reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o two_o volume_n volume_n i._n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxxviii_o imprimatur_fw-la libre_fw-la cvi_fw-la titulus_fw-la est_fw-la reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n in_o ii_o vol._n the_o 12_o of_o january_n 1687_o 1687_o 8._o h._n maurice_n r_n mo_z in_o christo_n p.d._n willielmo_n archiep._n cant._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la to_o the_o king_n great_a sir_n the_o gracious_a acceptance_n which_o your_o majesty_n be_v please_v to_o allow_v the_o first_o volume_n of_o my_o reflection_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n encourage_v and_o almost_o necessitate_v i_o to_o the_o further_a presumption_n of_o lay_v these_o two_o volume_n at_o this_o time_n at_o your_o majesty_n 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part_n of_o tartary_n and_o some_o place_n of_o africa_n such_o people_n be_v to_o be_v find_v i_o know_v this_o be_v a_o fact_n which_o be_v dispute_v by_o other_o and_o fabricius_n a_o divine_a of_o the_o palatinate_n pretend_v that_o he_o have_v solid_o confute_v it_o if_o this_o fact_n shall_v be_v think_v doubtful_a yet_o it_o be_v know_v at_o least_o that_o some_o person_n may_v be_v find_v here_o and_o there_o in_o the_o world_n who_o look_v upon_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n as_o upon_o a_o fable_n and_o who_o ridicule_n all_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n whatsoever_o but_o one_o may_v also_o say_v that_o if_o he_o compare_v these_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n they_o make_v the_o least_o and_o worst_a part_n of_o mankind_n though_o many_o of_o they_o affect_v to_o live_v moral_o well_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n make_v profession_n that_o they_o own_o a_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o most_o perfect_a eternal_a and_o independent_a be_v that_o 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if_o it_o have_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v a_o jew_n before_o they_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o promise_n second_o it_o suppose_v that_o god_n be_v to_o remove_v that_o people_n out_o of_o canaan_n into_o remote_a country_n and_o to_o disperse_v they_o as_o it_o be_v into_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v do_v by_o divine_a providence_n only_o to_o publish_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o establish_v the_o belief_n in_o the_o prophet_n and_o so_o to_o facilitate_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o faith._n three_o he_o declare_v express_o as_o st._n paul_n observe_v that_o he_o be_v to_o call_v his_o people_n that_o which_o be_v not_o his_o people_n that_o he_o may_v by_o that_o mean_n provoke_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o jealousy_n this_o notion_n of_o jealousy_n mention_v by_o st._n paul_n deserve_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o with_o very_o great_a care_n if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o 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creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n during_o that_o long_a tract_n of_o 2500_o year_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n depart_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o before_o the_o history_n of_o it_o be_v pen_v by_o moses_n they_o that_o consider_v that_o god_n at_o first_o prescribe_v the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n to_o fix_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o this_o law_n have_v be_v constant_o observe_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n until_o moses_n and_o be_v still_o to_o this_o day_n observe_v among_o the_o jew_n easy_o apprehend_v that_o this_o fact_n of_o the_o creation_n can_v not_o be_v more_o incontestable_o prove_v or_o more_o firm_o ground_v in_o like_a manner_n a_o attentive_a reflection_n upon_o the_o oracle_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o which_o alone_o at_o first_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o be_v afterward_o record_v in_o the_o 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at_o his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v unquestionable_o know_v whoever_o shall_v read_v the_o reflection_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o this_o matter_n will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o long_a life_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n to_o make_v so_o fresh_a and_o lively_a a_o impression_n of_o those_o illustrious_a fact_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o very_o frequent_a oracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o as_o indeed_o we_o find_v that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o 2553_o year_n only_o five_o or_o six_o principal_a oracle_n be_v give_v which_o have_v a_o particular_a relation_n to_o the_o messiah_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o now_o this_o reflection_n be_v once_o suppose_v as_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v afterward_o
care_n which_o he_o afterward_o take_v to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v a_o declare_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o soon_o after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n he_o preach_v he_o up_o for_o the_o messiah_n how_o come_v this_o sudden_a change_n he_o assert_n that_o he_o have_v see_v in_o heaven_n this_o jesus_n who_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o receive_v from_o he_o the_o apostleship_n according_o we_o find_v he_o preach_v by_o these_o order_n without_o any_o communication_n have_v with_o the_o first_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o relate_v these_o matter_n in_o a_o manner_n so_o little_o affect_v to_o advance_v his_o ministry_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o galatian_n who_o prefer_v s._n peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n before_o he_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n leave_v to_o doubt_v of_o they_o one_o ought_v to_o make_v a_o like_a reflection_n upon_o the_o conversion_n of_o cornelius_n the_o centurion_n he_o be_v a_o proselyte_n that_o be_v a_o gentile_a by_o birth_n but_o a_o jew_n by_o profession_n and_o by_o the_o employment_n he_o be_v in_o he_o have_v occasion_n of_o be_v more_o particular_o inform_v of_o the_o deposition_n of_o the_o soldier_n who_o probable_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o he_o for_o he_o be_v in_o the_o garrison_n at_o caesarea_n which_o be_v not_o far_o from_o jerusalem_n yet_o however_o this_o cornelius_n after_o he_o have_v a_o vision_n which_o command_v he_o to_o send_v to_o joppa_n a_o place_n make_v famous_a because_o jonah_n the_o prophet_n set_v sail_n from_o thence_o who_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n this_o cornelius_n i_o say_v embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n become_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o caesarea_n and_o die_v a_o martyr_n for_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a affection_n which_o s._n luke_n have_v for_o s._n paul_n confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n s._n luke_n have_v never_o see_v our_o saviour_n he_o be_v bear_v at_o antioch_n where_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o exercise_v his_o profession_n of_o physic_n yet_o he_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o follow_v s._n paul_n in_o all_o place_n and_o write_v the_o history_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o preach_a who_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v because_o he_o have_v see_v the_o dead_a who_o christ_n have_v raise_v to_o life_n and_o have_v see_v s._n paul_n who_o jesus_n christ_n have_v dignify_v with_o the_o apostleship_n raise_v other_o also_o from_o the_o dead_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o who_o be_v first_o convince_v by_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v needs_o have_v have_v very_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o jew_n have_v sadducee_n among_o they_o who_o deny_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o resurrection_n in_o general_a the_o council_n of_o the_o jew_n especial_o have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o decry_v the_o conduct_n the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o make_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o resurrection_n suspect_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o jesus_n christ_n have_v foretell_v it_o and_o his_o apostle_n maintain_v that_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v according_o if_o in_o opposition_n to_o these_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la there_o have_v only_o be_v the_o deposition_n of_o two_o or_o three_o person_n to_o confirm_v this_o fact_n there_o will_v have_v be_v reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o but_o we_o find_v that_o this_o thing_n which_o of_o it_o self_n seem_v hard_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o be_v otherwise_o so_o much_o contest_v be_v 1._o prove_v by_o ten_o several_a apparition_n 2._o it_o be_v attest_v by_o above_o five_o hundred_o disciple_n 3._o it_o be_v public_o preach_v by_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n at_o jerusalem_n itself_o and_o throughout_o all_o judea_n where_o it_o be_v most_o of_o all_o dispute_v 4._o it_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o s._n paul_n and_o cornelius_n and_o by_o thousand_o of_o those_o who_o have_v demand_v his_o death_n be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n 5._o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o and_o 6._o it_o be_v not_o not_o only_a authorise_a by_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o three_o person_n who_o christ_n have_v raise_v to_o life_n and_o who_o live_v one_o of_o they_o at_o bethany_n fifteen_o furlong_n from_o jerusalem_n where_o jesus_n ascend_v to_o heaven_n another_o at_o naim_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v further_o verify_v by_o several_a resurrection_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o christ_n have_v vouchsafe_v that_o astonish_a power_n it_o be_v also_o a_o very_a considerable_a thing_n that_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n continue_v near_o forty_o year_n after_o the_o time_n that_o the_o apostle_n undertake_v open_o to_o preach_v up_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o capital_a article_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o that_o time_n it_o be_v never_o oppose_v by_o any_o public_a write_v either_o of_o the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n if_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o unjust_a intrigue_n against_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o religion_n endeavour_v to_o abuse_v the_o world_n in_o this_o matter_n with_o calumniate_a story_n neither_o have_v the_o apostle_n be_v want_v to_o accuse_v the_o principal_a man_n of_o their_o nation_n of_o imposture_n and_o they_o have_v despise_v the_o most_o cruel_a of_o their_o punishment_n to_o maintain_v the_o justice_n of_o their_o charge_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o will_v undertake_v to_o justify_v the_o calumny_n of_o their_o council_n though_o they_o see_v christianity_n spread_v itself_o not_o only_o over_o all_o judea_n but_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world._n to_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v this_o conduct_n of_o they_o be_v a_o manifest_a betray_n of_o their_o cause_n or_o rather_o a_o open_a acknowledgement_n that_o what_o they_o have_v publish_v against_o the_o innocency_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n be_v without_o all_o ground_n i_o foresee_v only_o one_o probable_a difficulty_n which_o can_v be_v oppose_v to_o the_o solidity_n of_o these_o reflection_n a_o jew_n may_v demand_v why_o jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n do_v not_o converse_v as_o open_o among_o the_o jew_n as_o before_o that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v be_v know_v by_o those_o who_o have_v crucify_v he_o which_o will_v have_v put_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n out_o of_o doubt_n but_o to_o speak_v truth_n this_o objection_n be_v not_o reasonable_a for_o 1._o jesus_n christ_n have_v threaten_v the_o unbelieve_a jew_n they_o shall_v see_v he_o no_o more_o and_o he_o ought_v to_o make_v good_a his_o threaten_n 2._o who_o see_v not_o that_o they_o will_v have_v look_v upon_o his_o appear_v among_o they_o as_o a_o fantastic_a apparition_n after_o they_o have_v see_v he_o work_v so_o many_o miracle_n and_o have_v attribute_v they_o to_o the_o devil_n 3._o i_o say_v that_o such_o a_o apparition_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n 31._o luke_n xvi_o 29_o 31._o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o they_o neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a 4._o jesus_n christ_n have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n converse_v in_o galilee_n at_o nazareth_n and_o capernaum_n it_o be_v to_o the_o galilean_n and_o his_o disciple_n that_o he_o be_v chief_o to_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o they_o as_o be_v the_o person_n who_o be_v particular_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o this_o truth_n after_o so_o strong_a a_o presumption_n as_o the_o governor_n of_o that_o people_n have_v of_o christ_n resurrection_n found_v upon_o the_o earthquake_n which_o accompany_v it_o and_o upon_o the_o deposition_n of_o the_o soldier_n to_o who_o the_o angel_n have_v appear_v have_v not_o they_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v this_o truth_n which_o they_o hear_v several_a time_n attest_v by_o they_o in_o full_a council_n and_o see_v confirm_v by_o miraculous_a cure_n which_o they_o can_v not_o question_v in_o the_o least_o last_o be_v not_o this_o objection_n the_o most_o ridiculous_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o these_o consideration_n be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o justify_v our_o saviour_n conduct_n when_o he_o give_v these_o proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o he_o do_v not_o make_v choice_n of_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n which_o they_o
therefore_o that_o occur_v in_o this_o matter_n consist_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o fact_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n propound_v to_o we_o that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o prove_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o fall_n of_o man_n the_o promise_n of_o a_o redeemer_n his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n his_o miracle_n death_n resurrection_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o indeed_o these_o be_v the_o very_a matter_n of_o which_o atheist_n and_o libertine_n require_v a_o solid_a proof_n and_o it_o do_v the_o more_o concern_v we_o to_o satisfy_v their_o demand_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v scatter_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v oppose_v our_o assertion_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o send_v the_o messiah_n be_v already_o accomplish_a though_o they_o agree_v upon_o the_o matter_n with_o we_o in_o all_o other_o article_n moreover_o the_o perform_v this_o task_n may_v very_o much_o contribute_v to_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o bad_a christian_n who_o shall_v and_o continuance_n in_o vice_n and_o licentiousness_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o their_o be_v so_o weak_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o fundamental_o and_o that_o because_o they_o have_v never_o consider_v of_o they_o with_o sufficient_a attention_n chap._n ii_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v found_v upon_o proof_n of_o matter_n of_o fact._n forasmuch_o as_o in_o order_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o confine_v ourselves_o at_o present_a to_o those_o proof_n which_o make_v out_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o propose_v omit_v all_o other_o argument_n which_o may_v evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o possible_o no_o less_o convince_a it_o be_v obvious_a that_o the_o proof_n we_o be_v to_o produce_v in_o confirmation_n of_o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v proper_a to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n long_o since_o past_a and_o do_v if_o we_o be_v treat_v of_o the_o event_n of_o the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o it_o may_v be_v just_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v produce_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o question_n here_o be_v concern_v matter_n long_o since_o past_a it_o be_v natural_a for_o we_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o history_n which_o furnish_v we_o with_o the_o relation_n of_o those_o who_o where_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o same_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n leave_v we_o to_o confirm_v our_o belief_n of_o thing_n at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o we_o i_o be_o behold_v to_o history_n only_o for_o the_o knowledge_n i_o have_v of_o a_o cyrus_n a_o alexander_n or_o a_o caesar_n and_o yet_o have_v read_v the_o account_n they_o give_v i_o of_o they_o i_o find_v they_o matter_n i_o can_v no_o way_n rational_o doubt_v of_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o certainty_n we_o have_v of_o thing_n long_o since_o past_a be_v much_o inferior_a to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v of_o matter_n confirm_v to_o we_o by_o eye-witness_n nevertheless_o because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o event_n of_o ancient_a time_n can_v be_v confirm_v but_o by_o proof_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o have_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o to_o account_v the_o existence_n of_o such_o man_n as_o cyrus_n and_o alexander_n for_o fable_n upon_o the_o pretence_n that_o none_o now_o alive_a do_v ever_o see_v they_o or_o because_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o trace_n leave_v of_o those_o empire_n of_o which_o they_o be_v the_o founder_n indeed_o the_o certainty_n we_o have_v of_o these_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v superad_v to_o it_o for_o though_o it_o be_v found_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o historian_n who_o live_v many_o age_n ago_o yet_o withal_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o matter_n relate_v do_v not_o only_o carry_v the_o idea_n of_o probability_n and_o truth_n along_o with_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o history_n of_o follow_a age_n which_o can_v be_v question_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o the_o thing_n relate_v according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o equity_n of_o reason_n a_o matter_n of_o fact_n than_o be_v account_v certain_a when_o it_o be_v attest_v by_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o when_o record_v by_o a_o historian_n who_o live_v among_o those_o who_o have_v perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o gainsay_v or_o contradict_v by_o any_o if_o we_o find_v it_o pen_v at_o a_o time_n when_o the_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v relate_v by_o any_o otherwise_o than_o indeed_o they_o be_v without_o expose_v themselves_o to_o public_a derision_n and_o last_o of_o all_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o either_o because_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o every_o one_o to_o be_v inform_v of_o it_o or_o because_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o public_a that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v hide_v from_o any_o or_o last_o because_o of_o its_o natural_a connexion_n with_o all_o those_o other_o event_n which_o necessary_o depend_v on_o it_o to_o speak_v plain_a it_o be_v very_o unjust_a to_o demand_v either_o more_o proof_n or_o such_o as_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n than_o be_v require_v to_o verisie_n any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact._n why_o shall_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o noah_n child_n be_v sufficient_a to_o conclude_v there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o methusalem_n in_o case_n they_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o have_v see_v he_o or_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o methusalem_n be_v of_o credit_n enough_o to_o prove_v there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o adam_n if_o he_o aver_v that_o he_o see_v he_o and_o converse_v with_o he_o do_v we_o every_o day_n give_v credit_n to_o the_o account_n which_o old_a man_n give_v we_o of_o their_o predecessor_n especial_o when_o we_o find_v that_o what_o they_o relate_v have_v a_o exact_a reference_n and_o connexion_n with_o those_o thing_n we_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o proof_n which_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o our_o religion_n propose_v be_v infinite_o more_o strong_a and_o convince_a all_o the_o circumstance_n we_o can_v imagine_v proper_a to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o relation_n do_v concur_v to_o place_v the_o matter_n record_v in_o holy_a scripture_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o doubt_n or_o uncertainty_n we_o account_v the_o single_a testimony_n of_o a_o historian_n a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v once_o a_o very_a famous_a temple_n at_o delphos_n or_o ephesus_n notwithstanding_o that_o all_o the_o monument_n remain_v at_o this_o day_n to_o confirm_v his_o relation_n be_v very_o doubtful_a and_o defective_a whereas_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o entire_a nation_n yea_o many_o nation_n do_v attest_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n propose_v and_o that_o all_o the_o action_n discourse_n and_o whole_a series_n of_o event_n thereto_o relate_v do_v furnish_v we_o with_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o character_n which_o invincible_o signalise_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scrïpture_n chap._n iii_o some_o general_n remark_n in_o order_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o holy_a scripture_n forasmuch_o as_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o our_o religion_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n it_o will_v be_v proper_a in_o order_n to_o the_o execute_n of_o my_o design_n to_o begin_v with_o a_o general_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_a book_n which_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a if_o one_o make_v the_o follow_a remark_n the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n that_o he_o write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n of_o the_o deluge_n the_o rise_n and_o pedigree_n of_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o division_n of_o tongue_n and_o in_o particular_a the_o history_n of_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n until_o the_o enter_v of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n into_o palestina_n 2552_o year_n after_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world._n the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o follow_a book_n viz._n of_o joshua_n judge_n ruth_n the_o four_o book_n of_o king_n of_o chronicle_n with_o the_o book_n of_o ezrah_n and_o nehemiah_n be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o say_a history_n from_o the_o enter_v of_o the_o jew_n into_o palestina_n until_o their_o
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
fact_n which_o they_o have_v assert_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o most_o cruel_a torment_n and_o even_o until_o death_n that_o jesus_n christ_n send_v down_o upon_o his_o apostle_n the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o fact_n of_o which_o all_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o witness_n fifty_o day_n after_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n when_o jesus_n christ_n be_v crucify_v it_o be_v as_o remarkable_a a_o fact_n as_o ever_o happen_v twelve_o fisherman_n of_o galilee_n maintain_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n that_o the_o same_o jesus_n who_o the_o whole_a nation_n have_v demand_v to_o be_v crucify_v but_o fifty_o day_n before_o and_o who_o do_v actual_o suffer_v upon_o a_o infamous_a cross_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n after_o he_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o and_o have_v appear_v several_a time_n to_o they_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o that_o he_o have_v give_v they_o the_o power_n of_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o of_o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n that_o they_o speak_v divers_a language_n be_v a_o fact_n most_o notorious_a the_o truth_n whereof_o appear_v from_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o disciple_n but_o a_o few_o year_n after_o this_o fact_n be_v do_v that_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o heal_v all_o disease_n as_o well_o as_o their_o master_n be_v a_o fact_n the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v establish_v upon_o indisputable_a testimony_n insomuch_o as_o their_o successor_n receive_v the_o same_o gift_n by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o their_o hand_n two_o hundred_o year_n after_o tertullian_n mention_n this_o gift_n as_o be_v at_o that_o time_n well_o know_v among_o christian_n that_o the_o apostle_n after_o they_o be_v reject_v by_o the_o jew_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n who_o also_o receive_v it_o be_v a_o fact_n of_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o proof_n in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n that_o the_o convert_a jew_n strong_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n pretend_v as_o the_o jew_n now_o do_v that_o the_o messiah_n with_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v confine_v to_o their_o nation_n be_v a_o fact_n so_o well_o attest_v that_o it_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o first_o dispute_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o first_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o contest_v of_o s._n paul_n with_o those_o of_o his_o own_o nation_n that_o since_o that_o time_n the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n have_v maintain_v by_o their_o write_n and_o dispute_n and_o final_o by_o their_o martyrdom_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n that_o they_o have_v constant_o stand_v to_o this_o claim_n allege_v the_o fact_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v and_o maintain_v that_o the_o matter_n there_o relate_v be_v exact_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n that_o all_o this_o be_v unquestionable_a one_o needs_o only_o read_v their_o sermon_n and_o speech_n set_v down_o by_o s._n luke_n and_o their_o epistle_n one_o needs_o only_o peruse_v the_o heathen_a history_n and_o the_o work_n of_o those_o that_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n who_o follow_v their_o footstep_n in_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o apostle_n discharge_v their_o follower_n from_o the_o ceremony_n which_o moses_n prescribe_v oblige_v they_o only_o to_o the_o essential_o of_o morality_n that_o they_o annul_v the_o law_n which_o permit_v divorce_n without_o sufficient_a cause_n and_o polygamy_n these_o be_v thing_n which_o none_n who_o have_v read_v their_o write_n or_o those_o of_o their_o first_o disciple_n can_v in_o the_o least_o question_n last_o that_o they_o foretell_v many_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o their_o master_n that_o they_o publish_v their_o prediction_n which_o they_o have_v extend_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o return_n of_o jesus_n from_o heaven_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o that_o they_o have_v record_v the_o particular_n of_o many_o considerable_a event_n observe_v by_o the_o christian_n which_o have_v happen_v from_o time_n to_o time_n these_o be_v fact_n as_o well_o know_v and_o as_o incontestable_a as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v in_o the_o world_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n whole_a nation_n be_v witness_n of_o it_o differ_v sect_n interpreter_n who_o have_v several_a opinion_n concern_v these_o prophecy_n the_o contest_v of_o the_o jew_n the_o opposition_n of_o atheist_n the_o cavil_n of_o heretic_n the_o cruelty_n of_o tyrant_n all_o these_o concur_v to_o prove_v clear_o that_o the_o christian_n receive_v these_o prophecy_n from_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o since_o even_o these_o opposition_n be_v foretell_v as_o well_o as_o the_o persecution_n thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o view_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o most_o important_a article_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o i_o think_v that_o they_o be_v so_o solid_o ground_v upon_o proof_n of_o fact_n that_o i_o can_v assert_v with_o reason_n that_o no_o fact_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v produce_v so_o well_o establish_v as_o these_o be_v which_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o our_o religion_n what_o fact_n be_v there_o which_o be_v attest_v by_o whole_a nation_n as_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v what_o fact_n be_v there_o about_o which_o man_n be_v so_o careful_a to_o inform_v themselves_o as_o when_o a_o man_n pretend_v to_o the_o title_n of_o the_o messiah_n what_o thing_n can_v we_o suppose_v that_o require_v a_o strong_a conviction_n because_o of_o the_o difficulty_n it_o involve_v than_o that_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o crucifixion_n that_o be_v who_o have_v see_v he_o punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n the_o horror_n of_o all_o his_o own_o people_n and_o in_o all_o appearance_n forsake_v of_o heaven_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n as_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o fanatical_a folly_n than_o to_o attribute_v to_o twelve_o poor_a fisherman_n who_o master_n be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n by_o public_a order_n and_o by_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n i_o say_v to_o attribute_v to_o they_o the_o design_n of_o persuade_v that_o people_n and_o the_o gentile_n also_o that_o this_o man_n be_v raise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a that_o he_o rule_v in_o heaven_n that_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n if_o this_o jesus_n have_v be_v never_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a nor_o have_v bestow_v such_o gift_n upon_o they_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n not_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o great_a folly_n so_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o conclude_v that_o since_o they_o have_v attest_v this_o fact_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o all_o the_o proof_n which_o may_v convince_v those_o who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o prejudice_v yet_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o fact_n so_o confirm_v as_o we_o pretend_v that_o these_o actual_o be_v chap._n xvii_o that_o it_o can_v be_v question_v whether_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o we_o allege_v those_o argument_n which_o will_v invincible_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o make_v these_o three_o or_o four_o reflection_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o important_a to_o our_o present_a design_n the_o first_o be_v that_o we_o can_v scarce_o conceive_v a_o more_o simple_a and_o strong_a way_n of_o prove_v a_o fact_n than_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o book_n here_o mention_v the_o design_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n for_o instance_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o that_o in_o his_o birth_n his_o life_n his_o doctrine_n his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n we_o meet_v with_o all_o the_o character_n which_o the_o prophet_n attribute_v to_o the_o messiah_n how_o do_v the_o evangelist_n execute_v this_o their_o design_n in_o the_o most_o proper_a way_n imaginable_a to_o convince_v other_o and_o most_o proportionable_a to_o their_o design_n they_o simple_o relate_v the_o fact_n and_o fact_n so_o clear_a that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o we_o can_v doubt_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n they_o relate_v the_o most_o important_a of_o these_o fact_n as_o thing_n that_o happen_v in_o
examine_v their_o principle_n and_o confute_v they_o which_o be_v the_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o wise_a man_n have_v former_o acknowledge_v as_o they_o also_o own_o to_o this_o very_a day_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god._n and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o philosopher_n do_v own_o a_o plurality_n of_o god_n only_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o people_n which_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o contradict_v and_o as_o for_o the_o jew_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o christian_n and_o mahometan_n about_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n we_o be_v only_o to_o prove_v to_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o their_o prejudices_fw-la one_o may_v prove_v this_o against_o the_o jew_n without_o any_o trouble_n because_o they_o be_v agree_v in_o most_o of_o those_o principle_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n suppose_v so_o likewise_o it_o be_v easy_o establish_v against_o the_o mahometan_n who_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n but_o pretend_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o mahometanism_n as_o the_o law_n ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o gospel_n preach_v by_o jesus_n christ_n my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o prosecute_v every_o one_o of_o these_o way_n in_o particular_a there_o be_v book_n enough_o in_o the_o world_n which_o solid_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o atheist_n as_o well_o those_o who_o be_v so_o through_o ignorance_n as_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o such_o from_o love_n to_o libertinism_n and_o to_o pass_v for_o man_n of_o a_o mighty_a reach_n there_o be_v also_o several_a famous_a author_n who_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o reason_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v all_o pagan_a religion_n whatsoever_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o follow_v a_o more_o compendious_a and_o sure_a method_n that_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consider_v by_o itself_o in_o short_a it_o be_v impossible_a consider_v the_o opposition_n there_o be_v between_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v the_o true_a but_o that_o all_o other_o must_v be_v false_a in_o those_o article_n wherein_o they_o essential_o differ_v from_o it_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n one_o can_v explain_v those_o argument_n which_o clear_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n without_o convict_v all_o other_o religion_n of_o falsehood_n because_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o those_o proof_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v several_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o end_n which_o i_o propose_v man_n that_o think_v much_o wish_v that_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n may_v be_v demonstrate_v from_o reflection_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o it_o which_o to_o they_o will_v be_v a_o convince_a and_o demonstrative_a proof_n other_o apply_v themselves_o to_o a_o speculative_a examination_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o show_v their_o conformity_n with_o the_o notion_n of_o reason_n i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o both_o these_o employ_v themselves_o usual_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o study_n and_o that_o truth_n find_v a_o considerable_a support_n from_o their_o meditation_n but_o how_o useful_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v i_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o follow_v another_o course_n as_o think_v it_o of_o more_o advantage_n solid_o to_o establish_v the_o fact_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n propose_v which_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o persuade_v all_o sort_n of_o reader_n and_o better_o level_v to_o the_o ordinary_a capacity_n of_o those_o who_o new_o enter_v upon_o the_o examination_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n be_v general_o own_a by_o heathen_n and_o by_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n i_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n altogether_o unnecessary_a to_o enter_v upon_o the_o examination_n of_o several_a abstract_a question_n such_o as_o these_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n whether_o man_n be_v natural_o incline_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o the_o like_a when_o i_o shall_v have_v firm_o prove_v that_o god_n reveal_v himself_o that_o he_o prescribe_v a_o service_n to_o the_o first_o man_n who_o leave_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o to_o all_o their_o posterity_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o religion_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n be_v derive_v i_o shall_v have_v prevent_v many_o very_a unprofitable_a dispute_n and_o which_o can_v only_o perplex_v the_o mind_n by_o their_o obscurity_n i_o have_v therefore_o confine_v myself_o to_o certain_a consideration_n which_o do_v so_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o by_o their_o union_n they_o firm_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o hope_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v think_v needful_a for_o i_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o abolish_v the_o christian_n as_o the_o christian_n pretend_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n abrogate_a the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n as_o soon_o as_o a_o understand_a reader_n shall_v make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o god_n never_o frame_v the_o model_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o the_o mahometan_n will_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o first_o volume_n chap._n 1._o concern_v the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n page_n 1_o chap._n 2._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v found_v upon_o proof_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n 5_o chap._n 3._o some_o general_n remark_n in_o order_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o holy_a scripture_n 8_o chap._n 4._o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v unquestionable_a 16_o chap._n 5._o that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n 23_o chap._n 6._o that_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n can_v not_o be_v forge_v under_o the_o name_n of_o moses_n 27_o chap._n 7._o that_o it_o appear_v from_o genesis_n that_o the_o sabbath_n be_v constant_o observe_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n until_o moses_n 34_o chap._n 8._o that_o adam_n be_v convince_v of_o his_o creation_n by_o reason_n and_o authority_n 44_o chap._n 9_o that_o adam_n be_v confirm_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n in_o the_o persuasion_n he_o have_v entertain_v concern_v his_o creation_n 49_o chap._n 10._o that_o the_o child_n of_o adam_n have_v reason_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o creation_n 52_o chap._n 11._o that_o the_o child_n of_o adam_n be_v actual_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n 54_o chap._n 12._o that_o noah_n be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n 61_o chap._n 13._o that_o the_o child_n of_o noah_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n 64_o chap._n 14._o that_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n be_v child_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o first_o promise_n 67_o chap._n 15._o that_o we_o find_v the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n till_o jacob_n full_o persuade_v of_o those_o truth_n 71_o chap._n 16._o that_o this_o very_a persuasion_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v keep_v up_o among_o the_o posterity_n of_o jacob_n until_o moses_n be_v time_n 81_o chap._n 17._o that_o the_o tradition_n which_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o persuasion_n which_o the_o ancient_n have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n before_o moses_n can_v be_v suspect_v 86_o chap._n 18._o a_o explication_n of_o moses_n be_v way_n of_o write_v where_o it_o be_v show_v that_o in_o write_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n he_o mention_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v then_o general_o know_v 89_o chap._n 19_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o chaldean_n concern_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o world._n 95_o chap._n 20._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o china_n against_o the_o mosaic_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o newness_n of_o the_o world._n 106_o chap._n 21._o wherein_o the_o
last_o objection_n of_o atheist_n be_v answer_v 120_o chap._n 22._o the_o consequence_n of_o what_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o our_o forego_v observation_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n 126_o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o first_o volume_n chap._n 1._o that_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o exodus_fw-la and_o of_o the_o three_o other_o follow_v book_n page_n 137_o chap._n 2._o that_o both_o the_o character_n of_o moses_n be_v person_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o relate_v have_v always_o make_v man_n read_v his_o book_n with_o attention_n 146_o chap._n 3._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n relate_v by_o moses_n can_v reasonable_o be_v doubt_v of_o 153_o chap._n 4._o a_o continuation_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n 158_o chap._n 5._o that_o moses_n be_v description_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n give_v he_o his_o law_n be_v evident_o true_a 164_o chap._n 6._o some_o other_o proof_n that_o confirm_v moses_n be_v description_n of_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o law_n be_v give_v and_o promulgate_v 169_o chap._n 7._o that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a exception_n can_v be_v make_v against_o moses_n be_v history_n in_o what_o relate_v to_o the_o oracle_n which_o he_o have_v record_v in_o his_o book_n 173_o chap._n 8._o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o constant_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o oracle_n relate_v by_o moses_n 177_o chap._n 9_o that_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o relation_n that_o moses_n have_v the_o messiah_n in_o view_n when_o he_o write_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n 180_o chap._n 10._o that_o the_o same_o persuasion_n appear_v throughout_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o moses_n until_o his_o death_n 185_o chap._n 11._o that_o balaam_n be_v prophesy_v which_o moses_n relate_v be_v a_o further_a argument_n of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n in_o he_o 188_o chap._n 12._o that_o one_o may_v see_v also_o in_o moses_n be_v law_n plain_a footstep_n of_o god_n design_n in_o distinguish_v these_o from_o who_o he_o will_v have_v the_o messiah_n to_o be_v born._n 194_o chap._n 13._o that_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n promulgate_a his_o law_n among_o the_o israelite_n do_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n 200_o chap._n 14._o that_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v design_v to_o keep_v up_o a_o spirit_n of_o jealousy_n in_o the_o very_a bosom_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n 206_o chap._n 15._o that_o circumcision_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o distinguish_v the_o israelite_n from_o other_o nation_n 212_o chap._n 16._o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n engage_v the_o jew_n to_o the_o study_n of_o their_o genealogy_n that_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o of_o the_o messiah_n 219_o chap._n 17._o a_o solution_n of_o some_o difficulty_n in_o these_o genealogy_n 223_o chap._n 18._o that_o the_o manner_n whereby_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n fix_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v to_o keep_v they_o separate_v from_o other_o nation_n 228_o chap._n 19_o that_o the_o law_n tie_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o by_o several_a other_o mean_v establish_v the_o distinction_n betwixt_o tribe_n and_o family_n among_o they_o 234_o chap._n 20._o that_o the_o law_n which_o moses_n make_v coneern_v the_o state_n of_o virginity_n do_v principal_o relate_v also_o to_o the_o messiah_n which_o hold_v also_o as_o to_o several_a other_o law_n 241_o chap._n 21._o that_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n by_o all_o these_o ceremony_n and_o particular_o by_o that_o veneration_n which_o he_o inspire_v the_o jew_n with_o for_o the_o tabernacle_n to_o preserve_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o their_o mind_n by_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n 249_o chap._n 22._o that_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n that_o this_o whole_a model_n which_o god_n have_v frame_v be_v to_o last_v but_o until_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n 256_o to_o the_o courteous_a reader_n the_o errata_n be_v so_o small_a that_o they_o will_v not_o disturb_v the_o sense_n any_o where_o and_o so_o few_o that_o we_o need_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o table_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o hope_v he_o will_v take_v such_o inconsiderable_a pain_n upon_o himself_o and_o excuse_v the_o author_n reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chapter_n i._n concern_v the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v three_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o propound_v to_o we_o for_o true_a the_o promise_v it_o afford_v we_o and_o the_o worship_n it_o command_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o propound_v to_o we_o as_o true_a be_v that_o god_n create_v the_o world_n that_o he_o form_v the_o first_o man_n from_o who_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v propagate_v that_o a_o while_n after_o this_o man_n be_v create_v he_o violate_v the_o law_n god_n have_v give_v he_o and_o that_o whereas_o he_o deserve_v to_o have_v perish_v for_o this_o his_o disobedience_n god_n be_v please_v instead_o thereof_o to_o comfort_v he_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o saviour_n which_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o wife_n that_o god_n have_v actual_o send_v this_o saviour_n into_o the_o world_n which_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o christ_n viz._n his_o birth_n life_n preach_v miracle_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n the_o promise_v it_o vouchsafe_v be_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n and_o a_o state_n absolute_o happy_a for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n and_o last_o the_o worship_n or_o divine_a service_n it_o prescribe_v consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o his_o protection_n and_o in_o a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o what_o we_o owe_v he_o for_o all_o his_o benefit_n towards_o we_o the_o first_o of_o these_o three_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n viz._n the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o relate_v may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o other_o two_o viz._n the_o promise_n and_o command_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n have_v create_v this_o world_n in_o which_o we_o live_v and_o make_v mankind_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o blood_n that_o after_o the_o fall_v he_o promise_v to_o save_v man_n and_o do_v actual_o redeem_v they_o in_o send_v jesus_n christ_n who_o suffer_v death_n and_o be_v raise_v the_o three_o day_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o look_v upon_o these_o fact_n as_o true_a 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re-establishment_n in_o the_o say_a country_n about_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 3600._o here_o we_o read_v the_o conquest_n of_o palestina_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o joshua_n how_o it_o be_v divide_v among_o the_o tribe_n after_o they_o have_v destroy_v drive_v out_o or_o subdue_v the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o how_o often_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o bondage_n by_o the_o border_a nation_n who_o rise_n and_o pretension_n moses_n set_v down_o here_o we_o have_v record_v the_o several_a name_n and_o action_n of_o the_o judge_n which_o god_n from_o time_n to_o time_n raise_v to_o the_o israelite_n to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o first_o estate_n here_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o kingly_a government_n among_o they_o which_o happen_v about_o the_o year_n 2909_o as_o likewise_o of_o the_o division_n of_o this_o people_n into_o two_o kingdom_n which_o for_o three_o age_n together_o be_v most_o opposite_a in_o their_o interest_n and_o make_v 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so_o many_o age_n they_o may_v also_o allege_v that_o according_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n moses_n pen_v not_o these_o thing_n as_o a_o historian_n but_o as_o a_o prophet_n and_o that_o the_o apprehension_n of_o most_o concern_v his_o book_n be_v that_o he_o write_v of_o thing_n whereof_o the_o knowledge_n before_o his_o time_n be_v very_o obscure_a and_o confuse_v or_o rather_o be_v general_o unknown_a they_o may_v object_v against_o these_o relation_n of_o moses_n that_o which_o the_o most_o ancient_a people_n such_o as_o the_o egyptian_n chaldean_n and_o chinese_n allege_v for_o their_o antiquity_n which_o far_o surpass_v the_o date_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o moses_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a way_n to_o assault_v the_o truth_n which_o moses_n relate_v either_o by_o maintain_v with_o the_o atheist_n on_o one_o hand_n that_o the_o thing_n which_o moses_n relate_v be_v indeed_o mention_v by_o other_o author_n but_o that_o they_o forge_v they_o themselves_o or_o that_o moses_n be_v a_o able_a and_o refine_a politician_n design_v by_o create_v a_o belief_n of_o these_o matter_n in_o the_o jew_n to_o make_v they_o more_o submissive_a and_o obedient_a to_o he_o in_o a_o word_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o suppose_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n to_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n for_o he_o to_o dictate_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v to_o a_o people_n who_o be_v under_o a_o law_n that_o make_v it_o capital_a to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o relation_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n this_o certain_o be_v the_o far_a to_o which_o the_o height_n of_o obstinacy_n can_v carry_v this_o matter_n and_o the_o very_a last_o refuge_n of_o the_o strong_a prejudice_n but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o confound_v the_o atheist_n and_o libertine_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o article_n and_o
little_a more_o than_o forty_o year_n interval_n betwixt_o the_o conquest_n of_o canaan_n by_o joshua_n and_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o israelite_n under_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n have_v it_o not_o be_v a_o fit_a time_n then_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o moses_n law_n and_o to_o publish_v the_o pretend_a lie_n and_o imposture_n of_o his_o history_n be_v not_o the_o comparison_n which_o the_o israelite_n can_v easy_o make_v betwixt_o the_o mosaic_a write_n and_o the_o tradition_n general_o receive_v in_o the_o country_n of_o their_o captivity_n a_o natural_a and_o ready_a mean_n to_o undeceive_v they_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o see_v that_o they_o obstinate_o entertain_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o several_a transaction_n record_v by_o moses_n and_o stand_v firm_o to_o all_o their_o pretension_n nay_o we_o see_v they_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o remedy_n of_o repentance_n which_o moses_n prescribe_v they_o to_o use_v in_o those_o sad_a misfortune_n which_o he_o foretell_v shall_v befall_v they_o and_o out_o of_o which_o he_o promise_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o god_n will_v miraculous_o deliver_v they_o which_o indeed_o be_v do_v according_o even_o fourteen_o time_n within_o less_o than_o four_o hundred_o year_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n can_v there_o then_o be_v a_o more_o pregnant_a argument_n that_o if_o moses_n make_v it_o death_n by_o one_o of_o his_o sanction_n for_o any_o of_o the_o israelite_n to_o contest_v the_o truth_n either_o of_o his_o write_n or_o of_o his_o oracle_n and_o miracle_n it_o be_v not_o to_o force_v the_o belief_n of_o they_o without_o examination_n but_o rather_o only_o to_o prevent_v the_o corruption_n of_o that_o people_n and_o their_o mingle_n and_o confound_v themselves_o with_o the_o heathen_n which_o god_n intend_v to_o hinder_v on_o purpose_n because_o he_o will_v have_v the_o messiah_n to_o be_v bear_v according_a to_o his_o promise_n out_o of_o that_o nation_n which_o to_o effect_v he_o think_v fit_a in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n to_o employ_v the_o rigour_n of_o some_o capital_a law_n to_o keep_v that_o people_n unmixed_a and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n till_o the_o messiah_n be_v bear_v chap._n xxii_o the_o consequence_n of_o what_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o our_o forego_v observation_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n these_o several_a observation_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v all_o i_o think_v very_o natural_a and_o easy_a and_o if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v solid_o the_o truth_n of_o moses_n account_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o conclusion_n that_o i_o draw_v out_o of_o the_o premise_n be_v that_o first_o i_o assert_v that_o moses_n that_o famous_a hebrew_n who_o be_v design_v to_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o 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world._n four_o i_o maintain_v that_o he_o never_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o nor_o contradict_v till_o true_a reason_n and_o sense_n if_o i_o may_v say_v so_o be_v lose_v and_o banish_v from_o among_o mankind_n till_o the_o egyptian_n for_o example_n they_o who_o use_v before_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o greek_n as_o mere_a child_n and_o idiot_n be_v fall_v into_o so_o great_a a_o stupidity_n and_o deprivation_n of_o sense_n as_o to_o believe_v and_o maintain_v that_o man_n be_v first_o bear_v in_o egypt_n because_o forsooth_o frog_n do_v natural_o as_o they_o think_v breed_v out_o of_o their_o muddy_a fen_n and_o marsh_n five_o i_o maintain_v that_o for_o many_o age_n after_o moses_n no_o body_n do_v ever_o public_o declare_v for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o yet_o for_o its_o fortuitous_a production_n these_o opinion_n be_v mere_a absurdity_n and_o chimaera_n bring_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o chaldean_n and_o greek_n only_o about_o alexander_n time_n or_o perhaps_o a_o hundred_o year_n before_o he_o i._n e._n about_o eleven_o or_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n after_o moses_n decease_n six_o i_o maintain_v that_o see_v there_o be_v no_o particular_a time_n to_o be_v find_v wherein_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n be_v interrupt_v and_o discontinue_v for_o any_o considerable_a time_n among_o the_o jew_n see_v it_o continue_v still_o to_o this_o very_a hour_n among_o they_o every_o sabbath_n day_n in_o the_o several_a place_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o they_o be_v disperse_v and_o see_v beside_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o law_n which_o enjoin_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o creation_n can_v never_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o without_o their_o perceive_v and_o declare_v present_o the_o novelty_n and_o supposition_n of_o that_o account_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v relate_v see_v all_o this_o be_v certain_a i_o do_v positive_o maintain_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n can_v never_o be_v better_o prove_v than_o it_o be_v by_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n because_o in_o it_o moses_n have_v follow_v the_o tradition_n of_o all_o the_o age_n that_o precede_v he_o and_o only_o record_v in_o write_v what_o be_v then_o general_o know_v of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o in_o a_o time_n when_o every_o man_n be_v able_a to_o run_v his_o own_o pedigree_n up_o to_o adam_n last_o i_o maintain_v that_o as_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o creation_n can_v reasonable_o be_v doubt_v of_o without_o reject_v at_o the_o same_o time_n all_o those_o proof_n from_o fact_n which_o i_o have_v bring_v to_o strengthen_v my_o assertion_n so_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o entertain_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v indisputable_a as_o be_v relate_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a historian_n confirm_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a tradition_n believe_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a people_n of_o the_o world_n who_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v it_o but_o also_o have_v always_o have_v according_a to_o god_n command_n the_o memory_n of_o it_o celebrate_v among_o they_o and_o their_o ancestor_n in_o all_o their_o generation_n fifty_o two_o time_n in_o a_o year_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o world._n reflection_n upon_o the_o four_o last_o book_n of_o moses_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n preface_n when_o i_o begin_v at_o first_o these_o reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n i_o design_v only_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o first_o man_n and_o so_o to_o show_v by_o argument_n from_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o neither_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o yet_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o god_n make_v to_o man_n after_o his_o sin_n can_v reasonable_o be_v dispute_v or_o doubt_v of_o i_o design_v after_o that_o to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o 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thing_n in_o itself_o there_o be_v no_o less_o absurdity_n to_o dispute_v our_o saviour_n resurrection_n than_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o first_o man._n now_o if_o this_o argument_n hold_v as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o easy_o so_o neither_o can_v there_o be_v a_o strong_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o provide_v we_o be_v once_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o consequent_o embrace_v his_o religion_n but_o it_o seem_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o meditation_n i_o be_v insensible_o carry_v further_a in_o my_o observation_n upon_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n than_o i_o think_v at_o first_o to_o be_v therefore_o instead_o of_o pass_v now_o as_o i_o propose_v in_o the_o beginning_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n which_o be_v a_o solid_a and_o compendious_a way_n of_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n i_o find_v myself_o engage_v according_a to_o my_o present_a method_n to_o continue_v to_o make_v the_o like_a reflection_n upon_o the_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n that_o i_o may_v yet_o more_o full_o demonstrate_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n who_o god_n promise_v to_o man_n immediate_o after_o his_o sin_n and_o this_o i_o intend_v to_o show_v so_o plain_o as_o will_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o god_n have_v real_o accomplish_v his_o first_o design_n and_o exact_o perform_v all_o his_o promise_n relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n according_a to_o the_o first_o idea_n he_o give_v of_o his_o come_n to_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n first_o then_o i_o design_v to_o trace_v up_o the_o method_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o use_v to_o make_v the_o messiah_n know_v without_o mistake_n when_o ever_o he_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o world._n second_o i_o will_v make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o several_a notion_n he_o give_v of_o he_o long_o before_o in_o his_o oracle_n to_o characterise_v his_o person_n his_o office_n his_o action_n his_o suffering_n his_o glory_n etc._n etc._n last_o of_o all_o i_o will_v show_v that_o we_o have_v all_o this_o whole_a project_n and_o design_n exact_o accomplish_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v write_v by_o christ_n disciple_n now_o as_o this_o method_n which_o god_n have_v particular_o choose_v to_o make_v the_o messiah_n know_v appear_v also_o in_o the_o other_o book_n of_o moses_n so_o i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o i_o particular_o to_o view_v and_o examine_v these_o book_n that_o i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o illustrate_v several_a thing_n in_o they_o which_o deserve_v a_o particular_a attention_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v consider_v together_o and_o as_o it_o be_v at_o one_o view_n for_o the_o prophecy_n be_v thus_o consider_v together_o in_o their_o connexion_n and_o progress_n do_v more_o plain_o evidence_n god_n design_n and_o may_v better_o convince_v or_o confound_v the_o jew_n therefore_o i_o intend_v according_o to_o consider_v those_o oracle_n with_o attention_n and_o to_o join_v they_o together_o that_o so_o they_o may_v in_o their_o conjunction_n cast_v forth_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o light_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o infidel_n who_o may_v happen_v to_o peruse_v this_o book_n for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o after_o the_o perusal_n of_o my_o observation_n in_o it_o a_o ordinary_a attention_n in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o man_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n which_o be_v all_o i_o intend_v to_o prove_v as_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o treatise_n now_o as_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o patriarch_n religion_n according_a to_o the_o account_n moses_n have_v give_v we_o of_o it_o in_o his_o book_n of_o genesis_n have_v take_v up_o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o so_o i_o design_v to_o examine_v in_o this_o second_o part_n the_o israelite_n religion_n and_o to_o follow_v in_o my_o search_n the_o account_n which_o moses_n give_v of_o it_o in_o his_o other_o four_o book_n and_o as_o to_o effect_v this_o it_o be_v very_o important_a to_o establish_v beforehand_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o four_o book_n so_o i_o intend_v to_o show_v first_o of_o all_o that_o moses_n be_v the_o true_a author_n of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v intrinsic_a character_n of_o undeniable_a certainty_n then_o second_o it_o will_v be_v natural_a for_o i_o to_o show_v that_o moses_n in_o the_o write_n of_o they_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o view_n as_o particular_o promise_v of_o god_n to_o the_o patriarch_n of_o his_o own_o nation_n and_o as_o be_v consequent_o the_o principal_a if_o not_o the_o sole_a object_n of_o their_o hope_n three_o i_o intend_v to_o show_v that_o if_o we_o serious_o examine_v moses_n law_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o such_o a_o method_n observe_v as_o be_v both_o very_a agreeable_a to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n s_o design_n in_o genesis_n and_o very_o worthy_a of_o his_o wisdom_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o he_o be_v please_v to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o of_o his_o intention_n by_o the_o prophet_n who_o follow_v moses_n reflection_n upon_o the_o four_o last_o book_n of_o moses_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chapter_n i._n that_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o exodus_fw-la and_o of_o the_o three_o other_o follow_v book_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o may_v be_v ground_v upon_o several_a solid_a argument_n i_o may_v observe_v that_o moses_n have_v always_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o very_a heathen_n themselves_o not_o only_o to_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a historian_n but_o also_o the_o most_o ancient_a legislator_n in_o the_o world._n i_o may_v likewise_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a connexion_n betwixt_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n and_o the_o other_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o well_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o general_a design_n of_o their_o author_n as_o of_o the_o matter_n treat_v of_o in_o they_o for_o example_n we_o see_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o law_n and_o transaction_n which_o we_o find_v write_v and_o record_v there_o derive_v their_o original_a from_o those_o transaction_n and_o passage_n that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o genesis_n thus_o we_o may_v plain_o discern_v that_o the_o pretention_n of_o the_o israelite_n upon_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o promise_n that_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n to_o give_v it_o to_o his_o posterity_n in_o the_o four_o generation_n thus_o we_o may_v see_v that_o the_o amalekite_n can_v have_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o make_v war_n against_o the_o israelite_n than_o the_o old_a alliance_n that_o be_v former_o make_v betwixt_o amalek_n and_o the_o canaanite_n which_o without_o doubt_n engage_v his_o posterity_n to_o be_v the_o first_o opposer_n of_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o sedition_n of_o the_o israelite_n against_o moses_n under_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o order_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o genesis_n because_o the_o elder_a think_v themselves_o wrong_v of_o their_o birthright_n think_v they_o may_v just_o rebel_v against_o moses_n in_o order_n to_o recover_v it_o but_o i_o haste_v to_o thing_n more_o material_a than_o these_o and_o first_o it_o be_v here_o observable_a that_o those_o book_n be_v not_o only_o religious_o keep_v in_o every_o family_n of_o israel_n but_o that_o they_o be_v also_o once_o solemn_o deposit_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n as_o a_o public_a record_n and_o that_o by_o moses_n himself_o a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o testimony_n against_o that_o people_n as_o we_o read_v it_o deuteronomy_n xxxi_o 26._o second_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o moses_n do_v straight_o charge_v both_o joshuah_n and_o the_o head_n of_o the_o people_n to_o read_v they_o frequent_o and_o careful_o for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v so_o joshua_n 1.8_o nay_o we_o see_v about_o 500_o year_n after_o the_o holy_a man_n david_n who_o have_v make_v during_o his_o life_n i._o psal_n i._o the_o supreme_a felicity_n of_o a_o man_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o read_n the_o law_n of_o god_n day_n and_o night_n we_o see_v i_o say_v that_o holy_a man_n give_v in_o his_o deathbed_n the_o same_o charge_n to_o solomon_n i_o king_n three_o moreover_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v many_o law_n and_o sanction_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o history_n of_o succeed_a time_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o read_v nothing_o in_o the_o book_n of_o
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
be_v very_o short_a i_o will_v confine_v myself_o to_o some_o general_a reflection_n upon_o those_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v write_v since_o moses_n but_o such_o as_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o equitable_a and_o intelligent_a reader_n the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o second_o volume_n chap._n 1._o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o historical_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n a_o uninterrrupted_a series_n of_o event_n which_o have_v a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a dependence_n for_o more_o than_o ten_o age_n page_n 1._o chap._n 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o strict_a connexion_n between_o the_o sacred_a history_n and_o the_o old_a monument_n which_o we_o have_v of_o profane_a history_n 8_o chap._n 3._o that_o there_o be_v a_o uninterrupted_a series_n of_o event_n foretell_v by_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n of_o which_o we_o may_v see_v a_o very_a great_a number_n accomplish_v in_o every_o age._n 15_o chap._n 4._o that_o how_o common_a soever_o oracle_n may_v have_v be_v among_o the_o pagan_n yet_o nothing_o among_o they_o can_v just_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o which_o be_v find_v among_o the_o jew_n 24_o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o book_n in_o which_o we_o may_v find_v these_o oracle_n be_v never_o forge_v 28_o chap._n 6._o that_o the_o manner_n of_o write_v the_o prophetical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n show_v that_o those_o oracle_n can_v not_o have_v be_v forge_v after_o their_o completion_n 35_o chap._n 7._o for_o what_o reason_n the_o oracle_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n be_v interweave_v with_o other_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o wide_o distant_a 45_o chap._n 8._o general_a rule_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o ancient_a oracle_n and_o for_o the_o application_n of_o they_o to_o the_o messiah_n 51_o chap._n 9_o of_o those_o oracle_n concern_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n 60_o chap._n 10._o of_o the_o oracle_n which_o concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n 71_o chap._n 11._o consideration_n upon_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o upon_o his_o glorious_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n foretell_v by_o david_n in_o the_o xxii_o and_o cx_o psalm_n 80_o chap._n 12._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o have_v a_o forerunner_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v his_o character_n 89_o chap._n 13._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v before_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n 93_o chap._n 14._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n 101_o chap._n 15._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o private_a state_n 107_o chap._n 16._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o work_v great_a miracle_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n 111_o chap._n 17._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o illustrious_a prophet_n 114_o chap._n 18._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o propound_v a_o new_a covenant_n from_o god_n with_o all_o man_n 119_o chap._n 19_o that_o the_o jew_n by_o a_o dreadful_a effect_n of_o their_o blindness_n be_v to_o reject_v the_o messiah_n 125_o chap._n 20._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o die_v and_o a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o his_o death_n 130_o chap._n 21._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v soon_o after_o to_o rise_v again_o 136_o chap._n 22._o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o send_v down_o from_o thence_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n language_n etc._n etc._n 140_o chap._n 23._o that_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god._n 144_o chap._n 24._o that_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n 152_o chap._n 25._o of_o the_o time_n which_o succeed_v the_o publish_n of_o these_o prophecy_n till_o the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n 157_o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o second_o volume_n chap._n 1._o that_o there_o appear_v a_o very_a just_a connexion_n between_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o those_o of_o the_o new_a the_o latter_a borrow_a light_n from_o the_o former_a page_n 175_o chap._n 2._o that_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o messiah_n continue_v very_o fresh_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n 183_o chap._n 3._o that_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v still_o subsist_v and_o follow_v the_o model_n which_o god_n have_v form_v in_o order_n to_o the_o certain_a know_v of_o the_o messiah_n 189_o chap._n 4._o that_o all_o the_o distinction_n necessary_a for_o discover_v of_o the_o messiah_n still_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o lord_n 197_o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o time_n point_v out_o by_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o very_a time_n in_o which_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v to_o the_o world._n 202_o chap._n 6._o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v precise_o such_o a_o forerunner_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v describe_v to_o precede_v the_o messiah_n 207_o chap._n 7._o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n then_o reduce_v to_o a_o mean_a condition_n as_o have_v be_v aforetold_v by_o the_o prophet_n 213_o chap._n 8._o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v conceive_v by_o the_o virgin_n mary_n without_o any_o operation_n of_o man._n 222_o chap._n 9_o that_o jesus_n christ_n live_v and_o preach_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v the_o messiah_n shall_v do_v 229_o chap._n 10._o that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n clear_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n 237_o chap._n 11._o that_o the_o prediction_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n clear_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n 242_o chap._n 12._o that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v precise_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v die_v 250_o chap._n 13._o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v raise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n according_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o afterward_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n 258_o chap._n 14._o that_o jesus_n christ_n send_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n 270_o chap._n 15._o that_o according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v call_v the_o gentile_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 277_o chap._n 16._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v found_v on_o proof_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o consequent_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n be_v so_o certain_a as_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 284_o chap._n 17._o that_o it_o can_v be_v question_v whether_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n 292_o chap._n 18._o that_o one_o can_v doubt_v of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v those_o fact_n which_o they_o relate_v 298_o chap._n 19_o more_o reason_n to_o manifest_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o apostle_n 304_o chap._n 20._o that_o the_o whole_a model_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v at_o this_o day_n so_o entire_o destroy_v that_o the_o messiah_n can_v no_o more_o be_v know_v 311_o chap._n 21._o that_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o division_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n can_v be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 317_o reflection_n upon_o the_o historical_a and_o prophetical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chapter_n i._n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o historical_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n a_o uninterrupted_a series_n of_o event_n which_o have_v a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a dependence_n for_o more_o than_o ten_o age_n the_o first_o general_a proof_n which_o i_o make_v use_n of_o to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n after_o moses_n may_v be_v lawful_o draw_v from_o the_o uninterrupted_a series_n of_o event_n which_o be_v relate_v by_o those_o author_n who_o have_v write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o state_n and_o church_n of_o israel_n we_o may_v observe_v several_a considerable_a epocha_n of_o this_o history_n which_o take_v in_o about_o one_o thousand_o and_o forty_o year_n
so_o profane_a as_o to_o deny_v that_o if_o in_o the_o same_o author_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n any_o man_n shall_v read_v in_o one_o continue_a series_n prediction_n which_o shall_v explain_v the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n his_o family_n his_o preach_a his_o miracle_n his_o suffering_n his_o resurrection_n his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n the_o send_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n but_o that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v sufficient_o justify_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n but_o they_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v apply_v several_a passage_n in_o ancient_a author_n to_o the_o history_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thou_o the_o whole_a contexture_n of_o their_o book_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o oblige_v we_o to_o make_v any_o such_o interpretation_n they_o therefore_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v several_a fortunate_a allusion_n to_o the_o more_o remarkable_a passage_n in_o those_o ancient_a author_n which_o may_v pass_v for_o prediction_n of_o those_o event_n which_o afterward_o happen_v just_o as_o nonnus_n write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o homer_n verse_n and_o as_o eudoxia_n make_v a_o cento_n out_o of_o virgil_n poem_n which_o contain_v the_o same_o history_n though_o neither_o homer_n nor_o virgil_n have_v any_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n then_o in_o view_n that_o this_o apparent_a difficulty_n may_v be_v solve_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o examine_v three_o thing_n i._n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n itself_o ii_o the_o reason_n which_o give_v occasion_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o iii_o the_o impression_n which_o this_o fact_n have_v produce_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o this_o very_a time_n for_o the_o first_o though_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o common_a use_n do_v not_o allow_v man_n to_o join_v foreign_a idea_n in_o the_o same_o discourse_n yet_o we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v that_o god_n may_v and_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v what_o may_v be_v easy_o collect_v that_o he_o resolve_v to_o send_v the_o messiah_n into_o the_o world_n such_o a_o practice_n be_v the_o more_o natural_a because_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n before_o moses_n and_o moses_n himself_o who_o form_v the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n to_o such_o sort_n of_o expression_n as_o be_v raise_v above_o the_o present_a subject_n and_o certain_o if_o one_o take_v but_o the_o pain_n to_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o author_n who_o write_v these_o prophetical_a book_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o character_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n on_o the_o other_o he_o will_v perceive_v that_o if_o these_o word_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fulfil_v be_v of_o necessity_n to_o be_v change_v into_o these_o as_o one_o may_v perceive_v a_o sort_n of_o completion_n of_o such_o or_o such_o passage_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o those_o quotation_n will_v evince_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n and_o the_o oracle_n which_o they_o allege_v will_v bear_v a_o just_a proportion_n to_o those_o event_n which_o be_v relate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n in_o our_o saviour_n life_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o singular_a than_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o isaiah_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n of_o the_o pierce_a of_o his_o hand_n and_o foot_n psal_n xxii_o of_o the_o mixture_n of_o gall_n which_o be_v offer_v he_o to_o drink_v hint_v at_o psalm_n lx._n 22._o of_o his_o be_v sell_v for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n zechar._n xi_o 3._o or_o then_o several_a other_o of_o a_o like_a nature_n which_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o reckon_v up_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v however_o that_o these_o oracle_n be_v interweave_v for_o the_o most_o part_n with_o matter_n relate_v to_o event_n happen_v in_o the_o time_n when_o each_o prophet_n live_v or_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v applicable_a personal_o to_o the_o prophet_n three_o order_n or_o reason_n may_v be_v conceive_v which_o will_v justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o order_n of_o these_o oracle_n in_o a_o way_n which_o seem_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world._n the_o first_o order_n contain_v reason_n draw_v from_o the_o person_n of_o the_o messiah_n himself_o of_o who_o we_o speak_v the_o second_o order_n contain_v those_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o people_n among_o who_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v the_o three_o contain_v those_o reason_n which_o respect_v other_o nation_n among_o who_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v i_o shall_v examine_v these_o three_o sort_n by_o themselves_o and_o i_o hope_v that_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n preside_v over_o this_o mixture_n of_o these_o oracle_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n with_o other_o idea_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o subject_a in_o short_a it_o may_v be_v urge_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o messiah_n form_v of_o so_o apparent_a contradiction_n can_v easy_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o sudden_a a_o messiah_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n who_o david_n call_v his_o lord_n a_o messiah_n who_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v forsake_v by_o god_n who_o however_o he_o ought_v to_o adore_v a_o messiah_n bear_v with_o the_o weakness_n of_o youth_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v call_v a_o mighty_a god_n and_o the_o father_n of_o eternity_n etc._n etc._n however_o these_o idea_n which_o seem_v so_o opposite_a aught_o of_o necessity_n to_o have_v be_v so_o separate_v by_o the_o prophet_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o chimerical_a description_n and_o incompatible_a in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o subject_a a_o second_o reflection_n which_o may_v be_v make_v upon_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v bind_v not_o only_o to_o preserve_v their_o oracle_n but_o also_o to_o execute_v they_o in_o part_n thus_o for_o instance_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o they_o to_o reject_v the_o messiah_n to_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v crucify_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o their_o punishment_n shall_v be_v as_o signal_n as_o their_o crime_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v disperse_v over_o the_o world_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v clear_o show_v now_o how_o can_v all_o this_o have_v ever_o be_v effect_v if_o the_o description_n of_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v be_v as_o historical_a as_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o evangelist_n who_o give_v we_o only_o a_o narrative_a of_o matter_n of_o fact._n in_o a_o word_n be_v it_o not_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v that_o these_o oracle_n shall_v be_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o write_n of_o these_o ancient_a author_n they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v upon_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n after_o they_o be_v cast_v off_o by_o god_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n and_o these_o oracle_n may_v be_v beyond_o all_o contest_v as_o testimony_n with_o which_o we_o be_v furnish_v by_o the_o adverse_a party_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v place_n until_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v profess_v christianity_n let_v any_o one_o therefore_o judge_v if_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o this_o state_n of_o affair_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o obscurity_n in_o the_o prophetical_a description_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o this_o interweave_v of_o foreign_a idea_n with_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o messiah_n as_o also_o this_o dispersion_n of_o the_o oracle_n through_o different_a place_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o they_o be_v utter_v upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o different_a author_n and_o we_o may_v affirm_v it_o as_o a_o certainty_n that_o according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n this_o obscurity_n do_v not_o hinder_v either_o jew_n or_o pagan_n from_o perceive_v those_o roll_a idea_n of_o a_o messiah_n when_o they_o read_v the_o old_a testament_n neither_o be_v the_o dispersion_n of_o these_o oracle_n through_o so_o many_o different_a place_n any_o great_a hindrance_n to_o their_o application_n since_o the_o jew_n lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o constant_a maxim_n that_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v foretell_v as_o great_a and_o illustrious_a by_o the_o prophet_n aught_o to_o be_v look_v for_o in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o messiah_n when_o the_o
that_o alexander_n preserve_v they_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o right_n and_o liberty_n as_o they_o enjoy_v they_o under_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n and_o in_o particular_a exempt_v they_o from_o pay_v any_o tribute_n every_o seven_o year_n because_o than_o they_o do_v not_o sow_v their_o ground_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o reap_v and_o if_o we_o find_v that_o ptolemy_n take_v jerusalem_n on_o a_o sabbath_n day_n the_o jew_n make_v conscience_n of_o defend_v themselves_o because_o the_o law_n require_v their_o cease_n from_o all_o work_n from_o whence_o agatharcides_n a_o heathen_a author_n take_v occasion_n to_o blame_v their_o law_n if_o we_o find_v he_o carry_v a_o great_a number_n of_o jew_n with_o he_o into_o egypt_n yet_o withal_o we_o find_v he_o treat_v they_o with_o as_o much_o kindness_n as_o the_o macedonian_n themselves_z appoint_v distinct_a place_n in_o egypt_n and_o lybia_n for_o their_o habitation_n if_o we_o find_v that_o powerful_a prince_n such_o as_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n and_o some_o other_o of_o his_o successor_n break_v the_o power_n of_o the_o jew_n profane_v their_o temple_n and_o force_v great_a number_n of_o they_o to_o abjure_v their_o religion_n yet_o we_o see_v they_o also_o at_o the_o same_o time_n give_v the_o high_a instance_n of_o a_o immovable_a constancy_n and_o courage_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o law_n and_o in_o endure_v the_o most_o exquisite_a torture_n we_o see_v other_o of_o they_o encourage_v with_o the_o love_n of_o their_o country_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n put_v themselves_o into_o a_o posture_n of_o defence_n purify_n the_o temple_n and_o celebrate_v a_o festival_n which_o be_v observe_v even_o at_o this_o day_n and_o last_o obtain_v favourable_a treaty_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n and_o in_o the_o twelve_o book_n of_o josephus_n his_o antiquity_n yea_o we_o find_v their_o name_n and_o glory_n at_o that_o time_n spread_v as_o far_o as_o lacedaemon_n with_o which_o commonwealth_n they_o make_v a_o alliance_n during_o the_o high-priesthood_n of_o onias_n one_o see_v we_o they_o after_o this_o so_o considerable_a under_o the_o successor_n of_o antiochus_n their_o persecutor_n that_o even_o those_o king_n sue_v for_o their_o alliance_n with_o great_a present_n one_o see_v we_o that_o ptolemy_n philometor_n grant_v to_o onias_n the_o son_n leave_v to_o build_v a_o temple_n in_o egypt_n for_o the_o convenience_n of_o those_o jew_n who_o ptolemy_n the_o son_n of_o lagus_n have_v carry_v thither_o as_o well_o as_o for_o those_o who_o leave_v their_o country_n for_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o seleucidae_n for_o judea_n be_v situate_a between_o syria_n and_o egypt_n be_v ordinary_o the_o theatre_n of_o war_n between_o those_o two_o state_n it_o be_v here_o worth_a our_o note_n that_o the_o jew_n undertake_v the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o egypt_n as_o think_v themselves_o authorise_a by_o that_o prophecy_n isai_n xix_o 24._o it_o be_v a_o thing_n otherwise_o forbid_v by_o the_o law._n one_o see_v in_o the_o same_o prince_n reign_n a_o great_a contest_v between_o the_o samaritan_n and_o the_o jew_n about_o the_o pre-eminence_n of_o their_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o mount_n garizim_n decide_v by_o he_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n on_o which_o occasion_n the_o jew_n show_v that_o prince_n their_o law_n and_o acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o series_n of_o their_o history_n to_o confute_v the_o samaritan_n pretension_n one_o see_v we_o after_o this_o when_o the_o jew_n have_v confer_v the_o sovereignty_n and_o high-priesthood_n on_o simon_n that_o their_o state_n become_v so_o powerful_a that_o under_o hyrcanus_n his_o successor_n they_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n to_o attack_v their_o enemy_n in_o syria_n and_o compel_v the_o edomite_n to_o admit_v circumcision_n aristobulus_n his_o son_n be_v crown_v his_o brother_n succeed_v he_o in_o the_o royal_a dignity_n and_o leave_v the_o state_n 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therefore_o that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v continue_v distinct_a from_o other_o nation_n and_o sufficient_o know_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n malachy_n until_o herod_n we_o may_v also_o true_o assert_v that_o whatever_o inclination_n the_o jew_n of_o old_a have_v for_o the_o idolatry_n of_o their_o neighbour_n yet_o we_o do_v find_v they_o give_v that_o way_n during_o this_o interval_n between_o the_o last_o of_o their_o prophet_n and_o herod_n as_o if_o the_o charge_n and_o command_v of_o that_o prophet_n malachy_n have_v always_o sound_v in_o their_o ear_n mal._n iu._n verse_n 4._o remember_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n my_o servant_n etc._n etc._n one_o see_v we_o that_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o maccabee_n in_o great_a number_n suffer_v martyrdom_n rather_o than_o abjure_v their_o religion_n and_o that_o they_o observe_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n with_o all_o carefulness_n of_o which_o augustus_n himself_o be_v witness_v one_o see_v we_o that_o under_o stranger_n and_o heathen_a king_n they_o exempt_v themselves_o from_o answer_v any_o suit_n at_o law_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n from_o pay_v tribute_n the_o seven_o year_n and_o preserve_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o their_o temple_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o opposition_n last_o one_o find_v they_o during_o herod_n government_n support_v by_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n in_o refuse_v to_o set_v up_o the_o emperor_n trophy_n for_o fear_v lest_o some_o image_n may_v be_v hide_v under_o they_o which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o crime_n against_o their_o law._n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o since_o malachy_n some_o heresy_n spring_v up_o among_o the_o jew_n their_o commerce_n with_o the_o greek_n who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o philosophical_a speculation_n have_v contribute_v to_o make_v they_o much_o more_o disputacious_a than_o they_o be_v before_o the_o authority_n likewise_o of_o their_o king_n who_o be_v high-priest_n also_o may_v have_v have_v a_o great_a stroke_n in_o blemish_v the_o purity_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o yet_o the_o dispute_n which_o we_o find_v among_o they_o as_o that_o of_o the_o fatality_n of_o event_n do_v not_o at_o all_o touch_n the_o substance_n of_o their_o religion_n they_o no_o soon_o find_v the_o spirit_n of_o epicurism_n to_o creep_v in_o among_o they_o but_o they_o frame_v such_o addition_n to_o their_o public_a liturgy_n as_o they_o think_v most_o proper_a to_o eradicate_v or_o at_o least_o condemn_v that_o corruption_n i_o confess_v also_o that_o the_o pharisee_n and_o doctor_n of_o their_o law_n have_v great_o alter_v their_o morality_n in_o make_v their_o own_o explication_n by_o the_o great_a authority_n which_o they_o have_v among_o the_o people_n to_o pass_v for_o authentic_a but_o yet_o this_o change_n and_o corruption_n in_o their_o moral_n as_o to_o practice_n do_v not_o go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o abolish_v the_o law_n themselves_o which_o be_v only_o wrest_v from_o their_o true_a meaning_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a corruption_n but_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o can_v make_v it_o to_o be_v no_o more_o the_o same_o religion_n so_o that_o we_o may_v bold_o assert_v which_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o important_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o the_o state_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v continue_v sufficient_o entire_a till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o appear_v of_o the_o messiah_n in_o the_o world_n for_o their_o preserve_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a viz._n as_o well_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o oracle_n which_o foretell_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n together_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o principle_n according_a to_o which_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v in_o their_o prediction_n concern_v he_o reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o preface_n i_o have_v show_v in_o my_o
reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o the_o fact_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v truth_n not_o to_o be_v question_v and_o that_o the_o idea_n of_o this_o messiah_n continue_v vigorous_o all_o the_o time_n that_o precede_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v out_o of_o egypt_n we_o have_v see_v afterward_o in_o the_o remark_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o the_o law_n which_o god_n give_v to_o moses_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o the_o expectation_n of_o this_o messiah_n and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v he_o whenever_o he_o shall_v appear_v in_o the_o world._n i_o have_v take_v notice_n in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o these_o reflection_n of_o the_o care_n which_o god_n take_v to_o give_v a_o great_a number_n of_o oracle_n to_o explain_v particular_o all_o the_o character_n of_o this_o messiah_n the_o place_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o birth_n the_o principal_a circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o to_o foretell_v the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o gentile_n their_o call_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o last_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o whole_a model_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o commonwealth_n which_o be_v no_o long_o of_o any_o use_n after_o the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n my_o present_a business_n be_v now_o to_o show_v that_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o may_v find_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o whole_a design_n wherein_o god_n have_v with_o so_o much_o care_n instruct_v the_o world_n so_o long_o before_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_a if_o we_o will_v but_o take_v a_o little_a pain_n to_o read_v these_o book_n attentive_o and_o to_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o model_n which_o god_n himself_o make_v as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o describe_v it_o to_o make_v this_o truth_n yet_o more_o evident_a i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o do_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o important_a for_o my_o present_a design_n and_o first_o i_o be_o to_o observe_v that_o there_o appear_v a_o most_o perfect_a coherence_n between_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o those_o of_o the_o new_a which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v in_o these_o book_n a_o perfect_a unity_n of_o design_n notwithstanding_o the_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o jew_n who_o preserve_v the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o christian_n who_o preserve_v the_o new._n second_o i_o be_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v very_o strong_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o very_a time_n that_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v in_o the_o world._n this_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o they_o may_v not_o have_v wherewith_o to_o accuse_v those_o who_o 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history_n last_o i_o shall_v show_v clear_o that_o this_o model_n which_o god_n have_v frame_v in_o give_v the_o law_n and_o in_o form_v the_o commonwealth_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o so_o proper_a a_o manner_n to_o make_v the_o messiah_n certain_o know_v be_v not_o in_o be_v at_o this_o day_n but_o that_o it_o be_v so_o destroy_v by_o the_o total_a dispersion_n of_o that_o people_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o messiah_n if_o he_o shall_v now_o appear_v again_o in_o the_o world._n and_o that_o indeed_o the_o principal_a event_n which_o according_a to_o the_o oracle_n be_v to_o follow_v the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n be_v already_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o part_n and_o do_v still_o come_v to_o pass_v every_o day_n i_o hope_v to_o evince_v these_o truth_n beyond_o all_o contest_v indeed_o the_o bare_a read_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n plain_o discover_v the_o coherence_n which_o they_o have_v with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old._n it_o show_v clear_o that_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v at_o that_o time_n very_o strong_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o it_o suppose_v without_o any_o affectation_n that_o that_o model_n which_o god_n have_v make_v so_o necessary_a to_o distinguish_v the_o messiah_n stand_v at_o that_o time_n entire_a in_o particular_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o four_o evangelist_n by_o the_o relation_n of_o unquestionable_a matter_n of_o fact_n have_v prove_v that_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v the_o messiah_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v saint_n luke_n show_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o after_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o heathen_n the_o epistle_n be_v a_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o vocation_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o of_o the_o abolish_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v undertake_v they_o unanimous_o conspire_v to_o show_v that_o god_n have_v resolve_v to_o call_v the_o heathen_n to_o partake_v of_o salvation_n that_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o great_a part_n shall_v be_v just_o deprive_v thereof_o because_o they_o obstinate_o reject_v the_o messiah_n several_a question_n be_v examine_v which_o arise_v either_o from_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n or_o from_o the_o abolish_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a worship_n the_o succession_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n justify_v that_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n all_o people_n embrace_v the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o receive_v he_o for_o the_o messiah_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o patriarch_n and_o to_o the_o jew_n i_o shall_v resume_v all_o these_o article_n one_o by_o one_o in_o that_o natural_a order_n in_o which_o i_o have_v propose_v they_o reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chapter_n i._n that_o there_o appear_v a_o very_a just_a connexion_n bètween_n the_o idea_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o those_o of_o the_o new_a the_o latter_a borrow_a light_n from_o the_o former_a as_o it_o be_v not_o much_o the_o character_n of_o romance_n even_o then_o when_o they_o be_v most_o tie_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o probability_n to_o borrow_v either_o the_o style_n or_o idea_n of_o those_o author_n from_o who_o they_o take_v their-subject_a so_o i_o suppose_v that_o in_o this_o my_o undertake_n to_o show_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o old_a it_o be_v very_o important_a to_o make_v out_o that_o at_o the_o first_o read_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o apostolical_a write_n one_o find_v in_o they_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n of_o idea_n with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n one_o may_v to_o this_o purpose_n observe_v in_o general_a that_o the_o gospel_n suppose_v the_o divine_a authority_n 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have_v promise_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o only_a design_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v come_v according_a to_o the_o prophet_n the_o first_o speak_v concern_v the_o messiah_n as_o expect_v the_o latter_a as_o already_o come_v but_o we_o must_v proceed_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a view_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o say_v then_o first_o of_o all_o that_o the_o christian_n have_v the_o same_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v this_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o declare_v where_o he_o say_v this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v behold_v here_o the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o jewish_a to_o believe_v one_o only_a god_n to_o own_o a_o messiah_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o the_o jew_n agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o 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notion_n which_o reign_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o several_a expositor_n have_v manifest_v i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o allege_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o petition_n for_o our_o daily_a bread_n which_o have_v a_o evident_a regard_n to_o the_o manna_n which_o god_n give_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o forty_o year_n we_o know_v also_o that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o baptism_n and_o the_o eucharist_n be_v original_o jewish_a ceremony_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v apply_v with_o a_o very_a little_a variation_n to_o much_o more_o important_a subject_n baptism_n be_v a_o wash_n which_o accompany_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o circumcision_n of_o proselyte_n light_n and_o the_o wash_v practise_v under_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n signify_v that_o the_o proselyte_n who_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o same_o be_v resolve_v to_o renounce_v his_o former_a course_n and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v to_o follow_v a_o opposite_a way_n of_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v he_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o heaven_n after_o that_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n have_v assure_v he_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n the_o eucharist_n be_v a_o appendix_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o egypt_n and_o the_o deliverance_n he_o afford_v they_o in_o punish_v of_o the_o egyptian_n this_o ceremony_n do_v perpetuate_v the_o memory_n of_o that_o deliverance_n till_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n jesus_n christ_n have_v substitute_v to_o this_o figure_n a_o instance_n of_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n against_o the_o posterity_n of_o cham_n the_o idea_n of_o his_o death_n by_o which_o he_o have_v communicate_v his_o blessing_n to_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n and_o he_o have_v make_v it_o a_o more_o full_a and_o exact_a memorial_n of_o his_o death_n which_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o consider_v as_o the_o death_n of_o the_o true_a lamb_n which_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world._n as_o the_o old_a covenant_n be_v make_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o lamb_n so_o jesus_n christ_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o covenant_n promise_v by_o jeremiah_n chap._n xxxi_o ordain_v the_o celebrate_n the_o memorial_n of_o the_o blood_n he_o have_v spill_v this_o be_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n etc._n etc._n and_o last_o whereas_o the_o law_n ordain_v the_o commemoration_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n but_o once_o a_o year_n jesus_n christ_n seem_v to_o appoint_v a_o much_o more_o frequent_a celebration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n when_o he_o say_v as_o oft_o as_o you_o shall_v eat_v this_o bread_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n of_o which_o without_o doubt_n be_v take_v from_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n which_o his_o death_n confer_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v well_o worth_a our_o observation_n that_o ordinary_o the_o same_o prophetical_a idea_n that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n may_v be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o new._n the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n contain_v abundance_n of_o particular_n set_v down_o in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o zachariah_n and_o ezechiel_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o pursue_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o prophet_n joel_n in_o the_o xxiv_o of_o matthew_n when_o he_o set_v forth_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o afterward_o he_o describe_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o notion_n which_o daniel_n give_v we_o thereof_o daniel_n foretell_v in_o the_o vii_o chapter_n of_o his_o book_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o roman_a monarchy_n by_o the_o christian_n who_o he_o style_v the_o people_n of_o the_o most_o high._n st._n paul_n follow_v the_o same_o notion_n 1_o cor._n vi_o 2._o where_o he_o suppose_v it_o as_o a_o know_a thing_n the_o saint_n say_v he_o shall_v judge_v the_o world._n and_o st._n john_n in_o the_o xx_o of_o the_o revelation_n verse_n 4._o represent_v satan_n bind_v and_o the_o government_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o believer_n it_o be_v also_o very_o remarkable_a that_o the_o promise_n and_o threat_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v express_v in_o term_n borrow_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n these_o word_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o that_o hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o send_v i_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n have_v not_o they_o a_o plain_a relation_n to_o adam_n unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o judgement_n he_o undergo_v and_o the_o punishment_n impose_v on_o he_o be_v it_o not_o from_o this_o spirit_n which_o penetrate_v both_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o oft_o make_v mention_n of_o a_o new_a canaan_n a_o new_a jerusalem_n a_o new_a name_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o glory_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o sometime_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o paradise_n sometime_o of_o a_o feast_n where_o abraham_n who_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a sit_v at_o the_o upper_a end_n eternal_a damnation_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o valley_n of_o hinnom_n of_o a_o lake_n burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o lake_n of_o sodom_n and_o to_o the_o place_n where_o the_o filth_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v burn_v up_o and_o consume_v it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n that_o believer_n be_v exhort_v to_o remember_v lot_n wife_n luke_n ix_o 62._o and_o xvii_o 32._o and_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o wicked_a hebr._n xiii_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o election_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o reference_n they_o have_v to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n and_o to_o the_o seventy_o elder_n who_o moses_n choose_v to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o seventy_o soul_n jacob_n bring_v with_o he_o into_o egypt_n these_o passage_n you_o shall_v sit_v on_o twelve_o throne_n and_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o number_n of_o 144000_o be_v the_o product_n of_o 12_o time_n 12_o by_o allusion_n to_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n do_v all_o borrow_v their_o light_n from_o those_o ancient_a history_n throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v nothing_o but_o a_o continual_a allusion_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n all_o those_o idea_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v allude_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o jubilee_n the_o first_o bear_v mention_v there_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o priest_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v but_o by_o cast_v our_o eye_n on_o the_o old_a testament_n if_o jesus_n christ_n be_v call_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n if_o peter_n be_v call_v a_o stone_n or_o rock_n believer_n live_v stone_n and_o the_o apostle_n foundation_n it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o allusion_n to_o
doctrine_n with_o which_o christ_n upbraid_v the_o pharisee_n and_o saducee_n but_o this_o corruption_n respect_v rather_o their_o moral_n than_o the_o external_o of_o their_o religion_n as_o appear_v plain_o from_o hence_o that_o jesus_n christ_n upbraid_v the_o pharisee_n with_o their_o tithing_n mint_n and_o cummin_n that_o be_v with_o their_o observance_n of_o outward_a nicety_n whilst_o they_o neglect_v the_o very_a essential_o of_o piety_n they_o hold_v that_o heathen_n can_v not_o pass_v for_o their_o neighbour_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n do_v not_o forbid_v they_o to_o bear_v false_a witness_n against_o a_o heathen_a hence_o also_o they_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o kill_v their_o enemy_n and_o this_o foment_v their_o hatred_n and_o animosity_n against_o all_o other_o nation_n it_o be_v on_o this_o account_n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n marvel_v that_o he_o talk_v with_o a_o samaritan_n woman_n their_o decision_n concern_v adultery_n be_v no_o less_o corrupt_a which_o they_o declare_v to_o be_v no_o sin_n so_o long_o as_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v to_o the_o outward_a act_n which_o opinion_n of_o they_o be_v more_o gross_a than_o that_o of_o many_o heathen_n who_o have_v a_o true_a idea_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o heart_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o body_n but_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o altogether_o destroy_v their_o religion_n though_o it_o obscure_v the_o excellency_n and_o sublimity_n thereof_o as_o for_o the_o saducee_n beside_o that_o their_o error_n be_v only_o speculative_a among_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o what_o the_o gospel_n say_v of_o their_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n must_v be_v understand_v with_o some_o qualification_n as_o the_o learned_a have_v solid_o prove_v and_o among_o other_o dr._n lightfoot_n on_o the_o gospel_n and_o without_o repeat_v those_o thing_n which_o seeur_v the_o preservation_n of_o their_o state_n and_o which_o also_o visible_o tend_v to_o the_o preserve_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o the_o jew_n at_o this_o day_n with_o very_o little_a difference_n be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o practice_n and_o opinion_n as_o to_o their_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n see_v then_o that_o after_o so_o long_a a_o time_n of_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n we_o find_v no_o great_a change_n in_o their_o belief_n though_o their_o tradition_n be_v considerable_o increase_v the_o rule_n whereof_o they_o have_v infinite_o multiply_v and_o thereby_o increase_v this_o corruption_n how_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v whole_o lose_v or_o have_v no_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n let_v this_o therefore_o be_v establish_v as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n subsist_v entire_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v whether_o the_o distinction_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o discover_v and_o make_v know_v the_o messiah_n be_v still_o find_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n this_o be_v that_o i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o make_v out_o chap._n iu._n that_o all_o the_o distinction_n necessary_a for_o discover_v of_o the_o messiah_n still_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o lord_n i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o any_o man_n can_v deny_v that_o circumcision_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a mark_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v practise_v at_o that_o time_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v dare_v to_o dispute_v this_o truth_n we_o need_v only_o to_o represent_v to_o he_o that_o the_o main_a dispute_n between_o the_o first_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o jew_n be_v about_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o ceremony_n neither_o be_v the_o jew_n only_o obstinate_a in_o this_o belief_n but_o we_o find_v also_o that_o those_o who_o first_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n maintain_v that_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o yoke_n of_o circumcision_n before_o they_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o divine_a covenant_n and_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o god_n people_n who_o circumcision_n distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world._n one_o see_v we_o that_o thou_o god_n scatter_v the_o ten_o tribe_n yet_o some_o of_o they_o still_o remain_v in_o palestine_n and_o be_v distinct_o know_v as_o such_o this_o appear_v from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o a_o widow_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o asher_n and_o s._n paul_n boast_v of_o his_o be_v a_o benjamite_n they_o upbraid_v herod_n notwithstanding_o he_o be_v their_o king_n with_o his_o be_v a_o edomite_n and_o not_o original_o a_o jew_n one_o see_v we_o that_o about_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n there_o remain_v still_o a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o canaanite_n it_o be_v know_v that_o galilee_n be_v less_o esteem_v than_o judea_n because_o many_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v settle_v there_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o jew_n of_o that_o province_n be_v oblige_v to_o some_o commerce_n with_o they_o from_o which_o those_o who_o live_v more_o distinct_a think_v that_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o undervalue_v those_o that_o be_v settle_v in_o galilee_n one_o may_v also_o bold_o assert_v that_o all_o place_n be_v still_o distinct_o know_v to_o what_o tribe_n they_o do_v belong_v thus_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o capernaum_n be_v in_o the_o border_n of_o naphthali_n and_o zebulun_n that_o bethlehem_n be_v in_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n which_o be_v relate_v as_o a_o thing_n public_o know_v it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o priest_n still_o possess_v the_o city_n which_o joshua_n have_v assign_v to_o they_o zacharias_n the_o father_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n dwell_v at_o hebron_n 11._o josh_n xxi_o 10_o 11._o a_o city_n belong_v to_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda._n one_o see_v we_o that_o even_o the_o samaritan_n woman_n have_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o some_o famous_a place_n in_o the_o holy_a land_n as_o jacob_n well_o and_o the_o possession_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o son_n joseph_n and_o that_o those_o of_o her_o religion_n take_v a_o prejudice_n against_o the_o jew_n because_o jacob_n have_v build_v a_o altar_n at_o sichem_n one_o see_v we_o that_o they_o keep_v up_o the_o practice_n of_o redeem_v their_o first-born_a which_o at_o this_o day_n be_v still_o observe_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o also_o the_o practice_n of_o polygamy_n which_o be_v so_o common_a among_o they_o that_o s._n paul_n think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o forbid_v the_o same_o to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o he_o may_v abolish_v it_o by_o little_a and_o little_a among_o those_o that_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n one_o see_v we_o from_o the_o nineteenth_o of_o s._n matthew_n that_o divorce_n be_v public_o practise_v among_o they_o as_o they_o be_v to_o this_o day_n if_o one_o make_v any_o reflection_n upon_o the_o objection_n the_o sadducee_n make_v to_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o woman_n that_o successive_o have_v seven_o brother_n for_o her_o husband_n we_o shall_v perceive_v that_o the_o desire_n of_o posterity_n be_v predominant_a among_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o custom_n which_o begin_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o patriarch_n judah_n we_o have_v elsewhere_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o extreme_a carefulness_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o preserve_v the_o mark_n of_o their_o daughter_n virginity_n which_o have_v constant_o continue_v down_o since_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o gospel_n which_o inform_v we_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n do_v notwithstanding_o sufficient_o signify_v to_o we_o not_o only_o the_o extreme_a horror_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v conceive_v against_o adultery_n thus_o we_o find_v jesus_n christ_n upbraid_v the_o pharisee_n that_o adulterer_n that_o be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n before_o they_o but_o also_o that_o the_o law_n against_o adulterer_n and_o adulteress_n be_v severe_o execute_v in_o short_a one_o see_v we_o that_o by_o a_o judgement_n of_o zeal_n as_o they_o call_v it_o they_o bring_v a_o woman_n to_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v take_v in_o adultery_n before_o they_o go_v about_o to_o stone_n she_o for_o one_o ought_v to_o know_v that_o the_o law_n only_o subject_v young_a woman_n who_o be_v defile_v after_o a_o contract_n to_o that_o sort_n of_o punishment_n because_o after_o they_o be_v once_o contract_v they_o be_v repute_v the_o wife_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v betroth_v and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v she_o of_o who_o we_o read_v
marriage_n or_o rather_o incest_n with_o herod_n he_o have_v reprove_v before_o s._n john_n be_v behead_v he_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o inform_v himself_o whether_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o our_o saviour_n prove_v to_o they_o by_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o their_o presence_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n which_o s._n john_n have_v before_o allege_v as_o a_o proof_n of_o his_o call._n all_o these_o fact_n be_v so_o illustrious_a and_o so_o well_o know_v that_o s._n john_n constant_o pass_v for_o a_o great_a prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o pharisee_n themselves_o not_o dare_v to_o question_v it_o he_o receive_v public_a deputation_n from_o the_o jew_n who_o demand_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o he_o himself_o send_v one_o to_o jesus_n christ_n that_o his_o disciple_n may_v be_v acquaint_v with_o he_o and_o that_o they_o may_v give_v he_o a_o second_o public_a testimony_n and_o last_o of_o 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the_o lxx_o add_v to_o the_o text_n the_o word_n thisbite_n in_o the_o passage_n of_o malachy_n therefore_o jesus_n christ_n declare_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o he_o of_o who_o malachy_n have_v speak_v i_o acknowledge_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v not_o do_v any_o miracle_n but_o then_o he_o utter_v 1._o so_o plain_a a_o oracle_n concern_v the_o miraculous_a effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o disciple_n that_o we_o find_v nothing_o so_o great_a or_o so_o clear_a in_o all_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n he_o that_o come_v after_o i_o say_v he_o shall_v baptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n 2._o he_o give_v a_o second_o oracle_n though_o not_o so_o plain_a as_o the_o former_a concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o fan_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o he_o will_v thorough_o purge_v his_o floor_n and_o will_v burn_v up_o the_o chaff_n with_o fire_n these_o two_o oracle_n contain_v the_o end_n of_o the_o old_a 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disciple_n of_o the_o one_o be_v very_o jealous_a of_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o other_o and_o endeavour_v to_o inspire_v their_o master_n with_o the_o jealousy_n that_o possess_v themselves_o the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o person_n that_o write_v the_o history_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n which_o they_o do_v as_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o reputation_n though_o at_o first_o they_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o least_o by_o he_o but_o rather_o by_o that_o mean_v inflame_v herod_n hatred_n against_o they_o who_o contribute_v to_o the_o death_n of_o s._n john_n as_o well_o as_o of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o three_o be_v that_o when_o s._n john_n be_v behead_v who_o never_o have_v any_o correspondence_n with_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v extravagant_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v forge_v the_o testimony_n which_o they_o say_v this_o great_a man_n give_v to_o christ_n because_o this_o will_v have_v be_v to_o employ_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o man_n who_o never_o have_v wrought_v any_o miracle_n and_o be_v long_o since_o behead_v by_o the_o order_n of_o herod_n seem_v to_o be_v quite_o forget_v the_o four_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o they_o can_v ever_o entertain_v a_o design_n of_o impose_v on_o the_o world_n in_o such_o a_o matter_n as_o this_o which_o relate_v to_o public_a fact_n know_v to_o all_o judea_n to_o all_o the_o priest_n yea_o to_o the_o whole_a nation_n assemble_v at_o their_o public_a feast_n to_o herod_n the_o king_n and_o to_o the_o disciple_n of_o john_n themselves_o who_o will_v not_o have_v be_v want_v to_o refute_v and_o convince_v they_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o see_v that_o by_o the_o disposition_n which_o s._n john_n have_v wrought_v in_o they_o they_o be_v easy_o win_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o example_n of_o apollo_n a_o disciple_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n disciple_n who_o become_v afterward_o so_o excellent_a a_o preacher_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chap._n vii_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n then_o reduce_v to_o a_o mean_a condition_n as_o have_v be_v already_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n we_o have_v consider_v the_o time_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v let_v we_o now_o speak_v of_o the_o family_n from_o whence_o he_o be_v to_o proceed_v it_o have_v be_v prove_v already_o that_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o family_n of_o david_n by_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n 2_o sam._n vii_o 12._o i_o chron._n xvii_o 11._o in_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 2959._o david_n repeat_v this_o his_o hope_n psalm_n lxxxix_o 4._o and_o psalm_n cxxxii_o 11._o and_o about_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n 3292_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n add_v further_a that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o despicable_a condition_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n which_o full_o confirm_v this_o truth_n the_o first_o be_v the_o kindred_n which_o be_v between_o elizabeth_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o her_o relation_n be_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n and_o that_o she_o be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n one_o ought_v to_o observe_v here_o a_o thing_n which_o though_o at_o first_o sight_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o small_a importance_n yet_o we_o can_v but_o think_v that_o s._n luke_n write_v it_o without_o design_n and_o that_o be_v the_o journey_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n to_o one_o of_o the_o city_n of_o judah_n after_o her_o conception_n to_o visit_v elizabeth_n her_o kinswoman_n the_o wife_n of_o zachariah_n and_o the_o mother_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n i_o shall_v not_o mention_v at_o present_a any_o other_o reason_n of_o this_o journey_n which_o
will_v have_v take_v by_o force_n to_o make_v he_o their_o king_n what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o the_o apostle_n a_o company_n of_o poor_a miserable_a jew_n shall_v bring_v over_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v accurse_v by_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o crucify_v like_o a_o slave_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n what_o probability_n be_v there_o of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n whilst_o the_o jew_n accustom_a to_o the_o roman_a yoke_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o avoid_v all_o manner_n of_o occasion_n that_o may_v stir_v up_o the_o indignation_n of_o their_o master_n against_o they_o it_o be_v expedient_a say_v they_o rather_o that_o one_o man_n perish_v meaning_n jesus_n than_o to_o hazard_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n the_o three_o be_v that_o these_o oracle_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o among_o discourse_n of_o another_o nature_n but_o also_o link_v 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public_a custody_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o former_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a be_v but_o this_o can_v real_o diminish_v their_o authority_n i_o will_v not_o observe_v at_o present_a that_o because_o the_o temple_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v it_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o depose_v they_o there_o and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o cause_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o be_v translate_v long_o before_o nor_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v very_o proper_a that_o these_o prediction_n as_o well_o as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o thenceforward_a be_v to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o his_o temple_n but_o this_o i_o observe_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o solemn_a than_o these_o prophecy_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n as_o well_o as_o never_o any_o thing_n be_v more_o exact_o fulfil_v jesus_n christ_n be_v bear_v at_o 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apostle_n and_o evangelist_n but_o can_v we_o conceive_v such_o a_o suspicion_n concern_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o ruin_n of_o paganism_n the_o victory_n of_o christianity_n after_o ten_o persecution_n it_o be_v now_o above_o 1600_o year_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n subsist_v whereas_o who_o can_v have_v assure_v the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o their_o doctrine_n will_v have_v have_v so_o much_o as_o one_o or_o two_o follower_n after_o their_o death_n the_o great_a empire_n that_o of_o the_o chaldean_n of_o the_o persian_n of_o the_o grecian_n and_o that_o of_o the_o roman_n have_v be_v overturn_v and_o none_o of_o they_o single_o have_v be_v of_o so_o long_a continuance_n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o nevertheless_o be_v attack_v by_o all_o that_o be_v great_a and_o powerful_a in_o the_o world._n who_o see_v we_o not_o that_o this_o be_v the_o empire_n whereof_o daniel_n speak_v in_o the_o seven_o of_o his_o revelation_n which_o be_v never_o to_o have_v end_n jesus_n christ_n foretell_v as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o by_o his_o disciple_n according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n that_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o never_o build_v again_o who_o can_v tell_v the_o apostle_n if_o they_o have_v forge_v this_o oracle_n themselves_o that_o the_o endeavour_n of_o julian_n to_o confound_v this_o prophecy_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o rebuild_v the_o temple_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a as_o indeed_o they_o prove_v by_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n against_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o rebuild_n of_o it_o 23._o ammian_n marcellin_n lib._n 23._o under_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o emperor_n indeed_o if_o one_o reflect_v on_o the_o oracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n one_o shall_v find_v they_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o know_v than_o those_o of_o the_o jew_n 1._o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v pen_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n 2._o they_o 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evident_o follow_v that_o jesus_n christ_n ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v like_a unto_o moses_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o eighteen_o of_o deuteronomy_n that_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a messiah_n chap._n xii_o that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v precise_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v die_v i_o have_v show_v in_o my_o three_o part_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n several_a oracle_n to_o explain_v distinct_o this_o great_a truth_n concern_v the_o messiah_n 1._o he_o have_v set_v this_o up_o for_o a_o rule_n by_o moses_n curse_v be_v he_o that_o hang_v on_o a_o tree_n 2._o he_o have_v propose_v by_o david_n the_o idea_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o have_v his_o hand_n and_o foot_n pierce_v the_o gentile_n and_o jew_n unite_n themselves_o against_o he_o 3._o he_o have_v foretell_v by_o isaiah_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o malefactor_n and_o put_v to_o death_n 4._o he_o have_v repeat_v the_o same_o idea_n by_o the_o prophet_n zechariah_n who_o describe_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o be_v pierce_v which_o have_v a_o natural_a reference_n to_o the_o notion_n of_o crucifixion_n i_o have_v also_o set_v down_o the_o reason_n for_o which_o god_n separate_v the_o several_a part_n of_o those_o prophetical_a description_n of_o so_o surprise_v a_o event_n the_o difficulty_n there_o be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o make_v these_o idea_n to_o be_v receive_v which_o seem_v full_a of_o contradiction_n the_o messiah_n have_v be_v at_o first_o set_v forth_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o blessing_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n their_o seem_a incompatibility_n with_o the_o glory_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o messiah_n and_o by_o he_o to_o the_o israelite_n and_o at_o last_o i_o have_v show_v that_o these_o oracle_n do_v exact_o
palsy_n to_o the_o dead_a upon_o this_o all_o be_v convert_v and_o the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n christ_n triumph_v there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n wise_a man_n man_n of_o a_o middle_a sort_n and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o low_a capacity_n and_o several_a of_o these_o three_o order_n of_o man_n make_v profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o among_o the_o jew_n as_o heathen_n chap._n xvii_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v found_v on_o proof_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o consequent_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n so_o certain_a as_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o this_o reflection_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v more_o than_o once_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o proper_a to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n beyond_o all_o contest_v or_o that_o will_v confound_v atheist_n profane_a person_n and_o jew_n who_o endeavour_n to_o oppose_v it_o more_o effectual_o i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o chief_a article_n on_o which_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v be_v confirm_v by_o proof_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v by_o witness_n who_o evidence_n can_v be_v question_v without_o shake_v all_o the_o certainty_n which_o we_o can_v have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n and_o without_o reject_v all_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o can_v assure_v ourselves_o of_o the_o knowledge_n which_o we_o enjoy_v many_o particular_a event_n which_o be_v perfect_o divine_a happen_v at_o the_o birth_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o messiah_n they_o be_v know_v throughout_o all_o the_o hill_n country_n of_o judea_n they_o happen_v to_o a_o priest_n that_o be_v a_o public_a person_n and_o it_o be_v when_o he_o be_v employ_v in_o his_o public_a function_n in_o the_o temple_n they_o be_v second_v by_o miracle_n which_o be_v know_v to_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v follow_v by_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n a_o man_n who_o censure_v all_o judea_n who_o open_o declare_v himself_o the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o who_o have_v a_o great_a number_n of_o disciple_n who_o be_v distinguish_v from_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v spread_v throughout_o all_o judea_n and_o who_o continue_v after_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n these_o be_v disciple_n of_o a_o man_n who_o beside_o all_o this_o do_v not_o keep_v up_o any_o correspondence_n with_o our_o saviour_n and_o who_o at_o last_o fall_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o herod_n for_o censure_v his_o incest_n and_o lust_n jesus_n christ_n be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n under_o augustus_n a_o fact_n of_o which_o the_o roman_a commissioner_n be_v witness_n and_o which_o the_o record_n of_o that_o empire_n preserve_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o be_v that_o the_o angel_n testify_v their_o joy_n at_o his_o birth_n be_v a_o fact_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o shepherd_n of_o bethlehem_n long_o before_o jesus_n christ_n have_v any_o disciple_n that_o a_o new_a star_n conduct_v the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o east_n to_o bethlehem_n be_v a_o illustrious_a fact_n and_o of_o which_o herod_n and_o the_o priest_n and_o great_a man_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v exact_o inform_v and_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v find_v it_o a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o impose_v this_o upon_o they_o if_o the_o thing_n have_v not_o be_v distinct_o know_v that_o the_o birth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o arrival_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n affright_v herod_n be_v a_o public_a thing_n confirm_v by_o the_o murder_n of_o the_o infant_n of_o bethlehem_n and_o report_v to_o augustus_n together_o with_o the_o death_n of_o antipater_n whereof_o macrobius_n a_o heathen_a who_o be_v qualify_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o a_o story_n have_v preserve_v the_o memory_n neither_o can_v this_o fact_n be_v call_v in_o question_n because_o josephus_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o it_o since_o so_o famous_a a_o heathen_a atte_v it_o augustus_n say_v he_o have_v hear_v that_o among_o the_o infant_n which_o herod_n the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v cause_v to_o be_v kill_v in_o syria_n under_o two_o year_n of_o age_n he_o have_v kill_v his_o own_o son_n say_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v herod_n be_v hog_n than_o his_o son._n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o egypt_n and_o that_o he_o return_v from_o thence_o be_v a_o fact_n with_o which_o the_o jew_n to_o this_o day_n reproach_v our_o saviour_n as_o if_o he_o have_v learn_v there_o the_o secret_a of_o work_a miracle_n that_o he_o confound_v the_o doctor_n at_o twelve_o year_n of_o age_n be_v a_o fact_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v inform_v because_o it_o happen_v at_o one_o of_o those_o three_o solemn_a feast_n which_o bring_v up_o the_o whole_a nation_n to_o jerusalem_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v baptize_v by_o s._n john_n and_o that_o he_o receive_v a_o most_o glorious_a testimony_n from_o he_o be_v a_o fact_n of_o which_o all_o those_o jew_n who_o the_o ministry_n of_o s._n john_n have_v draw_v to_o the_o river_n jordan_n be_v witness_n that_o jesus_n christ_n choose_v for_o his_o apostle_n man_n without_o learning_n and_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n that_o he_o live_v with_o they_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a preach_v his_o doctrine_n correct_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n work_v miracle_n and_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v be_v fact_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v witness_n and_o all_o the_o roman_n that_o be_v in_o judea_n be_v full_o inform_v of_o they_o yea_o they_o be_v know_v to_o all_o the_o world._n the_o jew_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o who_o come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o celebrate_v ten_o solemn_a feast_n according_a to_o the_o law_n during_o the_o time_n in_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v act_v and_o from_o thence_o carry_v the_o report_n of_o they_o into_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o they_o be_v disperse_v it_o be_v evident_a also_o that_o jesus_n christ_n labour_v to_o persuade_v man_n that_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n this_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a fact_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o most_o important_a point_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o touch_v they_o the_o near_a a_o fact_n which_o happen_v at_o a_o time_n when_o all_o be_v in_o expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o consultation_n of_o herod_n when_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v oppress_v by_o the_o roman_n do_v most_o earnest_o sigh_v for_o his_o appearance_n a_o fact_n confirm_v by_o public_a oracle_n and_o know_v to_o the_o whole_a nation_n yea_o to_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o for_o near_o three_o hundred_o year_n that_o jesus_n christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o miracle_n be_v crucify_v at_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o by_o the_o order_n of_o pontius_n pilate_n be_v a_o fact_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v witness_n because_o it_o happen_v at_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n that_o be_v at_o a_o solemnity_n where_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v assemble_v it_o be_v a_o fact_n which_o no_o heathen_n ever_o go_v about_o to_o deny_v they_o reproach_v the_o christian_n with_o it_o who_o be_v so_o little_a ashamed_a of_o it_o that_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o same_o jesus_n they_o celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o it_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n that_o there_o be_v thick_a darkness_n over_o all_o the_o land_n at_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o three_o hour_n till_o the_o six_o that_o be_v from_o nine_o of_o the_o clock_n till_o twelve_o according_a to_o our_o way_n of_o compute_v the_o time_n be_v a_o fact_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n may_v easy_o have_v convince_v the_o apostle_n of_o this_o imposture_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v as_o confess_v a_o truth_n as_o the_o darkness_n in_o egypt_n before_o the_o departure_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v raise_v the_o three_o day_n be_v a_o fact_n attest_v by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o witness_n the_o memorial_n whereof_o they_o celebrate_v every_o eight_o day_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v by_o a_o constant_a law_n because_o they_o consider_v this_o resurrection_n as_o the_o seal_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v teach_v they_o it_o be_v a_o fact_n the_o truth_n whereof_o they_o have_v maintain_v before_o magistrate_n before_o the_o people_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world._n it_o be_v a_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v public_o preach_v up_o notwithstanding_o all_o prohibition_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o short_a it_o be_v a_o
become_v christian_n it_o be_v also_o of_o great_a importance_n to_o observe_v further_o as_o i_o have_v already_o do_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v pen_v before_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v only_o some_o of_o the_o work_n of_o s._n john_n which_o be_v write_v after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o have_v before_o observe_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n order_v it_o so_o that_o all_o the_o jew_n for_o five_o and_o thirty_o year_n together_o repair_v thrice_o a_o year_n to_o jerusalem_n at_o their_o three_o solemn_a festival_n may_v have_v great_a opportunity_n to_o inform_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o remark_n i_o shall_v now_o add_v two_o weighty_a consideration_n the_o one_o be_v that_o the_o christian_n for_o some_o year_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o repair_v with_o the_o jew_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v engage_v to_o examine_v the_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o be_v that_o after_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v dispense_v with_o as_o to_o that_o custom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o observe_n of_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o set_v the_o christian_n in_o a_o great_a opposition_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o increase_v the_o necessity_n of_o examine_v very_o scrupulous_o on_o both_o side_n whatsoever_o be_v for_o or_o against_o they_o in_o those_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o observation_n lead_v we_o natural_o to_o another_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a that_o a_o imposture_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v not_o be_v discover_v when_o there_o arise_v a_o difference_n between_o those_o who_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o forgery_n and_o those_o who_o after_o they_o endeavour_v to_o gain_v credit_n to_o it_o now_o if_o we_o find_v that_o one_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n betray_v he_o without_o accuse_v he_o of_o the_o least_o crime_n or_o imposture_n if_o we_o have_v see_v the_o christian_n at_o first_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o assembly_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o there_o be_v several_a contest_v and_o dispute_v between_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o first_o christian_n yet_o without_o call_v those_o fact_n which_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o question_n by_o either_o side_n s._n paul_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o contest_v which_o happen_v betwixt_o he_o and_o s._n peter_n s._n luke_n relate_v the_o heat_n between_o s._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n upon_o very_o slight_a occasion_n he_o set_v down_o also_o the_o dispute_n which_o arise_v about_o the_o distribution_n of_o alm_n to_o the_o greek_a and_o jewish_a widow_n one_o see_v we_o that_o there_o arise_v a_o dispute_n among_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o about_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o gospel_n one_o see_v we_o afterward_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o maintain_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o submit_v to_o circumcision_n and_o s._n paul_n opposition_n set_v down_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n we_o need_v no_o more_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o concert_n nor_o collusion_n between_o they_o to_o deceive_v or_o impose_v upon_o those_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n let_v we_o go_v a_o little_a further_o a_o dispute_n happen_v about_o a_o capital_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n about_o the_o resurrection_n insomuch_o that_o s._n paul_n think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o write_v concern_v it_o to_o the_o corinthian_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n again_o now_o we_o find_v that_o s._n paul_n to_o confirm_v this_o doctrine_n in_o general_n chief_o make_v use_v of_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o fact_n itself_o that_o be_v by_o witness_n who_o he_o produce_v whereupon_o i_o make_v this_o considerable_a reflection_n that_o in_o compare_v this_o dispute_n of_o s._n paul_n with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n it_o clear_o appear_v that_o they_o do_v not_o allege_v all_o the_o proof_n they_o may_v have_v do_v none_o of_o they_o relate_v in_o particular_a the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o see_v jesus_n christ_n in_o galilee_n upon_o the_o holy_a mountain_n but_o s._n paul_n who_o have_v examine_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o their_o relation_n and_o know_v the_o witness_n specify_v the_o number_n and_o observe_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v yet_o alive_a if_o perhaps_o any_o of_o they_o be_v already_o dead_a i_o shall_v add_v only_o two_o consideration_n more_o which_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v even_o impossible_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n on_o this_o occasion_n the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n they_o be_v no_o great_a lord_n who_o power_n may_v terrify_v any_o one_o from_o examine_v their_o write_n or_o who_o reputation_n can_v not_o have_v be_v call_v in_o question_n without_o danger_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v man_n of_o mean_a condition_n employ_v in_o base_a profession_n often_o cast_v into_o prison_n and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n oblige_v to_o appear_v before_o magistrate_n for_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o the_o same_o fact_n which_o they_o publish_v to_o the_o world._n let_v we_o consider_v then_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n for_o s._n paul_n for_o instance_n i_o say_v for_o this_o s._n paul_n a_o maker_n of_o tent_n this_o s._n paul_n without_o reputation_n without_o riches_n this_o s._n paul_n who_o be_v seize_v at_o jerusalem_n after_o divers_a persecution_n this_o s._n paul_n who_o be_v send_v a_o prisoner_n to_o rome_n and_o imprison_v there_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n and_o who_o at_o last_o lose_v his_o life_n by_o nero_n order_n to_o make_v those_o blind_o believe_v all_o he_o say_v who_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o examine_v whether_o all_o that_o luke_n relate_v as_o happen_v to_o he_o at_o jerusalem_n at_o maltha_n at_o philippi_n at_o athens_n be_v indeed_o true_a or_o only_o a_o frame_a story_n the_o second_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o observe_v be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v public_o read_v every_o lord_n day_n by_o a_o constant_a law_n of_o which_o we_o have_v most_o authentic_a witness_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o in_o other_o ancient_a book_n which_o be_v still_o extant_a but_o also_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o write_v not_o in_o hebrew_n which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o dead_a tongue_n nor_o in_o syriack_n a_o language_n speak_v in_o a_o very_a few_o place_n but_o in_o greek_a which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v the_o language_n common_o receive_v throughout_o all_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o beside_o be_v the_o language_n into_o which_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v cause_v the_o old_a testament_n to_o be_v translate_v about_o three_o age_n before_o that_o man_n may_v compare_v the_o ancient_a oracle_n and_o their_o accomplishment_n together_o chap._n xx._n that_o the_o whole_a model_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v at_o this_o day_n so_o entire_o destroy_v that_o the_o messiah_n can_v no_o more_o be_v know_v what_o i_o have_v before_o set_v down_o to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n which_o serve_v for_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v certain_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v the_o design_n which_o i_o form_v in_o write_v these_o reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v with_o justice_n conclude_v that_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o contestable_a than_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o book_n and_o of_o the_o fact_n in_o they_o relate_v so_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o now_o i_o have_v only_o two_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o which_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o conclude_v these_o reflection_n the_o one_o be_v to_o show_v the_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o conceive_v any_o other_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o ancient_a oracle_n than_o what_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o be_v that_o concern_v the_o division_n among_o christian_n which_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o especial_o concern_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o stumble_a block_n to_o they_o which_o hinder_v they_o from_o discern_v those_o character_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o by_o
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 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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 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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 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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