a to_o his_o memory_n they_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o angel_n that_o assist_v at_o his_o birth_n and_o at_o his_o death_n but_o tell_v we_o withal_o that_o he_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o in_o all_o appearance_n forsake_v by_o god_n at_o his_o death_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o multitude_n be_v resolve_v to_o take_v he_o by_o force_n and_o make_v he_o their_o king_n as_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o the_o messiah_n and_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o same_o multitude_n some_o time_n after_o demand_v he_o to_o be_v crucify_v the_o four_o be_v that_o they_o represent_v very_o natural_o all_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o synagogue_n against_o jesus_n they_o represent_v he_o as_o excommunicate_v and_o crucify_v by_o they_o they_o describe_v the_o report_n that_o be_v current_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o disciple_n have_v take_v away_o his_o body_n out_o of_o the_o sepulchre_n that_o the_o soldier_n have_v depose_v the_o same_o in_o the_o form_n of_o law_n before_o pilate_n from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v faithful_a historian_n and_o not_o at_o all_o prepossess_v and_o that_o they_o use_v no_o invective_n against_o the_o author_n of_o these_o false_a report_n content_v themselves_o to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n by_o specify_v the_o place_n the_o time_n the_o witness_n and_o other_o circumstance_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n they_o relate_v these_o four_o reflection_n be_v once_o suppose_v i_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o book_n or_o to_o call_v their_o authority_n in_o question_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o which_o one_o needs_o only_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n which_o pass_v under_o their_o name_n the_o other_o be_v that_o their_o faithfulness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v suspect_v by_o we_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v so_o universal_o receive_v that_o nothing_o will_v be_v certain_a in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o this_o be_v question_v the_o four_o evangelist_n have_v publish_v their_o write_n in_o populous_a city_n where_o they_o have_v be_v constant_o read_v every_o lord_n day_n in_o christian_a assembly_n as_o s._n justin_n martyr_n assure_v we_o in_o his_o apology_n which_o be_v write_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o second_o century_n the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n to_o numerous_a church_n to_o who_o their_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o the_o person_n by_o who_o they_o send_v they_o be_v well_o know_v can_v we_o instance_n in_o any_o write_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v be_v preserve_v with_o the_o like_a carefulness_n let_v the_o jew_n tell_v we_o what_o they_o please_v concern_v the_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o their_o ancestor_n to_o preserve_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o can_v allege_v nothing_o but_o we_o can_v allege_v the_o same_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o moses_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o a_o curse_n have_v forbid_v the_o add_v any_o thing_n thereto_o and_o do_v not_o we_o read_v the_o same_o threaten_n in_o the_o last_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o philosopher_n of_o each_o sect_n have_v nothing_o of_o this_o weight_n to_o allege_v as_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o book_n which_o they_o ascribe_v to_o their_o master_n be_v real_o they_o we_o find_v only_o a_o few_o man_n in_o every_o age_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o study_v the_o book_n of_o the_o philosopher_n physician_n and_o lawyer_n but_o ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n there_o have_v be_v christian_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o peruse_v and_o preserve_v their_o write_n as_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o eternal_a life_n one_o may_v upon_o this_o occasion_n take_v notice_n of_o two_o thing_n which_o deserve_v some_o attention_n the_o one_o be_v that_o the_o design_n of_o some_o heretic_n as_o of_o martion_n for_o instance_n to_o corrupt_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o of_o his_o sect_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v in_o short_a we_o find_v all_o the_o world_n oppose_v themselves_o against_o this_o corruption_n and_o confute_v they_o by_o the_o agreement_n of_o all_o the_o other_o copy_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v exempt_a from_o this_o corruption_n the_o other_o be_v that_o if_o there_o be_v some_o book_n who_o authority_n be_v doubtful_a for_o some_o time_n by_o those_o who_o otherwise_o be_v account_v orthodox_n yet_o this_o can_v just_o prejudice_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o this_o happen_v only_o to_o some_o few_o epistle_n which_o be_v write_v not_o to_o particular_a church_n but_o to_o whole_a nation_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o common_a sense_n that_o when_o write_n be_v send_v to_o whole_a body_n as_o the_o epistle_n of_o s._n judas_n without_o communicate_v the_o copy_n to_o particular_a man_n that_o they_o may_v with_o more_o justice_n be_v suspect_v than_o those_o who_o hand_n be_v know_v by_o many_o and_o particular_o by_o those_o to_o who_o the_o epistle_n be_v send_v moreover_o the_o account_n which_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n give_v we_o of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o nature_n sufficient_o show_v that_o they_o be_v very_o careful_a in_o examine_v these_o thing_n and_o when_o at_o any_o time_n some_o particular_a man_n do_v not_o use_v care_n enough_o in_o examine_v these_o book_n as_o it_o once_o happen_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ross_n 12._o euseb_n lib._n vi_o cap._n 12._o where_o a_o book_n which_o be_v false_o attribute_v to_o s._n peter_n be_v preserve_v suppose_v it_o to_o have_v be_v he_o the_o other_o church_n not_o consent_v to_o it_o that_o abuse_n be_v soon_o remedy_v the_o write_n abolish_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o weak_a remembrance_n leave_v of_o they_o one_o see_v we_o that_o these_o remark_n be_v sufficient_a to_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n which_o bear_v their_o name_n and_o if_o this_o way_n of_o confirm_v a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v account_v good_a and_o solid_a when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o book_n of_o aristotle_n or_o hypocrates_n it_o must_v be_v infinite_o
suppose_v if_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o they_o have_v not_o see_v he_o after_o his_o death_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v have_v any_o concern_n for_o his_o glory_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v condemn_v and_o anathematise_v he_o as_o a_o impostor_n who_o by_o mean_n of_o some_o false_a miracle_n and_o a_o affect_a holiness_n have_v abuse_v they_o whereas_o indeed_o we_o find_v that_o they_o defend_v the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o so_o much_o heat_n and_o that_o with_o so_o constant_a a_o testimony_n to_o his_o resurrection_n that_o they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o reproach_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o punishment_n and_o most_o cruel_a death_n to_o confirm_v the_o belief_n of_o that_o fact._n they_o despise_v the_o anathema_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n they_o contemn_v their_o public_a obloquy_n they_o value_v not_o the_o hatred_n of_o their_o whole_a nation_n they_o preach_v this_o crucify_a person_n in_o judea_n they_o preach_v he_o also_o in_o other_o country_n that_o he_o may_v be_v equal_o adore_v by_o jew_n and_o heathen_n they_o leave_v their_o employment_n to_o follow_v this_o jesus_n and_o after_o they_o have_v accompany_v he_o three_o year_n they_o depart_v from_o judea_n to_o go_v and_o confound_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o world_n and_o within_o rome_n itself_o to_o decry_v the_o god_n they_o worship_v oblige_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o who_o the_o man_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v crucify_v for_o their_o god_n he_o who_o have_v be_v the_o detestation_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o who_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n have_v give_v up_o to_o their_o fury_n in_o make_v he_o undergo_v the_o punishment_n appoint_v for_o slave_n last_o one_o ought_v to_o observe_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n in_o this_o whole_a question_n that_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v so_o uniform_a so_o solemn_a so_o well_o confirm_v by_o all_o manner_n of_o mean_n and_o seal_v with_o their_o death_n be_v not_o contest_v or_o contradict_v by_o any_o historian_n of_o that_o time_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_a either_o for_o jew_n or_o gentile_n than_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o be_v master_n of_o the_o public_a record_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o general_a concernment_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o a_o imposture_n of_o so_o terrible_a a_o consequence_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o evangelist_n be_v if_o it_o have_v be_v entire_o false_a neither_o be_v it_o less_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o roman_n to_o expose_v a_o sect_n of_o who_o pliny_n the_o young_a tell_v we_o that_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n join_v with_o they_o though_o they_o be_v persecute_v with_o incredible_a violence_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o find_v no_o body_n that_o have_v contradict_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o any_o author_n that_o have_v write_v against_o jesus_n christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n a_o long_a time_n after_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o book_n see_v call_v the_o act_n of_o pilate_n publish_v by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o emperor_n maximian_n which_o endeavour_v to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n that_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o those_o act_n be_v contradict_v by_o all_o the_o heathen_a historian_n yet_o remain_v that_o be_v contemporay_v with_o the_o apostle_n final_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v immediate_o convince_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o a_o belief_n in_o the_o gospel_n have_v pass_v from_o judea_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o prediction_n which_o god_n give_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o saviour_n chap._n xix_o more_o reason_n to_o manifest_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o apostle_n what_o i_o have_v already_o allege_v may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o for_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o reader_n concern_v so_o weighty_a a_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o shall_v superadd_a some_o few_o more_o reflection_n first_o of_o all_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o form_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o those_o which_o may_v be_v suspect_v as_o forgery_n when_o the_o four_o evangelist_n have_v relate_v the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n they_o next_o set_v down_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n with_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n until_o his_o death_n which_o do_v not_o comprehend_v above_o four_o or_o five_o year_n s._n luke_n write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o particular_a that_o of_o s._n paul_n and_o take_v in_o only_a the_o space_n of_o about_o thirty_o year_n now_o let_v any_o one_o judge_n whether_o they_o who_o confine_v themselves_o to_o so_o narrow_a limit_n in_o respect_n of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n have_v any_o design_n to_o impose_v the_o remainder_n of_o these_o book_n be_v compose_v of_o two_o sort_n of_o write_n one_o epistolary_n and_o the_o other_o prophetical_a for_o the_o prophetical_a part_n time_n must_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o prediction_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o apocalypse_v as_o well_o as_o of_o those_o which_o be_v find_v in_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o for_o the_o epistle_n beside_o some_o moral_a instruction_n they_o be_v almost_o all_o employ_v in_o decide_v some_o question_n which_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o abolish_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n have_v raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n we_o know_v that_o of_o all_o write_n epistle_n be_v the_o most_o certain_a monument_n and_o those_o which_o man_n endeavour_v to_o forge_v least_o after_o all_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o sacred_a writer_n have_v with_o great_a care_n set_v down_o the_o time_n in_o which_o every_o event_n happen_v as_o well_o according_a to_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o point_v out_o to_o we_o their_o solemn_a feast_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_n by_o set_v down_o the_o year_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o the_o character_n of_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n a_o second_o character_n which_o hinder_v we_o from_o accuse_v these_o book_n as_o forgery_n be_v this_o that_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o book_n be_v of_o a_o very_a particular_a nature_n they_o contain_v several_a considerable_a oracle_n which_o be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o same_o generation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o croesus_n a_o continue_a series_n of_o miracle_n of_o which_o all_o judea_n be_v witness_v they_o contain_v a_o great_a number_n of_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a illustrious_a occasion_n in_o the_o synagogue_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o before_o thousand_o of_o people_n in_o the_o wilderness_n let_v any_o one_o judge_n whether_o it_o will_v be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o make_v these_o write_n to_o be_v receive_v if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o to_o be_v late_o forge_v this_o three_o reflection_n be_v also_o considerable_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v in_o the_o great_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n the_o history_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o epistle_n themselves_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v numerous_a church_n at_o rome_n corinth_n thessalonica_n philippi_n ephesus_n antioch_n and_o in_o several_a other_o famous_a place_n it_o be_v also_o know_v that_o there_o be_v jewish_a synagogue_n in_o the_o same_o place_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n what_o possibility_n be_v there_o of_o suspect_v the_o least_o imposture_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o we_o consider_v how_o they_o be_v draw_v up_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o only_o preach_v in_o the_o synagogue_n the_o same_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v put_v in_o writing_n but_o they_o also_o engage_v the_o jew_n to_o examine_v they_o because_o they_o affirm_v they_o with_o a_o constancy_n which_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o but_o look_v upon_o as_o incredible_a obstinacy_n first_o of_o all_o that_o these_o be_v thing_n beyond_o dispute_n and_o can_v not_o be_v doubt_v of_o second_o that_o they_o have_v be_v long_o since_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n three_o that_o they_o be_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o other_o prophecy_n which_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o promise_a messiah_n four_o that_o see_v they_o can_v not_o question_v the_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n they_o ought_v to_o renounce_v judaisme_n to_o receive_v baptism_n and_o
who_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n be_v so_o indeed_o so_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o examine_v it_o or_o know_v it_o since_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o model_n if_o we_o suppose_v that_o god_n at_o first_o frame_v it_o for_o the_o determine_n of_o this_o question_n as_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v it_o the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o christian_n exact_o follow_v this_o divine_a model_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n which_o exact_o correspond_v with_o it_o and_o which_o answer_v it_o in_o all_o its_o part_n they_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n in_o short_a if_o we_o consider_v it_o well_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o question_n of_o fact_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n but_o such_o a_o question_n as_o the_o jew_n at_o present_a be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o maintain_v against_o the_o christian_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n agree_v in_o the_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n or_o at_o least_o about_o the_o most_o of_o they_o according_a to_o these_o character_n the_o messiah_n ought_v to_o be_v come_v the_o christian_n maintain_v that_o they_o may_v be_v find_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o they_o prove_v it_o by_o matter_n of_o fact_n wherefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o either_o these_o character_n attribute_v to_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o proper_a character_n to_o know_v he_o by_o and_o so_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v be_v elude_v and_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n equal_o deceive_v in_o take_v that_o for_o a_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v not_o or_o else_o that_o both_o the_o messiah_n be_v certain_o come_v and_o and_o that_o he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o jesus_n who_o we_o worship_v chap._n xxi_o that_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o division_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n can_v be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o come_v now_o to_o examine_v the_o double_a stumble_a block_n which_o the_o jew_n pretend_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o religion_n say_v they_o propound_v doctrine_n that_o be_v inconceivable_a and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n for_o instance_n that_o of_o the_o trinity_n that_o of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o messiah_n these_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o jew_n reject_v as_o absolute_o incompatible_a with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o hand_n but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o answer_v this_o objection_n 1._o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o total_a forgetfulness_n of_o the_o solidity_n of_o those_o proof_n of_o fact_n which_o i_o have_v allege_v jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a this_o be_v a_o fact_n confirm_v by_o several_a witness_n it_o appear_v from_o tacitus_n that_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v death_n under_o tiberius_n pontius_n pilate_n be_v governor_n of_o judea_n it_o be_v know_v that_o claudius_n banish_v the_o christian_n from_o rome_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 54._o it_o be_v evident_a from_o tacitus_n in_o his_o life_n of_o nero_n that_o he_o accuse_v the_o christian_n of_o burn_a the_o city_n of_o rome_n which_o himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_n therefore_o make_v a_o considerable_a body_n in_o the_o capital_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o this_o happen_v in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 64._o suetonius_n say_v the_o same_o thing_n 2._o it_o appear_v that_o pliny_n in_o trajan_n time_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o meeting_n 3._o dion_n cassius_n set_v down_o the_o accusation_n bring_v in_o against_o flavius_n and_o domitilla_n as_o against_o atheist_n which_o be_v the_o title_n julian_n the_o apostate_n give_v to_o constantine_n because_o the_o christian_n reject_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o heathen_a gods._n 4._o it_o appear_v by_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o this_o book_n be_v write_v in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 63_o and_o yet_o this_o book_n suppose_v the_o gospel_n of_o s._n luke_n to_o have_v be_v write_v before_o it_o and_o s._n luke_n gospel_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o some_o of_o the_o other_o gospel_n be_v already_o publish_v 5._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o write_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n that_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v then_o write_v and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o book_n of_o s._n ignatius_n polycarp_n and_o s._n justin._n these_o fact_n which_o be_v certain_a be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o immediate_o after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n as_o eye_n witness_n maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n after_o this_o it_o may_v indeed_o be_v dispute_v by_o what_o power_n he_o be_v raise_v whether_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n or_o by_o his_o own_o but_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o dispute_v the_o fact_n by_o reason_v draw_v from_o preten_v absurdity_n which_o one_o may_v think_v to_o find_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n second_o these_o mystery_n as_o for_o instance_n that_o of_o the_o trinity_n relate_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n if_o a_o idea_n of_o it_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o which_o not_o be_v distinct_o know_v by_o we_o may_v raise_v difficulty_n and_o perplexity_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o i_o will_v discourse_v with_o one_o bear_v blind_a of_o the_o sun_n of_o its_o light_n and_o heat_n and_o shall_v attribute_v to_o the_o sun_n the_o production_n of_o light_n and_o afterward_o of_o heat_n he_o will_v find_v a_o infinite_a trouble_n not_o to_o imagine_v three_o sun_n it_o be_v know_v how_o the_o philosopher_n who_o agree_v about_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v notwithstanding_o be_v oblige_v to_o attribute_v several_a faculty_n to_o it_o which_o the_o common_a people_n look_v upon_o as_o very_o different_a thing_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o oppose_v the_o idea_n of_o its_o unity_n and_o simplicity_n in_o the_o three_o place_n the_o christian_n prove_v very_o solid_o that_o these_o mystery_n have_v be_v clear_o propose_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o receive_v their_o light_n from_o heaven_n as_o to_o these_o truth_n and_o so_o may_v necessary_o be_v believe_v upon_o their_o word_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v former_o believe_v moreover_o they_o assert_v that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v first_o express_v though_o not_o so_o clear_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o mortal_a enemy_n of_o christian_n i_o add_v to_o these_o remark_n that_o most_o of_o those_o fact_n who_o truth_n be_v so_o invincible_o establish_v suppose_v these_o doctrine_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o religion_n do_v so_o necessary_o require_v they_o that_o we_o rob_v it_o of_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o its_o glory_n in_o question_v or_o contest_v any_o of_o they_o these_o reflection_n may_v suffice_v in_o general_a to_o resolve_v this_o difficulty_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o for_o a_o more_o particular_a satisfaction_n we_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o those_o book_n which_o purposely_o treat_v of_o these_o mystery_n desire_v he_o to_o observe_v careful_o that_o common_o the_o most_o difficult_a objection_n of_o heretic_n against_o these_o matter_n do_v rather_o oppose_v the_o term_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o or_o the_o notion_n which_o man_n follow_v in_o speak_v of_o these_o truth_n than_o the_o proposition_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n at_o least_o one_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v constrain_v to_o resolve_v several_a parallel_n objection_n to_o which_o one_o can_v scarce_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n without_o borrow_v some_o distinction_n and_o notion_n from_o the_o christian_n neither_o can_v the_o second_o objection_n of_o the_o jew_n give_v we_o any_o more_o disturbance_n it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o have_v be_v division_n among_o christian_n and_o be_v still_o to_o this_o day_n what_o can_v we_o conclude_v thence_o can_v we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o therefore_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o christianity_n be_v doubtful_a concern_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n which_o be_v the_o support_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a upon_o a_o attentive_a observation_n one_o may_v find_v 1._o that_o heresy_n have_v only_o serve_v to_o render_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o fact_n more_o incontestable_a by_o oblige_v those_o that_o have_v consider_v of_o they_o to_o examine_v their_o certainty_n with_o more_o care_n and_o application_n this_o be_v the_o judgement_n one_o ought_v to_o make_v upon_o all_o those_o heresy_n in_o the_o second_o age_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o about_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o death_n from_o thence_o man_n take_v occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o collect_v with_o great_a care_n all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o both_o these_o fact_n 2._o we_o find_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o contest_v do_v not_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n but_o the_o several_a consequence_n draw_v from_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n continue_v still_o beyond_o dispute_n this_o we_o find_v in_o the_o dispute_v raise_v about_o the_o millennium_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v equal_o believe_v by_o both_o the_o dispute_a party_n but_o different_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o that_o consider_v of_o they_o some_o form_v gross_a and_o sensual_a conception_n concern_v they_o other_o have_v a_o more_o spiritual_a relish_n which_o they_o have_v acquire_v by_o study_v the_o prophecy_n and_o their_o true_a sense_n 3._o we_o find_v that_o this_o division_n which_o have_v spring_v up_o among_o christian_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o solid_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o some_o fool_n have_v endeavour_v to_o decry_v some_o of_o they_o or_o to_o falsify_v some_o particular_a place_n we_o see_v that_o both_o party_n unite_v to_o repel_v that_o violence_n by_o produce_v their_o copy_n and_o beat_v back_o the_o impostor_n with_o their_o unite_a strength_n one_o see_v we_o that_o tertullian_n though_o a_o montanist_n write_v prescription_n against_o heretic_n and_o epiphanius_n take_v notice_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o some_o that_o be_v orthodox_n of_o their_o crime_n in_o blot_v out_o of_o their_o copy_n that_o christ_n have_v weep_v it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o division_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o karaite_n and_o thalmudist_n the_o jealousy_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n and_o the_o division_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o scripture_n and_o hinder_v its_o corruption_n each_o party_n be_v very_o vigilant_a to_o hinder_v their_o adversary_n from_o attempt_v any_o thing_n to_o its_o prejudice_n in_o corrupt_v a_o book_n which_o they_o consider_v as_o common_a to_o they_o all_o i_o may_v observe_v many_o other_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o the_o truth_n from_o these_o human_a fail_n but_o i_o will_v only_o instance_n in_o one_o which_o have_v always_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o considerable_a and_o that_o be_v that_o these_o heretic_n distinct_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n a_o impious_a person_n will_v have_v reason_n to_o accuse_v our_o oracle_n as_o false_a if_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o heresy_n but_o truth_n triumph_v in_o see_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o they_o who_o the_o more_o they_o increase_v the_o more_o she_o see_v we_o herself_o confirm_v and_o establish_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n induce_v god_n to_o permit_v so_o great_a a_o increase_n in_o the_o first_o age_n when_o the_o truth_n meet_v with_o the_o great_a opposition_n by_o persecution_n stand_v in_o the_o great_a need_n of_o sensible_a character_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v know_v i_o conclude_v this_o work_n with_o desire_v my_o reader_n to_o consider_v these_o reflection_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n here_o propound_v with_o a_o serious_a attention_n and_o to_o examine_v the_o coherence_n and_o indissoluble_a connexion_n of_o they_o and_o with_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o it_o may_v please_v he_o to_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n which_o be_v the_o only_a end_n i_o have_v propose_v to_o myself_o in_o the_o write_n of_o they_o finis_fw-la